bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating and Improving Risk Formulas for Allocating Limited Budgets to Expensive Risk‐Reduction Opportunities
Authors: Cox, Jr. Louis Anthony (Tony)
Published: December 2011

Simple risk formulas, such as risk = probability × impact, or risk = exposure × probability × consequence, or risk = threat × vulnerability × consequence, are built into many commercial risk management software products deployed in public and private organizations. These formulas, which we call risk indices, together with risk matrices, “heat maps,” and other displays based on them, are widely used in applications such as enterprise risk management (ERM), terrorism risk analysis, and occupational safety. But, how well do they serve to guide allocation of limited risk management resources? This article evaluates and compares different risk indices under simplifying conditions favorable to their use (statistically independent, uniformly distributed values of their components; and noninteracting risk‐reduction opportunities). Compared to an optimal (nonindex) approach, simple indices produce inferior resource allocations that for a given cost may reduce risk by as little as 60% of what the optimal decisions would provide, at least in our simple simulations. This article suggests a better risk reduction per unit cost index that achieves 98–100% of the maximum possible risk reduction on these problems for all budget levels except the smallest, which allow very few risks to be addressed. Substantial gains in risk reduction achieved for resources spent can be obtained on our test problems by using this improved index instead of simpler ones that focus only on relative sizes of risk (or of components of risk) in informing risk management priorities and allocating limited risk management resources. This work suggests the need for risk management tools to explicitly consider costs in prioritization activities, particularly in situations where budget restrictions make careful allocation of resources essential for achieving close‐to‐maximum risk‐reduction benefits.
The Experimental and Case Study of Needle Marks on the Speedometer as the Physical Evidence for the Collision Speed Analysis*
Authors: Tao Daiqin , Yin Zhiyong , Zhao Hui , Liu Shengxiong
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  The collision speed is important in accident analysis, and needle marks can be helpful as the physical evidence. The deceleration impact system has been built to analyze the mechanics of the needle and the gauge plate. Two isolated groups were designed to record the speed values under the same sample labels from real crashes. The visualization platform was built for the first group to collect needle marks. The second group recorded the speed values by other methods. The collision deceleration, the gauge plate materials, and the collision directions determine the forming of the needle marks. There were eight positive results from the 23 effective samples (12 frontal, four side, and seven rear), with discernible tip and/or middle marks on gauge plates. Multiple marks have been distinguished effectively. The low‐ and high‐speed impacts have no obvious differences for real needle marks. It is more accurate for frontal impacts.
Toxicological Findings in 889 Fatally Injured Obese Pilots Involved in Aviation Accidents*
Authors: Chaturvedi Arvind K. , Botch Sabra R. , Ricaurte Eduard M.
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Prevalence of drugs in fatally injured obese pilots involved in aviation accidents has not been evaluated. Therefore, toxicological findings in such pilots (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) were examined in a data set derived from the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute’s (CAMI’s) Scientific Information System for 1990–2005. Aeromedical histories of these aviators were retrieved from the CAMI medical certification and toxicology databases, and the cause/factors in the related accidents from the National Transportation Safety Board’s database. In 311 of the 889 pilots, carbon monoxide, cyanide, ethanol, and drugs were found, and glucose and hemoglobin A1c were elevated. Of the 889 pilots, 107 had an obesity‐related medical history. The health and/or medical condition(s) of, and/or the use of ethanol and/or drugs by, pilots were the cause/factors in 55 (18%) of the 311 accidents. Drugs found were primarily for treating obesity‐related medical conditions such as depression, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.
Disrobing Associated with Epileptic Seizures and Forensic Implications
Authors: Wortzel Hal S. , Strom Laura A. , Anderson Alan C. , Maa Edward H. , Spitz Mark
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Little is known about the clinical aspects and medico‐legal consequences of disrobing in the context of epileptic seizures. Seizure‐related disrobing may occur either as an ictal automatism or during the postictal period. Some patients may experience a seizure while already in the unclothed state, engage in ictal wandering, and thereby appear in public in the nude. Two cases involving disrobing associated with seizures captured via video‐monitored electroencephalography are offered. An additional case reveals the legal consequences endured by one patient who experienced a nocturnal seizure and began wandering in an unclothed state. Collectively, these cases illustrate the medical reality of seizure‐related disrobing and the related adverse effects on patients’ quality of life. Disrobing associated with epileptic seizures carries the potential for serious legal consequences if not properly identified as an ictal phenomenon.
Sexual behavior and high‐risk human papillomavirus in 15‐ to 22‐year‐old Lithuanian women
Authors: BUMBULIENE ZANA , ALISAUSKAS JONAS
Published: December 2011

We determined the risk of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) infection in 169 15‐ to 22‐year‐old sexually active Lithuanian women attending two outpatient clinics in Vilnius. The Digene® Hybrid Capture II DNA test was used to test for HR‐HPV infection on material collected by cervical swabs. The findings were compared with the pattern of sexual behavior as given in questionnaire replies. The overall risk of HR‐HPV was 23.1%, but 60.0% in adolescents ≤15 years old. Mean age at first intercourse was 17.1 years; 73.5% of women had only had one sexual partner and 24.5% more than one. The risk of HR‐HPV was higher in women with more than one sexual partner, and related to being a smoker and to early age at the first intercourse. Our results confirm that smoking, early coitarche, multiple sexual partners and unprotected vaginal intercourse are related to the risk of HR‐HPV infection in young women.
Identification of Immune Cells by Flow Cytometry in Vaginal Lavages from Women with Vulvovaginitis and Normal Microflora
Authors: Giraldo Paulo César , de Carvalho Joziani Beghini Junqueira , do Amaral Rose Luce Gomes , da Silveira Gonçalves Ana Katherine , Eleutério José , Guimarães Fernando
Published: December 2011

Citation Giraldo PC, de Carvalho JBJ, do Amaral RLG, da Silveira Gonçalves AK, Eleutério J Jr, Guimarães F. Identification of Immune Cells by Flow Cytometry in Vaginal Lavages from Women with Vulvovaginitis and Normal Microflora. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 198–205

Problem  The extent of the vaginal immune response is not fully determined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the vaginal immune cells from women with vulvovaginitis (VV).

Method of Study  A total of 142 volunteers diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VC), and BV associated with VC or normal microflora were sampled to evaluate the immune cells by flow cytometry. The immune cells were obtained by vaginal lavage and labeled with fluorochrome‐conjugated monoclonal antibodies to identify neutrophil granulocytes, macrophages, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and NK lymphocytes.

Results  Neutrophil granulocytes were present in 84.6% of samples among the leukocyte populations. Considering samples in which neutrophils were present, the mean percentage of neutrophil granulocytes was significantly higher in women with VC than BV and normal microflora and was significantly lower in women with BV than normal microflora. Macrophages and lymphocytes were present in a lower percentage of samples. The mean percentage of CD4+ T lymphocytes in vaginal lavages was significantly higher in VC and BV compared with women with normal microflora.

Conclusions  Neutrophils were the predominant leukocytes and were associated with VC and inversely with BV. CD4+ T lymphocytes were associated with both VC and BV.
Genetic variants in IFIH1 play opposite roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and chronic periodontitis
Authors: Chen G. , Zhou D. , Zhang Z. , Kan M. , Zhang D. , Hu X. , Feng G. , Liu Y. , He L.
Published: December 2011

The IFIH1 gene is a key factor connecting environmental and genetic factors in the pathogenesis of immune‐related diseases. We aimed to investigate whether it has effects on psoriasis, chronic periodontitis and skin test‐positive penicillin allergy and to confirm whether these diseases have shared molecular mechanisms originating from shared genetics. Two common variants in IFIH1 were genotyped in 561 patients with psoriasis, 421 patients with chronic periodontitis, 175 patients with skin test‐positive penicillin allergy and 1100 shared controls. Then, case–control study was used to analyse the association between IFIH1 and the three diseases. The allele distributions of rs1990760 and rs3747517 in the Chinese population are much different from the European population. The A allele of rs1990760 (OR = 1.30, P = 5.4 × 10−3) and A‐G (rs1990760/rs3747517) haplotype (OR = 1.31, P = 3.8 × 10−3) were highly associated with the risk of psoriasis. However, the A allele of rs1990760 (OR = 0.73, P = 7.8 × 10−3) and A‐G haplotype (OR = 0.71, P = 4.5 × 10−3) were identified as protective factors for chronic periodontitis. IFIH1 affects several immune‐related diseases, including psoriasis and chronic periodontitis, and provides a molecular link between genetic susceptibility, viral infections and immune‐related diseases. Moreover, we also confirm the hypothesis that shared molecular mechanisms from common genetic variants contribute to a spectrum of immune‐related diseases.
Capacity Building Helps Pastoral Women Transform Impoverished Communities in Ethiopia
Authors: Coppock D. Layne , Desta Solomon , Tezera Seyoum , Gebru Getachew
Published: December 2011

Diversification of income-producing activities provides greater resilience to drought.
The Cost of Fear
Authors: Martin Thomas E.
Published: December 2011

Song sparrows produce fewer offspring when they perceive a higher predation risk, even in the absence of actual predation.
Longitudinal Analysis of Early HIV-1-Specific Neutralizing Activity in an Elite Neutralizer and in Five Patients Who Developed Cross-Reactive Neutralizing Activity
Authors: Euler Zelda , van den Kerkhof Tom L. G. M. , van Gils Marit J. , Burger Judith A. , Edo-Matas Diana , Phung Pham , Wrin Terri , Schuitemaker Hanneke
Published: December 2011

We previously established that at 3 years postseroconversion, ∼30% of HIV-infected individuals have cross-reactive neutralizing activity (CrNA) in their sera. Here we studied the kinetics with which CrNA develops and how these relate to the development of autologous neutralizing activity as well as viral escape and diversification. For this purpose, sera from five individuals with CrNA and one elite neutralizer that were obtained at three monthly intervals in the first year after seroconversion and at multiple intervals over the disease course were tested for neutralizing activity against an established multiclade panel of six viruses. The same serum samples, as well as sera from three individuals who lacked CrNA, were tested for their neutralizing activities against autologous clonal HIV-1 variants from multiple time points covering the disease course from seroconversion onward. The elite neutralizer already had CrNA at 9.8 months postseroconversion, in contrast with the findings for the other five patients, in whom CrNA was first detected at 20 to 35 months postseroconversion and peaked around 35 months postseroconversion. In all patients, CrNA coincided with neutralizing activity against autologous viruses that were isolated <12 months postseroconversion, while viruses from later time points had already escaped autologous neutralizing activity. Also, the peak in gp160 sequence diversity coincided with the peak of CrNA titers. Individuals who lacked CrNA had lower peak autologous neutralizing titers, viral escape, and sequence diversity than individuals with CrNA. A better understanding of the underlying factors that determine the presence of CrNA or even an elite neutralizer phenotype may aid in the design of an HIV-1 vaccine.
Differences in antipredator behaviour between wild and hatchery-reared juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) under seminatural conditions
Authors: Jackson Christopher D. , Brown Grant E.
Published: December 2011

Captive rearing may elicit experiential or genetically based changes to salmonid antipredator behaviour, which may reduce survival of hatchery-reared fishes when they are released into the wild. Nevertheless, few studies have compared the behaviour between local wild-caught and local hatchery-reared fish (two generations or less), and none have done so under natural conditions. We conducted a seminatural field study comparing the antipredator behaviour of wild-caught, F1 (offspring of wild-caught adults) with that of F2 (second generation) hatchery-reared young-of-the-year Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar , from the same source population) in response to standardized chemical alarm cues. Wild-caught salmon exhibited the strongest antipredator response to a standardized threat (conspecific alarm cues), while F2 salmon exhibited the weakest response. F1 salmon were intermediate in their behavioural response. The observed differences between wild-caught and F1 salmon suggests that differential experience may play a significant role in predator avoidance behaviours. Furthermore, the observed differences between F1 and F2 salmon suggests that even one full generation of hatchery rearing may be sufficient to select for maladaptive responses to predators under natural conditions. Given the controversy regarding the effectiveness of hatchery programs for conservation use, the results of this study suggest that minimizing hatchery time may reduce the behavioural differences between wild and hatchery-reared fishes.
Role of N-glycosylation in cell surface expression and protection against proteolysis of the intestinal anion exchanger SLC26A3
Authors: Hayashi Hisayoshi , Yamashita Yukari
Published: December 2011

SLC26A3 is a Cl−/HCO3− exchanger that plays a major role in Cl− absorption from the intestine. Its mutation causes congenital chloride-losing diarrhea. It has been shown that SLC26A3 are glycosylated, with the attached carbohydrate being extracellular and perhaps modulating function. However, the role of glycosylation has yet to be clearly determined. We used the approaches of biochemical modification and site-directed mutagenesis to prevent glycosylation. Deglycosylation experiments with glycosidases indicated that the mature glycosylated form of SLC26A3 exists at the plasma membrane, and a putative large second extracellular loop contains all of the N-linked carbohydrates. Deglycosylation of SLC26A3 causes depression of transport activity compared with wild-type, although robust intracellular pH changes were still observed, suggesting that N-glycosylation is not absolutely necessary for transport activity. To localize glycosylation sites, we mutated the five consensus sites by replacing asparagine (N) with glutamine. Immnoblotting suggests that SLC26A3 is glycosylated at N153, N161, and N165. Deglycosylation of SLC26A3 causes a defect in cell surface processing with decreased cell surface expression. We also assessed whether SLC26A3 is protected from tryptic digestion. While the mature glycosylated SLC26A3 showed little breakdown after treatment with trypsin, deglycosylated SLC26A3 exhibited increased susceptibility to trypsin, suggesting that the oligosaccharides protect SLC26A3 from tryptic digestion. In conclusion, our data indicate that N-glycosylation of SLC26A3 is important for cell surface expression and for protection from proteolytic degradation that may contribute to the understanding of pathogenesis of congenital disorders of glycosylation.
Calcium influx determines the muscular response to electrotransfer
Authors: Hojman Pernille , Brolin Camilla , Gissel Hanne
Published: December 2011

Cell membrane permeabilization by electric pulses (electropermeabilization), results in free exchange of ions across the cell membrane. The role of electrotransfer-mediated Ca2+-influx on muscle signaling pathways involved in degeneration (β-actin and MurF), inflammation (IL-6 and TNF-α), and regeneration (MyoD1, myogenin, and Myf5) was investigated, using pulse parameters of both electrochemotherapy (8 HV) and DNA delivery (HVLV). Three pulsing conditions were used: 8 high-voltage pulses (8 HV), resulting in large permeabilization and ion flux, and a combination of one high-voltage pulse and one low-voltage pulse (HVLV), either alone or in combination with injection of DNA. Mice and rats were anesthetized before pulsing. At the times given, animals were killed, and intact tibialis cranialis muscles were excised for analysis. Uptake of Ca2+ was assessed using 45Ca as a tracer. Using gene expression analyses and histology, we showed a clear association between Ca2+ influx and muscular response. Moderate Ca2+ influx induced by HVLV pulses results in activation of pathways involved in immediate repair and hypertrophy. This response could be attenuated by intramuscular injection of EGTA reducing Ca2+ influx. Larger Ca2+ influx as induced by 8-HV pulses leads to muscle damage and muscle fiber regeneration through recruitment of satellite cells. The extent of Ca2+ influx determines the muscular response to electrotransfer and, thus, the success of a given application. In the case of electrochemotherapy, in which the objective is cell death, a large influx of Ca2+ may be beneficial, whereas for DNA electrotransfer, muscle recovery should occur without myofiber loss to ensure preservation of plasmid DNA.
Exposure to maternal overnutrition and a high-fat diet during early postnatal development increases susceptibility to renal and metabolic injury later in life
Authors: Jackson Colette M. , Alexander Barbara T. , Roach Lauren , Haggerty Deani , Marbury David C. , Hutchens Zachary M. , Flynn Elizabeth R. , Maric-Bilkan Christine
Published: December 2011

Overnutrition during pre- and postnatal development both confer increased susceptibility to renal and metabolic risks later in life; however, whether they have an additive effect on the severity of renal and metabolic injury remains unknown. The present study tested the hypothesis that a combination of a pre- and postnatal diet high in fat/fructose would exacerbate renal and metabolic injury in male offspring later in life. Male offspring born to high fat/high-fructose-fed mothers and fed a high-fat/high-fructose diet postnatally (HF-HF) had increased urine albumin excretion (450%), glomerulosclerosis (190%), and tubulointerstitial fibrosis (101%) compared with offspring born to mothers fed a standard diet and fed a standard diet postnatally (NF-NF). No changes in blood pressure or glomerular filtration were observed between any of the treatment groups. The HF-HF offspring weighed ∼23% more than offspring born to mothers fed a high-fat/high-fructose diet and fed a normal diet postnatally (HF-NF), as well as offspring born to mothers fed a standard diet regardless of their postnatal diet. The HF-HF rats also had increased (and more variable) blood glucose levels over 12 wk of being fed a high-fat/high-fructose diet. A combination of exposure to a high-fat/high-fructose diet in utero and postnatally increased plasma insulin levels by 140% compared with NF-NF offspring. Our data suggest that the combined exposure to overnutrition during fetal development and early postnatal development potentiate the susceptibility to renal and metabolic disturbances later in life.
Causes of social reward differences encoded in human brain
Authors: Vostroknutov Alexander , Tobler Philippe N. , Rustichini Aldo
Published: December 2011

Rewards may be due to skill, effort, and luck, and the social perception of inequality in rewards among individuals may depend on what produced the inequality. Rewards due to skill produce a conflict: higher outcomes of others in this case are considered deserved, and this counters incentives to reduce inequality. However, they also signal superior skill and for this reason induce strong negative affect in those who perform less, which increases the incentive to reduce the inequality. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying evaluation of rewards due to skill, effort, and luck are still unknown. We scanned brain activity of subjects as they perceived monetary rewards caused by skill, effort, or luck. Subjects could subtract from others. Subtraction was larger, everything else being equal, in luck but increased more as the difference in outcomes grew in skill. Similarly, reward-related activation in medial orbitofrontal cortex was more sensitive to the difference in relative outcomes in skill trials. Orbitofrontal activation reflecting comparative reward advantage predicted by how much subjects reduced unfavorable reward inequality later on in the trial. Thus medial orbitofrontal cortex activity reflects the causes of reward and predicts actions that reduce inequality.
Ethnobotanical Study of Tehsil Kabal, Swat District, KPK, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , Ibrar Mohammad , Barkatullah  , Ali Niaz
Published: December 2011

A total of 140 plants have been reported ethnobotanically from Tehsil Kabal, Swat District. These include the 133 plants (95%) of angiosperms, 3 (2.14%) of gymnosperms, and 2 (1.42%) each of pteridophytes and fungi. The largest family is Lamiaceae represented by 11 species followed by Rosaceae represented by 9 species. Among angiosperms 76 (55.63%) were herbs, 17 (12.78%) were shrubs, and 40 (30.07%) were trees; 127 plants (95.48%) were dicot while 6 plants (4.51%) were monocot. Most of the plants were used for more than one purpose. Generally the plants were used for medicinal, fuel, timber wood, food, and fodder for cattle purposes.
Fixed Points of Geraghty‐Type Mappings in Various Generalized Metric Spaces
Authors: Ðukić Dušan , Kadelburg Zoran , Radenović Stojan
Published: December 2011

Fixed point theorems for mappings satisfying Geraghty‐type contractive conditions are proved in the frame of partial metric spaces, ordered partial metric spaces, and metric‐type spaces. Examples are given showing that these results are proper extensions of the existing ones.
Effect of Tuber Crop Wastes/Byproducts on Nutritional and Microbial Composition of Vermicomposts and Duration of the Vermicomposting Process
Authors: Nedunchezhiyan M. , Jata S. K. , Byju G. , Veena S. S.
Published: December 2011

A pot culture experiment on vermicomposting of cassava and sweet potato wastes/byproducts was conducted for March–May (season I) and June–August (season II) during 2010 at the Regional Centre of Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Bhubaneswar, Orissa. The study revealed that the vermicompost prepared from biomass and byproducts of tuber crops had fairly higher levels of nitrogen (1.12–2.23%), phosphorus (0.26–0.88%), and potassium (0.33–1.29%) compared to initial status. The vermicompost prepared from sweet potato dry leaves had the highest nitrogen (2.23% and 2.03%), phosphorus (0.88% and 0.69%), and potassium (1.29% and 0.84%) content during both the years of study. Cassava thippi (tuber residue) required 40–43 days for the complete conversion into vermicompost, whereas all other biomass and byproducts needed more time (43–65 days). The rate of increase of earthworm weight and population was higher in vermicompost made from cassava and sweet potato thippi. Microbial counts indicated that populations of bacteria and fungi were higher in season I, whereas actinomycetes were higher in season II. The study indicated that all the biomass and byproducts of tuber crops can be effectively converted into high-value vermicompost.
Plastic Surgery—Myths and Realities in Developing Countries: Experience from Eastern Nepal
Authors: Mishra Brijesh , Koirala Robin , Tripathi Nalini , Shrestha Kajan Raj , Adhikary Buddhinath , Shah Surendra
Published: December 2011

B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal, is the only tertiary care referral centre in the eastern region of Nepal. This paper discusses the author’s experience of starting a plastic surgery unit in eastern Nepal regarding need and present status of plastic surgery care in Nepal. Methods. We analyzed the data of patients treated in Plastic surgery unit from July 2007 to February 2009. We did evaluation regarding type of patients, procedures, and their outcome. We also evaluated the limitations and their possible solutions to overcome the barriers to establish effective plastic surgical centers in developing countries. Results. Plastic surgery services were started as a unit in general surgery by single plastic surgeon and one general surgery resident on rotation. Total 848 patients were treated for different plastic-surgery-related conditions, which included 307 acute burn patients 541 general plastic surgery patients. Trauma constituted the major bulk 22%, followed by tumors 20%, while aesthetic surgery operations were only 10.1%. Conclusions. In developing countries, aesthetic procedures constitute very small part of plastic surgery interventions and plastic surgery units are primarily required for reconstructive needs for optimum management of patients.
Notch Signaling Mediates TNF-α-Induced IL-6 Production in Cultured Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes from Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Jiao Zhijun , Wang Wenhong , Ma Jie , Wang Shengjun , Su Zhaoliang , Xu Huaxi
Published: December 2011

It has been reported that Notch family proteins are expressed in synovium tissue and involved in the proliferation of synoviocyte from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this paper was to investigate whether Notch signaling mediated TNF-α-induced cytokine production of cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from RA. Exposure of RA FLSs to TNF-α(10 ng/ml) led to increase of Hes-1, a target gene of Notch signaling, and a marked upregulation of Notch 2, Delta-like 1, and Delta-like 3 mRNA levels. Blockage of Notch signaling by aγ-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) inhibited IL-6 secretion of RA FLSs in response to TNF-αwhile treatment with recombinant fusion protein of Notch ligand Delta-like 1 promoted such response. TNF-αstimulation also induced IL-6 secretion in OA FLSs; however, the Hes-1 level remained unaffected. Our data confirm the functional involvement of Notch pathway in the pathophysiology of RA FLSs which may provide a new target for RA therapy.
Common Structural and Epigenetic Changes in the Genome of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Friedlander Terence W. , Roy Ritu , Tomlins Scott A. , Ngo Vy T. , Kobayashi Yasuko , Azameera Aruna , Rubin Mark A. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Chinnaiyan Arul , Ittmann Michael M. , Ryan Charles J. , Paris Pamela L.
Published: December 2011

Progression of primary prostate cancer to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is associated with numerous genetic and epigenetic alterations that are thought to promote survival at metastatic sites. In this study, we investigated gene copy number and CpG methylation status in CRPC to gain insight into specific pathophysiologic pathways that are active in this advanced form of prostate cancer. Our analysis defined and validated 495 genes exhibiting significant differences in CRPC in gene copy number, including gains in androgen receptor (AR) and losses of PTEN and retinoblastoma 1 (RB1). Significant copy number differences existed between tumors with or without AR gene amplification, including a common loss of AR repressors in AR-unamplified tumors. Simultaneous gene methylation and allelic deletion occurred frequently in RB1 and HSD17B2, the latter of which is involved in testosterone metabolism. Lastly, genomic DNA from most CRPC was hypermethylated compared with benign prostate tissue. Our findings establish a comprehensive methylation signature that couples epigenomic and structural analyses, thereby offering insights into the genomic alterations in CRPC that are associated with a circumvention of hormonal therapy. Genes identified in this integrated genomic study point to new drug targets in CRPC, an incurable disease state which remains the chief therapeutic challenge. Cancer Res; 72(3); 616–25. ©2011 AACR.
Comparison of Retention Rates of Fissure Sealants Using Two Flowable Restorative Materials and a Conventional Resin Sealant: Two-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Oba Aylin Akbay , Sönmez Işıl Şaroğlu , Ercan Ertuğrul , Dülgergil Türksel
Published: December 2011

Objective: The purpose of this clinical study was to compare the retention rates of two flowable restorative systems (Admira Flow and Grandio Flow) with that of a conventional resin-based sealant (Fissurit F). Materials and Methods: The study was planned as a clinical trial with a split-mouth design. A total of 122 sealants (38 Admira Flow, 41 Grandio Flow, 43 Fissurit F) were randomly applied to completely erupted permanent molars in 35 patients aged 9–20 years and followed up for 24 months. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s χ2 and multiple comparison tests. Results: At the end of the follow-up period, Fissurit F had higher retention rates (81.0%) than both Admira Flow (60.5%) and Grandio Flow (57.1%), with p < 0.05. However, there was no significant difference in caries development among groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The two flowable composite resin materials used as fissure sealant were less retentive than the conventional resin sealant.
Pituitary Adenoma Apoplexy Presenting with Bilateral Third Nerve Palsy and Bilateral Proptosis: A Case Report
Authors: Komurcu H. Ferhan , Ayberk Giyas , Ozveren M. Faik , Anlar Omer
Published: December 2011

Objective: To report a case of pituitary adenoma apoplexy presenting with bilateral proptosis and bilateral third nerve palsy that developed after cardiovascular surgery. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 45-year-old man developed bilateral proptosis and bilateral third nerve palsy after a coronary artery bypass grafting operation. A pituitary macroadenoma with extension into the sphenoid sinus and cavernous sinus with bilateral involvement was resected on computed tomography scan by microscopic transsphenoidal procedure. Third nerve palsy improved partially on the first postoperative day and completely improved in the fourth month after the operation. Conclusion: This is a rare case of pituitary adenoma apoplexy that presented with bilateral third cranial nerve palsy.
Safety of anticoagulants in children with arterial ischemic stroke
Authors: Schechter Tal , Kirton Adam , Laughlin Suzanne , Pontigon Ann-Marie , Finkelstein Yaron , MacGregor Daune , Chan Anthony , deVeber Gabrielle , Brandão Leonardo R.
Published: December 2011

Pediatric arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) is increasingly diagnosed and carries significant risks of recurrence, morbidity, and mortality. Anticoagulant therapy (ACT) is commonly prescribed in childhood AIS. Hemorrhagic complication rates in pediatric stroke are unknown, and adult safety data are of limited applicability. We analyzed a prospectively enrolled cohort of children (aged 1 month-18 years) with acute AIS selected using standardized criteria for protocol-based ACT over14-year period. We assessed ACT-associated intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), including frequency, clinical and radiologic characteristics, predictors, and outcome. Among 215 children with AIS, 123 received ACT within 7 days after diagnosis. During anticoagulation, 14 (11%) children developed new or increased ICH, all within 26 days from diagnosis. ICH was symptomatic in 5 (4%), asymptomatic in 9 (7%), and mild (European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study grades HI1 or HI2) in all but 1 child (ECASS PH-2). Long-term neurologic outcomes after ACT-associated ICH in survivors were abnormal in 73% (8/11). Comparably, 12 of 75 (16%) children treated without anticoagulation developed new or increased ICH on follow-up imaging (P = .3507). We conclude that ACT is relatively safe in children with AIS, with a 4% risk of symptomatic ICH. Based on the safety of ACT in our study, clinical trials of ACT in childhood AIS are warranted.
High resolution profiling of human exon methylation by liquid hybridization capture-based bisulfite sequencing
Authors: Wang Junwen , Jiang Hui , Ji Guanyu , Gao Fei , Wu Mingzhi , Sun Jihua , Luo Huijuan , Wu Jinghua , Wu Renhua , Zhang Xiuqing
Published: December 2011

Background

DNA methylation plays important roles in gene regulation during both normal developmental and disease states. In the past decade, a number of methods have been developed and applied to characterize the genome-wide distribution of DNA methylation. Most of these methods endeavored to screen whole genome and turned to be enormously costly and time consuming for studies of the complex mammalian genome. Thus, they are not practical for researchers to study multiple clinical samples in biomarker research.

Results

Here, we display a novel strategy that relies on the selective capture of target regions by liquid hybridization followed by bisulfite conversion and deep sequencing, which is referred to as liquid hybridization capture-based bisulfite sequencing (LHC-BS). To estimate this method, we utilized about 2 μg of native genomic DNA from YanHuang (YH) whole blood samples and a mature dendritic cell (mDC) line, respectively, to evaluate their methylation statuses of target regions of exome. The results indicated that the LHC-BS system was able to cover more than 97% of the exome regions and detect their methylation statuses with acceptable allele dropouts. Most of the regions that couldn't provide accurate methylation information were distributed in chromosomes 6 and Y because of multiple mapping to those regions. The accuracy of this strategy was evaluated by pair-wise comparisons using the results from whole genome bisulfite sequencing and validated by bisulfite specific PCR sequencing.

Conclusions

In the present study, we employed a liquid hybridisation capture system to enrich for exon regions and then combined with bisulfite sequencing to examine the methylation statuses for the first time. This technique is highly sensitive and flexible and can be applied to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) at specific genomic locations of interest, such as regulatory elements or promoters.
Stagnation-point flow over a stretching/shrinking sheet in a nanofluid
Authors: Bachok Norfifah , Ishak Anuar , Pop Ioan
Published: December 2011

An analysis is carried out to study the steady two-dimensional stagnation-point flow of a nanofluid over a stretching/shrinking sheet in its own plane. The stretching/shrinking velocity and the ambient fluid velocity are assumed to vary linearly with the distance from the stagnation point. The similarity equations are solved numerically for three types of nanoparticles, namely copper, alumina, and titania in the water-based fluid with Prandtl number Pr = 6.2. The skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number, and the velocity and temperature profiles are presented graphically and discussed. Effects of the solid volume fraction φ on the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics are thoroughly examined. Different from a stretching sheet, it is found that the solutions for a shrinking sheet are non-unique.
Writing Time
Authors: Rose Jeanne Marie
Published: December 2011

This article explores how composition courses might address contemporary capitalism's strain on students' time resources through a classroom practice of temporal awareness. The piece discusses two related dimensions of this approach. The first involves incorporating students' considerations of time into course content; the second, rooted in teacher inquiry, asks writing instructors to examine how time mediates the pedagogical relationships developed within their courses.
The Twain Shall Meet
Authors: Strain Margaret M. , Potter Rebecca
Published: December 2011

This essay argues for an interdisciplinary, team-taught approach to the Introduction to Graduate Studies course in which faculty from literary and rhetoric/writing studies model the intersections of both fields through course texts, assignments, and theoretical frameworks. The authors also discuss the role of terminal master's programs in English and the need for graduate writing instruction.
The outcome at 20 years of conservatively treated ‘isolated’ posterior malleolar fractures of the ankle
Authors: Donken C. C. M. A. , Goorden A. J. F. , Verhofstad M. H. J. , Edwards M. J. , van Laarhoven C. J. H. M.
Published: December 2011

We assessed the long-term (20 years) outcome of closed reduction and immobilisation in 19 patients with an isolated fracture of the posterior malleolus of the ankle treated at a single hospital between 1985 and 1990. The assessments used were an Olerud functional questionnaire score, physical examination using a loaded dorsal and plantar range of movement measurement, radiological analysis of medial joint space widening, the Cedell score for anatomical alignment of all three malleoli, and the radiological presence of osteoarthritic change.

There were excellent or good results in 14 patients (74%) according to the Olerud score, in 18 patients (95%) according to loaded dorsal and plantar range of movement assessment, in 16 patients (84%) as judged by the Cedell score, and for osteoarthritis 18 patients (95%) had an excellent or good score. There were no poor outcomes. There was no correlation between the size of the fracture gap and the proportion of the tibiotalar contact area when compared with the clinical results (gap size: rho values -0.16 to 0.04, p ≥ 0.51; tibiotalar contact area: rho values -0.20 to -0.03, p ≥ 0.4). Conservative treatment of ‘isolated’ posterior malleolar fractures resulted in good clinical and radiological outcome in this series at long-term follow-up.
Assessing patients for joint replacement
Authors: Judge A. , Arden N. K. , Price A. , Glyn-Jones S. , Beard D. , Carr A. J. , Dawson J. , Fitzpatrick R. , Field R. E.
Published: December 2011

We obtained pre-operative and six-month post-operative Oxford hip (OHS) and knee scores (OKS) for 1523 patients who underwent total hip replacement and 1784 patients who underwent total knee replacement. They all also completed a six-month satisfaction question.

Scatter plots showed no relationship between pre-operative Oxford scores and six-month satisfaction scores. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were -0.04 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.09 to 0.01) between OHS and satisfaction and 0.04 (95% CI -0.01 to 0.08) between OKS and satisfaction. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify a cut-off point for the pre-operative OHS/OKS that identifies whether or not a patient is satisfied with surgery. We obtained an area under the ROC curve of 0.51 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.56) for hip replacement and 0.56 (95% CI 0.51 to 0.60) for knee replacement, indicating that pre-operative Oxford scores have no predictive accuracy in distinguishing satisfied from dissatisfied patients.

In the NHS widespread attempts are being made to use patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) data for the purpose of prioritising patients for surgery. Oxford hip and knee scores have no predictive accuracy in relation to post-operative patient satisfaction. This evidence does not support their current use in prioritising access to care.
Corrigenda/Errata
Authors: Scott J.
Published: December 2011

D. Regis, A. Sandri, I. Bonetti, M. Braggion, P. Bartolozzi. Femoral revision with the Wagner tapered stem: A ten- to 15-year follow-up study. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2011 93-B: 1320-1326.
Corrigenda/Errata
Authors: Scott J.
Published: December 2011

C.-S. Lee, S- S. Chung, S.-K. Shin, S.-J. Park, H.-I. Lee, K.-C. Kang. Differences in post-operative functional disability and patient satisfaction between patients with long (three levels or more) and short (less than three) lumbar fusions. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2011 93-B: 1400-1404.
PNA–sugar conjugates as tools for the spatial screening of carbohydrate–lectin interactions
Authors: Scheibe Christian , Seitz Oliver
Published: December 2011

Multivalent carbohydrate–lectin interactions are essential for a multitude of biological recognition events. Much effort has been spent in the synthesis of potent multivalent scaffolds in order to mimic or inhibit biological carbohydrate–protein interactions. However, the defined spatial presentation of carbohydrates remained a challenging task. Peptide nucleic acid (PNA)- and DNA-based double helices are useful scaffolds that enable the controlled display of carbohydrate ligands in a modular approach. The hybridization of PNA-sugar conjugates with complementary DNA strands provides multivalent complexes with defined spatial presentation of carbohydrates, which facilitates the spatial screening of carbohydrate–lectin interactions with Ångström-scale precision.
Synthetic molecules and functionalized nanoparticles targeting the LPS-TLR4 signaling: A new generation of immunotherapeutics
Authors: Peri Francesco , Calabrese Valentina , Piazza Matteo , Cighetti Roberto
Published: December 2011

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), the receptor of bacterial endotoxins in mammalians, plays a pivotal role in the induction of innate immunity and inflammation. TLR4 activation by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is achieved by the coordinate and sequential action of three other proteins, the lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), the cluster differentiation antigen CD14, and the myeloid differentiation protein (MD-2) receptors, that bind LPS and present it in a monomeric form to TLR4 by forming the activated [TLR4·MD-2·LPS]2 complex. Small molecules and nanoparticles active in modulating the TLR4 signal by targeting directly the MD-2·TLR4 complex or by interfering in other points of the TLR4 signaling are presented in this paper. These compounds have great pharmacological interest as vaccine adjuvants, immunotherapeutics, anti-sepsis, and anti-inflammatory agents.
Respiratory Function Tests and CEA Level Monitoring of Patients Undergoing Smoking Cessation Treatment
Authors: Pezzuto Aldo , Pietrangeli Vittorio
Published: December 2011

Background and Objectives:Tobacco smoke contains many substances that are harmful and induce cancerogenesis. Carbon monoxide (CO) is the parameter commonly monitored by smoking cessation centres. The purpose of this study was to analyse other parameters and risk factors, including respiratory function and CEA (serum carcinoembryonic antigen) levels, in patients undergoing smoking cessation. Methods:One hundred and eighty current smoking patients current smokers were recruited from the outpatients for smoking cessation. Sociodemographic and lifestyle analyses were performed on them. They were also studied for respiratory function parameters and CEA (serum carcinoembryonic antigen) levels. A control group of 171 former smoking patients were also studied for functional and clinical parameters. Current smokers were also monitored for several parameters in the first 3 months after starting therapy with nicotine inhaler and varenicline, in addition to the behaviour therapy. Results:Some functional and clinical differences were found between the smokers and the former smokers groups. In the smokers' group we found no significant differences in sociodemographic and lifestyle between females and males. Regarding the response to varenicline-nicotine treatment combined with minimal advice, 56% of patients stopped smoking after 3 months of therapy; 30% of these had a level of severe bronchial obstruction. Operating parameters and the level of CEA at the beginning of the therapy were evaluated after 3 months, showing significant differences. Carboxyhemoglobin was reduced by 1.06%, oxyhemoglobin increased by 2.94%, FEF 25/75% increased by 16%. Conclusions:We can say that smoking cessation leads quickly to the improvement of clinical, functional and laboratory parameters. Patients with severe obstruction are more motivated to stop smoking.
Hypnosis in Smoking Cessation: The Effectiveness of Some Basic Principles of Hypnotherapy Without Using Formal Trance — A Case Study
Authors: Riegel Björn , Tönnies Sven
Published: December 2011

This article gives an insight into some possible intervention strategies using the basic principles of hypnotherapy. An excerpt of a treatment is described, showing the main effect with this individual person. The therapist applied the idea of unconscious seedings by narrating other clients' strategies. At the end, he supports the search of individual strategies. Abstinence was controlled one year after the last meeting by self-report and CO-measurement.
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Guski Andreas
Published: December 2011

McReynolds, Susan, Redemption and the Merchant God: Dostoevky’s Economy of Salvation and Antisemitism. Evanston, Ill.: Northwestern University Press, 2008. XIII, 241 S. (Studies in Russian Literature and Theory; 6) ISBN 978-0-8101-2439-4
Role of patient safety in the official approval of new surgical techniques and devices
Authors: Baranyai Zsolt , Jósa Valéria , Kulin László
Published: December 2011

Health technological industry brings every year thousands of new devices to the market worldwide. However, there is a large gap between the process of device approval and the control after release. Although, drugs can be used in health care only if they underwent randomized placebo controlled trials there are only a few devices that had similar studies. Surgery is a dangerous part of medicine and new technologies can represent hazard for patient safety. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 2091–2095.
Combined Strategy of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Injection With Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Diabetes‐Associated Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Qiu Xuefeng , Sun Chao , Yu Wen , Lin Haocheng , Sun Zhaorui , Chen Yun , Wang Run , Dai Yutian
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT: This study was designed to investigate the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor 164 adenovirus (Ad‐VEGF164)–transfected mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on improving erectile function in diabetic rats. Forty‐five male Sprague‐Dawley rats were injected with streptozotocin to develop type 1 diabetes, whereas 10 served as normal controls. Diabetic rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: rats that underwent intracavernous injection with phosphate‐buffered saline (DM+PBS), unmodified MSCs (DM+MSC), and Ad‐VEGF164–transfected MSCs (DM+VMSC). Normal controls received intracavernous injection of PBS. Four weeks after injection, erectile function was measured by cavernous nerve electrostimulation. Penile tissue was harvested for histology and enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Prior to injection, high expression of VEGF was confirmed in Ad‐VEGF164–transfected MSCs by enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Four weeks after injection, the erectile function, as well as the content of smooth muscle and endothelium in corpus cavernosum increased significantly in the MSC‐injected groups compared with the DM+PBS group. There was a significant improvement of erectile function, the content of smooth muscle and endothelium, and the VEGF concentration in the corpus cavernosum in the DM+VMSC group compared with the DM+MSC group. Our study validates the effect of intracavernous injection of MSCs for diabetes‐associated erectile dysfunction in an animal model. The combined strategy of MSC injection with VEGF gene therapy–enhanced therapy of MSCs for the treatment of diabetes‐associated erectile dysfunction.