bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Fracture Healing with Small-Splint-Fixation Therapy by Near-Infrared Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Huang Hao , Feng Shangyuan , Chen Weiwei , Yu Yun , Lin Duo , Chen Rong
Published: August 2012

In this study, near-infrared (NIR) Raman spectroscopy was explored to assess the incorporation of calcium hydroxyapatite (CHA~960cm−1) and other biochemical substances during the recovery of rabbits with complete radial fractures treated with or without small splints. 24 rabbits were randomy divided into two groups, one treated with small-splint-fixation therapy and the other without any intervention. The rabbits were sacrificed at 7, 15, 23, and 30 days after surgery, and the surface layers of the calluses in the fracture healing site from control and treated groups were routinely prepared for Raman spectroscopy. The prominent Raman bands were observed, including minerals at 430, 590, 960, 1003, and 1071 cm−1, protein at 856, 876, 1246, and 1667cm−1, and lipid at 1767cm−1. The carbonate-to-phosphate ratio (CO3toυ1PO4) and the mineral-to-matrix ratio (υ1PO4to amide I) were calculated from these normalized Raman bands. Comparison of theυ1PO4-to-amide I ratio for the control group with that of the treated group probably indicated that the small-splint-fixation therapy could be useful for the gradual mineralization of the collagen matrix during fracture healing.
Heterogeneity and Targeting of Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Penchev Vesselin R. , Rasheed Zeshaan A. , Maitra Anirban , Matsui William
Published: August 2012

Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been identified in an ever-increasing number of human malignancies on the basis of their ability to recapitulate tumors in the ectopic setting and maintain long-term tumorigenic potential. In addition, in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, CSCs may display additional properties, such as relative drug resistance and enhanced invasive and migratory potential that implicate a role in disease pathogenesis spanning initial tumor formation to metastatic disease progression. Importantly, these findings also indicate that the development of novel therapeutic strategies capable of inhibiting or eliminating CSCs will improve clinical outcomes. Preclinical studies have already described a wide array of potential approaches that target CSC-specific surface antigens and cellular pathways involved in cell survival, adhesion, self-renewal, and differentiation. Further, progress in this area should continue to move forward as the unique biology of CSCs is better understood. All preclinical studies to date have focused on targeting specific and phenotypically defined CSCs, but multiple cell populations with the ability to form tumors and self-renew have been identified in pancreatic carcinoma. As the clinical efficacy of CSC-directed therapies will depend on the inhibition of all sources of tumor self-renewal, better understanding of how specific CSC populations are related to one another and whether each possesses specific functional properties will be critical. In this CCR Focus article, we discuss the potential relationships between different pancreatic CSC populations and strategies to identify novel targeting approaches. Clin Cancer Res; 18(16); 4277–84. ©2012 AACR.
Conceptual Framework for Cutting the Pancreatic Cancer Fuel Supply
Authors: Le Anne , Rajeshkumar N.V. , Maitra Anirban , Dang Chi V.
Published: August 2012

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (a.k.a. pancreatic cancer) remains one of the most feared and clinically challenging diseases to treat despite continual improvements in therapies. The genetic landscape of pancreatic cancer shows near ubiquitous activating mutations of KRAS, and recurrent inactivating mutations of CDKN2A, SMAD4, and TP53. To date, attempts to develop agents to target KRAS to specifically kill cancer cells have been disappointing. In this regard, an understanding of cellular metabolic derangements in pancreatic cancer could lead to novel therapeutic approaches. Like other cancers, pancreatic cancer cells rely on fuel sources for homeostasis and proliferation; as such, interrupting the use of two major nutrients, glucose and glutamine, may provide new therapeutic avenues. In addition, KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancers have been documented to depend on autophagy, and the inhibition of autophagy in the preclinical setting has shown promise. Herein, the conceptual framework for blocking the pancreatic fuel supply is reviewed. Clin Cancer Res; 18(16); 4285–90. ©2012 AACR.
Translational Therapeutic Opportunities in Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
Authors: Hidalgo Manuel , Von Hoff Daniel D.
Published: August 2012

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) remains a devastating disease with nearly equal incidence and mortality rates. Over the past few decades, a litany of randomized clinical trials has failed to improve the outcome of this disease. More recently, the combination chemotherapy regimen FOLFIRINOX has shown improvement in overall survival over the single agent gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel (an albumin-coated formulation of paclitaxel) in combination with gemcitabine has shown promising results in phase II studies. Despite limited impact on patient care as of yet, the molecular and biologic understanding of PDA has advanced substantially. This includes understanding the genomic complexity of the disease, the potential importance of the tumor microenvironment, the metabolic adaptation of PDA cells to obtain nutrients in a hypoxic environment, and the role of pancreatic cancer stem cells. These fundamental discoveries are starting to be translated into clinical studies. In this overview, we discuss the implications of biologic understanding of PDA in clinical research and provide insights for future development of novel approaches and agents in this disease. Clin Cancer Res; 18(16); 4249–56. ©2012 AACR.
Can We Measure Brain Efficiency? An Empirical Test with Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Strasser Andrea , Burkart Judith M.
Published: August 2012

Various measures of brain size correlate with cognitive performance; however, the fit is not perfect, which bears the question of whether brains also vary in efficiency. Such variation could be expected if a species faces constraints on brain enlargement, for example due to the impossibility of slowing down life history as a consequence of predator pressure, while simultaneously experiencing selective benefits from enhanced cognitive ability related to particular ecological or social conditions. Arguably, this applies to callitrichid monkeys and would lead to the prediction that their relatively small brains are particularly efficient in comparison to their sister taxa, Cebus. This study investigated whether callitrichids’ cognitive performance is better than would be expected given their brain size rather than comparing absolute performance between the taxa. As a measure of cognitive performance, we used the reversal learning paradigm, which is reliably and closely associated with brain size across primate taxa, and assessed performance in this paradigm (transfer index) in 14 common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) as representatives of the callitrichids. These marmosets were found to show higher performance than would be expected for their brain size, and this relative performance was also higher than the relative performance in capuchin monkeys. We outline how these effects may be due to the cooperative breeding system of the callitrichids, particularly the enhancement of behavioural and cognitive propensities associated with shared care and provisioning.
Otolith End Organ Projections to Auditory Neurons in the Descending Octaval Nucleus of the Goldfish, Carassius auratus: A Confocal Analysis
Authors: McCormick Catherine A. , Wallace Abigail C.
Published: August 2012

The distribution of axons from the saccule, lagena, and utricle to descending octaval nucleus neurons that project to the auditory midbrain in the goldfish is reported. We have divided these auditory projection neurons, located in the dorsal portion of the descending octaval nucleus (dDO), into two groups, medial and lateral, each of which contains several neuronal populations based on morphology and location. At most levels of the dDO, there are three medial and three lateral populations; the rostral dDO contains an additional lateral population. The saccule provides input to each of the seven medial and lateral populations but appears to be the exclusive/nearly exclusive source of primary input to the most dorsal cell group of the medial population. Along with the saccule, the lagena and utricle each supply the remaining six medial and lateral populations. Neurons in each of these populations receive input from more than one end organ. One medial and one lateral population include neurons that receive remarkably large contacts from utricular afferents. Overall, the results reveal a more substantial input from the lagena and utricle to the main first-order auditory nucleus in the goldfish than was previously recognized, suggest this nucleus is composed of functionally distinct populations, and relate to functional and evolutionary issues about hearing in early vertebrates.
Prognostic Significance of DNA Image Cytometry in Libyan Breast Cancer
Authors: Abdalla Fathi , Buhmeida Abdelbaset , Alshrad Moftah , Salem Nada , Pyrhönen Seppo , Collan Yrjö
Published: August 2012

Background: We evaluated the relation of nuclear DNA content and clinicopathological features and prognosis in primary breast cancer of female Libyan patients with variable stage and grade and different treatment regimes. Patients and Methods: Histological samples from 104 patients of breast carcinoma were retrospectively studied by computerized nuclear DNA cytometry. Isolated nuclei from paraffin sections were stained with Feulgen stain and DNA was measured using a computer-assisted image analysis cytometry system. In each case, 200 nuclei were measured and the DNA histograms, S phase fraction (SPF) and number of cells above 5c and 9c were determined. We applied different approaches in the analysis of DNA to compare the DNA histograms with different clinicopathological features and survival. Results: The mean of DNA ploidy mode for all tumors was 3.43; 82.7% of tumors were aneuploid and 17.3% were diploid. The median SPF was 3.5% for DNA diploid and 13.5% for DNA aneuploid tumors. DNA aneuploid tumors and high SPF were associated with advanced stage, distant metastasis, high histological grade and lymph node involvement. The SPF was also associated with large tumor size and with younger patients (<50 years). In the overall population (median follow-up 51 months), patients with aneuploid DNA histograms and high SPF values had shorter survival times than those with diploid DNA histograms and low SPF values (p = 0.001, p < 0.0001, respectively). Also, short survival was associated with a multiploid DNA histogram and with DNA aneuploid cells ≥5 cells (p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, respectively). In a Cox multivariate analysis, DNA ploidy (p = 0.010), age (p = 0.038) and clinical stage (p = 0.001) were independent predictors of overall survival, and DNA ploidy (p = 0.018) and clinical stage (p = 0.001) also proved to be independent predictors of disease-specific survival. The SPF cutoff point of 11% might be applied to separate patients into good and poor prognosis groups. Conclusions: DNA image cytometry with careful analysis of the histograms may provide valuable prognostic information in Libyan breast cancer, with potential clinical implications in patient management, particularly in predicting the patients at high risk for metastasis and recurrence who should be considered as candidates for combined adjuvant therapy.
Zeno’s Paradox and the Faith that Technological Game-Changers Are Impossible
Authors: de Grey Aubrey D.N.J.
Published: August 2012

In their article in this issue, Olshansky and Carnes [Gerontology 2013;59:85–92] spell out in perhaps the most explicit terms yet a view which they have long espoused: that increases in longevity will inevitably slow down in decades to come, since the rate of biomedical progress that everyone agrees would be necessary to avoid such a slowdown is far too dramatic to be plausible. By doing so, they also betray more explicitly than ever before the flaws in their own logic. It is ironic that these flaws, unlike the work they critique, are actually quite closely analogous to the flaws in Zeno’s paradox. Since others are offering their own comments on other parts of the article, I shall restrict my remarks on the article to those passages which refer specifically to my own work, together with the conclusion.
Research versus Rhetoric
Authors: Vaupel James W. , Rau Roland
Published: August 2012

Limited to 1,000 words, we address some serious technical mistakes and factual errors, as well as the misleading quotations in the section of Olshansky’s and Carnes’ article that attacks some of our joint research.
Therapeutic Monitoring of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: The Challenges Ahead
Authors: Sundin Anders , Rockall Andrea
Published: August 2012

Background: Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), a heterogeneous family of tumors arising in a variety of anatomic sites, are generally well differentiated and often metastatic at diagnosis. Morphologic and functional imaging modalities have vastly improved the understanding and diagnosis of NETs. However, use of conventional imaging techniques and response criteria to assess treatment response is often complicated by the clinical course and cytostatic nature of oncologic treatments for NETs. Materials and Methods: The means of therapeutic monitoring discussed in this review were based on a PubMed search of the medical literature and on the clinical expertise of the authors. Results: Morphology-based criteria for assessing tumor response in general oncology are presented, along with their limitations for assessing response in gastrointestinal and pancreatic NETs. Functional imaging and preliminary response criteria incorporating functional imaging are presented as possible solutions to monitoring treatment response in NETs. Conclusions: Morphology-based criteria to assess tumor response have limitations for NETs, which are often slow growing and frequently demonstrate low response rates when based on conventional radiological criteria. Furthermore, many NET treatments do not induce cytotoxic effects despite demonstrated clinical benefit. Novel imaging techniques are available which have the potential to measure changes in tumor physiology and metabolism. These include 68Ga-labelled somatostatin analogs for PET/CT-based monitoring of NET, molecular imaging with PET tracers that are not based on somatostatin receptor targeting, and functional MRI. These techniques should be explored as options for monitoring treatment in patients with NET.
Impact of Body Mass Index on Luteinizing Hormone Secretion in Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Stimulation Tests of Boys Experiencing Precocious Puberty
Authors: Lee Hae Sang , Park Hong Kyu , Ko Jung Hee , Kim You Jin , Hwang Jin Soon
Published: August 2012

Objective: Excess adiposity may influence various aspects of pubertal development, including the timing of pubertal initiation and hormonal parameters during puberty. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test in boys with precocious puberty. Methods: Boys with precocious puberty, who were normal weight, overweight, and obese underwent GnRH stimulation tests between 2003 and 2010. Subjects were classified as normal weight (BMI ≥5th percentile and BMI <85th percentile), overweight (BMI ≥85th percentile and BMI <95th percentile), and obese (BMI ≥95th percentile). Results: Of 56 children whose data were included in the final analysis, mean age at diagnosis was 8.7 ± 1.0 years. The majority of boys were of normal weight (n = 28, 50%), while 15 children (26%) were overweight, and 13 (23%) obese. Peak LH levels after GnRH stimulation were 19.8 ± 8.8, 9.0 ± 3.5, and 8.1 ± 4.0 mIU/ml among normal weight, overweight, and obese subjects, respectively (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). By multivariate analysis, there was a significant negative association of BMI with peak-stimulated LH level. Conclusions: The higher BMI is associated with lower LH response to the GnRH stimulation test in boys experiencing precocious puberty. In boys with precocious puberty, BMI should be considered when interpreting GnRH stimulation test.
Genetics of Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Norris Jill M. , Rich Stephen S.
Published: August 2012

This review summarizes the current understanding of the genetic basis of glucose homeostasis through genome-wide association scans and candidate gene studies of case–control and family-based designs. We highlight the implications of phenotype-direct (euglycemic clamp or frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test) and indirect (fasting insulin and fasting glucose) measures on the determinants of insulin resistance and β-cell response that precede and contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the metabolic syndrome. Finally, we examine future approaches that may aid in understanding the biology of insulin resistance and T2DM. Over the past 2 decades, the prevalence of insulin resistance, the metabolic syndrome, and T2DM has increased. Ethnic differences in T2DM and insulin resistance are evident, with nonwhite populations having the greatest risk. There continue to be significant gaps in our knowledge regarding the metabolic, behavioral, and genetic determinants of these conditions. Understanding the genetic basis of glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, and T2DM should provide insight on known and novel metabolic pathways that identify potential therapeutic targets and mechanisms for intervention.
The Estrogen Receptor-α Is Required and Sufficient to Maintain Physiological Glucose Uptake in the Mouse Heart
Authors: Arias-Loza Paula-Anahi , Kreissl Michael C. , Kneitz Susanne , Kaiser Franz R. , Israel Ina , Hu Kai , Frantz Stefan , Bayer Barbara , Fritzemeier Karl-Heinz , Korach Kenneth S. , Pelzer Theo
Published: August 2012

Estrogens attenuate cardiac hypertrophy and increase cardiac contractility via their cognate estrogen receptors (ERs) ERα and ERβ. Because female sex hormones enhance global glucose use and because myocardial function and mass are tightly linked to cardiac glucose metabolism, we tested the hypothesis that expression and activation of the ERα might be required and sufficient to maintain physiological cardiac glucose uptake in the murine heart. Cardiac glucose uptake quantified in vivo by
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography was strongly impaired in ovariectomized compared with gonadal intact female C57BL/6JO mice. The selective ERα agonist 16α-LE2 and the nonselective ERα and ERβ agonist 17β-estradiol completely restored cardiac glucose uptake in ovariectomized mice. Cardiac
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake was strongly decreased in female ERα knockout mice compared with wild-type littermates. Analysis of cardiac mRNA accumulation by quantitative RT-PCR revealed an upregulation of genes involved in glycolisis and tricarboxylic acid cycle by ERα treatment. In conclusion, systemic activation of ERα is sufficient, and its expression is required to maintain physiological glucose uptake in the murine heart, which is likely to contribute to known cardioprotective estrogen effects.
Benefits in Cognitive Function, Blood Pressure, and Insulin Resistance Through Cocoa Flavanol Consumption in Elderly Subjects With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Desideri Giovambattista , Kwik-Uribe Catherine , Grassi Davide , Necozione Stefano , Ghiadoni Lorenzo , Mastroiacovo Daniela , Raffaele Angelo , Ferri Livia , Bocale Raffaella , Lechiara Maria Carmela , Marini Carmine , Ferri Claudio
Published: August 2012

Flavanol consumption is favorably associated with cognitive function. We tested the hypothesis that dietary flavanols might improve cognitive function in subjects with mild cognitive impairment. We conducted a double-blind, parallel arm study in 90 elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment randomized to consume once daily for 8 weeks a drink containing ≈990 mg (high flavanols), ≈520 mg (intermediate flavanols), or ≈45 mg (low flavanols) of cocoa flavanols per day. Cognitive function was assessed by Mini Mental State Examination, Trail Making Test A and B, and verbal fluency test. At the end of the follow-up period, Mini Mental State Examination was similar in the 3 treatment groups (
P
=0.13). The time required to complete Trail Making Test A and Trail Making Test B was significantly (
P
<0.05) lower in subjects assigned to high flavanols (38.10±10.94 and 104.10±28.73 seconds, respectively) and intermediate flavanols (40.20±11.35 and 115.97±28.35 seconds, respectively) in comparison with those assigned to low flavanols (52.60±17.97 and 139.23±43.02 seconds, respectively). Similarly, verbal fluency test score was significantly (
P
<0.05) better in subjects assigned to high flavanols in comparison with those assigned to low flavanols (27.50±6.75 versus 22.30±8.09 words per 60 seconds). Insulin resistance, blood pressure, and lipid peroxidation also decreased among subjects in the high-flavanol and intermediate-flavanol groups. Changes of insulin resistance explained ≈40% of composite
z
score variability through the study period (partial r
2
=0.4013;
P
<0.0001). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first dietary intervention study demonstrating that the regular consumption of cocoa flavanols might be effective in improving cognitive function in elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment. This effect appears mediated in part by an improvement in insulin sensitivity.
Insomnia With Objective Short Sleep Duration and Incident Hypertension
Authors: Fernandez-Mendoza Julio , Vgontzas Alexandros N. , Liao Duanping , Shaffer Michele L. , Vela-Bueno Antonio , Basta Maria , Bixler Edward O.
Published: August 2012

Insomnia with objective short sleep duration appears to be a biologically more severe phenotype of the disorder. No longitudinal study to date has examined the association of this type of insomnia with incident hypertension using polysomnography. From a random, general population sample of 1741 adults of the Penn State Cohort, 1395 were followed-up after 7.5 years, and 786 did not have hypertension at baseline. Hypertension was determined by a self-report of receiving treatment for high blood pressure. Chronic insomnia was defined as a complaint of insomnia lasting ≥1 year, whereas poor sleep was defined as moderate-to-severe sleep difficulties. All of the subjects underwent 8-hour polysomnography. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) was defined as an obstructive apnea/hypopnea index ≥5. We used the median polysomnographic percentage of sleep time to define short sleep duration (ie, <6 hours). We controlled for sex, race, age, caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol consumption, depression, sleep-disordered breathing, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and blood pressure in our analyses. Compared with normal sleepers who slept ≥6 hours, the highest risk for incident hypertension was in chronic insomniacs with short sleep duration (odds ratio, 3.8 [95% CI, 1.6–9.0]). The risk for incident hypertension in poor sleepers with short sleep duration was significantly increased but became marginally significant after controlling for obesity (odds ratio, 1.6 [95% CI, 0.9–2.8]). Chronic insomnia with short sleep duration is associated with an increased risk for incident hypertension in a degree comparable to sleep-disordered breathing. Objective short sleep duration in insomnia may serve as a useful predictor of the biological severity of the disorder.
Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of Children With Hypertension
Authors: Flynn Joseph , Zhang Ying , Solar-Yohay Susan , Shi Victor
Published: August 2012

Most information describing hypertension in the young comes from single-center reports. To better understand contemporary demographic and clinical characteristics of hypertensive children and adolescents, we examined baseline data on 351 children aged 1 to <17 years old who were enrolled in 2 multicenter trials of valsartan. Anthropometric, laboratory, and demographic information at randomization was extracted from the clinical trials databases. Summary variables were created and compared for 3 age groups: <6 years (n=90), 6 to <12 years (n=131), and 12 to <17 years (n=130). Comparisons were also made between different etiologies of hypertension and for different anthropometric categories. Children <6 years old were significantly more likely to have secondary hypertension and were significantly less likely to have weight or body mass index >95 percentile compared with older children. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower in children <6 years old (90.9 ± 31.8 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
) than in the other 2 age groups (6 to <12 years, 141.4 ± 42.1 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
; 12 to <17 years, 138.3 ± 46.0 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
). Frequency of total cholesterol >95 percentile was significantly lower in children aged <6 years. Diastolic blood pressure index (subject blood pressure÷95 percentile) was significantly higher in children <6 years old (1.1 versus 1.0 in both the 6 to <12 years and 12 to <17 years groups; both
P
<0.0001). We conclude that hypertensive children <6 years are more likely to have secondary hypertension and to have higher diastolic blood pressure and lower glomerular filtration rate and are less likely to be obese or to have elevated cholesterol than school-aged children or adolescents. These findings emphasize unique aspects of childhood hypertension that should be considered when evaluating children and adolescents with elevated blood pressure and in designing future clinical trials.
Clinical Presentation of Children With Premature Adrenarche
Authors: von Oettingen Julia , Sola Pou Joaquim , Levitsky Lynne L. , Misra Madhusmita
Published: August 2012

Objectives. To describe the phenotype of premature adrenarche (PA) patients, elucidate historical and physical correlates, and distinguish PA from late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LOCAH). Study design. Retrospective chart review of 122 patients (91 female and 31 male) with PA and 11 with LOCAH. Results. In PA patients, birth weight was <2 standard deviation scores (SDSs) in 6%, and 14% were premature. Body mass index SDSs were high (2.00 ± 1.84). Bone age (BA) SDS was >2 in 31% and was greater in boys than in girls; PA subjects were taller, and the predicted height was at or above genetic potential. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) was higher in boys. LOCAH patients had earlier pubic hair, more advanced BA, lower height SDSs, lower adult height prediction, and higher adrenal androgen levels. Conclusion. Patients with PA tend to be overweight with BA acceleration but normal height prediction. LOCAH is distinguished by earlier presentation and higher 17-hydrocyprogesterone and adrenal androgens.
Nasopharyngeal Detection of Respiratory Viruses in Febrile Neutropenic Children
Authors: Suryadevara Manika , Tabarani Christy M. , Bartholoma Nadine , Rosenberg Helene F. , Domachowske Joseph B.
Published: August 2012

Background. Although fever is common in neutropenic children, a microbiological etiology is determined in only 15% to 30% of cases. The authors investigated the frequency of respiratory virus detection in the upper airways of febrile neutropenic children with negative bacterial cultures. Methods. This is a 3-year prospective study of children younger than 19 years, hospitalized with febrile neutropenia and negative bacterial cultures. Respiratory samples were obtained for amplification of viral nucleic acids via Luminex xTAG technology. Results. There were 50 febrile neutropenic episodes among 42 patients. Respiratory viruses were detected in 26 (52%) febrile episodes. A single virus was detected in 22 febrile episodes; multiple viruses were detected in the remaining 4. Rhinovirus/Enterovirus was most frequently detected. Conclusion. Respiratory viruses were detected frequently in nasopharyngeal samples from febrile neutropenic patients with negative bacterial cultures, thus providing an impetus to determine the relationship between virus detection, infection, and pathology in this unique patient population.
Leisure Worlds
Authors: Tanner Julian , Asbridge Mark , Wortley Scot
Published: August 2012

With information supplied by a large ( n = 3393) sample of high school students from Toronto, this paper tests the assumption that three forms of leisure activity—peer, risky, and self-improving leisure—have a relatively independent impact upon patterns of offending and victimization. Although we find significant support for this proposition, we also find that traditional criminal motivations are still strongly related to criminal incidents, particularly offending behavior. The positive association between leisure and victimization includes, counter intuitively, the sort of self-improving leisure that might have been expected to reduce the risk of victimization. We discuss our findings in terms of the relationship between traditional motivational explanations of crime and newer, more situational ones.
Practices and the Direct Perception of Normative States
Authors: Zahle Julie
Published: August 2012

The overall aim of this two-part article is to provide a supplement to ability theories of practice in terms of a defense of the following thesis: In situations of social interaction, individuals’ ability to act appropriately sometimes depends on their exercise of the ability directly to perceive normative states. In this Part I, I introduce ability theories of practice and motivate my thesis. Furthermore, I offer an analysis of normative states as response-dependent properties. Last, I work out and defend an account of direct perception that is compatible with individuals being able directly to perceive various everyday phenomena. Drawing on this account, I show in part II, that normative states are sometimes directly perceptible too.
Public spaces and the end of art
Authors: Ypi Lea
Published: August 2012

This article contributes to studies in democratic theory and civic engagement by critically reflecting on the role of contemporary art for the transformation of the public sphere. It begins with a short assessment of the role of art during the Enlightenment, when the communicative function and the public role of art were most clearly articulated. It refers in particular to the analogies between aesthetic and political judgement in order to understand the emancipatory role of artistic production within a philosophical project centred on reason’s capacity to liberate itself from the dogmatism of authority and from the errors of superstition, both elements considered crucial to the development of a functioning public sphere. The article then discusses the historical transformation of art following a number of philosophical and sociological critiques to a similar project of the Enlightenment and assesses the attempt of historical avant-gardes to appropriate this critique yet maintain art’s emancipatory function in society. Having examined some problems raised by these attempts, the article turns to the analogies with contemporary artistic production. It examines the role of contemporary visual art in the public sphere and shows how the anti-rationalist theories articulated to reflect on contemporary works of art, and the works themselves, both fail to develop art’s emancipatory role in society. Without rethinking artistic experience in a way that places emphasis on reason’s capacity for critical and constructive self-understanding and without reconsidering art theory in a way that brings back the emphasis on the emancipatory role of rational communication, contemporary art, far from contributing to the revitalization of the public sphere, will contribute to its decline.
Red blood cell transfusion volume and mortality among patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Smith AH , Hardison DC , Bridges BC , Pietsch JB
Published: August 2012

Background:

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is used in the critically ill with low hemoglobin concentrations to optimize oxygen utilization and delivery imbalance. Data suggest that RBC transfusion is also independently associated with significant morbidity. We seek to characterize RBC transfusion volumes among patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and test the hypothesis that red blood cell transfusion volume is an independent risk factor for mortality.

Methods:

Records of all patients receiving ECMO support from 2001 through 2010 at a university-affiliated children’s hospital were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

Among 484 ECMO runs reviewed, indications for ECMO were classified as cardiac (40%), non-cardiac (42%) or institution of ECMO during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (18%). Median duration of ECMO support was 4.6 days, with overall survival to hospital discharge significantly higher among non-cardiac patients (60%) relative to patients supported for cardiac (37%) or external CPR (ECPR) indications (34%, p<0.001). Median RBC transfusion volumes with respect to ECMO indication were significantly greater among cardiac (105 mL/kg/day ECMO) and ECPR patients (66 mL/kg/day ECMO) relative to patients supported for non-cardiac indications (20 mL/kg/day ECMO, p<0.001). Among patients supported with ECMO for non-cardiac indications alone (n=203), independent of covariates, including weight, venoarterial mode of ECMO support, presence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and complications, including hemorrhage, neurologic injury, and renal insufficiency, each RBC transfusion volume of 10 mL/kg/day ECMO was associated with a 24% increase in the odds of in-hospital mortality (OR 1.024, 95% CI 1.004-1.046, p=0.018).

Conclusions:

Greater red blood cell transfusion volumes among patients supported with ECMO for non-cardiac indications are independently associated with an increase in odds of mortality. A prospective investigation of restrictive RBC transfusion practices while receiving ECMO may be warranted in this population.
Converging transport policy, industrial policy and environmental policy: The implications for localities and social equity
Authors: Wells Peter
Published: August 2012

This article argues that nurturing the nascent electric vehicle industry and the attempts to achieve low carbon mobility in Europe, while laudable policy aims, lack a coherent treatment of social equity. The transition process is assumed to be largely technocratic and unproblematic. Consequently, the article identifies inter- and intra-regional dimensions of inequality that are emerging around the convergence of transport policy, industrial policy and environmental policy. First, inter-regional competition and a lack of national or international coordination will result in some regions failing to capture the wealth creation benefits of this new industry. Second, within regions the privileges accorded to those owning and using electric vehicles will further exacerbate mobility disadvantage for those excluded from ownership or use. It is concluded that transitions theory is overly technocentric and pluralist, and lacking in critical content.
The writing of heroines: Motherhood and female agency in political violence
Authors: Åhäll Linda
Published: August 2012

This article explores the way in which female agency in political violence is enabled through gender. It looks at two examples of heroine stories – the cases of British Navy sailor Faye Turney and the popular film Female Agents (2008) – to illustrate how female agency in political violence is constructed at the expense of motherhood. The article argues that representations of female agency in political violence involve a tension between a life-giving and a life-taking identity, and that agency is only enabled if this tension is removed or overcome. This suggests that heroism, as agency in political violence, is in a symbiotic relationship with motherhood: heroism functions as motherhood’s constitutive other and vice versa. This means not only that the writing of heroines depends on ideas about female bodies’ association with motherhood but also that essentialist ideas about gender are reinforced. Accordingly, this article suggests that female agency in political violence is communicated and negotiated through motherhood, even in cases where this might not be immediately apparent.
Reclaiming the political: Emancipation and critique in security studies
Authors: Nunes João
Published: August 2012

The critical security studies literature has been marked by a shared commitment towards the politicization of security – that is, the analysis of its assumptions, implications and the practices through which it is (re)produced. In recent years, however, politicization has been accompanied by a tendency to conceive security as connected with a logic of exclusion, totalization and even violence. This has resulted in an imbalanced politicization that weakens critique. Seeking to tackle this situation, the present article engages with contributions that have advanced emancipatory versions of security. Starting with, but going beyond, the so-called Aberystwyth School of security studies, the argument reconsiders the meaning of security as emancipation by making the case for a systematic engagement with the notions of reality and power. This revised version of security as emancipation strengthens critique by addressing political dimensions that have been underplayed in the critical security literature.
Follow-Up of the Cues and Care Trial
Authors: Feeley Nancy , Zelkowitz Phyllis , Shrier Ian , Stremler Robyn , Westreich Ruta , Dunkley David , Steele Russell , Rosberger Zeev , Lefebvre Francine , Papageorgiou Apostolos
Published: August 2012

The long-term effects of the Cues intervention to reduce anxiety and enhance the interactive behavior of mothers of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants were investigated. A randomized trial comparing the Cues intervention to an attention control condition was conducted. A total of 122 mothers of newborns weighing < 1,500 g were randomized, and 96 participated in a follow-up assessment when the infants were 6 months corrected age. Maternal outcomes included anxiety, posttraumatic stress and depression, and mother–infant interaction. The Bayley Scales were used to assess infant development. Mother’s anxiety was not significantly lower in the Cues group (27.8 [ SD = 7.9]) compared with the control group (30.5 [ SD = 10.0]; p = 0.14). Mothers in the Cues group were not more sensitive in interactions with their infants. There were no differences between groups with respect to infant development. Thus, there was no evidence of any differential beneficial effects of the Cues program.
Asian American Educational Goals
Authors: Chen Yung-Lung , Fouad Nadya A.
Published: August 2012

Educational success among Asian American students has often been misunderstood as an occupational development separate from any experience of racism. However, several theorists have suggested that racial barriers in occupational mobility correlate with educational pursuits. Therefore, this research aims to examine the direct effect of perceived occupational racial barriers on educational pursuits and cultural factors as potential coping resources to moderate this effect. Research was conducted on 205 participants with East Asian backgrounds through hierarchical multiple regressions. Although cultural factors did not serve as moderators between a racial barrier and educational pursuits, the results suggested a racial barrier in less-educationally relevant occupations, such as politics, and a culture-specific variable, honoring parents, predicted effort-related activities. Further, enculturation and honoring parents accounted for significant variances in utility of education and educational intentions.
The Management of Suspected Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in US Hospitals
Authors: Multz Alan S. , Lisker Gita N.
Published: August 2012

Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) vary between hospitals. Recent guidelines recommend initiating alternative anticoagulant therapy in patients with suspected HIT while awaiting laboratory test results confirming the presence of heparin–PF-4 antibodies (PF-4). This retrospective chart review was designed to assess the current state of management of patients with thrombocytopenia suspected to be due to HIT at 26 US hospitals. Most hospitals (25 of 26; 96.2%) had guidelines in place for the management of suspected HIT, with 7 (26.9%) having a “halt heparin, test, and await results” (ie, “test and wait”) policy. One-third of hospitals had a wait time for obtaining PF-4 antibodies of 3 days or more. Hospital guidelines for the management of HIT may actually discourage the use of optimal HIT management strategies.
Active vibration suppression in smart structures subjected to model uncertainties and environmental disturbances: an adaptive approach
Authors: Koofigar Hamid Reza , Amelian Shahab
Published: August 2012

This paper presents a novel adaptive-based vibration control algorithm for smart structures, despite the model parameter variations, unstructured uncertainties, and environmental disturbances. The rate of vibration suppression can be managed in the proposed method, by taking a desired exponential decaying trajectory. Since the proposed method is established by taking various perturbations into account, it can be applied to a wide class of structures without any conservative hypotheses. The stability analysis is presented based on the Lyapunov’s direct method. In order to verify the effectiveness of the method, numerical analyses are presented and discussed by applying the developed vibration control methodology to a smart beam.
Anesthetic Management of the Patient With Dilated Cardiomyopathy Undergoing Pulmonary Resection Surgery
Authors: Sumler Michele L. , Andritsos Michael J. , Blank Randal S.
Published: August 2012

Interactions between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are complex and profound. General anesthesia, muscle relaxation, and positive-pressure ventilation all impose physiological effects on cardiovascular function. In patients presenting for pulmonary resection, additional effects resulting from positioning, 1-lung ventilation, surgical procedures, and contraction of the pulmonary vascular bed may impose an additional physiological burden. For most patients with adequate pulmonary and cardiovascular reserve, these effects are well tolerated. However, the cardiothoracic anesthesiologist may be asked to provide anesthetic care for patients with significantly reduced cardiac function who require potentially curative pulmonary resection for lung cancer. These patients present a major perioperative challenge and a thoughtful approach to intraoperative management is required. The authors review a case of a patient with severely impaired biventricular function who presented for elective pulmonary lobectomy in an attempt to effect a curative resection of lung cancer and present a discussion of physiological and pathophysiological considerations for clinical management.
Nostalgia for Pre-Digital Media in Mad Men
Authors: Bevan Alex
Published: August 2012

The article examines how old imaging technologies figure in AMC’s Mad Men, including the Kodak slide projector and the Super 8 home movie, and more broadly speaking, postwar advertising and ideals of home and family. It links the nostalgia for these old media to contemporary masculinity and the ephemeral nature of new media in order to question what significance the baby boom era holds today.
Principal Leadership
Authors: Jacobson Stephen
Published: August 2012

This introductory article presents the research background for this special issue of the Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership. The article includes an overview of the International Successful School Principalship Project (ISSPP) as well as a description of the subsequent development of a multi-institution North American team. The primary focus of the emerging North American team has been to examine the work of principals who have successfully improved student performance in schools serving low income, high need communities. The article identifies the institutions currently participating in the project, the research that has already been published and the potential contributions to the literature that this body of work is hoping to make.
Internet-Mediated Technologies and Mixed Methods Research
Authors: Hesse-Biber Sharlene , Griffin Amy J.
Published: August 2012

This article provides an examination of a range of mixed methods research projects that employ Internet-mediated technologies (IMT) for data collection. Using a case study approach, this article allows for the uncovering of a process by which IMT are used as a data collection medium in mixed methods praxis. Under the theoretical position of medium theory, the impact of how going online and changing the “mode” of traditional research will be explored. Advantages, drawbacks, as well as ethical issues that emerge for mixed methods using the online medium are highlighted throughout the article. Finally, implications and directions for future research using IMT are discussed.
Development of temperature controllers for a room deploying the displacement ventilation for heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning
Authors: Li Zhicheng , Agarwal Ramesh , Gao Huijun
Published: August 2012

By employing the fuzzy control theory and dynamic matrix control method, the controllers for temperature control of a room cooled by a displacement ventilation system are developed. The fluid flow and heat transfer inside the room are calculated by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations, including the effects of buoyancy in conjunction with a two-equation realizable k–ε turbulence model. Thus, the physical environment is represented by a nonlinear system of partial differential equations. The system also has a large time delay because of the slowness of the heat exchange. Additionally, the temperature of the exterior wall of the room first increases and then decreases with time during a 24-h period, which acts as a strong disturbance in changing the temperature of the room. The goal of this article is to develop controllers that will maintain the temperature in the room within the specified upper and lower bounds by deploying the displacement ventilation system. In order to solve this temperature control problem, we develop a special fuzzy control method. At the same time, we analyze the peak value of the error and employ the dynamic matrix control method to replace the fuzzy control method with success. The results show that the fuzzy controller is effective in saving energy, and the dynamic matrix control method can contain the error within the specified bounds in the worst situation (when the temperature of the exterior wall is highest). These kinds of fuzzy control and dynamic matrix control methods can also be employed for other heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems such as overhead variable air volume system and radiant cooling hydronic system.