bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitization of Glioma Cells by X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein Knockdown
Authors: Lopez Patricia L.C. , Filippi-Chiela Eduardo C. , Silva Andrew O. , Cordero Elvira A.A. , Garcia-Santos Daniel , Pelegrini Alessandra L. , Reder Gleice M. , Barbieri Nicolle L. , Lenz Guido
Published: June 2012

Objective: Glioblastomas are a kind of cancer with high resistance to treatments, requiring more efficient alternatives of treatment. X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) is highly expressed in gliomas and, due to its inhibition of caspases, can participate in resistance to therapy. Here we test the sensitization of glioma cells with XIAP gene knockdown (KD) to drugs used in chemotherapy. Methods: We silenced XIAP expression in U87MG glioblastoma using stable shRNA, and cells were treated with taxol, BCNU, temozolomide, cisplatin, etoposide, resveratrol (Rsv), vincristine and doxorubicin. We analyzed cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis and senescence. Results: XIAP KD cells were more sensitive to etoposide, Rsv, vincristine and doxorubicin compared to wild-type (WT) cells. Doxorubicin 1 µM and vincristine 100 nM induced higher activation of caspases after 24 h and doxorubicin induced a higher degree of senescence induction in XIAP KD cells in relation to WT cells. Phospho-p53 and phospho-H2Ax Western blot indicate subsequent DNA damage as an important effector of doxorubicin-induced death. Conclusions: This study suggests that XIAP inhibitors may sensitize gliomas to certain drugs and induce death and that the mechanisms of sensitization involve apoptosis, senescence and p53 signaling.
Obtaining Raw Material: Plants as Tool Sources for Nigerian Chimpanzees
Authors: Pascual-Garrido Alejandra , Buba Umaru , Nodza George , Sommer Volker
Published: June 2012

We investigated the acquisition of plant materials from which Nigerian chimpanzees manufacture wooden tools to harvest insects and honey from nests of army ants, honey bees and stingless bees. Slender trunks of juvenile trees and branches are most commonly used, and bendable vines rarely, probably reflecting the need to work with relatively sturdy tools to extract resources. While several tools are sometimes sourced from the same plant, there is also evidence for a depletion effect, as multiple tool sources at the same site are often spaced several metres apart. Identified tool sources belong to 27 species of at least 13 families. Honey-gathering implements are often chewed upon by chimpanzees. Interestingly, twigs of the most commonly used honey-gathering species possess antibacterial propensities and are favoured by Nigerians as chewing sticks. This suggests that extractive tools might possess associated medicinal or stimulatory properties. We do not know if chimpanzees actively select specific plant parts or species as we cannot compare observed with expected frequencies. Nevertheless, about three quarters of tools are picked from plants more than 6 m away from the extraction site, potentially indicating some degree of forward planning.
FLAIR Vascular Hyperintensities in Acute ICA and MCA Infarction: A Marker for Mismatch and Stroke Severity?
Authors: Hohenhaus M. , Schmidt W.U. , Brunecker P. , Xu C. , Hotter B. , Rozanski M. , Fiebach J.B. , Jungehülsing G.J.
Published: June 2012

Background: Vascular hyperintensities of brain-supplying arteries on stroke FLAIR MRI are common and represent slow flow or stasis. FLAIR vascular hyperintensities (FVH) are discussed as an independent marker for cerebral hypoperfusion, but the impact on infarct size and clinical outcome in acute stroke patients is controversial. This study evaluates the association of FVH with infarct morphology, clinical stroke severity and infarct growth in patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Methods: MR images of 84 patients [median age 73 years (IQR 65–80), 56.0% male, median NIHSS 7 (IQR 3–13)] with acute stroke due to symptomatic ICA or MCA occlusion or stenosis were reviewed. Vessel occlusions were identified by MRA time of flight and graded with the TIMI score. Diffusion and perfusion deficit volumes on admission and FLAIR lesion volumes on discharge were assessed. The presence and number of FVH were evaluated according to MCA-ASPECT areas, and associations with MR volumes, morphology of infarction, recanalization status, presence of white matter disease and hemorrhagical transformation as well as with stroke severity (NIHSS), stroke etiology and thrombolysis rate were analyzed. Results: FVH were detectable in 75 (89.3%) patients. The median number of FVH was 4 (IQR 2–7). Patients with FVH >4 presented with more severe strokes due to NIHSS (p = 0.021), had larger initial DWI lesions (p = 0.008), perfusion deficits (p = 0.001) and mismatch volumes/ratios (p = 0.005). The final infarct volume was larger (p = 0.005), and hemorrhagic transformation was more frequent (p = 0.029) in these patients. Conclusions: The presence of FVH indicates larger ischemic areas in brain parenchyma predominantly caused by proximal anterior circulation vessel occlusion. A high count of FVH might be a further surrogate marker for initial ischemic mismatch and stroke severity.
Functional Redundancy of SWI/SNF Catalytic Subunits in Maintaining Vascular Endothelial Cells in the Adult Heart
Authors: Willis Monte S. , Homeister Jonathon W. , Rosson Gary B. , Annayev Yunus , Holley Darcy , Holly Stephen P. , Madden Victoria J. , Godfrey Virginia , Parise Leslie V. , Bultman Scott J.
Published: June 2012

Rationale:

Mating type
swi
tching/sucrose
n
on-fermenting (SWI/SNF) chromatin-remodeling complexes utilize either BRG1 or BRM as a catalytic subunit to alter nucleosome position and regulate gene expression. BRG1 is required for vascular endothelial cell (VEC) development and embryonic survival, whereas BRM is dispensable.

Objective:

To circumvent embryonic lethality and study
Brg1
function in adult tissues, we used conditional gene targeting. To evaluate possible
Brg1-Brm
redundancy, we analyzed
Brg1
mutant mice on wild-type and
Brm
-deficient backgrounds.

Methods and Results:

The inducible
Mx1-Cre
driver was used to mutate
Brg1
in adult mice. These conditional-null mutants exhibited a tissue-specific phenotype and unanticipated functional compensation between
Brg1
and
Brm
.
Brg1
single mutants were healthy and had a normal lifespan, whereas
Brg1/Brm
double mutants exhibited cardiovascular defects and died within 1 month. BRG1 and BRM were required for the viability of VECs but not other cell types where both genes were also knocked out. The VEC phenotype was most evident in the heart, particularly in the microvasculature of the outer myocardium, and was recapitulated in primary cells ex vivo. VEC death resulted in vascular leakage, cardiac hemorrhage, secondary death of cardiomyocytes due to ischemia, and ventricular dissections.

Conclusions:

BRG1-catalyzed SWI/SNF complexes are particularly important in cardiovascular tissues. However, in contrast to embryonic development, in which
Brm
does not compensate,
Brg1
is required in adult VECs only when
Brm
is also mutated. These results demonstrate for the first time that
Brm
functionally compensates for
Brg1
in vivo and that there are significant changes in the relative importance of BRG1- and BRM-catalyzed SWI/SNF complexes during the development of an essential cell lineage.
Post–Cardiac Arrest Mortality Is Declining
Authors: Fugate Jennifer E. , Brinjikji Waleed , Mandrekar Jay N. , Cloft Harry J. , White Roger D. , Wijdicks Eelco F.M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A.
Published: June 2012

Background—

Despite several advances in postresuscitation care over the past decade, population-based mortality rates for patients hospitalized with cardiac arrest in the United States have not been studied over this time period. The aim of this study was to determine the annual in-hospital mortality rates of patients with cardiac arrest from 2001 to 2009.

Methods and Results—

The US mortality rates for hospitalized patients with cardiac arrest were determined using the 2001 to 2009 US National Inpatient Sample, a national hospital discharge database. Using the
International Classification of Diseases
, 9
th
Edition, code 427.5, we identified patients hospitalized in the United States with cardiac arrest from 2001 to 2009. The main outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. A total of 1 190 860 patients were hospitalized with a diagnosis of cardiac arrest in the United States from 2001 to 2009. The in-hospital mortality rate decreased each year from 69.6% in 2001 to 57.8% in 2009. In multivariable analysis, when controlling for age, sex, race, and comorbidities, earlier year was a strong independent predictor of in-hospital death. The mortality rate declined across all analyzed subgroups, including sex, age, race, and stratification by comorbidity.

Conclusions—

The in-hospital mortality rate of patients hospitalized with cardiac arrest in the United States decreased by 11.8% from 2001 to 2009.
Refinement of the Magnetic Resonance Diffusion-Perfusion Mismatch Concept for Thrombolytic Patient Selection
Authors: Warach Steven , Al-Rawi Yasir , Furlan Anthony J. , Fiebach Jochen B. , Wintermark Max , Lindstén Annika , Smyej Jamal , Bharucha David B. , Pedraza Salvador , Rowley Howard A.
Published: June 2012

Background and Purpose—

The DIAS-2 study was the only large, randomized, intravenous, thrombolytic trial that selected patients based on the presence of ischemic penumbra. However, DIAS-2 did not confirm the positive findings of the smaller DEDAS and DIAS trials, which also used penumbral selection. Therefore, a reevaluation of the penumbra selection strategy is warranted.

Methods—

In post hoc analyses we assessed the relationships of magnetic resonance imaging–measured lesion volumes with clinical measures in DIAS-2, and the relationships of the presence and size of the diffusion-perfusion mismatch with the clinical effect of desmoteplase in DIAS-2 and in pooled data from DIAS, DEDAS, and DIAS-2.

Results—

In DIAS-2, lesion volumes correlated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at both baseline and final time points (
P
<0.0001), and lesion growth was inversely related to good clinical outcome (
P
=0.004). In the pooled analysis, desmoteplase was associated with 47% clinical response rate (n=143) vs 34% in placebo (n=73;
P
=0.08). For both the pooled sample and for DIAS-2, increasing the minimum baseline mismatch volume (MMV) for inclusion increased the desmoteplase effect size. The odds ratio for good clinical response between desmoteplase and placebo treatment was 2.83 (95% confidence interval, 1.16–6.94;
P
=0.023) for MMV >60 mL. Increasing the minimum NIHSS score for inclusion did not affect treatment effect size.

Conclusions—

Pooled across all desmoteplase trials, desmoteplase appears beneficial in patients with large MMV and ineffective in patients with small MMV. These results support a modified diffusion-perfusion mismatch hypothesis for patient selection in later time-window thrombolytic trials.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique Identifiers: NCT00638781, NCT00638248, NCT00111852.
System theoretic foundations of modeling and simulation: a historic perspective and the legacy of A Wayne Wymore
Authors: Ören Tuncer I , Zeigler Bernard P
Published: June 2012

AW Wymore, the founder of the world’s first systems engineering department at the University of Arizona, has been at the origin of the system theoretic foundations of modeling and simulation. Wymore’s intellectual family tree, which goes back to Gauss and Weierstrass, is given. How the authors met, cooperated, and advocated system theory for the advancement of modeling and simulation are explained. The concept of model-based simulation was also one of the outcomes of this cooperation. This article reviews the emergence of systems-theory-based modeling and simulation languages and environments, such as the General System Theory implementor and Discrete Event System Specification, and their relation to Wymore’s concepts. We also discuss the application of powerful software development frameworks to support user-friendly access to systems concepts and to increase the power to support systems design and engineering.
Classification of business clusters based on information transfer events
Authors: De Sordi José Osvaldo , Meireles Manuel , Nelson Reed Elliot
Published: June 2012

This paper examines the utility of the attributes associated with information transfer events for classifying business clusters and understanding their workings. A field survey collected data from diverse actors in six business clusters located in Brazil, including: companies responsible for the development or final assembly of a product or service (central actors); the entity that represents the companies in each business cluster (the administrative body); and the entities seeking to transfer information to the central actors of localities (knowledge agents). We found that differences in the degree of productive complementarity on the part of central actors of business clusters were associated with variance in perceptions of information transfer events that took place in localities. To our knowledge this is the first research which analyzes and classifies business clusters based on dimensions of information transfer which are relevant to the practice of knowledge management.
Robinson’s critical appraisal appraised
Authors: Wallerstein Immanuel
Published: June 2012

The crucial difference between Robinson’s view of the world today and mine has to do with what has been happening in the last 30–50 years. Robinson sees ‘globalization’ as a new stage in capitalism, in which financial institutions are the main mechanisms of capitalist accumulation. I see the same period as one in which capitalist structures have moved so far from equilibrium that they cannot survive. The world-system has entered into a structural crisis and a bifurcation that, in the next 20–40 years, will result in a new world-system (or systems), which may be worse than the current system or much better. In analysing my views, he asserts they are state-centric unlike his. This is incredible, given that the very name of the perspective, world-systems analysis, is used because the basic premise is that social reality occurs within a world-system and not within the states. Robinson’s view is based on a misreading of our concepts of core and periphery. They do not refer to states, but to a relation, in which the crucial difference is the degree of monopolization of the productive process. These processes are located in all states. It is true that the concentration of core-like and peripheral processes is different in different states, which results in a different national politics. But this is a political, not an economic, difference.
Experimental justification on thermal empirical equations for post-flashover compartment fires
Authors: Wu Miao , Chow Wan-Ki
Published: June 2012

Many useful correlation equations derived for estimating the heat release rate for a postflashover room fire were applied in performance-based design. A postflashover room fire is very hazardous as demonstrated by several big accidents in the past few years. The authorities are starting to challenge the use of such equations as fire engineering design tools. Additional justification of the results with experiments in fire hazard assessment is now required. Two correlation equations on heat release rates with gas temperature for postflashover fire are commonly used. One was reported by Babrauskas and Williamson and the other by McCaffrey et al., denoted as BW and MQH equations, respectively. Both equations were justified in this article by reported experimental data. Two sets of reported experimental results on postflashover room fires with transient heat release rates measured by oxygen consumption calorimetry were used. One set was reported by Chow et al. on studying flashover in a compartment fire with gasoline pool fires up to 2.8 MW. The other set was the experimental data on cable fires in a long cavity reported by Hietaniemi et al. Direct comparison indicated that heat release rates estimated using the BW equation are lower than measured values of both sets of the experiments. This point should be watched while applying the BW equation in fire hazard assessment. Better agreement was observed in the equation by MQH. A possible reason is that the empirical constants in the MQH equation were deduced by fitting with experimental data.
An epidemiological study of low back pain among oil drilling workers in India
Authors: Tiwari Rajnarayan R , Saha Asim
Published: June 2012

Many episodes of low back pain are disabling, thus making it one of the costly occupational health problem. The proper alignment and lifting operations during drilling process frequently exposed the oil-drilling workers to unusual strain on the spine and thus make them susceptible for developing low back pain. The present cross-sectional study was carried out in 71 oil-drilling workers. The prevalence of self-reported low back pain was found to be 29.6%. Higher prevalence was found in those working in awkward working posture ( c2 = 6.41; df = 1; p < 0.01). No other factors, namely, age, obesity, duration of exposure, smoking habit, family history of musculoskeletal disorders, exposure to vibration, lifting of weights and past history of injury was found to be statistically significant. Furthermore, using univariate and multivariate analysis, none of the factor was found to have excess risk of occurrence of low back pain, which can partly be attributed to small sample size.
Determination of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of naphthalene, 1-naphthol and 2-naphthol on human lymphocyte culture
Authors: Kapuci Mete , Ulker Zeynep , Gurkan Sezin , Alpsoy Lokman
Published: June 2012

Naphthalene, a bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, has toxic effects on animals and humans. Although recent studies stressed on the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of naphthalene and its metabolites on eukaryotic cells, there is a big controversy among the results of these studies. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of naphthalene and its metabolites on the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in the human lymphocytes in the culture. The genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of naphthalene and its metabolites, 1-naphthol and 2-naphthol, were studied using cytotoxicity test (lactate dehydrogenase and cell proliferation (WST-1) assays) and DNA fragmentation assay (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay). Naphthalene and its metabolites had no significant cytotoxic effect on treated samples when compared with untreated ones. This result was also confirmed by WST-1 assay. In the TUNEL assay, DNA fragmentation was induced significantly by all concentrations of naphthalene and 2-naphthol and 50 and 100 µM concentrations of 1-naphthol ( p < 0.05 or 0.001). In the DNA fragmentation, the most effective dose of 2-naphthol (63%) was 100 µM, when compared with negative control group (13%). These results suggest that naphthalene and its metabolites, 1-naphthol and 2-naphthol, may cause DNA damage on human lymphocytes.
Background, Personal, and Environmental Influences on the Career Planning of Adolescent Girls
Authors: Novakovic Alexandra , Fouad Nadya A.
Published: June 2012

This study investigated the influence of background variables (age, race/ethnicity, mother’s work status outside of the home, and socioeconomic status), personal variables (anticipatory role conflict and academic self-efficacy), and environmental variables (parental attachment and parental support) on aspects of adolescent girls’ career planning. Four hierarchical regression analyses were performed with a sample of 217 adolescent females in an urban high school. The dependent variables representing aspects of future career planning were (a) plans for the integration of work and family; (b) gender-traditionality of career choice; (c) career commitment; and (d) aspired education level. Personal variables made the greatest contribution to adolescent girls’ plans for the integration of work and family and career commitment. Background variables contributed most to gender-traditionality of career choice and aspired education level. Environmental variables did not make significant contributions to any of the dependent variables. Results and implications for counselors and educators are discussed.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Advance Care Planning
Authors: Carr Deborah
Published: June 2012

Objectives:

The author investigated (a) whether Whites, Blacks, Latinos, and Asians differ in their rates of advance care planning (ACP; that is, living will, health care proxies, discussions), (b) sources of within-racial group heterogeneity, and (c) racial differences in the explanations offered for not doing ACP.

Methods:

The author estimated logistic regression models with data from a national sample of married and cohabiting adults ages 18 to 64 in the Knowledge Networks study ( N = 2,111).

Results:

Latinos are less likely than Whites to discuss preferences and to have a living will, although the latter gap is fully accounted for by education. Asians are less likely than Whites to have discussions, but more likely to have living wills. Black-White differences emerge only among low SES (socioeconomic status) subgroups. Each group noted distinctive obstacles to planning.

Discussion:

Public policies should target increasing rates of ACP for all adults prior to onset of major health concerns.
Identifying frost-susceptible areas on Finnish railways using the ground penetrating radar technique
Authors: Silvast Mika , Nurmikolu Antti , Wiljanen Bruce , Levomäki Matti
Published: June 2012

In Finland, the railway is a vital transportation system. A large quantity of raw materials, goods and passengers are transported on mixed traffic tracks. Due to freeze–thaw cycles, differential frost heave can affect the track performance and results in speed restrictions. The maintenance of winter-related problems on heavy haul railway lines is expensive and causes difficulties for the flow of rail traffic. In order to make maintenance cost-effective and sustainable it is essential to identify the problem areas and determine their causes. During the last decade the ground penetrating radar (GPR) technique has proven to be an effective and non-destructive method to measure railway structures and various material properties. This paper presents and discusses the key results obtained in a research project that studied the potential of the GPR method to locate track sections on Finnish railways experiencing frost problems and produce input data for preventative maintenance planning for areas at risk of developing differential frost heave. The GPR data, digital video and GPS coordinates, collected from the railway sections were combined with reference data and railway databases using the Railway Doctor software. This integrated data was then interpreted and analysed using multiple parameters specifically selected for the purpose of identifying the frost-susceptible sub-ballast structures and subgrade soils and defining the root cause of frost problems using the GPR frequency analysis techniques.

This paper originated from the 2011 IHHA Conference.
Thermal cracking of a railway wheel tread due to tread braking–critical crack sizes and in fluence of repeated thermal cycles
Authors: Caprioli Sara , Vernersson Tore , Ekberg Anders
Published: June 2012

A numerical study of tread cracking due to thermal loading induced by tread braking is carried out. The analysis features a computationally efficient approach combining two-dimensional finite-element simulations with an analytical evaluation of resulting stress intensity factors. The analysis identifies critical sizes for when existing surface cracks are prone to propagate under thermal loading and resulting crack lengths after propagation. The results imply that fully functional brake systems are not likely to induce thermal crack propagation under normal stop braking, but that with pre-existing defects, a severe drag braking due to malfunctioning brakes may cause very deep cracking. Furthermore, the analysis concludes the cracking to be a static phenomenon related to the most severe brake cycle, i.e. later brake cycles of similar or lower severity will not cause any significant propagation of existing cracks. Additional three-dimensional finite-element simulations are used to validate the model, and they indicate two-dimensional results to be on the conservative side.

This paper originated from the 2011 IHHA Conference.
Design and test of a soft suspension system for cantilevered momentum wheel assembly
Authors: Zhou Wei-Yong , Li Dong-Xu , Luo Qing , Jiang Jian-Ping
Published: June 2012

This article concentrates on design and test of a soft suspension system for cantilevered momentum wheel assembly. First, a soft suspension system consisting of four folded beams was designed via the finite element method. Next, a mathematical model was employed to investigate the performance of the soft suspension cantilevered momentum wheel assembly. Finally, the natural frequencies of the cantilevered momentum wheel assembly were verified by ‘hammering test’ and the microvibrations produced were measured by a force-acceleration measurement system consisting of a Kistler table and several accelerometers. The results show that the natural frequencies and critical speed obtained by the experiment coincided well with the mathematical model; the soft suspension system can effectively isolate the disturbances produced by the rotor when the cantilevered momentum wheel assembly operates above the critical speed; and the maximum rotational speed increases from 4900 to 6400 r/min when the vertical beam of the soft suspension system is thickened from 0.0025 to 0.003 m. Thus, the design method is valid to be used for the soft suspension system, and the soft suspension system is particularly efficient for the isolation of vibrations produced by the cantilevered momentum wheel assembly, the disturbance frequencies of which are mainly in the high-frequency range. In addition, the maximum rotational speed of the soft suspension cantilevered momentum wheel assembly can be improved by increasing the stiffness of the suspension system.
Robust multi-objective H2/H∞ tracking control based on the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model for a class of nonlinear uncertain drive systems
Authors: Azimi Vahid , Nekoui Mohammad A , Fakharian Ahmad
Published: June 2012

In this paper a robust H2/H∞ multi-objective state-feedback controller and tracking design are presented for a class of multiple input/multiple output nonlinear uncertain systems. First, some states (error of tracking) are augmented to the system in order to improve tracking control. Next, uncertain parameters and the quantification of uncertainty on physical parameters are defined by the affine parameter-dependent systems method. Then, to apply the H2/H∞ controller, the uncertain nonlinear system is approximated by the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model. After that, based on each local linear subsystem with augmented state, an H2/H∞ multi-objective state-feedback controller is designed by using a linear matrix inequalities approach. Finally, parallel distributed compensation is used to design the controller for the overall system and the total linear system is obtained by use of the weighted sum of the local linear subsystems. Several results show that the proposed method can effectively meet performance requirements such as robustness, good load disturbance rejection, good tracking and fast transient responses for a three-phase interior permanent magnet synchronous motor system.
Prevalence and clinical significance of anti-ribosomal P antibody in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Aldar H , Lapa AT , Bellini B , Sinicato NA , Postal M , Fernandes PT , Costallat LTL , Marini R , Appenzeller S
Published: June 2012

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of the anti-ribosomal P (anti-P) antibodies in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients (cSLE), healthy controls and first degree relatives. To elucidate the association between anti-P and disease activity, laboratory and treatment features in cSLE patients. Methods: We included consecutive SLE patients with disease onset before 16 years. Controls were age- and sex-matched. SLE patients were assessed for clinical and laboratory SLE manifestations, disease activity (SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)), damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI)) and current drug exposures. Mood disorders were determined through Becks Depression and Becks Anxiety Inventory. Anti-P measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: We included 50 consecutive cSLE patients (mean age of 16.82 ± 3.46 years), 35 first degree relatives (mean age of 38.73 ± 3.89 years) and 20 health control (mean age of 18.3 ± 4.97 years). Anti-P was observed in 13 (26%) cSLE patients and in no first-degree relative ( p < 0.01) or control ( p < 0.01). Anti-P was more frequently observed in patients with anxiety ( p < 0.002). No other clinical, laboratory or treatment features, including SLEDAI and SDI scores were associated with the presence of anti-P in cSLE patients. Conclusion: Anti-P is frequently observed in cSLE patients and was associated with the presence of anxiety in this cohort of cSLE.
Circulating anti-double-stranded DNA antibody-secreting cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a novel biomarker for disease activity
Authors: Hanaoka H , Okazaki Y , Satoh T , Kaneko Y , Yasuoka H , Seta N , Kuwana M
Published: June 2012

Antibodies against double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) are widely used to diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and evaluate its activity in patients. This study was undertaken to examine the clinical utility of circulating anti-dsDNA antibody-secreting cells for evaluating SLE patients. Anti-dsDNA antibody-secreting cells quantified using an enzyme-linked immunospot assay were detected in the spleen, bone marrow and peripheral blood from MRL/ lpr but not in control BALB/c mice. Circulating anti-dsDNA antibody-secreting cells were detected in 29 (22%) of 130 patients with SLE, but in none of 49 with non-SLE connective-tissue disease or 18 healthy controls. The presence of circulating anti-dsDNA antibody-secreting cells was associated with persistent proteinuria, high SLE disease activity index and systemic lupus activity measures, and a high serum anti-dsDNA antibody titre measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The positive predictive value for active disease was 48% for circulating anti-dsDNA antibody-secreting cells versus 17% for serum anti-dsDNA antibodies. A prospective cohort of patients with circulating anti-dsDNA antibodies and inactive SLE showed that the cumulative disease flare-free rate was significantly lower in patients with than without circulating anti-dsDNA antibody-secreting cells ( p < 0.001). Circulating anti-dsDNA antibody-secreting cells are a useful biomarker for assessing disease activity in SLE patients.
Activities of Daily Living in Mexican American Caregivers
Authors: Evans Bronwynne C. , Belyea Michael J. , Coon David W. , Ume Ebere
Published: June 2012

La familia drives elder care in Mexican–American (MA) families, but nursing home placement can result from day-to-day caregiving demands that increase caregiver difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs). Using life course perspective, this article describes the initial data wave of 31 MA caregivers from a descriptive, longitudinal, mixed-methods study of 110 MA caregivers and care recipients over 15 months in their caregiving trajectories. Fifteen of 31 caregivers consistently indicated “no help needed” on the Katz ADL, whereas all but one reported “help needed” during semistructured interviews with cultural brokers. In addition to the discrepancy between results on the Katz ADL and interviews, findings include consideration of nursing home placement by moderately acculturated caregivers and minimization of their illnesses by caregivers. Additional methods of MA caregiver assessment may be needed due to the questionable accuracy of the Katz ADL; additional research should explore minimization and acculturation in MA caregivers.
Vibration signature analysis of a high speed rotor supported on ball bearings due to localized defects
Authors: Kankar PK , Sharma Satish C , Harsha SP
Published: June 2012

This paper presents the vibration signature analysis of the high speed rolling element bearings due to localized defects with an un-cracked and a cracked rotor. In rotating machines, one of the main causes of breakdown is faults in ball bearings and crack in rotors. Thus, accurate prediction of severe vibration conditions and characteristic defect frequencies is crucial for the reliable operation. A test rig of a high speed rotor supported on healthy and defective ball bearings is used. The vibration response is obtained and analyzed for the un-cracked and cracked rotor with and without defects on bearing components. The defects such as spalls on the outer race, inner race and on the rolling elements are considered for the study. Combined parametric effects have been analyzed to predict the dynamic response of a rotor-bearing system using response surface method. It is also observed that the severe vibrations occur under bearings with spall on the inner race surface and on a ball under high speed rotor condition.
The effect of the addition of aramid fibers on tribological properties of the polyimide after ultraviolet or atomic oxygen irradiation
Authors: Zhao Gai , Liu Baixing , Wang Qihua , Wang Tingmei
Published: June 2012

The aramid fibers reinforced polyimide composites were fabricated by means of a hot-press molding technique. The mechanical and tribological behaviors of the reinforced composites were studied. The friction and wear properties of the composites, rotating against a GCr15 steel ball, were investigated on a ball-on-disc test rig. To contrast the effects of the ultraviolet radiation and atomic oxygen, experiments without radiation or after ultraviolet or atomic oxygen radiation were conducted. Experimental results revealed that 20% aramid fiber reinforced polyimide exhibited higher modulus. However, the coefficient of friction decreased with the increase of the aramid fiber content. The composites had a lower wear rate value after atomic oxygen radiation. Microstructure of worn surface of the tested composites was inspected by scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of the composite surface showed that the chemical composition of the surface changed after ultraviolet or atomic oxygen radiation because of the oxidation.
Bone health and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Dobson Ruth , Ramagopalan Sreeram , Giovannoni Gavin
Published: June 2012

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have many reasons to have low bone mineral density and an increased fracture risk. Osteoporosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and is more common in people with MS than the general population. A number of studies have examined the relationship between multiple sclerosis and reduced bone mineral density. In this topical review we seek to address the risk of low bone mineral density, osteoporosis and fractures associated with MS, and make practical suggestions as to how this pertinent issue may be approached in clinical practice.
The test of time: Strupp and Hadley’s tripartite model of mental health (1977)
Authors: Stricker George
Published: June 2012

The original article by Strupp and Hadley (1977) is summarized, and its implications for practice, theory, and research are spelled out. The article anticipates constructivism in theory and practice and makes an important point about the independent value of the perspectives of the patient, the therapist, and society. However, contemporary research shows little incorporation of this valuable work.
Code-switching variation in Gibraltar
Authors: Weston Daniel A
Published: June 2012

This article describes the code-switching (CS) patterns of 31 native Gibraltarians (16F/15M) spread over four generations, aged: (A) 14–25 (B) 26–39 (C) 40–59 and (D) 60+, as revealed in a series of structured interviews. It shows that while monolingual or near-monolingual Spanish usage dominates for all participants in their 60s and above, the younger generations demonstrate a progressively greater breadth of language choice and code-switching patterns. In the case of the youngest generation, which comprises teenagers and people in their early 20s, monolingual Spanish, monolingual English and a range of code-switching phenomena are all attested. This increased variation in code-switching and language choice is shown to be related both to key events in Gibraltar’s sociolinguistic history, and to a constellation of individuating factors such as social network construction, residency patterns, and attitudinal orientations towards Spain and the UK. This breadth of variation also tests the view (in, for example, Muysken 2000: 221) that CS is a phenomenon that can be classified at the community level. It proposes instead that the most convincing account of code-switching variation must also acknowledge the individual’s relationship with sociolinguistic trends within a given speech community.
Rethinking responses to state failure, with special reference to Africa
Authors: Kraxberger Brennan M.
Published: June 2012

State failure is both a key cause and symptom of underdevelopment in Africa. This article provides a geopolitical perspective on the reasons for state failure in Africa, and offers the following solutions to dealing with this phenomenon. First, local and external actors should prioritize state building and order over quick democratization. Second, in rare cases, the principle of national sovereignty may be overridden in the interests of security and development. Third, in very carefully selected cases, international boundaries may need to be redrawn.
The brain drain of health care professionals from sub-Saharan Africa: A geographic perspective
Authors: Kalipeni Ezekiel , Semu Linda L. , Mbilizi Margaret Asalele
Published: June 2012

This article examines the flows of physicians and nurses from African countries to Europe and North America using available data sets. It offers a geographic perspective of the magnitude and flow of these skilled health care professionals and highlights positive and negative impacts of the flows on Africa’s development. The article further discusses the coercive and ‘carrot and stick’ strategies that African governments have employed during the past two decades in attempts to stem the tide of the flows of its health care professionals. It concludes by noting that while Africa can do nothing about the pull factors, it can mitigate the push factors by creating conducive working environments to help retain its health care professionals.
Neoliberalization, decentralization and community-based natural resources management in Malawi: The first sixteen years and looking ahead
Authors: Zulu Leo Charles
Published: June 2012

This article reviews the paradoxical gap between theory/policy and reality from 16 years of community-based natural resources management (CBNRM) in Malawi’s fisheries, forestry and wildlife sectors, focusing on influences of imported neoliberal blueprints. The article argues that CBNRM has created shifting institutional hybridities melding neoliberal principles and modern institutions with neo-patrimonial institutions, producing more challenges than opportunities. Recent gains and bias toward revenue generation have not been matched by practical measures for ecological sustainability. Synthesis of trends, challenges, lessons and opportunities through an institutional choice lens contributes to understanding of relative costs and benefits of CBNRM in delivering ecological and socio-economic goals.
Is ICT the panacea to sub-Saharan Africa’s development problems? Rethinking Africa’s contentious engagement with the global information society
Authors: Kyem Peter A. Kwaku
Published: June 2012

The explosion in mobile phone subscription notwithstanding, benefits from ICT deployment are far from being realized in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A clash between the rationality for development and local systems of reasoning, and the failure to cultivate behaviours that support technological innovation provide little hope for sustained information and communication technology (ICT) adoption in the region. The article discusses failures in technological innovation and then explores ways that SSA countries can manage ICT deployment to stimulate sustained adoption.
Numerical investigation of the influence of intake valve lift profile on a diesel premixed charge compression ignition engine with a variable valve actuation system at moderate loads and speeds
Authors: Jia Ming , Xie Maozhao , Wang Tianyou
Published: June 2012

Variable valve actuation is attracting increasing attention for the control of diesel premixed charge compression ignition engines due to its fast-response characteristics. In this study, a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model, coupled with detailed chemical kinetics, is used to evaluate the influence of the intake valve lift profile on combustion and emissions of a diesel premixed charge compression ignition engine at moderate loads and speeds. The results indicate that, among all the tested variable valve actuation strategies, late intake valve closing shows the most potential for control of ignition timing and reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions, while maintaining low soot emissions and fuel consumption. A moderate decrease of intake valve lift is beneficial for the reduction of soot emissions without significant impacts on fuel consumption due to the enhanced intake flow. The enhancement of turbulence kinetic energy of the in-cylinder mixture is helpful for fuel/air mixing and soot reduction. However, the strategies for increasing turbulence kinetic energy by using intake valve reopening around the start of injection timing and one intake valve deactivation lead to deterioration in fuel efficiency due to the increased pumping work. In general, the increase of swirl ratio with various variable valve actuation strategies impedes the fuel/air mixing, resulting in rapid increases of soot emissions, and a lower swirl ratio is more beneficial for mixing and combustion in diesel premixed charge compression ignition engines with early injection timing.
Living the Question of Responsibility
Authors: Koro-Ljungberg Mirka
Published: June 2012

We know that sexual harassment is a serious problem in academia. However, in this brief commentary I want to work against my ontological desire for simple answers to complex questions (of individual or institutional ethics, norms, power, university structures and hierarchies, bureaucracy, etc. associated with sexual harassment). I am curious what could be gained by asking questions—different, difficult, ethical, political, and personal questions. What would happen if we focused on questions instead of answers? In the following I am living the question of responsibility, especially in the context of the Penn State tragedy.
Post Silence
Authors: Motter Jennifer , Jung Yuha , Lewis Lillian , Bloom Amy , Lin Yenju
Published: June 2012

Given the recent exposure of alleged child sexual abuse at Penn State, as well as a uniform portrayal by mass media, authors strive to produce alternative and personal narratives and to critique the institution’s culture of silence through the medium of postcard art and public display. Along with the Graduate Art Education Association, they organized the exhibition, “Post Silence,” at Penn State’s Zoller Gallery. They provided a public space where all community members could express how they felt about these incidents by creating postcards and exhibiting them at the gallery, thus allowing diverse voices to be heard. The visual responses show the story’s entanglements: tragic abuse, the involvement of esteemed and powerful figures, and the sense of shared disgrace. In this article, the authors discuss the implementation and public pedagogical impact of Post Silence.
Remembering the Paternos
Authors: Houck Davis W.
Published: June 2012

Joe and Sue Paterno deserved better in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky sex scandal. The author, who holds a PhD from Penn State’s Speech Communication department, specifies why.
Can We Demonstrate That Breast Cancer “Integrative Oncology” Is Effective? A Methodology to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Integrative Oncology Offered in Community Clinics
Authors: Standish Leanna J. , Sweet Erin , Naydis Eleonora , Andersen M.Robyn
Published: June 2012

Background. Many women diagnosed with breast cancer receive both standard cancer treatment and care from providers trained in the emerging field of medicine called integrative oncology (IO) in which science-based complementary and alternative medical therapies are prescribed by physicians. The effectiveness of IO services has not been fully studied, so is yet unknown. Purpose. Determine if a matched, case-controlled prospective outcomes study evaluating the efficacy and safety of breast cancer IO care is feasible. Methods. Methodological proof of principle requires demonstration that (1) it is possible to find matched control breast cancer patients using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program’s western Washington Cancer Surveillance System (CSS) and (2) an IO clinic can recruit breast cancer patients into a matched controlled study. Results. A pilot study was conducted in 2008 (n = 14) to determine if matched controlled women could be identified in the western Washington SEER database. All 14 women who were approached agreed to participate. The cases were matched to the CSS along 5 variables: age and stage at diagnosis, race, and marital and Estrogen Receptors/Progesterone Receptors (ER/PR) status. Multiple matches were found for 12 of the 14 participants. Conclusion: A prospective cohort study with a matched comparison group is a feasible and potentially rigorous study design with high patient acceptability. It may provide valuable data for the evaluation of the effectiveness of IO care on patient health, relapse rate, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). A federally funded matched case controlled outcomes study is currently under way at Bastyr University and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
Hesperidin Inhibits Cyclophosphamide-Induced Tumor Growth Delay in Mice
Authors: Hosseinimehr Seyed Jalal , Jalayer Zoleikha , Naghshvar Farshad , Mahmoudzadeh Aziz
Published: June 2012

Hesperidin is a natural compound that has chemoprotective effects in tumor cell lines and protective effects against hematotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hesperidin on the antitumor effect of cyclophosphamide in tumor-bearing mice. Administration of hesperidin reduced the leukopenia induced by cyclophosphamide in normal mice. White blood cell counts were increased in mice treated with hesperidin at a dose 200 mg/kg prior to cyclophosphamide injection. This significant protective effect was observed at 4 and 7 days after cyclophosphamide injection. Coadministration of hesperidin with cyclophosphamide in colon carcinoma (CT-26)–bearing mice was found to significantly inhibit cyclophosphamide-induced tumor growth delay. Tumor-bearing mice treated with hesperidin had increased tumor development compared with control animals that did not receive any treatment. These results show that hesperidin interacts with cyclophosphamide to inhibit its antitumor effect. In this study, estrogen receptor was negative for the development of CT-26 tumor. These results imply that fruits containing hesperidin, such as citrus, might have side effects on the efficacy of cyclophosphamide in the treatment of patients with colon cancer.