bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Various Test Parameters on the Steady Flow Test Results of a Four-Valve Spark Ignition Engine: A Tentative Approach toward Standardization
Authors: Mohammadebrahim A. , Shafii M. B. , Hannani S. K.
Published: November 2013

The present paper is an account of an experimental analysis carried out to investigate to what extent the flow characteristics in the intake system of a 4-valve, spark ignition internal combustion engine depend on the experimental conditions at the steady flow test bench. In this respect, the study is aimed at determining the influences of the intake adaptor, test pressure, adaptor length and diameter, adaptor roughness, paddle wheel diameter, and asymmetric valves lifting on the flow coefficient and the swirl intensity measurements. In studies of this kind, researchers generally tend to adopt different test parameters to arrive at a nonuniform base to compare results from several investigations. This work is aimed at verifying the quantitative differences detected using these test parameters. The findings revealed that the swirl intensity depends on the pressure test, adaptor length, and the entry type to a significant degree. Moreover, it was observed that the intake adaptor is the most effective test parameter on the flow coefficient. Finally, the sensitivity analysis has been performed in order to investigate the experimental results and to correlate them with the test parameters.
Inhibition of Rat Muscle and Liver Phosphofructokinases by High Doses of Ethanol
Authors: Lelevich Sergey Vladimirovich , Khrustalev Vladislav Victorovich , Barkovsky Eugene Victorovich
Published: November 2013

Activities of both rat muscle and liver phosphofructokinases are significantly inhibited after a single ethanol intake in the dose of 2.5 g per kg of body weight. This inhibitory effect is indirect, since ethanol in concentration (50 mM) close to that established after 2.5 g per kg of body weight intake cannot decrease their activitiesin vitro. Inhibition of liver phosphofructokinase activity after the 5.0 g per kg ethanol intake may be direct, since liver phosphofructokinase activity decreasesin vitrowhen ethanol is added to supernatants of rat liver tissue in 100 mM concentration. According to the results of molecular docking, ethanol at high concentrations can be bound by adenine-binding pocket of the allosteric ADP-binding site of liver phosphofructokinase (Asp543, Phe308, Phe538, and Phe671) and its activation by ADP can be blocked by C2H5OH molecule. Direct inhibition of muscle phosphofructokinase activity, probably due to the binding of ethanol to the similar ADP-binding site, is possible when the concentration of ethanol (500 mM) is much higher than the level which can be established in living cells. So, inhibition of muscle phosphofructokinase activity after a single 5.0 g per kg intake is indirect and probably linked with the inhibition of the enzyme by elevated citrate and phosphoenolpyruvate levels.
Improve the Properties of p‐i‐n α‐Si:H Thin‐Film Solar Cells Using the Diluted Hydrochloric Acid‐Etched GZO Thin Films
Authors: Wang Fang-Hsing , Fu Ming-Yue , Su Chean-Cheng , Yang Cheng-Fu , Tzeng Hua-Tz , Liu Han-Wen , Kung Chung-Yuan
Published: November 2013

Gallium‐doped zinc oxide (GZO) thin films were deposited on glass, and the process parameters are RF power of 50 W and working pressure of 5 mTorr, and the substrate temperature was changed from room temperature to 300°C. At first, the thickness was around 300 nm by controlling the deposition time. The effects of substrate temperature on the crystallinity, lattice constant (c), carrier mobility, carrier concentration, resistivity, and optical transmission rate of the GZO thin films were studied. The 200°C‐deposited GZO thin films had the best crystallinity, the larger carrier concentration and carrier mobility, and the lowest resistivity. For that, the thickness of the GZO thin films was extended to around 1000 nm. Hydrochloric (HCl) acid solutions with different concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.5%) were used to etch the surfaces of the GZO thin films, which were then used as the substrate electrodes to fabricate the p‐i‐n α‐Si:H thin‐film solar cells. The haze ratio of the GZO thin films increased with increasing HCl concentration, and that would effectively enhance light trapping inside the absorber material of solar cells and then improve the efficiency of the fabricated thin‐film solar cells.
Systemic Treatments for Noninfectious Vitreous Inflammation
Authors: Jiang Angela , Wang Jillian , Joshi Malav , Christoforidis John Byron
Published: November 2013

Vitreous inflammation, or vitritis, may result from many causes, including both infectious and noninfectious, including rheumatologic and autoimmune processes. Vitritis is commonly vision threatening and has serious sequelae. Treatment is frequently challenging, but, today, there are multiple methods of systemic treatment for vitritis. These categories include corticosteroids, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, T-cell inhibitors/calcineurin inhibitors, and biologic agents. These treatment categories were reviewed last year, but, even over the course of just a year, many therapies have made progress, as we have learned more about their indications and efficacy. We discuss here discoveries made over the past year on both existing and new drugs, as well as reviewing mechanisms of action, clinical dosages, specific conditions that are treated, adverse effects, and usual course of treatment for each class of therapy.
Influence of the Cholinergic System on the Immune Response of Teleost Fishes: Potential Model in Biomedical Research
Authors: Toledo-Ibarra G. A. , Rojas-Mayorquín A. E. , Girón-Pérez M. I.
Published: November 2013

Fishes are the phylogenetically oldest vertebrate group, which includes more than one-half of the vertebrates on the planet; additionally, many species have ecological and economic importance. Fish are the first evolved group of organisms with adaptive immune mechanisms; consequently, they are an important link in the evolution of the immune system, thus a potential model for understanding the mechanisms of immunoregulation. Currently, the influence of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) on the cells of the immune system is widely studied in mammalian models, which have provided evidence on ACh production by immune cells (the noncholinergic neuronal system); however, these neuroimmunomodulation mechanisms in fish and lower vertebrates are poorly studied. Therefore, the objective of this review paper was to analyze the influence of the cholinergic system on the immune response of teleost fish, which could provide information concerning the possibility of bidirectional communication between the nervous and immune systems in these organisms and provide data for a better understanding of basic issues in neuroimmunology in lower vertebrates, such as bony fishes. Thus, the use of fish as a model in biomedical research may contribute to a better understanding of human diseases and diseases in other animals.
7,3′,4′-Trihydroxyisoflavone Ameliorates the Development ofDermatophagoides farinae-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice
Authors: Kim Bo-Bae , Kim Jong Rhan , Kim Ji Hye , Kim Young Ah , Park Jun Seong , Yeom Myeong-Hun , Joo Lee Hyong , Lee Ki Won , Kang Nam Joo
Published: November 2013

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory and chronically relapsing skin disorder that commonly occurs in children; the number of atopic dermatitis patients is increasing. The cause and mechanism of atopic dermatitis have not been defined clearly, although many studies are ongoing. Epidemiological studies suggest that soybean and its isoflavones have immunoregulatory activities. Here, we report that 7,3′,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone (7,3′,4′-THIF), a major metabolite of daidzin, effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 production in RAW 264.7 cells, and also reducedβ-hexosaminidase secretion in RBL-2H3 cells. Moreover, 7,3′,4′-THIF significantly reduced scratching time, transepidermal water loss, and mast cell infiltration. It also decreased protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2 and IL-4 expression and increased filaggrin expression in skin lesions of NC/Nga mice. These results suggest that 7,3′,4′-THIF improvesDermatophagoides farinabody extract-induced atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice.
A Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Randomized Trial to Assess the Impact of a Monthly Administration of 50,000 IU of Vitamin D3 for 6 Months on Serum Levels of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Brunel E. , Schnitzler M. , Foidart-Dessalle M. , Souberbielle J. C. , Cavalier E.
Published: November 2013

In this double blind, unicentre, randomized, placebo controlled study, we evaluated the changes in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) serum levels in 150 young Belgian adults (18–30 years), monthly supplemented with 50,000 IU of vitamin D (VTD) or placebo for 6 months, from November 2010 to May 2011. At T0, 30% of the population presented 25(OH)D serum levels below 20 ng/mL. In the VTD-treated group, mean serum levels increased from 21.2 ± 8.2 to 30.6 ± 8.8 ng/mL (P<0.001) at T3mo and to 36.0 ± 9.2 ng/mL (P<0.001) at T6mo. Despite documented VTD intake, no changes in serum levels were, however, observed in 10% of the treated group. In the placebo group, mean 25(OH)D serum levels decreased from 22.8 ± 8.5 to 14.0 ± 6.9 ng/mL at T3mo (P<0.001) but returned to values not significantly different from those observed at T0 (23.5 ± 8.6 ng/mL) at T6mo. No difference between serum calcium levels was observed between the groups throughout the study. In conclusion, monthly supplementation with 50,000 UI of VTD in winter can warrant serum 25(OH)D levels above 20 ng/mL in 96.2% of those healthy young adults without inducing unacceptably high 25(OH)D concentration. This supplementation is safe and may be proposed without 25(OH)D testing.
Pharmacogenetics of Oral Antidiabetic Drugs
Authors: Becker Matthijs L. , Pearson Ewan R. , Tkáč Ivan
Published: November 2013

Oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) are used for more than a half-century in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Only in the last five years, intensive research has been conducted in the pharmacogenetics of these drugs based mainly on the retrospective register studies, but only a handful of associations detected in these studies were replicated. The gene variants inCYP2C9,ABCC8/KCNJ11, andTCF7L2were associated with the effect of sulfonylureas.CYP2C9encodes sulfonylurea metabolizing cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2C9,ABCC8andKCNJ11genes encode proteins constituting ATP-sensitive K+channel which is a therapeutic target for sulfonylureas, andTCF7L2is a gene with the strongest association with type 2 diabetes.SLC22A1,SLC47A1, andATMgene variants were repeatedly associated with the response to metformin.SLC22A1andSLC47A1encode metformin transporters OCT1 and MATE1, respectively. The function of a gene variant nearATMgene identified by a genome-wide association study is not elucidated so far. The first variant associated with the response to gliptins is a polymorphism in the proximity ofCTRB1/2gene which encodes chymotrypsinogen. Establishment of diabetes pharmacogenetics consortia and reduction in costs of genomics might lead to some significant clinical breakthroughs in this field in a near future.
HLA-B*40 Allele Plays a Role in the Development of Acute Leukemia in Mexican Population: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Fernández-Torres Javier , Flores-Jiménez Denhi , Arroyo-Pérez Antonio , Granados Julio , López-Reyes Alberto
Published: November 2013

Among oncohematological diseases, acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are characterized by the uncontrolled production and accumulation of blasts that can lead to death. Although the physiopathology of these diseases is multifactorial, a genetic factor seems to be at play. Several studies worldwide have shown association of ALL and AML with several alleles of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC).Objective. To determine gene frequencies of HLA-B alleles in Mexicans (individuals with Native American genetic background admixed with European descent) with ALL and AML.Methods. We compared the HLA-B alleles in 213 patients with ALL and 85 patients with AML to those present in 731 umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples as a control group; this was done by means of the PCR-SSP technique.Results. We found an increased frequency of the HLA-B*40 allele in ALL patients as compared to the control group (14.5% versus 9.84%,P=0.003, OR = 1.67); this was particularly evident in a subgroup of young (less than 18 years old) ALL patients (P=0.002, OR = 1.76); likewise, a decreased frequency of HLA-B*40 allele in AML patients was observed as compared to the control group (4.70% versus 9.84%,P=0.02, OR = 0.42).Conclusions. These results might suggest opposing effects of the HLA-B*40 in the genetic susceptibility to develop ALL or AML and offer the possibility to study further the molecular mechanisms of cell differentiation within the bone marrow lineage.
Fast Numerical Solutions of Gas-Particle Two-Phase Vacuum Plumes
Authors: Ren ZhaoXin , Wang Bing , Zhang Huiqiang
Published: November 2013

The free molecule point source and Simons models coupled to the particle Lagrangian trajectory model are employed, respectively, to establish the fast solving method for gas-particle two-phase vacuum plumes. Density, velocity and temperature distributions of gas phase, and velocity and temperature of particles are solved to present the flow properties of two-phase plumes. The method based on free molecule point source model predicts the velocity and temperature distributions of vacuum plumes more reasonably and accurately than the Simons model. Comparisons of different drag coefficients show that Loth's drag formula can calculate exactly particle initial acceleration process for high Re r and M r two-phase flows. The response characteristics of particles along their motion paths are further analyzed. Smaller particles can easily reach momentum equilibrium, while larger ones accelerate very difficultly. The thermal response is more relaxed than momentum response for different particle sizes. The present study is guidable to consider the effects of two-phase plumes on spacecraft in engineering.
Effect Analysis of Intermittent Release Measures in Heavy Fog Weather with an Improved CA Model
Authors: Shi Jing , Tan Jinhua
Published: November 2013

Heavy fog may easily cause traffic accidents; thus freeway closures are frequently taken in order to ensure traffic safety in China, which not only seriously affect the travel of people, but also bring great economic losses. This paper studies the fog related risk of rear-end collisions and the intermittent release measures taken to reduce such risk; meanwhile, an improved cellular automaton model considering driving behaviors in heavy fog is proposed. The simulation results indicate that the risk indicatorfain fog is much higher than normal weather when cellular occupancyρ<0.5. After taking intermittent release measures, the magnitude offawill drop from 10−4to 10−5under the same fog condition, which greatly enhances the safety. In addition, this paper concludes the appropriate vehicle number released for each time and the time intervalhtbetween adjacent fleets and the maximum number of vehicles𝒬maxwhich can be released per hour. These results can be used as theoretical basis and reference for the traffic management departments to develop intermittent release measures.
Enhancement of Output Power for GaN‐Based LEDs by Treatments of Ar Plasma on p‐GaN Surface
Authors: Zeng X. F. , Shei S. C. , Lo H. M. , Chang S. J.
Published: November 2013

We successfully demonstrated that the Arplasmatreatment p‐GaN surface increased the contact resistance of ITO/P‐GaN serving as injection current deflection layer under the electrode pad. It was found that the Vf values of the two LEDs at 20 mA were approximately 3.3 V. Under a 20 mA current injection, it was found that output powers of conventional LED and Ar‐plasma‐treatment LED on p‐GaN surfaces were 9.8 and 11.08 mW, respectively. We can increase the output power of GaN LEDs in 13% due to current blocking on the surface of p‐GaN under the electrode pad by inserting the treatment with Ar plasma. It was also found that, after the reliability test for 72 hours the half lifetimes of conventional LEDs and LEDs with Ar‐plasma treatment on p‐GaN surface were about 49% and 55%, corresponding to the initial intensity, respectively.
The Relationship between the Morphology and Structure and the Quality of Fruits of Two Pear Cultivars (Pyrus communis L.) during Their Development and Maturation
Authors: Konarska Agata
Published: November 2013

The flavour and nutritional values of pears are appreciated by consumers worldwide, who, however, demand specific fruit quality, that is, attractive appearance, firmness and flavour, and health safety as well as long‐term shelf life and storability. Pear cultivars differ in terms of the above‐mentioned traits; therefore, we undertook investigations to demonstrate the differences in structure of fruits of two pear cultivars that determine fruit quality in its broadest sense. The micromorphology, anatomy, and ultrastructure of “Clapp’s Favourite” and “Conference” fruits in the fruit set stage and in the harvest maturity stage were investigated under light microscope and scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The fruits of “Clapp’s Favourite” and “Conference” in the fruit set stage exhibited distinct differences in the values of anatomical parameters only. Substantial differences in fruit structure were observed in the harvest maturity stage. The analyses indicate that firmness and durability of pear fruits are largely influenced by the presence of russeting, the proportion of closed lenticels and number of stone cells, and the content of starch grains and tannin compounds. The thickness of the cuticle and presence of epicuticular waxes as well as the number of lenticels and the number and depth of microcracks play a minor role.
Transcriptional Protein-Protein Cooperativity in POU/HMG/DNA Complexes Revealed by Normal Mode Analysis
Authors: Wang Debby D. , Yan Hong
Published: November 2013

Biomolecular cooperativity is of great scientific interest due to its role in biological processes. Two transcription factors (TFs), Oct-4 and Sox-2, are crucial in transcriptional regulation of embryonic stem cells. In this paper, we analyze how Oct-1 (a similar POU factor) and Sox-2, interact cooperatively at their enhancer binding sites in collective motions. Normal mode analysis (NMA) is implemented to study the collective motions of two complexes with each involving these TFs and an enhancer. The special structure of Oct proteins is analyzed comprehensively, after which each Oct/Sox group is reassembled into two protein pairs. We subsequently propose a segmentation idea to extract the most correlated segments in each pair, using correlations of motion magnitude curves. The median analysis on these correlation values shows the intimacy of subunit POUS (Oct-1) and Sox-2. Using those larger-than-median correlation values, we conduct statistical studies and propose several protein-protein cooperative modes (SandD) coupled with their subtypes. Additional filters are applied and similar results are obtained. A supplementary study on the rotation angle curves reaches an agreement with these modes. Overall, these proposed cooperative modes provide useful information for us to understand the complicated interaction mechanism in the POU/HMG/DNA complexes.
Blocking eIF5A Modification in Cervical Cancer Cells Alters the Expression of Cancer-Related Genes and Suppresses Cell Proliferation
Authors: Mémin Elisabeth , Hoque Mainul , Jain Mohit R. , Heller Debra S. , Li Hong , Cracchiolo Bernadette , Hanauske-Abel Hartmut M. , Pe'ery Tsafi , Mathews Michael B.
Published: November 2013

Cancer etiology is influenced by alterations in protein synthesis that are not fully understood. In this study, we took a novel approach to investigate the role of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF5A in human cervical cancers, where it is widely overexpressed. eIF5A contains the distinctive amino acid hypusine, which is formed by a posttranslational modification event requiring deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH), an enzyme that can be inhibited by the drugs ciclopirox and deferiprone. We found that proliferation of cervical cancer cells can be blocked by DOHH inhibition with either of these pharmacologic agents, as well as by RNA interference–mediated silencing of eIF5A, DOHH, or another enzyme in the hypusine pathway. Proteomic and RNA analyses in HeLa cervical cancer cells identified two groups of proteins in addition to eIF5A that were coordinately affected by ciclopirox and deferiprone. Group 1 proteins (Hsp27, NM23, and DJ-1) were downregulated at the translational level, whereas group 2 proteins (TrpRS and PRDX2) were upregulated at the mRNA level. Further investigations confirmed that eIF5A and DOHH are required for Hsp27 expression in cervical cancer cells and for regulation of its key target IκB and hence NF-κB. Our results argue that mature eIF5A controls a translational network of cancer-driving genes, termed the eIF5A regulon, at the levels of mRNA abundance and translation. In coordinating cell proliferation, the eIF5A regulon can be modulated by drugs such as ciclopirox or deferiprone, which might be repositioned to control cancer cell growth. Cancer Res; 74(2); 552–62. ©2013 AACR.
Psychological Distress after a Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Result among Members of an Integrated Healthcare Delivery System
Authors: Laing Sharon S. , Bogart Andy , Chubak Jessica , Fuller Sharon , Green Beverly B.
Published: November 2013

Background: Colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) reduces morbidity and mortality; however, the positive benefits might be partially offset by long-term distress following positive screening results. We examined relationships among colorectal cancer–specific worry and situational anxiety after positive fecal occult blood tests [FOBT (+)] compared with receipt of negative results.

Methods: Of note, 2,260 eligible members of Group Health, an integrated healthcare delivery system, completed baseline surveys and received FOBT screening kits, with 1,467 members returning the kits. We matched FOBT (+) patients (n = 55) 1:2 on age and sex with FOBT (−) respondents (n = 110). Both groups completed follow-up surveys at 7 to 14 days and 4 months after screening. We assessed situational anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI), colorectal cancer worry frequency, and mood disturbance.

Results: Mean age was 59 years, and majority were women (62%) and White (89%). After adjusting for age, sex, and baseline worry, at 7 to 14 days after screening, the FOBT (+) group was 3.82 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09–13.43] times more likely to report colorectal cancer–related mood disturbances and significantly higher mean STAI scores than the FOBT (−) group (mean = 38.8 vs. 30.9; P = 0.007). At 4-month posttest, mood disturbances and situational anxiety seemed to drop to baseline levels for FOBT (+). No colon cancer worry frequency was observed.

Conclusions: FOBT (+) results are associated with short-term situational anxiety and colorectal cancer–specific mood disturbances.

Impact: Distress from FOBT (+) results declined to near-baseline levels by 4 months. Additional studies are needed to clarify the relationship between long-term distress and follow-up colonoscopy. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(1); 154–9. ©2013 AACR.
Plasma MicroRNA Are Disease Response Biomarkers in Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Jones Kimberley , Nourse Jamie P. , Keane Colm , Bhatnagar Atul , Gandhi Maher K.
Published: November 2013

Purpose: Although microRNAs (miRNA) show potential as diagnostic biomarkers in cancer, their role as circulating cell-free disease response biomarkers remains unknown. Candidate circulating miRNA biomarkers for classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) might arise from Hodgkin–Reed–Sternberg (HRS) cells and/or nonmalignant tumor-infiltrating cells. HRS cells are sparse within the diseased node, embedded within a benign microenvironment, the composition of which is distinct from that seen in healthy lymph nodes.

Experimental Design: Microarray profiling of more than 1,000 human miRNAs in 14 cHL primary tissues and eight healthy lymph nodes revealed a number of new disease node–associated miRNAs, including miR-494 and miR-1973. Using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), we tested the utility of these, as well as previously identified disease node–associated plasma miRNAs (including miR-21 and miR-155), as disease response biomarkers in a prospective cohort of 42 patients with cHL. Blood samples were taken in conjunction with radiologic imaging at fixed time points before, during, and after therapy. Absolute quantification was used so as to facilitate implementation in diagnostic laboratories.

Results: Levels of miR-494, miR-1973, and miR-21 were higher in patients than control (n = 20) plasma (P = 0.004, P = 0.007, and P < 0.0001, respectively). MiR-494 and miR-21 associated with Hasenclever scores ≥3. Strikingly, all three miRNAs returned to normal at remission (P = 0.0006, P = 0.0002, and P < 0.0001 respectively). However, only miR-494 and miR-1973 reflected interim therapy response with reduction being more pronounced in patients achieving complete versus partial responses (P = 0.043 and P = 0.0012, respectively).

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that in patients with cHL, circulating cell-free miRNAs can reflect disease response once therapy has commenced. Clin Cancer Res; 20(1); 253–64. ©2013 AACR.
Response to MLN8237 in Pancreatic Cancer Is Not Dependent on RalA Phosphorylation
Authors: Neel Nicole F. , Stratford Jeran K. , Shinde Vaishali , Ecsedy Jeffrey A. , Martin Timothy D. , Der Channing J. , Yeh Jen Jen
Published: November 2013

The high prevalence of KRAS mutations and importance of the RalGEF–Ral pathway downstream of activated K-ras in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) emphasize the importance of identifying novel methods by which to therapeutically target these pathways. It was recently demonstrated that phosphorylation of RalA S194 by Aurora A kinase (AAK) is critical for PDAC tumorigenesis. We sought to evaluate the AAK-selective inhibitor MLN8237 as a potential indirect anti-RalA–targeted therapy for PDAC. We used a site-specific phospho-S194 RalA antibody and determined that RalA S194 phosphorylation levels were elevated in a subset of PDAC cell lines and human tumors relative to unmatched normal controls. Effects of MLN8237 on anchorage-independent growth in PDAC cell lines and growth of patient-derived xenografts (PDX) were variable, with a subset of cell lines and PDX showing sensitivity. Surprisingly, RalA S194 phosphorylation levels in PDAC cell lines or PDX tumors did not correlate with MLN8237 responsiveness. However, we identified Ki67 as a possible early predictive biomarker for response to MLN8237 in PDAC. These results indicate that MLN8237 treatment may be effective for a subset of patients with PDAC independent of RalA S194 phosphorylation. Ki67 may be an effective pharmacodynamic biomarker to identify response early in the course of treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(1); 122–33. ©2013 AACR.
Azelaic Acid in the Treatment of Acne in Adult Females: Case Reports
Authors: Vargas-Diez E. , Hofmann M.A. , Bravo B. , Malgazhdarova G. , Katkhanova O.A. , Yutskovskaya Y.
Published: November 2013

Acne, one of the most common skin problems in dermatological practice, is a condition that affects not only adolescents but also adults. While approximately 80% of cases occurring in adulthood are persistent from teenage years, around 20% are described as ‘late-onset' disease, appearing for the first time in adulthood. The disease can be triggered by hormonal changes (including a change from one contraceptive to another), or it can be induced by certain nonhormonal medications, emotional stress, and various underlying diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome. In many cases acne becomes a chronic skin condition with undulating activity, including improvement and relapse phases, and is often experienced as a major psychological burden. It is, therefore, even more important to provide an effective as well as a safe and tolerable treatment. The spectrum of topical acne treatments has expanded substantially in recent years and various topical medications are available, ranging from azelaic acid, antibiotics, retinoids and benzoyl peroxide to several fixed combinations of these active compounds. The following case collection illustrates how 15% azelaic acid gel, as a well-established monotherapy, can be successfully employed to treat mild-to-moderate forms of adult female acne.
Patient's Choice between a Non-Invasive Prenatal Test and Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis Based on Test Accuracy
Authors: Chan Yiu Man , Leung Tak Yeung , Chan Oi Ka Catherine , Cheng Yvonne Kwun Yue , Sahota Daljit Singh
Published: November 2013

Objective: To assess how pregnant women choose between a non-invasive DNA test (NIDT) and an invasive prenatal test (IPD) based on the accuracy of the test. Materials and Methods: Pregnant women who attended for first-trimester combined screening assessment of risk of Down syndrome were invited to participate in an interviewer-administered survey. Women were asked to choose between NIDT (variable detection rate but no miscarriage risk) and IPD (∼100% detection rate but 0.5-1% miscarriage risk) if their screening test was positive for Down syndrome using the standard gamble technique. Results: 358 women were approached of which 106 (29.6%) were unwilling to participate in the study as it had already been decided in advance which additional test they would have if they were screened positive. Of these 106 women, 70 (19.6%) would only choose IPD whereas 36 (10%) would only choose NIDT. Among those who agreed to undertake the gamble and participate in the study (n = 252), 50% were willing to accept NIDT as an alternative to IPD provided that NIDT had a detection rate of 95%. Conclusion: The majority can accept NIDT as an alternative to IPD provided that the test is 95% accurate in the diagnosis of Down syndrome. Current evidence indicates that the detection rate of NIDT will be higher than this level. Health professionals should consider NIDT as an alternative to IPD when counseling women with a positive screening test.
High Prevalence of Hypertension Among Collegiate Football Athletes
Authors: Karpinos Ashley Rowatt , Roumie Christianne L. , Nian Hui , Diamond Alex B. , Rothman Russell L.
Published: November 2013

Background—

The prevalence of hypertension among collegiate football athletes is not well described.

Methods and Results—

A retrospective cohort of all male athletes who participated in varsity athletics at a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I university between 1999 and 2012 was examined through chart review. Mandatory annual preparticipation physical examinations included blood pressure, body mass index, medication use, and supplement use. Prevalence of hypertension was compared between football and nonfootball athletes. A mixed-effects linear regression model examined change in blood pressure over time. Six hundred thirty-six collegiate athletes, including 323 football players, were identified. In the initial year of athletic participation, 19.2% of football athletes had hypertension and 61.9% had prehypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was higher among football athletes than in nonfootball athletes in their initial (19.2% versus 7.0%;
P
<0.001) and final (19.2% versus 10.2%;
P
=0.001) years of athletic participation. In adjusted analyses, the odds of hypertension were higher among football athletes in the initial year (adjusted odds ratio, 2.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.21–4.30) but not in the final year (adjusted odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–2.28). Over the course of their collegiate career, football athletes had an annual decrease in systolic blood pressure (−0.82 mm Hg;
P
=0.002), whereas nonfootball athletes did not (0.18 mm Hg;
P
=0.58).

Conclusions—

Hypertension and prehypertension were common among collegiate football athletes, and football athletes were more likely to have hypertension compared with male nonfootball athletes. This presents a potential cardiovascular risk in a young population of athletes. Strategies for increasing awareness, prevention, and treatment are needed.
Influence of Cardiac Surgeon Report Cards on Patient Referral by Cardiologists in New York State After 20 Years of Public Reporting
Authors: Brown David L. , Epstein Arnold M. , Schneider Eric C.
Published: November 2013

Background—

Report cards of risk-adjusted mortality rates of individual cardiac surgeons have been publicly available in New York State since 1991. A survey of New York cardiologists in 1996 found that these report cards had little effect on their referral recommendations to cardiac surgeons. It is unknown whether the influence of report cards on referral behavior has changed over time.

Methods and Results—

We surveyed cardiologists in New York State in 2011 to determine their awareness of cardiac surgeon report cards, their use of the report card in formulating judgments about the quality of cardiac surgeons and selecting cardiac surgeons for referral of patients, and discussion of the report with patients in need of cardiac surgery. The relation between demographic (age, sex) and professional (teaching, board certification, faculty appointment, general cardiology practice, and hospital employee) characteristics and the influence of report cards on referral decisions was assessed using χ
2
for categorical variables and
t
test for continuous variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were created to determine the independent association of any variable with
P
<0.1 on univariate analysis. Almost all (94%) cardiologists were aware of report cards of cardiac surgeons. The influence of the report cards on cardiologists’ referral decisions was limited, with 25% of cardiologists reporting a moderate or substantial influence on referral decisions. The report card was not discussed with any patients by 71% of cardiologists. The mean age of cardiologists reporting moderate or substantial influence of report cards was 58 years compared with 54 years for those who reported no/little influence (
P
=0.012). Fewer cardiologists who reported moderate or substantial influence were board certified (91% versus 99%;
P
=0.003). On multivariate analysis, general cardiology practice and employment by a hospital were independently associated with greater report card influence (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.05;
P
=0.13).

Conclusions—

After 20 years of public reporting and almost universal awareness of cardiac surgeon report cards, in 2011, cardiologists in New York State made little use of this information and rarely discussed it with patients at the time of referral for cardiac surgery.
What difference a decade? The costs of psychosis in Australia in 2000 and 2010: Comparative results from the first and second Australian national surveys of psychosis
Authors: Neil Amanda L , Carr Vaughan J , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Mackinnon Andrew , Lewin Terry J , Morgan Vera A
Published: November 2013

Objectives:

To assess differences in costs of psychosis between the first and second Australian national surveys of psychosis and examine them in light of policy developments.

Method:

Cost differences due to changes in resource use and/or real price rises were assessed by minimizing differences in recruitment and costing methodologies between the two surveys. For each survey, average annual societal costs of persons recruited through public specialized mental health services in the census month were assessed through prevalence-based, bottom-up cost-of-illness analyses. The first survey costing methodology was employed as the reference approach. Unit costs were specific to each time period (2000, 2010) and expressed in 2010 Australian dollars.

Results:

There was minimal change in the average annual costs of psychosis between the surveys, although newly included resources in the second survey’s analysis cost AUD$3183 per person. Among resources common to each analysis were significant increases in the average annual cost per person for ambulatory care of AUD$7380, non-government services AUD$2488 and pharmaceuticals AUD$1892, and an upward trend in supported accommodation costs. These increases were offset by over a halving of mental health inpatient costs of AUD$11,790 per person and a 84.6% (AUD$604) decrease in crisis accommodation costs. Productivity losses, the greatest component cost, changed minimally, reflecting the magnitude and constancy of reduced employment levels of individuals with psychosis across the surveys.

Conclusions:

Between 2000 and 2010 there was little change in total average annual costs of psychosis for individuals receiving treatment at public specialized mental health services. However, there was a significant redistribution of costs within and away from the health sector in line with government initiatives arising from the Second and Third National Mental Health Plans. Non-health sector costs are now a critical component of cost-of-illness analyses of mental illnesses reflecting, at least in part, a whole-of-government approach to care.
The Achebean Restoration
Authors: Ekwe-Ekwe Herbert
Published: November 2013

Chinua Achebe and his work represent the restoration of the African as the central focus of deliberation and agency. The importance of that cannot be over-emphasized for a continent and its peoples who were conquered and occupied most devastatingly by Europeans. Achebe has accomplished that task by: (1) ensuring that there is no universal loss of memory of the historic realities of African sovereignty and independence before conquest nor of the regenerative seeds of African freedom that survived the occupation and (2) by countering the conquest literature of the aftermath.
The Political Economy of Reforming Financial Supervision in South Korea
Authors: Heo Inhye
Published: November 2013

This study examines the reform trajectory of financial supervision in South Korea after the 1980s, focusing on external and internal political–economic factors. Research results indicate that the changed economic landscape led the government, which once utilized financial supervision as a tool to support industrial policy, to alter its aims and pursue the development of the financial market itself. During this transformational process, the 1997 Asian financial crisis functioned as a powerful stimulus for the reform of the previous supervisory system. The process was also marked by social actors’ efforts to affect related policies and the government’s efforts to control the reform process, as well as confrontations between organizations that supported contradictory reform plans. A multi-strategy approach including in-depth interviews with a senior staff member from a government financial regulatory agency, literature reviews, and secondary data collection, was adopted in order to enhance the validity and reliability of this paper.
Morphological Knowledge and Literacy Acquisition
Authors: Nagy William E. , Carlisle Joanne F. , Goodwin Amanda P.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this special issue of the Journal of Learning Disabilities is to bring to the attention of researchers and educators studies on morphology and literacy that either involve students with learning difficulties or have educational implications for teaching such students. In our introduction, we first provide background information about morphological knowledge and consider the role of morphology in literacy, focusing on findings that are relevant for instruction of students who struggle with reading and writing. Next we present an overview of the studies included in this issue, organized by current issues concerning the role of morphological knowledge in literacy. Collectively, the articles in this issue suggest that students with weaker literacy skills tend to lag behind their peers in morphological knowledge but that all students are likely to benefit from morphological instruction. Morphological interventions hold promise, especially for students who face challenges in language learning and literacy, but additional research is needed to provide a basis for informed decisions about the design of effective morphological interventions.
Primary hydatid disease of brachialis and biceps brachii muscles: a case report
Authors: Aydin Bahattin Kerem , Acar Mehmet Ali , Sumer Sua , Demir Nazlım Aktug , Erkocak Omer Faruk , Ural Onur
Published: November 2013

Primary hydatid cyst of the skeletal muscle is very rare and accounts for less than 1% of all cases. It is often asymptomatic and can pose diagnostic problems. Accurate diagnosis should be made using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Proper treatment should be a wide surgical resection of the localized muscle with the aid of antihelmintic chemotherapy pre- and postoperatively. We report a case of primary hydatic cyst located simultaneously in both the biceps brachii and brachialis muscles, treated with wide resection surgery and pre- and postoperative anthelmintic chemotherapy.
Central nervous system involvement in scrub typhus
Authors: Boorugu Harikishan , Chrispal Anugrah , Gopinath KG , Chandy Sara , Prakash John Jude , Abraham Asha Mary , Abraham OC , Thomas Kurien
Published: November 2013

Scrub typhus is an emerging infectious disease in India. Among its protean clinical manifestations, central nervous system involvement is common. In this prospective observational study, altered sensorium, headache, seizures and aseptic meningitis were found to be common central nervous system manifestations. Prompt treatment with doxycycline reduces morbidity and mortality.
Virtual Team Work
Authors: Schouten Alexander P. , van den Hooff Bart , Feldberg Frans
Published: November 2013

This study investigates how three-dimensional virtual environments (3DVEs) support shared understanding and group decision making. Based on media synchronicity theory, we pose that the shared environment and avatar-based interaction allowed by 3DVEs aid convergence processes in teams working on a decision-making task, leading to increased shared understanding between team members. This increases team performance. An experiment was conducted in which 70 teams of three participants had to decide on a spatial planning issue. The teams interacted using synchronous text-based chat, a 3D virtual decision room, or were present in the virtual environment (VE) mirroring the spatial planning task. Results revealed that in the virtual decision room and the VE, shared understanding was higher than in the text-based chat condition. This led to higher task performance in terms of consensus, satisfaction, and cohesion. Our results show that 3DVEs offer potential for team collaboration over more traditional text-based collaboration technologies.
“Our Most Important Asset”
Authors: Fulmer Ingrid Smithey , Ployhart Robert E.
Published: November 2013

Despite managers’ claims that their organization’s human capital is their “most important asset,” few can confidently state the financial value of that resource or quantify in financial terms how changes in management practices, culture, or workforce composition affect the value of that resource. Scholars of strategic human capital and strategic human resource management face a similar situation, relying more on inferences about human capital resource value than on empirical measures of it. In an effort to explicate the challenges associated with financial valuation so that scholars can begin to move past them, we provide a multidisciplinary review of existing work that has been concerned with the estimation, disclosure, and management of the financial value associated with an organization’s human capital resources. We propose a multilevel organizing framework to facilitate the linkage between the financial valuation issues highlighted in our review and the recent literature on strategic human capital/strategic human resource management. Based on the insights drawn from this review, we then propose a series of next steps or “action items” to stimulate future research that holds promise for yielding both new theoretical insights and important practical implications for organizations.
Not Just Neoliberalism
Authors: Berman Elizabeth Popp
Published: November 2013

Recent scholarship in science, technology, and society has emphasized the neoliberal character of science today. This article draws on the history of US science and technology (S&T) policy to argue against thinking of recent changes in science as fundamentally neoliberal, and for thinking of them instead as reflecting a process of “economization.” The policies that changed the organization of science in the United States included some that intervened in markets and others that expanded their reach, and were promoted by some groups who were skeptical of free markets and others who embraced them. In both cases, however, new policies reflected (1) growing political concern with “the economy” and related abstractions (e.g., growth, productivity, balance of trade) and (2) a new understanding of S&T as inputs into a larger economic system that government could manipulate through policy. Understanding trends in US S&T policy as resulting from economization, not just neoliberalism, has implications for thinking about the present and likely future of science and S&T policy.
Teaching Smoking Cessation to Future Nurses
Authors: Lepage Mario , Dumas Louise , Saint-Pierre Chantal
Published: November 2013

Smoking cessation strategies are barely discussed in nursing education programs, even though initial education shapes how future professionals practice their profession. The aim of this research is to describe the practices, attitudes, and beliefs of nursing educators of Quebec with regard to smoking cessation strategies in initial nursing education. A descriptive design was chosen along with an online questionnaire. A total of 278 educators (20.8%) participated in the survey. Although educators recognize the importance of incorporating smoking cessation strategies into their teaching practice, they allocate an average of only one hour per year to the topic. Tobacco use is addressed mostly in terms of risk factors, with little focus on how to help patients quit. The perceived obstacles are related to false beliefs and a lack of knowledge. The results of this study demonstrate the need to raise educators’ awareness of the importance of incorporating smoking cessation strategies into classroom teaching.
A Motivational Physical Activity Intervention for Improving Mobility in Older Korean Americans
Authors: Yeom Hye-A , Fleury Julie
Published: November 2013

There has been limited empirical support for interventions designed to promote physical activity targeting mobility in racially diverse older adults. This study aims to examine the effects of a Motivational Physical Activity Intervention (MPAI) on social resource, behavioral change process, physical activity, and mobility variables in sedentary older Korean Americans. A quasi-experimental, repeated-measure, pre- and post-tests design was used. Sixty-four community-dwelling, sedentary older Korean Americans ( n = 33 for MPAI group, n = 31 for Attention Control group) participated in the study. There were significant improvements in social resources, including social support from family and friends; behavioral change process variables, including self-efficacy; motivational appraisal; and self-regulation for physical activity. There were significant intervention effects on physical activity, walking endurance, and flexibility. The MPAI is supported as improving mobility and physical activity, as well as increasing motivation for physical activity in older Korean Americans.
Giant right atrial diverticulum with thrombus formation
Authors: Sato Yoshiyuki , Satokawa Hirono , Yamamoto Akihiro , Yokoyama Hitoshi , Maehara Kazuhira
Published: November 2013

A 28-year-old man was referred to our hospital with a giant right atrial diverticulum. The mass of the right atrial diverticulum compressed the right atrium and right ventricle, and thrombus formation was suspected. The diverticulum was surgically excised and the patient remained asymptomatic a year later.