bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periostin, a Cell Adhesion Molecule, Facilitates Invasion in the Tumor Microenvironment and Annotates a Novel Tumor-Invasive Signature in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Michaylira Carmen Z. , Wong Gabrielle S. , Miller Charles G. , Gutierrez Christie M. , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Hammond Rachel , Klein-Szanto Andres J. , Lee Ju-Seog , Kim Sang Bae , Herlyn Meenhard , Diehl J. Alan , Gimotty Phyllis , Rustgi Anil K.
Published: June 2010

Human squamous cell cancers are the most common epithelially derived malignancies. One example is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), which is associated with a high mortality rate that is related to a propensity for invasion and metastasis. Here, we report that periostin, a highly expressed cell adhesion molecule, is a key component of a novel tumor-invasive signature obtained from an organotypic culture model of engineered ESCC. This tumor-invasive signature classifies with human ESCC microarrays, underscoring its utility in human cancer. Genetic modulation of periostin promotes tumor cell migration and invasion as revealed in gain-of-loss and loss-of-function experiments. Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling and restoration of wild-type p53 function were each found to attenuate periostin, suggesting the interdependence of two common genetic alterations with periostin function. Collectively, our studies reveal periostin as an important mediator of ESCC tumor invasion and they indicate that organotypic (three-dimensional) culture can offer an important tool to discover novel biological effectors in cancer. Cancer Res; 70(13); 5281–92. ©2010 AACR.
BNC105: A Novel Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitor That Selectively Disrupts Tumor Vasculature and Displays Single-Agent Antitumor Efficacy
Authors: Kremmidiotis Gabriel , Leske Annabell F. , Lavranos Tina C. , Beaumont Donna , Gasic Jelena , Hall Allison , O'Callaghan Michael , Matthews Clayton A. , Flynn Bernard
Published: June 2010

Vascular disruption agents (VDA) cause occlusion of tumor vasculature, resulting in hypoxia-driven tumor cell necrosis. Tumor vascular disruption is a therapeutic strategy of great potential; however, VDAs currently under development display a narrow therapeutic margin, with cardiovascular toxicity posing a dose-limiting obstacle. Discovery of new VDAs, which display a wider therapeutic margin, may allow attainment of improved clinical outcomes. To identify such compounds, we used an in vitro selectivity screening approach that exploits the fact that tumor endothelial cells are in a constant state of activation and angiogenesis and do not undergo senescence. Our effort yielded the compound BNC105. This compound acts as a tubulin polymerization inhibitor and displays 80-fold higher potency against endothelial cells that are actively proliferating or are engaged in the formation of in vitro capillaries compared with nonproliferating endothelial cells or endothelium found in stable capillaries. This selectivity was not observed with CA4, a VDA currently under evaluation in phase III clinical trials. BNC105 is more potent and offers a wider therapeutic window. CA4 produces 90% vascular disruption at its no observed adverse event level (NOAEL), whereas BNC105 causes 95% vascular disruption at 1/8th of its NOAEL. Tissue distribution analysis of BNC105 in tumor-bearing mice showed that while the drug is cleared from all tissues 24 hours after administration, it is still present at high concentrations within the solid tumor mass. Furthermore, BNC105 treatment causes tumor regressions with complete tumor clearance in 20% of treated animals. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(6); 1562–73. ©2010 AACR.
Blockade of Rac1 Activity Induces G1 Cell Cycle Arrest or Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells through Downregulation of Cyclin D1, Survivin, and X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein
Authors: Yoshida Tatsushi , Zhang Yaqin , Rivera Rosado Leslie A. , Chen Junjie , Khan Tahira , Moon Sun Young , Zhang Baolin
Published: June 2010

Rac1 GTPase regulates a variety of signaling pathways that are implicated in malignant phenotypes. Here, we show that selective inhibition of Rac1 activity by the pharmacologic inhibitor NSC23766 suppressed cell growth in a panel of human breast cancer cell lines, whereas it had little toxicity to normal mammary epithelial cells. NSC23766 elicits its cytotoxicity via two distinct mechanisms in a cell line–dependent manner: induction of G1 cell cycle arrest in cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MCF7, and T47D) that express retinoblastoma (Rb) protein or apoptosis in Rb-deficient MDA-MB-468 cells. In MDA-MB-231 cells, Rac1 inhibition induced G1 cell cycle arrest through downregulation of cyclin D1 and subsequent dephosphorylation/inactivation of Rb. By contrast, MDA-MB-468 cells underwent substantial apoptosis that was associated with loss of antiapoptotic proteins survivin and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP). Rac1 knockdown by RNAi interference confirmed the specificity of NSC23766 and requirement for Rac1 in the regulation of cyclin D1, survivin, and XIAP in breast cancer cells. Further, NF-κB, but not c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase or p38 pathways, mediates the survival signal from Rac1. Overall, our results indicate that Rac1 plays a central role in breast cancer cell survival through regulation of NF-κB–dependent gene products. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(6); 1657–68. ©2010 AACR.
Bortezomib Sensitizes Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells to TRAIL–Mediated Apoptosis via Activation of Both Extrinsic and Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathways
Authors: Seki Naoko , Toh Uhi , Sayers Thomas J. , Fujii Teruhiko , Miyagi Motoshi , Akagi Yoshito , Kusukawa Jingo , Kage Masayoshi , Shirouzu Kazuo , Yamana Hideaki
Published: June 2010

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive human cancers, and novel treatment modalities are required. We investigated the therapeutic potential of the tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL/Apo2L) in combination with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (Velcade) on human ESCC cell lines. Bortezomib enhanced the susceptibility to TRAIL in 12 of the 15 ESCC cell lines tested, although most showed low sensitivity to TRAIL as a single agent. The enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis by bortezomib was caspase dependent. Increased processing of caspase-8 often accompanied enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis by bortezomib. However, the increased cell surface expression of death receptors observed on bortezomib treatment did not seem to be crucial for this effect. For some ESCC, bortezomib treatment resulted in a more efficient recruitment of caspase-8 and the Fas-associated death domain to the death-inducing signaling complex. Additional downregulation of the cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein long isoform [c-FLIP(L)] could cooperate in the activation of the extrinsic pathway in some cases. For other ESCC, the crucial effect of bortezomib treatment seemed to be increased signaling via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway on subsequent exposure to TRAIL. Thus, bortezomib could sensitize ESCC to TRAIL apoptosis by multiple molecular mechanisms of action. Therefore, the combination of bortezomib and TRAIL might be a novel therapeutic strategy for ESCC patients who fail to respond to standard chemoradiotherapy that predominantly targets the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(6); 1842–51. ©2010 AACR.
Improved Antitumor Activity and Tumor Targeting of NH2-Terminal–Specific PEGylated Tumor Necrosis Factor–Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
Authors: Chae Su Young , Kim Tae Hyung , Park Kyeongsoon , Jin Cheng-Hao , Son Sohee , Lee Seulki , Youn Yu Seok , Kim Kwangmeyung , Jo Dong-Gyu , Kwon Ick Chan , Chen Xiaoyuan , Lee Kang Choon
Published: June 2010

Tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is considered an attractive anticancer agent due to its tumor cell–specific cytotoxicity. However, its low stability, solubility, unexpected side effects, and weak pharmacokinetic profiles restrict its successful clinical application. To develop efficient TRAIL-based anticancer biotherapeutics, a new version of trimeric TRAIL was constructed by incorporating trimer-forming zipper sequences (HZ-TRAIL), and then NH2-terminal–specific PEGylation was done to produce PEGylated TRAIL (PEG-HZ-TRAIL). The biological, physicochemical, and pharmaceutical characteristics of PEG-HZ-TRAIL were then investigated using various in vitro and in vivo experiments, including a cell-based cytotoxicity test, a solubility test, pharmacokinetic analysis, and antitumor efficacy evaluations. Although slight activity loss occurred after PEGylation, PEG-HZ-TRAIL showed excellent tumor cell–specific cytotoxic effects via apoptotic pathways with negligible normal cell toxicity. The stability and pharmacokinetic problems of HZ-TRAIL were successfully overcome by PEGylation. Furthermore, in vivo antitumor tests revealed that PEG-HZ-TRAIL treatment enhanced therapeutic potentials compared with HZ-TRAIL in tumor xenograft animal models, and these enhancements were attributed to its better pharmacokinetic properties and tumor-targeting performance. These findings show that PEG-HZ-TRAIL administration provides an effective antitumor treatment, which exhibits superior tumor targeting and better inhibits tumor growth, and suggest that PEG-HZ-TRAIL should be considered a potential candidate for antitumor biotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(6); 1719–29. ©2010 AACR.
Docetaxel-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells Remain Sensitive toS-Trityl-l-Cysteine–Mediated Eg5 Inhibition
Authors: Wiltshire Carolyn , Singh Babloo L. , Stockley Jacqueline , Fleming Janis , Doyle Brendan , Barnetson Robert , Robson Craig N. , Kozielski Frank , Leung Hing Y.
Published: June 2010

Castrate-resistant prostate cancer remains a major clinical challenge. Due to the toxicity profile of taxane-based chemotherapy and treatment failure in some patients, novel agents with improved efficacy to side effect profiles are urgently needed. Eg5, a member of the kinesin-5 family, controls the formation of the bipolar spindle during cell division, and suppressed Eg5 function leads to mitotic arrest. S-Trityl-l-cysteine (STLC) is a novel Eg5-specific small-molecule inhibitor. Here, we report the first study to evaluate its use in prostate cancer. In a panel of prostate cancer cells, LNCaP and PC3 cells were the most and least sensitive to STLC treatment, with a 7.2-fold difference in their respective GI50 values: 250 nmol/L and 1.8 μmol/L. In LNCaP cells, treatment with either STLC or docetaxel resulted in transient G2-M arrest and subsequent caspase-mediated cell death. However, STLC- and docetaxel-treated PC3M cells have distinct fates: STLC induced a transient G2-M arrest, followed by polyploidy; in contrast, docetaxel-treated PC3M cells progressed to apoptosis after a transient G2-M arrest. Docetaxel-resistant LNCaP-derived (LDocR) cells respond to STLC in a similar manner to the parental cells. Although the docetaxel-resistant PC3M-derived (PDocR) cell line and its parental PC3M cells have similar GI50 to STLC treatment, PDocR cells showed significantly more G2-M arrest and less apoptosis. Hence, although docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer cells remain responsive to Eg5 inhibition with STLC, there are key differences at the cell cycle level, which may have implication in future development. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(6); 1730–9. ©2010 AACR.
ErbB-Inhibitory Protein: A Modified Ectodomain of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Synergizes with Dasatinib to Inhibit Growth of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Nautiyal Jyoti , Yu Yingjie , Aboukameel Amro , Kanwar Shailender S. , Das Jayanta K. , Du Jianhua , Patel Bhaumik B. , Sarkar Fazlul H. , Rishi Arun K. , Mohammad Ramzi M. , Majumdar Adhip P.N.
Published: June 2010

Many solid tumors, including breast cancer, show increased activation of several growth factor receptors, specifically epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its family members as well as c-Src, a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that promotes proliferation, inhibits apoptosis, and induces metastasis. We hypothesize that inhibition of c-Src and EGFRs will be an effective therapeutic strategy for triple-negative breast cancer. To test our hypothesis, we used a c-Src–specific inhibitor dasatinib (BMS-354825; Bristol-Myers Squibb) and our newly developed ErbB-inhibitory protein (EBIP), a potential pan-ErbB inhibitor, in breast cancer cells. EBIP is composed of 1 to 448 amino acids of the ectodomain of human EGFR to which the 30–amino acid epitope (known as “U” region) of rat EGFR-related protein is fused at the COOH-terminal end. The combination of dasatinib and EBIP was found to be highly effective in inhibiting the growth of four different breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-468, SKBr-3, MDA-MB-453, and MDA-MB-231) that express different levels of EGFRs. In EGFR-overexpressing MDA-MB-468 cells, the combination, but not monotherapy, markedly stimulated apoptosis mediated by caspase-9 and caspase-8 and attenuated activation of EGFR and Src as well as tyrosine kinase activity. EBIP also inhibited heregulin-induced activation of HER-2 and HER-3 in MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cells. The combination therapy was highly effective in suppressing tumor growth (∼90% inhibition) in MDA-MB-468–derived xenografts in severe combined immunodeficient mice. The latter could be attributed to induction of apoptosis. We conclude that combining dasatinib and EBIP could be an effective therapeutic strategy for breast cancer by targeting EGFRs and Src signaling. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(6); 1503–14. ©2010 AACR.
Localization and Prevalence of Hydrops Formation in Ménière’s Disease Using a Test Battery
Authors: Huang Chi-Hsuan , Wang Shou-Jen , Young Yi-Ho
Published: June 2010

This study investigated the localization and prevalence of hydrops formation in 20 patients with unilateral Ménière’s disease using a battery of tests, including audiometry, caloric, ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) and cervical VEMP (cVEMP) tests. The latter two tests used air-conducted sound (ACS) and bone-conducted vibration (BCV) as stimuli. Thirteen patients (65%) had abnormal hearing with a 4-tone average >26 dBHL. In the caloric test, 4 patients (20%) had abnormal responses, including canal paresis in 3 and caloric areflexia in 1 patient. The percentages of patients with abnormal ACS-oVEMP, BCV-oVEMP, ACS-cVEMP, and BCV-cVEMP tests were 65, 25, 45, and 25% in affected ears, and 40, 0, 15, and 0% in unaffected ears, respectively. Although ACS- and BCV-oVEMP results differed significantly, ACS- and BCV-cVEMP results did not, regardless of the affected or unaffected ears. Thus, the abnormal rates for hearing, ACS-cVEMP, BCV-oVEMP, and caloric tests in affected ears were 65, 45, 25, and 20%, respectively. This decreasing order of abnormal percentages in function of the cochlea, saccule, utricle, and semicircular canals mimics the declining sequence of hydrops formation in temporal bone studies. In conclusion, an inner ear test battery comprising audiometry, caloric, oVEMP, and cVEMP tests may provide further insight into the localization and prevalence of hydrops formation in Ménière’s disease.
Cannabinoids Inhibit Cellular Respiration of Human Oral Cancer Cells
Authors: Whyte Donna A. , Al-Hammadi Suleiman , Balhaj Ghazala , Brown Oliver M. , Penefsky Harvey S. , Souid Abdul-Kader
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose: The primary cannabinoids, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) are known to disturb the mitochondrial function and possess antitumor activities. These observations prompted us to investigate their effects on the mitochondrial O2 consumption in human oral cancer cells (Tu183). This epithelial cell line overexpresses bcl-2 and is highly resistant to anticancer drugs. Experimental Approach: A phosphorescence analyzer that measures the time-dependence of O2 concentration in cellular or mitochondrial suspensions was used for this purpose. Key Results: A rapid decline in the rate of respiration was observed when Δ9-THC or Δ8-THC was added to the cells. The inhibition was concentration-dependent, and Δ9-THC was the more potent of the two compounds. Anandamide (an endocannabinoid) was ineffective; suggesting the effects of Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC were not mediated by the cannabinoidreceptors. Inhibition of O2 consumption by cyanide confirmed the oxidations occurred in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Δ9-THC inhibited the respiration of isolated mitochondria from beef heart. Conclusions and Implications: These results show the cannabinoids are potent inhibitors of Tu183 cellular respiration and are toxic to this highly malignant tumor.
Dual RAS Therapy Not on Target, but Fully Alive
Authors: Lambers Heerspink H.J. , de Zeeuw D.
Published: June 2010

Inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) form a cornerstone in the treatment of kidney disease. These drugs lower blood pressure and albuminuria, and afford renal protection. Dual therapy with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker have been shown to be more effective in reducing blood pressure and albuminuria than the single use of these agents. It was therefore expected that the combination of these drugs could delay the progression of renal disease. However, the ONTARGET renal analysis suggests that the use dual-agent RAS leads to increased renal risk. This led to vivacious discussions about the benefits and risks of dual-agent RAS in patients with nephropathy. We will review the ONTARGET trial design and interpretation, and offer implications for novel trials.
The Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor Cilostazol Induces Regression of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Katakami Naoto , Kim Young-Seol , Kawamori Ryuzo , Yamasaki Yoshimitsu
Published: June 2010

Background—

Antiplatelet drugs are effective in preventing recurrence of atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients. However, the efficacy and usefulness of 2 different antiplatelet drugs, aspirin and cilostazol, in the progression of carotid intima-media thickening are unknown.

Methods and Results—

To compare prevention by cilostazol and aspirin of progression of atherosclerosis, we conducted a prospective, randomized, open, blinded end point study in 4 East Asian countries. A total of 329 type 2 diabetic patients suspected of peripheral artery disease were allocated to either an aspirin-treated (81 to 100 mg/d) group or a cilostazol-treated (100 to 200 mg/d) group. The changes in intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery during a 2-year observation period were examined as the primary end point. The regression in maximum left, maximum right, mean left, and mean right common carotid artery intima-media thickness was significantly greater with cilostazol compared with aspirin (−0.088±0.260 versus 0.059±0.275 mm,
P
<0.001; −0.042±0.274 versus 0.045±0.216 mm,
P
=0.003; −0.043±0.182 versus 0.028±0.202 mm,
P
=0.004; and −0.024±0.182 versus 0.048±0.169 mm,
P
<0.001). In a regression analysis adjusted for possible confounding factors such as lipid levels and hemoglobin A
1c
, the improvements in common carotid artery intima-media thickness with cilostazol treatment over aspirin treatment remained significant.

Conclusions—

Compared with aspirin, cilostazol potently inhibited progression of carotid intima-media thickness, an established surrogate marker of cardiovascular events, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: C000000215.
MG53 Constitutes a Primary Determinant of Cardiac Ischemic Preconditioning
Authors: Cao Chun-Mei , Zhang Yan , Weisleder Noah , Ferrante Christopher , Wang Xianhua , Lv Fengxiang , Zhang Yi , Song Ruisheng , Hwang Moonsun , Jin Li , Guo Jiaojiao , Peng Wei , Li Geng , Nishi Miyuki , Takeshima Hiroshi , Ma Jianjie , Xiao Rui-Ping
Published: June 2010

Background—

Ischemic heart disease is the greatest cause of death in Western countries. The deleterious effects of cardiac ischemia are ameliorated by ischemic preconditioning (IPC), in which transient ischemia protects against subsequent severe ischemia/reperfusion injury. IPC activates multiple signaling pathways, including the reperfusion injury salvage kinase pathway (mainly PI3K-Akt-glycogen synthase kinase-3β [GSK3β] and ERK1/2) and the survivor activating factor enhancement pathway involving activation of the JAK-STAT3 axis. Nevertheless, the fundamental mechanism underlying IPC is poorly understood.

Methods and Results—

In the present study, we define MG53, a muscle-specific TRIM-family protein, as a crucial component of cardiac IPC machinery. Ischemia/reperfusion or hypoxia/oxidative stress applied to perfused mouse hearts or neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, respectively, causes downregulation of MG53, and IPC can prevent ischemia/reperfusion-induced decrease in MG53 expression. MG53 deficiency increases myocardial vulnerability to ischemia/reperfusion injury and abolishes IPC protection. Overexpression of MG53 attenuates whereas knockdown of MG53 enhances hypoxia- and H
2
O
2
-induced cardiomyocyte death. The cardiac protective effects of MG53 are attributable to MG53-dependent interaction of caveolin-3 with phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase and subsequent activation of the reperfusion injury salvage kinase pathway without altering the survivor activating factor enhancement pathway.

Conclusions—

These results establish MG53 as a primary component of the cardiac IPC response, thus identifying a potentially important novel therapeutic target for the treatment of ischemic heart disease.
Cinderella Lunar Mission: Everyone Has a Chance to Set Foot on the Moon
Authors: Shi Danqing
Published: June 2010

The author compares the original story of Cinderella with the modern fairy tale created by the news media in covering the Apollo Program. This comparison builds the basis for the design of Cinderella Lunar Mission, a pseudo-lunar mission consisting, variously, of an installation, fake news reports, a lunar mission network game and real-world action 〈 www.cinderellalunarmission.com 〉. Inspired by Cinderella's glass slipper, the exclusive sign of her identity, Cinderella Lunar Mission examines the idea of shifting identity and ways of fabricating new fairy tales using such digital technologies as programmatic text, network games and barcode identification.
The Crystal Interface in Contemporary Art: Metaphors of the Organic and Inorganic
Authors: Cheetham Mark A.
Published: June 2010

What the author calls the “crystal interface” presents an opportunity to historicize and theorize the remarkable fascination with crystals found in contemporary art theory and practice. In aesthetics, science and art production, the crystal materializes intimations of transparency, of vitalistic transformation or of a purist stability. It powerfully articulates a line or gradation between the organic and inorganic. The author's goal is to create a context in which to understand the recourse to the crystal in contemporary art, specifically in the work of Roger Hiorns, David Altmejd and Gerard Caris. As a frame, the author examines Schopenhauer's, Worringer's and Deleuze and Guattari's adoption of the crystal as metaphor and material exemplar.
The Electric Retina: An Interplay of Media Art and Neuroscience
Authors: Hodel Corinne , Neuhauss Stephan C.F. , Scott Jill
Published: June 2010

The Electric Retina is an interactive sculpture built by the artist Jill Scott. This project is the result of her residency at the Institute of Zoology (Zurich) neurobiological laboratory and is an artistic interpretation of the lab's research on zebrafish vision. This trans-disciplinary collaboration has served to communicate scientific findings to the general public. Moreover, learning different styles and modes of communication required for interfacing with the general public and with the artist has been a worthwhile experience for the scientists involved.
The Current Emphasis on Science and Technology in Nigeria: Dilemmas for Art Education
Authors: Kashim I.B. , Adelabu O.S.
Published: June 2010

Nigerian educational policies continue to emphasize the development of science and technology. Arts are being relegated to the background as a result of this emphasis. This paradigm shift has affected visual arts education in Nigeria. The number of those seeking admission into science- and engineering-based courses has risen tenfold in spite of the limited infrastructural facilities available, while the number seeking admission to creative arts continues to dwindle yearly. Those who had been preparing for courses in engineering and science but could not secure admission are often absorbed into arts-based industrial design courses. Students in industrial design with science backgrounds are able to develop their creative potential, which is necessary in developing economies. This paper suggests that art training in Nigeria should embrace integrated science subjects.
Tracing Moments
Authors: Seevinck Jen
Published: June 2010

The interactive art system +-now captures moments in the past and present for dreamy, reflective play. It is composed of sand, imagery and interaction. This paper traces the creative process from initial landscape studies to museum installation in 2008. Key design concepts discussed include the origin and use of sand and emergence.
Exploring the Method of Hypothetical Artwork Modelling: Case of the Primary Colours Fallacy
Authors: Selan Jurij
Published: June 2010

The author explores the explicatory powers of the method of hypothetical artwork modelling on the problematic taken from colour theory. While constructing two hypothetical artwork models, the author tries to show that the painters' fallacy concerning primary colours is not necessarily a fallacy at all.
A test of optimal foraging and the effects of predator experience in the lizards Sceloporus jarrovii and Sceloporus virgatus
Authors: Watters
Published: June 2010

Foraging efficiency of predators can be evaluated by using optimality or profitability models which incorporate prey choice, handling time and pursuit or search time. Optimality of a diet could vary based on the age, sex, size, predation risk, or foraging experience of the predator. This study tested the effects of a predator's age and foraging experience by observing prey capture attempts and success rate, and by calculating diet profitability for adult and neonate Sceloporus jarrovii and adult Sceloporus virgatus. Prey availability was assessed in order to determine prey preference and profitability. Neonates showed an increased number of prey capture attempts, but success rate was similar for neonates and adults of both species. Total diet profitability of neonates was lower than adults of either species, which could be a result of poor prey choice or gape limitation (although body size showed no direct effect). Overall, the diets of all three groups were less profitable than would be expected based on the types of prey in the environment, although this is likely due to low availability (from the lizard's perspective) of highly profitable items. Lizards seem to be eating prey items in the same proportion as they are found in the environment.
Perceptual mechanism for vocal individual recognition in jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos): contact call signature and discrimination
Authors: Watanabe  , Izawa  , Kondo
Published: June 2010

In long-range fission-fusion complex societies, individuals are often recognized by audiovocal signals because of long-range propagation. The signature voice system is a well-known mechanism involving both acoustic individuality of a certain call type and discrimination ability. Previous studies on vocal individual recognition of birds have emphasized its involvement in breeding contexts such as mate, parent and offspring, and territorial-neighbour recognition. However, there has been less focus on the recognition of non-breeding flock members despite the socio-ecological demand of such ability in the complex social lives of highly social birds including corvids. Here we report a signature voice system in jungle crows by showing both acoustic individuality of contact calls and discrimination ability. We first performed a discriminant functional analysis on contact ka calls of five crows to examine their discriminatory potential and demonstrate inter-individual distinctions. We next used an operant conditioning to verify the perceptual ability to discriminate non-breeding familiar conspecifics based on ka calls. Four of the five crows successfully transferred discrimination of individual calls to the novel ka calls. Our results provide the first evidence of a signature voice system as a perceptual mechanism for individual recognition of familiar individuals in non-breeding flocks of a highly social crow.
Narratives of Structural Pacing in Mozart's String Quartets and Quintets
Authors: Clausius Katharina
Published: June 2010

The sonata and rondo forms of Mozart's chamber music for strings rely on specific temporal-spatial dynamics that evade simple comparison to generic structural models. I rely on an understanding of the dual interaction of “real” and “musical” time, here defined as musical “pacing,” in order to examine the role of temporality in the linear narratives of typical late eighteenth-century forms. The linguistic theory of syntax and paratax proposed by structuralist Ferdinand de Saussure suggests a critical perspective clarifying the interdependent dynamics that define Mozartian forms. Within this structuralist context, the linearity of temporal progression ultimately escapes through music's vertical moment of resolution. The temporal impulse of Mozart's tonal structures both defines and liberates itself through his narratives of musical pacing.
The Teacher Observation Form: Revisions and Updates
Authors: Peters Scott J. , Gates Jillian C.
Published: June 2010

This article discusses the original development and subsequent updates and revisions made to the Teacher Observation Form (TOF). The TOF is a 12-item form to be used by evaluators in the observation of teachers of gifted and talented students. After nearly 25 years of use, the original TOF was revised based on input from content experts and modified to reflect current effective standards of practices in gifted education. The revised TOF was then used on 217 occasions over a 2-year period to evaluate teachers in university-based enrichment programs. Results indicated that alpha reliability estimates increased for 9 of the 12 TOF items and that the overall rater-level effect (intraclass correlation coefficient) was comparable with that of classroom-level effects in standardized test scores. Based on these findings the authors offer the TOF as a means to provide feedback to teachers as to the prevalence of gifted education pedagogical effective practices in their classrooms.
Dealing With Dependence (Part II): A Gentle Introduction to Hierarchical Linear Modeling
Authors: McCoach D.Betsy
Published: June 2010

In education, most naturally occurring data are clustered within contexts. Students are clustered within classrooms, classrooms are clustered within schools, and schools are clustered within districts. When people are clustered within naturally occurring organizational units such as schools, classrooms, or districts, the responses of people from the same cluster are likely to exhibit some degree of relatedness with each other. The use of hierarchical linear modeling allows researchers to adjust for and model this non-independence. Furthermore, it may be of great substantive interest to try to understand the degree to which people from the same cluster are similar to each other and then to try to identify variables that help us to understand differences both within and across clusters. In HLM, we endeavor to understand and explain between- and within-cluster variability of an outcome variable of interest. We can also use predictors at both the individual level (level 1), and the contextual level (level 2) to explain the variance in the dependent variable. This article presents a simple example using a real data set and walk through the interpretation of a simple hierarchical linear model to illustrate the utility of the technique.
Visualizing changes over time: A history of information retrieval through the lens of descriptor tri-occurrence mapping
Authors: Sugimoto Cassidy R. , McCain Katherine W.
Published: June 2010

This study provides an historical analysis of the discipline of information retrieval (IR) for three time periods: 1980—1984, 1990—1994 and 2000—2004. This analysis is done through the use of a novel bibliometric technique called tri-occurrence analysis, in which the descriptor ‘information retrieval’ is used as a filter term within the traditional technique of co-occurrence analysis. The resulting data is visualized by means of Pathfinder Network analysis. The findings provide evidence of an evolution in the IR landscape over the three decades from an emphasis on systems-, storage- and education-related research in the 1980s to database-, user interface- and information service-related research in the 1990s and to web-related research in the 2000s. This work provides additional validation of the use of tri-occurrence analysis as a useful bibliometric technique.
Researchers’ e-journal use and information seeking behaviour
Authors: Nicholas David , Williams Peter , Rowlands Ian , Jamali Hamid R.
Published: June 2010

This paper presents the results of the second phase of a Research Information Network study, which sought to establish the impact of e-journals on the scholarly behaviour of researchers in the UK. The first phase of the project was a deep log analysis of the usage and information seeking behaviour of researchers in connection with the ScienceDirect and Oxford Journals databases. This paper reports on the second phase, which sought to explain and provide context for the deep log data by taking the questions raised by the quantitative study to the research community via interview, questionnaire and observation. Nine major research institutions took part, six subjects were covered and the behaviour of about 1400 people was analyzed. Findings show that academic journals have become central to all disciplines and that the e-form is the prime means of access. Most importantly the study demonstrates that computer usage logs provide an accurate picture of online behaviour. High levels of gateway service use point to the re-intermediating of the broken chain between publisher and reader.
With a Little Help from Our Colleagues: A Longitudinal Study of Social Networks for Innovation
Authors: Kijkuit Bob , van den Ende Jan
Published: June 2010

In this paper we investigate the dynamics of networks of employees in the front end of the new product development process. So far, the literature has focused on network structure and has argued that sparse (low density) networks of weak ties are optimal for idea generation. In this paper we include both network structure and network content, and we emphasize the importance of strong ties, density, range, seniority and decision-maker involvement in specific phases of the front end in an environment of uncertainty, ambiguity and tacit knowledge. To test our assumptions, we mapped the full networks of 17 ideas for new product development projects over time in a longitudinal study in two research laboratories. For specific phases of the front end, we found confirmation of our expectations. In addition, it appeared that particularly strong ties between different units advance the adoption chances of ideas. The managerial implication of this latter finding is that communication with good acquaintances or friends in other units should be promoted in the front end of idea generation.
Haematological effects of minimized compared to conventional extracorporeal circulation after coronary revascularization procedures
Authors: Anastasiadis Kyriakos , Asteriou Christos , Deliopoulos Apostolos , Argiriadou Helena , Karapanagiotidis Georgios , Antonitsis Polychronis , Grosomanidis Vasilios , Misias Georgios , Papakonstantinou Christos
Published: June 2010

During the last decade, minimized extracorporeal circulation (MECC) systems have shown beneficial effects to the patients over the conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CECC) circuits. This is a prospective randomized study of 99 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, evaluating the postoperative haematological effects of these systems. Less haemodilution (p=0.001) and markedly less haemolysis (p<0.001), as well as better preservation of the coagulation system integrity (p=0.01), favouring the MECC group, was found. As a clinical result, less bank blood requirements were noted and a quicker recovery, as far as mechanical ventilation support and ICU stay are concerned, was evident with the use of MECC systems. As a conclusion, minimized extracorporeal circulation systems may attenuate the adverse effects of conventional circuits on the haematological profile of patients undergoing CABG surgery.
Surgical intervention utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass for coronary unroofing of anomalous coronary artery
Authors: Resley Justin , Burke Ryan , Isbell David , Tribble Reid , Martin Jeffery , Petit Scott
Published: June 2010

Coronary arteries originating from the opposite coronary cusp and crossing the path between the aorta and the pulmonary artery are associated with ischemia and sudden cardiac death. An increased prevalence of these cases may be attributed to diagnostic advances in computed tomographic angiography (CTA).

We report a retrospective review of ten patients referred for surgical intervention from March 2008 to present. Nine patients were diagnosed with right coronary arteries arising from the left coronary cusp and one patient with a left coronary artery arising from the right coronary cusp. Seven patients were male and the median age was 40 years (range, 21 to 51). Symptoms included atypical chest pain, tachy-arrythmias, diaphoresis, and dyspnea on exertion. CTA demonstrated anomalous coronary arteries arising from the opposite coronary cusp and traveling between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.

Surgical intervention was performed on all ten patients with no mortality and only one re-operation requiring bypass grafting. The sixth patient in the series had concomitant atherosclerotic disease, requiring left internal mammary artery grafting to the left anterior descending coronary artery. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was utilized with moderate hypothermia in all ten patients, with retrograde and/or coronary ostial cardioplegia administration. At routine surgical follow-up, all patients were without original presenting symptoms.

Patients with anomalous coronary arteries arising from the opposite coronary cusp are at risk of acute myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. Surgical unroofing is a viable option for this patient population and avoids coronary artery bypass grafting. Since March 2008, we have operated on ten patients presenting with this anomaly and have had excellent short-term results. Further long-term follow-up is necessary.
An Evaluation of Chronic 6- and 12-Month Rat Toxicology Studies as Predictors of 2-Year Tumor Outcome
Authors: Reddy M. V. , Sistare F. D. , Christensen J. S. , DeLuca J. G. , Wollenberg G. K. , DeGeorge J. J.
Published: June 2010

Chronic 6- and 12-month rat toxicology studies were evaluated for their ability to predict tumor outcome in 2-year rat carcinogenicity studies for 80 pharmaceuticals from commercial and Merck databases. The data consisted of 62 (6-month) and 54 (12-month) studies, which included 30 rat carcinogens and 50 noncarcinogens in 2-year studies. The histopathology findings considered as evidence of potential preneoplasia in the chronic studies were hyperplasia, cellular hypertrophy, and atypical cellular foci. The authors hypothesized that a whole animal–based approach should be taken, wherein (1) evidence of potential preneoplasia in any tissue may serve as a sensitive predictor of tumor outcome in any tissue in the whole animal and not necessarily the same tissue and (2) the absence of evidence for potential preneoplasia in all tissues may serve as a strong negative predictor of tumor outcome in any tissue. Based on this whole animal approach, 25 of 30 rat carcinogens showed histopathologic signals in chronic toxicology studies, yielding a test sensitivity of 83%. The negative predictivity of the absence of histopathology findings in chronic toxicology studies of 50 nontumorigenic compounds was 88%. The value of the extra 6-month treatment was not apparent. The 5 false negatives (negative chronic studies but positive 2-year studies) are for marketed drugs approved for non-life-threatening conditions and associated with rat-specific mechanisms. The absence of preneoplasia in the whole animal is a reliable predictor of negative tumor outcome in 2-year rat studies, and approximately 50% rat carcinogenicity studies could be eliminated for the 80 pharmaceuticals examined, with no risk to humans and with a substantial reduction in animal usage and drug development time.
Criminalizing Rape Within Marriage
Authors: Adinkrah Mensah
Published: June 2010

Forcing sexual intercourse on an unwilling marital partner, or marital rape, is not a crime in many societies around the world, because of a marital exemption rule that prohibits the prosecution of husbands who rape their wives. Concurrently, marital rape is one of the least studied phenomena in sexual violence research. This is particularly true for societies in the non-Western world. The current study examined the general attitudes of a sample of university students in Ghana, a West African country, toward marital rape. Respondents were also asked whether an ongoing legislative effort to criminalize marital rape in the country was warranted. The results indicated strong opposition toward criminalization. The results also indicated no marked differences between male and female respondents in attitudes toward marital rape and the need for a legislative response to the phenomenon. Patriarchal ideologies such as wifely submission to the husband and an implicit duty to provide sex in marriage provided some of the justifications furnished for why marital rape should remain noncriminalized. Advocates of criminalization mentioned the social, physical, and psychological effects of rape and how the enactment of marital rape legislation and the imposition of severe criminal sanctions would help prevent the incidence of marital rape and other forms of violence against women in the society.
Electricity and combined heat and power from municipal solid waste; theoretically optimal investment decision time and emissions trading implications
Authors: Tolis Athanasios , Rentizelas Athanasios , Aravossis Konstantin , Tatsiopoulos Ilias
Published: June 2010

Waste management has become a great social concern for modern societies. Landfill emissions have been identified among the major contributors of global warming and climate changes with significant impact in national economies. The energy industry constitutes an additional greenhouse gas emitter, while at the same time it is characterized by significant costs and uncertain fuel prices. The above implications have triggered different policies and measures worldwide to address the management of municipal solid wastes on the one hand and the impacts from energy production on the other. Emerging methods of energy recovery from waste may address both concerns simultaneously. In this work a comparative study of co-generation investments based on municipal solid waste is presented, focusing on the evolution of their economical performance over time. A real-options algorithm has been adopted investigating different options of energy recovery from waste: incineration, gasification and landfill biogas exploitation. The financial contributors are identified and the impact of greenhouse gas trading is analysed in terms of financial yields, considering landfilling as the baseline scenario. The results indicate an advantage of combined heat and power over solely electricity production. Gasification, has failed in some European installations. Incineration on the other hand, proves to be more attractive than the competing alternatives, mainly due to its higher power production efficiency, lower investment costs and lower emission rates. Although these characteristics may not drastically change over time, either immediate or irreversible investment decisions might be reconsidered under the current selling prices of heat, power and CO 2 allowances.
Recovery of zinc from leach residues with minimum iron dissolution using oxidative leaching
Authors: Alizadeh Reza , Rashchi Fereshteh , Vahidi Ehsan
Published: June 2010

Leaching was performed to recover zinc from a zinc leach residue which contained 9.87% Zn and 4.93% Fe. During sulfuric acid leaching, Fe was dissolved as well as Zn which can reduce the Zn extraction efficiency. Leaching the residue in the presence of an oxidizing reagent such as hydrogen peroxide or manganese dioxide significantly reduced the iron content of the leach liquor. Effect of pH, temperature, solid/liquid ratio, reaction time and hydrogen peroxide or manganese dioxide concentration on the recovery of zinc and iron in non-oxidative and oxidative leaching conditions were investigated. By using the optimum oxidative leaching conditions, iron recovery reduced from 70% in non-oxidative leaching to 0.4 and 5% in the presence of MnO2 and H2O2, respectively, with acceptable Zn recovery. This reduction in the iron content was due to the different iron compounds formed at different conditions.
Voices of Native Hawaiian Kupuna (Elders) Living With Chronic Illness: “Knowing Who I Am”
Authors: Davis ReNel
Published: June 2010

Health disparities among Native Hawaiian kupuna (elders) continues to be a major health issue. The purpose of this study was to explore the meanings, experiences and perceptions of care of Native Hawaiian kupuna in Hawaii who live with chronic illness. A qualitative design was used with in-depth interviews conducted with 15 Native Hawaiian kupuna and five Native Hawaiian health care providers. Study themes that emerged were the importance of knowing and respecting the Hawaiian culture, the difficulties of living in two worlds, knowing how to speak from the heart, and the need to learn from each other. Findings revealed that integrating knowledge and understanding of Hawaiian cultural values and perspectives are essential in designing culturally competent approaches that promote the health and well-being of Native Hawaiian kupuna with chronic illnesses.
The Social Determinants of Substance Abuse in African American Baby Boomers: Effects of Family, Media Images, and Environment
Authors: Pope Robert C. , Wallhagen Margaret , Davis Harvey
Published: June 2010

Grounded theory methodology was used to explore the social processes involved in the use of illicit drugs in older African Americans as an underpinning to the development of approaches to nursing care and treatment. Interviews were conducted with six older African American substance users who were currently in drug treatment programs. Responses to the questions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using constant comparative methods. Three core themes emerged: (a) family, (b) media images, and (c) environment. The core issues of substance abuse, such as the environment and larger societal forces, cannot be addressed by one discipline and mandate that clinicians move to an interdisciplinary approach to achieve a plan of care for this growing population.