bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The politics of securitization and the Muhammad cartoon crisis: A post-structuralist perspective
Authors: Hansen Lene
Published: October 2011

A broad array of authors and schools have influenced Barry Buzan and Ole Wæver’s formulation of securitization theory, including John L. Austin, Jacques Derrida and Carl Schmitt. This article draws attention to and strengthens the post-structuralist elements in the writings of Buzan and Wæver, as this part of the theory has received less attention than those attributable to Schmitt and Austin. Starting from securitization theory as developed by Buzan and Wæver and engaging with later expansions of the theory, I suggest a post-structuralist framework built around three questions: Through which discursive structures are cases and phenomena represented and incorporated into a larger discursive field? What is the epistemic terrain through which phenomena are known? And, what are the substantial modalities that define what kind of an issue a security problem is? The last part of the article brings this framework to bear on the ‘Muhammad cartoon crisis’ that began with the publication of 12 cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten in 2005.
Securitization as a causal mechanism
Authors: Guzzini Stefano
Published: October 2011

The article seeks to offer a way forward in discussions about the status of securitization theory. In my reading, this debate has been inhibited by the difficulty of finding an appropriate version of ‘understanding/explanation’ that would be consistent with the meta-theoretical commitments of a post-structuralist theory. By leaving ‘explanation’ and/or all versions of causality to the positivist other, the Copenhagen School also left its own explanatory status often implicit, or only negatively defined. Instead, the present article claims that the explanatory theory used in securitization research de facto relies on causal mechanisms that are non-positivistically conceived. Using the appropriate methodological literature renders this explanatory status explicit, exposing the theory’s non-positivist causality and thus, hopefully, enhancing its empirical theory.
The Effect of UI Regulation on the Electricity Market
Authors: Kishore Kaushal
Published: October 2011

We studied a scenario where two electricity generators compete with each other in the presence of forward market. We find that if generators are restricted to sell a fraction less than half of their total supply in the spot market, then the price of electricity falls and supply increases. Generators have to sell more in the forward market to sell electricity in the spot market; hence, they have less incentive to restrict the supply in the forward market to sell electricity at higher price in the spot market.
Experimental study of thin-walled TiNi tubes under radial quasi-static compression
Authors: Ke Zhang , Huijie Zhang , Zhiping Tang
Published: October 2011

TiNi tubes with various sizes and boundary constraints subjected to radial quasi-static compression were systematically studied. The contour curves of the tubes were extracted from the real-time charge-coupled device (CCD) images, and the circumferential strain, bending moment, and phase composition distribution were calculated based on the contour curves and some assumptions. It was found that the load–displacement curves had hysteretic loops, and all specimens could recover to their initial shape after unloading, which was attributed to the effects of austenite–martensite phase transformation and phase transformation hinges (THs). For single-tube experiments, the numbers of TH were observed to be twice the numbers of constraints. For vertical double-tube experiments, the main deformation of each tube was concentrated on its upper half circle. The energy dissipation rate (EDR) and the dissipated specific energy (SE) in single-tube case increased with decrease of the diameter–wall thickness ratio (DTR; D/ t) or increase of the constraint number. With a four-directional constraint condition and same D/ t, the EDR and SE of vertical double tubes were greater than that of a single tube and close-packed seven tubes. The present results could give a reference for designing repeatedly used shock-resistant element with higher energy absorption capacity.
Indoor Particulate Matter in Different Residential Areas of Alexandria City, Egypt
Authors: Abdel-Salam Mahmoud M. M.
Published: October 2011

Particulate matter is one of the most important indoor air pollutants that could cause a number of adverse health effects. Quantification of total suspended particulate matter (TSP) in homes in the city of Alexandria was carried out. In the present study, 15 of the 21 homes showed a higher average indoor TSP concentration than the outdoor sample, and the median indoor/outdoor ratio was 1.08. Moreover, the outdoor and the mean indoor TSP concentrations were found to correlate significantly. Concentrations of indoor particulate matter were found to be influenced by indoor sources and human activities as well as outdoor particles.
Historic Variations in Winter Indoor Domestic Temperatures and Potential Implications for Body Weight Gain
Authors: Mavrogianni A. , Johnson F. , Ucci M. , Marmot A. , Wardle J. , Oreszczyn T. , Summerfield A.
Published: October 2011

It has been argued that the amount of time spent by humans in thermoneutral environments has increased in recent decades. This paper examines evidence of historic changes in winter domestic temperatures in industrialised countries. Future trajectories for indoor thermal comfort are also explored. Whilst methodological differences across studies make it difficult to compare data and accurately estimate the absolute size of historic changes in indoor domestic temperatures, data analysis does suggest an upward trend, particularly in bedrooms. The variations in indoor winter residential temperatures might have been further exacerbated in some countries by a temporary drop in demand temperatures due to the 1970s energy crisis, as well as by recent changes in the building stock. In the United Kingdom, for example, spot measurement data indicate that an increase of up to 1.3°C per decade in mean dwelling winter indoor temperatures may have occurred from 1978 to 1996. The findings of this review paper are also discussed in the context of their significance for human health and well-being. In particular, historic indoor domestic temperature trends are discussed in conjunction with evidence on the links between low ambient temperatures, body energy expenditure and weight gain.
Experiences of spouses of people with dementia in long-term care
Authors: Mullin Jennifer , Simpson Jane , Froggatt Katherine
Published: October 2011

The experiences of 10 spouses of people with dementia in long-term care were explored using semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) which resulted in four themes: ‘Identity: till death us do part’; ‘Making sense of change’; ‘Relationship with care provided: visiting as surveillance’; and ‘Relationship with the future: hope versus despair’. The findings highlighted the presence of conflicting feelings for the spouses, with positive feelings being voiced against a context of despair. Their perceptions of the care provided and the spousal relationship also highlighted the value of their views in supporting this group of people, improving dementia care and, hence, the importance of their involvement in implementing a ‘relationship-centred’ care approach.
A gene signature in histologically normal surgical margins is predictive of oral carcinoma recurrence
Authors: Reis Patricia P , Waldron Levi , Perez-Ordonez Bayardo , Pintilie Melania , Galloni Natalie Naranjo , Xuan Yali , Cervigne Nilva K , Warner Giles C , Makitie Antti A , Simpson Colleen , Goldstein David , Brown Dale , Gilbert Ralph , Gullane Patrick , Irish Jonathan , Jurisica Igor , Kamel-Reid Suzanne
Published: October 2011

Background

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is a major cause of cancer death worldwide, which is mainly due to recurrence leading to treatment failure and patient death. Histological status of surgical margins is a currently available assessment for recurrence risk in OSCC; however histological status does not predict recurrence, even in patients with histologically negative margins. Therefore, molecular analysis of histologically normal resection margins and the corresponding OSCC may aid in identifying a gene signature predictive of recurrence.

Methods

We used a meta-analysis of 199 samples (OSCCs and normal oral tissues) from five public microarray datasets, in addition to our microarray analysis of 96 OSCCs and histologically normal margins from 24 patients, to train a gene signature for recurrence. Validation was performed by quantitative real-time PCR using 136 samples from an independent cohort of 30 patients.

Results

We identified 138 significantly over-expressed genes (> 2-fold, false discovery rate of 0.01) in OSCC. By penalized likelihood Cox regression, we identified a 4-gene signature with prognostic value for recurrence in our training set. This signature comprised the invasion-related genesMMP1,COL4A1,P4HA2, andTHBS2. Over-expression of this 4-gene signature in histologically normal margins was associated with recurrence in our training cohort (p = 0.0003, logrank test) and in our independent validation cohort (p = 0.04, HR = 6.8, logrank test).

Conclusion

Gene expression alterations occur in histologically normal margins in OSCC. Over-expression of the 4-gene signature in histologically normal surgical margins was validated and highly predictive of recurrence in an independent patient cohort. Our findings may be applied to develop a molecular test, which would be clinically useful to help predict which patients are at a higher risk of local recurrence.
Nck2 promotes human melanoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and primary melanoma-derived tumor growth in vivo
Authors: Labelle-Côté Mélissa , Dusseault Julie , Ismaïl Salma , Picard-Cloutier Aude , Siegel Peter M , Larose Louise
Published: October 2011

Background

Nck1 and Nck2 adaptor proteins are involved in signaling pathways mediating proliferation, cytoskeleton organization and integrated stress response. Overexpression of Nck1 in fibroblasts has been shown to be oncogenic. Through the years this concept has been challenged and the consensus is now that overexpression of either Nck cooperates with strong oncogenes to transform cells. Therefore, variations in Nck expression levels in transformed cells could endorse cancer progression.

Methods

Expression of Nck1 and Nck2 proteins in various cancer cell lines at different stages of progression were analyzed by western blots. We created human primary melanoma cell lines overexpressing GFP-Nck2 and investigated their ability to proliferate along with metastatic characteristics such as migration and invasion. By western blot analysis, we compared levels of proteins phosphorylated on tyrosine as well as cadherins and integrins in human melanoma cells overexpressing or not Nck2. Finally, in mice we assessed tumor growth rate of human melanoma cells expressing increasing levels of Nck2.

Results

We found that expression of Nck2 is consistently increased in various metastatic cancer cell lines compared with primary counterparts. Particularly, we observed significant higher levels of Nck2 protein and mRNA, as opposed to no change in Nck1, in human metastatic melanoma cell lines compared with non-metastatic melanoma and normal melanocytes. We demonstrated the involvement of Nck2 in proliferation, migration and invasion in human melanoma cells. Moreover, we discovered that Nck2 overexpression in human primary melanoma cells correlates with higher levels of proteins phosphorylated on tyrosine residues, assembly of Nck2-dependent pY-proteins-containing molecular complexes and downregulation of cadherins and integrins. Importantly, we uncovered that injection of Nck2-overexpressing human primary melanoma cells into mice increases melanoma-derived tumor growth rate.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data indicate that Nck2 effectively influences human melanoma phenotype progression. At the molecular level, we propose that Nck2 in human primary melanoma promotes the formation of molecular complexes regulating proliferation and actin cytoskeleton dynamics by modulating kinases or phosphatases activities that results in increased levels of proteins phosphorylated on tyrosine residues. This study provides new insights regarding cancer progression that could impact on the therapeutic strategies targeting cancer.
Primary plasmacytoma of the testicle: a case report
Authors: Berrondo Claudia , Gorman Timothy E , Yap Ronald L
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Extramedullary plasmacytoma is a rare plasma cell neoplasm. Plasmacytomas are most commonly found in the head and neck region, but can occur in many other locations. They rarely occur in the testis, and are commonly associated with concurrent multiple myeloma at the time of diagnosis. Isolated plasmacytoma of the testis is exceedingly rare, with few cases reported in the literature.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old Caucasian man presented with a painless testicular mass treated by orchiectomy. The mass was determined to be plasmacytoma on pathological examination. At the time of diagnosis, our patient did not have multiple myeloma, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy for treatment of his disease.

Conclusion

Isolated plasmacytoma of the testicle is a rare cause of testicular mass, and is seldom reported in the literature. Patients with this disease require careful monitoring because of their high risk of progression to multiple myeloma. The diagnosis of testicular plasmacytoma can be challenging for primary care doctors and urologic specialists. This condition should be in the differential diagnosis in elderly men.
Association between antidepressant resistance in unipolar depression and subsequent bipolar disorder: cohort study
Authors: Li Cheng-Ta , Bai Ya-Mei , Huang Yu-Lin , Chen Ying-Sheue , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Cheng Ju-Yin , Su Tung-Ping
Published: October 2011

Background

People with major depressive disorder who fail to respond to adequate trials of antidepressant treatment may harbour hidden bipolar disorder.

Aims

We aimed to compare the rates of a change in diagnosis to bipolar disorder among people with major depressive disorder with stratified responses to antidepressants during an 8-year follow-up period.

Method

Information on individuals with major depressive disorder identified during 2000 (cohort 2000, n = 1485) and 2003 (cohort 2003, n = 2459) were collected from a nationally representative cohort of 1 000 000 health service users in Taiwan. Participants responding well to antidepressants were compared with those showing poor responses to adequate trials of antidepressants.

Results

In 7.6–12.1% of those with a diagnosis of unipolar major depressive disorder this diagnosis was subsequently changed to bipolar disorder, with a mean time to change of 1.89–2.98 years. Difficult-to-treat participants presented higher rates of change to a bipolar diagnosis (25.6% in cohort 2000; 26.6% in cohort 2003) than easy-to-treat participants (8.8–8.9% in cohort 2000; 6.8–8.6% in cohort 2003; P<0.0001). Regression analysis showed that the variable most strongly associated with the change in diagnosis was antidepressant use history. The difficult-to-treat participants were associated most with diagnostic changing (cohort 2000: odds ratio (OR) = 1.88 (95% CI 1.12–3.16); cohort 2003: OR = 4.94 (95% CI 2.81–8.68)).

Conclusions

This is the first large-scale study to report an association between antidepressant response history and subsequent change in diagnosis from major depressive disorder to bipolar disorder. Our findings support the view that a history of poor response to antidepressants in unipolar depression could be a useful predictor for bipolar diathesis.
Comparison of Damage Assessment Maps Derived from Very High Spatial Resolution Satellite and Aerial Imagery Produced for the Haiti 2010 Earthquake
Authors: Corbane Christina , Carrion Daniela , Lemoine Guido , Broglia Marco
Published: October 2011

Following the devastating M7.2 earthquake that affected Haiti on 12 January 2010 two types of building damage assessment maps were produced: 1) area-based damage assessments using pre- and post-event satellite imagery and 2) detailed building-by-building damage assessments using post-event aerial photography. In this paper, we compare the reliability and the usability of area-based damage assessment maps from satellite imagery with respect to the detailed damage assessment from aerial data. The main objective is to better understand how cooperative rapid mapping can steer the more detailed assessments that are typical in determining postdisaster recovery and reconstruction efforts. The results of these experiments indicate that damage assessment maps based on satellite data are capable of capturing the damage pattern, mainly in areas with a high level of damaged and many collapsed structures. However, these maps cannot provide the level of information needed for the quantification of damage intensity.
Seismic Hazard Maps for Haiti
Authors: Frankel Arthur , Harmsen Stephen , Mueller Charles , Calais Eric , Haase Jennifer
Published: October 2011

We have produced probabilistic seismic hazard maps of Haiti for peak ground acceleration and response spectral accelerations that include the hazard from the major crustal faults, subduction zones, and background earthquakes. The hazard from the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden, Septentrional, and Matheux-Neiba fault zones was estimated using fault slip rates determined from GPS measurements. The hazard from the subduction zones along the northern and southeastern coasts of Hispaniola was calculated from slip rates derived from GPS data and the overall plate motion. Hazard maps were made for a firm-rock site condition and for a grid of shallow shear-wave velocities estimated from topographic slope. The maps show substantial hazard throughout Haiti, with the highest hazard in Haiti along the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden and Septentrional fault zones. The Matheux-Neiba Fault exhibits high hazard in the maps for 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years, although its slip rate is poorly constrained.
Phospholipase C and Protein Kinase C-β 2 Mediate Insulin-Like Growth Factor II-Dependent Sphingosine Kinase 1 Activation
Authors: El-Shewy Hesham M. , Abdel-Samie Souzan A. , Al Qalam Abdelmohsen M. , Lee Mi-Hye , Kitatani Kazuyuki , Anelli Viviana , Jaffa Ayad A. , Obeid Lina M. , Luttrell Louis M.
Published: October 2011

We recently reported that IGF-II binding to the IGF-II/mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) receptor activates the ERK1/2 cascade by triggering sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1)-dependent transactivation of G protein-coupled sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptors. Here, we investigated the mechanism of IGF-II/M6P receptor-dependent sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) activation in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Pretreating cells with protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide-I, abolished IGF-II-stimulated translocation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged SK1 to the plasma membrane and activation of endogenous SK1, implicating PKC as an upstream regulator of SK1. Using confocal microscopy to examine membrane translocation of GFP-tagged PKCα, β1, β2, δ, and ζ, we found that IGF-II induced rapid, transient, and isoform-specific translocation of GFP-PKCβ2 to the plasma membrane. Immunoblotting of endogenous PKC phosphorylation confirmed PKCβ2 activation in response to IGF-II. Similarly, IGF-II stimulation caused persistent membrane translocation of the kinase-deficient GFP-PKCβ2 (K371R) mutant, which does not dissociate from the membrane after translocation. IGF-II stimulation increased diacylglycerol (DAG) levels, the established activator of classical PKC. Interestingly, the polyunsaturated fraction of DAG was increased, indicating involvement of phosphatidyl inositol/phospholipase C (PLC). Pretreating cells with the PLC inhibitor, U73122, attenuated IGF-II-dependent DAG production and PKCβ2 phosphorylation, blocked membrane translocation of the kinase-deficient GFP-PKCβ2 (K371R) mutant, and reduced sphingosine 1-phosphate production, suggesting that PLC/PKCβ2 are upstream regulators of SK1 in the pathway. Taken together, these data provide evidence that activation of PLC and PKCβ2 by the IGF-II/M6P receptor are required for the activation of SK1.
Pregnancy outcome of the obese in Ilorin
Authors: Adesina K , Aderibigbe S , Fawole A , Ijaiya M , Olarinoye A
Published: October 2011

Background

Obesity is a nutritional disorder that is fast becoming a public health issue in the developing world. It is associated with increased incidence of maternal complications and adverse perinatal outcome.

Methods and results

This is a case-control study of obesity in pregnancy carried out in the maternity wing of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. The subjects and controls were 156 obese and 80 non-obese women booked at this hospital for antenatal care. The controls were matched for age and parity. Obesity occurred more commonly among the well educated ( P = 0.00) and those in social classes I and II ( P = 0.00). The occurrence of other medical conditions was not significantly different. The obese women also had more caesarean sections ( P = 0.00), more assisted vaginal deliveries ( P = 0.00) and fewer spontaneous vaginal deliveries ( P = 0.00) than the non-obese parturients. The mean birth weight of infants of the obese mothers was 4.06 ± 0.13 kg (mean±SD) while the mean for the controls was 3.36 ± 0.49 kg. The difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.000). Also, the obese parturients had more macrosomic babies (defined as birth weight >4.2 kg) than the non-obese ( P = 0.00). The risks of perinatal asphyxia, birth trauma, neonatal admission and low birth weight were not increased among obese women in this study.

Conclusion

This study suggests that in our community, obesity occurs more commonly among women of high socioeconomic status and is a risk factor for maternal and fetal complications.
Non-Normal Global Modes of High-Speed Jets
Authors: Nichols Joseph W. , Lele Sanjiva K.
Published: October 2011

Global mode decomposition is applied to high speed jets over a range of jet-to-ambient density ratios and Mach numbers. Maximal transient response was obtained for each system by computing an optimal superposition of non-normal global modes. The non-normality of the global modes increased with decreasing density ratio as well as decreasing Mach number.
Cyclic carbonates as monomers for phosgene- and isocyanate-free polyurethanes and polycarbonates
Authors: Pyo Sang-Hyun , Persson Per , Mollaahmad M. Amin , Sörensen Kent , Lundmark Stefan , Hatti-Kaul Rajni
Published: October 2011

Polyurethanes and polycarbonates are widely used in a variety of applications including engineering, optical devices, and high-performance adhesives and coatings, etc., and are expected to find use also in the biomedical field owing to their biocompatibility and low toxicity. However, these polymers are currently produced using hazardous phosgene and isocyanates, which are derived from the reaction between an amine and phosgene. Extensive safety procedures are required to prevent exposure to phosgene and isocyanate because of its high toxicity. Therefore, the demand for the production of isocyanate-free polymers has now emerged. Among the alternative greener routes that have been proposed, a popular way is the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic carbonate in bulk or solution, usually using metallic catalyst, metal-free initiator, or biocatalyst. This review presents the recent developments in the preparation and application of cyclic carbonates as monomers for ROP, with emphasis on phosgene- and isocyanate-free polymerization to produce aliphatic polycarbonates and polyurethanes and their copolymers.
Muhammad, The Jews and the Constitution of Medina: Retrieving the historical Kernel
Authors: Rose Paul Lawrence
Published: October 2011

The Constitution of Medina (Kitāb) is perhaps the earliest surviving text of Islam that is accepted as authentic even by most revisionist historians. It embodies crucial material for the history of Muḥammad's relations with the Jews of Medina as well as for the historical emergence of Islam, but its meaning and significance are difficult to ascertain, and it has proven difficult to extract the substantial kernel of historical truth which is contained within it. This article proposes a new method of doing so based on the triangulation of the Sīra narratives, the Qur'ān, and the Kitāb, in which the last may be used as a control on the other sources. The Kitāb itself is analyzed on the basis of R. B. Serjeant's critical dissection of the text into a series of component treaties concluded at various times with the Muslim, Jewish and Munāfiqūn residents of Medina. The particular episode of the Jewish Qaynuqā' tribe and its Munāfiqūn allies is investigated to demonstrate the potential of the method.
Ἁbd al-Raḥmān ibn Rustum al-Fārisī. Une tentative de biographie du premier imam de Tāhart
Authors: Prevost Virginie
Published: October 2011

This article aims to establish the biography of Ἁbd al-Raḥmān ibn Rustum (presumably d. in 168/784–785) who founded the Ibāḍī Rustumid dynasty. Ἁbd al-Raḥmān grew up in al-Qayrawān, then he learned in Baṣra with the Ibāḍī scholar Abū ῾Ubayda Muslim ibn Abī Karīma al-Tamīmī. Afterwards he came back to the Maghrib in a group of «bearers of learning». In 140/757–758, he declined the Imāmate offered to him in favour of Abū l-Ḫaṭṭāb al-Ma῾āfirī. The latter took al-Qayrawān and proclaimed Ἁbd al-Raḥmān governor of the city. After the Ἁbbāsid reconquest and Abū l-Ḫaṭṭāb's death in 144/761–762, Ἁbd al-Raḥmān founded Tāhart. He was proclaimed Imām in 160/776–777 or 162/778–779. Under his reign, the Ibāḍī capital developed considerably.
Effect of androgen treatment during foetal and/or neonatal life on ovarian function in prepubertal and adult rats
Authors: Tyndall Victoria , Broyde Marie , Sharpe Richard , Welsh Michelle , Drake Amanda J , McNeilly Alan S
Published: October 2011

We investigated the effects of different windows of testosterone propionate (TP) treatment during foetal and neonatal life in female rats to determine whether and when excess androgen exposure would cause disruption of adult reproductive function. Animals were killed prepubertally at d25 and as adults at d90. Plasma samples were taken for hormone analysis and ovaries serial sectioned for morphometric analyses. In prepubertal animals, only foetal+postnatal and late postnatal TP resulted in increased body weights, and an increase in transitory, but reduced antral follicle numbers without affecting total follicle populations. Treatment with TP during both foetal+postnatal life resulted in the development of streak ovaries with activated follicles containing oocytes that only progressed to a small antral (smA) stage and inactive uteri. TP exposure during foetal or late postnatal life had no effect upon adult reproductive function or the total follicle population, although there was a reduction in the primordial follicle pool. In contrast, TP treatment during full postnatal life (d1–25) resulted in anovulation in adults (d90). These animals were heavier, had a greater ovarian stromal compartment, no differences in follicle thecal cell area, but reduced numbers of anti-Mullerian hormone-positive smA follicles when compared with controls. Significantly reduced uterine weights lead reduced follicle oestradiol production. These results support the concept that androgen programming of adult female reproductive function occurs only during specific time windows in foetal and neonatal life with implications for the development of polycystic ovary syndrome in women.
Oestradiol treatment restores the capacity of castrated males to induce both the Vandenbergh and the Bruce effects in mice (Mus musculus)
Authors: Thorpe Joelle B , deCatanzaro Denys
Published: October 2011

Androgen-dependent urinary constituents from males hasten reproductive maturation (the Vandenbergh effect) and disrupt peri-implantation pregnancy (the Bruce effect) in nearby females. Each of these effects can be mimicked in socially isolated females by direct administration of exogenous oestrogens. The current experiments were designed to determine the role of males' urinary 17β-oestradiol (E2) in their capacities to induce these effects. A preliminary experiment showed that both males on a phyto-oestrogen-rich soy-based diet and those on a phyto-oestrogen-free diet could induce both effects. For subsequent experiments, males were castrated and treated with either oil vehicle or E2. Enzyme immunoassay was conducted on non-invasively collected urine samples from these males. Concentrations of urinary testosterone were subnormal in both conditions, but urinary E2 was restored to the normal range for intact males in castrates given E2. Urinary creatinine was also quantified as a measure of hydration and was significantly reduced in males treated with E2. Castration diminished the capacity of males to promote growth of the immature uterus and also their capacity to disrupt blastocyst implantation in inseminated females. Injections of E2 to castrated males restored both capacities. These data converge with other studies indicating that E2 is the main constituent of male urine responsible for induction of both the Vandenbergh and the Bruce effects.
Eye Disease Resulting From Increased Use of Fluorescent Lighting as a Climate Change Mitigation Strategy
Authors: Walls Helen L. , Walls Kelvin L. , Benke Geza
Published: October 2011

Increased use of fluorescent lighting as a climate change mitigation strategy may increase eye disease. The safe range of light to avoid exposing the eye to potentially damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation is 2000 to 3500K and greater than 500 nanometers. Some fluorescent lights fall outside this safe range.

Fluorescent lighting may increase UV-related eye diseases by up to 12% and, according to our calculations, may cause an additional 3000 cases of cataracts and 7500 cases of pterygia annually in Australia.

Greater control of UV exposure from fluorescent lights is required. This may be of particular concern for aging populations in developed countries and countries in northern latitudes where there is a greater dependence on artificial lighting.
Comparison of the Effects of the US Clean Air Act and of Smoking Prevention and Cessation Efforts on the Risk of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Goldstein Bernard D. , Liu Yan , Wu Felicia , Lioy Paul
Published: October 2011

Objectives. We used 2 approaches based on published information to compare the impacts on leukemia incidence and benzene exposure of the 1990 US Clean Air Act (CAA) amendments and smoking prevention and cessation efforts.

Methods. We extrapolated leukemia mortality related to community air pollution levels and to cigarette smoking from data from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Surgeon General. We also estimated relative decline in total exposures to benzene (a known human leukemogen) owing to the CAA amendments and to smoking prevention and cessation efforts.

Results. We estimated that because of the CAA, there will be approximately 300 fewer leukemia deaths in the United States during the period 2000 through 2020. During the closest comparable period (1987–2007), we estimated that decline in cigarette smoking led to 7120 fewer leukemia deaths, of which 1282 to 3702 were attributable to benzene. Similarly, the decline in smoking led to about a tenfold greater decrease in total-population benzene exposure than did the 1990 CAA amendments.

Conclusions. Both the CAA and smoking cessation activities contribute to a decrease in leukemia incidence. Smoking cessation activities have had a greater effect in the past.
Off-Label Use of the Female Condom for Anal Intercourse Among Men in New York City
Authors: Kelvin Elizabeth A. , Mantell Joanne E. , Candelario Norman , Hoffman Susie , Exner Theresa M. , Stackhouse William , Stein Zena A.
Published: October 2011

We surveyed 111 male clients of an HIV/AIDS service organization in New York City in 2008 and 2009. Seventeen percent had used the female condom for anal intercourse; of these, 89.3% had used the female condom with male partners, 21.4% with female partners, and 10.7% with both. Users of the female condom for vaginal intercourse were more likely to use it for anal intercourse (odds ratio = 12.7; 95% confidence interval = 2.5, 64.9; P = .002). The safety and efficacy of the female condom for anal intercourse are unknown and should be evaluated.
Sexual Orientation and Substance Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Brewster Karin L. , Tillman Kathryn Harker
Published: October 2011

Objectives. We examined interrelationships among the 3 dimensions of sexual orientation—self-identity, sexual attraction, and sexual experience—and their associations with substance use among adolescents and young adults.

Methods. To estimate total and net associations of sexual identity, attraction, and experience with use of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, we applied logistic regression to cross-sectional data from the National Survey of Family Growth Cycle 6.

Results. We found a lack of concordance among the different dimensions of sexual orientation. More youths reported same-gender sexual attraction and same-gender sexual experiences than identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Estimates of substance use prevalence differed significantly by gender and across dimensions of sexual orientation. Sexual experience was the most consistent predictor of substance use. Women and men with no sexual experience had the lowest odds of all forms of substance use; those reporting sexual experience with partners of both genders had the highest odds.

Conclusions. Our findings indicate that sexual identity was less strongly associated with substance use than sexual experience and attraction were, pointing to the need for more nuanced indicators of sexual orientation in public health studies.
The Association of Sexual Orientation Measures With Young Adults’ Health-Related Outcomes
Authors: Lindley Lisa L. , Walsemann Katrina M. , Carter Jarvis W.
Published: October 2011

Objectives. We examined associations among 3 dimensions of sexual orientation (identity, behavior, and attraction) and key health-related indicators commonly studied among sexual minority populations: depressive symptoms, perceived stress, smoking, binge drinking, and victimization.

Methods. We analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, Wave IV (2007–2008) when respondents were aged 24 to 32 years (n = 14 412). We used multivariate linear and logistic regressions to examine consistency of associations between sexual orientation measures and health-related indicators.

Results. Strength of associations differed by gender and sexual orientation measure. Among women, being attracted to both sexes, identifying as “mostly straight” or “bisexual,” and having mostly opposite-sex sexual partners was associated with greater risk for all indicators. Among men, sexual attraction was unrelated to health indicators. Men who were “mostly straight” were at greater risk for some, but not all, indicators. Men who had sexual partners of the same-sex or both sexes were at lower risk for binge drinking.

Conclusions. Using all 3 dimensions of sexual orientation provides a more complete picture of the association between sexual orientation and health among young adults than does using any 1 dimension alone.
Strengthening Community Capacity to Participate in Making Decisions to Reduce Disproportionate Environmental Exposures
Authors: Freudenberg Nicholas , Pastor Manuel , Israel Barbara
Published: October 2011

Environmental exposures impose a disproportionate health burden on low-income populations and communities of color. One contributing factor may be the obstacles such communities face to full participation in making policy decisions about environmental health.

This study described and analyzed the characteristics that contributed to communities' capacity to participate in making environmental decisions and suggested steps public agencies could take to achieve more meaningful participation. By strengthening community capacity, advancing authentic participation, and building democratic power, it might be possible to alter current patterns of health inequities.

Strengthening participation by working with communities to develop the capacities needed to be effective in such processes is a key role for local, state, and national environmental agencies.
Critical Biological Pathways for Chronic Psychosocial Stress and Research Opportunities to Advance the Consideration of Stress in Chemical Risk Assessment
Authors: McEwen Bruce S. , Tucker Pamela
Published: October 2011

Emerging evidence suggests that psychosocial stress and toxicants may interact to modify health risks. Stress–toxicant interactions could be important in chemical risk assessment, but these interactions are poorly understood and additional research is necessary to advance their application.

Environmental health research can increase knowledge of these interactions by exploring hypotheses on allostatic load, which measures the cumulative impacts of stress across multiple physiological pathways, using knowledge about physiological pathways for stress-related health effects, and evidence of common target pathways for both stress and toxicants.

In this article, critical physiological pathways for stress-related health effects are discussed, with specific attention to allostatic load and stress–toxicant interactions, concluding with research suggestions for potential applications of such research in chemical risk assessment.
Exploring Potential Sources of Differential Vulnerability and Susceptibility in Risk From Environmental Hazards to Expand the Scope of Risk Assessment
Authors: Schwartz Joel , Bellinger David , Glass Thomas
Published: October 2011

Genetic factors, other exposures, individual disease states and allostatic load, psychosocial stress, and socioeconomic position all have the potential to modify the response to environmental exposures. Moreover, many of these modifiers covary with the exposure, leading to much higher risks in some subgroups.

These are not theoretical concerns; rather, all these patterns have already been demonstrated in studies of the effects of lead and air pollution. However, recent regulatory impact assessments for these exposures have generally not incorporated these findings.

Therefore, differential risk and vulnerability is a critically important but neglected area within risk assessment, and should be incorporated in the future.
Challenging Assumptions About Minority Participation in US Clinical Research
Authors: Fisher Jill A. , Kalbaugh Corey A.
Published: October 2011

Although extensive research addresses minorities’ low participation in clinical research, most focuses almost exclusively on therapeutic trials.

The existing literature might mask important issues concerning minorities’ participation in clinical trials, and minorities might actually be overrepresented in phase I safety studies that require the participation of healthy volunteers.

It is critical to consider the entire spectrum of clinical research when discussing the participation of disenfranchised groups; the literature on minorities’ distrust, poor access, and other barriers to trial participation needs reexamination. Minority participation in clinical trials is an important topic in public health discussions because this representation touches on issues of equality and the elimination of disparities, which are core values of the field.
A Systematic Review of Collaboration and Network Research in the Public Affairs Literature: Implications for Public Health Practice and Research
Authors: Varda Danielle , Shoup Jo Ann , Miller Sara
Published: October 2011

Objectives. We explored and analyzed how findings from public affairs research can inform public health research and practice, specifically in the area of interorganizational collaboration, one of the most promising practice-based approaches in the public health field.

Methods. We conducted a systematic review of the public affairs literature by following a grounded theory approach. We coded 151 articles for demographics and empirical findings (n = 258).

Results. Three primary findings stand out in the public affairs literature: network structure affects governance, management strategies exist for administrators, and collaboration can be linked to outcomes. These findings are linked to priorities in public health practice.

Conclusions. Overall, we found that public affairs has a long and rich history of research in collaborations that offers unique organizational theory and management tools to public health practitioners.
Salud es Vida:Development of a Cervical Cancer Education Curriculum forPromotoraOutreach With Latina Farmworkers in Rural Southern Georgia
Authors: Luque John S. , Mason Mondi , Reyes-Garcia Claudia , Hinojosa Andrea , Meade Cathy D.
Published: October 2011

We developed and evaluated a lay health worker curriculum intended to educate Hispanic farmworker women on cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV), and the HPV vaccine. We pilot tested the curriculum in 2010 with 7 volunteer promotoras for readability, attractiveness, content, comprehension, cultural appropriateness, persuasion, structure and organization of lessons, balance between didactic and participatory activities, and ease of diffusion to community members. Peer-led cervical cancer prevention education is a practical option for low-income, Hispanic farmworker women in newer immigrant-receiving areas of the United States with fewer Spanish-speaking health professionals.
Transforming the Delivery of Care in the Post–Health Reform Era: What Role Will Community Health Workers Play?
Authors: Martinez Jacqueline , Ro Marguerite , William Villa Normandy , Powell Wayne , Knickman James R.
Published: October 2011

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) affords opportunities to sustain the role of community health workers (CHWs).

Among myriad strategies encouraged by PPACA are prevention and care coordination, particularly for chronic diseases, chief drivers of increased health care costs. Prevention and care coordination are functions that have been performed by CHWs for decades, particularly among underserved populations.

The two key delivery models promoted in the PPACA are accountable care organizations and health homes. Both stress the importance of interdisciplinary, interprofessional health care teams, the ideal context for integrating CHWs. Equally important, the payment structures encouraged by PPACA to support these delivery models offer the vehicles to sustain the role of these valued workers.
Urban Youths Go 3000 Miles: Engaging and Supporting Young Residents to Conduct Neighborhood Asset Mapping
Authors: Santilli Alycia , Carroll-Scott Amy , Wong Fiona , Ickovics Jeannette
Published: October 2011

In 2009, CARE (Community Alliance for Research and Engagement at Yale University) launched a multisectoral chronic disease prevention initiative that conducts baseline data collection, interventions, and follow-up data collection to measure change. Data collection includes asset mapping to assess environmental determinants of chronic disease risk factors in neighborhoods and around schools. CARE hired 7 local high school students to conduct asset mapping; they walked more than 3000 miles and collected 492 data points. Employing youths as community health workers to collect data greatly enriched the community research process and offered many advantages. We were able to efficiently and effectively conduct scientifically rigorous mapping while gaining entry into some of New Haven's most research-wary and skeptical neighborhoods.
Mortality Risk Associated With Disability: A Population-Based Record Linkage Study
Authors: Majer Istvan M. , Nusselder Wilma J. , Mackenbach Johan P. , Klijs Bart , van Baal Pieter H. M.
Published: October 2011

Objectives. We assessed the association between mortality and disability and quantified the effect of disability-associated risk factors.

Methods. We linked data from cross-sectional health surveys in the Netherlands to the population registry to create a large data set comprising baseline covariates and an indicator of death. We used Cox regression models to estimate the hazard ratio of disability on mortality.

Results. Among men, the unadjusted hazard ratio for activities of daily living, mobility, or mild disability defined by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development at age 55 years was 7.85 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.36, 14.13), 5.21 (95% CI = 3.19, 8.51), and 1.87 (95% CI = 1.58, 2.22), respectively. People with disability in activities of daily living and mobility had a 10-year shorter life expectancy than nondisabled people had, of which 6 years could be explained by differences in lifestyle, sociodemographics, and major chronic diseases.

Conclusions. Disabled people face a higher mortality risk than nondisabled people do. Although the difference can be explained by diseases and other risk factors for those with mild disability, we cannot rule out that more severe disabilities have an independent effect on mortality.
Expanding the Scope of Risk Assessment: Methods of Studying Differential Vulnerability and Susceptibility
Authors: Schwartz Joel , Bellinger David , Glass Thomas
Published: October 2011

Several methodological issues have been identified in analysis of epidemiological data to better assess the distributional effects of exposures and hypotheses about effect modification.

We discuss the hierarchical mixed model and some more complex methods. Methods of capturing inequality are a second dimension of risk assessment, and simulation studies are important because plausible choices for air pollution effects and effect modifiers could result in extremely high risks in a small subset of the population.

Future epidemiological studies should explore contextual and individual-level factors that might modify these relationships. The Environmental Protection Agency should make this a standard part of their risk assessments whenever the necessary information is available.
Health Inequality over the Life-Cycle
Authors: Halliday Timothy
Published: October 2011

We estimate a dynamic model of health that is rooted in "stress models" from Epidemiology. Health is determined by time-invariant endowments, permanent shocks, and transitory shocks. We estimate that the variance in health at age 60 ranges between 2.5 and five times its variance at age 25 depending on which demographic group we consider. We show that the stress model performs better than a simple alternative, the random effects Probit, particularly for less educated people.
One approach in evaluating the overflow probability using the infinite fluid-flow queue
Authors: Trenkic Branimir , Stefanovic Mihajlo
Published: October 2011

If it is going to have practical significance, the evaluation of overflow probabilities must be (1) precise, (2) computationally stable and (3) real time compatible. The existing approximation expressions are gotten by using the traditional fluid-flow analytic techniques, which are mostly based on spectral analysis. The limitation of this approach comes from numerical difficulties caries by the spectral approach. In this paper, we suggested a fluid-flow approach in evaluating the overflow probability, which fully satisfies the above stated criteria, and removes the numerical difficulties of existing methods. The authors approach is based on the renewal argument and exploiting the similarity between fluid queues and Quasi-Birth-and-Death (QBD) processes.