bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effort variation regularization in sound field reproduction
Authors: Stefanakis Nick , Jacobsen Finn , Sarris John
Published: August 2010

In this paper, active control is used in order to reproduce a given sound field in an extended spatial region. A method is proposed which minimizes the reproduction error at a number of control positions with the reproduction sources holding a certain relation within their complex strengths. Specifically, it is suggested that the phase differential of the source driving signals should be in agreement with the phase differential of the desired sound pressure field. The performance of the suggested method is compared with that of conventional effort regularization, wave field synthesis (WFS), and adaptive wave field synthesis (AWFS), both under free-field conditions and in reverberant rooms. It is shown that effort variation regularization overcomes the problems associated with small spaces and with a low ratio of direct to reverberant energy, improving thus the reproduction accuracy in the listening room.
Interrupted speech perception: The effects of hearing sensitivity and frequency resolution
Authors: Jin Su-Hyun , Nelson Peggy B.
Published: August 2010

Jin & Nelson (2006) found that although amplified speech recognition performance of hearing-impaired (HI) listeners was equal to that of normal-hearing (NH) listeners in quiet and in steady noise, nevertheless HI listeners' performance was significantly poorer in modulated noise. As a follow-up, the current study investigated whether three factors, auditory integration, low-mid frequency audibility and auditory filter bandwidths, might contribute to reduced sentence recognition of HI listeners in the presence of modulated interference. Three findings emerged. First, sentence recognition in modulated noise found in Jin & Nelson (2006) was highly correlated with perception of sentences interrupted by silent gaps. This suggests that understanding speech interrupted by either noise or silent gaps require similar perceptual integration of speech fragments available either in the dips of a gated noise or across silent gaps of an interrupted speech signal. Second, those listeners with greatest hearing losses in the low frequencies were poorest at understanding interrupted sentences. Third, low-to mid-frequency hearing thresholds accounted for most of the variability in Masking Release (MR) for HI listeners. As suggested by Oxenham and his colleagues (2003 and 2009), low-frequency information within speech plays an important role in the perceptual segregation of speech from competing background noise.
MP3 player listening habits of 17 to 23 year old university students
Authors: McNeill Kylie , Keith Stephen E. , Feder Katya , Konkle Anne T. M. , Michaud David S.
Published: August 2010

This study evaluated the potential risk to hearing associated with the use of portable digital audio players. Twenty-eight university students (12 males, 16 females; aged 17–23) completed a 49-item questionnaire assessing user listening habits and subjective measures of hearing health. Sound level measurements of participants’ self-identified typical and ‘worst case’ volume levels were taken in different classrooms with background sound levels between 43 and 52 dBA. The median frequency and duration of use was 2 h per day, 6.5 days a week. The median sound levels and interquartile ranges (IQR) at typical and ‘worst case’ volume settings were 71 dBA (IQR=12) and 79 dBA (IQR=9), respectively. When typical sound levels were considered with self-reported duration of daily use, none of the participants surpassed Leq(8) 85 dBA. On the questionnaire, 19 students reported experiencing at least one symptom of possible noise-induced hearing loss. Significant differences in MP3 user listening patterns were found between respondents who had experienced tinnitus and those who had not. The findings add to a growing body of literature that collectively supports a need for further research investigating MP3 player user listening habits in order to assess their potential risk to hearing health.
Impact of source depth on coherent underwater acoustic communications
Authors: Song Aijun , Badiey Mohsen , Song H. C. , Hodgkiss W. S.
Published: August 2010

A recent paper [Song, et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 123, 856–865 (2008)] investigated ocean variability impact on coherent underwater acoustic communications (8–16 kHz) for a single near-seafloor transmitter in shallow water during an extended period (27 h). This letter extends that investigation to various source depths and receiver subarrays. Specifically, the middle water column source, which is either in or out of the thermocline, experiences performance variability of 6–7 dB in terms of output signal-to-noise ratio. Further, the source below the thermocline consistently outperforms the source above the thermocline when the receiver subarray is located below the thermocline.
Some Effective Tight-Binding Models for Electrons in DNA Conduction: A Review
Authors: Yamada Hiroaki , Iguchi Kazumoto
Published: August 2010

Quantum transport for DNA conduction has been widely studied with interest in application as a candidate in making nanowires as well as interest in the scientific mechanism. In this paper, we review recent works concerning the electronic states and the conduction/transfer in DNA polymers. We have mainly investigated the energy-band structure and the correlation effects of localization property in the two- and three-chain systems (ladder model) with long-range correlation as a simple model for electronic property in a double strand of DNA by using the tight-bindingmodel. In addition, we investigated the localization properties of electronic states in several actual DNA sequences such as bacteriophages of Escherichia coli, human-chromosome 22, compared with those of the artificial disordered sequences with correlation. The charge-transfer properties for poly(dA)-poly(dT) and poly(dG)-poly(dC) DNA polymers are also presented in terms of localization lengths within the frameworks of the polaron models due to the coupling between the charge carriers and the lattice vibrations of the double strand of DNA.
Acanthosis Nigricans in a Patient with Lung Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Serap Duru , Özlem Sever , Melike Yüceege , Alper Dilli , Aynur Albayrak , Ata Türker Arıkök , Ardıç Sadik
Published: August 2010

Some skin lesions may accompany malignancies. Acanthosis nigricans, one such lesion, is a paraneoplastic dermatosis characterized by hyperpigmented and velvety verrucose plaques observed as symetric eruptions. With this report, we aim to present a rare case of concomitant lung cancer and acanthosis nigricans. Malignant acanthosis nigricans is most commonly associated with intra-abdominal malignancies. A 65-year-old patient who had hyperpigmented, hypertrophic and symmetric verrucose lesions at the flexor surfaces of the lower and upper extremities, face, palms and the axillary region. Thoracic computed tomography demonstrated a hypodense mass lesion with a dimension of  cm at the center of basal segment bronchi of the left pulmonary lobe. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy showed that the access to the lower left lobe was almost completely obstructed by the endobronchial lesion. The result of the histopathologic examination of the endobronchial tissue biopsy was reported as non-small cell (adenocarcinoma) lung cancer. Result of the histopathologic analysis of the punch biopsy of the skin lesions was reported as acanthosis nigricans .There are no pathognomonic dermatological findings for lung cancer. In conclusion, there are skin lesions that accompany lung cancer and we believe that these should be considered for differential diagnosis.
Monotone Iterative Technique for the Initial Value Problems of Impulsive Evolution Equations in Ordered Banach Spaces
Authors: Yang He
Published: August 2010

This paper deals with the existence and uniqueness of mild solutions for the initial value problems of abstract impulsive evolution equations in an ordered Banach space E : u′(t) + Au(t) = f(t, u(t), Gu(t)), t ∈ [0, a], t ≠ tk, , 0 < t1 < t2 < ⋯<tm < a, u(0) = u0, where A : D(A) ⊂ E → E is a closed linear operator, and f : [0, a] × E × E → E is a nonlinear mapping. Under wide monotone conditions and measure of noncompactness conditions of nonlinearity f, some existence and uniqueness results are obtained by using a monotone iterative technique in the presence of lower and upper solutions.
The Multi-Field-Coupled Model and Optimization of Absorbing Material's Position and Size of Electronic Equipments
Authors: Duan B. Y. , Qiao H. , Zeng L. Z.
Published: August 2010

There are three fields in electronic equipment such as structure deformation (S), temperature (T), and electromagnetic (EM) fields. Both deformation and temperature will affect the electromagnetic shielding performance of the equipment considerably, particularly in the case of enclosure with small volume and high packaging density. Because the position of electronic device and the shape of outlet will be changed with structural deformation, there must be therefore an adherent relationship among three fields. To begin with, this paper presents a three-field-coupled model called STEM. Then, to enhance the capability of electromagnetic shielding of the equipment, an efficient way is to attach absorbing material to the inside of it. Under the condition of pregiven material characteristics itself, the position and size of absorbing material are of significant effort on electromagnetic shielding. The optimization model based on STEM is developed in this paper. Next, the numerical and practical experiments of an actual enclosure are given to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the model and methodology.
Numerical Exponential Decay to Dissipative Bresse System
Authors: Santos M. L. , Júnior Dilberto da S. Almeida
Published: August 2010

We consider the Bresse system with frictional dissipative terms acting in all the equations. We show the exponential decay of the solution by using a method developed by Z. Liu and S. Zheng and their collaborators in past years. The numerical computations were made by using the finite difference method to prove the theoretical results. In particular, the finite difference method in our case is locking free.
Small Bowel Obstruction due to Mesodiverticular Band of Meckel's Diverticulum: A Case Report
Authors: Sumer Aziz , Kemik Ozgur , Olmez Aydemir , Dulger A. Cumhur , Hasirci Ismail , Iliklerden Umit , Kisli Erol , Kotan Cetin
Published: August 2010

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine. Common complications related to a Meckel's diverticulum include haemorrhage, intestinal obstruction, and inflammation. Small bowel obstruction due to mesodiverticular band of Meckel's diverticulum is a rare complication. Herein, we report the diagnosis and management of a small bowel obstruction occurring due to mesodiverticular band of a Meckel's diverticulum.
Low-Income Women with Abnormal Breast Findings: Results of a Randomized Trial to Increase Rates of Diagnostic Resolution
Authors: Bastani Roshan , Mojica Cynthia M. , Berman Barbara A. , Ganz Patricia A.
Published: August 2010

Background: Timely diagnostic resolution of abnormal breast findings represents a critical step in efforts to reduce breast cancer morbidity and mortality. Yet, follow-up rates among resource poor populations are not optimal. Efforts to mitigate this disparity are needed. We report results of a randomized trial assessing the effectiveness of a patient support and navigation intervention in increasing timely diagnostic resolution of abnormal breast findings among indigent women.

Methods: Women (n = 1,708) diagnosed with a breast abnormality at two public hospitals were randomized to an intervention or control group. The intervention, delivered through telephone, involved one call from a professional health worker and multiple calls from a lay health worker. The outcome, timely diagnostic resolution, defined as receipt of a definitive diagnosis (malignant or benign) within 6 months of the index referral, was assessed through medical chart audit.

Results: Intent-to-treat analyses revealed no significant effect of the intervention on timely diagnostic resolution. Diagnostic resolution rates were 55% and 56%, respectively, in the intervention and control arms. The significant predictors were method of abnormality identification (odds ratio = 1.50) and location of first scheduled appointment (odds ratio = 0.62).

Conclusions: The intervention was not effective in creating change within the County health system. Achieving optimum diagnostic follow-up may require more intensive interventions than the one tested. In addition, system-level rather than patient-level interventions may hold more promise.

Impact: There are no randomized trials reported in the literature testing interventions to increase diagnostic follow-up of breast abnormalities. Future research might test patient and system-level interventions that can be sustained beyond the study period. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(8); 1927–36. ©2010 AACR.
An Evidence-Based Microsimulation Model for Colorectal Cancer: Validation and Application
Authors: Rutter Carolyn M. , Savarino James E.
Published: August 2010

Background: The Colorectal Cancer Simulated Population model for Incidence and Natural history (CRC-SPIN) is a new microsimulation model for the natural history of colorectal cancer that can be used for comparative effectiveness studies of colorectal cancer screening modalities.

Methods: CRC-SPIN simulates individual event histories associated with colorectal cancer, based on the adenoma-carcinoma sequence: adenoma initiation and growth, development of preclinical invasive colorectal cancer, development of clinically detectable colorectal cancer, death from colorectal cancer, and death from other causes. We present the CRC-SPIN structure and parameters, data used for model calibration, and model validation. We also provide basic model outputs to further describe CRC-SPIN, including annual transition probabilities between various disease states and dwell times. We conclude with a simple application that predicts the impact of a one-time colonoscopy at age 50 on the incidence of colorectal cancer assuming three different operating characteristics for colonoscopy.

Results: CRC-SPIN provides good prediction of both the calibration and the validation data. Using CRC-SPIN, we predict that a one-time colonoscopy greatly reduces colorectal cancer incidence over the subsequent 35 years.

Conclusions: CRC-SPIN is a valuable new tool for combining expert opinion with observational and experimental results to predict the comparative effectiveness of alternative colorectal cancer screening modalities.

Impact: Microsimulation models such as CRC-SPIN can serve as a bridge between screening and treatment studies and health policy decisions by predicting the comparative effectiveness of different interventions. As such, it is critical to publish model descriptions that provide insight into underlying assumptions along with validation studies showing model performance. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(8); 1992–2002. ©2010 AACR.
Trends in Socioeconomic Disparities in Organized and Opportunistic Gastric Cancer Screening in Korea (2005-2009)
Authors: Lee Hoo-Yeon , Park Eun-Cheol , Jun Jae Kwan , Hahm Myung-Il , Jung Kyu-Won , Kim Yeonju , Han Mi Ah , Choi Kui Son
Published: August 2010

Background: A growth of consensus and increasing activities related to organized cancer screening programs has occurred in Korea since 1999. It is important to assess disparities in the fight against cancer, and it is crucial to identify particular groups that may be experiencing a high burden of cancer-related illness.

Methods: Data from 8,160 men and women ages >40 years from the 2005 to 2009 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey were used to analyze the relationship between socioeconomic position and receiving upper gastrointestinal series or upper endoscopy within the past 2 years. We used absolute and relative concentration indexes, that is, summary measures of disparity based on both rate differences and rate ratios.

Results: For organized screening, the education disparity declined, but the income disparity index increased, indicating that participation in organized screening was relatively more concentrated among the lower-income groups. For opportunistic screening, income and education disparities increased due to the widening of socioeconomic differences.

Conclusions: The results of this study suggested progress toward socioeconomic disparity-related goals in organized screening for gastric cancer. However, the income disparity trends in organized screening may change in a manner similar to those in opportunistic screening in the future because of the much faster rate of organized screening uptake by those higher on the socioeconomic scale.

Impact: This study addresses the routine monitoring of coverage of screening among different socioeconomic groups and could be used to inform polices to reduce disparity in coverage. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(8); 1919–26. ©2010 AACR.
High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Antonsson Annika , Nancarrow Derek J. , Brown Ian S. , Green Adele C. , Drew Paul A. , Watson David I. , Hayward Nicholas K. , Whiteman David C.
Published: August 2010

Background: Although most cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in western populations have been attributed to high levels of exposure to tobacco and alcohol, infectious agents have been postulated as possible causes, particularly human papillomavirus (HPV).

Methods: To explore this issue, we analyzed HPV DNA prevalence and HPV types together with lifestyle factors, in relation to tumor stage and survival in a low-incidence population. Archived tumor samples from a nationwide cohort of 222 ESCC patients were tested for the presence of HPV DNA by PCR; positive samples were sequenced to determine HPV type, and p16INK4a status was assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Results: Of 222 ESCC patients, 8 tested HPV positive (prevalence, 3.6%; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-6.1%), of which 6 were HPV-16 positive and 2 were HPV-35 positive. Four of the eight HPV-positive tumors overexpressed p16INK4a. None of 55 normal esophageal tissue samples from healthy participants had any detectable HPV. Although the numbers were low, it seemed that patients with HPV-positive ESCC tumors were younger than those with HPV-negative tumors (mean age, 60.8 versus 65.3 years, P = 0.18) and had higher body mass index (BMI) throughout life (mean current BMI of 25.1 for HPV positive, 22.2 for HPV negative, P = 0.08; mean BMI at 20 years of 25.8 for HPV positive, 22.1 for HPV negative, P = 0.003). We found no difference between patients with HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors with respect to other lifestyle factors.

Conclusions: These findings suggest a very low prevalence of HPV DNA in human ESCC.

Impact: HPV is very unlikely to be a common cause of ESCC in Australia. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(8); 2080–7. ©2010 AACR.
The Metabolic Syndrome and the Risk of Prostate Cancer under Competing Risks of Death from Other Causes
Authors: Grundmark Birgitta , Garmo Hans , Loda Massimo , Busch Christer , Holmberg Lars , Zethelius Björn
Published: August 2010

Background: Associations between metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and prostate cancer development have not been studied comprehensively; results have been divergent. Using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment panel III (NCEP) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definitions of the MetS, we investigated such associations taking competing risks of death into consideration.

Methods: In the prospective Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men of 2,322 Caucasian men with 34 years of follow-up baseline, MetS measurements at age 50 years were used. Cumulative incidence of prostate cancer and death with/without the MetS were calculated. Competing risk of dying was taken into account by calculating the conditional probability of prostate cancer with/without the MetS.

Results: Two hundred and thirty-seven prostate cancers were identified. Prostate cancer probability by age 80 years with baseline MetS compared with without MetS was nonsignificantly higher [5.2 percent units (confidence interval (CI), −0.8% to 11.3%; NCEP); 2.7 percent units (CI, −2.7% to 8.0%; IDF)]; cumulative incidence proportions of death was significantly higher [19.3 percent units (CI, 13.4-25.3%; NCEP); 15.3 percent units (CI, 9.5-21.1%; IDF)]; and conditional probability of prostate cancer considering death from other causes was significantly higher [7.3 percent-units (CI, 0.2-14.5%); odds ratio of 1.64 (CI, 1.03-2.23; NCEP)] and nonsignificantly higher [5.0 percent-units (CI, −1.6% to 11.6%); odds ratio of 1.43 (CI, 0.89-1.90; IDF].

Conclusions: The MetS by the NCEP definition is associated with prostate cancer, taking the competing risk of early death from other causes into account.

Impact: The results further highlight the public health effect of the increasing prevalence of MetS and the importance of considering competing risks when studying risk factors for cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(8); 2088–96. ©2010 AACR.
Suicide Rates and Risk Factors among Korean Cancer Patients, 1993-2005
Authors: Ahn Eunmi , Shin Dong Wook , Cho Sung-Il , Park Sohee , Won Young-Joo , Yun Young Ho
Published: August 2010

Background: As the number of cancer survivors increases, suicide risk approaches that of the general population. We therefore investigated suicide rates and risk factors among Korean cancer patients.

Methods: We observed 816,295 cancer patients for 3,007,294 person-years from 1993 to 2005 through a nationwide cancer registry. We calculated their sex- and age-standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and studied suicide risk factors using rate ratios (RR) based on a log-linear Poisson regression model.

Results: Compared with the Korean general population, the suicide rate among cancer patients was high [SMR, 2.00; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.91-2.08]. The rates were highest in the year following the cancer diagnosis (SMR, 3.45; 95% CI, 3.19-3.73) and were still elevated 5 years later (SMR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.12-1.36). The clinical groups at highest risk were male pancreas cancer patients (SMR, 6.01; 95% CI, 4.33-8.33) and female lung cancer patients (SMR, 3.55; 95% CI, 2.55-4.94). The sociodemographic groups at highest risk were those who had no spouse versus those who were married (RR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.35-1.68), those who were not employed versus those who were (RR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.26-1.54), and those who did not have high school education versus those who had (RR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.30-1.79).

Conclusions: Korean cancer patients are at increased risk of suicide. Both clinical and sociodemographic factors play a role.

Impact: There is a need for social support and suicide prevention strategies for cancer survivors in Korea. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(8); 2097–105. ©2010 AACR.
Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Ductal Carcinoma In situ of the Breast in a Cohort of Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Kabat Geoffrey C. , Kim Mimi , Shikany James M. , Rodgers Allison K. , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Lane Dorothy , Powell Lynda , Stefanick Marcia L. , Freiberg Matthew S. , Kazlauskaite Rasa , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Wassertheil-Smoller Sylvia , Rohan Thomas E.
Published: August 2010

Background: Observational studies have commonly linked higher alcohol consumption with a modest increase in invasive breast cancer risk, but cohort studies have not examined alcohol intake in relation to ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Methods: The association between adulthood alcohol consumption assessed at baseline and subsequent DCIS risk was examined in a cohort of postmenopausal women participating in the Women's Health Initiative clinical trials, in which mammography was protocol-mandated. Alcohol intake was assessed by a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Reported DCIS cases were verified by central pathology report review. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results: The cohort consisted of 63,822 women with information on alcohol intake, among whom 489 cases of DCIS were ascertained after a median follow-up of 8.0 years. For the primary analysis, invasive breast cancer was treated as a competing risk, and follow-up time was censored at the date of diagnosis of invasive breast cancer. After adjustment for covariates, the hazard ratio for DCIS among women who consumed 14 or more servings of alcohol per week, relative to nondrinkers, was 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.50-1.51). In addition, alcohol intake was not associated with risk of either high-grade or low-/moderate-grade DCIS.

Conclusions: In this large cohort study of postmenopausal women, alcohol consumption was not associated with risk of DCIS.

Impact: If other studies confirm our findings, this would suggest that alcohol may have an effect later in the carcinogenic process. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(8); 2066–72. ©2010 AACR.
The Role of Sexual Behavior and Human Papillomavirus Persistence in Predicting Repeated Infections with New Human Papillomavirus Types
Authors: Moscicki Anna-Barbara , Ma Yifei , Jonte Janet , Miller-Benningfield Susanna , Hanson Evelyn , Jay Julie , Godwin de Medina Cheryl , Farhat Sepideh , Clayton Lisa , Shiboski Stephen
Published: August 2010

Background: Although human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are common in young women, the rate of and risk for repeated new infections are not well documented. We examined the rate of and risks for new HPV detection in young women.

Methods: We used data from an ongoing study of HPV, initiated in 1990. Sexually active women ages 12 to 22 years were eligible. Interviews on behaviors and HPV testing were done at 4-month intervals; sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing was annual or if symptomatic. Starting with first HPV detection, time to the next (second) visit (event) with detection of new HPV types, and then the second event to time to third event was calculated. Risks were determined using Cox proportional hazard model.

Results: Sixty-nine percent of 1,125 women had a second event, and of those with a second event, 63% had a third event by 3 years, respectively. Women with HPV persistence from initial visit to second event [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.51 (3.78-5.37)], an STI [HR = 1.47 (1.00-2.17)], bacterial vaginosis [HR = 1.60 (1.07-2.39)], and number of new sex partners [HR = 1.10 (1.05-1.15 per partner/mo)] were independent associations for HPV. Risks for third event were similar.

Conclusion: This study documents the repeated nature of HPV infections in young women and their association with sexual risk behaviors.

Impact: This finding underscores the lack of clinical utility of HPV testing in young women. Further studies are needed to examine host factors that lead to HPV acquisition and persistence. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(8); 2055–65. ©2010 AACR.
Three Novel CYP11B1 Mutations in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to Steroid 11Beta-Hydroxylase Deficiency in a Moroccan Population
Authors: Chabraoui L. , Abid F. , Menassa R. , Gaouzi A. , El Hessni A. , Morel Y.
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: Steroid 11β-hydroxylase deficiency (11OHD), the second cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), accounts only for 5% of all CAH. To date, only 51 different mutations have been reported with poor clinical and biological data. Most of them could be considered as private mutations except one, p.R448H, identified especially in Moroccan Jews but also in Caucasian patients. As two other CYP11B1 mutations have a high incidence in Tunisian patients, we report from another Maghreb population the clinical, follow-up and molecular genetics of 5 Moroccan patients with classical 11OHD. Methods: Patients belonging to 3 families were recruited on clinical data. The diagnosis was confirmed by 11-deoxycortisol determination. Sequencing of the CYP11B1 gene and molecular modeling were performed. Results: Clinical, hormonal and follow-up data were consistent with a severe form of 11OHD. Gender reassignment and evolution of hypertension were discussed. Three novel mutations, p.Ala259Asp, p.Gly446Val and IVS5+2T>G were identified. As each patient was homozygous for one mutation, we could deduce from their phenotype and our modeling studies that the p.Gly446Val mutation was more severe than p.Ala259Asp. Conclusion: This study shows a good correlation between phenotype and genotype. Each CYP11B1 mutation is new and private, contrasting with the high incidence of two Tunisian mutations.
Effect of Long-Term Growth Hormone Treatment on Final Height of Children with Russell-Silver Syndrome
Authors: Toumba Meropi , Albanese Assunta , Azcona Cristina , Stanhope Richard
Published: August 2010

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the beneficial effects of long-term growth hormone (GH) treatment on final height (FH) in 26 children with Russell-Silver syndrome (RSS). Methods: Twenty-six patients (16 males) were diagnosed with RSS at a median age of 2.9 years according to clinical criteria. All patients were prepubertal at the commencement of treatment. They received treatment with biosynthetic human GH for 9.8 years (median) and all attained FH. Results: The median height at the commencement of treatment was –2.7 SDS and increased to –1.3 SDS (p = 0.001). However, FH did not reach target height (–0.90 SDS, p = 0.003). Predictors of FH outcome were: the height at the start of treatment (r2 = 0.419, p < 0.001) (inversely related) and the height gain at onset of puberty (r2 = 0.257, p < 0.001) (positively related). The overall prediction model accounted for 67.6% of height gain. Sitting height improved gradually during GH treatment (–3.3 to –1.0 SDS, p = 0.012), as did weight (–3.3 to –1.3 SDS, p < 0.001) and BMI (–1.5 to –0.2 SDS, p < 0.001). Conclusions: A significant improvement of growth in RSS children has been shown after 10 years of GH treatment with a FH of –1.3 SDS. The shorter the patient at the start of treatment is, the greater the increment in FH. A significant response is also shown at the onset of puberty. GH treatment may also have a beneficial effect on the spinal length of RSS children.
Reciprocal Translocation t(4;7)(q14;q28) in Cattle: Molecular Characterization
Authors: De Lorenzi L. , Kopecna O. , Gimelli S. , Cernohorska H. , Zannotti M. , Béna F. , Molteni L. , Rubes J. , Parma P.
Published: August 2010

Cytogenetic analysis of a phenotypically normal young bull from the Marchigiana breed revealed the presence of an abnormal chromosome. The finding of one oversize chromosome in all metaphases, associated with a 2n = 60, XY karyotype, suggested that a reciprocal translocation had occurred. RBG-banding and FISH analyses, using specific bovine BAC probes, identified a de novo reciprocal translocation t(4;7)(q14;q28). The presence of rcp(4;7) was confirmed by FISH experiments using BTA4 and BTA7 whole chromosome probes. An array-CGH analysis (Agilent 244A) using a bovine custom design was performed to investigate if the translocation was associated with loss or gain of genetic material. The absence of a concomitant deletion or duplication at the break points allowed the balanced state of the translocation to establish. The analysis also revealed the presence of several CNVs throughout the genome. To our knowledge this is the first time the balanced condition of a cattle RCP has been ascertained using the array-CGH approach.
MeCP2270 Mutant Protein Is Expressed in Astrocytes as well as in Neurons and Localizes in the Nucleus
Authors: Kifayathullah L.A. , Arunachalam J.P. , Bodda C. , Agbemenyah H.Y. , Laccone F.A. , Mannan A.U.
Published: August 2010

The MECP2 gene, located at Xq28, encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), which is frequently mutated (up to 90%) in Rett syndrome (RTT). RTT is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder, which affects primarily girls during early childhood and it is one of the most common causes of mental retardation in females. R270X is one of the most frequent recurrent MECP2 mutations among RTT cohorts. The R270X mutation resides within the TRD-NLS (Transcription Repression Domain-Nuclear Localization Signal) region of MeCP2 and causes a more severe clinical phenotype with increased mortality as compared to other mutations. To evaluate the functional role of the R270X mutation, we generated a transgenic mouse model expressing MeCP2270_EGFP (human mutation equivalent) by BAC recombineering. The expression pattern of MeCP2270_EGFP was similar to that of endogenous MeCP2. Strikingly, MeCP2270_EGFP localizes in the nucleus, contrary to the conjecture that R270X could cause disruption of the NLS. In primary hippocampal cells, we show that MeCP2270_EGFP was expressed in astrocytes by colocalization with the astrocyte-specific marker glial fibrillary acidic protein. Our data showing expression of MeCP2270_EGFP in transgenic mice astrocytes further reinforce the recent findings concerning the expression of MeCP2 in the glial cells.
QT Prolongation and Serum Sotalol Concentration Are Highly Correlated following Intravenous and Oral Sotalol
Authors: Somberg John C. , Preston Richard A. , Ranade Vasant , Molnar Janos
Published: August 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between QT interval (QT) and serum sotalol concentration following a single low dose of oral and intravenous sotalol. Methods: Fifteen healthy volunteers received 75 mg intravenous sotalol over 2.5 h and 80 mg oral sotalol in a random order. Serum sotalol concentrations and 12-lead electrocardiograms were obtained simultaneously at baseline and 7 times following dosings. Rate-corrected QT (QTc) was calculated by the Bazett, Fridericia and Framingham formulas. Linear regression analysis was performed between sotalol concentrations and QT measurements. Results: Significant QT prolongation was seen at very low sotalol doses and serum concentrations. QTc intervals calculated by the Framingham and Fridericia formulas showed the strongest and virtually identical correlations with serum sotalol concentration (r ≧ 0.97, p < 0.001) following oral and intravenous administrations. The equation QTc = 0.0342 (sotalol concentration) + 398 closely predicted actual QTc at any sotalol concentration. Conclusions: A strong correlation was observed between serum sotalol concentration and QTc prolongation across the entire concentration range. Low-dose sotalol caused significant QT prolongation. At similar concentrations, intravenous and oral sotalol caused similar QT and QTc effects. Knowing the QT effect can be used to guide further dose increase.
Neural Activity in Frontal Cortical Cell Layers: Evidence for Columnar Sensorimotor Processing
Authors: Opris Ioan , Hampson Robert E. , Stanford Terrence R. , Gerhardt Greg A. , Deadwyler Sam A.
Published: August 2010

The mammalian frontal cortex (FCx) is at the top of the brain's sensorimotor hierarchy and includes cells in the supragranular Layer 2/3, which integrate convergent sensory information for transmission to infragranular Layer 5 cells to formulate motor system outputs that control behavioral responses. Functional interaction between these two layers of FCx was examined using custom-designed ceramic-based microelectrode arrays (MEAs) that allowed simultaneous recording of firing patterns of FCx neurons in Layer 2/3 and Layer 5 in nonhuman primates performing a simple go/no-go discrimination task. This unique recording arrangement showed differential encoding of task-related sensory events by cells in each layer with Layer 2/3 cells exhibiting larger firing peaks during presentation of go target and no-go target task images, whereas Layer 5 cells showed more activity during reward contingent motor responses in the task. Firing specificity to task-related events was further demonstrated by synchronized firing between pairs of cells in different layers that occupied the same vertically oriented “column” on the MEA. Pairs of cells in different layers recorded at adjacent “noncolumnar” orientations on the MEA did not show synchronized firing during the same task-related events. The results provide required evidence in support of previously suggested task-related sensorimotor processing in the FCx via functionally segregated minicolumns.
Hiplife, Cultural Agency and the Youth Counter-Public in the Ghanaian Public Sphere
Authors: Cho Glorya
Published: August 2010

In Ghana globalization is transforming society and creating a challenging urban environment for youth: high unemployment, seemingly unstoppable cultural erosion, and a harsh disparity between personal ambition and opportunities for advancement. Structural transformation has relegated youth to the margins of society. This article examines ‘hiplife’, a growing Ghanaian youth musical genre that fuses American hip hop and Ghanaian highlife, as a dynamic intersection of these trends. This article shows that hiplife forms the foundation of a distinct youth counter-public, giving youth a unique platform to project their voice into the public sphere and challenge the exclusion of the dominant adult public. Ultimately, hiplife strengthens the public sphere through the generation of public discourse. Through an examination of the hiplife movement in an economic, political and social context, this article demonstrates both the experience of socio-cultural change and the agency of youth as a force behind socio-cultural change.
Migrating Cultural Capital: Bourdieu in Migration Studies
Authors: Erel Umut
Published: August 2010

A Bourdieusian concept of cultural capital is used to investigate the transformations and contestations of migrants’ cultural capital. Research often treated migrants’ cultural capital as reified and ethnically bounded, assuming they bring a set of cultural resources from the country of origin to the country of migration that either fit or do not fit. Critiquing such ‘rucksack approaches’, I argue that migration results in new ways of producing and re-producing (mobilizing, enacting, validating) cultural capital that builds on, rather than simply mirrors, power relations of either the country of origin or the country of migration. Migrants create mechanisms of validation for their cultural capital, negotiating both ethnic majority and migrant institutions and networks. Migration-specific cultural capital (re-)produces intra-migrant differentiations of gender, ethnicity and class, in the process creating modes of validation alternative to national capital.The argument builds on case studies of skilled Turkish and Kurdish migrant women in Britain and Germany.
Academic Influence amongst the UK Public Elite
Authors: Griffiths Dave
Published: August 2010

This article examines the position of academics within UK quasi-autonomous decision-making. Data have been collected on 2858 individuals, sitting on the boards of 187 Westminster quangos, to assess which social groups and outside institutions hold influence on independent decision-making. These include 200 academics, sitting on 84 different boards. Analysis of the networks generated through mutual memberships of outside institutions shows academics are sitting in strategic positions within the quango sector. This article argues that higher academics have retained their high public position. It utilizes social network analysis to demonstrate that academics hold strategic positions within governance networks, signifying both political influence and associations with the social elite.
The politics of sport-for-development: Limited focus programmes and broad gauge problems?
Authors: Coalter Fred
Published: August 2010

This article explores the almost evangelical policy rhetoric of the sports-for-development ‘movement’ and the wide diversity of programmes and organizations included under this vague and weakly theorized banner. It is suggested that, although the rhetoric of sport as a human right has provided some rhetorical and symbolic legitimation for sport-for-development initiatives, the recent dramatic increase in interest reflects broader changes in the aid paradigm, reflecting perceived failures of top-down economic aid and an increased concern with issues of human and social capital, as well as the strengthening of civil society organizations. In this context the presumed ability of sport to offer an economy of solutions to a wide range of development problems led the United Nations, with the encouragement of a vociferous sport-for-development lobby, to turn to the world of sport in an effort to achieve its Millennium Development Goals. While there is a certain theoretical logic to some of the policy assertions about the contribution of sport to aspects of development, it is argued that the new approaches contain a number of dangers: confusing potential micro-level individual outcomes with community and broader macro-level impacts; ignoring wider socio-political contexts within which sport-for-development organizations have to operate; seeking to solve broad gauge problems via limited focus interventions; and encouraging mission drift by sport-for-development organizations wholly dependent on aid from a variety of aid agencies, with often overly ambitious non-sporting agendas. It is argued that if sport-for-development is to make a contribution to wider processes of development there is a need to ‘de-reify’ the rhetoric of sport-for-development and its implicit view of sport, and to view research and evaluation in terms of local programme development rather than the legitimation of international organizations and lobbies.
Ballin’ Indo-Pak style: Pleasures, desires, and expressive practices of ‘South Asian American’ masculinity
Authors: Thangaraj Stanley
Published: August 2010

Influenced by the anthropology of sport, this article examines leisure spaces of sport as critical venues in the formation of South Asian American ‘self ’ and ‘selves’ in opposition to, as well as in relation to, various ‘Others’. I use ethnographic research conducted with North American Indo-Pak Basketball leagues, primarily in Atlanta, Georgia, to demonstrate how South Asian American masculinity emerges in relation to ideas of ‘Blackness’. In addition, participation in Indo-Pak Basketball for South Asian American men allows for creative practices that facilitate the collapse of ‘South Asian-ness’ and ‘American-ness’ (Maira, 2002) while contesting dominant paradigms of race and gender. Through analysis of Indo-Pak Basketball and related expressive practices, I illustrate the processes of identity formation and consumption as critical to citizenship in the US national fabric. I also argue that the subversive potential in basketball masculinity and its respective pleasures are limited by its relation to a ‘hegemonic masculinity’ (Connell, 1995), as well as by the consumptive logic of late capitalism through which racialized, heterosexist, patriarchal formulations of community emerge.
Oligarchies in America: Reflections on Tocqueville’s fears
Authors: Smith Rogers M.
Published: August 2010

Many modern readers of Tocqueville have rightly stressed his concerns that democracy may bring tyranny of the majority, unduly centralized government, and excessive, leveling egalitarianism. Yet Tocqueville also saw in American democracy, in particular, dangers of racial hierarchies and industrial aristocracies protected by decentralization, and his analysis also can prompt more concern about gender equality in the United States than expressed. The challenges to American democracy in Tocqueville’s day and ours can be illuminated if we attend to his fears about forms of both equality and inequality in the United States.
Citizenship in Max Weber
Authors: Barbalet Jack
Published: August 2010

Weber discusses citizenship in both historical and contemporary settings. In treating his account of the citizenship of medieval urban communities in Europe and also modern citizenship of the twentieth-century nation state, especially in Germany during World War I, Weber’s focus on a common underpinning military dimension of citizenship is noted. His purpose in outlining early European citizenship is associated with his larger argument concerning the uniqueness of Western rationalization. The concept of modern national citizenship derives its meaning from Weber’s political conception of national interest, and the fate such an interest imposes on those subordinate to its power. A curious feature of Weber’s account of citizenship in his diverse writings is a failure to provide an ideal-type conceptualization of it.
Gel-phase Extraction for the Removal of Heavy-metal Ions
Authors: Igawa Manabu , Kanamori Hirohito , Nanzai Ben
Published: August 2010

A novel diffusion process of gel-phase extraction for the removal of heavy-metal ions is proposed in this paper. A typical heavy-metal ion, copper ion, is selectively transported into the gel-phase by its complexation with EDTA or precipitation as hydroxide in the phase. Heavy-metal ions are separated and fixed in the gel-phase as a passive collector without any exterior energy.
Percursos para promoção da saúde bucal: a capacitação de líderes na Pastoral da Criança da Igreja Católica no Brasil
Authors: Queiroz Silvia Maria Prado Lopes , Moysés Samuel Jorge , França Beatriz Helena Sotille , Bisinelli Julio César , Moysés Simone Tetu
Published: August 2010

O propósito desta pesquisa avaliativa foi analisar a capacitação dos líderes da Pastoral da Criança da Igreja Católica e identificar potencialidades e fragilidades para promoção da saúde bucal. Utilizou- se a Metodologia de Avaliação Rápida, de caráter participativo. Foram realizadas oficinas de avaliação, análises documentais, entrevistas com informantes- chave, grupos focais e observação participante de uma capacitação no Guia do Líder. Tendo como categorias interpretativas o empoderamento e a integralidade, procedeu- se à análise de conteúdo. A saúde bucal é trabalhada de forma integrada aos demais temas e ações complementares dão suporte às ações educativas. A tendência pedagógica adotada pela instituição pesquisada contempla o princípio do empoderamento. Contudo, questões técnicas tiveram maior ênfase na capacitação do que as pedagógicas. Discussões sobre questões pedagógicas e trabalho em redes, nas capacitações, foram consideradas pontos fundamentais para consolidação e ampliação da ação avaliada.
Astyanax goyanensis (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1944), new combination and Astyanax courensis, new species (Ostariophysi: Characiformes): two Characidae from the upper rio Tocantins basin, Central Brazil
Authors: Bertaco Vinicius A , Carvalho Fernando R , Jerep Fernando C
Published: August 2010

Astyanax goyanensis (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1944), new combination, is redescribed based on the type series and topotypes, and A. courensis, new species, is herein described. Both species were collected in the rio dos Couros basin, upper rio Tocantins basin, Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás State, Brazil. These species possess the characters and general body morphology of the species of the Astyanax scabripinnis species complex. The new combination of Astyanax goyanensis is supported by the absence of characters that define Astyanacinus. Astyanax goyanensis and A. courensis differ from their congeners by meristic and morphometric characters, and color pattern. Astyanax goyanensis has only seven pelvic-fin rays, an uncommon character in the species of this genus, and A. courensis possesses only three or four scale rows below the lateral-line, fewer than typical of the genus.