bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Respiratory Support of Preterm Infants in the Last Decade: Are We Improving?
Authors: Mulder E.E.M. , Lopriore E. , Rijken M. , Walther F.J. , te Pas A.B.
Published: January 2012

Background: Ventilator-induced lung injury has been recognized as a major contributing factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. In the last decade, focus has shifted towards a more gentle respiratory approach. Aim: To evaluate whether guideline changes in respiratory management in the delivery room and the unit improved the incidence of BPD in very preterm infants. Methods: Three cohorts of infants <30 weeks of gestation, born at the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands in 1996–1997 (cohort ’96), 2003–2004 (cohort ’03) and 2008–2009 (cohort ’08), were compared retrospectively. The major change was increasing use of continuous positive airway pressure in time, and monitoring the tidal volume during mechanical ventilation in cohort ’08. The primary outcome was BPD at 36 weeks. Results: The incidence of BPD did not change from 47% in cohort ’96 to 55% in cohort ’03 (n.s.), but decreased significantly to 37% in cohort ’08 (cohort ’96 vs. ’08 and cohort ’03 vs. ’08: p < 0.01). We observed the same effect when only moderate and severe BPD were counted with 27% in cohort ’96, 31% in cohort ’03 and 14% in ’08 (cohort ’96 vs. ’03: p = n.s., cohort ’96 vs. ’08: p < 0.01, cohort ’03 vs. ’08: p < 0.05). The mortality rate was not significantly different between the three cohorts. Conclusion: The incidence of BPD in our cohort of preterm infants has decreased during the last decade and could be due to the changes in respiratory management.
Downregulation of TMEM16A Calcium-Activated Chloride Channel Contributes to Cerebrovascular Remodeling During Hypertension by Promoting Basilar Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation
Authors: Wang Mi , Yang Hui , Zheng Ling-Yun , Zhang Zheng , Tang Yong-Bo , Wang Guan-Lei , Du Yan-Hua , Lv Xiao-Fei , Liu Jie , Zhou Jia-Guo , Guan Yong-Yuan
Published: January 2012

Background—

The Ca
2+
-activated chloride channel (CaCC) plays an important role in a variety of physiological functions. In vascular smooth muscle cells, CaCC is involved in the regulation of agonist-stimulated contraction and myogenic tone. The physiological functions of CaCC in blood vessels are not fully revealed because of the lack of specific channel blockers and the uncertainty concerning its molecular identity.

Methods and Results—

Whole-cell patch-clamp studies showed that knockdown of TMEM16A but not bestrophin-3 attenuated CaCC currents in rat basilar smooth muscle cells. The activity of CaCC in basilar smooth muscle cells isolated from 2-kidney, 2-clip renohypertensive rats was decreased, and CaCC activity was negatively correlated with blood pressure (n=25;
P
<0.0001) and medial cross-sectional area (n=24;
P
<0.0001) in basilar artery during hypertension. Both upregulation of CaMKII activity and downregulation of TMEM16A expression contributed to the reduction of CaCC in the hypertensive basilar artery. Western blot results demonstrated that angiotensin II repressed TMEM16A expression in basilar smooth muscle cells (n=6;
P
<0.01). Knockdown of TMEM16A facilitated and overexpression of TMEM16A inhibited angiotensin II–induced cell cycle transition and cell proliferation determined by flow cytometry and BrdU incorporation (n=6 in each group;
P
<0.05). TMEM16A affected cell cycle progression mainly through regulating the expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E.

Conclusions—

TMEM16A CaCC is a negative regulator of cell proliferation. Downregulation of CaCC may play an important role in hypertension-induced cerebrovascular remodeling, suggesting that modification of the activity of CaCC may be a novel therapeutic strategy for hypertension-associated cardiovascular diseases such as stroke.
Circulation
Editors' Picks
Authors:   The Editors
Published: January 2012

The following articles are being highlighted as part of
Circulation's
Topic Review series. This series will summarize the most important manuscripts, as selected by the editors, published in
Circulation
and the
Circulation
subspecialty journals. The studies included in this article represent the most read manuscripts published on the topic of aortic disease in 2010 and 2011.
Transcriptionally Active Syncytial Aggregates in the Maternal Circulation May Contribute to Circulating Soluble Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 1 in Preeclampsia
Authors: Rajakumar Augustine , Cerdeira Ana Sofia , Rana Sarosh , Zsengeller Zsuzsanna , Edmunds Lia , Jeyabalan Arun , Hubel Carl A. , Stillman Isaac E. , Parikh Samir M. , Karumanchi S. Ananth
Published: January 2012

The cardinal manifestations of the pregnancy-specific disorder preeclampsia, new-onset hypertension, and proteinuria that resolve with placental delivery have been linked to an extracellular protein made by the placenta, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1), that injures the maternal vasculature. However, the mechanisms by which sFlt1, which is heavily matrix bound, gain access to the systemic circulation remain unclear. Here we report that the preeclamptic placenta's outermost layer, the syncytiotrophoblast, forms abundant “knots” that are enriched with sFlt1 protein. These syncytial knots easily detach from the syncytiotrophoblast, resulting in free, multinucleated aggregates (50–150 μm diameter) that are loaded with sFlt1 protein and mRNA, are metabolically active, and are capable of
de novo
gene transcription and translation. At least 25% of the measurable sFlt1 in the third-trimester maternal plasma is bound to circulating placental microparticles. We conclude that detachment of syncytial knots from the placenta results in free, transcriptionally active syncytial aggregates that represent an autonomous source of sFlt1 delivery into the maternal circulation. The process of syncytial knot formation, shedding of syncytial aggregates, and appearance of placental microparticles in the maternal circulation appears to be greatly accelerated in preeclampsia and may contribute to the maternal vascular injury that characterizes this disorder.
Role of Renal DJ-1 in the Pathogenesis of Hypertension Associated With Increased Reactive Oxygen Species Production
Authors: Cuevas Santiago , Zhang Yanrong , Yang Yu , Escano Crisanto , Asico Laureano , Jones John E. , Armando Ines , Jose Pedro A.
Published: January 2012

The D
2
dopamine receptor (D
2
R) is important in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. We have already reported that systemic deletion of the D
2
R gene in mice results in reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent hypertension, suggesting that the D
2
R has antioxidant effects. However, the mechanism of this effect is unknown. DJ-1 is a protein that has antioxidant properties. D
2
R and DJ-1 are expressed in the mouse kidney and colocalize and coimunoprecipitate in mouse renal proximal tubule cells. We hypothesized that D
2
Rs regulate renal ROS production in the kidney through regulation of DJ-1 expression or function. Heterozygous D
2
+/−
mice have increased blood pressure, urinary 8-isoprostanes, and renal Nox 4 expression, but decreased renal DJ-1 expression. Silencing D
2
R expression in mouse renal proximal tubule cells increases ROS production and decreases the expression of DJ-1. Conversely, treatment of these cells with a D
2
R agonist increases DJ-1 expression and decreases Nox 4 expression and NADPH oxidase activity, effects that are partially blocked by a D
2
R antagonist. Silencing DJ-1 expression in mouse renal proximal tubule cells increases ROS production and Nox 4 expression. Selective renal DJ-1 silencing by the subcapsular infusion of DJ-1 siRNA in mice increases blood pressure, renal Nox4 expression, and NADPH oxidase activity. These results suggest that the inhibitory effects of D
2
R on renal ROS production are at least, in part, mediated by a positive regulation of DJ-1 expression/function and that DJ-1 may have a role in the prevention of hypertension associated with increased ROS production.
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine and Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Wilcox Christopher S.
Published: January 2012

Plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine or markers of reactive oxygen species are increased in subjects with risk factors for cardiovascular disease or chronic kidney disease. We tested the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species generate cellular asymmetric dimethylarginine that together cause endothelial dysfunction that underlies the risk of subsequent disease. Rat preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells transfected with p22
phox
had increased NADPH oxidase activity, enhanced activity and expression of protein arginine methyltransferase, and reduced activity and protein expression of dimethylarginine dimethylaminotransferase and of cationic amino acid transferase 1 resulting in increased cellular levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine. Rats infused with angiotensin II had oxidative stress. The endothelial function of their mesenteric arterioles was changed from vasodilatation to vasoconstriction, accompanied by increased vascular asymmetric dimethylarginine. All of these changes were prevented by Tempol. In vivo silencing of dimethylarginine dimethylaminotransferase 1 increased plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine, whereas silencing of dimethylarginine dimethylaminotransferase 2 impaired endothelial function. We suggest that initiation factors, such as angiotensin II, expressed in blood vessels or tissues of subjects with cardiovascular and kidney disease risk factors generate reactive oxygen species from NADPH oxidase that enhances cellular asymmetric dimethylarginine in an amplification loop. This leads to adverse changes in vascular and organ functions, as a consequence of reduced tissue levels of NO and increased reactive oxygen species. Thus, we conclude that reactive oxygen species and asymmetric dimethylarginine form a tightly coupled amplification system that translates cardiovascular/kidney risk into overt disease.
The Eyes and Ears of Status
Authors: Pettit Nathan C. , Sivanathan Niro
Published: January 2012

To those with high status, abundance is granted. Moving beyond the multitude of objective benefits, the authors explore how status, once conferred, colors the perceptual world people inhabit. In four experiments, participants’ status state influenced their judgments of status-relevant features in their environment. Participants in a state of high status reported hearing applause (Experiment 1) and seeing facial expressions (Experiment 2), in reaction to their performance, as louder and more favorable. In addition, expectations of how others will respond—expectations stemming from one’s current status state—accounted for this effect (Experiment 3). Finally, differences in judgments between participants experiencing high versus low status were observed only when the target of the evaluation was the self (Experiment 4). These results advance scholars’ understanding of the psychological experience of status and contribute to the growing literature on the dominant influence psychological states have on people’s judgments of their social world.
Triggering Self-Presentation Efforts Outside of People’s Conscious Awareness
Authors: Tyler James M.
Published: January 2012

Three studies utilized priming techniques to examine whether self-presentations can be activated without conscious awareness. The results across all experiments consistently demonstrated nonconscious self-presentation effects, in that people were unaware that their self-presentations were triggered automatically and that their self-presentations were comparable to participants who were explicitly instructed to self-present. The findings are novel because they are the first to demonstrate that self-presentations can be triggered without conscious awareness in a manner similar to self-presentations that are strategically selected. In addition, the results help undermine the common misconception that self-presentation typically involves conscious deliberation, pretense, or outright deception.
Ultrastructural Analysis in Preclinical Safety Evaluation
Authors: Fagerland Jane A. , Wall Henry G. , Pandher Karamjeet , LeRoy Bruce E. , Gagne Gerard D.
Published: January 2012

The first electron microscopic images of biological specimens were made in the 1940s, and the next 30 years comprised an era of descriptive ultrastructure during which transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was integral to an explosion in cellular and molecular biology. However, when questions could no longer be answered by ultrastructural information alone, the use of TEM in biological research declined. Innovative molecular techniques and newer imaging technologies such as confocal fluorescence microscopy filled the gap, providing faster answers with less rigorous training as a prerequisite to data collection. The use of TEM in toxicologic pathology has paralleled the rise and fall of its popularity in other disciplines. However, TEM remains an essential resource that provides direct and unequivocal data to explain and address safety concerns in preclinical toxicity studies. There is still an important place for TEM in preclinical safety evaluation and mechanistic studies, particularly when visualization of subcellular structures provides a link to other endpoints. This review reinforces the value of TEM in preclinical safety testing and model development and encourages best practices for ultrastructural evaluation.
Key skills and competencies of a new generation of LIS professionals
Authors: Nonthacumjane Pussadee
Published: January 2012

This paper presents the key skills and competencies of a new generation of LIS professionals. Firstly, it gives an introductory background of the digital era which impacts on the changes occurring in libraries. Secondly, it presents a review of the literatures on skills and knowledge of LIS professionals working in a digital era and related researches. Thirdly, it describes methodology of this study and key skills and competencies of a new generation of LIS professionals which can be classified as personal skills, generic skills, and discipline-specific knowledge. Finally, it presents the image of the new generation of LIS professionals.
Dermal Tissue Allograft for the Repair of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Gupta Anil K. , Hug Kevin , Berkoff David J. , Boggess Blake R. , Gavigan Molly , Malley Paul C. , Toth Alison P.
Published: January 2012

Background: Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears in patients without advanced glenohumeral arthritis can pose a challenge to surgeons. Numerous management strategies have been utilized, and studies have shown varied results with regard to shoulder pain, range of motion, strength, and overall function.

Hypothesis: Patients undergoing repair of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears through a mini-open approach with the use of human dermal tissue matrix allograft would demonstrate an improvement in pain, range of motion, strength, and subjective functional outcomes.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: We performed a prospective observational study of 24 patients who underwent interposition repair of massive rotator cuff tears using human dermal allograft. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by the treating surgeon. Data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively for an average 3-year follow-up period (range, 29-40 months). Active range of motion as well as supraspinatus and infraspinatus strength was assessed. Subjective outcome measures included pain level (visual analog scale of 0-10, with 10 = severe pain), American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES), and Short-Form 12 (SF-12) score. Imaging evaluation to assess for repair integrity was performed using static and dynamic ultrasonography at final follow-up.

Results: Mean pain level decreased from 5.4 to 0.9 ( P = .0002). Mean active forward flexion and external rotation motion improved from 111.7° to 157.3° ( P = .0002) and from 46.2° to 65.1° ( P = .001), respectively. Mean shoulder abduction improved from 105.0° to 151.7° ( P = .0001). Supraspinatus and infraspinatus strength improved from 7.2 to 9.4 ( P = .0003) and from 7.8 to 9.3 ( P = .002), respectively. Mean ASES improved from 66.6 to 88.7 ( P = .0003). Mean SF-12 scores improved from 48.8 to 56.8 ( P = .03). One partial graft retear occurred because of patient noncompliance during postoperative rehabilitation. However, this patient still demonstrated improvement in pain, motion, and subjective outcomes at final follow-up. Ultrasonography demonstrated “fully intact” repairs in 76% of patients. All remaining patients had “partially intact” repairs. There were no complete tears.

Conclusion: In our series of carefully selected candidates, all patients demonstrated a significant improvement in pain, range of motion, and strength. Subjective outcome measures, including mean ASES and SF-12 scores, also demonstrated significant improvement at an average 3-year follow-up.
Numerical and experimental investigations of effects of residual stresses on crack behavior in Aluminum 6082-T6
Authors: Farahani Mohammadreza , Sattari-Far Iradj , Akbari Davood , Alderliesten Rene
Published: January 2012

In the structural integrity assessment, residual stresses play an important role. The residual stresses affect both the crack driving forces and the crack-tip constraint. To investigate the interaction of residual stresses with mechanical loading during the onset of crack growth in Aluminum 6082-T6, modified single edge-notched bending specimens were used. Aluminum 6082 has the highest strength of the 6000 series alloys with excellent corrosion resistance. A residual stress field was created in the specimens by pre-loading. To accurately quantify the residual stress field created during this test procedure, the strains were measured during loading and unloading and compared with finite element results. After the introduction of the residual stress field, the specimens were tested under three-point bending to determine the load versus displacement behavior and fracture toughness. Also, a post-processor for finite element calculation was developed to enable determination of the J-integral values for the specimens having residual stresses. The constraint parameters Q and R were calculated at the crack-tip to describe the stress field in this region. The parameter Q is used to characterize the loading and geometry constraint, and the parameter R is used for characterizing the crack-tip constraint due to residual stresses. It is observed that tensile residual stresses around the crack-tip increase the crack-tip constraint and decrease the fracture toughness of the bodies. By increasing the external load, the constraint parameter R goes toward zero and the effects of residual stresses on the crack growth resistance become negligible.
Smart Choices for Healthy Families
Authors: Pinard Courtney A. , Hart Michael H. , Hodgkins Yvonne , Serrano Elena L. , McFerren Mary M. , Estabrooks Paul A.
Published: January 2012

This pre–post study used a mixed-methods approach to examine the impact of a family-based weight management program among a low-income population. Smart Choices for Healthy Families was developed through an integrated research–practice partnership and piloted with 26 children and parents (50% boys; mean age = 10.5 years; 54% Black) who were referred by their pediatrician. Smart Choices included six biweekly group sessions and six automated telephone-counseling calls over 3 months. Children displayed reduced body mass index z-scores ( p < .05), increased lean muscle mass ( p < .001), and increased quality of life ( p < .0001). Follow-up interviews indicated that physicians valued the lay leaders’ ability to provide lifestyle education, whereas lay leaders extended their reach to more community members. Parents wanted to become positive role models and found that the calls maintained focus on goals. Smart Choices shows promise to initiate weight management for children in low-income families.
Sanguinarine Induces Apoptosis of HT-29 Human Colon Cancer Cells via the Regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 Ratio and Caspase-9-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Lee Jun Sik , Jung Won-Kyo , Jeong Myung Ho , Yoon Taek Rim , Kim Hyung Keun
Published: January 2012

Sanguinarine is an alkaloid obtained from the bloodroot plant Sanguinaria canadensis and has beneficial effects on oxidative stress and inflammatory disorders. Previous reports have demonstrated that sanguinarine also exhibit anticancer properties. In the current study, we investigated the effects of sanguinarine on HT-29 human colon cancer cells. It was observed that sanguinarine treatment induces a dose-dependent increase in apoptosis of human colon cancer cells. We also investigated the effects of sanguinarine on the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins, and the results revealed that there was an increase in Bax and a decrease in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein levels. Moreover, sanguinarine treatment significantly increases the activation of caspases 3 and 9 that are the key executioners in apoptosis. Our results suggest that sanguinarine induces apoptosis of HT-29 human colon cancer cells and may have a potential therapeutic use in the treatment of human colon cancer.
Identification method for rotordynamic coefficients of cylindrical air bearing using an impact hammer
Authors: Matta P , Arghir M
Published: January 2012

This study develops the use of an impact hammer as an excitation source for identifying the dynamic coefficients of cylindrical aerodynamic bearings. The test rig and the identification method were originally developed for being used with two electromagnetic shakers applying non-synchronous excitations. The test rig is of a floating bearing type which means that the bearing is (almost) freely vibrating around a fixed rotating shaft. The impact hammer can then easily replace the two shakers for providing a source of excitation. This design permits to study all kinds of gas bearings operating at rotation speeds up to 60 kr/min, the static load being applied directly on the bearing via a spring. The dynamic coefficients are identified by applying two distinct (linearly independent) impacts. A transfer function approach of the impedances enables to take into account the frequency dependence of the linear dynamic coefficients. Test results are presented for a bearing of diameter 30 mm, L/ D = 1 and clearance 22 µm and compared with theoretical predictions.
The relationship of depression and disease stage to patient perceptions of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hurt Catherine S , Weinman John , Lee Rachael , Brown Richard G
Published: January 2012

The present study aimed to perform an in-depth exploration of perceptions of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their relationship to depression and disease stage using semi-structured interviews. 37 participants with PD formed four groups: depressed and non-depressed with either mild or moderate-severe stage PD. Interviews were analysed using Framework Analysis. Moderate-severe stage patients reported a greater variety of perceptions than those with mild symptoms. Depressed and non-depressed patients differed in their perceptions of the consequences, treatment control and emotional reaction to PD. Helping patients to adjust life goals to accommodate PD and employ adaptive coping strategies may help to relieve depressive symptoms in PD.
The effect of atorvastatin therapy on tumour necrosis factor-α and vascular adhesion molecules in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with no prior history of coronary heart disease
Authors: Soedamah-Muthu Sabita S , Charlton-Menys Val , Bao Weihang , Schalkwijk Casper , Da Stehouwer Coen , Colhoun Helen M , Betteridge D John , Durrington Paul N , Hitman Graham A , Neil H Andrew W , Livingstone Shona J , Fuller John H , Demicco David A , Preston Gregory M ,   on behalf of the CARDS investigators
Published: January 2012

We examined the effect of atorvastatin (and placebo) on tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in patients with type 2 diabetes without prior cardiovascular disease (CVD) and investigated whether adhesion molecules were associated with incident CVD. Baseline and follow-up concentrations of TNFα, sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 were measured in patients from the Collaborative AtoRvastatin Diabetes Study (CARDS). Patients had a mean age of 61 years (standard deviation = 8) and 70% were men. TNFα 2.20 pg/mL (1.82–2.86), sVCAM-1 865 ng/mL (729–1059) and sICAM-1 619 ng/mL (533–753) concentrations (median, interquartile range 25, 75%) were similar at baseline in atorvastatin (given values) and placebo groups and not significantly different at 2 years. The multivariable hazard ratios for the associations between sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 (doubling the concentration) and CVD were, 0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66–1.0) and 0.59 (95% CI 0.50–0.71), respectively. In conclusion atorvastatin had no significant effect on TNFα, sVCAM-1 or sICAM-1 levels in type 2 diabetic patients without a prior history of CVD compared with placebo. In addition, both sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 concentrations were associated with a decreased risk of CVD.
Diabetic eye disease and low vision
Authors: Stone Niamh , Ryan Barbara , Sinclair Anne
Published: January 2012

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of registrable blindness among the working age population of the UK. Primary prevention associated with improved medical management and the introduction of national screening programmes aim to reduce the incidence of eye disease. Should retinopathy develop, there are several treatments that can help to preserve vision. While these interventions can prevent or delay visual loss, many patients with diabetes still experience significant functional and practical difficulties as a result of impaired vision. Recognising visual problems at an early stage is important as this ensures improved support from the multidisciplinary team with appropriate education, timely visual impairment registration and access to support services.
Interferometric hydrofracture microseism localization using neighboring fracture
Authors: Poliannikov Oleg V. , E. Malcolm Alison , Djikpesse Hugues , Prange Michael
Published: January 2012

Hydraulic fracturing is the process of injecting high-pressure fluids into a reservoir to induce fractures and thus improve reservoir productivity. Microseismic event localization is used to locate created fractures. Traditionally, events are localized individually. Available information about events already localized is not used to help estimate other source locations. Traditional localization methods yield an uncertainty that is inversely proportional to the square root of the number of receivers. However, in applications where multiple fractures are created, multiple sources in a reference fracture may provide redundant information about unknown events in subsequent fractures that can boost the signal-to-noise ratio, improving estimates of the event positions. We used sources in fractures closer to the monitoring well to help localize events further away. It is known through seismic interferometry that with a 2D array of receivers, the traveltime between two sources may be recovered from a crosscorrelogram of two common source gathers. This allowed an event in the second fracture to be localized relative to an event in the reference fracture. A difficulty became evident when receivers are located in a single monitoring well. When the receiver array is 1D, classical interferometry cannot be directly employed because the problem becomes underdetermined. In our approach, interferometry was used to partially redatum microseismic events from the second fracture onto the reference fracture so that they can be used as virtual receivers, providing additional information complementary to that provided by the physical receivers. Our error analysis showed that, in addition to the gain obtained by having multiple physical receivers, the location uncertainty is inversely proportional to the square root of the number of sources in the reference fracture. Because the number of microseism sources is usually high, the proposed method will usually result in more accurate location estimates as compared with the traditional methods.
Advanced Stage, Increased Lactate Dehydrogenase, and Primary Site, but Not Adolescent Age (≥ 15 Years), Are Associated With an Increased Risk of Treatment Failure in Children and Adolescents With Mature B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Results of the FAB LMB 96 Study
Authors: Cairo Mitchell S. , Sposto Richard , Gerrard Mary , Auperin Anne , Goldman Stanton C. , Harrison Lauren , Pinkerton Ross , Raphael Martine , McCarthy Keith , Perkins Sherrie L. , Patte Catherine
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Adolescents (age 15 to 21 years) compared with younger children with mature B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) have been historically considered to have an inferior prognosis. We therefore analyzed the impact of age and other diagnostic factors on the risk of treatment failure in children and adolescents treated on the French-American-British Mature B-Cell Lymphoma 96 (FAB LMB 96) trial.

Patients and Methods

Patients were divided by risk: group A (limited), group B (intermediate), and group C (advanced), as previously described. Prognostic factors analyzed for event-free survival (EFS) included age (< 15 v ≥ 15 years), stage (I/II v III/IV), primary site, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bone marrow/CNS (BM/CNS) involvement, and histology (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma v mediastinal B-cell lymphoma v Burkitt lymphoma or Burkitt-like lymphoma).

Results

The 3-year EFS for the whole cohort was 88% ± 1%. Age was not associated as a risk factor for increased treatment failure in either univariate analysis (P = .15) or multivariate analysis (P = .58). Increased LDH (≥ 2 × upper limit of normal [ULN] v < 2 × ULN), primary site, and BM-positive/CNS-positive disease were all independent risk factors associated with a significant increase in treatment failure rate (relative risk, 2.0; P < .001, P < .012, and P < .001, respectively).

Conclusion

LDH level at diagnosis, mediastinal disease, and combined BM-positive/CNS-positive involvement are independent risk factors in children with mature B-cell NHL. Future studies should be developed to identify specific therapeutic strategies (immunotherapy) to overcome these risk factors and to identify the biologic basis associated with these prognostic factors in children with mature B-cell NHL.
Adverse Effects of Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Versus Open Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy Among a Nationwide Random Sample of Medicare-Age Men
Authors: Barry Michael J. , Gallagher Patricia M. , Skinner Jonathan S. , Fowler Floyd J.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is eclipsing open radical prostatectomy among men with clinically localized prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to compare the risks of problems with continence and sexual function following these procedures among Medicare-age men.

Patients and Methods

A population-based random sample was drawn from the 20% Medicare claims files for August 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008. Participants had hospital and physician claims for radical prostatectomy and diagnostic codes for prostate cancer and reported undergoing either a robotic or open surgery. They received a mail survey that included self-ratings of problems with continence and sexual function a median of 14 months postoperatively.

Results

Completed surveys were obtained from 685 (86%) of 797 eligible participants, and 406 and 220 patients reported having had robotic or open surgery, respectively. Overall, 189 (31.1%; 95% CI, 27.5% to 34.8%) of 607 men reported having a moderate or big problem with continence, and 522 (88.0%; 95% CI, 85.4% to 90.6%) of 593 men reported having a moderate or big problem with sexual function. In logistic regression models predicting the log odds of a moderate or big problem with postoperative continence and adjusting for age and educational level, robotic prostatectomy was associated with a nonsignificant trend toward greater problems with continence (odds ratio [OR] 1.41; 95% CI, 0.97 to 2.05). Robotic prostatectomy was not associated with greater problems with sexual function (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.51 to 1.49).

Conclusion

Risks of problems with continence and sexual function are high after both procedures. Medicare-age men should not expect fewer adverse effects following robotic prostatectomy.
Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra: Adelaide O’Keeffe, the Jewish Conversion Novel, and the Limits of Rational Education
Authors: Ruwe Donelle
Published: January 2012

Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra (1814) is a historical novel by the Irish author Adelaide O’Keeffe that features religious conversions from paganism to Judaism, and from Judaism to Christianity. O’Keeffe stages these conversions within the context of late Enlightenment debates about the ability of rational educational approaches to inculcate religious belief. I compare Zenobia to Edgeworth’s Harrington, Rousseau’s Émile, Mme de Genlis’ Adéle et Thèodore, and Hamilton’s Agrippina. Zenobia applies two popular modes of fictional representation of education to the teaching of religion. The first of these modes is that of the philosophical experiment, most often presented as a utopian pedagogical fantasy in which a child and educator live apart from society and in which various educational approaches and techniques can be applied to the child without outside interference. We find examples of this approach in Rousseau’s Émile (1762) and Mme de Genlis’ Adéle et Thèodore (1782). The second mode is that of practical, applied pedagogy in which teachers contend with outside influences and a child’s already-established habits and prior associations. O’Keeffe’s particular contribution to pedagogical literature is her use of both modes to represent religious training.
Photomechanical Motion of Furylfulgide Crystals
Authors: Koshima Hideko , Nakaya Hidemitsu , Uchimoto Hidetaka , Ojima Naoko
Published: January 2012

Plate-like microcrystals of a photochromic furylfulgide bend toward the light upon UV irradiation and then straighten upon visible light irradiation. The reversible bending was observed over 200 cycles of alternating irradiation with UV and visible light. The mechanism of bending could be explained by the X-ray crystallographic data.
Molecular Gyroscope with a trans-Cyclohexane-1,4-diimine Rotor Unit: Isolation and Characterization of a Geometric Isomer as a Formal Intermediate of Hindered Rotation
Authors: Sugino Hiroyoshi , Kawai Hidetoshi , Fujiwara Kenshu , Suzuki Takanori
Published: January 2012

Condensation reactions of macrocyclic diamines 1 and cyclohexane-1,4-dicarbaldehydes 2 with the substituents at 1,4-positions gave a series of macrocage molecules that can be considered molecular gyroscopes. The gyro-rotational behavior of the cyclohexane rotor is largely affected by the degree of steric requirement of the substituents, and isolation of syn-isomer suggests stepwise motion in the macrocages attached with bulky substituents on the rotor.
Impact of Substrate Defects on the Equilibrium One-Dimensional Island Size Distribution
Authors: Mirabella D.A. , Aldao C.M.
Published: January 2012

As long as only first-neighbour interactions are considered, equilibrium island size distributions of monoatomic islands in one dimension follow an exponential law regardless of the strength and the repulsive or attractive character of the adsorbate–adsorbate interactions. However, one-dimensional atomic wires obtained via nucleation at the step edges have a monomodal island size distribution. In this paper, we present a simple one-dimensional Monte Carlo model that shows how the monomodal distribution observed experimentally can be obtained by including surface defects that only suppress the interaction between two successive adsorbates.
A Case Study of a Collaborative Digital Workflow in the Design and Production of Formwork for ‘Non-Standard’ Concrete Structures
Authors: Williams Nicholas , Stehling Hanno , Scheurer Fabian , Oesterle Silvan , Kohler Matthias , Gramazio Fabio
Published: January 2012

This paper presents an overview of ongoing research from within the Tailorcrete research project into the development of CAD tools for the design and realization of ‘non-standard’ concrete structures. The focus is on concrete formwork, a significant factor affecting cost, logistics and aesthetics. With a process spanning a broad range of expertise, collaboration through an effective digital workflow is vital to the successful execution of such structures.

As a concept for this workflow, a working model of a Design System is described and its development discussed. This focuses on three aspects: (1) the identification of key Use-Cases; (2) the definition of Formwork Systems; and (3) the definition of communication between software elements to provide relevant means of collaboration for expert users.

An implementation as a package of software prototypes is also briefly presented. This includes a Base Framework, tools targeting Use-Cases and components relating to specific formwork systems.
Heavy Design
Authors: Meyboom AnnaLisa
Published: January 2012

Digital tools in architecture have a powerful capability that we have only begun to explore; the questions to ask of them are perhaps not what they can do but what should we use them for? To date, much of the work done in the area of computational design has been used as elaborate patterning - some have called it ‘ornament’. The significance of this ornament is not only pleasure but in its use of digital patterns to represent our current complex and digital age. This representation in itself is not problematic; however, what is problematic is the lack of other meaningful uses of the digital form-generating tools and their distance from a culture of making. The main failing of our use of digital design (algorithmic or not) in architecture to this point is its inability to translate smoothly from the digital world to the physical world. The main reasons for this difficulty in translation are gravity and inherent material properties. Working with gravity and its physical implications is generally considered the role of the structural engineer; as such, engineers have generally created digital tools in this area. The engineer's methodology analyses a structure based on complex structural analysis programming but in order to do this, a detailed description of the structure must already exist. This is not useful in preliminary stages of design. However, the generation of architecture within an environment, which already includes structural principles, may bring us one step closer to this transition of virtual to physical by including gravity in architectural generation while not diminishing the creative form-generating process. An approach has been proposed which responds with a concept of ‘heavy design’. This type of approach incorporates logics from other disciplines, primarily structural engineering, to inform design. The design process incorporates the structural behavior of a system into the architectural model. Engineering offers a mathematical interpretation of the physical world and this is inherently suited to algorithmic design because it is already in equation form. It can thus be programmed into the architectural form generational software. The variables used in the equations become the variables within the architectural design and this inherently brings the natural physical laws to the architecture through a numerical, algorithmic method. The design produced is not a singular answer but rather a responsive vocabulary of a structural system, which is then employed in design in differing conditions. The architecture produced is both function and ornament, having cultural interpretation but carrying out many engineering tasks: a true parametric architecture.
Occupational radiation exposure and pregnancy in orthopaedics
Authors: Uzoigwe C. E. , Middleton R. G.
Published: January 2012

Radiological imaging is necessary in a wide variety of trauma and elective orthopaedic operations. The evolving orthopaedic workforce includes an increasing number of pregnant workers. Current legislation in the United Kingdom, Europe and United States allows them to choose their degree of participation, if any, with fluoroscopic procedures. For those who wish to engage in radiation-prone procedures, specific regulations apply to limit the radiation dose to the pregnant worker and unborn child.

This paper considers those aspects of radiation protection, the potential effects of exposure to radiation in pregnancy and the dose of radiation from common orthopaedic procedures, which are important for safe clinical practice.
Characteristics and outcome in patients sustaining a second contralateral fracture of the hip
Authors: Sawalha S. , Parker M. J.
Published: January 2012

We compared 5341 patients with an initial fracture of the hip with 633 patients who sustained a second fracture of the contralateral hip. Patients presenting with a second fracture were more likely to be institutionalised, female, older, and have lower mobility and mental test scores. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regards to the change in the level of mobility or return to their original residence at one year follow-up. However, the mortality rate in the second fracture group was significantly higher at one year (31.6% vs 27.3%, p = 0.024). In two thirds of patients, the second fracture was in the same anatomical location as the first. In an analysis of 293 patients, approximately 70% of second fractures occurred within three years of the first.

This is the largest study to investigate the outcome of patients who sustain a second contralateral hip fracture. Despite the higher mortality rate at one year, the outcome for surviving patients is not significantly different from those after initial hip fractures.
Correlated Immunohistochemical and Cytological Assays for the Prediction of Hematogenous Dissemination of Breast Cancer
Authors: Oktay Maja H. , Gertler Frank B. , Liu Yi-Fang , Rohan Thomas E. , Condeelis John S. , Jones Joan G.
Published: January 2012

Although metastasis is a major cause of death from breast cancer, our ability to predict which tumors will metastasize is limited (American Cancer Society 2010). Proper assessment of metastatic risk and elucidating the underlying mechanisms of metastasis will help personalize therapy and may provide insight into potential therapeutic targets. Traditionally, histologic grading, staging, hormone receptors, HER2/Neu, and proliferation assays have been the gold standard on which oncologists based their treatment decisions. However, all of these are indirect measures of metastatic risk. Recent insights from intravital imaging directly address questions of mechanism and have led to a new way of using histologic and cytologic material to assess metastatic risk. This review describes the tumor microenvironment model of invasion and intravasation, as well as an emerging histopathologic application based on this model. In particular, the authors describe a new immunohistochemical approach to the assessment of metastatic risk based on the density of intravasation microenvironment sites called the tumor microenvironment of metastasis. In addition, they describe an isoform assay for the actin regulatory protein Mena using fine needle aspiration samples and the details about how these 2 assays may be applied in clinical practice in a synergistic way to assess the risk of metastasis.
Effect of NPK enrichment on growth, yield and quality traits in rice bean (Vigna umbellata)
Authors: Katoch R.
Published: January 2012

The genotypic response of the growth, yield and quality traits of rice bean [Vigna umbellata(Thunb.) Ohwi and Ohashi] to NPK enrichment was studied in relation to different fertilizer treatments. The treatments consisted of three NPK levels, namely 0:0:0 (T0) control, 10:30:10 (T1) and 20:60:20 (T2) kg/ha. There were significant differences in plant height 115 days after sowing, days to maturity and tryptophan content (g/16 g N) in various rice bean genotypes with different fertilizer levels. Higher seed yields were recorded for the genotypes JCR-20(S), IC-140796, IC-019352 and JCR-152 as compared to the check variety (BRS-2). The fertilizer treatments significantly affected growth, yield and its contributing traits: plant height, number of pod clusters/plant, seeds/pod, seed yield/plot and total pods picked at maturity. Little variation was observed between the fertilizer treatments for the crude protein (%) and methionine (g/16 g N) contents, but significant variation in the tryptophan content was detected for genotype LRB-40-2. Seed yield and its contributing traits responded positively to the fertilizer treatments. Among the three fertilizer treatments tested in the experiment, the T2 treatment was found to be promising for increasing seed yield. Thus, it can be concluded from the study that the rice bean crop is responsive to fertilizers and that the application of optimal levels of NPK could enhance its productivity.
Agronomic performance of seven pea (Pisum sativum) genotypes with five sowing dates in sandy soil
Authors: Hanaa H. , Ali E.
Published: January 2012

A field experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Faculty Farm of Sebha University during the 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 winter seasons to study the agronomic performance of seven pea genotypes with different sowing dates in sandy soil. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using a split-plot arrangement with three replicates. The five sowing dates (30 October, 15 November, 30 November, 15 December and 30 December) were assigned to the main plots, while the seven pea genotypes (Ambassador, Pollon, MG130256, G22765-2c, 89-P-109-11, No. 252, Victory Freezer and Master B) were allocated to the sub-plots. The sowing dates had a significant effect on all the studied traits except seed protein content in both seasons. Early sowing (15 November) was better than the other sowing dates for all the traits except 100-seed weight. There were significant differences between the pea genotypes for all the traits in the two growing seasons. The Victory Freezer genotype surpassed the other genotypes for all traits except number of branches plant-1 in the second season, 100-seed weight and seed protein content. The highest values for number of branches plant−1 in the second season and for seed protein content were obtained for the G22765-2c genotype, while the maximum values of 100-seed weight were recorded for the MG130256 genotype. A significant interaction between sowing dates and pea genotypes was detected for the length of the period from emergence to initial flowering, number of pods plant−1, seed yield plant−1 and seed yield ha-1 in both seasons. The longest period from emergence to initial flowering was obtained for the Victory Freezer pea variety sown on 30 November, while the highest values of pods plant−1, seed yield plant−1 and seed yield ha−1 were gained by sowing the Victory Freezer pea genotype on 15 November.