bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bounded Empathy: Neural Responses to Outgroup Targets' (Mis)fortunes
Authors: Cikara Mina , Fiske Susan T.
Published: June 2011

The current study investigates whether mere stereotypes are sufficient to modulate empathic responses to other people's (mis)fortunes, how these modulations manifest in the brain, and whether affective and neural responses relate to endorsing harm against different outgroup targets. Participants feel least bad when misfortunes befall envied targets and worst when misfortunes befall pitied targets, as compared with ingroup targets. Participants are also least willing to endorse harming pitied targets, despite pitied targets being outgroup members. However, those participants who exhibit increased activation in functionally defined insula/middle frontal gyrus when viewing pity targets experience positive events not only report feeling worse about those events but also more willing to harm pity targets in a tradeoff scenario. Similarly, increased activation in anatomically defined bilateral anterior insula, in response to positive events, predicts increased willingness to harm envy targets, but decreased willingness to harm ingroup targets, above and beyond self-reported affect in response to the events. Stereotypes' specific content and not just outgroup membership modulates empathic responses and related behavioral consequences including harm.
Timing Spatial Conflict within the Parietal Cortex: A TMS Study
Authors: Schiff Sami , Bardi Lara , Basso Demis , Mapelli Daniela
Published: June 2011

Orienting and motor attention are known to recruit different regions within right and left parietal lobes. However, the time course and the role played by these modules when visual information competes for different motor response are still unknown. To deal with this issue, single-pulse TMS was applied over the angular (AG) and the supramarginal (SMG) gyri of both hemispheres at several time intervals during the execution of a Simon task. Suppression of the conflict between stimulus and response positions (i.e., the Simon effect) was found when TMS pulse was applied 130 msec after stimulus onset over the right AG and after 160 msec when applied over the left AG and SMG. Interestingly, only stimulation of the left SMG suppressed the asymmetry in conflict magnitude between left- and right-hand responses, usually observed in the Simon task. The present data show that orienting attention and motor attention processes are temporally, functionally, and spatially separated in the posterior parietal cortex, and both contribute to prime motor response during spatial conflict.
A Low-Order Model of Biological Neural Networks
Authors: Lo James Ting-Ho
Published: June 2011

A biologically plausible low-order model (LOM) of biological neural networks is proposed. LOM is a recurrent hierarchical network of models of dendritic nodes and trees; spiking and nonspiking neurons; unsupervised, supervised covariance and accumulative learning mechanisms; feedback connections; and a scheme for maximal generalization. These component models are motivated and necessitated by making LOM learn and retrieve easily without differentiation, optimization, or iteration, and cluster, detect, and recognize multiple and hierarchical corrupted, distorted, and occluded temporal and spatial patterns. Four models of dendritic nodes are given that are all described as a hyperbolic polynomial that acts like an exclusive-OR logic gate when the model dendritic nodes input two binary digits. A model dendritic encoder that is a network of model dendritic nodes encodes its inputs such that the resultant codes have an orthogonality property. Such codes are stored in synapses by unsupervised covariance learning, supervised covariance learning, or unsupervised accumulative learning, depending on the type of postsynaptic neuron. A masking matrix for a dendritic tree, whose upper part comprises model dendritic encoders, enables maximal generalization on corrupted, distorted, and occluded data. It is a mathematical organization and idealization of dendritic trees with overlapped and nested input vectors. A model nonspiking neuron transmits inhibitory graded signals to modulate its neighboring model spiking neurons. Model spiking neurons evaluate the subjective probability distribution (SPD) of the labels of the inputs to model dendritic encoders and generate spike trains with such SPDs as firing rates. Feedback connections from the same or higher layers with different numbers of unit-delay devices reflect different signal traveling times, enabling LOM to fully utilize temporally and spatially associated information. Biological plausibility of the component models is discussed. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate how LOM operates in retrieving, generalizing, and unsupervised and supervised learning.
The Dependence of Spike Field Coherence on Expected Intensity
Authors: Lepage Kyle Q. , Kramer Mark A. , Eden Uri T.
Published: June 2011

The coherence between neural spike trains and local-field potential recordings, called spike-field coherence, is of key importance in many neuroscience studies. In this work, aside from questions of estimator performance, we demonstrate that theoretical spike-field coherence for a broad class of spiking models depends on the expected rate of spiking. This rate dependence confounds the phase locking of spike events to field-potential oscillations with overall neuron activity and is demonstrated analytically, for a large class of stochastic models, and in simulation. Finally, the relationship between the spike-field coherence and the intensity field coherence is detailed analytically. This latter quantity is independent of neuron firing rate and, under commonly found conditions, is proportional to the probability that a neuron spikes at a specific phase of field oscillation. Hence, intensity field coherence is a rate-independent measure and a candidate on which to base the appropriate statistical inference of spike field synchrony.
Rainfall Response in Northeast Brazil from Ocean Climate Variability during the Second Half of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Lucena Daisy Beserra , Servain Jacques , Gomes Filho Manoel Francisco
Published: June 2011

The authors investigated the rainfall variability response in northern Northeast Brazil (NNEB) from El Niño/La Niña (EN/LN) events and from the meridional sea surface temperature gradient (MGRAD) over the tropical Atlantic during the period 1948–97. The diagnostic analysis was stratified according to four climatic series of scenarios associated with EN, LN, and positive and negative MGRAD. During ENs, which were more numerous and more intense after the 1970s, the MGRAD was generally not noticeable, and the drought impact in NNEB was mainly due to the warm Pacific influence. Conversely, during LNs, the MGRAD signal was important, but there was an inverse relationship between the third and the fourth quarters of the twentieth century. Thus, before the 1970s the LNs were associated with positive MGRAD, which led to an inverse influence inducing minor changes in seasonal rainfall in NNEB. After the 1970s the LNs were linked to negative MGRAD, which induced a cumulative wet influence in NNEB. The positive MGRADs were generally associated with ENs, which reinforced the drought impact in NNEB. The well-marked negative MGRADs, which all occurred after the beginning of the 1970s, were generally linked with large LNs that induced very consistent wet episodes in NNEB. Interestingly, the two low-frequency variations in the tropical oceans observed during the second half of the twentieth century (i.e., from a few to several strong ENs and from none to numerous strong negative MGRADs) occurred concomitantly with symmetric long-term changes in the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). This symmetrical long-term climate behavior during the second half of the twentieth century could have lead to an inverse influence on the climate over the north Northeast Brazil, in agreement with a quasi-null long-term trend of the rainfall observed in that region all along this period. Such symmetrical behavior seems to have been unique during the last 150 years.
The Displaced Northern Muslims of Sri Lanka: Special Problems and the Future
Authors: Imtiyaz ARM , Iqbal MCM
Published: June 2011

It has been widely established as fact that ethno-political conflict and civil war between the Tamils and the Sinhalese in Sri Lanka have generated immense sufferings among the Tamil and Sinhalese ethnic groups at the level of the masses. However, very little has been discussed about the plights of the Muslims of the North and East, particularly the former who became victims of the Sri Lanka’s long running ethnic conflict. In October 1990, the entire Muslim population of Jaffna, Vavumiya, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Kilinochchi districts in the northern region were evicted from their homes at gun point and turned into Internally Displaced Persons overnight by the Tamil Tigers (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam). Muslims of the North claim that they have some basic and important problems to be solved. This study attempts to identify some of the special problems of the expelled Northern Muslims who are languishing in the state supported refugee camps in Puttalam district. A questionnaire on the special problems of the Northern Muslims was circulated to the North Eastern youth, students, unemployed Muslims, and farmers. The population of the target group was selected randomly. More than 250 questionnaires were issued. Ninety percent of them responded to the questionnaire. Interviews were also conducted over the phone with an educated section of the Northern Muslims. Finally, solutions are suggested to the protracted ethno-political conflict based on power-sharing and easing the special problems of the Northern Muslims.
Using Anchoring Vignettes to Assess Group Differences in General Self-Rated Health
Authors: Grol-Prokopczyk Hanna , Freese Jeremy , Hauser Robert M.
Published: June 2011

This article addresses a potentially serious problem with the widely used self-rated health (SRH) survey item: that different groups have systematically different ways of using the item’s response categories. Analyses based on unadjusted SRH may thus yield misleading results. The authors evaluate anchoring vignettes as a possible solution to this problem. Using vignettes specifically designed to calibrate the SRH item and data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS; N = 2,625), the authors show how demographic and health-related factors, including sex and education, predict differences in rating styles. Such differences, when not adjusted for statistically, may be sufficiently large to lead to mistakes in rank orderings of groups. In the present sample, unadjusted models show that women have better SRH than men, but this difference disappears in models adjusting for women’s greater health-optimism. Anchoring vignettes appear a promising tool for improving intergroup comparability of SRH.
The Effect of Managerial Ownership on the Cost of Debt
Authors: Shuto Akinobu , Kitagawa Norio
Published: June 2011

This article examines the effect of managerial ownership ( MO) on the cost of debt as measured by the interest rate spread on corporate bonds for Japanese firms. First, the authors find that the MO is positively associated with interest rate spread after controlling for the other Japanese ownership structure, cross-shareholdings, and the stable shareholdings by financial institutions. Second, by employing factor analysis to measure the agency cost of debt ( ACD) based on financial variables, the authors also find that MO has higher correlation with interest rate spread when the ACD at the time of bond issue is already larger. The results are robust to additional analyses, including the possibility of nonlinear relationship, bond rating, endogeneity problem, and Fama and MacBeth approach. The results suggest that prospective bondholders use MO information to anticipate a firm’s future ACD and estimate it higher when the current ACD at issuing bond is already larger. The results also suggest that accounting information is useful to estimate the ACD and increase the efficiency of bond contracting. Finally, although previous studies are often prone to emphasizing the findings on the Japanese unique ownership structure, the results of this article reveal that traditional agency theory on MO apply to Japanese bond market, which is consistent with the findings of U.S. firms.
Mechanical Properties and Structural Design of a Novel Composite Box for High Aspect Ratio Wing
Authors: Long D.U.
Published: June 2011

A novel composite wing with Z-pin reinforced foam core sandwich panels was presented. It has high torsional and bending stiffness as well as improved damage tolerance. The collapse modes of Z-pinned core were summarized and developed, and then the failure envelopes under various stress conditions were given based on the Tsai–Wu failure criterion. An analytical approach was developed to assess the bending-twist properties of wing box, and the change of ply orientation of sandwich panel facesheets on the coupling coefficient was demonstrated. The Z-pinning parameter is determined by the applied bending moment and transverse loads. Numerical examples were presented to show the design parameters of Z-pinning for a given load case.
Processing and Properties of Polyethylene/Montmorillonite Nanocomposites
Authors: Merinska D. , Kubisova H. , Kalendova A. , Svoboda P. , Hromadkova J.
Published: June 2011

Polyethylene (PE) nanocomposite samples were prepared with Cloisite 25 A, 30B, and 93 A and Nanofil 5 and 3000 nanofillers. The amount of modified Na+ montmorillonite (MMT Na+) was fixed to 5 wt%. For the compounding of PE matrix and nanofillers, two different compounding equipments were used, KO Kneader Buss and APV twin-screw extruder. In all samples, maleic anhydride-modified PE (PEMa) was added as a compatibilizer. The content of PEMa in mixtures was always 5 wt%. The level of MMT exfoliation in the nanocomposite systems was studied by X-ray diffraction and by transmission electron microscopy observations. The properties of samples were evaluated by dynamical mechanical analysis ( E* modulus at 30°C) and by the measurement of tensile properties (stress and strain at break). Because of the possibility of usage of prepared materials in packaging industry, barrier properties were measured with focus on oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor permeability. The influence of two different used compounding equipments on the prepared nanocomposite samples of PE nanocomposites was discussed.
Antigen tissue distribution of Avian bornavirus (ABV) in psittacine birds with natural spontaneous proventricular dilatation disease and ABV genotype 1 infection
Authors: Wünschmann Arno , Honkavuori Kirsi , Briese Thomas , Lipkin W. Ian , Shivers Jan , Armien Aníbal G.
Published: June 2011

Tissues of 10 psittacines from aviary 1 (“case birds”) and 5 psittacines from different aviaries were investigated for the presence of Avian bornavirus (ABV) antigen by immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal serum specific for the viral nucleocapsid (N) protein. Seven of 10 case birds had clinical signs, and necropsy findings consistent with proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) while 3 case birds and the 5 birds from other aviaries did not exhibit signs and lesions of this disease. In birds with clinical signs of PDD, ABV antigen was largely limited to neuroectodermal cells including neurons, astroglia, and ependymal cells of the central nervous system, neurons of the peripheral nervous system, and adrenal cells. ABV antigen was present in the nuclei and cytoplasm of infected cells. In 2 case birds that lacked signs and lesions of PDD, viral antigen had a more widespread distribution and was present in nuclei and cytoplasm of epithelial cells of the alimentary and urogenital tract, retina, heart, skeletal muscle, and skin in addition to the mentioned neuroectodermal cells. ABV RNA was identified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in tissues of all 7 case birds available for testing from aviary 1, including 4 birds with PDD lesions and the 3 birds without PDD lesions. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of ABV genotype 1 in all cases. Findings further substantiate a role of ABV in PDD of psittacine bird species.
Why Attachment Security Matters
Authors: Mende Martin , Bolton Ruth N.
Published: June 2011

Relational orientations vary across customers, so marketing activities should be customized to individual customers or market segments. However, little is known about the underlying processes that influence how customers bond with a service firm and its employees. This article explains customer-firm and customer-employee relationships using attachment theory. It provides theoretical and empirical evidence that customers with low levels of attachment anxiety and low levels of attachment avoidance perceive a service firm and service employee more positively—in terms of satisfaction, trust, and affective commitment—than customers with high levels. However, since a service firm and service employee are separate attachment targets, this study also tests whether customers have a similar propensity to bond with both. Insecurely attached customers who find interpersonal bonds with employees deficient, compensate for this deficiency by being more likely to bond with the service firm. Companies that measure customer attachment styles can better segment markets, manage customer relationships, and allocate resources more effectively. For example, customers with low levels of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance toward the firm are candidates for social relationship programs, whereas customers with high levels of attachment avoidance are likely to be more responsive to financial reward programs.
Twelve (not so) angry men
Authors: Waller Bridget M. , Hope Lorraine , Burrowes Nina , Morrison Edward R.
Published: June 2011

Individuals in large groups do not always contribute equally to group decision making. This may be due to constraints on conversational group size, as when a group is comprised of more than 4 people, it spontaneously fissions into smaller groups within which conversations take place. Thus, if conversations are attempted in larger groups, some individuals will not be part of the spontaneously forming discursive subgroup and, consequently, may not contribute to group decision making. Here, using a mock jury paradigm, the effect of hierarchically subdividing groups to mimic the spontaneous formation of optimally sized conversational groups (while maintaining an overarching group size of 12) was tested. Individuals in the subdivided condition reported greater equality of contribution to the decision-making process than individuals in the control condition, and experienced less inhibition from participation due to the activities of others.
‘Moral journalists’: The emergence of new intermediaries of news in an age of digital media
Authors: Wiesslitz Carmit , Ashuri Tamar
Published: June 2011

The article examines how online journalism fosters new models of journalism that challenge journalistic values associated with modern era journalism. It focuses on the shift from ‘objective’ journalism to an ethical journalistic practice that aims to publicize a reality of suffering that is marginalized or even denied. We argue that the digital platforms facilitate the emergence of a new journalistic model – the model of the ‘moral journalist’. Unlike the ‘objective’ journalist who (supposedly) remains outside of events and reports only ‘facts’, and unlike the ‘advocate’ journalist who aims to bring about change by reporting on events in which they take part, the ‘moral journalist’ witnesses events that involve the suffering of others with the aim of changing the witnessed reality. The claims will be grounded in an analysis of one case study: the online journalistic activities of the members of ‘Machsom Watch’ – an all female organization whose members act to monitor the human rights of Palestinians at checkpoints set up by the Israeli army and post their reports on their website.
Short- to Mid-Term Results Using Autologous Bone-Marrow Mononuclear Cell Implantation Therapy as a Limb Salvage Procedure in Patients With Severe Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Franz Randall W. , Shah Kaushal J. , Johnson Jason D. , Pin Richard H. , Parks Alan M. , Hankins Thomas , Hartman Jodi F. , Wright Michelle L.
Published: June 2011

Short- to mid-term results of a prospective study evaluating dual intramuscular and intra-arterial autologous bone-marrow mononuclear cell (BM-MNC) implantation for the treatment of patients with severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD) in whom amputation was considered the only viable treatment option are presented. Ankle-brachial indices (ABIs), rest pain, and ulcer healing were assessed at 3 months. Success was defined as improvement in ABI measurements; absence of rest pain; absence of ulcers; and absence of major limb amputations. Twenty patients (21 limbs) have been enrolled. Three-month follow-up evaluation accounting included 18 patients (19 limbs). Four (22.2%) major and 2 (11.1%) minor amputations were performed within 3 months postoperatively. With 17 (94.4%) of 18 limbs demonstrating at least one criterion for success and major amputation avoided in 14 (77.8%) of 18 limbs at the 3-month evaluation, this specific BM-MNC implantation technique is an effective limb salvage strategy for patients with severe PAD.
Mortality and Treatment Failure among HIV-Infected Adults in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Chalamilla Guerino , Hawkins Claudia , Okuma James , Spiegelman Donna , Aveika Akum , Christian Beatrice , Koda Happiness , Kaaya Sylvia , Mtasiwa Deo , Fawzi Wafaie
Published: June 2011

Objectives:

Monitoring antiretroviral treatment (ART) outcomes is essential for assessing the success of HIV care and treatment programs in resource-limited settings (RLS).

Methods:

Longitudinal analyses of clinical and immunologic parameters in HIV-infected adults initiated on ART between November 2004 and June 2008 at Management and Development for Health (MDH)-Presidents Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief PEPFAR supported HIV care and treatment clinics in Tanzania.

Results:

A total of 12 842 patients were analyzed (65.9% female, median baseline CD4 count, 106 cells/mm3). Significant improvements in immunologic status were observed with an increase in CD4 count to 298 (interquartile range [IQR] 199-416), 372 (256-490) and 427 (314-580) cells/mm3, at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Overall mortality was 13.1% (1682 of 12 842). Male sex, World Health Organization (WHO) stage III/IV, CD4 <200 cells/mm3, hemoglobin (Hgb) <8.5 g/dL, and stavudine (d4T)-containing regimens were independently associated with early and overall mortality.

Conclusions:

Closer monitoring of males and patients with advanced HIV disease following ART initiation may improve clinical and immunologic outcomes in these individuals.
Evolving a Successful Acute Care Surgical/Surgical Critical Care Group at a Nontrauma Hospital
Authors: McMillen Marvin A.
Published: June 2011

A large acute care but nontrauma teaching hospital in Manhattan, New York performing 24 000 operations/year has evolved a Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) Service with 3 attendings and 5 physician assistants over 9 years. The division follows nationally recognized, published best practices in shock, sepsis, ventilator management, nutrition, and antibiotic use and has maintained a total mortality of 1.9% (varying between 1.5% and 2.1%) for 9 years. Although PGY-1 and PGY-2 residents rotate through SICU, the division relies heavily on experienced, Fundamentals of Critical Care Support–trained physician assistants for organized consultation and ensuring adherence to best practices in daily patient care. For the past 4 years, the division has provided 24/7 in-house attending coverage in collaboration with the Division of Cardiac Surgery. In-house attending intensivist/cardiac surgeon coverage did not improve mortality. The division also provides approximately one third of the institution’s acute care surgery in rotation/collaboration with general surgeons. The practicalities of the division’s evolution and recommendations are discussed.
Comparative study of a novel heat pipe photovoltaic/thermal collector and a water thermosiphon photovoltaic/thermal collector
Authors: Pei G , Zhang T , Yu Z , Fu H , Ji J
Published: June 2011

To solve the freezing problems associated with the water thermosiphon photovoltaic/ thermal collector (PV/T) system, and decrease the temperature difference between the photovoltaic cells, a novel heat pipe (PV/T), which uses R600a as a working fluid, is proposed in this article. Comparative performance tests with the water thermosiphon PV/T system are conducted. The temperature difference between the PV cells of the novel heat pipe system is obviously smaller than that in the water thermosiphon. Thus, the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of the novel heat pipe system is improved at 9.5 per cent compared to 8.9 per cent in the water thermosiphon system. However, because of secondary heat transfer and large frictional resistance, the photothermal conversion of the novel heat pipe PV/T system is less efficient than that of the water thermosiphon system. Preliminary results show that the photothermal efficiency of the novel heat pipe PV/T system is 23.8 per cent, while that of the water thermosiphon system is 33.0 per cent. Although the two systems exhibit different photovoltaic efficiency and photothermal efficiency levels, from the perspective of the second law of thermodynamics, both systems possess almost the same exergy efficiency of approximately 10.3 per cent.
Thixoformability of a Mg–Gd–Y magnesium alloy and its mechanical properties
Authors: Gao L , Chen R S , Han E H
Published: June 2011

A new magnesium alloy with composition of Mg–8·57Gd–3·72Y–0·54Zr (wt-, GW94) amenable to semisolid forming is presented. A quantitative investigation of its thixoformability in terms of metallurgical parameters in the semisolid state is performed based on Pandat thermodynamic calculation. The optimised working window for thixoforming is from 581 to 605°C, where the volume fraction of liquid does not change significantly with temperature. The alloy is then successfully thixoformed at 600°C, and a typical thixotropic microstructure is obtained. It is shown that significant improvement of mechanical properties is achieved in the thixoformed (TF) GW94 alloy compared to its permanent mould casting counterpart. This is attributed to an obvious decrease in the amount of porosity and fine distribution of the brittle Mg24(Gd, Y)5 particles in the thixoforming process.
Effect of two step strain rate on superplastic behaviour of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Zr alloy 7010 containing Sc
Authors: Kumar A , Mukhopadhyay A K , Prasad K S
Published: June 2011

A suitable thermomechanical process, different from the Rockwell route, before the superplastic deformation together with the utilisation of a ‘two step strain rate’ during the superplastic deformation has been employed to evaluate the total percentage elongation in a high strength Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Zr alloy containing Sc. It is shown that the utilisation of a two step strain rate under appropriate combinations of temperature and strain rate results in superior values of elongations.
Effects of deformation mode on surface roughening of austenitic stainless steels
Authors: Zhou X H , Su X
Published: June 2011

Free surface roughening of polycrystalline austenitic stainless steels during tensile and deep drawing deformation is investigated using scanning white light interferometry. A fractal analysis method is applied to analyse the surface profile data in two directions which are perpendicular to each other. It is shown that the surface profile is fractal within the length and is on the same order of magnitude as the grain size. The Hurst exponent H of the two deformation modes in different directions stabilises at H≈0·85. While the correlation lengths are different, the value in the longitudinal direction is about two times larger than the one in the transverse direction. The relationship between root mean square roughness and strain appears to be linear, and the roughening rate in tensile deformation is larger than the one in deep drawing deformation.
Costume — The Journal of the Costume Society: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Stewart Imogen
Published: June 2011

This year Costume moves into the digital age as the back issues go online. This article considers the content of the Journal across the forty-four years of its existence. The Journal has always contained useful information about resources as well as varied and informative articles contributed by expert authors from a diversity of backgrounds.
The Screen Archive South East: Non-Fiction Film in Fashion History
Authors: Eck Carly , Kauffman Hannah
Published: June 2011

Regional screen archives, including film, video and digital media, protect the local vicinity’s film heritage. Such archives generally fall outside the fashion historian’s consciousness. There is a wealth of information on fiction film and fashion, but non-fiction film remains an underused source. This article examines the Screen Archive South East (SASE) based at the University of Brighton. The archive has a rich collection of amateur and professional non-fiction film from the late nineteenth century to the present day. The archive’s resources inspired a collaborative project between the SASE and the Royal College of Art (RCA) entitled Screen Search Fashion. It investigated dress from the inter-war period, an era that saw significant changes in fashion. The resulting online resource includes film clips, stills, descriptions, contextual information and links to further archival sources. This article iscusses the Screen Search Fashion project and presents three case studies showing how the films at SASE offer a rare glimpse into people’s lives and their clothing choices.
Rediscovering Mattli: A Forgotten 1950s London Couturier
Authors: Ness Caroline , Brooks Mary M.
Published: June 2011

Based on the author’s research for her MA, supervised by Mary M. Brooks, this article examines the history of the little-documented but once famous London couturier, Mattli (1903/1904–1982). An argument is made for a re-evaluation of the importance of Mattli’s contribution to the post-war British fashion and textile industry which has so far been overlooked in the histories of fashion. Research is focused upon a wide range of sources, including a collection of press books from the Mattli archive at the Fashion Museum, Bath, and extant clothing in British collections.
Epratuzumab with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Micallef Ivana N. M. , Maurer Matthew J. , Wiseman Gregory A. , Nikcevich Daniel A. , Kurtin Paul J. , Cannon Michael W. , Perez Domingo G. , Soori Gamini S. , Link Brian K. , Habermann Thomas M. , Witzig Thomas E.
Published: June 2011

Approximately 60% of patients with diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (DLBCL) are curable with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) chemoimmunotherapy. Epratuzumab (E) is an unlabeled anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody with efficacy in relapsed DLBCL. This phase 2 trial tested the safety and efficacy of combining E with R-CHOP (ER-CHOP) in untreated DLBCL. A secondary aim was to assess the efficacy of interim positron emission tomography (PET) to predict outcome in DLBCL. Standard R-CHOP with the addition of E 360 mg/m2 intravenously was administered for 6 cycles. A total of 107 patients were enrolled in the study. Toxicity was similar to standard R-CHOP. Overall response rate in the 81 eligible patients was 96% (74% CR/CRu) by computed tomography scan and 88% by PET. By intention to treat analysis, at a median follow-up of 43 months, the event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) at 3 years in all 107 patients were 70% and 80%, respectively. Interim PET was not associated with EFS or OS. Comparison with a cohort of 215 patients who were treated with R-CHOP showed an improved EFS in the ER-CHOP patients. ER-CHOP is well tolerated and results appear promising as a combination therapy. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00301821.
GATA3 is redundant for maintenance and self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Buza-Vidas Natalija , Duarte Sara , Luc Sidinh , Bouriez-Jones Tiphaine , Woll Petter S. , Jacobsen Sten Eirik Waelgaard
Published: June 2011

GATA3 has been identified as a master regulator of T helper cells, as well as being important for early thymic progenitors and T-cell commitment. However, Gata3 expression initiates already at the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) level, implicating a potential role also in the regulation of HSCs. Herein we used a conditional Gata3 knockout strategy in which Gata3 expression was completely deleted from the earliest stage of embryonic hematopoietic development after emergence of HSCs from hemogenic endothelium. Through a detailed analysis of HSCs at the phenotypic and functional level, we demonstrate that steady-state levels of HSCs are normal in Gata3fl/flVav-Cretg/+ mice. Moreover, through long-term primary and secondary transplantation experiments, we also unequivocally demonstrate that Gata3 has a redundant role in post-transplantation HSC self-renewal.
Increasing concentrations of prothrombin complex concentrate induce disseminated intravascular coagulation in a pig model of coagulopathy with blunt liver injury
Authors: Grottke Oliver , Braunschweig Till , Spronk Henri M. H. , Esch Stephanie , Rieg Annette D. , van Oerle Rene , ten Cate Hugo , Fitzner Christina , Tolba Rene , Rossaint Rolf
Published: June 2011

Despite increasing use of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) to treat hemorrhage-associated coagulopathy, few studies have investigated PCC in trauma, and there is a particular lack of safety data. This study was performed to evaluate PCC therapy in a porcine model of coagulopathy with blunt liver injury. Coagulopathy was induced in 27 anesthetized pigs by replacing approximately 70% blood volume with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 and Ringer's lactate solution; erythrocytes were collected and retransfused. Ten minutes after trauma, animals randomly received PCC (35 or 50 IU/kg) or saline. Coagulation parameters including thromboelastometry, thrombin generation, and blood loss were monitored for 2 hours. Internal organs were examined macroscopically and histologically to determine the presence of emboli and assess liver injury. Total blood loss was significantly lower and survival was higher in both PCC groups versus the control group (P < .05). These outcomes appeared to be dose-independent. Thromboembolism was found in all animals treated with 50 IU/kg PCC; 44% also showed signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Liver injury was similar in all animals. In conclusion, 35 IU/kg PCC safely improved coagulation and attenuated blood loss. However, the higher dose of PCC (50 IU/kg) appeared to increase the risk of thromboembolism and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Prediction of survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma based on the expression of 2 genes reflecting tumor and microenvironment
Authors: Alizadeh Ash A. , Gentles Andrew J. , Alencar Alvaro J. , Liu Chih Long , Kohrt Holbrook E. , Houot Roch , Goldstein Matthew J. , Zhao Shuchun , Natkunam Yasodha , Advani Ranjana H. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Briones Javier , Tibshirani Robert J. , Myklebust June H. , Plevritis Sylvia K. , Lossos Izidore S. , Levy Ronald
Published: June 2011

Several gene-expression signatures predict survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but the lack of practical methods for genome-scale analysis has limited translation to clinical practice. We built and validated a simple model using one gene expressed by tumor cells and another expressed by host immune cells, assessing added prognostic value to the clinical International Prognostic Index (IPI). LIM domain only 2 (LMO2) was validated as an independent predictor of survival and the “germinal center B cell–like” subtype. Expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9 (TNFRSF9) from the DLBCL microenvironment was the best gene in bivariate combination with LMO2. Study of TNFRSF9 tissue expression in 95 patients with DLBCL showed expression limited to infiltrating T cells. A model integrating these 2 genes was independent of “cell-of-origin” classification, “stromal signatures,” IPI, and added to the predictive power of the IPI. A composite score integrating these genes with IPI performed well in 3 independent cohorts of 545 DLBCL patients, as well as in a simple assay of routine formalin-fixed specimens from a new validation cohort of 147 patients with DLBCL. We conclude that the measurement of a single gene expressed by tumor cells (LMO2) and a single gene expressed by the immune microenvironment (TNFRSF9) powerfully predicts overall survival in patients with DLBCL.
The characterisation of piRNA-related 19mers in the mouse
Authors: Oey Harald M , Youngson Neil A , Whitelaw Emma
Published: June 2011

Background

Piwi interacting RNA, or piRNA, is a class of small RNA almost exclusively expressed in the germline where they serve essential roles in retrotransposon silencing. There are two types, primary and secondary piRNA, and the latter is a product of enzymatic cleavage of retrotransposons' transcripts directed by the former. Recently, a new class of 19nt long RNA was discovered that is specific to testis and appears to be linked to secondary piRNA biogenesis.

Results

We locate clusters of the testis-specific 19mers, which we call piRNA-related 19mers (pr19RNA), and characterise the transcripts from which they are derived. Most pr19RNA clusters were associated with retrotransposons and unannotated antisense transcripts overlapping piRNA clusters. At these loci the abundance of 19mers was found to be greater than that of secondary piRNAs.

Conclusion

We find that pr19RNAs are distinguished from other RNA populations by their length and flanking sequence, allowing their identification without requiring overlapping piRNAs. Using such sequence features allows identification of the source transcripts, and we suggest that these likely represent the substrates of primary piRNA-guided RNA cleavage events. While pr19RNAs appear not to bind directly to Miwi or Mili, their abundance relative to secondary piRNAs, in combination with their precise length, suggests they may be more than by-products of secondary piRNA biogenesis.
Comparative genomics of Escherichia coli isolated from patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Vejborg Rebecca Munk , Hancock Viktoria , Petersen Andreas M , Krogfelt Karen A , Klemm Per
Published: June 2011

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is used to describe a state of idiopathic, chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two main phenotypes of IBD are Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The major cause of IBD-associated mortality is colorectal cancer. Although both host-genetic and exogenous factors have been found to be involved, the aetiology of IBD is still not well understood. In this study we characterized thirteen Escherichia coli strains from patients with IBD by comparative genomic hybridization employing a microarray based on 31 sequenced E. coli genomes from a wide range of commensal and pathogenic isolates.

Results

The IBD isolates, obtained from patients with UC and CD, displayed remarkably heterogeneous genomic profiles with little or no evidence of group-specific determinants. No IBD-specific genes were evident when compared with the prototypic CD isolate, LF82, suggesting that the IBD-inducing effect of the strains is multifactorial. Several of the IBD isolates carried a number of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC)-related virulence determinants such as the pap, sfa, cdt and hly genes. The isolates were also found to carry genes of ExPEC-associated genomic islands.

Conclusions

Combined, these data suggest that E. coli isolates obtained from UC and CD patients represents a heterogeneous population of strains, with genomic profiles that are indistinguishable to those of ExPEC isolates. Our findings indicate that IBD-induction from E. coli strains is multifactorial and that a range of gene products may be involved in triggering the disease.
Sphere-forming cell subpopulations with cancer stem cell properties in human hepatoma cell lines
Authors: Cao Lu , Zhou Yanming , Zhai Beibei , Liao Jian , Xu Wen , Zhang Ruixiu , Li Jing , Zhang Yu , Chen Lei , Qian Haihua , Wu Mengchao , Yin Zhengfeng
Published: June 2011

Background

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are regarded as the cause of tumor formation and recurrence. The isolation and identification of CSCs could help to develop novel therapeutic strategies specifically targeting CSCs.

Methods

Human hepatoma cell lines were plated in stem cell conditioned culture system allowed for sphere forming. To evaluate the stemness characteristics of spheres, the self-renewal, proliferation, chemoresistance, tumorigenicity of the PLC/PRF/5 sphere-forming cells, and the expression levels of stem cell related proteins in the PLC/PRF/5 sphere-forming cells were assessed, comparing with the parental cells. The stem cell RT-PCR array was performed to further explore the biological properties of liver CSCs.

Results

The PLC/PRF/5, MHCC97H and HepG2 cells could form clonal nonadherent 3-D spheres and be serially passaged. The PLC/PRF/5 sphere-forming cells possessed a key criteria that define CSCs: persistent self-renewal, extensive proliferation, drug resistance, overexpression of liver CSCs related proteins (Oct3/4, OV6, EpCAM, CD133 and CD44). Even 500 sphere-forming cells were able to form tumors in NOD/SCID mice, and the tumor initiating capability was not decreased when spheres were passaged. Besides, downstream proteins DTX1 and Ep300 of the CSL (CBF1 in humans, Suppressor of hairless in Drosophila and LAG1 in C. elegans) -independent Notch signaling pathway were highly expressed in the spheres, and a gamma-secretase inhibitor MRK003 could significantly inhibit the sphere formation ability.

Conclusions

Nonadherent tumor spheres from hepatoma cell lines cultured in stem cell conditioned medium possess liver CSC properties, and the CSL-independent Notch signaling pathway may play a role in liver CSCs.
The Role of Age in Predicting the Outcome of Caustic Ingestion in Adults: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Chang Jui-Min , Liu Nai-Jen , Pai Betty Chien-Jung , Liu Yun-Hen , Tsai Ming-Hung , Lee Ching-Song , Chu Yin-Yi , Lin Chih-Chuan , Chiu Cheng-Tang , Cheng Hao-Tsai
Published: June 2011

Background

Although the outcomes of caustic ingestion differ between children and adults, it is unclear whether such outcomes differ among adults as a function of their age. This retrospective study was performed to ascertain whether the clinical outcomes of caustic ingestion differ significantly between elderly and non-elderly adults.

Methods

Medical records of patients hospitalized for caustic ingestion between June 1999 and July 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. Three hundred eighty nine patients between the ages of 17 and 107 years were divided into two groups: non-elderly (< 65 years) and elderly (≥ 65 years). Mucosal damage was graded using esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Parameters examined in this study included gender, intent of ingestion, substance ingested, systemic and gastrointestinal complications, psychological and systemic comorbidities, severity of mucosal injury, and time to expiration.

Results

The incidence of psychological comorbidities was higher for the non-elderly group. By contrast, the incidence of systemic comorbidities, the grade of severity of mucosal damage, and the incidence of systemic complications were higher for the elderly group. The percentages of ICU admissions and deaths in the ICU were higher and the cumulative survival rate was lower for the elderly group. Elderly subjects, those with systemic complications had the greatest mortality risk due to caustic ingestion.

Conclusions

Caustic ingestion by subjects ≥65 years of age is associated with poorer clinical outcomes as compared to subjects < 65 years of age; elderly subjects with systemic complications have the poorest clinical outcomes. The severity of gastrointestinal tract injury appears to have no impact on the survival of elderly subjects.
Healthcare costs in women with metastatic breast cancer receiving chemotherapy as their principal treatment modality
Authors: Vera-Llonch Montserrat , Weycker Derek , Glass Andrew , Gao Sue , Borker Rohit , Qin Angie , Oster Gerry
Published: June 2011

Background

The economic costs of treating patients with metastatic breast cancer have been examined in several studies, but available estimates of economic burden are at least a decade old. In this study, we characterize healthcare utilization and costs in the US among women with metastatic breast cancer receiving chemotherapy as their principal treatment modality.

Methods

Using a large private health insurance claims database (2000-2006), we identified all women initiating chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer with no evidence of receipt of concomitant or subsequent hormonal therapy, or receipt of trastuzumab at anytime. Healthcare utilization and costs (inpatient, outpatient, medication) were estimated on a cumulative basis from date of chemotherapy initiation ("index date") to date of disenrollment from the health plan or the end of the study period, whichever occurred first. Study measures were cumulated over time using the Kaplan-Meier Sample Average (KMSA) method; 95% CIs were generated using nonparametric bootstrapping. Findings also were examined among the subgroup of patients with uncensored data.

Results

The study population consisted of 1444 women; mean (SD) age was 59.1 (12.1) years. Over a mean follow-up of 532 days (range: 3 to 2412), study subjects averaged 1.7 hospital admissions, 10.7 inpatient days, and 83.6 physician office and hospital outpatient visits. Mean (95% CI) cumulative total healthcare costs were $128,556 ($118,409, $137,644) per patient. Outpatient services accounted for 29% of total costs, followed by medication other than chemotherapy (26%), chemotherapy (25%), and inpatient care (20%).

Conclusions

Healthcare costs-especially in the outpatient setting--are substantial among women with metastatic breast cancer for whom treatment options other than chemotherapy are limited.