bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract LB-77: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled phase II trial of sorafenib and erlotinib or erlotinib alone in previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer: Correlative analyses
Authors: Spigel David R. , Burris Howard A. , Greco F. Anthony , Shipley Diana L. , Friedman Elke K. , Waterhouse David M. , Whorf Robert C. , Mitchell R. Brian , Daniel Davey B. , Zangmeister Jeffery , Hainsworth John D.
Published: February 2011

Background: Sorafenib is an oral multikinase inhibitor of angiogenesis and cellular proliferation which has shown preliminary activity in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We conducted a multicenter phase II trial of erlotinib +/− sorafenib in 2nd/3rd line NSCLC.

Methods: Patients with previously treated stage IIIB/IV NSCLC were eligible (1-2 prior regimens). Additional eligibility criteria included: ECOG performance status 0-2, all NSCLC histologies, measurable disease, adequate organ function, and the absence of major cardiovascular disease. Patients with treated brain metastases and/or on stable anticoagulation were eligible. Patients were stratified according to squamous/non-squamous histology, prior bevacizumab use, and line of therapy and were randomized 2:1 to receive erlotinib 150mg orally once daily and sorafenib 400mg orally twice daily, or erlotinib and placebo. Patients were also consented for biomarker testing for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, EGFR amplification, and K-ras mutations. The primary endpoint was to assess the efficacy of each arm in terms of objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). The trial was designed to enroll 168 patients to demonstrate a 40% improvement on an historical 2.2 month PFS (> 80%, 1-sided 0.1).

Results: 168 patients were enrolled from February 2008 to February 2009. Baseline characteristics were well-matched between cohorts (median age, 65 years; 3rd line therapy, 39%; prior bevacizumab, 36%; squamous histology, 30%). The ORRs for the sorafenib/erlotinib and erlotinib/placebo cohorts were 8.1% v. 10.9%, respectively (p=.55). However, the disease control rates (ORR + proportion of patients with stable disease) were 54.1% (sorafenib/erlotinib) v. 38.2% (erlotinib/placebo) (p=.06). The median PFS was 3.25 months (sorafenib/erlotinib) v. 1.87 months (erlotinib/placebo) (HR 0.86 [95% CI 0.60, 1.22], p=.20). 72 (44%) patients had material assessable for EGFR mutation analysis. Among the 67 patients who were found to have EGFR wild-type (WT) tumors, the median PFS was 3.25 months (sorafenib/erlotinib) v. 1.71 months (erlotinib/placebo) (HR 0.55 [95% CI 0.32, 0.96], p=.02).

Conclusions: Additional preplanned subset analyses based on histology, EGFR amplification, K-ras mutation, prior bevacizumab treatment, and line of therapy will be presented, as well as updated overall response, PFS, survival, and toxicity data.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-77.
Abstract LB-8: Tumor suppressive functions of leucine zipper transcription factorlike 1
Authors: Qun Wei , Zhou Wen , Wang Weining , Gao Boning , Cao Jiang , Wang LinBo , liu Zhi-ping
Published: February 2011

Human leucine zipper transcription factor like 1 (LZTFL1) is a novel gene with unknown biological functions. It is located in the chromosome region 3p21.3, a hot spot for tumor suppressor genes. To understand the biological functions of LZTFL1, we surveyed the expression level of LZTFL1 in tumor and normal samples in tissue microarrays and a clinical archive of 84 gastric cancer specimens using immunohistochemistry. We found that LZTFL1 is expressed highly in the epithelial cells of normal tissues and is significantly down regulated in the corresponding tumor samples. The expression level of LZTFL1 correlated significantly with the survival outcomes of the patients and had significant inverse correlation with tumor metastasis. Overexpression of LZTFL1 in tumor cells inhibited anchorage-independent cell growth and cell migration in vitro, and repressed tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, we show that LZTFL1 expression is upregulated upon epithelial cell differentiation and is graded along the crypt-villus axis of the intestine with weakest expression level in the proliferative zone of the crypt and highest expression level at the apex of the differentiation zone in the villus. Expression of LZTFL1 overlaps with that of E-cadherin at the plasma membrane. Our results indicate that LZTFL1 is a tumor suppressor and that loss of LZTFL1 expression has significant clinical outcomes. LZTFL1 expression may serve as an independent prognostic marker for survival outcome of gastric cancer patients. We propose that LZTFL1 may inhibit tumorigenesis by stabilizing E-cadherin-mediated adherens junction formation and promoting epithelial cell differentiation.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-8.
Abstract LB-94: A non-lytic, cell-based, bioluminescent HDAC assay
Authors: Kirkland Thomas A. , Niles Andrew L. , Scurria Michael A. , Ugo Tim , Evans Nathan
Published: February 2011

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) class I and II enzymes play a critical role in the normal gene regulation events of development and homeostasis, but their dysregulation has been implicated in a variety of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Broad spectrum inhibitors of HDAC Class I and II enzymes have been shown to achieve significant biological responses in otherwise refractory cancers. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of these inhibitors have yet to be fully elucidated. Therefore, more sensitive and efficient tools are needed to rapidly identify and define modulators of HDAC activity. We have recently developed a one-step, homogeneous, luminescent assay for the detection of activity in a high-throughput format from multiple HDAC Class I and II isoforms, in cell culture, enriched or recombinant sources. This luciferase-containing, “glow-type” assay reagent measures HDAC activity in a proportional manner when the pro-luciferin peptide substrate becomes deacetylated and susceptible to lysine-specific cleavage by a developer enzyme contained within the reagent. This substrate is fully cell-permeable and can directly measure HDAC activity in living cells. We will present data demonstrating assay utility with attachment-dependent and suspension cell types using representative inhibitors from the hydroxamate, short-chain fatty acid, benzamide and cyclic peptide classes. Furthermore, we will correlate HDAC inhibition profiles with initiation of caspase activity and/or other cytotoxicity biomarkers.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-94.
Observed and Predicted Total Pubertal Growth during Treatment with Growth Hormone in Adolescents with Idiopathic Growth Hormone Deficiency, Turner Syndrome, Short Stature, Born Small for Gestational Age and Idiopathic Short Stature: KIGS Analysis and Review
Authors: Ranke Michael B. , Lindberg Anders ,   on behalf of the KIGS International Board
Published: February 2011

Background/Aims: The aim was to describe the factors determining total pubertal growth (TPG) in adolescents with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), Turner syndrome (TS), who were small for gestational age (SGA) or had idiopathic short stature (ISS). Methods: The patients were documented within KIGS (Pfizer International Growth Database). TPG was defined as growth from puberty onset – spontaneous (>B1 or testes >3 ml) or induced with sex steroids to adult height in idiopathic GHD (n = 639; males 399), TS (n = 463), SGA (n = 59; males 35), and ISS (n = 130; males 87). Algorithms to predict TPG at puberty onset were developed by multiple linear regression analysis. Results: In GHD (males, females) and TS TPG could be explained with the same four predictors: (1) age (years) at puberty onset (neg.), (2) age – bone age at puberty onset (pos.), (3) height – midparental height (SDS) at puberty onset (neg.), and (4) mean dose of growth hormone (GH) during puberty (pos.). The algorithms explained 66, 65 and 68%, respectively, of the variability with total errors of 4.5, 3.8 and 2.9 cm, in spontaneous and induced TPG. Conclusions: TPG is determined by the same factors at puberty onset in adolescents with GHD, TS, SGA or ISS treated with GH. Thus, TPG depends mostly on the outcomes achieved at the end of prepubertal growth and less so on the dose of GH.
Neurotrophin Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Adult Patients with Meningitis and Encephalitis
Authors: Kizawa-Ueda Madoka , Ueda Akihiro , Kawamura Naoki , Ishikawa Tomomasa , Mutoh Eri , Fukuda Yu , Shiroki Ryouichi , Hoshinaga Kiyotaka , Ito Shinji , Asakura Kunihiko , Mutoh Tatsuro
Published: February 2011

Background: The data on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of neurotrophins (NTs) in patients with meningoencephalitis are scarce, especially in adult patients. Methods: We measured CSF levels of NTs such as nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in adult patients with various meningitis (n = 10) and encephalitis (n = 10) in both acute phase and recovery phase and adult control subjects (n = 21) by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for NTs. Results: Data show that NGF and NT-3 CSF levels were markedly elevated in the patient group in the acute phase compared with non-neurological controls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively) and later returned to the levels of controls. Most intriguingly, we only recognized a significant correlation between NGF and NT-3 CSF levels in the patients in the acute phase. Conclusion: Such strong correlation of NGF and NT-3 CSF levels strongly suggests that in adult patients, some common regulatory mechanism(s) might be present among various kinds of NTs to cope with central nervous system infection.
Role of Resection of the Primary Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumour Only in Patients with Unresectable Metastatic Liver Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Capurso Gabriele , Bettini Rossella , Rinzivillo Maria , Boninsegna Letizia , Delle Fave Gianfranco , Falconi Massimo
Published: February 2011

Background: Surgery remains the only curative option for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs), but its indication is limited by metastatic disease in most patients. Indication for removing the primary lesion only in the setting of unresectable liver disease is controversial. The present systematic review aims at determining the potential bene- fits (survival, progression-free survival) or harms (morbidity, mortality) of surgical resection of the primary lesion only in patients with PNETs and unresectable metastases. Meth ods: Medline was queried for studies reporting the outcome of PNET patients with unresectable liver metastases whenever there was an explicit comparison between resection of the primary lesion only (‘active treatment’) and no resection (‘non-active treatment’). The primary outcome was survival; possible secondary outcomes were progression-free survival, treatment-related mortality and morbidity, and relief of symptoms. Results: Only 3 cohort studies found were eligible and analysed; no meta-analysis could be performed. The number of patients undergoing ‘active treatment’ varied from 16 to 20, with a percentage ranging from 17 to 39% of cohorts. Survival was longer in patients who received ‘active treatment’ in 2 studies, and the 5-year survival rate also seemed higher, without significant complications. Discussion: Available data suggest a possible benefit of resection of the primary lesion only in this setting. However, a bias towards a more aggressive surgical approach in patients with a better performance status or less advanced disease seems likely, and no conclusion can be drawn except for the need of randomised trials. We calculated that such a trial would require at least 118 patients per arm.
Apolipoprotein E Induces Antiinflammatory Phenotype in Macrophages
Authors: Baitsch Daniel , Bock Hans H. , Engel Thomas , Telgmann Ralph , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Varga Georg , Bot Martine , Herz Joachim , Robenek Horst , von Eckardstein Arnold , Nofer Jerzy-Roch
Published: February 2011

Objective—

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) exerts potent antiinflammatory effects. Here, we investigated the effect of apoE on the functional phenotype of macrophages.

Methods and Results—

Human apoE receptors very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDL-R) and apoE receptor-2 (apoER2) were stably expressed in RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. In these cells, apoE downregulated markers of the proinflammatory M1 phenotype (inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin [IL]-12, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α) but upregulated markers of the antiinflammatory M2 phenotype (arginase I, SOCS3, IL-1 receptor antagonist [IL-1RA]). In addition, M1 macrophage responses (migration, generation of reactive oxygen species, antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, phagocytosis), as well as poly(I:C)- or interferon-γ-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines; cyclooxygenase-2 expression; and activation of nuclear factor-κB, IκB, and STAT1, were suppressed in VLDL-R- or apoER2-expressing cells. Conversely, the suppression of the M2 phenotype and the enhanced response to poly(I:C) were observed in apoE-producing bone marrow macrophages derived from VLDL-R-deficient mice but not wild-type or low-density lipoprotein receptor–deficient mice. The modulatory effects of apoE on macrophage polarization were inhibited in apoE receptor-expressing RAW264.7 cells exposed to SB220025, a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, and PP1, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Accordingly, apoE induced tyrosine kinase-dependent activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in VLDL-R- or apoER2-expressing macrophages. Under in vivo conditions, apoE
−/−
mice transplanted with apoE-producing wild-type bone marrow showed increased plasma IL-1RA levels, and peritoneal macrophages of transplanted animals were shifted to the M2 phenotype (increased IL-1RA production and CD206 expression).

Conclusion—

ApoE signaling via VLDL-R or apoER2 promotes macrophage conversion from the proinflammatory M1 to the antiinflammatory M2 phenotype. This effect may represent a novel antiinflammatory activity of apoE.
Lack of Fibronectin-EDA Promotes Survival and Prevents Adverse Remodeling and Heart Function Deterioration After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Arslan Fatih , Smeets Mirjam B. , Riem Vis Paul W. , Karper Jacco C. , Quax Paul H. , Bongartz Lennart G. , Peters John H. , Hoefer Imo E. , Doevendans Pieter A. , Pasterkamp Gerard , de Kleijn Dominique P.
Published: February 2011

Rationale:

The extracellular matrix may induce detrimental inflammatory responses on degradation, causing adverse cardiac remodeling and heart failure. The extracellular matrix protein fibronectin-EDA (EIIIA; EDA) is upregulated after tissue injury and may act as a “danger signal” for leukocytes to cause adverse cardiac remodeling after infarction.

Objective:

In the present study, we evaluated the role of EDA in regulation of postinfarct inflammation and repair after myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results:

Wild-type and EDA
−/−
mice underwent permanent ligation of the left anterior coronary artery. Despite equal infarct size between groups (38.2±4.6% versus 38.2±2.9% of left ventricle;
P
=0.985), EDA
−/−
mice exhibited less left ventricular dilatation and enhanced systolic performance compared with wild-type mice as assessed by serial cardiac MRI measurements. In addition, EDA
−/−
mice exhibited reduced fibrosis of the remote area without affecting collagen production, cross-linking, and deposition in the infarct area. Subsequently, ventricular contractility and relaxation was preserved in EDA
−/−
. At tissue level, EDA
−/−
mice showed reduced inflammation, metalloproteinase 2 and 9 activity, and myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Bone marrow transplantation experiments revealed that myocardium-induced EDA and not EDA from circulating cells regulates postinfarct remodeling. Finally, the absence of EDA reduced monocyte recruitment as well as monocytic Toll-like receptor 2 and CD49d expression after infarction.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrated that parenchymal fn-EDA plays a critical role in adverse cardiac remodeling after infarction. Absence of fn-EDA enhances survival and cardiac performance by modulating matrix turnover and inflammation via leukocytes and fibroblasts after infarction.
Disturbed Blood Flow Induces RelA Expression via c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase 1
Authors: Cuhlmann Simon , Van der Heiden Kim , Saliba David , Tremoleda Jordi L. , Khalil Magdy , Zakkar Mustafa , Chaudhury Hera , Luong Le Anh , Mason Justin C. , Udalova Irina , Gsell William , Jones Hazel , Haskard Dorian O. , Krams Rob , Evans Paul C.
Published: February 2011

Rationale:

The nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway is involved in arterial inflammation. Although the signaling pathways that regulate transcriptional activation of NF-κB are defined, the mechanisms that regulate the expression levels of NF-κB transcription factors are uncertain.

Objective:

We studied the signaling mechanisms that regulate RelA NF-κB subunit expression in endothelial cells (ECs) and their role in arterial inflammation.

Methods and Results:

Gene silencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that RelA expression was positively regulated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the downstream transcription factor ATF2 in ECs. We concluded that this pathway promotes focal arterial inflammation as genetic deletion of JNK1 reduced NF-κB expression and macrophage accumulation at an atherosusceptible site. We hypothesized that JNK signaling to NF-κB may be controlled by mechanical forces because atherosusceptibility is associated with exposure to disturbed blood flow. This was assessed by positron emission tomography imaging of carotid arteries modified with a constrictive cuff, a method that was developed to study the effects of disturbed flow on vascular physiology in vivo. This approach coupled to en face staining revealed that disturbed flow elevates NF-κB expression and inflammation in murine carotid arteries via JNK1.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate that disturbed blood flow promotes arterial inflammation by inducing NF-κB expression in endothelial cells via JNK-ATF2 signaling. Thus, our findings illuminate a novel form of JNK–NF-κB crosstalk that may determine the focal nature of arterial inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Intracranial Hemodynamics Is Altered by Carotid Artery Disease and After Endarterectomy
Authors: MacIntosh Bradley J. , Sideso Ediri , Donahue Manus J. , Chappell Michael A. , Günther Matthias , Handa Ashok , Kennedy James , Jezzard Peter
Published: February 2011

Background and Purpose—

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has become a routine procedure to treat symptomatic carotid artery disease and reduce the risk of recurrent cerebral ischemic events. The purpose of this study was to use an arterial spin labeling dynamic magnetic resonance angiography technique to characterize intracranial hemodynamics before and after CEA.

Methods—

Thirty-seven carotid artery disease patients participated in this study, of whom 24 underwent magnetic resonance imaging before and after CEA. Seventeen control subjects spanning 5 decades underwent magnetic resonance imaging to assess age-related changes. Hemodynamic metrics (that is, relative time to peak and amplitude) were calculated with a γ-variate model. Linear regression was used to relate carotid artery disease burden to downstream hemodynamics in the circle of Willis.

Results—

Relative time to peak increased with age in controls (
P
<0.020). For patients, relative time to peak was positively correlated with percent stenosis (
P
<0.050), independent of age. At 1 day after CEA, the middle cerebral artery ipsilateral to the CEA showed significant dynamic magnetic resonance angiography changes: relative time to peak decreased (
P
<0.017) and the flow amplitude increased (
P
<0.009). No pre- versus post-CEA changes were significant in the contralateral middle cerebral artery or posterior segments.

Conclusions—

This noninvasive, arterial spin labeling–based method produced time-resolved images that were used to characterize intracranial arterial flow associated with aging, extracranial carotid artery disease, and CEA. Results demonstrate that the technique has the sensitivity to detect hemodynamic changes after CEA.
Efficacy of a 3-hour Aboriginal health teaching in the medical curriculum
Authors: Zhou Alysia W , Boshart Samantha , Seelisch Jennifer , Eshaghian Reza , McLeod Ryan , Nisker Jeff , Richmond Chantelle AM , Howard John M
Published: February 2011

There is national recognition of the need to incorporate Aboriginal health issues within the medical school curricula. This study aims to evaluate changes in medical students’ knowledge and attitudes about Aboriginal health, and their preparedness to work in Aboriginal communities after attending a 3-hour Aboriginal health seminar. A cross-sectional survey was administered before and after the seminar for Year 1 and 2 medical students at the University of Western Ontario. The survey included four true or false questions and 24 questions using a seven-point Likert scale (1 – strongly disagree, 7 – strongly agree). Eighty two of 130 (64 per cent) Year 1 students and 55 of 86 (63 per cent) Year 2 students completed both questionnaires. Knowledge-based questions were answered correctly by most students before the seminar, with an increasing number of correct responses noted after the seminar ( p < 0.05). Students’ perceptions about sociocultural and economic factors affecting health showed uncertainty before the seminar, but changed towards greater agreement regarding its impact on health after the seminar ( p < 0.05). Students initially felt unprepared to care for Aboriginal patients before the seminar, but felt more prepared after the seminar ( p < 0.05). A 3-hour seminar using both didactic and non-traditional teaching methods appears to be effective in the short term in improving knowledge, changing attitudes and reversing some of the uncertainties medical students have about practicing in Aboriginal communities.
Psychoanalytic Facts as Unintended Institutional Facts
Authors: Buekens Filip , Boudry Maarten
Published: February 2011

We present an inference to the best explanation of the immense cultural success of Freudian psychoanalysis as a hermeneutic method. We argue that an account of psychoanalytic facts as products of unintended declarative speech acts explains this phenomenon. Our argument connects diverse, seemingly independent characteristics of psychoanalysis that have been independently confirmed, and applies key features of John Searle’s and Eerik Lagerspetz’s theory of institutional facts to the psychoanalytic edifice. We conclude with a brief defence of the institutional approach against more contentious social constructivist approaches to science and psychoanalysis.
Personality Types of Otolaryngology Resident Applicants as Described by the Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator
Authors: Zardouz Shawn , German Michael A. , Wu Edward C. , Djalilian Hamid R.
Published: February 2011

Objective

To assess the personality types of applicants to a single otolaryngology residency program using the Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator. The personality types were compared with those of the general population and with physicians in other medical specialties.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

University hospital.

Subjects and Methods

A personality survey was emailed to 327 resident physician applicants over 2 consecutive years (2008‐2009). Analysis was accomplished by calculating prevalence estimates.

Results

Of the 327 anonymous surveys, 137 were completed (response rate = 42%). The Introverted/Sensing/Thinking/ Judging personality type was the most prevalent (14.6%), representing 13% of the general population. Prospective applicants displayed mostly Extroverted (E; 58%), Sensing (S; 54%), Thinking (T; 62%), and Judging (J; 61%) personality traits. Of the 16 personality types, statistically significant differences were found between otolaryngology resident applicants and the general population only for the Extroverted/Sensing/Thinking/ Perceiving (P =. 002) personality type after correcting for multiple comparisons. The Intuitive (N; 46%) and Feeling (F; 38%) types correlated closely with the reported personality types of those individuals in non–primary care specialties, 47% and 28%, respectively. Extroverted (E) and Thinking (T) individuals appeared to prefer surgical specialties, which occurred in 58% and 62% of the applicants, respectively. There were no significant differences between male and female applicants.

Conclusion

This study examines the personality types of medical students applying to an otolaryngology residency. The results support a highly structured, data‐driven teaching preference among applicants. These results may allow for a better understanding of the personalities of medical students who are interested in otolaryngology.
Comparison of Muzzle Suppression and Ear‐Level Hearing Protection in Firearm Use
Authors: Branch Matthew Parker
Published: February 2011

Objective

To compare noise reduction of commercially available ear‐level hearing protection (muffs/inserts) to that of firearm muzzle suppressors.

Setting

Experimental sound measurements under consistent environmental conditions.

Subjects

None.

Study Design and Methods

Muzzle suppressors for 2 pistol and 2 rifle calibers were tested using the Bruel & Kjaer 2209 sound meter and Bruel & Kjaer 4136 microphone calibrated with the Bruel & Kjaer Pistonphone using Military‐Standard 1474D placement protocol. Five shots were recorded unsuppressed and 10 shots suppressed under consistent environmental conditions. Sound reduction was then compared with the real‐world noise reduction rate of the best available ear‐level protectors.

Results

All suppressors offered significantly greater noise reduction than ear‐level protection, usually greater than 50% better. Noise reduction of all ear‐level protectors is unable to reduce the impulse pressure below 140 dB for certain common firearms, an international standard for prevention of sensorineural hearing loss.

Conclusion

Modern muzzle‐level suppression is vastly superior to ear‐level protection and the only available form of suppression capable of making certain sporting arms safe for hearing. The inadequacy of standard hearing protectors with certain common firearms is not recognized by most hearing professionals or their patients and should affect the way hearing professionals counsel patients and the public.
Retail Therapy: Scale Development
Authors: Kang Minjeong , Johnson Kim K. P.
Published: February 2011

Retail therapy (RT) is defined as shopping to alleviate negative moods. The objectives of this research were to 1) an alyze the conceptual foundation of RT and 2) develop and validate a scale measuring RT. Retail therapy scale development consisted of three phases: initial item generation, scale purification, and scale validation. 43 initial scale items were generated based on interview findings from previous studies and included in the survey questionnaire. 258 survey responses from the general population were used for scale purification through which a four factor measurement model was developed with 22 items. The refined measurement model was validated using a separate sample of 272. Our study provides theoretical contributions in consumer behavior research by conceptualizing and operationalizing retail therapy. A valid and reliable RT scale serves as a foundation to broaden quantitative inquiry into shopping behaviors driven by mood alleviative motives.
The Efficacy of Teaching Creativity: Assessment of Student Creative Thinking Before and After Exercises
Authors: Karpova Elena , Marcketti Sara B. , Barker Jessica
Published: February 2011

As the global environment becomes increasingly more turbulent and competitive, creativity becomes the focus when preparing current students and future citizens to deal with uncertainty and to adapt to continuous change both personally and professionally. The purpose of the study was to understand how student creative thinking could be increased in a university classroom. Creativity exercises that can be incorporated in various courses were developed. The exercises formed four learning modules: (a) what is creativity, (b) recognizing and identifying opportunities, (c) generating ideas, and (d) evaluating creative ideas. Four instructors administered the exercises in five courses. To evaluate effectiveness of the training, figural format of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) was used to assess student creative thinking before and after completion of the exercises. Creative thinking, which was operationalized as the composite Creativity Index measured by the TTCT, was significantly higher for the total group of participants after completion of the creativity exercises than before the training. Individual class analyses showed that students in four of the five participating classes had significantly higher creative thinking after completion of the exercises. The study demonstrates that by incorporating creativity exercises into existing courses, instructors can help students develop creative thinking —a critical aspect of one’s professional development.
Temper, Temperature, and Temptation
Authors: Larrick Richard P. , Timmerman Thomas A. , Carton Andrew M. , Abrevaya Jason
Published: February 2011

In this study, we analyzed data from 57,293 Major League Baseball games to test whether high temperatures interact with provocation to increase the likelihood that batters will be hit by a pitch. Controlling for a number of other variables, we conducted analyses showing that the probability of a pitcher hitting a batter increases sharply at high temperatures when more of the pitcher’s teammates have been hit by the opposing team earlier in the game. We suggest that high temperatures increase retaliation by increasing hostile attributions when teammates are hit by a pitch and by lowering inhibitions against retaliation.
Adaline neural network-based adaptive inverse control for an electro-hydraulic servo system
Authors: Yao Jianjun , Wang Xiancheng , Hu Shenghai , Fu Wei
Published: February 2011

Based on adaptive inverse control theory, combined with neural network, neural network adaptive inverse controller is developed and applied to an electro-hydraulic servo system. The system inverse model identifier is constructed by neural network. The task is accomplished by generating a tracking error between the input command signal and the system response. The weights of the neural network are updated by the error signal in such a way that the error is minimized in the sense of mean square using (LMS) algorithm and the neural network is close to the system inverse model. The above steps make the gain of the serial connection system close to unity, realizing waveform replication function in real-time. To enhance its convergence and robustness, the normalized LMS algorithm is applied. Simulation in which nonlinear dead-zone is considered and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed control scheme is capable of tracking desired signals with high accuracy and it has good real-time performance.
Legislative recruitment
Authors: Ashe Jeanette , Stewart Kennedy
Published: February 2011

Many legislative recruitment scholars seek to explain why women, visible minorities and other social groups are underrepresented in the world’s legislatures. Researchers in this area often use a supply and demand metaphor to frame their work, but cannot agree whether underrepresentation is mainly a supply- or demand-side problem. With an eye to moving this debate forward, this article offers a new approach to operationalizing supply and demand and shows how reverse-flow diagnostic testing, supply-first analysis and an improved testing regime can pinpoint when and why underrepresentation begins to occur in any political system. The new diagnostic approach is applied to data from a provincial election in British Columbia, Canada. The article uses the new diagnostic and BC case to demonstrate how underrepresentation in any political system is attributable to demand-side discrimination by gatekeepers and not an undersupply of political aspirants from any particular social group.
National identity lite
Authors: Kaneva Nadia , Popescu Delia
Published: February 2011

This article examines the efforts of post-communist Romania and Bulgaria to reinvent their national images through the use of nation branding. After the collapse of communism in 1989, former communist nations experienced significant political, economic and cultural turmoil, accompanied by a deeply felt need for national self-redefinition. Nation branding programs were intended to articulate a new image for external consumption and, at the same time, to revive national pride at home. Adopting a critical interpretive approach, this article analyses comparatively the symbolism in two branding campaigns in Romania and Bulgaria. The analysis teases out tensions and contradictions in the advertising texts to generate insights about the politics of image creation and symbolic commodification in the post-communist context. The authors find that the campaigns appropriate national identity for the purposes of neoliberal globalization. This appropriation constrains national imaginaries within an ahistorical, depoliticized frame, resulting in a form of national identity lite. In this way, nation branding also serves to foreclose democratic avenues for national redefinition. •
The Our House DIY Club
Authors: Rosenberg Buck Clifford
Published: February 2011

• This article explores the rise of do-it-yourself (DIY) amateur home renovation practices, within the context of cultural, media and leisure studies debates about amateurs, experts and the circulation of knowledge, and, in particular, the increasingly visible role of lifestyle media experts. Lifestyle television fosters a neoliberal system of governance at a distance which seeks to create enterprising citizens. Through a digital ethnography of the Our House DIY Club — a home-improvement online forum — this article argues that amateur DIYers enact this neoliberal discourse of enterprising and productive citizenship advocated by lifestyle TV experts. They produce an organic knowledge through a process of appropriating expert knowledge, and rearticulate it through narratives of personal experience, further promoting neoliberal Do It Yourself discourse. •
Between the dirty and the pretty
Authors: Whittaker Tom
Published: February 2011

•This article demonstrates how Stephen Frears’ 2002 British film Dirty Pretty Things can further our understanding of the paradoxical structures of globalized space. In examining the interdisciplinary relationship between geography and film, it will examine the ways in which a contemporary, globalized London is constructed of two conflicting, but mutually reinforcing geographical imaginations. Western political parties have often been quick to proclaim the boundless, utopian freedom that the economic process of globalization brings to bear. However, as Dirty Pretty Things demonstrates, this powerful geographical imaginary of utopia is in fact sustained by the exploitation of migrant bodies, who service the lifestyle of the city’s burgeoning tourists and professional classes. These two contradictory geographical imaginations are, in turn, examined through Michel Foucault’s well known notion of ‘heterotopia’ and the geographer Doreen Massey’s writing on the ‘double imaginary’ of globalization. In doing so, the article will show how illegal migrants, whose bodies are exploited and commodified, inhabit a ‘placeless place’ between the two geographical imaginations: between London as a utopian ‘pretty’ place on the one hand, and a ‘dirty’ hidden place of surveillance and exclusion on the other. •
Spinal Cord Injury Functional Ambulation Profile
Authors: Musselman Kristin , Brunton Kelly , Lam Tania , Yang Jaynie
Published: February 2011

Background. Objective measures of functional walking remain scarce for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI). Hence, the authors developed the Spinal Cord Injury Functional Ambulation Profile (SCI-FAP), which encompasses the timed performance of 7 tasks, such as walking and negotiating obstacles, doors, and stairs. Objective. To assess the reliability and validity of the SCI-FAP. Methods. A total of 32 individuals with ISCI attended 2 testing sessions separated by 1 to 2 weeks. At the first session, participants performed the SCI-FAP, the 10-m walk test (10MW), the 6-minute walk test (6MW), and the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI II); 3 raters scored the participants’ performances on the SCI-FAP to assess interrater reliability. To establish convergent validity, SCI-FAP scores were compared with scores on the 10MW, 6MW, and WISCI II. At the second session, participants completed the SCI-FAP to assess test-retest reliability. To establish discriminative validity, SCI-FAP scores were compared between participants with ISCI and 60 able-bodied adults, who were scored on the SCI-FAP in a single session. Results. Internal consistency (α = .95), interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 1.00), and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.98) of the SCI-FAP were high. SCI-FAP scores were moderately correlated with results from the 10MW ( r = −0.59), 6MW ( r = −0.59), and WISCI II ( M = −0.68). Performance on the SCI-FAP was significantly poorer among participants with ISCI compared with their able-bodied counterparts ( P = .002). Conclusions. The findings support the SCI-FAP as a valid and reliable measure of walking skill for individuals with ISCI.
White Matter Integrity Is a Stronger Predictor of Motor Function Than BOLD Response in Patients With Stroke
Authors: Qiu Mingguo , Darling Warren G. , Morecraft Robert J. , Ni Chun Chun , Rajendra Justin , Butler Andrew J.
Published: February 2011

Objective. Neuroimaging techniques, such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and blood oxygenation level–dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), provide insights into the functional reorganization of the cortical motor system after stroke. This study explores the relationship between upper extremity motor function, white matter integrity, and BOLD response of cortical motor areas. Methods. Seventeen patients met study inclusion criteria; of these 12 completed DTI assessment of white matter integrity and 9 completed fMRI assessment of motor-related activation. Primary clinical outcome measures were the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and the upper limb portion of the Fugl-Meyer (FM) motor assessment. Structural integrity of the posterior limb of the internal capsule was assessed by examining the fractional anisotropy (FA) asymmetry in the PLIC. Laterality index of motor cortical areas was measured as the BOLD response in each patient during a finger pinch task. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine whether clinical outcome was associated with structural or functional MRI measures. Results. There were strong relationships between clinical outcome measures and FA asymmetry (eg, FM score [ R2 = .655, P = .001] and WMFT asymmetry score [ R2 = .651, P < .002]) but relationships with fMRI measures were weaker. Conclusion. Clinical motor function is more closely related to the white matter integrity of the internal capsule than to BOLD response of motor areas in patients 3 to 9 months after stroke. Thus, use of DTI to assess white matter integrity in the internal capsule may provide more useful information than fMRI to interpret motor deficits following supratentorial brain injury.
SENSe: Study of the Effectiveness of Neurorehabilitation on Sensation
Authors: Carey Leeanne , Macdonell Richard , Matyas Thomas A.
Published: February 2011

Background. Sensory loss is common after stroke, with negative impact on exploration of the immediate environment, hand function, and return to daily activities. Objective. To compare the effectiveness of a perceptual-learning based sensory discrimination program versus non-specific exposure to sensory stimuli via passive movements and grasping of common objects. Methods. The authors conducted a randomized parallel-group controlled trial, with blinding of subjects, clinical assessors, and data analysts. Fifty subjects with impaired texture discrimination, limb position sense, and/or tactile object recognition (>6 weeks, median 48 weeks poststroke) were randomized to receive somatosensory discrimination training (n = 25) or repeated exposure to sensory stimuli (n = 25) in 60-minute sessions for a total of 10 hours. The primary outcome was change in a composite standardized somatosensory deficit (SSD) index following intervention. Follow-up was at 6 weeks and 6 months posttraining. Results. Between-group comparisons revealed a significantly greater improvement in sensory capacity following sensory discrimination training, t(47) = 2.75, P = .004, 1-tailed; mean between-group change = 11.1 SSD; confidence interval 3.0 to 19.2. Improvements were maintained at 6 weeks and 6 months. Conclusion. Sensory discrimination training can achieve significant improvements in functional sensory discrimination capacity after stroke. The clinically oriented training achieved transfer of training effects to novel stimuli. Our findings provide support for introducing SENSe discrimination training in rehabilitation of sensory deficits after stroke.
Review of therapeutic advances in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Chen Carolyn , Shah Chirag P.
Published: February 2011

Diabetic retinopathy is a common microvascular complication of prolonged diabetes. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss in working age adults and a significant source of morbidity. To reduce the incidence and severity of diabetic retinopathy, it is important to identify patients at risk and promptly implement intensive glycemic and hypertensive control. To date, there are many interventions that can limit moderate and severe vision loss in people with diabetes, including laser photocoagulation, vitrectomy surgery, and intravitreal pharmacological injections. This review aims to define the different stages of diabetic retinopathy and the important therapeutic advances developed to address the major causes of vision loss in each stage.
Barrier Properties of Polypropylene/Poly(M-Xylene Adipamide) and Polypropylene/ Poly(Ethylene-Co-Vinyl Alcohol) Blend Films
Authors: Özen İlhan , Menceloğlu Yusuf Ziya
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study is to generate polypropylene (PP) blend films with improved oxygen gas and water vapor barrier properties, which are intended to be used in packaging applications. PP blend films containing 5 wt% ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) or poly(m-xylene adipamide) (N-MXD6) were prepared, biaxially stretched, and characterized by employing differential scanning calorimeter, scanning electron microscope, oxygen gas and water vapor permeability analyzers. No barrier property improvement was observed, which is caused by the low amount of the dispersed phase used.
Phase 2 trial of romidepsin in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Piekarz Richard L. , Frye Robin , Prince H. Miles , Kirschbaum Mark H. , Zain Jasmine , Allen Steven L. , Jaffe Elaine S. , Ling Alexander , Turner Maria , Peer Cody J. , Figg William D. , Steinberg Seth M. , Smith Sonali , Joske David , Lewis Ian , Hutchins Laura , Craig Michael , Fojo A. Tito , Wright John J. , Bates Susan E.
Published: February 2011

Romidepsin (depsipeptide or FK228) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor, one of a new class of agents active in T-cell lymphoma. A phase 2 trial was conducted in cutaneous (CTCL) and peripheral (PTCL) T-cell lymphoma. Major and durable responses in CTCL supported the approval of romidepsin for CTCL. Forty-seven patients with PTCL of various subtypes including PTCL NOS, angioimmunoblastic, ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma were enrolled. All patients had received prior therapy with a median of 3 previous treatments (range 1-11); 18 (38%) had undergone stem-cell transplant. All patients were evaluated for toxicity; 2 patients discovered to be ineligible were excluded from response assessment. Common toxicities were nausea, fatigue, and transient thrombocytopenia and granulocytopenia. Complete responses were observed in 8 and partial responses in 9 of 45 patients, for an overall response rate of 38% (95% confidence interval 24%-53%). The median duration of overall response was 8.9 months (range 2-74). Responses were observed in various subtypes, with 6 responses among the 18 patients with prior stem-cell transplant. The histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin has single agent clinical activity associated with durable responses in patients with relapsed PTCL. This study has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00007345.
Effect of atrial septostomy on the survival of patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Sandoval J. , Gaspar J. , Peña H. , Santos L.E. , Córdova J. , del Valle K. , Rodríguez A. , Pulido T.
Published: February 2011

Atrial septostomy (AS) is a palliative treatment for right ventricular failure from severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We sought to investigate the effect of AS, alone or combined with PAH-specific pharmacotherapy, on the survival of patients with PAH.

We performed a retrospective analysis of the functional and haemodynamic changes in patients with PAH following AS, and long-term survival characteristics for the whole group and separately for the subgroup who received post-procedural pharmacotherapy.

50 procedures performed in 34 patients (mean±sdage 35±10 yrs) resulted in haemodynamic and symptomatic improvement in most of the patients. Only one (2%) procedure-related death occurred. Due to spontaneous closure of the defect, AS was repeated in 10 patients. In 21 patients, AS was the only form of treatment, while 11 received additional pharmacotherapy after AS. During follow-up (58.5±38 months), 21 patients died; median survival of the group was 60 months (95% CI 43–77 months). Median survival for patients on pharmacotherapy additional to AS was 83 months (95% CI 57–109 months), which was better than that for patients with AS alone (53 months, 95% CI 39–67 months) (log-rank 6.52; p=0.010).

In selected patients with PAH, AS is a safe and effective intervention that exerts a beneficial impact on long-term survival. Survival appears to be improved when AS is combined with PAH-specific pharmacotherapy.