bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Boundary Crossing Theorem and the Maximal Stability Interval
Authors: López-Renteria Jorge-Antonio , Aguirre-Hernández Baltazar , Verduzco Fernando
Published: May 2011

The boundary crossing theorem and the zero exclusion principle are very
useful tools in the study of the stability of family of polynomials. Although both of these theorem seem intuitively obvious, they can be used for proving important results. In this paper, we give generalizations of these two theorems and we apply such generalizations for finding the maximal stability interval.
Topological Entropy and Special α‐Limit Points of Graph Maps
Authors: Sun Taixiang , Su Guangwang , Liang Hailan , He Qiuli
Published: May 2011

Let G a graph and
f : G → G be a continuous map. Denote by
h(f), R(f), and SA(f) the topological entropy, the set of recurrent points, and the set of special
α‐limit points of
f, respectively. In this paper, we show that h(f) > 0 if and only if SA(f) − R(f) ≠ ∅.
Investigation of Swirling Flows in Mixing Chambers
Authors: Chen Jyh Jian , Chen Chun Huei
Published: May 2011

This investigation analyzed the three‐dimensional momentum and mass transfer characteristics arising from multiple inlets and a single outlet in micromixing chamber. The chamber consists of a right square prism, an octagonal prism, or a cylinder. Numerical results which were presented in terms of velocity vector plots and concentration distributions indicated that the swirling flows inside the chamber dominate the mixing index. Particle trajectories were utilized to demonstrate the rotational and extensional local flows which produce steady stirring, and the configuration of colored particles at the outlet section expressed at different Re represented the mixing performance qualitatively. The combination of the Taylor dispersion and the vorticity was first introduced and made the mixing successful. The effects of various geometric parameters and Reynolds numbers on the mixing characteristics were investigated. An optimal design of the cylindrical chamber with 4 inlets can be found. At larger Reynolds number, Re > 15, more inertia caused the powerful swirling flows in the chamber, and more damping effect on diffusion was diminished, which then increased the mixing performance.
Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction and Exercise-Induced Respiratory Symptoms in Nurses
Authors: Minov Jordan , Karadzinska-Bislimovska Jovanka , Vasilevska Kristin , Risteska-Kuc Snezana , Stoleski Saso , Mijakoski Dragan
Published: May 2011

In order to assess prevalence and characteristics of exercise-induced respiratory
symptoms (EIRSs) and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in health care
workers, we performed a cross-sectional study including 48 female nurses from
primary care settings and an equal number of female office workers studied as a
control group. The evaluation of examined groups included completion of a questionnaire, skin
prick tests to common inhalant allergens, spirometry, and exercise and histamine
challenge. We found a similar prevalence of EIRSs and EIB in both groups. EIB was
closely related to asthma, atopy, family history of asthma, and positive histamine
challenge in either group, while the association between EIB and daily smoking in
nurses was of borderline statistical significance. Bronchial reaction to exercise was
significantly higher in nurses than in controls with EIB. With the exception of exercise induced
wheezing, EIRSs were weakly associated with EIB in both groups with a
large proportion of false positive results.
Acute Intermittent Porphyria Associated with Respiratory Failure: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Menegueti Mayra Gonçalves , Gil Cezar Alkmim-Teixeira , Casarini Karin Aparecida , Muniz Cordeiro Kátia Simone , Basile-Filho Anibal , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , Auxiliadora-Martins Maria
Published: May 2011

Despite being challenging, delivery of effective nursing care to patients with acute intermittent porphyria is a matter of utmost importance. In this paper, the diversity of symptoms and the difficult diagnosis of this condition are emphasized, and details concerning the treatment of this disorder in the intensive care unit are presented. We believe that acute intermittent porphyria should be borne in mind during performance of differential diagnosis of neurological, psychiatric, and gastroenterological disorders on patients whose routine investigation tests are normal, especially when precipitating factors exist. Intensive care measures and a multidisciplinary team approach are essential.
Chondrosarcoma of the Thorax
Authors: Rascoe Philip A. , Reznik Scott I. , Smythe W. Roy
Published: May 2011

Although a rare entity, chondrosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor of the chest wall. Most patients present with an enlarging, painful anterior chest wall mass arising from the costochondrosternal junction. CT scan with intravenous contrast is the gold standard radiographic study for diagnosis and operative planning. Contrary to previous dictum, resection may be performed in an appropriate surgical candidate based on imaging characteristics or image-guided percutaneous biopsy results; incisional biopsy is rarely required. The keys to successful treatment are early recognition and radical excision with adequate margins, as chondrosarcoma is relatively resistant to radiotherapy and conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. Overall survival is excellent in most surgical series from experienced centers. Complete excision with widely negative microscopic margins at the initial operation is of the utmost importance, as local recurrence portends systemic metastasis and eventual tumor-related mortality. This paper summarizes data from relevant surgical series and thereupon draws conclusions regarding preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of thoracic chondrosarcoma.
Role of Endobronchial Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Bronchogenic Cysts
Authors: Anantham Devanand , Phua Ghee-Chee , Low Su-Ying , Koh Mariko-Siyue
Published: May 2011

Diagnosis of bronchogenic cysts is possible with computed tomography, but half of all cases present as soft tissue densities. Two such cases are highlighted where asymptomatic bronchogenic cysts that presented as soft tissue masses were evaluated by endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS). After studying the ultrasound image characteristics, the diagnosis was confirmed using EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). The first case had ultrasound findings of an anechoic collection, and the aspirate was serous with negative microbiologic cultures. The second was an echogenic collection within a hyperechoic wall. Needle aspirate was purulent and cultured Haemophilus influenza. The diagnosis of a bronchogenic cyst complicated by infection was made, and the lesion was surgically resected. This potential for EBUS in the diagnosis of bronchogenic cysts and in identifying complications such as infection should be considered in the management of such cases.
Assessment of Electrical Influence of Multiple Piezoelectric Transducers' Connection on Actual Satellite Vibration Suppression
Authors: Shimose Shigeru , Makihara Kanjuro , Minesugi Kenji , Onoda Junjiro
Published: May 2011

We conduct comprehensive investigation of a semiactive vibration suppression method using piezoelectric transducers attached to structures. In our system, piezoelectric transducers are connected to an electric circuit composed of the diodes, an inductance, and a selective switch. Our method (SSDI) makes better use of counterelectromotive force to suppress the vibration, instead of simple dissipation of vibration energy. We use an actual artificial satellite to verify their high performance compared to conventional semi-active methods. As a consequence, we demonstrate that our semi-active switching method can suppress the vibration of the real artificial satellite to as much as 50% amplitude reduction. In our experiment, we reveal that the suppression performance depends on how multiple piezoelectric transducers are connected, namely, their series or parallel connection. We draw two major conclusions from theoretical analysis and experiment, for constructing effective semi-active controller using piezoelectric transducers. This paper clearly proves that the performance of the method is the connection (series or parallel) of multiple piezoelectric transducers and the their resistances dependent on frequency.
New Exact Solutions for MHD Transient Rotating Flow of a Second‐Grade Fluid in a Porous Medium
Authors: Salah Faisal , Abdul Aziz Zainal , Chuan Ching Dennis Ling
Published: May 2011

The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and rotating flow of second‐grade fluid over a suddenly moved flat plate is investigated, where the second‐grade fluid saturates the porous medium. The new exact solution is derived by using the Fourier sine and Laplace transforms. Many interesting available results in the literature are obtained as limiting cases of our solution. Finally, some graphical results are presented for different values of the material constants.
Successful Removal of Large Intraocular Foreign Body by 25-Gauge Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery
Authors: Kunikata Hiroshi , Uematsu Megumi , Nakazawa Toru , Fuse Nobuo
Published: May 2011

We describe a new technique for removing a large intraocular foreign body by 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery (25G-MIVS). Noncomparative interventional case series were performed at a single centre. Two patients with a long smooth intraocular vitreal foreign body underwent phacoemulsification and aspiration, intraocular lens implantation, 25G-MIVS, and extraction of the foreign body. The foreign body was removed through a posterior capsulorhexis, anterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, and a corneal incision. In both cases, the foreign body was safely removed through the corneal incision, and IOL was implanted and well positioned. The surgical incision did not require suturing. No postoperative complications associated with this technique were found. The corneal endothelial cell density was maintained over 2000 cells/mm2in both cases during recent follow-up examinations. Our findings indicate that 25G-MIVS with this technique can be used to extract a long slender smooth foreign body. It is safe, without complications, and can be performed without enlarging the 25-gauge sclerotomy.
PHLDA1 Expression Marks the Putative Epithelial Stem Cells and Contributes to Intestinal Tumorigenesis
Authors: Sakthianandeswaren Anuratha , Christie Michael , D'Andreti Carla , Tsui Cary , Jorissen Robert N. , Li Shan , Fleming Nicholas I. , Gibbs Peter , Lipton Lara , Malaterre Jordane , Ramsay Robert G. , Phesse Toby J. , Ernst Matthias , Jeffery Rosemary E. , Poulsom Richard , Leedham Simon J. , Segditsas Stefania , Tomlinson Ian P. M. , Bernhard Oliver K. , Simpson Richard J. , Walker Francesca , Faux Maree C. , Church Nicole , Catimel Bruno , Flanagan Dustin J. , Vincan Elizabeth , Sieber Oliver M.
Published: May 2011

Studies employing mouse models have identified crypt base and position +4 cells as strong candidates for intestinal epithelial stem cells. Equivalent cell populations are thought to exist in the human intestine; however robust and specific protein markers are lacking. Here, we show that in the human small and large intestine, PHLDA1 is expressed in discrete crypt base and some position +4 cells. In small adenomas, PHLDA1 was expressed in a subset of undifferentiated and predominantly Ki-67–negative neoplastic cells, suggesting that a basic hierarchy of differentiation is retained in early tumorigenesis. In large adenomas, carcinomas, and metastases PHLDA1 expression became widespread, with increased expression and nuclear localization at invasive margins. siRNA-mediated suppression of PHLDA1 in colon cancer cells inhibited migration and anchorage-independent growth in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. The integrins ITGA2 and ITGA6 were downregulated in response to PHLDA1 suppression, and accordingly cell adhesion to laminin and collagen was significantly reduced. We conclude that PHLDA1 is a putative epithelial stem cell marker in the human small and large intestine and contributes to migration and proliferation in colon cancer cells. Cancer Res; 71(10); 3709–19. ©2011 AACR.
Randomized Trial of Autologous Cellular Immunotherapy with Sipuleucel-T in Androgen-Dependent Prostate Cancer
Authors: Beer Tomasz M. , Bernstein Guy T. , Corman John M. , Glode L. Michael , Hall Simon J. , Poll Wayne L. , Schellhammer Paul F. , Jones Lori A. , Xu Yi , Kylstra Jelle W. , Frohlich Mark W.
Published: May 2011

Purpose: Sipuleucel-T, an autologous cellular immunotherapy, was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial to determine its biologic activity in androgen-dependent prostate cancer (ADPC).

Experimental Design: Patients with prostate cancer detectable by serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) following radical prostatectomy received 3 to 4 months of androgen suppression therapy, and were then randomized (2:1) to receive sipuleucel-T (n = 117) or control (n = 59). The primary endpoint was time to biochemical failure (BF) defined as serum PSA ≥ 3.0 ng/mL. PSA doubling time (PSADT), time to distant failure, immune response, and safety were also evaluated.

Results: Median time to BF was 18.0 months for sipuleucel-T and 15.4 months for control (HR = 0.936, P = 0.737). Sipuleucel-T patients had a 48% increase in PSADT following testosterone recovery (155 vs. 105 days, P = 0.038). With only 16% of patients having developed distant failure, the treatment effect favored sipuleucel-T (HR = 0.728, P = 0.421). The most frequent adverse events in sipuleucel-T patients were fatigue, chills, and pyrexia. Immune responses to the immunizing antigen were greater in sipuleucel-T patients at Weeks 4 and 13 (P < 0.001, all) and were sustained prior to boosting as measured in a subset of patients a median of 22.6 months (range: 14.3–67.3 months) following randomization.

Conclusions: No significant difference in time to BF could be shown. The finding of increased PSADT in the sipuleucel-T arm is consistent with its biologic activity in ADPC. Long-term follow-up will be necessary to determine if clinically important events, such as distant failure, are affected by therapy. Treatment was generally well tolerated. Clin Cancer Res; 17(13); 4558–67. ©2011 AACR.
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphomas: A Validation Study of Array-Based Comparative Genomic Hybridization in Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tumor Specimens
Authors: Braggio Esteban , McPhail Ellen Remstein , Macon William , Lopes M. Beatriz , Schiff David , Law Mark , Fink Stephanie , Sprau Debra , Giannini Caterina , Dogan Ahmet , Fonseca Rafael , O'Neill Brian Patrick
Published: May 2011

Purpose: Only a limited number of genetic studies have been conducted in primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL), partly due to the rarity of the tumors and the very limited amount of available tissue. In this report, we present the first molecular characterization of copy number abnormalities (CNA) of newly diagnosed PCNSL by array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens and compare the results with matched, frozen tumor specimens.

Experimental Design: We conducted aCGH in FFPE tissues from PCNSL. Results were compared with matched, paired, frozen tumors.

Results: Our analysis confirmed the good to fair quality and reliability of the data generated from limited amounts of tumoral FFPE tissue. Overall, all PCNSL cases were characterized by highly complex karyotypes, with a median of 23 CNAs per patient (range, 17–47). Overall, 20 chromosomal regions were recurrently found in more than 40% of cases. Deletions of 6p21, 6q, and 9p21.3 and gain of 12q12-q24.33 were the commonest CNAs. Other minimal affected regions were defined, and novel recurrent CNAs affecting single genes were identified in 3q26.32 (TBL1XR1) and 8q12.1 (TOX).

Conclusions: The results obtained are encouraging. Larger archival tissue collections can now be analyzed to complement the still fragmented knowledge we have of the genetic basis of the PCNSL. Clin Cancer Res; 17(13); 4245–53. ©2011 AACR.
BORIS Binding to the Promoters of Cancer Testis Antigens, MAGEA2, MAGEA3, and MAGEA4, Is Associated with Their Transcriptional Activation in Lung Cancer
Authors: Bhan Sheetal , Negi Sandeep S. , Shao Chunbo , Glazer Chad A. , Chuang Alice , Gaykalova Daria A. , Sun Wenyue , Sidransky David , Ha Patrick K. , Califano Joseph A.
Published: May 2011

Purpose: Aim of this study was to determine whether BORIS (Brother of the Regulator of Imprinted Sites) is a regulator of MAGEA2, MAGEA3, and MAGEA4 genes in lung cancer.

Experimental Design: Changes in expression of MAGEA genes upon BORIS induction/knockdown were studied. Recruitment of BORIS and changes in histone modifications at their promoters upon BORIS induction were analyzed. Luciferase assays were used to study their activation by BORIS. Changes in methylation at these promoters upon BORIS induction were evaluated.

Results: Alteration of BORIS expression by induction/knockdown directly correlated with expression of MAGEA genes. BORIS was enriched at their promoters in H1299 cells, which show high expression of these cancer testis antigens (CTA), compared with normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells which show low expression of the target CTAs. BORIS induction in A549 cells resulted in increased amounts of BORIS and activating histone modifications at their promoters along with a corresponding increase in their expression. Similarly, BORIS binding at these promoters in H1299 correlates with enrichment of activating modifications, whereas absence of BORIS binding in NHBE is associated with enrichment of repressive marks. BORIS induction of MAGEA3 was associated with promoter demethylation, but no methylation changes were noted with activation of MAGEA2 and MAGEA4.

Conclusions: These data suggest that BORIS positively regulates these CTAs by binding and inducing a shift to a more open chromatin conformation with promoter demethylation for MAGEA3 or independent of promoter demethylation in case of MAGEA2 and MAGEA4 and may be a key effector involved in their derepression in lung cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 17(13); 4267–76. ©2011 AACR.
Chemopreventive Efficacy and Mechanism of Licofelone in a Mouse Lung Tumor Model via Aspiration
Authors: Sharma Sheela , Lee Jin , Zhou Jianliang , Steele Vernon E.
Published: May 2011

Our previous study comparing inhalation and aspiration to administer agents directly to lung indicated that aspiration route is as effective as inhalation while reducing costs for equipment and chemopreventive agent. This study evaluated the chemopreventive efficacy and mechanism of licofelone, a dual inhibitor of COX-2 and 5-lipoxygenase (5-Lox), via oropharyngeal aspiration against mouse lung adenoma. Eight-week-old female A/J mice were given three doses of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P; 2 mg/dose, gavage) to induce lung adenomas. After dysplasia developed, the mice were given licofelone (0, 0.03, 0.1, or 0.3 mg/kg) for 16 weeks, and tumor incidence and multiplicity in lung were measured. In addition, the expression of a series of biomarkers in lung cancer progression was evaluated at 2 and 16 weeks. Licofelone showed dose-related inhibition of B[a]P-induced tumor incidence and multiplicity at 0.03 and 0.1 mg/kg following 16-week treatment. Licofelone also showed dose-dependent inhibition of COX-2 (25%–41%) and 5-Lox (35%–61%) at 2 and 16 weeks and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA; 41%–61%) at 16 weeks. A dose-dependent increase in apoptosis (1.5- to 2.4-fold) was also observed in licofelone groups. A marginal inhibition of survivin was observed at one dose. In conclusion, this study showed that licofelone via aspiration showed chemopreventive efficacy against mouse lung adenoma with good correlation to early and late biomarkers of lung cancer progression. This is the first study to show that the aspiration route can be an excellent inexpensive alternative to inhalation for direct delivery of drugs to rodent lungs for efficacy testing of potential chemopreventive agents. Cancer Prev Res; 4(8); 1233–42. ©2011 AACR.
Association between Caregiver Behaviours to Prevent Vertical Transmission and Dental Caries in Their 3-Year-Old Children
Authors: Wakaguri S. , Aida J. , Osaka K. , Morita M. , Ando Y.
Published: May 2011

Background: It has been suggested that oral organisms in children are mainly those transmitted from their mothers. That may account for the relationship between caries levels in children and their parents. However, few studies have investigated the effect of trying to prevent vertical transmission of oral organisms on dental caries levels in children, and the findings in the studies are controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between measures to prevent vertical transmission of oral organisms and the caries experience in 3-year-old children. Methods: Data were collected from dental examinations for 3-year-old children and a self-administered questionnaire for their caregivers. Absence of maternal sharing of utensils and mouth-to-mouth feeding between caregivers and children was used as the variable about behaviour to prevent vertical transmission of oral organisms. Sex, age in months, dietary behaviour, oral health behaviour and sociodemographic factors were used as covariates. Results and Conclusion: Data for 3,035 children (73.5% of the subjects) were analysed. Caregivers who practised vertical transmission prevention tended to have better oral health behaviours. Multivariate logistic regression analysis did not show any significant association between behaviour to prevent vertical transmission and caries experience (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.86–1.41). This study suggests that caregiver behaviour to prevent vertical transmission was not effective in reducing levels of childhood caries.
ECG Identification of Scar-Related Ventricular Tachycardia With a Left Bundle-Branch Block Configuration
Authors: Wijnmaalen Adrianus P. , Stevenson William G. , Schalij Martin J. , Field Michael E. , Stephenson Kent , Tedrow Usha B. , Koplan Bruce A. , Putter Hein , Epstein Lawrence M. , Zeppenfeld Katja
Published: May 2011

Background—

A left bundle-branch block (LBBB)-like pattern with a dominant S-wave in V
1
is common in idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Discrimination between idiopathic and scar-related LBBB pattern VA has important clinical implications. We hypothesized that the VA QRS morphology is influenced by the presence of ventricular scar, allowing ECG discrimination of VA arising from structurally normal versus scarred myocardium.

Methods and Results—

Twelve-lead ECGs of 297 LBBB pattern monomorphic VA were recorded during catheter ablation procedures. QRS morphology characteristics associated with scar-related VA were identified in retrospective analysis of 118 LBBB pattern VA (95 scar-related, 23 idiopathic) to develop a stepwise algorithm that was prospectively tested in 179 LBBB pattern VA (120 scar-related, 59 idiopathic). The diagnosis of scar was based on sinus rhythm surface ECG, cardiovascular imaging, and electroanatomic catheter mapping. A precordial transition beyond V
4
, notching of the S-wave downstroke in lead V
1
or V
2
, and a duration from the onset of QRS to the S-nadir in V
1
>90 ms were independent predictors for scar-related VA. The proposed algorithm classified a VA as scar-related if any of these criteria was met. If none of the criteria was present, a VA was classified as idiopathic. In prospective validation, the algorithm was highly sensitive (96%) and specific (83%) for the identification of scar-related LBBB pattern VA.

Conclusions—

The QRS morphology of VA is different between scar-related and idiopathic VA. A simple ECG algorithm is sensitive for identifying scar-related LBBB VA, which could be helpful in guiding further evaluation of these patients.
Copy Number Variation in
Glutathione S-Transferases M1
and
T1
and Ischemic Vascular Disease
Authors: Nørskov Marianne S. , Frikke-Schmidt Ruth , Loft Steffen , Sillesen Henrik , Grande Peer , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne
Published: May 2011

Background—

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) M1 and T1 detoxify products of oxidative stress and may protect against atherosclerosis and ischemic vascular disease (IVD). We tested the hypothesis that copy number variation (CNV) in
GSTM1
and
GSTT1
genes, known to be associated with stepwise decreases in catalytic activity, predict risk of IVD.

Methods and Results—

We included 23 059 Danes from 2 general population studies and 2 case-control studies, of whom 4930 had ischemic heart disease (IHD) and 2086 had ischemic cerebrovascular disease. A real-time polymerase chain reaction method genotyped for the exact number of
GSTM1
and
GST
T1
gene copies. We also performed meta-analyses, including our own and former studies, totaling 13 196 IHD cases and 33 228 controls. CNV in
GSTM1
or
GSTT1
or genotype combinations were not associated with an increased risk of IHD, myocardial infarction, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, ischemic stroke, or any ischemic vascular event in studies individually or combined or in the meta-analyses. Furthermore, genotypes did not interact with smoking on risk of disease end points. Finally,
GST
genotypes did not associate with markers of inflammation and oxidation or interact with smoking on markers of inflammation in the general population. In contrast, we observed the well-established association between CNV in
GSTM1
and risk of bladder cancer.

Conclusions—

In studies including 6557 IVD cases and 16 502 controls and in meta-analyses of 13 196 cases and 33 228 controls, CNV in
GSTM1
and
GST
T1
genes did not associate with risk of IVD or with markers of inflammation. These observations were independent of smoking exposure.
New Predictive Models of Heart Failure Mortality Using Time-Series Measurements and Ensemble Models
Authors: Subramanian Devika , Subramanian Venkataraman , Deswal Anita , Mann Douglas L.
Published: May 2011

Background—

Morbidity and mortality rates associated with heart failure remain high. A wide variety of demographic and clinical factors as well as biomarkers are associated with increased mortality rates. Despite this, most multivariate predictive models for heart failure mortality have predictive accuracies characterized by a C-statistic (area under the receiver operating curve) of ≈0.74.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed data on 963 patients enrolled in the Vesnarinone Evaluation of Survival Trial (VEST), including circulating levels of 2 cytokines (tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6) and their receptors sampled at baseline and at 8, 16, and 24 weeks. We built multivariate logistic regression models by using standard clinical variables and time-series of cytokine and cytokine receptor levels, using independent components analysis to handle collinearity among cytokine measurements, and L2-penalized stepwise regression for variable selection. We also built ensemble models with these data, using gentle boosting. Our multivariate logistic regression model using time-series cytokine measurements predicts 1-year mortality rates significantly better (
P
=0.001) than the baseline model, with a C-statistic of 0.81±0.03. Without the cytokines, the baseline model has a C-statistic of 0.73±0.03, and, with only baseline cytokine and cytokine receptor levels added, the model has a C-statistic of 0.74±0.04. An ensemble model of 100 decision stumps with serial cytokine measurements has a significantly better (
P
=0.04) C-statistic of 0.84±0.02. An ensemble model with baseline cytokine data and without the serial measurements has a C-statistic of 0.74±0.04.

Conclusions—

Significant gains in accuracy of one year mortality prediction in chronic heart failure can be obtained by using logistic regression models that incorporate serial measurements of biomarkers such as cytokine and cytokine receptor levels. Ensemble models capture inherent variability in large patient populations, and boost predictive accuracy through the use of time-series measurements.
Changing Characteristics and Mode of Death Associated With Chronic Heart Failure Caused by Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
Authors: Cubbon Richard M. , Gale Christopher P. , Kearney Lorraine C. , Schechter Clyde B. , Brooksby W. Paul , Nolan Jim , Fox Keith A.A. , Rajwani Adil , Baig Wazir , Groves David , Barlow Pauline , Fisher Anthony C. , Batin Phillip D. , Kahn Matthew B. , Zaman Azfar G. , Shah Ajay M. , Byrne Jon A. , Lindsay Steven J. , Sapsford Robert J. , Wheatcroft Stephen B. , Witte Klaus K. , Kearney Mark T.
Published: May 2011

Background—

Therapies for patients with chronic heart failure caused by left ventricular systolic dysfunction have advanced substantially over recent decades. The cumulative effect of these therapies on mortality, mode of death, symptoms, and clinical characteristics has yet to be defined.

Methods and Results—

This study was a comparison of 2 prospective cohort studies of outpatients with chronic heart failure caused by left ventricular systolic dysfunction performed between 1993 and 1995 (historic cohort: n=281) and 2006 and 2009 (contemporary cohort: n=357). In the historic cohort, 83% were prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and 8.5% were prescribed β-adrenoceptor antagonists, compared with 89% and 80%, respectively, in the contemporary cohort. Mortality rates over the first year of follow-up declined from 12.5% to 7.8% between eras (
P
=0.04), and sudden death contributed less to contemporary mortality (33.6% versus 12.7%;
P
<0.001). New York Heart Association class declined between eras (
P
<0.001). QTc dispersion across the chest leads declined from 85 ms (SD, 2) to 34 ms (SD, 1) and left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions declined from 65 mm (SD, 0.6) to 59 mm (SD, 0.5) (both
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Survival has significantly improved in patients with chronic heart failure caused by left ventricular systolic dysfunction over the past 15 years; furthermore, sudden death makes a much smaller contribution to mortality, and noncardiac mortality is a correspondingly greater contribution. This has been accompanied by an improvement in symptoms and some markers of adverse electric and structural left ventricular remodeling.
Dissociating Neural Correlates of Action Monitoring and Metacognition of Agency
Authors: Miele David B. , Wager Tor D. , Mitchell Jason P. , Metcalfe Janet
Published: May 2011

Judgments of agency refer to people's self-reflective assessments concerning their own control: their assessments of the extent to which they themselves are responsible for an action. These self-reflective metacognitive judgments can be distinguished from action monitoring, which involves the detection of the divergence (or lack of divergence) between observed states and expected states. Presumably, people form judgments of agency by metacognitively reflecting on the output of their action monitoring and then consciously inferring the extent to which they caused the action in question. Although a number of previous imaging studies have been directed at action monitoring, none have assessed judgments of agency as a potentially separate process. The present fMRI study used an agency paradigm that not only allowed us to examine the brain activity associated with action monitoring but that also enabled us to investigate those regions associated with metacognition of agency. Regarding action monitoring, we found that being “out of control” during the task (i.e., detection of a discrepancy between observed and expected states) was associated with increased brain activity in the right TPJ, whereas being “in control” was associated with increased activity in the pre-SMA, rostral cingulate zone, and dorsal striatum (regions linked to self-initiated action). In contrast, when participants made self-reflective metacognitive judgments about the extent of their own control (i.e., judgments of agency) compared with when they made judgments that were not about control (i.e., judgments of performance), increased activity was observed in the anterior PFC, a region associated with self-reflective processing. These results indicate that action monitoring is dissociable from people's conscious self-attributions of control.
Solutions to the Vertical Structure Equation for Simple Models of the Tropical Troposphere
Authors: Ortland David A. , Alexander M. Joan
Published: May 2011

Observation and modeling studies indicate that the wave flux from tropical heating sources that propagates into the lower stratosphere is sensitive to the buoyancy frequency profile N(z) in the troposphere. This sensitivity is explained by examining analytic solutions to the vertical structure equation for various simplified models of the tropical troposphere. An efficient method for obtaining expressions for these analytic solutions when N(z) is piecewise constant is presented. The solution is expressed in terms of reflection and transmission coefficients. It is found that the response to heating for Hough modes with small equivalent depth is quite sensitive to the shape of the heating profile, the magnitude of N(z) within the heating profile, and the internal wave reflections that result from the sharp change in N(z) at the tropopause. The location of the primary peak in the wave response, which occurs where the wavelength is twice the depth of the heating for a constant N(z) profile, is also sensitive to the occurrence of internal wave reflection.
Health Information Technology to Guide Pediatric Obesity Management
Authors: McDonald Julia , Goldman Roberta E. , O'Brien Ashley , Ayash Christine , Mitchell Kathy , Marshall Richard , Simon Steven R. , Taveras Elsie M.
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine pediatricians’ familiarity with expert committee recommendations on the management of childhood obesity and their use of health information technology for obesity-related care. The authors interviewed 35 pediatricians from 17 primary care practices using an electronic health record; immersion crystallization facilitated analysis of the qualitative data. Nearly all pediatricians were unfamiliar with expert recommendations; however, all participants reported using growth charts and providing nutrition and physical activity counseling. Most participants wanted easy access to educational materials they could print for patients. The majority of participants were in favor of an electronic alert to identify obese patients, remind clinicians of current guidelines, and facilitate ordering, believing it would help standardize care. Concerns included “alert fatigue,” distraction, and disruption of workflow. Suggestions for future electronic functions included tailored educational materials and physical activity resources customized by patient address.
Computer-Based Attention Training in the Schools for Children With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Preliminary Trial
Authors: Steiner Naomi J. , Sheldrick Radley Christopher , Gotthelf David , Perrin Ellen C.
Published: May 2011

Objective. This study examined the efficacy of 2 computer-based training systems to teach children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to attend more effectively. Design/methods. A total of 41 children with ADHD from 2 middle schools were randomly assigned to receive 2 sessions a week at school of either neurofeedback (NF) or attention training through a standard computer format (SCF), either immediately or after a 6-month wait (waitlist control group). Parents, children, and teachers completed questionnaires pre- and postintervention. Results. Primary parents in the NF condition reported significant ( P < .05) change on Conners’s Rating Scales—Revised (CRS-R) and Behavior Assessment Scales for Children (BASC) subscales; and in the SCF condition, they reported significant ( P < .05) change on the CRS-R Inattention scale and ADHD index, the BASC Attention Problems Scale, and on the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF). Conclusion. This randomized control trial provides preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of computer-based interventions for ADHD and supports the feasibility of offering them in a school setting.
Educating Tomorrow’s Men
Authors: Corprew Charles S. , Cunningham Michael
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between negative youth experiences and bravado attitudes in African American urban males. In addition, an examination of positive factors, such as school social support, was examined to understand potential resilient pathways. Data were collected at two sites, a science and math center ( n = 68) and an academy for academic achievement ( n = 58). Using Spencer’s PVEST (2006) model as a framework, the study hypothesized that negative youth experiences would have a positive relation with bravado attitudes, but perceptions of school support would lessen this relationship. The Perceived School Support construct consisted of students’ perceptions of their teachers and administrators. The results partially confirmed the hypothesis. The results also highlight the importance of adolescent perceptions of support in the school context and how this perceived support may decrease bravado attitudes. Further explanation of study’s results, future research opportunities, and policy implications are explored.
A Comparison in the Developmental Strategies of the Cincinnati and St. Louis Public School Systems
Authors: Feldmann Doug , Watson Timothy James
Published: May 2011

This study investigated the recent histories of the urban public school districts of St. Louis, Missouri and Cincinnati, Ohio in the United States of America. The purpose was to identify the similar challenges that each had recently faced in regard to the maintenance and development of its public school systems, as well to gauge the level of community support for the numerous reforms proposed by local education officials in each city over the past decade. After a critical review of the research and applicable theory, the authors offer suggestions for solidifying the future success of each system with examples of positive experimentation occurring in these cities and others. The city of St. Louis received the primary focus, as its enrollment and monetary problems tend to revolve back several years before similar issues surfaced in a comparable manner in Cincinnati. Each city was also examined in its particular historical context, with the accompanying educational, political, and social issues which have manifested themselves to the present state of affairs.
Valuing but Not Liking School
Authors: Conner Jerusha O. , Mason Michael , Mennis Jeremy
Published: May 2011

Research has found strong linkages between adolescent substance use and attitudes toward school. Few studies of this relationship, however, consider the different dimensions of students’ school attitudes, separating perceptions of the importance of school from the quality of students’ affective experiences therein. Using a sample of 301 urban adolescents, evenly divided into substance users and nonusers, this study examines the relationships between these two dimensions of school attitudes and substance use. Findings highlight a subset of adolescent substance users who see school as the most important place in which they routinely spend time and who differ significantly from other users, but not from nonusers, in their expressed satisfaction with school. Results also call attention to the ubiquity of urban adolescents’ dissatisfaction with their teachers, showing such dissatisfaction as unrelated to their rates of substance use. Implications for school reform, dropout prevention programs, and future research are discussed.
Developing patterns of parenting in two cultural communities
Authors: Keller Heidi , Borke Joern , Lamm Bettina , Lohaus Arnold , Dzeaye Yovsi Relindis
Published: May 2011

This paper is aimed at analyzing verbal and nonverbal strategies in terms of body contact, face-to-face contact, and discourse style during the first three months of life in two cultural communities that have been characterized as embodying different cultural models of parenting: German middle-class, and Nso farmer families. It can be demonstrated that the Nso mothers have significantly higher rates of body contact during the assessments of free-play interactions during the first 12 weeks than the German women. The German women on the other hand demonstrate the expected increase of face-to-face contact, whereas the Nso women demonstrate a significantly lower and stable pattern of face-to-face contact over the assessments. The German mothers use an agentic discourse style, whereas the Nso mothers use a relational discourse style. Moreover, body contact and a relational discourse style form one parenting strategy, whereas face-to-face contact and the agentic discourse style form another parenting strategy. The results demonstrate culture-specific parenting strategies that not only differ with respect to the amount of behaviors expressed, but also the developmental course of particular behaviors. It is also evident that socialization strategies are expressed in different behavioral channels. The role of sociodemographic variables is particularly discussed with respect to their impact for defining sociocultural environments.
Sphenopalatine Artery Ligation
Authors: Shires Courtney B. , Boughter John D. , Sebelik Merry E.
Published: May 2011

Objective

To clarify endoscopic anatomy of the sphenopalatine artery (SPA) in relation to intranasal endoscopic landmarks using a human cadaver model and to simplify the surgical approach to SPA ligation.

Study Design

Prospective anatomic study from November to December 2009.

Setting

University of Tennessee Health Science Center Gross Anatomy Lab.

Subjects

Fifty human cadaveric sagittally sectioned heads.

Methods

The cadaveric nasal cavities were examined using a 0° endoscope, and the SPA and foramen were identified. The number of nasal cavities in which a transnasal approach successfully revealed the SPA foramen was compared with those that required maxillary antrostomy. The distance from the posterior edge of the maxillary natural ostium to the anterior edge of the SPA foramen was measured.

Results

Successful ligation of the SPA via a lateral nasal wall incision was achieved in 45 of 50 specimens (90%). The mean distance from the posterior edge of the maxillary natural ostium to the anterior edge of the SPA foramen was 23.79 mm (95% confidence interval, 22.03‐25.55).

Conclusion

The method of performing SPA ligation via lateral nasal wall incision alone was successful in 90% of human cadaveric heads. Maxillary antrostomy revealed the SPA in the remainder. No specimen required uncinectomy. The mean distance from the maxillary natural ostium to SPA foramen was more than 2 cm. The routine use of maxillary antrostomy and uncinectomy is not needed to locate the SPA in most nasal cavities and moreover produces unnecessary mucosal trauma in the often medically fragile or coagulopathic patient.
Role of C-Reactive Protein Velocity in the Diagnosis of Early Bacterial Infections in Children After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Nahum Elhanan , Livni Gilat , Schiller Ofer , Bitan Sarit , Ashkenazi Shai , Dagan Ovadia
Published: May 2011

Received November 20, 2009, Received Revised August 18, 2010, Submitted August 19, 2010 Fever after cardiac surgery in children may be due to bacterial infection or noninfectious origin like systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) secondary to bypass procedure. A marker to distinguish bacterial from nonbacterial fever in these conditions is clinically important. The purpose of our study was to evaluate, in the early postcardiac surgery period, whether serial measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) and its change over time (CRP velocity) can assist in detecting bacterial infection. A series of consecutive children who underwent cardiac surgery with bypass were tested for serum levels of CRP at several points up to 5 days postoperatively and during febrile episodes (>38.0°C). Findings were compared among febrile patients with proven bacterial infection (FWI group; sepsis, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, deep wound infection), febrile patients without bacterial infection (FNI group), and patients without fever (NF group). In all, 121 children were enrolled in the study, 31 in the FWI group, 42 in the FNI group, and 48 patients in the NF group. Ages ranged from 4 days to 17.8 years (median 19.0, mean 46 ± 56 months). There was no significant difference among the groups in mean CRP level before surgery, 1 hour, and 18 hours after. A highly significant interaction was found in the change in CRP over time by FWI group compared with FNI group ( P < .001). Mean CRP velocity ([fCRP – 18hCRP]/[fever time (days) – 0.75 day]) was significantly higher in the infectious group (4.0 ± 4.2 mg/dL per d) than in the fever-only group (0.60 ± 1.6 mg/dL per d; P < .001). A CRP velocity of 4 mg/dL per d had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 85.7% for bacterial infection with 95.2% specificity. Serial measurements of CRP/CRP velocity after cardiac surgery in children may assist clinicians in differentiating postoperative fever due to bacterial infection from fever due to noninfectious origin.
Hermeneutics and the ‘classic’ problem in the human sciences
Authors: How Alan R.
Published: May 2011

There has been a long-standing and acrimonious debate in the human sciences over the role played by classic texts. Advocates of the classic insist its value is timeless and rests on the intrinsic superiority of its cognitive insights and aesthetic virtues. Critics, by contrast, argue that the respect accorded the classic is spurious because it conceals the ideological assumptions, tensions and discontinuities of tradition. This article seeks a solution through the account of ‘the classical’ brought by Hans-Georg Gadamer in Truth and Method, which acknowledges a text’s ‘eminence’ as well as its ‘historicity’. Following the introduction, the article divides into four sections. The first section notes that the hermeneutic account of tradition describes it as being open to challenge rather than closed and unchangeable, and that the classic, as grounded in tradition, will conserve difficulty as readily as comfortable certainty. The second section focuses on the idea that in the classic we find matter ‘properly portrayed’, while the third notes the importance of ‘application’ for an understanding of classic texts. It is noted that both ‘proper portrayal’ and ‘application’ depend on recognizing the role of the fusion of historical horizons in generating classic texts. The final section challenges the criticism that the classic is no more than a reflection of the institutional power wielded by the canon, arguing instead that the classic and the canon are different entities, and conflating them in favour of the latter, misleadingly reduces classic-ness to being no more than an effect of canonicity.
Personal construct psychology and social constructionism are not incompatible: Implications of a reframing
Authors: Pavlović Jelena
Published: May 2011

A usual way of thinking about the relationship between personal construct psychology (PCP) and social constructionism (SC) is treating them as two separate entities that are similar in some aspects, but also very different in others. This paper aims at exploring some of the possible implications of reframing the relationship between PCP and SC. I point to two important implications: treating PCP as a discourse and adding a new metaphor of the person. Finally, I argue that the invitation to reframe the relationship between PCP and SC extends both approaches and offers more than each of them alone. On one hand, it extends and enriches SC theory and points to benefits of applying the PCP “toolkit” to constructionist therapy and research. On the other hand, proposed reframing contributes to PCP theory and points to new ways of addressing social construction in therapeutic conversations.