bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translesion Polymerase η Is Upregulated by Cancer Therapeutics and Confers Anticancer Drug Resistance
Authors: Tomicic Maja T. , Aasland Dorthe , Naumann Steffen C. , Meise Ruth , Barckhausen Christina , Kaina Bernd , Christmann Markus
Published: August 2014

DNA repair processes are a key determinant of the sensitivity of cancer cells to DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics, which may induce certain repair genes as a mechanism to promote resistance. Here, we report the results of a screen for repair genes induced in cancer cells treated with DNA crosslinking agents, which identified the translesion polymerase η (PolH) as a p53-regulated target acting as one defense against interstrand crosslink (ICL)-inducing agents. PolH was induced by fotemustine, mafosfamide, and lomustine in breast cancer, glioma, and melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo, with similar inductions observed in normal cells such as lymphocytes and diploid fibroblasts. PolH contributions to the protection against ICL-inducing agents were evaluated by its siRNA-mediated attenuation in cells, which elevated sensitivity to these drugs in all tumor cell models. Conversely, PolH overexpression protected cancer cells against these drugs. PolH attenuation reduced repair of ICL lesions as measured by host cell reactivation assays and enhanced persistence of γH2AX foci. Moreover, we observed a strong accumulation of PolH in the nucleus of drug-treated cells along with direct binding to damaged DNA. Taken together, our findings implicated PolH in ICL repair as a mechanism of cancer drug resistance and normal tissue protection. Cancer Res; 74(19); 5585–96. ©2014 AACR.
Prolongation of Overall Survival in Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients with the XAGE1 (GAGED2a) Antibody
Authors: Ohue Yoshihiro , Kurose Koji , Mizote Yu , Matsumoto Hirofumi , Nishio Yumi , Isobe Midori , Fukuda Minoru , Uenaka Akiko , Oka Mikio , Nakayama Eiichi
Published: August 2014

Purpose: The cancer/testis antigen XAGE1 (GAGED2a) is expressed in approximately 40% of advanced lung adenocarcinomas. We investigated the clinical relevance of the XAGE1 (GAGED2a) immune responses in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma.

Experimental Design: The XAGE1 (GAGED2a) antigen expression and EGFR mutation were determined with tumor tissues. The XAGE1 (GAGED2a) antibody and T-cell immune responses, as well as immune cell phenotypes, were analyzed with blood samples. Patients with EGFR wild-type (EGFRwt) tumors were treated with conventional platinum-based doublet chemotherapy and patients with EGFR-mutated (EGFRmt) tumors were treated with EGFR-TKI and conventional chemotherapy. The overall survival (OS) rates of the antibody-positive and -negative patients were investigated.

Results: The results showed that the OS of antibody-positive patients was prolonged significantly compared with that of antibody-negative patients with either XAGE1 (GAGED2a) antigen-positive EGFRwt (31.5 vs. 15.6 months, P = 0.05) or EGFRmt (34.7 vs. 11.1 months, P = 0.001) tumors. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of the XAGE1 (GAGED2a) antibody was a strong predictor for prolonged OS in patients with XAGE1 (GAGED2a) antigen-positive tumors and in patients with either EGFRwt or EGFRmt tumors. On the other hand, XAGE1 (GAGED2a) antigen expression was a worse predictor in patients with EGFRmt tumors. Phenotypic and functional analyses of T cells indicated immune activation in the antibody-positive patients.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that production of the XAGE1 (GAGED2a) antibody predicts good prognosis for patients with lung adenocarcinoma as an immune biomarker and the protective effect of this naturally occurring immune response supports the concept of immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 20(19); 5052–63. ©2014 AACR.
Low PIAS3 Expression in Malignant Mesothelioma Is Associated with Increased STAT3 Activation and Poor Patient Survival
Authors: Dabir Snehal , Kluge Amy , Kresak Adam , Yang Michael , Fu Pingfu , Groner Bernd , Wildey Gary , Dowlati Afshin
Published: August 2014

Purpose: Deregulation of STAT3 activation is a hallmark of many cancer cells, and the underlying mechanisms are subject to intense investigation. We examined the extent of PIAS3 expression in mesothelioma cells and human tumor samples and determined the functional effects of PIAS3 expression on STAT3 signaling.

Experimental design: We evaluated the expression of PIAS3 in mesothelioma tumors from patients and correlated the expression levels with the course of the disease. We also measured the effects of enhanced PIAS3 activity on STAT3 signaling, cellular growth, and viability in cultured mesothelioma cells.

Results: Gene expression databases revealed that mesotheliomas have the lowest levels of PIAS3 transcripts among solid tumors. PIAS3 expression in human mesothelioma tumors is significantly correlated with overall survival intervals (P = 0.058). The high expression of PIAS3 is predictive of a favorable prognosis and decreases the probability of death within one year after diagnosis by 44%. PIAS3 expression is functionally linked to STAT3 activation in mesothelioma cell lines. STAT3 downregulation with siRNA or enhanced expression of PIAS3 both inhibited mesothelioma cell growth and induced apoptosis. Mesothelioma cells are sensitive to curcumin and respond by the induction of PIAS3. Corroborative evidence has been obtained from STAT3 inhibition experiments. Exposure of the cells to a peptide derived from the PIAS3 protein that interferes with STAT3 function resulted in apoptosis induction and the inhibition of cell growth.

Conclusion: These results suggest that PIAS3 protein expression impacts survival in patients with mesothelioma and that PIAS3 activation could become a therapeutic strategy. Clin Cancer Res; 20(19); 5124–32. ©2014 AACR.
Inhibition of Endoglin–GIPC Interaction Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Cell Growth
Authors: Pal Krishnendu , Pletnev Alexandre A. , Dutta Shamit K. , Wang Enfeng , Zhao Ruizhi , Baral Aradhita , Yadav Vinod Kumar , Aggarwal Suruchi , Krishnaswamy Soundararajan , Alkharfy Khalid M. , Chowdhury Shantanu , Spaller Mark R. , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata
Published: August 2014

Endoglin, a 180-kDa disulfide-linked homodimeric transmembrane receptor protein mostly expressed in tumor-associated endothelial cells, is an endogenous binding partner of GAIP-interacting protein, C terminus (GIPC). Endoglin functions as a coreceptor of TβRII that binds TGFβ and is important for vascular development, and consequently has become a compelling target for antiangiogenic therapies. A few recent studies in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), breast cancer, and ovarian cancer, however, suggest that endoglin is upregulated in tumor cells and is associated with poor prognosis. These findings indicate a broader role of endoglin in tumor biology, beyond angiogenic effects. The goal of our current study is to evaluate the effects of targeting endoglin in pancreatic cancer both in vitro and in vivo. We analyzed the antiproliferative effect of both RNAi-based and peptide ligand-based inhibition of endoglin in pancreatic cancer cell lines, the latter yielding a GIPC PDZ domain-targeting lipopeptide with notable antiproliferative activity. We further demonstrated that endoglin inhibition induced a differentiation phenotype in the pancreatic cancer cells and sensitized them against conventional chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine. Most importantly, we have demonstrated the antitumor effect of both RNAi-based and competitive inhibitor–based blocking of endoglin in pancreatic cancer xenograft models in vivo. To our knowledge, this is the first report exploring the effect of targeting endoglin in pancreatic cancer cells. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(10); 2264–75. ©2014 AACR.
Circulating Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Product Identifies Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Associated Aortopathies
Authors: Branchetti Emanuela , Bavaria Joseph E. , Grau Juan B. , Shaw Richard E. , Poggio Paolo , Lai Eric K. , Desai Nimesh D. , Gorman Joseph H. , Gorman Robert C. , Ferrari Giovanni
Published: August 2014

Objective—

A total of 30% to 50% of patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) require surgery for aortic valve replacement (AVR), ascending aortic replacement (AA), or both. To prevent adverse aortic events, they are risk stratified using imperfect criteria based on imaging modalities. As a result, a significant number of dissections occur outside of the parameters suggested by the guidelines. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are associated with valve and vascular remodeling and trigger the release of a soluble receptor (soluble receptor for advanced glycation end product [sRAGE]). This study aims to characterize sRAGE as a diagnostic and risk-stratification tool for patients with BAV referred for surgery.

Approach and Results—

sRAGE was measured in 135 patients (BAV, n=74; tricuspid aortic valve, n=61) meeting inclusion criteria from 338 enrolled patients undergoing AVR and AA. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. sRAGE level was significantly associated with the presence of BAV, independent of age, sex, and common risk factors for vascular disease (
P
<0.001). Within the BAV cohort, patients referred for AA and AVR had higher sRAGE values than patients undergoing AVR only (
P
=0.002). Patients with BAV <60 years of age, presenting with both valve and aortic diseases (fast progressors), had higher sRAGE than older patients who only needed AVR (slow progressors). Histological analysis showed that sRAGE correlates with dysfunctional aortic microstructure and does not correlate with aortic diameter (
R
2
=0.007;
P
=0.51) or diameter/body surface area (
R
2
=0.011;
P
=0.42).

Conclusions—

These results show that elevated level of circulating sRAGE is associated with the presence of BAV and associated aortopathies, independent of aortic diameter.
Early Development of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in a Mouse Model of Combined Dyslipidemia and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Le Quang Khai , Bouchareb Rihab , Lachance Dominic , Laplante Marc-André , Husseini Diala El , Boulanger Marie-Chloé , Fournier Dominique , Fang Xiang Ping , Avramoglu Rita Kohen , Pibarot Philippe , Deshaies Yves , Sweeney Gary , Mathieu Patrick , Marette André
Published: August 2014

Objective—

This study aimed to determine the potential impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on left ventricular dysfunction and the development of calcified aortic valve disease using a dyslipidemic mouse model prone to developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Approach and Results—

When compared with nondiabetic LDLr
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
, diabetic LDLr
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
/IGF-II mice exhibited similar dyslipidemia and obesity but developed type 2 diabetes mellitus when fed a high-fat/sucrose/cholesterol diet for 6 months. LDLr
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
/IGF-II mice showed left ventricular hypertrophy versus C57BL6 but not LDLr
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
mice. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed significant reductions in both left ventricular systolic fractional shortening and diastolic function in high-fat/sucrose/cholesterol fed LDLr
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
/IGF-II mice when compared with LDLr
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
. Importantly, we found that peak aortic jet velocity was significantly increased in LDLr
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
/IGF-II mice versus LDLr
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
animals on the high-fat/sucrose/cholesterol diet. Microtomography scans and Alizarin red staining indicated calcification in the aortic valves, whereas electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy further revealed mineralization of the aortic leaflets and the presence of inflammatory infiltrates in diabetic mice. Studies showed upregulation of hypertrophic genes (
anp
,
bnp
,
b-mhc
) in myocardial tissues and of osteogenic genes (
spp1
,
bglap
,
runx2
) in aortic tissues of diabetic mice.

Conclusions—

We have established the diabetes mellitus –prone LDLr
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
/IGF-II mouse as a new model of calcified aortic valve disease. Our results are consistent with the growing body of clinical evidence that the dysmetabolic state of type 2 diabetes mellitus contributes to early mineralization of the aortic valve and calcified aortic valve disease pathogenesis.
RP5-833A20.1/miR-382-5p/NFIA–Dependent Signal Transduction Pathway Contributes to the Regulation of Cholesterol Homeostasis and Inflammatory Reaction
Authors: Hu Yan-Wei , Zhao Jia-Yi , Li Shu-Fen , Huang Jin-Lan , Qiu Yu-Rong , Ma Xin , Wu Shao-Guo , Chen Zhi-Ping , Hu Ya-Rong , Yang Jun-Yao , Wang Yan-Chao , Gao Ji-Juan , Sha Yan-Hua , Zheng Lei , Wang Qian
Published: August 2014

Objective—

Cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis is the number one cause of death in Western countries and threatens to become the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs are emerging as new players in gene regulation, but how long noncoding RNAs operate in the development of atherosclerosis remains unclear.

Approach and Results—

Using microarray analysis, we found that long noncoding RNA RP5-833A20.1 expression was upregulated, whereas nuclear factor IA (NFIA) expression was downregulated in human acute monocytic leukemia macrophage–derived foam cells. Moreover, we showed that long noncoding RNA RP5-833A20.1 may decreases NFIA expression by inducing hsa-miR-382-5p expression in vitro. We found that the RP5-833A20.1/hsa-miR-382-5p/NFIA pathway is essential to the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis and inflammatory responses in human acute monocytic leukemia macrophages. Lentivirus-mediated NFIA overexpression increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol circulation, reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol circulation, decreased circulation of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein, enhanced reverse cholesterol transport, and promoted regression of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E–deficient mice.

Conclusions—

Our findings indicated that the RP5-833A20.1/miR-382-5p/NFIA pathway was essential to the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis and inflammatory reactions and suggested that NFIA may represent a therapeutic target to ameliorate cardiovascular disease.
Integrating Genetic, Transcriptional, and Functional Analyses to Identify 5 Novel Genes for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Sinner Moritz F. , Tucker Nathan R. , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Ozaki Kouichi , Smith J. Gustav , Trompet Stella , Bis Joshua C. , Lin Honghuang , Chung Mina K. , Nielsen Jonas B. , Lubitz Steven A. , Krijthe Bouwe P. , Magnani Jared W. , Ye Jiangchuan , Gollob Michael H. , Tsunoda Tatsuhiko , Müller-Nurasyid Martina , Lichtner Peter , Peters Annette , Dolmatova Elena , Kubo Michiaki , Smith Jonathan D. , Psaty Bruce M. , Smith Nicholas L. , Jukema J. Wouter , Chasman Daniel I. , Albert Christine M. , Ebana Yusuke , Furukawa Tetsushi , Macfarlane Peter W. , Harris Tamara B. , Darbar Dawood , Dörr Marcus , Holst Anders G. , Svendsen Jesper H. , Hofman Albert , Uitterlinden Andre G. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Isobe Mitsuaki , Malik Rainer , Dichgans Martin , Rosand Jonathan , Van Wagoner David R. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Milan David J. , Melander Olle , Heckbert Susan R. , Ford Ian , Liu Yongmei , Barnard John , Olesen Morten S. , Stricker Bruno H.C. , Tanaka Toshihiro , Kääb Stefan , Ellinor Patrick T.
Published: August 2014

Background—

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects >30 million individuals worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and death. AF is highly heritable, yet the genetic basis for the arrhythmia remains incompletely understood.

Methods and Results—

To identify new AF-related genes, we used a multifaceted approach, combining large-scale genotyping in 2 ethnically distinct populations, cis-eQTL (
expression quantitative trait loci
) mapping, and functional validation. Four novel loci were identified in individuals of European descent near the genes
NEURL
(rs12415501; relative risk [RR]=1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.23;
P
=6.5×10
−16
),
GJA1
(rs13216675; RR=1.10; 95% CI, 1.06–1.14;
P
=2.2×10
−8
),
TBX5
(rs10507248; RR=1.12; 95% CI, 1.08–1.16;
P
=5.7×10
−11
), and
CAND2
(rs4642101; RR=1.10; 95% CI, 1.06–1.14;
P
=9.8×10
−9
). In Japanese, novel loci were identified near
NEURL
(rs6584555; RR=1.32; 95% CI, 1.26–1.39;
P
=2.0×10
−25
) and
CUX2
(rs6490029; RR=1.12; 95% CI, 1.08–1.16;
P
=3.9×10
−9
). The top single-nucleotide polymorphisms or their proxies were identified as cis-eQTLs for the genes
CAND2
(
P
=2.6×10
−19
),
GJA1
(
P
=2.66×10
−6
), and
TBX5
(
P
=1.36×10
−5
). Knockdown of the zebrafish orthologs of NEURL and CAND2 resulted in prolongation of the atrial action potential duration (17% and 45%, respectively).

Conclusions—

We have identified 5 novel loci for AF. Our results expand the diversity of genetic pathways implicated in AF and provide novel molecular targets for future biological and pharmacological investigation.
Circulating Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Total and Cause-Specific Mortality
Authors: Wu Jason H.Y. , Lemaitre Rozenn N. , King Irena B. , Song Xiaoling , Psaty Bruce M. , Siscovick David S. , Mozaffarian Dariush
Published: August 2014

Background—

Although omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFA) have been recommended to reduce coronary heart disease (CHD), controversy remains about benefits versus harms, including concerns over theorized proinflammatory effects of n-6 PUFA. We investigated associations of circulating n-6 PUFA including linoleic acid (the major dietary PUFA), γ-linolenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid, with total and cause-specific mortality in the Cardiovascular Health Study, a community-based U.S. cohort.

Methods and Results—

Among 2792 participants(aged ≥65 years) free of cardiovascular disease at baseline, plasma phospholipid n-6 PUFA were measured at baseline using standardized methods. All-cause and cause-specific mortality, and total incident CHD and stroke, were assessed and adjudicated centrally. Associations of PUFA with risk were assessed by Cox regression. During 34 291 person-years of follow-up (1992–2010), 1994 deaths occurred (678 cardiovascular deaths), with 427 fatal and 418 nonfatal CHD, and 154 fatal and 399 nonfatal strokes. In multivariable models, higher linoleic acid was associated with lower total mortality, with extreme-quintile hazard ratio =0.87 (
P
trend=0.005). Lower death was largely attributable to cardiovascular disease causes, especially nonarrhythmic CHD mortality (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.82;
P
trend=0.001). Circulating γ-linolenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid were not significantly associated with total or cause-specific mortality (eg, for arachidonic acid and CHD death, the extreme-quintile hazard ratio was 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.70–1.34;
P
trend=0.87). Evaluated semiparametrically, linoleic acid showed graded inverse associations with total mortality (
P
=0.005). There was little evidence that associations of n-6 PUFA with total mortality varied by age, sex, race, or plasma n-3 PUFA. Evaluating both n-6 and n-3 PUFA, lowest risk was evident with highest levels of both.

Conclusions—

High circulating linoleic acid, but not other n-6 PUFA, was inversely associated with total and CHD mortality in older adults.
The Lessons of 1914 for East Asia Today: Missing the Trees for the Forest
Authors: Chong Ja Ian , Hall Todd H.
Published: August 2014

The importance of World War I for understanding contemporary East Asia lies not in the ubiquitous analogy drawn between Anglo-German antagonism and contemporary U.S.-China relations, but rather in the more specific lessons the period preceding its outbreak offers concerning the sources of instability and conflict among states. More precisely, these lessons relate to the challenges posed by complex security arrangements, the dual-edged nature of nationalism, and the dangerous dynamics that can emerge during repeated crises. Appreciating how these factors contributed to mounting tensions and eventually the onset of war in Europe a century ago can enhance efforts to understand and manage tensions in East Asia today.
Alaskan Heteroptera (Hemiptera): new records, associated data, and deletions
Authors: SCUDDER G. G.E. , SIKES D. S.
Published: August 2014

Twenty-seven species of Heteroptera are recorded new to Alaska. Specimen data for ten additional species reported from Alaska without previously published data are also provided. Additionally, four species previously reported from the state are removed from the Alaska list of Heteroptera.
Cyclogenesis Downstream of Extratropical Transition Analyzed by Q-Vector Partitioning Based on Flow Geometry
Authors: Riemer Michael , Baumgart Marlene , Eiermann Sven
Published: August 2014

During extratropical transition (ET), tropical cyclones exert a significant impact on the midlatitude circulation. Archetypical features of this impact are jet streak formation, amplification of the downstream trough, and modification of the associated downstream cyclogenesis. This study investigates the relative importance of the jet streak and the upper-level trough for cyclone development by quantifying the respective contributions to midtropospheric vertical motion using the Q-vector partitioning by J. C. Jusem and R. Atlas. Their framework is here extended from quasigeostrophic theory to alternative balance. The Q vector under alternative balance involves the nondivergent wind, instead of the geostrophic wind, and therefore represents more accurately the balanced dynamics associated with vertical motion, in particular downstream of ET where the flow often exhibits significant curvature associated with the amplified trough.

An idealized ET scenario and three real cases, the cyclones downstream of Hanna (2008), Choi-wan (2008), and Jangmi (2009), are analyzed. In all cases, the trough plays a prominent role in cyclone development. The jet streak plays a prominent, favorable role in the idealized ET scenario and downstream of Hanna. In contrast, the role of the jet streak downstream of Choi-wan is clearly of secondary importance. Interestingly, downstream of Jangmi the jet streak has a prominent but detrimental impact. It is concluded that amplified jet streaks associated with ET have the potential to be of significant importance for downstream cyclone development. The few cases considered in this study, however, point to a large case-to-case variability of the role of the jet streak.
The Sensitivity of a Numerically Simulated Idealized Squall Line to the Vertical Distribution of Aerosols
Authors: Lebo Zachary J.
Published: August 2014

Changes in the aerosol number concentration are reflected by changes in raindrop size and number concentration that ultimately affect the strength of cold pools via evaporation. Therefore, aerosol perturbations can potentially alter the balance between cold pool–induced and low-level wind shear–induced circulations. In the present work, simulations with increased aerosol loadings below approximately 3 km, between approximately 3 and 10 km, and at all vertical levels are performed to specifically address both the overall sensitivity of a squall line to the vertical distribution of aerosols and the extent to which low-level aerosols can affect the convective strength of the system. The results suggest that low-level aerosol perturbations have a negligible effect on the overall storm strength even though they act to enhance low-level latent heating rates. A tracer analysis shows that the low-level aerosols are either predominantly detrained at or below the freezing level or are rapidly lifted to the top of the troposphere or the lower stratosphere within the strongest convective cores. Moreover, it is shown that midlevel aerosol perturbations have nearly the same effect as perturbing the entire domain, increasing the convective updraft mass flux by more than 10%. These changes in strength are driven by a complex chain of events caused by smaller supercooled droplets, larger graupel, and larger raindrops. Combined, these changes tend to reduce the low-level bulk evaporation rate, thus weakening the cold pool and enhancing updraft strength. The results presented herein suggest that midlevel aerosol perturbations may exhibit a much larger effect on squall lines, at least in the context of this idealized framework.
Mild to Moderate Renal Impairment Is Associated With No-Reflow Phenomenon After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kurtul Alparslan , Murat Sani Namik , Yarlioglues Mikail , Duran Mustafa , Celik Ibrahim Etem , Kilic Alparslan
Published: August 2014

We investigated whether admission estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values are associated with no-reflow phenomenon in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Patients (n = 673; 59 ± 13 years; 77.1% men) were stratified into 3 groups according to eGFR at admission: normal renal function (eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2), mild renal impairment (eGFR 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m2), and moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2). No-reflow phenomenon was defined as thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade <3 after pPCI. The rate of no-reflow gradually increased from the normal renal function group to the moderate impaired renal function group ( P < .001). Multivariate analysis showed that eGFR (odds ratio [OR] 0.942, P < .001), Killip ≥2 class (OR 3.968, P = .008), left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 0.959, P = .034), and early patency of infarct vessel (OR 0.186, P < .001) were independent predictors of no-reflow phenomenon. Mild to moderate renal impairment at admission is independently associated with no-reflow phenomenon after pPCI.
Effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on mechanical properties of vinyl ester-based nanocomposites
Authors: Salehian Hamed , Jenabali Jahromi Seyyed Ahmad
Published: August 2014

The incorporation of nanoparticles into a polymer can lead to a considerable improvement of mechanical properties. Especially, the toughness and stiffness of the nanocomposite can be enhanced at the same time. Therefore, a homogeneous distribution of fillers within the matrix is required. In this research study, the feasibility of improving polymer composites was investigated using 21 nm titanium dioxide nanoparticles in a vinyl ester resin. The nanocomposites were processed by shear mixing and ultrasonication at different filler concentrations (1, 2.5, and 5 wt%). Also, a polymeric coupling agent was employed to strengthen the interface between filler and resin by forming strong chemical bonds. Changes in mechanical properties were examined through a variety of tests. Results indicate an enhancement in the vinyl ester composite mechanical properties due to the addition of small fraction of titanium dioxide particles. It was concluded that the highest mechanical properties could be achieved at an optimal titanium dioxide fraction.
Circumstances, Domestic Audiences, and Reputational Incentives in International Crisis Bargaining
Authors: Debs Alexandre , Weiss Jessica Chen
Published: August 2014

We present a new theory of interstate crisis bargaining. A country’s resolve is a function of intrinsic qualities of the government and external circumstances, both of which are unknown by the domestic electorate and the foreign country. When domestic political debate reveals that circumstances favor the use of force, the government can extract better terms than if circumstances are revealed to be unfavorable. The revelation of circumstances, however, exacerbates reputational incentives. Because governments can no longer hide behind unknown circumstances, voters can better discern the government’s type from its actions, strengthening the incentives to appear resolved. The model bridges the gap between audience costs and its critiques, showing how domestic audiences punish leaders for inappropriate policies rather than empty threats. At the same time, it highlights how the prospects for peace are worse if uncertainty about the circumstances is removed, suggesting that greater transparency does not always promote peaceful outcomes.
National Responses to Transnational Terrorism
Authors: Jensen Thomas
Published: August 2014

Intelligence about transnational terrorism is generally gathered by national agencies. I set up and analyze a game-theoretic model to study the implications of national intelligence gathering for the provision of domestic (defensive) counterterrorism when two countries are facing a common transnational terrorist threat. It is shown that, relative to a benchmark case where all intelligence is known by both countries, national intelligence gathering often leads to increased inefficiencies in counterterrorism provision. By extending the main model with a communication stage, I also explore whether the differences in information that may follow from national intelligence gathering will be overcome by intelligence sharing. If verifiable sharing is a viable option for each country, then full credible intelligence sharing can happen in equilibrium. On the other hand, if only cheap talk communication is possible, then it cannot.
Is there a part-time/ full-time pay differential in Australia?
Authors: Preston Alison , Yu Serena
Published: August 2014

The incidence of part-time employment in Australia is high by international standards and the trend towards part-time work is on the rise. In this paper, we show that, on average, part-timers earn significantly less than full-timers. After controlling for human capital characteristics, the adjusted hourly earnings gap between men employed full-time and women employed part-time is equal to 22.5%. When comparing women only, the human capital adjusted part-time/full-time gap is equal to 8.9%. The latter falls to 1.1% when industry and occupation are controlled for, reflecting important segregation effects. These findings are consistent with international evidence. Consistent with other Australian studies, we also find that the part-time pay gap varies with casual status. In the female labour market, our human capital adjusted models show a part-time casual premium equal to 3.6% relative to the base group (women employed full-time on a non-casual basis).
Cognitive Risk Factors for Specific Learning Disorder
Authors: Moll Kristina , Göbel Silke M. , Gooch Debbie , Landerl Karin , Snowling Margaret J.
Published: August 2014

High comorbidity rates between reading disorder (RD) and mathematics disorder (MD) indicate that, although the cognitive core deficits underlying these disorders are distinct, additional domain-general risk factors might be shared between the disorders. Three domain-general cognitive abilities were investigated in children with RD and MD: processing speed, temporal processing, and working memory. Since attention problems frequently co-occur with learning disorders, the study examined whether these three factors, which are known to be associated with attention problems, account for the comorbidity between these disorders. The sample comprised 99 primary school children in four groups: children with RD, children with MD, children with both disorders (RD+MD), and typically developing children (TD controls). Measures of processing speed, temporal processing, and memory were analyzed in a series of ANCOVAs including attention ratings as covariate. All three risk factors were associated with poor attention. After controlling for attention, associations with RD and MD differed: Although deficits in verbal memory were associated with both RD and MD, reduced processing speed was related to RD, but not MD; and the association with RD was restricted to processing speed for familiar nameable symbols. In contrast, impairments in temporal processing and visuospatial memory were associated with MD, but not RD.
Higher Education Cutbacks and the Reshaping of Epistemic Hierarchies: An Ethnography of the Case of Feminist Scholarship
Authors: Pereira Maria do Mar
Published: August 2014

Analyses of contemporary transformations in higher education and research funding indicate that such transformations impact not just on labour conditions and processes of knowledge production, but also on demarcations of what counts as ‘proper’ knowledge. As universities in many countries see their core funding reduced, profitability gains importance as a criterion of knowledge evaluation, sometimes producing sudden changes in long-standing discourses about the relative value of disciplines. This article examines how funding changes (re)shape epistemic hierarchies, drawing on an ethnography of academia in Portugal and using women’s, gender and feminist studies (WGFS) as a case study. I show that amidst significant cutbacks, the recognition that feminist scholarship has financial value discourages questioning of its epistemic value, a questioning common until recently. Yet, this change is described publicly as motivated only by epistemic factors. Thus, I analyse interviews and speeches to examine how links between pecuniary profitability and epistemic status are downplayed to maintain a discursive framing of universities as institutions concerned with knowledge, rather than profit.
Falling Behind? Children’s Early Grade Retention after Paternal Incarceration
Authors: Turney Kristin , Haskins Anna R.
Published: August 2014

A growing literature documents the myriad penalties for children of incarcerated fathers, but relatively little is known about how paternal incarceration contributes to educational outcomes in early and middle childhood. In this article, we use data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to provide the first estimates of the relationship between paternal incarceration and children’s grade retention in elementary school. Propensity score matching models indicate that children of incarcerated fathers are more likely to experience early grade retention than their counterparts. This relationship is not driven by test scores or behavior problems; preliminary evidence suggests this relationship may be driven by teachers’ perceptions of children’s academic proficiency. These findings suggest that elementary school teachers may play an important role in the lives of children experiencing paternal incarceration and, more generally, highlight yet another way in which the large-scale incarceration of men limits their children’s potential.
The Authority of Writing in Plato’s Laws
Authors: Fraistat Shawn
Published: August 2014

While traditionally Plato has been read as a critic of democracy and an advocate of philosopher-kingship, a number of more recent interpretations have argued that Plato’s views about these issues changed over the course of his life. Several scholars argue that Plato shifts from an authoritarian outlook in “middle period” dialogues, such as the Republic, to a more democratic view in “late” dialogues, such as the Laws. In contrast to these scholars, this article argues that Plato’s attitude towards authority and democracy is consistent in his “middle” and “late” periods. I show that Plato defines law as the writing of political experts, and that the Laws turns to written law as a second-best method for instituting the rule of the wise. This interpretation enables us to understand the Laws as a dialogue about the political use of writing, which helps illuminate some of the more peculiar features of the Laws and account for its place in the Platonic corpus.
A Diasporic Critique of Diasporism
Authors: Cooper Julie E.
Published: August 2014

As the prospects for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict have dwindled, Jewish scholars in the United States have increasingly invoked the concept of diaspora to counter a purported Jewish consensus regarding Zionism. In this essay, I critique prominent exponents of this approach (Judith Butler, Jonathan and Daniel Boyarin) from a diasporic (i.e., non-Zionist) standpoint. My concern is not that Butler and the Boyarins attack Israel publicly, endorse a binational solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and/or support the movement for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions—rather, it is that they lack a compelling vision for diasporic politics. Their visions prove wanting because they contest Zionism on the terrain of Jewish identity. To loosen Zionism’s hold, Butler and the Boyarins recover alternative approaches to the attainment or grounding of Jewish identity. Yet when framed as an ethic of particular identity, diasporic thinking can neither rebut Zionism’s political arguments, nor can it develop alternative models of Jewish self-rule. Instead of theorizing Jewish identity, I argue, diasporic thinkers should envision Jewish political solidarity beyond the confines of the nation-state.
Adaptive state-feedback stabilization of stochastic high-order nonholonomic systems with nonlinear parameterization
Authors: Qinghui Du , Chaoli Wang , Gang Wang
Published: August 2014

This paper investigates the adaptive stabilization of stochastic high-order nonholonomic systems with nonlinear parameterization. An adaptive state feedback controller is designed by using the parameter separation technique and input-state scaling technique, and adding a power integrator backstepping approach. The switching strategy is proposed to eliminate the phenomenon of uncontrollability and to guarantees that the closed-loop system has an almost surely unique solution for any initial state, the equilibrium of interest is globally stable in probability, and the state can almost surely be regulated to the origin. Simulation examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
The construction of a bestseller: theoretical and empirical approaches to the case of the Fifty Shades trilogy as an eBook bestseller
Authors: Colbjørnsen Terje
Published: August 2014

In both eBook and print versions, EL James’ Fifty Shades trilogy has made a substantial impact on bestseller lists across the world. But what does it mean to be a bestseller? Is the eBook bestseller different from its print counterpart? Taking the case of the Fifty Shades trilogy as a starting point, this article looks into the overall topic of bestsellers and digital publishing with specific attention paid to the Norwegian book market and the publishing history of the trilogy in Norway. The article examines these issues in line with an understanding of the bestseller as the product of a cultural logic rather than a reflection of popular taste. The article argues that since a bestseller is identified through its position on a bestseller list, the status is dependent on a general cultural recognition and the inclusion in a particular market information regime. The case of Fifty Shades highlights new trends in publishing and new elements to the construction of the bestseller, but also how the construction of the bestseller was dependent on its integration into the traditional channels of publishing.
Effect of Perceived Stress on Cytokine Production in Healthy College Students
Authors: Sribanditmongkol Vorachai , Neal Jeremy L. , Patrick Thelma E. , Szalacha Laura A. , McCarthy Donna O.
Published: August 2014

Chronic psychological stress impairs antibody synthesis following influenza vaccination. Chronic stress also increases circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines and glucocorticoids in elders and caregivers, which can impair antibody synthesis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether psychological stress increases ex vivo cytokine production or decreases glucocorticoid sensitivity (GCS) of peripheral blood leukocytes from healthy college students. A convenience sample of Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) students completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Whole blood was incubated in the presence of influenza vaccine and dexamethasone to evaluate production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Multiple regression models controlling for age, gender, and grade point average revealed a negative relationship between PSS and GCS for vaccine-stimulated production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. These data increase our understanding of the complex relationship between chronic stress and immune function.
A prospective interrupted time series study of interventions to improve the quality, rating, framing and structure of goal-setting in community-based brain injury rehabilitation
Authors: Hassett Leanne , Simpson Grahame , Cotter Rachel , Whiting Diane , Hodgkinson Adeline , Martin Diane
Published: August 2014

Objective:

To investigate whether the introduction of an electronic goals system followed by staff training improved the quality, rating, framing and structure of goals written by a community-based brain injury rehabilitation team.

Design:

Interrupted time series design.

Intervention:

Two interventions were introduced six months apart. The first intervention comprised the introduction of an electronic goals system. The second intervention comprised a staff goal training workshop.

Methods:

An audit protocol was devised to evaluate the goals. A random selection of goal statements from the 12 months prior to the interventions (Time 1 baseline) were compared with all goal statements written after the introduction of the electronic goals system (Time 2) and staff training (Time 3). All goals were de-identified for client and time-period, and randomly ordered.

Results:

A total of 745 goals (Time 1 n = 242; Time 2 n = 283; Time 3 n = 220) were evaluated. Compared with baseline, the introduction of the electronic goals system alone significantly increased goal rating, framing and structure (χ2 tests 144.7, 18.9, 48.1, respectively, p < 0.001). The addition of staff training meant that the improvement in goal quality, which was only a trend at Time 2, was statistically significant at Time 3 (χ2 15.0, p ≤ 001). The training also led to a further significant increase in the framing and structuring of goals over the electronic goals system (χ2 11.5, 12.5, respectively, p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion:

An electronic goals system combined with staff training improved the quality, rating, framing and structure of goal statements.
Feasible, Rigorous, and Relevant
Authors: McCormick Meghan P. , Cappella Elise , Hughes Diane L. , Gallagher Emily K.
Published: August 2014

Peers become increasingly influential in children’s development during late childhood and early adolescence. A large body of research has documented children’s proclivity for forming friendships with peers who share similar attributes to themselves, a phenomenon termed homophily. Researchers have used multiple procedures to operationalize homophily. However, a measure of homophily that accounts for the diversity of children in classrooms has yet to be validated in elementary and middle school settings. Using social network data collected from a racially diverse sample of 553 elementary and middle school students (53 classrooms; 7 schools), this study aims to validate a measure of friendship homophily that accounts for differential opportunity structures in classroom contexts. Using race and gender as grouping attributes, we find evidence for the reliability, as well as the convergent and predictive validity, of the friendship homophily measure. Implications for researchers and educators are discussed.
Public Values
Authors: Jørgensen Torben Beck , Rutgers Mark R.
Published: August 2014

This article provides the introduction to a symposium on contemporary public values research. It is argued that the contribution to this symposium represent a Public Values Perspective, distinct from other specific lines of research that also use public value as a core concept. Public administration is approached in terms of processes guided or restricted by public values and as public value creating: public management and public policy-making are both concerned with establishing, following and realizing public values. To study public values a broad perspective is needed. The article suggest a research agenda for this encompasing kind of public values research. Finally the contributions to the symposium are introduced.
Enhancing biogas production from anaerobic biodegradation of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste through leachate blending and recirculation
Authors: Nair Arjun , Sartaj Majid , Kennedy Kevin , Coelho Nuno MG
Published: August 2014

Leachate recirculation has a profound advantage on biodegradation of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste in landfills. Mature leachate from older sections of landfills (>10 years) and young leachate were blended and added to organic fraction of municipal solid waste in a series of biomethane potential assay experiments with different mixing ratios of mature and young leachate and their effect on biogas production was monitored. The improvement in biogas production was in the range of 19%−41% depending on the ratio of mixing old and new leachate. The results are conclusive that the biogas generation could be improved by blending the old and new leachate in a bioreactor landfill system as compared with a conventional system employed in bioreactor landfills today for recirculating the same age leachate.
Why Take Risks? Four Good Reasons According to Emerging Adult College Students
Authors: Ravert Russell D. , Gomez-Scott Jessica
Published: August 2014

College-attending emerging adults (ages 18-26, n = 233) were asked to describe their personal philosophy on taking risks. “Taking risks” was undefined, in order to allow for individual interpretation. Thematic coding was used to assess the degree of endorsement, reasons to take risks, and reasons to avoid risks cited in responses. Whereas 7.3% of students focused solely on risk avoidance, 55.4% stressed the importance of weighing pros and cons, and 37.3% fully endorsed risk taking. Among reasons cited for taking risks, the most common motivation was personal growth, followed by achievement, to avoid missing out, and enjoyment/satisfaction. Results are discussed with regard to theory of emerging adulthood, and a conceptual distinction is made between hedonic versus eudaimonic risk motivations.
Neuroblastoma in a Patient With Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type I
Authors: Sag Erdal , Sen Hilal Susam , Haliloglu Goknur , Yalcin Bilgehan , Kutluk Tezer
Published: August 2014

Spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of anterior horn cells of the spinal cord resulting in hypotonia, skeletal muscle atrophy, and weakness. Herein, we report a 4-month-old male infant who presented to our hospital with an abdominal mass that was diagnosed as neuroblastoma and spinal muscular atrophy type I. We would like to discuss the course and differential diagnosis with an algorithm leading to the diagnosis in this peculiar patient. To our knowledge, coexistence of spinal muscular atrophy type I and neuroblastoma is defined for the first time in the literature.
Aminoglycoside-Induced Nephrotoxicity—A Focus on Monitoring
Authors: Destache Christopher J.
Published: August 2014

The use of aminoglycoside (AG) antibiotics has declined over the past 15 years primarily due to comparable potency of other antimicrobials and the nephrotoxicity potential of AG drugs. However, resurgence in the use of AG antimicrobials is occurring due to multidrug-resistant gram-negative nosocomial infections. Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter isolates as well as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae continue to force clinicians to consider AG therapy for nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients and enterococcal endocarditis. Additionally, AGs are still indicated in the treatment of pulmonary exacerbations of cystic fibrosis. Along with the use of AG antibiotics is the associated renal insufficiency complication. This review discusses the mechanism for AG-induced nephrotoxicity. Patient- and drug-related risk factors are discussed to help identify patients at increased risk. The issue of serum-level monitoring is discussed relative to the development of nephrotoxicity.