bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Unusual Case of Acute Foot Drop Caused by a Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Wong Christopher J. , Kraus Eric E.
Published: July 2011

Lower extremity neurologic symptoms are a common presenting problem. Here we report the case of a 73-year-old man who developed acute right foot pain and foot drop. History, physical examination, and electrodiagnostic studies were consistent with a lumbosacral plexopathy. Imaging studies revealed an internal iliac artery pseudoaneurysm, a rare cause of acute foot drop.
Altered GABA Signaling in Early Life Epilepsies
Authors: Briggs Stephen W. , Galanopoulou Aristea S.
Published: July 2011

The incidence of seizures is particularly high in the early ages of life. The immaturity of inhibitory systems, such as GABA, during normal brain development and its further dysregulation under pathological conditions that predispose to seizures have been speculated to play a major role in facilitating seizures. Seizures can further impair or disrupt GABAAsignaling by reshuffling the subunit composition of its receptors or causing aberrant reappearance of depolarizing or hyperpolarizing GABAAreceptor currents. Such effects may not result in epileptogenesis as frequently as they do in adults. Given the central role of GABAAsignaling in brain function and development, perturbation of its physiological role may interfere with neuronal morphology, differentiation, and connectivity, manifesting as cognitive or neurodevelopmental deficits. The current GABAergic antiepileptic drugs, while often effective for adults, are not always capable of stopping seizures and preventing their sequelae in neonates. Recent studies have explored the therapeutic potential of chloride cotransporter inhibitors, such as bumetanide, as adjunctive therapies of neonatal seizures. However, more needs to be known so as to develop therapies capable of stopping seizures while preserving the age- and sex-appropriate development of the brain.
Genetic Algorithm‐Based Artificial Neural Network for Voltage Stability Assessment
Authors: Singh Garima , Srivastava Laxmi
Published: July 2011

With the emerging trend of restructuring in the electric power industry, many transmission lines have been forced to operate at almost their full capacities worldwide. Due to this, more incidents of voltage instability and collapse are being observed throughout the world leading to major system breakdowns. To avoid these undesirable incidents, a fast and accurate estimation of voltage stability margin is required. In this paper, genetic algorithm based back propagation neural network (GABPNN) has been proposed for voltage stability margin estimation which is an indication of the power system′s proximity to voltage collapse. The proposed approach utilizes a hybrid algorithm that integrates genetic algorithm and the back propagation neural network. The proposed algorithm aims to combine the capacity of GAs in avoiding local minima and at the same time fast execution of the BP algorithm. Input features for GABPNN are selected on the basis of angular distance‐based clustering technique. The performance of the proposed GABPNN approach has been compared with the most commonly used gradient based BP neural network by estimating the voltage stability margin at different loading conditions in 6‐bus and IEEE 30‐bus system. GA based neural network learns faster, at the same time it provides more accurate voltage stability margin estimation as compared to that based on BP algorithm. It is found to be suitable for online applications in energy management systems.
Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices: NewDeus Ex Machina?
Authors: Arroyo Diego , Cook Stéphane
Published: July 2011

The development of ventricular assist devices has broadened the means with which one can treat acute heart failure. Percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVAD) have risen from recent technological advances. They are smaller, easier, and faster to implant, all important qualities in the setting of acute heart failure. The present paper briefly describes the functioning and assets of the most common devices used today. It gives an overview of the current evidence and indications for left ventricular assist device use in cardiogenic shock and high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. Finally, extracorporeal life support devices are dealt with in the setting of hemodynamic support.
On the Solution of a Hyperbolic One‐Dimensional Free Boundary Problem for a Maxwell Fluid
Authors: Fusi Lorenzo , Farina Angiolo
Published: July 2011

We study a hyperbolic (telegrapher′s equation) free boundary problem describing
the pressure‐driven channel flow of a Bingham‐type fluid whose constitutive model
was derived in the work of Fusi and Farina (2011). The free boundary is the surface that separates the inner core (where the
velocity is uniform) from the external layer where the fluid behaves as an upper convected
Maxwell fluid. We present a procedure to obtain an explicit representation formula for the solution. We
then exploit such a representation to write the free boundary equation in terms of the initial
and boundary data only. We also perform an asymptotic expansion in terms of a parameter
tied to the rheological properties of the Maxwell fluid. Explicit formulas of the solutions for
the various order of approximation are provided.
Feline and Canine Coronaviruses: Common Genetic and Pathobiological Features
Authors: Le Poder Sophie
Published: July 2011

A new human coronavirus responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was identified in 2003, which raised concern about coronaviruses as agents of serious infectious disease. Nevertheless, coronaviruses have been known for about 50 years to be major agents of respiratory, enteric, or systemic infections of domestic and companion animals. Feline and canine coronaviruses are widespread among dog and cat populations, sometimes leading to the fatal diseases known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and pantropic canine coronavirus infection in cats and dogs, respectively. In this paper, different aspects of the genetics, host cell tropism, and pathogenesis of the feline and canine coronaviruses (FCoV and CCoV) will be discussed, with a view to illustrating how study of FCoVs and CCoVs can improve our general understanding of the pathobiology of coronaviruses.
A Framework of Vertebra Segmentation Using the Active Shape Model-Based Approach
Authors: Benjelloun Mohammed , Mahmoudi Saïd , Lecron Fabian
Published: July 2011

We propose a medical image segmentation approach based on the Active Shape Model theory. We apply this method for cervical vertebra detection. The main advantage of this approach is the application of a statistical model created after a training stage. Thus, the knowledge and interaction of the domain expert intervene in this approach. Our application allows the use of two different models, that is, a global one (with several vertebrae) and a local one (with a single vertebra). Two modes of segmentation are also proposed: manual and semiautomatic. For the manual mode, only two points are selected by the user on a given image. The first point needs to be close to the lower anterior corner of the last vertebra and the second near the upper anterior corner of the first vertebra. These two points are required to initialize the segmentation process. We propose to use the Harris corner detector combined with three successive filters to carry out the semiautomatic process. The results obtained on a large set of X-ray images are very promising.
Localization by Acoustic Emission in Transversely Isotropic Slate
Authors: Debecker Bjorn , Vervoort André
Published: July 2011

A method for localization by acoustic emission in transversely isotropic media is developed and validated. Velocities are experimentally measured and then used to calculate a database of theoretical arrival times for a large number of positions. During an actual test, positions are assigned by comparing measured arrival times with the database′s arrival times. The method is applied during load tests on slate samples and compared with visual observations of fractures. The localization method allowed for a good identification of the regions of fracturing at different stages during the test.
Road Users' Risky Behavior: Analysis Focusing on Aggressiveness
Authors: Kalašová Alica , Krchová Zuzana
Published: July 2011

With transport and traffic developing permanently, we can meet more and more aggressive drivers on roads. We can see various kinds of aggressiveness and aggressive behavior that can lead to dangerous situations which can threaten one's health or even life. The problem of aggressive driving on the roads is becoming more current. Speeding, inappropriate gestures, and nonobservance of safe distance, are only a fraction of the aggressive behavior of many drivers that need to be solved in the road traffic. At present, the problem of aggressive driver behavior in Slovakia is not resolved yet.
Development of Ultrasonic Modulation Probe for Fluorescence Tomography Based on Acousto-Optic Effect
Authors: Quang Duc Trinh , Kaneta Shunsuke , Kobayashi Masaki
Published: July 2011

We have developed an ultrasonic probe for fluorescence modulation to image fluorescence within biological tissues. The probe consists of a focused ultrasonic transducer mounted on actuators for mechanical fan scanning, which can be used in contact with the measuring object aiming for clinical application. The mechanical fan scanning employed in the probe has a beneficial feature of portability. As a result, fluorescent beads, which were localized with the diameter of 2 mm at 20 mm depth in a pork meat tissue, were detected with resolution of 3 mm. The system performance denotes the feasibility of development towards the final goal of ultrasonic fluorescence modulation tomography for clinical applications.
Biological and Physicochemical Parameters Related to the Nitrogen Cycle in the Rhizospheric Soil of Native Potato (Solanum phureja) Crops of Colombia
Authors: Flórez-Zapata Nathalia , Uribe-Vélez Daniel
Published: July 2011

Nitrogen (N) plays an important role in agricultural production. This study was designed to evaluate the presence of cultivable N cycle-associated microorganisms (nitrogen-fixing bacteria—NFB, proteolytic bacteria—PR, ammonifiers—AMO, ammonium-oxidizing bacteria—AOB, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria—NOB, and denitrifiers—DEN), and their relationship with physical-chemical and agronomic soil descriptors, inSolanum phurejarhizospheric soil samples, from traditional and organic crop management farms. A cluster analysis with the physical and chemical properties of soil, allowed to identify the organic matter content as an important factor that determines the outcome of that grouping. Significant differences () between farms were found in the abundance of this groups, but correlation analysis showed that proteolytic and nitrogen fixing bacteria were the main nitrogen associated functional groups affected by soils' physical-chemical characteristics. The amount of ammonia available is affected by the agricultural management strategy, which consequently affects the NFB abundance. Finally the results showed that PR, protease activity and soil properties related with organic matter transformation has a positive relationship with productivity, which given the high organic matter content of the Andean soils being studied, we conclude that nitrogen mineralization process has an important role in the nitrogen cycle and its bioavailability in this ecosystem.
Anti-MuSK-Positive Myasthenia Gravis in a Patient with Parkinsonism and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Lanfranconi S. , Corti S. , Baron P. , Conti G. , Borellini L. , Bresolin N. , Bersano A.
Published: July 2011

Muscle-specific tyrosine kinase- (MuSK-) antibodies-positive Myasthenia Gravis accounts for about one third of Seronegative Myasthenia Gravis and is clinically characterized by early onset of prominent bulbar, neck, shoulder girdle, and respiratory weakness. The response to medical therapy is generally poor. Here we report a case of late-onset MuSK-antibodies-positive Myasthenia Gravis presenting with signs of cognitive impairment and parkinsonism in addition to bulbar involvement and external ophthalmoplegia. The pattern of involvement of both peripheral and central nervous system dysfunction might suggest a common pathogenic mechanism, involving impaired cholinergic transmission.
Existence of Periodic Positive Solutions for Abstract Difference Equations
Authors: Kang Shugui , Cui Yaqiong , Guo Jianmin
Published: July 2011

We will consider the existence of multiple positive periodic solutions for a class of abstract difference equations by using the well‐known fixed point theorem (due to Krasnoselskii).
The Role ofC11-Choline-PET/CT-Guided Secondary Lymphadenectomy in Patients with PSA Failure after Radical Prostatectomy: Lessons Learned from Eight Cases
Authors: Martini Thomas , Mayr Roman , Trenti Emanuela , Palermo Salvatore , Comploj Evi , Pycha Armin , Zywica Maria , Lodde Michele
Published: July 2011

Introduction.11C-choline-PET/CT is a promising technique for detection/restaging of patients with biochemical failure (BF) after curative therapy for prostate cancer (PCA). The aim of this paper was to evaluate the PSA response in patients with BF after radical prostatectomy (RP) who underwent secondary lymphadenectomy (LAD) due to11C-choline-PET/CT findings.Material and Methods. Eight patients with BF and positive lymph nodes in11C-choline-PET/CT after RP were retrospectively included in the study. Extended LAD until the common iliac arteries was performed in all patients.Results. Six of 8 patients had histologically proven lymph node metastases. Four patients showed an initial PSA reduction after LAD, and in 4 patients the PSA increased. Two of the latter had no histological lymph node metastases.Conclusions. Because 50% of our patients showed an initial PSA response, our data suggest that positive11C-choline-PET/CT after RP and BF could help to select patients that could benefit from secondary LAD.
Basal Cell Carcinoma in Type 2 Segmental Darier's Disease
Authors: Robertson Lynne , Sauder Maxwell B.
Published: July 2011

Background. Darier's disease (DD), also known as Keratosis Follicularis or Darier-White disease, is a rare disorder of keratinization. DD can present as a generalized autosomal dominant condition as well as a localized or segmental postzygotic condition (Vázquez et al., 2002). Clinical features of DD include greasy, warty papules and plaques on seborrheic areas, dystrophic nails, palmo-plantar pits, and papules on the dorsum of the hands and feet.Objective. We report a case of basal cell carcinoma developing in a patient with type 2 segmental DD.Conclusion. According to the current literature, Type 2 segmental disease is a rare presentation of Darier's disease with only 8 previous cases reported to date. In addition, nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) arising from DD is rarely reported; however, there may be an association between DD and risk of carcinogenesis.
Activated Notch1 Induces Lung Adenomas in Mice and Cooperates with Myc in the Generation of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Allen Thaddeus D. , Rodriguez Elena M. , Jones Kirk D. , Bishop J. Michael
Published: July 2011

Notch1 encodes the canonical member of the mammalian Notch receptor family. Activating lesions frequently affect Notch1 in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and, recently, have been found in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as well. We explored the oncogenic potential of activated Notch1 in the lung by developing a transgenic mouse model in which activated Notch1 was overexpressed in the alveolar epithelium. The initial response to activated Notch1 was proliferation and the accumulation of alveolar hyperplasia, which was then promptly cleared by apoptosis. After an extended latency period, however, pulmonary adenomas appeared in the transgenic mice but failed to progress to become carcinomas. Interestingly, Myc and MycL1 were expressed in the adenomas, suggesting that selection for enhanced Myc activity may facilitate tumorigenesis. Using mice engineered to coexpress activated Notch1 and Myc, we found that supplementing Myc expression resulted in increased frequency of Notch1 intracellular domain (N1ICD)-induced adenoma formation and enabled progression to adenocarcinoma and metastases. Cooperation stemmed from synergistic activation of tumor cell cycling, a process that apparently countered any impedance to tumorigenesis posed by Myc and/or activated Notch1-induced apoptosis. Significantly, cooperation was independent of RAS activation. Taken together, the data suggest that activated Notch1 substitutes for RAS activation synergistically with Myc in the development of NSCLC. These tumor models should be valuable for exploring the role of activated Notch1 in the genesis of NSCLC and for testing therapies targeting either activated Notch1 or its downstream effectors. Cancer Res; 71(18); 6010–8. ©2011 AACR.
DLL4-Notch Signaling Mediates Tumor Resistance to Anti-VEGF Therapy In Vivo
Authors: Li Ji-Liang , Sainson Richard C.A. , Oon Chern Ein , Turley Helen , Leek Russell , Sheldon Helen , Bridges Esther , Shi Wen , Snell Cameron , Bowden Emma T. , Wu Herren , Chowdhury Partha S. , Russell Angela J. , Montgomery Craig P. , Poulsom Richard , Harris Adrian L.
Published: July 2011

Resistance to VEGF inhibitors is emerging as a major clinical problem. Notch signaling has been implicated in tumor angiogenesis. Therefore, to investigate mechanisms of resistance to angiogenesis inhibitors, we transduced human glioblastoma cells with retroviruses encoding Notch delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), grew them as tumor xenografts and then treated the murine hosts with the VEGF-A inhibitor bevacizumab. We found that DLL4-mediated tumor resistance to bevacizumab in vivo. The large vessels induced by DLL4-Notch signaling increased tumor blood supply and were insensitive to bevacizumab. However, blockade of Notch signaling by dibenzazepine, a γ-secretase inhibitor, disrupted the large vessels and abolished the tumor resistance. Multiple molecular mechanisms of resistance were shown, including decreased levels of hypoxia-induced VEGF and increased levels of the VEGF receptor VEGFR1 in the tumor stroma, decreased levels of VEGFR2 in large blood vessels, and reduced levels of VEGFR3 overall. DLL4-expressing tumors were also resistant to a VEGFR targeting multikinase inhibitor. We also observed activation of other pathways of tumor resistance driven by DLL4-Notch signaling, including the FGF2-FGFR and EphB4-EprinB2 pathways, the inhibition of which reversed tumor resistance partially. Taken together, our findings show the importance of classifying mechanisms involved in angiogenesis in tumors, and how combination therapy to block DLL4-Notch signaling may enhance the efficacy of VEGF inhibitors, particularly in DLL4-upregulated tumors, and thus provide a rational base for the development of novel strategies to overcome antiangiogenic resistance in the clinic. Cancer Res; 71(18); 6073–83. ©2011 AACR.
Mammography and Ultrasound Imaging of Preinvasive and Invasive Canine Spontaneous Mammary Cancer and Their Similarities to Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Mohammed S.I. , Meloni G.B. , Parpaglia M.L. Pinna , Marras V. , Burrai G.P. , Meloni F. , Pirino S. , Antuofermo Elisabetta
Published: July 2011

Understanding the evolution of proliferative breast disease such as atypical hyperplasia and carcinoma in situ is essential for clinical management of women diagnosed with these lesions. Therefore, an animal model that faithfully represents human breast disease in every aspect from spontaneity of dysplasia onset, histopathologic features, and genetics to clinical outcome is needed. Previously, we studied canine spontaneous atypical hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma in situ (low, intermediate, and high grade) and reported their similarities to human lesions in histopathologic and molecular features as well as prevalence. To further validate the resemblance of these lesions to humans, we examined their mammographic and sonographic characteristics in comparison with those of human's as well as the potential of the human Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) to predict canine disease. Nonlesional, benign, and malignant mammary glands of dogs presented to Sassari Veterinary Hospital were imaged using mammography and ultrasonography. The images where then analyzed and statistically correlated with histopathologic findings and to their similarities to humans. Our results showed that canine mammary preinvasive lesions, benign, and malignant tumors have mammographic abnormalities, including the presence, pattern, and distribution of macrocalcification and microcalcification, similar to their human counterparts. BI-RADS categorization is an accurate predictor of mammary malignancy in canine, with 90% sensitivity and 82.8% specificity. The similarities of mammographic images and the ability of BI-RADS to predict canine mammary malignances with high specificity and sensitivity further confirm and strengthen the value of dog as a model to study human breast premalignancies for the development of prognostic biomarkers. Cancer Prev Res; 4(11); 1790–8. ©2011 AACR.
Oral Azathioprine Leads to Higher Incorporation of 6-Thioguanine in DNA of Skin than Liver: The Protective Role of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Pathway
Authors: Kalra Sukirti , Zhang Ying , Knatko Elena V. , Finlayson Stewart , Yamamoto Masayuki , Dinkova-Kostova Albena T.
Published: July 2011

Azathioprine is a widely used anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anticancer agent. However, chronic treatment with this drug is associated with a profoundly increased risk (in certain cases by more than 100-fold) of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Incorporation of its ultimate metabolite, thio-dGTP, in DNA results in partial substitution of guanine with 6-thioguanine which, combined with exposure to UVA radiation, creates a source of synergistic mutagenic damage to DNA. We now report that oral treatment with azathioprine leads to a much greater incorporation of 6-thioguanine in DNA of mouse skin than liver. These higher levels of 6-thioguanine, together with the fact that the skin is constantly exposed to UV radiation from the sun, may be responsible, at least in part, for the increased susceptibility of this organ to tumor development. Genetic upregulation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, a major cellular regulator of the expression of a network of cytoprotective genes, reduces the incorporation of 6-thioguanine in DNA of both skin and liver following treatment with azathioprine. Similarly, pharmacologic activation of the pathway by the potent inducer sulforaphane results in lower 6-thioguanine incorporation in DNA and protects 6-thioguanine–treated cells against oxidative stress following exposure to UVA radiation. Protection is accompanied by increased levels of glutathione and induction of multidrug resistance-associated protein 4, an organic anion efflux pump that also exports nucleoside monophosphate analogues. Our findings suggest that activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway could reduce the risk for skin cancer in patients receiving long-term azathioprine therapy. Cancer Prev Res; 4(10); 1665–74. ©2011 AACR.
Aspirin, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Acetaminophen, and Pancreatic Cancer Risk: a Clinic-Based Case–Control Study
Authors: Tan Xiang-Lin , Lombardo Kaye M. Reid , Bamlet William R. , Oberg Ann L. , Robinson Dennis P. , Anderson Kristin E. , Petersen Gloria M.
Published: July 2011

Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) show indisputable promise as cancer chemoprevention agents. However, studies have been inconsistent as to whether aspirin has a protective effect in development of pancreatic cancer. To further evaluate the association between aspirin, NSAID, and acetaminophen use with pancreatic cancer risk, we used a clinic-based case–control study of 904 rapidly ascertained histologically or clinically documented pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases, and 1,224 age- and sex-matched healthy controls evaluated at Mayo Clinic from April 2004 to September 2010. Overall, there is no relationship between non-aspirin NSAID or acetaminophen use and risk of pancreatic cancer. Aspirin use for 1 d/mo or greater was associated with a significantly decreased risk of pancreatic cancer (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.60–0.91, P = 0.005) compared with never or less than 1 d/mo. Analysis by frequency and frequency-dosage of use categories showed reduced risk (P = 0.007 and 0.022, respectively). This inverse association was also found for those who took low-dose aspirin for heart disease prevention (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49–0.92, P = 0.013). In subgroup analyses, the association between aspirin use and pancreatic cancer was not significantly affected by pancreatic cancer stage, smoking status, or body mass index. Our data suggest that aspirin use, but not non-aspirin NSAID use, is associated with lowered risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 4(11); 1835–41. ©2011 AACR.
Association of Meat Intake and Meat-Derived Mutagen Exposure with the Risk of Colorectal Polyps by Histologic Type
Authors: Fu Zhenming , Shrubsole Martha J. , Smalley Walter E. , Wu Huiyun , Chen Zhi , Shyr Yu , Ness Reid M. , Zheng Wei
Published: July 2011

The association of meat intake and meat-derived mutagens with colorectal tumor risk remains unclear. We evaluated this hypothesis in a large colonoscopy-based case–control study. Included in the study were 2,543 patients with polyp [(1,881 with adenomas and 622 with hyperplastic polyp (HPP)] and 3,764 polyp-free controls. Surveys obtained information about meat intake by cooking methods and doneness levels plus other suspected or known risk factors for colorectal tumors. Unconditional logistic regression was used to derive ORs after adjusting for potential confounders. High intake of red meat and processed meat (Ptrend < 0.05), particularly red meat cooked using high-temperature cooking methods (Ptrend ≤ 0.01), was associated with an elevated risk for colorectal polyps. A significant positive association between exposures to meat-derived heterocyclic amines (HCA) and risk of polyps was found for both adenomas and HPPs. Furthermore, the positive association with red meat intake and HCA exposure was stronger for multiple adenomas than for single adenoma as well as for serrated than for nonserrated adenomas. This study supports a role for red meat and meat-derived mutagen exposure in the development of colorectal tumor. Cancer Prev Res; 4(10); 1686–97. ©2011 AACR.
Prospective Investigation of Poultry and Fish Intake in Relation to Cancer Risk
Authors: Daniel Carrie R. , Cross Amanda J. , Graubard Barry I. , Hollenbeck Albert R. , Park Yikyung , Sinha Rashmi
Published: July 2011

Dietary guidelines advise consumers to limit intake of red meat and choose lean protein sources, such as poultry and fish. Poultry consumption has been steadily increasing in the United States, but the effect on cancer risk remains unclear. In a large U.S. cohort, we prospectively investigated poultry and fish intake and cancer risk across a range of malignancies in men and women. Diet was assessed at baseline (1995–1996) with a food frequency questionnaire in 492,186 participants of the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. Over a mean follow-up of 9 years, we identified 74,418 incident cancer cases. In multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models, we estimated the substitution and addition effects of white meat (poultry and fish) intake in relation to cancer risk. In substitution models with total meat intake held constant, a 10-g (per 1,000 kcal) increase in white meat intake offset by an equal decrease in red meat intake was associated with a statistically significant reduced (3%–20%) risk of cancers of the esophagus, liver, colon, rectum, anus, lung, and pleura. In addition models with red meat intake held constant, poultry intake remained inversely associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, liver cancer, and lung cancer, but we observed mixed findings for fish intake. As the dietary recommendations intend, the inverse association observed between white meat intake and cancer risk may be largely due to the substitution of red meat. Simply increasing fish or poultry intake, without reducing red meat intake, may be less beneficial for cancer prevention. Cancer Prev Res; 4(11); 1903–11. ©2011 AACR.
Creating an Education Research Acculturation Theory for Research Implementation in School
Authors: Chua Yan Piaw , Tie Fatt Hee , Don Zuraidah Mohd
Published: July 2011

This study investigates the implementation of educational research among urban secondary schools in Malaysia. The respondents include school teachers and administrators, lecturers in education institutions, and committee members of the state education departments. Data collected from interviews were coded and analyzed using open, axial and selected coding procedures. Six core categories emerged from the data namely implementation initiative, implementation obstacles, collaboration, research knowledge, research needs, and suggestions to overcome the weaknesses. The findings showed that the quality and quantity of education research in school depend on the existence of a research culture. The findings of this study form an education research acculturation theory for research implementation in schools.
The Effect of Transverse Shear Force on the Required Coefficient of Friction for Level Walking
Authors: Chang Wen-Ruey , Chang Chien-Chi , Matz Simon
Published: July 2011

Objective: An enhanced methodology to extract the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) value was used to investigate the effects of the transverse shear component of the ground reaction force (GRF) on the RCOF.

Background: The RCOF is an important indicator for slip incidents. However, the extraction of the RCOF from GRF is not standardized. The transverse shear force is usually ignored in calculating the RCOF value.

Method: For this study, 40 participants performed four walking conditions. The RCOF values both with (RCOF2) and without (RCOF1) the transverse shear force were identified from each strike by the use of an enhanced method and were compared.

Results: A total of 24,851 strikes were collected. The transverse component increased the RCOF value by more than 10% in 7.2% of the strikes. In 10.4% of the strikes, the RCOF2 occurred at least 20 ms earlier and the RCOF value was on average 8.9% larger than RCOF1.

Conclusion: With this method, we were able to successfully identify the RCOF in a significantly large number of strikes across 40 participants. In a portion of the strikes, the transverse shear force increased the RCOF significantly. In a significant portion of the strikes, the RCOF2 occurred much earlier than RCOF1.

Application: Better estimates of the RCOF magnitude and instant of occurrence could potentially improve risk assessment and identification of critical instants in gait.
Intermedia Influences Among Ghanaian Online and Print News Media
Authors: Sikanku Etse G.
Published: July 2011

Four major publications in Ghana ( Daily Graphic, Daily Guide, Ghana News Agency [GNA], and Ghanaweb) were used to investigate intermedia agenda-setting relationships in Africa’s emerging era of liberalization. The results are based on a content analysis of daily news reports ( N = 322) and a traditional cross-lagged analysis, which found limited reciprocal relationships between the websites of two print newspapers ( Daily Graphic and Daily Guide). Whereas one non-newspaper website (GNA) influenced both print news media, the other solely online publication, Ghanaweb, displayed weak intermedia effects. Strong correlations between the issue salience of both non-newspaper websites were observed. These findings indicate that intermedia agenda-setting effects in Ghana are mixed. The main contribution of this article is to extend the intermedia agenda-setting theory to Africa in the ferment of new media technologies and democratic reform.
Psychological Adaptation of Adolescent Immigrants From the Former Soviet Union in Germany
Authors: Michel Andrea , Titzmann Peter F. , Silbereisen Rainer K.
Published: July 2011

Stress-and-coping frameworks predict increasing psychological adaptation of immigrants over time, but although previous studies found evidence for this assumption in adult samples, this temporal pattern was hardly found among adolescent immigrants. The authors argue that in adolescent immigrants an acculturation-related increase in psychological adaptation over time might be counterbalanced by an age-typical decrease in indicators of psychological adaptation. This longitudinal study, covering a 3-year period in mid-adolescence, compared change in depressed mood as an indicator of psychological adaptation in three matched samples of 101 newcomer adolescent immigrants, 101 more experienced adolescent immigrants, and 101 native adolescents. Results showed that native adolescents and experienced adolescent immigrants increased in depressed mood, as is typical for this age group, over the 3-year period. Newcomer adolescent immigrants, however, remained stable, reporting more depressed mood initially than the more experienced immigrants. Moreover, the extent of depressed mood reported by newcomer and more experienced adolescent immigrants converged over time. This pattern of results indicates that both age-typical development and acculturation need to be considered when drawing conclusions on change in psychological adaptation over time in immigrant populations.
The Language of Acceptance
Authors: Sanchez Diana T. , Chavez George , Good Jessica J. , Wilton Leigh S.
Published: July 2011

The present study examines perceived acceptance from one’s ingroup (i.e., intragroup acceptance) and collective self-esteem among Latinos as a function of Spanish proficiency. Using a correlational design, Study 1 demonstrates that Latinos’ ( n = 53) Spanish-speaking inability is associated with lower private regard, membership, and less felt similarity to other Latinos, which was explained in part by greater perceptions of intragroup rejection. Moreover, Study 1 results were not moderated by overall Latino identification. Utilizing an experimental design, Study 2 demonstrates that non-Spanish-speaking Latinos ( n = 40) put in a situation wherein they must disclose their inability to speak Spanish to another Latino were less likely to categorize themselves as Latinos, reported lower collective self-esteem, and reported less connectedness to other Latinos. These findings are discussed within a broader model of intragroup acceptance and identification, whereby cultural practices serve as markers of credibility that aid in felt acceptance within ethnic minority communities. Implications for acculturation are discussed.
A Multiyear National Profile of Racial Disparity in Autism Identification
Authors: Travers Jason C. , Tincani Matt , Krezmien Michael P.
Published: July 2011

Disproportionate representation of racially diverse students in special education is a well-documented problem, yet few studies have systematically evaluated disproportionate representation of diverse students with autism. This study examined disproportionate representation of racially diverse students with autism by determining risk and logistical odds ratios among racially diverse and White students from the national population between 1998 and 2006. Although overall risk of autism increased for all racial groups every year, White students were twice as likely to be identified with autism as Hispanic and American Indian/Alaskan Native students during most years of the sample. Although initially overrepresented, the odds ratios for Asian/Pacific Islander and Black students with autism continuously declined in recent years. Hispanic and American Indian/Alaskan Native students were significantly underrepresented every year in the analysis. Potential cause and implications of underrepresentation are described, along with directions for research.
The Effects of Dynamic Strategic Math on English Language Learners’ Word Problem Solving
Authors: Orosco Michael J. , Swanson H. Lee , O’Connor Rollanda , Lussier Cathy
Published: July 2011

English language learners (ELLs) struggle with solving word problems for a number of reasons beyond math procedures or calculation challenges. As a result, ELLs may not only need math support but also reading and linguistic support. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a math comprehension strategy called Dynamic Strategic Math (DSM) on word problem solving for Latino ELLs. The strategy provides performance-contingent feedback based on the student’s reading and language comprehension level. A multiple baseline design was used to assess 6 second-grade Latino ELLs at risk for math failure/math disability. As compared with the baseline phase, DSM increased word problem solving for all the participants. All students’ level of performance was maintained during follow-up sessions. The results suggest the intervention facilitated math problem–solving performance.
People With Serious Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Lurigio Arthur J.
Published: July 2011

This article examines the rising number of people with serious mental illness (PSMI) in the criminal justice system and suggests remedies for improving care and services for this troubled population. Of note, mental illness is not the primary cause of criminal behavior nor is deinstitutionalization principally responsible for the disproportionate criminal justice system representation of PSMI. Rather, harsh crime control policies and draconian drug laws, in particular, account for the apparently large numbers of PSMI who are arrested and incarcerated. Recommendations are offered for service providers to focus on the amelioration of criminogenic factors, not simply on treating mental illness among PSMI in the criminal justice system. Furthermore, larger investments should be made in treating co-occurring disorders and funding aftercare services, which are essential to maintaining treatment gains and sustaining recovery.
Strategies for Reducing Prison Populations
Authors: Clear Todd R. , Schrantz Dennis
Published: July 2011

There is a growing U.S. national consensus that with proper attention to the policies that drive the size of prison populations, these populations can be reduced. As several states have reduced prison populations, there is an accumulating record of strategies that reduce prison populations—but little in the way of proven cause and effect based on research or evidence of the degree to which these gains can be sustained and replicated. Concurrently, the current fiscal crisis has created enormous pressure to reduce prison populations, with a first-in-decades showing of political support. This article provides information about the various prison-reduction strategies, with examples of successful initiatives and an eye toward implementing rigorous evaluations.
The Academic Success of East Asian American Youth
Authors: Byun Soo-yong , Park Hyunjoon
Published: July 2011

Using data from the Education Longitudinal Study, this study assessed the relevance of shadow education to the high academic performance of East Asian American students by examining how East Asian American students differed from other racial/ethnic students in the prevalence, purpose, and effects of using the two forms—commercial test preparation service and private one-to-one tutoring—of SAT coaching, defined as the American style of shadow education. East Asian American students were most likely to take a commercial SAT test preparation course for the enrichment purpose and benefited most from taking this particular form of SAT coaching. However, this was not the case for private SAT one-to-one tutoring. While black students were most likely to utilize private tutoring for the remedial purpose, the impact of private tutoring was trivial for all racial/ethnic groups, including East Asian American students. The authors discuss broader implications of the findings on racial/ethnic inequalities in educational achievement beyond the relevance of shadow education for the academic success of East Asian American students.
Two Paths to Inequality in Educational Outcomes
Authors: Reisel Liza
Published: July 2011

The United States and Norway represent two distinctively different attempts to equalize educational opportunity. Whereas the United States has focused on expansion and the proliferation of lower-tier open-access institutions, Norway has emphasized institutional streamlining and the equalization of living conditions. At the same time, the two countries have similar levels of educational attainment among young adults. Is one model more successful than the other in providing equality of educational opportunity among youth from different socioeconomic backgrounds? Using longitudinal data and multinomial regression analysis, the findings reveal that there are more similarities than differences in the relationship between family background and college degree attainment in the two countries. The relatively moderate differences between the two countries primarily emerge in the patterning of selection at different transition points rather than in the overall relationship between socioeconomic background and college degree attainment.
On the Intrinsic Estimator and Constrained Estimators in Age-Period-Cohort Models
Authors: Fu Wenjiang J. , Land Kenneth C. , Yang Yang
Published: July 2011

In studying temporally ordered rates of events, epidemiologists, demographers, and social scientists often find it useful to distinguish three different temporal dimensions, namely, age (age of the participants involved), time period (the calendar year or other temporal period for recording the events of interest), and cohort (birth cohort or generation). Age-period-cohort (APC) analysis aims to analyze age-year-specific archived event rates to capture temporal trends in the events under investigation. However, in the context of tables of rates, the well-known relationship among these three factors, Period − Age = Cohort, makes the parameter estimation of the APC multiple classification model difficult. The identification problem of the parameter estimation has been studied since the 1970s and still remains in debate. Recent developments in this regard include the intrinsic estimator (IE) method, the autoregressive cohort model, the age-period-cohort-characteristic (APCC) model, the regression splines model, the smoothing cohort model, and the hierarchical APC model. O’Brien (2011 ; pp. 419-452, this issue) makes a further contribution in studying constrained estimators, particularly the IE, in the APC models. The authors, however, have important disagreements with O’Brien as to what the statistical properties of the IE are and how the estimates from the IE should be interpreted. The authors point out these disagreements to conclude the article.
Constrained Estimators and Age-Period-Cohort Models
Authors: O’Brien Robert M.
Published: July 2011

If a researcher wants to estimate the individual age, period, and cohort coefficients in an age-period-cohort (APC) model, the method of choice is constrained regression, which includes the intrinsic estimator (IE) recently introduced by Yang and colleagues. To better understand these constrained models, the author shows algebraically how each constraint is associated with a specific generalized inverse that is associated with a particular solution vector that (when the model is just identified under the constraint) produces the least square solution to the APC model. The author then discusses the geometry of constrained estimators in terms of solutions being orthogonal to constraints, solutions to various constraints all lying on a line single line in multidimensional space, the distance on that line between various solutions, and the crucial role of the null vector. This provides insight into what characteristics all constrained estimators share and what is unique about the IE. The first part of the article focuses on constrained estimators in general (including the IE), and the latter part compares and contrasts the properties of traditionally constrained APC estimators and the IE. The author concludes with some cautions and suggestions for researchers using and interpreting constrained estimators.
Comparisons of Tobit, Linear, and Poisson-Gamma Regression Models
Authors: Brown Judith E. , Dunn Peter K.
Published: July 2011

Time use data (TUD) are distinctive, being episodic in nature and consisting of both continuous and discrete (exact zeros) values. TUD is non-negative and generally right skewed. To analyze such data, the Tobit, and to a lesser extent, linear regression models are often used. Tobit models assume the zeros represent censored values of an underlying normally distributed latent variable that theoretically includes negative values. Both the linear regression and Tobit models have normality as a key assumption. The Poisson-gamma distribution is a distribution with both a point mass at zero (corresponding to zero time spent on a given activity) and a continuous component. Using generalized linear models, TUD can be modeled utilizing the Poisson-gamma distribution. Using TUD, Tobit and linear regression models are compared to the Poisson-gamma with respect to the interpretation of the model, the model fit (analysis of residuals), and model performance through the use of a simulated data experiment. The Poisson-gamma is found to be theoretically and empirically more sound in many circumstances.
Cramer-Rao Lower Bound of Variance in Randomized Response Sampling
Authors: Singh Sarjinder , Sedory Stephen A.
Published: July 2011

In this note, the Cramer-Rao lower bound of variance by using the two decks of cards in randomized response sampling has been developed. The lower bound of variance has been compared with the recent estimator proposed by Odumade and Singh at equal protection of respondents. A real practical face-to-face interview data collected using two decks of cards has been analyzed and the results are discussed.
Liberal Political Theory and the Cultural Migration of Ideas
Authors: De Roover Jakob , Claerhout Sarah , Balagangadhara S. N.
Published: July 2011

The principles of liberal political theory are often said to be “freestanding.” Are they indeed sufficiently detached from the cultural setting where they emerged to be intelligible to people with other backgrounds? To answer this question, this essay examines the Indian secularism debate and develops a hypothesis on the process whereby liberal principles crystallized in the West and spread elsewhere. It argues that the secularization of western political thought has not produced independent rational principles, but transformed theological ideas into the “topoi” of a culture. Like all topoi, the principles of liberalism depend on other clusters of ideas present in western societies. When they migrate to new settings, the absence of these surrounding ideas presents fundamental obstacles to the interpretation and elaboration of liberal principles. The case of Indian secularism illustrates the cultural limitations of liberal political theory rather than showing its universal significance.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Student Success in Community Colleges
Authors: Hirschy Amy S. , Bremer Christine D. , Castellano Marisa
Published: July 2011

Career and technical education (CTE) students pursuing occupational associate’s degrees or certificates differ from students seeking academic majors at 2-year institutions in several ways. This article examines several theoretical models of student persistence and offers a conceptual model of student success focused on CTE students in community colleges.