bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CANVAS 1 and 2: Analysis of Clinical Response at Day 3 in Two Phase 3 Trials of Ceftaroline Fosamil versus Vancomycin plus Aztreonam in Treatment of Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections
Authors: Friedland H. David , O'Neal Tanya , Biek Donald , Eckburg Paul B. , Rank Douglas R. , Llorens Lily , Smith Alex , Witherell Gary W. , Laudano Joseph B. , Thye Dirk
Published: February 2012

Scientific and regulatory interest in assessing clinical endpoints after 48 to 72 h of treatment for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) has increased. Historical, pre-antibiotic-era data suggest that a treatment effect relative to untreated controls can be discerned in this time interval. Ceftaroline fosamil, a broad-spectrum bactericidal cephalosporin with activity against Gram-positive organisms, including methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), and Gram-negative organisms was efficacious in two phase 3 trials of complicated skin infections (CANVAS 1 and 2) using clinical cure rates at the test-of-cure visit. To assess an early clinical response in the CANVAS trials, a retrospective analysis using a day 3 clinical endpoint was conducted. Adults with ABSSSI received intravenous ceftaroline fosamil at 600 mg every 12 h (q12h) or vancomycin at 1 g plus aztreonam at 1 g (V/A) q12h for 5 to 14 days. Clinical response at day 3, defined as cessation of infection spread and absence of fever, was analyzed in patients with a lesion size of ≥75 cm
2
and either deep and/or extensive cellulitis, major abscess, or an infected wound. Day 3 integrated CANVAS clinical response rates were 74.0% (296/400) for ceftaroline and 66.2% (263/397) for V/A (difference, 7.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3% to 14.0%). In the individual studies, absolute treatment differences of 9.4% (CANVAS 1) and 5.9% (CANVAS 2) favoring ceftaroline were observed. For ABSSSI due to MRSA, response rates were 81.7% and 77.4% in the ceftaroline and V/A groups, respectively. In this retrospective analysis, ceftaroline fosamil monotherapy had a numerically higher clinical response than V/A at day 3 in the treatment of ABSSSI.
AN EFFICIENT AND NUMERICALLY STABLE COUPLED-MODE SOLUTION FOR RANGE-DEPENDENT PROPAGATION
Authors: LUO WENYU , ZHANG RENHE , SCHMIDT HENRIK
Published: February 2012

An efficient and numerically stable coupled-mode solution is presented for acoustic propagation in a range-dependent waveguide. This model is numerically stable due to the appropriately normalized range solutions introduced in the formulation. In addition, by combining a forward marching and a backward marching, this model provides accurate solutions for range-dependent waveguides characterized by large bottom slope angles and/or high impedance contrast. Besides high accuracy, this two-way solution also provides high efficiency, which is achieved by applying the single-scatter approximation. Numerical examples are also provided to demonstrate the stability, accuracy, and efficiency of this model.
MICROSTRUCTURAL PROPERTIES AND PHASE CONSTITUENTS OF 5A06 ALUMINIUM MATRIX SURFACE COMPOSITE FABRICATED BY FRICTION STIR PROCESSING
Authors: PENG LIU , SHI QING-YU , ZHANG YUAN-BIN , XU SHU-BO
Published: February 2012

A novel aluminium matrix surface composite added Al -based amorphous, whose layer depth was 5 mm, was fabricated by friction stir processing (FSP), at an air cooling. The surface composite region shows the obvious sandwich structure. It is considered to be a combination between the base metal and the amorphous strip via the FSP. The average hardness of the surface composite is about HV97, higher than the base metal is about HV80. The maximum tensile strength of the processed aluminium plate with the surface composite is 410 MPa. XRD results indicate that the constituent phases of the surface composite mainly include α- Al , Mg2Al3 , MnAl6 and La3Al11 Moreover, no obvious amorphous diffraction peaks are observed in the XRD results. However, a large number of ultrafine grained structures can be observed in the surface composite. The average grain size of them is ~90–400 nm constitutes the surface composite. These ultrafine grained structures are composed of the α- Al and α- Al amorphous structures.
BUFFER LAYER EFFECTS ON MAGNETOELECTRIC COUPLING OF Ni/Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 BILAYERS
Authors: BI K. , HE Z. L. , WANG Y. G.
Published: February 2012

Magnetoelectric (ME) Ni/Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 bilayers have been successfully prepared by hydrothermal method using Ti as buffer layer. The hydrothermal mechanism of PZT thin film deposited onto Ni layer has been discussed. The structure and ferroelectric properties of the deposited PZT thin films are characterized by X-ray diffraction and ferroelectric testing. The ME voltage coefficient of the Ni /PZT bilayers gradually decreases as the thickness of buffer layer increases because the interface coupling of the Ni /PZT layers gradually decreases. The large ME coefficient makes these Ni /PZT bilayers possible for applications in multifunctional devices such as electromagnetic sensor, transducers and microwave devices.
MICROTENSILE TEST OF AN ORDERED-REINFORCED ELECTROPHORETIC POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITE FABRICATED BY SURFACE MICROMACHINING
Authors: YANG ZHUOQING , WANG HONG , ZHANG ZHENJIE , DING GUIFU , ZHAO XIAOLIN
Published: February 2012

A novel ordered-reinforced microscale polymer matrix composite based on electrophoresis and surface micromachining technologies has been proposed in the present work. The braid angle, volume content and width of the reinforcement in the composite has been designed and simulated by ANSYS finite element software. Based on the simulation and optimization, the Ni fibers reinforced polymer matrix composite sample (3 mm length × 0.6 mm width × 0.04 mm thickness) was successfully fabricated utilizing the surface micromachining process. The fabricated samples were characterized by microtensile test on the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) equipment. It is indicated that the tested tensile strength and Young's modulus are 285 MPa and 6.8 GPa, respectively. In addition, the fracture section of the composite sample has been observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the corresponding fracture process was also explained and analyzed in detail. The new presented composite is promising for hot embossing mold in microfluidic chip and several transducers used in accurately controlled biomedical systems.
POLARIZATION FATIGUE BEHAVIORS IN Bi3.5Nd0.5Ti3O12 FERROELECTRIC THIN FILMS
Authors: CHENG C. P. , JIANG B. , TANG M. H. , WANG G. Y. , YANG S. B. , XU H. Y.
Published: February 2012

The evolution of the fatigue behaviors in Bi3.5Nd0.5Ti3O12 (BNT) ferroelectric thin films deposited on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) substrates by chemical solution deposition (CSD) method effected by amplitude, frequency and profile of the driving electric field were reported. It is found that the switching with lower frequency and higher amplitude of the external voltages resulted in higher fatigue rates and only bipolar waveform type voltage can result in fatigue, whereas a unipolar voltage cannot. An empirical function with N/f is proposed in the frequency-dependence of polarization fatigue, where N is the number of switching cycles and f is the frequency of driving. It is indicated that injected charges from electrodes into films, the trapped charges, and suppression of the seeds of opposite domain nucleation are the main mechanism of fatigue in ferroelectric BNT thin films.
TOTALLY GEODESIC SUBMANIFOLDS OF GL-MANIFOLDS
Authors: LALEH ABOLGHASEM , REZAII MORTEZA M. , HUSHMANDI ATAABAK BAAGHERZADEH
Published: February 2012

In this paper, for a Finsler manifold (M, F) with a Finsler metric gij(x, y) we shall consider a generalized Lagrange metrics (FGL-metrics) as the form *gij(x, y) = gij(x, y) + σ(x, y)Bi(x, y)Bj(x, y) on TM. Then we shall consider a Riemannian manifold (TM, *G) in which *G is a generalized Sasakian metric of *g on [Formula: see text]. Then we restrict the above FGL-metrics to a submanifold of [Formula: see text], and show that it admits a GL-metric structure. Then we shall find a necessary and sufficient condition for this submanifold to be totally geodesic.
NATURAL CONNECTION WITH TOTALLY SKEW-SYMMETRIC TORSION ON RIEMANNIAN ALMOST PRODUCT MANIFOLDS
Authors: MEKEROV DIMITAR , MANEV MANCHO
Published: February 2012

On a Riemannian almost product manifold (M, P, g), we consider a linear connection preserving the almost product structure P and the Riemannian metric g and having a totally skew-symmetric torsion. We determine the class of the manifolds (M, P, g) admitting such a connection and prove that this connection is unique in terms of the covariant derivative of P with respect to the Levi-Civita connection. We find a necessary and sufficient condition the curvature tensor of the considered connection to have similar properties like the ones of the Kähler tensor in Hermitian geometry. We pay attention to the case when the torsion of the connection is parallel. We consider this connection on a Riemannian almost product manifold (G, P, g) constructed by a Lie group G.
PSEUDO Z SYMMETRIC RIEMANNIAN MANIFOLDS WITH HARMONIC CURVATURE TENSORS
Authors: MANTICA CARLO ALBERTO , SUH YOUNG JIN
Published: February 2012

In this paper we introduce a new notion of Z-tensor and a new kind of Riemannian manifold that generalize the concept of both pseudo Ricci symmetric manifold and pseudo projective Ricci symmetric manifold. Here the Z-tensor is a general notion of the Einstein gravitational tensor in General Relativity. Such a new class of manifolds with Z-tensor is named pseudoZ symmetric manifold and denoted by (PZS)n. Various properties of such an n-dimensional manifold are studied, especially focusing the cases with harmonic curvature tensors giving the conditions of closeness of the associated one-form. We study (PZS)n manifolds with harmonic conformal and quasi-conformal curvature tensor. We also show the closeness of the associated 1-form when the (PZS)n manifold becomes pseudo Ricci symmetric in the sense of Deszcz (see [A. Derdzinsky and C. L. Shen, Codazzi tensor fields, curvature and Pontryagin forms, Proc. London Math. Soc.47(3) (1983) 15–26; R. Deszcz, On pseudo symmetric spaces, Bull. Soc. Math. Belg. Ser. A44 (1992) 1–34]). Finally, we study some properties of (PZS)4 spacetime manifolds.
QUANTUM COHOMOLOGIES OF SYMMETRIC PRODUCTS
Authors: CHO YONG SEUNG
Published: February 2012

In this paper we investigate the quantum cohomologies of symmetric products of Kähler manifolds. To do this we study the moduli space of product space and symmetric group action on it, Gromov–Witten invariant and relative Gromov–Witten invariant. Also we investigate the relations between symmetric invariant properties on the products space and the corresponding ones on the symmetric product. As an example we examine the symmetric product of k copies complex projective line ℙ1, which is the k-dimensional complex projective space ℙk.
SIGCSE by the numbers
Authors: Walker Henry M.
Published: February 2012

As you may know, SIGCSE 2000 was the first SIGCSE conference that utilized an online system for the submission and reviewing of papers. Naively, for that first conference, I relied upon JavaScript for error checking, so I assumed error checking was not needed at the server --- after all, checking had already been done by the browser, right?
Designing sensor networks for smart spaces
Authors: Reinhardt Andreas
Published: February 2012

Wireless sensor and actuator networks are comprised of embedded systems with sensing, actuation, computation, and wireless communication capabilities. Their untethered character provides installation flexibility and has in consequence led to their application in a large range of domains, e.g. environmental and habitat monitoring, or industrial process surveillance and control. Besides these traditional application areas, the vision of smart spaces foresees the transparent integration of sensing and actuation components into everyday environments. Smart services that rely on information about the current situation and the possibility of physical interaction are envisioned to emerge in versatile ways, such as context-aware building automation or support for ambient assisted living.
Carbon Nanotubes/Gold Nanoparticles Composite Film for the Construction of a Novel Amperometric Choline Biosensor
Authors: Wu Baoyan , Ou Zhongmin , Ju Xiaojuan , Hou Shihua
Published: February 2012

This study develops a facile method to fabricate a novel choline biosensor based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Chitosan, a natural biocompatible polymer, was used to solubilize MWCNTs for constructing the aqueous Chit-MWCNTs solution. Then Chit-MWCNTs were first dropped on the surface of a cleaned platinum electrode. Finally, a thiolated silica sol containing AuNPs and choline oxidase (ChOx) was immobilized on the surface of the Chit-MWCNTs-modified electrode. The MWCNTs/AuNPs/Pt electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic activity for choline. The resulting choline biosensor showed high sensitivity of choline (3.56 μA/mM), and wide linear range from 0.05 to 0.8 mM with the detection limit of 15 μM. In addition, good reproducibility and stability were obtained.
High Levels of Sequence Diversity in the 5′ UTRs of Human-Specific L1 Elements
Authors: Lee Jungnam , Mun Seyoung , Meyer Thomas J. , Han Kyudong
Published: February 2012

Approximately 80 long interspersed element (LINE-1 or L1) copies are able to retrotranspose actively in the human genome, and these are termed retrotransposition-competent L1s. The 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of the human-specific L1 contains an internal promoter and several transcription factor binding sites. To better understand the effect of the L1 5′ UTR on the evolution of human-specific L1s, we examined this population of elements, focusing on the sequence diversity and accumulated substitutions within their 5′ UTRs. Using network analysis, we estimated the age of each L1 component (the 5′ UTR, ORF1, ORF2, and 3′ UTR). Through the comparison of the L1 components based on their estimated ages, we found that the 5′ UTR of human-specific L1s accumulates mutations at a faster rate than the other components. To further investigate the L1 5′ UTR, we examined the substitution frequency per nucleotide position among them. The results showed that the L1 5′ UTRs shared relatively conserved transcription factor binding sites, despite their high sequence diversity. Thus, we suggest that the high level of sequence diversity in the 5′ UTRs could be one of the factors controlling the number of retrotransposition-competent L1s in the human genome during the evolutionary battle between L1s and their host genomes.
Dynamic Analysis of an Impulsively Controlled Predator‐Prey Model with Holling Type IV Functional Response
Authors: Wang Yanzhen , Zhao Min
Published: February 2012

The dynamic behavior of a predator‐prey model with Holling type IV functional response is investigated with respect to impulsive control strategies. The model is analyzed to obtain the conditions under which the system is locally asymptotically stable and permanent. Existence of a positive periodic solution of the system and the boundedness of the system is also confirmed. Furthermore, numerical analysis is used to discover the influence of impulsive perturbations. The system is found to exhibit rich dynamics such as symmetry‐breaking pitchfork bifurcation, chaos, and nonunique dynamics.
Fire Ants (Solenopsisspp.) and Their Natural Enemies in Southern South America
Authors: Briano Juan , Calcaterra Luis , Varone Laura
Published: February 2012

We review the fire ant research conducted by the ARS-South American Biological Control Laboratory (SABCL) since 1987 to find a complex of natural enemies in southern South America and evaluate their specificity and suitability for field release as self-sustaining biological control agents. We also include those studies conducted by the ARS-Center for Medical, Agriculture, and Veterinary Entomology in the United States with the SABCL collaboration. Ecological and biological information is reported on local fire ants and their microsporidia, nematodes, viruses, phorid flies, eucharitid wasps, strepsiptera, and parasitic ants. Their biology, abundance, distribution, detrimental effect, field persistence, specificity, and phenology are discussed. We conclude that the objectives of the ARS program in South America are being achieved and that the pioneering studies have served to encourage further investigations in the United States and other countries and advanced the implementation of biological control programs to decrease imported fire ant densities and damage. Still, several promising organisms should be further investigated for eventual field release in the near future.
The Anticaries Effect of a Food Extract (Shiitake) in a Short-Term Clinical Study
Authors: Lingström Peter , Zaura Egija , Hassan Haidar , Buijs Mark J. , Hedelin Pamie , Pratten Jonathan , Spratt David , Daglia Maria , Karbowiak Aneta , Signoretto Caterina , Rosema Martijn , van der Weijden Fridus , Wilson Michael
Published: February 2012

The main objective was to investigate whether low-molecular-weight fraction of edible mushroom shiitake extract (Lentinus edodes) possesses caries-preventive properties. The study was designed as a double-blind, three-leg, cross-over, randomized, controlled clinical trial carried out on two series of volunteers at the University of Gothenburg, and the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam. Volunteers rinsed twice daily with a solution containing low-molecular-weight fraction of edible mushroom, placebo (negative control without active ingredients), or Meridol (positive control, AmF-SnF2) for two weeks, with a two-week washout period between each rinsing period. Changes in the acidogenicity of dental plaque before and after a sucrose challenge, shifts in microbial composition, and plaque scores were determined. Frequent rinses with shiitake reduced the metabolic activity of dental plaque. No reduction of plaque scores and no inhibition of the production of organic acids in plaque was found. Minor differences in microbial composition between test sessions were found. To conclude, the results indicate that shiitake extract has anticariogenic potential, but not to the same extent as the positive control.
Information System and Geographic Information System Tools in the Data Analyses of the Control Program for Visceral Leishmaniases from 2006 to 2010 in the Sanitary District of Venda Nova, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Saraiva Lara , Leite Camila Gonçalves , de Carvalho Luiz Otávio Alves , Andrade Filho José Dilermando , de Menezes Fernanda Carvalho , Fiúza Vanessa de Oliveira Pires
Published: February 2012

The aim of this paper is to report a brief history of control actions for Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) from 2006 to 2010 in the Sanitary District (DS) of Venda Nova, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, focusing on the use of information systems and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The analyses showed that the use of an automated database allied with geoprocessing tools may favor control measures of VL, especially with regard to the evaluation of control actions carried out. Descriptive analyses of control measures allowed to evaluating that the information system and GIS tools promoted greater efficiency in making decisions and planning activities. These analyses also pointed to the necessity of new approaches to the control of VL in large urban centers.
Thermal Stability and Rheological Behaviors of High‐Density Polyethylene/Fullerene Nanocomposites
Authors: Zhao Liping , Song Ping′an , Cao Zhenhu , Fang Zhengping , Guo Zhenghong
Published: February 2012

High‐density polyethylene/fullerene (HDPE/C60) nanocomposites with the C60 loading that varied from 0.5 to 5.0% by weight were prepared via melt compounding. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that the presence of C60 could remarkably enhance the thermal properties of HDPE. A very low C60 loading (0.5 wt%) increased the onset degradation temperature from 389°C to 459°C and decreased the heat release from 3176 J/g to 1490 J/g. The larger the loading level of C60, the better the thermal stability of HDPE/C60 nanocomposites. Rheological investigation results showed that the free radical trapping effect of C60 was responsible for the improved thermal stability of HDPE.
Observations of Coastally Transitioning West African Mesoscale Convective Systems during NAMMA
Authors: Klotz Bradley W. , Kucera Paul
Published: February 2012

Observations from the NASA 10 cm polarimetric Doppler weather radar (NPOL) were used to examine structure, development, and oceanic transition of West African Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) during the NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (NAMMA) to determine possible indicators leading to downstream tropical cyclogenesis. Characteristics examined from the NPOL data include echo-top heights, maximum radar reflectivity, height of maximum radar reflectivity, and convective and stratiform coverage areas. Atmospheric radiosondes launched during NAMMA were used to investigate environmental stability characteristics that the MCSs encountered while over land and ocean, respectively. Strengths of African Easterly Waves (AEWs) were examined along with the MCSs in order to improve the analysis of MCS characteristics. Mean structural and environmental characteristics were calculated for systems that produced TCs and for those that did not in order to determine differences between the two types. Echo-top heights were similar between the two types, but maximum reflectivity and height and coverage of intense convection (>50 dBZ) are all larger than for the TC producing cases. Striking differences in environmental conditions related to future TC formation include stronger African Easterly Jet, increased moisture especially at middle and upper levels, and increased stability as the MCSs coastally transition.
Are Nuclear Star Clusters the Precursors of Massive Black Holes?
Authors: Neumayer Nadine , Walcher C. Jakob
Published: February 2012

We present new upper limits for black hole masses in extremely late type spiral galaxies. We confirm that this class of galaxies has black holes with masses less than 106M⊙, if any. We also derive new upper limits for nuclear star cluster masses in massive galaxies with previously determined black hole masses. We use the newly derived upper limits and a literature compilation to study the low mass end of the global-to-nucleus relations. We find the following. (1) TheMBH-σrelation cannot flatten at low masses, but may steepen. (2) TheMBH-Mbulgerelation may well flatten in contrast. (3) TheMBH-Sersicnrelation is able to account for the large scatter in black hole masses in low-mass disk galaxies. Outliers in theMBH-Sersicnrelation seem to be dwarf elliptical galaxies. When plottingMBHversusMNCwe find three different regimes: (a) nuclear cluster dominated nuclei, (b) a transition region, and (c) black hole-dominated nuclei. This is consistent with the picture, in which black holes form inside nuclear clusters with a very low-mass fraction. They subsequently grow much faster than the nuclear cluster, destroying it when the ratioMBH/MNCgrows above 100. Nuclear star clusters may thus be the precursors of massive black holes in galaxy nuclei.
Cytoskeletal Interactions at the Nuclear Envelope Mediated by Nesprins
Authors: Taranum Surayya , Sur Ilknur , Müller Rolf , Lu Wenshu , Rashmi R. N. , Munck Martina , Neumann Sascha , Karakesisoglou Iakowos , Noegel Angelika A.
Published: February 2012

Nesprin-1 is a giant tail-anchored nuclear envelope protein composed of an N-terminal F-actin binding domain, a long linker region formed by multiple spectrin repeats and a C-terminal transmembrane domain. Based on this structure, it connects the nucleus to the actin cytoskeleton. Earlier reports had shown that Nesprin-1 binds to nuclear envelope proteins emerin and lamin through C-terminal spectrin repeats. These repeats can also self-associate. We focus on the N-terminal Nesprin-1 sequences and show that they interact with Nesprin-3, a further member of the Nesprin family, which connects the nucleus to the intermediate filament network. We show that upon ectopic expression of Nesprin-3 in COS7 cells, which are nearly devoid of Nesprin-3 in vitro, vimentin filaments are recruited to the nucleus and provide evidence for an F-actin interaction of Nesprin-3 in vitro. We propose that Nesprins through interactions amongst themselves and amongst the various Nesprins form a network around the nucleus and connect the nucleus to several cytoskeletal networks of the cell.
Compact Multiantenna
Authors: Rudant L. , Delaveaud C. , Ciais P.
Published: February 2012

Planar inverted-f antenna (PIFA) and notch antenna are combined within a compact 2-port MIMO antenna. Electrical and magnetic duality of the two antennas avoids a critical coupling and best performances can be expected for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication. When excitation of notch antenna is optimized properly, the notch length can be short enough so that the two antennas can be colocated in a single compact volume. This compact multiantenna design is suitable for integration in MIMO handheld terminals. A prototype for broadband network application in 3.4–3.8’GHz frequency band has been characterized in anechoic chamber.
Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Genes Amplified in Glioblastoma Exhibit a Mutual Exclusivity in Variable Proportions Reflective of Individual Tumor Heterogeneity
Authors: Little Suzanne E. , Popov Sergey , Jury Alexa , Bax Dorine A. , Doey Lawrence , Al-Sarraj Safa , Jurgensmeier Juliane M. , Jones Chris
Published: February 2012

Intratumoral heterogeneity in human solid tumors represents a major barrier for the development of effective molecular treatment strategies, as treatment efficacies will reflect the molecular variegation in individual tumors. In glioblastoma, the generation of composite genomic profiles from bulk tumor samples has allowed one to map the genomic amplifications of putative genetic drivers and to prioritize therapeutic targeting strategies aimed at eradicating the tumor burden. Notably, amplification of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) within a single tumor specimen obtained from patients is frequently observed. In this study, use of a detailed multicolor FISH mapping procedure in pathologic specimens revealed a mutual exclusivity of gene amplification in the majority of glioblastoma tumors examined. In particular, the two most commonly amplified RTK genes, EGFR and PDGFRA, were found to be present in variable proportions across the tumors, with one or the other gene predominating in certain areas of the same specimen. Our findings have profound implications for designing efficacious therapeutic regimens, as it remains unclear that how the cells with different gene amplification events contribute to disease propagation or the response to molecular targeted therapies. Cancer Res; 72(7); 1614–20. ©2012 AACR.
Serum Macrophage Inhibitory Cytokine-1 (MIC-1/GDF15): A Potential Screening Tool for the Prevention of Colon Cancer?
Authors: Brown David A. , Hance Kenneth W. , Rogers Connie J. , Sansbury Leah B. , Albert Paul S. , Murphy Gwen , Laiyemo Adeyinka O. , Wang Zhuoqiao , Cross Amanda J. , Schatzkin Arthur , Danta Mark , Srasuebkul Preeyaporn , Amin Janaki , Law Matthew , Breit Samuel N. , Lanza Elaine
Published: February 2012

Background: Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1/GDF15) mediates nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) protection from colonic polyps in mice and is linked to the development of colorectal carcinoma in humans. Therefore, changes in serum MIC-1/GDF15 levels could predict the presence of premalignant colonic polyposis and assist in population screening strategies.

Methods: Serum MIC-1/GDF15 levels were measured in subjects in the Polyp Prevention Trial, in which NSAID use and colon cancer risk factors were defined. Subjects had an initial adenoma removed, a repeat colonoscopy removing previously unidentified polyps, and serum MIC-1/GDF15 estimation. Three years later recurrent adenomas were identified and serum MIC-1/GDF15 levels reestimated. The relationship between serum MIC-1/GDF15 levels and adenoma presence or recurrence was examined.

Results: Serum MIC-1/GDF15 levels differed by adenoma status and were significantly related to colon cancer risk factors. In addition, mean serum MIC-1/GDF15 levels rose with increasing numbers of adenomas present and high-risk adenoma recurrence. NSAID users had higher serum MIC-1/GDF15 concentrations, which were related to protection from adenoma recurrence. Furthermore, adjusted serum MIC-1/GDF15 levels at final follow-up were related to adenoma recurrence (highest quartile MIC-1/GDF15; OR = 14.7, 95% CI: 3.0–73).

Conclusions: These data suggest that MIC-1/GDF15 mediates at least some of the protection afforded by NSAIDs against human colonic polyposis. Furthermore, serum MIC-1/GDF15 levels vary with the development of adnenomatous colonic polyps.

Impact: Serum MIC-1/GDF15 determination may hold promise as the first serum screening test to assist the detection of premalignant adenomatous colonic polyposis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(2); 337–46. ©2011 AACR.
Polymorphic Variation in theGCandCASRGenes and Associations with Vitamin D Metabolite Concentration and Metachronous Colorectal Neoplasia
Authors: Hibler Elizabeth A. , Hu Chengcheng , Jurutka Peter W. , Martinez Maria E. , Jacobs Elizabeth T.
Published: February 2012

Background: Vitamin D levels and calcium intake have been associated with risk of colorectal neoplasia, and genetic variation in vitamin D pathway genes may affect circulating vitamin D metabolite concentrations and/or risk for colorectal lesions. This study evaluated associations between polymorphic variation in the Gc-globulin (GC) and calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) and odds for metachronous colorectal neoplasia and vitamin D metabolite concentrations.

Methods: Participants from the Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) and Wheat Bran Fiber (WBF) trials (n = 1,439) were analyzed using a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) tagging approach, with a subset (n = 404) of UDCA trial participants for whom vitamin D metabolite concentrations were also available. A total of 25 GC and 35 CASR tagSNPs were evaluated using multiple statistical methods.

Results: Principal components analyses did not reveal gene-level associations between GC or CASR and colorectal neoplasia; however, a significant gene-level association between GC and 25(OH)D concentrations (P < 0.01) was observed. At the individual SNP level and following multiple comparisons adjustments, significant associations were observed between seven GC (rs7041, rs222035, rs842999, rs1155563, rs12512631, rs16846876, and rs1746825) polymorphisms and circulating measures of 25(OH)D (adjusted P < 0.01) and CASR SNP rs1042636 and proximal colorectal neoplasia (adjusted P = 0.01).

Conclusions: These results show a possible association between variation in CASR and odds of colorectal neoplasia as well as the potential role of variation in GC with circulating 25(OH)D concentrations.

Impact: Additional research is warranted to determine the mechanism of GC genotype in influencing 25(OH)D concentrations and to further elucidate the role of CASR in colorectal neoplasia. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(2); 368–75. ©2011 AACR.
Innate Immune Functions of Macrophage Subpopulations in the Spleen
Authors: den Haan Joke M.M. , Kraal Georg
Published: February 2012

In the different compartments of the spleen, macrophage populations can be found that have different functions depending on their localization. In the lymphoid compartment of the spleen, the white pulp, macrophages are in essence similar to populations found in lymph nodes and other organized secondary lymphoid organs. In the red pulp, large populations of classical scavenger macrophages are found that, in addition to scavenging blood-borne debris, are involved in iron recycling by phagocytosis of effete red blood cells. The most conspicuous macrophage populations of the spleen are located in the marginal zone. Strategically positioned in the bloodstream and adorned with unique sets of pattern recognition receptors, they play an important role in host defense by bridging the innate and adaptive immune systems. In this review, the various macrophage subsets of the spleen are described.
Angiogenic Factors in Superimposed Preeclampsia
Authors: Perni Uma , Sison Cristina , Sharma Vijay , Helseth Geri , Hawfield Amret , Suthanthiran Manikkam , August Phyllis
Published: February 2012

Imbalances in circulating angiogenic factors contribute to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. To characterize levels of angiogenic factors in pregnant women with chronic hypertension, we prospectively followed 109 women and measured soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1), soluble endoglin, and placental growth factor at 12, 20, 28, and 36 weeks' gestation and postpartum. Superimposed preeclampsia developed in 37 (34%) and was early onset (<34 weeks) in 9 and later onset (≥34 weeks) in 28. Circulating levels of sFlt1 and the ratio of sFlt1 to placental growth factor were higher before clinical diagnosis at 20 weeks' gestation in women who subsequently developed early onset preeclampsia between 28 and 34 weeks compared with levels in women who never developed preeclampsia (
P
=0.001) or who developed late-onset preeclampsia (
P
=0.001). Circulating levels of sFlt1, soluble endoglin, and the ratio of sFlt1:placental growth factor were also significantly higher, and placental growth factor levels were significantly lower at the time of clinical diagnosis of superimposed preeclampsia in women with either early or late-onset superimposed preeclampsia compared with levels at similar gestational ages in those with uncomplicated chronic hypertension. We conclude that alterations in angiogenic factors are detectable before and at the time of clinical diagnosis of early onset superimposed preeclampsia, whereas alterations were observed only at the time of diagnosis in women with late-onset superimposed preeclampsia. Longitudinal measurements of angiogenic factors may help anticipate early onset superimposed preeclampsia and facilitate diagnosis of superimposed preeclampsia in women with chronic hypertension.
Women's Reproductive Health: A Gender-Sensitive Human Rights Approach
Authors: Wang Guang-zhen , Pillai Vijayan K.
Published: February 2012

In general, two broad schemes of analysis have been used recently in the social sciences literature to examine reproductive health. The first type identifies a number of social-structural characteristics associated with reproductive health. The second, the reproductive rights explanation, is of recent origin and advocated by a number of scholars from the public health field. Using data from 125 developing countries, this study tests the two explanations of women's reproductive health. The empirical findings indicate the importance of fertility decline and reproductive rights in predicting reproductive health. An inverse direct relationship between women's reproductive health and their economic status is found. We argue for a gender-sensitive human rights approach toward women's reproductive health.
Welfare States, Solidarity and Justice Principles: Does the Type Really Matter?
Authors: Arts Wil , Gelissen John
Published: February 2012

In this article, we investigate whether and, if so, to what extent, people's notions of solidarity and their choices of justice principles are related to the type of welfare state regime they live under, as well as to individual socio-demographic and ideological factors. We analyse data from the International Social Survey Program 1996 and the European Values Study 1999, which together cover preferences of citizens from 20 welfare states. Hypotheses pertaining to people's notions of solidarity and preferences for justice principles in the different welfare state regimes are derived from the work of Esping-Andersen and his critics, as well as from sociological and social-psychological theories of solidarity and distributive justice. We find important, although not decisive, evidence for the thesis that the actual state of affairs with respect to the welfare state regime under which citizens live determines their views about which level of solidarity should be achieved and which justice principles should be emphasized. However, differences found are often not very pronounced, and we argue that this is a consequence of the fact that values of solidarity and justice are matters of priority to all welfare states. Taking into account the differences which exist between welfare state regimes, we also find important differences between individuals and social groups in their preferred level of solidarity and in their choice of justice principles.
Physical Activity and BMI in a Nationally Representative Sample of Children and Adolescents
Authors: Chung Arlene E. , Skinner Asheley Cockrell , Steiner Michael J. , Perrin Eliana M.
Published: February 2012

Objective. To examine objectively measured physical activity levels by age, sex, and BMI for children and adolescents in a nationally representative sample. Methods. Data were from the 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, which included physical activity assessment by accelerometer and measured height and weight. The authors calculated minutes of moderate and vigorous activity. Results. Boys were more active than girls, and activity levels were lower at older ages. Younger children met daily recommendations for physical activity, whereas older children, especially girls, did not. Typically, weight status was inversely related to activity, though differences were less apparent among boys. Underweight children were not always more active than heavier peers.
Swedish trade unionism: A renewed social movement?
Authors: Peterson Abby , Wahlström Mattias , Wennerhag Magnus
Published: February 2012

Claims as to the emergence of a new phase of unionism – social movement unionism – returning to its original ‘counter-cultural roots’, are closely allied with the claims as to a ‘new labour internationalism’ that is a significant break from the influential postwar trend of nation-statist unionism. This article interrogates these two popular paradigms from the perspective of the Swedish labour movement. The analysis is based on qualitative interviews with union officials, as well as quantitative analysis of union homepage content and responses to surveys among May Day demonstrators. The general conclusion as regards social movement unionism in Sweden is that the major unions, although increasingly interested in cooperation with social movement organizations, are still far from changing the repertoire of action that has been predominant in the postwar period. International solidarity – among both union officials and grassroots activists – is strongly ambivalent, and attitudes to international support oscillate between charity and self-interest.
An Ecological Perspective on Medication Adherence
Authors: Berben Lut , Dobbels Fabienne , Engberg Sandra , Hill Martha N. , De Geest Sabina
Published: February 2012

Adherence to a prescribed medication regimen is influenced not only by characteristics of the individual patient, but also by factors within the patient’s environment, or so-called system level factors. Until now, however, health care system factors have received relatively little attention in explaining medication nonadherence. Ecological models might serve as a framework to help explain the influence of health care system factors on patient behavior (e.g., adherence). In an ecological model, different levels of factors influence patients’ behavior, i.e. factors at the patient-level, micro- (provider and social support), meso- (health care organization), and macro (health policy) -levels. In order to understand medication adherence and implement interventions to improve medication adherence, factors at these different levels should be taking into consideration. This paper describes an ecological model compromised of the most important factors at the patient-, micro-, meso- and macro-levels.
Social embeddedness, entrepreneurial orientation and firm growth in ethnic minority small businesses in the UK
Authors: Wang Catherine L. , Altinay Levent
Published: February 2012

Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of ethnic minority small businesses (EMSBs) and its antecedents and consequences are under-researched. Grounded in ethnic entrepreneurship theory and the social embeddedness approach, this article examines the relationships of EMSBs’ access to various networks, their EO and firm growth. Drawing on quantitative data collected through 258 face-to-face structured interviews with Chinese- and Turkish-owned EMSBs in London, UK our findings reveal that family and co-ethnic advice and labour do not have a significant impact on firms’ EO. Instead, both access to co-ethnic products and access to co-ethnic suppliers of utilities and facilities have a significant impact on firms’ EO, which in turn has a significant positive effect on employment growth. Moreover, Chinese-owned EMSBs demonstrate a higher level of EO and pursue different paths to growth (that is, they are more likely to grow through acquiring more business premises) compared with Turkish-owned EMSBs. The findings have important implications for the understanding of growth patterns of EMSBs, particularly the role of EO in the EMSBs’ break-out strategies and growth.
Design and manufacturing of a controllable miniature flapping wing robotic platform
Authors: Arabagi Veaceslav , Hines Lindsey , Sitti Metin
Published: February 2012

In this work we present the design of a scalable, controllable, miniature flapping wing robot. The design effort comprises considerations of the number of driving actuators for controllability, body structure for both weight minimization and rigidity, and overall compactness of the robot design. This results in the development of the spherical four-bar transmission mechanism, with a single-wing prototype experimentally characterized. A dual-wing robot design manufactured via the smart composite microstructures technique is presented, featuring independent wing actuation. Finite-element analysis of the final airframe design is presented, ensuring vibration modes out of the operation range of the platform and high rigidity. A working prototype is manufactured and experiments are conducted characterizing the robot’s lift production capabilities and ensuring minimal wing coupling. A scaling law of the proposed design is presented based on momentum theory, predicting an increase of the lift/weight ratio with decreasing size. An optimization methodology for the parameters of a scaled down prototype is presented, based on a developed theoretical simulation and design tool. Finally, a 1/2 scaled down prototype using the optimized parameters is built and tested, featuring a lift/weight ratio of 3/8.
New geographies of story and storytelling
Authors: Cameron Emilie
Published: February 2012

The concept of story draws attention to the relationship between personal experience and expression, and the broader contexts within which such experiences are ordered, performed, interpreted, and disciplined. In the past, particularly through the ‘cultural turn’, geographers were predominantly concerned with the ways in which story and storytelling were implicated in the production of cultural, economic, political, and social power. Today, this approach to story is being re-examined and new approaches to story are being explored. Geographers have been re-imagining the concept of story as part of a relational and material turn within the discipline, as part of a renewed focus on the political possibilities afforded by storytelling, and as a mode of expressing non-representational, (post)phenomenological geographies. This paper contextualizes recent work within broader disciplinary trends and critically evaluates the intellectual and political stakes of these new geographies of story and storytelling. It questions whether a shift away from understanding stories and storytelling in terms of power, knowledge, and difference (as was emphasized through the cultural turn) has opened new understandings of political, social, and cultural life, or risks abandoning crucial insights into the role of stories in geographical formations.
Bony Incorporation of Soft Tissue Anterior Cruciate Ligament Grafts in an Animal Model
Authors: Bhatia Sanjeev , Bell Rebecca , Frank Rachel M. , Rodeo Scott A. , Bach Bernard R. , Cole Brian J. , Chubinskaya Susanna , Wang Vincent M. , Verma Nikhil N.
Published: February 2012

Background:

The effect of low-dose gamma irradiation on healing of soft tissue allografts remains largely unknown.

Hypothesis:

The authors hypothesized that soft tissue allograft healing to bone would be delayed compared with that of autograft tissue and that low-dose (1.2 Mrad) gamma irradiation would not affect the healing response of allograft tissue after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Forty-eight New Zealand White rabbits underwent bilateral ACL reconstructions with semitendinosus tendon graft. Sixteen rabbits were reconstructed with autografts and the remainder with allografts. The 32 allograft rabbits each received 1 irradiated allograft (1.2 Mrad), with the contralateral leg receiving a nonirradiated allograft. Animals were euthanized at 2 weeks or 8 weeks postoperatively. Tensile stiffness, maximum load, and displacement at maximum load were measured. Tibial and femoral segments were sectioned perpendicular to the tunnel axis allowing for histologic and histomorphometric analyses at the tendon-bone interface.

Results:

There were no significant differences between the maximum load or stiffness values among all groups at 8 weeks. At 2 weeks, autograft exhibited significantly ( P < .01) lower maximum load than did the nonirradiated grafts. Regarding histology, at both 2- and 8-week time points, autograft tendon displayed more advanced degenerative and remodeling processes in comparison with irradiated allograft and nonirradiated allograft.

Discussion:

The maximum load and stiffness of a healing tendon allograft in ACL reconstruction appear to be unaltered by low-dose (1.2 Mrad) irradiation. At 8 weeks, there were no biomechanical differences in tendon-bone healing of allografts when compared with autograft controls. Histologic analyses suggested a faster remodeling response in autograft specimens in comparison with allografts at both time points.

Clinical Relevance:

The findings support the contention that low-dose gamma irradiation is safe for sterilization of ACL soft tissue allografts without compromise of graft properties at early time points.
The Price Doesn’t Matter If You Don’t Have to Pay
Authors: Manville Michael , Williams Jonathan A.
Published: February 2012

Congestion pricing is an effective way to combat congestion, and market prices for curb parking are an appealing way to implement pricing, because paying to park is more politically acceptable than paying to drive. But pricing is effective only if users have to pay, and market-priced parking is vulnerable to nonpayment. To illustrate this problem, we survey parking meters in Los Angeles. We focus on legal nonpayment, and show that almost 40 percent of vehicles at meters are both not paying and not breaking any laws. The majority of nonpayment comes from vehicles displaying disabled credentials. These credentials undermine the effectiveness of priced parking and appear to invite substantial fraud.