bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Endometrial Cancer by n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Preclinical Models
Authors: Zheng Hang , Tang Hongjun , Liu Miao , He Minhong , Lai Pinglin , Dong Heling , Lin Jun , Jia Chunhong , Zhong Mei , Dai Yifan , Bai Xiaochun , Wang Liping
Published: May 2014

Although preclinical and epidemiologic studies have shown the importance of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the prevention of hormone-responsive cancers such as breast cancer, evidence of the association between n-3 PUFAs and endometrial cancer risk is limited and no previous study has examined the effect of n-3 PUFAs on endometrial cancer in cellular and animal models. In this study, we demonstrated that docosahexenoic acid (DHA) dose- and time-dependently inhibited endometrial cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration and promoted apoptosis. Dietary n-3 PUFAs efficiently prevented endometrial cancer cell growth in xenograft models. Moreover, ectopic expression of fat-1, a desaturase, catalyzed the conversion of n-6 to n-3 PUFAs and produced n-3 PUFAs endogenously, also suppressed endometrial tumor cell growth and migration, and potentiated apoptosis in endometrial cancer cell lines. Interestingly, implanted endometrial cancer cells were unable to grow in fat-1 transgenic SCID mice. Further study revealed that mTOR signaling, which plays an essential role in cell proliferation and endometrial tumorigenesis, is a target of n-3 PUFAs. Exogenous or endogenous n-3 PUFAs efficiently suppressed both mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2 in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, both dietary n-3 PUFAs and transgenic expression of fat-1 in mice effectively repressed mTORC1/2 signaling and endometrial growth elicited by unopposed estrogen. Taken together, our findings provide comprehensive preclinical evidences that n-3 PUFAs efficiently prevent endometrial cancer and establish mTORC1/2 as a target of n-3 PUFAs. Cancer Prev Res; 7(8); 824–34. ©2014 AACR.
Assessment of MAGE-A Expression in Resected Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer in Relation to Clinicopathologic Features and Mutational Status of EGFR and KRAS
Authors: Ayyoub Maha , Memeo Lorenzo , Álvarez-Fernández Emilio , Colarossi Cristina , Costanzo Rosario , Aiello Eleonora , Martinetti Daniela , Valmori Danila
Published: May 2014

Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major public health problem, accounting for more cancer-related deaths than any other cancer. Both immunotherapy, based on the expression of tumor-specific antigens, and targeted therapy, based on the presence of oncogenic mutations, are under development for NSCLC. In this study, we analyzed the expression of MAGE-A, a cancer–testis antigen, in tumors from a cohort of patients with resected NSCLC with respect to their clinicopathologic characteristics and their mutational status for the EGFR and KRAS genes. We found MAGE-A expression by IHC in 43% of the tumors. MAGE-A expression was significantly more frequent in squamous tumors than in adenocarcinomas, did not correlate with disease stage, but was correlated significantly with high tumor grade and worse survival. EGFR and KRAS mutations were present in adenocarcinomas, but not in squamous tumors. Whereas the presence of EGFR mutations did not seem to affect survival, the presence of KRAS mutations was associated with early-stage disease and better survival. MAGE-A expression was absent from adenocarcinomas with KRAS mutations, but not significantly different in tumors with or without EGFR mutations. Together, the reported results provide guidance for the design of combination therapies in patients with NSCLC. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(10); 943–8. ©2014 AACR.
Ischemic Burden by 3-Dimensional Myocardial Perfusion Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Jogiya Roy , Morton Geraint , De Silva Kalpa , Reyes Eliana , Hachamovitch Rory , Kozerke Sebastian , Nagel Eike , Underwood S. Richard , Plein Sven
Published: May 2014

Background—

The extent and severity of ischemia on myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) is commonly used to risk-stratify patients with coronary artery disease. Estimation of ischemic burden by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with conventional 2-dimensional myocardial perfusion methods is limited by incomplete cardiac coverage. More recently developed 3-dimensional (3D) myocardial perfusion CMR, however, provides whole-heart coverage. The aim of this study was to compare ischemic burden on 3D myocardial perfusion CMR with
99m
Tc-tetrofosmin MPS.

Methods and Results—

Forty-five patients who had undergone clinically indicated MPS underwent rest and adenosine stress 3D myocardial perfusion and late gadolinium enhancement CMR. Summed stress and rest scores were calculated for MPS and CMR using a 17-segment model and expressed as a percentage of the maximal possible score. Ischemic burden was defined as the difference between stress and rest scores. 3D myocardial perfusion CMR and MPS agreed in 38 of the 45 patients for the detection of any inducible ischemia. The mean ischemic burden for MPS and CMR was similar (7.5±8.9% versus 6.8±9.5%, respectively,
P
=0.82) with a strong correlation between techniques (rs=0.70,
P
<0.001). In a subset of 33 patients who underwent clinically indicated invasive coronary angiography, sensitivities and specificities of the 2 techniques to detect angiographic coronary artery disease were similar (McNemar
P
=0.45).

Conclusions—

3D myocardial perfusion CMR is an alternative to MPS for detecting the presence and rating the severity of ischemia.
Inhibition of ERK1/2 Phosphorylation: A New Strategy to Stimulate Elastogenesis in the Aorta
Authors: Lannoy Morgane , Slove Séverin , Louedec Liliane , Choqueux Christine , Journé Clément , Michel Jean-Baptiste , Jacob Marie-Paule
Published: May 2014

Haploinsufficiency of elastin leads, in more than half of patients with Williams–Beuren syndrome, to development of supravalvular aortic stenosis and hypertension. Determining mechanisms implicated in elastin synthesis would be of interest to find new elastogenic molecules to treat such a pathology. Here, we analyzed the signaling pathway linking intracellular calcium concentration to elastin regulation to find new molecules able to increase elastin synthesis. Their elastogenic ability was then investigated, in vitro and in vivo, using inhibitors of the highlighted pathway. The Brown Norway rat strain was used here as an arterial elastin-deficient model. Our data indicated that A23187, a calcium ionophore, decreases elastin expression in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells, both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally. Addition of A23187 induced transient activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2, leading to an upregulation of activator protein-1 transcription factors, which correlated with the inhibition of elastin gene transcription. Pretreatment with U0126, an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 phosphorylation, abolished the inhibition of elastin gene transcription by A23187. In vitro, U0126 increased elastin synthesis and in vivo, 24 hours after an intravenous administration, elastin gene transcription and elastin mRNA levels were increased in the rat aorta. A chronic treatment, diffusing U0126 for 10 weeks, increased aortic elastin content without changing cell number and collagen content. In conclusion, calcium ionophore represses elastin gene transcription via activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 pathway and activator protein-1 transcription factors. Moreover, we provide strong evidence that inhibition of extracellular signal–regulated kinases 1/2 increases elastin synthesis and could thus be suitable for treating vascular pathologies characterized by diminished arterial elastin content.
Forward and Backward Wave Morphology and Central Pressure Augmentation in Men and Women in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Torjesen Alyssa A. , Wang Na , Larson Martin G. , Hamburg Naomi M. , Vita Joseph A. , Levy Daniel , Benjamin Emelia J. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Mitchell Gary F.
Published: May 2014

Central pressure augmentation is associated with greater backward wave amplitude and shorter transit time and is higher in women for reasons only partially elucidated. Augmentation also is affected by left ventricular function and shapes of the forward and backward waves. The goal of this study was to examine the relative contributions of forward and backward wave morphology to central pressure augmentation in men and women. From noninvasive measurements of central pressure and flow in 7437 participants (4036 women) aged from 19 to 90 years (mean age, 51 years), we calculated several variables: augmentation index, backward wave arrival time, reflection factor, forward wave amplitude, forward wave peak width, and slope of the backward wave upstroke. Linear regression models for augmentation index, adjusted for height and heart rate, demonstrated nonlinear relations with age (age:
B
=4.6±0.1%;
P
<0.001; age
2
:
B
=−4.2±0.1%;
P
<0.001) and higher augmentation in women (
B
=4.5±0.4%;
P
<0.001; model
R
2
=0.35). Addition of reflection factor and backward wave arrival time improved model fit (
R
2
=0.62) and reduced the age coefficients: age (
B
=2.3±0.1%;
P
<0.001) and age
2
(
B
=−2.2±0.1%;
P
<0.001). Addition of width of forward wave peak, slope of backward wave upstroke, and forward wave amplitude further improved model fit (
R
2
=0.75) and attenuated the sex coefficient (
B
=1.9±0.2%;
P
<0.001). Thus, shape and amplitude of the forward wave may be important correlates of augmentation index, and part of the sex difference in augmentation index may be explained by forward and backward wave morphology.
Genetic Spectrum and Clinical Correlates of Somatic Mutations in Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma
Authors: Fernandes-Rosa Fabio Luiz , Williams Tracy Ann , Riester Anna , Steichen Olivier , Beuschlein Felix , Boulkroun Sheerazed , Strom Tim M. , Monticone Silvia , Amar Laurence , Meatchi Tchao , Mantero Franco , Cicala Maria-Verena , Quinkler Marcus , Fallo Francesco , Allolio Bruno , Bernini Giampaolo , Maccario Mauro , Giacchetti Gilberta , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Mulatero Paolo , Reincke Martin , Zennaro Maria-Christina
Published: May 2014

Primary aldosteronism is the most common form of secondary hypertension. Somatic mutations in
KCNJ5
,
ATP1A1
,
ATP2B3
, and
CACNA1D
have been described in aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of somatic mutations in these genes in unselected patients with APA (n=474), collected through the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors. Correlations with clinical and biochemical parameters were first analyzed in a subset of 199 patients from a single center and then replicated in 2 additional centers. Somatic heterozygous
KCNJ5
mutations were present in 38% (180/474) of APAs, whereas
ATP1A1
mutations were found in 5.3% (25/474) and
ATP2B3
mutations in 1.7% (8/474) of APAs. Previously reported somatic
CACNA1D
mutations as well as 10 novel
CACNA1D
mutations were identified in 44 of 474 (9.3%) APAs. There was no difference in the cellular composition of APAs or in
CYP11B2
,
CYP11B1, KCNJ5
,
CACNA1D
, or
ATP1A1
gene expression in APAs across genotypes. Patients with
KCNJ5
mutations were more frequently female, diagnosed younger, and with higher minimal plasma potassium concentrations compared with
CACNA1D
mutation carriers or noncarriers.
CACNA1D
mutations were associated with smaller adenomas. These associations were largely dependent on the population structure of the different centers. In conclusion, recurrent somatic mutations were identified in 54% of APAs. Young women with APAs are more likely to be
KCNJ5
mutation carriers; identification of specific characteristics or surrogate biomarkers of mutation status may lead to targeted treatment options.
l
-Citrulline, But Not
l
-Arginine, Prevents Diabetes Mellitus–Induced Glomerular Hyperfiltration and Proteinuria in Rat
Authors: Persson Patrik , Fasching Angelica , Teerlink Tom , Hansell Peter , Palm Fredrik
Published: May 2014

Diabetes mellitus–induced oxidative stress causes increased renal oxygen consumption and intrarenal tissue hypoxia. Nitric oxide is an important determinant of renal oxygen consumption and electrolyte transport efficiency. The present study investigates whether
l
-arginine or
l
-citrulline to promote nitric oxide production prevents the diabetes mellitus–induced kidney dysfunction. Glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, in vivo oxygen consumption, tissue oxygen tension, and proteinuria were investigated in control and streptozotocin-diabetic rats with and without chronic
l
-arginine or
l
-citrulline treatment for 3 weeks. Untreated and
l
-arginine–treated diabetic rats displayed increased glomerular filtration rate (2600±162 versus 1599±127 and 2290±171 versus 1739±138 µL/min per kidney), whereas
l
-citrulline prevented the increase (1227±126 versus 1375±88 µL/min per kidney). Filtration fraction was increased in untreated diabetic rats because of the increase in glomerular filtration rate but not in
l
-arginine– or
l
-citrulline–treated diabetic rats. Urinary protein excretion was increased in untreated and
l
-arginine–treated diabetic rats (142±25 versus 75±7 and 128±7 versus 89±7 µg/min per kidney) but not in diabetic rats administered
l
-citrulline (67±7 versus 61±5 µg/min per kidney). The diabetes mellitus–induced tissue hypoxia, because of elevated oxygen consumption, was unaltered by any of the treatments.
l
-citrulline administered to diabetic rats increases plasma
l
-arginine concentration, which prevents the diabetes mellitus–induced glomerular hyperfiltration, filtration fraction, and proteinuria, possibly by a vascular effect.
Gestational Hypoxia Increases Reactive Oxygen Species and Inhibits Steroid Hormone–Mediated Upregulation of Ca
2+
-Activated K
+
Channel Function in Uterine Arteries
Authors: Zhu Ronghui , Huang Xiaohui , Hu Xiang-Qun , Xiao DaLiao , Zhang Lubo
Published: May 2014

Gestational hypoxia inhibits steroid hormone–induced upregulation of Ca
2+
-activated K
+
(K
Ca
) channel activities in uterine arteries. We tested the hypothesis that increased reactive oxygen species play an important role in hypoxia-mediated inhibition of K
Ca
channel activities. Uterine arteries were isolated from nonpregnant (nonpregnant uterine artery) and near-term (≈142–145 day) pregnant (pregnant uterine artery) sheep maintained at either sea level or high altitude (3820 m, Pa
o
2
: 60 mm Hg) for 110 days. In pregnant uterine arteries, hypoxia significantly decreased large conductance channel opener NS1619- and small conductance channel opener NS309-induced relaxations, which were partially restored by reactive oxygen species inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC significantly increased large conductance K
Ca
but not small conductance K
Ca
current densities in uterine arterial smooth muscle cells in pregnant animals acclimatized to high altitude. The NAC-sensitive component of small conductance K
Ca
–induced relaxations was diminished in endothelium-denuded arteries. In nonpregnant uterine arteries, NS1619- and NS309-induced relaxations were diminished compared with those in pregnant uterine arteries. Treatment of nonpregnant uterine arteries with 17β-estradiol and progesterone for 48 hours increased small conductance K
Ca
type 3 protein abundance and NS1619- and NS309-induced relaxations, which were inhibited by hypoxia. This hypoxia-mediated inhibition was reversed by NAC. Consistently, steroid hormone treatment had no significant effects on large conductance K
Ca
current density in nonpregnant uterine arteries of hypoxic animals in the absence of NAC but significantly increased it in the presence of NAC. These results suggest an important role of hypoxia-mediated reactive oxygen species in negatively regulating steroid hormone–mediated upregulation of K
Ca
channel activity and adaptation of uterine vascular reactivity in pregnancy, which may contribute to the increased incidence of preeclampsia and fetal intrauterine growth restriction associated with gestational hypoxia.
Serelaxin Is a More Efficacious Antifibrotic Than Enalapril in an Experimental Model of Heart Disease
Authors: Samuel Chrishan S. , Bodaragama Hasangika , Chew Jacqueline Y. , Widdop Robert E. , Royce Simon G. , Hewitson Tim D.
Published: May 2014

Relaxin is a naturally occurring peptide hormone that mediates systemic hemodynamic and renal adaptive changes during pregnancy and abrogates aberrant scar tissue formation (fibrosis) in diverse pathogeneses. However, its efficacy relative to renin–angiotensin system blockade, the most effective antifibrotic strategy currently available, is not known. We compared the individual versus combined antifibrotic effects of serelaxin (a recombinant form of human gene-2 relaxin) and the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril, in preventative (started before injury) and therapeutic (treatment of established fibrosis) strategies, in a mouse model of isoprenaline-induced cardiac injury (at 17 days). Changes in systolic blood pressure, organ hypertrophy, and tissue remodeling/fibrosis were assessed. Pretreatment with serelaxin (0.5 mg/kg per day via subcutaneous administration) alone reduced cardiac fibrosis to a greater extent than enalapril (200 mg/L via drinking water; equivalent to 48 mg/kg per day) alone (
P
<0.05 versus enalapril alone). Additionally, the combined effects of serelaxin and enalapril reduced cardiac fibrosis by at least 2-fold compared with enalapril alone, when administered preventatively or therapeutically; by suppressing transforming growth factor-β1 expression and phosphorylation of Smad2 (an intracellular regulator of transforming growth factor-β1 activity; both
P
<0.05 versus enalapril alone) to a greater extent. The effects of serelaxin were independent of blood pressure, while enalapril lowered systolic blood pressure in the model studied. These findings suggest that serelaxin alone and in combination with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor more effectively ameliorates fibrosis than angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition alone in the diseased heart, in a clinically relevant experimental scenario.
Help Wanted? The Mixed Record of Foreign Fighters in Domestic Insurgencies
Authors: Bakke Kristin M.
Published: May 2014

One of the major policy concerns surrounding violent conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Pakistan, Russia's North Caucasus region, Somalia, and Syria has been that these struggles may both attract and breed transnational insurgents, or foreign fighters. Yet despite this growing worry, relatively little is known about the ways in which transnational insurgents influence the domestic struggles they join. Existing scholarship assumes that such “outsiders” strengthen domestic opposition movements by bringing with them fighters, weapons, know-how, and access to financial resources. Indeed, access to such assets explains why domestic resistance leaders may initially welcome transnational insurgents. Foreign fighters, however, can also weaken domestic insurgencies by introducing new ideas regarding their objectives and how these struggles should be waged. The introduction of new goals and tactics can not only create divisions with opposition movements, but can also complicate the ability of local leaders to attract and maintain vital public support. Domestic resistance leaders' willingness and ability to adapt the ideas of transnational insurgents to local conditions is key to determining whether and how foreign fighters strengthen homegrown insurgencies.
Attacking the Leader, Missing the Mark: Why Terrorist Groups Survive Decapitation Strikes
Authors: Jordan Jenna
Published: May 2014

Leadership targeting has become a key feature of counterterrorism policy. Both academics and policymakers have argued that the removal of leaders is an effective strategy in combating terrorism. Leadership decapitation is not always successful, however, and existing empirical work does not account for this variability. A theory of organizational resilience explains why decapitation results in the decline of some terrorist organizations and the survival of others. Organizational resilience is dependent on two variables: bureaucratization and communal support. Older and larger organizations tend to develop bureaucratic features, facilitating a clear succession process and increasing their stability and ability to withstand attacks on their leadership. Communal support plays an important role in providing the resources necessary for terrorist groups to function and survive. Religious and separatist groups typically enjoy a high degree of support from the communities in which they operate, and thus access to critical resources. Application of this theoretical model to the case of al-Qaida reveals that Osama bin Laden's death and the subsequent targeting of other high-level al-Qaida operatives are unlikely to produce significant organizational decline.
New Delhi's Long Nuclear Journey: How Secrecy and Institutional Roadblocks Delayed India's Weaponization
Authors: Kampani Gaurav
Published: May 2014

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, many academics, think tank analysts, journalists, and government officials came to perceive India as a de facto nuclear weapons power. The consensus among U.S. policymakers was that normative, rather than technical or organizational hurdles, prevented India from transforming its latent nuclear capability into an operational one. New evidence shows, however, that India lacked technical means to deliver nuclear weapons reliably and safely until 1994–95. Further, until the outbreak of the Kargil War in the summer of 1999, political leaders refrained from embedding the weapons within organizational and procedural routines that would have rendered them operational in the military sense of the term. These deficiencies can be traced to a regime of secrecy that prevented information sharing and coordination among the relevant actors. This secrecy stemmed from risk aversion among Indian decisionmakers, who feared international pressures for nuclear rollback, particularly from the United States.
Contested Primacy in the Western Pacific: China's Rise and the Future of U.S. Power Projection
Authors: Montgomery Evan Braden
Published: May 2014

Despite their disagreements, proponents of deep engagement and offshore balancing share an optimistic but unrealistic assessment of U.S. military power. In particular, both sides in the debate over U.S. grand strategy underestimate the potential consequences of China's military modernization. China's antiaccess/area denial strategy and conventional precision-strike capabilities are already undermining the United States’ ability to prevent local conflicts, protect longtime allies, and preserve freedom of the commons in East Asia. Whether the United States intends to uphold the status quo when threats emerge or adopt a wait-and-see approach to regional conflicts, it will need to adapt its military for power projection operations in much less permissive environments than it has become accustomed to during the unipolar era. These adaptations include developing air and undersea platforms that can survive inside denial zones, forward bases that are better able to withstand attacks, and satellite and cyberspace networks that are less vulnerable to disruption.
The tardigrade fauna of Australian marine caves:
With descriptions of nine new species of Arthrotardigrada
Authors: JØRGENSEN ASLAK , BOESGAARD TOM M. , MØBJERG NADJA , KRISTENSEN REINHARDT M.
Published: May 2014

Marine caves are known to support a rich macrofauna; however, few studies have focused on meiofauna. Marine cave meiofaunal tardigrades have been reported from Japan and the Mediterranean Sea and a preliminary list of species including a redescription of Actinarctus neretinus Grimaldi de Zio, D’Addabbo Gallo, Morone De Lucia, Vaccarella and Grimaldi, 1982 was reported from Fish Rock Cave and Jim’s Cave on the coast of Australia. This study is the fourth in a series describing the unique meiofauna in two Australian submarine caves located off the coast of New South Wales, describing nine new species.        Only 67 tardigrades were collected from the two caves, yet these contained a high diversity of at least 16 different species which are quite different in the two caves. The fauna includes nine arthrotardigrade genera: Actinarctus, Batillipes, Dipodarctus, Halechiniscus, Raiarctus, Styraconyx, Tanarctus, Tholoarctus, and Wingstrandarctus. This fauna is different from that reported for the high energy beaches along the East Coast of Australia.        We describe nine new species comprising a single batillipedid and eight halechiniscids: Batillipes solitarius nov. sp., Dipodarctus australiensis nov. sp., Dipodarctus susannae nov. sp., Raiarctus jesperi nov. sp., Raiarctus katrinae nov. sp., Tanarctus hirsutospinosus nov. sp., Tholoarctus oleseni nov. sp., Wingstrandarctus stinae nov. sp. and Wingstrandarctus unsculptus nov. sp.
A revision of the subgenus Pedionis (Pedionis) Hamilton from China, with description of two new species (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
Authors: ZHANG BIN , ZHANG RUILING
Published: May 2014

Twenty species of the subgenus Pedionis occurring in the Chinese fauna are recognized, including two new species, P. aculeata sp. nov., P. papillata sp. nov. from Guizhou Prov., China. And, P. nankunshanensis Li, Dai & Li, 2011 is here considered as a junior synonym of P. yunnana Zhang & Viraktamath, 2010. A key to Chinese species of subgenus Pedionis is also provided as well as a checklist.
A review of the Nearctic Odontomachus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae) with a treatment of the males
Authors: MacGown Joe A. , BOUDINOT BRENDON , Deyrup Mark , Sorger D. Magdalena
Published: May 2014

The ant genus Odontomachus Latreille in the United States is reviewed. Six species are treated: O. brunneus (Patton), O. clarus Roger, O. desertorum Wheeler stat. nov., O. relictus Deyrup and Cover, O. ruginodis M.R. Smith, and O. haematodus (Linnaeus), a new record for North America. The spread of O. haematodus is documented, and its identity is clarified. The genus is diagnosed for species in the Nearctic region for all castes, and worker- and male-based keys are presented. The workers and males of all six species are described and figured, including the first male descriptions for O. haematodus and O. desertorum. This represents the first study of species-level variation in Odontomachus male genitalia, and one of the first of such studies of the Ponerinae for any biogeographic region. A discussion of the utility of the male sex for Odontomachus taxonomy is provided.
Sovereign Debt and Governance Failures
Authors: de Sousa Luís , Magalhães Pedro C. , Amaral Luciano
Published: May 2014

International economic crises are critical periods for any political regime. The 2008 global financial crisis brought to the surface several weak spots in the institutional performance of various southern European democracies. Portugal was no exception. Government attempts to tackle its negative externalities through a series of austerity measures did not prove successful on various grounds. Poor scoring in the economy generated social unrest. This article tries to assess the reaction of the Portuguese citizenry to the symptoms of failure in economic governance, particularly in what concerns their attitudes vis-à-vis the political realm by using different survey data sets. The analysis reveals that the decline in economic performance and in quality of governance is clearly reflected in citizens’ rising discontent with the performance of democracy and suggests even negative spillover effects for regime support. The available data also suggest that any expectations that the economic crisis might have ignited in citizens’ engagement in political issues seem only partially fulfilled.
The marginalization of the Arab language in social science: Structural constraints and dependency by choice
Authors: Hanafi Sari , Arvanitis Rigas
Published: May 2014

This article aims at questioning the relationship between Arab social research and language by arguing that many factors including the political economy of publication, globalization, internationalization and commodification of higher education have marginalized peripheral languages such as Arabic. The authors demonstrate, on the one hand, that this marginalization is not necessarily structurally inevitable but indicates dependency by choice, and, on the other hand, how globalization has reinforced the English language hegemony. This article uses the results of a questionnaire survey about the use of references in PhD and Master’s theses. The survey, which was answered by 165 persons, targeted those who hold a Master’s or PhD degree from any university in the Arab world or who have dealt with a topic related to the Arab world, no matter in which discipline.
Changes in School Enrollment Patterns After the First-Time Release of School-Level Test Scores in Milwaukee’s School Voucher Program
Authors: Ford Michael
Published: May 2014

Since 1990, the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) has enabled low and middle-income parents to attend private Milwaukee schools at state expense. In 2010, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released, for the first time, results of newly required state standardized tests for students using the MPCP. This article uses an original data set from Milwaukee’s two-decade-old private school voucher program to test several hypotheses on the impact of the first public release of test scores on school enrollment patterns. Specifically, the article uses quantitative methods to test (a) whether enrollment decreased at lower performing schools, (b) whether low-performing schools were more likely to close compared with higher performing schools, and (c) whether historical school-level growth patterns were significantly different after the release of test scores. The article finds that enrollment increases at higher performing schools were larger than at low-performing schools. However, the link between test scores and enrollment patterns disappears after controlling for available school-level characteristics. The analysis provides a first peek at how a transparency intervention affects enrollment patterns in an education marketplace.
Selective β2-adrenergic Antagonist Butoxamine Reduces Orthodontic Tooth Movement
Authors: Sato T. , Miyazawa K. , Suzuki Y. , Mizutani Y. , Uchibori S. , Asaoka R. , Arai M. , Togari A. , Goto S.
Published: May 2014

Recently, involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in bone metabolism has attracted attention. β2-Adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) is presented on osteoblastic and osteoclastic cells. We previously demonstrated that β-AR blockers at low dose improve osteoporosis with hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system via β2-AR blocking, while they may have a somewhat inhibitory effect on osteoblastic activity at high doses. In this study, the effects of butoxamine (BUT), a specific β2-AR antagonist, on tooth movement were examined in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) showing osteoporosis with hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. We administered BUT (1 mg/kg) orally, and closed-coil springs were inserted into the upper-left first molar. After sacrifice, we calculated the amount of tooth movement and analyzed the trabecular microarchitecture and histomorphometry. The distance in the SHR control was greater than that in the Wistar-Kyoto rat group, but no significant difference was found in the SHR treated with BUT compared with the Wistar-Kyoto rat control. Analysis of bone volume per tissue volume, trabecular number, and osteoclast surface per bone surface in the alveolar bone showed clear bone loss by an increase of bone resorption in SHR. In addition, BUT treatment resulted in a recovery of alveolar bone loss. Furthermore, TH-immunoreactive nerves in the periodontal ligament were increased by tooth movement, and BUT administration decreased TH-immunoreactive nerves. These results suggest that BUT prevents alveolar bone loss and orthodontic tooth movement via β2-AR blocking.
Incarceration and Post-release Health Behavior
Authors: Porter Lauren C.
Published: May 2014

This study investigates the link between incarceration and health behavior among a sample of young adults from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health ( N = 1,670). The association is analyzed using propensity score methods and a strategic comparison group: respondents who have been convicted of crimes, but not incarcerated. Findings suggest that former inmates consume more fast food and have a higher likelihood of smoking than do similarly situated peers. These associations operate partly through increased financial strife and decreased social standing. Given the role of health behavior in predicting future health outcomes, poor health behavior may be a salient force driving health and mortality risk among the formerly incarcerated population.
Obesity (Sometimes) Matters
Authors: Wadsworth Tim , Pendergast Philip M.
Published: May 2014

Previous research has established the negative influence of obesity on subjective well-being. In the present work, the authors use multilevel modeling and Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System data ( N = 1,319,340) to examine how this relationship is influenced by the prevalence of obesity in the contexts in which individuals are living and how such relationships vary by gender. The results suggest that some of the influence of obesity on life satisfaction is the result of relative comparison. Implications for both our understanding of the growing “obesity epidemic” and the study of subjective well-being are discussed.
Developing and Testing a Dynamic Model of Workplace Incivility Change
Authors: Taylor Shannon G. , Bedeian Arthur G. , Cole Michael S. , Zhang Zhen
Published: May 2014

Theory and practice suggest workplace incivility is progressive and dynamic. To date, however, workplace incivility has been assessed as a between-person phenomenon by asking employees to summarize their exposure to incivility over some specific period (e.g., 1 year or 5 years). Consequently, little is known about the time-varying and progressive aspects of workplace incivility as suggested by both the referent literature and experience. Within the context of employee burnout and withdrawal, we developed a novel, dynamic mediated model of workplace incivility change and tested specific predictions about its time-sequential effects. Latent change score modeling of weekly survey data from 131 employees indicates that incivility change uniquely affects subsequent changes in burnout, which, in turn, lead to subsequent changes in turnover cognitions. We also explore whether this dynamic mediated effect varies across time and individuals.
“Good Girls”
Authors: Armstrong Elizabeth A. , Hamilton Laura T. , Armstrong Elizabeth M. , Seeley J. Lotus
Published: May 2014

Women’s participation in slut shaming is often viewed as internalized oppression: they apply disadvantageous sexual double standards established by men. This perspective grants women little agency and neglects their simultaneous location in other social structures. In this article we synthesize insights from social psychology, gender, and culture to argue that undergraduate women use slut stigma to draw boundaries around status groups linked to social class—while also regulating sexual behavior and gender performance. High-status women employ slut discourse to assert class advantage, defining themselves as classy rather than trashy, while low-status women express class resentment—deriding rich, bitchy sluts for their exclusivity. Slut discourse enables, rather than constrains, sexual experimentation for the high-status women whose definitions prevail in the dominant social scene. This is a form of sexual privilege. In contrast, low-status women risk public shaming when they attempt to enter dominant social worlds.
Hospitalizations of nursing home residents with dementia in the last month of life: Results from a nationwide survey
Authors: Houttekier Dirk , Vandervoort An , Van den Block Lieve , van der Steen Jenny T , Vander Stichele Robert , Deliens Luc
Published: May 2014

Background:

Hospitalizations of nursing home residents with dementia may not be uncommon. However, evidence from epidemiological studies outside the United States and knowledge about the circumstances of hospitalizations are lacking.

Aim:

To examine the proportion of nursing home residents with dementia hospitalized in the last month of life and factors associated with hospitalization.

Design:

The design is stratified cluster sampling survey. Nurses retrospectively registered demographic and dementia-related information about deceased residents with dementia. This included information about hospitalizations, persons involved in hospitalization decisions and type and content of information transferred when hospitalized.

Setting/participants:

Nursing home residents dying with dementia in Belgium (Flanders) in 2010.

Results:

In the final month of life, 19.5% of nursing home residents dying with dementia ( N = 198) were hospitalized, including 4.6% admitted to an intensive care unit. For 12.2% of residents dying with dementia, a do-not-hospitalize advance directive was present, for 57.0%, a do-not-hospitalize general physician–order. Residents without a do-not-hospitalize general physician–order were more likely of being hospitalized (adjusted odds ratio: 3.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.3–8.7). None of the hospitalizations occurred at the request of the resident; 37% were at the request of relatives; curative or life-prolonging treatments were the most frequent reasons given. Information about the resident’s nursing care or medical treatment was transferred in almost all hospitalizations, information about wishes and preferences for future care in 19%.

Conclusion:

Hospitalization in Belgian nursing home residents with dementia in the last month of life was common. Documentation of do-not-hospitalize physician-orders in the resident’s medical files may prevent hospitalizations.
Serum creatinine measurements: evaluation of a questionnaire according to the ESUR guidelines
Authors: Zähringer Caroline , Potthast Silke , Tyndall Anthony Joseph , Bongartz Georg , Hohmann Joachim
Published: May 2014

Background

The European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) propose measurements of serum creatinine levels in patients undergoing contrast-enhanced studies with a high probability of impaired renal function and therefore with a higher risk of CIN and NSF.

Purpose

To determine whether the recommended questionnaire is able to select these patients.

Material and Methods

Over a time period of 10 months the questionnaire was conducted in 1389 patients (725 women, 654 men) before contrast administration for computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. Serum creatinine (SCr) measurements and calculation of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values were performed when one or more answers were positive. Eighty-one patients were excluded due to incomplete data. Statistical evaluation of the questionnaire was done retrospectively.

Results

Four hundred and ninety-nine patients (38%) gave one or more positive answers to the questionnaire. Of these, 71 (14%) had an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, 31 (6%) had an eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2, and five (1%) had an eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Only the question concerning previous renal disease showed a significant correlation to an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 ( P < 0.05) and <45 mL/min/1.73 m2. Slight correlations with some other risk factors (renal disease, family history of renal disease, arterial hypertension with medication, analgetic medication with nephrotoxic drugs) were found for either a threshold of 60 or 45 mL/min/1.73 m2. In addition, there was a positive correlation with patient age.

Conclusion

We propose to reduce the questionnaire to a smaller number of risk factors and consider a point-of-care (POC) SCr measurement for all patients aged >70 years without a recent eGFR value while referred for CT. For MRI a SCr measurement is not mandatory while using medium and lowest risk contrast agents.
The Hierarchy of Estates in Land and Naboth's Vineyard
Authors: Russell Stephen C.
Published: May 2014

According to 1 Kgs 21.1–16, following Naboth's refusal to sell Ahab his vineyard, Jezebel arranged for the execution of Naboth on false charges, paving the way for Ahab to take possession of Naboth's land. Commentators have long puzzled over the legal basis of this land transaction. Some posit that Ahab was a distant relative of Naboth entitled to redeem ancestral property following Naboth's death, others that Ahab held the royal right to seize land at will. The narrative, however, supports neither reading. This article proposes that Ahab's acquisition of Naboth's vineyard is better understood in light of anthropologist Max Gluckman's work on the hierarchy of estates in land. This study traces the relevance of Gluckman's thesis to several ancient Near Eastern land transaction texts and to 1 Kgs 21.1–16. Naboth was publicly shown to have failed in his duty to honor those with administrative rights in land. He thus forfeited his rights to that land and his vineyard reverted to the king.
Ruth as a Superior Woman of ‭ליח‬? A Comparison between Ruth and the ‘Capable’ Woman in Proverbs 31.10–31
Authors: Goh Samuel T.S.
Published: May 2014

Scholars generally note that Ruth's similarities with the ideal woman in Prov. 31.10–31 qualify Ruth for the epithet ‭ליח תשא‬. This article proposes that while the similarities associate Ruth with the title ‭ליח תשא‬, some differences set the Moabitess apart as a different kind of ‭ליח תשא‬. One of the main differences is her relationship with Boaz, who is called the man of ‭ליח‬. The marriage of this woman of ‭ליח‬ and the man of ‭ליח‬ results in her association with the Davidic royal line; and this in turn gives Ruth a special position that makes her an ‭ליח תשא‬ superior to the proverbist's woman.
Relationship Between the Risk of Suffering a First-Time Noncontact ACL Injury and Geometry of the Femoral Notch and ACL
Authors: Whitney Darryl C. , Sturnick Daniel R. , Vacek Pamela M. , DeSarno Mike J. , Gardner-Morse Mack , Tourville Timothy W. , Smith Helen C. , Slauterbeck James R. , Johnson Robert J. , Shultz Sandra J. , Hashemi Javad , Beynnon Bruce D.
Published: May 2014

Background:

The morphometric characteristics of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the femoral intercondylar notch within which it resides have been implicated as risk factors for injuries to this important stabilizer of the knee. Prior research has produced equivocal results with differing methodologies, and consequently, it is unclear how these characteristics affect the injury risk in male and female patients.

Hypothesis:

The morphometric characteristics of the ACL and femoral intercondylar notch are individually and independently associated with the risk of suffering a noncontact ACL injury, and these relationships are different in male and female patients.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the bilateral knees were obtained on 88 case-control pairs (27 male, 61 female) matched for age, sex, and participation on the same sports team. Patients had suffered a grade III, first-time, noncontact ACL tear. The femoral notch width at 4 locations, the thickness of the bony ridge at the anteromedial outlet of the femoral notch, the femoral notch volume, ACL volume, and ACL cross-sectional area were measured.

Results:

Multivariate analysis of combined data from male and female patients revealed that decreased ACL volume (odds ratio [OR], 0.829), decreased femoral notch width (OR, 0.700), and increased bony ridge thickness at the anteromedial outlet of the femoral notch (OR, 1.614) were significant independent predictors of an ACL injury. Separate analyses of male and female patients indicated that the femoral notch ridge may be more strongly associated with a risk in female patients, while ACL volume is more strongly associated with a risk in male patients. However, statistical analysis performed with an adjustment for body weight strengthened the association between ACL volume and the risk of injuries in female patients.

Conclusion:

Morphometric features of both the ACL and femoral notch combine to influence the risk of suffering a noncontact ACL injury. When included together in a multivariate model that adjusts for body weight, the effects of the morphometric measurements are similar in male and female patients. If body weight is not taken into consideration, ACL volume is not associated with a risk in female patients.
Spectrum of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
Authors: Gergev Gyurgyinka , Máté Adrienn , Zimmermann Alíz , Rárosi Ferenc , Sztriha László
Published: May 2014

The spectrum of neurodevelopmental disabilities was studied in a cohort of patients in Hungary. A search for etiologies and assessment of the degree of intellectual disability were carried out. The study included 241 (131 boys) patients. Disability occurred without any prenatal, perinatal, and/or neonatal adverse events in 167 patients. They were classified into the following subgroups: genetic syndromes with recognized etiology, global developmental delay/intellectual disability in association with dysmorphic features but unknown etiology, global developmental delay/intellectual disability without dysmorphic features and recognized etiology, brain malformations, inborn errors of metabolism, leukoencephalopathies, epileptic syndromes, developmental language impairment, and neuromuscular disorders. Adverse events occurred in 74 children classified into subgroups such as cerebral palsy after delivery preterm or at term, and disabilities without cerebral palsy. The etiology was identified in 66.4%, and genetic diagnosis was found in 19.5%. Classification of neurodevelopmental disorders contribute to etiological diagnosis, proper rehabilitation, and genetic counseling.
Preliminary design of an optically accessible high-pressure combustor
Authors: Sarker S , Nunez J , Valdez C , Hossain S , Love N , Choudhuri A
Published: May 2014

Future generation gas turbine combustors for power production are expected to have the capability of operating on a variety of different types of fuels. Energy systems running on different fuels produce flames with different burning behaviors, combustion dynamics, and pollutant emissions than when using conventional fuels. To ensure the implementation of new energy sources for future power generation units, which is critical for the US energy sector, lab-scale studies at high pressures and temperatures are being performed at many different locations throughout the world. Although many of these authors in the past present their results from the use of a high-pressure combustor, none have made their design methodology available to the public. Therefore, this paper presents a design of an optically accessible high-pressure combustor facility based on a 500 kW power and 1.5 MPa capability, which is the representative pressure of a gas turbine. Finite element analysis was extensively used to predict window and wall thicknesses needed to withstand these extreme conditions. Based on stress analysis quartz windows were designed with a thickness of 48 mm and a thickness of 8.61 cm was selected for the stainless steel combustor. Follow-up on testing using the high-pressure gas turbine combustor using various different types of fuels, diluents, and injectors have provided repeatable data on the capability of the combustor design to withstand the extreme environment conditions.
Design of a solar tracking parallel mechanism with low energy consumption
Authors: Altuzarra Oscar , Macho Erik , Aginaga Jokin , Petuya Victor
Published: May 2014

Solar trackers are devices that improve the efficiency of photovoltaic collectors increasing the area exposed to direct radiation of the sun. The main drawback of these kinds of devices is that they have to consume certain energy in order to move the collectors following the sun trajectory. This work presents the detailed design of a mechanism with parallel kinematics architecture able to accurately follow the sun motion, which has been designed with the aim of minimizing the energy consumption during its operation.