bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PI3Kγ controls leukocyte recruitment, tissue injury, and lethality in a model of graft-versus-host disease in mice
Authors: Castor Marina G M , Rezende Bárbara M , Bernardes Priscila T T , Vieira Angélica T , Vieira Érica L M , Arantes Rosa M E , Souza Danielle G , Silva Tarcília A , Teixeira Mauro M , Pinho Vanessa
Published: March 2011

PI3Kγ is thought to mediate leukocyte migration to injured tissues and may be important in the pathogenesis of various T-lymphocyte-dependent pathologies, including autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The present study evaluated the relevance of PI3Kγ in donor cells for the pathogenesis of acute GVHD using a model of adoptive transfer of splenocytes from WT or PI3Kγ−/− C57BL/6J mice to B6D2F1 mice, and mice that received PI3Kγ−/− cells showed reduced clinical signs of disease, bacterial translocation, tissue injury, and lethality rates. This was associated with reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, CCL2, CCL3, and CCL5) and reduced infiltration of CD8+, CD4+, and CD11c+ cells in the small intestine. Mechanistically, in addition to decreasing production of proinflammatory mediators, absence or pharmacological blockade of PI3Kγ was associated with decreased rolling and adhesion of leukocytes to the mesenteric microcirculation, as assessed by intravital microscopy. Despite decreased GVHD, there was maintained GVL activity when PI3Kγ−/− leukocytes were transferred into WT mice. In conclusion, PI3Kγ plays a critical role in GVHD by mediating leukocyte influx and activation in tissues. PI3Kγ inhibitors may be useful in the treatment of GVHD in patients undergoing BMT.
Statistical multioffset phase analysis for surface-wave processing in laterally varying media
Authors: Vignoli Giulio , Strobbia Claudio , Cassiani Giorgio , Vermeer Peter
Published: March 2011

Standard procedures for dispersion analysis of surface waves use multichannel wavefield transforms. By using several receivers, such procedures integrate the information along the entire acquisition array. That approach improves data quality and robustness significantly, but its side effects are spatial averaging and loss of lateral resolution. Recently, a new approach was developed to address that issue and maximize lateral resolution. The new method uses multioffset phase analysis to detect and locate sharp lateral variations in velocity. By using the phase analysis approach, the number of usable channels can be maximized, thereby gaining data quality without compromising lateral resolution. In fact, such preliminary data analysis also allows selection of the appropriate traces on which to perform multichannel processing. Such multioffset phase analysis can be enhanced by f-k filtering, which assures the selection of only one wave-propagation mode, and by a statistical analysis that takes advantage of data redundancy of multishot data, usually collected, for example, in land refraction surveys. Moreover, this novel statistical method with f-k filtering can be used to retrieve a dispersion curve, in principle, for each receiver location. The quasi-continuous pseudoimage of shear-wave velocity as a function of offset and frequency allows a characterization of lateral variations in velocity, whether they are sharp or smooth.
Bayesian Dix inversion
Authors: Buland Arild , Kolbjørnsen Odd , Carter Andrew J.
Published: March 2011

We have developed a Bayesian method for Dix inversion and illustrated it with examples from the North Sea. The method is a constrained Dix inversion in which the uncertainty of the estimated interval velocities is an integral part of the solution. The method combines available geologic prior knowledge with the information in the picked rms velocities so that the prior model stabilizes and constrains the inversion. The definition of layers or intervals is flexible. One possibility is the classical layering whereby the top and bottom of the intervals are defined directly from the times of the picked rms velocities, but the intervals can be defined arbitrarily and independent of the picked velocities. Even a pseudocontinuous velocity profile with dense time sampling can be predicted with corresponding uncertainty. The Dix inversion is conventionally formulated as a 1D inversion problem in the locations with picked rms velocities. Under the assumption that Dix inversion is adequate, we have defined a method for spatial prediction at any position in a 3D model. This involves spatial smoothing and interpolation, and provides a method for building a velocity cube with the corresponding uncertainty on any grid. Explicit analytic expressions were found for both the optimal solution and the uncertainty. In general, the uncertainty of the estimated interval velocities increases with depth and with decreasing layer thickness. The uncertainty of the spatial prediction decreases with increasing spatial correlation. Because the solution is of an explicit analytic form, the Bayesian Dix inversion is computationally fast and does not require stochastic simulation.
Causes of Death and Relative Survival of Older Women After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Schonberg Mara A. , Marcantonio Edward R. , Ngo Long , Li Donglin , Silliman Rebecca A. , McCarthy Ellen P.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

To understand the impact of breast cancer on older women's survival, we compared survival of older women diagnosed with breast cancer with matched controls.

Methods

Using the linked 1992 to 2003 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) -Medicare data set, we identified women age 67 years or older who were newly diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or breast cancer. We identified women not diagnosed with breast cancer from the 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries residing in SEER areas. We matched patient cases to controls by birth year and registry (99% or 66,039 patient cases matched successfully). We assigned the start of follow-up for controls as the patient cases' date of diagnosis. Mortality data were available through 2006. We compared survival of women with breast cancer by stage with survival of controls using multivariable proportional hazards models adjusting for age at diagnosis, comorbidity, prior mammography use, and sociodemographics. We repeated these analyses stratifying by age.

Results

Median follow-up time was 7.7 years. Differences between patient cases and controls in sociodemographics and comorbidities were small (< 4%). Women diagnosed with DCIS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.7; 95% CI, 0.7 to 0.7) or stage I disease (aHR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.8 to 0.8) had slightly lower mortality than controls. Women diagnosed with stage II disease or higher had greater mortality than controls (stage II disease: aHR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.2 to 1.2). The association of a breast cancer diagnosis with mortality declined with age among women with advanced disease.

Conclusion

Compared with matched controls, a diagnosis of DCIS or stage I breast cancer in older women is associated with better survival, whereas a diagnosis of stage II or higher breast cancer is associated with worse survival.
Physician Survey of the Effect of the 21-Gene Recurrence Score Assay Results on Treatment Recommendations for Patients With Lymph Node–Positive, Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Oratz Ruth , Kim Benjamin , Chao Calvin , Skrzypczak Stanley , Ory Caron , Bugarini Roberto , Broder Michael
Published: March 2011

This physician survey looks at the effect of the 21-gene recurrence score assay results on adjuvant treatment recommendations for patients with lymph node–positive, estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer.
Physician and Practice Characteristics Influencing Tumor Board Attendance: Results From the Provider Survey of the Los Angeles Women's Health Study
Authors: Scher Kevin S. , Tisnado Diana M. , Rose Danielle E. , Adams John Lloyd , Ko Clifford Y. , Malin Jennifer L. , Ganz Patricia A. , Kahn Katherine L.
Published: March 2011

Multidisciplinary approaches to cancer care have shown improvements in the quality of care. The tumor board treatment planning approach provides a structure for engaging providers in discussions of cancer cases that are designed to enhance the quality of care.
Tumor Registry Versus Physician Medical Record Review: A Direct Comparison of Patients With Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Manasanch Elisabet E. , Smith Jillian K. , Bodnari Andreea , McKinney Jeannine , Gray Catherine , McDade Theodore P. , Tseng Jennifer F.
Published: March 2011

Academic tumor registry analysis indicates many patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are not identified when compared with physician medical record review. Reasons include registry time lag and case-finding methodologies.
An approximation for the inverse first passage time problem
Authors: Song Jing-Sheng , Zipkin Paul
Published: March 2011

We propose an approximation for the inverse first passage time problem. It is similar in spirit and method to the tangent approximation for the original first passage time problem. We provide evidence that the technique is quite accurate in many cases. We also identify some cases where the approximation performs poorly.
Double-Barrier Parisian Options
Authors: Dassios Angelos , Wu Shanle
Published: March 2011

In this paper we study the excursion time of a Brownian motion with drift outside a corridor by using a four-state semi-Markov model. In mathematical finance, these results have an important application in the valuation of double-barrier Parisian options. We subsequently obtain an explicit expression for the Laplace transform of its price.
Matchmaking and Testing for Exponentiality in the M/G/∞ Queue
Authors: Grübel Rudolf , Wegener Hendrik
Published: March 2011

Customers arrive sequentially at timesx1<x2< · · ·  0. TheZ-variables all have the same distributionQ. We are interested in situations where the data are incomplete in the sense that only the order statistics associated with the departure timesxi+Ziare known, or that the only available information is the order in which the customers arrive and depart. In the former case we explore possibilities for the reconstruction of the correct matching of arrival and departure times. In the latter case we propose a test for exponentiality.
Generalized Coupon Collection: The Superlinear Case
Authors: Smythe R. T.
Published: March 2011

We consider a generalized form of the coupon collection problem in which a random number, S, of balls is drawn at each stage from an urn initially containing n white balls (coupons). Each white ball drawn is colored red and returned to the urn; red balls drawn are simply returned to the urn. The question considered is then: how many white balls (uncollected coupons) remain in the urn after the kn draws? Our analysis is asymptotic as n → ∞. We concentrate on the case when kn draws are made, where kn / n → ∞ (the superlinear case), although we sketch known results for other ranges of kn. A Gaussian limit is obtained via a martingale representation for the lower superlinear range, and a Poisson limit is derived for the upper boundary of this range via the Chen-Stein approximation.
A Technique for Computing the PDFs and CDFs of Nonnegative Infinitely Divisible Random Variables
Authors: Veillette Mark S. , Taqqu Murad S.
Published: March 2011

We present a method for computing the probability density function (PDF) and the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of a nonnegative infinitely divisible random variable X. Our method uses the Lévy-Khintchine representation of the Laplace transform Ee-λX = e-ϕ(λ), where ϕ is the Laplace exponent. We apply the Post-Widder method for Laplace transform inversion combined with a sequence convergence accelerator to obtain accurate results. We demonstrate this technique on several examples, including the stable distribution, mixtures thereof, and integrals with respect to nonnegative Lévy processes.
Sample Path Large Deviations for Order Statistics
Authors: Duffy Ken R. , Macci Claudio , Torrisi Giovanni Luca
Published: March 2011

We consider the sample paths of the order statistics of independent and identically distributed random variables with common distribution functionF. IfFis strictly increasing but possibly having discontinuities, we prove that the sample paths of the order statistics satisfy the large deviation principle in the SkorokhodM1topology. Sanov's theorem is deduced in the SkorokhodM'1topology as a corollary to this result. A number of illustrative examples are presented, including applications to the sample paths of trimmed means and Hill plots.
On New Classes of Extreme Shock Models and Some Generalizations
Authors: Cha Ji Hwan , Finkelstein Maxim
Published: March 2011

In extreme shock models, only the impact of the current, possibly fatal shock is usually taken into account, whereas in cumulative shock models, the impact of the preceding shocks is accumulated as well. A shock model which combines these two types is called a ‘combined shock model’. In this paper we study new classes of extreme shock models and, based on the obtained results and model interpretations, we extend these results to several specific combined shock models. For systems subject to nonhomogeneous Poisson processes of shocks, we derive the corresponding survival probabilities and discuss some meaningful interpretations and examples.
Discrete Models for Scattering Populations
Authors: Fayard Patrick , Field Timothy R.
Published: March 2011

Jakeman's random walk model with step number fluctuations describes the coherent amplitude scattered from a rough medium in terms of the summation of individual scatterers' contributions. If the scattering population conforms to a birth-death immigration model, the resulting amplitude is K-distributed. In this context, we derive a class of diffusion processes as an extension of the ordinary birth-death immigration model. We show how this class encompasses four different cross-section models commonly studied in the literature. We conclude by discussing the advantages of this unified description.
Accelerating Physical Simulations Using Graphics Processing Units
Authors: Hoffmann Karl Heinz , Hofmann Michael , Lang Jens , Rünger Gudula , Seeger Steffen
Published: March 2011

Graphics processors are used in many fields of applications that require high computational power. Especially in scientific computing, the programming of graphics processing units is an active field of research. Because of their hardware characteristics, graphics processors are well-suited for regular parallelism, however the implementation of irregular problems requires more advanced strategies. In this article, the hardware architecture of graphics processors and different frameworks for graphics processor programming, such as CAL, Brook+, CUDA and OpenCL with their specific properties, are presented. Additionally, an overview of different physical applications that have been implemented successfully on graphics processors is given. The parallel implementation of a specific irregular physical application on graphics processors is presented in more detail. This application simulates anomalous diffusion in porous media using random walk on Random Sierpinski Carpets.
A Hybrid Functional and Object-Oriented Language for a Multi-Core Future
Authors: Veldema Ronald , Philippsen Michael
Published: March 2011

Current (heterogeneous) multi-core environments such as GPU architectures are hard to program with normal imperative and object-oriented (OO) languages because of race-conditions and general side-effects that code may have. We propose that both problems can be solved with a hybrid language that combines both Functional Programming (FP) and OO programming. By auto-parallelization in the FP-core, all loops and non-dependent calls can be executed in parallel. FP is to be used to write computationally intensive code with safe concurrent memory access. OO is to be used for I/O and management related tasks. In this article, we propose a new clean way to integrate the two language cores that even grants some restricted means to read and write arrays and objects from within FP mode. For the proposed new language features we have developed a compiler prototype that transparently parallelizes code to target both Cuda and multi-core machines (without annotations from the programmer) and that obtains good speedups.
Do muscle fiber conduction slowing and decreased levels of circulating muscle proteins represent sensitive markers of steroid myopathy? A pilot study in Cushing's disease
Authors: Minetto Marco A , Lanfranco Fabio , Botter Alberto , Motta Giovanna , Mengozzi Giulio , Giordano Roberta , Picu Andreea , Ghigo Ezio , Arvat Emanuela
Published: March 2011

Objective

Glucocorticoids are known to decrease protein synthesis and conduction velocity of muscle fibers. However, the degree of impairment of muscle protein synthesis and conduction slowing in patients with Cushing's disease remains poorly characterized. Our objective was to investigate whether and to what extent chronic endogenous hypercortisolism could decrease the circulating levels of muscle proteins and modify myoelectric indexes of sarcolemmal excitability and fatigability.

Design

A total of ten patients with Cushing's disease and 30 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and body mass index were compared.

Methods

Blood sampling and electrophysiological tests on vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and tibialis anterior muscles were performed.

Results

Serum creatine kinase (CK) and plasma myoglobin were significantly lower in patients with respect to controls (P<0.001 and P<0.05 respectively): the mean relative difference between patients and controls was 48.9% for CK and 21.4% for myoglobin. Muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) and myoelectric manifestations of fatigue were significantly decreased in all muscles of the patients with respect to controls. The mean relative difference in MFCV between patients and controls was 26.0% for vastus lateralis, 22.9% for vastus medialis, and 11.6% for tibialis anterior. These differences contrasted with the paucity of signs suggestive of myopathy that were obtained by needle electromyography in the patients.

Conclusions

Slowing of muscle fiber conduction and decreased levels of circulating muscle proteins are sensitive markers of impaired muscle function, which are suitable for use in combination with clinical assessment and standard electrodiagnostic tests for accurate identification and follow-up of myopathic patients.
Adolescent Alcohol and Tobacco Use and Early Socioeconomic Position: The ALSPAC Birth Cohort
Authors: Melotti Roberto , Heron Jon , Hickman Matthew , Macleod John , Araya Ricardo , Lewis Glyn
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the association between use of alcohol and cigarettes among adolescents and their early socioeconomic background.

METHODS:

Members of a longitudinal birth cohort (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children [ALSPAC], United Kingdom) were invited to attend a personal interview. A total of 5837 children aged 13 years were asked about previous consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Information on parental socioeconomic position, collected from questionnaires from the mother, included both social class and education of the expectant mother and her partner and average household disposable income in early preschool childhood. The impact of missing data was assessed by multiple imputation.

RESULTS:

Consuming a drink of alcohol in the previous 6 months was linearly associated with higher income levels even when adjusting for other socioeconomic indicators. In contrast, both the risk of binge drinking and recent drinking was lower for children whose mothers had a higher educational level. Smoking tobacco was associated with lower socioeconomic position irrespective of the indicator used. Analyses after imputation of missing data confirmed these associations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Alcohol drinking was more common in young people from higher-income households but less common with higher levels of maternal education. A consistent inverse socioeconomic gradient with tobacco smoking was apparent. These results may reflect how different aspects of socioeconomic position can influence health behavior in opposing directions. Higher income may increase the availability of alcohol in the family, whereas mothers with higher educational attainment might encourage more healthy behaviors in their children, including reduced alcohol use.
Fathers' Depression Related to Positive and Negative Parenting Behaviors With 1-Year-Old Children
Authors: Davis R. Neal , Davis Matthew M. , Freed Gary L. , Clark Sarah J.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the associations between depression in fathers of 1-year-old children and specific positive and negative parenting behaviors discussed by pediatric providers at well-child visits.

METHODS:

We performed a cross-sectional secondary analysis by using interview data from 1746 fathers of 1-year-old children in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Positive parenting behaviors included fathers' reports of playing games, singing songs, and reading stories to their children ≥3 days in a typical week. Negative parenting behavior included fathers' reports of spanking their 1-year-old children in the previous month. Depression was assessed by using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Form. Weighted bivariate and multivariate analyses of parenting behaviors were performed while controlling for demographics and paternal substance abuse.

RESULTS:

Overall, 7% of fathers had depression. In bivariate analyses, depressed fathers were more likely than nondepressed fathers to report spanking their 1-year-old children in the previous month (41% compared with 13%; P < .01). In multivariate analyses, depressed fathers were less likely to report reading to their children ≥3 days in a typical week (adjusted odds ratio: 0.38 [95% confidence interval: 0.15–0.98]) and much more likely to report spanking (adjusted odds ratio: 3.92 [95% confidence interval: 1.23–12.5]). Seventy-seven percent of depressed fathers reported talking to their children's doctor in the previous year.

CONCLUSIONS:

Paternal depression is associated with parenting behaviors relevant to well-child visits. Pediatric providers should consider screening fathers for depression, discussing specific parenting behaviors (eg, reading to children and appropriate discipline), and referring for treatment if appropriate.
Improving Early Literacy Promotion: A Quality-Improvement Project for Reach Out and Read
Authors: Khandekar Aasma A. , Augustyn Marilyn , Sanders Lee , Zuckerman Barry
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

The Reach Out and Read (ROR) program promotes early literacy as part of pediatric primary care through the distribution of children's books and anticipatory guidance during early childhood.

OBJECTIVES:

To improve the rates of age-appropriate book-giving during well-child care and the delivery of ROR-recommended anticipatory guidance in 6 pediatric clinics.

METHODS:

Three quality-improvement cycles were completed at each site. Practice-level data were shared with participants in iterative sessions to identify methods for improving care. A provider-training DVD was used to promote these ROR activities.

RESULTS:

Over the course of the project, the median rate of book-giving increased from 97% to 99% and for anticipatory guidance remained at 89%. Providers reported significantly improved ROR-related skills, particularly self-efficacy for modeling reading aloud and for using children's books to assess development.

CONCLUSIONS:

Baseline adherence to the ROR program is high, possibly because of the ease of implementation. Quality improvement for ROR is feasible and may be easier to implement for book distribution than anticipatory guidance, although providers reported improved anticipatory-guidance skills. Future quality-improvement efforts should continue to address giving books and anticipatory guidance, both of which are integral to the ROR model.
The Process of End-of-Life Decision-Making in Pediatrics: A National Survey in the Netherlands
Authors: de Vos Mirjam A. , van der Heide Agnes , Maurice-Stam Heleen , Brouwer Oebele F. , Plötz Frans B. , Schouten-van Meeteren Antoinette Y. N. , Willems Dick L. , Heymans Hugo S. A. , Bos Albert P.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of this study was to investigate how Dutch pediatric specialists reach end-of-life decisions, how they involve parents, and how they address conflicts.

METHODS:

We conducted a national cross-sectional survey among pediatric intensivists, oncologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and metabolic pediatricians practicing in the 8 Dutch university hospitals. We collected information on respondents' overall opinions and their clinical practice.

RESULTS:

Of the 185 eligible pediatric specialists, 74% returned the questionnaire. All responding physicians generally discuss an end-of-life decision with colleagues before discussing it with parents. In half of the reported cases, respondents informed parents about the intended decision and asked their permission. In one-quarter of the cases, respondents informed parents without asking for their permission. In the remaining one-quarter of the cases, respondents advised parents and consequently allowed them to have the decisive voice. The chosen approach is highly influenced by type of decision and type and duration of treatment. Conflicts within medical teams arose as a result of uncertainties about prognosis and treatment options. Most conflicts with parents arose because parents had a more positive view of the prognosis or had religious objections to treatment discontinuation. All conflicts were eventually resolved by a combination of strategies. In 66% of all cases, pain and symptom management were intensified before the child's death.

CONCLUSIONS:

Within Dutch pediatrics, end-of-life decisions are team decisions. Pediatric specialists differ considerably in how they involve parents in end-of-life decision-making, ranging from benevolent paternalism to parental autonomy. Main conflict-solving strategies are taking more time and extending discussions.
Growth Standards of Infants With Prader-Willi Syndrome
Authors: Butler Merlin G. , Sturich Jennifer , Lee Jaehoon , Myers Susan E. , Whitman Barbara Y. , Gold June-Anne , Kimonis Virginia , Scheimann Ann , Terrazas Norma , Driscoll Daniel J.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To generate and report standardized growth curves for weight, length, head circumference, weight/length, and BMI for non–growth hormone–treated white infants (boys and girls) with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) between 0 and 36 months of age. The goal was to monitor growth and compare data with other infants with PWS.

METHODS:

Anthropometric measures (N = 758) were obtained according to standard methods and analyzed from 186 non–growth hormone–treated white infants (108 boys and 78 girls) with PWS between 0 and 36 months of age. Standardized growth curves were developed and the 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th percentiles were calculated by using the LMS (refers to λ, μ, and σ) smoothing procedure method for weight, length, head circumference, weight/length, and BMI along with the normative 50th percentile using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention national growth data from 2003. The data were plotted for comparison purposes.

RESULTS:

Five separate standardized growth curves (weight, length, head circumference, weight/length, and BMI) representing 7 percentile ranges were developed from 186 non–growth hormone–treated white male and female infants with PWS aged 0 to 36 months, and the normative 50th percentile was plotted on each standardized infant growth curve.

CONCLUSIONS:

We encourage the use of these growth standards when examining infants with PWS and evaluating growth for comparison purposes, monitoring for growth patterns, nutritional assessment, and recording responses to growth hormone therapy, commonly used in infants and children with PWS.
Pain in Underserved Community-Dwelling Chinese American Cancer Patients: Demographic and Medical Correlates
Authors: Dhingra Lara , Lam Kin , Homel Peter , Chen Jack , Chang Victor T. , Zhou Juanyi , Chan Selina , Lam Wan Ling , Portenoy Russell
Published: March 2011

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the prevalence of frequent or persistent pain among non-English-speaking Chinese American cancer patients.Identify factors that were significantly associated with increased pain intensity and pain-related distress in the population studied.

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Background.

Little is known about cancer pain in Chinese Americans. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of pain in this population. This information is needed to identify and address unmet clinical needs for culturally relevant interventions targeting pain and its consequences.

Methods.

A consecutive sample of underserved ethnic Chinese patients in a large community-based oncology practice was screened for persistent or frequent pain. Those patients with pain completed translated instruments assessing demographics, linguistic acculturation, disease-related characteristics, and pain-related characteristics.

Results.

Of 312 patients screened, 178 (57.1%) reported frequent or persistent pain, 175 were eligible, and 170 participated. Most participants (85.9%) were born in China and 84.7% overall spoke Cantonese only. The most common cancers were gastrointestinal (28.2%), lung (21.8%), breast (20.6%), head and neck (12.9%), and genitourinary (4.7%); 43.5% had metastatic disease. The mean worst pain severity on a 0–10 numeric scale was 4.7 (standard deviation, 2.4), with 28.2% of patients rating their worst pain at ≥7 of 10. Although 37.6% used opioids and 47.1% used nonopioids, 45.8% reported “little” or “no” pain relief from medications. Complementary or alternative medicine therapies for cancer pain were used by 35.8%. In multiple regression analyses, worst pain was positively associated with acculturation to the English language and opioid therapy, and pain-related distress was positively associated with opioid therapy.

Conclusion.

Pain is prevalent among community-dwelling, ethnic Chinese American cancer patients. Additional studies are needed to confirm these results and investigate the finding that higher linguistic acculturation is associated with reports of more intense pain.
Intramarrow Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 Gene Delivery Enhances Early Implant Stability in Femurs of Ovariectomized Rabbits
Authors: Lai Yu‐Lin , Kuo Nai‐Chia , Hsiao Wen‐Kai , Yew Tu‐Lai , Lee Shyh‐Yuan , Chen Hen‐Li
Published: March 2011

Background: Sufficient early implant stability is critical to prevent excessive micromovement of the implant during peri‐implant healing and to ensure the success of osseointegration. Implants placed in osteoporotic bones are often associated with low early implant stability. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of intramarrow bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) gene delivery on early implant stability and peri‐implant healing.

Methods: Adenoviruses encoding human BMP4 or LacZ were introduced into the femoral osteotomy sites immediately before implant placement in ovariectomized rabbits. The implant stability was determined by resonance frequency analysis at weeks 0, 4, and 8. Changes in cortical bone thickness and intrascrew bone formation at weeks 4 and 8 were evaluated by microcomputed tomography analysis and undecalcified histologic examination, respectively.

Results: Intramarrow BMP4 gene delivery resulted in more improvement in implant stability at both weeks 4 and 8. Increased increment in peri‐implant cortical bone thickness and better intrascrew bone formation were found in the BMP4 group compared to the LacZ group.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that intramarrow adenoviral gene delivery of BMP4 enhances peri‐implant bone healing and improves early implant stability in osteoporotic rabbit femurs.
Levels of Interleukin‐21 in Patients With Untreated Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Dutzan Nicolás , Rivas Catalina , García‐Sesnich Jocelyn , Henríquez Leslie , Rivera Oriana , Dezerega Andrea , Hernández Marcela , Silva Nora , Aguillón Juan Carlos , Puente Javier , Vernal Rolando , Gamonal Jorge
Published: March 2011

Background: A growing body of evidence suggested that interleukin (IL)‐21 enhances the effector phase during T‐cell responses. The aim of our study is to determine the levels of IL‐21 in periodontal sites from patients with chronic periodontitis and controls.

Methods: The population studied consisted of 34 patients (15 with chronic periodontitis and 19 healthy patients). Twenty samples (10 gingival crevicular fluid [GCF] and 10 gingival biopsies) were collected from each group before the patients with periodontitis received periodontal treatment. Total protein concentrations were measured in all samples; the presence of IL‐21 was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and IL‐21 levels were quantified through an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analyses were performed using statistical software. Data were expressed as patient means ± SDs or medians (interquartile ranges) by using the χ2, Student t, and Mann‐Whitney U tests.

Results: GCF IL‐21 was mainly detected in patients with chronic periodontitis (P <0.05). Levels of IL‐21 in gingival tissues were significantly higher in patients with chronic periodontitis compared to healthy individuals (P <0.05). The Western blot and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of IL‐21 in periodontal tissues and GCF.

Conclusion: IL‐21 was highly expressed in patients with chronic periodontitis, especially in gingival biopsies; therefore, IL‐21 might play a role in the T‐cell response.
Loss of Alveolar Bone Due to Periodontal Disease Exhibits a Threshold on the Association With Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Alman Amy C. , Johnson Lonnie R. , Calverley David C. , Grunwald Gary K. , Lezotte Dennis C. , Harwood Jeri E.F. , Hokanson John E.
Published: March 2011

Background: A number of epidemiologic studies were published that looked at the association between coronary heart disease (CHD) and periodontal disease. However, debate exists about whether this association is a true relationship or simply an example of an uncontrolled confounder. This retrospective cohort study examines the relationship between periodontal disease and CHD.

Methods: Digital panoramic radiographs were used to assess alveolar bone loss (ABL) using a Schei ruler. Participants consisted of Veterans Administration (VA) patients who were eligible for dental benefits and had a digital panoramic radiograph taken at the VA Medical Center, Denver, Colorado. Information on CHD and other important clinical variables were obtained from electronic medical records.

Results: The examination of the relationship between ABL and CHD revealed a significant non‐linear relationship with a threshold at ≈20% bone loss with a doubling of the probability ratios of CHD compared to those at 7.5% bone loss.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate a non‐linear relationship between ABL and CHD. A significant positive association between ABL and CHD was found at even low levels of bone loss between 10% and 20%.
Antibiotic Susceptibility of Cocultures in Polymicrobial Infections Such as Peri‐Implantitis or Periodontitis: An In Vitro Model
Authors: Mouratidou Anastasia , Karbach Julia , d'Hoedt Bernd , Al‐Nawas Bilal
Published: March 2011

Background: Although polymicrobial infections, such as peri‐implantitis or periodontitis, were postulated in the literature to be caused by synergistic effects of bacteria, these effects remain unclear looking at antibiotic susceptibility. The aim of this study is to compare the antibiotic susceptibilities of pure cultures and definite cocultures.

Methods: Laboratory strains of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans), Capnocytophaga ochracea (Co), and Parvimonas micra (Pm) (previously Peptostreptococcus micros) were cultivated under anaerobic conditions, and their susceptibilities to 10 antibiotics (benzylpenicillin G, ampicillin, amoxicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, minocycline, metronidazole, linezolid, azithromycin, and moxifloxacin) were tested using the Epsilometertest. Cocultures, each consisting of two or three bacteria, were treated analogously.

Results: All four cocultures showed lower susceptibilities to azithromycin and minocycline than to pure cultures. The coculture Aa‐Co showed a lower susceptibility to moxifloxacin as did the coculture Aa‐Pm to benzylpenicillin G; the coculture Co‐Pm showed a lower susceptibility to amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, metronidazole, and benzylpenicillin G. However, the coculture Co‐Pm showed a higher susceptibility to ampicillin, linezolid and moxifloxacin as did Aa‐Pm and Aa‐Co‐Pm to linezolid.

Conclusions: In addition to established in vitro assays, it was demonstrated that antimicrobial cocultures caused antibiotic susceptibilities that differed from those of pure cultures. Bacterial cocultures frequently showed lowered susceptibilities to antibiotics.
Information Technology Outsourcing: A Taxonomy of Prior Studies and Directions for Future Research
Authors: Blaskovich Jennifer , Mintchik Natalia
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT: This paper reviews the nearly 20 years of scholarly research on information technology outsourcing (ITO), with an explicit focus on developing a taxonomy for AIS academics and extracting valuable suggestions for AIS practitioners. Our taxonomy subdivides the ITO research into separate streams: (1) initial outsourcing decision and its determinants, (2) execution of the outsourcing contract and dynamics of outsourcing relationships, and (3) measurement of outsourcing results and the long-term organizational consequences of outsourcing. We consider the primary research questions addressed, summarize the major findings, and identify the theories and methods used. Finally, we highlight the limited accounting studies on ITO and discuss directions for potential synergies between accounting and IS scholars.
The Effects of Process Accountability on Individuals’ Use of a Familiar Technology
Authors: Cornell Robert M. , Eining Martha M. , Hu Paul Jen-Hwa
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT: Individuals’ technology use decisions are critical to the success of information technology in an organizational context. We investigate the influence of process accountability on individual professionals’ intended and actual use of a familiar technology in decision-making tasks directly related to their work role by anchoring in the core constructs of the technology acceptance model (TAM). Our focus differs from traditional initial user acceptance research in that participants have considerable knowledge about and experience with the focal technology. According to results from an experiment involving 130 participants, process accountability has a significant, positive effect on perceived technology usefulness, intention to use, and actual technology use. Further analyses show that perceived technology usefulness mediates the accountability-intention relationship and intention to use mediates the accountability-actual use relationship. By incorporating process accountability into the TAM and empirically testing its effects, we shed light on the causal link between process accountability and people’s perceptions of a familiar technology’s usefulness, as well as their intentions and actual use of the technology. Our findings show that process accountability, a source of extrinsic motivation commonly found in business work contexts, has important effects on people’s decisions to use a familiar technology in work-related decision-making tasks. We extend user technology acceptance research by connecting motivation theories, cognitive information processing, and user technology acceptance, particularly in scenarios that involve voluntary use of familiar technology, and the requirement to justify the procedure used for deriving a decision or completing a problem-solving task. Our findings have several important implications for technology acceptance decisions and management practice.
Rapid maxillary expansion effects on dynamic measurement of natural head position
Authors: Yagci Ahmet , Uysal Tancan , Usumez Serdar , Orhan Metin
Published: March 2011

Objective:

To identify the effect of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) procedure on dynamic measurement of natural head position (NHP).

Materials and Methods:

The treatment group comprised 23 patients, 12 girls and 11 boys (mean age: 10.1 ± 1.1 years), and the control group comprised 15 subjects, 8 girls and 7 boys (mean age: 9.7 ± 1.4 years). The test subjects underwent RME treatment using full cap acrylic device, and the mean amount of expansion was 5.48 mm. An inclinometer and a portable data logger were used to collect the NHP data. Intragroup changes were evaluated by using nonparametric Wilcoxon test, and intergroup changes were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U-test. P values less than .05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

The mean difference between initial and final NHP was 0.31°, and this difference was not statistically significant. Also, there were no statistically significant differences between the RME and control groups before and after treatment.

Conclusion:

Treatment with the RME procedure showed no statistically significant effects on dynamic measurement of NHP when compared with initial values or untreated control.
Point seroprevalence of canine influenza virus H3N8 in dogs participating in a flyball tournament in Pennsylvania
Authors: Serra Verna F. , Stanzani Giacomo , Smith Gary , Otto Cynthia M.
Published: March 2011

Objective—To determine the seroprevalence of antibody against canine influenza virus H3N8 in a group of pet dogs that participate in flyball in Pennsylvania.

Design—Serologic survey.

Animals—Dogs attending a flyball tournament in Downingtown, Pa, from November 13 to 14, 2009.

Procedures—Blood samples were collected from dogs following owner consent. Medical, travel, and activity history of the dogs for the previous 10.5 months was obtained from owners. Serum was harvested and submitted to Cornell University Diagnostic Laboratory for measurement of antibody against canine influenza virus H3N8 via hemagglutination inhibition testing.

Results—Serum samples were obtained from 100 of 256 dogs participating in the flyball event. Although 3 of the 100 (3%) samples had positive results for antibody against canine influenza, none of the associated dogs had respiratory signs of infection (eg, coughing, sneezing, or nasal or ocular discharge) in the 10.5 months prior to testing. Eleven dogs had a history of respiratory signs, but none of those dogs had antibody against canine influenza H3N8. In addition, none of the study dogs had been vaccinated against canine influenza H3N8.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Although canine influenza is considered enzootic in certain areas of the country (eg, Pennsylvania or New York), this study identified a low seroprevalence in dogs considered at high risk for infection given their life conditions and geographic origins. More research is warranted to elucidate the prevalence of exposure to the H3N8 virus in competitive sporting dogs and determine whether vaccination is warranted in such dogs.
Cooperative phenomena in strongly correlated electron systems
Authors: Farkašovský Pavol
Published: March 2011

Cooperative phenomena in strongly correlated electron systems

In this review we present results of our theoretical study of cooperative phenomena in strongly correlated electron systems obtained within various generalizations of the Falicov-Kimball model. The primary goal of this study was to identify crucial interactions that lead to the stabilization of the specific cooperative phenomenon, and then try to elaborate its comprehensive microscopic description. The main attention is devoted to a discussion of valence and metal-insulator transitions, formation of charge and spin ordering, electronic ferroelectricity, itinerant ferromagmetism and mechanisms leading to their stabilization. Among the major mechanisms we examine the effect of local and nonlocal Coulomb interaction between localized and itinerant electrons, local and nonlocal hybridization, long-range and correlated hopping of itinerant electrons and spin-dependent interaction between localized and itinerant electrons, both for zero and nonzero temperatures, as well as for doped and undoped systems. Finally, the relevance of resultant solutions for a description of rare-earth and transition-metal compounds is discussed.
Survey of an approach to quantum measurement, classical properties and realist interpretation problems
Authors: Hájíček Petr , Tolar Jiří
Published: March 2011

Survey of an approach to quantum measurement, classical properties and realist interpretation problems
Pay for Performance in Health Care: Methods and Approaches
Authors: Cromwell Jerry , Trisolini Michael , Pope Gregory , Mitchell Janet , Greenwald Leslie
Published: March 2011

This book provides a balanced assessment of pay for performance (P4P), addressing both its promise and its shortcomings. P4P programs have become widespread in health care in just the past decade and have generated a great deal of enthusiasm in health policy circles and among legislators, despite limited evidence of their effectiveness. On a positive note, this movement has developed and tested many new types of health care payment systems and has stimulated much new thinking about how to improve quality of care and reduce the costs of health care. The current interest in P4P echoes earlier enthusiasms in health policy—such as those for capitation and managed care in the 1990s—that failed to live up to their early promise. The fate of P4P is not yet certain, but we can learn a number of lessons from experiences with P4P to date, and ways to improve the designs of P4P programs are becoming apparent. We anticipate that a “second generation” of P4P programs can now be developed that can have greater impact and be better integrated with other interventions to improve the quality of care and reduce costs.
Du formel à l'informel dans la fabrique de la ville. Politiques foncières et marchés immobiliers à Phnom Penh
Authors: Clerc Valérie
Published: March 2011

Résumé Les activités informelles participent pour une large part à la production et à la configuration des espaces urbains, notamment dans les quartiers informels qui abritent le tiers des urbains de la planète. Ces quartiers ne sont cependant pas exclusivement produits par des pratiques informelles. Les politiques publiques et les pratiques légales et institutionnelles jouent un rôle majeur dans leur configuration. Elles orientent les pratiques informelles, déterminent l’emplacement des quartiers et participent à leur production. Comment les pratiques informelles fabriquent-elles la ville en interaction avec les pratiques formelles ? L’analyse des politiques publiques de reconstruction et des marchés fonciers et immobiliers des quartiers informels à Phnom Penh révèle une production urbaine à l’articulation des politiques publiques, des pratiques encadrées et des pratiques informelles.