bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral Mechanisms of Dental Pain: The Role of Substance P
Authors: Sacerdote Paola , Levrini Luca
Published: February 2012

Current evidence supports the central role of neuropeptides in the molecular mechanisms underlying dental pain. In particular, substance P, a neuropeptide produced in neuron cell bodies localised in dorsal root and trigeminal ganglia, contributes to the transmission and maintenance of noxious stimuli and inflammatory processes. The major role of substance P in the onset of dental pain and inflammation is increasingly being recognised. Well-grounded experimental and clinical observations have documented an increase in substance P concentration in patients affected by caries, pulpitis, or granulomas and in those undergoing standard orthodontic or orthodontic/dental care procedures. This paper focuses on the role of substance P in the induction and maintenance of inflammation and dental pain, in order to define future lines of research for the evaluation of therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the complex effects of this mediator in oral tissues.
Size and Shape Control of Gold Nanodeposits in an Array of Silica Nanowells on a Gold Electrode
Authors: Rue Amy E. , Collinson Maryanne M.
Published: February 2012

Ordered arrays of hemispherical nanowells were formed in a sol-gel-derived silica film on a gold electrode using 500 nm diameter polystyrene latex spheres as templates. The conductive domain located at the bottom of each nanowell upon template removal was enlarged via electroless deposition from a gold plating solution. The structured electrodes thus formed were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Depending on the method used to make the films, the extent of the long-range packing and the size of the conductive domain changed. Electroless deposition in the nanowells produced (near) sphere-like nanostructures of gold, the size of which depended on the incubation time in the plating solution and the size of the conductive domain. Longer exposure times yielded nanostructures that filled the nanowell, whereas smaller exposure time yielded much smaller structures. Significantly larger, rougher deposits were formed in nanowells with large conductive domains. The electrochemical response observed at these electrodes was strongly dependent on the extent of long-range packing, the presence of defect sites in the film and their relative spacing, and the redox species in solution.
Sensor Arrays and Electronic Tongue Systems
Authors: del Valle Manel
Published: February 2012

This paper describes recent work performed with electronic tongue systems utilizing electrochemical sensors. The electronic tongues concept is a new trend in sensors that uses arrays of sensors together with chemometric tools to unravel the complex information generated. Initial contributions and also the most used variant employ conventional ion selective electrodes, in which it is named potentiometric electronic tongue. The second important variant is the one that employs voltammetry for its operation. As chemometric processing tool, the use of artificial neural networks as the preferred data processing variant will be described. The use of the sensor arrays inserted in flow injection or sequential injection systems will exemplify attempts made to automate the operation of electronic tongues. Significant use of biosensors, mainly enzyme-based, to form what is already named bioelectronic tongue will be also presented. Application examples will be illustrated with selected study cases from the Sensors and Biosensors Group at the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
SKLB1206, a Novel Orally Available Multikinase Inhibitor Targeting EGFR Activating and T790M Mutants, ErbB2, ErbB4, and VEGFR2, Displays Potent Antitumor Activity Both In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Pan Youli , Xu Yong , Feng Shan , Luo Shidong , Zheng Renlin , Yang Jiao , Wang Lijiao , Zhong Lei , Yang Han-Yu , Wang Bing-Lin , Yu Yang , Liu Jingjing , Cao Zhixing , Wang Xiaoyan , Ji Pan , Wang Zerong , Chen Xin , Zhang Shuang , Wei Yu-Quan , Yang Sheng-Yong
Published: February 2012

Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment has been successfully applied in clinical cancer therapy. However, the clinical efficacy of first-generation reversible EGFR inhibitors, such as gefitinib and erlotinib, is limited by the development of drug-resistant mutations, including the gatekeeper T790M mutation and upregulation of alternative signaling pathways. Second-generation irreversible EGFR inhibitors that were designed to overcome the drug resistance due to the T790M mutation have thus far had limited success. Here, we report a novel reversible EGFR inhibitor, SKLB1206, which has potent activity against EGFR with gefitinib-sensitive and -resistant (T790M) mutations. In addition, SKLB1206 has also considerable inhibition potency against some other related oncokinases, including ErbB2, ErbB4, and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). SKLB1206 exhibited highly antiproliferative activity against a range of EGFR-mutant cell lines, including gefitinib-sensitive and -resistant cell lines, and EGFR or ErbB2-overexpressing cell lines. SKLB1206 also showed a potent antiangiogenesis effect in vitro, in a zebrafish embryonic angiogenesis assay, and in an alginate-encapsulate tumor cell assay. In vivo, oral administration of SKLB1206 showed complete tumor regression in gefitinib-sensitive HCC827 and PC-9 xenograft models and showed a considerable antitumor effect on the gefitinib-resistant H1975 model as well as other EGFR/ErbB2-overexpressing or -dependent tumor models including A431, LoVo, and N87 established in athymic mice. SKLB1206 also showed a very good oral bioavailability (50.1%). Collectively, these preclinical evaluations may support clinical development of SKLB1206 for cancers with EGFR-activating/resistance mutations or EGFR/ErbB2 overexpressed. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(4); 952–62. ©2012 AACR.
Serine-305 Phosphorylation Modulates Estrogen Receptor Alpha Binding to a Coregulator Peptide Array, with Potential Application in Predicting Responses to Tamoxifen
Authors: Houtman René , de Leeuw Renée , Rondaij Mariska , Melchers Diana , Verwoerd Desiree , Ruijtenbeek Rob , Martens John W.M. , Neefjes Jacques , Michalides Rob
Published: February 2012

With current techniques, it remains a challenge to assess coregulator binding of nuclear receptors, for example, the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). ERα is critical in many breast tumors and is inhibited by antiestrogens such as tamoxifen in cancer therapy. ERα is also modified by acetylation and phosphorylation that affect responses to the antiestrogens as well as interactions with coregulators. Phosphorylation of ERα at Ser305 is one of the mechanisms causing tamoxifen resistance. Detection of resistance in patient samples would greatly facilitate clinical decisions on treatment, in which such patients would receive other treatments such as aromatase inhibitors or fulvestrant. Here we describe a coregulator peptide array that can be used for high-throughput analysis of full-length estrogen receptor binding. The peptide chip can detect ERα binding in cell and tumor lysates. We show that ERα phosphorylated at Ser305 associates stronger to various coregulator peptides on the chip. This implies that ERαSer305 phosphorylation increases estrogen receptor function. As this is also detected in a breast tumor sample of a tamoxifen-insensitive patient, the peptide array, as described here, may be applicable to detect tamoxifen resistance in breast tumor samples at an early stage of disease and contribute to personalized medicine. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(4); 805–16. ©2012 AACR.
High Incidence of Internal Malignancy in Papuloerythroderma of Ofuji: A Case Series from Japan
Authors: Teraki Yuichi , Aso Yuko , Sato Yoshihiro
Published: February 2012

Background: Although it has been reported that papuloerythroderma of Ofuji (PEO) often occurs in association with internal malignancy, the true incidence of malignancy in patients with PEO is unknown. Objective and Methods: To ascertain the incidence of and relationship with internal malignancy in patients with PEO, 11 patients with PEO diagnosed at our dermatology clinic between September 2005 and June 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Internal malignancy was found in 6 (54.5%) of the 11 PEO patients, and 5 cases were idiopathic PEO. In the 6 cases with associated malignancy, PEO preceded the malignancies, and the diagnosis of malignancy was made just before or shortly after the diagnosis of PEO, but the malignant process and PEO did not always run a parallel course. Conclusions: Although the limitations of this study included a relatively small sample size, the present findings show a high incidence of internal malignancy in patients with PEO.
Genetic Polymorphisms of FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa Are Not Predictive of Clinical Outcomes after Cetuximab plus Irinotecan Chemotherapy in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Park Seong Joon , Hong Yong Sang , Lee Jae-Lyun , Ryu Min-Hee , Chang Heung Moon , Kim Kyu-pyo , Ahn Yong Chel , Na Young-Soon , Jin Dong-Hoon , Yu Chang Sik , Kim Jin Cheon , Kang Yoon-Koo , Kim Tae Won
Published: February 2012

Objective: The anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody cetuximab has been shown to be effective in patients with wild-type KRAS metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Fragment C γ receptor (FcγR) polymorphisms may predict the effectiveness of cetuximab, but this has not been established. This study investigated the clinical relevance of FcγR gene polymorphisms and KRAS status in iri-notecan-refractory mCRC patients treated with cetuximab. Methods: The total number of irinotecan-refractory mCRC patients studied was 118. Among them, 117 and 107 patients were screened for KRAS mutations and genetic polymorphisms of FcγRIIa-131H/R and FcγRIIIa-158V/F, respectively. The association of FcγR polymorphisms and KRAS mutations with clinical outcome was analyzed. Results:KRAS mutations were found in 33 patients (27.1%). Wild-type KRAS was associated with a better response rate (p < 0.001), longer progression-free survival (p < 0.001) and longer overall survival (p < 0.001). FcγRIIa H/H, H/R and R/R polymorphisms were observed in 54, 49 and 4 patients, respectively, and FcγRIIIa V/V, V/F and F/F polymorphisms were observed in 6, 65, and 36 patients, respectively. Clinical outcomes were not significantly associated with either FcγRIIa or FcγRIIIa polymorphisms or with combinations of KRAS status and FcγR polymorphisms. Conclusion: The FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa polymorphisms may not be useful molecular biomarkers for the activity of cetuximab in patients with mCRC.
A Novel Homozygous Q334X Mutation in the HSD3B2 Gene Causing Classic 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Deficiency: An Unexpected Diagnosis after a Positive Newborn Screen for 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Jeandron Debra D. , Sahakitrungruang Taninee
Published: February 2012

Background: 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD) type 2 (encoded by HSD3B2) is expressed in the adrenals and gonads. HSD3B2 mutations cause the rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia ‘3βHSD deficiency’. In its classic form, affected individuals have salt wasting early in infancy and may have ambiguous genitalia in both sexes. The presence of peripheral type 1 3βHSD often complicates the hormonal diagnosis of this disorder, in that very high 17α-hydroxypregnenolone levels can be converted extra-adrenally to 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP). Patient and Methods: A 46,XX female newborn with no signs of virilization was referred for evaluation of positive 17OHP newborn screening, and developed a salt-wasting crisis at 13 days of age. The confirmatory test revealing highly elevated 17OHP suggested a 21-hydroxylase deficiency, but sequencing of the CYP21A2 gene was not consistent. Further family history suggested a 3βHSD deficiency. The HSD3B2 gene was then sequenced. Results: The patient was homozygous for the novel nonsense mutation Q334X in the HSD3B2 gene, inherited from both parents. Conclusions: We report a novel mutation of the HSD3B2 gene, Q334X, responsible for a classic 3βHSD deficiency. The clinical and hormonal phenotypes can be complicated in this disorder, and this supports the benefits of 17OHP newborn screening to detect various forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
The treatment of venous thromboembolism with low-molecular-weight heparins
Authors: Nizankowski Rafal , Bochenek Tomasz
Published: February 2012

The currently recommended method of venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment is the application of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in most patients, and low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) in selected groups. The VKA dose adjustment is difficult which might well render the treatment ineffective. The study aimed to compare LMWH with VKA in treating VTE in terms of efficacy and safety. A systematic review of literature and the meta-analysis of the treatment results were performed. The main differences between LMWH and VKA in terms of their respective effectiveness in treating VTE consist in appreciably more advantageous effects of LMWH in preventing deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The key difference in terms of respective safety is the greater effectiveness of LMWH in preventing minor bleedings. The advantage of LMWH in cancer patients consists predominantly in a significantly better protection against DVT episodes, whereas the advantage of LMWH in non-cancer patients is mainly owed to better protection against minor bleedings. In none of the analysed outcomes of VTE treatment, the application of VKA proved to hold any advantage over LMWH. Although, arguably, there might well be sufficient medical grounds to propose more widespread use of LMWH, it still remains a debatable issue whether the currently used therapeutic standard should also be modified accordingly. Apart from the actual findings of the present meta-analysis, pertinent economic considerations must also be addressed.
Emotional states and future risk of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Brækkan Sigrid K. , Hansen-Krone Ida J. , Hansen John-Bjarne , Enga Kristin F.
Published: February 2012

Emotional states of depression and loneliness are reported to be associated with higher risk and optimism with lower risk of arterial cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death. The relation between emotional states and risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has not been explored previously. We aimed to investigate the associations between self-reported emotional states and risk of incident VTE in a population-based, prospective study. The frequency of feeling depressed, lonely and happy/optimistic were registered by self-administered questionnaires, along with major co-morbidities and lifestyle habits, in 25,964 subjects aged 25–96 years, enrolled in the Tromsø Study in 1994–1995. Incident VTE-events were registered from the date of inclusion until September 1, 2007. There were 440 incident VTE-events during a median of 12.4 years of follow-up. Subjects who often felt depressed had 1.6-fold (95% CI:1.02–2.50) higher risk of VTE compared to those not depressed in analyses adjusted for other risk factors (age, sex , body mass index, oes-trogens), lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption, educational level) and co-morbidities (diabetes, CVD, and cancer). Often feeling lonely was not associated with VTE. However, the incidence rate of VTE in subjects who concurrently felt often lonely and depressed was higher than for depression alone (age-and sex-adjusted incidence rate: 3.27 vs. 2.21). Oppositely, subjects who often felt happy/optimistic had 40% reduced risk of VTE (HR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.41–0.87). Our findings suggest that self-reported emotional states are associated with risk of VTE. Depressive feelings were associated with increased risk, while happiness/ optimism was associated with reduced risk of VTE.
Disruption of PF4/H multimolecular complex formation with a minimally anticoagulant heparin (ODSH)
Authors: Joglekar Manali V. , Diez Pedro M. , Marcus Stephen , Qi Rui , Espinasse Benjamin , Wiesner Mark R. , Pempe Elizabeth , Liu Jian , Monroe Dougald M. , Arepally Gowthami M.
Published: February 2012

Recent studies have shown that ultra-large complexes (ULCs) of platelet factor 4 (PF4) and heparin (H) play an essential role in the pathogenesis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), an immune-mediated disorder caused by PF4/H antibodies. Because antigenic PF4/H ULCs assemble through non-specific electrostatic interactions, we reasoned that disruption of charge-based interactions can modulate the immune response to antigen. We tested a minimally anticoagulant compound (2-O, 3-O desulfated heparin, ODSH) with preserved charge to disrupt PF4/H complex formation and immunogenicity. We show that ODSH disrupts complexes when added to pre-formed PF4/H ULCs and prevents ULC formation when incubated simultaneously with PF4 and UFH. In other studies, we show that excess ODSH reduces HIT antibody (Ab) binding in immunoassays and that PF4/ODSH complexes do not cross-react with HIT Abs. When ODSH and unfractionated heparin (UFH) are mixed at equimolar concentrations, we show that there is a negligible effect on amount of protamine required for heparin neutralisation and reduced immunogenicity of PF4/UFH in the presence of ODSH. Taken together, these studies suggest that ODSH can be used concurrently with UFH to disrupt PF4/H charge interactions and provides a novel strategy to reduce antibody mediated complications in HIT.

Presented in part at the 52nd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition, December 6th, 2010, Orlando, Florida, USA.
A Genome-Wide Association Study for Coronary Artery Disease Identifies a Novel Susceptibility Locus in the Major Histocompatibility Complex
Authors: Davies Robert W. , Wells George A. , Stewart Alexandre F.R. , Erdmann Jeanette , Shah Svati H. , Ferguson Jane F. , Hall Alistair S. , Anand Sonia S. , Burnett Mary S. , Epstein Stephen E. , Dandona Sonny , Chen Li , Nahrstaedt Janja , Loley Christina , König Inke R. , Kraus William E. , Granger Christopher B. , Engert James C. , Hengstenberg Christian , Wichmann H.-Erich , Schreiber Stefan , Tang W.H. Wilson , Ellis Stephen G. , Rader Daniel J. , Hazen Stanley L. , Reilly Muredach P. , Samani Nilesh J. , Schunkert Heribert , Roberts Robert , McPherson Ruth
Published: February 2012

Background—

Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several novel loci that reproducibly associate with coronary artery disease (CAD) and/or myocardial infarction risk. However, known common CAD risk variants explain only 10% of the predicted genetic heritability of the disease, suggesting that important genetic signals remain to be discovered.

Methods and Results—

We performed a discovery meta-analysis of 5 GWAS involving 13 949 subjects (7123 cases, 6826 control subjects) imputed at approximately 5 million single nucleotide polymorphisms, using pilot 1000 Genomes–based haplotypes. Promising loci were followed up in an additional 5 studies with 11 032 subjects (5211 cases, 5821 control subjects). A novel CAD locus on chromosome 6p21.3 in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) between
HCG27
and
HLA-C
was identified and achieved genome-wide significance in the combined analysis (rs3869109;
p
discovery
=3.3×10
−7
,
p
replication
=5.3×10
−4
p
combined
=1.12×10
−9
). A subanalysis combining discovery GWAS showed an attenuation of significance when stringent corrections for European population structure were used (
P
=4.1×10
−10
versus 3.2×10
−7
), suggesting that the observed signal is partly confounded due to population stratification. This gene dense region plays an important role in inflammation, immunity, and self–cell recognition. To determine whether the underlying association was driven by MHC class I alleles, we statistically imputed common
HLA
alleles into the discovery subjects; however, no single common
HLA
type contributed significantly or fully explained the observed association.

Conclusions—

We have identified a novel locus in the MHC associated with CAD. MHC genes regulate inflammation and T-cell responses that contribute importantly to the initiation and propagation of atherosclerosis. Further laboratory studies will be required to understand the biological basis of this association and identify the causative allele(s).
Clinical Outcomes and Treatment After Drug-Eluting Stent Failure
Authors: Maluenda Gabriel , Ben-Dor Itsik , Gaglia Michael A. , Wakabayashi Kohei , Mahmoudi Michael , Sardi Gabriel , Laynez-Carnicero Ana , Torguson Rebecca , Xue Zhenyi , Margulies Adrian D. , Suddath William O. , Kent Kenneth M. , Bernardo Nelson L. , Satler Lowell F. , Pichard Augusto D. , Waksman Ron
Published: February 2012

Background—

The optimal percutaneous treatment of drug-eluting stent (DES) in-stent restenosis (ISR) and the correlates for recurrent DES ISR remain unclear.

Methods and Results—

From 2003 to 2008, 563 patients presenting with recurrent symptoms of ischemia and angiographic ISR after DES implantation were included. Of these, 327 were treated with re-DES (58.1%), 132 underwent vascular brachytherapy (23.4%), and 104 were treated with conventional balloon angioplasty (18.5%). Variables associated with target lesion revascularization at 1 year were explored by individual proportional hazard models. This population presents a high prevalence of comorbidities, including diabetes (43.7%), previous myocardial infarction (MI) (45.8%), coronary bypass graft surgery (39.2%), chronic renal failure (18.8%), and heart failure (17.3%). Baseline clinical characteristics were balanced among the 3 groups; however, patients undergoing vascular brachytherapy presented with more complex lesions and a higher prevalence of prior stent/vascular brachytherapy failure than did the rest of the population. The overall incidence of recurrent DES failure at 1-year follow-up was 12.2%, which was similar among the 3 groups (
P
=0.41). The rate of the composite end point (death, Q-wave-MI and target lesion revascularization) at 1-year follow-up was 14.1% for re-DES, 17.5% for vascular brachytherapy, and 18.0% for conventional balloon angioplasty (
P
=0.57). After univariable analysis tested the traditional known covariates related to ISR, none of them were associated with repeat target lesion revascularization.

Conclusions—

Recurrence of ISR after DES treatment failure is neither infrequent nor benign, and optimal therapy remains unclear and challenging. Given the absence of traditional risk factors for ISR in this population, further research is required to elucidate both the correlates involved in DES ISR and the optimal treatment for this condition.
Multilag Correlation Estimators for Polarimetric Radar Measurements in the Presence of Noise
Authors: Lei Lei , Zhang Guifu , Doviak Richard J. , Palmer Robert , Cheong Boon Leng , Xue Ming , Cao Qing , Li Yinguang
Published: February 2012

The quality of polarimetric radar data degrades as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) decreases. This substantially limits the usage of collected polarimetric radar data to high SNR regions. To improve data quality at low SNRs, multilag correlation estimators are introduced. The performance of the multilag estimators for spectral moments and polarimetric parameters is examined through a theoretical analysis and by the use of simulated data. The biases and standard deviations of the estimates are calculated and compared with those estimates obtained using the conventional method.
Helplessness of empowerment: The joint effect of participative leadership and controllability attributional style on empowerment and performance
Authors: Huang Xu
Published: February 2012

This study investigated how the controllability attributional style of an employee influences the effect of participative leadership on psychological empowerment and work performance. The controllability attributional style refers to the extent to which employees habitually attribute their negative organizational experiences such as failures and setbacks to controllable or uncontrollable causes. The results of two studies consistently showed that participative leadership had a weaker impact on employees’ psychological empowerment for those who had a low rather than high controllability attributional style. In Study 2, psychological empowerment was found to fully mediate the joint effect of participative leadership and the controllability attributional style on the objective work performance of employees measured a month later.
The Relationship Between Change Across Multiple Organizational Domains and the Incidence of Latent Errors
Authors: Goodman Paul S. , Ramanujam Rangaraj
Published: February 2012

The authors examined the relationship between types of organizational change (i.e., changes across multiple domains, e.g., employees, structure, and technology) and the incidence of latent errors (i.e., potentially consequential deviations from rules and procedures), using data from internal audit reports and interviews with managers in 80 business units in a large financial institution. Consistent with their premise that latent errors result from the increased demands on organizational attention associated with organizational change, the authors found that changes in multiple organizational domains was positively related to the frequency of latent errors. Moreover, this relationship was only observed for changes that had an adverse impact on managerial time, expertise, and/or work coordination. Implications for research on organizational change and latent errors, as well as for managers, are discussed.
Influence of polyethylene glycol 6000 and potassium ferrocyanide on electroless copper plating at the nickel-modified surface of para-aramid fibers
Authors: Zhang Huiru , Zou Xinguo , Sun Jinliang
Published: February 2012

Influence of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000) and potassium ferrocyanide (K4Fe(CN)6) on electroless copper plating at the nickel-modified surface of para-aramid fibers was investigated in the present work. The surface of para-aramid fibers was roughened using sodium hydride/dimethyl sulfoxide (NaH/DMSO) to guarantee successful electroless plating. Then, electroless copper plating at the nickel-modified surface of para-aramid fibers was adopted because nickel had catalytic activity during the electroless copper-plating process. Meanwhile, PEG6000 can regulate the growth rate of the crystalline grain to produce a morphology-controlled deposit and K4Fe(CN)6 is a brightener and leveling agent for deposit during electroless-plating process. Hence, both PEG6000 and K4Fe(CN)6 were selected as the additives together. On adding PEG6000 to the plating solution, the copper grains turned fine and sleek. Copper deposits became homogeneous, smooth, and compact, and the appearance of deposits changed from dark-brown to red-brown. On adding K4Fe(CN)6 into the plating solution with 4 mg/L PEG6000, the copper deposits became more compact and smoother, and the color of deposits changed from red-brown to bright copper. Correspondingly, the conductivity of deposits increased. In addition, the breaking strength of metal-deposited para-aramid fibers still remained at values up to 45 N.
Osteoinduction
Authors: Miron R.J. , Zhang Y.F.
Published: February 2012

Since the discovery of osteoinduction in the early 20th century, innovative biomaterials with osteoinductive potential have emerged. Over the last 50 years, however, our ability to describe biological phenomena accurately has been improved dramatically by advancements in cell and molecular biology. The aim of this review is to divide the osteoinduction phenomenon into 3 principles: (1) mesenchymal cell recruitment, (2) mesenchymal differentiation to bone-forming osteoblasts, and (3) ectopic bone formation in vivo. Furthermore, this review formulates guidelines for in vitro and in vivo experimental testing for accurately defining new biomaterials as osteoinductive. The use of growth factors with osteoinductive potential in periodontal and oral surgery is discussed. These concepts and guidelines aim to guide the future direction of emerging biomaterials in bone regeneration.
Survivin SNP-carcinogen Interactions in Oral Cancer
Authors: Weng C.J. , Hsieh Y.H. , Chen M.K. , Tsai C.M. , Lin C.W. , Yang S.F.
Published: February 2012

In Taiwan, oral cancer is causally associated with environmental carcinogens. Survivin is an anti-apoptotic protein and is generally considered a marker of malignancy. The current study explored the combined effect of survivin gene polymorphisms and environmental carcinogens on the risk and clinico-pathological development of oral cancer. Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of survivin genes from 439 male patients with oral cancer and 424 male control participants (who did not have cancer) were analyzed. The survivin −31GG, +9194 GG, and +9809 TT homozygotes exhibited higher risk for oral cancer compared with the corresponding ancestral genotype, after adjustment for related confounders. The survivin −31, +9194, and +9809 SNPs combined with betel quid chewing and/or tobacco consumption could robustly elevate susceptibility to oral cancer. The distribution frequency of the −31 G: +9194 A: +9809 T haplotype was significantly higher in oral cancer patients than in control participants. These results suggest that survivin gene polymorphisms and their interactions with environmental carcinogens may increase susceptibility to oral cancer in Taiwanese men.

Abbreviations: AOR, adjusted odds ratio; CI, confidence intervals; PCR, polymerase chain-reaction; SNP, single-nucleotide polymorphisms.
Ancient Virtues, Contemporary Practices
Authors: Mann Hollie Sue
Published: February 2012

Earlier discussions of care have both insisted on its importance to political life and decried the unequal burden borne by women in care work. Yet they have failed to demonstrate why for reasons above and beyond the instrumental ends it serves. We ought to make the cultivation of an ongoing practice of caregiving a political priority. This article redefines and reframes care as a thoroughly critical and deeply embodied practice that is central to the flourishing of human beings. By way of Aristotle, I situate philia and embodied practices of care at the center of the shaping of the citizen and demonstrate a deeper significance of relations of care to our political life. When this is done alongside attention to habituation to right action and thinking, we can see more clearly how a particular kind of embodied politics can activate and sustain an ethic that cultivates citizens’ capacities and desires to care.
Longitudinal linkages between depressive and posttraumatic stress symptoms in adolescent survivors following the Wenchuan earthquake in China: A three-wave, cross-lagged study
Authors: Ying Liu-Hua , Wu Xin-Chun , Lin Chong-De
Published: February 2012

This study aimed to determine the relationships between depressive and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a sample of adolescent survivors following the Wenchuan earthquake in China. Two-hundred adolescent survivors were reviewed at 12, 18 and 24-months post-earthquake. Depression and PTSD were assessed by two self-report questionnaires: The revised Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children and the Revised Child PTSD Symptom Scale, respectively. The cross-lagged structural equation analysis with latent variables indicated that the PTSD symptoms and depression could be considered as two distinct and high-correlated constructs, and depression symptomatology pre-event could predict post-event PTSD. Depression symptoms play a crucial role in the development of PTSD symptoms. Implications of the results for psychological service providers to children and youth are discussed.
The process of identifying gifted children in elementary education: Teachers’ evaluations of creativity
Authors: García-Ros Rafael , Talaya Isabel , Pérez-González Francisco
Published: February 2012

This study describes the importance of creativity in the identification of gifted elementary-aged children and presents the process of validating a scale for rating the creativity of the students through the teachers’ responses. The results show the instrument’s unifactorial structure, satisfactory levels of internal consistency, as well as convergent and discriminant validity. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for the work of school psychologists.
Strikes and class consciousness in the early work of Richard Hyman
Authors: McIlroy John
Published: February 2012

This article reviews the writings of Richard Hyman analysing strikes during the militancy of the 1970s. It focuses on his central concern with the relationship between industrial action and class consciousness, a perennial issue in Marxist theory, setting this discussion in the context of Hyman’s examination of contemporary trade unionism and his membership of a small revolutionary group, the International Socialists. The development of his thinking from economism and rank-and-fileism towards understanding the social gestation of consciousness, and his ultimate conviction that strikes possess no necessary connection with radicalisation and that even in revolutionary situations are subordinate to political action is explored and assessed. The article concludes with consideration of the related literature and reflections on socialists and strikes in contemporary Britain.
A method for techno-economic analysis of supercritical carbon dioxide cycles for new generation nuclear power plants
Authors: Benjelloun M , Doulgeris G , Singh R
Published: February 2012

The energy generation industry faces new challenges and requirements. The fourth generation of nuclear power plants is developed to meet the future clean energy demand by 2030. The supercritical carbon dioxide (S–CO2) Brayton closed cycle features compactness and high efficiency, combined with short construction time, standing for higher profitability when compared to current steam cycles. In this article, a method for assessing overall viability of direct and indirect carbon dioxide cycles is described. This method comprises both thermodynamic and economic analyses. Thermodynamic and economic models have been developed to assess several cycle designs in terms of overall viability that includes thermodynamic performance and financial outcome. Each cycle has been calculated through an iterative process that takes into account the variation of the properties of the working fluid and returns temperatures, pressure, efficiency, and power generation for the given design characteristics. The economic model, on the other hand, includes the calculation of overnight cost, which is a function of the cycle choice, through the cost of the components. Furthermore, plant profitability is calculated over a given period, which depends on both overnight cost and power plant efficiency. The method has been applied on an indicative parametric analysis of two S–CO2 cycles (direct and indirect) where the capability of identifying optimum areas has been case shown. In terms of overall pressure ratio, it was found that a thermodynamically optimized cycle would not coincide with an economically optimized one, due to the effect of component costing. On the other hand, turbine entry temperature appeared to considerably improve both power output and economic outcome, even though a maximum value is dictated by thermal and mechanical resistances of materials. In overall, even though power generation train is only a subsystem in a nuclear plant, it has been demonstrated that thermodynamic cycle design can have a significant impact on maximizing the earning capacity of the plant, especially through the implementation of a novel highly dense fluid, such as the S–CO2, which bears the potential of high compactness.
Feminists Borrowing Language and Practice from Other Religious Traditions: Some Ethical Implications
Authors: Grant Rhiannon
Published: February 2012

Seeking new language for the Divine has encouraged Christian and Jewish feminists to explore other religious traditions which are richer in feminine language for God, and in some cases to borrow parts of what they find for their own use. However, these other religious traditions are often socially and politically less powerful, and borrowing their language and practice has ethical implications. Especially because the ethical dimensions of liturgy are bound up with theological issues, religious feminists have a moral duty to consider these questions in which there are rarely if ever any easy answers.
Adaptive resetting of SMA actuators
Authors: Langbein Sven , Czechowicz Alexander
Published: February 2012

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have essential advantages compared with conventional actuators, in particular their high-power density and their silent mode of operation. However, this material has not yet gained acceptance in technical applications. The main reasons are the missing simulation tools and a lack of knowledge of materials as well as the companies’ uncertainty as to how to handle SMA. The resetting of the SMA element to generate a repeatable movement is often a defined problem. In this context, reset springs made of steel are conventional solutions, although their characteristics are a disadvantage. To reach a high level of power output and hence a high degree of efficiency, a reduction of the preload is necessary. A solution for this problem is an adaptive resetting. One main possibility to generate an adaptive resetting is given by the agonist–antagonist principle where two SMA elements work against each other. Here, the reset force can be applied if necessary. The advantage of this type of design is that a conventional return spring or a mechanical brake for clamping the position (electrically operated) is not necessary. Another possibility for adaptive resetting is to change the spring characteristics of a pseudoelastic SMA element by heating. The aim of this publication is to sum up the different possibilities of adaptive resetting of shape memory actuators. It also provides methods and the knowledge to support the development process of such resetting principles. The development of these methods is based on the analysis of different designs and requirements. Based on the experimental results, a conclusion of the possibilities is given.
A constitutive model for shape memory polymers with application to torsion of prismatic bars
Authors: Baghani Mostafa , Naghdabadi Reza , Arghavani Jamal , Sohrabpour Saeed
Published: February 2012

In this article, satisfying the second law of thermodynamics, we present a 3D constitutive model for shape memory polymers. The model is based on an additive decomposition of the strain into four parts. Also, evolution laws for internal variables during both cooling and heating processes are proposed. Since temperature has considerable effect on the shape memory polymer behavior, for simulation of a shape memory polymer–based structure, it is required to perform a heat-transfer analysis. Commonly, an experimentally observed temperature rate–dependent behavior of shape memory polymers is justified by a rate-dependent glassy temperature, but using the heat-transfer analysis, it is shown that the glassy temperature could be considered as a constant material parameter. To this end, implementing the constitutive model within a nonlinear finite element code, we simulate torsion of a shape memory polymer rectangular bar and a circular tube. Moreover, we compare the predicted results with experimental data recently reported in the literature, which shows a good agreement.
An experimentally validated double-mass piezoelectric cantilever model for broadband vibration–based energy harvesting
Authors: Ou Qing , Chen XiaoQi , Gutschmidt Stefanie , Wood Alan , Leigh Nigel , Arrieta Andres F
Published: February 2012

Narrow bandwidth is the major challenge to today’s vibration-based energy harvesters. Compared with other broadband approaches that involve moving parts and control electronics, a double-mass piezoelectric cantilever beam provides a simple and reliable solution to widen the effective bandwidth as a vibration energy harvester. In this article, a continuum model of a double-mass lead zirconate titanate cantilever subject to sinusoidal base excitation is presented. First, the undamped equation of motion along with boundary and transition conditions is derived from Hamilton’s principle, followed by modal analysis that determines the eigenfunctions and natural frequencies. Next, the coupled electromechanical equations for sinusoidal base excitation are obtained. The output voltage and relative displacement are solved analytically. The frequency response function and mode shapes predicted by the model are validated against experiments.
Dynamic modeling of magnetic suspension isolator using artificial neural network: a modified genetic approach
Authors: Song Chun-sheng , Hu Yefa , Xie Shengquan , Zhou Zude
Published: February 2012

Active vibration isolation technology has been widely used to reduce vibration transmission in many different engineering systems. Magnetic suspension isolator (MSI), as an active isolation actuator, has shown advantages including non‐contact, high response frequency, high reliability and long life‐span. However, its potential has not been fully explored due to the nonlinear and hysteretic behavior in a dynamic environment, and there is limited research work in the area. This paper proposes a new artificial neural network (ANN)‐based approach to model the dynamics of MSI. A modified genetic algorithm (MGA) is developed to train the ANN to improve the model accuracy. Results clearly show that the ANN model with the MGA approach outperforms the back propagation (BP) approach and the analytic method based on the least squares fitting method.
μ-Synthesis controller design for a DC-motor-based active suspension with parametric uncertainties
Authors: Zhang Guoguang , Zhang Yongchao , Yu Fan
Published: February 2012

This paper presents a µ-synthesis controller design method for a DC-motor-based active suspension. Considering multiple parametric uncertainties, a full-car suspension model with DC-motor actuator is built up and a µ-synthesis controller is proposed for the perturbed suspension system. Both frequency and time domain simulations are conducted, and results show that the µ-synthesis controller achieves better performance in ride comfort compared with H∞ controller. Analyses of robust stability and robust performance have been done, indicating that the µ-synthesis controller is able to maintain both of them, which is also validated by a case in this paper. Consequently, it can be concluded that the designed µ-synthesis controller can deal with parametric uncertainties for a DC-motor-based active suspension.
Demystifying Grounded Theory for Business Research
Authors: O’Reilly Kelley , Paper David , Marx Sherry
Published: February 2012

The grounded theory method (GT) remains elusive and misunderstood by many—even those who advocate its use. In practice, many research studies cite the use of GT but merely apply certain a la carte aspects or jargon of the method while not actually incorporating the fundamental principles of the methodology. Consequently, the purpose of this article is fourfold: (a) to demystify the key tenets of GT, (b) to discuss the problematic impacts of adopting an a la carte approach to GT, (c) to draw attention to GT as a rigorous method for business research, and (d) to advocate for the increased use of GT by more researchers where appropriate. Throughout the article, the authors use the example of a recently completed GT study by the lead author to highlight the multiple dimensions of GT and how they all work together.
An experimentally validated numerical model of indentation and abrasion by debris particles in machine-element contacts considering micro-hardness effects
Authors: Nikas George K
Published: February 2012

Indentation and abrasion of machine-element contacts by solid contamination particles is a major problem in many industries and manufacturing processes involving the automotive, aerospace, medical and electronics industries among others. Published theoretical studies on indentation and soft abrasion of surfaces by ductile debris particles other than those of the author are based on several major simplifications concerning material properties, hardness, plasticity modelling, interfacial friction, kinematic conditions, etc. None of the studies published in the literature to date (2011) have those simplifications concurrently relaxed.

In view of the shortcomings of existing numerical models on debris particle indentation and abrasion, and given the importance of dent geometry and size on fatigue life of machine elements, a greatly improved numerical model has been developed based on the previous studies of the author. The new model deals with elastoplastic indentation and abrasion of rolling–sliding, dry and lubricated contacts by spherical particles of any hardness, from very soft (e.g. 40 HV) to very hard (e.g. over 1000 HV), including harder than the contact counterfaces. The model incorporates strain-hardening and strain-gradient or indentation-size micro-hardness effects with an expanding-cavity plasticity model, a localised treatment of friction, generalised boundary and kinematic conditions involving localised stick and slip of the particle, linear and nonlinear work-hardening models of the particle, a basic approach on pile-up/sink-in plasticity effects and several other improvements. The model has passed extensive validation tests and found to give realistic predictions that are quantitatively quite close to the experimental results published by independent researchers in the literature concerning dent dimensions and slope. Moreover, it has verified and explained theoretically for the first time the formation of dimples inside and outside dents experimentally observed in rolling and rolling–sliding contacts. This article presents the mathematics of the model, the validation procedure with several real cases from the experimental literature, and a parametric study to show the model’s predictions on precise dent geometry in several realistic cases.
Assignment of structural behaviours in long-term monitoring: Application to a strengthened railway bridge
Authors: Cury Alexandre , Crémona Christian
Published: February 2012

Novelty detection, the identification of data that is unusual or different, is relevant in a wide number of real-world scenarios, ranging from identifying unusual weather conditions to detecting evidence of damage in mechanical systems. Using novelty detection approaches for structural health monitoring presents significant challenges to the non-expert user. In this article, symbolic data analysis is introduced to model variability in tests. Hierarchy-divisive methods and dynamic clouds procedures are then used to discriminate structural changes used as novelty detection approaches for classifying structural behaviours. This article reports the study of experimental tests performed on a railway bridge in France. This bridge has undergone reinforcement works during the summer of 2003. Through the years of 2004–2006, new sets of dynamic tests were recorded. The main objective was to analyse the evolution of the bridge’s dynamic behaviour over time. To this end, the symbolic data analysis–based clustering methods are used for assigning new tests to clusters identified before and after strengthening or to highlight a totally different structural behaviour.