bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Impairment and Formal Thought Disorders in Parents of Early-Onset Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Remberk Barbara , Namysłowska Irena , Rybakowski Filip
Published: May 2012

Background: Both cognitive impairment and formal thought disorder (communication disturbances) found in patients with schizophrenia are also commonly observed in their relatives. Recently, the role of such deficits as putative endophenotypes of schizophrenia has been proposed. However, in a majority of studies, the families of adult patients were assessed whereas the relatives of early-onset psychotic subjects were rarely studied. The aim of our study was to evaluate the presence of cognitive impairment and formal thought disorders in parents of adolescents with a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) and in matched healthy controls. Method: Thirty-eight parents of 29 SSD adolescents and 38 healthy controls were assessed with a battery of neurocognitive tests and the Thought, Language and Communication Scale. Results: Parents of schizophrenia patients showed an increased tendency for perseverative thinking when compared to matched healthy controls. No statistically significant differences in cognitive functioning were observed between the groups. Conclusion: These results may suggest the need for further exploration of communication disturbances as a potential endophenotypic marker of early-onset schizophrenia.
Renoprotective Action of a Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor in Progressive Mesangioproliferative Nephritis
Authors: Kuroda Takayuki , Masui Masao , Notoya Mitsuru , Ito Masashi , Tamura Yoshinori , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Kanaoka Eri , Shinosaki Toshihiro
Published: May 2012

Background/Aim: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play pivotal roles in extracellular matrix turnover and are involved in chronic kidney disease. The renoprotective action of a synthetic MMP inhibitor, compound A, was investigated in chronic nephritis. Methods: Nephritis was induced by a single injection of anti-Thy1.1 antibody to unilaterally nephrectomized rats. The effects of compound A on proteinuria, blood urea nitrogen, and matrix-related gene expressions were evaluated. Collagen accumulation, as assessed by periodic acid-Schiff staining and hydroxyproline content, was determined. The integrity of glomerular epithelial cells and glomerular basement membrane was evaluated with desmin immunohistochemistry and electron microscopic detection of anionic charge sites, respectively. Results: Treatment with compound A notably attenuated proteinuria, ameliorated blood urea nitrogen, and prevented glomerulosclerosis. Gene upregulation of collagen and transforming growth factor β1 in the cortex was prevented in the treated animals. Glomerular epithelial cell injury was milder, and glomerular basement membrane anionic sites were protected with the treatment. Conclusion: A novel MMP inhibitor, compound A, exerts protective effects in progressive glomerulonephritis. Compound A ameliorates various aspects of renal injuries and may have therapeutic potential toward kidney diseases.
Deficiencies of antithrombin, protein C and protein S – Practical experience in genetic analysis of a large patient cohort
Authors: Caspers Michael , Pavlova Anna , Driesen Julia , Harbrecht Ursula , Klamroth Robert , Kadar Janos , Fischer Ronald , Matthes Bettina , Oldenburg Johannes
Published: May 2012

Deficiencies of natural anticoagulant proteins including antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC) and protein S (PS) are important causes of inherited thrombophilia. This study aimed to report on the practical experience gained in performing genetic analyses of a large cohort of patients with AT, PC and PS deficiencies and to relate this knowledge to clinical application. We genotyped a large cohort of 709 unrelated patients with AT (231), PC (234) and PS (244) deficiencies referred to us by physicians throughout Germany. Mutations were detected by direct sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). The highest mutation detection rate (MDR) was found for the SERPINC1 gene (83.5%), followed by the PROC (69%) and PROS1 (43%) genes. Even at AT activities close to the normal range (75%), the MDR was 70%. Contrastingly, for PC and PS deficiencies, the MDR dropped significantly and mildly lowered to subnormal values. At PS activities >55% for PS no mutations were detected. Mutation profiles of all three genes were similar with the highest prevalence for missense mutations (63–78%), followed by nonsense (7–11%), splice-site mutations (7–13%), small deletions (1–8%), small insertions/duplications (1–4%) and large deletions (3–6%). In conclusion, genetic testing is a useful diagnostic tool for diagnosing thrombophilia. Based on our data, genetic analysis for patients with AT deficiency is indicated for all subnormal activities. In contrast, genotyping is not advisable for PC activities >70% and for PS activities >55%.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP2 Mediates Chronic Insulin-Induced Endothelial Inflammation
Authors: Giri Hemant , Muthuramu Ilayaraja , Dhar Monalisa , Rathnakumar K. , Ram Uma , Dixit Madhulika
Published: May 2012

Objective—

Insulin promotes adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium through increased expression of surface adhesion molecules. We determined whether src-homology domain-2–containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2), a downstream effecter of insulin signaling, is involved in insulin-induced endothelial inflammation.

Methods and Results—

In human umbilical vein–derived endothelial cells, treatment with insulin (100 nmol/L) increased Tyr
542
phosphorylation, activity, and subsequently expression of SHP2. Increase in SHP2 accompanied a parallel decrease in the availability of the anti-inflammatory molecule, NO. This consequently enhanced the expression of cell adhesion molecules. Decrease in NO index was caused by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) uncoupling and increased arginase activity. Among the 2 isoforms, insulin treatment induced the expression of arginase II. Inactivation of endogenous SHP2 via NSC87877 [8-hydroxy-7-(6-sulfonapthalen-2-yl)-diazenyl-quinoline-5-sulfonic acid] and its knockdown by small interfering RNA decreased arginase activity by blocking arginase II expression; however, it failed to restore eNOS coupling. Inactivation of SHP2 also abrogated insulin-mediated leukocyte adhesion by blocking the expression of adhesion molecules. Finally, downregulation of endogenous arginase II blocked insulin-mediated endothelial inflammation.

Conclusion—

SHP2 mediates chronic insulin-induced endothelial inflammation by limiting the production of NO in an eNOS–independent and arginase-II–dependent manner.
Extracellular Chromatin Is an Important Mediator of Ischemic Stroke in Mice
Authors: De Meyer Simon F. , Suidan Georgette L. , Fuchs Tobias A. , Monestier Marc , Wagner Denisa D.
Published: May 2012

Objective—

Recently, a growing number of studies have revealed a prothrombotic and cytotoxic role for extracellular chromatin. Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury is characterized by a significant amount of cell death and neutrophil activation, both of which may result in the release of chromatin. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of extracellular chromatin in ischemic stroke using a mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Methods and Results—

Similar to reports in stroke patients, we observed increased levels of circulating nucleosomes and DNA after ischemic stroke in mice. In addition, we observed that general hypoxia also augmented extracellular chromatin. We hypothesized that targeting extracellular chromatin components would be protective in ischemic stroke. Indeed, treatment with recombinant human DNase 1 significantly improved stroke outcome. Neutralization of histones using an antihistone antibody was also protective as evidenced by smaller infarct volumes, whereas increasing levels of extracellular histones via histone infusion exacerbated stroke outcome by increasing infarct size and worsening functional outcome.

Conclusion—

Our results indicate that extracellular chromatin is generated and is detrimental during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in mice. Targeting DNA and histones may be a new therapeutic strategy to limit injury resulting from ischemic stroke.
Low Levels of Circulating CD4+FoxP3+ T Cells Are Associated With an Increased Risk for Development of Myocardial Infarction But Not for Stroke
Authors: Wigren Maria , Björkbacka Harry , Andersson Linda , Ljungcrantz Irena , Fredrikson Gunilla Nordin , Persson Margaretha , Bryngelsson Carl , Hedblad Bo , Nilsson Jan
Published: May 2012

Objective—

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) protect against atherosclerosis in experimental models, but their association with cardiovascular disease in humans remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to determine whether circulating Tregs predict the development of acute cardiovascular events in humans.

Methods and Results—

The study cohort consisted of a random sample of participants (n=700), aged 68 to 73 years, from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. Mononuclear leukocytes, stored at −140
○
C at the baseline investigation in 1991–1994, were thawed and Tregs, defined by the expression of FoxP3 in CD4+ T cells, were analyzed by flow cytometry. There was no detectable loss of cells during storage, and the viability of thawed leukocytes was 95%. A low fraction of both CD4+FoxP3+ and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells was associated with a higher release of proinflammatory cytokines from activated mononuclear leukocytes, and this association was strongest for CD4+FoxP3+ cells. Eighty-four coronary events and 66 strokes were registered during follow-up until December 31, 2008. In a Cox proportional hazard regression model adjusting for major risk factors, low levels of baseline CD4+FoxP3+ T cells were associated with an increased risk for the development of acute coronary events but not stroke. There were no associations between CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells and development of an acute coronary event or stroke.

Conclusion—

This study provides prospective evidence for the role of Tregs in the development of myocardial infarction. The findings are in accordance with previous experimental studies and provide clinical support for a protective role of Tregs in atherosclerosis. The lack of association between Tregs and stroke may reflect the more heterogeneous cause of this disease.
Circulating Matrix Metalloproteinases in Adolescents With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Ventricular Arrhythmia
Authors: Zachariah Justin P. , Colan Steven D. , Lang Peter , Triedman John K. , Alexander Mark E. , Walsh Edward P. , Berul Charles I. , Cecchin Frank
Published: May 2012

Background—

Myocardial fibrosis is a hallmark of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmia. Fibrosis can be reflected in circulating matrix remodeling protein concentrations. We explored differences in circulating markers of extracellular matrix turnover between young HCM patients with versus without history of serious arrhythmia.

Methods and Results—

Using multiplexed and single ELISA, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1, 2, 3, and 9; tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) 1, 2, and 4; and collagen I carboxyterminal peptide (CICP) were measured in plasma from 45 young HCM patients (80% male patients; median age, 17 years [interquartile range, 15–20]). Participants were grouped into serious ventricular arrhythmia history (VA) versus no ventricular arrhythmia history (NoVA). Differences in MMPs between groups were examined nonparametrically. Relationships between MMPs and ventricular arrhythmia were assessed with linear regression, adjusted for interventricular septal thickness, family history of sudden death, abnormal exercise blood pressure, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). In post hoc sensitivity analysis, age was substituted for ICD. The 14 VA patients were older than 31 NoVA patients (median, 19 versus 17 years;
P
=0.03). All 14 VA and 12 NoVA patients had an ICD. MMP3 concentration was significantly higher in the VA group (VA median, 12.9 μg/mL [interquartile range, 5.7–16.7 μg/mL] versus NoVA, 5.8 μg/mL [interquartile range, 3.7–10.0 μg/mL];
P
=0.01). On multivariable analysis, VA was independently associated with increasing MMP3 (standardized β, 0.37;
P
=0.01). Post hoc adjustment for age attenuated this association.

Conclusions—

Circulating MMP3 may be a marker of ventricular arrhythmia in adolescent patients with HCM. Because of our role as pediatric providers, we cannot exclude age-related confounding.
Ryanodine Receptor Current Amplitude Controls Ca
2+
Sparks in Cardiac Muscle
Authors: Guo Tao , Gillespie Dirk , Fill Michael
Published: May 2012

Rationale:

In cardiac muscle, Ca
2+
-induced Ca
2+
release (CICR) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is mediated by ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca
2+
release channels. The inherent positive feedback of CICR is normally well-controlled. Understanding this control mechanism is a priority because its malfunction has life-threatening consequences.

Objective:

We show that CICR local control is governed by SR Ca
2+
load, largely because load determines the single RyR current amplitude that drives inter-RyR CICR.

Methods and Results:

We differentially manipulated single RyR Ca
2+
flux amplitude and SR Ca
2+
load in permeabilized ventricular myocytes as an endogenous cell biology model of the heart. Large RyR-permeable organic cations were used to interfere with Ca
2+
conductance through the open RyR pore. Single-channel studies show this attenuates current amplitude without altering other aspects of RyR function. In cells, the same experimental maneuver increased resting SR Ca
2+
load. Despite the increased load, Ca
2+
spark (inter-RyR CICR events) frequency decreased and sparks terminated earlier.

Conclusions:

Spark local control follows single RyR current amplitude, not simply SR Ca
2+
load. Spark frequency increases with load because spontaneous RyR openings at high loads produce larger currents (ie, a larger CICR trigger signal). Sparks terminate when load falls to the point at which single RyR current amplitude is no longer sufficient to sustain inter-RyR CICR. Thus, RyRs that spontaneously close no longer reopen and local Ca
2+
release ends.
Severe Hyperhomocysteinemia Promotes Bone Marrow–Derived and Resident Inflammatory Monocyte Differentiation and Atherosclerosis in LDLr/CBS-Deficient Mice
Authors: Zhang Daqing , Fang Pu , Jiang Xiaohua , Nelson Jun , Moore Jodene K. , Kruger Warren D. , Berretta Remus M. , Houser Steven R. , Yang Xiaofeng , Wang Hong
Published: May 2012

Rationale:

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) accelerates atherosclerosis and increases inflammatory monocytes (MC) in peripheral tissues. However, its causative role in atherosclerosis is not well established and its effect on vascular inflammation has not been studied. The underlying mechanism is unknown.

Objective:

This study examined the causative role of HHcy in atherogenesis and its effect on inflammatory MC differentiation.

Methods and Results:

We generated a novel HHcy and hyperlipidemia mouse model, in which cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) genes were deficient (
Ldlr
−/−
Cbs
−/+
). Severe HHcy (plasma homocysteine (Hcy)=275 μmol/L) was induced by a high methionine diet containing sufficient basal levels of B vitamins. Plasma Hcy levels were lowered to 46 μmol/L from 244 μmol/L by vitamin supplementation, which elevated plasma folate levels. Bone marrow (BM)–derived cells were traced by the transplantation of BM cells from enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgenic mice after sublethal irradiation of the recipient. HHcy accelerated atherosclerosis and promoted Ly6C
high
inflammatory MC differentiation of both BM and tissue origins in the aortas and peripheral tissues. It also elevated plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1; increased vessel wall MC accumulation; and increased macrophage maturation. Hcy-lowering therapy reversed HHcy-induced lesion formation, plasma cytokine increase, and blood and vessel inflammatory MC (Ly6C
high+middle
) accumulation. Plasma Hcy levels were positively correlated with plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines. In primary mouse splenocytes, L-Hcy promoted rIFNγ-induced inflammatory MC differentiation, as well as increased TNF-α, IL-6, and superoxide anion production in inflammatory MC subsets. Antioxidants and folic acid reversed L-Hcy-induced inflammatory MC differentiation and oxidative stress in inflammatory MC subsets.

Conclusions:

HHcy causes vessel wall inflammatory MC differentiation and macrophage maturation of both BM and tissue origins, leading to atherosclerosis via an oxidative stress-related mechanism.
Cost Avoidance Associated With Optimal Stroke Care in Canada
Authors: Krueger Hans , Lindsay Patrice , Cote Robert , Kapral Moira K. , Kaczorowski Janusz , Hill Michael D.
Published: May 2012

Background and Purpose—

Evidence-based stroke care has been shown to improve patient outcomes and may reduce health system costs. Cost savings, however, are poorly quantified. This study assesses 4 aspects of stroke management (rapid assessment and treatment services, thrombolytic therapy, organized stroke units, and early home-supported discharge) and estimates the potential for cost avoidance in Canada if these services were provided in a comprehensive fashion.

Methods—

Several independent data sources, including the Canadian Institute of Health Information Discharge Abstract Database, the 2008–2009 National Stroke Audit, and the Acute Cerebrovascular Syndrome Registry in the province of British Columbia, were used to assess the current status of stroke care in Canada. Evidence from the literature was used to estimate the effect of providing optimal stroke care on rates of acute care hospitalization, length of stay in hospital, discharge disposition (including death), changes in quality of life, and costs avoided.

Results—

Comprehensive and optimal stroke care in Canada would decrease the number of annual hospital episodes by 1062 (3.3%), the number of acute care days by 166 000 (25.9%), and the number of residential care days by 573 000 (12.8%). The number of deaths in the hospital would be reduced by 1061 (14.9%). Total avoidance of costs was estimated at $682 million annually ($307.4 million in direct costs, $374.3 million in indirect costs).

Conclusions—

The costs of stroke care in Canada can be substantially reduced, at the same time as improving patient outcomes, with the greater use of known effective treatment modalities.
Effects of Telerehabilitation on Physical Function and Disability for Stroke Patients
Authors: Chumbler Neale R. , Quigley Patricia , Li Xinli , Morey Miriam , Rose Dorian , Sanford Jon , Griffiths Patricia , Hoenig Helen
Published: May 2012

Background and Purpose—

To determine the effect of a multifaceted stroke telerehabilitation (STeleR) intervention on physical function, and secondarily on disability, in veterans poststroke.

Methods—

We conducted a prospective, randomized, multisite, single-blinded trial in 52 veterans with stroke from 3 Veterans Affairs medical centers. Veterans with a stroke in the preceding 24 months were randomized to the STeleR intervention or usual care. The STeleR intervention consisted of 3 home visits, 5 telephone calls, and an in-home messaging device provided over 3 months to instruct patients in functionally based exercises and adaptive strategies. Usual care participants received routine rehabilitation care as prescribed by their physicians. The primary outcome measures were improvement in function at 6 months, measured by both the motor subscale of the Telephone Version of Functional Independence Measure and by the function scales of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument.

Results—

The 2 complementary primary outcomes (Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument Function and Telephone Version of Functional Independence Measure) improved at 6 months for the STeleR group and declined for the usual care group, but the differences were not statistically significant (
P
=0.25, Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument;
P
=0.316). Several of secondary outcomes were statistically significant. At 6 months, compared with the usual care group, the STeleR group showed statistically significant improvements in 4 of the 5 Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument disability component subscales (
P
<0.05), and approached significance in 1 of the 3 Function component subscales (
P
=0.06).

Conclusions—

The STeleR intervention significantly improved physical function, with improvements persisting up to 3 months after completing the intervention. STeleR could be a useful supplement to traditional poststroke rehabilitation given the limited resources available for in-home rehabilitation for stroke survivors.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00384748.
Head and Neck Cooling Decreases Tympanic and Skin Temperature, But Significantly Increases Blood Pressure
Authors: Koehn Julia , Kollmar Rainer , Cimpianu Camelia-Lucia , Kallmünzer Bernd , Moeller Sebastian , Schwab Stefan , Hilz Max J.
Published: May 2012

Background and Purpose—

Localized head and neck cooling might be suited to induce therapeutic hypothermia in acute brain injury such as stroke. Safety issues of head and neck cooling are undetermined and may include cardiovascular autonomic side effects that were identified in this study.

Methods—

Ten healthy men (age 35±13 years) underwent 120 minutes of combined head and neck cooling (Sovika, HVM Medical). Before and after onset of cooling, after 60 and 120 minutes, we determined rectal, tympanic, and forehead skin temperatures, RR intervals, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP), laser-Doppler skin blood flow at the index finger and cheek, and spectral powers of mainly sympathetic low-frequency (0.04–0.15 Hz) and parasympathetic high-frequency (0.15–0.5 Hz) RR interval oscillations and sympathetic low-frequency oscillations of BP. We compared values before and during cooling using analysis of variance with post hoc analysis; (significance,
P
<0.05).

Results—

Forehead skin temperature dropped by 5.5±2.2°C with cooling onset and by 12.4±3.2°C after 20 minutes. Tympanic temperature decreased by 4.7±0.7°C within 40 minutes, and rectal temperature by only 0.3±0.3°C after 120 minutes. Systolic and diastolic BP increased immediately on cooling onset and rose by 15.3±20.8 mm Hg and 16.5±13.4 mm Hg (
P
=0.004) after 120 minutes, whereas skin blood flow fell significantly during cooling. RR intervals and parasympathetic RR interval high-frequency powers increased with cooling onset and were significantly higher after 60 and 120 minutes than they were before cooling.

Conclusions—

Head and neck cooling prominently reduced tympanic temperature and thus might also induce intracerebral hypothermia; however, it did not significantly lower body core temperature. Profound skin temperature decrease induced sympathetically mediated peripheral vasoconstriction and prominent BP increases that are not offset by simultaneous parasympathetic heart rate slowing. Prominent peripheral vasoconstriction and BP increase must be considered as possibly harmful during head and neck cooling.
Response Suppression by Automatic Retrieval of Stimulus–Stop Association: Evidence from Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Authors: Chiu Yu-Chin , Aron Adam R. , Verbruggen Frederick
Published: May 2012

Behavioral studies show that subjects respond more slowly to stimuli to which they previously stopped. This response slowing could be explained by “automatic inhibition” (i.e., the reinstantiation of motor suppression when a stimulus retrieves a stop association). Here we tested this using TMS. In Experiment 1, participants were trained to go or no-go to stimuli. Then, in a test phase, we compared the corticospinal excitability for go stimuli that were previously associated with stopping (no-go_then_go) with go stimuli that were previously associated with going (go_then_go). Corticospinal excitability was reduced for no-go_then_go compared with go_then_go stimuli at a mere 100 msec poststimulus. Although these results fit with automatic inhibition, there was, surprisingly, no suppression for no-go_then_no-go stimuli, although this should occur. We speculated that automatic inhibition lies within a continuum between effortful top–down response inhibition and no inhibition at all. When the need for executive control and active response suppression disappears, so does the manifestation of automatic inhibition. Therefore, it should emerge during go/no-go learning and disappear as performance asymptotes. Consistent with this idea, in Experiment 2, we demonstrated reduced corticospinal excitability for no-go versus go trials most prominently in the midphase of training but it wears off as performance asymptotes. We thus provide neurophysiological evidence for an inhibition mechanism that is automatically reinstantiated when a stimulus retrieves a learned stopping episode, but only in an executive context in which active suppression is required. This demonstrates that automatic and top–down inhibition jointly contribute to goal-directed behavior.
Significance of Screening Electrocardiogram Before the Initiation of Amitriptyline Therapy in Children With Functional Abdominal Pain
Authors: Patra Kamakshya P. , Sankararaman Senthilkumar , Jackson Robert , Hussain Sunny Z.
Published: May 2012

Amitriptyline (AMT) is commonly used in the management of children with irritable bowel syndrome. AMT is pro-arrhythmogenic and increases the risk of sudden cardiac death. However, there is not enough data regarding the cardiac toxicity in therapeutic doses of AMT in children and the need for screening electrocardiogram (EKG). Errors in computer EKG interpretation are not uncommon. In a risk-prevention study, the authors sought to identify the true incidence of prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval and other arrhythmias in children with irritable bowel syndrome before the initiation of AMT. Out of the 760 EKGs screened, 3 EKGs demonstrated a true prolonged QTc after the careful manual reading by a pediatric cardiologist and they were not picked by computer-generated reading. The authors conclude that screening EKG should always be performed on children before initiating AMT therapy. Also, the computer-generated EKG needs to be verified by a pediatric cardiologist to avoid serious misinterpretations.
Apparent hoop tensile strength prediction of glass fiber-reinforced polyester pipes
Authors: Rafiee Roham
Published: May 2012

The apparent hoop tensile strength of glass fiber-reinforced polyester pipes plays an important role during their design procedure. In some cases, glass fiber-reinforced polyester pipes industry used hydraulic failure pressure to obtain this value. In addition to the expensive and time-consuming characteristics of this experiment, it underestimates the apparent hoop tensile strength. A sequential failure modelling is developed to predict apparent hoop tensile strength modelling integrating classical lamination theory and progressive damage modelling. Developed modelling takes into account influence of incorporated sand layer in glass fiber-reinforced polyester pipe wall construction. Experimental study is conducted to validate developed technique. A very good agreement is observed between experimentally measured apparent hoop tensile strength of glass fiber-reinforced polyester pipes and predicted values employing sequential failure modelling.
Rebel Interdependencies and Civil War Outcomes
Authors: Akcinaroglu Seden
Published: May 2012

The article investigates how rebel interdependencies shape civil war outcomes. The author argues that alliances between rebel groups will have serious repercussions on the management of conflict. By examining civil war outcomes between 1946 and 2008, the author shows that the presence of multiple groups, alliances among rebels, the cumulative capabilities of one’s allies as well as the credibility and the durability of alliances shape war outcomes. Rebels have the means to avoid government defeat and continue conflict when the number of rebel groups the government has to confront simultaneously is high or when these groups cooperate against their common enemy. Findings show that while termination by peace agreement is unlikely for allied rebels, specifically for those that have enduring relationships, rebels with access to high levels of ally capabilities along with those who have credible alliance ties are likely to be the victors of war.
Mitochondrial Autophagy and Lipofuscin Accumulation in Aging Odontoblasts
Authors: Couve E. , Osorio R. , Schmachtenberg O.
Published: May 2012

Aging of long-lived post-mitotic cells is characterized as a progressive and irreversible reduction of functional activity. In such cells, mitochondria are organelles critical for bioenergetic supply, whose turnover is mediated by an autophagic-lysosomal pathway. In human teeth, odontoblasts are post-mitotic cells responsible for sensory function and dentin preservation. Here, human odontoblasts were processed for immunohistochemistry with antibodies against mitochondrial (MTCO2) and lysosomal (LAMP2) markers, and comparatively analyzed in two age groups (young-adult and adult) with light and electron microscopy. Selective engulfment of mitochondrial profiles into autophagic vacuoles is common in young-adult odontoblasts, suggesting a microautophagic pathway. With age, the odontoblast layer is reduced in width, and mitochondrial elements converge around large clusters of autofluorescent lipofuscin deposits. Age-related changes in odontoblasts are observed as a long-term process in which the progressive accumulation of intralysosomal debris limits the autophagic turnover of mitochondrial components, causing an eventual decline in physiological cell functions, which leads to increased vulnerability under stress conditions.
Revisiting Ernest Becker’s Psychology of Human Striving
Authors: Martin Jack
Published: May 2012

Ernest Becker’s psychology of human striving is a unique blend of pragmatic, post-Freudian, and existential thought that explicates central features of the human condition and experience. It is both a psychological and philosophical anthropology. In consequence, despite being mostly ignored by psychologists, Becker’s work continues to be relevant, even instructive, to past and more recent attempts to formulate a psychology of personhood, especially one that focuses on the interactivity of persons within their biophysical and sociocultural contexts. What is offered here is an integrative explication of Becker’s psychology of human striving that merges important aspects of his early and later work and points to critical considerations and possible extensions of his ideas.
Juvenile Arrest and Collateral Educational Damage in the Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Kirk David S. , Sampson Robert J.
Published: May 2012

Official sanctioning of students by the criminal justice system is a long-hypothesized source of educational disadvantage, but its explanatory status remains unresolved. Few studies of the educational consequences of a criminal record account for alternative explanations such as low self-control, lack of parental supervision, deviant peers, and neighborhood disadvantage. Moreover, virtually no research on the effect of a criminal record has examined the ‘‘black box’’ of mediating mechanisms or the consequence of arrest for postsecondary educational attainment. Analyzing longitudinal data with multiple and independent assessments of theoretically relevant domains, the authors estimate the direct effect of arrest on later high school dropout and college enrollment for adolescents with otherwise equivalent neighborhood, school, family, peer, and individual characteristics as well as similar frequency of criminal offending. The authors present evidence that arrest has a substantively large and robust impact on dropping out of high school among Chicago public school students. They also find a significant gap in four-year college enrollment between arrested and otherwise similar youth without a criminal record. The authors also assess intervening mechanisms hypothesized to explain the process by which arrest disrupts the schooling process and, in turn, produces collateral educational damage. The results imply that institutional responses and disruptions in students’ educational trajectories, rather than social-psychological factors, are responsible for the arrest–education link.
Social Polarisation, the Labour Market and Economic Restructuring in Europe: An Urban Perspective
Authors: Pratschke Jonathan , Morlicchio Enrica
Published: May 2012

It is frequently argued that changes in the occupational structure and labour markets of European cities have the potential to undermine social cohesion. The term ‘social polarisation’ has been widely employed to characterise this effect, either in a broadly descriptive manner or in line with specific hypotheses. In the first part of this article, alternative definitions are reviewed and the results of empirical research on social polarisation are summarised. Some of its limitations are discussed and its theoretical origins explored. In the second part, attention is turned to the ‘mechanisms’ driving change in workplaces and urban labour markets in Europe. It is argued that an accurate account of changing occupational structures and labour markets in European cities—and a balanced assessment of their consequences for social cohesion—can only be obtained by building up a complex and carefully contextualised analysis of the ways in which these ‘mechanisms’ interact in different cities.
Developmental Trajectories of Delinquent Behavior
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: May 2012

A latent class growth analysis (LCGA) of self-reported involvement in delinquency was performed on a sample of 1,414 boys and girls from the 1997 version of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. The LCGA results revealed the presence of three trajectories (high, medium, and low elevation). The three-trajectory and three-class posterior probabilities models were subsequently compared to a simple dimensional model composed of the sum of all delinquent acts reported in a 7-year period. Analyses revealed that the simple dimensional model correlated significantly better with measures of delinquency initiation and severity than the three-trajectory and posterior probabilities models. The fact that a categorical model created from the results of an LCGA analysis and posterior probabilities of class membership experienced significantly weaker effect sizes than a simple dimensional model suggests the absence of a nonarbitrary division between the trajectory groups identified in this study.
The Circumcision of Christ: Romans 15.7-13
Authors: Garroway Joshua D.
Published: May 2012

This article proposes that the term διάκονος περιτομη̑ς in Rom. 15.8 refers to Christ as an ‘agent of circumcision’, not a ‘servant to the circumcision’. As such, it is part and parcel of Paul’s view that faith in Christ effects in Gentile believers an intangible, genital circumcision, enabling them to enter the Abrahamic covenant which has circumcision as a requirement.
Enhancing Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD
Authors: Abramowitz Jonathan S. , Baucom Donald H. , Wheaton Michael G. , Boeding Sara , Fabricant Laura E. , Paprocki Christine , Fischer Melanie S.
Published: May 2012

The effectiveness of individual therapy by exposure and response prevention (ERP) for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is well established, yet not all patients respond well, and some show relapse on discontinuation. This article begins by providing an overview of the personal and interpersonal experiences of OCD, focusing on interpersonal processes that maintain OCD symptoms and interfere with ERP. The study then describes a couple-based treatment program that the authors have developed to enhance ERP for individuals with OCD who are in long-term relationships. This program involves psychoeducation, partner-assisted exposure therapy, couple-based interventions aimed at changing maladaptive relationship patterns regarding OCD (i.e., symptom accommodation), and general couple therapy. Three case examples are presented to illustrate the couple-based techniques used in this treatment program.
Cue-Elicited Affect and Craving
Authors: Nosen Elizabeth , Nillni Yael I. , Berenz Erin C. , Schumacher Julie A. , Stasiewicz Paul R. , Coffey Scott F.
Published: May 2012

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly co-occurs with alcohol dependence (AD) and negatively affects treatment outcomes. Trauma-related negative affect enhances substance craving in laboratory cue-reactivity studies of AD individuals, but the role of positive affect has not been established. In this study, 108 AD treatment-seeking adults with current PTSD and AD were presented with four counterbalanced trials consisting of an audio cue (personalized trauma or neutral script) followed by a beverage cue (alcohol or water). Results revealed alcohol cues increased positive and negative affect, and positive affective responses explained significant incremental variance in self-reported craving and salivation, but only when cues were accompanied by neutral not trauma imagery. Ambivalent (high negative and positive) responses were associated with strongest craving. Findings advance the conceptualization of craving in individuals with PTSD-AD and highlight the importance of independently assessing positive and negative affective responses to cues in individuals with co-occurring PTSD-AD.
Why Anger and Disappointment Affect Other’s Bargaining Behavior Differently
Authors: Lelieveld Gert-Jan , Van Dijk Eric , Van Beest Ilja , Van Kleef Gerben A.
Published: May 2012

In two experiments, the authors investigated the interpersonal effects of anger and disappointment in negotiations. Whereas previous research focused on the informational inferences that bargainers make based on others’ emotions, this article emphasizes the importance of affective reactions. The findings of this study show that anger evoked a complementary emotion (fear) in targets when reported by a high-power bargainer but evoked a reciprocal emotion (anger) when reported by a low-power bargainer. This reciprocal anger led participants to offer less to low-power counterparts who reported anger. Disappointed bargainers, however, evoked a complementary emotion (guilt) in participants and increased offers, regardless of the bargainer’s power position.
Older Parents and Adult Daughters
Authors: Gill Elizabeth A. , Morgan Melanie
Published: May 2012

This study sought to understand the ways that adult daughters and their parents make sense of the older adult’s aging and one another’s changing roles within the context of the decision to move a parent to a care-related facility. In particular, the decision to move a parent to a care-related facility provides a context for the study of uncertainty, ambivalence, and other concerns connected with role transitions and decision-making difficulties. How older parents and adult daughters communicate about and cope with these challenges was compared. Babrow’s problematic integration theory provides a framework for this research. A qualitative study employing in-depth interviews with 44 residents at continuum-of-care facilities and 12 adult daughters of residents was conducted. Findings indicate that both parents and daughters experience significant problematic integration. However, their attempts to cope are in marked contrast to one another. These differences, along with theoretical and practical implications, are discussed further.
Proliferative and Nonproliferative Lesions of the Rat and Mouse Urinary System
Authors: Frazier Kendall S. , Seely John Curtis , Hard Gordon C. , Betton Graham , Burnett Roger , Nakatsuji Shunji , Nishikawa Akiyoshi , Durchfeld-Meyer Beate , Bube Axel
Published: May 2012

The INHAND Project (International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria for Lesions in Rats and Mice) is a joint initiative of the Societies of Toxicologic Pathology from Europe (ESTP), Great Britain (BSTP), Japan (JSTP), and North America (STP) to develop an internationally accepted nomenclature for proliferative and nonproliferative lesions in laboratory animals. The purpose of this publication is to provide a standardized nomenclature for classifying lesions observed in the urinary tract of rats and mice. The standardized nomenclature of urinary tract lesions presented in this document is also available electronically on the Internet (http://www.goreni.org/). Sources of material included histopathology databases from government, academia, and industrial laboratories throughout the world. Content includes spontaneous developmental and aging lesions as well as those induced by exposure to test materials. A widely accepted and utilized international harmonization of nomenclature for urinary tract lesions in laboratory animals will decrease confusion among regulatory and scientific research organizations in different countries and provide a common language to increase and enrich international exchanges of information among toxicologists and pathologists.
International Harmonization of Toxicologic Pathology Nomenclature
Authors: Mann Peter C. , Vahle John , Keenan Charlotte M. , Baker Julia F. , Bradley Alys E. , Goodman Dawn G. , Harada Takanori , Herbert Ronald , Kaufmann Wolfgang , Kellner Rupert , Nolte Thomas , Rittinghausen Susanne , Tanaka Takuji
Published: May 2012

The International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria for Lesions in Rats and Mice is a global project that is publishing criteria for both proliferative and nonproliferative changes in laboratory animals. This paper presents a set of general suggestions for terminology across systems. These suggestions include the use of diagnostic versus descriptive terms, modifiers, combination terms, and grading systems; and the use of thresholds, synonyms, and terminology for some processes that are common to several organ systems. The purpose of this paper is to help the reader understand some of the basic principles underlying the International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria for Lesions in Rats and Mice process.
Longitudinal Tracheoesophageal Puncture Size Stability
Authors: Lundy Donna S. , Landera Mario A. , Bremekamp Jocelyn , Weed Donald
Published: May 2012

Objective

The purpose of this study is to investigate prosthesis size stability over time and determine which factors influence need for change in size.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Teaching hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed on all individuals who had previously undergone total laryngectomy and tracheoesophageal puncture and had a minimum of 3 years of consistent and consecutive follow‐up data after their prosthesis was initially placed. Data reviewed included demographic variables of age at time of tracheoesophageal puncture, ethnicity, and sex.

Results

Fifty patients were identified who met criteria for study inclusion with a mean age of 64.7 years (range, 43‐86 years) with 41 (82%) men and 9 (18%) women. Surgical management was equally divided between those who underwent total laryngectomy (n = 25) as primary treatment vs those who had salvage laryngectomy (n = 25) for persistent or recurrent disease. Prosthesis size was stable, with no change in diameter or length, in only 5 (10%) patients and unstable in 45 (90%), as they were changed at least once. The only factor that demonstrated statistical significance was sex (Fisher exact test = 0.035), with women being more likely to have a stable prosthesis size over time.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrate that 90% of patients who underwent total laryngectomy and tracheoesophageal puncture required a change in their prosthesis size beyond the first 3 months of expected healing. These results support the need for continual reassessment of the fistula tract when changing the prosthesis to ensure appropriate fit.
Ageing in urban environments: Developing ‘age-friendly’ cities
Authors: Buffel Tine , Phillipson Chris , scharf Thomas
Published: May 2012

Developing environments responsive to the aspirations and needs of older people has become a major concern for social and public policy. This article aims to provide a critical perspective on what has been termed ‘age-friendly cities’ by shifting the focus from questions such as ‘What is an ideal city for older people?’ to the question of ‘How age-friendly are cities?’ This approach, it is argued, might be more suited to deal with the complexities of cities as sites of interlocking and conflicting commercial, social, and political interests. This theme is developed by examining: first, the main factors driving the age-friendly debate; second, constraints and opportunities for older people living in urban environments; third, options for a critical social policy; and, fourth, examples of involving older people in the development of age-friendly environments. The article concludes with a brief summary of current tensions and contradictions in the age-friendly debate.
A challenge to liberalism? The communitarianism of the Big Society and Blue Labour
Authors: Sage Daniel
Published: May 2012

This article explores how in recent years both the Conservative Party and the Labour Party have begun to argue that the institutions of civil society and community should be reinvigorated and strengthened. Such arguments take inspiration from the theories of communitarianism, which stress the importance of community and civic life over the more liberal claims of individual rights. For the Conservatives, these ideas have been synthesized under the banner of the ‘Big Society’, while ‘Blue Labour’ – a relatively new political tendency – argues that Labour must stand for a more cooperative and reciprocal civil society based upon community action. It is subsequently argued that although both concepts unquestionably represent an engagement with communitarian ideas, they face significant challenges. Ultimately, the article concludes that the Big Society faces more profound impediments than Blue Labour which, if it is able to overcome its own difficulties, may well support the foundation for a powerful, communitarian social democracy.
Relationship of TOEFL iBT® scores to academic performance: Some evidence from American universities
Authors: Cho Yeonsuk , Bridgeman Brent
Published: May 2012

This study examined the relationship between scores on the TOEFL Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT®) and academic performance in higher education, defined here in terms of grade point average (GPA). The academic records for 2594 undergraduate and graduate students were collected from 10 universities in the United States. The data consisted of students’ GPA, detailed course information, and admissions-related test scores including TOEFL iBT, GRE, GMAT, and SAT scores. Correlation-based analyses were conducted for subgroups by academic status and disciplines. Expectancy graphs were also used to complement the correlation-based analyses by presenting the predictive validity in terms of individuals in one of the TOEFL iBT score subgroups belonging to one of the GPA subgroups. The predictive validity expressed in terms of correlation did not appear to be strong. Nevertheless, the general pattern shown in the expectancy graphs indicated that students with higher TOEFL iBT scores tended to earn higher GPAs and that the TOEFL iBT provided information about the future academic performance of non-native English speaking students beyond that provided by other admissions tests. These observations led us to conclude that even a small correlation might indicate a meaningful relationship between TOEFL iBT scores and GPA. Limitations and implications are discussed.