bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dinuclear Tris(1‐pyrazolyl)methane Complexes of Ruthenium(II)
Authors: Guelfi Massimo , Puntoriero Fausto , Serroni Scolastica , Denti Gianfranco
Published: January 2011

By exploiting the “complexes‐as‐metals/complexes‐as‐ligands” synthetic strategy, six new dinuclear achiral complexes of RuII, containing the tripodal ligand tris(1‐pyrazolyl)methane (tpm), a chelating ligand (L‐L) such as 2,2′‐bipyridine (2,2′‐bpy), 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2′‐biquinoline (biq), and either pyrazine (pz) or 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bpy) as bridging ligands (BL), have been prepared and fully characterized. The starting building blocks, many of which have been synthesized for the first time, have been conveniently prepared by improved literature methods. The reactivity of these building blocks in specific experimental conditions has been rationalized. All novel compounds have been characterized fully by elemental analysis and FT‐IR. 1H NMR spectra have been carefully assigned and interpreted on the basis of possible inductive and magnetic anisotropic effects exerted by the ligands. Electrochemical, UV/Vis spectroscopic, and luminescence studies have been carried out on all the dinuclear complexes and their precursor species; the collected data have been discussed and thoroughly interpreted. RuII/RuIII mixed‐valence species of two dinuclear compounds have been investigated by spectroelectrochemistry and assigned to the Robin and Day's Class II group on the basis of the experimental parameters obtained.
Microhomologies and topoisomerase II consensus sequences identified near the breakpoint junctions of the recurrent t(7;21)(p22;q22) translocation in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Giguère Amélie , Hébert Josée
Published: January 2011

RUNX1 rearrangements are common genetic abnormalities in acute leukemia. The t(7;21)(p22;q22) translocation, recently described in three cases of myeloid neoplasias, fuses the ubiquitin specific peptidase 42 gene, USP42, a member of the deubiquitinating enzyme family, to RUNX1. In this study, we characterized the semicryptic t(7;21)(p22;q22) translocation, identified by fluorescent in situ hybridization and spectral karyotyping, in a novel case of acute myeloid leukemia. Sequence analysis of the reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction products confirmed the presence of two in‐frame RUNX1‐USP42 and one reciprocal in‐frame USP42‐RUNX1 fusion transcripts. Bioinformatic analysis of the genomic translocation breakpoints revealed microhomologies and insertion of shared nucleotides at the junctions. A topoisomerase II sequence was also detected near the break site. Additionally, we demonstrated a significant overexpression of the rearranged USP42 gene in t(7;21) positive cells using quantitative real‐time PCR. Our results provide the first evidence of the possible involvement of the nonhomologous end‐joining mechanism in the origin of the recurrent t(7;21) translocation. Moreover, presence of the complete catalytic USP site in the putative chimeric proteins and the upregulated expression of USP42 suggest a role of the deubiquitinating enzyme in the pathogenesis of this leukemia. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sporadic breast cancer patients' germline DNA exhibit an AT‐rich microsatellite signature
Authors: Galindo Cristi L. , McIver Lauren J. , Tae Hongseok , McCormick John F. , Skinner Michael A. , Hoeschele Ina , Lewis Cheryl M. , Minna John D. , Boothman David A. , Garner Harold R.
Published: January 2011

Using a custom CGH‐like oligonucleotide array to measure the global microsatellite content in the genomes of 72 cancer, cancer‐free, and high risk patient and cell line samples (56 germline DNA and 16 in tumor or tumor cell line DNA) we found a unique, reproducible, and statistically significant pattern of 18 motif‐specific microsatellite families (out of 962 possible 1‐6 mer repeats) in breast cancer patient germline and tumor DNA, but not in germline DNA of cancer‐free volunteer controls or in breast cancer patients with BRCA1/2 mutations. These high‐similarity A/T rich repetitive motifs were also more pronounced in the germlines and tumors of colon cancer tumor patients (3/6 samples) and microsatellite unstable colon cancer cell lines; however, germline DNA of sporadic breast cancer patients exhibited the largest global content shift for those motifs with extreme AT/GC ratios. These results indicate that global microsatellite variability is complex, suggest the existence of a previously unknown genomic destabilization mechanism in breast cancer patients' germline DNA, and warrant further testing of such microsatellite variability as a predictor of future breast cancer development. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adjuvant therapy with flutamide for presurgical volume reduction in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma
Authors: Thakar Alok , Gupta Gaurav , Bhalla Ashu Seith , Jain Vandana , Sharma Suresh C. , Sharma Raju , Bahadur Sudhir , Deka Ramesh C.
Published: January 2011

Background

Although 2 studies totaling 11 cases have indicated some benefit of anti‐androgen treatment with flutamide on juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA), it is not part of contemporary practice.

Methods

Our approach was through a prospective, single‐arm, before‐and‐after study, in which 20 patients with advanced JNA (Radkowski stage IIB–IIIB) were administered flutamide (per oral: 10 mg kg−1 day−1 × 6 weeks) prior to surgical excision. Pretherapy and posttherapy tumor volume measurements were established by MRI. Periodic assessments were recorded of liver, kidney functions, testosterone levels, and secondary sexual characteristics.

Results

Prepubertal and postpubertal cases responded differently (p < .05). Prepubertal cases had inconsistent and minimal responses; 13/15 postpubertal cases demonstrated measurable volume reduction (mean, 16.5%; maximum, 40%). Two cases with optic nerve compression had visual improvement. Volume reduction correlated with serum testosterone level (r = .53; p < .05). No significant toxicity was noted, with the exception of transient breast tenderness.

Conclusions

Prepubertal and postpubertal patients differ in their response to flutamide. In postpubertal patients, 6 weeks preoperative use is safe and leads to partial tumor regression. Tumor regression from adjacent vital structures may facilitate surgical excision and limit morbidity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Diagnostic and interventional sialendoscopy: A preliminary experience
Authors: Bowen Matthew A. , Tauzin Marcie , Kluka Evelyn A. , Nuss Daniel W. , DiLeo Michael , McWhorter Andrew J. , Schaitkin Barry , Walvekar Rohan R.
Published: January 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To review our preliminary experience with diagnostic and therapeutic sialendoscopy for the management of non‐neoplastic disorders of the salivary gland.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

Thirty‐three consecutive patients undergoing 36 sialendoscopy procedures performed at a tertiary medical center from July 2008 to July 2010 were included.

Results:

The mean age of presentation was 43 years (range, 7–74 years), and 61% of patients were male. Indications included sialolithiasis (47%; 17 of 36), recurrent sialadenitis (44%, 16 of 36), and Sjo¨︂gren's syndrome (8%; three of 36). Successful endoscopy was performed in 97% (35 of 36). A papillotomy for access was necessary in 25% (nine of 36). In patients with sialolithiasis (n = 17), the mean size of the stones was 7.3 mm (range, 1–20 mm). Complete stone removal was achieved in 76% (13 of 17) of cases. Endoscopic stone removal was possible in 29% (five of 17), and a combined approach technique was required in 47% (eight of 17). Seventy‐two percent (26 of 36) of patients had complete resolution of symptoms after sialendoscopy, with 19% (seven of 36) having partial resolution of symptoms. Patients with partial improvement of symptoms had a mean duration of improvement of 4.7 months. The overall complication rate was 22% (eight of 36). The major and minor complication rates were 3% (one of 36) and 19% (seven of 36), respectively.

Conclusions:

Sialendoscopy is safe and effective in managing non‐neoplastic salivary gland disorders with low rates of major complications. Knowledge of options to navigate the rate‐limiting steps, like dilation of the papilla and careful case selection, are key to successful outcomes.
Use of liver grafts from donation after cardiac death donors for recipients with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Taner Burcin C. , Bulatao Ilynn G. , Keaveny Andrew P. , Willingham Darrin L. , Pungpapong Surakit , Perry Dana K. , Rosser Barry G. , Harnois Denise M. , Aranda -Michel Jaime , Nguyen Justin H.
Published: January 2011

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common indication for orthotopic liver transplantation in the United States. Although studies have addressed the use of expanded criteria donor organs in HCV+ patients, to date the use of liver grafts from donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors in HCV+ patients has been addressed by only a limited number of studies. This retrospective analysis was undertaken to study the outcomes of DCD liver grafts used in HCV+ recipients. Seventy-seven HCV+ patients who received DCD liver grafts were compared to 77 matched HCV+ patients who received donation after brain death (DBD) liver grafts and 77 unmatched non-HCV patients who received DCD liver grafts. There were no differences in 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient or graft survival among the groups. Multivariate analysis showed that the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.037, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.006-1.069, P = 0.018] and posttransplant cytomegalovirus infection (HR = 3.367, 95% CI = 1.493-7.593, P = 0.003) were significant factors for graft loss. A comparison of the HCV+ groups for fibrosis progression based on protocol biopsy samples up to 5 years post-transplant did not show any difference; in multivariate analysis, HCV genotype 1 was the only factor that affected progression to stage 2 fibrosis (genotype 1 versus non-1 genotypes: HR = 2.739, 95% CI = 1.047-7.143, P = 0.040). In conclusion, this match-controlled, retrospective analysis demonstrates that DCD liver graft utilization does not cause untoward effects on disease progression or patient and graft survival in comparison with DBD liver grafts in HCV+ patients. Liver Transpl 17:641-649, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Differences in health-related quality of life scores after orthotopic liver transplantation with respect to selected socioeconomic factors
Authors: Saab Sammy , Bownik Hillary , Ayoub Noel , Younossi Zobair , Durazo Francisco , Han Steven , Hong Johnny C. , Farmer Douglas , Busuttil Ronald W.
Published: January 2011

One of the current ultimate goals of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the improvement of patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The purpose of this study was to look at the effects of socioeconomic and demographic differences on the short-term and long-term HRQOL outcomes of OLT recipients. Three hundred three adult OLT recipients who were seen at the University of California Los Angeles were administered the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ), and a demographic survey. A parsimonious model of 12 socioeconomic and demographic predictors was identified. Their simultaneous influence on each SF-36 and CLDQ HRQOL domain score was evaluated with multivariate linear regression and backward selection. Hepatitis C virus impaired HRQOL; this was shown in the SF-36 Vitality and Bodily Pain domains and in most CLDQ domains. Females experienced more HRQOL impairment only within the CLDQ Abdominal Symptoms domain. OLT recipients who were married had better SF-36 Role-Emotion domain scores. OLT recipients with more than 12 years of education had better SF-36 Physical Functioning scores. Employed OLT recipients had less HRQOL impairment; this was evidenced by better scores in multiple domains of the SF-36 and the CLDQ. OLT patients with health maintenance organization or preferred provider organization insurance had higher HRQOL scores within almost all SF-36 and CLDQ domains. Patients with a mix of public and private insurance had significantly higher HRQOL scores in comparison with those with only public insurance. Identifying patients at higher risk for worse HRQOL scores, less satisfaction with OLT results, and greater problems with fatigue or mental health stressors will assist transplant centers in using their medical teams to develop early interventions and multidisciplinary approaches to improve HRQOL outcomes after OLT. Liver Transpl 17:580-590, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Critical care of the end-stage liver disease patient awaiting liver transplantation
Authors: Findlay James Y. , Fix Oren K. , Paugam-Burtz Catherine , Liu Linda , Sood Puneet , Tomlanovich Stephen J. , Emond Jean
Published: January 2011

Patients with end-stage liver disease awaiting liver transplantation frequently require intensive care admission and management due to either complications of liver failure or to intercurrent illness, particularly infection. Mortality in such patients is high and the development of an illness necessitating intensive care unit management can influence transplant candidacy. Specialized support frequently requires hemodynamic support, mechanical ventilation, and renal support. In this review, areas of management of particular importance to patients with end-stage liver disease in the intensive care unit are discussed. These areas are hepatic encephalopathy, infectious diseases, cardiovascular support, mechanical ventilation, renal support and combined transplantation, and decisions regarding delisting. Current knowledge specific to these patients, when available, is discussed, current practice is described, and areas of uncertainty in the evidence are discussed. Liver Transpl 17:496-510, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
PHOENIX
Authors: Bzowej Natalie , Nelson David R. , Terrault Norah A. , Everson Gregory T. , Teng Lichen L. , Prabhakar Avinash , Charlton Michael R.
Published: January 2011

The efficacy, tolerability, and safety of the prophylactic treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation (LT) with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin are not known. LT recipients with HCV were randomized to peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin treatment or observation 10 to 26 weeks post-LT. Prophylaxis patients received peginterferon alfa-2a (135 μg/week for 4 weeks and then 180 μg/week for 44 weeks) plus ribavirin (the initial dose of 400 mg/day was escalated to 1200 mg/day). Observation patients received the same regimen only upon significant HCV recurrence (histological activity index ≥ 3 and/or fibrosis score ≥ 2). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with histological evidence of significant HCV recurrence 120 weeks after randomization. In all, 115 patients were randomized (prophylaxis arm, n = 55; observation arm, n = 60). Sustained virological response was achieved by 12 of 54 prophylaxis patients (22.2%) and by 3 of 14 observation patients who switched to treatment (21.4%). On an intent-to-treat basis, significant HCV recurrence at 120 weeks was similar in the prophylaxis (61.8%) and observation arms (65.0%, P = 0.725). The patient and graft survival rates and the rates of biopsy-proven acute cellular rejection were similar in the 2 study arms. Approximately 70% of the treated patients in both arms had at least one dose reduction for safety reasons. The most common adverse event leading to treatment withdrawal was anemia. Because of the safety profile of peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin and the lack of a clear benefit in terms of HCV recurrence and patient or graft survival, this study does not support the routine use of prophylactic antiviral therapy. Liver Transpl 17:528-538, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Progressive parkinsonism, oculomotor abnormalities and autonomic dysfunction: Clinicopathological case
Authors: Fabbrini Giovanni , Merello Marcello , Evans Andrew H. , Lees Andrew J. , Holton Janice , Williams David R.
Published: January 2011

A 59‐year‐old woman presented with asymmetric parkinsonism that was not‐responsive to Levodopa therapy. She developed early falls, postural instability, and moderately severe autonomic dysfunction. Eye movement abnormalities were reported 2 years after her first symptoms, and she eventually developed anterocollis. Experts discuss the syndromal diagnosis and predict the underlying pathology. The pathological diagnosis is given and clinical learning points are considered. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Prenatal ultrasonographic measurement of the fetal iliac angle during the first and second trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Belics Zoran , Fekete Tibor , Beke Artur , Szabó István
Published: January 2011

Objectives

The aim of this study was to present our results of the sonographic measurement of the fetal iliac angle during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.

Methods

A total of 2168 fetal iliac angle measurements were performed in a transverse section of the fetal pelvis. The iliac angle measurements were compared in fetuses with trisomy 21 (n= 52) and fetuses with normal karyotype (n= 1980). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and false positive rate in trisomy 21 fetuses were compared for multiple cut‐off value. Statistical significance for measurements was estimated for trisomy 21.

Results

A total of 2064 fetuses had adequate images for satisfactory measurement of the iliac wing angle and 1831 patients asked for a genetic invasive procedure. Of the fetuses with chromosomal aberrations, only the fetuses with trisomy 21 were included in the investigation. The risk of trisomy 21 in our population was 1 of 39. In the euploid fetuses, the mean iliac wing angle was 63.72°. The mean iliac wing angle in the fetuses with trisomy 21 was 90.32°, significantly higher than those seen in fetuses with normal karyotype.

Conclusion

The proven larger iliac wing angle in neonates with Down syndrome can be demonstrated sonographically during the pregnancy, especially in the first and second trimesters. This marker may be useful in prenatal screening or exclusion of trisomy 21. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Lyapunov controller for stable haptic manipulation of hydraulic actuators
Authors: Zarei‐nia Kurosh , Sepehri Nariman , Wu Qiong
Published: January 2011

A scheme for bilateral control of hydraulic actuators is developed and experimentally evaluated in this paper. The control laws are derived based on Lyapunov's feedback control design technique. Owing to the discontinuity originating from a sign function in the control laws, the control system is non‐smooth. First, the existence, continuation, and uniqueness of Filippov's solution to the system are proven. Next, the extensions of Lyapunov's stability theory to non‐smooth systems and LaSalle's invariant set theorems are employed to prove the asymptotic stability of the control system. Effectiveness of the proposed controller is verified by simulation and experimental studies. It is shown that beside stability, the system has good transparency in terms of position and force exchanges between the master and slave actuators. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bounding the bias of unmeasured factors with confounding and effect‐modifying potentials
Authors: Lee Wen‐Chung
Published: January 2011

Confounding is a major concern in observational studies. To adjust for confounding bias, the potential confounder(s) for a study must first be identified and measured. But this is not always possible. The unmeasured factors may also exhibit effect modification, and this further complicates the situation. In this paper, the author derives bounding formulas for the bias of unmeasured factors with confounding and effect‐modifying potentials. Based on these formulas, the author derives two conditions (for the unmeasured factors) to explain away an observed positive finding: the low‐threshold (for the minimum of two parameters related to the unmeasured factors) and the high‐threshold (for the maximum) conditions. All these should help researchers make more prudent interpretations of their (potentially biased) results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the C‐statistics for evaluating overall adequacy of risk prediction procedures with censored survival data
Authors: Uno Hajime , Cai Tianxi , Pencina Michael J. , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Wei L. J.
Published: January 2011

For modern evidence‐based medicine, a well thought‐out risk scoring system for predicting the occurrence of a clinical event plays an important role in selecting prevention and treatment strategies. Such an index system is often established based on the subject's ‘baseline’ genetic or clinical markers via a working parametric or semi‐parametric model. To evaluate the adequacy of such a system, C‐statistics are routinely used in the medical literature to quantify the capacity of the estimated risk score in discriminating among subjects with different event times. The C‐statistic provides a global assessment of a fitted survival model for the continuous event time rather than focussing on the prediction ofbit‐year survival for a fixed time. When the event time is possibly censored, however, the population parameters corresponding to the commonly used C‐statistics may depend on the study‐specific censoring distribution. In this article, we present a simple C‐statistic without this shortcoming. The new procedure consistently estimates a conventional concordance measure which is free of censoring. We provide a large sample approximation to the distribution of this estimator for making inferences about the concordance measure. Results from numerical studies suggest that the new procedure performs well in finite sample. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating transformations for repeated measures modeling of continuous bounded outcome data
Authors: Hutmacher Matthew M. , French Jonathan L. , Krishnaswami Sriram , Menon Sujatha
Published: January 2011

Continuous bounded outcome data are unlikely to meet the usual assumptions for mixed‐effects models of normally distributed and independent subject‐specific and residual random effects. Additionally, overly complicated model structures might be necessary to account adequately for non‐drug (time‐dependent) and drug treatment effects. A transformation strategy with a likelihood component for censoring is developed to promote the simplicity of model structures and to improve the plausibility of assumptions on the random effects. The approach is motivated by Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ‐DI) data from a study in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis and is evaluated using a simulation study. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mixture cure model with random effects for clustered interval‐censored survival data
Authors: Xiang Liming , Ma Xiangmei , Yau Kelvin K. W.
Published: January 2011

The mixture cure model is an effective tool for analysis of survival data with a cure fraction. This approach integrates the logistic regression model for the proportion of cured subjects and the survival model (either the Cox proportional hazards or accelerated failure time model) for uncured subjects. Methods based on the mixture cure model have been extensively investigated in the literature for data with exact failure/censoring times. In this paper, we propose a mixture cure modeling procedure for analyzing clustered and interval‐censored survival time data by incorporating random effects in both the logistic regression and PH regression components. Under the generalized linear mixed model framework, we develop the REML estimation for the parameters, as well as an iterative algorithm for estimation of the survival function for interval‐censored data. The estimation procedure is implemented via an EM algorithm. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method in various practical situations. To demonstrate its usefulness, we apply the proposed method to analyze the interval‐censored relapse time data from a smoking cessation study whose subjects were recruited from 51 zip code regions in the southeastern corner of Minnesota. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mobile anchor assisted particle swarm optimization (PSO) based localization algorithms for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Bao Han , Zhang Baoxian , Li Cheng , Yao Zheng
Published: January 2011

Node localization is essential to wireless sensor networks (WSN) and its applications. In this paper, we propose a particle swarm optimization (PSO) based localization algorithm (PLA) for WSNs with one or more mobile anchors. In PLA, each mobile anchor broadcasts beacons periodically, and sensor nodes locate themselves upon the receipt of multiple such messages. PLA does not require anchors to move along an optimized or a pre‐determined path. This property makes it suitable for WSN applications in which data‐collection and network management are undertaken by mobile data sinks with known locations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that PSO is used in range‐free localization in a WSN with mobile anchors. We further derive the upper bound on the localization error using Centroid method and PLA. Simulation results show that PLA can achieve high performance in various scenarios. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The performances study of IEEE 802.11e to support QoS in channel error environment
Authors: Wen Jyh‐Horng , Weng Chien‐Erh
Published: January 2011

One of the most important functions in IEEE 802.11e is enhanced distributed coordination function (EDCF). EDCF is an enhanced version of IEEE 802.11 distributed coordination function (DCF) which provides a priority scheme by differentiating the inter‐frame space and the initial window size. We proposed a modified Markov chain model to study the EDCF priority scheme. We have theoretically analyzed the saturation throughput and delay by using the modified Markov chain model in non‐ideal channel scenario. We also have compared it with the Markov chain model that exists under ideal channel scenario. Simulations are also conducted to validate analytical results. Our study shows that the modified model under ideal channel scenario is better than that in channel error scenario. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiuser diversity beamforming for downlink channels using modulation division multiplexing
Authors: Choi Jinho
Published: January 2011

Multiuser diversity beamforming (MDB) is investigated for downlink channels of multiuser multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems. Since the use of multiple beams simultaneously results in a poor performance of MDB when the number of users is not sufficiently large, the use of single‐beam at a time is considered to avoid performance degradation due to the interference from other beams. Furthermore, in order to share a common precoder by multiple users, modulation division multiplexing (MDM) with a higher order modulation for MDB is discussed. Performance criteria for precoder and user selection are derived under the assumption that the maximum likelihood (ML) detector is used. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond computer literacy: Supporting youth's positive development through technology
Authors: Bers Marina Umaschi
Published: January 2011

In a digital era in which technology plays a role in most aspects of a child's life, having the competence and confidence to use computers might be a necessary step, but not a goal in itself. Developing character traits that will serve children to use technology in a safe way to communicate and connect with others, and providing opportunities for children to make a better world through the use of their computational skills, is just as important. The Positive Technological Development framework (PTD), a natural extension of the computer literacy and the technological fluency movements that have influenced the world of educational technology, adds psychosocial, civic, and ethical components to the cognitive ones. PTD examines the developmental tasks of a child growing up in our digital era and provides a model for developing and evaluating technology‐rich youth programs. The explicit goal of PTD programs is to support children in the positive uses of technology to lead more fulfilling lives and make the world a better place. This article introduces the concept of PTD and presents examples of the Zora virtual world program for young people that the author developed following this framework.
YouTube as a participatory culture
Authors: Chau Clement
Published: January 2011

There is an explosion of youth subscriptions to original content‐media‐sharing Web sites such as YouTube. These Web sites combine media production and distribution with social networking features, making them an ideal place to create, connect, collaborate, and circulate. By encouraging youth to become media creators and social networkers, new media platforms such as YouTube offer a participatory culture in which youth can develop, interact, and learn. As youth development researchers, we must be cognizant of this context and critically examine what this platform offers that might be unique to (or redundant of) typical adolescent experiences in other developmental contexts.
Making projects, making friends: Online community as catalyst for interactive media creation
Authors: Brennan Karen , Monroy‐Hernández Andrés , Resnick Mitchel
Published: January 2011

To become full and active participants in today's technologically saturated society, young people need to become creators (and not just consumers) of interactive media. Developing the requisite abilities and capacities is not a wholly individual process; it is important for young people to have access to communities where they can collaborate and share ideas. This article uses the Scratch online community for exploring how different forms of participation and collaboration can support and shape the ways in which young people develop as creators of interactive media. We describe participation in this community in terms of a spectrum ranging from socializing to creating and present examples of three forms of collaboration within the community. We argue that the most exciting interactive media creation and valuable learning experiences are taking place in the middle space, where participants draw on the best of socializing and creating practices.
El Silencio: A rural community of learners and media creators
Authors: Urrea Claudia
Published: January 2011

A one‐to‐one learning environment, where each participating student and the teacher use a laptop computer, provides an invaluable opportunity for rethinking learning and studying the ways in which children can program computers and learn to think about their own thinking styles and become epistemologists. This article presents a study done in a rural school in Costa Rica in which students used computers to create media. Three important components of the work are described: (1) student‐owned technology that can accompany students as they interact at home and in the broader community, (2) activities that are designed with sufficient scope to encourage the appropriation of powerful ideas, and (3) teacher engagement in activity design with simultaneous support from a knowledge network of local and international colleagues and mentors.
Les différentes anomalies de la reproduction masculine sont-elles en augmentation ? Faits et controverses, possibles facteurs en cause: une analyse actualisée des données de la littérature et des registres
Authors: Auger J.
Published: January 2011

Au cours des dernières décennies, de nombreuses observations dans la faune sauvage d’anomalies relatives à l’appareil génital et à la fonction de reproduction mâle, certaines évoquant les données de la toxicologie expérimentale, ont conduit à s’interroger sur la toxicité de facteurs environnementaux pour la reproduction de l’homme. De plus, un certain nombre d’études suggère une augmentation de la prévalence des troubles de la reproduction de l’homme adulte au cours des dernières décennies dans de nombreux pays développés. Les données les mieux documentées concernent le cancer du testicule, son rythme de croissance suggérant le rôle de facteurs environnementaux et/ou de mode de vie. Toutefois, des différences régionales et ethniques considérables dans les taux d’incidence absolue pourraient impliquer des facteurs génétiques concomitants. Parallèlement, il semble que la qualité du sperme a diminué dans de nombreux pays, à en juger aussi bien par des méta-analyses que par des analyses statistiques de données d’un seul centre. Au début des années 2000, Skakkebæk et al. à Copenhague ont formulé l’hypothèse d’une origine commune à ces différentes anomalies lors du développement du testicule durant la gestation. Existe-t-il pour ces différentes conditions des données indiquant un lien de causalité avec une exposition environnementale/professionnelle à des composés reprotoxiques ? Ne serait-ce plutôt l’exposition chronique à de très nombreux composés chimiques à faible dose qui pourrait être impliquée ? Les facteurs de style de vie jouent-ils un rôle ? L’ensemble de ces questions se fondant sur une somme d’études, dont les résultats sont loin d’être univoques, a été la source de nombreux débats aussi bien au sein de la communauté scientifique que dans les médias. Les meilleures réponses possibles à ces questions complexes sont naturellement fondamentales pour les instances en charge de l’évaluation du risque et les politiques de santé publique qu’il convient d’adopter. La présente revue donne un état des lieux actualisé de ces questions.
5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine stress response and apoptosis in prostate cancer
Authors: Patra Aditi , Deb Moonmoon , Dahiya Rajvir , Patra Samir Kumar
Published: January 2011

While studying on epigenetic regulatory mechanisms (DNA methylation at C-5 of –CpG– cytosine and demethylation of methylated DNA) of certain genes (FAS, CLU, E-cadh, CD44, and Cav-1) associated with prostate cancer development and its better management, we noticed that the used in vivo dose of 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5.0 to 10.0 nM, sufficient to inhibit DNA methyltransferase activity in vitro) helped in the transcription of various genes with known (steroid receptors, AR and ER; ER variants, CD44, CDH1, BRCA1, TGFβR1, MMP3, MMP9, and UPA) and unknown (DAZ and Y-chromosome specific) proteins and the respective cells remained healthy in culture. At a moderate dose (20 to 200 nM) of the inhibitor, cells remain growth arrested. Upon subsequent challenge with increased dose (0.5 to 5.0 μM) of the inhibitor, we observed that the cellular morphology was changing and led to death of the cells with progress of time. Analyses of DNA and anti-, pro-, and apoptotic factors of the affected cells revealed that the molecular events that went on are characteristics of programmed cell death (apoptosis).
Wie Patienten vom Direktzugang zur Physiotherapie profitieren (könnten)
Authors: Brasch Maria , Räbiger Jutta
Published: January 2011

Einleitung

Patienten, die physiotherapeutische Leistungen benötigen, müssen sich diese vom Arzt verordnen lassen. Einen „Direktzugang“ zur Physiotherapie, wie er in anderen Ländern, z.B. den Niederlanden, Großbritannien, USA, Kanada existiert, gibt es in Deutschland bisher nicht, seine Einführung wird aber diskutiert. Dieser Artikel thematisiert die Vorteile des Direktzugangs und seine Akzeptanz bei den Patienten.
Lindblom’s lament: Incrementalism and the persistent pull of the status quo
Authors: Atkinson Michael M
Published: January 2011

Charles Lindblom never abandoned the incremental version of decision-making he introduced in 1959, but as his work progressed he increasingly lamented the impaired quality of inquiry that characterizes public (and private) decision-making. Lindblom did not identify the precise origins of socially created incompetence, but he made it clear that incrementalism is not the source. This article suggests that two lines of intellectual inquiry—one based on institutionalism, one on behavioral economics—provide persuasive accounts of the reasons for Lindblom’s lament. In each case the status quo is a central concept and its persistent hold over decision-makers is the reason for less than timely responses to policy deficiencies. Neither line of inquiry is inconsistent with incrementalism, but each improves on Lindblom’s original formula.
COMPARISON OF LANDUSE AND LANDCOVER CHANGES, DRIVERS AND IMPACTS FOR A MOISTURE-SUFFICIENT AND DROUGHT-PRONE REGION IN THE ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
Authors: ALI HUSSIEN , DESCHEEMAEKER KATRIEN , STEENHUIS TAMMO S. , PANDEY SURAJ
Published: January 2011

Land use and land cover changes are driven by human actions and, in turn, drive changes that alter the availability of products and services for people and livestock. For proper planning, these cause-and-effect interrelations need to be understood. This is especially important for Ethiopia where the resource base is declining and should be improved in order to feed the growing population. To better understand these interrelations, we studied trends in the natural resource base over a 35-year period for two contrasting sites in the Ethiopian Highlands: semi-arid and water-short Lenche Dima, and sub-humid and moisture-sufficient Kuhar Michael. Information was obtained using time-series satellite images, geographical positioning system, a socio-economic survey and a document review. Results showed that for sub-arid Lenche Dima there were minimal changes in land use and land cover patterns, while in water-sufficient Kuhar Michael cropland greatly increased at the expense of the grazing land and bare soil. At the same time land holding size and cattle numbers decreased in Lenche Dima while they remained the same in Kuhar Michael, although overall land holdings remained larger in Lenche Dima than in Kuhar Michael. This study thus found large differences in development of agriculture since the 1970s: intensification of agriculture is possible in the water-sufficient sub-humid climate by displacing animal husbandry with high value crops that need irrigation during the dry monsoon season. This is not possible for the semi-arid area where water is the limiting factor in production even if a market is close by. Agriculture in the semi-arid areas also requires larger land holdings because of the risk of droughts and low yields during some years. This comparative analysis suggests that without sufficient water, the shift from subsistent to commercial market-driven agriculture cannot be easily accomplished.
Shan virtual insurgency and the spectatorship of the nation
Authors: Jirattikorn Amporn
Published: January 2011

The Shan State Army-South (SSA-S) is today one of Burma's largest remaining ethnic opposition armies. This paper investigates ethnic politics of the SSA-S and their strategic use of media. It argues that Shan insurgency today has moved into a new phase characterised by its intense involvement with mass media. The paper examines, on the production side, the Shan insurgency's media products and its networking with the Thai press. On the reception side, it explores how the images of ethnic insurgency are consumed by Shan audiences living in exile, analysing how long-distance Shan nationalism is generated through the spectatorship of these ‘militarised’ images.
Tribute to John Paynter
Authors: Hancox Grenville
Published: January 2011

It was my wife to be, whilst teacher training at Goldsmiths in the early seventies, who drew my attention to this extraordinary man. Large, amiable, typically English in so many ways, polished shoes, be-suited, courteous, brilliant. She remembers now some 40 years later the experience of being taught, being inspired by him as a visiting lecturer on her postgraduate, initial teacher-training primary course, promulgating a philosophy of creativity in the class room whose mantra was manna to the ears of eager students, wanting in turn to teach and inspire children. This visit followed closely the publication of the revolutionary Sound and Silence, a book that changed the face of music education for ever.
Effect of culture media on porcine embryos produced by in vitro fertilization or parthenogenetic activation after oocyte maturation with cycloheximide
Authors: Marques Mariana Groke , Nascimento Anibal Ballarotti , da Costa Gerger Renato Pereira , de Arruda Gonçalves José Sergio , de Sousa Coutinho Ana Rita , Simões Renata , Assumpção Mayra Elena Ortiz D'Avila , Visintin José Antônio
Published: January 2011

This study evaluated the effects of reversible meiotic inhibition and different culture media (PZM3 or NCSU23) on production of porcine embryos by either in vitro fertilization (IVF) or parthenogenetic activation (PA). Oocytes from abattoir-derived ovaries were allocated into two groups for maturation: CHX (5 μg/ml cycloheximide for 10 h) or Control (no CHX). The percentage of metaphase II (MII) oocytes was determined at 36, 40 or 44 h of in vitro maturation. For IVF and PA, denuded oocytes were fertilized with purified sperm for 6 h or activated by electric stimuli. Zygotes were then subdivided into two culture groups: NCSU23 or PZM3. No effect of treatment with CHX and culture media was observed on cleavage (D3) and blastocyst (D7) rates in IVF and PA groups. There are no differences of quality or development rates between IVF-derived embryos cultured in NCSU23 or PZM3. However, we observed high quality PA embryos in PZM3 compared with NCSU23. Maturation arrest with CHX decreased the average blastocyst cell number in IVF while it was increased in PA embryos. As older oocytes are more effectively activated, CHX– blocked oocytes reached the mature stage faster than the control group. In conclusion, the CHX treatment for 10 h, followed by oocyte maturation for 40 h, is an efficient protocol to produce high quality parthenote embryos, especially when they are cultured in PZM3. However, this protocol is not satisfactory for IVF embryos production. In this case, a shorter maturation period could provide better embryo quality.
The State of LGBT/ Sexuality Studies in Political Science
Authors: Currah Paisley
Published: January 2011

On July 2, 2010, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed into law a bill that reduced the act of soliciting a “crime against nature” for compensation from a felony to a misdemeanor. A felony conviction had meant a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment for up to five years (“with or without hard labor”), or both. Because of the change in the crime's classification to a misdemeanor, those convicted of a first offense now face lesser penalties: a fine of up to $500, six months in jail, or both. Thus, the penalty for a first conviction for solicitation of “unnatural carnal copulation by a human being with another of the same sex or opposite sex or with an animal” for pay is the same as the penalty for a first conviction for prostitution not deemed “unnatural.” (Regular prostitution is defined in the Louisiana criminal code as “indiscriminate sexual intercourse with others for compensation.”) Another reform: Before this bill was enacted, anyone convicted of soliciting “unnatural carnal copulation” for compensation was required to register as a sex offender. Now, one is not deemed a sex offender until a second conviction.
Size and Local Democracy: Scale Effects in City Politics
Authors: Lewis Paul G.
Published: January 2011

As James Madison would not hesitate to tell us, the scale of a polity or jurisdiction is one of the most basic factors organizing political life. Byscale, I refer to the number of inhabitants (or, alternately, constituents or voters) in a political unit, although geographic size may also shape political behavior. Large jurisdictional scale implies that candidates for office must campaign in larger constituencies, necessitating more use of paid media, more fundraising effort, and professional campaign advice. To residents of large-scale polities, government often seems distant, remote, and bureaucratic, and the intercession of interest groups, lobbyists, or organized protest activity may be more necessary to access or influence public officials. In these and other ways, the incentives, constraints, and opportunities facing politicians and citizens alike tend to differ systematically depending on a jurisdiction's scale.
Financing Local Elections: The Impact of Institutions on Electoral Outcomes and Democratic Representation
Authors: Adams Brian E.
Published: January 2011

The financing of political campaigns has been extensively studied on both the national and state levels. With the advent of campaign contribution and expenditure databases, scholars have a wealth of data to use in examining the importance of money for electoral success, the influence of campaign contributions on legislative roll call voting, and the effects of campaign finance reforms. Much less research has been conducted on the local level, largely because of a lack of available data. Research on local campaign finance is necessary, however, because local governments are not just smaller versions of their state and federal counterparts, but rather have unique political and cultural institutions that create idiosyncratic electoral dynamics. Furthermore, variation across local jurisdictions generates opportunities to study campaign finance in different contexts, allowing for a deeper understanding of how contextual variables influence the role of money. In this article, I outline an agenda for local campaign finance research that addresses central questions in the campaign finance and urban politics literatures.
The Case for Using Policy Writing in Undergraduate Political Science Courses
Authors: Pennock Andrew
Published: January 2011

Traditional writing assignments only teach students to write for academic settings. Assigning students policy briefs and policy memos gives them the opportunity to practice the type of writing they will perform both inside and outside of academia while still developing critical thinking skills and an understanding of the political world. Including policy-style writing assignments in the curriculum teaches undergraduates the skills demanded by their future employers, helps future academics learn how to write grant and conference proposals, offers students practice at the highest levels of Bloom's taxonomy of learning, hones synthesis and analysis, teaches students to be client-oriented, and makes students more effective citizens.
MELVIN J. HINICH
Authors: Munger Michael , Ordeshook Peter , Jones Bryan , Lin Tse-min
Published: January 2011

Mel Hinich, professor of political science and economics at the University of Texas at Austin and Mike Hogg Professor of Local Government, died in a tragic fall the evening of September 6, 2010.
STANLEY A. KOCHANEK
Authors: Friedman Robert S.
Published: January 2011

Stanley A. Kochanek, professor emeritus of political science at the Pennsylvania State University (University Park), died May 2 of complications following heart surgery.
JUDITH MERKLE RILEY
Authors: Elliott Ward E. Y. , Lynch Frederick R.
Published: January 2011

Judith Merkle Riley, longtime professor of government at Claremont McKenna College and bestselling novelist under her married name, Judith Merkle Riley, died at her home in Claremont, California, on September 12, 2010, of cancer. She was 68.
ROBERT C. TUCKER
Authors: Cohen Stephen
Published: January 2011

I cannot be entirely objective about the life and death of Robert Charles Tucker, who died, at age 92, at his home in Princeton on July 29. During the course of 50 years, Bob Tucker was my mentor, colleague, and very dear friend. He was the best man at my wedding to Katrina (Katia) vanden Heuvel, and I gave my oldest daughter, from a previous marriage, his family name as her middle name: Alexandra Tucker Cohen.