bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voices of Strength and Struggle
Authors: Zakar Rubeena , Zakar Muhammad Zakria , Krämer Alexander
Published: May 2012

This article documents the coping strategies adopted by women victims of spousal violence in Pakistan. By drawing on 21 in-depth interviews conducted in Lahore and Sialkot (Pakistan), we found that the women tried to cope with violence by using various strategies, both emotion focused (e.g., use of religion, placating the husband, etc.) and problem focused (e.g., seeking support from formal institutions, etc.). The data showed that a majority of the women used emotion-focused strategies, especially spiritual therapies, which somehow reduced the violence and provided them with psychosocial solace. Nonetheless, these strategies incurred some costs, such as the consumption of scarce resources, time, and emotional energy. Our data also showed that few women opted for problem-focused strategies, such as seeking help from formal institutions, as these strategies could lead to overt confrontation with their husbands and may result in divorce, the outcome least desired by most of the Pakistani women. We noted that the coping behavior of Pakistani women was complex, subjective, and nonlinear and that the boundaries between emotion-focused and problem-focused strategies were diffuse and blurred. Although the women never surrendered to violence, they were fully aware of their structural limitations and vulnerabilities. Being mindful of the consequences of their actions, women carefully tailored a combination of strategies which could be helpful in resisting or reducing violence but, at the same time, should not be counterproductive. This article argues that Pakistani women alone cannot effectively resist violence while living under a harshly patriarchal regime, where violence against women is embedded in the social, political, and legal structures of society. There are no quick fixes to change the status quo. The Pakistani government, civil society, and formal institutions must proactively support women in reducing their vulnerabilities and facilitate them in expanding their capabilities to address the real causes of violence against them.
Extending Research on the Victim–Offender Overlap
Authors: Barnes J. C. , Beaver Kevin M.
Published: May 2012

Criminologists have long noted that offenders are more likely to be the victims of crime as compared to nonoffenders. What has not been established, however, is why there is a significant degree of victim–offender overlap. While numerous explanations have been advanced and a significant number of studies have been conducted, there remains much to be learned about the etiology of the victim–offender overlap. The current study pushes this line of research forward by offering and testing a unique hypothesis: that victimization and offending share a genetic etiology that leads to victim–offender overlap. Findings culled from a sample of sibling pairs drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health indicated that genetic factors explained between 51% and 98% of the covariance between victims and offenders. Nonshared environmental factors explained the remaining covariance, while shared environmental factors explained none of the covariance. Implications and interpretations of these findings are considered.
Spontaneously occurring multicentric basal cell carcinoma and keratoacanthomas in a multimammate mouse (Mastomys spp.)
Authors: Eydner Maja , Jacobsen Björn , Thomann Martina , Rittinghausen Susanne , Fehr Michael , Baumgärtner Wolfgang
Published: May 2012

A multicentric basal cell carcinoma was diagnosed in a male multimammate mouse ( Mastomys spp.) with widespread cutaneous alterations. Macroscopically, the skin was thickened and extremely wrinkled. Histopathological examination showed multicentric expanding cell-rich tumors composed of basaloid cells interpreted as basal cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry detected strong cytokeratin 14 positivity in the epidermal basal layer and in loosely arranged areas of these tumors but only a minimal positive reaction in densely packed areas of tumor cells. Furthermore, samples from the abdomen showed 3 nodular proliferations diagnosed as keratoacanthomas.
Collective Personality Effects on Group Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Roberge Marie-Élène , Xu Qiumei Jane , Rousseau Denise M.
Published: May 2012

This study examines the interaction of collective personality (i.e., the Big Five traits) and national diversity on group interpersonal citizenship behavior. Groups composed of diverse nationalities are theorized to manifest fewer initial shared understandings, enabling them to obtain more benefits than homogeneous groups from collective personality traits that promote better quality relationships. In a study of university students assigned to 15 nationally homogeneous groups ( n = 61) and 20 nationally heterogeneous groups ( n = 79), groups scoring higher on openness to experience, agreeableness, or extraversion show more interpersonal citizenship behavior. The effects of openness to experience, agreeableness, and extraversion are enhanced for nationally diverse teams. Moreover, neuroticism had no direct effect on interpersonal citizenship behavior; its interaction with national diversity yielded reversed effects. Neuroticism was negatively related to citizenship behavior in diverse groups and positively related to it in homogeneous groups. Theoretical and practical implications are developed for small group situations where diversity issues may threaten relationship quality.
The Role of Microinsurance as a Safety Net Against Environmental Risks in Bangladesh
Authors: Akter Sonia
Published: May 2012

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) identifies Bangladesh as one of the countries that will be hardest hit by the anticipated effects of climate change. The poorest people are the most vulnerable, as they do not have sufficient means to cope with environmental risks. In the absence of effective safety nets, poor people become trapped in chronic poverty due to the recurrent damage caused by natural disasters. Recently, there has been growing optimism among policy makers and practitioners about the role of microinsurance as a safety net against weather risks for the poorest and most vulnerable people of Bangladesh. This article sheds light on this issue by synthesizing the findings of half a decade of research on the prospects of weather microinsurance in Bangladesh. Three key conclusions are drawn from the synthesis. First, the market for a standard, stand-alone weather microinsurance in Bangladesh is characterized by low demand, poor governance, and lack of prospects for commercial viability. Second, although the index-based flood insurance model has theoretical appeal (i.e., no moral hazard or adverse selection and low transaction cost), high economic cost might be associated with its highly complex practical implementation. Finally, the current (un)regulatory arrangement of microinsurance supply in Bangladesh, which does not guarantee accountability and protect clients’ rights, is likely to increase rather than decrease poor people’s vulnerability. The study makes two key recommendations: (1) exploring options for nontraditional insurance models (e.g., group-based and ex-post premium-based models), and (2) considering regulatory reforms to ensure good governance and to foster market efficiency through low-cost delivery and product innovation.
Psychometric Properties of the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) in a Meditating and a Non-meditating Sample
Authors: de Bruin Esther I. , Topper Maurice , Muskens Jan G. A. M. , Bögels Susan M. , Kamphuis Jan H.
Published: May 2012

The factor structure, internal consistency, construct validity, and predictive validity of the Dutch version of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-NL) were studied in a sample of meditators ( n = 288) and nonmeditators ( n = 451). A five-factor structure was demonstrated in both samples, and the FFMQ-NL and its subscales were shown to have good internal consistencies. Meditators scored higher on all facets of the FFMQ-NL than the participants in the nonmeditating sample. For both samples, expected negative correlations between most mindfulness facets (all except for the Observing facet) and the constructs of alexithymia, thought suppression, rumination, worry, and dissociation were found. The Observing facet of the FFMQ-NL showed an unexpected positive correlation with thought suppression in the nonmeditating sample. Furthermore, as expected, mindfulness facets were negatively related to psychological symptoms, and all mindfulness facets except for Observing and Describing significantly predicted psychological symptoms. Overall, the Dutch FFMQ demonstrated favorable psychometric properties, commensurate with its (original) English language version.
Supporting Families of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Murphy Corinne M. , Verden Claire E.
Published: May 2012

The stress involved in parenting can be overwhelming; the stress involved in parenting a child with autism can be consuming. The following article is a program description of a university endeavor to provide temporary relief (respite care) to local area family members caring for a child with autism. This endeavor included training university undergraduate students in the characteristics of autism and behavior-based principles, pairing the students with a family in need of respite support, and finally providing free respite care to families. This article discusses the planning, implementation, and initial outcomes for a university-based respite care program designed to meet the need for autism respite services in a suburban community. The benefits to both families and students are discussed as well as a thorough description of the program protocols so that others may implement similar efforts to meet this demand.
Lack and jouissance in hegemonic discourse of identification with the state
Authors: Müller Martin
Published: May 2012

This article shows how hegemonic discourses are sustained through the play of lack and jouissance. Lack refers to the symbolic limits of discourse and is both the condition of possibility and of impossibility of hegemony: while it vitiates the realization of a full identity, it at the same time keeps spurring the search for it. Jouissance describes the paradoxical satisfaction in dissatisfaction that subjects procure from this lack, from the failure to attain the enjoyment that hegemonic discourse promises. Looking at how organizations become enmeshed with the formation of state subjects, the article considers identification with the discourse of a strong Russia at a Russian elite university as an empirical illustration. This discourse becomes hegemonic in students’ identification not only because it proposes a comprehensive project that unifies a range of diverse signifiers and promises enjoyment, but also because it fails to provide a full symbolic suture and subjects are unable to obtain the promised enjoyment. This constant lack forms the basis for repeated acts of identification that strive to overcome it and provides a jouissance that keeps subjects attached to the illusory quest for real enjoyment—and thus to identification with a strong Russia.
The addicted self and modernity
Authors: Klempe Sven Hroar
Published: May 2012

In this paper addiction is regarded as a possible pathway to achieve an understanding of modernity. What they both share are ambivalence and ambiguity as basic characteristics. These aspects are also expressed in psychological terms like perception and feelings, which are pursued historically by referring to Leibniz and Kant, by whom they became closely related to change and unpredictability. Thus, feelings understood in terms of inhibition stand out as a core aspect of modernity. Feelings, however, stand in opposition to language. On this basis music may replace texts as an expression for the modern, ambiguous self.
The Impact of Neighborhoods on Intimate Partner Violence and Victimization
Authors: Pinchevsky Gillian M. , Wright Emily M.
Published: May 2012

Research on intimate partner violence (IPV) and victimization is widespread across disciplines. To date, the majority of research underscores the importance of individual-level factors to explain IPV, thereby neglecting the significance of macro-level elements. Nevertheless, research suggests that the characteristics of the neighborhood where an individual lives are important for fully understanding IPV. This review focuses on the effects of neighborhoods and macro-level context on violence between intimate partners, specifically identifying empirical studies that have examined contextual predictors of IPV utilizing the major tenets of social disorganization theory. The authors note consistencies and differences across research results and describe study features that may influence the patterns of these findings. Finally, the authors provide both theoretical and methodological recommendations for future research.
Analysis of Caregiver Perceptions of “Hallucinations” in People With Dementia in Institutional Settings
Authors: Cohen-Mansfield Jiska , Golander Hava
Published: May 2012

This study investigated the meanings and etiologies of hallucinations in persons with dementia. Participants were 74 nursing home residents aged ≥65 diagnosed with dementia. Most of the reported visual and auditory hallucinations involved talking to persons who are not present, a phenomenon described as either a visual or auditory hallucination, or both. All participants who were reported to experience a hallucination had poor vision. Current results suggest that hallucination was a term staff caregivers used for the phenomena they could not easily explain, demonstrating their lack of understanding of the resident and/or the phenomena they termed hallucination. The classification of hallucinations into subtypes may not be meaningful, and most visual and auditory hallucinations were not associated with negative affect. Some hallucinations occurred out of boredom, which exacerbated the sensory deprivation experienced by these persons, thereby increasing the likelihood of hallucinations.
A Qualitative Experiment
Authors: Robinson Sue , Mendelson Andrew L.
Published: May 2012

This article presents a hybrid methodological technique that fuses elements of experimental design with qualitative strategies to explore mediated communication. Called the “qualitative experiment,” this strategy uses focus groups and in-depth interviews within randomized stimulus conditions typically associated with experimental research. This mixed methods research draws on the advantages of qualitative inquiry to better understand meaning construction and gain a more holistic reading of response differences between varied groupings of mediated content.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms and outcome risk in unrelated mismatched hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: an exploration study
Authors: Harkensee Christian , Oka Akira , Onizuka Makoto , Middleton Peter G. , Inoko Hidetoshi , Hirayasu Kouyuki , Kashiwase Koichi , Yabe Toshio , Nakaoka Hirofumi , Gennery Andrew R. , Ando Kiyoshi , Morishima Yasuo
Published: May 2012

Genetic risk factors contribute to adverse outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Mismatching of the HLA complex most strongly determines outcomes, whereas non-HLA genetic polymorphisms are also having an impact. Although the majority of HSCTs are mismatched, only few studies have investigated the effects of non-HLA polymorphisms in the unrelated HSCT and HLA-mismatched setting. To understand these effects, we genotyped 41 previously studied single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 2 independent, large cohorts of HSCT donor-recipient pairs (n = 460 and 462 pairs) from a homogeneous genetic background. The study population was chosen to pragmatically represent a large clinically homogeneous group (acute leukemia), allowing all degrees of HLA matching. The TNF-1031 donor-recipient genotype mismatch association with acute GVHD grade 4 was the only consistent association identified. Analysis of a subgroup of higher HLA matching showed consistent associations of the recipient IL2-330 GT genotype with risk of chronic GVHD, and the donor CTLA4-CT60 GG genotype with protection from acute GVHD. These associations are strong candidates for prediction of risk in a clinical setting. This study shows that non-HLA gene polymorphisms are of relevance for predicting HSCT outcome, even for HLA mismatched transplants.
Nonmyeloablative allogeneic transplantation with or without 90yttrium ibritumomab tiuxetan is potentially curative for relapsed follicular lymphoma: 12-year results
Authors: Khouri Issa F. , Saliba Rima M. , Erwin William D. , Samuels Barry I. , Korbling Martin , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Valverde Rosamar , Alousi Amin M. , Anderlini Paolo , Bashir Qaiser , Ciurea Stefan , Gulbis Alison M. , de Lima Marcos , Hosing Chitra , Kebriaei Partow , Popat Uday R. , Fowler Nathan , Neelapu Sattva S. , Samaniego Felipe , Champlin Richard E. , Macapinlac Homer A.
Published: May 2012

In 2008, we reported favorable 5-year outcomes of nonmyeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation after fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, rituximab (FCR) conditioning for relapsed and chemosensitive follicular lymphoma. However, innovative strategies were still needed to treat patients with chemorefractory disease. We therefore subsequently performed a trial in which 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan (0.4 mCi/kg) was added to the fludarabine, cyclophosphamide conditioning regimen (90YFC). Here, we report updated results of the FCR trial and outcomes after 90YFC. For the FCR group (N = 47), since the last update, one patient developed recurrent disease. With a median follow-up of 107 months (range, 72-142 months), the 11-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 78%, and 72%, respectively. For the 90YFC group (N = 26), more patients had chemorefractory disease than did those in the FCR group (38% and 0%, P < .001). With a median follow-up of 33 months (range,17-94 months), the 3-year progression-free survival rates for patients with chemorefractory and chemosensitive disease were 80% and 87%, respectively (P = .7). The low frequency of relapse observed after a long follow-up interval of 9 years in the FCR group suggests that these patients are cured of their disease. The addition of 90Y to the conditioning regimen appears to be effective in patients with chemorefractory disease. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00048737.
Efficacy of ICON® Maxx in the laboratory and against insecticide-resistant Anopheles gambiae in central Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Winkler Mirko S , Tchicaya Emile , Koudou Benjamin G , Donzé Jennifer , Nsanzabana Christian , Müller Pie , Adja Akré M , Utzinger Jürg
Published: May 2012

Background

Long-lasting treatment kits, designed to transform untreated nets into long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), may facilitate high coverage with LLINs where non-treated nets are in place. In this study, the efficacy of ICON® Maxx (Syngenta) was evaluated under laboratory conditions and in an experimental hut trial in central Côte d'Ivoire, where Anopheles gambiae s.s. are resistant to pyrethroid insecticides.

Methods

In the laboratory, polyester and polyethylene net samples were treated with ICON® Maxx, washed up to 20 times and their efficacy determined in World Health Organization (WHO) cone assays against a susceptible laboratory An. gambiae s.s. colony. Over a 12-month period, the polyester nets were evaluated in a hut trial to determine mosquito deterrence, induced exophily, blood-feeding inhibition and mortality.

Results

In the laboratory, ICON® Maxx-treated polyethylene nets showed higher efficacy against pyrethroid-susceptible mosquitoes than polyester nets. After 20 washings, insecticidal efficacy in bioassays was 59.4% knockdown (KD) and 22.3% mortality for polyethylene, and 55.3% KD and 17.9% mortality for polyester nets. In experimental huts, treated nets showed strong deterrence, induced exophily and an over three-fold reduction in blood-fed mosquitoes. More than half (61.8%) of the mosquitoes entering the huts with treated nets were found dead the next morning despite high levels of KD resistance. After washing the treated nets, KD and mortality rates were close to or exceeded predefined WHO thresholds in cone bioassays.

Conclusion

In contrast to previous laboratory investigation, ICON® Maxx-treated nets showed only moderate KD and mortality rates. However, under semi-field conditions, in an area where mosquitoes are resistant to pyrethroids, ICON® Maxx showed high deterrence, induced exophily and provided a significant reduction in blood-feeding rates; features that are likely to have a positive impact in reducing malaria transmission. The WHO cone test may not always be a good proxy for predicting product performance under field conditions.
Employment of a noninvasive magnetic method for evaluation of gastrointestinal transit in rats
Authors: Quini Caio C , Américo Madileine F , Corá Luciana A , Calabresi Marcos FF , Alvarez Matheus , Oliveira Ricardo B , Miranda JoseRicardo A
Published: May 2012

AC Biosusceptometry (ACB) was previously employed towards recording gastrointestinal motility. Our data show a reliable and successful evaluation of gastrointestinal transit of liquid and solid meals in rats, considering the methods scarcity and number of experiments needed to endorsement of drugs and medicinal plants. ACB permits real time and simultaneous experiments using the same animal, preserving the physiological conditions employing both meals with simplicity and accuracy.
Adoption of Gene Expression Profile Testing and Association With Use of Chemotherapy Among Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Hassett Michael J. , Silver Samuel M. , Hughes Melissa E. , Blayney Douglas W. , Edge Stephen B. , Herman James G. , Hudis Clifford A. , Marcom P. Kelly , Pettinga Jane E. , Share David , Theriault Richard , Wong Yu-Ning , Vandergrift Jonathan L. , Niland Joyce C. , Weeks Jane C.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Gene expression profile (GEP) testing is a relatively new technology that offers the potential of personalized medicine to patients, yet little is known about its adoption into routine practice. One of the first commercially available GEP tests, a 21-gene profile, was developed to estimate the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy for hormone receptor–positive breast cancer (HR-positive BC).

Patients and Methods

By using a prospective registry data set outlining the routine care provided to women diagnosed from 2006 to 2008 with HR-positive BC at 17 comprehensive and community-based cancer centers, we assessed GEP test adoption and the association between testing and chemotherapy use.

Results

Of 7,375 women, 20.4% had GEP testing and 50.2% received chemotherapy. Over time, testing increased (14.7% in 2006 to 27.5% in 2008; P < .01) and use of chemotherapy decreased (53.9% in 2006 to 47.0% in 2008; P < .01). Characteristics independently associated with lower odds of testing included African American versus white race (odds ratio [OR], 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.92) and high school or less versus more than high school education (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.76). Overall, testing was associated with lower odds of chemotherapy use (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.80). Stratified analyses demonstrated that for small, node-negative cancers, testing was associated with higher odds of chemotherapy use (OR, 11.13; 95% CI, 5.39 to 22.99), whereas for node-positive and large node-negative cancers, testing was associated with lower odds of chemotherapy use (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.17).

Conclusion

There has been a progressive increase in use of this GEP test and an associated shift in the characteristics of and overall reduction in the proportion of women with HR-positive BC receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.
Influence of Sex on the Survival of Patients With Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Bohanes Pierre , Yang Dongyun , Chhibar Ruchika S. , Labonte Melissa J. , Winder Thomas , Ning Yan , Gerger Armin , Benhaim Léonor , Paez David , Wakatsuki Takeru , Loupakis Fotios , El-Khoueiry Rita , Zhang Wu , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The prognostic value of sex for esophageal cancer survival is currently unclear, and growing data suggest that hormonal influences may account for incidence disparities between men and women. Therefore, moving from the hypothesis that hormones could affect the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer, we investigated the primary hypothesis that sex is associated with survival and the secondary hypotheses that the relationship between sex and survival depends, at least in part, on age, histology, and race/ethnicity.

Patients and Methods

By using the SEER databases from 1973 to 2007, we identified 13,603 patients (34%) with metastatic esophageal cancer (MEC) and 26,848 patients (66%) with locoregional esophageal cancer (LEC). Cox proportional hazards model for competing risks were used for analyses.

Results

In the multivariate analysis, women had longer esophageal cancer-specific survival (ECSS) than men in both MEC (hazard ratio [HR], 0.949; 95% CI, 0.905 to 0.995; P = .029) and LEC (HR, 0.920; 95% CI, 0.886 to 0.955; P < .001) cohorts. When age and histology were accounted for, there was no difference for ECSS between men and women with adenocarcinoma. In contrast, women younger than age 55 years (HR, 0.896; 95% CI, 0.792 to 1.014; P = .081) and those age 55 years or older (HR, 0.905; 95% CI, 0.862 to 0.950; P < .001) with squamous cell LEC had longer ECSS than men. In the squamous cell MEC cohort, only women younger than age 55 years had longer ECSS (HR, 0.823; 95% CI, 0.708 to 0.957; P = .011) than men.

Conclusion

Sex is an independent prognostic factor for patients with LEC or MEC. As secondary hypotheses, in comparison with men, women age 55 years or older with squamous cell LEC and women younger than age 55 years with squamous cell MEC have a significantly better outcome. These last two findings need further validation.
Intracutaneous and Intravesical Immunotherapy With Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin Compared With Intravesical Mitomycin in Patients With Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Results From a Prospective Randomized Phase III Trial
Authors: Lammers Rianne J.M. , Witjes Wim P.J. , Janzing-Pastors Maria H.D. , Caris Christien T.M. , Witjes J. Alfred
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Despite current treatment after transurethral resection of a bladder tumor, recurrences and progression remain a problem. Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) was beneficial in earlier studies. In this study, safety and efficacy of KLH were compared with that of mitomycin (MM).

Patients and Methods

Patients with intermediate- and high-risk non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) without carcinoma in situ were enrolled in a randomized phase III trial. In all, 283 patients were randomly assigned for 16 adjuvant intravesical instillations with KLH after preimmunization, and 270 patients were randomly assigned for 11 adjuvant intravesical instillations with MM. Primary outcome measurement was recurrence-free survival (RFS). Secondary outcome measurements were progression-free survival, adverse events (AEs), and the effect of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response on clinical outcome.

Results

There were significantly more pT1 tumors in the MM group (P = .01). In a log-rank test, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, KLH was less effective than MM regarding RFS (all P < .001). Progression was uncommon (n = 20). In univariate Cox regression analyses, KLH tended to prevent progression more effectively than MM, but in multivariate Cox regression analyses, this could not be shown. AEs were common but mild. Fever, flu-like symptoms, and fatigue occurred significantly more after KLH treatment. Allergic reactions and other skin disorders occurred significantly more after MM treatment. Significantly more DTH-positive patients developed a recurrence than DTH-negative patients.

Conclusion

KLH had a different safety profile and was inferior to MM in preventing NMIBC recurrences. KLH tended to be more effective than MM in preventing progression. More research is needed to clarify the immunologic effects of KLH and the effects of KLH on progression.
Gene Expression Profiling Identifies ESRP1 as a Potential Regulator of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Somatotroph Adenomas from a Large Cohort of Patients with Acromegaly
Authors: Lekva Tove , Berg Jens Petter , Fougner Stine Lyngvi , Olstad Ole Kristoffer , Ueland Thor , Bollerslev Jens
Published: May 2012

Context:

The epithelial marker E-cadherin plays a crucial role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Decreased protein content in somatotroph adenomas has been associated with increased tumor size, invasion, and poor response to somatostatin analog (SA) treatment, but the potential mechanisms of EMT progression in these adenomas are lacking.

Objective:

We hypothesized that characterization of EMT-related transcripts in somatotroph adenomas could identify novel therapeutic targets in individuals with poor response to SA treatment and provide more knowledge of the mechanism of EMT progression.

Patients:

Fifty-three patients with acromegaly participated in the study.

Research Design and Methods:

We performed microarray analysis of 16 adenomas, eight with high expression and eight with low expression of E-cadherin, in order to identify EMT-related transcripts. Candidate transcripts were further explored in vivo in 53 adenomas and in vitro in a rat pituitary GH-producing cell (GH3) after exploring three models for reducing E-cadherin and inducing a mesenchymal phenotype.

Results:

In vivo E-cadherin mRNA expression in tumor tissue is associated negatively with tumor size and invasiveness and positively with GH and IGF-I levels in serum and response to SA treatment. Microarray and subsequent PCR analysis identify several EMT-related genes associated with E-cadherin expression. In vitro, few of these EMT-related genes were regulated by silencing E-cadherin or by TGF-β1 treatment in GH3 cells. In contrast, silencing Esrp1 in GH3 cells regulated many of the EMT-related transcripts.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that ESRP1 could be a master regulator of the EMT process in pituitary adenomas causing acromegaly.
“The Pitch of the Dawn”: Reading Lyric in Jorie Graham's Aubades
Authors: Green Fiona
Published: May 2012

This essay considers the aubade as a special case of that threshold condition to which all lyric utterance is subject. Drawing on recent work by Mutlu Konuk Blasing, it argues that the dawn songs in Jorie Graham's The Errancy (1997) instantiate and figure the interference of linguistic materiality with discursive logic that is central to the workings of lyric. The poetry's fostering these cross-purposes—the aubades' formal patterns getting in the way of the things they say—serves as a stay against time, prolonging the interlude between wordless oneness and the transparency of daylit sense, and, paradoxically, as a conduit between the private sphere of waking consciousness and the busied world that lies traditionally outside the scope of lyric. Graham learns her craft partly by listening to Shakespeare, Stevens, and Hopkins, their presence felt in the poetry's quotations and veiled allusions, and in those formal reflections whereby Graham cultivates the dense materiality of lyric language. Focusing on this intertextual dimension of The Errancy's aubades, the article brings new light to the condition of aftermath or late time in and against which Graham's belated poetic speaks.
Die Idee eines intergenerationellen Libertarismus
Authors: Rinderle Peter
Published: May 2012

The contents and foundations of intergenerational justice have only recently become the focus of controversial debates in political philosophy. My main purpose in this essay is to outline the idea of an intergenerational libertarianism and contrast it with a skeptical rejection of the moral rights of future persons by contractarians on the one hand and egalitarian conceptions of intergenerational justice by utilitarians on the other. As far as its contents are concerned, the idea contains three main principles: future persons have a moral right to satisfy their basic needs, they have a moral right to develop and exercise their capacity of political and personal autonomy, and they have a moral right to be compensated for harmful actions by their predecessors. And as far as its foundations are concerned, these principles can be justified by a contractualist procedure: considerations of sufficiency, of liberty and of reciprocity cannot reasonably be rejected by either members of future generations or by members of the present one.
Molecular pathology and genetics of pancreatic endocrine tumours
Authors: Capurso Gabriele , Festa Stefano , Valente Roberto , Piciucchi Matteo , Panzuto Francesco , Jensen Robert T , Delle Fave Gianfranco
Published: May 2012

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PETs) are the second most frequent pancreatic neoplasms. Their poor chemosensitivity, high rate of metastatic disease and relatively long survival make PETs an ideal field to be explored for novel therapies based on specific molecular changes. PETs are generally sporadic but can also arise within hereditary syndromes, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, von Hippel–Lindau, neurofibromatosis type 1 and tuberous sclerosis complex, which represent a model for sporadic cases too. Among allelic imbalances, main genomic changes involve gain of 17q, 7q and 20q and loss of 11q, 6q and 11p, which identify regions of putative candidate oncogenes or tumour suppressor genes (TSGs), respectively, sometime with potential prognostic significance. Overexpression of Src-like kinases and cyclin D1 (CCND1) oncogene has been described. As for TSGs, P53 (TP53), DPC4/SMAD4 and RB (RB1) are not implicated in PET tumorigenesis, while for p16INK4a (CDKN2A), TIMP3, RASSF1A and hMLH1, more data are available, suggesting a role for methylation as a silencing mechanism. In the last decade, gene expression profile studies, analysis of microRNAs and, more recently, large-scale mutational analysis have highlighted commonly altered molecular pathways in the pathology of PETs. The roles of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, and its connection with Src kinases, and the activity of a number of tyrosine kinase receptors seem to be pivotal, as confirmed by the results of recent clinical trials with targeted agents. Mutations of DAXX and ATRX are common and related to altered telomeres but not to prognosis.
Pediatric Battery-Related Emergency Department Visits in the United States, 1990–2009
Authors: Sharpe Samantha J. , Rochette Lynne M. , Smith Gary A.
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the epidemiology of battery-related emergency department (ED) visits among children <18 years of age in the United States.

METHODS:

Using a nationally representative sample from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, battery-related ED visits in the United States from 1990 to 2009 were analyzed. Four battery exposure routes for patients were determined from diagnosis codes and case narratives: ingestion, mouth exposure, ear canal insertion, and nasal cavity insertion.

RESULTS:

An estimated 65 788 (95% confidence interval: 54 498–77 078) patients <18 years of age presented to US EDs due to a battery-related exposure during the 20-year study period, averaging 3289 battery-related ED visits annually. The average annual battery-related ED visit rate was 4.6 visits per 100 000 children. The number (P < .001) and rate (P = .002) of visits increased significantly during the study period, with substantial increases during the last 8 study years. The mean age was 3.9 years (95% confidence interval: 3.5–4.2), and 60.2% of patients were boys. Battery ingestion accounted for 76.6% of ED visits, followed by nasal cavity insertion (10.2%), mouth exposure (7.5%), and ear canal insertion (5.7%). Button batteries were implicated in 83.8% of patient visits caused by a known battery type. Most children (91.8%) were treated and released from the ED.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study evaluated battery-related ED visits among US children using a nationally representative sample. Batteries pose an important hazard to children, especially those ≤5 years of age. The increasing number and rate of battery-related ED visits among children underscore the need for increased prevention efforts.
Incidental Medical Information in Whole-Exome Sequencing
Authors: Solomon Benjamin D. , Hadley Donald W. , Pineda-Alvarez Daniel E. ,   NISC Comparative Sequencing Program, Kamat Aparna , Teer Jamie K. , Cherukuri Praveen F. , Hansen Nancy F. , Cruz Pedro , Young Alice C. , Berkman Benjamin E. , Chandrasekharappa Settara C. , Mullikin James C.
Published: May 2012

Genomic technologies, such as whole-exome sequencing, are a powerful tool in genetic research. Such testing yields a great deal of incidental medical information, or medical information not related to the primary research target. We describe the management of incidental medical information derived from whole-exome sequencing in the research context. We performed whole-exome sequencing on a monozygotic twin pair in which only 1 child was affected with congenital anomalies and applied an institutional review board–approved algorithm to determine what genetic information would be returned. Whole-exome sequencing identified 79 525 genetic variants in the twins. Here, we focus on novel variants. After filtering artifacts and excluding known single nucleotide polymorphisms and variants not predicted to be pathogenic, the twins had 32 novel variants in 32 genes that were felt to be likely to be associated with human disease. Eighteen of these novel variants were associated with recessive disease and 18 were associated with dominantly manifesting conditions (variants in some genes were potentially associated with both recessive and dominant conditions), but only 1 variant ultimately met our institutional review board–approved criteria for return of information to the research participants.
Injuries Associated With Bottles, Pacifiers, and Sippy Cups in the United States, 1991–2010
Authors: Keim Sarah A. , Fletcher Erica N. , TePoel Megan R. W. , McKenzie Lara B.
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the epidemiology of injuries related to bottles, pacifiers, and sippy cups among young children in the United States.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis was conducted by using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for children <3 years of age treated in emergency departments (1991–2010) for an injury associated with a bottle, pacifier, or sippy cup.

RESULTS:

An estimated 45 398 (95% confidence interval: 38 770–52 026) children aged <3 years were treated in emergency departments for injuries related to these products during the study period, an average of 2270 cases per year. Most injuries involved bottles (65.8%), followed by pacifiers (19.9%) and sippy cups (14.3%). The most common mechanism was a fall while using the product (86.1% of injuries). Lacerations comprised the most common diagnosis (70.4%), and the most frequently injured body region was the mouth (71.0%). One-year-old children were injured most often. Children who were aged 1 or 2 years were nearly 2.99 times (95% confidence interval: 2.07–4.33) more likely to sustain a laceration compared with any other diagnosis. Product malfunctions were relatively uncommon (4.4% of cases).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study is the first to use a nationally representative sample to examine injuries associated with these products. Given the number of injuries, particularly those associated with falls while using the product, greater efforts are needed to promote proper usage, ensure safety in product design, and increase awareness of American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations for transitioning to a cup and discontinuing pacifier use.
Letter: On proximity detection systems for pico‐projectors
Authors: Buckley Edward
Published: May 2012

Abstract— Proximity detection systems have been proposed as a potentially beneficial method for increasing the eye‐safe luminous flux of laser‐based pico‐projectors. In this letter, it is shown that, while the benefit for panel‐based systems could be significant, the impact upon scanned‐beam projectors is far smaller.
A viewing‐angle‐controllable blue‐phase liquid‐crystal display
Authors: Liu Li‐Wei , Cui Jian‐Peng , Li Da‐Hai , Wang Qiong‐Hua
Published: May 2012

Abstract— A viewing‐angle‐controllable liquid‐crystal display (LCD) is proposed. When the device is only driven by an in‐plane electric field, it exhibits a wide‐viewing‐angle (WVA) mode. And it exhibits narrow‐viewing‐angle (NVA) mode when it is driven by a vertical electric field as well as an in‐plane electric field. In this manner, the viewing angle of the device can be controlled from 100° to 30°. The device exhibits a good viewing‐angle‐controlling characteristic and high transmittance.
Interpretation of Well Test Data from Two Hydraulically Communicating Reservoirs
Authors: Al Quaimi B. , Aminian K. , Ameri S.
Published: May 2012

Naturally fractured reservoirs (NFR) have been receiving more attention than ever since the beginning of the last decade due to various reasons. The current understanding is not sufficient to achieve a favorable recovery factor, due to the lack of effective characterization and the complex dynamic nature of the fractured system. The fact that NFR are found in many countries around the globe in almost every lithology is another justification for more interest. The majority of the fractured reservoirs around the world are developed. Therefore, before proceeding into secondary or possibly tertiary recovery processes a thorough understanding must be accomplished to avoid undesirable results. The fracture characterization is the first building block in any NFR study. This study utilized well test data to detect fractures between two communicating reservoirs. The study was inspired by a real field example in which two reservoirs, separated by a thick non-reservoir formation, are in hydraulic communication with each other. A refined simulation model was constructed to predict the type of response that would be observed in such communicating reservoirs during a well test. This paper presents the result of this study, which showed a unique shape on the derivative due to the communication through fractures. The investigation was taken further to study the impact of the first and the third layer permeabilities on the observed shape of the derivative. The impact of fracture length, fracture permeability, fracture distance from the well, and the existence of multiple fractures were also investigated.
Correlation between the lenghts of the long bones of the forearm and the fibula with body height in our population
Authors: Marinkovic Nadica , Vasic-Vilic Jasenka
Published: May 2012

Background/Aim. The task of a forensic examiner during exhumation of skeletal
remains is to calculate antemortem height of a person whose skeletal remains
were found. Anthropological investigations which provided formulae for
calculating ante-mortem body height date back from XIX or from the first half
of XX centuries. The most commonly used formulae are those of Trotter-
Gleser, which were used to investigate skeletal remains from the World War
II. Those investigations were conducted on skeletal remains of various ages
and degrees of decay. Our experience with exhumation have shown that the
present formulae do not deliver reliable values of antemortem height. The aim
of this study was to investigate if there is a correlation of the length of
long bones of leg and forearm with body height within our population and to
establish the formulae for calculating ante-mortem body height within our
population based on the obtained values. Methods. The lengths of ulna,
radius, fibula and tibia were determined precisely by measuring bones on
living individuals using a digital X-ray system. The height of individuals
whose bones were measured was determined using an anthropometer. Results. The
highest degree of correlation between bone length and body height was found
for tibia in males (r = 0.859, p < 0.005) and ulna in females (r = 0.679, p <
0.05). We calculated the regression formulae for determination of ante-mortem
body height that differ from the current body height formulae. Conclusion. In
our population the length of long bones of the forearm and the leg are
characterized by various degree of correlation with body height. The formulae
that we set, make less distinction between the measured and the calculated
body height as compared with the Trotter-Gleser formulae. We do hope that
their implementation will facilitate identification of sceletal remains in
our population.
A Field Study on the Acceptance and Use of a New Accounting System
Authors: Krishnan Ranjani , Mistry Jamshed J. , Narayanan V. G.
Published: May 2012

This study examines the attitudes, use, and acceptance of a new accounting system in a pharmaceutical corporation that switched from an activity-based costing system to the Theory of Constraints System (TOC). Using structuration theory as a framework to understand the dynamics of the change process, we posit that user responses and attitudes toward TOC are influenced not only by the technical features of the system and the potential economic benefits, but also by the fit between TOC and existing structures, modes of mediation, and agency of the users' environment. When users interact with TOC on an ongoing basis, they form interpretations of the new system, and, based on such interpretations, they exhibit actions with respect to the use of TOC ranging from championship to rejection of the system. We explore cross-sectional variations in the use of the system and link such variations to the practical features of the new system, as well as the social structures of the users' environments.
Uncoupling Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Is Ameliorated by Green Tea in Experimental Diabetes by Re-establishing Tetrahydrobiopterin Levels
Authors: Faria Aline M. , Papadimitriou Alexandros , Silva Kamila C. , Lopes de Faria Jacqueline M. , Lopes de Faria José B.
Published: May 2012

The current study investigated the potential of green tea (GT) to improve uncoupling of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in diabetic conditions. In rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability was reduced by uncoupling eNOS, characterized by a reduction in tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) levels and a decrease in the eNOS dimer-to-monomer ratio. GT treatment ameliorated these abnormalities. Moreover, immortalized human mesangial cells (ihMCs) exposed to high glucose (HG) levels exhibited a rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a decline in NO levels, which were reversed with GT. BH4 and the activity of guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I decreased in ihMCs exposed to HG and was normalized by GT. Exogenous administration of BH4 in ihMCs reversed the HG-induced rise in ROS and the decline in NO production. However, coadministration of GT with BH4 did not result in a further reduction in ROS production, suggesting that reduced ROS with GT was indeed secondary to uncoupled eNOS. In summary, GT reversed the diabetes-induced reduction of BH4 levels, ameliorating uncoupling eNOS, and thus increasing NO bioavailability and reducing oxidative stress, two abnormalities that are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.