bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ghrelin is an Osteoblast Mitogen and Increases Osteoclastic Bone Resorption In Vitro
Authors: Costa Jessica L. , Naot Dorit , Lin Jian-Ming , Watson Maureen , Callon Karen E. , Reid Ian R. , Grey Andrew B. , Cornish Jillian
Published: September 2011

Ghrelin is released in response to fasting, such that circulating levels are highest immediately prior to meals. Bone turnover is acutely responsive to the fed state, with increased bone resorption during fasting and suppression during feeding. The current study investigated the hypothesis that ghrelin regulates the activity of bone cells. Ghrelin increased the bone-resorbing activity of rat osteoclasts, but did not alter osteoclast differentiation in a murine bone marrow assay nor bone resorption in ex vivo calvarial cultures. Ghrelin showed mitogenic activity in osteoblasts, with a strong effect in human cells and a weaker effect in rat osteoblasts. The expression of the human ghrelin receptor, GHSR, varied among individuals and was detectable in 25–30% of bone marrow and osteoblast samples. However, the rodent Ghsr expression was undetectable in bone cells and cell lines from rat and mouse. These data suggest that elevated levels of ghrelin may contribute to the higher levels of bone turnover that occurs in the fasted state.
A Burkitt's Lymphoma Case Mimicking Crohn's Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Erkan Gulbanu , Çoban Mehmet , Çalıskan Aysun , Ataç Gokçe Kaan , Gulpınar Kamil , Degertekin Bulent , Korkmaz Atilla
Published: September 2011

Lymphomas are solid tumors that arise from lymphoid tissue and present themselves as Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Particularly gastrointestinal lymphomas can be clinically confused with other gastrointestinal tumors as well as with diffuse and inflammatory bowel disease. Early diagnosis and treatment bear vital importance in the management of lymphomas due to their high proliferation rates. In this report, we are presenting a case which initially displayed clinical and radiological signs of Crohn's disease, but was eventually diagnosed as Burkitt's lymphoma by laparotomy, and also we aim to underscore the importance of differential diagnosis.
Lack of Detection of Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-Related Virus in HIV-1 Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Delviks-Frankenberry Krista A. , Chaipan Chawaree , Bagni Rachel , Wyvill Kathleen , Yarchoan Robert , Pathak Vinay K.
Published: September 2011

Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) is a gammaretrovirus reported to be associated with human prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. Since retroviruses cause various cancers, and XMRV replication might be facilitated by HIV-1 co-infection, we asked whether certain patients with HIV-associated lymphomas are infected with XMRV. Analysis of PMBCs and plasma from 26 patients failed to detect XMRV by PCR, ELISA, or Western blot, suggesting a lack of association between XMRV and AIDS-associated lymphomas.
Testing a Low Molecular Mass Fraction of a Mushroom (Lentinus edodes) Extract Formulated as an Oral Rinse in a Cohort of Volunteers
Authors: Signoretto Caterina , Burlacchini Gloria , Marchi Anna , Grillenzoni Marcello , Cavalleri Giacomo , Ciric Lena , Lingström Peter , Pezzati Elisabetta , Daglia Maria , Zaura Egija , Pratten Jonathan , Spratt David A. , Wilson Michael , Canepari Pietro
Published: September 2011

Although foods are considered enhancing factors for dental caries and periodontitis, laboratory researches indicate that several foods and beverages contain components endowed with antimicrobial and antiplaque activities. A low molecular mass (LMM) fraction of an aqueous mushroom extract has been found to exert these activities in in vitro experiments against potential oral pathogens. We therefore conducted a clinical trial in which we tested an LMM fraction of shiitake mushroom extract formulated in a mouthrinse in 30 young volunteers, comparing the results with those obtained in two identical cohorts, one of which received water (placebo) and the other Listerine. Plaque index, gingival index and bacterial counts in plaque samples were determined in all volunteers over the 11 days of the clinical trial. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were obtained for the plaque index on day 12 in subjects treated with mushroom versus placebo, while for the gingival index significant differences were found for both mushroom versus placebo and mushroom versus Listerine. Decreases in total bacterial counts and in counts of specific oral pathogens were observed for both mushroom extract and Listerine in comparison with placebo. The data suggest that a mushroom extract may prove beneficial in controlling dental caries and/or gingivitis/periodontitis.
Advanced Control of a Continuous Solution Copolymerization Process
Authors: Lima Nádson Murilo Nascimento , Zuñiga Liñan Lamia , Manenti Flavio , Maciel Filho Rubens , Embiruçu Marcelo , Wolf Maciel Maria Regina
Published: September 2011

A model‐based predictive control system is designed for a copolymerization reactor. These processes typically have such a high nonlinear dynamic behavior to make practically ineffective the conventional control techniques, still so widespread in process and polymer industries. A predictive controller is adopted in this work, given the success this family of controllers is having in many chemical processes and oil refineries, especially due to their possibility of including bounds on both manipulated and controlled variables. The solution copolymerization of methyl methacrylate with vinyl acetate in a continuous stirred tank reactor is considered as an industrial case study for the analysis of the predictive control robustness in the field of petrochemical and polymer production. Both regulatory and servo problems scenarios are considered to check tangible benefits deriving from model‐based predictive controller implementation.
Optimal Ordering Policy and Coordination Mechanism of a Supply Chain with Controllable Lead‐Time‐Dependent Demand Forecast
Authors: Song Hua-Ming , Yang Hui , Luo Jian-Qiang
Published: September 2011

This paper investigates the ordering decisions and coordination mechanism for a distributed short‐life‐cycle supply chain. The objective is to maximize the whole supply chain′s expected profit and meanwhile make the supply chain participants achieve a Pareto improvement. We treat lead time as a controllable variable, thus the demand forecast is dependent on lead time: the shorter lead time, the better forecast. Moreover, optimal decision‐making models for lead time and order quantity are formulated and compared in the decentralized and centralized cases. Besides, a three‐parameter contract is proposed to coordinate the supply chain and alleviate the double margin in the decentralized scenario. In addition, based on the analysis of the models, we develop an algorithmic procedure to find the optimal ordering decisions. Finally, a numerical example is also presented to illustrate the results.
New Sharp Bounds for the Bernoulli Numbers and Refinement of Becker‐Stark Inequalities
Authors: Ge Hua-feng
Published: September 2011

We obtain new sharp bounds for the Bernoulli numbers: 2(2n)!/(π2n(22n − 1)) < |B2n| ≤ (2(22k − 1)/22k)ζ(2k)(2n)!/(π2n(22n − 1)), n = k, k + 1, …, k ∈ N+, and establish sharpening of Papenfuss′s inequalities, the refinements of Becker‐Stark, and
Steckin′s inequalities. Finally, we show a new simple proof of Ruehr‐Shafer inequality.
Cell Death Mechanisms at the Maternal-Fetal Interface: Insights into the Role of Granulysin
Authors: Veljkovic Vujaklija Danijela , Sucic Sonja , Gulic Tamara , Dominovic Marin , Rukavina Daniel
Published: September 2011

During mammal pregnancy, a sensitive balance between hormones, cytokines, humoral factors, and local cellular interactions must be established. Cytotoxic cells infiltrating the decidua are heavily equipped with cytolytic molecules, in particular perforin and granulysin. Granulysin is especially abundant in NK cells which are able to spontaneously secrete high quantities of granulysin. Besides being a potent bactericidal and tumoricidal molecule, granulysin is also found to be a chemoattractant and a proinflammatory molecule. The precise role(s) of granulysin at the maternal-fetal interface has not been elucidated yet. It is possible that it behaves as a double-edged sword simultaneously acting as an immunomodulatory and a host defense molecule protecting both the mother and the fetus from a wide spectrum of pathogens, and on the other hand, in case of an NK cell activation, acting as an effector molecule causing the apoptosis of semiallograft trophoblast cells and consequently leading to various pregnancy disorders or pregnancy loss.
Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction in Food Hypersensitivity
Authors: Yu Linda Chia-Hui
Published: September 2011

Intestinal epithelial barrier plays a critical role in the maintenance of gut homeostasis by limiting the penetration of luminal bacteria and dietary allergens, yet allowing antigen sampling for the generation of tolerance. Undigested proteins normally do not gain access to the lamina propria due to physical exclusion by tight junctions at the cell-cell contact sites and intracellular degradation by lysosomal enzymes in enterocytes. An intriguing question then arises: how do macromolecular food antigens cross the epithelial barrier? This review discusses the epithelial barrier dysfunction in sensitized intestine with special emphasis on the molecular mechanism of the enhanced transcytotic rates of allergens. The sensitization phase of allergy is characterized by antigen-induced cross-linking of IgE bound to high affinity FcεRI on mast cell surface, leading to anaphylactic responses. Recent studies have demonstrated that prior to mast cell activation, food allergens are transported in large quantity across the epithelium and are protected from lysosomal degradation by binding to cell surface IgE and low-affinity receptor CD23/FcεRII. Improved immunotherapies are currently under study including anti-IgE and anti-CD23 antibodies for the management of atopic disorders.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in theβ-Cell Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Back Sung Hoon , Kang Sang-Wook , Han Jaeseok , Chung Hun-Taeg
Published: September 2011

Type 2 diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose in the context of insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency byβ-cell failure. Even if the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis ofβ-cell failure are still under investigation, recent increasing genetic, experimental, and clinical evidence indicate that hyperactivation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) to counteract metabolic stresses is closely related toβ-cell dysfunction and apoptosis. Signaling pathways of the UPR are “a double-edged sword” that can promote adaptation or apoptosis depending on the nature of the ER stress condition. In this paper, we summarized our current understanding of the mechanisms and components related to ER stress in theβ-cell pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes.
Antiplatelet, Antithrombotic, and Fibrinolytic Activities ofCampomanesia xanthocarpa
Authors: Klafke Jonatas Zeni , Arnoldi da Silva Mariane , Fortes Rossato Mateus , Trevisan Gabriela , Banderó Walker Cristiani Isabel , Martins Leal Cláudio Alberto , Olschowsky Borges Diego , Chitolina Schetinger Maria Rosa , Noal Moresco Rafael , Medeiros Frescura Duarte Marta Maria , Soares dos Santos Adair Roberto , Nazário Viecili Paulo Ricardo , Ferreira Juliano
Published: September 2011

In a previous work based on popular belief,Campomanesia xanthocarpaBerg., popularly known as “guavirova”, showed to have a potential effect in the control of a number of conditions associated with cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effects ofC.xanthocarpaextract (CXE) on antiplatelet, antithrombotic and fibrinolytic activities in mice and in human blood. Mice were treated orally for 5 days with CXE or acetylsalicylic acid and at the end of the treatment period animals were challenged for bleeding, acute thromboembolism and ulcerogenic activity. In addition, we have assessed the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) after oral administration. Inin vitroassays, antiplatelet effects of CXE was evaluated on platelet aggregation, and fibrinolytic activity of the extract was observed by mice or human artificial blood clot degradation. Platelet citotoxicity of the extract was also determined by the LDH assay. Results demonstrated that CXE has a significant protective effect on thrombosis. It also inhibits platelet aggregation without demonstrating cytotoxicity on platelets. CXE slightly prolonged aPTT and showed no ulcerogenic activity after oral administration. In addition, CXE showed a fibrinolytic activity. Thus,C.xanthocarpashowed antiplatelet, antithrombotic and fibrinolytic activities in mice.
Human Cytomegalovirus US28 Found in Glioblastoma Promotes an Invasive and Angiogenic Phenotype
Authors: Soroceanu Liliana , Matlaf Lisa , Bezrookove Vladimir , Harkins Loui , Martinez Roxanne , Greene Mary , Soteropoulos Patricia , Cobbs Charles S.
Published: September 2011

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections are seen often in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors, but whether the virus contributes to GBM pathogenesis is unclear. In this study, we explored an oncogenic role for the G-protein–coupled receptor-like protein US28 encoded by HCMV that we found to be expressed widely in human GBMs. Immunohistochemical and reverse transcriptase PCR approaches established that US28 was expressed in approximately 60% of human GBM tissues and primary cultures examined. In either uninfected GBM cells or neural progenitor cells, thought to be the GBM precursor cells, HCMV infection or US28 overexpression was sufficient to promote secretion of biologically active VEGF and to activate multiple cellular kinases that promote glioma growth and invasion, including phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (e-NOS). Consistent with these findings, US28 overexpression increased primary GBM cell invasion in Matrigel. Notably, this invasive phenotype was further enhanced by exposure to CCL5/RANTES, a US28 ligand, associated with poor patient outcome in GBM. Conversely, RNA interference–mediated knockdown of US28 in human glioma cells persistently infected with HCMV led to an inhibition in VEGF expression and glioma cell invasion in response to CCL5 stimulation. Analysis of clinical GBM specimens further revealed that US28 colocalized in situ with several markers of angiogenesis and inflammation, including VEGF, p-STAT3, COX2, and e-NOS. Taken together, our results indicate that US28 expression from HCMV contributes to GBM pathogenesis by inducing an invasive, angiogenic phenotype. In addition, these findings argue that US28–CCL5 paracrine signaling may contribute to glioma progression and suggest that targeting US28 may provide therapeutic benefits in GBM treatment. Cancer Res; 71(21); 6643–53. ©2011 AACR.
Characterization of Chemokines and Adhesion Molecules Associated with T cell Presence in Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Human Lung Cancer
Authors: de Chaisemartin Luc , Goc Jérémy , Damotte Diane , Validire Pierre , Magdeleinat Pierre , Alifano Marco , Cremer Isabelle , Fridman Wolf-Herman , Sautès-Fridman Catherine , Dieu-Nosjean Marie-Caroline
Published: September 2011

De novo formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) has been described in lung cancers. Intratumoral TLS seem to be functional and are associated with a long-term survival for lung cancer patients, suggesting that they represent an activation site for tumor-specific T cells. Here, we characterized T-cell recruitment to TLS in human lung cancer to identify the adhesion molecules and chemoattractants orchestrating this migration. We found that most TLS T cells were CD62L+ and mainly of CD4+ memory phenotype, but naive T cells were highly enriched in these structures as compared with the rest of the tumor. A specific gene expression signature associated with T cell presence was identified in TLS, which included chemokines (CCL19, CCL21, CXCL13, CCL17, CCL22, and IL16), adhesion molecules (ICAM-2, ICAM-3, VCAM-1, and MAdCAM-1) and integrins (alphaL, alpha4, and alphaD). The presence of the corresponding receptors on TLS T cells was confirmed. Intratumoral PNAd+ high endothelial venules also were exclusively associated with TLS and colocalized with CD62L+ lymphocytes. Together, these data bring new insights into the T-cell recruitment to intratumoral TLS and suggest that blood T cell enter into TLS via high endothelial venules, which represent a new gateway for T cells to the tumor. Findings identify the molecules that mediate migration of tumor-specific T cells into TLS where T cell priming occurs, suggesting new strategies to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. Cancer Res; 71(20); 6391–9. ©2011 AACR.
IRF-1 Expression Is Essential for Natural Killer Cells to Suppress Metastasis
Authors: Ksienzyk Antje , Neumann Berit , Nandakumar Ramya , Finsterbusch Katja , Grashoff Martina , Zawatzky Rainer , Bernhardt Günter , Hauser Hansjörg , Kröger Andrea
Published: September 2011

IFN-γ promotes tumoral immune surveillance, but its involvement in controlling metastases is less clear. Using a mouse model of pulmonary metastases, we show that local IFN-γ treatment inhibits formation of metastases through its regulation of IRF-1 in tumor cells. IRF-1 is an IFN-γ–induced transcription factor pivotal in the regulation of infection and inflammation. IRF-1 blockade abolished the inhibitory effect of IFN-γ on tumor metastases, whereas ectopic expression of IRF-1 phenocopied the inhibitory effects of IFN-γ. IRF-1 did not affect the survival of tumor cells in the circulation or their infiltration into lungs, but it was essential to support the pulmonary attraction and activation of natural killer (NK) cells. Depleting NK cells from mice abolished the protective effect of IFN-γ or IRF-1 on metastases. In addition, cytotoxicity assays revealed that tumor cells expressing IRF-1 were targeted more effectively by NK cells than IRF-1 nonexpressing tumor cells. Moreover, NK cells isolated from lungs inoculated with IRF-1–expressing tumor cells exhibit a greater cytotoxic activity. Mechanistic investigations revealed that IRF-1–induced NK cell cytotoxicity was independent of perforin and granzyme B but dependent on the NK cell activating receptor DNAM-1. Taken together, our findings establish IRF-1 as an essential mediator of the cross-talk between tumor cells and NK cells that mediate immune surveillance in the metastatic niche. Cancer Res; 71(20); 6410–8. ©2011 AACR.
High Visfatin Expression in Breast Cancer Tissue Is Associated with Poor Survival
Authors: Lee Yi-Chen , Yang Yi-Hsin , Su Jinu-Huang , Chang Hsueh-Ling , Hou Ming-Feng , Yuan Shyng-Shiou F.
Published: September 2011

Background: Adipocytokines, adipocyte-secreted hormones, play a critical role in breast cancer development. The expression of visfatin, a newly discovered adipocytokine, in breast cancer tissues was determined and correlated with patient clinicopathologic variables.

Methods: Visfatin expression in breast cancer tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Visfatin expression was correlated with clinicopathologic variables as well as recurrence rates, using the χ2 test. The prognostic value of visfatin for disease-free and overall survival was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier estimates, and the significance of differences between curves was evaluated by the log-rank test.

Results: High visfatin expression in breast cancer tissues was significantly correlated with tumor size, estrogen receptor (ER) negativity, and progesterone receptor (PR) negativity. Hormone therapy, but not radiotherapy or chemotherapy, decreased the recurrence rate in patients with high visfatin expression. Whereas high visfatin expression alone was associated with poor disease-free and overall survival, worse disease-free and overall survival was observed when high visfatin expression was combined with ER- and PR-negative status. Cox regression analysis also revealed that visfatin is an independent predictor of disease-free and overall survival.

Conclusion: High visfatin expression in breast cancer tissue is associated with more malignant cancer behavior as well as poor patient survival.

Impact: Visfatin is an independent prognosis predictor for breast cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(9); 1892–901. ©2011 AACR.
Convergent Genomic Studies Identify Association of GRIK2 and NPAS2 with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Smith Alicia K. , Fang Hong , Whistler Toni , Unger Elizabeth R. , Rajeevan Mangalathu S.
Published: September 2011

Background: There is no consistent evidence of specific gene(s) or molecular pathways that contribute to the pathogenesis, therapeutic intervention or diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). While multiple studies support a role for genetic variation in CFS, genome-wide efforts to identify associated loci remain unexplored. We employed a novel convergent functional genomics approach that incorporates the findings from single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and mRNA expression studies to identify associations between CFS and novel candidate genes for further investigation. Methods: We evaluated 116,204 SNPs in 40 CFS and 40 nonfatigued control subjects along with mRNA expression of 20,160 genes in a subset of these subjects (35 CFS subjects and 27 controls) derived from a population-based study. Results: Sixty-five SNPs were nominally associated with CFS (p < 0.001), and 165 genes were differentially expressed (≧4-fold; p ≤ 0.05) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of CFS subjects. Two genes, glutamate receptor, ionotropic, kinase 2 (GRIK2) and neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2), were identified by both SNP and gene expression analyses. Subjects with the G allele of rs2247215 (GRIK2) were more likely to have CFS (p = 0.0005), and CFS subjects showed decreased GRIK2 expression (10-fold; p = 0.015). Subjects with the T allele of rs356653 (NPAS2) were more likely to have CFS (p = 0.0007), and NPAS2 expression was increased (10-fold; p = 0.027) in those with CFS. Conclusion: Using an integrated genomic strategy, this study suggests a possible role for genes involved in glutamatergic neurotransmission and circadian rhythm in CFS and supports further study of novel candidate genes in independent populations of CFS subjects.
The Effects of Serotonin Transporter Promoter and Monoamine Oxidase A Gene Polymorphisms on Trait Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Kim Se Joo , Kang Jee In , Namkoong Kee , Song Dong-Ho
Published: September 2011

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influences of major serotonin-related genetic variants of the serotonin transporter-linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR), tryptophan hydroxylase 1 gene (TPH1) and monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA-EcoRV) on trait emotional intelligence (EI). Methods: The Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS) measuring trait EI and genotyping were performed in 336 healthy Korean college students (204 males, 132 females). Results: Among the male participants, those with the T genotype of MAOA (lower MAOA activity) had significantly lower subscale scores on the TMMS than those with the C genotype (higher MAOA activity) did. Additionally, male participants with the s/s genotype of the 5-HTTLPR gene had significantly lower attention subscale scores and total TMMS scores than those with the non-s/s (l/l + l/s) genotypes did. Among the female participants, there were no associations between any of the 5-HTTLPR, TPH1 or MAOA-EcoRV polymorphisms and any of the TMMS scores. Conclusion: These findings suggest a potential genetic basis of EI with regard to attention to one’s own feelings involving the serotonin system in males.
Postoperative Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer: State of the Art, Risk Subset, Prognosis and Unsolved Questions
Authors: Denaro Nerina , Russi Elvio G. , Adamo Vincenzo , Colantonio Ida , Merlano Marco C.
Published: September 2011

Head and neck cancer may be easily controlled at early stages, but resectable locally advanced disease often relapses at T and N sites. Therefore, adequate adjuvant treatment is of crucial importance for improving local control and/or survival. Unfortunately, little data are available on the adjuvant setting. Adjuvant radiotherapy is regarded as a standard approach for patients with locally advanced radically resected head and neck cancer, while postoperative chemotherapy alone cannot be considered outside of clinical trials. However, chemoradiotherapy is widely considered superior to radiotherapy in patients at a high risk of relapse and may be considered the standard treatment in this population. In this respect, in the last few decades, there has been a growing interest due to the emerging data on both tumor biology and clinical trials. Several pathological and molecular factors, affecting behavior and head and neck cancer prognosis, could allow for a better selection of postoperative treatment. More recently, new prognostic and predictive factors were identified, including biomolecular aspects, human papillomavirus infection and lifestyle. The integration of these new factors deserves dedicated clinical studies, but the available knowledge already allows some deductive hypotheses. We performed a review of the literature to analyze the role of therapy in the postoperative setting and to discuss both the possibility of a different approach to each class of risk and the unsolved question for which randomized trials are warranted.
Differential role of monocyte subsets in atherosclerosis
Authors: Hristov Mihail , Weber Christian
Published: September 2011

Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation of the arterial wall continuously drive the development of atherosclerosis. Details regarding the sequential involvement of different monocyte subsets in the pathology of this disease have recently emerged. This review concentrates on major monocyte subpopulations in mouse and men and specifically addresses their phenotype, function and recruitment during primary atherosclerosis as well as their contribution to angiogenesis and tissue regeneration secondary to plaque rupture.
The Relationship Between Serum Markers of Collagen Turnover and Cardiovascular Outcome in the Elderly
Authors: Barasch Eddy , Gottdiener John S. , Aurigemma Gerard , Kitzman Dalane W. , Han Jing , Kop Willem J. , Tracy Russell P.
Published: September 2011

Background—

The deposition of collagen fibrils in the myocardial extracellular matrix increases with age and plays a key role in the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF). We sought to determine the predictive value of serum markers of collagen turnover for incident HF and cardiovascular (CV) morbidity, mortality, and all-cause mortality in elderly individuals.

Methods and Results—

In 880 participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study (mean age, 77±6 years; 48% women), serum levels of carboxyl-terminal peptide of procollagen type I (PIP), carboxyl-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CITP), and amino-terminal peptide of procollagen type III (PIIINP) were measured in 4 groups: HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF; n=146, EF <55%); HF with preserved EF (HFPEF; n=175, EF ≥55%), control subjects with CV risk factors but not HF (CVD; n=280), and healthy control subjects free of CV disease (n=279). Relationships between these serum markers and outcome at follow-up of 12±4 years (range, 3–17 years) was determined in six models including those adjusted for conventional risk factors, renal function, NT-proBNP and agents which interfere with collagen synthesis. For the entire cohort, in unadjusted and adjusted models, both PIIINP and CITP were associated with myocardial infarction, incident HF, hospitalization for HF, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. In healthy control subjects, CITP and PIIINP were associated with all-cause death. In control subjects with risk factors, CITP was associated with incident HF, and in participants with HFPEF, CITP was associated with hospitalization for HF. No collagen biomarker was associated with outcome in participants with HFREF, and PIP was not associated with outcome in the cohort or its subgroups.

Conclusions—

In both healthy and elderly individuals with CV disease at risk of developing HF, CITP and PIIINP are significantly associated with multiple adverse cardiac outcomes including myocardial infarction, HF, and death.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00005133.
Integration of Lidar Data into a Coupled Mesoscale–Land Surface Model: A Theoretical Assessment of Sensitivity of Urban–Coastal Mesoscale Circulations to Urban Canopy Parameters
Authors: Carter Michael , Shepherd J. Marshall , Burian Steve , Jeyachandran Indu
Published: September 2011

Urban–coastal circulations affect urban weather, dispersion and transport of pollutants and contaminants, and climate. Proper characterization and prediction of thermodynamic and dynamic processes in such environments are warranted. A new generation of observation and modeling systems is enabling unprecedented characterization of the three-dimensionality of the urban environment, including morphological parameters. Urban areas of Houston, Texas, are classified according to lidar-measured building heights and assigned typical urban land surface parameters appropriate to each classification. The lidar data were degraded from 1 m to the model resolution (1 km) with the goal of evaluating the impact of degraded resolution urban canopy parameters (UCPs) and three-dimensionality on the coastal–urban mesoscale circulations in comparison to typical two-dimensional urban slab approaches. The study revealed complex interactions between the sea breeze and urban heat island and offers a novel diagnostic tool, the bulk Richardson shear number, for identifying shallow mesoscale circulation.

Using the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting model (ARW-WRF) coupled to an atmosphere–land surface–urban canopy model, the authors simulated a theoretical sea-breeze day and confirmed that while coastal morphology can itself lead to complex sea-breeze front structures, including preferred areas of vertical motion, the urban environment can have an impact on the evolution of the sea-breeze mesoscale boundary. The inclusion of lidar-derived UCPs, even at degraded resolution, in the model’s land surface representation can lead to significant differences in patterns of skin surface temperature, convergence, and vertical motion, which have implications for many aspects of urban weather.
Influence of the Valley Surroundings on Valley Wind Dynamics
Authors: Schmidli Juerg , Rotunno Richard
Published: September 2011

In a recent study, the authors investigated the mechanisms leading to the formation of diurnal along-valley winds in a valley formed by two isolated mountain ridges on a horizontal plain. The main focus was on the relation between the valley heat budget and the valley–plain pressure difference. The present work investigates the influence of the valley surroundings on the evolution of the valley winds. Three valley–plain configurations with identical valley volumes are studied: a periodic valley, an isolated valley on a plain (the former case), and an isolated valley entrenched in an elevated plateau. According to the valley volume argument (topographic amplification factor), these three cases should develop identical temperature perturbations and thus similar along-valley winds. However, substantial differences are found between the three cases, in particular a much stronger daytime up-valley wind and nighttime down-valley wind for the plateau configuration. The analysis demonstrates the importance of the exchange of along-valley momentum between the valley atmosphere and its surroundings and of the upper-level pressure gradient in explaining the differences among the cases. Furthermore, differences in the upper-level pressure gradient are shown to be related to the heat exchange of the air above the valley atmosphere with the surroundings, which is related to larger-scale cross-valley circulations.
Nonlinear Baroclinic Equilibration in the Presence of Ekman Friction
Authors: Willcocks B. T. , Esler J. G.
Published: September 2011

Two theories for the nonlinear equilibration of baroclinic waves in a two-layer fluid in a β channel are tested by comparison with high-resolution numerical simulations. Predictions are tested for a range of parameters (β, κ), where the inverse criticality β measures the degree of instability and the quasigeostrophic Ekman number κ measures the strength of Ekman friction. The first theory, from Warn, Gauthier, and Pedlosky (WGP), is formally valid for marginally unstable waves at κ = 0. The second, from Romea, is formally valid for nonzero κ and for waves that are marginally stable with respect to a different criterion, which enters because of the dissipative destabilization of otherwise stable waves by Ekman friction. The predictions of the two theories are in conflict in the limit κ → 0. When κ is slightly greater than zero, it is found that the WGP accurately predicts the maximum wave amplitude attained during a baroclinic life cycle across a significant range of parameter space. By contrast, accurate predictions of the long-time asymptotic wave amplitude are obtained only from Romea’s theory, even for those cases where WGP describes the initial behavior during the life cycle accurately. The results first indicate the importance of understanding the nonlinear equilibration mechanism of dissipatively destabilized waves. Second, it follows that baroclinic adjustment theories formulated from inviscid and frictionless stability criterion make demonstrably incorrect predictions for the equilibrated state, even in the limit of vanishing Ekman friction.
A Revised Scheme for the WRF Surface Layer Formulation
Authors: Jiménez Pedro A. , Dudhia Jimy , González-Rouco J. Fidel , Navarro Jorge , Montávez Juan P. , García-Bustamante Elena
Published: September 2011

This study summarizes the revision performed on the surface layer formulation of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. A first set of modifications are introduced to provide more suitable similarity functions to simulate the surface layer evolution under strong stable/unstable conditions. A second set of changes are incorporated to reduce or suppress the limits that are imposed on certain variables in order to avoid undesired effects (e.g., a lower limit in u*). The changes introduced lead to a more consistent surface layer formulation that covers the full range of atmospheric stabilities. The turbulent fluxes are more (less) efficient during the day (night) in the revised scheme and produce a sharper afternoon transition that shows the largest impacts in the planetary boundary layer meteorological variables. The most important impacts in the near-surface diagnostic variables are analyzed and compared with observations from a mesoscale network.
Generational inequity in social spending: The United States in comparative perspective
Authors: Ozawa Martha , Lee Yung Soo
Published: September 2011

This article examined generational inequity in social spending between the elderly and children using both country-level aggregate and household-level survey data. We calculated the allocation of social spending towards the elderly and children in 13 OECD countries based on OECD Social Expenditure Database (SOCX). We also presented the age-profile of social transfers for the same countries utilizing data from the Luxembourg Income Study (LIS). The results showed that the allocation of social spending in the United States was tilted toward the elderly compared to other countries. Policy implications for the United States are further discussed.
Comparative study of the presence of latex and polychloroprene in the behavior of sintered powder EPDMCR, ethylene-propylene- diene-monomer crumb rubber
Authors: Crespo J. E. , Parres F. , Nadal A.
Published: September 2011

In this work, the mechanical behavior of sintered waste material of ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer crumb rubber (EPDMCR) is analyzed, optimizing the temperature and compression pressure. The results obtained showed that an increase in temperature and compression pressure gives a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the material. We later mixed the EPDMCR particles with different percentages of adhesives with the aim of further improving the mechanical performance obtained from the sintered particles. The adhesives used in this study were latex and polychloroprene, and the optimum mechanical performance obtained came from mixes with polychloroprene, using a mix with 50% adhesive. The study was concluded with an analysis of images of the material using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), in order to observe the EPDMCR–adhesive interaction.
The Effect of Question Wording in Questionnaire Surveys on Placebo Use in Clinical Practice
Authors: Bąbel Przemysław
Published: September 2011

To identify factors that contribute to the high variability of the rates of use of placebo interventions reported in questionnaire surveys, the author investigated the effect of the explicit use of the word “placebo” in questionnaire surveys on placebo use in clinical practice on the results obtained. 190 primary care physicians in Poland were divided randomly into two groups. The groups received a questionnaire in which either the word placebo or the term “nonspecific methods of treatment” was used. The respondents who were asked explicitly about the use of placebo interventions declared that they never used placebo interventions significantly more often than participants asked about the use of nonspecific treatment methods. Moreover, the former reported significantly rarer use of placebo interventions than the latter. The study demonstrates that differences in the wording of questions in questionnaire surveys on placebo use can create statistically significant differences in results.
The Nongeneralizability of Classroom Dynamics as Predictors of Achievement for Hispanic Students in Upper Elementary Grades
Authors: López Francesca
Published: September 2011

This study examined the degree to which teacher behaviors established as predictors of achievement generalize to Hispanic students. Participants included 995 students (68% Hispanic) across Grades 3 through 5 and their teachers ( N = 46) in an urban school district in the Midwest. Classroom dynamics were measured using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (La Paro, Pianta, & Hamre, 2008). Achievement measures included standardized reading assessments administered at the end of the school year. Controls included beginning of the school year assessment scores and eligibility for free lunch. Consistent with prior studies, several teacher behaviors were associated with achievement for the non-Hispanic sample; however, the teacher behaviors did not generalize to the Hispanic sample. Implications for using classroom observations that do not reflect the norms of the target population to enhance accountability and assess professional development are presented, and considerations for addressing classroom observation measures are discussed.
Performance evaluation of a direct methanol fuel cell: combination of three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic modelling and one-dimensional diffusion layer mathematical modelling
Authors: Khoshmanesh S , Mirzaei M
Published: September 2011

In this study, to define the distribution of CO2 and methanol concentration in the anode channel, three-dimensional (3D) two-phase homogeneous computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling for the anode channel and one-dimensional (1D) two-phase mathematical modelling for the porous media have been considered. In the anode channel, two flow configurations, single-serpentine flow field (SSFF), and parallel flow field (PFF) were studied. Here also, the effects of inlet mass flowrate, flow configurations, inlet temperature of aqueous solution, and inlet feed concentration on the CO2 concentration in the anode channel and cell performance have been investigated. To define the interface boundary conditions between the channel and diffuser layers, the CFD modelling of the anode channel was coupled with the mathematical modelling in the porous media. The results show that the corner of the channel rib is the proper site for coalescence of CO2 gas bubbles. The finer distribution of methanol concentration and less number of gas bubbles at the SSFF configuration have been observed. This leads to a better performance of the cell in the SSFF configuration relative to the PFF configuration. With increase of the mass flowrate, the molar concentration of CO2 (gas bubbles) reduces and the cell performance improves. With increase in the temperature of aqueous methanol solution, cell performance will improve. The main reasons should be attributed to the enhanced activity of the catalyst and increase of diffusion coefficient of the methanol solution. The CO2 gas bubbles will emerge more at higher temperatures, but it is clear that the effect of enhanced activity of the catalyst and increase of the diffusion coefficient of the methanol surmounts that of numerous CO2 gas bubbles, thus leading to the improvement of the cell performance.
Pakistan
Authors: Waseem Mohammad
Published: September 2011

Underlying Pakistan’s three experiments with a federal arrangement in the form of the 1956, 1962 and 1973 constitutions, there has been a persistent concern about constraining the numerical majority of the largest province, first East Bengal and later Punjab. The first two constitutions had virtually eliminated the federal principle in West Pakistan by merging the four provinces and various princely states into one megaprovince called One-Unit in order to establish parity between the two wings of the state. In post-Bangladesh Pakistan, while the 1973 Constitution provided a strong centre with scant provincial autonomy, it tacitly acknowledged the linguistic majorities of the four provinces as legitimate representatives of their respective federating units. Together, these developments brought the issue of provincial autonomy to the centre of the stage in Punjab-dominated national politics championed by the three smaller provinces of Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. 37 years after the promulgation of the 1973 Constitution, the 18th Amendment finally addressed this issue with full strength. Pakistan in the following half decade is expected to experience what by all means is going to be a tempestuous process of shifting several ministries and divisions from the federal to provincial capitals. There can be resistance from the army and the centralist bureaucracy against the perceived dilution of state authority on the one hand and ‘minorities’ from the three smaller provinces against their perceived persecution at the hands of the majority communities of these provinces on the other.
Development of the En Masse Elimination Algorithm for Actuator Grouping Optimization
Authors: Hill Jeffrey R. , Wang K.W.
Published: September 2011

As large arrays of actuators become increasingly common in adaptive structures, many systems do not have enough power supplies to control each actuator individually due to design, weight, or cost constraints. This issue can be addressed by grouping multiple actuators together and powering each group with a single power supply. As this is done, it is important to determine which actuators to group together, that is, optimize the groupings for best performance. Currently, GAs and other heuristic algorithms are used to determine this grouping, where a global optimum or even acceptable solution is not always guaranteed. In order to effectively group the actuators and insure that the global optimum is found, a new method is developed in this research - the EME technique. This is an efficient algorithm that will locate the global optimum without having to examine every possible grouping combination. In this article, a detailed explanation of the EME algorithm is given and the efficacy of this method demonstrated. An example consisting of a beam with static deformation, multiple actuators, and different constraints on the number of power supplies is used to illustrate the concept. Utilizing an instrumented beam test stand, experimental investigation, and validation of the proposed method are performed.
A Comparative Study of Youth Gangs in China and the United States
Authors: Webb Vincent J. , Ren Ling , Zhao Jihong “Solomon” , He Ni “Phil” , Marshall Ineke Haen
Published: September 2011

While the research on youth gangs in the United States has been around for generations, relatively little research on Chinese youth gangs has been published in Western journals. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of the gang involvement of school-age youth in China and to explore whether or not some of the correlates associated with gang participation in the West, such as patterns of offending and victimization, are found in China. The data were collected from 7th, 8th, and 9th graders in both China and the United States using the same survey instrument, namely, the second International Self-Report Delinquency (ISRD-2). The results suggest that the U.S. sample has higher prevalence of self-nominated gang membership than the Chinese sample. In addition, the lifetime and last year participation rates in various criminal acts among the gang members in the Chinese sample were much lower than those in the U.S. sample. Last year prevalence of victimization was also examined between the gang members and nongang members in both samples. Finally, the definition of gang member identification was further explored to probe how culture, language, and social context can affect the understanding of a gang among the survey respondents.
Twenty-Five Years of Hidden Profiles in Group Decision Making
Authors: Lu Li , Yuan Y. Connie , McLeod Poppy Lauretta
Published: September 2011

This meta-analysis summarized findings from 65 studies using the hidden profile paradigm (101 independent effects, 3,189 groups). Results showed (a) groups mentioned two standard deviations more pieces of common information than unique information; (b) hidden profile groups were eight times less likely to find the solution than were groups having full information; (c) two measures of information pooling, including the percentage of unique information mentioned out of total available information (the information coverage measure) and the percentage of unique information out of total discussion (the discussion focus measure), were positively related to decision quality, but the effect of information coverage was stronger than that of discussion focus; and communication medium did not affect (d) unique information pooling or (e) group decision quality. Group size, total information load, the proportion of unique information, task demonstrability, and hidden profile strength were found to moderate these effects. Results are discussed in terms of how they offer conceptual advancement for future hidden profile research.
The Role of Glucose in Self-Control
Authors: Beedie Christopher J. , Lane Andrew M.
Published: September 2011

The strength model suggests that self-control relies on a limited resource. One candidate for this resource is glucose. Counter to the proposals of the glucose hypothesis, this study argues that the resource issue is one of allocation, not of limited supply. It addresses the argument from three perspectives: the evolution of mental processes at the species level, the adaptation of these same processes at the individual level, and the physiology of glucose transport. It is argued here that the brain has both sufficient resources and resource delivery mechanisms with which to support self-control but that these resources are allocated in accordance with personal priorities. As an alternative to the limited resource model, the current study proposes a resource-allocation model of self-control and presents several testable hypotheses.