bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PPARGEpigenetic Deregulation and Its Role in Colorectal Tumorigenesis
Authors: Sabatino Lina , Fucci Alessandra , Pancione Massimo , Colantuoni Vittorio
Published: July 2012

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) plays critical roles in lipid storage, glucose metabolism, energy homeostasis, adipocyte differentiation, inflammation, and cancer. Its function in colon carcinogenesis has largely been debated; accumulating evidence, however, supports a role as tumor suppressor through modulation of crucial pathways in cell differentiation, apoptosis, and metastatic dissemination. Epigenetics adds a further layer of complexity to gene regulation in several biological processes. In cancer, the relationship with epigenetic modifications has provided important insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms. These studies have highlighted how epigenetic modifications influencePPARGgene expression in colorectal tumorigenesis. In this paper, we take a comprehensive look at the current understanding of the relationship between PPARγand cancer development. The role that epigenetic mechanisms play is also addressed disclosing novel crosstalks betweenPPARGsignaling and the epigenetic machinery and suggesting how this dysregulation may contribute to colon cancer development.
Viscous-Inviscid Coupling Methods for Advanced Marine Propeller Applications
Authors: Greve Martin , Wöckner-Kluwe Katja , Abdel-Maksoud Moustafa , Rung Thomas
Published: July 2012

The paper reports the development of coupling strategies between an inviscid direct panel method and a viscous RANS method and their application to complex propeller ows. The work is motivated by the prohibitive computational cost associated to unsteady viscous flow simulations using geometrically resolved propellers to analyse the dynamics of ships in seaways. The present effort aims to combine the advantages of the two baseline methods in order to reduce the numerical effort without compromising the predictive accuracy. Accordingly, the viscous method is used to calculate the global flow field, while the inviscid method predicts the forces acting on the propeller. The corresponding reaction forces are employed as body forces to mimic the propeller influence on the viscous flow field. Examples included refer to simple verification cases for an isolated propeller blade, open-water validation simulations for a complete propeller, and more challenging investigations of a manoeuvring vessel in seaways. Reported results reveal a fair predictive agreement between the coupled approach and fully viscous simulations and display the efficiency of the coupled approach.
Location and Shape Reconstruction of 2D Dielectric Objects by Means of a Closed-Form Method: Preliminary Experimental Results
Authors: Gragnani Gian Luigi , Diaz Mendez Maurizio
Published: July 2012

An analytical approach to location and shape reconstruction of dielectric scatterers, that was recently proposed, is tested against experimental data. Since the cross-sections of the scatterers do not depend on the z coordinate, a 2D problem can be formulated. A closed-form singular value decomposition of the scattering integral operator is derived and is used to determine the radiating components of the equivalent source density. This is a preliminary step toward a more complete solution, which will take into account the incident field inside the investigation domain in order to provide the dielectric features of the scatterer and also the nonradiating sources. Reconstructions of the equivalent sources, performed on some scattering data belonging to the Fresnel database, show the capabilities of the method and, thanks to the closed-form solution, results are obtained in a very short computation time.
Prostate Saturation Biopsy following a First Negative Biopsy: State of the Art
Authors: Maccagnano Carmen , Gallina Andrea , Roscigno Marco , Raber Marco , Capitanio Umberto , Saccà Antonino , Pellucchi Federico , Suardi Nazareno , Abdollah Firas , Montorsi Francesco , Rigatti Patrizio , Scattoni Vincenzo
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Saturation prostate biopsy (SPBx) has been initially introduced to improve prostate cancer (PCa) detection rate (DR) in the repeat setting. Nevertheless, the optimal number and the most appropriate location of the cores, together with the timing to perform a second PBx and the eventual modification of the PBx protocols according to the different clinical situations, are matters of debate. The aim of this review is to perform a critical analysis of the literature about the actual role of SPBx in the repeat setting. Materials and Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature since 1995 up to 2011. Electronic searches were limited to the English language, using the MEDLINE database. The key words ‘saturation prostate biopsy’ and ‘repeated prostate biopsy’ were used. Results: SPBx improves PCa DR if clinical suspicion persists after previous biopsy with negative findings and provides an accurate prediction of prostate tumor volume and grade, even if the issue about the number and locations of the cores is still a matter of debate. Conclusions: At present, SPBx seems to be really necessary in men with persistent suspicion of PCa after negative initial biopsy and probably in patients with a multifocal high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or atypical small acinar proliferation. In the remaining situations, adopting an individualized scheme is preferable.
Multiple Arterial Grafts Improve Late Survival of Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Locker Chaim , Schaff Hartzell V. , Dearani Joseph A. , Joyce Lyle D. , Park Soon J. , Burkhart Harold M. , Suri Rakesh M. , Greason Kevin L. , Stulak John M. , Li Zhuo , Daly Richard C.
Published: July 2012

Background—

Use of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) in multivessel coronary artery disease improves survival after coronary artery bypass graft surgery; however, the survival benefit of multiple arterial (MultArt) grafts is debated.

Methods and Results—

We reviewed 8622 Mayo Clinic patients who had isolated primary coronary artery bypass graft surgery for multivessel coronary artery disease from 1993 to 2009. Patients were stratified by number of arterial grafts into the LIMA plus saphenous veins (LIMA/SV) group (n=7435) or the MultArt group (n=1187). Propensity score analysis matched 1153 patients. Operative mortality was 0.8% (n=10) in the MultArt and 2.1% (n=154) in the LIMA/SV (
P
=0.005) group, which was not statistically different (
P
=0.996) in multivariate analysis or the propensity-matched analysis (
P
=0.818). Late survival was greater for MultArt versus LIMA/SV (10- and 15-year survival rates were 84% and 71% versus 61% and 36%, respectively [
P
<0.001], in unmatched groups and 83% and 70% versus 80% and 60%, respectively [
P
=0.0025], in matched groups). MultArt subgroups with bilateral internal mammary artery/SV (n=589) and bilateral internal mammary artery only (n=271) had improved 15-year survival (86% and 76%; 82% and 75% at 10 and 15 years [
P
<0.001]), and patients with bilateral internal mammary artery/radial artery (n=147) and LIMA/radial artery (n=169) had greater 10-year survival (84% and 78%;
P
<0.001) versus LIMA/SV. In multivariate analysis, MultArt grafts remained a strong independent predictor of survival (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.94;
P
=0.007).

Conclusions—

In patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery with LIMA to left anterior descending artery, arterial grafting of the non–left anterior descending vessels conferred a survival advantage at 15 years compared with SV grafting. It is still unproven whether these results apply to higher-risk subgroups of patients.
‘True churchmen’? Anglican Evangelicals and history, c.1770–1850
Authors: Atkins Gareth
Published: July 2012

In the first half of the nineteenth century the relationship between the Church of England and the state shifted dramatically. This influenced, and was in turn influenced by, heated debates about Anglican history in general and about the Reformation in particular. Some of the bitterest debates revolved around differing understandings of the Church’s foundational literature – the Articles, Homilies and Prayer Book – and what they stood for. These debates drove scholarly understanding of the Reformation, but they also sharpened developing party boundaries. This article examines how these supposedly unchanging texts were reinterpreted as first Evangelicals and ‘Orthodox’ churchmen then Tractarians too sought to demonstrate that they, and not their adversaries, were the ‘true churchmen’.
“I Just Want to Work Hard”
Authors: Brown Tara M.
Published: July 2012

The present article is drawn from a year-long ethnographic study of adolescents’ uses of information and communication technologies (ICT) and their perceptions of themselves and their uses in multiple contexts. Examining three cases, the author shows how ICT provided participants with powerful opportunities to develop strong self-efficacy beliefs. Considering their beliefs and actions more broadly, the author also shows how factors such as individual interests and adult control were instrumental in shaping relationships between self-efficacy and ICT use and complicate the common perception that ICT, in and of itself, is inherently motivating for youth. Emphasizing the significance of looking beyond particular contexts, task, and/or domains of activity, which is uncommon in studies of ICT use and self-efficacy development, the author discusses the value and implications of the self-efficacy beliefs that young people can develop through ICT use.
Determinants of pain and functioning in hip osteoarthritis – a two-year prospective study
Authors: Juhakoski Riikka , Malmivaara Antti , Lakka Timo A , Tenhonen Seppo , Hannila Marja-Leena , Arokoski Jari PA
Published: July 2012

Objective:

To identify predictors of pain and disability in hip osteoarthritis.

Design:

A prospective analysis of determinants of pain and functioning in hip osteoarthritis.

Study setting:

Rehabilitation clinic in a central hospital.

Patients:

A total of 118 men and women aged 55–80 years who had radiologically diagnosed hip osteoarthritis and associated clinical symptoms and participated in a randomized controlled trial.

Main measures:

The self-reported disease-specific pain and physical function were assessed using the pain and functioning subscales of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis index. The self-reported generic physical and mental functioning were assessed by using the Finnish-validated SF-36-item Health Survey RAND-36 subscales for function and physical and mental component summary scores. Outcome measures were recorded at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months.

Results:

Multivariate linear mixed model analyses revealed that lower disease-specific pain score and better functioning (WOMAC) were predicted by higher educational level (9.61 (3.15 to 16.07); 9.07 (2.05 to 16.09)), supervised exercise training (−10.13 (−17.87 to −2.39); −11.58 (−19.40 to −3.77)), habitual conditioning physical activity (−0.48 (−0.96 to −0.01); −0.39 (−0.84 to 0.05)), absence of comorbidities (−6.30 (−12.35 to −0.24); −7.87 (−14.45 to −1.30)) and absence of additional knee osteoarthritis (−7.62 (−13.87 to −1.36); −8.02 (−14.81 to −1.23)), respectively. The same factors, except for the comorbidities, also predicted general physical functioning score (RAND-36).

Conclusions:

Higher education, absence of knee osteoarthritis and comorbidities, supervised exercise training and habitual conditioning physical activity predicted a lower presence of pain and better functional status in patients with hip osteoarthritis.
Design of a mechanism to simulate the quasi-static moment–deflection behaviour of the osteoligamentous structure of the C3–C4 cervical spine segment in the flexion–extension and lateral bending directions
Authors: Chen Samuel , Arsenault Marc , Moglo Kodjo
Published: July 2012

The human neck is susceptible to traumatic injuries due to impacts as well as chronic injuries caused by loads such as those attributed to the wearing of heavy headgear. To facilitate the analysis of the loads that cause injuries to the cervical spine, it is possible to replicate the human neck’s behaviour with mechanical devices. The goal of this work is to lay the foundation for the eventual development of a novel mechanism used to simulate the behaviour of the cervical spine during laboratory experiments. The research presented herein focuses on the design of a mechanism capable of reproducing the non-linear relationships between moments applied to the C3 vertebra and its corresponding rotations with respect to the C4 vertebra. The geometrical and mechanical properties of the mechanism are optimized based on the ability of the latter to replicate the load–deflection profile of the osteoligamentous structure of the C3–C4 vertebral pair in the flexion–extension and lateral bending directions. The results show that the proposed design concept is capable of faithfully replicating the non-linear behaviour of the motion segment within acceptable tolerances.
Use of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Cardiovascular Outcomes Following Primary Vascular Surgery
Authors: Høgh Annette , Lindholt Jes S. , Nielsen Henrik , Jensen Leif P. , Johnsen Søren P.
Published: July 2012

Objective: To examine the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor use and clinical outcome after primary vascular reconstruction in a population-based follow-up study. Methods: All Danish patients undergoing primary vascular surgical reconstruction between 1996 and 2007 were included. For each ACE user up to 5 nonuser was identified using propensity score matching followed by Cox regression. All drugs were included as time-dependent variables. Results: Totally 17 495 matched patients with a median follow-up period of 582 days were included. All-cause mortality was 20.4% for ACE users and 24.9% for nonusers (adjusted hazard ratio [adj HR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81-0.96). The cumulative risk of myocardial infarction was 6.2% for ACE users and 4.7% for nonusers (adj HR 1.20, 95%CI 1.03-1.39). Cumulative risk of new vascular surgery was 24.0% for ACE users and 23.1% for nonusers (adj HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.13-1.30). No differences were seen concerning stroke and major amputation. Conclusion: The ACE use was associated with lower all-cause mortality but also an increased long-term risk of recurrent vascular reconstruction.
MKL1 and MKL2 play redundant and crucial roles in megakaryocyte maturation and platelet formation
Authors: Smith Elenoe C. , Thon Jonathan N. , Devine Matthew T. , Lin Sharon , Schulz Vincent P. , Guo Yanwen , Massaro Stephanie A. , Halene Stephanie , Gallagher Patrick , Italiano Joseph E. , Krause Diane S.
Published: July 2012

Serum response factor and its transcriptional cofactor MKL1 are critical for megakaryocyte maturation and platelet formation. We show that MKL2, a homologue of MKL1, is expressed in megakaryocytes and plays a role in megakaryocyte maturation. Using a megakaryocyte-specific Mkl2 knockout (KO) mouse on the conventional Mkl1 KO background to produce double KO (DKO) megakaryocytes and platelets, a critical role for MKL2 is revealed. The decrease in megakaryocyte ploidy and platelet counts of DKO mice is more severe than in Mkl1 KO mice. Platelet dysfunction in DKO mice is revealed by prolonged bleeding times and ineffective platelet activation in vitro in response to adenosine 5′-diphosphate. Electron microscopy and immunofluorescence of DKO megakaryocytes and platelets indicate abnormal cytoskeletal and membrane organization with decreased granule complexity. Surprisingly, the DKO mice have a more extreme thrombocytopenia than mice lacking serum response factor (SRF) expression in the megakaryocyte compartment. Comparison of gene expression reveals approximately 4400 genes whose expression is differentially affected in DKO compared with megakaryocytes deficient in SRF, strongly suggesting that MKL1 and MKL2 have both SRF-dependent and SRF-independent activity in megakaryocytopoiesis.
Chronic lead exposure reduces doublecortin-expressing immature neurons in young adult guinea pig cerebral cortex
Authors: Huang JuFang , Huang Kai , Shang Lei , Wang Hui , Zhang Mengqi , Fan Chun-Ling , Chen Dan , Yan Xiaoxin , Xiong Kun
Published: July 2012

Background

Chronic lead (Pb) poisoning remains an environmental risk especially for the pediatric population, and it may affect brain development. Immature neurons expressing doublecortin (DCX+) exist around cortical layer II in various mammals, including adult guinea pigs and humans. Using young adult guinea pigs as an experimental model, the present study explored if chronic Pb exposure affects cortical DCX + immature neurons and those around the subventricular and subgranular zones (SVZ, SGZ).

Results

Two month-old guinea pigs were treated with 0.2% lead acetate in drinking water for 2, 4 and 6 months. Blood Pb levels in these animals reached 10.27 ± 0.62, 16.25 ± 0.78 and 19.03 ± 0.86 μg/dL at the above time points, respectively, relative to ~3 μg/dL in vehicle controls. The density of DCX + neurons was significantly reduced around cortical layer II, SVZ and SGZ in Pb-treated animals surviving 4 and 6 months relative to controls. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) pulse-chasing studies failed to find cellular colocalization of this DNA synthesis indicator in DCX + cells around layer II in Pb-treated and control animals. These cortical immature neurons were not found to coexist with active caspase-3 or Fluoro-Jade C labeling.

Conclusion

Chronic Pb exposure can lead to significant reduction in the number of the immature neurons around cortical layer II and in the conventional neurogenic sites in young adult guinea pigs. No direct evidence could be identified to link the reduced cortical DCX expression with alteration in local neurogenesis or neuronal death.
Quality indicators for colorectal cancer surgery and care according to patient-, tumor-, and hospital-related factors
Authors: Mathoulin-Pélissier Simone , Bécouarn Yves , Belleannée Geneviève , Pinon Elodie , Jaffré Anne , Coureau Gaëlle , Auby Dominique , Renaud-Salis Jean-Louis , Rullier Eric ,   for the Regional Aquitaine Group for Colorectal cancer (GRACCOR)
Published: July 2012

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) care has improved considerably, particularly since the implementation of a quality of care program centered on national evidence-based guidelines. Formal quality assessment is however still needed. The aim of this research was to identify factors associated with practice variation in CRC patient care.

Methods

CRC patients identified from all cancer centers in South-West France were included. We investigated variations in practices (from diagnosis to surgery), and compliance with recommended guidelines for colon and rectal cancer. We identified factors associated with three colon cancer practice variations potentially linked to better survival: examination of ≥12 lymph nodes (LN), non-use and use of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II and stage III patients, respectively.

Results

We included 1,206 patients, 825 (68%) with colon and 381 (32%) with rectal cancer, from 53 hospitals. Compliance was high for resection, pathology report, LN examination, and chemotherapy use for stage III patients. In colon cancer, 26% of stage II patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and 71% of stage III patients. 84% of stage US T3T4 rectal cancer patients received pre-operative radiotherapy. In colon cancer, factors associated with examination of ≥12 LNs were: lower ECOG score, advanced stage and larger hospital volume; factors negatively associated were: left sided tumor location and one hospital district. Use of chemotherapy in stage II patients was associated with younger age, advanced stage, emergency setting and care structure (private and location); whereas under-use in stage III patients was associated with advanced age, presence of comorbidities and private hospitals.

Conclusions

Although some changes in practices may have occurred since this observational study, these findings represent the most recent report on practices in CRC in this region, and offer a useful methodological approach for assessing quality of care. Guideline compliance was high, although some organizational factors such as hospital size or location influence practice variation. These factors should be the focus of any future guideline implementation.
Existence and dimension of the set of mild solutions to semilinear fractional differential inclusions
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P , Ahmad Bashir , Alsaedi Ahmad , Shahzad Naseer
Published: July 2012

This article studies the existence and dimension of the set for mild solutions of semilinear fractional differential inclusions. We recall and prove some new results on multivalued maps to establish our main results.

MSC 2010: 34A12; 34A40.
Crystal structure of the conserved domain of the DC lysosomal associated membrane protein: implications for the lysosomal glycocalyx
Authors: Wilke Sonja , Krausze Joern , Büssow Konrad
Published: July 2012

Background

The family of lysosome-associated membrane proteins (LAMP) comprises the multifunctional, ubiquitous LAMP-1 and LAMP-2, and the cell type-specific proteins DC-LAMP (LAMP-3), BAD-LAMP (UNC-46, C20orf103) and macrosialin (CD68). LAMPs have been implicated in a multitude of cellular processes, including phagocytosis, autophagy, lipid transport and aging. LAMP-2 isoform A acts as a receptor in chaperone-mediated autophagy. LAMP-2 deficiency causes the fatal Danon disease. The abundant proteins LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 are major constituents of the glycoconjugate coat present on the inside of the lysosomal membrane, the 'lysosomal glycocalyx'. The LAMP family is characterized by a conserved domain of 150 to 200 amino acids with two disulfide bonds.

Results

The crystal structure of the conserved domain of human DC-LAMP was solved. It is the first high-resolution structure of a heavily glycosylated lysosomal membrane protein. The structure represents a novel β-prism fold formed by two β-sheets bent by β-bulges and connected by a disulfide bond. Flexible loops and a hydrophobic pocket represent possible sites of molecular interaction. Computational models of the glycosylated luminal regions of LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 indicate that the proteins adopt a compact conformation in close proximity to the lysosomal membrane. The models correspond to the thickness of the lysosomal glycoprotein coat of only 5 to 12 nm, according to electron microscopy.

Conclusion

The conserved luminal domain of lysosome-associated membrane proteins forms a previously unknown β-prism fold. Insights into the structure of the lysosomal glycoprotein coat were obtained by computational models of the LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 luminal regions.
Evaluation of single cell oil (SCO) from a tropical marine yeast Yarrowia lipolytica NCIM 3589 as a potential feedstock for biodiesel
Authors: Katre Gouri , Joshi Chirantan , Khot Mahesh , Zinjarde Smita , RaviKumar Ameeta
Published: July 2012

Single cell oils (SCOs) accumulated by oleaginous yeasts have emerged as potential alternative feedstocks for biodiesel production. As lipid accumulation is species and substrate specific, selection of an appropriate strain is critical. Five strains of Y. lipolytica, a known model oleaginous yeast, were investigated to explore their potential for biodiesel production when grown on glucose and inexpensive wastes. All the strains were found to accumulate > 20% (w/w) of their dry cell mass as lipids with neutral lipid as the major fraction when grown on glucose and on wastes such as waste cooking oil (WCO), waste motor oil (WMO). However, amongst them, Y. lipolytica NCIM 3589, a tropical marine yeast, exhibited a maximal lipid/biomass coefficient, YL/X on 30 g L-1 glucose (0.29 g g-1) and on 100 g L-1 WCO (0.43 g g-1) with a high content of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids similar to conventional vegetable oils used for biodiesel production. The experimentally determined and predicted biodiesel properties of strain 3589 when grown on glucose and WCO, such as density (0.81 and 1.04 g cm-3), viscosity (4.44 and 3.6 mm2 s-1), SN (190.81 and 256), IV (65.7 and 37.8) and CN (56.6 and 50.8) are reported for the first time for Y. lipolytica and correlate well with specified standards. Thus, the SCO of oleaginous tropical marine yeast Y. lipolytica NCIM 3589 could be used as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production.
Targeting the PELP1-KDM1 axis as a potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer
Authors: Cortez Valerie , Mann Monica , Tekmal Seshidhar , Suzuki Takayoshi , Miyata Naoki , Rodriguez-Aguayo Cristian , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Sood Anil K , Vadlamudi Ratna K
Published: July 2012

Introduction

The estrogen receptor (ER) co-regulator proline glutamic acid and leucine-rich protein 1 (PELP1) is a proto-oncogene that modulates epigenetic changes on ER target gene promoters via interactions with lysine-specific histone demethylase 1 (KDM1). In this study, we assessed the therapeutic potential of targeting the PELP1-KDM1 axis in vivo using liposomal (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine; DOPC) siRNA to downregulate PELP1 expression and KDM1 inhibitors, pargyline and N-((1S)-3-(3-(trans-2-aminocyclopropyl)phenoxy)-1-(benzylcarbamoyl)propyl)benzamide using preclinical models.

Methods

Preclinical xenograft models were used to test the efficacy of drugs in vivo. Ki-67 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling immunohistochemical analysis of epigenetic markers was performed on tumor tissues. The in vitro effect of PELP1-KDM axis blockers was tested using proliferation, reporter gene, chromatin immunoprecipitation and real-time RT-PCR assays. The efficacy of the KDM1 targeting drugs alone or in combination with letrozole and tamoxifen was tested using therapy-resistant model cells.

Results

Treatment of ER-positive xenograft-based breast tumors with PELP1-siRNA-DOPC or pargyline reduced tumor volume by 58.6% and 62%, respectively. In a postmenopausal model, in which tumor growth is stimulated solely by local estrogen synthesis, daily pargyline treatment reduced tumor volume by 78%. Immunohistochemical analysis of excised tumors revealed a combined decrease in cellular proliferation, induction of apoptosis and upregulation of inhibitory epigenetic modifications. Pharmacological inhibition of KDM1 in vitro increased inhibitory histone mark dimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me2) and decreased histone activation mark acetylation of H3K9 (H3K9Ac) on ER target gene promoters. Combining KDM1 targeting drugs with current endocrine therapies substantially impeded growth and restored sensitivity of therapy-resistant breast cancer cells to treatment.

Conclusion

Our results suggest inhibition of PELP1-KDM1-mediated histone modifications as a potential therapeutic strategy for blocking breast cancer progression and therapy resistance.
Diminished responsiveness to human β-defensin-3 and decreased TLR1 expression on monocytes and mDCs from HIV-1-infected patients
Authors: Funderburg Nicholas T , Sieg Scott F
Published: July 2012

Antigen-presenting cells from HIV-infected persons have impaired responses to hBD-3 stimulation, and reduced expression of TLR1, increasing susceptibility to mucosal infections.

hBD-3 is an antimicrobial peptide that may contribute to adaptive immune responses by activating professional APCs via a TLR1/2-dependent mechanism. Patients with HIV disease experience increased susceptibility to mucosal infections, which may, in part, stem from diminished APC function. Our current studies demonstrate a reduced capacity of hBD-3 to induce the expression of a costimulatory molecule, CD80, on monocytes and mDCs from HIV-infected persons compared with cells from healthy controls. Although the expression of TLR1 and TLR2 on monocytes was not a strong predictor of hBD-3 responsiveness in bivariate analyses, monocytes and mDCs from HIV-infected persons expressed significantly lower levels of TLR1. Monocyte expression of the activation marker CD69, in cells from HIV-infected persons with therapeutically controlled viremia, was correlated directly with TLR2 and TLR4 expression but not with TLR1 expression. Overall, these studies suggest that immune activation may affect TLR2 and TLR4 expression but may not fully account for reduced TLR1 expression in monocytes from HIV-infected persons. Impairments in hBD-3 responsiveness and TLR1 expression are likely to contribute to increased risk of mucosal infection in HIV disease.
Concordance With ASCO Guidelines for Surveillance After Colorectal Cancer Treatment: A Population-Based Analysis
Authors: Sisler Jeffrey J. , Seo Bosu , Katz Alan , Shu Emma , Chateau Daniel , Czaykowski Piotr , Wirtzfeld Debrah , Singh Harminder , Turner Donna , Martens Patricia
Published: July 2012

Completion of recommended liver imaging and carcinoembryonic antigen testing falls well below guidelines in Manitoba, whereas colonoscopy is better provided. Addressing this gap should improve outcomes for colorectal cancer survivors.
Patient and Provider Preferences for Survivorship Care Plans
Authors: Mayer Deborah K. , Gerstel Adrian , Leak Ashley N. , Smith Sophia K.
Published: July 2012

If used alone, survivorship care plans are insufficient to ease the transition to follow-up care. Improved communication and care coordination are important for survivorship care that goes beyond what the plan might provide.
Personalised electronic messages to improve sun protection in young adults
Authors: Mair Sarah , Soyer H Peter , Youl Philippa , Hurst Cameron , Marshall Alison , Janda Monika
Published: July 2012

We studied the acceptability and feasibility of delivering sun protection messages via electronic media such as short message services (SMS) to people aged 18–40 years. An online survey was conducted using a pre-established panel of volunteers. We compared the characteristics of those who indicated that they would like to be alerted to the UV index, with those who would not, using bivariate logistic regression. Characteristics found to be associated with a desire to receive such advice were entered into a multivariate logistic regression analysis. The median age of the 141 participants was 34 years. Overall, 80% of participants agreed that they would like to receive some form of sun protection advice. Of these, 20% preferred to receive it via SMS and 42% via email. Willingness to receive electronic messages about the UV index was associated with being unsure about whether a suntanned person would look healthy and greater use of sun protection in the past. Careful attention to message framing and timing of message delivery, and focus on the short-term effects of sun exposure such as sunburn and skin ageing should increase the acceptability of such messages to young people. Sun protection messages delivered to young adults via electronic media appear to be feasible and acceptable.
Tension Force and Structural Parameter Identification of Bridge Cables
Authors: Liao W.Y. , Ni Y.Q. , Zheng G.
Published: July 2012

Vibration measurement is one of the most widely used methods for tension evaluation and condition assessment of stay cables in cable-stayed bridges. In the existing practice, the tension force of a cable is identified from the measured modal frequencies with the use of the taut string theory or empirical formulae, by assuming pre-determined structural parameters (geometric and material parameters) and boundary conditions of the cable. As a result, an inaccurate estimation of the cable tension may be obtained when there is an error in the pre-determined structural parameters and boundary conditions. Moreover, the commonly used empirical formulae are not applicable in the case when the cable is intermediately attached with dampers. In the present study, a method enabling simultaneous identification of cable tension and other structural parameters from the measured modal frequencies is developed. A precise finite element model (FEM) accounting for cable flexural rigidity, sag-extensibility, spatial variability of dynamic tension, boundary conditions, lumped masses and intermediate supports and/or dampers is first formulated as the reference model in parameter identification so that the modeling error is minimized. Then the measured multiple modal frequencies are used together with the FEM to figure out a nonlinear least-square optimization scheme which helps eliminate measurement error and allows for simultaneous identification of the cable tension and other structural parameters. Application of the proposed method to the Dongting Lake Bridge cables from in-situ ambient vibration measurements illustrates high identification accuracy and fidelity of the proposed method.
Prestress-Force Estimation in PSC Girder Using Modal Parameters and System Identification
Authors: Ho Duc-Duy , Kim Jeong-Tae , Stubbs Norris , Park Woo-Sun
Published: July 2012

In this paper, a vibration-based method to estimate prestress-forces in a prestressed concrete (PSC) girder by using vibration characteristics and system identification (SID) approaches is presented. Firstly, a prestress-force monitoring method is formulated to estimate the change in prestress forces by measuring the change in modal parameters of a PSC beam. Secondly, a multi-phase SID scheme is designed on the basis of eigenvalue sensitivity concept to identify a baseline model that represents the target structure. Thirdly, the proposed prestress-force monitoring method and the multi-phase SID scheme are evaluated from controlled experiments on a lab-scaled PSC girder. On the PSC girder, a few natural frequencies and mode shapes are experimentally measured for various prestress forces. System parameters of a baseline finite element (FE) model are identified by the proposed multi-phase SID scheme for various prestress forces. The corresponding modal parameters are estimated for the model-update procedure. As a result, prestress-losses are predicted by using the measured natural frequencies and the identified zero-prestress state model.
3D Laser Scanning for Site Monitoring and Conservation in Lalibela World Heritage Site, Ethiopia
Authors: Rüther H. , Palumbo G.
Published: July 2012

World Monuments Fund and UNESCO are collaborating in a project for the conservation and management of the living heritage site of Lalibela, in the Lasta mountains in Ethiopia.

The site is still in use today and it is characterized by a series of deep trenches where churches have been carved out from the bedrock in the XII-XIII centuries.

One of the first steps in the conservation initiative was the complete re-examination of the graphic documentation available. The pioneering work of architect Sandro Angelini in providing a complete map of the entire site served as a basis for a new complete survey of the site using laser scanners, photogrammetry, GPS and conventional survey methods. This approach was selected for the possibility to recreate 3D digital models of each structure and feature, to provide the conservators with baseline information for subsequent detailed assessments of the state of conservation of these elements, and, eventually, to use the digital data for education and presentation purposes. The paper describes the challenges met in the execution of one of the largest laser scanning project ever conducted in a cultural heritage site.
No News Is Bad News: Sensegiving Activities, Media Attention, and Venture Capital Funding of New Technology Organizations
Authors: Petkova Antoaneta P. , Rindova Violina P. , Gupta Anil K.
Published: July 2012

A significant body of research has examined how new organizations gain legitimacy and how gaining it affects their subsequent access to resources. Less attention has been given to the problem of how new organizations attract collective attention. Although related to legitimation, the problem of attracting attention is distinct, as attention and evaluation are distinct cognitive processes. In this study, we examine the allocation of collective attention to new organizations in a system of relationships, within which new organizations seek to attract attention through their sensegiving activities; the information properties of their sensegiving activities affect the level of attention they receive from different types of media; and media attention, in turn, increases their perceived value potential in the eyes of venture capital investors (VCs). We examine these relationships in a sample of 398 information-technology start-ups that have obtained different levels of venture capital funding. Our results show that new organizations that engage in more intense and diverse sensegiving activities attract higher levels of industry media attention and that these effects are enhanced by the human capital of their founders and leaders. Diverse sensegiving activities are also associated with higher levels of attention from the general media, but only the attention of specialized industry media is positively associated with the level of VC funding obtained. These findings extend current research on information intermediation and institutional legitimation by demonstrating that media attention early in the life of new organizations affects how they are valued by a well-informed expert audience, such as VCs. They also contribute to entrepreneurship research on the effects of new organizations’ strategies on their ability to secure resources and to research on VC funding decisions.
Contraceptive Features Preferred by Women At High Risk of Unintended Pregnancy
Authors: Lessard Lauren N. , Karasek Deborah , Ma Sandi , Darney Philip , Deardorff Julianna , Lahiff Maureen , Grossman Dan , Foster Diana Greene
Published: July 2012

CONTEXT

Available contraceptives are not meeting many women's needs, as is evident by high levels of typical‐use failure, method switching and discontinuation. To improve women's satisfaction with contraceptive methods, determining what features they prefer and how these preferences are satisfied by available methods and methods under development is crucial.

METHODS

The importance of 18 contraceptive method features was rated by 574 women seeking abortions—a group at high risk of having unprotected intercourse and unintended pregnancies—at six clinics across the United States in 2010. For each available and potential method, the number of features present was assessed, and the percentage of these that were “extremely important” to women was calculated.

RESULTS

The three contraceptive features deemed extremely important by the largest proportions of women were effectiveness (84%), lack of side effects (78%) and affordability (76%). For 91% of women, no method had all of the features they thought were extremely important. The ring and the sponge had the highest percentage of features that women deemed extremely important (67% each). Some streamlined modes of access and new contraceptive technologies have the potential to satisfy women's preferences. For example, an over‐the‐counter pill would have 71% of extremely important features, and an over‐the‐counter pericoital pill, 68%; currently available prescription pills have 60%.

CONCLUSION

The contraceptive features women want are largely absent from currently available methods. Developing and promoting methods that are more aligned with women's preferences presumably could help increase satisfaction and thereby encourage consistent and effective use.
Social Influence Effects in Online Product Ratings
Authors: Sridhar Shrihari , Srinivasan Raji
Published: July 2012

Websites prominently display consumers’ product ratings, which influence consumers’ buying decisions and willingness to pay. Few insights exist regarding whether a consumer's online product rating is prone to social influence from others’ online ratings. Examining this issue, the authors hypothesize that other consumers’ online ratings moderate the effects of positive and regular negative features of product experience, product failure, and product recovery (to address product failure) on the reviewer's online product rating. The results from a model using 7499 consumers’ online ratings of 114 hotels support the hypotheses. Other consumers’ online ratings weaken the effects of positive and regular negative features of product experience but can either exacerbate or overturn the negative effect of product failure, depending on the quality of product recovery. For marketing theory, the findings indicate that consumers who influence others are themselves influenced by other consumers and that this influence is contingent on their product experience. For managerial practice, the authors offer a method to estimate the effects of product experience characteristics on online product ratings and show that social influence effects make high online product ratings a double-edged sword, exacerbating the negative effect of product failure and strengthening the benefit of product recovery.
The Influence of Price Presentation Order on Consumer Choice
Authors: Suk Kwanho , Lee Jiheon , Lichtenstein Donald R.
Published: July 2012

Existing theory and prior research suggest that consumers perceive purchase prices more/less favorably when they are preceded by higher/lower prices. However, to date, researchers have found these effects in contexts in which the product, and thus perceived quality, is held constant. Given that consumers commonly believe price and quality are positively correlated and that price–quality perceptions have been shown to influence price evaluations and willingness to pay, the generalizability of existing research to commonly encountered contexts is questionable. In this research, the authors examine the influence of price order on consumer choice across differing brands in contexts in which consumer quality perceptions are free to covary with price and they are manipulated to be correlated or uncorrelated with price. Using reference dependence theory as a framework, they find that when differing brand options are presented in descending price order, consumers tend to choose higher-price options; when they are presented in ascending price order, consumers tend to choose lower-priced options (the price order effect). In addition, the authors show that consumers' price–quality perceptions are a necessary condition for this effect.
The Poetics of Waste: Medieval English Ecocriticism
Authors: Johnson Eleanor
Published: July 2012

Waste has been a recognizable socioeconomic problem since at least the late Middle Ages. In England, because of land and labor shortages, wars, famines, and especially changes in legal and penitential discourses, waste became, by the mid–fourteenth century, a critical concept. But a fully fleshed-out vocabulary for thinking through the meaning and consequences of the practice of committing waste does not yet exist. This essay argues that two fourteenth-century poems,Wynnere and WastoureandPiers Plowman, address the lack of such a thinking through, tackling the problem of waste in all its vicissitudes. They deploy the formal resources of poetic language—from personification to episodic structure—to draw together the various ideas of waste from other discourses and to raise medieval readers' consciousnesses about the seriousness of waste's consequences. The essay calls their use of formal resources in creating this critical discourse a “poetics of waste.”
Blindness Envy: Victorians in the Parlors of the Blind
Authors: O'Farrell Mary Ann
Published: July 2012

Despite their tendency to metaphorize and disembody blindness, the sighted have used it to represent the body's experience of coming to knowledge in a world of things. The vibrant intensity of the attachment to things in Victorian literature makes this writing a rich site for exploring the way represented blindness comes to figure what a body articulated by materiality knows and does not know of itself and of the world. Reading works by Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins, among others, this essay accounts for an impious strain in representations of blindness and examines how the Victorian literary imagination of blindness evinces a palpable desire for it, grounded in the fantasy that it permits enviable access to a way of knowing and experiencing things from among them rather than from the abstracting distance imposed by sight. Alongside its imagination of the buffeting distress of thingly encounters, blindness envy fantasizes an aesthetics of disorientation and surprise.
Thackeray, Sturges, and the Scandal of Censorship
Authors: Gilbert Nora
Published: July 2012

In the wake of Foucault's influential retelling of the history of sexuality, a new school of censorship theory emerged that was devoted to exposing and unpacking the paradoxically productive effects of censorious practices. This essay traces a particular strand of that paradox, labeled here the logic of scandal: the logic wherein discourse is authorized and amplified by feelings like shock and moral condemnation rather than stymied by them. To explore the ramifications of this logic for and within narrative art, I take as my subjects a novel written during the famously prudish Victorian era and a film produced under the famously stringent Production Code—W. M. Thackeray'sVanity Fairand Preston Sturges'sThe Lady Eve.In each the “scandalous” discursive acrobatics performed by the text's morally ambiguous heroine reflect the strategies of censorship evasion employed by the morally ambiguous artist who created her.
Moment-curvature relationships for prestressed concrete in constant-moment zones
Authors: Priestley M. J. N. , Park R. , Lu F. P. S.
Published: July 2012

Synopsis

The paper deals with a theoretical formulation of moment-curvature curves for prestressed concrete members subjected to constant bending moment. The theory takes into consideration the variation of curvature between cracks caused by concrete tension and makes possible the prediction of both the curvature at a crack and the average curvature along the length of the member. A report is included of tests on seven single-span pre-tensianed beams which show that the theory accurately predicts the moment-curvature relationship.
Concrete subjected to high rates of loading in compression
Authors: Hughes B. P. , Gregory R.
Published: July 2012

Synopsis

Compression tests on concrete specimens have been carried out at very high rates of loading with a specially constructed drop-harnmer apparatus which enabled load-time and strain-time curves to be determined. The effects of varying the length and platen restraint of the specimen, mix proportions, maximum aggregate size, age at test and type of cement have all been investigated and compared with results for both static tests and earlier tests at high rates of loading.
An apparatus for determining the coefficient of thermal expansion of rocks, mortars and concretes
Authors: Loubser P. J. , Bryden J. G.
Published: July 2012

Synopsis

An apparatus for the determination of the coefficient of thermal expansion in the temperature range 20 to 80°C of rock, mortar and concrete specimens is described. The moisture content of the specimens can vary from oven-dried to saturation. Data showing the thermal expansion of rocks and mortars are presented.
A study of the relationships between time, strength, deformation and fracture of plain concrete
Authors: Dhir R. K. , Sangha C. M.
Published: July 2012

Synopsis

A review of previous work shows that the relationship between compressive strength and rate of strain for concrete is dependent upon curing conditions, strength and age. Tests are reported in which for strain rates slower than 2·5 7times; 10−4/s the strength of concrete was independent of strain rate. The applicability to concrete of a criterion recently established for a sandstone is examined. This criterion is based upon the incremental Poisson's ratio and defines the critical stress of concrete. The use of cored and sawn concrete cylinders produced uniform fracturing of test specimens and facilitated the study of fracture patterns resulting from varying strain rates and load histories.