bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response to Comment on “Nonreciprocal Light Propagation in a Silicon Photonic Circuit”
Authors: Feng Liang , Ayache Maurice , Huang Jingqing , Xu Ye-Long , Lu Ming-Hui , Chen Yan-Feng , Fainman Yeshaiahu , Scherer Axel
Published: January 2012

Fan
et al
. raised technical concerns about our study regarding the Lorentz reciprocity theorem, with which we completely agree. Unfortunately, we incorrectly used the term “nonreciprocal” to describe the behavior of electromagnetic propagation in our devices. In our paper, this term does not refer to Lorentz reciprocity but to the asymmetric mode conversion that is experimentally demonstrated.
Ohm’s Law Survives to the Atomic Scale
Authors: Weber B. , Mahapatra S. , Ryu H. , Lee S. , Fuhrer A. , Reusch T. C. G. , Thompson D. L. , Lee W. C. T. , Klimeck G. , Hollenberg L. C. L. , Simmons M. Y.
Published: January 2012

Wiring Up Silicon Surfaces

One of the challenges in downsizing electronic circuits is maintaining low resistivity of wires, because shrinking their diameter to near atomic dimensions increases interface effects and can decrease the effectiveness of dopants.

Weber
et al.

(p.
64
; see the Perspective by

Ferry

) created nanowires on a silicon surface with the deposition of phosphorus atoms through decomposition of PH
3
with a scanning tunneling microscope tip. A brief thermal annealing embedded these nanowires, which varied from 1.5 to 11 nanometers in width, into the silicon surface. Their resistivity was independent of width, and their current-carrying capability was comparable to that of thicker copper interconnects.
Controlling Hormone Action by Subversion and Deception
Authors: Leung Jeffrey
Published: January 2012

Molecular mimicry between a plant hormone receptor and a kinase allows them to swap binding to a phosphatase to control a signaling pathway.
Voices of the Next Generation
Authors: Alberts Bruce
Published: January 2012

The start of 2012 provides an opportunity to take stock of where we have been and where we are going at
Science
. Internet technology has been rapidly changing the way that scientists access information. This has advantages, allowing new content to be noticed around the globe as soon as it is published. But it also has disadvantages, making it easy for a scientist to receive only preselected information focused on his or her specialty. Because innovative breakthroughs often come from the intersection of disparate ways of thinking, scientists need to continually expose themselves to a broad range of disciplines and approaches. They also must work together as a community to build the strong scientific enterprise needed to create the paradigm-breaking innovations that will be required by an ever-more crowded and resource-limited world. How can we promote the wide-ranging conversations that will be necessary to meet these critical challenges?
Will Flu Papers Lead to New Research Oversight?
Authors: Enserink Martin , Malakoff David
Published: January 2012

At the request of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity,
Science
and
Nature
have agreed to strike key details from papers in press describing how researchers made the deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus more transmissible between mammals.
Evaluation of a PCR Test for Detection of Treponema pallidum in Swabs and Blood
Authors: Grange P. A. , Gressier L. , Dion P. L. , Farhi D. , Benhaddou N. , Gerhardt P. , Morini J. P. , Deleuze J. , Pantoja C. , Bianchi A. , Lassau F. , Avril M. F. , Janier M. , Dupin N.
Published: January 2012

Syphilis diagnosis is based on clinical observation, serological analysis, and dark-field microscopy (DFM) detection of
Treponema pallidum
subsp.
pallidum
, the etiological agent of syphilis, in skin ulcers. We performed a nested PCR (nPCR) assay specifically amplifying the
tpp47
gene of
T. pallidum
from swab and blood specimens. We studied a cohort of 294 patients with suspected syphilis and 35 healthy volunteers. Eighty-seven of the 294 patients had primary syphilis, 103 had secondary syphilis, 40 had latent syphilis, and 64 were found not to have syphilis. The
T. pallidum
nPCR results for swab specimens were highly concordant with syphilis diagnosis, with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 95%. Reasonable agreement was observed between the results obtained with the nPCR and DFM methods (kappa = 0.53). No agreement was found between the nPCR detection of
T. pallidum
in blood and the diagnosis of syphilis, with sensitivities of 29, 18, 14.7, and 24% and specificities of 96, 92, 93, and 97% for peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), plasma, serum, and whole-blood fractions, respectively. HIV status did not affect the frequency of
T. pallidum
detection in any of the specimens tested. Swab specimens from mucosal or skin lesions seemed to be more useful than blood for the efficient detection of the
T. pallidum
genome and, thus, for the diagnosis of syphilis.
The relationship between age of coital debut and HIV seroprevalence among women in Durban, South Africa: a cohort study
Authors: Wand Handan , Ramjee Gita
Published: January 2012

Objectives

To investigate the impact of early sexual debut on HIV seroprevalence and incidence rates among a cohort of women.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Participants

A total of 3492 sexually active women who consented to screen a HIV prevention trial during September 2002 to September 2005; a total of 1485 of them were followed for approximately 24 months.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

HIV seroprevalence among those who were screened for the trial and HIV seroconversion among those who seroconverted during the study.

Results

Lowest quintiles of age at sexual debut, less than high school education, a higher number of lifetime sexual partners and lack of cohabitation, being diagnosed as having herpes simplex virus 2 and other sexually transmitted infections were all significantly associated with prevalent HIV infection in multivariate analysis. During follow-up, 148 (6.8 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 5.8 to 8.0) women seroconverted. Highest seroconversion rate was observed among women who had reported to have had sex 15 years or younger (12.0 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 8.0 to 18.0). Overall, impact of risk factors considered in this study was associated with considerable potential reductions in HIV prevalence and incidence rates (population attributable risk: 85%, 95% CI 84% to 87% and population attributable risk: 77%, 95% CI 72% to 82%, respectively).

Conclusions

The association of HIV status with younger age at sexual debut may likely due to an increased number of lifetime partners. This increase could result from longer duration of sexual life. Prevention of HIV infection should include efforts to delay age at first sex in young women.

Trial registration number

NCT00121459.
Impacts of cattle grazing on small-rodent communities: an experimental case study
Authors: Bueno C. , Ruckstuhl K.E. , Arrigo N. , Aivaz A.N. , Neuhaus P.
Published: January 2012

We used experimental cattle ungrazed and grazed sites to evaluate what impact different intensities of cattle grazing have on deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner, 1845)) and meadow voles ( Microtus pennsylvanicus (Ord, 1815)). Live-trapping of these small rodents was conducted on paired treatment plots (grazed and ungrazed) at Sheep River Provincial Park in southwestern Alberta, Canada. Before grazing started, both rodent species were equally abundant in either grazed or ungrazed sites. Introduction of grazing resulted in strong but differing responses by both rodent species. Deer mice had higher population density (measured as individual animals trapped) in the grazed than in ungrazed plots, but their body mass was negatively correlated with increasing grazing pressure. Meadow voles were more heavily affected by grazing, as a strong avoidance of cattle-grazed plots was observed already at low grazing intensity. In addition, cattle grazing had noticeable effects, impacting the survival, sex and age ratios, and the ectoparasite prevalence of these two rodent populations. We conclude that there are diverse and different levels of impact of cattle grazing on those two rodents, leading to much more complex species interactions than previously thought. We suggest that the presence or absence, density, and body condition of small mammals could be used as a tool for ecosystem health assessment.
Predator chemical cues affect prey feeding activity differently in juveniles and adults
Authors: Johnston Bradley R. , Molis Markus , Scrosati Ricardo A.
Published: January 2012

Nonconsumptive predator effects on prey behaviour are common in nature, but the possible influence of prey life-history stage on such responses is poorly known. We investigated whether prey life-history stage may be a factor affecting prey feeding activity responses to predator chemical cues, for which we used dogwhelks ( Nucella lapillus (L., 1758)) and their main prey, barnacles ( Semibalanus balanoides (L., 1758)), as a model system. Barnacles use their modified legs (cirri) to filter food from the water column. Through a manipulative laboratory experiment, we tested the hypothesis that the presence of dogwhelks affects the frequency of leg swipes differently in juvenile and adult barnacles. Juveniles showed a similar feeding activity with and without nearby dogwhelks, but adults exhibited a significantly lower frequency of leg swipes when dogwhelks were present. Such an ontogenetic change in the response of barnacles to predatory cues might have evolved as a result of dogwhelks preferring adult barnacles over juvenile barnacles, as found previously. Alternatively, barnacles could learn to recognize predator cues as they age, as shown for other prey species. Overall, our study indicates that the nonconsumptive effects of predators on prey need to be fully understood under consideration of the possible ontogenetic changes in prey responses to predator cues.
HOMOTOPY DECOMPOSITIONS OF GAUGE GROUPS OVER RIEMANN SURFACES AND APPLICATIONS TO MODULI SPACES
Authors: THERIAULT STEPHEN D.
Published: January 2012

For a prime p, the gauge group of a principal U(p)-bundle over a compact, orientable Riemann surface is decomposed up to homotopy as a product of spaces, each of which is commonly known. This is used to deduce explicit computations of the homotopy groups of the moduli space of stable vector bundles through a range, answering a question of Daskalopoulos and Uhlenbeck.
NOTES ON "LINEAR PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUE TO SOLVE TWO-PERSON MATRIX GAMES WITH INTERVAL PAY-OFFS"
Authors: LI DENG-FENG
Published: January 2012

The aim of this note is to point out and correct some vital mistakes in the paper by P K Nayak and M Pal, "Linear programming technique to solve two person matrix (games with interval pay-offs). Asia-Pacific Journal of Operational Research, 26(2), 285–305". Lots of serious mistakes on the definitions, conclusions, models, methods, proofs and computing results have been corrected and modified in this note. We also indicate inappropriate formulations regarding their proposed linear programming models for solving generic matrix games with interval pay-offs and suggest a pair of linear programming models with any minimal acceptance degree of the interval inequality constraints which may be allowed to violate. The lexicographic method is suggested so that a rational and credible solution of the generic matrix game with interval pay-offs can be achieved.
Low micromolar intravascular cell-free hemoglobin concentration affects vascular NO bioavailability in sickle cell disease: a computational analysis
Authors: Deonikar Prabhakar , Kavdia Mahendra
Published: January 2012

In sickle cell disease, the changes in RBC morphology destabilize the red blood cell (RBC) membrane and lead to hemolysis. Several experimental and clinical studies have associated intravascular hemolysis with pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease. Cell-free hemoglobin (Hb) from intravascular hemolysis has high affinity for nitrixc oxide (NO) and can affect the NO bioavailability in the sickle cell disease, which may eventually lead to pulmonary hypertension. To study the effects of intravascular hemolysis related cell-free Hb concentrations on NO bioavailability, we developed a two-dimensional mathematical model of NO biotransport in 50-μm arteriole under steady-state sickle cell disease conditions. We analyzed the effects of flow-dependent NO production and axial and radial transport of NO, a recently reported much lower NO-RBC reaction rate constant, and cell-free layer thickness on NO biotransport. Our results show that the presence of cell-free Hb concentrations as low as 0.5 μM results in an approximately three- to sevenfold reduction in the predicted smooth muscle cell NO concentrations compared with those under physiological conditions. In addition, increasing the diffusional resistance for NO in vascular lumen from cell-free layer or reducing NO-RBC reaction rate did not improve the NO bioavailability at the smooth muscle cell layer significantly for cell-free Hb concentrations ≥1 μM. These results suggest that lower NO bioavailability due to low micromolar cell-free Hb can disturb NO homeostasis and cause insufficient bioavailability at the smooth muscle cell layer. Our results supports the hypothesis that hemolysis-associated reduction in NO bioavailability may play a role in the development of pathophysiological complications like pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease that are observed in several clinical and experimental studies.
Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation against Reperfusion Pulmonary Edema following Percutaneous Transluminal Pulmonary Angioplasty
Authors: Moriyama Kiyoshi , Sugiyama Sayuri , Uzawa Koji , Kotani Mariko , Satoh Toru , Yorozu Tomoko
Published: January 2012

A 69-year-old man with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) was on amblatory oxygen inhalation therapy (3 L/min) and scheduled for percutaneous transluminal pulmonary angioplasty (PTPA). The patient's New York Heart Association functional status was class III with recent worsening of dyspnea and apparent leg edema. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed right ventricular enlargement with mean pulmonary artery pressure of 42 mmHg. After PTPA, he was complicated with postoperative reperfusion pulmonary edema, and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) was applied immediately. Hypoxemia was successfully treated with 15 days of NPPV. Although mean pulmonary artery pressure was unchanged, his brain natriuretic peptide level decreased from preoperative 390.3 to postoperative 44.3 pg/dL. In addition, total pulmonary resistance decreased from preoperative 18 to postoperative 9.6 wood unit·m2. The patient was discharged on day 25 with SpO2of 95% on 5 L/min of oxygen inhalation. Because pulmonary edema is a postsurgical life-threatening complication following PTPA, application of NPPV should be considered.
An Unusual Cause of Lateral Knee Pain following Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Barr Lynne , Khanduja Vikas , Owen Julian
Published: January 2012

A 70-year-old male underwent elective total knee replacement for osteoarthritis. At initial review six weeks after surgery the prosthesis was functioning well and he was asymptomatic. He reattended clinic four months postoperatively having developed worsening pain on the lateral aspect of the knee but without any loss of function or stiffness of the joint. He subsequently underwent arthroscopy where synovial folds in the lateral gutter were debrided and entirely alleviated his symptoms. This is an unusual cause of pain following total knee replacement which has not been previously reported.
Channel Parameter Estimation for Scatter Cluster Model Using Modified MUSIC Algorithm
Authors: Yang Jinsheng , Wu Xuzhao , Wang Qing
Published: January 2012

Recently, the scatter cluster models which precisely evaluate the performance of the wireless communication system have been proposed in the literature. However, the conventional SAGE algorithm does not work for these scatter cluster-based models because it performs poorly when the transmit signals are highly correlated. In this paper, we estimate the time of arrival (TOA), the direction of arrival (DOA), and Doppler frequency for scatter cluster model by the modified multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm. Using the space-time characteristics of the multiray channel, the proposed algorithm combines the temporal filtering techniques and the spatial smoothing techniques to isolate and estimate the incoming rays. The simulation results indicated that the proposed algorithm has lower complexity and is less time-consuming in the dense multipath environment than SAGE algorithm. Furthermore, the estimations’ performance increases with elements of receive array and samples length. Thus, the problem of the channel parameter estimation of the scatter cluster model can be effectively addressed with the proposed modified MUSIC algorithm.
Complete Asymptotic Analysis of a Two‐Nation Arms Race Model with Piecewise Constant Nonlinearities
Authors: Hou Chengmin , Cheng Sui Sun
Published: January 2012

A discrete time two‐nation arms race model involving a piecewise
constant nonlinear control function is formulated and studied. By
elementary but novel arguments, we are able to give a complete
analysis of its asymptotic behavior when the threshold parameter
in the control function varies from
0+
to ∞. We show that all
solutions originated from positive initial values tend to limit
one or two cycles. An implication is that when devastating weapons
are involved, “terror equilibrium” can be achieved and
escalated race avoided. It is hoped that our analysis will provide
motivation for further studying of discrete‐time equations with
piecewise smooth nonlinearities.
Smoking and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection in the HPV in Men (HIM) Study
Authors: Schabath Matthew B. , Villa Luisa L. , Lazcano-Ponce Eduardo , Salmerón Jorge , Quiterio Manuel , Giuliano Anna R.
Published: January 2012

Background: The influence of smoking on the natural history of HPV infection in men is not well understood. Smoking could influence the incidence and persistence of HPV infections by suppressing local immune function, increased cellular proliferation, upregulated proinflammatory factors, or induced host DNA damage resulting in increased susceptibility to infection. The purpose of this analysis is to assess prevalent HPV infections by smoking status in men, and to determine baseline risk of HPV infection associated with smoking.

Methods: The HPV in Men (HIM) study is a multinational prospective study of the natural history of HPV infections in men. Samples from the coronal sulcus, glans penis, shaft, and scrotum were combined for HPV DNA testing. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between smoking and any-, oncogenic-, and nononcogenic HPV infections.

Results: Our analyses revealed that current smoking was associated with an increased risk of any HPV infection (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.01–1.41) and oncogenic HPV infection (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.05–1.47). However, the association between smoking and any HPV infection (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.05–1.73) and oncogenic HPV infection (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.11–1.92) was only evident among men reporting fewer lifetime sexual partners.

Discussion: These results suggest that current smokers with the fewest number of sexual partners are associated with an increased risk for oncogenic HPV infection.

Impact: The relationship between smoking and HPV infection remains understudied in men; these data shed new light on the interplay between smoking, sexual activity, and risk of HPV infection. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(1); 102–10. ©2011 AACR.
Exercise Effects on Depressive Symptoms in Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Craft Lynette L. , VanIterson Erik H. , Helenowski Irene B. , Rademaker Alfred W. , Courneya Kerry S.
Published: January 2012

Background: Depression is a distressing side effect of cancer and its treatment. In the general population, exercise is an effective antidepressant.

Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the antidepressant effect of exercise in cancer survivors.

Data Sources: In May 2011, we searched MEDLINE, PsycInfo, EMBASE, CINAHL, CDSR, CENTRAL, AMED, Biosis Previews, and Sport Discus and citations from relevant articles and reviews.

Study Eligibility Criteria: We included randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing exercise interventions with usual care in cancer survivors, using a self-report inventory or clinician rating to assess depressive symptoms, and reporting symptoms pre- and postintervention.

Study Appraisal: Around 7,042 study titles were identified and screened, with 15 RCTs included.

Synthesis Methods: Effect sizes (ES) were reported as mean change scores. The Q test was conducted to evaluate heterogeneity of ES. Potential moderator variables were evaluated with examination of scatter plots and Wilcoxon rank-sum or Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Results: The overall ES, under a random-effects model, was −0.22 (confidence interval, −0.43 to −0.09; P = 0.04). Significant moderating variables (ps < 0.05) were exercise location, exercise supervision, and exercise duration.

Limitations: Only one study identified depression as the primary endpoint.

Conclusions: Exercise has modest positive effects on depressive symptoms with larger effects for programs that were supervised or partially supervised, not conducted at home, and at least 30 minutes in duration.

Impact: Our results complement other studies showing that exercise is associated with reduced pain and fatigue and with improvements in quality of life among cancer survivors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(1); 3–19. ©2011 AACR.
Distinct Genetic and Epigenetic Signatures of Colorectal Cancers According to Ethnic Origin
Authors: Nieminen Taina T. , Shoman Soheir , Eissa Saad , Peltomäki Päivi , Abdel-Rahman Wael M.
Published: January 2012

Background: The outcome of colorectal cancer varies depending on ethnic origin. Egyptian colorectal carcinoma is surprisingly young-age disease with high proportion of rectal and advanced stage cancers.

Methods: We characterized 69 sporadic Egyptian colorectal cancers for promoter methylation at 24 tumor suppressor genes, microsatellite instability, and expression of mismatch repair, p53, and β-catenin proteins. Data were compared with 80 Western colorectal carcinoma of sporadic and familial origin from Finland.

Results: Egyptian colorectal carcinomas showed significantly higher methylation of the microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors as reflected by the average number of methylated genes per case (P = 0.00002) and tumor suppressor gene methylator phenotype (TSGMP), defined here as methylation of ≥5 genes, (P = 0.0001) compared with the sporadic Western cancers. The TSGMP was associated with advanced stage in the Egyptian cancers (P = 0.0016). Four genes were differentially methylated between Egyptian and Western cases, of which the association of CDKN2B/p15 methylation with Egyptian origin was outstanding (P = 4.83E-10). Egyptian carcinoma also showed significantly lower frequency of nuclear β-catenin localization than the sporadic Western cancers (P = 0.00006) but similar to that of the familial Western subset designated as familial colorectal cancer type X.

Conclusions: We show novel pathway in colon carcinogenesis marked by high methylation of MSS cancers, remarkable CDKN2B/p15 methylation, and low frequency of Wnt signaling activation.

Impact: Our findings highlight the possible effect of environmental exposures in carcinogenesis through DNA methylation and should have applications in prevention, molecular diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(1); 202–11. ©2011 AACR.
CpG Site–Specific Hypermethylation of p16INK4α in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of PAH-Exposed Workers
Authors: Yang Ping , Ma Junxiang , Zhang Bo , Duan Huawei , He Zhini , Zeng Junling , Zeng Xiaowen , Li Daochuan , Wang Qing , Xiao Yongmei , Liu Caixia , Xiao Qin , Chen Liping , Zhu Xiaonian , Xing Xiumei , Li Zhifang , Zhang Shixin , Zhang Zhengbao , Ma Lu , Wang Erman , Zhuang Zhixiong , Zheng Yuxin , Chen Wen
Published: January 2012

Background: Sufficient epidemiologic evidence shows an etiologic link between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) exposure and lung cancer risk. While the genetic modifications have been found in PAH-exposed population, it is unclear whether gene-specific methylation involves in the process of PAH-associated biologic consequence.

Methods: Sixty-nine PAH-exposed workers and 59 control subjects were recruited. Using bisulfite sequencing, we examined the methylation status of p16INK4α promoter in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from PAH-exposed workers and in benzo(a)pyrene (BaP)-transformed human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. The relationships between p16INK4α methylation and the level of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) or the frequency of cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) were analyzed.

Results: Compared with the control group, PAH-exposed workers exhibited higher levels of urinary 1-OHP (10.62 vs. 2.52 μg/L), p16INK4α methylation (7.95% vs. 1.14% for 22 “hot” CpG sites), and CBMN (7.28% vs. 2.92%) in PBLs. p16INK4α hypermethylation in PAH-exposed workers exhibited CpG site specificity. Among the 35 CpG sites we analyzed, 22 were significantly hypermethylated. These 22 hypermethylated CpG sites were positively correlated to levels of urinary 1-OHP and CBMN in PBLs. Moreover, the hypermethylation and suppression of p16 expression was also found in BaP-transformed HBER cells.

Conclusion: PAH exposure induced CpG site–specific hypermethylation of p16INK4α gene. The degree of p16INK4α methylation was associated with the levels of DNA damage and internal exposure.

Impact: p16INK4α hypermethylation might be an essential biomarker for the exposure to PAHs and for early diagnosis of cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(1); 182–90. ©2011 AACR.
Replication of Five Prostate Cancer Loci Identified in an Asian Population—Results from the NCI Breast and Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium (BPC3)
Authors: Lindström Sara , Schumacher Fredrick R. , Campa Daniele , Albanes Demetrius , Andriole Gerald , Berndt Sonja I. , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. Bas , Chanock Stephen J. , Diver W. Ryan , Ganziano J. Michael , Gapstur Susan M. , Giovannucci Edward , Haiman Christopher A. , Henderson Brian , Hunter David J. , Johansson Mattias , Kolonel Laurence N. , Le Marchand Loic , Ma Jing , Stampfer Meir , Stevens Victoria L. , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Virtamo Jarmo , Willett Walter C. , Yeager Meredith , Hsing Ann W. , Kraft Peter
Published: January 2012

Background: A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) of prostate cancer in a Japanese population identified five novel regions not previously discovered in other ethnicities. In this study, we attempt to replicate these five loci in a series of nested prostate cancer case–control studies of European ancestry.

Methods: We genotyped five single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP): rs13385191 (chromosome 2p24), rs12653946 (5p15), rs1983891 (6p21), rs339331 (6p22), and rs9600079 (13q22), in 7,956 prostate cancer cases and 8,148 controls from a series of nested case–control studies within the National cancer Institute Breast and Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium (BPC3). We tested each SNP for association with prostate cancer risk and assessed whether associations differed with respect to disease severity and age of onset.

Results: Four SNPs (rs13385191, rs12653946, rs1983891, and rs339331) were significantly associated with prostate cancer risk (P values ranging from 0.01 to 1.1 × 10−5). Allele frequencies and ORs were overall lower in our population of European descent than in the discovery Asian population. SNP rs13385191 (C2orf43) was only associated with low-stage disease (P = 0.009, case-only test). No other SNP showed association with disease severity or age of onset. We did not replicate the 13q22 SNP, rs9600079 (P = 0.62).

Conclusions: Four SNPs associated with prostate cancer risk in an Asian population are also associated with prostate cancer risk in men of European descent.

Impact: This study illustrates the importance of evaluation of prostate cancer risk markers across ethnic groups. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(1); 212–16. ©2011 AACR.
Laparoscopic Exploration versus Intraoperative Endoscopic Sphincterotomy for Common Bile Duct Stones: A Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: ElGeidie Ahmed A. , ElShobary Mohamed M. , Naeem Yussef M.
Published: January 2012

Background/Aims: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) combined with intraoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy (IOES) was compared to LC with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) to define the best single-session minimally invasive treatment for cholecystocholedocholithiasis. Methods: Between June 2009 and December 2010, patients with gallstones and common bile duct (CBD) stones diagnosed by preoperative ultrasonography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography were randomized to LC-LCBDE or LC-IOES. The primary end point was complete clearance of CBD of stones. The secondary end points were operation time, conversion rate, length of hospital stay, complications and mortality. Results: Two hundred and twenty-six patients were eligible. They were randomized to LC-LCBDE (n = 115) and LC-IOES (n = 111). There was no statistically significant difference in the success rate of CBD clearance between the two interventions (92% for LC-LCBDE vs. 97.2% for LC-IOES with a p value >0.05). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of surgical time and postoperative length of stay. Pancreatitis and bleeding sphincterotomy were significantly more prevalent in the LC-IOES group, while bile leakage and retained CBD stones were significantly more prevalent in the LC-LCBDE group. Conclusion: Both LC-IOES and LC-LCBDE were shown to be safe, effective, minimally invasive treatments for cholecystocholedocholithiasis, but the former option may be preferred when facilities and experience in endoscopic therapy exist.
Myxofibrosarcoma: Cytomorphologic Findings and Differential Diagnosis on Fine Needle Aspiration
Authors: Olson Matthew T. , Ali Syed Z.
Published: January 2012

Objective: To analyze the cytomorphologic findings of myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) on fine needle aspiration (FNA) and examine the differential diagnoses. Study Design: A retrospective review was undertaken of material from 22 patients with an FNA procedure of their tumor prior to resection. A tally was performed of all the features known in the literature, including myxoid matrix, spindle cells, nuclear pleomorphism, curvilinear vessels, and multinucleated cells. A review of the literature was also performed to elucidate any advances in the use of morphology and other modalities to deconvolute the challenging differential diagnosis. Clinicoradiologic characteristics and immunostaining were also analyzed and correlated. Results: FNA diagnoses included high-grade sarcoma (32%), recurrent MFS (23%), spindle cell neoplasm (18%), indeterminate-grade sarcoma (14%), low-grade sarcoma (9%), and pleomorphic adenoma (4%). Of the cases available for morphologic review, myxoid matrix was the most frequent observation (88%), followed by spindle cells (82%), nuclear pleomorphism (76%), multinucleated cells (71%), and curvilinear vessels (65%). Myxoid matrix, spindle cells, and nuclear pleomorphism were very often concomitant observations. Conclusion: MFS demonstrates characteristic albeit nonspecific morphological findings and can overlap morphologically with other clinically significant entities based on FNA material.
Effects of a Salsa Dance Training on Balance and Strength Performance in Older Adults
Authors: Granacher Urs , Muehlbauer Thomas , Bridenbaugh Stephanie A. , Wolf Madeleine , Roth Ralf , Gschwind Yves , Wolf Irene , Mata Rui , Kressig Reto W.
Published: January 2012

Background: Deficits in static and particularly dynamic postural control and force production have frequently been associated with an increased risk of falling in older adults. Objective: The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of salsa dancing on measures of static/dynamic postural control and leg extensor power in seniors. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy older adults were randomly assigned to an intervention group (INT, n = 14, age 71.6 ± 5.3 years) to conduct an 8-week progressive salsa dancing programme or a control group (CON, n = 14, age 68.9 ± 4.7 years). Static postural control was measured during one-legged stance on a balance platform and dynamic postural control was obtained while walking on an instrumented walkway. Leg extensor power was assessed during a countermovement jump on a force plate. Results: Programme compliance was excellent with participants of the INT group completing 92.5% of the dancing sessions. A tendency towards an improvement in the selected measures of static postural control was observed in the INT group as compared to the CON group. Significant group × test interactions were found for stride velocity, length and time. Post hoc analyses revealed significant increases in stride velocity and length, and concomitant decreases in stride time. However, salsa dancing did not have significant effects on various measures of gait variability and leg extensor power. Conclusion: Salsa proved to be a safe and feasible exercise programme for older adults accompanied with a high adherence rate. Age-related deficits in measures of static and particularly dynamic postural control can be mitigated by salsa dancing in older adults. High physical activity and fitness/mobility levels of our participants could be responsible for the nonsignificant findings in gait variability and leg extensor power.
The Bispecific SDF1-GPVI Fusion Protein Preserves Myocardial Function After Transient Ischemia in Mice
Authors: Ziegler Melanie , Elvers Margitta , Baumer Yvonne , Leder Christoph , Ochmann Carmen , Schönberger Tanja , Jürgens Tobias , Geisler Tobias , Schlosshauer Burkhard , Lunov Oleg , Engelhardt Stefan , Simmet Thomas , Gawaz Meinrad
Published: January 2012

Background

CXCR4-positive bone marrow cells (BMCs) are critically involved in cardiac repair mechanisms contributing to preserved cardiac function. Stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is the most prominent BMC homing factor known to augment BMC engraftment, which is a limiting step of stem cell–based therapy. After myocardial infarction, SDF-1 expression is rapidly upregulated and promotes myocardial repair.

Methods and Results

We have established a bifunctional protein consisting of an SDF-1 domain and a glycoprotein VI (GPVI) domain with high binding affinity to the SDF-1 receptor CXCR4 and extracellular matrix proteins that become exposed after tissue injury. SDF1-GPVI triggers chemotaxis of CXCR4-positive cells, preserves cell survival, enhances endothelial differentiation of BMCs in vitro, and reveals proangiogenic effects in ovo. In a mouse model of myocardial infarction, administration of the bifunctional protein leads to enhanced recruitment of BMCs, increases capillary density, reduces infarct size, and preserves cardiac function.

Conclusions

These results indicate that administration of SDF1-GPVI may be a promising strategy to treat myocardial infarction to promote myocardial repair and to preserve cardiac function.
The Neuroanatomy of Visual Enumeration: Differentiating Necessary Neural Correlates for Subitizing versus Counting in a Neuropsychological Voxel-based Morphometry Study
Authors: Demeyere Nele , Rotshtein Pia , Humphreys Glyn W.
Published: January 2012

This study is the first to assess lesion–symptom relations for subitizing and counting impairments in a large sample of neuropsychological patients (41 patients) using an observer-independent voxel-based approach. We tested for differential effects of enumerating small versus large numbers of items while controlling for hemianopia and visual attention deficits. Overall impairments in the enumeration of any numbers (small or large) were associated with an extended network, including bilateral occipital and fronto-parietal regions. Within this network, severe impairments in accuracy when enumerating small sets of items (in the subitizing range) were associated with damage to the left posterior occipital cortex, bilateral lateral occipital and right superior frontal cortices. Lesions to the right calcarine extending to the precuneus led to patients serially counting even small numbers of items (indicated by a steep response slope), again demonstrating an impaired subitizing ability. In contrast, impairments in counting large numerosities were associated with damage to the left intraparietal sulcus. The data support the argument for some distinctive processes and neural areas necessary to support subitization and counting with subitizing relying on processes of posterior occipital cortex and with counting associated with processing in the parietal cortex.
Poetry, Rhetoric, and Science: The Case of Plaustra Bootes
Authors: Monti Richard C.
Published: January 2012

Abstract

This article examines the aural qualities of the collocationplaustra Bootes, its application in Latin poetry, and the precepts of rhetorical theory which explain its use.Plaustra Bootes, which occurs frequently, refers to either or both of the circumpolar constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, configured as ‘wagons’, and to Bootes, the ‘Oxman’ who tends them. The case is made that the collocation is a poetic formula characterized by solemnity of diction, and that its application is limited to contexts, usually characterized by highly elaborate rhetoric, which train the attention on matters of natural science and philosophy. The rhetorical theory of the sublime provides the means to explain the pairing of diction and subject matter. It establishes a hierarchy of sublime topics which include philosophy and natural science, and it indicates the appropriate manner to express elevated thought. In this way rhetorical theory raises the question of the place of science in rhetoric and poetry. Implicit in the theory of the sublime is a system of thought in which rhetoric, poetic theory, and science are aligned with each other as representations in different domains of the same reality.
Inter-observer and intra-observer differences in measuring body length: a test in the common lizard, Zootoca vivipara
Authors: Bulakhova Nina A. , Böhme Wolfgang , Clasen Astrid , Orlova Valentina F. , Carretero Miguel A. , Kuranova Valentina N. , Ljubisavljevic Katarina , Roitberg Evgeny S. , Shamgunova Regina R. , Zinenko Oleksandr I. , Fokt Michael
Published: January 2012

The snout-vent length (SVL), a conventional measure of overall body size in lizards and snakes, is used in a wide variety of ecological, evolutionary, and taxonomical studies. Trends in SVL variation are often analysed using data from several researchers (observers), but possible confounding effects due to inter-observer differences in measurement protocols have never been appropriately examined. This study reports inter-observer biases between eleven herpetologists who measured the same specimens of the Eurasian common lizards (21 adult specimens were examined by eight observers and additional 192 specimens by two observers). Intra-observer bias over time (1.5-15 months between measuring sessions) was also estimated. In the vast majority of comparisons, mean difference between the first author and another observer varied from −1.0 to +0.8 mm, or from −1.9 to +1.6% if expressed as a percent of the specimen's SVL value. Some non-regular effects of sex and study sample on the studied bias were revealed, and their possible reasons are discussed. We are advising the researchers who intensively collect SVL and other morphometric data to consider testing intra-observer and inter-observer biases and to establish etalon samples available for re-examinations.
Are there Parables in John? It is Time to Revisit the Question
Authors: Zimmermann Ruben
Published: January 2012

A point of agreement between historical-Jesus scholarship and Johannine scholarship is that there are no parables in the Fourth Gospel. The following article, however, questions this consensus on both historical and literary grounds. Drawing on the insights of memory research, the following discussion will not seek to peer 'behind' the text, but rather embraces the text itself as a historical document of the memory of Jesus. Additionally, new genre theories necessitate a shift in the application of form criticism to the parable genre. Taking these new methodological insights into account, one finds texts in John that have the same right to be called 'parables' as texts found in the Synoptic Gospels. Furthermore, these Johannine parables, in their specific form of remembering, preserve and reveal important theological aspects of Jesus' parables.
The EU and International Diplomatic Law: New Horizons?
Authors: Wouters Jan , Duquet Sanderijn
Published: January 2012

Summary

The European Union has a unique sui generis status on the international plane, which is reflected in its capability to enter into diplomatic relations with third states and international organizations. Over nearly six decades, the European Union (EU) has gradually built its own worldwide bilateral and multilateral diplomatic network, which is made subject — through specific agreements with the host country — to the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The ‘Union delegations’ are now operating as the diplomatic missions of the EU as a whole, in contrast to the former Commission delegations. This article examines the relationship between the EU and international diplomatic law. How does the EU establish and conduct diplomatic relations? What legal instruments are being used? How do the Vienna Convention and customary diplomatic law come into play? What is the exact legal status of EU ambassadors and diplomatic staff? By critically analysing these issues, this article assesses the specific contribution the EU makes to the further development of international diplomatic law.
The DIF-Free-Then-DIF Strategy for the Assessment of Differential Item Functioning
Authors: Wang Wen-Chung , Shih Ching-Lin , Sun Guo-Wei
Published: January 2012

The DIF-free-then-DIF (DFTD) strategy consists of two steps: (a) select a set of items that are the most likely to be DIF-free and (b) assess the other items for DIF (differential item functioning) using the designated items as anchors. The rank-based method together with the computer software IRTLRDIF can select a set of DIF-free polytomous items very accurately, but it loses accuracy when tests contain many DIF items. To resolve this problem, the authors developed a new method by adding a scale purification procedure to the rank-based method and conducted two simulation studies to evaluate its performances on DIF assessment. It was found that the new method outperformed the rank-based method in identifying DIF-free items, especially when the tests contained many DIF items. In addition, the new method, combined with the DFTD strategy, yielded a well-controlled Type I error rate and a high power rate of DIF detection. In contrast, conventional DIF assessment methods yielded an inflated Type I error rate and a deflated power rate when the tests contained many DIF items favoring the same group. In conclusion, the simulation results support the new method and the DFTD strategy in DIF assessment.
Perceptions of boundaries and cultural influences in Qatar
Authors: Ghuloum Suhaila , Bener Abdulbari , Commons Michael Lamport , Miller Patrice Marie , Burgut F. Tuna , Bhugra Dinesh
Published: January 2012

Background:

Boundary issues, which regularly arise in therapy, can present dilemmas for most clinicians. There has been substantial literature on boundary excursions in clinician–patient relationships, however, very little empirical research exists and is documented. As mental health researchers, we need to investigate a wide range of sensitive topics to enhance our understanding of the many issues that arise in the psychotherapeutic frame.

Aims:

We set out to empirically explore perceptions of what may constitute a boundary violation among the mental health staff in the State of Qatar and their views on the subject.

Results:

A total of 50 participants (24 psychiatrists, 2 doctorate level psychologists, 24 psychiatric nurses) responded with a response rate of 80%. Participants rated each possible boundary violation according to its degree of harm and professional unacceptability. Three distinct groupings of boundary violations were obtained: (1) core, consisting of the most serious violations; (2) disclosure and greeting behaviour, involving disclosure of information about the therapist and greeting behaviour; and (3) separation of therapist and client lives, involving encounters between therapists and clients outside of therapy.

Conclusions:

It is important to ascertain these dilemmas so that these theoretical models can be integrated in clinical practice.
Constructing Society’s Aide
Authors: Sandberg Billie
Published: January 2012

This article offers a new framework for understanding the role that nonprofit organizations play in American life. Popular sentiment and contemporary nonprofit theory suggest that nonprofits hold a special purpose: They provide assistance when the typical functioning of the economic and political institutions fails. Drawing on the critical perspective afforded by genealogy and on Foucault’s writings on government and liberalism, this article proposes an alternative reading of the development of the nonprofit sector. This alternate history suggests that the nonprofit sector and the contemporary theory that underpins it function as a part of a dispositif, the aim of which is to perpetuate the discourses associated with neoliberalism.
Unmet Needs for Social Support and Effects on Diabetes Self-care Activities in Korean Americans With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Song Youngshin , Song Hee-Jung , Han Hae-Ra , Park So-Youn , Nam Soohyun , Kim Miyong T.
Published: January 2012

Objective

The purpose of this study was (1) to characterize the primary sources of social support and the extent of unmet needs for support (defined as the gap between social support needs and the receipt of social support) in a sample of Korean Americans (KAs) with type 2 diabetes and (2) to examine the effect of unmet needs for support on their self-care activities.

Methods

Baseline data obtained from a community-based intervention trial were used for this study of 83 middle-aged KAs with type 2 diabetes. Study design and data analysis were guided by social cognitive theory. The key variables were dictated the order of the variables in multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Our findings indicated that for diabetic KAs, the primary source of social support differed according to gender. Unmet needs for support were significantly associated with self-care activities, but the amount of support needs and of social support received were not. Multivariate analysis also confirmed that unmet needs for social support are a significant strong predictor of inadequate type 2 diabetes self-care activities, after controlling for other covariates. The hierarchical regression model explained about 30% of total variance in self-care activities.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of considering unmet needs for social support when addressing self-care activities in type 2 diabetes patients. Future interventions should focus on filling gaps in social support and tailoring approaches according to key determinants, such as gender or education level, to improve self-care activities in the context of type 2 diabetes care.