bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specialty Supplement Use and Biologic Measures of Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage
Authors: Kantor Elizabeth D. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Owen Robert W. , Schmezer Peter , Neuhouser Marian L. , Lampe Johanna W. , Peters Ulrike , Shen Danny D. , Vaughan Thomas L. , White Emily
Published: August 2013

Background: Oxidative stress and resulting cellular damage have been suggested to play a role in the etiology of several chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Identifying factors associated with reduced oxidative stress and resulting damage may guide future disease-prevention strategies.

Methods: In the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) biomarker study of 209 persons living in the Seattle area, we examined the association between current use of several specialty supplements and oxidative stress, DNA damage, and DNA repair capacity. Use of glucosamine, chondroitin, fish oil, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), ginseng, ginkgo, and saw palmetto was ascertained by a supplement inventory/interview, whereas the use of fiber supplements was ascertained by questionnaire. Supplements used by more than 30 persons (glucosamine and chondroitin) were evaluated as the trend across number of pills/week (non-use, <14 pills/week, 14+ pills/week), whereas less commonly used supplements were evaluated as use/non-use. Oxidative stress was measured by urinary 8-isoprostane and PGF2α concentrations using enzyme immunoassays (EIA), whereas lymphocyte DNA damage and DNA repair capacity were measured using the Comet assay. Multivariate-adjusted linear regression was used to model the associations between supplement use and oxidative stress/DNA damage.

Results: Use of glucosamine (Ptrend: 0.01), chondroitin (Ptrend: 0.003), and fiber supplements (P: 0.01) was associated with reduced PGF2α concentrations, whereas CoQ10 supplementation was associated with reduced baseline DNA damage (P: 0.003).

Conclusions: Use of certain specialty supplements may be associated with reduced oxidative stress and DNA damage.

Impact: Further research is needed to evaluate the association between specialty supplement use and markers of oxidative stress and DNA damage. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(12); 2312–22. ©2013 AACR.
Integration of Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Revealed a Fatty Acid Network Exerting Growth Inhibitory Effects in Human Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhang Geng , He Peijun , Tan Hanson , Budhu Anuradha , Gaedcke Jochen , Ghadimi B. Michael , Ried Thomas , Yfantis Harris G. , Lee Dong H. , Maitra Anirban , Hanna Nader , Alexander H. Richard , Hussain S. Perwez
Published: August 2013

Purpose: To identify metabolic pathways that are perturbed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), we investigated gene-metabolite networks with integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics.

Experimental Design: We conducted global metabolite profiling analysis on two independent cohorts of resected PDAC cases to identify critical metabolites alteration that may contribute to the progression of pancreatic cancer. We then searched for gene surrogates that were significantly correlated with the key metabolites, by integrating metabolite and gene expression profiles.

Results: Fifty-five metabolites were consistently altered in tumors as compared with adjacent nontumor tissues in a test cohort (N = 33) and an independent validation cohort (N = 31). Weighted network analysis revealed a unique set of free fatty acids (FFA) that were highly coregulated and decreased in PDAC. Pathway analysis of 157 differentially expressed gene surrogates revealed a significantly altered lipid metabolism network, including key lipolytic enzymes PNLIP, CLPS, PNLIPRP1, and PNLIPRP2. Gene expressions of these lipases were significantly decreased in pancreatic tumors as compared with nontumor tissues, leading to reduced FFAs. More importantly, a lower gene expression of PNLIP in tumors was associated with poorer survival in two independent cohorts. We further showed that two saturated FFAs, palmitate and stearate, significantly induced TRAIL expression, triggered apoptosis, and inhibited proliferation in pancreatic cancer cells.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that impairment in a lipolytic pathway involving lipases, and a unique set of FFAs, may play an important role in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer and provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Clin Cancer Res; 19(18); 4983–93. ©2013 AACR.
Subtype-Specific MEK-PI3 Kinase Feedback as a Therapeutic Target in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mirzoeva Olga K. , Collisson Eric A. , Schaefer Peter M. , Hann Byron , Hom Yun K. , Ko Andrew H. , Korn W. Michael
Published: August 2013

Mutations in the KRAS oncogene are dominant features in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Because KRAS itself is considered “undruggable,” targeting pathways downstream of KRAS are being explored as a rational therapeutic strategy. We investigated the consequences of MAP–ERK kinase (MEK) inhibition in a large PDA cell line panel. Inhibition of MEK activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase in an EGF receptor (EGFR)-dependent fashion and combinations of MEK and EGFR inhibitors synergistically induced apoptosis. This combinatorial effect was observed in the epithelial but not mesenchymal subtype of PDA. RNA expression analysis revealed predictors of susceptibility to the combination, including E-cadherin, HER3, and the miR200-family of microRNAs, whereas expression of the transcription factor ZEB1 was associated with resistance to the drug combination. Knockdown of HER3 in epithelial-type and ZEB1 in mesenchymal-type PDA cell lines resulted in sensitization to the combination of MEK and EGFR inhibitors. Thus, our findings suggest a new, subtype-specific, and personalized therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(10); 2213–25. ©2013 AACR.
Transcriptional Regulation of CXCR4 in Prostate Cancer: Significance of TMPRSS2-ERG Fusions
Authors: Singareddy Rajareddy , Semaan Louie , Conley-LaComb M. Katie , St. John Jason , Powell Katelyn , Iyer Matthew , Smith Daryn , Heilbrun Lance K. , Shi Dongping , Sakr Wael , Cher Michael L. , Chinni Sreenivasa R.
Published: August 2013

CXCR4 is a chemokine receptor that mediates invasion and metastasis. CXCR4 expression is transcriptionally regulated in cancer cells and is associated with aggressive prostate cancer phenotypes. Previously, we and others have shown that the transcription factor ERG regulates CXCR4 expression in prostate cancer cells and that androgens modulate CXCR4 expression via increasing ERG expression. Herein, the molecular mechanisms of ERG-mediated CXCR4 promoter activation, phosphorylation of ERG by intracellular kinases and subsequent CXCR4 expression, as well as the status of ERG and CXCR4 in human prostate cancer specimens were investigated. Using multiple molecular strategies, it was demonstrated that (i) ERG expressed in TMPRSS2-ERG fusion positive VCaP cells selectively binds to specific ERG/Ets bindings sites in the CXCR4 promoter; (ii) distal binding sites mediate promoter activation; (iii) exogenously expressed ERG promotes CXCR4 expression; (iv) ERG is phosphorylated at Serine-81 and -215, by both IKK and Akt kinases, and Akt mediates CXCR4 expression; (v) ERG-induced CXCR4 drives CXCL12-dependent adhesion to fibronectin; and (vi) ERG and CXCR4 were coexpressed in human prostate cancer tissue, consistent with ERG-mediated transcriptional activation of CXCR4. These data demonstrate that ERG activates CXCR4 expression by binding to specific ERG/Ets responsive elements and via intracellular kinases that phosphorylate ERG at discrete serine residues.

Implications: These findings provide a mechanistic link between TMPRSS2-ERG translocations and intracellular kinase-mediated phosphorylation of ERG on enhanced metastasis of tumor cells via CXCR4 expression and function in prostate cancer cells. Mol Cancer Res; 11(11); 1349–61. ©2013 AACR.
Severity of Hematuria Effects Resolution in Patients Treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Radiation-Induced Hematuria
Authors: Liss Michael A. , Osann Kathryn , Cho Jane , Chua Walter C. , Dash Atreya
Published: August 2013

Introduction: We investigated the differences between prostate cancer patients with radiation-induced hematuria treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy that did or did not have a resolution of hematuria. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of prostate cancer patients with radiation-induced hematuria who underwent HBO from April 2000 to March 2010. We performed an analysis of demographic data and severity of hematuria in those who had resolution of or persistent hematuria. Additionally, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) data were also obtained during the study period. Results: Overall, 11/22 men had resolution of hematuria after HBO therapy with a median follow-up of 2.2 (0.35-13.6) years. The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grade of hematuria is predictive of final hematuria outcome (resolution vs. persistent) after HBO (p = 0.026). No significant PSA changes were noted before and after HBO therapy. Conclusions: The RTOG hematuria grade is associated with the resolution of hematuria after HBO therapy for radiation-induced hematuria in men treated for prostate cancer. This information may be helpful during shared medical decision-making regarding utility of HBO therapy in the context of severity of hematuria.
Expression of Acetylated and Dimethylated Histone H3 in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hashimoto Toshio , Yamakawa Mitsunori , Kimura Shingo , Usuba Osamu , Toyono Mitsuru
Published: August 2013

Aim: The expression of acetylated and dimethylated histone H3 in colorectal cancer was examined by immunohistochemistry and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)/Western blot (WB) assay. The correlation between the expression of histone H3 and clinicopathological findings was analyzed. Methods: Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections obtained from 80 operated cases of colorectal cancer were immunostained with anti-acetylated histone H3 (H3Ac) antibody and anti-dimethylated histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) antibody. Positive immunoreactivity was evaluated using the Allred scoring system. Furthermore, the expression was confirmed by ChIP/WB assay using formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections. Results: There was good correlation between immunostaining and expression on ChIP/WB assay (p = 0.0005). There was a significant difference between the Allred score of H3K4 and the depth of tumor invasion (p = 0.0003) and the pathological stages (p = 0.0065). In overall survival classified by Allred scores of H3Ac (p = 0.0072) and H3K4 (p = 0.0187), the highest scores represented significantly worse prognoses than the other scores. Specifically, in stages II and III, the highest scores represented significantly worse prognoses than the other scores (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0173, respectively). Conclusion: The expression of H3Ac and H3K4 may estimate patient prognosis.
Relationship between Erectile Dysfunction and Silent Coronary Artery Disease: Detection with Multidetector Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography
Authors: Umul Mehmet , Semerci Bulent , Umul Ayse , Ceylan Naim , Mammadov Rashad , Turna Burak
Published: August 2013

Aim: Our aim was to determine the relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and silent coronary artery disease (CAD) by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography. Methods: Thirty consecutive men with nonhormonal and nonpsychogenic ED and with no cardiac symptoms were evaluated. Medical history, physical examination and laboratory investigation were performed. The five-item brief form of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) was performed for evaluation of ED. The Agatston score (AS) was determined from MDCT images under beta blockade to induce bradycardia. The MDCT coronary angiography findings were evaluated by two radiologists blinded to the clinical findings. Patients were classified into three categories (mild, moderate and severe ED) according to IIEF-5 scores and into five categories (very low, low, moderate, moderately high and high CAD risk) according to the AS. Results: Mean age was 58.3 ± 8.7 years (46-79). 6 patients had hypertriglyceridemia, 4 had hypercholesterolemia and 4 had hyperglycemia. All patients had normal early morning testosterone levels. Regarding IIEF-5 scores, none of them had mild ED, 14 had moderate ED and 16 had severe ED. Of the 14 patients with moderate ED, 21.4% had low and 28.5% had moderate CAD risk regarding AS. Of the 16 patients with severe ED, 25% had moderate, 31.2% had moderately high and 25% had high CAD risk regarding AS. Increasing age was a risk factor for high AS (p = 0.045). There was a significant correlation between AS and ED severity (p = 0.01). Conclusions: ED and CAD often coexist. MDCT coronary angiography can detect coronary lesions and allow appropriate medical intervention.
Cortical Encoding of Pitch Contour Changes in Cochlear Implant Users: A Mismatch Negativity Study
Authors: Zhang Fawen , Benson Chelsea , Fu Qian-Jie
Published: August 2013

A better understanding of melodic pitch perception in cochlear implants (CIs) may guide signal processing and/or rehabilitation techniques to improve music perception and appreciation in CI patients. In this study, the mismatch negativity (MMN) in response to infrequent changes in 5-tone pitch contours was obtained in CI users and normal-hearing (NH) listeners. Melodic contour identification (MCI) was also measured. Results showed that MCI performance was poorer in CI than in NH subjects; the MMNs were missing in all CI subjects for the 1-semitone contours. The MMNs with the 5-semitone contours were observed in a smaller proportion of CI than NH subjects. Results suggest that encoding of pitch contour changes in CI users appears to be degraded, most likely due to the limited pitch cues provided by the CI and deafness-related compromise of brain substrates.
Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase-Derived Nitric Oxide Is Involved in Gastric Mucosal Hyperemic Response to Capsaicin in Rats
Authors: Raimura Masaki , Tashima Kimihito , Matsumoto Kenjiro , Tobe Shinya , Chino Atsushi , Namiki Takao , Terasawa Katsutoshi , Horie Syunji
Published: August 2013

Background and Aims: Activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) by capsaicin leads to gastric hyperemic response through capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves and nitric oxide (NO). The aim of the present study is to examine which isoform of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/NO is involved in the hyperemic response to capsaicin in the rat stomach. Methods: Gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry in rats. The localizations of TRPV1 and neuronal NOS (nNOS) in the rat gastric mucosa were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Results: The nNOS inhibitor N5-[imino(propylamino)methyl]-L-ornithine substantially reduced GMBF during capsaicin application, whereas the endothelial NOS (eNOS) inhibitor N5-(1-iminomethyl)-L-ornithine did not affect the effect of capsaicin during the application. The nonselective NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester apparently inhibited the capsaicin-induced GMBF, while the inducible NOS inhibitor 1400W did not affect GMBF response to capsaicin. The immunohistochemical studies revealed nerve fibers coexpressing TRPV1 and nNOS around blood vessels in the gastric submucosa. Conclusion: We demonstrated for the first time that nNOS/NO is involved in gastric hyperemic responses to capsaicin.
The Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 in Cardiorenal Syndrome
Authors: Kovesdy Csaba P. , Quarles L. Darryl
Published: August 2013

Abnormalities in chronic kidney disease-related bone and mineral metabolism (CKD-MBD) have emerged as novel risk factors in excess cardiovascular mortality in patients with CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The pathophysiological links between CKD-MBD and adverse cardiovascular events in this patient population are unclear. Hyperphosphatemia through induction of vascular calcifications and decreased active vitamin D production leading to activation of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) along with defects in innate immunity are purported to be the proximate cause of CKD-MBD-associated mortality in CKD. Recently, this view has been challenged by the observation that fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), a newly discovered hormone produced in the bone that regulates phosphate and vitamin D metabolism by the kidney, is a strong predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD and ESRD. Whether these associations between elevated circulating FGF23 levels and cardiovascular outcomes are causative, and if so, the mechanisms mediating the effects of FGF23 on the cardiovascular system are not clear. The principal physiological functions of FGF23 are mediated by activation of FGF receptor/α-klotho coreceptor complexes in target tissues. Elevated FGF23 has been associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and it has been suggested that FGF23 may induce myocardial hypertrophy through a direct effect on cardiac myocytes. A direct ‘off target' effect of FGF23 on LVH is controversial, however, since α-klotho (which is believed to be indispensable for the physiologic actions of FGF23) is not expressed in the myocardium. Another possibility is that FGF23's effect on the heart is mediated indirectly, via ‘on target' regulation of hormonal pathways in the kidney, which include suppression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, Cyp27b1and α-klotho, which would be predicted to act on circulating factors known to regulate RAS, 1,25(OH)2D production and ion transport in the myocardium. Understanding of FGF23's pathophysiology and mechanisms of action responsible for its negative effects will be necessary to develop therapeutic strategies to treat CKD-MBD.
Creation of an Arteriovenous Fistula Is Associated with Significant Acute Local and Systemic Changes in Microvascular Function
Authors: Korsheed S. , Crowley L.E. , Fluck R.J. , McIntyre C.W.
Published: August 2013

Background: Native arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are the vascular access of choice for haemodialysis. The consequences of AVF formation on microvascular function, locally or systemically, are unknown. Methods: We recruited 43 predialysis patients undergoing AVF formation. Patients were studied 2 weeks prior to the planned AVF operation and 2 weeks postoperatively. Thirteen patients with failed AVF were subsequently utilised as sham controls. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging was used to measure subcutaneous microvascular blood flow. Microvascular function was assessed as an increase in perfusion in response to iontophoretic administration of vasodilatory stimuli assessing endothelial-dependent (ED) and non-endothelial-dependent (NED) vasodilatation. Results: Patients with successful AVF formation had a significantly reduced ED vasodilatation in the fistula arm (-36 ± 46%, p < 0.001). Only NED vasodilatation was significantly reduced in the non-fistula arm (23 ± 40%, p = 0.01). Patients who had an unsuccessful AVF operation exhibited no recordable changes. Conclusions: Formation of an AVF was associated with local and remote changes in microcirculation. Further assessments are underway to examine the contributions of local shear stress, vasoreactive substances and the autonomic responses. Although the clinical significance of these findings is not yet clear, it is intriguing that AVF formation is associated with such widespread and profound changes in microperfusion.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: A Noteworthy Syndrome in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients
Authors: Ermeidi Eleni , Balafa Olga , Spanos Giorgos , Zikou Anastasia , Argyropoulou Maria , Siamopoulos Kostas C.
Published: August 2013

Background: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinico-radiologic entity characterized by headache, visual disturbances, seizures, and the presence of edema on MRI scan, predominantly in the posterior white matter. Regarding end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and PRES, only a few cases of children on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and adults on hemodialysis have been described in the literature. Cases: We report 4 cases of adult patients on PD who presented with PRES, all of which were due to hypertension and inadequate management of fluid balance. The patients expressed typical PRES symptoms such as headache, visual disorders, and tonic/clonic seizures. The patients recovered completely and the MRI lesions disappeared after strict control of volume status. Conclusion: Nephrologists should be aware of the syndrome, especially when they manage hypertensive ESRD patients not compliant with the fluid and diet restrictions. MRI scan is the only diagnostic tool for defining the syndrome. Early diagnosis is important, since complete remission is achieved after appropriate treatment.
How Robust Is the ‘Surprise Question' in Predicting Short-Term Mortality Risk in Haemodialysis Patients
Authors: Da Silva Gane Maria , Braun Andreas , Stott Dave , Wellsted David , Farrington Ken
Published: August 2013

Background/Aims: The ‘surprise question' (SQ) may aid timely identification of patients with end-of-life care needs. We assessed its prognostic value and variability among clinicians caring for a cohort of haemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: Clinicians (29 nurses and 6 nephrologists) in each of our 3 HD units were asked to pose the SQ concerning all patients dialysing in their unit. There were 344 patients, 116 in Unit 1, 132 in Unit 2 and 96 in Unit 3. Results: An adverse SQ response: ‘I would not be surprised if this patient were to die in the next 12 months' was reported by individual clinicians for between 6 and 43% of patients (mean 24 ± 9%). Nephrologists responded adversely for more patients than nurses did. Fifty-two patients died during the 12 months of follow-up. There were wide variations between clinicians in the predictive power of SQ responses. Mean odds ratios were significantly higher for nephrologists than for nurses. SQ responses of 49% of clinicians improved baseline models of 12-month mortality, more so for nephrologists (67%) than for senior nurses (50%) and nurses of lesser seniority (36%). Unit performance differed significantly. Agreements between clinicians on SQ responses improved the positive predictive value, i.e. the more clinicians agreed on an adverse response, the greater its predictive power. Conclusion: SQ provides a unique contribution to the prediction of short-term prognosis in HD patients, though predictive power varies with clinical discipline, seniority and clinical setting. Agreements between clinicians on adverse responses may have clinical utility.
Low Birthweight and Premature Birth Are Risk Factors for Podocytopenia and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Ikezumi Yohei , Suzuki Toshiaki , Karasawa Tamaki , Yamada Takeshi , Hasegawa Hiroya , Nishimura Hiroko , Uchiyama Makoto
Published: August 2013

Background: Recent reports suggest that low birthweight (LBW) is a risk factor for kidney diseases, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), although the underlying pathological mechanism remains unknown. Podocyte loss triggers glomerulosclerosis; however, whether FSGS in LBW children is associated with podocytopenia is unclear. Methods: We reviewed the birthweights and gestational age of all patients who underwent renal biopsies from 1995 to 2011 at our Institute. Sixteen patients had FSGS, of which 6 (37.5%) had LBW; this LBW rate was significantly higher than the overall LBW rate in Japan (9.7%). The incidence of LBW was also high in patients with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS; 12.5%). The glomerular cell numbers in biopsy sections were calculated using computer image analysis and compared with FSGS of normal birthweight (NBW-FSGS). Biopsy specimens from age-matched patients with MCNS were also compared. Wilms' tumor-1 (WT1) immunohistochemistry was performed to enumerate the podocytes. Results: All patients in the LBW-FSGS group were also preterm, with an average gestational age of 25.8 weeks. The number of podocytes per glomerulus in the LBW-FSGS patients was 34 and 24% lower as compared to that in the MCNS patients (p < 0.01) and the NBW-FSGS patients (p < 0.05), respectively. Similar results were observed for the WT1-positive glomerular cell number. Conclusion: LBW and premature birth were associated with FSGS development. The possibility that LBW and premature birth may be predisposing factors for severe podocytopenia in children with FSGS warrants further investigation.
Surgical Approach Including Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in Patients with Peritoneal Metastasis
Authors: Glockzin Gabriel , Piso Pompiliu , Schlitt Hans J.
Published: August 2013

Background: Peritoneal metastasis arising from colorectal cancer, appendiceal cancer, gastric cancer and gynecologic malignancies, or primary peritoneal surface malignancies such as peritoneal mesothelioma and primary peritoneal adenocarcinoma may be efficiently treated by cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in selected patients. Method: CRS is based on the technique of parietal and visceral peritonectomy and consists of multiple surgical procedures. HIPEC combines high local doses of cytostatics with the additional cytotoxic effects of hyperthermia. Results: The goal of CRS is to achieve a complete macroscopic cytoreduction (CC-0/1) as a precondition for consecutive HIPEC that should destroy residual tumor cells within the abdominal cavity. Conclusion: CRS and HIPEC can be performed with acceptable morbidity and low mortality in specialized centers. However, due to long learning curves, consistent surgical training is strongly recommended.
A new species of callianassid ghost shrimp of the genus Nihonotrypaea Manning & Tamaki, 1998 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Axiidea, Callianassidae) from southern part of the Russian coast of the Sea of Japan
Authors: MARIN IVAN
Published: August 2013

A new species of callianassid shrimp genus Nihonotrypaea Manning & Tamaki, 1998 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Axiidea: Callianassidae) is described from the Peter the Great Bay, Primorye, Russian coast of the Sea of Japan. The species clearly differs from other representatives of the genus by unique armature of ventral margin of merus and different form of carpus of major cheliped in males and yellow-greenish coloration never observed in other species of the genus Nihonotrypaea.
The larvae of Altica koreana (Ogloblin) and A. viridicyanea (Baly) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini)
Authors: HUA YI , GE SI-QIN , BEUTEL ROLF GEORG , ZHANG YONG , CUI JUN-ZHI , YANG XING-KE
Published: August 2013

The first instar and mature larvae of Altica koreana (Ogloblin) and A. viridicyanea (Baly) are described and illustrated for the first time and compared with larvae of Altica caerulescens (Baly), A. cirsicola Ohno, and A. fragariae (Nakane). A key to the five related Altica species is also given.
A Solo-Based Automated Quality Control Algorithm for Airborne Tail Doppler Radar Data
Authors: Bell Michael M. , Lee Wen-Chau , Wolff Cory A. , Cai Huaqing
Published: August 2013

An automated quality control preprocessing algorithm for removing nonweather radar echoes in airborne Doppler radar data has been developed. This algorithm can significantly reduce the time and experience level required for interactive radar data editing prior to dual-Doppler wind synthesis or data assimilation. The algorithm uses the editing functions in the Solo software package developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research to remove noise, Earth-surface, sidelobe, second-trip, and other artifacts. The characteristics of these nonweather radar returns, the algorithm to identify and remove them, and the impacts of applying different threshold levels on wind retrievals are presented. Verification was performed by comparison with published Electra Doppler Radar (ELDORA) datasets that were interactively edited by different experienced radar meteorologists. Four cases consisting primarily of convective echoes from the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX), Bow Echo and Mesoscale Convective Vortex Experiment (BAMEX), Hurricane Rainband and Intensity Change Experiment (RAINEX), and The Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment (THORPEX) Pacific Asian Regional Campaign (T-PARC)/Tropical Cyclone Structure-2008 (TCS08) field experiments were used to test the algorithm using three threshold levels for data removal. The algorithm removes 80%, 90%, or 95% of the nonweather returns and retains 95%, 90%, or 85% of the weather returns on average at the low-, medium-, and high-threshold levels. Increasing the threshold level removes more nonweather echoes at the expense of also removing more weather echoes. The low threshold is recommended when weather retention is the highest priority, and the high threshold is recommended when nonweather removal is the highest priority. The medium threshold is a good compromise between these two priorities and is recommended for general use. Dual-Doppler wind retrievals using the automatically edited data compare well to retrievals from interactively edited data.
A Variational Method for Estimating Surface Fluxes with Mass Conservation Constraint
Authors: Li Sen , Zhong Zhong , Guo Weidong , Lu Wei
Published: August 2013

On the basis of the similarity theory of the atmospheric surface layer and the mass conservation principle, a new scheme using a variational method is developed to estimate the surface momentum and sensible and latent heat fluxes. In this scheme, the mass conservation is introduced into the cost function as a weak physical constraint, which leads to an overdetermined system. For the variational method with mass conservation constraint, only the conventional meteorological observational data are taken into account. Data collected in the Yellow River Source Region Climate and Environment Observation and Research Station at Maqu, China, during 11–25 August 2010 are used to test this new scheme. Results indicate that this scheme is more reliable and accurate than both the flux-profile method and the variational method without mass conservation constraint. In addition, the effect of the weights in the cost function is examined. Sensitivity tests show that the fluxes estimated by the proposed scheme are insensitive to the stability functions explored in the cost function and measurement errors.
Comments on “Preconditioning Deep Convection with Cumulus Congestus”
Authors: Schultz David M.
Published: August 2013

The hypothesis that cumulus congestus clouds in the tropics moisten dry layers above the boundary layer and promote the formation of deep moist convection was tested by Hohenegger and Stevens. This comment asks whether their hypothesis is also true for cumulus congestus clouds and deep moist convection in the midlatitudes. This comment also requests clarification on how their expression for moisture convergence is calculated and used in their article, especially in light of previous studies showing that moisture flux convergence is a less-than-adequate diagnostic for convection initiation and that deep moist convection requires sufficient lift and instability, in addition to sufficient moisture.
Silencing California Indian Genocide in Social Studies Texts
Authors: Trafzer Clifford E. , Lorimer Michelle
Published: August 2013

During the 1850s and 1860s, white settlers perpetrated genocide against California Indians. Militia and regular troops supported by the state and federal governments committed acts of genocide as defined by the United Nations. Government officials, newspaper editors, and pioneers documented the genocide. History and social science textbooks ignore or barely mention murders, rapes, kidnappings, and enslavement of California Indians during the Gold Rush era. The California State Department of Education denies the genocide and textbook companies are silent of Indian genocide in spite of overwhelming evidence.
Canadian diplomacy and the Offshore Islands Crisis, 1954–1955: A limited national interest
Authors: Donaghy Greg
Published: August 2013

In September 1954 forces from the People’s Republic of China began shelling Chinese Nationalist positions on the tiny offshore islands that lay between the mainland and Formosa (present-day Taiwan). The outsized US response to this routine harassment sparked a Cold War confrontation that soon threatened to escalate out of control. This paper explores Canada’s stake in that crisis. It follows Ottawa’s early reaction to the events in the straits and traces foreign minister Lester B. Pearson’s mediatory efforts to promote negotiations and a peaceful settlement. Pearson’s liberal internationalist impulses, the paper argues, were always balanced and shaped by a realist calculation of where Canada’s national interest lay. His doubts about the wisdom of US policy and his commitment to allied unity ensured that he beat a dignified retreat when the circumstances for peacemaking proved unpropitious.
War and Women’s Work
Authors: Menon Nidhiya , van der Meulen Rodgers Yana
Published: August 2013

This article examines how Nepal’s 1996–2006 civil conflict affected women’s decisions to engage in employment. Using three waves of the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, we employ a difference-in-difference approach to identify the impact of war on women’s employment decisions. Results indicate that women’s likelihood of employment increased as a consequence of the conflict, a conclusion that holds for self-employment decisions and is robust to numerous sensitivity tests. The findings support the argument that women’s additional employment—rather than greater dependence on remittances and subsistence work—serves as an important source of resilience during times of crisis.
Hawks, Doves, and International Cooperation
Authors: Clare Joe
Published: August 2013

How does the hawkish or dovish nature of the domestic opposition in one state influence its own, as well as an international opponent’s, negotiating behavior? I show that doves, when negotiating in the presence of a hawkish opposition, have more bargaining leverage in international negotiations. The key is to understand an international opponent’s preference to deal with a dove rather than a hawk in future negotiations. I argue that adversaries have an incentive to concede more in negotiations to doves in order to sustain them in office, because failing to give concessions may lead to their replacement by less conciliatory (more hawkish) governments in the future. For this reason, doves are more likely than hawks to extract critical concessions from adversaries. The empirical results support this argument, which altogether suggests that doves are more successful in international negotiations not because they are more conciliatory, but rather because, for domestic reasons, they have greater bargaining leverage to extract counter-concessions from adversaries.
On-the-fly verification of discrete event simulations by means of simulation purposes: Extended version
Authors: da Silva Paulo Salem , de Melo Ana C V
Published: August 2013

Discrete event simulations can be used to analyze natural and artificial phenomena. To this end, one provides models whose behaviors are characterized by discrete events in a discrete timeline. By running such a simulation, one can then observe its properties. This suggests the possibility of applying on-the-fly verification procedures during simulations. In this work we propose a method by which this can be accomplished. It consists of modeling the simulation as a transition system (implicitly), and the property to be verified as another transition system (explicitly). The latter we call a simulation purpose and it is used both to verify the success of the property and to guide the simulation. Algorithmically, this corresponds to building a synchronous product of these two transitions systems on-the-fly and using it to operate a simulator. By the end of such an algorithm, it may deliver either a conclusive or inconclusive verdict. If conclusive, it becomes known whether the simulation model satisfies the simulation purpose. If inconclusive, it is possible to adjust certain parameters and try again. The precise nature of simulation purposes, as well as the corresponding satisfiability relations and verification algorithms, are largely determined by methodological considerations important for the analysis of simulations, whose computational characteristics we compare with empirical scientific procedures. We provide a number of ways in which such a satisfiability relation can be defined formally, the related algorithms, and mathematical proofs of soundness, completeness and complexities. Two application examples are given to illustrate the approach.
Orientation invariant ECG-based stethoscope tracking for heart auscultation training on augmented standardized patients
Authors: Kidane Nahom , Chemlal Salim , Li Jiang , McKenzie Frederic D , Hubbard Tom
Published: August 2013

Auscultation, the act of listening to the heart and lung sounds, can reveal substantial information about patients’ health and other cardiac-related problems; therefore, competent training can be a key for accurate and reliable diagnosis. Standardized patients (SPs), who are healthy individuals trained to portray real patients, have been extensively used for such training and other medical teaching techniques; however, the range of symptoms and conditions they can simulate remains limited since they are only patient actors. In this work, we describe a novel tracking method for placing virtual symptoms in correct auscultation areas based on recorded ECG signals with various stethoscope diaphragm orientations; this augmented reality simulation would extend the capabilities of SPs and allow medical trainees to hear abnormal heart and lung sounds in a normal SP. ECG signals recorded from two different SPs over a wide range of stethoscope diaphragm orientations were processed and analyzed to accurately distinguish four different heart auscultation areas, aortic, mitral, pulmonic and tricuspid, for any stethoscope’s orientation. After processing the signals and extracting relevant features, different classifiers were applied for assessment of the proposed method; 95.1% and 87.1% accuracy were obtained for SP1 and SP2, respectively. The proposed system provides an efficient, non-invasive, and cost efficient method for training medical practitioners on heart auscultation.
Beyond the Two-Sciences Settlement
Authors: Ephraim Laura
Published: August 2013

The Perestroika movement recently reopened longstanding debates about the scholarly and political implications of orienting political science research around a scientific ideal derived from the natural sciences. Many Perestroikans, like earlier critics of “naturalized” political science, turned to ontology, opposing the political world to the natural world to espouse what I call a two-sciences settlement: a separate-but-equal arrangement in which political science and natural science would each operate according to distinct methodological imperatives dictated by their distinctive objects. In this article, I critically appraise this divided settlement and the two-worlds ontology that underwrites it. I recover an alternative, less dualistic vision of politics and nature from Giambattisa Vico, challenging received views of him as an early architect of the two-sciences settlement. Vico’s vision of ontological hybridity, I argue, offers more robust support to the Perestroikan goals of methodological pluralism and political engagement than the two-worlds ontology Perestroikans often invoked.
Expert Beliefs Regarding Novel Lipid‐Based Approaches to Pediatric Intestinal Failure–Associated Liver Disease
Authors: Diamond Ivan R. , Grant Robert C. , Feldman Brian M. , Tomlinson George A. , Pencharz Paul B. , Ling Simon C. , Moore Aideen M. , Wales Paul W.
Published: August 2013

Objective: To determine expert beliefs regarding the probability of intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) with novel lipid‐based approaches (lipid minimization/ω‐3 lipids) in managing IFALD to facilitate Bayesian analyses of clinical trials of these therapies. Study Design: Structured interviews were conducted using a validated approach to belief elicitation with 60 intestinal failure (IF) experts from across North America. Participants were asked to estimate, in an average population of infants referred for management of IF with early IFALD, the probability of advanced IFALD at 3 months following referral in each of 3 scenarios: (1) conventional lipid, (2) ω‐3 lipids, and (3) lipid minimization. Probability distributions of the risk of advanced IFALD with each strategy were developed. Distributions of the elicited treatment effect for the novel approaches, relative to conventional lipid, were calculated. Results: Median duration of experience of participants managing patients with IF was 8.5 (range, 2–35) years. The median probability of advanced IFALD using conventional lipid was 32.5%; ω‐3 lipids, 17.5%; and lipid minimization, 13%. The median of the elicited treatment effects relative to conventional lipid was a relative risk of 0.53 for the ω‐3 lipid and 0.45 for lipid minimization. Conclusions: There was consistent expert opinion that the novel lipid‐based approaches are superior to conventional therapy, with similar estimates of treatment efficacy for the 2 approaches. The distributions of the elicited treatment effects can be used as prior distributions in Bayesian analyses of clinical trials of these novel strategies.
Institutional Work: Current Research, New Directions and Overlooked Issues
Authors: Lawrence Thomas B. , Leca Bernard , Zilber Tammar B.
Published: August 2013

The study of institutional work has emerged as a dynamic research domain within organization studies. In this essay, we situate the papers published in the Special Issue. We first review the evolution of institutional work as a scholarly conversation within organization studies. We then introduce the papers in the Special Issue, focusing in particular on where they fit into the current scholarly conversation and how they move us in important new directions. Finally, we discuss a set of neglected issues that deserve further attention.
Altered brain metabolism in vestibular migraine: Comparison of interictal and ictal findings
Authors: Shin Jung H , Kim Yu K , Kim Hyo-Jung , Kim Ji-Soo
Published: August 2013

Background

Vestibular symptoms/signs frequently coexist with migraine, but the mechanisms of migraine-related vestibular dysfunction remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to determine altered brain metabolism in vestibular migraine.

Methods

Two patients with vestibular migraine underwent 18F-fluorodeoxy glucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET) during and between attacks of vestibular migraine in addition to detailed neurotological evaluation. We analyzed the regional brain metabolism of the patients in comparison with that of age-matched healthy controls in each patient. We also compared ictal with interictal FDG PET using a subtraction method.

Results

During the attacks, both patients showed an activation of the bilateral cerebellum and frontal cortices, and deactivation of the bilateral posterior parietal and occipitotemporal areas. One patient also showed hypermetabolism in the dorsal pons and midbrain, right posterior insula, and right temporal cortex while the other patient had an additional activation of the left temporal cortex. Compared with interictal images, ictal PET showed increased metabolism in the bilateral cerebellum, frontal cortices, temporal cortex, posterior insula, and thalami.

Conclusion

During the attacks of vestibular migraine, the increased metabolism in the temporo-parieto-insular areas and bilateral thalami indicates activation of the vestibulo-thalamo-cortical pathway, and decreased metabolism in the occipital cortex may represent reciprocal inhibition between the visual and vestibular systems.
She Loves Him, She Loves Him Not
Authors: Hart Joshua , Glick Peter , Dinero Rachel E.
Published: August 2013

In two studies, we examined how romantic attachment style relates to women’s sexism toward men. Specifically, we applied structural equation modeling and mediation analyses to the responses of over 500 self-reported heterosexual women. Study 1 included 229 women who answered questionnaires tapping attachment anxiety and avoidance, ambivalent sexism toward men, romanticism, and interpersonal trust. We conducted Study 2 as a replication, changing questionnaire order to gauge the robustness of results, using a new sample of 273 women. In general, women’s attachment anxiety predicted ambivalent sexism (both benevolence and hostility) toward men, whereas women’s attachment avoidance predicted univalent hostility (and lower benevolence) toward men. Romanticism mediated attachment style’s relationship to benevolence toward men, whereas lower interpersonal trust mediated attachment’s relationship to hostility toward men. The results suggest that, for women (as for men), sexist attitudes toward members of the other sex have roots in attachment style and associated worldviews. Better understanding of women’s ambivalence toward men in romantic relationships may help to inform marital therapy.
Using video observation and photo elicitation interviews to understand obscured processes in the lives of youth resilience
Authors: Liebenberg Linda , Ungar Michael , Theron Linda
Published: August 2013

Despite the increased effort to understand resilience processes in the lives of youth, the homogeneity of a largely westernized concept needs to be challenged in studies by incorporating meanings of resilience more relevant to youth around the globe. This requires a reconsideration of the methods used to study youth resilience. This article outlines the interactive dialogical process involved in visual elicitation methods that combine moving and still images, resulting in a broader reflective exploration of research questions. Consideration is given specifically to how the combination of these methods better facilitates exploration of previously unarticulated experiences of marginalized youth populations and the processes they engage in to nurture and sustain resilience.
Insertion torque and orthodontic mini-implants: A systematic review of the artificial bone literature
Authors: Meursinge Reynders Reint , Ronchi Laura , Ladu Luisa , Van Etten-Jamaludin Faridi , Bipat Shandra
Published: August 2013

This article systematically reviewed the literature to (1) identify variables that were associated with maximum insertion torque values during the insertion of orthodontic mini-implants into artificial bone, (2) quantify such associations and (3) assess adverse effects of this procedure. Computerized and manual searches were conducted up to 24 February 2012. Selection criteria included studies that (1) recorded maximum insertion torque during the insertion of orthodontic mini-implants into artificial bone, (2) used sample sizes of five screws or more, (3) assessed maximum insertion torque with electronic torque sensors, and (4) used orthodontic mini-implants with a diameter smaller than 2.5 mm. ASTM Standards F543-07ε1 and F1839-08ε1 and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews were used as guidelines for this systematic review. Quality assessments were rated according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A total of 23 studies were selected, many of which were multiple publications of the same study. Many domains in the risk of bias assessments were scored as “high” or “unclear” risk of bias. A wide variety of implant, test block, and insertion procedure–related associations with maximum insertion torque were recorded. The quality of most outcomes was classified as “moderate.” Outcomes could not be combined in a meta-analysis because of high risk of bias, poor standardization, high heterogeneity, or inconsistency in direction of outcomes within or between studies. Adverse effects were only assessed in one study. Future studies should control publication bias, consult existing standards for conducting torque tests, and focus on transparent reporting.