bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Globalization and the sociology of Immanuel Wallerstein: A critical appraisal
Authors: Robinson William I
Published: May 2011

By the turn of the 21st century the concept of globalization had earned its place in the social sciences and debate turned more squarely to the theoretical significance of globalization. Yet not all scholars were happy with the notion of globalization. Some claim that is merely a new name for earlier theories and concepts. Among those who reject new paradigmatic thinking on the current age is Immanuel Wallerstein, the world-renowned sociologist and ‘father’ of the world-system paradigm. This article is intended as an appraisal of Wallerstein’s œuvre in the context of the debate on global transformations in the late 20th and early 21st centuries and from the vantage point of the present author’s own critical globalization perspective. The first three parts summarize and assess Wallerstein’s theoretical system and his many contributions to macro, historical and comparative sociology, to development studies and international political economy. The fourth discusses Wallerstein’s assessment of the evolution of the world capitalist system in recent decades, including his views on the concept of globalization, and the fifth focuses on earlier and more recent critical appraisals of his work, including the present author’s own, in light of the recent transformations in world capitalism identified with globalization.
The composition of the minority population as a threat: Can real economic and cultural threats explain xenophobia?
Authors: Hjerm Mikael , Nagayoshi Kikuko
Published: May 2011

This article sets out to develop a classical theme of empirical research within group threat theory, namely the argument that the size of the minority population threatens the majority population. To be able to clarify the mixed empirical results within this version of group threat theory, the article focuses on the composition of the immigrant population. The article tests both objective sources of cultural threats (linguistic composition and the Muslim population) and economic threats (the proportion of working-class individuals and the unemployed among the immigrant population). The study concludes that, first, the composition of the immigrant population is of utter importance for the size argument to be valid for cultural threats (proportion of Muslim population), whereas for economic threats it does not matter. Second, compositional economic threats matter strongly to the group that genuinely competes for scarce resources – the working class is more xenophobic when the immigrant working class is large. Third, the study brings some clarity with regard to the cultural composition of the immigrant population: it is shown that the relationship between Muslims and European majority populations mirrors the relationship between whites and African-Americans in the US.
Nicotine restores morphine-induced memory deficit through the D1 and D2 dopamine receptor mechanisms in the nucleus accumbens
Authors: Azizbeigi Ronak , Ahmadi Shamseddin , Babapour Vahab , Rezayof Ameneh , Zarrindast Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2011

Involvement of the dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) with interaction between morphine and nicotine on inhibitory avoidance (IA) memory was investigated. A step-through type of inhibitory avoidance tasks was used to assess memory in male Wistar rats. The results showed that subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of morphine (7.5 mg/kg) after training decreased retrieval of IA memory in the animals when tested 24 h later. Pre-test administration of the same dose of morphine significantly reversed the deficiency in retrieval. The results also showed that pre-test administration of nicotine (0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg, s.c.) by itself mimicked the effect of pre-test morphine, and lower doses of nicotine (0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg) also improved the effect of a low dose of morphine (2.5 mg/kg) on retrieval of IA memory. Pre-test intra-NAc administration of the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, SCH 23390 (0.001 and 0.01 µg/rat), and the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride (0.5 and 1 µg/rat) caused no significant effects on IA memory by themselves, but both prevented reinstatement of the retrieval of IA memory by the effective dose of nicotine (0.4 mg/kg). It can be concluded that the dopaminergic mechanism(s) in the NAc is a crosslink for the effect of morphine and nicotine on reinstatement of retrieval of IA memory impaired by post-training administration of morphine.
MDMA intoxication and verbal memory performance: a placebo-controlled pharmaco-MRI study
Authors: Kuypers Kim PC , Wingen Marleen , Heinecke Armin , Formisano Elia , Ramaekers Johannes G
Published: May 2011

The aim of the present study was to identify the neural substrate underlying memory impairment due to a single dose of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) by means of pharmaco-MRI. Based on previous behavioral results it was hypothesized that this deficit could be attributed to a specific influence of MDMA on encoding. Fourteen Ecstasy users participated in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject study with two treatment conditions: MDMA (75 mg) and placebo. Memory performance was tested by means of a word learning task including two words lists, one addressing reading processes (control task, CWL) and a second (experimental task, EWL) addressing encoding and reading processes. Behavioral data showed that under the influence of MDMA, EWL performance was worse than placebo. Imaging data showed that Encoding was situated mainly in (pre)frontal, temporal and parietal areas. MDMA by Encoding interaction was situated in three areas: the left middle frontal gyrus (BA10), the right fusiform gyrus (BA19), and the left cuneus (BA18). Behavioral and functional data only correlated in BA10. It appeared that EWL performance caused BOLD signal change in BA10 during placebo treatment but not during MDMA intoxication. It is concluded that MDMA influences middle frontal gyrus processes resulting in impoverished memory encoding.
Accuracy of Palpation-Guided and Ultrasound-Guided Needle Tip Placement Into the Deep and Superficial Posterior Leg Compartments
Authors: Peck Evan , Finnoff Jonathan T. , Smith Jay , Curtiss Heather , Muir Jeffery , Hollman John H.
Published: May 2011

Background: Invasive leg compartment testing may be performed to diagnose chronic exertional compartment syndrome. No prior study has assessed the accuracy of leg compartment needle tip access.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to describe and determine the accuracy of palpation-guided and ultrasound-guided techniques for needle tip placement into the deep and superficial posterior leg compartments by a less experienced clinician and a more experienced clinician using a cadaveric model.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Twenty unembalmed adult lower limb cadaveric specimens were used for the study. Two investigators, a sports medicine fellow with 10 months of musculoskeletal ultrasound experience and a staff physiatrist with 3 years of musculoskeletal ultrasound experience, each performed 1 palpation-guided and 1 ultrasound-guided colored latex dye injection into the deep and superficial posterior leg compartments of each cadaveric specimen. A blinded investigator dissected the specimens and graded them for accuracy.

Results: The accuracy rates of palpation-guided (accuracy rate, 90%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 76%-97%) and ultrasound-guided (accuracy rate, 88%; 95% CI, 73%-95%) deep posterior compartment injections were statistically equivalent ( P = 1.000). All 80 injections performed into the superficial posterior compartment were accurate (accuracy rate, 100%; 95% CI, 89%-100%). The accuracy of the less experienced investigator (total injection accuracy rate, 88%; 95% CI, 73%-95%) and the more experienced investigator (total injection accuracy rate, 90%; 95% CI, 76%-97%) were not significantly different ( P = 1.000).

Conclusion: Needle tip placement into the deep and superficial posterior leg compartments is relatively accurate with palpation guidance regardless of level of experience, and does not improve with the use of ultrasound guidance.

Clinical Relevance: Ultrasound guidance does not appear to be indicated for routine deep or superficial posterior leg compartment pressure testing. However, this does not preclude the need for ultrasound guidance in selected clinical scenarios.
Analysis and Proposed Model of Family Caregivers’ Relationships With Home Health Providers and Perceptions of the Quality of Formal Services
Authors: Funk Laura , Stajduhar Kelli
Published: May 2011

Relationships between families and home health nurses promote effective care and service access for those at end of life, positive caregiver experiences, and satisfaction with care. This study explores family caregivers’ accounts of relationships with home care nurses; findings inform a model of relationships and satisfaction with home health services. Ethnographic, qualitative interviews were conducted with 26 bereaved caregivers in one Western Canadian regional health agency. Data analysis was informed by symbolic interactionism. Participants described their relationships with home care nurses and spoke about their assessments of the care provided. Findings highlighted the importance of the length, frequency, and continuity of contact, conversation, socializing, and sharing information. Participants were cognizant of their own and care recipients’ roles in building relationship. Nurse behaviors demonstrating affection, acknowledgment, commitment, and understanding were appreciated. A model links relationship preconditions, relational demonstrations, and perceived care quality and may be used to identify points of intervention.
Os Odontoideum as a Rare but Possible Complication in Children With Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Trabacca Antonio , Dicuonzo Franca , Gennaro Leonarda , Palma Michele , Cacudi Marilena , Losito Luciana , De Rinaldis Marta
Published: May 2011

The authors describe a 12-year-old boy with dyskinetic (athetoid-dystonic subtype) cerebral palsy and os odontoideum. Dystonic and choreoathetotic components in cerebral palsy are movement disorders that are difficult to treat and cause major disability. Dystonic posturing causes excessive flexion, extension, and rotation of the neck. Repetitive abnormal movements in patients with this type of cerebral palsy give rise to a higher incidence of pathologic conditions affecting the craniovertebral junction. Os odontoideum is one of these pathologies, and it represents a rare anomaly of the odontoid process. There are only a few reports describing os odontoideum in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. This clinical and neuroradiologic study focuses on the problem of atlantoaxial instability and os odontoideum in these forms of cerebral palsy, which is too often underestimated.
Neurologic and Neurobehavioral Sequelae in Children With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) Infection
Authors: Govender Rajeshree , Eley Brian , Walker Kathleen , Petersen Revena , Wilmshurst Jo M.
Published: May 2011

The range and extent of neurologic and neurobehavioral complications of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection in children are under-described. Seventy-eight children with HIV-1 infection (32 females) were assessed for neurologic complications. Forty-six children had abnormal neurology examinations. Thirty-three children had global pyramidal tract signs, 5 had a hemiparesis, 4 had peripheral neuropathy, 18 had visual impairment, and 5 had hearing impairment. Thirty-nine of 63 children over 1 year of age had neurobehavioral problems. Of 24 children with HIV encephalopathy, 74% had severe immunosuppression and 45% were not receiving antiretroviral therapy. Twelve children had prior opportunistic central nervous system infections, and 9 had epilepsy. Diverse neurologic and neurobehavioral deficits are common in children with HIV-1 infection. Children with severe immunosuppression, who were not receiving antiretroviral therapy, were growth impaired and less than 1 year of age, were at greatest risk for developing neurologic complications.
Picturing Forgiveness after Atrocity
Authors: Brudholm Thomas , Grøn Arne
Published: May 2011

The article addresses the question when the advocacy of forgiveness in the wake of political mass violence can be harmful and immoral. It engages with this question primarily by probing the value of different pictures of forgiveness, most importantly Rembrandt’s painting Return of the Prodigal Son and a photograph from post-genocide Rwanda. The critical examination of the value of particular pictures in the advocacy of forgiveness also involves attention to particularly problematic ‘pictures’ (in the sense of notions, imaginaries, representations) of the unforgiving victim, of the choices available to societies responding to a violent past, and of unconditional forgiving.
Reconciling Enemies: Righteousness and Peace in Northern Ireland
Authors: Barnes L. Philip
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this paper is to articulate a Christian model of social and political engagement and to illustrate its appropriateness and fruitfulness through its application to the post-conflict situation in Northern Ireland. The argument is structured around three propositions, the implications of which are explored in a final fourth section: (1) that political forgiveness is an inappropriate model of Christian social and political engagement; (2) that Christians should seek justice/ righteousness in the public realm; (3) that Christian commitment and practice are contextual, and, consequently, the practice of righteousness in Northern Ireland must take account of and relate to the particular history of Northern Ireland; and finally (4) an account is provided of the form Christian righteousness could take in post-conflict Northern Ireland.
Effects of low-level arsenic exposure on urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity
Authors: Eom S-Y , Lee Y-C , Yim D-H , Lee C-H , Kim Y-D , Choi B-S , Park C-H , Yu S-D , Kim D-S , Park J-D , Kim H
Published: May 2011

This study was aimed to evaluate whether renal tubular function is impaired by exposure to relatively low concentrations of arsenic. Mean urinary arsenic concentrations and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities were compared among 365 and 502 Korean men and women, respectively, in relation to gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, and recent seafood consumption. The study subjects were divided into 4 groups according to urinary NAG activity and seafood consumption prior to urine sampling, and the correlation between arsenic concentration and urinary NAG activity was tested for each group. The mean urinary arsenic level was higher in women, non-smokers, and non-drinkers in comparison to men, smokers, and drinkers, respectively. Individuals who consumed seafood within 3 days prior to urine sampling showed a higher mean urinary arsenic level than those who did not. The correlation between urinary arsenic concentration and NAG activity in urine was significant only in subjects who did not consume seafood within 3 days prior to urine sampling and whose urinary NAG activity was 7.44 U/g creatinine (75th percentile) or higher. The urinary arsenic concentration was a significant determinant of urinary NAG activity in subjects with NAG activity higher than 7.44 U/g creatinine and especially in those who had not consumed seafood recently. These facts suggest that a relatively low-level exposure to inorganic arsenic produces renal tubular damage in humans.
The relationship between relapse, impairment and disability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bennetto L , Burrow J , Sakai H , Cobby J , Robertson NP , Scolding N
Published: May 2011

Objective: To describe the spatial relationship between relapse and disability in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: 141 relapse onset MS patients were studied. For each patient an examination was performed and a relapse history obtained. Multivariate logistic regression examined whether there was an association between localizing clinical signs and a history of relevant relapse in order to explore the spatial relationship between relapse and subsequent disability.

Results: The presence of impaired vision or sensation was independently associated with a history of one or more anatomically related relapses. The presence of weakness or cerebellar ataxia in a limb was not associated with a single relevant relapse but was associated with multiple relevant relapses. A history of multiple episodes of weakness or ataxia in the same limb was uncommon.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that motor pathways are relatively resistant to chronic impairment from acute relapse, whereas afferent pathways are more susceptible. This, in combination with prominent usage of the Expanded Disability Status Scale, which is dependent on mobility and motor function at higher scores, may explain the paradox between natural history studies that suggest relapses are irrelevant to long-term disability and shorter studies at lower disability levels suggesting relapses are responsible for disability accumulation.
Press Pass: Payoffs to Media Exposure Among National Football League (NFL) Wide Receivers
Authors: Treme Julianne , Allen Samuel K.
Published: May 2011

The authors examine Wide Receivers drafted into the National Football League (NFL) to test competing superstar theories related to both talent and popularity. The authors use player performance variables and media exposure in the popular press prior to the draft to explore whether talent and popularity can explain differences in salaries and NFL draft order. The authors find evidence of superstar effects stemming from player popularity but not performance even after controlling for measured physical attributes. The authors also find that tangible measures of player quality are valuable signals. Consistent with expectations, faster and more accomplished college receivers are drafted earlier and earn more.
Top Prospects and Minor League Baseball Attendance
Authors: Gitter Seth R. , Rhoads Thomas A.
Published: May 2011

Minor League Baseball attracts over 40 million fans a year. One potentially important attendance draw is the ability for a fan to see a future major league baseball star. Each year Baseball America, a leading industry publication, ranks 100 top prospects that have yet to play substantially in the major leagues. Many of these top prospects continue to develop for a year or more in the minor leagues, which gives fans an opportunity to see potential future Major League Baseball (MLB) stars at their local minor league club. The authors use a data set encompassing all AA and AAA minor league baseball teams from 1992 to 2009 to estimate the impact of having a top 100 Baseball America prospect on a minor league team’s attendance. Their results suggest that only those prospects ranked in the top 5 and at the highest level (AAA) have an impact on their team’s attendance and their impact on attendance is small.
Determinants of Demand for Televised Live Football: Features of the German National Football Team
Authors: Feddersen Arne , Rott Armin
Published: May 2011

This study analyzes all 216 broadcasts of the German national football team from January 1993 to June 2008 to identify which factors ensure the success of televised sport broadcasts. The results reveal that demand depends mostly on the type of match and its importance in a tournament context. Viewers prefer a national team with established star players and high-quality opponents. Factors unrelated to the sport, such as the kickoff time or weather, have some influence, but coaches and holidays are insignificant. Forecasts based on the proposed model can aid television broadcasters, sports rights agencies, advertisers, and media planners in determining the value of a particular broadcast.
Competitive Balance and Revenue Sharing in Sports Leagues With Utility-Maximizing Teams
Authors: Dietl Helmut M. , Grossmann Martin , Lang Markus
Published: May 2011

This paper develops a contest model of a professional sports league in which clubs maximize a weighted sum of profits and wins (utility maximization). The model analyzes how more win-oriented behavior of certain clubs affects talent investments, competitive balance, and club profits. Moreover, in contrast to traditional models, the authors show that revenue sharing does not always reduce investment incentives due to the dulling effect. The authors identify a new effect of revenue sharing called the ‘‘sharpening effect.’’ In the presence of the sharpening effect (dulling effect), revenue sharing enhances (reduces) investment incentives and improves (deteriorates) competitive balance in the league.
Severe Pretibial Myxedema
Authors: Gopie Priya , Naraynsingh Vijay
Published: May 2011

Although pretibial myxedema (PTM) occurs in 4.3% of patients with Graves’s disease, the most severe variant, elephantiasis nostras verrucosa, is found in less than 1% of cases.The most frequent location of infiltration is the lower extremities, especially the pretibial areas and on the dorsum of the foot. The authors report one of the most severe cases of elephantiasis nostras verrucosa, following radioactive iodine therapy.
Real Utopias
Authors: Wright Erik Olin
Published: May 2011

A “real utopia” isn’t an oxymoron or a figment of the imagination. Erik Olin Wright writes, instead, that real world examples of functioning social alternatives can help us find ways to improve the human condition. When history provides an opportunity to effect such changes, a familiarity with real utopias will provide a roadmap.
Weighty Concerns
Authors: Kwan Samantha , Trautner Mary Nell
Published: May 2011

Fat stigma and size discrimination are big issues in a culture that’s more and more overweight, but less and less tolerant of obesity. The authors consider how the legal system has regarded these discrimination claims and how they might evolve in the future.
Informality and Visibility on the Periphery
Authors: Matlon Jordanna
Published: May 2011

In her time as a researcher in Abdijan, Jordanna Matlon explored the African city’s peripheral economies and the men who make their livings and identities in these spaces.
Cultures of the Tea Party
Authors: Perrin Andrew J. , Tepper Steven J. , Caren Neal , Morris Sally
Published: May 2011

While the Tea Party Movement has emerged as a true player in American politics, it has not yet come to be identified with a set of core beliefs. The authors use survey data to discuss the opinions that make up the movement.
Eat Your Water for Health, Sport Performance, and Weight Control
Authors: Vieira Potter Victoria J.
Published: May 2011

Water is considered the single most important nutrient, yet receives relatively little attention from nutritional experts. This is likely due to the fortunate fact that finely-tuned physiological mechanisms ensure adequate intake in the vast majority of individuals. Accordingly, some even question whether the standard “8 daily glasses” are necessary. Moreover, water is a major constituent of food, comprising up to ~95% of the weight of some common plant-based foods; thus, consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy will inadvertently increase water intake. An added benefit of consuming more water in food is the increased satiation for lower caloric density which facilitates weight loss and maintenance. While most healthy individuals adequately fulfill their hydration needs through the physiological thirst response, some special populations including the very young, very old, and athletes, do deserve special consideration. With the increased incentive for Americans to increase their physical activity, and the increased prevalence of recreational athletes entering endurance athletic events, comes increased impetus to educate all individuals on the importance of proper hydration during exercise training. Most athletes, both professional and recreational, do not obtain adequate hydration to match sweat losses, while some novice endurance athletes over-hydrate placing them at risk for hyponatremia, a potentially life-threatening condition. In general, increasing the consumption of water-rich foods, replacing most caloric beverages with water, and learning about personal hydration needs is sound nutritional advice for everyone to follow.
Lifestyle Medicine
Authors: Egger Garry , Egger Sam
Published: May 2011

Changes in disease patterns from predominantly infectious to predominantly chronic diseases in Australia, in line with economic development throughout the developed world, have led to the need for changes in conventional health practice. This has resulted in a movement toward an evidence-based discipline of lifestyle medicine incorporating aspects of both public health and clinical medicine, aimed at moderating lifestyle and environmentally based etiologies. A professional association, postgraduate and continuing professional development training, working text, interactive Web site, and annual conference, as described here, are designed to complement conventional medical knowledge and practices. Changes to the Australian health system, which operates on a dual public/private model have made this approach more feasible and continue to be adapted to allow a more comprehensive approach to lifestyle-related health problems.
An Oxytocin Receptor Gene Variant Predicts Attachment Anxiety in Females and Autism-Spectrum Traits in Males
Authors: Chen Frances S. , Johnson Susan C.
Published: May 2011

A molecular genetic approach was used to investigate the relationship between common variants of the oxytocin receptor ( OXTR) gene and self-reported social functioning in healthy adults. Females with at least one copy of the A allele at OXTR rs2254298 reported greater attachment anxiety than females with two copies of the G allele. Males with at least one copy of the A allele at OXTR rs2254298 reported more autism-associated traits than males with two copies of the G allele. These results support the growing evidence that naturally occurring differences in the oxytocin system contribute to individual differences in social functioning in healthy adults. The authors discuss potential avenues by which sex may moderate the relationship between oxytocin and human social behavior.
Toso regulates the balance between apoptotic and nonapoptotic death receptor signaling by facilitating RIP1 ubiquitination
Authors: Nguyen Xuan-Hung , Lang Philipp A. , Lang Karl S. , Adam Dieter , Fattakhova Gulnar , Föger Niko , Kamal Mohammad Azhar , Prilla Patricia , Mathieu Sabine , Wagner Christina , Mak Tak , Chan Andrew C. , Lee Kyeong-Hee
Published: May 2011

The regulation of cellular survival and apoptosis is of critical importance for the immune system to maintain immune homeostasis and to establish tolerance. Here, we demonstrate that the immune specific cell surface molecule Toso exhibits antiapoptotic effects on death receptor signaling by a novel regulatory mechanism involving the adaptor kinase RIP1. The antiapoptotic function of Toso depends on RIP1 ubiquitination and involves the recruitment of the death adaptor FADD to a Toso/RIP1 protein complex. In response to CD95L and TNFα, Toso promotes the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Because of this relative augmentation of survival versus apoptotic signals, Toso raises the threshold for death receptor–mediated apoptosis. Our analysis of Toso-deficient mice revealed that Toso is essential for TNFα-mediated liver damage. Furthermore, the antiapoptotic function of Toso could be blocked by a Toso-specific monoclonal antibody, opening up new therapeutic prospects for the treatment of immune disorders and hematologic malignancies.
Inhibitory receptors specific for MHC class I educate murine NK cells but not CD8αα intestinal intraepithelial T lymphocytes
Authors: Taveirne Sylvie , Filtjens Jessica , Van Ammel Els , De Colvenaer Veerle , Kerre Tessa , Taghon Tom , Vandekerckhove Bart , Plum Jean , Held Werner , Leclercq Georges
Published: May 2011

The engagement of inhibitory receptors specific for major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules educates natural killer (NK) cells, meaning the improvement of the response of activation receptors to subsequent stimulation. It is not known whether inhibitory MHC-I receptors educate only NK cells or whether they improve the responsiveness of all cell types, which express them. To address this issue, we analyzed the expression of inhibitory MHC-I receptors on intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (iIELs) and show that T-cell receptor (TCR)-αβ CD8αα iIELs express multiple inhibitory receptors specific for MHC-I molecules, including CD94/NKG2A, Ly49A, and Ly49G2. However, the presence of MHC-I ligand for these receptors did not improve the response of iIELs to activation via the TCR. The absence of iIEL education by MHC-I receptors was not related to a lack of inhibitory function of these receptors in iIELs and a failure of these receptors to couple to the TCR. Thus, unlike NK cells, iIELs do not undergo an MHC-I–guided education process. These data suggest that education is an NK cell–specific function of inhibitory MHC-I receptors.
Multiple testing for gene sets from microarray experiments
Authors: Sohn Insuk , Owzar Kouros , Lim Johan , George Stephen L , Mackey Cushman Stephanie , Jung Sin-Ho
Published: May 2011

Background

A key objective in many microarray association studies is the identification of individual genes associated with clinical outcome. It is often of additional interest to identify sets of genes, known a priori to have similar biologic function, associated with the outcome.

Results

In this paper, we propose a general permutation-based framework for gene set testing that controls the false discovery rate (FDR) while accounting for the dependency among the genes within and across each gene set. The application of the proposed method is demonstrated using three public microarray data sets. The performance of our proposed method is contrasted to two other existing Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Set Analysis (GSA) methods.

Conclusions

Our simulations show that the proposed method controls the FDR at the desired level. Through simulations and case studies, we observe that our method performs better than GSEA and GSA, especially when the number of prognostic gene sets is large.
Fasting plasma glucose is an independent predictor for severity of H1N1 pneumonia
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Hong , Li Qiang , Qiu Bo , Wang Jiajun , Sun Xiwen , Xiang Ying , Zhang Jinchao
Published: May 2011

Background

The pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus emerged during 2009 and has spread worldwide. This virus can cause injuries to the lungs, liver, and heart. However, data regarding whether this influenza virus can affect pancreatic islets are limited. We investigated the effects of influenza A (H1N1) pneumonia on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and islet function, and evaluated possible correlations between biochemical test results and the severity of H1N1 pneumonia.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients either diagnosed with or suspected of having H1N1 pneumonia who were admitted to our hospital in 2009. Possible associations between FPG levels and H1N1 virus infection were assessed by logistic regression. Correlation and regression analyses were used to assess relationships between FPG and biochemical test results. Associations between admission days and significant data were assessed by single factor linear regression. To evaluate effects of H1N1 on pancreatic β-cell function, results of a resistance index (homa-IR), insulin function index (homa-β), and insulin sensitivity index (IAI) were compared between a H1N1 group and a non-H1N1 group by t-tests.

Results

FPG was significantly positively associated with H1N1 virus infection (OR = 1.377, 95%CI: 1.062-1.786; p = 0.016). FPG was significantly correlated with AST (r = 0.215; p = 0.039), LDH (r = 0.400; p = 0.000), BUN (r = 0.28; p = 0.005), and arterial Oxygen Saturation (SaO2; r = -0.416; p = 0.000) in the H1N1 group. H1N1 patients who were hypoxemic (SaO2<93%) had higher FPG levels than those who were not hypoxic (9.82 ± 4.14 vs. 6.64 ± 1.78; p < 0.05). FPG was negatively correlated with SaO2 in the H1N1 group with hypoxia (SaO2<93; r = -0.497; p = 0.041). SaO2 levels in patients with high FPG levels (≥7 mmol/L) were significantly lower than those of H1N1 patients with low FPG levels (<5.6 mmol/L). There were no significant differences in homa-IR, homa-β, or IAI between the H1N1 and non-H1N1 groups after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI.

Conclusions

FPG on admission could be an independent predictor for the severity of H1N1 pneumonia. Elevated FPG induced by H1N1 pneumonia is not a result of direct damage to pancreatic β-cells, but arises from various factors' combinations caused by H1N1 virus infection.
Low penetrance of retinoblastoma for p.V654L mutation of the RB1 gene
Authors: Hung Chia-Cheng , Lin Shin-Yu , Lee Chien-Nan , Chen Chih-Ping , Lin Shuan-Pei , Chao Mei-Chyn , Chiou Shyh-Shin , Su Yi-Ning
Published: May 2011

Background

Retinoblastoma is caused by compound heterozygosity or homozygosity of retinoblastoma gene (RB1) mutations. In germline retinoblastoma, mutations in the RB1 gene predispose individuals to increased cancer risks during development. These mutations segregate as autosomal dominant traits with high penetrance (90%).

Methods

We screened 30 family members from one family using high resolution melting assay and DNA direct sequencing for mutations in the RB1 gene. We evaluate the phenotype and penetrance of germline mutations of the RB1 gene in a large Taiwanese family.

Results

The molecular analysis and clinical details of this family showed phenotypic variability associated with the p.V654L mutation in exon 19 of the RB1 gene in 11 family members. The phenotype varied from asymptomatic to presence of a unilateral tumor. Only four individuals (2 males and 2 females) developed unilateral retinoblastoma, which resulted in calculated low penetrance of 36% (4/11). The four individuals with retinoblastoma were diagnosed before the age of three years. None of their relatives exhibited variable severity or bilateral retinoblastoma.

Conclusions

The diseased-eye ratio for this family was 0.36, which is lower than current estimates. This suggests that the RB1 p.V654L mutation is a typical mutation associated with low penetrance.
Systemic chemotherapy for treatment of advanced small bowel adenocarcinoma with prognostic factor analysis: retrospective study
Authors: Koo Dong Hoe , Yun Sung-Cheol , Hong Yong Sang , Ryu Min-Hee , Lee Jae-Lyun , Chang Heung-Moon , Ryoo Baek-Yeol , Kang Yoon-Koo , Kim Tae Won
Published: May 2011

Background

We sought to evaluate prognostic factors affecting overall survival (OS), and to investigate the role of palliative chemotherapy using propensity score-based weighting, in patients with advanced small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA).

Methods

Data from a total of 91 patients diagnosed with advanced SBA at the Asan Medical Center between January 1989 and December 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were split into two groups, those who did and did not receive palliative chemotherapy.

Results

Overall, 81 patients (89.0%) died, at a median survival time of 6.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.5 - 7.5 months). The 40 patients receiving chemotherapy showed overall response and disease control rates of 11.1% and 37.0%, respectively, with OS and progression-free survival (PFS) of 11.8 months (95% CI, 4.6 - 19.0 months) and 5.7 months (95% CI, 3.5 - 8.0 months), respectively. The 41 patients who did not receive chemotherapy had an OS of 4.1 months (95% CI, 3.1 - 5.1 months) and a PFS of 1.3 months (95% CI, 0.8 - 1.7 months). Multivariate analysis showed that lack of tumor resection, non-prescription of chemotherapy, liver metastasis, and intra-abdominal lymph node metastasis, were all independently associated with poor survival outcomes. After inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) adjustment, the group that did not receive chemotherapy was at a significantly higher risk of mortality (HR 3.44, 95% CI 2.03 - 5.83, p < 0.001) than were patients receiving chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Palliative chemotherapy may improve survival outcomes in patients with advanced SBA.
Cement leakage causes potential thermal injury in vertebroplasty
Authors: Lai Po-Liang , Tai Ching-Lung , Chen Lih-Huei , Nien Nai-Yuan
Published: May 2011

Background

Percutaneous vertebroplasty by injecting PMMA bone cement into the fractured vertebrae has been widely accepted in treatment of spinal compression fracture. However, the exothermic polymerization of bone cement may cause osseous or neural tissue injury. This study is thus designed to evaluate the potential risk of thermal damage in percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Method

Twelve porcine vertebrae were immersed in 37°C saline for the experiment. In the first stage of the study, vertebroplasty without cement leakage (control group, n = 6) was simulated. The anterior cortex, foramen, posterior cortex and the center of the vertebral body were selected for temperature measurement. Parameters including peak temperature and duration above 45°C were recorded. In the second stage, a model (n = 6) simulating bone cement leaking into the spinal canal was designed. The methods for temperature measurement were identical to those used in the first stage.

Results

In Stage 1 of the study (vertebroplasty of the porcine vertebral body in the absence of cement leakage), the average maximal temperature at the anterior cortex was 42.4 ± 2.2°C; at the neural foramen 39.5 ± 2.1°C; at the posterior cortex 40.0 ± 2.5°C and at the vertebral center, 68.1 ± 3.4°C. The average time interval above 45°C was 0 seconds at the anterior cortex; at the neural foramen, 0 seconds; at the posterior cortex, 0 seconds and at the vertebral center, 223 seconds. Thus, except at the core of the bone cement, temperatures around the vertebral body did not exceed 45°C. In Stage 2 of the study (cement leakage model), the average maximal temperature at the anterior cortex was 42.7 ± 2.4°C; at the neural foramen, 41.1 ± 0.4°C; at the posterior cortex, 59.1 ± 7.6°C and at the vertebral center, 77.3 ± 5.7°C. The average time interval above 45°C at the anterior cortex was 0 seconds; at the neural foramen, 0 seconds; at the posterior cortex, 329.3 seconds and at the vertebral center, 393.2 seconds. Based on these results, temperatures exceeded 45°C at the posterior cortex and at the vertebral center.

Conclusions

The results indicated that, for bone cement confined within the vertebra, curing temperatures do not directly cause thermal injury to the nearby soft tissue. If bone cement leaks into the spinal canal, the exothermic reaction at the posterior cortex might result in thermal injury to the neural tissue.
1,2-propanediol-trehalose mixture as a potent quantitative real-time PCR enhancer
Authors: Horáková Helena , Polakovičová Iva , Shaik Gouse M , Eitler Jiří , Bugajev Viktor , Dráberová Lubica , Dráber Petr
Published: May 2011

Background

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is becoming increasingly important for DNA genotyping and gene expression analysis. For continuous monitoring of the production of PCR amplicons DNA-intercalating dyes are widely used. Recently, we have introduced a new qPCR mix which showed improved amplification of medium-size genomic DNA fragments in the presence of DNA dye SYBR green I (SGI). In this study we tested whether the new PCR mix is also suitable for other DNA dyes used for qPCR and whether it can be applied for amplification of DNA fragments which are difficult to amplify.

Results

We found that several DNA dyes (SGI, SYTO-9, SYTO-13, SYTO-82, EvaGreen, LCGreen or ResoLight) exhibited optimum qPCR performance in buffers of different salt composition. Fidelity assays demonstrated that the observed differences were not caused by changes in Taq DNA polymerase induced mutation frequencies in PCR mixes of different salt composition or containing different DNA dyes. In search for a PCR mix compatible with all the DNA dyes, and suitable for efficient amplification of difficult-to-amplify DNA templates, such as those in whole blood, of medium size and/or GC-rich, we found excellent performance of a PCR mix supplemented with 1 M 1,2-propanediol and 0.2 M trehalose (PT enhancer). These two additives together decreased DNA melting temperature and efficiently neutralized PCR inhibitors present in blood samples. They also made possible more efficient amplification of GC-rich templates than betaine and other previously described additives. Furthermore, amplification in the presence of PT enhancer increased the robustness and performance of routinely used qPCRs with short amplicons.

Conclusions

The combined data indicate that PCR mixes supplemented with PT enhancer are suitable for DNA amplification in the presence of various DNA dyes and for a variety of templates which otherwise can be amplified with difficulty.
Development of a context model to prioritize drug safety alerts in CPOE systems
Authors: Riedmann Daniel , Jung Martin , Hackl Werner O , Stühlinger Wolf , van der Sijs Heleen , Ammenwerth Elske
Published: May 2011

Background

Computerized physician order entry systems (CPOE) can reduce the number of medication errors and adverse drug events (ADEs) in healthcare institutions. Unfortunately, they tend to produce a large number of partly irrelevant alerts, in turn leading to alert overload and causing alert fatigue. The objective of this work is to identify factors that can be used to prioritize and present alerts depending on the 'context' of a clinical situation.

Methods

We used a combination of literature searches and expert interviews to identify and validate the possible context factors. The internal validation of the context factors was performed by calculating the inter-rater agreement of two researcher's classification of 33 relevant articles.

Results

We developed a context model containing 20 factors. We grouped these context factors into three categories: characteristics of the patient or case (e.g. clinical status of the patient); characteristics of the organizational unit or user (e.g. professional experience of the user); and alert characteristics (e.g. severity of the effect). The internal validation resulted in nearly perfect agreement (Cohen's Kappa value of 0.97).

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first structured attempt to develop a comprehensive context model for prioritizing drug safety alerts in CPOE systems. The outcome of this work can be used to develop future tailored drug safety alerting in CPOE systems.
Function modification of SR-PSOX by point mutations of basic amino acids
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Yin Lan , Chen Chunxia , Dai Yalei
Published: May 2011

Background

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common cardiovascular disease. Transformation of macrophages to form foam cells by internalizing modified low density-lipoprotein (LDL) via scavenger receptor (SR) is a key pathogenic process in the onset of AS. It has been demonstrated that SR-PSOX functions as either a scavenger receptor for uptake of atherogenic lipoproteins and bacteria or a membrane-anchored chemokine for adhesion of macrophages and T-cells to the endothelium. Therefore, SR-PSOX plays an important role in the development of AS. In this study the key basic amino acids in the chemokine domain of SR-PSOX have been identified for its functions.

Results

A cell model to study the functions of SR-PSOX was successfully established. Based on the cell model, a series of mutants of human SR-PSOX were constructed by replacing the single basic amino acid residue in the non-conservative region of the chemokine domain (arginine 62, arginine 78, histidine 80, arginine 82, histidine 85, lysine 105, lysine 119, histidine 123) with alanine (designated as R62A, R78A, H80A, R82A, H85A, K105A, K119A and H123A, respectively). Functional studies showed that the mutants with H80A, H85A, and K105A significantly increased the activities of oxLDL uptake and bacterial phagocytosis compared with the wild-type SR-PSOX. In addition, we have also found that mutagenesis of either of those amino acids strongly reduced the adhesive activity of SR-PSOX by using a highly non-overlapping set of basic amino acid residues.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that basic amino acid residues in the non-conservative region of the chemokine domain of SR-PSOX are critical for its functions. Mutation of H80, H85, and K105 is responsible for increasing SR-PSOX binding with oxLDL and bacteria. All the basic amino acids in this region are important in the cells adhesion via SR-PSOX. These findings suggest that mutagenesis of the basic amino acids in the chemokine domain of SR-PSOX may contribute to atherogenesis.
Synchronous gastric adenocarcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of the stomach: A case report
Authors: Theodosopoulos Theodosios , Dellaportas Dionysios , Psychogiou Vasiliki , Gennatas Konstantinos , Kondi-Pafiti Agathi , Gkiokas Georgios , Papaconstantinou Ioannis , Polymeneas Georgios
Published: May 2011

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract (1%), and stomach is the most common location involved. However, the co-existence of gastric adenocarcinoma and GIST is very rare. A case of an 80-year-old male with a simultaneous presentation of a gastric adenocarcinoma and GIST is presented. Various hypotheses have been proposed in order to explain this rare simultaneous development, but even though it's cause has not been proven yet.
The Seeds of Negativity: Knowledge and Money
Authors: Lovett Mitchell J. , Shachar Ron
Published: May 2011

This paper studies the tendency to use negative ads. For this purpose, we focus on an interesting industry (political campaigns) and an intriguing empirical regularity (the tendency to “go negative” is higher in close races). We present a model of electoral competition in which ads inform voters either of the good traits of the candidate or of the bad traits of his opponent. We find that in equilibrium, the proportion of negative ads depends on both voters' knowledge and the candidate's budget. Furthermore, for an interesting subset of the parameter space, negativity increases in both knowledge and budget. Using data on the elections for the U.S. House of Representative in 2000, 2002, and 2004, we examine the model and its implications. Using nonstructural estimation, we find that negativity indeed increases in both voters' knowledge and the candidate's budget. Furthermore, we also find that knowledge and budget mediate the effect of closeness on negativity. Using structural estimation, we reinforce these findings. Specifically, we find that the model's parameters are within the subset of the parameter space discussed above. Thus, the evidence implies that the model is not only helpful in identifying variables that were ignored by previous studies (i.e., knowledge and budget) but also in explaining an intriguing empirical regularity.