bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Google ads and the blindspot debate
Authors: Lee Micky
Published: April 2011

This article renews Dallas Smythe’s ‘blindspot’ argument by examining the economy of Google advertising. I argue that Google sells at least three types of commodities: keywords, statistics of keywords, and search results. Through a vertically integrated system, Google sells to advertisers commodities that have no exchange value outside the Google ads system. Moreover, Google creates an ideology that the world’s information is at the users’ fingertips, which encourages users to search more, and hence view more advertisements.
An alternative approach for statistical single-label document classification of newspaper articles
Authors: Mamakis Georgios , Malamos Athanasios G. , Ware J. Andrew
Published: April 2011

Text classification is one of the most important sectors of machine learning theory. It enables a series of tasks among which are email spam filtering and context identification. Classification theory proposes a number of different techniques based on different technologies and tools. Classification systems are typically distinguished into single-label categorization and multi-label categorization systems, according to the number of categories they assign to each of the classified documents. In this paper, we present work undertaken in the area of single-label classification which resulted in a statistical classifier, based on the Naive Bayes assumption of statistical independence of word occurrence across a document. Our algorithm, takes into account cross-category word occurrence in deciding the class of a random document. Moreover, instead of estimating word co-occurrence in assigning a class, we estimate word contribution for a document to belong in a class. This approach outperforms other statistical classifiers as Naive Bayes Classifier and Language Models, as proven in our results.
Donor-Shared Siblings or Genetic Strangers
Authors: Hertz Rosanna , Mattes Jane
Published: April 2011

Donor-shared sibling families have recently emerged. Families who conceived using the same anonymous donor are locating one another through websites designed to match children with their biogenetic half-siblings. Based on a survey of 587 parents with donor-conceived children, we discovered that a growing number of unrelated parents whose children are genetically related are organizing into durable groups. These groups mainly exist on the Internet where members can choose their level of participation. A smaller group has met offline, but most select one or two families they especially connect with. Overall, these families illustrate that genetics cannot be ignored. Whereas some respondents view donor-siblings as a latent affiliation—an insurance policy for future questions by their children—others have used the Internet as a social arena to connect and form relationships. In this new world, the Internet is altering how kinship is discovered and formed.
Key Themes and Research Agendas in the Sport-Alcohol Nexus
Authors: Palmer Catherine
Published: April 2011

This article synthesizes the main themes and research agendas that have been explored in studies of sports-associated drinking. It identifies four themes in which sport and alcohol come together: (a) the commercial economy; (b) social practices and cultural identities; (c) crime and violence; and (d) health behaviors. The article highlights the paradoxical and contradictory nature of the sport-alcohol nexus, especially in relation to health behaviors and crime and violence, where sport is both a context for and a “solution” to health damaging and criminal behavior. The article also argues for the contribution that studies of sports-based drinking can make to the sociology of sport and alcohol use more broadly, particularly with regard to applying new theoretical perspectives such as “calculated hedonism” and “casual leisure” to drinking in sporting contexts. It also extends our analysis of the beer-sport-gender “holy trinity” to considering drinking by women as well as among less traditional forms of masculine identities.
Pathology of Clostridium perfringens Type C Enterotoxemia in Horses
Authors: Diab S. S. , Kinde H. , Moore J. , Shahriar M. F. , Odani J. , Anthenill L. , Songer G. , Uzal F. A.
Published: April 2011

Clostridium perfringens type C is an important cause of enteritis and enterocolitis in foals and occasionally in adult horses. The disease is a classic enterotoxemia, and the enteric lesions and systemic effects are caused primarily by beta toxin, 1 of 2 major toxins produced by C. perfringens type C. Until now, only sporadic cases of C. perfringens type C equine enterotoxemia have been reported. We present a comprehensive description of the lesions in 8 confirmed cases of type C enterotoxemia in foals and adult horses. Grossly, multifocal to segmental hemorrhage and thickening of the intestinal wall were most common in the small intestine, although the colon and cecum were also frequently affected. All horses had variable amounts of fluid, often hemorrhagic intestinal contents. The most characteristic microscopic lesion was necrotizing or necrohemorrhagic enteritis, with mucosal and/or submucosal thrombosis. Numerous gram-positive rods were occasionally seen in affected mucosa. A definitive diagnosis of C. perfringens type C enterotoxemia in all 8 cases was based on the clinical history, gross and histologic lesions, and detection of the beta toxin in intestinal contents.
Incarceration Among Male Veterans
Authors: Greenberg Greg A. , Rosenheck Robert A.
Published: April 2011

Using data from national surveys of jail and prison inmates conducted in 2002 and 2004, the authors found that male veterans in the age group that entered military service in the early years of the All Volunteer Force (AVF) were at greater risk of incarceration than nonveterans of similar age and ethnicity, whereas veterans who enlisted in later years of the AVF had less risk of incarceration than nonveterans. Although White veterans tend to have greater risk of incarceration than nonveteran Whites, Black and Hispanic veterans were at less risk than their nonveteran peers, although they are at greater risk than White veterans. These patterns are best explained by changes over time and in differential effects across racial/ethnic groups of recruiting practices, accession standards, and in civilian employment opportunities rather than combat trauma or other adverse experiences in the military. For example, reductions in the relative risk for incarceration of veterans during the AVF appear to generally result from increases in recruit qualifications and socioeconomic status due to greater military pay, improved skill in recruiting, and higher accession standards.
Effects of coupling agent on oil palm clinker and flour-filled polypropylene composites
Authors: Ramli R. , Yunus R.M. , Beg M.D.H. , Islam M.R.
Published: April 2011

This study gives the comparative analysis of polypropylene (PP)/oil palm flour (OPF) and PP/oil palm clinker (OPC) composites using maleated polypropylene (MAPP) as a coupling agent. Ground flour and crashed OPC were compounded separately into polypropylene with and without MAPP using a twin-screw compounder. The incorporated OPF and OPC in the composites were up to 40 wt%. The compounded samples were prepared into test specimens by injection molder. The composites were characterized by tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact strength, and melt flow index. The surface morphology of composites was evaluated by scanning electron microscope. Incorporation of coupling agent showed better result than that of without coupling agent. Various properties of composites incorporated with OPC represented considerably close to the composites with OPF.
Anatomy of a Fraud: Trust and Social Networks
Authors: Comet Catherine
Published: April 2011

Anatomie d’une escroquerie : Confiance et réseaux sociaux. Comment les réseaux sociaux favorisent-ils la confiance dans le cas des escroqueries ? L’affaire Santa est un « cas stratégique » de par son ampleur et sa durée. Ce cas d’escroquerie présente de fortes spécificités, dans la mesure où il concerne essentiellement des militaires expatriés outre-mer. Deux officiers ont démarché ces militaires pour leur proposer de soi-disant placements financiers à haut rendement. Je m’intéresse plus précisément aux leviers utilisés par ces démarcheurs, c’est-à-dire aux relations communes dont ils se recommandaient, et à la nature du lien entre ces leviers et les cibles démarchées en fonction du statut des cibles (sous-officiers, officiers ou civils). Les analyses portent sur une enquête par questionnaire auprès de 117 victimes de l’escroquerie.
Resistance and Dissent in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Falk Barbara J.
Published: April 2011

This article offers both a genealogy of academic interest in resistance and dissent in the region, as well as an overview of current directions in research. Four kinds of sources are canvassed to paint as fulsome a picture as a short article permits. First, the original literature on dissent prior to the conclusion of the Cold War is reviewed, beginning with the seminal challenge to the “totalitarian” school presented by Gordon Skilling’s seminal article in World Politics . Second, key texts written in the two decades since the fall of communism on the impact of resistance and dissent are examined. Trajectories of initial research in the post-communist era are outlined, along with an assessment of how more recent texts of the “twenty years since the Fall” variety account for resistance and dissent. Finally, results of a short survey conducted by the author and sent to both established and emerging scholars in Europe and North America who are interested, have written on, and/or published on forms of resistance and dissent add a critical contemporary dimension to the analysis.
How Communist Cadres Persuaded Romanian Peasants to Give Up Their Land
Authors: Verdery Katherine , Kligman Gail
Published: April 2011

The collectivization of agriculture in the Soviet bloc caused millions of peasants to sign away their rights to land and join collective farms. How did Party cadres accomplish this extraordinary change? In this article, drawn from a large collaborative project, the authors present examples from Romania to describe one of the central techniques used: “persuasion work.” The authors focus on how the persuaders sought to create their authority with villagers, peasants’ and cadres’ reciprocal manipulations of kinship and gender, cadres’ disruptions of the accustomed spatial and temporal organization of village life and peasant responses to them, bargaining and negotiations between cadres and villagers, and more overt forms of “persuasive” coercion. Although persuasion was ostensibly about creating an inner state of belief—convincing peasants of the superiority of collective agriculture—the authors argue that it is more appropriately seen as a performative matter, in which peasants learned to perform the consent that was required of them, whether they believed in the virtues of collectivizing or not. Among the reasons was that Romania’s cadres were largely ill prepared for the job and were unable to be very persuasive. Thus, they both relied on force (thereby heightening peasants’ resistance to joining the collectives) and settled for villagers’ pro forma adherence rather than their active conviction.
Variations in spruce (Picea sp.) distribution in the Chinese Loess Plateau and surrounding areas during the Holocene
Authors: Zhou Xinying , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: April 2011

Based on published pollen data from 44 sites in the Loess Plateau and surrounding areas, we recalculate values of Picea abundance digitized from the original diagrams and construct six isopoll maps to reconstruct the distribution of spruce forest at 2000 yr intervals during the Holocene. Spruce forest gradually expanded from about 10 ka BP ago and reached its peak distribution around 8 ka BP. It retained its maximum extent between 8 ka BP and 6 ka BP, broadly covering the subalpine area and stretching to the valleys of the western Loess Plateau with high densities and even reaching the edges of the adjacent desert regions. After 6 ka BP, spruce forest began to retreat to higher elevations. This trend was accelerated after 4 ka BP. After 2 ka BP, it disappeared completely from the Loess Plateau and most of its surrounding areas. Precipitation strongly dominated by the Asian summer monsoon was the primary controlling factor in the distribution of spruce before 2 ka BP. After about 2 ka BP, the increasing intensity of human activity became the primary factor in the disappearance of spruce in the Loess Plateau, resulting in an enormous impact on the present landscape.
Diatom-inferred wind activity at Lac du Sommet, southern Québec, Canada: A multiproxy paleoclimate reconstruction based on diatoms, chironomids and pollen for the past 9500 years
Authors: Hausmann Sonja , Larocque-Tobler Isabelle , Richard Pierre J.H. , Pienitz Reinhard , St-Onge Guillaume , Fye Falko
Published: April 2011

Paleo surface wind for southern Quebec was inferred quantitatively for the past 9500 years from diatom assemblages archived in the sediment of the shallow mountain Lac du Sommet using biweekly sediment trap samples along an elevation gradient in the study area. The wind reconstruction was compared with diatom-inferred dissolved organic carbon concentration, chironomid-inferred mean August air temperature, pollen, grain size and loss-on-ignition. Increased lake circulation, interpreted as indicating stronger surface winds, was inferred from diatoms around 8700, 4500, 3000 to 2000 cal. yr BP and during the past 250 years. Increased lake stratification was diatom-inferred from 7500 to 5000 cal. yr BP and between 1500 and 500 cal. yr BP. Diatom-inferred paleowinds were congruent with the regional fire history. In general, diatom production was significantly correlated with diatom-inferred lake circulation. Diatom-inferred lake circulation and diatom production were not correlated with the pollen assemblage changes, diatom-inferred dissolved organic carbon and chironomid-inferred August air temperature, which were highly intercorrelated. After the disappearance of the meltwater in the St Lawrence River valley, the chironomids reflected a warming trend that lasted until about 5000 cal. yr BP, trees replaced shrubs and diatom-inferred dissolved organic carbon increased from 4 mg/l to 6 mg/l. Diatom-inferred lake circulation exhibited periodicities of 200 and 900 years, whereas chironomid-inferred August air temperatures indicated a distinct (significant) 200 year periodicity.
Alpine debris-covered glaciers as a habitat for plant life
Authors: Caccianiga Marco , Andreis Carlo , Diolaiuti Guglielmina , D’Agata Carlo , Mihalcea Claudia , Smiraglia Claudio
Published: April 2011

Debris-covered glaciers represent a significant, increasing fraction of glaciers and can host plant life on their surface. The goal of this work was to evaluate the suitability of supraglacial debris as a habitat for plant life and to discuss its ecological and biogeographic role. The research was carried out on the Miage Glacier (Mont Blanc massif, Western Alps, Italy). Vegetation cover was sampled using a regular sampling grid, recording plant species and number of individuals in 71 plots. Detailed glaciological parameters (surface temperature, debris thickness, glacier surface velocity) were recorded or derived from published data. Relationships between vegetation and environmental variables were assessed through Generalized Linear Models, Principal Components Analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis. The glacier surface hosted a high biodiversity, with 40 vascular plant species, including trees and shrubs. Plant cover was arranged along an altitude/glacier velocity gradient, whilst debris thickness as low as 10 cm could sustain plant growth on moving ice. Glacier velocity was the main physical factor affecting vegetation cover, probably through its influence on debris stability. The observed species assemblage is comparable with those of subalpine glacier forelands, but with the addition of high-altitude species. Debris-covered glaciers can provide a relatively favourable habitat for plant life wherever the glacier surface is sufficiently stable, acting as a refugium of high-altitude taxa below their altitudinal limits. Glaciers may behave as a dispersal vector for alpine plant species, which could have been important both during glacial periods and during warm stages of the Holocene.
Electromechanical Modeling and Normal Form Analysis of an Aeroelastic Micro-Power Generator
Authors: Bibo Amin , Gang Li  , Daqaq Mohammed F.
Published: April 2011

Combining theories in continuous-systems vibrations, piezoelectricity, and fluid dynamics, we develop and experimentally validate an analytical electromechanical model to predict the response behavior of a self-excited micro-power generator. Similar to music-playing harmonica that create tones via oscillations of reeds when subjected to air blow, the proposed device uses flow-induced self-excited oscillations of a piezoelectric beam embedded within a cavity to generate electric power. To obtain the desired model, we adopt the nonlinear Euler-Bernoulli beam’s theory and linear constitutive relationships. We use Hamilton’s principle in conjunction with electric circuits theory and the inextensibility condition to derive the partial differential equation that captures the transversal dynamics of the beam and the ordinary differential equation governing the dynamics of the harvesting circuit. Using the steady Bernoulli equation and the continuity equation, we further relate the exciting pressure at the surface of the beam to the beam’s deflection, and the inflow rate of air. Subsequently, we employ a Galerkin’s descritization to reduce the order of the model and show that a single-mode reduced-order model of the infinite-dimensional system is sufficient to predict the response behavior. Using the method of multiple scales, we develop an approximate analytical solution of the resulting reduced-order model near the stability boundary and study the normal form of the resulting bifurcation. We observe that a Hopf bifurcation of the supercritical nature is responsible for the onset of limit-cycle oscillations.
Temperature-Dependent Response of Radially Polarized Piezoceramic Cylinders to Harmonic Loadings
Authors: Babaei M.H. , Akhras G.
Published: April 2011

Modeling the behavior of a radially polarized, hollow piezoelectric cylinder working at different temperature conditions is the topic of this article. The temperature dependence is taken into account through temperature-dependent material properties, pyroelectricity, and thermal dimension changes, simultaneously. The cylinder is electrically excited at its outer surface by a harmonic voltage. Two different structural boundary conditions being clamped-free and traction-free cases are considered. Symmetry of the structure, boundary conditions, and applied harmonic loads lead to an axisymmetric problem which is solved analytically. Temperature dependence of the first resonance frequency, radial stress, and displacement of the cylinder for different structural boundary conditions are then investigated. It was shown that the resonance frequency of the device is almost temperature independent in the traction-free case while it changes in the clamped-free case. The derived equations are verified by other published data and the finite-element software of Comsol Multiphysics.
A Framework to Analyze Knowledge Work in Distributed Teams
Authors: Bosch-Sijtsema Petra M. , Fruchter Renate , Vartiainen Matti , Ruohomäki Virpi
Published: April 2011

This article presents a framework to analyze knowledge work in the changing context of new ways of working. Knowledge work increasingly takes place as collaboration from different and changing workplaces due to mobility, multilocational, and geographical distribution of participants. We define the framework based on five key factors that pose challenges to the performance and productivity of knowledge work performed in distributed teams. The framework extends and integrates traditional performance models of task, team structure, and work process, with context factors like workplace, organization policy, and information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure. The framework is applied in a qualitative comparative cross-case analysis to eight globally distributed teams in two Fortune 100 high-tech companies. We conclude with a series of specific challenges for each factor when studying distributed knowledge work. It is shown that due to changing contexts knowledge workers, teams, and organizations need to constantly adapt, readjust, and realign according to the five factors.
Research and Activism Review: Sex Trafficking in Nepal: A Review of Intervention and Prevention Programs
Authors: Kaufman Michelle R. , Crawford Mary
Published: April 2011

Trafficking of girls and women for the purpose of sexual exploitation is a problem worldwide, particularly in South Asia. This review focuses on Nepal-to-India sex trafficking with an examination of current anti-trafficking intervention and prevention programs. The activities of both governmental agencies and nongovernment organizations are described and critically analyzed. Suggestions for evaluating and improving interventions, and thereby reducing the trafficking of girls and women, are discussed.
The Income Elasticity of Lottery: New Evidence from Micro Data
Authors: Pérez Levi , Humphreys Brad R.
Published: April 2011

The authors analyze consumer expenditure on the National Lottery in Spain, a popular game with over 100 draws per year and annual turnover of about three billion euros. Based on Tobit estimates using data from two nationally representative surveys, National Lottery players tend to be middle-aged married males with relatively low education. In contrast to previous research, the authors find a strong relationship between lottery expenditure and income, with estimated income elasticities of more than one. A parameter decomposition indicates that the effect of income on expenditure works through existing lottery players, not by attracting new players.
Fluorinated mix in plain ZDDP oil and commercial oil using design of experiment analysis of all interactions and fundamental study of fluorinated mix in plain ZDDP oils under 2 different r/min test cycles and extreme boundary lubrication
Authors: Nehme G , Dib M
Published: April 2011

Wear performance of engine oil was studied in the presence of submicron iron fluoride (FeF3) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) using 2 different r/min test cycles and a ball-on-ring wear tester apparatus under boundary lubrication. The submicron powder mix was called fluorinated mixture with FeF3 catalyst to PTFE ratio of [1:2]. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analysis of PTFE and FeF3 presented clear evidence of the catalyst importance in preparing the surface and lowering energy barrier.

An explicit design of experiment analysis was developed to investigate the interactions of the fluorinated mix in commercial fully formulated oil and in plain oils subject to 2 different r/min test cycles of 100 r/min for the first 5000 revolutions and a 700 r/min until failure or 100 000 revolutions whichever comes first. All tests were generated under extreme boundary lubrication (Hertzian contact pressure of 2.72 GPa) and compared with 1 cycle at 700 r/min. The tests cylinders were baked in oil for a specific period of time and this was included as a factor in the 2-level factorial of the design of experiment (DOE).

A fundamental and analytical study of the friction and wear performance was carried out on the plain zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDP) oil+(FeF3, PTFE) optimized DOE combination to justify the model predictions of the DOE. The fundamental analysis did not include commercial oils in the study since there were many components that affect the wear performance and frictional behaviour.

Friction coefficient under boundary lubrication is affected by many factors. In order to study the friction characteristic of optimized tests, DOE was used to simplify experimentations and to investigate the failure and wear responses with respect to fluorinated mix interactions in plain and fully formulated oils. The 2 different r/min cycles tests indicate better performance than the one continuous 700 r/min cycle tests. Findings indicate that the positive factors affecting friction and wear are fluorinated mix concentrations together with oil formulations. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, focus ion beam, X-ray of wear track, and Auger electron spectroscopy were used to characterize the tribofilm of the two optimized tests of fluorinated mix in plain ZDDP oil under 1 continuous 700 r/min and 2 different r/min test cycles. Results indicate that the thickness of the tribofilms is in the range of 220 nm and phosphorus exists in both wear tracks with more traces in the 2 r/min cycles sample.
The impact of intensity variations in T1-hypointense lesions on clinical correlations in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tam RC , Traboulsee A , Riddehough A , Sheikhzadeh F , DKB Li
Published: April 2011

Background: The correlations between T1-hypointense lesion (‘black hole’) volume and clinical measures have varied widely across previous studies. The degree of hypointensity in black holes is associated with the severity of tissue damage, but the impact on the correlation with disability is unknown.

Objectives: To determine how variations in the intensity level used for lesion classification can impact clinical correlation, specifically with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and whether using a restricted range can improve correlation.

Methods: A highly automated image analysis procedure was applied to the scans of 24 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with well-distributed EDSS scores to compute their black hole volumes at nine different levels of intensity relative to the reference intensities sampled in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Two methods of volume computation were used.

Results: The black hole volume–EDSS Spearman correlations ranged between 0.49–0.73 (first method) and 0.54–0.74 (second method). The strongest correlations were observed by only including the voxels with maximum intensities at 30–40% of the CSF to NAWM range.

Conclusions: Intensity variations can have a large impact on black hole–EDSS correlation. Restricting the measurement to a subset of the darkest voxels may yield stronger correlations.
Beyond the pale: The Blackbird web browser’s critical reception
Authors: Brock André
Published: April 2011

The browser has become part of our communicative infrastructure, invisible to our information literacy practices until a rupture occurs. In December 2008, the Mozilla-variant ‘niche’ browser, Blackbird, was released. Blackbird’s cultural affiliation with African American users became the rupture for pundits and early adopters. It was derided as racist, unnecessary, and pejorative to the actual needs of Black internet users. This article examines the racial and technological discourses surrounding Blackbird’s release on technology and cultural blogs. Findings indicate that racial ideologies play a factor in the reception of this culturally themed ICT artifact.
Revisiting health policy and the World Bank in Bolivia
Authors: Silva Herland Tejerina , De Paepe Pierre , Soors Werner , Lanza Oscar V. , Closon Marie-Christine , Van Dessel Patrick , Unger Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2011

This article analyses the influence of the World Bank on reforms of the health sector in Bolivia during the period 1986–2006, and assesses their impact on the health care delivery system to date. The article examines the transformation of health services undertaken by the current socialist government since 2006. A literature review and interviews with decision-makers critically examine the outcome of reforms on criteria linked to health system integration. The study illustrates that Bolivia applied quite comprehensively the WB recommendations. Among others these included indirect privatization through public health services’ restriction of access to a basic package of care and decentralization with devolution. In consequence, the segmentation and fragmentation of the health system was exacerbated, accessibility and quality of care suffered and health status barely improved. The article attempts to locate the relationship between policy, health care delivery and health systems functioning.
Feeding Therapy in a Child With Autistic Disorder: Sequential Food Presentation
Authors: Kozlowski Alison M. , Matson Johnny L. , Fodstad Jill C. , Moree Brittany N.
Published: April 2011

The authors describe a feeding intervention for a 9-year-old male diagnosed with autistic disorder and mild mental retardation (also known as intellectual disability) who experienced food refusal related to food selectivity. Based on the results of a functional behavioral assessment, food refusal was found to be maintained by escape and tangible functions. Therefore, an intervention using escape extinction (i.e., nonremoval of nonpreferred foods with physical guidance as a secondary procedure), positive reinforcement (i.e., preferred foods and toys), and sequential food presentation was implemented. The child was successful in eating many novel foods both within the clinic and home environments. A 1-year follow-up found the effects of treatment to be maintained with significant increases in number of foods eaten and significant decreases in mealtime-related behavioral challenges. The treatment implications, recommendations to clinicians, and areas of future research are discussed.
Antitumor Activities of an Anthraquinone Fraction Isolated From In Vitro Cultures of Ophiorrhiza rugosa var decumbens
Authors: Raveendran Vineesh V. , Vijayan Fijesh P. , Padikkala Jose
Published: April 2011

The biological effects of the anthraquinone fraction (AQf) isolated from in vitro cultures of Ophiorrhiza rugosa Wall. var decumbens (Rubiaceae) were evaluated. AQf showed differential activity on reactive oxygen species; it mediated the generation of superoxide radical and inhibited hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxidation. No considerable nitric oxide scavenging activity was observed for AQf. The AQf induced 50% cytotoxicity in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and Dalton’s lymphoma ascites at concentrations of 130 and 60 µg/mL, respectively. It effectively reduced the inflammation induced by carrageenan in mice. An AQf concentration of 200 mg/kg body weight reduced solid tumor progression in mice. It also prolonged the life span of ascites tumor–bearing mice compared with control mice.
Blistering Digital Dactylitis Complicated by Osteomyelitis and Amputation in an HIV-Positive Infant
Authors: Oyedeji Olusola A. , Oluwadiya Kehinde S. , Aremu Ademola A.
Published: April 2011

HIV infection is rapidly emerging as a predominant cause of morbidity and mortality in children from developing countries. This probably accounts for the many reports that have emanated from resource-limited settings in the last decade. Reports highlighting bone infections and untoward complications in HIV-infected children are rare. This informed our decision to report the case of a 9-month-old HIV-positive Nigerian girl who presented with blistering dactylitis of the right middle finger. Plain radiograph of the right hand showed amputation of the terminal phalanx and changes consistent with osteomyelitis in the middle phalanx of the third finger. The case is discussed with a view of highlighting this rare complication and the challenges associated with management in a resource-limited setting.
Do Female and Male Role Models Who Embody STEM Stereotypes Hinder Women’s Anticipated Success in STEM?
Authors: Cheryan Sapna , Siy John Oliver , Vichayapai Marissa , Drury Benjamin J. , Kim Saenam
Published: April 2011

Women who have not yet entered science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields underestimate how well they will perform in those fields (e.g., Correll, 2001 ; Meece, Parsons, Kaczala, & Goff, 1982). It is commonly assumed that female role models improve women’s beliefs that they can be successful in STEM. The current work tests this assumption. Two experiments varied role model gender and whether role models embody computer science stereotypes. Role model gender had no effect on success beliefs. However, women who interacted with nonstereotypical role models believed they would be more successful in computer science than those who interacted with stereotypical role models. Differences in women’s success beliefs were mediated by their perceived dissimilarity from stereotypical role models. When attempting to convey to women that they can be successful in STEM fields, role model gender may be less important than the extent to which role models embody current STEM stereotypes.
A randomized, double-blind study of romiplostim to determine its safety and efficacy in children with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Bussel James B. , Buchanan George R. , Nugent Diane J. , Gnarra David J. , Bomgaars Lisa R. , Blanchette Victor S. , Wang Yow-Ming , Nie Kun , Jun Susie
Published: April 2011

Romiplostim, a thrombopoietin-mimetic peptibody, increases and maintains platelet counts in adults with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). In this first study of a thrombopoietic agent in children, patients with ITP of ≥ 6 months' duration were stratified by age 1:2:2 (12 months-< 3 years; 3-< 12 years; 12-< 18 years). Children received subcutaneous injections of romiplostim (n = 17) or placebo (n = 5) weekly for 12 weeks, with dose adjustments to maintain platelet counts between 50 × 109/L and 250 × 109/L. A platelet count ≥ 50 × 109/L for 2 consecutive weeks was achieved by 15/17 (88%) patients in the romiplostim group and no patients in the placebo group (P = .0008). Platelet counts ≥ 50 × 109/L were maintained for a median of 7 (range, 0-11) weeks in romiplostim patients and 0 (0-0) weeks in placebo patients (P = .0019). The median weekly dose of romiplostim at 12 weeks was 5 μg/kg. Fourteen responders received romiplostim for 4 additional weeks for assessment of pharmacokinetics. No patients discontinued the study. There were no treatment-related, serious adverse events. The most commonly reported adverse events in children, as in adults, were headache and epistaxis. In this short-term study, romiplostim increased platelet counts in 88% of children with ITP and was well-tolerated and apparently safe.

The trial was registered with http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00515203.
Chemoimmunotherapy with O-FC in previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Wierda William G. , Kipps Thomas J. , Dürig Jan , Griskevicius Laimonas , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Mayer Jiří , Smolej Lukáš , Hess Georg , Griniute Rasa , Hernandez-Ilizaliturri Francisco J. , Padmanabhan Swaminathan , Gorczyca Michele , Chang Chai-Ni , Chan Geoffrey , Gupta Ira , Nielsen Tina G. , Russell Charlotte A.
Published: April 2011

We conducted an international phase 2 trial to evaluate 2 dose levels of ofatumumab, a human CD20 mAb, combined with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (O-FC) as frontline therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Patients with active CLL were randomized to ofatumumab 500 mg (n = 31) or 1000 mg (n = 30) day 1, with fludarabine 25 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 250 mg/m2 days 2-4, course 1; days 1-3, courses 2-6; every 4 weeks for 6 courses. The first ofatumumab dose was 300 mg for both cohorts. The median age was 56 years; 13% of patients had a 17p deletion; 64% had β2-microglobulin > 3.5 mg/L. Based on the 1996 National Cancer Institute Working Group (NCI-WG) guidelines, the complete response (CR) rate as assessed by an independent review committee was 32% for the 500-mg and 50% for the 1000-mg cohort; the overall response (OR) rate was 77% and 73%, respectively. Based on univariable regression analyses, β2-microglobulin and the number of O-FC courses were significantly correlated (P < .05) with CR and OR rates and progression-free survival (PFS). The most frequent Common Terminology Criteria (CTC) grade 3-4 investigator-reported adverse events were neutropenia (48%), thrombocytopenia (15%), anemia (13%), and infection (8%). O-FC is active and safe in treatment-naive patients with CLL, including high-risk patients. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00410163.
Membrane CD14, but not soluble CD14, is used by exoenzyme S fromP. aeruginosato signal proinflammatory cytokine production
Authors: Berenger Byron M , Hamill Jay , Stack Danuta , Montgomery Elisha , Huston Shaunna M , Timm-McCann Martina , Epelman Slava , Mody Christopher H
Published: April 2011

Recognition of TLR agonists involves a complex interplay among a variety of serum and cell membrane molecules, including mCD14 and sCD14 that is not fully understood. TLR activation results in downstream signaling that induces inflammatory cytokine production in response to pathogenic molecules, such as ExoS, which is a TLR2 and TLR4 agonist produced by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We reasoned that responses to ExoS, a protein, might differ from canonical TLR agonists such as LPS. Stimulating the expression of mCD14 with vitamin D3 enhanced the response to ExoS and LPS. Also, blocking anti-CD14 antibody or removing mCD14 using PLC reduced responses to ExoS and LPS. Furthermore, CD14-deficient cells were unable to bind and respond to ExoS, which was restored by stable transfection of mCD14, indicating that mCD14 was required for the response to ExoS. However, addition of sCD14 to culture enhanced responsiveness to LPS but not ExoS. Moreover, the addition of serum did not alter the response to ExoS but enhanced the response to LPS. Despite differences of adaptor molecule use between ExoS and LPS, lipid antagonists that compete for LPS binding to CD14 also inhibited the response to ExoS. These results highlight a fundamental difference between TLR agonists in their requirements for CD14 and serum components. These results suggest that understanding the dissimilarities and targeting overlapping sites of interaction on CD14 may yield a synergistic, clinical benefit during infections where a variety of TLR agonists are present.
Cigarette Smoking Is Associated With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Tsivian Matvey , Moreira Daniel M. , Caso Jorge R. , Mouraviev Vladimir , Polascik Thomas J.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

Cigarette smoking is a recognized risk factor for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but little data are available on the association between smoking and RCC biology. We investigated the association between cigarette smoking and RCC stage in a large contemporary multiethnic surgical cohort.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the demographic, clinical, and pathologic data of patients undergoing surgery for RCC between 2000 and 2009. Advanced RCC was defined as metastatic disease, pathologic stage ≥ T3, and/or lymph node involvement. Self-reported smoking history included smoking status, duration, intensity, cumulative exposure, and cessation. Patient and tumor characteristics were compared between the groups in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Of the 845 eligible patients, 19.4% and 29.1% were current and former smokers, respectively, and 207 patients (24.5%) had advanced disease. In both univariate and multivariate analyses, smoking was consistently associated with advanced RCC, and cessation reversed the risk. Current and former smokers had 1.5- and 1.6-fold increased odds of advanced disease, respectively. Heavier smoking (longer duration and exposure) was associated with increased risk of advanced RCC, whereas durable cessation reduced the odds of advanced disease.

Conclusion

Cigarette smoking is an independent risk factor for advanced RCC. Heavier smoking increases the likelihood of advanced disease. Durable smoking cessation attenuated the risk of advanced disease. Given that cigarette smoking is among the few modifiable risk factors for RCC, our results reinforce the importance of smoking cessation and encourage further investigation of the association between smoking and RCC biology.
Randomized Trial of the Effect of the Low Molecular Weight Heparin Nadroparin on Survival in Patients With Cancer
Authors: van Doormaal Frederiek F. , Di Nisio Marcello , Otten Hans-Martin , Richel Dick J. , Prins Martin , Buller Harry R.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

Earlier studies showed that low molecular weight heparin significantly prolongs the survival of a wide variety of patients with cancer without venous thromboembolism. This study was designed to confirm these findings in a more homogeneous group of patients with cancer.

Patients and Methods

In this multicenter, randomized, open-label study, patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (stage IIIB), hormone-refractory prostate cancer, or locally advanced pancreatic cancer were randomly assigned to nadroparin or to no nadroparin in addition to their standard anticancer treatment. In the nadroparin arm, subcutaneous nadroparin was administered for 6 weeks (2 weeks at therapeutic dose, and 4 weeks at half therapeutic dose). The patients were eligible to receive additional cycles of nadroparin (2 weeks at therapeutic dose, and 4 weeks of washout period). Outcomes were overall survival, time to progression, and major bleeding. All study outcomes were adjudicated by an independent, blinded committee.

Results

A total of 244 patients were allocated to nadroparin, and 259 were allocated to the control group. A median survival of 13.1 months was observed in the nadroparin recipients compared with 11.9 months in the no-treatment arm (hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.18, adjusted for cancer type). No difference in time to progression was observed. The number of major bleedings was comparable at 4.1% in the nadroparin set and 3.5% in the control set.

Conclusion

This study did not show a survival benefit of nadroparin in patients with advanced prostate, lung, or pancreatic cancer. Given the ongoing studies in this area and the previous data, the role of low molecular weight heparins in cancer survival remains undefined.
Phase II Study of Belinostat in Patients With Recurrent or Refractory Advanced Thymic Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Giaccone Giuseppe , Rajan Arun , Berman Arlene , Kelly Ronan J. , Szabo Eva , Lopez-Chavez Ariel , Trepel Jane , Lee Min-Jung , Cao Liang , Espinoza-Delgado Igor , Spittler John , Loehrer Patrick J.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

Thymic epithelial tumors are rare malignancies, and there is no standard treatment for patients with advanced disease in whom chemotherapy has failed. Antitumor activity of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in this disease has been documented, including one patient with thymoma treated with the pan-HDAC inhibitor belinostat.

Patients and Methods

Patients with advanced thymic epithelial malignancies in whom at least one line of platinum-containing chemotherapy had failed were eligible for this study. Other eligibility criteria included adequate organ function and good performance status. Belinostat was administered intravenously at 1 g/m2 on days 1 to 5 of a 21-day cycle until disease progression or development of intolerance. The primary objective was response rate in patients with thymoma.

Results

Of the 41 patients enrolled, 25 had thymoma, and 16 had thymic carcinoma; patients had a median of two previous systemic regimens (range, one to 10 regimens). Treatment was well tolerated, with nausea, vomiting, and fatigue being the most frequent adverse effects. Two patients achieved partial response (both had thymoma; response rate, 8%; 95% CI, 2.2% to 25%), 25 had stable disease, and 13 had progressive disease; there were no responses among patients with thymic carcinoma. Median times to progression and survival were 5.8 and 19.1 months, respectively. Survival of patients with thymoma was significantly longer than that of patients with thymic carcinoma (median not reached v 12.4 months; P = .001). Protein acetylation, regulatory T-cell numbers, and circulating angiogenic factors did not predict outcome.

Conclusion

Belinostat has modest antitumor activity in this group of heavily pretreated thymic malignancies. However, the duration of response and disease stabilization is intriguing, and additional testing of belinostat in this disease is warranted.
The Good News-Bad News Effect: Asymmetric Processing of Objective Information about Yourself
Authors: Eil David , Rao Justin M
Published: April 2011

We study processing and acquisition of objective information regarding qualities that people care about, intelligence and beauty. Subjects receiving negative feedback did not respect the strength of these signals, were far less predictable in their updating behavior and exhibited an aversion to new information. In response to good news, inference conformed more closely to Bayes' Rule, both in accuracy and precision. Signal direction did not affect updating or acquisition in our neutral control. Unlike past work, our design varied direction and agreement with priors independently. The results indicate that confirmation bias is driven by direction; confirmation alone had no effect. (JEL D82, D83)
Taboos and Identity: Considering the Unthinkable
Authors: Fershtman Chaim , Gneezy Uri , Hoffman Moshe
Published: April 2011

A taboo is an “unthinkable” action. Even the thought of violating a taboo triggers a punishment. We consider a model in which taboos are part of the definition of one's identity. Deliberating over breaking the taboo changes the individual's choice set, and provides information on possible private benefits. The strength of the taboo is determined by the number of individuals that obey it. We analyze the relationship between social heterogeneity and taboos' strength. We then examine societies in which individuals choose among several identities characterized by different taboos. We characterize the conditions that give rise to a multi-identity society. (JEL Z13)
The Economics of Contingent Re-Auctions
Authors: Brusco Sandro , Lopomo Giuseppe , Marx Leslie M
Published: April 2011

We consider an auction environment where an object can be sold with usage restrictions that generate benefits to the seller but decrease buyers' valuations. In this environment, sellers such as the FCC have used “contingent re-auctions,” offering the restricted object with a reserve price, but re-auctioning it without restrictions if the reserve is not met. We show that contingent re-auctions are generally neither efficient nor optimal for the seller. We propose an alternative “exclusive-buyer mechanism” that can implement the efficient outcome in dominant strategies. In certain environments, parameters can be chosen so the seller's surplus is maximized across all selling procedures. (JEL D44, D82, H82)
Exclusive Contracts, Innovation, and Welfare
Authors: Chen Yongmin , Sappington David E. M
Published: April 2011

We extend Philippe Aghion and Patrick Bolton's (1987) classic model to analyze the equilibrium incidence and impact of exclusive contracts in a setting where research and development (R&D) drives industry performance. An exclusive contract between an incumbent supplier and a buyer arises when patent protection and/or the incumbent's R&D ability are sufficiently pronounced. The exclusive contract generally reduces the entrant's R&D, and can reduce the incumbent's R&D. Exclusive contracts reduce welfare if the incumbent's R&D ability is sufficiently limited, but can increase welfare if patent protection and the incumbent's R&D ability are sufficiently pronounced. (JEL D86, L14, O31)