bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic intermittent hypoxia induces lung growth in adult mice
Authors: Reinke Christian , Bevans-Fonti Shannon , Grigoryev Dmitry N. , Drager Luciano F. , Myers Allen C. , Wise Robert A. , Schwartz Alan R. , Mitzner Wayne , Polotsky Vsevolod Y.
Published: December 2010

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, which have been attributed to intermittent hypoxia (IH). The effects of IH on lung structure and function are unknown. We used a mouse model of chronic IH, which mimics the O2profile in patients with OSA. We exposed adult C57BL/6J mice to 3 mo of IH with a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) nadir of 5% 60 times/h during the 12-h light phase. Control mice were exposed to room air. Lung volumes were measured by quasistatic pressure-volume (PV) curves under anesthesia and by water displacement postmortem. Lungs were processed for morphometry, and the mean airspace chord length (Lm) and alveolar surface area were determined. Lung tissue was stained for markers of proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen), apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling), and type II alveolar epithelial cells (surfactant protein C). Gene microarrays were performed, and results were validated by real-time PCR. IH increased lung volumes by both PV curves (air vs. IH, 1.16 vs. 1.44 ml, P < 0.0001) and water displacement ( P < 0.01) without changes in Lm, suggesting that IH increased the alveolar surface area. IH induced a 60% increase in cellular proliferation, but the number of proliferating type II alveolocytes tripled. There was no increase in apoptosis. IH upregulated pathways of cellular movement and cellular growth and development, including key developmental genes vascular endothelial growth factor A and platelet-derived growth factor B. We conclude that IH increases alveolar surface area by stimulating lung growth in adult mice.
Two Fixed‐Point Theorems for Mappings Satisfying a General Contractive Condition of Integral Type in the Modular Space
Authors: Beygmohammadi Maryam , Razani Abdolrahman
Published: December 2010

First we prove existence of a fixed point for mappings defined on a complete modular space satisfying a general contractive
inequality of integral type. Then we generalize fixed‐point theorem for a quasicontraction mapping given by Khamsi (2008) and Ciric (1974).
Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Magnetic Fe-SBA-15 Mesoporous Silica Molecular Sieves
Authors: Huang Huayu , Ji Yongsheng , Qiao Zhenfeng , Zhao Chuande , He Jianguo , Zhang Haixia
Published: December 2010

Magnetic Fe-SBA-15 mesoporous silica molecular sieves were prepared, characterized, and used for magnetic separation. Wet impregnation, drying, and calcination steps led to iron inclusion within the mesopores. Iron oxide was reduced to the metal form with hydrogen, and the magnetic Fe-SBA-15 was obtained. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the preparation process from the oxide to metal forms. The structure of magnetic materials was confirmed by Mössbauer spectra. Powder X-ray diffraction data indicated that the structure of Fe-SBA-15 retained the host SBA-15 structure. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis revealed a decrease in surface area and pore size, indicating Fe-SBA-15 coating on the inner surfaces. Scanning electron micrographs confirmed the decrease in size for modified SBA-15 particles. From scanning electron micrographs, it was found that the size of the modified SBA-15 particles decreased. Transmission electron micrographs also confirmed that modified SBA-15 retained the structure of the parent SBA-15 silica. Fe-SBA-15 exhibited strong magnetic properties, with a magnetization value of 8.8 emu g-1. The iron content in Fe-SBA-15 was determined by atom adsorption spectroscopy. Fe-SBA-15 was successfully used for the magnetic separation of three aromatic compounds in water. Our results suggest wide applicability of Fe-SBA-15 magnetic materials for the rapid and efficient separation of various compounds.
On the Spezialschar of Maass
Authors: Heim Bernhard
Published: December 2010

Let be the space of Siegel modular forms of degree n and even weight k. In this paper firstly a certain subspace Spez the Spezialschar of , is introduced. In the setting of the Siegel threefold, it is proven that this Spezialschar is the Maass Spezialschar. Secondly, an embedding of into a direct sum
Sym2Mk+2υ is given. This leads to a basic characterization of the Spezialschar property. The
results of this paper are directly related to the nonvanishing of certain
special values of L‐functions related to the Gross‐Prasad conjecture. This
is illustrated by a significant example in the paper.
Ivabradine Reduces Chemokine-Induced CD4-Positive Lymphocyte Migration
Authors: Walcher Thomas , Bernhardt Peter , Vasic Dusica , Bach Helga , Durst Renate , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Walcher Daniel
Published: December 2010

Aims.Migration of CD4-positive lymphocytes into the vessel wall is a critical step in atherogenesis. Recent data suggest that ivabradine, a selective I(f)-channel blocker, reduces atherosclerotic plaque formation in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, hitherto nothing is known about the mechanism by which ivabradine modulates plaque formation. Therefore, the present study investigated whether ivabradine regulates chemokine-induced migration of lymphocytes.Methods and results.Stimulation of CD4-positive lymphocytes with SDF-1 leads to a2.0±0.1fold increase in cell migration (P<.01;n=7). Pretreatment of cells with ivabradine reduces this effect to a maximal1.2±0.1fold induction at 0.1 µmol/L ivabradine (P<.01compared to SDF-1-treated cells,n=7). The effect of ivabradine on CD4-positive lymphocyte migration was mediated through an early inhibition of chemokine-induced PI-3 kinase activity as determined by PI-3 kinase activity assays. Downstream, ivabradine inhibits activation of the small GTPase Rac and phosphorylation of the Myosin Light Chain (MLC). Moreover, ivabradine treatment reduces f-actin formation as well as ICAM3 translocation to the uropod of the cell, thus interfering with two important steps in T cell migration.Conclusion.Ivabradine inhibits chemokine-induced migration of CD4-positive lymphocytes. Given the crucial importance of chemokine-induced T-cell migration in early atherogenesis, ivabradine may be a promising tool to modulate this effect.
A Markov Regime‐Switching Marked Point Process for Short‐Rate Analysis with Credit Risk
Authors: Siu Tak Kuen
Published: December 2010

We investigate a Markov, regime‐switching, marked point process for the short‐term
interest rate in a market. The intensity of the marked point process is a
bounded, predictable process and is modulated by two observable factors. One is
an economic factor described by a diffusion process, and another one is described
by a Markov chain. The states of the chain are interpreted as different rating
categories of corporate credit ratings issued by rating agencies. We consider a
general pricing kernel which can explicitly price economic, market, and credit
risks. It is shown that the price of a pure discount bond satisfies a system of
coupled partial differential‐integral equations under a risk‐adjusted measure.
The Effects of Sociodemographic Characteristics on Chinese Elders′ Perception of the Image of Ageing
Authors: Chow Nelson , Bai Xue
Published: December 2010

A positive image of elderly people is found to be contributive to successful ageing. This paper reports a study that aims at revising and validating Image of Ageing Scale in a modern Chinese context and finding out how socio‐demographic factors have impacted the latter′s perception of the image of ageing. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the five‐factor model suggested from exploratory factor analysis which produced good psychometric properties. Based on the two‐cluster solution from the two‐step cluster analysis on the image of ageing, results of both the Chi‐square and the one‐way ANOVA tests confirmed that age, residence location, marital status, working status, living arrangement, neighborhood relationships, illness and daily activity were significant predictors of elders′ image of ageing. Logistic results further indicated that some predictors were not statistically significant in the multivariate analysis, whilst being urban, lonely, suffering from severe chronic illnesses, and showing little interests in daily activities, were identified as potent factors resulting in a negative image of ageing. Other than suggesting the Revised Chinese Version of the Image of Ageing Scale (IAS‐C) could be used in a Chinese society, our findings also led to a number of recommendations to promoting a positive image among the Chinese elderly.
Dihydroceramide Desaturase Inhibition by a Cyclopropanated Dihydroceramide Analog in Cultured Keratinocytes
Authors: Brodesser Susanne , Kolter Thomas
Published: December 2010

Most mammalian sphingolipids contain a 4,5-(E)-double bond. We report on the chemical synthesis of a dihydroceramide derivative that prevents the introduction of the double bond into sphingolipids. Minimal alteration of the parent structure by formally replacing the hydrogen atoms in the 5- and in the 6-position of the sphinganine backbone by a methylene group leads to an inhibitor of dihydroceramide desaturase in cultured cells. In the presence of 10–50 μM of compound (1), levels of biosynthetically formed dihydroceramide and—surprisingly—also of phytoceramide are elevated at the expense of ceramide. The cells respond to the lack of unsaturated sphingolipids by an elevation of mRNAs of enzymes required for sphingosine formation. At the same time, the analysis of proliferation and differentiation markers indicates that the sphingolipid double bond is required to keep the cells in a differentiated state.
Wθg‐Closed and Wδg‐Closed in [0, 1]‐Topological Spaces
Authors: El-Shafei M. E. , Zakari A. H.
Published: December 2010

We investigate various classes of generalized closed fuzzy sets in [0, 1]‐topological spaces, namely, Wθg‐closed fuzzy sets and Wδg‐closed fuzzy sets. Also, we introduce a new separation axiom of the [0, 1]‐topological spaces, and we prove that every ‐space is a FT3/4‐space. Furthermore, we using the new generalized closed fuzzy sets to construct new types of fuzzy mappings.
Management of Patients with Hernia or Incisional Hernia Undergoing Surgery for Morbid Obesity
Authors: Vilallonga Ramon , Fort José Manuel , Gonzalez Oscar , Baena Juan Antonio , Lecube Albert , Armengol Manuel
Published: December 2010

Morbidly obese patients (MOPs) are predisposed to developing abdominal wall hernias with the potential complication of small bowel obstruction and other morbidity. We report our experience in treating morbidly obese patients. Hernia prophylaxis has been attempted as a means of decreasing the incisional hernia risk associated with weight loss surgery. The controversy regarding the optimal time and method of repair of abdominal wall hernias in patients undergoing open or laparoscopic gastric bypass is discussed with emphasis placed on either a simultaneous repair or splits of the omentum, and of leaving a plug in the hernia defect, to allow time to perform a delayed repair.
Antitumor Activity of BIBF 1120, a Triple Angiokinase Inhibitor, and Use of VEGFR2+pTyr+ Peripheral Blood Leukocytes as a Pharmacodynamic Biomarker In Vivo
Authors: Kudo Kanae , Arao Tokuzo , Tanaka Kaoru , Nagai Tomoyuki , Furuta Kazuyuki , Sakai Kazuko , Kaneda Hiroyasu , Matsumoto Kazuko , Tamura Daisuke , Aomatsu Keiichi , De Velasco Marco A. , Fujita Yoshihiko , Saijo Nagahiro , Kudo Masatoshi , Nishio Kazuto
Published: December 2010

Purpose: BIBF 1120 is a potent, orally available triple angiokinase inhibitor that inhibits VEGF receptors (VEGFR) 1, 2, and 3, fibroblast growth factor receptors, and platelet-derived growth factor receptors. This study examined the antitumor effects of BIBF 1120 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and attempted to identify a pharmacodynamic biomarker for use in early clinical trials.

Experimental Design: We evaluated the antitumor and antiangiogenic effects of BIBF 1120 against HCC cell line both in vitro and in vivo. For the pharmacodynamic study, the phosphorylation levels of VEGFR2 in VEGF-stimulated peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) were evaluated in mice inoculated with HCC cells and treated with BIBF 1120.

Results: BIBF 1120 (0.01 μmol/L) clearly inhibited the VEGFR2 signaling in vitro. The direct growth inhibitory effects of BIBF 1120 on four HCC cell lines were relatively mild in vitro (IC50 values: 2–5 μmol/L); however, the oral administration of BIBF 1120 (50 or 100 mg/kg/d) significantly inhibited the tumor growth and angiogenesis in a HepG2 xenograft model. A flow cytometric analysis revealed that BIBF 1120 significantly decreased the phosphotyrosine (pTyr) levels of VEGFR2+CD45dim PBLs and the percentage of VEGFR2+pTyr+ PBLs in vivo; the latter parameter seemed to be a more feasible pharmacodynamic biomarker.

Conclusions: We found that BIBF 1120 exhibited potent antitumor and antiangiogenic activity against HCC and identified VEGFR2+pTyr+ PBLs as a feasible and noninvasive pharmacodynamic biomarker in vivo. Clin Cancer Res; 17(6); 1373–81. ©2010 AACR.
Forkhead Transcription Factor FOXO1 is a Direct Target of Progestin to Inhibit Endometrial Epithelial Cell Growth
Authors: Kyo Satoru , Sakaguchi Junko , Kiyono Tohru , Shimizu Yutaka , Maida Yoshiko , Mizumoto Yasunari , Mori Noriko , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Takakura Masahiro , Miyake Kiyohiko , Sakamoto Masaru , Inoue Masaki
Published: December 2010

Purpose and experimental design: Despite the therapeutic utility of progestin in invasive and preinvasive endometrial neoplasias, the molecular mechanisms through which it exerts inhibitory effects on endometrial epithelial growth are largely unknown. The aim of the study was to clarify the molecular mechanisms of progestin action to endometrial epithelial cells using originally established in vitro and in vivo treatment models for immortalized and transformed endometrial epithelial cell lines that express progesterone receptor.

Results: In this model, progestin effectively inhibited the cell growth, inducing G0/G1 arrest rather than apoptosis without p21/WAF-1 induction. Using DNA microarray analysis, we identified 24 genes whose expression increased more than 10-fold on progestin treatment. Of these genes, we paid special attention to forkhead box transcription factor FOXO1, known as a key gene for endometrial decidualization. Progestin markedly induced FOXO1 gene expression mainly in the nuclei in vitro and in vivo. This induction was not due to the canonical activation of FOXO1 via protein dephosphorylation but due to FOXO1 promoter activation and mRNA induction. siRNA inhibition of FOXO1 significantly attenuated the effects of progestin to inhibit endometrial epithelial cell growth. Disrupting Akt activity by the introduction of the dominant negative form of Akt increased nuclear FOXO1 accumulation and enhanced the effect of progestin.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that FOXO1 is a direct target of progestin, implicating novel molecular mechanisms of progestin to eradicate endometrial neoplasia. Clin Cancer Res; 17(3); 525–37. ©2010 AACR.
Bayesian Hierarchical Changepoint Methods in Modeling the Tumor Growth Profiles in Xenograft Experiments
Authors: Zhao Lili , Morgan Meredith A. , Parsels Leslie A. , Maybaum Jonathan , Lawrence Theodore S. , Normolle Daniel
Published: December 2010

Purpose: The standard approach of using tumor doubling time to assess growth delay may not accurately represent tumor response, especially if the growth rates are not constant. Therefore, we developed a method to compare the antitumor activities of different treatments in xenograft experiments that uses the entire growth curve to estimate nonconstant growth rates.

Experimental Design: A Bayesian hierarchical changepoint (BHC) method was used to model logarithmically transformed tumor volumes (TV). Each tumor was assumed to have a growth profile, represented by a prenadir regression rate, a regression period, a nadir volume, and a postnadir regrowth rate. Confidence intervals were calculated to compare these features between different treatments. We used data from a study assessing the effects of radiation, gemcitabine, and a Chk1/2 inhibitor on MiaPaCa-2 xenografts.

Results: We found that the BHC model provided a good fit to the data and more descriptive features than the tumor doubling approach. This model detected significant tumor regression in the AZD7762 + 1 Gy and GEM + 1 Gy that was not detected when comparing the tumor doubling times. The BHC model also provided evidence that the growth inhibition resulted from a direct tumor effect rather than an indirect effect on the tumor bed, as evidenced by dramatic tumor regression in response to effective treatments and similar postnadir regrowth rates across all treatment groups.

Conclusions: Compared with the tumor doubling time approach, the BHC model utilizes all data, providing more descriptive features that address mechanisms underlying tumor growth inhibition and maximize the biological information obtained from tumor xenografts studies. Clin Cancer Res; 17(5); 1057–64. ©2010 AACR.
Phase I Dose-Escalation Study of the Novel Antiandrogen BMS-641988 in Patients with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Rathkopf Dana , Liu Glenn , Carducci Michael A. , Eisenberger Mario A. , Anand Aseem , Morris Michael J. , Slovin Susan F. , Sasaki Yasutsuna , Takahashi Shunji , Ozono Seiichiro , Fung Nga Kit Eliza , Cheng Shinta , Gan Jinping , Gottardis Marco , Obermeier Mary T. , Reddy Jyotsna , Zhang Steven , Vakkalagadda Blisse J. , Alland Leila , Wilding George , Scher Howard I.
Published: December 2010

Purpose: BMS-641988 is an androgen receptor antagonist with increased potency relative to bicalutamide in both in vitro and in vivo prostate cancer models. A first-in-man phase I study was conducted to define the safety and tolerability of oral BMS-641988 in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

Experimental Design: Doses were escalated from 5 to 150 mg based on discrete pharmacokinetic parameters in cohorts of three to six subjects. After establishing safety with 20 mg of BMS-641988 in the United States, a companion study was opened in Japan to assess differences in drug metabolism between populations.

Results: Sixty-one men with CRPC were treated with daily BMS-641988. The pharmacokinetics (PK) of BMS-641988 and its active metabolites were proportional to dose. One patient experienced an epileptic seizure at a dose of 60 mg administered twice. Despite achieving target drug exposures, antitumor activity was limited to one partial response. Seventeen of 23 evaluable patients (74%) exhibited stable disease on imaging (median 15 weeks; range 8–32), and 10 of 61 patients (16%) achieved a ≥30% decline in levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Partial agonism was seen within the context of this study upon removal of the drug as evidenced by a decrease in PSA.

Conclusions: Although the clinical outcomes of predominantly stable disease and partial agonism were similar to what was observed in the preclinical evaluation of the compound, the limited antitumor activity of BMS-641988 at therapeutic dose levels coupled with an episode of seizure activity led to study closure. Clin Cancer Res; 17(4); 880–7. ©2010 AACR.
Endocardial Unipolar Voltage Mapping to Detect Epicardial Ventricular Tachycardia Substrate in Patients With Nonischemic Left Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hutchinson Mathew D. , Gerstenfeld Edward P. , Desjardins Benoit , Bala Rupa , Riley Michael P. , Garcia Fermin C. , Dixit Sanjay , Lin David , Tzou Wendy S. , Cooper Joshua M. , Verdino Ralph J. , Callans David J. , Marchlinski Francis E.
Published: December 2010

Background—

Patients with nonischemic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (LVCM) and ventricular tachycardia (V
t
) have complex 3-dimensional substrate with variable involvement of the endocardium (ENDO) and epicardium (EPI). The purpose of this study was to determine whether ENDO unipolar (UNI) mapping with a larger electric field of view could identify EPI low bipolar (BIP) voltage regions in patients with LVCM undergoing V
t
ablation.

Methods and Results—

The reference value for normal ENDO unipolar voltage was determined from 6 patients without structural heart disease. Consecutive patients undergoing V
t
ablation over an 8-year period with detailed (>100 points) LV ENDO and EPI mapping and normal LV ENDO BIP voltage were identified. From this cohort, we compared patients with structurally normal hearts and normal EPI BIP voltage (EPI−, group 1) with patients with LVCM and low LV EPI BIP voltage regions present (EPI+, group 2). Confluent regions of ENDO UNI and EPI BIP low voltage (>2 cm
2
) were measured. The normal signal amplitude was >8.27 mV for LV ENDO UNI electrograms. Detailed LV ENDO-EPI maps in 5 EPI− patients were compared with 11 EPI+ patients. Confluent ENDO UNI low-voltage regions were seen in 9 of 11 (82%) of the EPI+ (group 2) patients compared with none of 5 EPI− (group 1) patients (
P
<0.001). In all 9 patients with ENDO UNI low voltage, the ENDO UNI low-voltage regions were directly opposite to an area of EPI BIP low voltage (61% ENDO UNI-EPI BIP low-voltage area overlap).

Conclusions—

EPI arrhythmia substrate can be reliably identified in most patients with LVCM using ENDO UNI voltage mapping in the absence of ENDO BIP abnormalities.
Capturing the Ecology of Workplace Stress With Cumulative Risk Assessment
Authors: Evans Gary W. , Becker Franklin D. , Zahn Alicia , Bilotta Elena , Keesee Alyssa M.
Published: December 2010

Most research on occupational stress and health examines singular psychosocial or physical work characteristics. Occasionally, the interactive health effects of multiple psychosocial and physical work characteristics are examined. Most approaches to occupational stress and health, however, do not fully capture the complex, dynamic ecological context of work stress. This article proposes and tests a model of cumulative risk, a concept adapted from developmental psychology, as an alternative perspective on occupational stress and health. Cumulative risk models categorize singular psychosocial or physical work characteristics dichotomously as risks or stressors that are either present or absent for each worker. Cumulative risk is then the simple additive summation of these multiple dichotomous categories. Herein, the authors show in two different work settings (clerical offices and primary care hospitals) that the accumulation of relatively modest, low levels of multiple physical and psychosocial stressors is associated with multiple indicators of well-being, including fatigue, job stress, and psychological distress. The cumulative risk index, unlike singular risk exposures, predicts well-being. Furthermore, these associations replicate in two quite different work settings and are statistically independent of a control for negative affectivity, a general indicator of neuroticism.
The Determinants of Urban Resource Consumption
Authors: Newton Peter , Meyer Denny
Published: December 2010

This article analyzes data from a major household survey in Melbourne, Australia, to assess the relative importance of each of the five sets of predictors—individual (structural and attitudinal) and contextual (household, dwelling, and locational)—to an explanation of urban resource consumption that encompasses water, energy, housing, carbon-intensive travel, and domestic appliances. Using general linear modeling and multiple regression, we find that the determinants of consumption vary for the different domains of consumption and also that an individual’s attributes are less influential than contextual factors in accounting for a particular level of per capita resource consumption.
Health and the Structure of Adolescent Social Networks
Authors: Haas Steven A. , Schaefer David R. , Kornienko Olga
Published: December 2010

Much research has explored the role of social networks in promoting health through the provision of social support. However, little work has examined how social networks themselves may be structured by health. This article investigates the link between individuals’ health and the characteristics of their social network positions. We first develop theoretical predictions for how health may influence the structure of adolescent networks. We then test these predictions using longitudinal analysis of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). We find important relationships between the health status of adolescents and the characteristics of the social network positions within which they are embedded. Overall we find that adolescents in poor health form smaller local networks and occupy less central global positions than their healthy peers. These results also have implications for social network research, expanding the scope of factors responsible for the network positions individuals occupy.
Patients-in-Waiting
Authors: Timmermans Stefan , Buchbinder Mara
Published: December 2010

What are the social consequences of the recent expansion of newborn screening in the United States? The adoption of new screening technologies has generated diagnostic uncertainty about the nature of screening targets, making it unclear not only whether a newborn will develop a disease but also what the condition actually is. Based on observations in a genetics clinic and in-depth interviews with parents and geneticists, we examine how parents and clinical staff work out the social significance of uncertain newborn screening results. We find that some newborns will experience a specific trajectory of prolonged liminality between a state of normal health and pathology. Based on a review of related literatures, we suggest “patients-in-waiting” as an umbrella concept for those under medical surveillance between health and disease.
Education and Health in Late-life among High School Graduates
Authors: Herd Pamela
Published: December 2010

Just as postsecondary schooling serves as a dividing line between the advantaged and disadvantaged on outcomes like income and marital status, it also serves as a dividing line between the healthy and unhealthy. Why are the better educated healthier? Human capital theory posits that education makes one healthier via cognitive (skill improvements) and noncognitive psychological resources (traits such as conscientiousness and a sense of mastery). I employ the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (1957–2005) to test the relative strength of measures of cognitive human capital versus noncognitive psychological human capital in explaining the relationship between education and health outcomes among high school graduates. I find little evidence that noncognitive psychological human capital is a significant mediator, but find a relatively significant role for cognitive human capital, as measured by high school academic performance. It is not just higher educational attainment; academic performance is strongly linked to health in later life.
Incorporating Children’s Lives into a Life Course Perspective on Stress and Mental Health
Authors: Avison William R.
Published: December 2010

Emerging themes in demography, developmental medicine, and psychiatry suggest that a comprehensive understanding of mental health across the life course requires that we incorporate the lives of children into our research. If we can learn more about the ways in which the stress process unfolds for children, we will gain important insights into the factors that influence initial set points of trajectories of mental health over the life course. This will simultaneously extend the scope of the stress process paradigm and elaborate the life course perspective on mental health. Incorporating children’s lives into the sociology of mental health will also extend the intellectual influence of the discipline on sociomedical and biomedical research on mental illness. I contend that sociology’s greatest promise in understanding trajectories of mental health across the life course lies in a systematic analysis of the social and social-psychological conditions of children, the stressful experiences that arise out of these conditions, and the processes that mediate and moderate the stress process in childhood. In this regard, there are three major issues that sociologists could begin to address: (1) the identification of structural and institutional factors that pattern children’s exposure to stress; (2) the construction of a stress universe for children; and (3) the identification of key elements of the life course perspective that may set or alter trajectories of mental health in childhood and adolescence.
Type 2 Diabetes Care and Insulin Intensification
Authors: Cuddihy Robert M. , Philis-Tsimikas Athena , Nazeri A.
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the opinions of primary care physicians (PCPs) and diabetes specialists on their perceived role in tackling type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the challenges they face, particularly regarding insulin intensification.

Methods

Six hundred physicians from Germany, Japan, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States were recruited to complete an online survey. Screening criteria included T2D patients seen per week (Europe/Japan: all ≥2; United States: PCPs ≥5; specialists ≥10) and years in practice (3—30 years).

Results

Most physicians had seen an increase in TD2 patients in the past 5 years, and almost all agreed that the burden of diabetes is increasing. Notable proportions of PCPs never initiate/modify insulin and never/rarely intensify insulin. Main barriers to insulin intensification cited were lack of experience and lack of time to educate patients. Better collaboration between primary and secondary care was considered one of the most important factors in improving insulin treatment of T2D.

Conclusions

PCPs are less involved in the initiation and intensification of insulin than specialists; however, all physicians appreciate the need for increased PCP involvement. A multidisciplinary approach that includes using the skills of diabetes educators will assist physicians in improving management of T2D.
Review of Continuing Education Course on Hemostasis
Authors: Baker Dale C. , Brassard Jacqueline
Published: December 2010

The continuing education course “Hemostasis” provided a comprehensive review of hemostasis and selected perturbations of the underlying processes as well as an assessment of hemostasis in animal models and preclinical testing environments. The session began with a review of the current state of understanding of hemostasis and how the waterfall or cascade of activation has transformed to the current cell-based, membrane-associated sequence of highly regulated events. The specific mechanisms of drug-induced thrombocytopenia were then presented, followed by a discussion of the relationships of coagulation and platelets in inflammation and cancer metastasis and platelet activity. Evaluation of hemostasis and platelet function in animals and especially in the environment of the contract research facility concluded the session.
Improving Ascertainment of Risk Factors for HIV Infection: Results of a Group-Randomized Evaluation
Authors: McDavid Harrison Kathleen , Pals Sherri L. , Sajak Tammy , Chase Jennifer , Kajese Tebitha
Published: December 2010

To allow appropriate allocation of prevention and care funding, HIV/AIDS surveillance data must include risk factor information, currently available for less than 70% of cases reported in the United States. The authors evaluated an intervention consisting of provider training and materials to improve risk factor reporting. Facilities were matched prior to randomization to intervention or control, and generalized linear mixed models were used to test for an intervention effect. Twenty-one percent of cases from intervention facilities and 33.4% from control facilities (p = .09) were reported without any risk factor information. The pre—post difference (20.7% for intervention and 36.0% for control) was not significant among HIV cases (p = .11) nor among AIDS cases (p = .12; 21.3% for intervention and 31.1% for control). The methods the authors’ evaluated may need to be combined with other approaches and/or alternative classification schemes to significantly reduce the percentage of cases reported to surveillance without risk factor information.
Correlates of Depressive Symptoms Among Homeless Young Adults
Authors: Nyamathi Adeline , Marfisee Mary , Slagle Alexandra , Greengold Barbara , Liu Yihang , Leake Barbara
Published: December 2010

Adolescent homelessness has received increasing attention because of its fast growth throughout the United States and the poor mental outcomes experienced by homeless young people. This cross-sectional study ( N = 156) identified correlates of depressive symptomatology among homeless young adults and investigated how depressive symptoms are influenced by the coping strategies these young adults use. The findings are based on analysis of baseline data collected for a hepatitis vaccination intervention pilot study conducted in partnership with a young adult’s drop-in center in Santa Monica, California. Standardized tools assessed drug use history, coping ability, and psychiatric symptomatology. Linear regression modeling was used to identify correlates of depressive symptom severity. Poor perceived physical health, recent crack cocaine use, and recent use of tranquilizers were significantly associated with increased severity of depressive symptoms. Self-destructive escape, nondisclosure/avoidance, passive problem solving, and thoughts of harming self were also associated with increased severity of depressive symptoms.
Effects of the sliding rehabilitation machine on balance and gait in chronic stroke patients – a controlled clinical trial
Authors: Byun Seung-Deuk , Jung Tae-Du , Kim Chul-Hyun , Lee Yang-Soo
Published: December 2010

Objective: To investigate the effects of a sliding rehabilitation machine on balance and gait in chronic stroke patients.

Design: A non-randomized crossover design.

Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation in a general hospital.

Subjects: Thirty patients with chronic stroke who had medium or high falling risk as determined by the Berg Balance Scale.

Interventions: Participants were divided into two groups and underwent four weeks of training. Group A ( n = 15) underwent training with the sliding rehabilitation machine for two weeks with concurrent conventional training, followed by conventional training only for another two weeks. Group B ( n = 15) underwent the same training in reverse order. The effect of the experimental period was defined as the sum of changes during training with sliding rehabilitation machine in each group, and the effect of the control period was defined as those during the conventional training only in each group.

Main measures: Functional Ambulation Category, Berg Balance Scale, Six-Minute Walk Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Korean Modified Barthel Index, Modified Ashworth Scale and Manual Muscle Test.

Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in all parameters except Modified Ashworth Scale in the experimental period, but only in Six-Minute Walk Test ( P <  0.01) in the control period. There were also statistically significant differences in the degree of change in all parameters in the experimental period as compared to the control period.

Conclusions: The sliding rehabilitation machine may be a useful tool for the improvement of balance and gait abilities in chronic stroke patients.
Reducing Juvenile Recidivism With Cognitive Training and a Cell Phone Follow-Up
Authors: Burraston Bert O. , Cherrington David J. , Bahr Stephen J.
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of a cognitive training and cell phone intervention on the recidivism of 70 juvenile offenders. Median days to rearrest were 106 for the control group, 191 for the class-only group, and 278 for the class plus cell phone group. Using rearrest as the survival criterion, the survival ratios of the class-only and class plus cell phone groups were 2.64 and 2.94 times longer than the control group, respectively. After controlling for gender, prior arrests, and risk score, the Poisson regression indicated that the class-only and class plus cell phone groups were 51% lower in total arrests than the control group. These results suggest that cognitive training supplemented with a cell phone coach is an effective and cost-efficient intervention for reducing recidivism.
A Metaethnography of Traumatic Childbirth and its Aftermath: Amplifying Causal Looping
Authors: Tatano Beck Cheryl
Published: December 2010

Integrating results from multiple analytic approaches used in a research program by the same researcher is a type of metasynthesis that has not often been reported in the literature. In this article the findings of one type of qualitative synthesis approach, a metaethnography, of six qualitative studies on birth trauma and its resulting posttraumatic stress disorder from my program of research are presented. This metaethnography provides a wide-angle lens to view and interpret the far-reaching, stinging tentacles of this often invisible phenomenon that new mothers experience. I used Noblit and Hare’s seven-step approach for synthesizing the findings of qualitative studies. The original trigger of traumatic childbirth resulted in six amplifying feedback loops, four of which were reinforcing (positive direction), and two which were balancing (negative direction). Leverage points that identify where pressure in the amplifying causal loop can break the feedback loop where necessary are discussed.
Symptom Experience of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Patients
Authors: McDonough Annette , Matura Lea Ann , Carroll Diane L.
Published: December 2010

Purpose: To describe symptoms experienced by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients and the impact these symptoms have had on their lives. Method: Qualitative descriptive methodology was chosen incorporating semistructured interviews to investigate the symptom experience of ten patients with PAH. Results: All patients were diagnosed with WHO Group 1 PAH and 70% were WHO functional Class III. Two overarching themes emerged: holding back and redefining life. Holding back was represented by three sub-themes: fear, anticipation of worsening symptoms, and treatment effects. Redefining life was characterized by uncertainty, activity restrictions, and making the best of it. Conclusion: This study revealed specific concerns related to the symptom experience of PAH patients and how they redefined their lives to accommodate these symptoms. These findings provide a basis for larger, quantitative studies to examine the extent of symptom impact as well as a framework for development of self management interventions to improve the symptom experience and QOL.
Transforming Realities—Making the Improbable Possible: Reclamation of Sacredness as a Source of Generative Capacities
Authors: Poonamallee Latha
Published: December 2010

Understanding the nature and source of generative capacities for radical change has been an enduring concern for researchers of organizations and social movements. However, the role of spirituality as a resource in social movements is an undertheorized area. Based on the field study of a successful, long-term social movement in India and drawing on the emerging discourse on spirituality in organizational literature, the author describes how in a community reclamation of the sacred came to be a source of generative capacities for transformation. This article describes a dynamic model of change that begins with recognition of the sacred and positive action that has the potential to spiral to escalating levels of positive change. The article also describes how the sacred in this community is manifested as a socioecological, relational ethic. The author concludes by discussing the implications of this framework for social movements and organizational change theories.
A Review of the Tripartite Structure of Subjective Well-Being: Implications for Conceptualization, Operationalization, Analysis, and Synthesis
Authors: Busseri Michael A. , Sadava Stan W.
Published: December 2010

Subjective well-being (SWB) comprises a global evaluation of life satisfaction and positive and negative affective reactions to one’s life. Despite the apparent simplicity of this tripartite model, the structure of SWB remains in question. In the present review, the authors identify five prominent structural conceptualizations in which SWB is cast variously as three separate components, a hierarchical construct, a causal system, a composite, and as configurations of components. Supporting evidence for each of these models is reviewed, strengths and weaknesses are evaluated, and commonalities and discrepancies among approaches are described. The authors demonstrate how current ambiguities concerning the tripartite structure of SWB have fundamental implications for conceptualization, measurement, analysis, and synthesis. Given these ambiguities, it is premature to propose a definitive structure of SWB. Rather, the authors outline a research agenda comprising both short-term and longer-term steps toward resolving these foundational, yet largely unaddressed, issues concerning SWB.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Inducer, Bleomycin, Causes Redox-Sensitive Activation of Phospholipase D and Cytotoxicity Through Formation of Bioactive Lipid Signal Mediator, Phosphatidic Acid, in Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Patel Rishi B. , Kotha Sainath R. , Sherwani Shariq I. , Sliman Sean M. , Gurney Travis O. , Loar Brooke , Butler Susan O’Connor , Morris Andrew J. , Marsh Clay B. , Parinandi Narasimham L.
Published: December 2010

The mechanisms of lung microvascular complications and pulmonary hypertension known to be associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a debilitating lung disease, are not known. Therefore, we investigated whether bleomycin, the widely used experimental IPF inducer, would be capable of activating phospholipase D (PLD) and generating the bioactive lipid signal-mediator phosphatidic acid (PA) in our established bovine lung microvascular endothelial cell (BLMVEC) model. Our results revealed that bleomycin induced the activation of PLD and generation of PA in a dose-dependent (5, 10, and 100 µg) and time-dependent (2-12 hours) fashion that were significantly attenuated by the PLD-specific inhibitor, 5-fluoro-2-indolyl des-chlorohalopemide (FIPI). PLD activation and PA generation induced by bleomycin (5 µg) were significantly attenuated by the thiol protectant ( N-acetyl-L-cysteine), antioxidants, and iron chelators suggesting the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and iron therein. Furthermore, our study demonstrated the formation of ROS and loss of glutathione (GSH) in cells following bleomycin treatment, confirming oxidative stress as a key player in the bleomycin-induced PLD activation and PA generation in ECs. More noticeably, PLD activation and PA generation were observed to happen upstream of bleomycin-induced cytotoxicity in BLMVECs, which was protected by FIPI. This was also supported by our current findings that exposure of cells to exogenous PA led to internalization of PA and cytotoxicity in BLMVECs. For the first time, this study revealed novel mechanism of the bleomycin-induced redox-sensitive activation of PLD that led to the generation of PA, which was capable of inducing lung EC cytotoxicity, thus suggesting possible bioactive lipid-signaling mechanism/mechanisms of microvascular disorders encountered in IPF.
Students’ motivation to study music: The United States of America
Authors: McPherson Gary E. , Hendricks Karin S.
Published: December 2010

As a part of a larger international mapping exercise to examine students’ motivation to study music as compared to other school subjects, this article draws upon data from a sample of 3037 students in the USA to observe perceptions of values, competence and interest in music study (in school versus outside of school) among music learners and non-music learners. Students were grouped into three grade levels: (a) 6, (b) 7—9, and (c) 10—12. Music learners in the USA had significantly higher motivational profiles for music and some other school subjects as compared to non-music learners. Music interest inside of school was ranked significantly lower than for any other subject, while music interest outside of school was ranked second highest for any subject in grades 6 and 7—9, and highest of all subjects in grades 10—12. This article addresses cultural and contextual issues in the USA to consider how music advocates might better demonstrate the importance and usefulness of music study as an academic course. Practical recommendations include encouraging a broader emphasis beyond performance and competition, and promoting opportunities for autonomous music learning within the school setting.
Students’ motivation to study music as compared to other school subjects: A comparison of eight countries
Authors: McPherson Gary E. , O'Neill Susan A.
Published: December 2010

This study draws on an expectancy-value theoretical framework to examine the motivation (competence beliefs, values and task difficulty) of 24,143 students (11,909 females and 10,066 males, aged 9 to 21 years) from eight countries (Brazil n = 1848; China n = 3049; Finland n = 1654; Hong Kong n = 6179; Israel n = 2257; Korea n = 2671; Mexico n = 3613; USA n = 3072). Music was studied in comparison to five other school subjects (art, mother tongue, physical education, mathematics, science) across three school grade levels that included the key transition from elementary to secondary school. Results indicated that music as a school subject was valued less and received lower task difficulty ratings than other school subjects with the exception of art. Students reported higher competence beliefs for physical education and mother tongue compared to music and lower competence beliefs for mathematics and art. There was an overall decline in students’ competence beliefs and values across the school grade levels for all countries except Brazil. Females reported higher competence beliefs and values and lower task difficulty ratings for music, art and mother tongue than males. Males reported higher competence beliefs and lower task difficulty ratings for physical education and mathematics. There were no gender differences for values in mathematics. Music learners reported higher competence beliefs and values and lower task difficulty across school subjects than non-music learners. Secondary analyses were used to further explore differences within each of the eight countries. Findings suggest that once students have experienced learning to play an instrument or voice, they become more motivated towards other school subjects. Implications of the findings suggest that advocacy aimed at increasing the values that students attach to music as a school subject may encourage more students to become music learners across a wide range of countries.