bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia sensitization of hepatocytes to neutrophil elastase-mediated cell death depends on MAPKs and HIF-1α
Authors: Sparkenbaugh Erica M. , Ganey Patricia E. , Roth Robert A.
Published: January 2012

The liver is sensitive to pathological conditions associated with tissue hypoxia (Hx) and the presence of activated neutrophils that secrete the serine protease elastase (EL). We demonstrated previously that cotreatment of rat hepatocytes with nontoxic levels of Hx and EL caused synergistic cell death. Hx is sensed by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, a transcription factor that heterodimerizes with HIF-1β/aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator and directs expression of many genes, including the pro-cell death gene Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3). Since cell death from EL or Hx also requires MAPK activation, we tested the hypothesis that the cytotoxic interaction of Hx and EL depends on MAPK and HIF-1α signaling. Treatment of Hepa1c1c7 cells with EL in the presence of Hx (2% O2) resulted in synergistic cell death. EL reduced phosphorylated ERK in O2-replete and Hx-exposed cells, and ERK inhibition enhanced the cytotoxicity of EL alone. Hx-EL cotreatment caused an additive increase in phosphorylated p38, and p38 inhibition attenuated cell death caused by this cotreatment. EL enhanced Hx-induced HIF-1α accumulation and transcription of the HIF-1α-mediated cell death gene BNIP3, and p38 inhibition attenuated BNIP3 expression and production. Cytotoxicity and BNIP3 expression from EL-Hx cotreatment were reduced in HIF-1β-deficient HepaC4 cells compared with Hepa1c1c7 cells. These results suggest that p38 signaling contributes to Hx-EL cotreatment-induced cell death via modulation of HIF-1α-mediated gene transcription. Finally, lipid peroxidation was enhanced in Hx-EL-cotreated cells compared with cells treated with EL or Hx alone. Vitamin E treatment attenuated lipid peroxidation and protected cells from the cytotoxicity of Hx and EL, suggesting that lipid peroxidation plays a role.
Adiponectin and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Xu Aimin , Vanhoutte Paul M.
Published: December 2011

The heart and blood vessels are surrounded by epicardial and perivascular adipose tissues, respectively, which play important roles in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis by secreting a number of biologically active molecules, termed “adipokines.” Many of these adipokines function as an important component of the ‘adipo-cardiovascular axis’ mediating the cross talk between adipose tissues, the heart, and the vasculature. On the one hand, most adipokines [including tumor necrosis factor-α, resistin, adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP), and lipocalin-2] are proinflammatory and causally associated with endothelial and cardiac dysfunction by their endocrine/paracrine actions. On the other hand, adiponectin is one of the few adipokines that possesses multiple salutary effects on the prevention of cardiovascular disease, because of its pleiotropic actions on the heart and the blood vessels. The discordant production of adipokines in dysfunctional adipose tissue is a key contributor to obesity-related cardiovascular disease. This review provides an update in understanding the roles of adipokines in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders associated with obesity and diabetes and focuses on the two most abundant adipokines, adiponectin and A-FABP. Indeed, data from both animal studies and clinical investigations imply that these two adipokines are prognostic biomarkers for cardiovascular disease and even promising therapeutic targets for its treatment.
Spatio-temporal attributes of left ventricular pressure decay rate during isovolumic relaxation
Authors: Ghosh Erina , Kovács Sándor J.
Published: December 2011

Global left ventricular (LV) isovolumic relaxation rate has been characterized: 1) via the time constant of isovolumic relaxation τ or 2) via the logistic time constant τ L. An alternate kinematic method, characterizes isovolumic relaxation (IVR) in accordance with Newton's Second Law. The model's parameters, stiffness Ek, and damping/relaxation μ result from best fit of model-predicted pressure to in vivo data. All three models (exponential, logistic, and kinematic) characterize global relaxation in terms of pressure decay rates. However, IVR is inhomogeneous and anisotropic. Apical and basal LV wall segments untwist at different times and rates, and transmural strain and strain rates differ due to the helically variable pitch of myocytes and sheets. Accordingly, we hypothesized that the exponential model (τ) or kinematic model (μ and Ek) parameters will elucidate the spatiotemporal variation of IVR rate. Left ventricular pressures in 20 subjects were recorded using a high-fidelity, multipressure transducer (3 cm apart) catheter. Simultaneous, dual-channel pressure data was plotted in the pressure phase-plane (dP/d t vs. P) and τ, μ, and Ek were computed in 1631 beats (average: 82 beats per subject). Tau differed significantly between the two channels ( P < 0.05) in 16 of 20 subjects, whereas μ and Ek differed significantly ( P < 0.05) in all 20 subjects. These results show that quantifying the relaxation rate from data recorded at a single location has limitations. Moreover, kinematic model based analysis allows characterization of restoring (recoil) forces and resistive (crossbridge uncoupling) forces during IVR and their spatio-temporal dependence, thereby elucidating the relative roles of stiffness vs. relaxation as IVR rate determinants.
Sympathetic activation increases basilar arterial blood flow in normotensive but not hypertensive rats
Authors: Chang Hsi-Hsien , Lee Yuan-Chieh , Chen Mei-Fang , Kuo Jon-Son , Lee Tony J. F.
Published: December 2011

The close apposition between sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve terminals in the adventitia of cerebral arteries provides morphological evidence that sympathetic nerve activation causes parasympathetic nitrergic vasodilation via a sympathetic-parasympathetic interaction mechanism. The decreased parasympathetic nerve terminals in basilar arteries (BA) of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and renovascular hypertensive rats (RHR) compared with Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), therefore, would diminish this axo-axonal interaction-mediated neurogenic vasodilation in hypertension. Increased basilar arterial blood flow (BABF) via axo-axonal interaction during sympathetic activation was, therefore, examined in anesthetized rats by laser-Doppler flowmetry. Electrical stimulation (ES) of sympathetic nerves originating in superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and topical nicotine (10–30 μM) onto BA of WKY significantly increased BABF. Both increases were inhibited by tetrodotoxin, 7-nitroindazole (neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), and ICI-118,551 (β2-adrenoceptor antagonist), but not by atenolol (β1-adrenoceptor antagonist). Topical norepinephrine onto BA also increased BABF, which was abolished by atenolol combined with 7-nitroindazole or ICI-118,551. Similar results were found in prehypertensive SHR. However, in adult SHR and RHR, ES of sympathetic nerves or topical nicotine caused minimum or no increase of BABF. It is concluded that excitation of sympathetic nerves to BA in WKY causes parasympathetic nitrergic vasodilation with increased BABF. This finding indicates an endowed functional neurogenic mechanism for increasing the BABF or brain stem blood flow in coping with increased local sympathetic activities in acutely stressful situations such as the “fight-or-flight response.” This increased blood flow in defensive mechanism diminishes in genetic and nongenetic hypertensive rats due most likely to decreased parasympathetic nitrergic nerve terminals.
Clinical Variant of Ablepharon Macrostomia Syndrome
Authors: Larumbe Jose , Villalta Patricia , Velez Ines
Published: January 2012

Ablepharon syndrome is an extremely rare genetic problem that causes severe craniofacial deformities and numerous other abnormalities of the face, genitalia, and skin. The literature regarding this condition is scarce. We present a case of this syndrome with dental manifestations, not reported before, and discuss its characteristics in order to increase the knowledge of this condition among the dental profession.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Steam Condensation on Nuclear Containment Wall Surfaces Based on Semiempirical Generalized Correlations
Authors: Sharma Pavan K. , Gera B. , Singh R. K. , Vaze K. K.
Published: January 2012

In water-cooled nuclear power reactors, significant quantities of steam and hydrogen could be produced within the primary containment following the postulated design basis accidents (DBA) or beyond design basis accidents (BDBA). For accurate calculation of the temperature/pressure rise and hydrogen transport calculation in nuclear reactor containment due to such scenarios, wall condensation heat transfer coefficient (HTC) is used. In the present work, the adaptation of a commercial CFD code with the implementation of models for steam condensation on wall surfaces in presence of noncondensable gases is explained. Steam condensation has been modeled using the empirical average HTC, which was originally developed to be used for “lumped-parameter” (volume-averaged) modeling of steam condensation in the presence of noncondensable gases. The present paper suggests a generalized HTC based on curve fitting of most of the reported semiempirical condensation models, which are valid for specific wall conditions. The present methodology has been validated against limited reported experimental data from the COPAIN experimental facility. This is the first step towards the CFD-based generalized analysis procedure for condensation modeling applicable for containment wall surfaces that is being evolved further for specific wall surfaces within the multicompartment containment atmosphere.
CEUS Retrograde Cystography Is Helpful in Percutaneous Drainage of Complex Posttransplant Lymphocele
Authors: Di Domenico Stefano , Patti Valentina , Fazio Federico , Moggia Elisabetta , Fontana Iris , Valente Umberto
Published: January 2012

After monolateral dual kidney transplantation, a 69 years old male patient developed symptomatic lymphocele with mild hydroureteronephrosis, impaired renal function, and right inferior limb oedema. A percutaneous ultrasound-guided drainage of the fluid collection was planned, but the complex mutual relations between the collection and the renal hilus did not allow to identify a suitable route for a safe drainage insertion during conventional ultrasound examination. A retrograde cystography using echographic contrast agent was, therefore, performed, and it clarified the position of both ureters and the renal vessels, permitting an harmless ultrasound-guided percutaneous lymphocele drainage. In conclusion contrast-enhanced ultrasound retrograde cystography may be helpful in percutaneous drainage of complex posttransplant lymphocele.
Integrated Analysis of Multiple Gene Expression Profiling Datasets Revealed Novel Gene Signatures and Molecular Markers in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Chen , Tang Hailin , Zhang Wenling , She Xiaoling , Liao Qianjin , Li Xiaoling , Wu Minghua , Li Guiyuan
Published: January 2012

Purpose: To identify the novel gene signatures and molecular markers of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by integrated bioinformatics analysis of multiple gene expression profiling datasets.

Experimental Design: Seven published gene expression profiling studies and one of our unpublished works were reanalyzed to identify the common significantly dysregulated (CSD) genes in NPC. Overrepresentation analysis of cytogenetic bands, Gene Ontology (GO) categories, pathways were used to explore CSD genes functionally associated with carcinogenesis. The protein expressions of selected CSD genes were examined by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays, and the correlations of their expressions with clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Results: Using the criteria (genes reported deregulated in more than one study), a total of 962 genes were identified as the CSD genes in NPC. Four upregulated (BUB1B, CCND2, CENPF, and MAD2L1) and two downregulated (LTF and SLPI) genes were markedly reported in six studies. The enrichments of chromosome aberrations were 2q23, 2q31, 7p15, 12q15, 12q22, 18q11, and 18q12 in upregulated genes and 14q32 and 16q13 in downregulated genes. The activated GO categories and pathways related to proliferation, adhesion, invasion, and downregulated immune response had been functionally associated with NPC. SLPI significantly downregulated in nasopharyngeal adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, the high expression of BUB1B or CENPF was associated with poor overall survival of patients.

Conclusion: It was first clearly identified the dysregulated expression of BUB1B and SLPI in NPC tissues.

Impact: Further studies of the CSD genes as gene signatures and molecular markers of NPC might improve the understanding of the disease and identify new therapeutic targets. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(1); 166–75. ©2011 AACR.
Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wolpin Brian M. , Ng Kimmie , Bao Ying , Kraft Peter , Stampfer Meir J. , Michaud Dominique S. , Ma Jing , Buring Julie E. , Sesso Howard D. , Lee I-Min , Rifai Nader , Cochrane Barbara B. , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Willett Walter C. , Manson JoAnn E. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Fuchs Charles S.
Published: January 2012

Background: Laboratory studies suggest that vitamin D may inhibit pancreatic cancer cell growth. However, epidemiologic studies of vitamin D and pancreatic cancer risk have been conflicting.

Methods: To determine whether prediagnostic levels of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D; IDS Inc.; enzyme immunoassay) were associated with risk of pancreatic cancer, we conducted a pooled analysis of nested case–control studies with 451 cases and 1,167 controls from five cohorts through 2008. Median follow-up among controls was 14.1 years in Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS), 18.3 years in Nurses' Health Study (NHS), 25.3 years in Physicians' Health Study (PHS), 12.2 years in Women's Health Initiative-Observational Study (WHI), and 14.4 years in Women's Health Study (WHS). Logistic regression was used to compare the odds of pancreatic cancer by plasma level of 25(OH)D.

Results: Mean plasma 25(OH)D was lower in cases versus controls (61.3 vs. 64.5 nmol/L, P = 0.005). In logistic regression models, plasma 25(OH)D was inversely associated with odds of pancreatic cancer. Participants in quintiles two through five had multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% confidence intervals) of 0.79 (0.56–1.10), 0.75 (0.53–1.06), 0.68 (0.48–0.97), and 0.67 (0.46–0.97; Ptrend = 0.03), respectively, compared with the bottom quintile. Compared with those with insufficient levels [25[OH]D, <50 nmol/L], ORs were 0.75 (0.58–0.98) for subjects with relative insufficiency [25[OH]D, 50 to <75 nmol/L] and 0.71 (0.52–0.97) for those with sufficient levels [25[OH]D, ≥75 nmol/L]. No increased risk was noted in subjects with 25(OH)D ≥100 nmol/L, as suggested in a prior study. In subgroup analyses, ORs for the top versus bottom quartile of 25(OH)D were 0.72 (0.48–1.08) for women, 0.73 (0.40–1.31) for men, and 0.73 (0.51–1.03) for Whites.

Conclusions: Among participants in five large prospective cohorts, higher plasma levels of 25(OH)D were associated with a lower risk for pancreatic cancer.

Impact: Low circulating 25(OH)D may predispose individuals to the development of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(1); 82–91. ©2011 AACR.
Histopathologic Outcomes and Clinical Correlations for High-Risk Patients Screened with Anal Cytology
Authors: Zhao Chengquan , Domfeh Akosua B. , Austin R. Marshall
Published: January 2012

Objective: Anal cytologic testing is being increasingly used as a preventive screening test in high-risk populations. We document anal cytology results, correlating HIV test results, and histopathologic follow-up outcomes from a large integrated health system which recently implemented anal screening. Study Design: Anal Pap tests between May 2007 and August 2009 were studied and correlated with HIV test histories and follow-up histopathologic diagnoses. Results: 688 anal cytologic tests were identified with 7.4% reported as unsatisfactory; 72% of anal cytologic tests were abnormal; 91% of patients were HIV positive. The HIV-positive rate and likelihood of high viral load were both significantly greater among patients with abnormal anal cytology than among patients with negative anal cytology, but did not vary significantly among patients with different categories of abnormal anal cytology. For 459 patients with abnormal anal cytology, 198 had anal biopsies. For patients with abnormal anal cytology findings of ASC-US (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance), LSIL (low-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia), ASC-H (atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous lesion), and HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia), histopathologic intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN)2/3 or 2/3+ diagnoses were established in 46.5, 56.6, 65, and 80.8%, respectively. Conclusions: Patients with any level of abnormal anal cytology result are at significant risk of the presence of histopathologically verifiable high-grade anal intraepithelial lesions. More specific markers for identifying patients at highest risk of progression to invasive anal carcinoma are needed.
Stress-Induced Modulators of Repeat Instability and Genome Evolution
Authors: Fonville Natalie C. , Ward R. Matthew , Mittelman David
Published: January 2012

Evolution hinges on the ability of organisms to adapt to their environment. A key regulator of adaptability is mutation rate, which must be balanced to maintain genome fidelity while permitting sufficient plasticity to cope with environmental changes. Multiple mechanisms govern an organism’s mutation rate. Constitutive mechanisms include mutator alleles that drive global, permanent increases in mutation rates, but these changes are confined to the subpopulation that carries the mutator allele. Other mechanisms focus mutagenesis in time and space to improve the chances that adaptive mutations can spread through the population. For example, environmental stress can induce mechanisms that transiently relax the fidelity of DNA repair to bring about a temporary increase in mutation rates during times when an organism experiences a reduced fitness for its surroundings, as has been demonstrated for double-strand break repair in Escherichia coli. Still, other mechanisms control the spatial distribution of mutations by directing changes to especially mutable sequences in the genome. In eukaryotic cells, for example, the stress-sensitive chaperone Hsp90 can regulate the length of trinucleotide repeats to fine-tune gene function and can regulate the mobility of transposable elements to enable larger functional changes. Here, we review the regulation of mutation rate, with special emphasis on the roles of tandem repeats and environmental stress in genome evolution.
Exfoliative Cytology and Cytocentrifuge Preparation of Oral Premalignant and Malignant Lesions
Authors: Shah Pushpak , Deshmukh Revati
Published: January 2012

Objective: Oral exfoliative cytology is a sensitive and reliable diagnostic tool for the early diagnosis of oral cancer. Traditional exfoliative cytology, though popular, has limitations which could be overcome using cytocentrifuge preparations. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of cytocentrifuged specimens with that of conventionally prepared smears in the diagnosis of oral premalignancy and malignancy. Study Design: Exfoliative cytology was performed on 30 patients with oral premalignant and malignant lesions. The yield was smeared immediately onto a slide for conventional exfoliative cytology (group A). The lesion was then scraped again and the yield was suspended in a bottle containing a fixative solution for cytocentrifuge apparatus-assisted smearing (group B). Both smears were stained with rapid Papanicolaou stain and assessed for cellularity, cellular and nuclear morphology, evaluation of mitosis and background. Result: All the criteria assessed were statistically significant (p value of <0.001) in group B except for mitosis, which was significant in group A. Conclusion: Cytocentrifuge preparations can preserve the cellular details and reduce the overlapping of cells, enabling precise interpretation and thus aiding in the diagnosis of premalignant and malignant lesions of the oral cavity.
Side-Chain-Oxidized Oxysterols Upregulate ACE2 and Mas Receptor in Rat Primary Neurons
Authors: Mateos Laura , Ismail Muhammad-Al-Mustafa , Winblad Bengt , Cedazo-Mínguez Angel
Published: January 2012

Background: Disturbances in cholesterol metabolism have been associated with hypertension and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We recently reported increased angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and angiotensinogen (AGT) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with mild cognitive impairment and AD. ACE activity positively correlated with plasma and CSF 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OH) levels, an oxysterol that passes to the brain from the blood. Additionally, we showed that 27-OH and 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24S-OH) enhance AGT synthesis and modulate renin and ACE activities in brain cells. Objectives: To gain insight into how oxysterols affect the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS), we analyzed the effects of 24S-OH and 27-OH on two other proteins in this system: ACE2 and Mas receptor (MasR). Methods: RT-PCR and Western blot analysis in rat primary neurons treated with either 24S-OH or 27-OH. Results: The levels of ACE2 and MasR were increased by a physiological concentration (1 µM) of these oxysterols after 24 h. Conclusions: 24S-OH and 27-OH enhance the brain RAS by acting on different levels, from the precursor to several downstream enzymes. Our results support the idea that disturbances in cholesterol metabolism would contribute to alterations in the brain RAS, which further suggest mechanistic links between two well-known risk factors for AD: hypercholesterolemia and hypertension.
CREB-Regulated Transcription Coactivator 1-Dependent Transcription in Alzheimer’s Disease Mice
Authors: Saura Carlos A.
Published: January 2012

Background/Aims: Long-term memory requires fine-tuning regulation of gene expression in specific neural circuits of the brain. Transcriptional regulation of gene programs is a key mechanism for memory storage and its deregulation may contribute to synaptic and cognitive dysfunction in memory disorders. The molecular mechanisms underlying changes on activity-dependent gene expression in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are largely unknown. Methods: We analyzed the expression of activity-dependent genes regulated by the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and activation of CREB and its coactivator CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1) in control and mutant β-amyloid precursor protein (APPSw,Ind; Swedish and Indiana mutations) transgenic mice. Results: Gene expression analyses revealed specific downregulation of a subset of well-known activity-induced CREB-dependent genes, including c-fos, Bdnf and Nr4a2, in the hippocampus of memory-impaired APPSw,Ind transgenic mice. Activity-dependent CREB transcription induced by calcium/cAMP signals is disrupted through a mechanism involving deregulation of calcium/calcineurin-mediated dephosphorylation and activation of CRTC1. Expression of CRTC1 and pharmacological activation of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels reverse the deficits in CRTC1-mediated transcription in APPSw,Ind neurons. Conclusion: Our results suggest that CRTC1 dysfunction caused by Aβ accumulation underlies changes in gene expression required for hippocampal-dependent memory in AD transgenic mice.
The Month of Birth and the Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in the Israeli Population
Authors: Givon Uri , Zeilig Gabriel , Dolev Mark , Achiron Anat
Published: January 2012

Background: Recent studies on date of birth of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients showed a spring peak and an autumn nadir. We examined the effect of date of birth in a large group of MS patients and non-MS patients, compared to the general population in Israel. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in a large cohort of MS patients and patients with other neurological disorders. The date of birth, gender, and country of birth were identified for each patient. The results were compared to a national database. Results: There were 2,264 MS patients and 1,758 patients with other diagnoses. No significant peak or nadir in the date of birth was identified in either group, both in patients born in Israel or in immigrants. No difference was found compared to the national birth rate. When we controlled for the country of birth, there was no difference. Conclusion: An increased frequency of MS patients born in the months of April and May was considered as a proof of maternal influence. The results of our study show that this finding is not consistent worldwide. The month of birth was not found to be a significant factor in Israeli MS patients.
In-Flight Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of the Lung
Authors: Madan Karan , Vishwanath Gella , Singh Navneet
Published: January 2012

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) is a rare congenital abnormality. Symptomatic presentation in adult life is extremely uncommon. The usual radiological appearance of CCAM is a cystic space-occupying lesion. Patients with underlying cystic lung disease can develop in-flight complications because of pressure-volume changes during ascent. We report the first ever case in which spontaneous pneumothorax during flight was the presenting manifestation of CCAM of the lung in a previously healthy and asymptomatic young adult. We also discuss the physiological changes during air travel which contribute to the pathogenesis of respiratory complications during air travel.
VBM–DTI Correlates of Verbal Intelligence: A Potential Link to Broca's Area
Authors: Konrad Andreas , Vucurevic Goran , Musso Francesco , Winterer Georg
Published: January 2012

Human brain lesion studies first investigated the biological roots of cognitive functions including language in the late 1800s. Neuroimaging studies have reported correlation findings with general intelligence predominantly in fronto-parietal cortical areas. However, there is still little evidence about the relationship between verbal intelligence and structural properties of the brain. We predicted that verbal performance is related to language regions of Broca's and Wernicke's areas. Verbal intelligence quotient (vIQ) was assessed in 30 healthy young subjects. T1-weighted MRI and diffusion tensor imaging data sets were acquired. Voxel-wise regression analyses were used to correlate fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity values with vIQ. Moreover, regression analyses of regional brain volume with vIQ were performed adopting voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and ROI methodology. Our analyses revealed a significant negative correlation between vIQ and FA and a significant positive correlation between vIQ and mean diffusivity in the left-hemispheric Broca's area. VBM regression analyses did not show significant results, whereas a subsequent ROI analysis of Broca's area FA peak cluster demonstrated a positive correlation of gray matter volume and vIQ. These findings suggest that cortical thickness in Broca's area contributes to verbal intelligence. Diffusion parameters predicted gray matter ratio in Broca's area more sensitive than VBM methodology.
Redescription and variation of Hyophryne histrio Carvalho, 1954, an enigmatic microhylid frog from the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil
Authors: Targino Mariane , Pombal José P.
Published: January 2012

Hyophryne histrio was described in 1954 as a new species and placed in its own genus based on a single juvenile specimen from Ilhéus, State of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. This species was known only from the holotype until 1999 when a series of specimens was collected 50 km from the type-locality. Herein, we provide a redescription of the species based on this new material and present new information on morphological variation in order to help with the recognition of this poorly known species. The diagnostic characters are: occipital skin fold present, interdigital membranes between the toes well developed, dark venter with white blotches, an arrow-shaped dorsal color pattern that begins just after the occipital fold, and a distinct pale line between the venter and dorsum. Dermal spines, which were found in all males and vary in the number of spines and location, are reported for the first time in this species; gravid females have dermal spines only in the pericloacal region. We also compare Hyophryne histrio to all other Neotropical microhylid genera.
What’s in a Name? Challenges to the Creation of EU Delegations
Authors: Drieskens Edith
Published: January 2012

Summary

One of the Lisbon Treaty’s most significant innovations was the creation of the European External Action Service (EEAS), which changed the EU’s functioning not only in Brussels, but also around the world. Zooming in on the multilateral context of the UN in New York, this article examines the new EU delegations and highlights the main challenges that are inherent in their establishment. These delegations could be engrafted upon a wide network of European Commission delegations, yet the literature gives little indication of success in integrating the functions and actors. Adding to the literature and building upon interviews with policy officials in both Brussels and New York, this article indicates an additional external challenge in implementing Lisbon’s provisions, with the context of the UN General Assembly raising more fundamental questions on status and membership — questions that have also shaped the role of the EU delegation to the UN during its first year of operation.
Prosumption in Art
Authors: Nakajima Seio
Published: December 2011

Extending recent seminal studies on the emerging phenomenon of prosumption, this article analyzes the process of prosumption in art, which has been relatively neglected in the discussion. What was the history of prosumption in art before the rise of its awareness in the digital age? What characteristics of prosumption have emerged in the art world in the past two decades or so? What are the implications of the rise of prosumption in art for sociological studies of art? I argue that although the social constructionist view of art presented by sociologists, on the processes of both production and consumption, has significantly contributed to understanding art as a social and collective activity, contemporary art practice and theory have taken these sociological arguments into account and moved closer to the understanding of art as a social activity. Hence, reflections on possible implications of the rise of prosumption for existing sociological studies of art are needed.
Prosuming Identity
Authors: Davis Jenny
Published: December 2011

Prosumption refers to the blurring of production and consumption. Although this has always been present (Ritzer, 2009), the contemporary era creates an environment in which prosumption can flourish. Specifically, the presence of Web 2.0 has led to an abundance of user-generated content, produced by those who consume it. I wish to argue here for an extension of the theoretical idea of prosumption into the arena of identity. Currently, prosumption is conceptualized in a way that understands as separate the prosumer of content, and the content that is prosumed. I argue that this is a false distinction, as content that is prosumed can also signify an identity for its prosumer(s). I illustrate this argument by qualitatively analyzing the introduction statements, subsequent entries, and public comments of the bloggers and participants on transabled.org , a user-generated website for people who believe that they were born in incorrectly-able bodies. By prosuming the content on transabled.org , members of this online community simultaneously prosume their own transabled identities, and construct transableism as a culturally available identity category.
Risk Factors for Myocardial Infarction With Normal Coronary Arteries and Myocarditis Compared With Myocardial Infarction With Coronary Artery Stenosis
Authors: Agewall Stefan , Daniel M. , Eurenius L. , Ekenbäck C. , Skeppholm M. , Malmqvist K. , Hofman-Bang C. , Collste O. , Frick M. , Henareh L. , Jernberg T. , Tornvall P.
Published: December 2011

The interest and awareness of myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries (MINCA) have increased recently due to the frequent use of coronary angiography, the description of Takotsubo stress cardiomyopathy, and new sensitive troponin analyses. The prevalence of MINCA in all patients with myocardial infarction (MI) was registered during a 3-month period in the Stockholm metropolitan area in Sweden. The results showed that MINCA is more common than previously thought (7%) and affecting one third of every woman with MI. Patients with myocarditis were younger and more often presented with signs of inflammation such as elevated C-reactive protein and fever. Myocarditis constitutes an important differential diagnosis for coronary artery disease. There is a need for larger studies of MINCA, including investigation with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, to establish prevalence and pathological process in this important subgroup of MI.
Local Versus General Anesthesia for Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Paraskevas Kosmas I. , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Oikonomou Kyriakos , Verhoeven Eric L.
Published: December 2011

Like the earlier multicenter General Anesthesia (GA) versus Local Anaesthesia (LA) for carotid surgery (GALA) trial, a recent independent study showed no difference in transient ischemic attack, stroke, myocardial infarction, and death rates between carotid endarterectomy (CEA) performed under LA compared with GA. Besides these outcomes, however, several additional issues may be of interest when comparing the 2 modalities. Examples include the occurrence of post-CEA patient delirium, cognitive dysfunction, and health-related quality of life, as well as the cost-effectiveness, length of hospitalization, and resource utilization. This commentary discusses and compares these outcomes of CEA performed under LA versus GA.
The Prognostic Value of Serum Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Activity on Admission in Patients With STEMI Undergoing Primary PCI
Authors: Akpek Mahmut , Elcik Deniz , Kalay Nihat , Yarlioglues Mikail , Dogdu Orhan , Sahin Omer , Ardic Idris , Oguzhan Abdurrahman , Ergin Ali , Kaya Mehmet G.
Published: December 2011

We assessed the association between serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity with postprimary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) coronary flow and in-hospital major advanced cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients with STEMI (n = 425; males 78%; mean age 60 ± 13 years) were enrolled. Patients were divided into 3 GGT tertiles and 2 groups according to thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade. The TIMI flow percentages were similar in the 3 GGT tertiles (32%, 45%, and 42%, respectively, P = .336). Total MACE increased with GGT tertiles (among tertiles, respectively; P < .001). The total MACE was significantly higher in impaired flow group than in normal flow group (23% vs 7%; P < .001). At multivariate analyses, serum GGT activity was an independent predictor of in-hospital MACE (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.33; P < .001). In conclusion, serum GGT activity is associated with in-hospital MACE in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.
A media comparison study on first aid instruction
Authors: Celik Serkan
Published: January 2012

Aims:

A basic knowledge and understanding of first aid can be invaluable for both teachers and students to be able to provide emergency care in the event of an accident, possibly saving lives and minimizing injury in school settings. The purpose of this research was to perform a comparison of online and face-to-face delivery modes for an introductory first aid course to determine if there existed a difference in student teachers’ success depending on the delivery modes.

Methods:

The research compares participants’ achievements in a first aid class taught by the same instructor using either face-to-face or online delivery modes. In total, five sections of the course were assigned to either a face-to face or an online treatment condition.

Results:

The results of a paired samples t-test indicated that student teachers both in experiment and control groups performed adequately to attain the course goals ( p < .05). The difference between the mean scores of all groups in pre- and post-tests verified the achievement of the participant learners. The results of a further independent t-test on groups’ performances on the post application of the achievement test showed a significant variance in favour of participants who received online teaching ( p < .05).

Conclusion:

The findings of the study suggest that, while both online and face-to-face mode can be effective in achieving learning goals of first aid content, online learning was found to be more effective in comparison to traditional classroom instruction.
The Sociotechnical Alliance of Argentine Quality Wine
Authors: Pont Polly C. A. Maclaine , Thomas Hernán
Published: December 2011

Constructivist research in Science and Technology Studies (STS) is committed to revealing the heterogeneity of technological change and the fluid boundaries between the elements involved. Its major theories, the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) and Actor Network Theory (ANT), have however both been criticized for limiting themselves to the micro-level of cases, impeding a structural analysis of technological systems. This article seeks to bridge any such divides. We research the recent changes in the viticulture of Mendoza, Argentina, which underwent radical changes over the past decades: once governed by low-cost yield maximization, grape production now revolves around “quality.” To show how the particular quality definition developed, we depart from a social-constructivist framework, following the sociotechnical shaping of problem-solution relationships across the wine production system. To include relevant social groups from different settings around the world, we gradually incorporate the ANT concepts of obligatory passage points, enrollment, convergence, delegation, and codes into the analysis. Combined into the concept of “sociotechnical alliance,” our analysis follows the dual process of creating agreement while establishing heterogeneous practices across settings at different levels. It shows that functioning involves alliance building and highlights the hybridity and continuous dynamics of systems at large.
“What Are We Busy Doing?”
Authors: Michael Mike
Published: December 2011

Engagement events—whether interviews, installations, or participatory encounters—can entail a range of happenings which, in one way or another, “overspill” the empirical, analytic, or political framing of those engagement events. This article looks at how we might attend to these overspills—for instance, forms of “misbehavior” on the part of lay participants—not only to provide accounts of them but also to explore ways of deploying them creatively. In particular, Stengers’ figure of the “idiot” is proposed as a device for deploying those overspills to interrogate “what we are busy doing” as social science researchers in engagement events. This interrogation is furthered by considering the proactive idiocy of “Speculative Design’s” version of the public engagement with science which seems directly to engender “overspilling.” Providing examples of speculative design prototypes and practices, the article develops an ideal typical contrast between social scientific and designerly perspectives on public engagement. It is suggested that speculative design can serve as a resource for supplementing “science and technology studies” (STS) conceptualizations of, and practices toward, public, engagement, and science.
The Paradox of Participation Experiments
Authors: Bogner Alexander
Published: December 2011

An ongoing trend in technology policy has been to advocate participation. However, the author claims that lay citizens’ participation typically materializes in the form of a laboratory experiment at present. That is, lay participation as currently organized by professional participation experts under controlled conditions rarely is linked to public controversies, to the pursuit of political participation or to individual concerns. Derived from qualitative research on two citizen conferences, the author shows empirically that in practice, this laboratory participation leads to paradoxical effects: successfully carrying out the experiment results in a systematic disappointment of the hope for gains in rationality typically attached to lay participation. Finally, the author relates this result to sociological debates about new modes of knowledge production. Under such a perspective, the author sees a paradoxical development: while society at large is becoming a laboratory in which knowledge is produced, participation practice is retreating from society into the lab.
Thyroidectomy‐Related Malpractice Claims
Authors: Singer Michael C. , Iverson Kenneth C. , Terris David J.
Published: January 2012

Objective

Little information is available regarding the frequency of thyroidectomy‐related malpractice claims. Previous studies have not assessed claims that were settled or dropped before trial, providing only a limited view of the medical‐legal environment. We sought to determine the frequency of thyroid surgery–related malpractice claims, their causes, and outcomes.

Study Design

Database assessment.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

The database of the Physician Insurers Association of America was reviewed. These data are estimated to represent 25% of medical malpractice claims in the United States. Claims from 1985 to 2008 with thyroid‐related procedure codes were evaluated for claimant information, insured’s specialty, loss description, causation, and claim outcomes.

Results

During the 24‐year period reviewed, 380 claims related to thyroid surgery were reported. 128 claims (33.7% of total claims) resulted in an indemnity payment either due to settlement or a finding against the defendant. The average indemnity payment was $185,366 (range, $363 to $2,000,000). Among cases in which a specific outcome was reported, 55 were related to laryngeal nerve injury or voice disturbance. No substantial change occurred in the incidence of claims across the study period. During this time, approximately 2,585,000 thyroidectomies were performed. Extrapolating from the Physician Insurers Association of America data, this represents an estimated 5.9 claims per 10,000 cases.

Conclusion

Malpractice claims related to thyroid surgery are surprisingly infrequent. While the rates of thyroid surgery have risen steadily, there has not been a corresponding increase in the rate of related malpractice claims.
Performance in the Citing Behavior of Two Student Writers
Authors: Harwood Nigel , Petrić Bojana
Published: December 2011

This article reports the results of an interview-based study which investigated the citation behavior in the assignment writing of two second-language postgraduate business management students, Sofie and Tara. Discourse-based interviews were used to elicit the students’ own perspectives on their citation behavior in two of their assignments. Citations were one of the ways in which Sofie and Tara enacted performance (Goffman, 1959), aiming to create a favorable impression on the assignment markers. Both students made sure they cited key sources on their reading lists, whether they found the texts helpful or not, because they understood that lecturers required evidence that these sources had been consulted. Both writers also cited a large number of sources, whether they had read these sources carefully or not, to perform the industrious student who reads widely. By ensuring the same sources which had been discussed in class were cited in her writing, Tara was able to perform the attentive student who listened carefully to lectures and seminars. Sofie sometimes tailored what she cited to fit her markers’ perceived interests and ideological standpoints, in an attempt to align her own stance with what she felt would be the stance of her markers and thus gain their favor. Implications of using Goffman’s notion of performance to explore student writers’ citing behavior are discussed. The pedagogical implications of the study for subject-specific lecturers and for EAP teachers are also addressed.
Policies on Sexually Explicit Materials in State Prisons
Authors: Burton Corey D. , Tewksbury Richard
Published: December 2011

Given the limited opportunities for consensual, sexual relationships in prisons, inmates must often seek to fulfill their sexual needs through other avenues, including use of sexually explicit materials. The current study explores the policies of correctional agencies regarding allowing inmates’ access to sexually explicit materials. Drawing on Department of Corrections (DOC) policies, this study indicates important variations across systems. Current research, as it relates to the effects of viewing sexually explicit materials on prison inmates, is scarce. Although more data are available from the general population, it is not entirely clear whether these results translate to prison inmates. Nonetheless, prison administrators may still have a legitimate penological interest in restricting these materials. Examining both the current state of correctional policies on access to sexually explicit materials and the current research, potential implications for policy development are discussed.
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of conducting polypyrrole/Na-montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Çelik Meltem , Önal Müşerref
Published: December 2011

Polypyrrole/Na-montmorillonite nanocomposites were prepared by oxidative polymerization of pyrrole in aqueous medium using ammonium peroxydisulfate as the oxidant. The synthesized nanocomposites were confirmed by a series of characterization techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermal analysis. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy images showed that the polypyrrole was intercalated into the clay layers. The thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis revealed the improved thermal stability of nanocomposites with respect to pure polypyrrole due to modification of the incorporated Na-montmorillonite. Furthermore; adsorptive properties, the moisture retains, and water uptake values of nanocomposites were investigated. Conductivity behaviour of nanocomposites was also studied. The nanocomposites exhibit the room temperature conductivities varied from 1.2 × 10−8 S cm−1 to 8.7 × 10−8 S cm−1 range, depending on the amount of polypyrrole.
Effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate on mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene/chitosan composites
Authors: Amri Faisal , Husseinsyah Salmah , Hussin Kamarudin
Published: December 2011

The effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on mechanical and thermal properties of chitosan-filled polypropylene (PP) composites was investigated. Mechanical and thermal properties of PP/chitosan composites were analyzed according to ASTM D 638-91, thermogravimetry analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Results showed that the treated PP/chitosan composites had higher tensile strength and Young’s modulus when compared with untreated PP/chitosan composites, but lower in elongation at break in the same filler loading. Thermal analysis results showed that the thermal stability and degree of crystallinity of treated PP/chitosan composites were higher than untreated ones. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared studies revealed less detachment of filler from matrix on the tensile surface of treated PP/chitosan composites as an evidence of enhanced interfacial adhesion between filler and matrix due to the formation of covalent bonding between chitosan and SDS.