bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential for Cell-Transplant Therapy with Human Neuronal Precursors to Treat Neuropathic Pain in Models of PNS and CNS Injury: Comparison of hNT2.17 and hNT2.19 Cell Lines
Authors: Eaton Mary J. , Berrocal Yerko , Wolfe Stacey Q.
Published: April 2012

Effective treatment of sensory neuropathies in peripheral neuropathies and spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most difficult problems in modern clinical practice. Cell therapy to release antinociceptive agents near the injured spinal cord is a logical next step in the development of treatment modalities. But few clinical trials, especially for chronic pain, have tested the potential of transplant of cells to treat chronic pain. Cell lines derived from the human neuronal NT2 cell line parentage, the hNT2.17 and hNT2.19 lines, which synthesize and release the neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin (5HT), respectively, have been used to evaluate the potential of cell-based release of antinociceptive agents near the lumbar dorsal (horn) spinal sensory cell centers to relieve neuropathic pain after PNS (partial nerve and diabetes-related injury) and CNS (spinal cord injury) damage in rat models. Both cell lines transplants potently and permanently reverse behavioral hypersensitivity without inducing tumors or other complications after grafting. Functioning as cellular minipumps for antinociception, human neuronal precursors, like these NT2-derived cell lines, would likely provide a useful adjuvant or replacement for current pharmacological treatments for neuropathic pain.
Comparison between Two Different Two-Stage Transperineal Approaches to Treat Urethral Strictures or Bladder Neck Contracture Associated with Severe Urinary Incontinence that Occurred after Pelvic Surgery: Report of Our Experience
Authors: Simonato A. , Ennas M. , Benelli A. , Gregori A. , Oneto F. , Daglio E. , Traverso P. , Carmignani G.
Published: April 2012

Introduction.The recurrence of urethral/bladder neck stricture after multiple endoscopic procedures is a rare complication that can follow prostatic surgery and its treatment is still controversial.Material and Methods.We retrospectively analyzed our data on 17 patients, operated between September 2001 and January 2010, who presented severe urinary incontinence and urethral/bladder neck stricture after prostatic surgery and failure of at least four conservative endoscopic treatments. Six patients underwent a transperineal urethrovesical anastomosis and 11 patients a combined transperineal suprapubical (endoscopic) urethrovesical anastomosis. After six months the patients that presented complete incontinence and no urethral stricture underwent the implantation of an artificial urethral sphincter (AUS).Results.After six months 16 patients were completely incontinent and presented a patent, stable lumen, so that they underwent an AUS implantation. With a mean followup of 50.5 months, 14 patients are perfectly continent with no postvoid residual urine.Conclusions.Two-stage procedures are safe techniques to treat these challenging cases. In our opinion, these cases could be managed with a transperineal approach in patients who present a perfect operative field; on the contrary, in more difficult cases, it would be preferable to use the other technique, with a combined transperineal suprapubical access, to perform a pull-through procedure.
Diploid Male Production of Two AmazonianMeliponaBees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Francini Izaura Bezerra , Nunes-Silva Carlos Gustavo , Carvalho-Zilse Gislene Almeida
Published: April 2012

The diploid male has already been recorded forMeliponaIllger, and herein, inMelipona seminigra merrillaeCockerell andMelipona interrupta manaosensisSchwarz. This paper was carried out at the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, AM, Brazil. We produced and monitored 31 new colonies ofM. s. merrillaeand 32 new colonies ofM. i. manaosensis. We sampled 2,995 pupae ofM. s. merrillaeand 2,020 ofM. i. manaosensis. In colonies with a 1 : 1 sex ratio, male diploidy was confirmed by cytogenetic analysis and workers’ behavior. We estimated 16 sex-determining alleles inM. s. merrillaeand 22 inM. i. manaosensis. In colonies ofM. i. manaosensisin a 1 : 1 sex ratio, workers killed the males and the queen that produced them soon after they emerged, as predicted. This behavior was not registered forM. s. merrillae, and sex ratios did not stay 1 : 1, indicating polyandry for this species.
Leptospirosis Prevalence in Patients with Initial Diagnosis of Dengue
Authors: Dircio Montes Sergio A. , González Figueroa E. , María Saadia Verdalet Guzmán , Elizabeth Soler Huerta , Beatriz Rivas Sánchez , Altuzar Aguilar Víctor M. , Navarrete Espinosa J.
Published: April 2012

Objective. To determine the prevalence of leptospirosis in patients from Veracruz with initial diagnosis of dengue and its association with risk factors.Materials and Methods. Transversal study in patients who sought medical attention under the suspicion of dengue. Backgrounds were researched and blood samples were drawn to determine dengue (NS1, RT-PCR) and leptospirosis (IFI). Simple frequencies, central tendency and dispersion measures, and prevalence and trust intervals at 95% (IC95%) were obtained. Prevalence reasons (RP) and IC95%were obtained and a multivariate logistic model was applied, using SPSS V15.Results. 171 patients were included, 56% women ( years) and 44% men ( years). 48% of the cases (IC95% 40.5–55.4) was positive to dengue, with a cut point of 1 : 80, seroprevalence for leptospirosis was of 6% (IC95% 2.7–10); 12% (IC95% 7–16.5) was positive to both pathologies and 34% was negative to both tests. Although the largest number of isolations corresponded to serotype 2, the four dengue virus serotypes were identified. In the bivariate analysis, overcrowding RP = 1.33, (IC = 0.46–3.5), bathing in rivers (RP = 1.31, IC = 0.13–7.4), and walking barefoot (RP = 1.39, IC = 0.58–3.3) were the variables associated with leptospirosis, although the relation was not statistically significant.Conclusions. Leptospirosis prevalence in subjects under suspicion of dengue fever is high, as well as the coincidence of both infections. The results show the coexistence of overlapped outbreaks of several diseases sharing the side of transmission. It is necessary the intentional search of other pathologies, such as influenza, rickettsiosis, and brucella, among others.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Various Species of Fishes from Mumbai Harbour, India, and Their Dietary Intake Concentration to Human
Authors: Dhananjayan V. , Muralidharan S.
Published: April 2012

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants which have caused worldwide concerns as toxic pollutant. This study reports the concentrations of 15 PAHs in 5 species of fish samples collected along the harbour line, Mumbai, between 2006 and 2008. Among 5 species of fish investigated, Mandeli, Coilia dussimieri, detected the maximum concentration of PAHs (P<0.05) followed by Doma, Otolithes ruber. The concentration of total and carcinogenic PAHs ranged from 17.43 to 70.44 ng/g wet wt. and 9.49 to 31.23 ng/g wet wt, respectively, among the species tested. The lower-molecular-weight PAHs were detected at highest levels. Estimated intakes of PAHs by fish consumption for the general population were ranged between 1.77 and 10.70 ng/kg body weight/day. Mandeli contributed to the highest intakes of PAHs. The toxic equivalents (TEQs) of PAHs were calculated using a TEQ proposed in literature, and the intake ranged from 8.39 to 15.78 pg TEQ/kg body weight/d. The estimated excess cancer risk value (2.37×10−7–1.43×10−6) from fish consumption for the general population exceeded the guideline value (1.0 × 10−6) for potential cancer risk.
Contribution to the Knowledge of the GenusLindaThomson, 1864 (Part I), with the Description ofLinda(Linda)subatricornisn. sp. from China (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae)
Authors: Lin Mei-Ying , Yang Xing-Ke
Published: April 2012

Linda (Linda) subatricornisn. sp is described from Sichuan (holotype locality), Fujian, Shaanxi, Hebei, Ningxia of China. It is separated from the most similar speciesL. atricornisPic by differences in genitalia and antennal insertions. Detailed descriptions, photographs of habitus and genitalia, distribution of the two sibling species and short discussion on the related species are presented.
Simulation of Magnetophoretic Separation Processes in Dispersions of Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles in the Noncooperative Regime
Authors: Andreu Jordi S. , Barbero Pablo , Camacho Juan , Faraudo Jordi
Published: April 2012

Magnetic separation has gained much attention due to its implications in different fields, becoming feasible as an alternative to existent technologies at the industrial and lab scale. Substantial efforts are focused to improve the magnetic particles used in these applications. Here we show how a relatively simple and low‐cost simulation strategy (tracer simulations) can be employed to predict the effect of various key factors in magnetic separation processes, namely, particle properties and magnetic separator designs. For concreteness, we consider here specific problems in magnetic separation. The first one is the effect of different profiles of the magnetic field in the separation of magnetic nanoparticles, and the second one is the magnetophoresis of colloidal particles in a dispersion of magnetic nanoparticles.
The Role of Bacteria in the Pathogenesis of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Sasaki Maiko , Klapproth Jan-Michael A.
Published: April 2012

Factors implicated in the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis (UC) are an abnormal immune response, defect in intestinal epithelial barrier function, and gut microbiota. Currently, it is unclear whether specific bacterial strains are responsible for the induction of intestinal inflammation, but increased bacterial tissue invasion has been described in affected UC patients. Further, a quantitative and qualitative microbial imbalance in UC, defined as dysbiosis, has been characterized by an increase in Rhodococcus spp., Shigella spp., and Escherichia spp., but a decrease in certain Bacteroides spp.. More specifically, Campylobacter spp., Enterobacteriae, and enterohepatic Helicobacter were more prevalent in tissue sample from UC patients subjected to molecular detection methods, but not controls. In addition, serologic testing identified Fusobacterim varium as a potential contributor to the intestinal inflammation in UC. Interestingly, in-situ hybridization studies have shown anti-inflammatory Lactobacillus spp. and Pediococcus spp. were absent in samples from subjects affected by UC. Therefore, dysbiosis is a factor in the pathogenesis of UC.
Mitochondria: Redox Metabolism and Dysfunction
Authors: Kang Jia , Pervaiz Shazib
Published: April 2012

Mitochondria are the main intracellular location for fuel generation; however, they are not just power plants but involved in a range of other intracellular functions including regulation of redox homeostasis and cell fate. Dysfunction of mitochondria will result in oxidative stress which is one of the underlying causal factors for a variety of diseases including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. In this paper, generation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) in the mitochondria, redox regulatory roles of certain mitochondrial proteins, and the impact on cell fate will be discussed. The current state of our understanding in mitochondrial dysfunction in pathological states and how we could target them for therapeutic purpose will also be briefly reviewed.
Secondary Analysis under Cohort Sampling Designs Using Conditional Likelihood
Authors: Saarela Olli , Kulathinal Sangita , Karvanen Juha
Published: April 2012

Under cohort sampling designs, additional covariate data are collected on cases of a specific type and a randomly selected subset of noncases, primarily for the purpose of studying associations with a time-to-event response of interest. With such data available, an interest may arise to reuse them for studying associations between the additional covariate data and a secondary non-time-to-event response variable, usually collected for the whole study cohort at the outset of the study. Following earlier literature, we refer to such a situation as secondary analysis. We outline a general conditional likelihood approach for secondary analysis under cohort sampling designs and discuss the specific situations of case-cohort and nested case-control designs. We also review alternative methods based on full likelihood and inverse probability weighting. We compare the alternative methods for secondary analysis in two simulated settings and apply them in a real-data example.
Higher‐Order Dynamic Delay Differential Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Su Hua , Liu Lishan , Wang Xinjun
Published: April 2012

We study the existence of positive solutions for the nonlinear four‐point singular boundary value problem with higher‐order p‐Laplacian dynamic delay differential equations on time scales, subject to some boundary conditions. By using the fixed‐point index theory, the existence of positive solution and many positive solutions for nonlinear four‐point singular boundary value problem with p‐Laplacian operator are obtained.
Novel Design for Quantum Dots Cellular Automata to Obtain Fault-Tolerant Majority Gate
Authors: Farazkish Razieh , Sayedsalehi Samira , Navi Keivan
Published: April 2012

Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is one of the most attractive technologies for computing at nanoscale. The principle element in QCA is majority gate. In this paper, fault-tolerance properties of the majority gate is analyzed. This component is suitable for designing fault-tolerant QCA circuits. We analyze fault-tolerance properties of three-input majority gate in terms of misalignment, missing, and dislocation cells. In order to verify the functionality of the proposed component some physical proofs using kink energy (the difference in electrostatic energy between the two polarization states) and computer simulations using QCA Designer tool are provided. Our results clearly demonstrate that the redundant version of the majority gate is more robust than the standard style for this gate.
An NQO1 Substrate with Potent Antitumor Activity That Selectively Kills by PARP1-Induced Programmed Necrosis
Authors: Huang Xiumei , Dong Ying , Bey Erik A. , Kilgore Jessica A. , Bair Joseph S. , Li Long-Shan , Patel Malina , Parkinson Elizabeth I. , Wang Yiguang , Williams Noelle S. , Gao Jinming , Hergenrother Paul J. , Boothman David A.
Published: April 2012

Agents, such as β-lapachone, that target the redox enzyme, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), to induce programmed necrosis in solid tumors have shown great promise, but more potent tumor-selective compounds are needed. Here, we report that deoxynyboquinone kills a wide spectrum of cancer cells in an NQO1-dependent manner with greater potency than β-lapachone. Deoxynyboquinone lethality relies on NQO1-dependent futile redox cycling that consumes oxygen and generates extensive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Elevated ROS levels cause extensive DNA lesions, PARP1 hyperactivation, and severe NAD+/ATP depletion that stimulate Ca2+–dependent programmed necrosis, unique to this new class of NQO1 “bioactivated” drugs. Short-term exposure of NQO1+ cells to deoxynyboquinone was sufficient to trigger cell death, although genetically matched NQO1− cells were unaffected. Moreover, siRNA-mediated NQO1 or PARP1 knockdown spared NQO1+ cells from short-term lethality. Pretreatment of cells with BAPTA-AM (a cytosolic Ca2+ chelator) or catalase (enzymatic H2O2 scavenger) was sufficient to rescue deoxynyboquinone-induced lethality, as noted with β-lapachone. Investigations in vivo showed equivalent antitumor efficacy of deoxynyboquinone to β-lapachone, but at a 6-fold greater potency. PARP1 hyperactivation and dramatic ATP loss were noted in the tumor, but not in the associated normal lung tissue. Our findings offer preclinical proof-of-concept for deoxynyboquinone as a potent chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of a wide spectrum of therapeutically challenging solid tumors, such as pancreatic and lung cancers. Cancer Res; 72(12); 3038–47. ©2012 AACR.
STAT3 Inhibition Overcomes Temozolomide Resistance in Glioblastoma by Downregulating MGMT Expression
Authors: Kohsaka Shinji , Wang Lei , Yachi Kazuhiro , Mahabir Roshan , Narita Takuhito , Itoh Tamio , Tanino Mishie , Kimura Taichi , Nishihara Hiroshi , Tanaka Shinya
Published: April 2012

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive human tumors with a poor prognosis. Current standard treatment includes chemotherapy with the DNA-alkylating agent temozolomide concomitant with surgical resection and/or irradiation. However, a number of cases are resistant to temozolomide-induced DNA damage due to elevated expression of the DNA repair enzyme O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). Here, we show that upregulation of both MGMT and STAT3 was accompanied with acquisition of temozolomide resistance in the GBM cell line U87. Inactivation of STAT3 by inhibitor or short hairpin RNA (shRNA) downregulated MGMT expression in GBM cell lines. MGMT upregulation was not observed by the treatment of interleukin (IL)-6 which is a strong activator of STAT3. Contrarily, forced expressed MGMT could be downregulated by STAT3 inhibitor which was partially rescued by the proteasome inhibitor, MG132, suggesting the STAT3-mediated posttranscriptional regulation of the protein levels of MGMT. Immunohistochemical analysis of 44 malignant glioma specimens showed significant positive correlation between expression levels of MGMT and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3; P < 0.001, r = 0.58). Importantly, the levels of both MGMT and p-STAT3 were increased in the recurrence compared with the primary lesion in paired identical tumors of 12 cases. Finally, we showed that STAT3 inhibitor or STAT3 knockdown potentiated temozolomide efficacy in temozolomide-resistant GBM cell lines. Therefore, STAT3 inhibitor might be one of the candidate reagents for combination therapy with temozolomide for patients with temozolomide-resistant GBM. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(6); 1289–99. ©2012 AACR.
Dysplastic Megakaryocytes and Eosinophilic Precursors in the Diagnosis of Myeloid Sarcoma on Lymph Node Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology: A Case Series
Authors: Ojha Sandeep S. , Kothari Kanchan S. , Naik Leena P. , Fernandes Gwendolyn C. , Rangwala Saaishta , Agnihotri Mona A.
Published: April 2012

Objective: To analyze the cases diagnosed as myeloid sarcoma on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of lymph nodes. Study Design: Ten cases of lymph node aspirate diagnosed as myeloid sarcoma were analyzed. FNAC was performed as a routine outpatient procedure in all cases. Correlation with peripheral smear, bone marrow examination, flow cytometry and cytogenetics was done wherever possible. Results: Diagnosis of a hematologic malignancy, before fine-needle aspiration, was available in only 2 cases. All 10 cases showed eosinophilic precursors while five aspirates showed megakaryocytes with dysplastic forms. Of the 10 cases, 3 were diagnosed as acute myeloid leukemia, 3 as chronic myeloid leukemia, 1 case as juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, 1 case proved to be precursor T acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma and 2 patients did not show blasts on peripheral blood smear but showed blasts, dysplastic megakaryocytes and eosinophilic precursors in the aspirate. Conclusion: Thorough workup to search for an underlying hematological malignancy should be done whenever dysplastic megakaryocytes and/or eosinophilic precursors are seen in lymph node aspirate.
Neuropeptide-S Evoked Arousal with Electroencephalogram Slow-Wave Compensatory Drive in Rats
Authors: Ahnaou A. , Drinkenburg W.H.I.M.
Published: April 2012

Objectives: Neuropeptide S (NPS) exerts a dual arousal and anxiolytic effect in rodents, which may indicate the potential of a novel class of therapeutic agents in psychiatry. The purpose of this study is to fully describe the nature of electroencephalogram (EEG)-defined waking that mediates these arousal effects. Methods: Effects of the intracerebroventricular infusion of NPS at 2 different doses were characterized over 20 h on sleep-wake architecture and EEG spectral components in rats that were chronically implanted with epidural electrodes for continuous measurement of sleep polygraphic and EEG variables. Results: NPS (1 and 10 nmol) increased active waking (+88 and +87%, respectively), decreased light slow-wave sleep (lSWS) (–84 and –68%, respectively), deep slow-wave sleep (dSWS) (–47 and –33%, respectively) and rapid-eye-movement sleep (–71 and –70%, respectively) during the first 2 h after infusion. The wake-promoting effect of NPS is consistent with a marked lengthening in latency to sleep onset, a decrease in the number of state transitions from wakefulness to lSWS, and a delayed lSWS compensatory response. Interestingly, NPS significantly enhanced waking EEG theta oscillations and slow wave activity during dSWS. Conclusion: The findings suggest that NPS enhanced a consolidated waking associated with a subsequent compensatory EEG slow-wave homeostatic drive rather than rebound sleep duration. The characteristics of NPS-induced waking coupled with enhanced EEG theta oscillations without rebound in sleep are desirable therapeutic features in wake-promoting agents.
High Prevalence of Hypertension and Other Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in US- and Caribbean-Born Blacks with Chest Pain Syndromes
Authors: Bamimore Ayotunde , Olafiranye Oladipupo , Demede Melaku , Zizi Ferdinand , Browne Ruth , Brown Cinton , McFarlane Samy I. , Jean-Louis Girardin
Published: April 2012

Background: Caribbean-born blacks (CBB) have been reported to have lower coronary artery disease mortality rates than US-born blacks (UBB). We assessed whether CBB have a lower prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors compared to UBB. Methods: Non-Hispanic blacks (n = 275) hospitalized for chest pain who were prospectively enrolled in our Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Group (CORG) study provided clinical and demographic data. Results: The study cohort comprised 45% (n = 125) UBB with a mean age of 61 ± 16 years and 55% (n = 150) CBB with a mean age of 63 ± 11 years. Myocardial infarction was diagnosed in 33% of UBB and 36% of CBB. CBB had a lower rate of previous myocardial infarction (14 vs. 24%; p = 0.04). They also smoked less (16 vs. 35%; p = 0.001) and were less likely to have first-degree relatives with coronary artery disease (24 vs. 41%; p = 0.018). However, they had a similarly high prevalence of hypertension (99 vs. 98%; p = 0.99), diabetes (58 vs. 48%; p = 0.11), dyslipidemia (53 vs. 42%; p = 0.08), and obesity (34 vs. 40%; p = 0.29) as UBB. Conclusion: A very high prevalence of hypertension exists in non-Hispanic blacks hospitalized for chest pain. CBB and UBB have a similar prevalence of cardiometabolic profile in our study population. Besides smoking, other factors contributing to lower CHD mortality reported for CBB need to be further explored.
The Effect of Climate Change on the Variability of the Northern Hemisphere Stratospheric Polar Vortex
Authors: Mitchell Daniel M. , Osprey Scott M. , Gray Lesley J. , Butchart Neal , Hardiman Steven C. , Charlton-Perez Andrew J. , Watson Peter
Published: April 2012

With extreme variability of the Arctic polar vortex being a key link for stratosphere–troposphere influences, its evolution into the twenty-first century is important for projections of changing surface climate in response to greenhouse gases. Variability of the stratospheric vortex is examined using a state-of-the-art climate model and a suite of specifically developed vortex diagnostics. The model has a fully coupled ocean and a fully resolved stratosphere. Analysis of the standard stratospheric zonal mean wind diagnostic shows no significant increase over the twenty-first century in the number of major sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) from its historical value of 0.7 events per decade, although the monthly distribution of SSWs does vary, with events becoming more evenly dispersed throughout the winter. However, further analyses using geometric-based vortex diagnostics show that the vortex mean state becomes weaker, and the vortex centroid is climatologically more equatorward by up to 2.5°, especially during early winter. The results using these diagnostics not only characterize the vortex structure and evolution but also emphasize the need for vortex-centric diagnostics over zonally averaged measures. Finally, vortex variability is subdivided into wave-1 (displaced) and -2 (split) components, and it is implied that vortex displacement events increase in frequency under climate change, whereas little change is observed in splitting events.
Where’s the Harm in That? Immigration Enforcement, Trafficking, and the Protection of Migrants’ Rights
Authors: Anderson Bridget
Published: April 2012

This article considers the argument that immigration controls can be protective of migrants/victims of trafficking. It examines how the avoidance of “harm” has become central to immigration enforcement and considers the implications of this with particular reference to children. It argues that the language of protection and harm risks inscribing the state as an appropriate protector, not just for children, but for at-risk migrants more generally. This is deeply problematic when, through immigration controls and practices, the state is implicated in constructing this vulnerability.
Tracing and Placing Women Trade Union Leaders: A Study of the Female Confectioners Union
Authors: Brigden Cathy
Published: April 2012

Studies of union leadership commonly examine full-time officials and workplace delegates. Less attention has been given to those union activists who hold honorary elected roles, on executive or management committees and as office bearers. Women can actively access these positions as a strategy of separate organizing for increasing women’s participation, representation and voice in their union. Separate organizing in the form of a women’s union creates a broader canvas for women workers’ collective activity. Addressing a gap both in the historical literature on women’s union strategies and the contribution of honorary officials, this analysis focuses on the rank-and-file women who emerged as the core leadership group in the Australian women-only union, the Female Confectioners’ Union, in the 1920s. By drawing together analysis of archival records with genealogical sources, the women’s biographical profiles were created and, through the use of thematic analysis, insights were gained into the intersections of the individual women’s industrial and political activism and their domestic experiences. For the next 20 or more years, these women formed the backbone of the union (until an amalgamation with the men’s union in the confectionery trade in 1945) and were instrumental in shaping female collectivism.
The Gender Gap in Union Leadership in Australia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Cooper Rae
Published: April 2012

Women make up close to half of all trade unionists in Australia, but senior leadership positions and the culture of unions evade a corresponding feminization. Through interviews and focus groups with women at various levels of the paid official hierarchy across a diverse group of unions organizing in different sectors, this article reports on the representation of women in the senior and strategic leadership positions of unions. Despite high levels of commitment to union work and enjoyment of many aspects of the job, women working within the union movement keenly feel that they are under-represented in senior roles and they view sexism and a ‘masculinist’ culture as alive and well within unions. They believe that this has a strong impact on union ‘business’, such as union collective bargaining agendas.
The Role of ‘Voice’ in Matters of ‘Choice’: Flexible Work Outcomes for Women in the New Zealand Public Services
Authors: Donnelly Noelle , Proctor-Thomson Sarah B. , Plimmer Geoff
Published: April 2012

Flexible work arrangements have traditionally been framed in terms of individual choice, where workers are regarded as having the ability to reconcile the demands of family life with those of work. In response to calls for greater workplace flexibility and worker choice, the New Zealand government has recently introduced ‘right to request’ legislation. This research reports on a large-scale survey of women public service workers’ experiences of flexible work arrangements in this legislative context. Against a backdrop of rising workloads and time pressures, it finds that while there is considerable choice in how women do their tasks and take their breaks, there is little voice in the organization and pace of that work. In this context, the burden of implementing flexible work arrangements and managing competing workloads is borne by the individual. This article argues that absent from, but pivotal to, the framing and discourse of workplace flexibility is the role of voice. Implications of this research include a broadening of the legislative framework that supports flexibility outcomes and the inclusion of more varied voice mechanisms into the implementation and management of workplace flexibility.
First-Grade Cognitive Abilities as Long-Term Predictors of Reading Comprehension and Disability Status
Authors: Fuchs Douglas , Compton Donald L. , Fuchs Lynn S. , Bryant V. Joan , Hamlett Carol L. , Lambert Warren
Published: April 2012

In a sample of 195 first graders selected for poor reading performance, the authors explored four cognitive predictors of later reading comprehension and reading disability (RD) status. In fall of first grade, the authors measured the children’s phonological processing, rapid automatized naming (RAN), oral language comprehension, and nonverbal reasoning. Throughout first grade, they also modeled the students’ reading progress by means of weekly Word Identification Fluency (WIF) tests to derive December and May intercepts. The authors assessed their reading comprehension in the spring of Grades 1–5. With the four cognitive variables and the WIF December intercept as predictors, 50.3% of the variance in fifth-grade reading comprehension was explained: 52.1% of this 50.3% was unique to the cognitive variables, 13.1% to the WIF December intercept, and 34.8% was shared. All five predictors were statistically significant. The same four cognitive variables with the May (rather than December) WIF intercept produced a model that explained 62.1% of the variance. Of this amount, the cognitive variables and May WIF intercept accounted for 34.5% and 27.7%, respectively; they shared 37.8%. All predictors in this model were statistically significant except RAN. Logistic regression analyses indicated that the accuracy with which the cognitive variables predicted end-of-fifth-grade RD status was 73.9%. The May WIF intercept contributed reliably to this prediction; the December WIF intercept did not. Results are discussed in terms of a role for cognitive abilities in identifying, classifying, and instructing students with severe reading problems.
Dynamic Problem Solving
Authors: Greiff Samuel , Wüstenberg Sascha , Funke Joachim
Published: April 2012

This article addresses two unsolved measurement issues in dynamic problem solving (DPS) research: (a) unsystematic construction of DPS tests making a comparison of results obtained in different studies difficult and (b) use of time-intensive single tasks leading to severe reliability problems. To solve these issues, the MicroDYN approach is presented, which combines (a) the formal framework of linear structural equation models as a systematic way to construct tasks with (b) multiple and independent tasks to increase reliability. Results indicated that the assumed measurement model that comprised three dimensions, information retrieval, model building, and forecasting, fitted the data well ( n = 114 students) and could be replicated in another sample ( n = 140), showing excellent reliability estimates for all dimensions. Predictive validity of school grades was excellent for model building but nonexistent for the other two MicroDYN dimensions and for an additional measure of DPS. Implications are discussed.
Improving Item Response Theory Model Calibration by Considering Response Times in Psychological Tests
Authors: Ranger Jochen , Kuhn Jörg-Tobias
Published: April 2012

Research findings indicate that response times in personality scales are related to the trait level according to the so-called speed–distance hypothesis. Against this background, Ferrando and Lorenzo-Seva proposed a latent trait model for the responses and response times in a test. The model consists of two components, a standard item response model and a supplemental response time model. The authors could demonstrate that the consideration of response time increases the precision of trait estimation. However, the use of the model is not limited to trait estimation. The consideration of response time additionally enhances the calibration of the item response model. Due to limitations of the suggested estimation method for model calibration, Ferrando and Lorenzo-Seva were not able to exploit this additional benefit of response time modeling. In the article, an improved estimation method is proposed that is faster and more efficient than the original approach. It can be shown that the standard deviation of the parameter estimates of the item response model can be reduced up to 25% when applying the new method.
A Stochastic Method for Balancing Item Exposure Rates in Computerized Classification Tests
Authors: Huebner Alan , Li Zhushan
Published: April 2012

Computerized classification tests (CCTs) classify examinees into categories such as pass/fail, master/nonmaster, and so on. This article proposes the use of stochastic methods from sequential analysis to address item overexposure, a practical concern in operational CCTs. Item overexposure is traditionally dealt with in CCTs by the Sympson-Hetter (SH) method, but this method is unable to restrict the exposure of the most informative items to the desired level. The authors’ new method of stochastic item exposure balance (SIEB) works in conjunction with the SH method and is shown to greatly reduce the number of overexposed items in a pool and improve overall exposure balance while maintaining classification accuracy comparable with using the SH method alone. The method is demonstrated using a simulation study.
Consensus Statement: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Authors: White Jane V. , Guenter Peggi , Jensen Gordon , Malone Ainsley , Schofield Marsha ,   Academy Malnutrition Work Group,   A.S.P.E.N. Malnutrition Task Force,   and the A.S.P.E.N. Board of Directors
Published: April 2012

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) recommend that a standardized set of diagnostic characteristics be used to identify and document adult malnutrition in routine clinical practice. An etiologically based diagnostic nomenclature that incorporates a current understanding of the role of the inflammatory response on malnutrition's incidence, progression, and resolution is proposed. Universal use of a single set of diagnostic characteristics will facilitate malnutrition's recognition, contribute to more valid estimates of its prevalence and incidence, guide interventions, and influence expected outcomes. This standardized approach will also help to more accurately predict the human and financial burdens and costs associated with malnutrition's prevention and treatment and further ensure the provision of high‐quality, cost‐effective nutrition care.
Diagnostic Value of Only 18F‐fluorodeocyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography–Positive Lymph Nodes in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Sang‐Hyuk , Huh Se‐Hyung , Jin Sung‐Min , Rho Young‐Soo , Yoon Dae‐Young , Park Chan‐Hee
Published: April 2012

Objective

The role of 18F‐fluorodeocyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in only PET/CT–positive lymph nodes (LNs) is not well elucidated yet. This study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic value of only PET/CT–positive LNs without correlating positive findings on conventional imaging modalities (CT, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], and ultrasound [US]) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Hallym University School of Medicine.

Subjects and Methods

From January 2006 to September 2009, 114 patients with HNSCC who underwent CT, MRI, US, and PET/CT before definitive surgery with neck dissection were reviewed. All imaging tests were interpreted on imaging‐based nodal classification and were compared with histopathological findings.

Results

Only PET/CT–positive LNs were found at 48 nodal levels in 33 patients. Thirteen of 48 (27%) nodal levels were true‐positive (TP), and 35 of 48 (73%) were false‐positive (FP). Fourteen nodal levels were included on N+ necks, and 34 were included on N0 necks. In N0 necks, the FP rate was significantly higher than the TP rate (28 vs 6, P =. 034). Eleven only PET/CT–positive nodal levels in 10 patients were found on the contralateral neck side, and FP was significantly more prevalent than TP (8 vs 3, P =. 041). No significant difference was observed for mean standardized uptake value and LN sizes between TP and FP.

Conclusion

Only PET/CT–positive LNs can frequently be found and do not predict LN metastasis, because a high percentage of results were FP. Our results suggest that only PET/CT–positive LNs should be considered negative, especially in N0 and contralateral necks.
Orrin Hatch and the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act
Authors: Pray W. Steven
Published: April 2012

Products of unknown safety and efficacy were once referred to as “quackery,” and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was empowered to protect public health by preventing their sale and forcing them from the market. However, in 1994, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act legitimized their sale as “dietary supplements.” Sales increased dramatically, and many Americans now use herbals, homeopathics, and other so-called supplements. The Food and Drug Administration cannot act against them until patients have already been harmed, a dangerous situation. Furthermore, no governmental agency has the authority to force the manufacturers to furnish proof of efficacy. It is vital for physicians to warn their patients that they should use these unproven products only with great caution, and must never discontinue legitimate medical therapy in lieu of unproven products.
Modifying three-dimensional scaffolds from novel nanocomposite materials using dissolvable porogen particles for use in liver tissue engineering
Authors: Adwan Hussamuddin , Fuller Barry , Seldon Clare , Davidson Brian , Seifalian Alexander
Published: April 2012

Background:

Although hepatocytes have a remarkable regenerative power, the rapidity of acute liver failure makes liver transplantation the only definitive treatment. Attempts to incorporate engineered three-dimensional liver tissue in bioartificial liver devices or in implantable tissue constructs, to treat or bridge patients to self-recovery, were met with many challenges, amongst which is to find suitable polymeric matrices. We studied the feasibility of utilising nanocomposite polymers in three-dimensional scaffolds for hepatocytes.

Materials and methods:

Hepatocytes (HepG2) were seeded on a flat sheet and in three-dimensional scaffolds made of a nanocomposite polymer (Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane [POSS]-modified polycaprolactone urea urethane) alone as well as with porogen particles, i.e. glucose, sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride. The scaffold architecture, cell attachment and morphology were studied with scanning electron microscopy, and we assessed cell viability and functionality.

Results:

Cell attachment to the scaffolds was demonstrated. The scaffold made with glucose particles as porogen showed a narrower range of pore size with higher porosity and better inter-pore communications and seemed to encourage near normal cell morphology. There was a steady increase of albumin secretion throughout the experiment while the control (monolayer cell culture) showed a steep decrease after day 7. At the end of the experiment, there was no significant difference in viability and functionality between the scaffolds and the control.

Conclusion:

In this initial study, porogen particles were used to modify the scaffolds produced from the novel polymer. Although there was no significance against the control in functionality and viability, the demonstrable attachment on scanning electron microscopy suggest potential roles for this polymer and in particular for scaffolds made with glucose particles in liver tissue engineering.
Sustainability of Asian-American Nonprofit Organizations in U.S. Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Hung Chi-kan Richard , Ong Paul
Published: April 2012

This article examines the factors for the sustainability of Asian-American nonprofits formed in major U.S. metropolitan areas by 2000. Consistent with studies on other nonprofits, the youngest and smallest among Asian-American organizations are the most vulnerable. The age effect is nonlinear and the marginal effect of an additional year of age on sustainability decreases at higher values of age. Chinese-American nonprofits or Asian-American social service nonprofits are more likely to remain active than other Asian ethnic or other functional types of organizations. More sustainable Asian-American nonprofits are better at managing their finances. A growing Asian-American population also provides these nonprofits with more sustaining power. This study contextualizes the importance of organization age and size as central determinants of nonprofit sustainability. It also demonstrates the relevance of race and ethnicity, organizational function, as well as management capacity for future research.
Protective effect of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on L-arginine-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage in rat kidney
Authors: Khan MW , Priyamvada S , Khan SA , Khan S , Naqshbandi A , Yusufi ANK
Published: April 2012

L-Arginine (ARG), an essential amino acid, is the endogenous source of the deleterious nitric oxide. Dietary ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-enriched fish oil (FO) has been shown to reduce the severity of certain types of cancers, cardiovascular disease, and renal disease. Present study examined whether feeding of FO/flaxseed oil (FXO) would have protective effect against ARG-induced nephrotoxicity. ARG-induced nephrotoxicity was recorded by increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. ARG significantly altered the activities of metabolic and brush border membrane (BBM) enzymes. ARG caused significant imbalances in the antioxidant system. These alterations were associated with increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and altered antioxidant enzyme activities. Feeding of FO and FXO with ARG ameliorated the changes in various parameters caused by ARG. Nephrotoxicity parameters lowered and enzyme activities of carbohydrate metabolism, BBM and inorganic phosphate (32Pi) transport were improved to near control values. ARG-induced LPO declined and antioxidant defense mechanism was strengthened by both FO and FXO alike. The results of the present study suggest that ω-3 PUFA-enriched FO and FXO from seafoods and plant sources, respectively, are similarly effective in reducing ARG-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage. Thus, vegetarians who cannot consume FO can have similar health benefits from plant-derived ω-3 PUFA.
Familial Mediterranean fever gene (MEFV) mutations as a modifier of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Shinar Y , Kosach E , Langevitz P , Zandman-Goddard G , Pauzner R , Rabinovich E , Livneh A , Lidar M
Published: April 2012

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of the Mediterranean FeVer ( MEFV) gene mutations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and their effect on organ involvement, as well as disease activity and severity. The frequencies of three familial Mediterranean fever-related MEFV gene mutations ( M694V, V726A and E148Q) were investigated in 70 SLE patients. Organ involvement, Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) damage index and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores were correlated with mutation carriage. Eleven of 70 patients (15.7%) were found to carry an MEFV mutation. A single patient harbored two mutations, E148Q and V726A, without overt familial Mediterranean fever while the rest were heterozygous carriers. Four of the 11 carried an M694V mutation, four carried V726A and two carried E148Q. The majority of MEFV mutation carriers were Sephardic while non-carriers were mainly of Ashkenazi origin (72.7% vs. 45.7% and 47.4% vs. 9.1%, respectively, p = 0.02). SLE onset was significantly earlier in MEFV carriers (27.6 ± 9.7 vs. 38.2 ± 15.5 years, in carriers vs. non-carriers, p = 0.02). Hematologic and serologic parameters were comparable among mutation carriers and non-carriers. Febrile episodes were more common among MEFV mutation carriers (45.4% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.035) and there was a trend for excess episodes of pleuritis as well (54.5% vs. 23.7%, p = 0.06 in carriers vs. non-carriers, respectively). The frequency of secondary anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome was equivalent among the groups. Conversely, compound urinary abnormalities and renal failure was not observed among MEFV carriers yet was present in 33.4% and 18.6% of non-carriers ( p = 0.027 and 0.19, respectively). SLICC damage index and SLEDAI activity index did not differ significantly between the groups. MEFV mutation carriage appears to modify the SLE disease phenotype in that it contributes to an excess of inflammatory manifestations such as fever and pleuritis on the one hand, while thwarting more severe renal involvement on the other.
Hospice and Palliative Care Access Issues in Rural Areas
Authors: Lynch Susan
Published: April 2012

All individuals deserve to have access to quality end-of-life care. In rural communities within the United States, significant barriers limit access to hospice and palliative care. They include issues related to geography and supply, health care system eligibility criteria, limitations of the available workforce, educational deficits, and differences in cultural values. This article examines the barriers and potential solutions to address the gaps in hospice and palliative care services in rural communities. Strategies are proposed to strengthen hospice and palliative care delivery models to enhance earlier referrals and provide better facilitation and transition to hospice and palliative care. Future research should look at patient utilization questions specific to rural communities.
To Whom Do College Women Confide Following Sexual Assault? A Prospective Study of Predictors of Sexual Assault Disclosure and Social Reactions
Authors: Orchowski Lindsay M. , Gidycz Christine A.
Published: April 2012

A prospective methodology was used to explore predictors of sexual assault disclosure among college women, identify who women tell about sexual victimization, and examine the responses of informal support providers ( N = 374). Women most often confided in a female peer. Increased coping via seeking emotional support, strong attachments, and high tendency to disclose stressful information predicted adolescent sexual assault disclosure and disclosure over the 7-month interim. Less acquaintance with the perpetrator predicted disclosure over the follow-up, including experiences of revictimization. Victim and perpetrator alcohol use at the time of the assault also predicted disclosure over the follow-up. Implications are presented.