bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of Gestures in a Video-Mediated Collaborative Assembly Task
Authors: Alem Leila , Li Jane
Published: February 2011

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of two gesture representations (overlaying hands and cursor pointer) in a video-mediated scenario—remote collaboration on physical task. Our study assessed the relative value of the two gesture representations with respect to their effectiveness in task performance, user's satisfaction, and user's perceived quality of collaboration in terms of the coordination and interaction with the remote partner. Our results show no clear difference between these two gesture representations in the effectiveness and user satisfaction. However, when considering the perceived quality of collaboration, the overlaying hands condition was statistically significantly higher than the pointer cursor condition. Our results seem to suggest that the value of a more expressive gesture representation is not so much a gain in performance but rather a gain in user's experience, more specifically in user's perceived quality of collaborative effort.
Phase I Trial of Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitor Vismodegib (GDC-0449) in Patients with Refractory, Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors
Authors: LoRusso Patricia M. , Rudin Charles M. , Reddy Josina C. , Tibes Raoul , Weiss Glen J. , Borad Mitesh J. , Hann Christine L. , Brahmer Julie R. , Chang Ilsung , Darbonne Walter C. , Graham Richard A. , Zerivitz Kenn L. , Low Jennifer A. , Von Hoff Daniel D.
Published: February 2011

Purpose: The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, a key regulator of cell growth and differentiation during development is implicated in pathogenesis of certain cancers. Vismodegib (GDC-0449) is a small-molecule inhibitor of smoothened, a key component of Hh signaling. This phase I trial assessed GDC-0449 treatment in patients with solid tumors refractory to current therapies or for which no standard therapy existed.

Experimental Design: Sixty-eight patients received GDC-0449 at 150 mg/d (n = 41), 270 mg/d (n = 23), or 540 mg/d (n = 4). Adverse events, tumor responses, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamic down-modulation of GLI1 expression in noninvolved skin were assessed.

Results: Thirty-three of 68 patients had advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC), 8 had pancreatic cancer, 1 had medulloblastoma; 17 other types of cancer were also represented. GDC-0449 was generally well-tolerated. Six patients (8.8%) experienced 7 grade 4 events (hyponatremia, fatigue, pyelonephritis, presyncope, resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and paranoia with hyperglycemia), and 27.9% of patients experienced a grade 3 event [most commonly hyponatremia (10.3%), abdominal pain (7.4%), and fatigue (5.9%)]. No maximum tolerated dose was reached. The recommended phase II dose was 150 mg/d, based on achievement of maximal plasma concentration and pharmacodynamic response at this dose. Tumor responses were observed in 20 patients (19 with BCC and 1 unconfirmed response in medulloblastoma), 14 patients had stable disease as best response, and 28 had progressive disease. Evidence of GLI1 down-modulation was observed in noninvolved skin.

Conclusions: GDC-0449 has an acceptable safety profile and encouraging anti-tumor activity in advanced BCC and medulloblastoma. Further study in these and other cancer types is warranted. Clin Cancer Res; 17(8); 2502–11. ©2011 AACR.
Gender Effect of Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Val158Met Polymorphism on Suicidal Behavior
Authors: Lee Hwa-Young , Kim Yong-Ku
Published: February 2011

Genetic factors and catecholaminergic dysfunction have been suggested as the etiology of suicide. The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) 158Val/Met polymorphism affects COMT activity; that is, the alleles encoding Val and Met are associated with relatively high and relatively low COMT activity, respectively. We aimed to identify the role of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism in suicidal attempt behavior. The COMT 158Val/Met polymorphisms were analyzed in 197 suicide attempters (male/female: 70/127), 170 control subjects (male/female: 85/85). All subjects were ethnic Korean. The Lethality Suicide Attempt Rating Scale (LSARS) and risk-rescue rating (RRR) system were explored. For the male subjects, there was a significant difference in genotype distributions and allele frequencies between control subjects and suicide attempters. That is, Val/Val genotype and Val carriers were more frequent in suicide attempters than in control subjects. For the female subjects, however, no significant difference was shown in genotype distributions and allele frequencies between control subjects and suicide attempters. There were no significant differences in LSARS and RRR according to the genotypes. The distribution of the COMT 158Val/Met polymorphism showed a biologically meaningful difference between control subjects and suicide attempters among the male subjects although selection bias should be considered.
Submucosal Fibrosis and Basic-Fibroblast Growth Factor-Positive Neutrophils Correlate with Colonic Stenosis in Cases of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Yamagata Masaru , Mikami Tetuo , Tsuruta Tomoko , Yokoyama Kaoru , Sada Miwa , Kobayashi Kiyonori , Katsumata Tomoe , Koizumi Wasaburou , Saigenji Katsunori , Okayasu Isao
Published: February 2011

Background and Aims: The frequency of benign stenosis in ulcerative colitis (UC) is low, reported as being 3.2–11.2%, with fibrosis in the submucosa or deeper pointed out as one of the causes. The aim of the present study was to assess stenosis in UC cases using immunostaining and to analyze differences between stenotic and nonstenotic cases, focusing on basic-fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) expression and myofibroblasts. Methods: Totals of 9 stenotic and 17 nonstenotic UC cases were histopathologically examined and immunohistochemically stained for b-FGF, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD34, CD68 and IL-6. To identify b-FGF-positive cells, double immunostaining for b-FGF and myeloperoxidase or CD68 was performed. Results: In addition to submucosal fibrosis, a significant increase of b-FGF-positive inflammatory cells and myofibroblasts was observed in stenotic portions. Most b-FGF-positive cells were also positive for myeloperoxidase, and a correlation between b-FGF-positive and total neutrophil counts was found. Conclusions: One of the major causes of stenosis in long-standing UC is fibrosis in the bowel wall, possibly induced by infiltrating inflammatory neutrophils producing b-FGF.
Effect of Proton-Pump Inhibitor Therapy on Serum Chromogranin A Level
Authors: Pregun István , Herszényi László , Juhász Márk , Miheller Pál , Hritz István , Patócs Attila , Rácz Károly , Tulassay Zsolt
Published: February 2011

Background: The neuroendocrine marker, chromogranin A (CgA) increases during medium- or long-term proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. Aims: To analyze the effect of ultra-short-term and diverse dose of PPI therapy on serum CgA and gastrin levels and evaluate the effect of PPI treatment cessation. Patients and Methods: Fasting serum CgA and gastrin were determined in newly diagnosed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients (n = 54) treated with diverse doses of PPI during a 28-day period, in patients treated with PPIs for at least 6 months (n = 42), and in subjects where PPI treatment could be stopped (n = 11). Results: A significant stepwise increase of CgA levels was observed after 5 days during the 28-day period treatment with all PPI doses. Gastrin increased significantly also in the standard and high-dose PPI subgroups. The most prominent increase of CgA was observed in the high-dose PPI subgroup. Serum CgA and gastrin were markedly elevated after 6 months of PPI treatment, and decreased significantly after 5 days of PPI discontinuation. Conclusions: Serum CgA increases significantly even after ultra-short-term (5 days) PPI therapy. After long-term treatment, 5-day cessation of PPI therapy is sufficient to decrease significantly both CgA and gastrin levels.
Analysis of IL2/IL21 Gene Variants in Cholestatic Liver Diseases Reveals an Association with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Stallhofer Johannes , Denk Gerald Ulrich , Glas Jürgen , Laubender Rüdiger Paul , Göke Burkhard , Rust Christian , Brand Stephan , Pusl Thomas
Published: February 2011

Background/Aims: The chromosome 4q27 region harboring IL2 and IL21 is an established risk locus for ulcerative colitis (UC) and various other autoimmune diseases. Considering the strong coincidence of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) with UC and the increased frequency of other autoimmune disorders in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), we investigated whether genetic variation in the IL2/IL21 region may also modulate the susceptibility to these two rare cholestatic liver diseases. Methods: Four strongly UC-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the KIAA1109/TENR/IL2/IL21 linkage disequilibrium block were genotyped in 124 PBC and 41 PSC patients. Control allele frequencies from 1,487 healthy, unrelated Caucasians were available from a previous UC association study. Results: The minor alleles of all four markers were associated with a decreased susceptibility to PSC (rs13151961: p = 0.013, odds ratio (OR) 0.34; rs13119723: p = 0.023, OR 0.40; rs6822844: p = 0.031, OR 0.41; rs6840978: p = 0.043, OR 0.46). Moreover, a haplotype consisting of the four minor alleles also had a protective effect on PSC susceptibility (p = 0.0084, OR 0.28). A haplotype of the four major alleles was independently associated with PSC when excluding the patients with concomitant inflammatory bowel disease (p = 0.033, OR 4.18). Conclusion: The IL2/IL21 region may be one of the highly suggestive but so far rarely identified shared susceptibility loci for PSC and UC.
Antidepressants Reverse Short-Photoperiod-Induced, Forced Swim Test Depression-Like Behavior in the Diurnal Fat Sand Rat: Further Support for the Utilization of Diurnal Rodents for Modeling Affective Disorders
Authors: Krivisky Katy , Ashkenazy Tal , Kronfeld-Schor Noga , Einat Haim
Published: February 2011

Recent findings demonstrate strong links between abnormalities in circadian rhythms and sleep and the etiology, pathophysiology and treatment of major affective disorders. Further exploration of these interactions requires the development, identification and utilization of good and predictive animal models. The biology and behavior related to circadian rhythms are significantly different in diurnal and nocturnal rodents. Accordingly, it is possible that exploring the interactions between these mechanisms and affective change in diurnal animals may be advantageous. Recent studies demonstrate that diurnal fat sand rats and Nile grass rats show depression-like behavior when maintained under short-photoperiod (SP) conditions compared with animals maintained under neutral photoperiod (NP) conditions. Moreover, these behaviors were ameliorated after treatment with bright light. The present study further explores the possible utility of sand rats as animal models by testing the effects of antidepressants on the SP-induced depression-like behaviors of sand rats. Sand rats maintained in SP or NP conditions for 3 weeks were treated subchronically (5 injections) with the clinically effective antidepressant bupropion, and their behavior was tested in a number of depression-related tests. Results show that antidepressant treatment reverses the effects of SP conditions in the forced swim test, but that neither SP conditions nor antidepressants influenced sweet solution preference. These results partly support the validity of the sand rat model, but suggest that not all tests that were validated in nocturnal laboratory rodents can be applied to other rodent species and that additional tests should be applied to further explore the validity of the model.
Parental Divorce, Adolescents’ Feelings toward Parents and Drunkenness in Adolescents
Authors: Tomcikova Zuzana , Madarasova Geckova Andrea , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , van Dijk Jitse P.
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to explore the association between parental divorce and adolescent drunkenness and the contribution of adolescents’ feelings toward their parents to this association. Cross-sectional data on 3,694 elementary school students from several cities in Slovakia (mean age 14.3, 49.0% males; response rate 93%) were obtained. Respondents completed questionnaires on how often they had been drunk in the previous 4 weeks, whether their parents were divorced and a measure of their feelings toward their parents. Parental divorce was found to have an effect on adolescent drunkenness in the previous month, as were the high rates of negative and low rates of positive feelings toward both parents. The effect of divorce on drunkenness strongly decreased if adjusted for the affect of the adolescent toward the father, but not the mother. Our findings indicate that to keep the father positively involved after divorce might be a protective factor with regard to a higher probability of adolescent drunkenness in divorced families.
Peritoneal Resorption Capacity for Lipopolysaccharide and Interleukin-6 in Acute Zymosan-Induced Chemical Peritonitis
Authors: Torab F.C. , Abu-Zidan F.M. , Al-Salam S. , Padmanabahn K.R. , Berger D. , Branicki F.J.
Published: February 2011

Aim: To evaluate peritoneal resorption capacity for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in a model of chemical peritonitis. Methods: Zymosan peritonitis was induced in anesthetized rats. LPS was injected intraperitoneally to different groups at 4 h (n = 10), 8 h (n = 9), 12 h (n = 9), and 24 h (n = 9) after peritonitis and to a control group (n = 8). Similarly, IL-6 was injected intraperitoneally to different groups at 4 h (n = 9), 8 h (n = 10), 12 h (n = 10), and 24 h (n = 10) after peritonitis, and to a control group (n = 10). Plasma levels of LPS or IL-6 were measured immediately after intraperitoneal injections of LPS or IL-6, respectively, and at 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min later. Results: There was no change over time in plasma LPS levels in the groups receiving LPS intraperitoneally (p = 0.4). There was highly significant change over time in the IL-6 level in the studied time periods in the groups receiving IL-6 intraperitoneally (p < 0.0001). There was an increase in the plasma IL-6 level when sampled at 4 h after peritonitis. Conclusion: There was a reduction of resorption capacity of inflamed peritoneum for inflammatory mediators in acute chemical peritonitis.
New Insight into the Hypercoagulability of Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Daidone Viviana , Boscaro Marco , Pontara Elena , Cattini Maria Grazia , Occhi Gianluca , Scaroni Carla , Mantero Franco , Casonato Alessandra
Published: February 2011

Background: Hypercoagulability and a tendency for thromboembolic complications are reported in Cushing’s syndrome (CS). The hypercoagulability is due mainly to the cortisol-induced increase in von Willebrand factor (VWF) and factor VIII. This is not a constant feature of CS, however; it depends on particular single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotypes in the VWF gene promoter: haplotype 1 (–3268G/–2709C/–2661A/–2527G) confers a greater risk of VWF upregulation by cortisol than haplotype 2 (–3268C/ –2709T/–2661G/–2527A). In healthy individuals these SNPs are in linkage disequilibrium with the –2144 (GT)n of the VWF promoter: haplotype 1 mainly segregates with short GT repeats (15–19, GTs), haplotype 2 with long repeats (GT ≧ 20, GTL). Methods: We analyzed the (GT)n locus, the SNP haplotypes and their association with VWF levels in 80 CS patients in order to precisely define the cortisol-sensitive VWF promoter pattern. CS patients were divided into groups A (increased VWF) and B (normal VWF). Results: Haplotype 1 and (GT)S were more frequent in group A patients, and conferred a 9- and 7.5-fold risk of developing high VWF levels, respectively. Haplotype 2 and (GT)L were more represented in group B. There was also an unexpected higher prevalence of recombinant SNP haplotypes in CS patients (6.2%) than in normals (0.9%), p = 0.002. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the cortisol-induced increase in VWF may be predicted by VWF promoter polymorphisms, haplotype 1 and (GT)S being the sensitive pattern. These represent new markers for defining the prothrombotic risk of CS. The clinical significance, if any, of the increased recombination rate in SNP haplotypes in the VWF promoter warrants further study.
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator contributes to heterogeneity of macrophages at the border of damaged site during liver repair in mice
Authors: Kawao Naoyuki , Nagai Nobuo , Tamura Yukinori , Okada Kiyotaka , Yano Masato , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Umemura Kazuo , Ueshima Shigeru , Matsuo Osamu
Published: February 2011

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) plays an important role in tissue remodelling through the activation of plasminogen in the liver, but its mechanisms are less well known. Here, we investigated the involvement of u-PA in the accumulation and phenotypic heterogeneity of macrophages at the damaged site during liver repair. After induction of liver injury by photochemical reaction in mice, the subsequent pathological responses and expression of phenotypic markers in activated macrophages were analysed histologically. Fibrinolytic activity at the damaged site was also examined by fibrin zymography. In wild-type mice, the extent of damage decreased gradually until day 14 and was associated with an accumulation of macrophages at the border of the damaged site. In addition, the macrophages that accumulated near the damaged tissue expressed CD206, a marker of highly phagocytic macrophages, on day 7. Further, macrophages that were adjacent to CD206-positive cells expressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a pro-inflammatory marker. u-PA activity increased at the damaged site on days 4 and 7, which distributed primarily at the border region. In contrast, in u-PA-deficient mice, the decrease in damage size and the accumulation of macrophages were impaired. Further, neither CD206 nor iNOS was expressed in the macrophages that accumulated at the border region in u-PA-deficient mice. Mice deficient for the gene encoding either u-PA receptor (u-PAR) or tissue-type plasminogen activator experienced normal recovery during liver repair. These data indicate that u-PA mediates the accumulation of macrophages and their phenotypic heterogeneity at the border of damaged sites through u-PAR-independent mechanisms.
Residual cyclooxygenase-1 activity and epinephrine reduce the antiplatelet effect of aspirin in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Moscardó Antonio , Fuset María Paz , Ruano Miguel , Santos María Teresa , Vallés Juana
Published: February 2011

Aspirin treatment is essential in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to block platelet thromboxane (TXA)2 synthesis. Epinephrine is known to enhance platelet reactivity induced by other agonists and to be elevated in patients with AMI due to stress. Our objective was to study the influence of epinephrine on platelet TXA2 synthesis in patients treated with aspirin for AMI at early onset (within 48 hours) and the potential biochemical mechanisms involved in the functional response. Washed platelets from 45 patients with AMI and 10 aspirin-free controls were stimulated with arachidonic acid (AA) or AA + epinephrine, and aggregation and TXA2 synthesis were evaluated. Full platelet aggregation was recorded in 8/45 patients (18%) with a partial TXA2 inhibition (86%) vs. the aspirin-free controls. Platelets from the remaining 37 patients did not aggregate to AA and had TXA2 inhibition >95%. However, when platelets were simultaneously stimulated with AA + epinephrine, in 25/37 patients a large intensity of aggregation (73%) was observed and a 5.5-fold increase in TXA2 synthesis, although this remained residual (<5% of aspirin-free controls). This residual-TXA2 was critical in the functional response, as demonstrated by the complete inhibition by TXA2 receptor blockade or additional aspirin in vitro. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase activity and the cytosolic calcium levels participated in this platelet response elicited by a receptor cooperation mechanism, while the Rho/p160ROCK pathway or the blockade of the ADP receptors (P2Y1, P2Y12) were without effect. Residual-cyclooxygenase –1 activity and epinephrine enhance TXA2-dependent platelet function, which may reduce the clinical benefit of aspirin in patients with AMI.
Ischaemic cardiovascular mortality in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation according to CHADS2 score
Authors: Kim Young Dae , Cha Myoung Jin , Kim Jinkwon , Lee Dong Hyun , Lee Hye Sun , Nam Chung Mo , Nam Hyo Suk , Heo Ji Hoe
Published: February 2011

The CHADS2 score predicts the risk of ischaemic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Most components of the CHADS2 score are also risk factors of atherosclerosis, and clustering of these risk factors is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including ischaemic heart disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the CHADS2 score and CHA2DS2-VASc score are predictive of fatal ischaemic heart disease as well as fatal ischaemic stroke. Among 5,268 stroke patients admitted between August 1994 and December 2008, 770 stroke patients with NVAF were enroled in this study. The relationship between CHADS2 score or CHA2DS2-VASc score and the fatal ischaemic events was examined using a Cox regression model. During the follow-up period of 1156.0 ± 1205.0 days (median 729.5, in-terquartile range 179.0 – 1751.0), 321 patients died (41.7%). The CHADS2 score or CHA2DS2-VASc score was positively correlated with fatal ischaemic heart disease as well as with fatal ischaemic stroke. After adjustment for all potential confounders, the occurrence of fatal ischaemic heart disease was independently associated with CHADS2 score or CHA2DS2-VASc score, and previous history of ischaemic heart disease. The CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores provide valuable information for identifying high-risk individuals for fatal ischaemic heart and brain diseases among stroke patients with NVAF.
Comparative assessment of drug-eluting balloons in an advanced porcine model of coronary restenosis
Authors: Byrne Robert , Lapointe Jean-Martin , Radke Peter , Bayer Gerd , Steigerwald Kristin , Wittchow Eric , Joner Michael
Published: February 2011

The advent of drug-eluting balloon (DEB) therapy has represented an important development in interventional cardiology. Nevertheless, pre-clinical data with this technology remain scant, and comparative studies have not previously been published. Bare metal stents were implanted in the coronary arteries of 15 pigs followed by balloon angioplasty. Animals were allocated to treatment with a 60-second inflation of one of four different balloon catheters: a conventional untreated plain angioplasty balloon (PBA, Biotronik AG), the Pantera Lux DEB (3.0 μg/mm2 paclitaxel; BTHC excipient, Biotronik AG), the Elutax DEB (2.0 μg/mm2 paclitaxel; no excipient; Aachen Resonance), or the SeQuent Please DEB (3.0 μg/mm2 paclitaxel; iopromide excipient: B. Braun). Twenty-eight days following balloon deployment, animals underwent repeat angiography for quantitative coronary angiography analysis and euthanasia for histopathologic assessment. By histology, the mean neointimal thickness was 0.44 ± 0.19 mm with PBA, 0.35 ± 0.13 mm with Pantera Lux, 0.61 ± 0.20 mm with Elutax, and 0.47 ± 0.21 mm with SeQuent Please DEB (p=0.02). In comparison with PBA, deployment of the Pantera Lux or the SeQuent Please DEB resulted in delayed healing characterised by significant increases in fibrin, neointimal cell vacuity and delayed re-endothelialisation. In conclusion, investigation of comparative DEB performance in a porcine model of advanced coronary restenosis reveals significant heterogeneity of neointimal suppression between the devices tested with numerically lowest values seen in the Pantera Lux group. On the other hand, evidence of delayed healing was observed in the most effective DEB groups.
Listing and Transplanting Adults With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Davies Ryan R. , Russo Mark J. , Yang Jonathan , Quaegebeur Jan M. , Mosca Ralph S. , Chen Jonathan M.
Published: February 2011

Background—

An increasing number of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are reaching adulthood and may require heart transplantation. The survival of these patients after listing and transplantation has not been evaluated.

Methods and Results—

A total of 41 849 patients (aged >18 years) were listed for primary transplantation during 1995–2009. Patients with a history of CHD (n=1035; 2.5%) were compared with those with other causes (non-CHD group) (n=40 814; 97.5%); 26 055 (62.3%) reached transplantation and were subdivided into those with (reoperation group; n=10 484; 40.2%) and without (nonreoperation group; n=15 571; 59.8%) a previous sternotomy. Survival on the waiting list was similar between groups, but mechanical ventricular assistance was not associated with superior survival to transplantation among CHD patients. CHD patients were more likely to have body mass index <18.5 at transplantation (
P
<0.0001), were younger, and had fewer comorbidities. Early mortality among patients with CHD was high (reoperation, 18.9% versus 9.6%;
P
<0.0001; nonreoperation, 16.6% versus 6.3%;
P
<0.0001), but by 10 years, overall survival was equivalent (53.8% versus 53.6%). Analysis was limited by the lack of specific information regarding the CHD diagnosis in most patients.

Conclusions—

Adults with CHD have high 30-day mortality but better late survival after heart transplantation. Mechanical circulatory assistance does not improve waiting list survival in these patients. This may be due to a combination of highly complex reoperative surgery and often poor preoperative systemic health.
Role of Lipoxygenase Metabolites of Arachidonic Acid in Enhanced Pulmonary Artery Contractions of Female Rabbits
Authors: Pfister Sandra L.
Published: February 2011

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure and vascular resistance. In women the incidence is 4-fold greater than that in men. Studies suggest that sustained vasoconstriction is a factor in increased vascular resistance. Possible vasoconstrictor mediators include arachidonic acid–derived lipoxygenase (LO) metabolites. Our studies in rabbits showed enhanced endothelium-dependent contractions to arachidonic acid in pulmonary arteries from females compared with males. Because treatment with a nonspecific LO inhibitor reduced contractions in females but not males, the present study identified which LO isoform contributes to sex-specific pulmonary artery vasoconstriction. The 15- and 5- but not 12-LO protein expressions were greater in females. Basal and A23187-stimulated release of 15-, 5-, and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) from females and males were measured by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Only 15-HETE synthesis was greater in females compared with males under both basal and stimulated conditions. Vascular contractions to 15-HETE were enhanced in females compared with males (maximal contraction: 44±6%versus 25±3%). The specific 15-LO inhibitor PD146176 (12 μmol/L) decreased arachidonic acid–induced contractions in females (maximal contraction: 93±4% versus 57±10%). If male pulmonary arteries were incubated with estrogen (1 μmol/L, 18 hours), protein expression of 15-LO and 15-HETE production increased. Mechanisms to explain the increased incidence of pulmonary hypertension in women are not known. Results suggest that the 15-LO pathway is different between females and males and is regulated by estrogen. Understanding this novel sex-specific mechanism may provide insight into the increased incidence of pulmonary hypertension in females.
Simulations of Dissipative, Shore-Oblique Infragravity Waves
Authors: Henderson Stephen M. , Bowen A. J.
Published: February 2011

A model of forced, dissipative shore-oblique shallow water waves predicts net cross-shore infragravity wave propagation, in qualitative agreement with field observations. Forcing applied near the shore generates edge waves, whose energy is mostly trapped shoreward of the edge wave turning point. Forcing applied sufficiently far seaward of the turning point generates only evanescent waves, whose energy decays almost exponentially with distance from regions of forcing. Weakly dissipative edge waves are nearly cross-shore standing, whereas strongly dissipative edge waves propagate obliquely across-shore. Groups of directionally spread incident waves can nonlinearly force evanescent bound waves, which propagate shoreward, lowering the sea level under large incident waves. Unlike the bound waves described by previous researchers, evanescent bound waves are not released when incident waves break and do not radiate far from the breakpoint. Regions of evanescent waves between the shoreface and shore-parallel sandbars are barriers to energy transport, which can decouple bar- and shore-trapped waves even when dissipation is weak.
Oceanic Teleconnections: Remote Response to Decadal Wind Forcing
Authors: Cessi Paola , Otheguy Pantxika
Published: February 2011

The transhemispheric and interbasin response to time-dependent wind forcing localized in the Northern Hemisphere of a single basin is examined using the reduced-gravity shallow-water equations in domains of simple geometry. On decadal timescales, the pressure on the eastern boundary fluctuates synchronously in both hemispheres and thus communicates a signal to latitudes distant from the forcing. The signal then penetrates into the interior through westward radiation of Rossby waves. Associated with the eastern boundary pressure fluctuation is a time-dependent mass flux across the equator that, in a single basin, is balanced by a storage of mass in the unforced hemisphere. Two oceanic basins connected by a reentrant channel at the high-latitude edge of the Southern Hemisphere are then considered. Again the forcing is confined to the Northern Hemisphere of one basin only. In this geometry the time-dependent mass flux across the equator of the forced basin is not entirely balanced within the same basin, but induces a mass flux into the unforced basin, while the mass heaving within the periodic channel is negligible. This process is illustrated by considering winds oscillating at a period on the same order as the Rossby wave transit time in high latitudes. The interhemispheric and interbasin teleconnection is achieved by a combination of long Rossby waves and large-scale, low-frequency gravity waves forced by the Rossby signal. These disturbances share no characteristics of Kelvin waves; that is, they are not boundary trapped.
Why Are There Rossby Wave Maxima in the Pacific at 10°S and 13°N?
Authors: Capotondi Antonietta , Alexander Michael A. , Deser Clara
Published: February 2011

Observations indicate the existence of two bands of maximum thermocline depth variability centered at ∼10°S and 13°N in the tropical Pacific Ocean. The analysis of a numerical integration performed with the National Center for Atmospheric Research ocean general circulation model (OGCM) forced with observed fluxes of momentum, heat, and freshwater over the period from 1958 to 1997 reveals that the tropical centers of thermocline variability at 10°S and 13°N are associated with first-mode baroclinic Rossby waves forced by anomalous Ekman pumping. In this study the factors that may be responsible for the Rossby wave maxima at 10°S and 13°N, including the amplitude and spatial coherency of the forcing at those latitudes, are systematically investigated. A simple Rossby wave model is used to interpret the OGCM variability and to help to discriminate between the different factors that may produce the tropical maxima. These results indicate that the dominant factor in producing the maximum variability at 10°S and 13°N is the zonal coherency of the Ekman pumping, a characteristic of the forcing that becomes increasingly more pronounced at low frequencies, maximizing at timescales in the decadal range. Local maxima in the amplitude of the forcing, while not explaining the origin of the centers of variability at 10°S and 13°N, appear to affect the sharpness of the variability maxima at low frequencies. Although the Rossby wave model gives an excellent fit to the OGCM, some discrepancies exist: the amplitude of the thermocline variance is generally underestimated by the simple model, and the variability along 13°N is westward intensified in the wave model but reaches a maximum in the central part of the basin in the OGCM. Short Rossby waves excited by small-scale Ekman pumping features, or the presence of higher-order Rossby wave modes may be responsible for the differences in the zonal variance distribution along 13°N.
Using Explanatory Item Response Theory Modeling to Investigate Context Effects of Differential Item Functioning for Students With Disabilities
Authors: Randall Jennifer , Cheong Yuk Fai , Engelhard George
Published: February 2011

To address whether or not modifications in test administration influence item functioning for students with disabilities on a high-stakes statewide problem-solving assessment, a sample of 868 students (with and without disabilities) from 74 Georgia schools were randomly assigned to one of three testing conditions (resource guide, calculator, or standard administration). The authors describe a conceptual framework for investigating measurement invariance, specifically differential item functioning within the context of assessing students with disabilities. Specifically, we illustrate how the hierarchical generalized linear model, an explanatory model that incorporates item response models into hierarchical models in multilevel settings, can be used to explore issues of measurement invariance traditionally addressed using descriptive item response models, that is, the many-facet Rasch model. Results obtained from the two approaches are reported and discussed.
Toward a Discourse-Centered Understanding of Organizational Change
Authors: Grant David , Marshak Robert J.
Published: February 2011

Although organizational change involves a complex set of communicative and language-based processes, discourse-based approaches for understanding and managing change dynamics have been relatively underutilized by researchers and practitioners. To help address this situation, this article advances an analytic framework for explaining how discourse and organizational change are mutually implicated. Drawing on the research literature, the constructive, multilevel, conversational, political, reflexive, and recursive nature of organizational change discourses are presented and discussed. Implications for research and practice are then reviewed.
Investigation of damage initiation and propagation in 2 × 2 twill woven carbon/epoxy multi-layer composites
Authors: Karahan Mehmet
Published: February 2011

Damage and mechanical properties in textile composites are closely connected with the textile reinforcement’s internal structure. This paper reports and discusses a study of the mechanical behavior and damage of a 2 × 2 twill woven carbon/ epoxy composite resulting from uniaxial tension in the warp and bias directions. A damage investigation was performed by using acoustic emission and full-field strain optical measurements, as well as X-ray and optical microscopy. As a result of the tests, the mechanical properties and strain values of the composite’s damage threshold were determined. Damage initiation when loaded in the warp and bias directions occurred between 0.2% and 0.3% and 0.88% and 1.71% of the applied strain, respectively. Microscopic examination showed that damage or cracks initiated where the yarn was crimped and at interactions between the warp and filling yarns. Full-field strain measurements highlighted the relation between the strain concentrations that are linked with the damage initiation and the reinforcement structure.
Effect of interlacement frequency on the single and multiple yarn end pull-out properties of woven fabrics
Authors: Bilisik Kadir
Published: February 2011

In this study, the pull-out properties of plain, ribs, and satin fabric weaves were examined. Data generated from these tests included pull-out force, crimp extension, and fabric displacement. It was found that yarn pull-out forces depend on fabric density, fabric weave, fabric sample dimensions, and the number of pulled ends in the fabric. Results showed that the multiple yarn pull-out force was higher than that of the single yarn pull-out force, and that dense fabric had a high pull-out force. Plain weave had high single and multiple pull-out forces compared with those of ribs and satin weaves. Long fabric samples showed high single and multiple pull-out forces compared with those of short fabric samples. The yarn crimp extension depends on the directional crimp ratios in the fabric, fabric sample dimensions, and the number of pulled yarn ends. Directional high crimp ratio fabric showed high directional yarn crimp extension. Fabric displacement depends on the fabric sample dimensions and the number of pulled yarn ends. Long fabric samples showed high fabric displacement. In addition, fabric displacement in multiple pull-out tests showed high fabric displacement compared with that of single pull-out tests.
Racial Disparities in Risk and Protective Factors for Suicide
Authors: Davidson Collin L. , Wingate LaRicka R.
Published: February 2011

African Americans have evidenced lower rates of suicide relative to the general population despite being exposed to higher levels of risk factors. This paradox has been proposed to be a result of protective factors such as religiosity and higher levels of familial involvement. The purpose of this study is to further investigate protective and risk factors of suicide in a sample of African Americans and a similar sample of Caucasians. Suicide risk and protective factors were examined in relation to the constructs of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (burdensomeness, belongingness, and acquired capability), hope theory (hope, goals, pathways, and agency), and religiosity. It was hypothesized that African Americans would have higher levels of both protective factors and risk factors relative to the Caucasians. Results were partially consistent with this hypothesis.
The Measurement of Racial/Ethnic Identity in Children
Authors: Byrd Christy M.
Published: February 2011

Researchers have long been interested in racial attitudes and preferences of young children with a focus on the implications of societal racism on healthy development. The doll study paradigm popularized by Clark and Clark is the most commonly used measure for children; however, researchers also have adapted paper and pencil measures and projective techniques to capture children’s attitudes. This article reviews multiple measurement approaches, drawing on developmental frameworks, and argues that researchers should draw more on cognitive developmental theories in creating measures that can better capture the unique nature of ethnic minority children’s racial attitudes, how they form, and implications for adjustment.
Best Practices for Clinical Pathology Testing in Carcinogenicity Studies
Authors: Young Jamie K. , Hall Robert L. , O’Brien Peter , Strauss Volker , Vahle John L.
Published: February 2011

The Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) and American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASCVP) convened a Clinical Pathology in Carcinogenicity Studies Working Group to recommend best practices for inclusion of clinical pathology testing in carcinogenicity studies. Regulatory guidance documents and literature were reviewed, and veterinary pathologists from North America, Japan, and Europe were surveyed regarding current practices, perceived value, and recommendations for clinical pathology testing in carcinogenicity studies. For two-year rodent carcinogenicity studies, the Working Group recommends that clinical pathology testing be limited to collection of blood smears at scheduled and unscheduled sacrifices to be examined only if indicated to aid in the diagnosis of possible hematopoietic neoplasia following histopathologic evaluation. Additional clinical pathology testing is most appropriately used to address specific issues from prior toxicity studies or known test article–related class effects. Inadequate data were available to make a recommendation concerning clinical pathology testing for alternative six-month carcinogenicity assays using genetically modified mice, although the Working Group suggests that it may be appropriate to use the same approach as for two-year carcinogenicity studies since the study goal is the same.
Complications in Pediatric Deep Neck Space Abscesses
Authors: Baldassari Cristina M. , Howell Rebecca , Amorn Melissa , Budacki Ross , Choi Sukgi , Pena Maria
Published: February 2011

Objectives

To determine the incidence and demographic profile of children who develop complications from deep neck space abscess.

Study Design

Case series.

Setting

Tertiary children’s hospital.

Subjects and Methods

One hundred thirty‐eight patients admitted for deep neck space abscesses between 1998 and 2008. Inclusion criteria were age younger than 18 years and computed tomography scan demonstrating an abscess in the retropharyngeal, parapharyngeal, or peritonsillar spaces. Children were diagnosed with abscess if purulence was encountered on operative incision and drainage.

Results

In the first 5 years of the study, 45 children met the inclusion criteria, whereas in the latter 5 years, 93 children were treated for abscesses. There were no differences between these cohorts in terms of age (P =. 70), gender (P =. 08), abscess site (P =. 23), or rate of surgical intervention (P =. 83). The total major complication rate was 9.4% (n = 13) with mediastinitis being the most frequent (n = 9) complication. The number of complications between the first (n = 3) and second (n = 10) groups was not significantly different (P =. 55). The factors that predisposed patients to develop complications were younger age at presentation and retropharyngeal abscess location. Children with complications were more likely to have Staphylococcus aureus identified as the causative organism (P =. 007). Only 1 of 4 children with methicillin‐resistant S aureus had a complicated clinical course.

Conclusions

Deep neck space abscesses continue to cause significant morbidity in children. Factors that predict complications include young age, retropharyngeal location, and S aureus. Providers must maintain a high index of suspicion to promptly diagnose and treat these complications.
Race as a Social Construct in Head and Neck Cancer Outcomes
Authors: Worsham Maria J. , Divine George , Kittles Rick A.
Published: February 2011

Objective

The authors examined ancestry informative markers (AIMs) to estimate the amount of population admixture and control for this heterogeneity for stage and survival in a primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cohort.

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Integrated health care system.

Subjects

The cohort comprised 358 patients with HNSCC who self‐reported race as Caucasian American (CA), African American (AA), or other.

Methods

DNA was interrogated for West African (WA) and European genetic background by genotyping AIMs. Associations of race (self‐report or WA ancestry) with stage and survival were analyzed using logistic regression and Cox regression modeling. A subgroup analysis for diagnosis (late vs early stage) and survival (time to death) and WA ancestry was performed for self‐reported AAs.

Results

There were significant associations between stage and self‐reported race (P =. 04 [univariate]) and with cancer site (oropharynx: P =. 014; hypopharynx: P =. 026 [multivariate]). For prognosis, there were significant multivariate associations between stage (P =. 002), age (>65 years, P <. 001), and cancer site (hypopharynx: P <. 001; oral cavity: P =. 049), but self‐reported race was not associated with overall survival. Interestingly, there was no association with degree of WA ancestry and stage or survival. In the subgroup analysis of genetic ancestry among self‐reported AAs, cancer site remained an independent risk factor for stage (other site: P =. 026) and survival (oropharynx: P =. 036). Late stage persisted as an independent variable for poor survival (P =. 032).

Conclusions

Stratification within AAs by WA ancestry revealed no correlation with stage or survival, suggesting that HNSCC outcomes with race may be owing to social/behavior factors rather than biological differences.
Prophylactic Neck Dissection in Early Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma 2.1 to 4.0 mm Depth
Authors: Lin Matthew J. , Guiney Anthony , Iseli Claire E. , Buchanan Malcolm , Iseli Tim A.
Published: February 2011

Objective

Regional recurrence is common following surgery for T1/T2 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Tumor depth >4.0 mm is commonly assigned as an indication for prophylactic neck dissection to improve regional control. Prophylactic neck dissection may detect extracapsular extension, a poor prognostic sign where adjuvant chemotherapy is indicated. The hypothesis in this study is that regional recurrence is a significant problem in 2.1‐ to 4.0‐mm‐depth tumors, and detection of extracapsular extension may be important in this group.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Australian tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

Review of all patients with T1/T2 oral tongue SCC treated surgically between January 1991 and January 2009 (n = 81).

Results

Twenty‐nine prophylactic and 5 therapeutic neck dissections followed for a median 34 months (range, 4‐132 months). Tumor depths were 0 to 2.0 mm (n = 15), 2.1 to 4.0 mm (n = 18), 4.1 to 7.0 mm (n = 26), and >7.0 mm (n = 22). Tumors 2.1 to 4.0 mm depth had similar rates of occult nodes as 4.1 to 7.0 mm depth (25% vs 20%). Regional recurrence occurred in 31% overall, 44% in tumors 2.1 to 4.0 mm, and 27% in tumors 4.1 to 7.0 mm depth. Prophylactic neck dissection reduced regional recurrence (17% vs 43%,P=. 02). Patients with pathologically negative necks had lower rates of regional recurrence than those with occult nodes (9% vs 50%,P<. 01). Extracapsular extension increased regional recurrence (43% vs 7%,P=. 02), including 25% of dissected necks with tumor depth 2.1 to 4.0 mm.

Conclusions

Regional recurrence is a significant problem in 2.1‐ to 4.0‐mm‐depth T1/T2 tongue tumors. Prophylactic neck dissection may improve regional control in patients with adequate primary resection margins and determine need for adjuvant therapies in 2.1‐ to 4.0‐mm‐depth tumors.