bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In VivoChemical Screening for Modulators of Hematopoiesis and Hematological Diseases
Authors: Zhang Yiyun , Yeh J.-R. Joanna
Published: June 2012

In vivochemical screening is a broadly applicable approach not only for dissecting genetic pathways governing hematopoiesis and hematological diseases, but also for finding critical components in those pathways that may be pharmacologically modulated. Both high-throughput chemical screening and facile detection of blood-cell-related phenotypes are feasible in embryonic/larval zebrafish. Two recent studies utilizing phenotypic chemical screens in zebrafish have identified several compounds that promote hematopoietic stem cell formation and reverse the hematopoietic phenotypes of a leukemia oncogene, respectively. These studies illustrate efficient drug discovery processes in zebrafish and reveal novel biological roles of prostaglandin E2 in hematopoietic and leukemia stem cells. Furthermore, the compounds discovered in zebrafish screens have become promising therapeutic candidates against leukemia and included in a clinical trial for enhancing hematopoietic stem cells during hematopoietic cell transplantation.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxidation of Triethylene Glycol and Tetraethylene Glycol by Ditelluratoargentate (III) in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Shan Jinhuan , Yin Caihong
Published: June 2012

The kinetics of oxidation of triethylene glycol and tetraethylene glycol by ditelluratoargentate (III) (DTA) in alkaline liquids has been studied spectrophotometrically in the temperature range of 293.2 K–313.2 K. The reaction rate showed first‐order dependence in DTA and fractional order with respect to triethylene glycol or tetraethylene glycol. It was found that the pseudo‐first‐order rate constant (kobs) increased with an increase in concentration of OH− and a decrease in concentration of H4TeO6 2−. There was a negative salt effect and no free radicals were detected. A plausible mechanism involving a two‐electron transfer was proposed, and the rate equations derived from the mechanism explained all the experimental results and observations. The activation parameters along with the rate constants of the rate‐determining step were calculated.
Loss of Rassf1a Synergizes with Deregulated Runx2 Signaling in Tumorigenesis
Authors: van der Weyden Louise , Papaspyropoulos Angelos , Poulogiannis George , Rust Alistair G. , Rashid Mamunur , Adams David J. , Arends Mark J. , O'Neill Eric
Published: June 2012

The tumor suppressor gene RASSF1A is inactivated through point mutation or promoter hypermethylation in many human cancers. In this study, we conducted a Sleeping Beauty transposon-mediated insertional mutagenesis screen in Rassf1a-null mice to identify candidate genes that collaborate with loss of Rassf1a in tumorigenesis. We identified 10 genes, including the transcription factor Runx2, a transcriptional partner of Yes-associated protein (YAP1) that displays tumor suppressive activity through competing with the oncogenic TEA domain family of transcription factors (TEAD) for YAP1 association. While loss of RASSF1A promoted the formation of oncogenic YAP1-TEAD complexes, the combined loss of both RASSF1A and RUNX2 further increased YAP1-TEAD levels, showing that loss of RASSF1A, together with RUNX2, is consistent with the multistep model of tumorigenesis. Clinically, RUNX2 expression was frequently downregulated in various cancers, and reduced RUNX2 expression was associated with poor survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell or atypical Burkitt/Burkitt-like lymphomas. Interestingly, decreased expression levels of RASSF1 and RUNX2 were observed in both precursor T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and colorectal cancer, further supporting the hypothesis that dual regulation of YAP1-TEAD promotes oncogenic activity. Together, our findings provide evidence that loss of RASSF1A expression switches YAP1 from a tumor suppressor to an oncogene through regulating its association with transcription factors, thereby suggesting a novel mechanism for RASSF1A-mediated tumor suppression. Cancer Res; 72(15); 3817–27. ©2012 AACR.
CXCR6 Upregulation Contributes to a Proinflammatory Tumor Microenvironment That Drives Metastasis and Poor Patient Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Gao Qiang , Zhao Ying-Jun , Wang Xiao-Ying , Qiu Shuang-Jian , Shi Ying-Hong , Sun Jian , Yi Yong , Shi Jie-Yi , Shi Guo-Ming , Ding Zhen-Bin , Xiao Yong-Sheng , Zhao Zhong-Hua , Zhou Jian , He Xiang-Huo , Fan Jia
Published: June 2012

CXC chemokines and their cognate receptors have been implicated widely in cancer pathogenesis. In this study, we report a critical causal relationship between CXCR6 expression and tumorigenesis in the setting of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Among the CXC chemokine receptors, only CXCR6 was detected in all the hepatoma cell lines studied. Moreover, in HCC tissue, CXCR6 expression was significantly higher than in noncancerous liver tissues. Reduction of CXCR6 or its ligand CXCL16 in cancer cells reduced cell invasion in vitro and tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastases in vivo. Importantly, loss of CXCR6 led to reduced Gr-1+ neutrophil infiltration and decreased neoangiogenesis in hepatoma xenografts via inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine production. Clinically, high expression of CXCR6 was an independent predictor of increased recurrence and poor survival in HCCs. Human HCC samples expressing high levels of CXCR6 also contained an increased number of CD66b+ neutrophils and microvessels, and the combination of CXCR6 and neutrophils was a superior predictor of recurrence and survival than either marker used alone. Together, our findings suggest that elevated expression of CXCR6 promotes HCC invasiveness and a protumor inflammatory environment and is associated with poor patient outcome. These results support the concept that inhibition of the CXCR6–CXCL16 pathway may improve prognosis after HCC treatment. Cancer Res; 72(14); 3546–56. ©2012 AACR.
Denosumab Induces Tumor Reduction and Bone Formation in Patients with Giant-Cell Tumor of Bone
Authors: Branstetter Daniel G. , Nelson Scott D. , Manivel J. Carlos , Blay Jean-Yves , Chawla Sant , Thomas David M. , Jun Susie , Jacobs Ira
Published: June 2012

Purpose: Giant-cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a locally aggressive, benign osteolytic tumor in which bone destruction is mediated by RANK ligand (RANKL). The RANKL inhibitor denosumab is being investigated for treatment of GCTB. We describe histologic analyses of GCTB tumor samples from a phase II study of denosumab in GCTB.

Experimental Design: Adult patients with recurrent or unresectable GCTB received subcutaneous denosumab 120 mg every 4 weeks (with additional doses on days 8 and 15). The primary histologic efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients who had a 90% or more elimination of giant cells from their tumor. Baseline and on-study specimens were also evaluated for overall tumor morphology and expression of RANK and RANKL.

Results: Baseline tumor samples were typically composed of densely cellular proliferative RANKL-positive tumor stromal cells, RANK-positive rounded mononuclear cells, abundant RANK-positive tumor giant cells, and areas of scant de novo osteoid matrix and woven bone. In on-study samples from 20 of 20 patients (100%), a decrease of 90% or more in tumor giant cells and a reduction in tumor stromal cells were observed. In these analyses, thirteen patients (65%) had an increased proportion of dense fibro-osseous tissue and/or new woven bone, replacing areas of proliferative RANKL-positive stromal cells.

Conclusions: Denosumab treatment of patients with GCTB significantly reduced or eliminated RANK-positive tumor giant cells. Denosumab also reduced the relative content of proliferative, densely cellular tumor stromal cells, replacing them with nonproliferative, differentiated, densely woven new bone. Denosumab continues to be studied as a potential treatment for GCTB. Clin Cancer Res; 18(16); 4415–24. ©2012 AACR.
Current Management of Patients with Severe von Willebrand Disease Type 3: A 2012 Update
Authors: Federici Augusto B. , James Paula
Published: June 2012

Von Willebrand disease type 3 (VWD3) is the most severe form of this bleeding disorder due to the almost complete deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWD3 is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. While heterozygous carriers exhibit mild or no bleeding symptoms, most patients with VWD3, which is characterized by undetectable levels of VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) and reduced concentrations (<20 IU/dl) of factor VIII (FVIII), show severe bleeding symptoms. Although the incidence of VWD3 is rare, the condition is of considerable interest because of its severe clinical presentation, the need for replacement therapy and the risk of alloantibodies following infusion of plasma-derived VWF concentrates. This review, based on clinical experience, provides an update on the clinical, laboratory and molecular markers of VWD3 that can be useful for determining the optimal therapeutic approach in these patients.
Iron Sucrose Impairs Phagocytic Function and Promotes Apoptosis in Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
Authors: Ichii Hirohito , Masuda Yuichi , Hassanzadeh Tania , Saffarian Mateen , Gollapudi Sastry , Vaziri Nosratola D.
Published: June 2012

Background: With the recent implementation of bundling reimbursement policy, the use of intravenous (IV) iron preparations for the management of anemia in the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) population has dramatically increased. Iron overload increases the risk of infections in individuals with or without kidney disease. IV iron administration in ESRD patients impairs bacteriocidal capacity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) against Escherichia coli. These preparations consist of an elemental iron core and a carbohydrate shell. In addition to the iron core, the carbohydrate shell may affect PMNs. We therefore examined the effect of iron sucrose, a commonly used preparation, on phagocytic capacity of PMNs from a group of normal individuals against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria. Methods: Iron sucrose was added to heparinized blood samples at pharmacologically-relevant concentrations and incubated for 4 and 24 h at 37°C to simulate in vivo condition. Blood samples mixed with equal volume of saline solution served as controls. To isolate the effects of the carbohydrate shell, blood samples were co-treated with the iron chelator, desferrioxamine. Results: Iron sucrose caused significant PMN apoptosis and dose-dependent suppression of phagocytic function against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These abnormalities were prevented by desferrioxamine which precluded contribution of the carbohydrate shell to the PMN dysfunction. Conclusions: At pharmacologically-relevant concentrations, iron sucrose promotes apoptosis and inhibits phagocytic activities of PMNs. The deleterious effect of iron sucrose is mediated by its elemental iron core, not its carbohydrate shell, and as such may be shared by other IV iron preparations.
Challenges and Pitfalls of Experimental Bariatric Procedures in Rats
Authors: Fischer Lars , Clemens Gabriella , Gehrig Tobias , Kenngott Hannes , Becker Kristianna , Bruckner Thomas , Gutt Carsten N. , Büchler Markus W. , Müller-Stich Beat
Published: June 2012

Introduction: The impact of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on obesity and obesity-related diseases is unquestionable. Up to now, the technical descriptions of these techniques in animals/rats have not been very comprehensive. Methods: For SG and RYGB, operating time, learning curve, and intraoperative mortality in relation to weight of the rat and type of anesthesia were recorded. Furthermore, a review of the literature on experimental approaches towards SG and RYGB in rats was carried out, merging in a detailed technical description for both procedures. Results: The data presented here revealed that the mean operating time for SG (69.4 ± 22.2 min (SD)) was shorter than for RYGB (123.0 ± 20.7 min). There is a learning curve for both procedures, resulting in a reduced operating time of up to 60% in SG and 35% in RYGB (p < 0.05; t-test). However, with increased weight, operating time increases to about 80 min for SG and about 120 min for RYGB. Obese rats have an increased intraoperative mortality rate of up to 50%. After gaseous anesthesia the mortality can be even higher. The literature search revealed 40 papers dealing with SG and RYGB in rats. 18 articles (45%) contained neither photographs nor illustrations; 14 articles (35%) did not mention the applied type of anesthesia. The mortality rate was described in 15 papers (37.5%). Conclusion: Experimental obesity surgery in rats is challenging. Because of the high mortality in obese rats operated under gaseous anesthesia, exercises to establish the techniques should be performed in small rats using intraperitoneal anesthesia.
Heart Failure
Authors:   The Editors
Published: June 2012

The following articles are being highlighted as part of
Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics
' Topic Review series. This series will summarize the most important manuscripts, as selected by the editors, published in the
Circulation
portfolio and
Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics
, in particular. The studies included in this article represent the most read manuscripts published on the topic of heart failure in 2010 and 2011.
Paradoxical Effect of Increased Diastolic Ca
2+
Release and Decreased Sinoatrial Node Activity in a Mouse Model of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Neco Patricia , Torrente Angelo G. , Mesirca Pietro , Zorio Esther , Liu Nian , Priori Silvia G. , Napolitano Carlo , Richard Sylvain , Benitah Jean-Pierre , Mangoni Matteo E. , Gómez Ana María
Published: June 2012

Background—

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is characterized by stress-triggered syncope and sudden death. Patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia manifest sinoatrial node (SAN) dysfunction, the mechanisms of which remain unexplored.

Methods and Results—

We investigated SAN [Ca
2+
]
i
handling in mice carrying the catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia–linked mutation of ryanodine receptor (RyR2
R4496C
) and their wild-type (WT) littermates. In vivo telemetric recordings showed impaired SAN automaticity in RyR2
R4496C
mice after isoproterenol injection, analogous to what was observed in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia patients after exercise. Pacemaker activity was explored by measuring spontaneous [Ca
2+
]
i
transients in SAN cells within the intact SAN by confocal microscopy. RyR2
R4496C
SAN presented significantly slower pacemaker activity and impaired chronotropic response under β-adrenergic stimulation, accompanied by the appearance of pauses (in spontaneous [Ca
2+
]
i
transients and action potentials) in 75% of the cases. Ca
2+
spark frequency was increased by 2-fold in RyR2
R4496C
SAN. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments performed on isolated RyR2
R4496C
SAN cells showed that L-type Ca
2+
current (
I
Ca,L
) density was reduced by ≈50%, an effect blunted by internal Ca
2+
buffering. Isoproterenol dramatically increased the frequency of Ca
2+
sparks and waves by ≈5 and ≈10-fold, respectively. Interestingly, the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
content was significantly reduced in RyR2
R4496C
SAN cells in the presence of isoproterenol, which may contribute to stopping the “Ca
2+
clock” rhythm generation, originating SAN pauses.

Conclusion—

The increased activity of RyR2
R4496C
in SAN leads to an unanticipated decrease in SAN automaticity by a Ca
2+
-dependent decrease of
I
Ca,L
and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
depletion during diastole, identifying subcellular pathophysiological alterations contributing to the SAN dysfunction in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia patients.
Gender differences in beliefs about condom use among young, heterosexual Australian adults
Authors: Newton Fiona J , Newton Joshua D , Windisch Lydia , Ewing Michael T
Published: June 2012

Objective:

To investigate gender differences in beliefs about condom use among young, sexually active, heterosexual Australian adults.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey of 1,113 adults aged 18–26 years.

Setting:

Higher education institutions across New South Wales and Victoria, Australia.

Method:

Participants were recruited during higher-education orientation activities and asked to complete an anonymous survey. The survey captured beliefs about condom use and demographic data.

Results:

Although males were more likely than females to agree that their partners endorsed the consistent use of condoms, they were less likely to agree that their friends would support consistent condom usage. Males were also more likely to believe that condoms reduce sexual pleasure and give the impression that they are sexually promiscuous.

Conclusion:

Normalizing the purchase of condoms, repositioning condoms as erotic stimuli, and creating a supportive peer environment using peer-to-peer communication tools may bring about more positive perceptions regarding consistent condom use. Gender-specific safe sex campaigns should also be developed to address the different pattern of condom beliefs held by males and females.
Practical child safety education in England: A national survey of the Child Safety Education Coalition
Authors: Mulvaney Caroline A , Watson Michael C , Walsh Patrick
Published: June 2012

Objective:

To examine the provision of practical safety education by Child Safety Education Coalition (CSEC) organizations in England.

Design:

A postal survey.

Setting:

Providers of child practical safety education who were also part of CSEC.

Methods:

In February 2010 all CSEC organizations were sent a self-completion postal questionnaire which aimed to elicit details of safety education activities, priorities, target groups and information about evaluation. Frequencies of responses were calculated.

Results:

Responses were received from 60 organizations representing a response rate of 65%. They represented private, public and charitable organizations, and provided safety education for children aged 3 to 17 years. Respondents undertook a varied range of activities including talks, theatre work, utility distribution, experiential learning, hospital visits, and sports and leisure activities. The majority ( n = 43, 72%) ran special events to teach children about safety and most often this occurred at least once a month ( n = 28, 47%). Respondents provided education addressing the main causes of injury and mortality; road traffic injuries was the topic most often addressed ( n = 42, 70%). Twenty per cent of respondents ( n = 12) stated that they did not evaluate their activities and only one-third ( n = 19, 32%) stated that they produced written reports.

Conclusion:

Child safety education was delivered using a variety of techniques and was provided by a range of organizations. This highlights the opportunities that exist for teaching children risk competence. Additional support will be needed if evaluation activities are to be robust and fully documented.
Syntactic Comprehension in Reading and Listening
Authors: Casalis Séverine , Leuwers Christel , Hilton Heather
Published: June 2012

This study examined syntactic comprehension in French children with dyslexia in both listening and reading. In the first syntactic comprehension task, a partial version of the Epreuve de Compréhension syntaxico-sémantique (ECOSSE test; French adaptation of Bishop’s test for receptive grammar test) children with dyslexia performed at a lower level in the written but not in the spoken modality, compared to reading age–matched children, suggesting a difficulty in handling syntax while reading. In the second task, syntactic processing was further explored through a test of relative clause processing, in which inflectional markers could aid in attributing roles to the elements in a complex syntactic structure. Children with dyslexia were insensitive to inflectional markers in both reading and listening, as was the reading age control group, while only the older normal reader group appeared to make use of the inflectional markers. Overall, the results support the hypothesis that difficulties in comprehension in dyslexia are strongly related to poor reading skills.
Coverage of Child Immunisation and Its Determinants in India
Authors: Sahoo Harihar
Published: June 2012

For reducing morbidity, mortality and disabilities from the six serious but preventable diseases—that is, tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis and measles—the government of India initiated Expanded Programme on Immunisation by making free vaccination services easily available to all eligible children. Despite considerable gains in immunisation coverage, a large chunk of children die from vaccine preventable diseases. The article sheds light on the coverage of child immunisation in India and estimates the effect of selected demographic and socio-economic characteristics on immunisation coverage. Data for the study have been utilised from DLHS-RCH, conducted during 2002–04. Both bi-variate and multivariate techniques have been carried out in due course of analysis. Multivariate analysis in the form of multinomial logistic regression is employed to see the net effect of each of the independent variables on the dependant variable, that is, immunisation (no immunisation, any immunisation and full immunisation). The different background characteristics considered for the study are age of mother, educational level of mother, birth order, sex of the child, place of residence, religion, caste and standard of living of the household, antenatal care (ANC) and geographical region. The result reveals that about half the children are fully immunised but one-fifth of the children have not been immunised. There is a substantial variation in full immunisation across background variables. Those children are more likely to be fully immunised whose mothers are more educated. Besides this, the sex of the child, place of residence and standard of living of the household also show statistically significant effect on full immunisation.
Perceived Regard Explains Self- Esteem Differences in Expressivity
Authors: Gaucher Danielle , Wood Joanne V. , Stinson Danu Anthony , Forest Amanda L. , Holmes John G. , Logel Christine
Published: June 2012

Baumeister, Tice, and Hutton proposed that individuals with low self-esteem (LSEs) adopt a more cautious, self-protective self-presentational style than individuals with high self-esteem (HSEs). The authors predicted that LSEs’ self-protectiveness leads them to be less expressive—less revealing of their thoughts and feelings—with others than HSEs, and that this self-esteem difference is mediated by their perceptions of the interaction partner’s regard for them. Two correlational studies supported these predictions (Studies 1 and 2). Moreover, LSEs became more expressive when their perceived regard was experimentally heightened—when they imagined speaking to someone who was unconditionally accepting rather than judgmental (Study 3) and when their perceptions of regard were increased through Marigold, Holmes, and Ross’s compliment-reframing task (Study 4). These findings suggest that LSEs’ expressiveness can be heightened through interventions that reduce their concerns about social acceptance.
The Basis of Shooter Biases
Authors: Miller Saul L. , Zielaskowski Kate , Plant E. Ashby
Published: June 2012

White police officers and undergraduate students mistakenly shoot unarmed Black suspects more than White suspects on computerized shoot/don’t shoot tasks. This bias is typically attributed to cultural stereotypes of Black men. Yet, previous research has not examined whether such biases emerge even in the absence of cultural stereotypes. The current research investigates whether individual differences in chronic beliefs about interpersonal threat interact with target group membership to elicit shooter biases, even when group membership is unrelated to race or cultural stereotypes about danger. Across two studies, participants with strong beliefs about interpersonal threats were more likely to mistakenly shoot outgroup members than ingroup members; this was observed for unfamiliar, arbitrarily formed groups using a minimal group paradigm (Study 1) and racial groups not culturally stereotyped as dangerous (Asians; Study 2). Implications for the roles of both group membership and cultural stereotypes in shaping decisions to shoot are discussed.
Impacts of cognitive media attributes and motivation on IPTV adoption: exploring the moderating effects of agricultural information
Authors: Hossain Md. Dulal , Kim Jin Ki , Lee Jong Young , Kim Kook Jin
Published: June 2012

The agricultural and food industries are excited by and looking forward to employing Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) as they see it as a viable means of promoting their markets. Based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework, this study investigates how the technological and ambient environments of media characteristics influence viewer cognitive and emotional states, and how experiences subsequently affect their responses. This study examines whether the effects of media attributes and motivations affect viewer cognitive necessity and usefulness with respect to adopting specific media. The results of our survey of 254 observations collected indicate that interactivity has a significant positive impact on flow, relaxation, and enjoyment. Ease of use is significantly associated with flow, relaxation, and enjoyment. Senses of both professionalism and familiarity are found to significantly influence viewer cognitive and emotional states. This study finds that the gathering of agricultural information moderates the relationship between the three factors of cognitive and emotional states and behavioral intention to adopt IPTV such that the relationships are stronger for those factors that are related to a stronger sense of information gathering. The results should enable agricultural and food related business owners to obtain insight into using interactivity effectively to propel their businesses forward.
“Keep on Keeping On, Even When It’s Hard!”
Authors: Padilla-Walker Laura M. , Day Randal D. , Dyer W. Justin , Black Brent C.
Published: June 2012

The current study examined adolescent persistence as a mediator between authoritative parenting and adolescents’ school engagement, prosocial behavior, and delinquency. Participants were taken from Time 2, 3, and 4 of the Flourishing Families Project and included 325 two-parent families with a child between the ages of 11 and 14 at Time 2 (mean age = 12.34, SD = 1.06, 52% female), 96% of whom had complete data for Time 4 (2 years later). Analyses suggested that authoritative fathering at Time 2 (but not mothering) was positively associated with adolescent persistence at Time 3, and adolescent persistence was positively related to school engagement and negatively related to delinquency at Time 4. Discussion focuses on the importance of the socialization of persistence during adolescence.
Hepatosplenic and Hepatocytotropic T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Keller S. M. , Vernau W. , Hodges J. , Kass P. H. , Vilches-Moure J. G. , McElliot V. , Moore P. F.
Published: June 2012

The clinical, clinicopathologic, and pathological findings of 9 dogs with T-cell lymphoma that involved the liver in the absence of peripheral lymphadenopathy were assessed. Seven dogs had hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HS-TCL). Dogs with HS-TCL presented with hepato- and/or splenomegaly, regenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hypoproteinemia. The clinical course was rapidly progressive with all dogs but 1 dead within 24 days of initial presentation. Neoplastic lymphocytes were centered on hepatic and splenic sinusoids and had a CD3+ (5/7), TCRαβ– (5/5), TCRγδ+ (3/5), CD11d+ (6/7), granzyme B+ (5/7) immunophenotype. Bone marrow and lungs were consistently but variably involved. These findings closely resemble the human disease and support the classification of HS-TCL as a distinct World Health Organization entity in dogs. The remaining 2 dogs markedly differed in the pattern of hepatic involvement by neoplastic lymphocytes, which were not confined to hepatic sinusoids but invaded hepatic cords. In addition, neoplastic cells had a CD11d– immunophenotype, and clinicopathologic data indicated marked cholestasis and mild to absent anemia. Based on the distinct tropism of neoplastic lymphocytes for hepatocytes, the name hepatocytotropic T-cell lymphoma (HC-TCL) is proposed. Given the histomorphologic, clinicopathologic, and immunophenotypic differences, HC-TCL likely represents a separate biological entity rather than a histomorphologic variant of HS-TCL.
Cluster headache and neuropsychological functioning
Authors: Dresler Thomas , Lürding Ralf , Paelecke-Habermann Yvonne , Gaul Charly , Henkel Karsten , Lindwurm-Späth Andrea , Leinisch Elke , Jürgens Tim P
Published: June 2012

Background: Despite significant advances in unravelling the pathophysiology of cluster headache (CH), little is known about neuropsychological functioning. Apart from neuroimaging studies indicating involvement of posterior hypothalamic and other areas frequently involved in nociception, some studies suggest involvement of prefrontal areas. Among others, these mediate executive functioning (EF).

Methods: Therefore, three neuropsychological tests (Trail Making Test (TMT), Go/Nogo Task and Stroop Task) were completed by four headache patient samples (chronic CH, episodic CH in the active or inactive period, and migraine patients) and compared to healthy controls.

Results: Analyses revealed that patients especially with chronic and active episodic CH were particularly impaired in tests relying more on intact EF (i.e. TMT-B, Stroop interference) than on basal cognitive processes (i.e. TMT-A, Stroop naming). Within the CH groups performance decreased linearly with increasing severity.

Discussion: These findings are in line with a recently proposed involvement of prefrontal structures in CH pathophysiology as patients performed worse on neuropsychological tasks relying on these structures. Impaired EF could also result from medication and sleep disturbances due to active CH. Because the decreased performance was also present outside the attacks it may hint at generally altered brain functions, but do not necessarily reflect clinically relevant behaviour.
Sampled-data switched control for flexible air-breathing hypersonic vehicles
Authors: Li Zhan , Zhang Zehao , Peng Tong , Hu Xiaoxiang
Published: June 2012

The nonstandard dynamic characteristics of flexible air-breathing hypersonic vehicles along with the aerodynamic effects of hypersonic flight cause the flight control of such vehicles highly challenging. Additionally, the wide range of speed and the varied parameters make the problem more difficult. In this article, the problem of sampled-data switched output tracking control design is addressed for flexible air-breathing hypersonic vehicles. First, the nonlinear longitudinal model of flexible air-breathing hypersonic vehicles is linearized with respect to different regions, and the switched sampled-data guaranteed cost controller design problem is discussed. Using an input delay approach, the switched system with sampling measurements is transformed into a continuous time-delay system. Then, by a Lyapunov approach, the existence condition of such a controller is developed in the form of linear matrix inequalities. A smooth switching condition is also designed simultaneously, and the sampled-data smooth switching controller design problem is cast into a convex optimization problem. The simulation results are reported to show the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Integrating Recovery and the Narrative Attachment Systems Perspective to Working Through Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Bernardon Stephanie , Pernice-Duca Francesca
Published: June 2012

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) presents a number of symptoms and adjustment issues for individuals, but it is also associated with a myriad of risks for the larger family system. A systemic perspective is crucial to comprehending the development of BPD. Promoting healthy relationships with one or more supportive adult enables the child to develop an identity apart from the dysfunctional system and successfully persevere in the future. Further, increasing mentalization capacities, also referred to as reflective functioning (RF), within the caregiver in relation to the child is a crucial aspect of a systemic approach. This article reviews the need for a systems perspective, including combining RF within a narrative therapy framework, when considering the development, maintenance, and prevention of BPD.
Is Forest Certification a Hegemonic Force? The FSC and its Challengers
Authors: Bloomfield Michael John
Published: June 2012

Certification initiatives are an innovative response to both a perceived governance gap in industry regulation and the demands made on industry by civil society groups. They develop criteria for sustainable practices along supply chains, monitor compliance, and reward acquiescent firms by mitigating reputational risks and differentiating products for environmentally conscious consumers. They seek to accomplish this with minimal cost to taxpayers, nominal disruption to trade, and trivial cost to the private sector in terms of fees or inefficiencies. This article examines the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification scheme as an example of the move toward nonstate, market-driven environmentalism. By utilizing a critical, Gramscian approach, it finds that while the FSC can be seen as embedded in, and furthering the agenda of, the neoliberal political economy, a close comparison to rival, producer-backed schemes exposes its antihegemonic underpinnings.
Effect of High-Dose Statin Versus Low-Dose Statin Plus Ezetimibe on Endothelial Function
Authors: Ye Yicong , Zhao Xiliang , Zhai Guangyao , Guo Lilin , Tian Zhuang , Zhang Shuyang
Published: June 2012

Background:

Combining low-dose statin and ezetimibe reduces the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) similar to high-dose statin. However, whether there is a difference in the effect of these 2 lipid-lowering regimes on endothelial function is still controversial.

Methods:

We performed a systematic search of databases (MEDLINE [1950 to September 2011], EMBASE [1966 to September 2011]) and references of identified studies. Completely published randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of high-dose statin with low-dose stain plus ezetimibe on endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation [FMD] method) were included in this study.

Results:

Six trials with a total of 213 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled weighted mean difference of FMD did not differ between the 2 lipid-lowering regimes (0.22%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.85%-1.29%, P = .68). Furthermore, no significant reduction in LDL-C and C-reactive protein (CRP) occurred with high-dose statin versus low-dose statin plus ezetimibe (pooled weighted mean differences of LDL-C and CRP were −4.12 mg/dL, 95% CI: −9.54-1.12 mg/dL, P = .12, and −0.02 mg/L, 95% CI: −0.31-0.27 mg/L, P = .89, respectively).

Conclusions:

Based on the currently available evidence, combining a low-dose statin with ezetimibe may provide similar beneficial effects on endothelial function as high-dose statin.
Targeted therapy for gastric cancer—current status
Authors: Kulig Jan , Kołodziejczyk Piotr , Kulig Piotr , Legutko Janusz
Published: June 2012

In patients with metastatic gastric cancer, median overall survival remains under 1 year and standard chemotherapy regimens are not able to substantially improve the prognosis of the patients. Amplification and over-expression of HER2 is reported in approximately 20% of gastric tumours, challenging the use of targeted therapies. There are several targeted therapies in different stages of clinical development with trastuzumab being the first overcoming the regulatory hurdle and getting European Medicines Agency approval. In patients with advanced gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer, addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival compared with chemotherapy alone. Addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy did not increase the incidence of adverse events. Other agents targeting the HER2 pathway (lapatinib) or other domains of epidermal growth factor receptor family (cetuximab) are currently being investigated for the treatment of an advanced gastric cancer.
Revisiting the Excise Tax Effects of the Property Tax
Authors: Muthitacharoen Athiphat , Zodrow George R.
Published: June 2012

The authors analyze the excise tax effects of a general property tax from the perspective of a small open economy facing a perfectly elastic supply of capital. The model differs from most that have appeared in the literature in the following ways: (1) the property tax is applied in a four-sector model with three taxed sectors—manufacturing, housing, and services, and a tax-exempt agricultural sector. Only manufacturing and agriculture produce tradable goods; (2) the analysis considers an “intermediate run” time frame in which labor is perfectly mobile across production sectors but fixed within the jurisdiction, while land is fixed in each sector; and (3) all production sectors use capital, labor, and land. The authors find that the excise tax effects are borne primarily by labor and land. The results also indicate that the degree of backward tax-shifting declines markedly in a longer run time frame in which labor is perfectly mobile across jurisdictions.
Trying to be Something You Are Not
Authors: de Viggiani Nick
Published: June 2012

Prisons are social communities where people commonly conform to normative institutional and cultural values and ideologies. Conforming as a man in prison may involve performing or projecting prison masculinities to ensure emotional, psychological, and social survival, employing strategies to mask self-perceived weaknesses or vulnerability and to attain status and legitimacy. While few men are likely to subscribe to archetypal masculine roles or stereotypes, ethnographic research with adult male prisoners revealed that individuals endeavored to fit in and become socially accepted into the prison community, commonly aligning themselves with normative values, attitudes, and behaviors of prison life, and striving for social legitimacy. “Front management” strategies were employed by individuals to convey “masculine” personas consistent with the prison code, a system of values based on aggression, violence, control, and exploitation—or “dog eat dog” and “divide and rule”—where individuals would become situated within the hegemonic social hierarchy. Participants equated emotional, psychological, and social survival with health and well-being, which was in turn dependent in part on their social status and legitimacy. Paradoxically, this disempowering and divisive hegemony could lay vulnerable individuals open to exploitation and harm, while also undermining prisoners' personal efforts to improve themselves, physically, emotionally, intellectually, and vocationally. Prisoners' efforts to fit into an excessively performance-orientated masculine culture are therefore likely to work against criminal justice goals to reintegrate offenders back into society.
Validity of the six stages of change for exercise
Authors: Horiuchi Satoshi , Tsuda Akira , Watanabe Yoshiko , Fukamachi Shigeru , Samejima Satoru
Published: June 2012

We examined the validity of ‘Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change’ six stages in exercise domain. A paper-pencil survey was completed by 457 workers. Self-efficacy tended to increase from Precontemplation to Action, did not change from Action to Maintenance, and then increase from Maintenance to Termination. Pros tended to increase and cons decrease only from Precontemplation to Action. A follow-up survey was completed by 331 workers. More preparers (25.4%) moved to Action compared to precontemplator (3.8%) and contemplators (6.5%). Relapse rates were lower among those in Termination (17.0%) than those in Action (43.8%) and Maintenance (38.1%). These results partially supported the validity.
Does public reason require super-majoritarian democracy? Liberty, equality, and history in the justification of political institutions
Authors: Ganghof Steffen
Published: June 2012

The project of public-reason liberalism faces a basic problem: publicly justified principles are typically too abstract and vague to be directly applied to practical political disputes, whereas applicable specifications of these principles are not uniquely publicly justified. One solution could be a legislative procedure that selects one member from the eligible set of inconclusively justified proposals. Yet if liberal principles are too vague to select sufficiently specific legislative proposals, can they, nevertheless, select specific legislative procedures? Based on the work of Gerald Gaus, this article argues that the only candidate for a conclusively justified decision procedure is a majoritarian or otherwise ‘neutral’ democracy. If the justification of democracy requires an equality baseline in the design of political regimes and if justifications for departure from this baseline are subject to reasonable disagreement, a majoritarian design is justified by default. Gaus’s own preference for super-majoritarian procedures is based on disputable specifications of justified liberal principles. These procedures can only be defended as a sectarian preference if the equality baseline is rejected, but then it is not clear how the set of justifiable political regimes can be restricted to full democracies.
The Second-Century Reception of John: A Survey of Methodologies
Authors: Batovici Dan
Published: June 2012

The last sixty years have witnessed quite different results on the topic of the reception of the Fourth Gospel in the second century. It is however at hand to notice that these significantly differing results are indebted to the dissimilar methodological approaches assumed by each scholar. The main aim of this paper is to reassess methodologically the bibliography on the reception of John in the second century. Given that we are far from having a consensus on the question of how to seek for John in the earliest Christian texts, some concluding considerations are offered on future possible development of the topic.
Continuing the Engagement: Psalms Research Since the Early 1990s
Authors: Kuntz J. Kenneth
Published: June 2012

Updating the writer’s previous essay in Currents, ‘Engaging the Psalms: Gains and Trends in Recent Research’ (1994), this extensive essay targets the many diverse books and articles reflecting the multi-faceted research on the Psalms published during the past two decades. While necessarily selective, this survey opens with article and book-length studies focused on the Psalter in its entirety. These studies range from those primarily intended for novice readers, to intricate, in-depth scholarly commentaries. Subsequently, many publications invested in more specific topics are discussed. These address the Psalms in their ancient Near Eastern milieu, probe crucial form-critical and rhetorical-critical issues, and focus on the shaping of the Psalter, its potential as a book of theology, and its reception across the centuries.
Recent Challenges to the communis opinio on 1 Corinthians 15.29
Authors: White Joel R.
Published: June 2012

The conventional interpretation of 1 Cor. 15.29, according to which the phrase hoi baptizomenoi hyper tōn nekrōn (generally translated as ‘those baptized on behalf of the dead’) refers to vicarious baptisms for the dead, still enjoys majority support even though it is unsatisfactory for a number of reasons. Older minority positions have failed to offer convincing alternatives. In the last 15 years, however, several scholarly works have been published, all which dispute the majority position and are similar to each other in that they posit a causal nuance for the preposition hyper and take the literary context of this verse more seriously. Together they point to a possible way forward in the discussion of this enigmatic text.
Current Trends in Targum Research
Authors: Lasair Simon
Published: June 2012

This article proposes that targum studies is in the midst of a significant transition away from the traditional philological disciplines and toward methodologies more informed by contemporary literary and linguistic theory. This article traces the broad contours of this transition, surveying philological scholarship on the targums and outlining some of the ongoing issues with this scholarship. The article then moves to examine some of the emerging modes of study, ending with a brief discussion of some of the finished projects in the field.
Investigating the Perceived Feasibility of Integrative Medicine in a Conventional Oncology Setting
Authors: Slocum-Gori Suzanne , Howard A. Fuchsia , Balneaves Lynda G. , Kazanjian Arminée
Published: June 2012

Background. A majority of cancer survivors experience debilitating effect(s) related to their cancer diagnosis and treatments across physical, psychological, social, and spiritual domains. Timely and innovative solutions are needed to address the adverse treatment-related effects and often disjointed services that breast cancer patients face. Recent studies suggest that the majority of breast cancer survivors are using complementary and alternative medicine at some point along their cancer trajectory. In recent years, scientists and clinicians have examined the effects of yoga therapy among cancer patients and survivors. The current study examined the perceived feasibility of implementing yoga therapy as a treatment service for breast cancer patients at a large urban cancer center in Canada. Methods. A mixed-methods approach that included focus groups and self-reported surveys with health care providers (HCPs) and breast cancer patients was used in this research. Results. Overall, results indicated that breast cancer patients and HCPs were supportive and eager for the implementation of a yoga therapy program. Six themes emerged from the analysis of the focus group and the survey data: (1) the availability of resources and accessibility of yoga therapy, (2) the credibility and transparency of yoga therapy, (3) the understanding of yoga therapy, (4) an educational component, (5) the therapeutic context, and (6) the integration of yoga therapy. Specific facilitators and barriers became evident within these themes. Conclusions. Although enthusiasm for the implementation of an integrative yoga therapy program was apparent among both breast cancer survivors and HCPs, barriers were also identified. The findings of this study are currently being used to inform a large-scale program of research aimed at developing integrative treatment services for breast cancer patients, beginning with yoga therapy.
The Effect of Regular Exercise and Yoga on Health-Related Quality of Life Among Ovarian Cancer Survivors
Authors: Lowe Kimberly A. , Andersen M. Robyn , Sweet Erin , Standish Leanna , Drescher Charles W. , Goff Barbara A.
Published: June 2012

There is growing interest in understanding the influence of yoga on health outcomes and health-related quality of life among cancer survivors. This cross-sectional study evaluated the effects of participating in regular exercise alone or in conjunction with yoga on health-related quality of life among 219 ovarian cancer survivors using the SF-36 health survey. Multivariate regression was used to assess the association between the exercise/yoga categories on the 8 SF-36 scales. The results suggest that survivors who participated in both regular exercise and yoga had higher scores in physical functioning, fewer limitations with physical and emotional health, less pain, and more vitality than survivors who reported participating in regular exercise only. These results highlight the utility of exercise as a potential predictor of health-related quality of life in ovarian cancer survivors and support adding yoga to an exercise program.