bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NovelERBB Receptor Feedback Inhibitor 1 (ERRFI1)+ 808 T/G Polymorphism Confers Protective Effect on Diabetic Nephropathy in a Korean Population
Authors: Lee Ihn Suk , Lee Ju Hee , Kim Hyun Jin , Lee Jae Min , Lee Seong Kyu , Kim Hye Soo , Lee Jong Min , Park Kang Seo , Ku Bon Jeong
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND: The identification and characterization of the gene, ERRFI1, in diabetes has not been reported. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between ERRFI1 polymorphism and characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Korea.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conduct a case-control study involving T2DM patients (n=342) and controls (n=473).

RESULTS: A novel single nucleotide ERRFI1 gene polymorphism at +807(T/G) was found. G genotype frequency was 40.1% in the diabetic group and 42.7% in the control group; the difference was not significant (p=0.45). In the diabetic group, the urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) was lower in the G genotype than in the T genotype (P=0.004). In males with T2DM, those with the G genotype displayed lower systolic blood pressure (P=0.01) and higher glomerular filtration rate (P=0.048) compare to those with the T genotype. In females with T2DM, urine ACR was low in those with the G genotype than in those with the T genotype (P=0.02). In the diabetic group, patients who harboring T allele had a 1.81 times higher risk of diabetic nephropathy than the G allele (95% CI 1.11–2.96, P=0.02). In females with T2DM, patients who harboring T allele had a 2.12 times higher risk of diabetic nephropathy (95% CI 1.07–4.1, P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS: We identify new loci associated with glycemic traits in diabetes and this finding indicates the potential of ERRFI1 as a novel therapeutic target of diabetic nephropathy.
Utility of OCT3/4, TSPY andβ-Catenin as Biological Markers for Gonadoblastoma Formation and Malignant Germ Cell Tumor Development in Dysgenetic Gonads
Authors: Palma Icela , Garibay Nayely , Pena-Yolanda Rocio , Contreras Alejandra , Raya Atlantida , Dominguez Carolina , Romero Mirna , Aristi Gerardo , Queipo Gloria
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND: Gonadoblastoma (GB) is regarded as an in situ form of germ cell tumor in dysgenetic gonads, and 30% of patients with GB develop a dysgerminoma/seminoma tumor.

OBJECTIVE: Determine whether OCT3/4 andβ-catenin are expressed in dysgenetic gonads before GB development and whether TSPY participates in the OCT3/4-β-catenin pathways in the malignant invasive behavior.

METHODS: dysgenetic gonads of Disorders of sex differentiation (DSD) patients with mixed gonadal dysgenesis were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence for comparison with GB and dysgerminoma/seminoma.

RESULTS: Our results suggest that the development of GB is secondary to the interaction of OCT3/4 and TSPY, thatβ-catenin does not participate in this process.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of this biological markers detects the potential high risk gonads.
On the Stability of -Derivations and Lie -Algebra Homomorphisms on Lie -Algebras: A Fixed Points Method
Authors: Kim Seong Sik , Kim Ga Ya , Kim Soo Hwan
Published: June 2013

We investigate new generalized Hyers-Ulam stability results for -derivations and Lie -algebra homomorphisms on Lie -algebras associated with the additive functional equation:
Primary Pleural Angiosarcoma in a 63-Year-Old Gentleman
Authors: Abu-Zaid Ahmed , Mohammed Shamayel
Published: June 2013

Primary pleural angiosarcomas are extremely rare. As of 2010, only around 50 case reports have been documented in the literature. Herein, we report the case of a 63-year-old gentleman who presented with a 3-month history of right-sided chest pain, dyspnea, and hemoptysis. Chest X-ray showed bilateral pleural effusion with partial bibasilar atelectasis. Ultrasound-guided thoracocentesis showed bloody and exudative pleural fluid. Cytologic examination was negative for malignant cells. An abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed two right diaphragmatic pleural masses. Whole-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan showed two hypermetabolic fluorodeoxyglucose- (FDG-) avid lesions involving the right diaphragmatic pleura. CT-guided needle-core biopsy was performed and histopathological examination showed neoplastic cells growing mainly in sheets with focal areas suggestive of vascular spaces lined by cytologically malignant epithelioid cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed strong positivity for vimentin, CD31, CD68, and Fli-1 markers. The overall pathological and immunohistochemical features supported the diagnosis of epithelioid angiosarcoma. The patient was scheduled for surgery in three weeks. Unfortunately, the patient died after one week after discharge secondary to pulseless ventricular tachycardia arrest followed by asystole. Moreover, we also present a brief literature review on pleural angiosarcoma.
Detecting Abrupt Change of Streamflow at Lintong Station of Wei River
Authors: Fan Jingjing , Huang Qiang , Chang Jianxia , Sun Dongyong , Cui Shen
Published: June 2013

According to abrupt diagnosis of runoff, two methods, that is, moving approximate entropy and moving permutation entropy, are used to analyse the abrupt year of the daily river runoff from 1961 to 2006 at Lintong station of Wei River in Loess Plateau. The runoff series are divided into 4 stages. With the analysis of hydrological characters of different stages, we find that there are abrupt changes at the three years 1972, 1983, and 2002. The result shows that moving approximate entropy and moving permutation entropy methods are useful tools for abrupt diagnosis of runoff. The attribution of abrupt change at the Lintong runoff series is primarily due to the reduced precipitation, increased water conservancy project, increased water consumption of industry and agriculture, significantly decreased groundwater table, and increased evaporation.
De NovoFibrillary Glomerulonephritis (FGN) in a Renal Transplant with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Filippone Edward J. , Chmielewski Christine , Gulati Rakesh , Newman Eric , Farber John L.
Published: June 2013

Chronic hepatitis C viremia (HepC) has been associated with numerous renal manifestations both in native kidneys and in the setting of renal transplantation. Glomerulonephritis (GN) of the renal allograft in the setting of HepC most commonly manifests as type 1 membranoproliferative GN (MPGN), either representing recurrence of the original disease or arisingde novo. Other GNs were reported after transplantation in the patient with HepC including membranous nephropathy and thrombotic microangiopathy, as well as an enhanced susceptibility to transplant glomerulopathy. We describe the first case ofde novofibrillary GN in a renal transplant patient with HepC where the primary renal disease was biopsy proven type 1 MPGN. We discuss this relationship in detail.
IL-18–Primed Helper NK Cells Collaborate with Dendritic Cells to Promote Recruitment of Effector CD8+ T Cells to the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Wong Jeffrey L. , Berk Erik , Edwards Robert P. , Kalinski Pawel
Published: June 2013

Chemokine-driven interactions of immune cells are essential for effective antitumor immunity. Human natural killer (NK) cells can be primed by the interleukin (IL)-1–related proinflammatory cytokine IL-18 for unique helper activity, which promotes dendritic cell (DC) activation and DC-mediated induction of type-1 immune responses against cancer. Here, we show that such IL-18–primed "helper" NK cells produce high levels of the immature DC (iDC)–attracting chemokines CCL3 and CCL4 upon exposure to tumor cells or the additional inflammatory signals IFN-α, IL-15, IL-12, or IL-2. These "helper" NK cells potently attract iDCs in a CCR5-dependent mechanism and induce high DC production of CXCR3 and CCR5 ligands (CXCL9, CXCL10, and CCL5), facilitating the subsequent recruitment of type-1 effector CD8+ T (Teff) cells. Using cells isolated from the malignant ascites of patients with advanced ovarian cancer, we show that "helper" NK cell-inducing factors can be used to enhance local production of Teff cell-recruiting chemokines. Our findings reveal the unique chemokine expression profile of "helper" NK cells and highlight the potential for using two-signal–activated NK cells to promote homing of type-1 immune effectors to the human tumor environment. Cancer Res; 73(15); 4653–62. ©2013 AACR.
Cyclophosphamide Induces a Type I Interferon–Associated Sterile Inflammatory Response Signature in Cancer Patients' Blood Cells: Implications for Cancer Chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Moschella Federica , Torelli Giovanni Fernando , Valentini Mara , Urbani Francesca , Buccione Carla , Petrucci Maria Teresa , Natalino Fiammetta , Belardelli Filippo , Foà Robin , Proietti Enrico
Published: June 2013

Purpose: Certain chemotherapeutics, particularly cyclophosphamide, can enhance the antitumor efficacy of immunotherapy. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of cyclophosphamide-mediated immunomodulation is needed to improve the efficacy of chemoimmunotherapy.

Experimental Design: Transcript profiling and flow cytometry were used to explore cyclophosphamide-induced immunoadjuvanticity in patients with hematologic malignancies.

Results: A single high-dose treatment rapidly (1–2 days) induced peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) transcriptional modulation, leading to reduction of cell-cycle and biosynthetic/metabolic processes and augmentation of DNA damage and cell death pathways (p53 signaling pathway), death-related scavenger receptors, antigen processing/presentation mediators, T-cell activation markers and, noticeably, a type I IFN (IFN-I) signature (OAS1, CXCL10, BAFF, IFITM2, IFI6, IRF5, IRF7, STAT2, UBE2L6, UNC93B1, ISG20L1, TYK2). Moreover, IFN-I–induced proinflammatory mediators (CXCL10, CCL2, IL-8, and BAFF) were increased in patients' plasma. Accordingly, cyclophosphamide induced the expansion/activation of CD14+CD16+ monocytes, of HLA-DR+, IL-8RA+, and MARCO+ monocytes/dendritic cells, and of CD69+, OX40+, and IL-8RA+ lymphocytes.

Conclusions: Altogether, these data identify the cyclophosphamide-induced immunomodulatory factors in humans and indicate that preconditioning chemotherapy may stimulate immunity as a consequence of danger perception associated with blood cell death, through p53 and IFN-I–related mechanisms. Clin Cancer Res; 19(15); 4249–61. ©2013 AACR.
Snail Cooperates with KrasG12D to Promote Pancreatic Fibrosis
Authors: Shields Mario A. , Ebine Kazumi , Sahai Vaibhav , Kumar Krishan , Siddiqui Kulsumjehan , Hwang Rosa F. , Grippo Paul J. , Munshi Hidayatullah G.
Published: June 2013

Patients with pancreatic cancer, which is characterized by an extensive collagen-rich fibrotic reaction, often present with metastases. A critical step in cancer metastasis is epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which can be orchestrated by the Snail family of transcription factors. To understand the role of Snail (SNAI1) in pancreatic cancer development, we generated transgenic mice expressing Snail in the pancreas. Because chronic pancreatitis can contribute to pancreatic cancer development, Snail-expressing mice were treated with cerulein to induce pancreatitis. Although significant tissue injury was observed, a minimal difference in pancreatitis was seen between control and Snail-expressing mice. However, because Kras mutation is necessary for tumor development in mouse models of pancreatic cancer, we generated mice expressing both mutant KrasG12D and Snail (Kras+/Snail+). Compared with control mice (Kras+/Snai−), Kras+/Snail+ mice developed acinar ectasia and more advanced acinar-to-ductal metaplasia. The Kras+/Snail+ mice exhibited increased fibrosis, increased phosphorylated Smad2, increased TGF-β2 expression, and activation of pancreatic stellate cells. To further understand the mechanism by which Snail promoted fibrosis, we established an in vitro model to examine the effect of Snail expression in pancreatic cancer cells on stellate cell collagen production. Snail expression in pancreatic cancer cells increased TGF-β2 levels, and conditioned media from Snail-expressing pancreatic cancer cells increased collagen production by stellate cells. Additionally, inhibiting TGF-β signaling in stellate cells attenuated the conditioned media–induced collagen production by stellate cells. Together, these results suggest that Snail contributes to pancreatic tumor development by promoting fibrotic reaction through increased TGF-β signaling.

Implications: Expression of the EMT regulator Snail in the context of mutant Kras provides new insight into pancreatic cancer progression. Mol Cancer Res; 11(9); 1078–87. ©2013 AACR.
Taxonomy and redescription of the Atherton Antechinus, Antechinus godmani (Thomas) (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae)
Authors: BAKER ANDREW M , DYCK STEVE VAN
Published: June 2013

We provide a taxonomic redescription of the dasyurid marsupial Atherton Antechinus, Antechinus godmani (Thomas). A. godmani is only rarely encountered and limited to wet tropical rainforests of north-east Queensland, Australia, between the towns of Cardwell and Cairns (a distribution spanning 135 kilometres from north to south). The distinctive species occurs at altitudes of over 600 meters asl, in all major rainforest types, and can be found with both the northern subspecies of the Yellow-footed Antechinus, A. flavipes rubeculus Van Dyck and the Rusty Antechinus, A. adustus (Thomas). A. god-mani is clearly separated from all congeners on the basis of both morphometrics and genetics. A. godmani can be distin-guished from all extant congeners based on external morphology by a combination of large size, naked-looking tail and reddish fur on the face and head. A. godmani skulls are characteristically large, with a suite of long features: basicranium, palate, upper premolar tooth row, inter-palatal vacuity distance and dentary. Phylogenies generated from mt- and nDNA data position Antechinus godmani as monophyletic with respect to other members of the genus; A. godmani is strongly supported as the sister-group to a clade containing all other antechinus, but excluding the south-east Australian Dusky An-techinus, A. swainsonii (Waterhouse) and Swamp Antechinus, A. minimus (Geoffroy). Antechinus godmani are genetically very divergent compared to all congeners (mtDNA: range 12.9–16.3%).
Five new minute orb-weaving spiders of the family Mysmenidae from China (Araneae)
Authors: LIN YUCHENG , LI SHUQIANG
Published: June 2013

Five new mysmenid species are described from Southwest China including Mosu dayan n. sp. (male and female), Mosu tanjia n. sp. (male and female), Mysmena baoxingensis n. sp. (male and female), Mysmenella yinae n. sp. (male and fe-male), Trogloneta uncata n. sp. (male). Males of the genus Mosu are described for the first time. All new species are from caves or leaf litter. Morphological illustrations and photos of all new species are given.
Winter Weather Patterns over Northern Eurasia and Arctic Sea Ice Loss
Authors: Wu Bingyi , Handorf Dörthe , Dethloff Klaus , Rinke Annette , Hu Aixue
Published: June 2013

Using NCEP–NCAR reanalysis and Japanese 25-yr Reanalysis (JRA-25) winter daily (1 December–28 February) data for the period 1979–2012, this paper reveals the leading pattern of winter daily 850-hPa wind variability over northern Eurasia from a dynamic perspective. The results show that the leading pattern accounts for 18% of the total anomalous kinetic energy and consists of two subpatterns: the dipole and the tripole wind patterns. The dipole wind pattern does not exhibit any apparent trend. The tripole wind pattern, however, has displayed significant trends since the late 1980s. The negative phase of the tripole wind pattern corresponds to an anomalous anticyclone over northern Eurasia during winter, as well as two anomalous cyclones occurring over southern Europe and in the mid- to high latitudes of East Asia. These anomalous cyclones in turn lead to enhanced winter precipitation in these two regions, as well as negative surface temperature anomalies over the mid- to high latitudes of Asia. The intensity of the tripole wind pattern and the frequency of its extreme negative phase are significantly correlated with autumn Arctic sea ice anomalies. Simulation experiments further demonstrate that the winter atmospheric response to Arctic sea ice decrease is dynamically consistent with the observed trend in the tripole wind pattern over the past 24 winters, which is one of the causes of the observed declining winter surface air temperature trend over Central and East Asia. The results of this study also imply that East Asia may experience more frequent and/or intense winter extreme weather events in association with the loss of Arctic sea ice.
Leading Associations
Authors: Baggetta Matthew , Han Hahrie , Andrews Kenneth T.
Published: June 2013

Leaders make vital contributions to the survival and success of civic associations, but they vary widely in levels of commitment to those groups. Why are some leaders more committed than others? We draw from scholarship on civic participation, volunteering, social movements, and team management to develop an original explanation. Although theory suggests individual and organizational factors may explain differences, most prior empirical studies examine only individual-level hypotheses. We use data collected from 1,616 Sierra Club volunteer leaders and the 368 chapters and groups they led to conduct multilevel analyses of the determinants of behavioral commitment among leaders. At the individual level, we find that leaders with more applicable skills, available time, and aligned motivations are more committed to the organization. At the organizational level, we find that leaders whose organizations are more complex, and who are on teams that operate more interdependently, share work more equally, and devote smaller shares of time to meetings, are more committed. These findings have implications for scholars of leadership and commitment and for organizations seeking more committed leaders.
Development of a rapid assay for the analysis of serum cortisol and its implementation into a routine service laboratory
Authors: Owen Laura J , Adaway Joanne E , Davies Sarah , Neale Sarah , El-Farhan Nadia , Ducroq David , Evans Carol , Rees D Aled , MacKenzie Finlay , Keevil Brian G
Published: June 2013

Background

LC-MS/MS is rapidly becoming the technology of choice for measuring steroid hormones. We have developed a rapid LC-MS/MS assay for the routine analysis of serum cortisol. We have used this assay to investigate the effects of gender and exogenous steroid interference on the immunoassay measurement of serum cortisol.

Methods

Zinc sulphate (40  µL) was added to 20  µL of sample. This was vortexed for 10 s followed by the addition of 100  µL of internal standard in methanol. Following mixing and centrifugation, 10  µL of sample was injected into an Acquity LC system coupled to a Quattro Premier tandem mass spectrometer. Serum samples ( n = 149) were analysed by LC-MS/MS and two commercial immunoassays. Results were then compared for all samples and for gender differences. A further set of serum samples ( n = 171) was analysed by the LC-MS/MS assay and a GC-MS assay.

Results

Cortisol had a retention time of 0.98 min and the assay had an injection-to-injection time of 2.6 min per sample. Mean recovery was 99% and mean CV was 8%. The immunoassays gave comparisons of: Roche = 1.23 × LC-MS/MS −1.12 nmol/L and Abbott = 0.94 × LC-MS/MS + 11.97. The comparison with GC-MS showed LC-MS/MS = 1.11 × GC-MS – 22.90.

Discussion

We have developed an LC-MS/MS assay for serum cortisol analysis that is suitable for routine clinical use and has been in use in our laboratory for 12 months. The availability of this assay will give more reliable results in patients receiving exogenous steroid therapy.
The impact of centrifugation in primary care on pseudohyperkalaemia: a retrospective evaluation
Authors: Turner Helen E , Peake Roy W A , Allison James J
Published: June 2013

Background

Spurious hyperkalaemia is a relatively common occurrence in samples originating from primary care. Failure to identify spurious hyperkalaemia carries a significant risk of patient mismanagement. We have carried out a retrospective evaluation to review the impact of the use of centrifuges in primary care for biochemistry blood samples on the management of hyperkalaemia.

Methods

Serum potassium concentrations in samples received from primary care were reviewed for six months prior to and after the implementation of on-site centrifugation. Samples exhibiting significant hyperkalaemia (serum potassium >6.0 mmol/L) were further investigated to ascertain the degree of patient follow-up.

Results

There was a significant decrease in the number of samples exhibiting marked hyperkalaemia following the implementation (2244 versus 524; P < 0.0001). In terms of patient follow-up, we observed a reduction in the number of patients exhibiting pseudohyperkalaemia that previously had led to inappropriate hospital admissions over the same time period (6 cases postimplementation versus 22 cases preimplementation). We also observed an increase in the number of patients exhibiting true hyperkalaemia during the six-month period postimplementation (33 cases postimplementation versus 6 cases preimplementation).

Conclusions

The centrifugation of serum samples in primary care improves the sample quality and the integrity of the potassium results reported. We have also demonstrated evidence of an improvement in patient management and quality of care.
Systematic meta-analysis of individual selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications and congenital malformations
Authors: Myles Nicholas , Newall Hannah , Ward Harvey , Large Matthew
Published: June 2013

Context:

It has been suggested that the commonly prescribed class of antidepressants selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are associated with birth defects. However, the teratogenic effect of individual SSRIs has not been previously compared using meta-analysis.

Objective:

To determine the strength of the association between individual SSRIs and major, minor, and cardiac malformation among infants born to women taking these medications.

Data sources:

Electronic search of CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, and ISI Web of Science using the search terms (SSRI OR antidepressant) AND (obstetric outcome OR malformation OR birth outcome OR teratogen), supplemented by manual searching of published references and requests of primary researchers for unpublished data.

Study selection:

There were 115 studies identified by electronic search and reviewed in full text, which yielded 16 papers reporting 36 data samples for major malformations, nine papers reporting 26 data samples for cardiac malformations, and four papers reporting seven data samples for minor malformations.

Data synthesis:

Fluoxetine (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01–1.30) and paroxetine (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.11–1.49) were associated with increased risk of major malformations. Paroxetine was associated with increased risk of cardiac malformations (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.12–1.86). Sertraline and citalopram were not significantly associated with congenital malformation. Between-sample heterogeneity was low and a range of methodological considerations had no significant impact on effect size. There was little evidence of publication bias.

Conclusions:

Fluoxetine and paroxetine should be avoided in the first trimester and among those at risk of an unplanned pregnancy.
Government Responses to Fiscal Austerity
Authors: Jensen Carsten , Mortensen Peter B.
Published: June 2013

How does the institutional context affect government responses to fiscal austerity? Despite the “institutional turn” in political science, we still possess an incomplete understanding of the relationship between a core aspect of the institutional setting of countries—namely institutional fragmentation—and the policy consequences of fiscal pressure. The article advances research on this question by integrating theories on the blame-avoidance effect of institutional fragmentation with theories on the effect of party constituencies on social policies. The result is a set of novel hypotheses about the conditional effects of institutional fragmentation that are tested empirically on quantitative time series data on unemployment protection from 17 advanced democracies. The analyses show that institutional fragmentation is an important determinant of government responses to fiscal austerity, but the effect depends on the partisan composition of the government.
Saving the Banks
Authors: Grossman Emiliano , Woll Cornelia
Published: June 2013

How much leeway did governments have in designing bank bailouts and deciding on the height of intervention during the 2007-2009 financial crisis? By analyzing the variety of bailouts in Europe and North America, we will show that the strategies governments use to cope with the instability of financial markets does not depend on economic conditions alone. Rather, they take root in the institutional and political setting of each country and vary in particular according to the different types of business–government relations banks were able to entertain with public decision makers. Still, “crony capitalism” accounts overstate the role of bank lobbying. With four case studies of the Irish, Danish, British, and French bank bailout, we show that countries with close one-on-one relationships between policy makers and bank management tended to develop unbalanced bailout packages, while countries where banks negotiated collectively developed solutions with a greater burden-sharing from private institutions.
Integrating Master’s Education in Counseling Psychology for Quality, Viability, and Value Added
Authors: Jackson Margo A. , Scheel Michael J.
Published: June 2013

In this rejoinder, we review contributions by Palmer and Horne of their responses to our earlier submission in this issue. Together, we present a compelling case for the urgent imperative to constructively address the role of master’s education as a priority in counseling psychology. We not only need to address pressing threats to the viability of counseling psychology but also need to seize opportunities to enhance the quality and value added in our training to help meet vast needs for mental health services. Finally, we extend our analysis and recommendations for strategies to reintegrate and update our foundational counseling master’s training to bridge the sequence and to connect core values of counseling psychology training, for example, the Masters in Counseling Accreditation Committee (MCAC) option and the Counseling Master’s Benchmark Competencies.
The Association Between Combination of Hand Force and Forearm Posture and Incidence of Lateral Epicondylitis in a Working Population
Authors: Fan Z. Joyce , Silverstein Barbara A. , Bao Stephen , Bonauto Dave K. , Howard Ninica L. , Smith Caroline K.
Published: June 2013

Objective:

The objective of this prospective study is to investigate the exposure–response relationships between various workplace physical exposures of force, repetition, and their combination assessed at an individual level with lateral epicondylitis (LE).

Background:

Workplace upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) are prevalent, disabling, and expensive. LE is one of the major UEMSDs in active workers.

Method:

We used detailed health history, symptoms, and physical examination for identifying incidence and detailed exposure assessment to capture work tasks of each worker and to measure quantitative mechanical workload. We used counting process style input of proportional hazards regression for modeling cumulative incidence that accounts for changed exposure estimates during the follow-up period when respondents change jobs.

Results:

The incidence rate of LE on the dominant side was 4.91 per 100 person-years. Adjusted for age and gender, the combined effect of forearm pronation ≥45° for ≥40% of time and time spent with forceful exertion, including any power grip (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.35–5.77]), lifting for ≥3% of time (HR = 2.50, 95% CI = [1.19–5.24]), and duty cycle for forceful exertion for ≥10% (HR = 2.25, 95% CI = [1.09–4.66]), were significant predictors of dominant side LE, whereas neither the awkward posture nor the forceful exertion alone was significant. Older workers with jobs requiring a high percentage of time working with force in combination with awkward postures of forearm were more likely to predict LE.

Conclusion:

This study shows the evidence of the etiologic role of strenuous manual tasks in the occurrence of LE.
Treatment Outcomes of African American Buprenorphine Patients by Parole and Probation Status
Authors: Mitchell Shannon Gwin , Gryczynski Jan , Kelly Sharon M. , O’Grady Kevin E. , Jaffe Jerome H. , Olsen Yngvild K. , Schwartz Robert P.
Published: June 2013

This secondary analysis compared outcomes in African American adults newly admitted to buprenorphine treatment and who were on parole and probation with outcomes in patients who were not under criminal justice (CJ) supervision. Buprenorphine patients ( N = 300) were randomly assigned to receive either intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment or standard outpatient (OP) treatment and were assessed at baseline, and 3 and 6 months. There were no differences between groups in treatment retention. Among probationers/parolees, IOP treatment was associated with lower 3-month treatment retention compared with OP treatment, but among participants not on probation/parole, the relationship was reversed ( p = .004). Both conditions showed significant declines in heroin and cocaine use, illegal activity, and in meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) criteria for opioid and cocaine dependence. Probationers/parolees reported a lower frequency of illegal activities at 3 months compared with nonprobationers/nonparolees ( p = .007). Buprenorphine treatment should be made more widely available to individuals on parole/probation as they respond as well to treatment as patients not supervised by the CJ system.
Listener Perception of Expressivity in Collaborative Performances Containing Expressive and Unexpressive Playing by the Pianist
Authors: Geringer John M. , Sasanfar Justine K.
Published: June 2013

Listener perception of musical expression in collaborative performance was explored in this study. Performances of two duos (a violinist and pianist, and a vocalist and pianist) were recorded. The level of expressivity of the violinist and vocalist remained stylistically appropriate during pieces; however, the pianist alternated between very expressive and unexpressive playing during each performance. The piece performed by each duo contained approximately equal sections of expressive and unexpressive playing by the pianist, and listeners heard each piece twice with the sections juxtaposed. Sixty-six undergraduate and graduate music students turned a Continuous Response Digital Interface dial to indicate their ongoing perception of expressivity as they listened throughout each performance. Graphic analysis of listeners’ responses for both pieces illustrated that they differentiated between sections with expressive and unexpressive playing by the pianist. Statistical analysis revealed that sections in which the pianist played expressively were perceived with significantly higher levels of expressivity than unexpressive sections. We found no significant differences in perceived expressivity between performance experience groups, gender, graduates versus undergraduates, or orders. Thus, in collaborative performances of a vocalist or instrumentalist with a pianist, pianist expressiveness appears to influence perception of overall expressivity.
Stalking by females
Authors: Carabellese F , La Tegola D , Alfarano E , Tamma M , Candelli C , Catanesi R
Published: June 2013

The aim of this review was to study “female stalking” in the sense of the specific traits characterizing the phenomenon of stalking behaviour committed by women. The main medical databases were searched (Medline, Social Science Research Network, Apa Psyc Net), and 67 articles were selected, reporting studies conducted in clinical populations, case series, reports, reviews, retrospective studies and original articles. We outline a variety of different tactics adopted by female stalkers and a lesser propensity to pass on to physical violence. Nevertheless, female stalkers are more frequently affected by erotomania, and this condition generally increases the risk of violence. If there have previously been intimate relations between the stalker and her victim, this will increase the risk of violence. In a significant proportion of female stalkers, the behavior is carried out in the occupational setting, especially in the field of psychotherapy, where the male–female ratio is reversed. No significant differences emerged between the motivations of heterosexual or homosexual stalkers. In the category of crimes of harassment committed by women, stalking, at least in Italy, seems to be among the most prominent.
Policy Mutations, Compliance Myths, and Redeployable Special Event Public Camera Surveillance in Canada
Authors: Hier Sean P , Walby Kevin
Published: June 2013

This article examines redeployable special event public camera surveillance in the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We show how a policy discourse of situational awareness simultaneously adheres to and subverts principles articulated in the provincial privacy commissioner’s privacy protection policy framework on public surveillance. Drawing from interview and observational data, we analyse how understandings of situational awareness inform policy design and how policymaking and implementation processes diverge as local policymakers tailor an imported policy framework to address tacit knowledge about public safety. Our findings contribute to the sociology of policymaking by developing empirical insights into policy meanings, mobilities, mutations, and myths.
Neoliberalism, Law, and Strikes
Authors: Atiles-Osoria José M.
Published: June 2013

The exercise of power in the student strikes at the University of Puerto Rico in 2010–2011 was determined in part by Puerto Rico’s colonial condition, and at the same time the strikes influenced the ideological construction of the country’s colonial conflict. The law was used by both sides as a strategy for advancing their interests. At the same time, the criminalization and state terrorism employed in response to the strikes were the same strategies traditionally used against Puerto Rican independence movements, and the university administration and the government developed new ways of thwarting political demonstrations. The colonial conflicts and the student strikes fed each other and created a new pattern of political discussion and action.

El ejercicio del poder en las huelgas de estudiantes en la Universidad de Puerto Rico durante 2010-2011 se determinó en parte a raíz de la condición colonial de Puerto Rico, a la vez que las huelgas mismas influenciaron la construcción ideológica del conflicto colonial del país. El derecho fue utilizado por el gobierno de Puerto Rico, por la administración universitaria y por los estudiantes como una estrategia para favorecer sus intereses. Al mismo tiempo, contra las huelgas fueron empleadas las mismas estrategias de criminalización y terrorismo de estado tradicionalmente utilizadas contra los movimientos independentistas. No obstante, la administración universitaria y el gobierno desarrollaron nuevas estrategias para frustrar las manifestaciones políticas. De esta forma, el conflicto colonial y las huelgas se influenciaron mutuamente y crearon un nuevo patrón de discusión y acción políticas.
Regina José Galindo’s Body Talk
Authors: Barbosa Emilia
Published: June 2013

In the context of neoliberalism and the culture of violence in Guatemala, the performance art of Regina José Galindo uses a language of provocation that embodies political struggle. Galindo’s art does not realistically portray violence; rather, it opens venues for discussion on violence against women and possible solutions on both a regional and a global level. Performative violence shocks the spectator out of his/her normalized insensitivity to daily gender-based violence. The privileged physicality of the artist’s own body challenges the naturalization of violence against women in contemporary Guatemalan society.

En el contexto del neoliberalismo y la cultura de violencia en Guatemala, el arte escénico de Regina José Galindo utiliza un lenguaje de provocación que encarna la lucha política. El arte de Galindo no representa la violencia de manera realista; más bien, abre espacios de discusión sobre la violencia contra mujeres y posibles soluciones a nivel tanto regional como mundial. La violencia en escenario sacude a los espectadores de su insensibilidad normalizada a la violencia diaria de género. En el caso de Galindo, la fisicalidad privilegiada de su propio cuerpo desafía la naturalización de la violencia contra las mujeres en la sociedad contemporánea guatemalteca.
Violence against Women and the Contradictions of Rights-in-Practice in Rural Ecuador
Authors: Friederic Karin
Published: June 2013

Las Colinas, a rural region of northwestern Ecuador, is considered a lawless frontier. Violence against women is common, in part because of its perceived legitimacy. Since 2000, various nongovernmental organizations have conducted workshops on women’s rights, producing contradictory effects on social relations and rates of violence. Understandings and manifestations of gender violence are changing as transnational human rights discourses enter Las Colinas and local women and men learn about human rights and gain access to state-based justice. Human rights and improved access to justice offer powerful openings for women and families, but their empowering potential is limited by growing social and economic vulnerability and discrepancies between rights-based subjectivities and preexisting understandings of the self.

Las Colinas, una región rural del noroeste de Ecuador, se considera una frontera sin ley. La violencia contra las mujeres es común, en parte debido a que se percibe como legítima. Desde el año 2000, diversas organizaciones no gubernamentales han llevado a cabo talleres sobre derechos de la mujer, generando efectos contradictorios en las relaciones sociales y los índices de violencia. Las concepciones y las manifestaciones de violencia de género están cambiando conforme discursos transnacionales de derechos humanos que llegan a Las Colinas y mujeres y hombres locales aprenden acerca de éstos y obtienen acceso a la justicia estatal. Los derechos humanos y un mayor acceso a la justicia abren nuevas puertas para las mujeres y las familias, pero su empoderamiento potencial está limitado por una creciente vulnerabilidad social y económica, así como las discrepancias entre subjetividades basadas en dichos derechos y nociones preexistentes del ser.
The Social Value of Being Ambivalent
Authors: Pillaud Vincent , Cavazza Nicoletta , Butera Fabrizio
Published: June 2013

We tested whether individuals can exert control over the expression of attitudinal ambivalence and if this control is exerted with self-presentational concerns. Using the self-presentation paradigm, participants reported more ambivalence about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in a standard and a self-enhancement (present yourself positively) conditions than in a self-depreciation (present yourself negatively) condition, on felt (Experiments 1a and 2a) and potential ambivalence, in its cognitive (Experiments 1b and 2b) and affective components (Experiments 1b and 2c). The role of ambivalent attitudes in conveying a positive social value was confirmed by the fact that the above effect was found on a controversial attitude object (GMOs), but the opposite appeared on a noncontroversial one (e.g., tooth brushing, a truism; Experiment 3). Such a reversal was obtained by directly manipulating the perception of controversy on GMOs (Experiment 4). Attitudinal ambivalence may thus serve an adaptive function, that is, achieving a positive social value.
The Role of Education in Fertility and Female Employment in Spain
Authors: Davia María A. , Legazpe Nuria
Published: June 2013

Over the past five decades, female education attainment has significantly increased in Spain. At the same time, preferences have changed considerably with regard to the role of women in the labor market and in the family. This fact has had a major impact on young women’s decisions: A delay in their entry in the labor market, union formation, and fertility decisions, together with a higher level of persistence in participation once in the labor market. The aim of this article is to analyze the variables that influence fertility and employment decisions in Spain. To carry out the analysis, we use the Fertility, Family, and Values Survey 2006. The decisions are estimated simultaneously through a bivariate probit model and are shown to be interdependent. Women from more recent cohorts and the more educated ones spend more time in employment and postpone motherhood more than women from earlier cohorts and less educated women.
Understanding motivations for continuance intention of online communities in China
Authors: Zhu Dong Hong , Chang Ya Ping
Published: June 2013

Social networking sites (SNSs) and virtual communities (VCs) are popular online social media having similarities and differences. The paper investigated the difference in motivations and in the relationships from motivations to continuance intention between active users of SNSs and VCs. The results show that while connecting with old friends, meeting new people, seeking information, seeking entertainment, and seeking social support are significant motivations of both communities’ active users, active users of SNSs rate higher motivation to connect with old friends than VCs; seeking information and social support motivations have the same effect on the continuance intention of the both communities’ active users through attitude; connecting with old friends and meeting new people motivations have obvious different effects on continuance intention through attitude between the two communities’ active users.
Comparison of the MK-801-induced increase in non-rewarded appetitive responding with dopamine agonists and locomotor activity in rats
Authors: Davis-MacNevin Parnell L , Dekraker Jordan , LaDouceur Liane , Holahan Matthew R
Published: June 2013

Systemic administration of the noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)- receptor antagonist, MK-801, has been proposed to model cognitive deficits similar to those seen in patients with schizophrenia. Evidence has shown that MK-801 increases the probability of operant responding during extinction, possibly modeling perseveration, as would be seen in patients with schizophrenia. This MK-801-induced behavioral perseveration is reversed by dopamine receptor antagonism. To further explore the role of dopamine in this behavioral change, the current study sought to determine if the MK-801-induced increase in non-rewarded operant responding could be mimicked by dopamine agonism and determine how it was related to locomotor activity. Male Long Evans rats were treated systemically with MK-801, cocaine, GBR12909 or apomorphine (APO) and given a single trial operant extinction session, followed by a separate assessment of locomotor activity. Both MK-801 (0.05 mg/kg) and cocaine (10 mg/kg) significantly increased responding during the extinction session and both increased horizontal locomotor activity. No dose of GBR-12909 (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg) was found to effect non-rewarded operant responding or locomotor activity. APO (0.05, 0.5, 2 or 5 mg/kg) treatment produced a dose-dependent decrease in both operant responding and locomotor activity. These results suggest the possibility that, rather than a primary influence of increased dopamine concentration on elevating bar-pressing responses during extinction, other neurotransmitter systems may be involved.
Early Childhood Practitioner Involvement in Functional Behavioral Assessment and Function-Based Interventions
Authors: Wood Brenna K. , Drogan Robin R. , Janney Donna M.
Published: June 2013

Reviewers analyzed studies published from 1990 to 2012 to determine early childhood practitioner involvement in functional behavioral assessment (FBA) and function-based behavioral intervention plans (BIP) for children with challenging behavior, age 6 and younger. Coding of 30 studies included practitioner involvement in FBA and BIP processes, training received to conduct FBAs and implement BIPs, and social validity and treatment integrity data. Findings indicate that early childhood practitioners had a limited role in FBAs and BIPs. Practitioner training occurred more often for the BIP than for the FBA. Approximately one fourth of the studies included a description of practitioners in a collaborative role with researchers during the FBA, and approximately one-half during the BIP process, even though practitioners implemented the BIP in the majority of studies reviewed. More than one half of the studies included social validity and/or treatment integrity measures.
Comparison of the safety and efficacy of conventional monopolar and 2-micron laser transurethral resection in the management of multiple nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Liu H , Wu J , Xue S , Zhang Q , Ruan Y , Sun X , Xia S
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To compare the safety and efficacy of conventional monopolar transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) and 2-micron continuous-wave laser resection (2-µm laser) techniques in the management of multiple nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), and to investigate long-term effects on tumour recurrence.

Methods

Patients with multiple NMIBC were randomized to receive TURBT or 2-µm laser in a nonblinded manner. All patients received intravesical chemotherapy with epirubicin (40 mg/40 ml) for 8 weeks, beginning 1 week after surgery, followed with monthly maintenance therapy for 12 months. Three-year follow-up data of preoperative, operative and postoperative management were recorded.

Results

In total, 120 patients were included: 56 in the TURBT group and 64 in the 2-µm laser group. Intra- and postoperative complications (including bladder perforation, bleeding and irritation) were less frequently observed in the 2-µm laser group compared with the TURBT group. There were no significant differences in first time to recurrence, overall recurrence or occurrence of urethral strictures.

Conclusions

The 2-µm laser resection method was more effective than TURBT in reducing rates of intra- and postoperative complications, but offered no additional benefit regarding tumour recurrence.
Clinical evaluation of serum cystatin C and creatinine in patients with chronic kidney disease: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Min , Cao Xueying , Cai Guangyan , Wu Di , Wei Ribao , Yuan Xueli , Bai Xueyuan , Liu Shuwen , Chen Xiangmei
Published: June 2013

Objective

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is an important indicator of renal function. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum cystatin C (CysC) and serum creatinine (SCr) for estimating GFR in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Methods

Google Scholar, PubMed®, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched, to identify randomized controlled trials that determined the diagnostic value of CysC and SCr, for estimating GFR in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Results

The inclusion criteria were met by 17 studies (total number of patients with chronic kidney disease, 2521). Meta-analysis showed that when the diagnostic cut-off value of GFR was 80–90 ml/min/1.73 m2, the heterogeneity was modest for CysC ( I2 = 48%, summary sensitivity [SEN] = 0.803, summary specificity [SPE] = 0.821), but there was no heterogeneity for SCr ( I2 = 0.0%, SEN = 0.697, SPE = 0.787). Meta-analysis of the studies demonstrated a significant difference between patients with chronic kidney disease and controls, for CysC and SCr.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis demonstrated significant correlations between CysC, SCr and GFR. CysC was more sensitive, but less specific, than SCr for the estimation of GFR.