bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipokines and Sexual Hormones Associated with the Components of the Metabolic Syndrome in Pharmacologically Untreated Subjects: Data from the Brisighella Heart Study
Authors: Cicero Arrigo F. G. , Magni Paolo , Moré Massimo , Ruscica Massimiliano , Dozio Elena , Steffani Liliana , Borghi Claudio , Strollo Felice
Published: November 2011

We evaluated the association of the sex hormone pattern and the serum level of the main adipokines to metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components in 199 pharmacologically untreated subjects. Men and women included in the age-class subgroups were matched for body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, heart rate, fasting plasma glucose, and plasma lipids. Men without MS had significantly lower leptin/adiponectin ratio than men with MS. Women without MS had lower leptin and leptin/adiponectin ratio than women with MS but had significantly higher adiponectin, estrone, and dehydroepiandrosterone levels. In men, the leptin/adiponectin ratio is the main factor associated to MS diagnosis (OR: 3.36, 95% CI 1.40–8.08), while in women adiponectin alone appears to be a protective factor (OR: 0.87, 95% CI 0.79–0.95). In conclusion, in a sample of pharmacologically untreated subjects, leptin/adiponectin ratio seems to be the factor more strongly associated to MS and its components.
Conservation of Total Vorticity for a 2D Stochastic Navier Stokes Equation
Authors: Kotelenez Peter M. , Seadler Bradley T.
Published: November 2011

We consider N point vortices whose positions satisfy a stochastic ordinary differential equation on ℝ2N perturbed by spatially correlated Brownian noise. The associated signed point measure‐valued empirical process turns out to be a weak solution to a stochastic Navier‐Stokes equation (SNSE) with a state‐dependent stochastic term. As the number of vortices tends to infinity, we obtain a smooth solution to the SNSE, and we prove the conservation of total vorticity in this continuum limit.
Vesicoureteral Reflux, a Scarred kidney, and Minimal Proteinuria: An Unusual Cause of Adult Secondary Hypertension
Authors: Sandal Shaifali , Khanna Apurv
Published: November 2011

Hypertension affects about 65 million individuals in the United States. In adult patients, primary aldosteronism and renovascular causes are described as most prevalent. Vesicoureteral reflux as a cause of hypertension, while commonly described in pediatric populations, is less prevalent in the adult population especially in the absence of proteinuria. We present the case of a 31-year-old female presenting with early onset hypertension. Workup for renovascular hypertension was unrevealing. She was found to have right-sided vesicoureteral reflux with a unilateral scarred kidney. Patient underwent a nephrectomy with marked improvement in blood pressure control.
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 Carriers
Authors: Beltran Brady E. , Quiñones Pilar , Morales Domingo , Revilla Jose C. , Alva Jose C. , Castillo Jorge J.
Published: November 2011

We describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of seven patients who were human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) carriers and had a pathological diagnosis of de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Interestingly, three of our cases showed positive expression of Epstein-Barr-virus, (EBV-) encoded RNA within the tumor cells indicating a possible interaction between these two viruses. Furthermore, our three EBV-positive cases presented with similar clinical characteristics such as early clinical stage and low-risk indices. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case series describing the characteristics of HTLV-1-positive DLBCL patients. The potential relationship between HTLV-1 and EBV should be further explored.
Tendon Regeneration and Repair with Stem Cells
Authors: MacLean S. , Khan W. S. , Malik A. A. , Snow M. , Anand S.
Published: November 2011

The use of stems cells in tendon repair is of particular interest given the frequency of tendon injuries worldwide together with the technical difficulty often encountered when repairing or augmenting tendons. Stems cells have the capability to differentiate into a variety of different cell types including osteocytes and tenocytes, and if normal architecture of damaged tendon (either macroscopic or microscopic) could be restored, this would significantly improve the management of patients with these injuries. There is already encouraging research on the use of stems cells clinically although considerable further work is required to improve knowledge and clinical applications of stem cells in tissue engineering.
A Multicenter, Randomized, Parallel-Group Trial Assessing Compliance, Tolerability, Safety, and Efficacy to Treatment with Grass Allergy Tablets in 261 Patients with Grass Pollen Rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Alesina Roberta , Milani Massimo , Pecora Silvia
Published: November 2011

Background. Allergen-specific sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is considered a causal treatment of respiratory allergies. Compliance to the SLIT is an important aspect for a positive clinical outcome. Study Aim. To evaluate if compliance with grass Allergy Immunotherapy Tablet (AIT) can be increased by providing an electronic compliance device (CED) (Memozax; a tablet-container with a programmable daily acoustic alarm). Patients and Methods. 261 patients with grass allergy were enrolled and randomized (1 : 1) to 1-year treatment with AIT (Grazax) using a CED (group A; ) or without (Group B, ). Compliance was measured through tablet count at each visit. Results. The 12-month compliance, mean (SD), in group A was 83% (21) and 83% (24) in group B. A total of 81% of patients reported a significant clinical improvement of symptoms after treatment in comparison with the previous year. No severe adverse reactions were observed in the study. Conclusion. Compliance to the treatment with AIT administered for 12 consecutive months is in general good. The use of CED is not associated with a greater compliance. AIT treatment was associated with a significant clinical improvement in >80% of patients with a good tolerability and safety profile.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction andβ-Cell Failure in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ma Zhongmin Alex , Zhao Zhengshan , Turk John
Published: November 2011

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common human endocrine disease and is characterized by peripheral insulin resistance and pancreatic isletβ-cell failure. Accumulating evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction is a central contributor toβ-cell failure in the evolution of T2DM. As reviewed elsewhere, reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced byβ-cell mitochondria as a result of metabolic stress activate several stress-response pathways. This paper focuses on mechanisms whereby ROS affect mitochondrial structure and function and lead toβ-cell failure. ROS activate UCP2, which results in proton leak across the mitochondrial inner membrane, and this leads to reducedβ-cell ATP synthesis and content, which is a critical parameter in regulating glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In addition, ROS oxidize polyunsaturated fatty acids in mitochondrial cardiolipin and other phospholipids, and this impairs membrane integrity and leads to cytochromecrelease into cytosol and apoptosis. Group VIA phospholipase A2(iPLA2β) appears to be a component of a mechanism for repairing mitochondrial phospholipids that contain oxidized fatty acid substituents, and genetic or acquired iPLA2β-deficiency increasesβ-cell mitochondrial susceptibility to injury from ROS and predisposes to developing T2DM. Interventions that attenuate ROS effects onβ-cell mitochondrial phospholipids might prevent or retard development of T2DM.
Expression of Toll-Like Receptors on Breast Tumors: Taking a Toll on Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Bhattacharya Debika , Yusuf Nabiha
Published: November 2011

Breast cancer remains a major cause of death in women in the developed world. As Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are widely expressed on tumor cells and play important roles in the initiation and progression of cancer, they may thus serve as important targets and have an effective perspective on breast cancer treatment. Expression of TLRs on breast cancer cells and mononuclear inflammatory cells can promote inflammation and cell survival in the tumor microenvironment. Inflammation and cancer are related. It is well known that persistent inflammatory conditions can induce cancer formation, due to production of cytokines and chemokines, which play a crucial role in promoting angiogenesis, metastasis, and subversion of adaptive immunity. TLR signaling in tumor cells can mediate tumor cell immune escape and tumor progression, and it is regarded as one of the mechanisms for chronic inflammation in tumorigenesis and progression. This paper delineates the expression of various TLRs in promotion of inflammation and development of mammary tumors. Understanding the mechanisms through which TLRs on breast cancer cells and inflammatory cells regulate growth, survival, and metastatic progression can make them potential targets for breast cancer therapy.
Do Aspirin and Other Antiplatelet Drugs Reduce the Mortality in Critically Ill Patients?
Authors: Lösche Wolfgang , Boettel Janina , Kabisch Björn , Winning Johannes , Claus Ralf A. , Bauer Michael
Published: November 2011

Platelet activation has been implicated in microvascular thrombosis and organ failure in critically ill patients. In the first part the present paper summarises important data on the role of platelets in systemic inflammation and sepsis as well as on the beneficial effects of antiplatelet drugs in animal models of sepsis. In the second part the data of retrospective and prospective observational clinical studies on the effect of aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs in critically ill patients are reviewed. All of these studies have shown that aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs may reduce organ failure and mortality in these patients, even in case of high bleeding risk. From the data reviewed here interventional prospective trials are needed to test whether aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs might offer a novel therapeutic option to prevent organ failure in critically ill patients.
EZH2 Mediates Epigenetic Silencing of Neuroblastoma Suppressor Genes CASZ1, CLU, RUNX3, and NGFR
Authors: Wang Chunxi , Liu Zhihui , Woo Chan-Wook , Li Zhijie , Wang Lifeng , Wei Jun S. , Marquez Victor E. , Bates Susan E. , Jin Qihuang , Khan Javed , Ge Kai , Thiele Carol J.
Published: November 2011

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial pediatric solid tumor with an undifferentiated status and generally poor prognosis, but the basis for these characteristics remains unknown. In this study, we show that upregulation of the Polycomb protein histone methyltransferase EZH2, which limits differentiation in many tissues, is critical to maintain the undifferentiated state and poor prognostic status of NB by epigenetic repression of multiple tumor suppressor genes. We identified this role for EZH2 by examining the regulation of CASZ1, a recently identified NB tumor suppressor gene whose ectopic restoration inhibits NB cell growth and induces differentiation. Reducing EZH2 expression by RNA interference–mediated knockdown or pharmacologic inhibiton with 3-deazaneplanocin A increased CASZ1 expression, inhibited NB cell growth, and induced neurite extension. Similarly, EZH2−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) displayed 3-fold higher levels of CASZ1 mRNA compared with EZH2+/+ MEFs. In cells with increased expression of CASZ1, treatment with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor decreased expression of EZH2 and the Polycomb Repressor complex component SUZ12. Under steady-state conditions, H3K27me3 and PRC2 components bound to the CASZ1 gene were enriched, but this enrichment was decreased after HDAC inhibitor treatment. We determined that the tumor suppressors CLU, NGFR, and RUNX3 were also directly repressed by EZH2 like CASZ1 in NB cells. Together, our findings establish that aberrant upregulation of EZH2 in NB cells silences several tumor suppressors, which contribute to the genesis and maintenance of the undifferentiated phenotype of NB tumors. Cancer Res; 72(1); 315–24. ©2011 AACR.
Expression and Function of Survivin in Canine Osteosarcoma
Authors: Shoeneman Jenette K. , Ehrhart E.J. , Eickhoff Jens C. , Charles J.B. , Powers Barbara E. , Thamm Douglas H.
Published: November 2011

Osteosarcoma has a high mortality rate and remains in need of more effective therapeutic approaches. Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis family member protein that blocks apoptosis and drives proliferation in human cancer cells where it is commonly elevated. In this study, we illustrate the superiority of a canine osteosarcoma model as a translational tool for evaluating survivin-directed therapies, owing to the striking similarities in gross and microscopic appearance, biologic behavior, gene expression, and signaling pathway alterations. Elevated survivin expression in primary canine osteosarcoma tissue correlated with increased histologic grade and mitotic index and a decreased disease-free interval (DFI). Survivin attenuation in canine osteosarcoma cells inhibited cell-cycle progression, increased apoptosis, mitotic arrest, and chemosensitivity, and cooperated with chemotherapy to significantly improve in vivo tumor control. Our findings illustrate the utility of a canine system to more accurately model human osteosarcoma and strongly suggest that survivin-directed therapies might be highly effective in its treatment. Cancer Res; 72(1); 249–59. ©2011 AACR.
CPTH6, a Thiazole Derivative, Induces Histone Hypoacetylation and Apoptosis in Human Leukemia Cells
Authors: Trisciuoglio Daniela , Ragazzoni Ylenia , Pelosi Andrea , Desideri Marianna , Carradori Simone , Gabellini Chiara , Maresca Giovanna , Nescatelli Riccardo , Secci Daniela , Bolasco Adriana , Bizzarri Bruna , Cavaliere Chiara , D'Agnano Igea , Filetici Patrizia , Ricci-Vitiani Lucia , Rizzo Maria Giulia , Del Bufalo Donatella
Published: November 2011

Purpose: We previously identified novel thiazole derivatives able to reduce histone acetylation and histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity in yeast. Among these compounds, 3-methylcyclopentylidene-[4-(4′-chlorophenyl)thiazol-2-yl]hydrazone (CPTH6) has been selected and used throughout this study.

Experimental Design: The effect of CPTH6 on histone acetylation, cell viability and differentiation, cell-cycle distribution, and apoptosis in a panel of acute myeloid leukemia and solid tumor cell lines has been evaluated.

Results: Here, we showed that CPTH6 leads to an inhibition of Gcn5 and pCAF HAT activity. Moreover, it inhibits H3/H4 histones and α-tubulin acetylation of a panel of leukemia cell lines. Concentration- and time-dependent inhibition of cell viability, paralleled by accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase and depletion from the S/G2M phases, was observed. The role of mitochondrial pathway on CPTH6-induced apoptosis was shown, being a decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and the release of cytochrome c, from mitochondria to cytosol, induced by CPTH6. Also the involvement of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL on CPTH6-induced apoptosis was found after overexpression of the two proteins in leukemia cells. Solid tumor cell lines from several origins were shown to be differently sensitive to CPTH6 treatment in terms of cell viability, and a correlation between the inhibitory efficacy on H3/H4 histones acetylation and cytotoxicity was found. Differentiating effect on leukemia and neuroblastoma cell lines was also induced by CPTH6.

Conclusions: These results make CPTH6 a suitable tool for discovery of molecular targets of HAT and, potentially, for the development of new anticancer therapies, which warrants further investigations. Clin Cancer Res; 18(2); 475–86. ©2011 AACR.
A Pilot Study of MUC-1/CEA/TRICOM Poxviral-Based Vaccine in Patients with Metastatic Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Mohebtash Mahsa , Tsang Kwong-Yok , Madan Ravi A. , Huen Ngar-Yee , Poole Diane J. , Jochems Caroline , Jones Jacquin , Ferrara Theresa , Heery Christopher R. , Arlen Philip M. , Steinberg Seth M. , Pazdur Mary , Rauckhorst Myrna , Jones Elizabeth C. , Dahut William L. , Schlom Jeffrey , Gulley James L.
Published: November 2011

Purpose: PANVAC is a recombinant poxviral vaccine that contains transgenes for MUC-1, CEA, and 3 T-cell costimulatory molecules. This study was conducted to obtain preliminary evidence of clinical response in metastatic breast and ovarian cancer patients.

Experimental design: Twenty-six patients were enrolled and given monthly vaccinations. Clinical and immune outcomes were evaluated.

Results: These patients were heavily pretreated, with 21 of 26 patients having 3 or more prior chemotherapy regimens. Side effects were largely limited to mild injection-site reactions. For the 12 breast cancer patients enrolled, median time to progression was 2.5 months (1–37+) and median overall survival was 13.7 months. Four patients had stable disease. One patient had a complete response by RECIST and remained on study for 37 months or more, with a significant drop in serum interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 by day 71. Another patient with metastatic disease confined to the mediastinum had a 17% reduction in mediastinal mass and was on study for 10 months. Patients with stable or responding disease had fewer prior therapies and lower tumor marker levels than patients with no evidence of response. For the ovarian cancer patients (n = 14), the median time to progression was 2 months (1–6) and median overall survival was 15.0 months. Updated data are presented here for one patient treated with this vaccine in a previous trial, with a time to progression of 38 months.

Conclusions: Some patients who had limited tumor burden with minimal prior chemotherapy seemed to benefit from the vaccine. Further studies to confirm these results are warranted. Clin Cancer Res; 17(22); 7164–73. ©2011 AACR.
Mechanism of Action of Proteasome Inhibitors and Deacetylase Inhibitors and the Biological Basis of Synergy in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Hideshima Teru , Richardson Paul G. , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: November 2011

Novel agents, including the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, have significantly improved the response and survival of patients with multiple myeloma over the last decade. Despite these advances, many patients relapse or do not benefit from the currently available therapies; thus, multiple myeloma remains an incurable disease. Deacetylase inhibitors (DACi), including panobinostat and vorinostat, have recently emerged as novel agents being evaluated in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Deacetylases are a group of enzymes with effects on various intracellular proteins, including histones, transcription factors, and molecular chaperones. Although DACi inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells as a single agent, synergistic activity has been observed when they were used in combination with bortezomib. The mechanistic basis of synergy is multifactorial and includes disruption of protein degradation and inhibition of the interaction of multiple myeloma cells with the tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes recent advancements in the understanding of the mechanism of action of proteasome inhibitors and DACi in multiple myeloma and examines the biological basis of their synergistic effects. Data from the studies summarized here have been used as the rationale for the implementation of phase II and III clinical trials of DACi, alone and combined with bortezomib, in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(11); 2034–42. ©2011 AACR.
Identification of Clinical and Laboratory Markers for Predicting Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Adults
Authors: von Arnim Ulrike , Wex Thomas , Röhl Friedrich-W. , Neumann Helmut , Küster Dörthe , Weigt Jochen , Mönkemüller Klaus , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: November 2011

Background: The diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and differentiation from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is potentially challenging and is based upon clinical signs and endoscopic and histological features. In order to alert the endoscopist to consider EoE in patients with esophageal symptoms before performing esophagogastroduodenoscopy, we aimed to identify a set of clinical and laboratory markers for predicting EoE. Methods: The study included 43 patients with either EoE (n = 23) or GERD (n = 20). The diagnosis of EoE was based on International Consensus Criteria. Age, gender, weight loss, history of atopy, dysphagia, history of food impaction, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) refractory heartburn, odynophagia, peripheral eosinophilia, and serum IgE were analyzed. Each symptom or sign was classified as ‘0’ (absent, normal) or ‘1’ (present, elevated), individually analyzed and statistically evaluated among the two groups of patients. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify a clinically applicable marker constellation to differentiate EoE from GERD. Results: Univariate analysis identified 6 out of the 10 variables to be significant between both groups. A stepwise procedure of logistic regression led to a model in which 3 out of the initial 10 items were found to be relevant for differentiating GERD and EoE. Derived from this model, an optimal differentiation was achieved by using the following simplified equation: peripheral eosinophilia + history of food impaction + PPI refractory heartburn leading to a maximal value of 3 (1 + 1 + 1). Based on a cut-off value of ≧2, sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing EoE were 91 and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: A defined set of markers including two clinical features and one laboratory parameter is highly predictive of EoE and thus allows physicians to distinguish EoE from GERD even before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is performed.
Lipid, Lipoproteins, Total Antioxidant Status and Organ Changes in Rats Administered High Doses of Cadmium Chloride
Authors: Olisekodiaka M.J. , Igbeneghu C.A. , Onuegbu A.J. , Oduru R. , Lawal A.O.
Published: November 2011

Objective: To determine the possible association between cadmium (Cd) exposure and alterations in plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) in rats. Materials and Method: Twenty male albino rats assigned to 2 groups of 10 rats each (test and control) were used for the study. Each test animal model was given 1.0 mg CdCl2/kg body weight, administered intraperitoneally for 4 weeks. Blood samples obtained from both groups at the beginning (baseline) and after 4 weeks of Cd exposure were analysed for triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), TAS and Cd. Kidney and liver sections from the rats were examined. Results: The plasma TG, TC and LDLC levels were significantly higher in exposed rats than controls (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Plasma HDLC was reduced in the exposed rats compared to controls (0.41 ± 0.22 and 0.68 ± 0.14 mmol/l, respectively). Conclusion: The observed dyslipidaemia and decrease in TAS could be due to increased free radical production causing oxidative stress. Damage to liver and kidney sections in the exposed group suggests that Cd toxicity results in detrimental histological changes and may be implicated in the aetiology of cerebrovascular diseases.
Postoperative Immune Suppression in Visceral Surgery: Characterisation of an Intestinal Mouse Model
Authors: Koerner P. , Busemann A. , Traeger T. , Kessler W. , Cziupka K. , Diedrich S. , Kloecker C. , Jack R. , Heidecke C.-D. , Maier S.
Published: November 2011

Background: Postoperatively acquired immune dysfunction is associated with a higher mortality rate in case of septic complications. As details of this severe clinical problem are still unknown, animal models are essential to characterise the mechanisms involved. Methods: Mice were laparotomised and the small intestine was pressed smoothly in antegrade direction. For extension of trauma, the intestine was manipulated three times consecutively. Following this, the ex vivo cytokine release of splenocytes was determined. The degree of surgical trauma was analysed by detection of HMGB1 and IL-6 in serum and by neutrophil staining in the muscularis mucosae. Results: We adapted the previously described animal model of intestinal manipulation to provide a model of surgically induced immune dysfunction. Following intestinal manipulation, the mice showed elevated serum levels of HMGB1 and IL-6 and increased infiltration of granulocytes into the muscularis mucosae. Ex vivo cytokine release by splenocytes was suppressed in the postoperative period. The degree of suppression correlated with the extent of surgical trauma. Conclusions: In this study, we describe a surgically induced immune dysfunction animal model, in which a significant surgical trauma is followed by an immune dysfunction. This model may be ideal for the characterisation of the postoperative immune dysfunction syndrome.
Chemoradiotherapy Alone as the Standard Treatment of Epidermoid Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Salek Roham , Varshoee Tabrizi Fatemeh , Esmailpoor Bezenjani Safa , Saeidi Saedi Hamid , Hosainzad Ashkiki Mohamad Hasan , Hosainzadeh Seid Mohsen , Mohtashami Samira
Published: November 2011

Objectives: Surgery has traditionally been the treatment of choice for patients with potentially resectable esophageal carcinoma. Recently, however, definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has been suggested as a preferred treatment modality. In this study, CRT results with or without surgery are compared. Methods: A total of 986 patients of esophageal carcinoma were categorized into two groups depending on the treatment: surgery (675 patients) or CRT (311 patients). These two groups were compared based on age, sex, weight loss, tumor location and length, tumor shape, grade, stage, delay in receiving treatment, event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Patients in the CRT arm were significantly older (p = 0.01), had a more significant adenocarcinoma histology (p = 0.015), upper esophageal carcinoma (p = 0.0001) and more advanced stages of the disease (p = 0.0001). The median EFS for the surgery group was 24.5 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 17–32] versus 22.5 months (95% CI, 16.7–28.2) for the CRT arm (p = 0.56). The mean OS was 59.25 months (95% CI, 53.8–64.7) for the surgery group compared to 58.77 months (95% CI, 50.9–66.6) for the CRT group (p = 0.78). Conclusion: Definitive CRT is effective enough so as to consider omitting surgery and could be used as a standard treatment for patients with esophageal carcinoma.
Anxious Publics
Authors: Fitzgerald Jennifer , Curtis K. Amber , Corliss Catherine L.
Published: November 2011

In this article the authors investigate the relationship between concerns about crime and concerns about immigration. Panel survey data from Germany allow the authors to examine people’s views about immigration as they develop over time, showing that consternation about crime is a significant predictor of anxiety over immigration. Moreover, it has a greater substantive impact than other explanatory factors, such as concerns about the economy and objective measures of crime and immigration at the regional level. The authors also demonstrate an interactive effect: The connection between these two issues is especially strong among those interested in politics. A confirmatory step using the European Social Survey reveals that the moderating effect of political engagement is generalizable to the rest of Western Europe. These findings establish that crime is a critical issue for the formation of immigration attitudes. They also highlight individual-level characteristics that drive the bundling of political issues in people’s minds.
A Qualitative Study of Urban Hispanic Youth in an After-School Program
Authors: Perry Justin C. , Calhoun-Butts Candice
Published: November 2011

Based on a diverse sample of 11 urban Hispanic youth, the career, educational, and cultural domains of developmental adjustment were investigated through a triangulation of interview data and field notes within the context of delivering an after-school program. Consensual qualitative research (CQR) and content analysis were used to explore how youth constructed meaning within these domains and experienced their participation in the program. The CQR results yielded five domains of categories and subcategories, while four themes emerged from the analysis of field notes. By synthesizing this corpus of data, directions for future research and implications for practice are discussed.
Assessing the Impact of Changes in Gender Equality on Female Homicide Victimization
Authors: Vieraitis Lynne M. , Britto Sarah , Morris Robert G.
Published: November 2011

Numerous studies have tested the feminist hypothesis that gender inequality affects homicide rates by analyzing Census and Uniform Crime Report data for a single time period. Although these “snapshot” tests are important, they do not capture the “change” element that is implied by these hypotheses. According to feminist perspectives, gender inequality and gender equality could increase homicide rates, the former increasing the structural disadvantage of women relative to men and the latter representing a “backlash” effect. Women’s absolute status may also be an important predictor of homicide victimization. Furthermore, it is quite possible that this process is dynamic and therefore the change in equality over time may be more important than the actual level of equality at any given time. The present study measures the impact of gender equality and women’s absolute status on female homicide victimization using city-level data from 1980 to 2000. In general, the results suggest that changes in gender equality and women’s absolute status have decreased women’s rate of homicide victimization, and the negative effect of gender equality appears to have grown stronger over time; however, these results are not uniform across victim–offender relationships.
Explaining Leniency
Authors: Farrell Amy
Published: November 2011

Scholars have devoted significant attention to measuring the degree to which a driver’s personal characteristics affect police decisions to stop and sanction motorists. Following the pattern of research on gender and enforcement practices more broadly, traffic stop studies show that female drivers are less likely to receive formal sanctions such as a citation following routine traffic stops. Despite the consistency of these findings across places and times, we know little about the conditions under which female traffic violators are granted leniency. This article extends research on the effect of driver and stop characteristics on gender disparities in traffic enforcement decisions by examining 149,888 stops from across 37 communities in Rhode Island with different local needs and variation in police organizational culture and structure. The findings confirm that although women are less likely to be cited than men, community-level variation in police agency culture and structure, particularly the proportion of female officers in an agency, moderates the effect of driver sex on stop outcomes.
Organizational-Level Police Discretion
Authors: Nowacki Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2011

Research on police behavior suggests that discretion is vital to police decision making. Although discretion can originate from many sources (e.g., officers, situations, structure), relatively few studies examine how organizational variables affect officer discretion. Of the studies that test whether organizational level influences shape discretion, even fewer examine their influence on lethal force. This oversight is notable in light of the overrepresentation of Blacks in lethal force incidents because organizational characteristics and policies may reduce racial disparities in the application of lethal force. Using administrative policy and police department size as proxies for organizational variables, this study tests for organizational effects and examines whether these effects vary by race. Using city-level data from 1980 to 1984, this research examines how organizational limits on discretion affect the volume of lethal force incidents. Negative binomial regression results indicate that administrative policy predicts lethal force incidents for total and Black-specific population models but not White-specific models, and department size predicts lethal force incidents for total and White-specific models but not Black-specific models. Organizational correlates of police discretion seem crucial for understanding officer behavior.
Comparison Between Dichotomous and Polytomous Scoring of Innovative Items in a Large-Scale Computerized Adaptive Test
Authors: Jiao Hong , Liu Junhui , Haynie Kathleen , Woo Ada , Gorham Jerry
Published: November 2011

This study explored the impact of partial credit scoring of one type of innovative items (multiple-response items) in a computerized adaptive version of a large-scale licensure pretest and operational test settings. The impacts of partial credit scoring on the estimation of the ability parameters and classification decisions in operational test settings were explored in one real data analysis and two simulation studies when two different polytomous scoring algorithms, automated polytomous scoring and rater-generated polytomous scoring, were applied. For the real data analyses, the ability estimates from dichotomous and polytomous scoring were highly correlated; the classification consistency between different scoring algorithms was nearly perfect. Information distribution changed slightly in the operational item bank. In the two simulation studies comparing each polytomous scoring with dichotomous scoring, the ability estimates resulting from polytomous scoring had slightly higher measurement precision than those resulting from dichotomous scoring. The practical impact related to classification decision was minor because of the extremely small number of items that could be scored polytomously in this current study.
Online Routines and Identity Theft Victimization
Authors: Reyns Bradford W.
Published: November 2011

Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to extend recent work aimed at applying routine activity theory to crimes in which the victim and offender never come into physical proximity. To that end, relationships between individuals' online routines and identity theft victimization were examined. Method: Data from a subsample of 5,985 respondents from the 2008 to 2009 British Crime Survey were analyzed. Utilizing binary logistic regression, the relationships between individuals' online routine activities (e.g., banking, shopping, downloading), individual characteristics (e.g., gender, age, employment), and perceived risk of victimization on identity theft victimization were assessed. Results: The results suggest that individuals who use the Internet for banking and/or e-mailing/instant messaging are about 50 percent more likely to be victims of identity theft than others. Similarly, online shopping and downloading behaviors increased victimization risk by about 30 percent. Males, older persons, and those with higher incomes were also more likely to experience victimization, as were those who perceived themselves to be at greater risk of victimization. Conclusions: Although the routine activity approach was originally written to account for direct-contact offenses, it appears that the perspective also has utility in explaining crimes at a distance. Further research should continue to explore the online and offline routines that increase individuals' risks of identity theft victimization.
A new method for measuring of rupture properties of fabrics
Authors: Kovar Radko , Dolatabadi Mehdi Kamali
Published: November 2011

Tensile properties of woven and knitted fabric are enormously anisotropic. Standard test methods for measuring of breaking stress and strain, such as ISO standard 13934-1 (Strip test) and 13934-2 (Grab test), are restricted for the testing of fabrics with great lateral contraction. Great lateral contraction leads to premature rupture of samples at the jaws due to stress concentration at the corners of the gripped specimen before reaching the real strength of the sample. Usually, extreme lateral contraction is anticipated for striped woven fabric under off-axis stress and for knitted fabric. It is experimentally demonstrated that the presented method in this investigation corresponds better with precise measurement of fabric rupture properties in comparison with standard test methods. The method is verified by measuring mechanical properties of a wide variety of woven and knitted fabrics. Typical tensile properties of measured fabrics are presented and analyzed in this paper.
Numerical investigation of the flow field inside hydroentangling manifolds
Authors: Wang Xiangqin , Jin Xiangyu , Wang Hong , Liang Zhiyong , Ke Qinfei
Published: November 2011

Two numerical models, drilled- and slot-type manifolds, are developed in this paper to investigate the influence of the manifold geometry on the flow performance. The flow properties, at the operating pressure of 8–12 MPa, are simulated and analyzed by numerical simulation. The results indicate that manifold geometry has significant effects on the distribution of velocity and pressure, as well as the discharge velocity in the whole working width of the hydroentangling equipment. In the range of this study, the drilled-type geometry is better than slot type, with more uniform velocity and pressure distribution.
Impact tensile behavior and frequency response of 3D braided composites
Authors: Gan Xuehui , Yan Jianhua , Gu Bohong , Sun Baozhong
Published: November 2011

The uniaxial tensile properties of 4-step 3D braided E-glass/epoxy composites under quasi-static and high-strain rate loadings have been investigated to evaluate the tensile failure mode at different strain rates. The uniaxial tensile properties at high strain rates from 800/s to 2100/s were tested using the split Hopkinson tension bar (SHTB) technique. The tensile properties at quasi-static strain rate were also tested and compared with those in high strain rates.

Z-transform theory is applied to 3D braided composites to characterize the system dynamic behaviors in frequency domain. The frequency responses and the stability of 3D braided composites under quasi-static and high-strain rate compression have been analyzed and discussed in the Z-transform domain. The results indicate that the stress-strain curves are rate sensitive, and tensile modulus, maximum tensile stress and corresponding tensile strain are also sensitive to the strain rate. The tensile modulus, maximum tensile stress of the 3D braided composites are linearly increased with the strain rate. With increasing of the strain rate (from 0.001/s to 2100/s), the tensile failure of the 3D braided composite specimens has a tendency of transition from ductile failure to brittle failure. The magnitude response and phase response is very different in quasi-static loading with that in high-strain rate loading. The 3D braided composite system is more stable at high strain rate than quasi-static loading.
The Role of Purchase Decision Involvement in a Special Event
Authors: Bojanic David C. , Warnick Rodney B.
Published: November 2011

The concept of purchase decision involvement (PDI) in a special event setting (regional air show) is explored here. PDI is a type of involvement that has not received as much attention in the event management or tourism literature as other types of involvement, thereby leaving a gap that is addressed in this study. A regression analysis was used to evaluate the cause-and-effect relationships among two psychological constructs (i.e., PDI and satisfaction), two objective measures (i.e., prior attendance and travel distance), and the likelihood of returning to the event. Based on the results of the regression analysis, the metric independent variables (i.e., PDI, prior attendance, and travel distance) were recoded into categories for use in an ANCOVA model to further examine the relationships. The level of satisfaction was used as a covariate based on its linear relationship with the dependent variable (i.e., likelihood of returning to the event).
Moving Beyond the “I” in Motivation
Authors: Grimm Kerry E. , Needham Mark D.
Published: November 2011

Much research has examined why volunteer tourists volunteer abroad. However, little work has explored (1) if and how destination and organization attributes motivate volunteers or (2) manager perceptions of volunteer motivations. We identified attributes that pulled conservation volunteer tourists to the country, organization, and volunteer project. We compared these motivations and reasons for volunteering abroad with manager and volunteer coordinator perceptions of volunteer motivations. To collect data, we engaged in participant observation and conducted interviews with 36 volunteer tourists, 2 managers, and 3 volunteer coordinators at an Ecuadorian conservation volunteer project. Volunteers listed a range of motivations for their choices (e.g., reserve mission, price). Managers and coordinators correctly identified some motivations for volunteering abroad and selecting the destination, organization, and project (e.g., travel, price). However, they mentioned fewer reasons than volunteers and overlooked several major factors, especially altruistic and project-specific reasons. We discuss implications for managers and organizations, tourism theory, and future research.
The Importance of Challenge for the Enjoyment of Intrinsically Motivated, Goal-Directed Activities
Authors: Abuhamdeh Sami , Csikszentmihalyi Mihaly
Published: November 2011

Although early interview-based analyses of the enjoyment of intrinsically motivated, goal-directed activities (e.g., chess, rock climbing, art making) suggested the importance of relatively difficult, “optimal” challenges, subsequent findings derived from a wider range of activities have not provided consistent support for this proposition. Two studies were conducted to clarify the relation between challenge and enjoyment. Study 1 focused on a single activity—Internet chess. The importance of challenge was evident at the subjective level (perceived challenge strongly predicted enjoyment) as well as the objective level (games against superior opponents were more enjoyable than games against inferior opponents, and close games were more enjoyable than blowouts). In Study 2, the experience sampling method was used to examine the enjoyment of challenge across a wide range of everyday activities. Activity motivation (intrinsically motivated, non-intrinsically motivated) and activity type (goal directed, non-goal directed) moderated the relation. Implications for theories of intrinsic motivation are discussed.
Effects of Informal Caregivers on Function of Older Adults in Home Health Care
Authors: Cho Eunhee , Kim Eun-Young , Lee Nam-Ju
Published: November 2011

This study aimed to examine the effects of informal caregivers on the functioning of older adults in home health care (HHC). The authors performed a secondary data analysis using the Outcome and Assessment Information Set of older adults ( N = 8,750) who were admitted to a HHC agency from acute care hospitals. We conducted hierarchical multiple linear regression with functional dependence after a 60-day episode of formal HHC as an outcome variable. The older adults with informal caregivers showed less functional dependence at discharge (β = −0.821, p = .027) than those without informal caregivers. Older adults who have a spouse (β = −3.886, p < .001), offspring (β = −3.614, p < .001), relative (β = −4.360, p < .001), or nonrelative (β = −4.977, p < .001) caregiver showed less functional dependence at discharge compared with those who had a paid caregiver when controlling for risk factors.
A Meta-Analysis of Trait–Behavior Correlations in Argumentativeness and Verbal Aggression
Authors: Levine Timothy R. , Kotowski Michael R. , Beatty Michael J. , Van Kelegom Martijn J.
Published: November 2011

This article addresses controversy over the validity of two popular scales used to measure trait argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness. The first half of the article offers a rejoinder to the Infante, Rancer, and Wigley article. It is argued that original conceptualizations of the scales are logically incoherent and lack empirical correspondence with research findings. The second part of the article offers a meta-analysis of scale–behavior and –nonbehavioral associations. The results show that research testing scale–behavior convergence is sparse and that the little research that currently exists is inconsistent with convergent and predictive validity. The Infante scales correlate consistently and to a greater extent with self-reported communication than with actual behavior, suggesting that the scales assess cognitive–affective rather than communication behavior tendencies.
Noble Status and Royal Duplicity in the Crown of Castile, 1454–1504
Authors: Crawford Michael J.
Published: November 2011

This article examines the seemingly opposing actions of Castile's late medieval monarchs, who both authorized the noble status of hidalgo for supporters and developed rules and legal procedures to limit the proliferation of this status. Addressing both royal policy and disputes over status in the territory of Seville during the second half of the fifteenth century, it demonstrates how local authorities strategically employed laws and appeals to royal courts to resist the recognition of those who claimed hidalgo status and to deny them related privileges. The actions of these monarchs and their subjects reveal the nature and limits of royal absolutism in matters of social status in the late fifteenth century and the degree to which the development of state judicial apparatus affected the local recognition of status and the growth of state power.
War Stories: French Veteran Narratives and the ‘Experience of War’ in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Dwyer Philip
Published: November 2011

The Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars were the first in history to be written about in great numbers by the common soldier. This article, which focuses on French reminiscences of the wars, examines a variety of memoirs published from the late eighteenth through to the twentieth century. During this time we see a different approach to war and how it was recalled and remembered, more personal, more experiential than ever before. This article argues that the historical accuracy of these veteran narratives is unimportant. Instead, they reveal much more about how the wars were portrayed, and how they were remembered. Important too is what these narratives reveal to historians about the (inner) lives of soldiers during the wars, and what veterans in hindsight thought and felt about particular events. Here too the reality of the ‘experience of war’ is not as important as the cultural construct that is presented. As such, war narratives are an important source for the ways in which veterans and French society preferred to remember and process the past.
Security Professionals for Hire: Exploring the Many Faces of Private Security Expertise
Authors: Berndtsson Joakim
Published: November 2011

Private security companies (PSCs) do not merely provide protective services; they also sell specific understandings of the world and of security problems. Promoting their services, PSCs project images of professional security expertise. This article contributes to our knowledge of commercial security experts by analysing the ways in which images of expertise are constructed, focusing on the contracting of a PSC in 2008 by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Drawing on material from interviews, the company website and the contracting process, the article explores ‘public’ and ‘professional’ self-images, and shows how these images differ in important respects, underlining the need to see private security expertise as multifaceted and contradictory. The article also reveals problems of using categories such as ‘public’ and ‘private’ when analysing private security, thus feeding into the debate on definition, and provides important insights into the potential role of PSCs in shaping understandings of, and decisions on, security issues.