bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host Immune Defense Peptide LL-37 Activates Caspase-Independent Apoptosis and Suppresses Colon Cancer
Authors: Ren Shun X. , Cheng Alfred S.L. , To Ka F. , Tong Joanna H.M. , Li May S. , Shen Jin , Wong Clover C.M. , Zhang Lin , Chan Ruby L.Y. , Wang Xiao J. , Ng Simon S.M. , Chiu Lawrence C.M. , Marquez Victor E. , Gallo Richard L. , Chan Francis K.L. , Yu Jun , Sung Joseph J.Y. , Wu William K.K. , Cho Chi H.
Published: October 2012

Cathelicidins are a family of bacteriocidal polypeptides secreted by macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). LL-37, the only human cathelicidin, has been implicated in tumorigenesis, but there has been limited investigation of its expression and function in cancer. Here, we report that LL-37 activates a p53-mediated, caspase-independent apoptotic cascade that contributes to suppression of colon cancer. LL-37 was expressed strongly in normal colon mucosa but downregulated in colon cancer tissues, where in both settings its expression correlated with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick end labeling-positive apoptotic cells. Exposure of colon cancer cells to LL-37 induced phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation in a manner independent of caspase activation. Apoptogenic function was mediated by nuclear translocation of the proapoptotic factors, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and endonuclease G (EndoG), through p53-dependent upregulation of Bax and Bak and downregulation of Bcl-2 via a pertussis toxin–sensitive G-protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) pathway. Correspondingly, colonic mucosa of cathelicidin-deficient mice exhibited reduced expression of p53, Bax, and Bak and increased expression of Bcl-2 together with a lower basal level of apoptosis. Cathelicidin-deficient mice exhibited an increased susceptibility to azoxymethane-induced colon tumorigenesis, establishing pathophysiologic relevance in colon cancer. Collectively, our findings show that LL-37 activates a GPCR-p53-Bax/Bak/Bcl-2 signaling cascade that triggers AIF/EndoG–mediated apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Cancer Res; 72(24); 6512–23. ©2012 AACR.
Indirect Assimilation of Radar Reflectivity with WRF 3D-Var and Its Impact on Prediction of Four Summertime Convective Events
Authors: Wang Hongli , Sun Juanzhen , Fan Shuiyong , Huang Xiang-Yu
Published: October 2012

An indirect radar reflectivity assimilation scheme has been developed within the Weather Research and Forecasting model three-dimensional data assimilation system (WRF 3D-Var). This scheme, instead of assimilating radar reflectivity directly, assimilates retrieved rainwater and estimated in-cloud water vapor. An analysis is provided to show that the assimilation of the retrieved rainwater avoids the linearization error of the Z–qr (reflectivity–rainwater) equation. A new observation operator is introduced to assimilate the estimated in-cloud water vapor. The performance of the scheme is demonstrated by assimilating reflectivity observations into the Rapid Update Cycle data assimilation and forecast system operating at Beijing Meteorology Bureau. Four heavy-rain-producing convective cases that occurred during summer 2009 in Beijing, China, are studied using the newly developed system. Results show that on average the assimilation of reflectivity significantly improves the short-term precipitation forecast skill up to 7 h. A diagnosis of the analysis fields of one case shows that the assimilation of reflectivity increases humidity, rainwater, and convective available potential energy in the convective region. As a result, the analysis successfully promotes the developments of the convective system and thus improves the subsequent prediction of the location and intensity of precipitation for this case.
The Influence of Stratospheric Vortex Displacements and Splits on Surface Climate
Authors: Mitchell Daniel M. , Gray Lesley J. , Anstey James , Baldwin Mark P. , Charlton-Perez Andrew J.
Published: October 2012

A strong link exists between stratospheric variability and anomalous weather patterns at the earth’s surface. Specifically, during extreme variability of the Arctic polar vortex termed a “weak vortex event,” anomalies can descend from the upper stratosphere to the surface on time scales of weeks. Subsequently the outbreak of cold-air events have been noted in high northern latitudes, as well as a quadrupole pattern in surface temperature over the Atlantic and western European sectors, but it is currently not understood why certain events descend to the surface while others do not. This study compares a new classification technique of weak vortex events, based on the distribution of potential vorticity, with that of an existing technique and demonstrates that the subdivision of such events into vortex displacements and vortex splits has important implications for tropospheric weather patterns on weekly to monthly time scales. Using reanalysis data it is found that vortex splitting events are correlated with surface weather and lead to positive temperature anomalies over eastern North America of more than 1.5 K, and negative anomalies over Eurasia of up to −3 K. Associated with this is an increase in high-latitude blocking in both the Atlantic and Pacific sectors and a decrease in European blocking. The corresponding signals are weaker during displacement events, although ultimately they are shown to be related to cold-air outbreaks over North America. Because of the importance of stratosphere–troposphere coupling for seasonal climate predictability, identifying the type of stratospheric variability in order to capture the correct surface response will be necessary.
On the Speed of the Eddy-Driven Jet and the Width of the Hadley Cell in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Ceppi Paulo , Hartmann Dennis L.
Published: October 2012

A strong correlation between the speed of the eddy-driven jet and the width of the Hadley cell is found to exist in the Southern Hemisphere, both in reanalysis data and in twenty-first-century integrations from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report multimodel archive. Analysis of the space–time spectra of eddy momentum flux reveals that variations in eddy-driven jet speed are related to changes in the mean phase speed of midlatitude eddies. An increase in eddy phase speeds induces a poleward shift of the critical latitudes and a poleward expansion of the region of subtropical wave breaking. The associated changes in eddy momentum flux convergence are balanced by anomalous meridional winds consistent with a wider Hadley cell. At the same time, faster eddies are also associated with a strengthened poleward eddy momentum flux, sustaining a stronger westerly jet in midlatitudes. The proposed mechanism is consistent with the seasonal dependence of the interannual variability of the Hadley cell width and appears to explain at least part of the projected twenty-first-century trends.
Ocean–Atmosphere Forcing of Summer Streamflow Drought in Great Britain
Authors: Kingston Daniel G. , Fleig Anne K. , Tallaksen Lena M. , Hannah David M.
Published: October 2012

Droughts are high-impact events that have substantial implications for both human and natural systems. As such, improved understanding of the hydroclimatological processes involved in drought development is a major scientific imperative of direct practical relevance. To address this research need, this paper investigates the chain of processes linking antecedent ocean–atmosphere variation to summer streamflow drought in Great Britain. Analyses are structured around four distinct drought regions (defined using hierarchical cluster analysis) for the period 1964–2001. Droughts were identified using a novel regional drought area index. Composite analysis of monthly sea surface temperature (SST) prior to drought onset reveals a horseshoe- or tripole-shaped pattern of North Atlantic SST anomalies that is similar to patterns of SST anomalies associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Patterns in geopotential height, wind, moisture vapor flux, and precipitation prior to drought onset support the influence of the NAO but also demonstrate that the atmospheric bridge linking North Atlantic SST to drought development is too complex to be described solely by indices of the NAO. In revealing new information on the chain of processes leading to the development of hydrological drought in Great Britain, this paper has the potential to inform drought-forecasting research and so improve drought preparedness and management.
Observed Impacts of Duration and Seasonality of Atmospheric-River Landfalls on Soil Moisture and Runoff in Coastal Northern California
Authors: Ralph F. M. , Coleman T. , Neiman P. J. , Zamora R. J. , Dettinger M. D.
Published: October 2012

This study is motivated by diverse needs for better forecasts of extreme precipitation and floods. It is enabled by unique hourly observations collected over six years near California’s Russian River and by recent advances in the science of atmospheric rivers (ARs). This study fills key gaps limiting the prediction of ARs and, especially, their impacts by quantifying the duration of AR conditions and the role of duration in modulating hydrometeorological impacts. Precursor soil moisture conditions and their relationship to streamflow are also shown. On the basis of 91 well-observed events during 2004–10, the study shows that the passage of ARs over a coastal site lasted 20 h on average and that 12% of the AR events exceeded 30 h. Differences in storm-total water vapor transport directed up the mountain slope contribute 74% of the variance in storm-total rainfall across the events and 61% of the variance in storm-total runoff volume. ARs with double the composite mean duration produced nearly 6 times greater peak streamflow and more than 7 times the storm-total runoff volume. When precursor soil moisture was less than 20%, even heavy rainfall did not lead to significant streamflow. Predicting which AR events are likely to produce extreme impacts on precipitation and runoff requires accurate prediction of AR duration at landfall and observations of precursor soil moisture conditions.
Low-Frequency Modulation of Turbulent Diapycnal Mixing by Anticyclonic Eddies Inferred from the HOT Time Series
Authors: Jing Zhao , Wu Lixin
Published: October 2012

Profiles of potential density obtained from CTD measurements during the Hawaii Ocean Time series (HOT) program in the vicinity of the island of Oahu, Hawaii, are used to evaluate low-frequency variability of turbulent kinetic dissipation rates based on a finescale parameterization method. A distinct seasonal cycle, as well as an increasing trend of dissipation rates, is found in the upper 300–600 m. The trend is mainly due to the much weaker diapycnal mixing in the first four years of the record, that is, 1988–92.

In the upper 300–600 m, enhanced diapycnal mixing is found under anticyclonic eddies with the mean dissipation rate about 53% larger than that under eddy-free conditions. The modulation of dissipation rates by anticyclonic eddies becomes more evident with increasing eddy strength. The role of cyclonic eddies in modulating diapycnal mixing is almost negligible compared with that of anticyclonic eddies. The mean dissipation rate under cyclonic eddies is comparable to that under eddy-free conditions with a difference of less than 10%. Seasonality of the dissipation rates is partly modulated by the seasonal variation of anticyclonic eddies.
Ethno-religious Conflicts and the Elusive Quest for National Identity in Nigeria
Authors: Agbiboa Daniel Egiegba
Published: October 2012

This article critically examines the elusive search for a true national identity in Nigeria amid persistent ethno-religious conflicts and violent attacks in Nigeria today. The central thesis of this article is that political mobilization drawn along politicized ethno-religious lines has precluded the emergence of a true national identity in Nigeria. The analysis is historically anchored and foregrounds colonial policies that blocked the processes of nation building in postindependence Nigeria. This article recommends creative and refreshing ways through which the rising tide of ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria can be stemmed in order to allow for the emergence of a true national identity.
Modeling Susceptibility to Periodontitis
Authors: Laine M.L. , Moustakis V. , Koumakis L. , Potamias G. , Loos B.G.
Published: October 2012

Chronic inflammatory diseases like periodontitis have a complex pathogenesis and a multifactorial etiology, involving complex interactions between multiple genetic loci and infectious agents. We aimed to investigate the influence of genetic polymorphisms and bacteria on chronic periodontitis risk. We determined the prevalence of 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in immune response candidate genes and 7 bacterial species of potential relevance to periodontitis etiology, in chronic periodontitis patients and non-periodontitis control individuals (N = 385). Using decision tree analysis, we identified the presence of bacterial species Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and SNPs TNF -857 and IL-1A -889 as discriminators between periodontitis and non-periodontitis. The model reached an accuracy of 80%, sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 73%, and AUC of 73%. This pilot study shows that, on the basis of 3 periodontal pathogens and SNPs, patterns may be recognized to identify patients at risk for periodontitis. Modern bioinformatics tools are valuable in modeling the multifactorial and complex nature of periodontitis.
The mechanical properties, water resistance and degradation behaviour of silica-filled sago starch/PVA plastic films
Authors: Ismail Hanafi , Zaaba Nor Fasihah
Published: October 2012

Biodegradable sago starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films were developed using various percentage of silica. The effect of silica as filler on the mechanical properties, water resistance and degradation behaviour were investigated. Results showed that the 2.0 wt% of silica content in sago starch/PVA films exhibit higher tensile strength but lower elongation at break than films without additional silica. Water absorption and water vapour transmission  were decreased with the addition of silica content. Biodegradability test revealed that the increment of silica content reduces the degradation process of sago starch/PVA films.
Energizing and De-Motivating Effects of Norm-Conflict
Authors: McDonald Rachel I. , Fielding Kelly S. , Louis Winnifred R.
Published: October 2012

Norms have a pervasive influence on behavior, yet previous research has not addressed that people often face conflicting norms from multiple ingroups. The current research addresses this gap in the context of proenvironmental behavior and demonstrates two effects predicted by the novel theoretical position we offer: People can be de-motivated by norm-conflict, or conversely, norm-conflict can encourage people to take action. Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated that norm-conflict is associated with increased perceived effectiveness for those with positive attitudes to the issue and reduced perceived effectiveness for those with moderate attitudes, and effectiveness perceptions mediated an indirect effect on behavioral intentions. Study 3 found that perceived effectiveness also moderates the effects of norm-conflict such that norm-conflict only influences intentions when perceived effectiveness is high. Norm-conflict is both positively and negatively related to behavioral decision making, suggesting additional considerations in the design of social norms-based interventions.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Greek Version of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales IV Package (FACES IV Package)
Authors: Koutra Katerina , Triliva Sofia , Roumeliotaki Theano , Lionis Christos , Vgontzas Alexandros N.
Published: October 2012

The aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Greek version of Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales IV (FACES IV) Package. The original FACES IV displays a six-factor structure with two balanced scales—Balanced Cohesion and Balanced Flexibility—and four unbalanced scales—Disengaged, Enmeshed, Rigid, and Chaotic—and has been shown to have satisfactory internal and test–retest reliability. A total of 584 family members agreed to participate in the study. The findings indicated that the Greek version displays similar factor structure to the original version. Cronbach’s α coefficients for the six scales ranged from .59 to .79. The test–retest correlation coefficients ranged between .94 and .97. The Family Communication Scale and the Family Satisfaction Scale demonstrated high internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Thus, the Greek version of the FACES IV Package appears to be a valid and reliable instrument to be used in both research and clinical assessment of family functioning.
Eyeless in America
Authors: Blackmore Tim
Published: October 2012

This article examines 50 films produced and released between the years 2001 and 2012 that are concerned with the American wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Using Jacques Ellul’s theories set out in his book Propaganda, the article argues that while the films have failed at the box office, they were intended to function as integration propaganda. The article proposes six different tropes or common frames for understanding how the films avoid dealing with problems raised by the wars. Why the films failed, and what functioned as integration propaganda instead, is the subject for a second article titled “Eyeless in America, the Sequel.”
Looking and Seeing
Authors: Lovekin David
Published: October 2012

This study began with a fascination for the enigma of American artist Andy Warhol (1928-1987). I began to collect his words. I had been intrigued by German philosopher, literary critic, and essayist Walter Benjamin’s (1892-1940) philosophical snapshots and with the notion of an aura that could be pealed from objects by photography. And I was taken by French philosopher, professor of law, and theologian Jacques Ellul’s (1912-1994) claim that religion, philosophy, and aesthetics were mere ornaments that had gone the way of the ruffled sunshade on McCormick’s first reaper. Benjamin’s epistemological understanding of aura, the capacity of the object to look back and to direct the viewer in search for origins, fleshed out Ellul’s claim. The symbol had lost its symbolic dimension in the technical process where words became images and images became concepts; clichés were the nature of this productivity, which became more than tired expressions. The cliché is the machine in its new suit. This insight informed my reading of Warhol and Benjamin with Ellul. And, of course, my reading of Ellul has influenced my reading of Warhol and Benjamin.
Development of efficient three-dimensional welding simulation approach for residual stress estimation in different welded joints
Authors: Bhatti Ayjwat A , Barsoum Zuheir
Published: October 2012

Based on the available welding simulation approaches found in the literature, an alternative and simplified welding simulation approach is developed, called rapid dumping. It is a sequential thermomechanical approach, which makes use of the moving heat source in thermal analysis and the block-dumping approach in mechanical analysis for prediction of welding residual stresses in three dimensions. It is first developed for longitudinal stiffener joint and then validated by applying on a butt-welded, T-fillet, and multipass tube-flange joints. The temperature-dependent material properties were obtained using JMat Pro software, a java-based material property simulation software. The material properties were validated with experimentally determined material properties found in the literature. The predicted residual stresses were validated by X-ray diffraction measurements on the longitudinal stiffener fillet-welded joint. Using the rapid-dumping approach, the residual stresses obtained at the weld toe were in qualitatively good agreement with the measured residual stresses. The rapid-dumping approach showed to capture the effects of moving heat source and weld start/stop location. In addition, it has reduced the computational time significantly with a preserved accuracy of the estimated welding residual stresses.
The Structural Consistency of a Six-Factor Model of Academic Self-Concept Among Culturally Diverse Preadolescents in the United States
Authors: Ockey Gary J. , Abercrombie Sara
Published: October 2012

For decades, research has indicated that preadolescents’ self-concept is comprised of subject-specific academic factors, a general academic factor, and several nonacademic factors. More recently, there have been some indications that academic self-concept might further be differentiated into competence and affect factors, at least for some preadolescent ethnic groups. This study examines the extent to which a 6-factor model of academic self-concept, in which competence and affect are distinct, is tenable for White, Hispanic, and Native American preadolescents. A total of 313 White, 331 Hispanic, and 224 Native American preadolescents from the southwestern United States were administered a modified version of the SDQI. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that the 6-factor model of academic self-concept was tenable. A multiple-groups CFA suggested that the 6-factor model was largely group invariant between White and Hispanic and White and Native American preadolescents. However, important differences in the structures were identified.
Free transverse vibration analysis of thin rectangular plates locally suspended on elastic beam
Authors: Golkaram M , Aghdam MM
Published: October 2012

Free transverse vibration of thin rectangular plates locally suspended on deformable beam is presented using generalized differential quadrature method. The plate is completely free at all edges except a local region which is attached to a thin beam with rectangular cross section. The other side of the beam is fixed and the whole system is subjected to free transverse vibrations. According to classical plate theory and Euler–Bernoulli beam assumption, two coupled partial differential equations of the system are obtained. The governing equations and solution domain are discretized based on the generalized differential quadrature method and natural frequencies of the plate attached to the beam are obtained. Accuracy of the predictions is investigated using four simplified cases which show reasonably good agreement. For the general case, however, due to lack of data in the literature, predictions are compared with finite element results, which also demonstrate close agreement.
Multi-scale analysis of viscoelastic–viscoplastic laminated composite plates using generalized differential quadrature method
Authors: Masoumi S , Akhlaghi M , Salehi M
Published: October 2012

Multi-scale analysis of laminated composite plates with viscoelastic–viscoplastic behavior of matrix is studied. Simplified unit cell method is developed to derive a new formulation for analysis of composite materials, including viscoelastic–viscoplastic matrix. The viscoelastic behavior of the matrix is modeled using Boltzmann superposition principle and the creep compliance is modeled using Prony series. Zapas–Crissman functional model is applied to obtain viscoplastic behavior of the matrix. In structural level, equations of equilibrium of laminated composite plate in terms of displacements have been derived using first order shear deformation theory with von Karman kinematic nonlinearity type. The nonlinear equations of equilibrium of plate are solved using generalized differential quadrature method. The details of the multi-scale analysis process have been discussed. Results include the effect of different parameters on creep behavior of composite materials in microscale and also micro-macro analysis.
From Europe as a model to Europe as austerity
Authors: Costa Hermes Augusto
Published: October 2012

Twenty five years after Portuguese EU accession, the labour market in general and the trade unions in particular are faced with severely regressive social measures that undermine past expectations of progress towards the achievement of the Social Europe project in Portugal. Thus, on the one hand, this article identifies some of the ambitions and possibilities earlier opened up for the Portuguese labour market, as well as trade union attitudes to European integration. It is argued, on the other hand, that, in the context of the economic crisis and the austerity measures to which Portugal is subjected, the sense of Portugal’s backwardness in relation to the ‘European project’ has become more acute. The article accordingly focuses on and examines some of the austerity measures and certain controversial issues associated with them. In a final section, the impact of austerity on labour relations and the reactions of social partners, in particular the trade unions, are analysed.
French multinational companies, new state regulations and changes in the employment relationship during the crisis
Authors: Delteil Violaine , Dieuaide Patrick
Published: October 2012

On the basis of a survey conducted in three French multinational corporations in the automobile industry that have set up production facilities in central and eastern Europe, this article examines some of the major changes in the employment relationship that have taken place in the rather specific economic context of the second half of the decade after 2000. Two main propositions are put forward and discussed: the first relates to the rise of a ‘management-led social dialogue’ as the outcome of an increasingly close meshing of corporate industrial strategies, human resource policies and the management of industrial relations at the local level; the second relates to the emergence of a ‘Porterian state’ playing a role of, on the one hand, mediator in the effort to build some ‘labour-management compromises’ for coping with the crisis and, on the other hand, promoter of new forms of socio-economic regulation requiring new institutional complementarities. The analysis, developed on the basis of a comparative approach – i.e. France versus the central and eastern European countries – is rounded off by an examination of the place and role of the European Union in these changes.
Europeanization through ‘procedures and practices’? The implementation of the telework and work-related stress agreements in the UK and Denmark
Authors: Prosser Thomas
Published: October 2012

The EU framework agreements on telework and work-related stress are non-legally binding European social partner framework agreements that were to be implemented in Member States in accordance with national ‘procedures and practices’ for social dialogue. In a study of the implementation of the agreements in Denmark and the UK, this article finds that the national ‘procedures and practices’ implementation clause was fragile and subject to misinterpretation by national actors, and that the implementation of the agreements added little in terms of substantive effect to policy contexts in Denmark and the UK.
A case study of temporary work agencies in the Norwegian construction sector
Authors: Ødegård Anne Mette , Berge Øyvind , Alsos Kristin
Published: October 2012

The temporary work agency sector in Norway is diverse and growing. Since the EU enlargements of 2004 and 2007, it has also experienced a large influx of workers from the new EU Member States, especially in construction. This has led to more informal and undeclared business activities in the hiring industry. In this article we show some of the consequences of this development. We also discuss the impact of various national regulations in this sector and whether new EU regulation, namely the EU Directive on temporary agency work, might improve the situation.
A simple finite element for nonlinear wheel/rail contact and separation simulations
Authors: Ju SH
Published: October 2012

To simulate the contact and separation of wheels and rails accurately, the stiffness between them should be correct. This paper developed a nonlinear moving wheel element based on a simple point contact scheme to simulate moving train problems, where the element stiffness is set to a power function directly fitted from the finite-element result of the wheel and rail contact analysis. The finite-element result of the wheel/rail contact analysis indicates that the changes in vertical stiffness with changing contact forces can be accurately fitted by using the proposed power function, and the horizontal stiffness can be simply regressed using a constant. The validated example in this paper shows that the nonlinear moving wheel element can simulate the complicated contact and separation problem correctly, both in the displacement and contact force fields, and the major advantage is that a fine mesh is not necessary in the moving train contact analysis.
Optimal control of a linear time-invariant space–time fractional diffusion process
Authors: Özdemir Necati , Avcι Derya
Published: October 2012

This paper presents a formulation and numerical solutions of an optimal control problem of a linear time-invariant space–time fractional diffusion equation. The main aim of this formulation is minimization of a performance index, which is a functional of both state and control functions of the diffusion system. The dynamics of the system are defined by the space–time fractional diffusion equation in the sense of Caputo and fractional Laplacian operators. The separation of variables technique and a spectral representation of a fractional Laplacian operator are applied to determine the eigenfunctions that represent the space parameters. Therefore, the state and control functions are defined by linear infinite combinations of eigenfunctions. Optimality conditions described by Euler–Lagrange equations are found by using a Lagrange multiplier technique. The Grünwald–Letnikov definition is used to approximate to the time fractional derivative. The applicapability and effectiveness of the numerical scheme are shown by comparison of analytical and numerical solutions for a numerical example. Finally, the variations of problem parameters are analyzed, with some figures obtained using MATLAB.
Growing Up in the Unseen Shadow of the Kindertransport
Authors: Hanauer David I.
Published: October 2012

This poetic-narrative autoethnography employs expressive writing in exploring the author’s experiences of living and growing up as a second generation Kindertransport survivor. The methodological approach involved selecting poems from two books of poetry written about the Holocaust by the author during the 1980s and adding narrative reflections explicating the author’s perspectives and understandings of his experience. The poetic-narrative autoethnography focuses on the difficulties in connecting to an unspoken, painful past family history and explores the difficulties of writing and telling this particular story. This study offers a first insight into the experience and consciousness of being a second-generation Kindertransport survivor.
Weaving a Multimethodology and Mixed Methods Praxis Into Randomized Control Trials to Enhance Credibility
Authors: Hesse-Biber Sharlene
Published: October 2012

Most disciplines within the health and social sciences regard randomized control trials (RCTs) as the “gold standard” of evidence-based practice (EBP). The move toward mixed methods within evidence-based research has proven daunting to many researchers, and few best practices for RCT mixed methods studies currently exist. This article provides some strategies for incorporating mixed methods into RCT designs. Furthermore, the author argues for the value of also infusing a multimethodological approach into RCT mixed methods projects to further offer research strategies for enhancing the credibility of RCT research findings through, for example, incorporating participants’ lived experiences and methodological reflexivity into the research process. The bulk of this article presents four case studies that analyze how researchers in diverse fields have taken a multimethodological praxis into account in their RCT mixed methods projects, including the integration of a mixed methods multimethodological component into RCT research designs. The author also addresses the missed opportunities in these studies to maximize the validity of RCT projects by using mixed methods and multimethodological designs.
Field Experiments on Sensitive Organizational Topics
Authors: King Eden B. , Hebl Michelle R. , Botsford Morgan Whitney , Ahmad Afra Saeed
Published: October 2012

Organizational scholars study a number of sensitive topics that make employees and organizations vulnerable to unfavorable views. However, the typical ways in which researchers study these topics—via laboratory experiments and field surveys—can be laden with problems. In this article, the authors argue that the difficulties in studying sensitive topics can be overcome through the underutilized method of field experiments, detail strategies for conducting high-quality experimental field studies, and offer suggestions for overcoming potential challenges in data collection and publishing. As such, this article is designed to serve as a guide and stimulus for using the valuable methodological tool of field experiments.
Encouraging participatory musicianship among university students
Authors: Woody Robert H. , Parker Elizabeth C.
Published: October 2012

This study examined the musical lives of 86 high ability non-music students in their first semester of study at an American university. The primary data collection occurred over 3 months as participants completed an individualized performance project outside of class. Results indicate that participants drew heavily on their past musical experiences in order to complete the project. They sought support from new peers, created personalized strategies, and harnessed their self-identity as achievers to become ultimately successful. Participants articulated their desire to seek approval from friends and family members as a way to resolve past experiences. For many, the project served to re-engage them with experiences of music-making, and present possibilities for future involvement. The results prompt a discussion of whether lifelong musical participation may depend on a different type of musical identity development than traditionally offered in schools.
Making Health Promotion Evidenced-Informed
Authors: Dilworth Katie , Tao May , Shapiro Sheree , Timmings Carol
Published: October 2012

This large urban health unit identified a need for explicit, strategic, long-term organizational priority toward practical application of evidence in health promotion practice. Becoming a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO®) candidate provided an opportunity to systematically implement this commitment. The primary goals were to support incorporation of evidence-informed practice throughout the organization, increase interprofessional collaboration, and provide opportunities for knowledge exchange for staff. A mixed-methods evaluation consisting of three phases, including an analysis of previous evaluations, a survey of Champions, and an online focus group with the Steering Committee, demonstrated very positive outcomes. Staff reported increased incorporation of evidence in practice and program delivery. Collaboration and consultation amongst interdisciplinary staff across program areas also increased and staff responded very positively to increased opportunities for knowledge exchange. BPSO® candidacy opportunities should be used by health organizations to increase evidence-informed practice and inspire excellence in health promotion practice.
Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Behavioral and/or Psychological Symptoms in Dementia
Authors: Nordgren Lena , Engström Gabriella
Published: October 2012

Background:

Recently, interest in nonpharmaceutical interventions in dementia care has increased. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to be one promising intervention but more knowledge is needed. The present article reports on a pilot study involving an 84-year-old woman with vascular dementia who was systematically trained with a therapy dog team for 8 weeks.

Methods:

A quasi-experimental longitudinal interventional design with pre-post measures was used. Data were collected on 3 occasions. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

Results:

Some effects on the woman’s ability to walk and move were identified. In addition, some effects in the woman’s cognitive state were observed.

Conclusions:

Physical, psychological, and/or social training with certified therapy dog teams can have effects on behavioral and psychological symptoms in people living with dementia. Further research is needed.
Effect of epigallocatechin gallate supplementation in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Loftis Jennifer M. , Wilhelm Clare J. , Huckans Marilyn
Published: October 2012

Objectives:

Strategies that focus on the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation may have therapeutic benefit for the treatment of schizophrenia. This clinical trial sought to determine, in a double-blind study, whether epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea extract, is a useful adjunct to maintenance antipsychotic medication.

Methods:

Adults with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder who were maintained on antipsychotic and other psychotropic medications were randomized to supplemental EGCG or placebo. Study participants completed clinical assessments and blood draws to evaluate supplemental treatment effects on psychiatric symptoms and plasma inflammatory markers.

Results:

A total of 34 participants (17 EGCG, 17 placebo) were randomized and 25 participants (14 EGCG, 11 placebo) completed the study. Both treatment groups showed significant reductions in psychotic, depressive and anxiety symptoms from baseline to end of treatment. However, EGCG did not significantly affect psychiatric symptoms or inflammatory markers, as compared with placebo. Adverse effects were mild and comparable between groups.

Conclusion:

There was no signal for a therapeutic effect of the green tea extract EGCG on psychiatric symptoms in this placebo-controlled pilot study.
On preventing HAZ cracking in laser welded DS Rene 80 superalloy
Authors: Osoba L O , Sidhu R K , Ojo O A
Published: October 2012

The heat affected zone (HAZ) cracking behaviour in a laser beam directionally solidified (DS) Rene 80 nickel based superalloy subjected to preweld heat treatments was studied. The HAZ cracks in the alloy are grain boundary liquation cracks caused by liquation reaction of both non-equilibrium secondary solidification product, MC carbides and equilibrium solid state reaction product, γ′ precipitates. In contrast to theoretical prediction based a preweld heat treatment that reduced grain boundary liquid film thickness did not result in a lower HAZ cracking, which can be related to concomitant reduction in the ability of the base alloy to relax welding stress. In addition, formation of intergranular M5B3 boride particles in preweld alloy appeared to have aided cracking susceptibility by lowering grain boundary liquation temperature and widening the brittle temperature range in the HAZ during cooling. Based on the analysis of the results, application of a new preweld heat treatment that prevents the formation of the intergranular borides and induces moderate base alloy hardness resulted in a nearly crack free HAZ in laser welded DS Rene 80 superalloy.
Effects of triethanolamine and polyethylene glycol additives on electrodeposition of Sn–Ag solder alloy
Authors: Cho J-K , Kim J-H , Lim J-H , Lee K-H , Kang S-G
Published: October 2012

The effects of triethanolamine (TEA) and polyethylene glycol 600 (PEG600) on the polarisation behaviour and composition of electrodeposited eutectic Sn–3·5Ag film were systematically investigated in order to widen the deposition current density range for the simplicity and potential for cost effective production. The addition of TEA to the bath with PEG600 increased the tin deposition, which was inhibited by PEG600 addition. The addition of both TEA and PEG600 helped to obtain dense and fine grained Sn–Ag alloy films and also widened the operating window.
Lenalidomide-mediated enhanced translation of C/EBPα-p30 protein up-regulates expression of the antileukemic microRNA-181a in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Hickey Christopher J. , Schwind Sebastian , Radomska Hanna S. , Dorrance Adrienne M. , Santhanam Ramasamy , Mishra Anjali , Wu Yue-Zhong , Alachkar Houda , Maharry Kati , Nicolet Deedra , Mrózek Krzysztof , Walker Alison , Eiring Anna M. , Whitman Susan P. , Becker Heiko , Perrotti Danilo , Wu Lai-Chu , Zhao Xi , Fehniger Todd A. , Vij Ravi , Byrd John C. , Blum William , Lee L. James , Caligiuri Michael A. , Bloomfield Clara D. , Garzon Ramiro , Marcucci Guido
Published: October 2012

Recently, we showed that increased miR-181a expression was associated with improved outcomes in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML). Interestingly, miR-181a expression was increased in CN-AML patients harboring CEBPA mutations, which are usually biallelic and associate with better prognosis. CEBPA encodes the C/EBPα transcription factor. We demonstrate here that the presence of N-terminal CEBPA mutations and miR-181a expression are linked. Indeed, the truncated C/EBPα-p30 isoform, which is produced from the N-terminal mutant CEBPA gene or from the differential translation of wild-type CEBPA mRNA and is commonly believed to have no transactivation activity, binds to the miR-181a-1 promoter and up-regulates the microRNA expression. Furthermore, we show that lenalidomide, a drug approved for myelodysplastic syndromes and multiple myeloma, enhances translation of the C/EBPα-p30 isoform, resulting in higher miR-181a levels. In xenograft mouse models, ectopic miR-181a expression inhibits tumor growth. Similarly, lenalidomide exhibits antitumorigenic activity paralleled by increased miR-181a expression. This regulatory pathway may explain an increased sensitivity to apoptosis-inducing chemotherapy in subsets of AML patients. Altogether, our data provide a potential explanation for the improved clinical outcomes observed in CEBPA-mutated CN-AML patients, and suggest that lenalidomide treatment enhancing the C/EBPα-p30 protein levels and in turn miR-181a may sensitize AML blasts to chemotherapy.
Clinical regressions and broad immune activation following combination therapy targeting human NKT cells in myeloma
Authors: Richter Joshua , Neparidze Natalia , Zhang Lin , Nair Shiny , Monesmith Tamara , Sundaram Ranjini , Miesowicz Fred , Dhodapkar Kavita M. , Dhodapkar Madhav V.
Published: October 2012

Natural killer T (iNKT) cells can help mediate immune surveillance against tumors in mice. Prior studies targeting human iNKT cells were limited to therapy of advanced cancer and led to only modest activation of innate immunity. Clinical myeloma is preceded by an asymptomatic precursor phase. Lenalidomide was shown to mediate antigen-specific costimulation of human iNKT cells. We treated 6 patients with asymptomatic myeloma with 3 cycles of combination of α-galactosylceramide–loaded monocyte-derived dendritic cells and low-dose lenalidomide. Therapy was well tolerated and led to reduction in tumor-associated monoclonal immunoglobulin in 3 of 4 patients with measurable disease. Combination therapy led to activation-induced decline in measurable iNKT cells and activation of NK cells with an increase in NKG2D and CD56 expression. Treatment also led to activation of monocytes with an increase in CD16 expression. Each cycle of therapy was associated with induction of eosinophilia as well as an increase in serum soluble IL2 receptor. Clinical responses correlated with pre-existing or treatment-induced antitumor T-cell immunity. These data demonstrate synergistic activation of several innate immune cells by this combination and the capacity to mediate tumor regression. Combination therapies targeting iNKT cells may be of benefit toward prevention of cancer in humans (trial registered at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00698776).
Treatment of relapsed adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: the Nagasaki Transplant Group experience
Authors: Itonaga Hidehiro , Tsushima Hideki , Taguchi Jun , Fukushima Takuya , Taniguchi Hiroaki , Sato Shinya , Ando Koji , Sawayama Yasushi , Matsuo Emi , Yamasaki Reishi , Onimaru Yasuyuki , Imanishi Daisuke , Imaizumi Yoshitaka , Yoshida Shinichiro , Hata Tomoko , Moriuchi Yukiyoshi , Uike Naokuni , Miyazaki Yasushi
Published: October 2012

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) relapse is a serious therapeutic challenge after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed 35 patients who experienced progression of or relapsed persistent ATL after a first allo-SCT at 3 institutions in Nagasaki prefecture (Japan) between 1997 and 2010. Twenty-nine patients were treated by the withdrawal of immune suppressants as the initial intervention, which resulted in complete remission (CR) in 2 patients. As the second intervention, 9 patients went on to receive a combination of donor lymphocyte infusion and cytoreductive therapy and CR was achieved in 4 patients. Of 6 patients who had already had their immune suppressants discontinued before the relapse, 3 patients with local recurrence received local cytoreductive therapy as the initial treatment, which resulted in CR for more than 19 months. Donor lymphocyte infusion–induced remissions of ATL were durable, with 3 cases of long-term remission of more than 3 years and, interestingly, the emergence or progression of chronic GVHD was observed in all of these cases. For all 35 patients, overall survival after relapse was 19.3% at 3 years. The results of the present study suggest that induction of a graft-versus-ATL effect may be crucial to obtaining durable remission for ATL patients with relapse or progression after allo-SCT.
Effects of inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Huppmann Patrick , Sczepanski Bernd , Boensch Martina , Winterkamp Sandra , Schönheit-Kenn Ursula , Neurohr Claus , Behr Juergen , Kenn Klaus
Published: October 2012

Pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended for patients with chronic lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis according to international guidelines. However, data for patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) are limited. We examined the effect of an inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation on functional status and quality of life in ILD patients.

We evaluated 402 consecutive ILD patients who were admitted to a specialised pulmonary rehabilitation centre (1999–2010). All patients performed a standardised pulmonary rehabilitation programme including pulmonary function tests, blood-gas analysis, 6-min walk test (6MWT), dyspnoea rating and health-related quality of life questionnaire (the 36-item short-form health survey; SF-36) on admission and discharge.

Mean duration of pulmonary rehabilitation was 30±1 days. 6MWT distance improved by 46±3 m (308±6 mversus354±6 m; p<0.001). Dyspnoea rating did not change. Lung function testing showed marginal improvement of vital capacity (+1±0%; p = 0.002). The SF-36 questionnaire demonstrated an increase in all eight sub-scores as well as in the physical and mental health summary scores (physical 6±1 points, p<0.001; mental health 10±1 points, p<0.001). Moreover, patients with signs of pulmonary hypertension also benefited from pulmonary rehabilitation.

In a large cohort of patients with ILD, pulmonary rehabilitation had a positive impact on functional status and quality of life. Considering the limited treatment options in this patient population pulmonary rehabilitation appears to be a valuable adjunct therapy.