bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics for First-Episode Schizophrenia: The Pros and Cons
Authors: Kim Borah , Lee Sang-Hyuk , Yang Yen Kuang , Park Jong-Il , Chung Young-Chul
Published: August 2012

Clinical and psychosocial deterioration associated with schizophrenia occurs within the first few years following the onset of the illness. Therefore, to improve the long-term prognosis, it is important to provide schizophrenia patients with intensive treatment following their first episode. Relapse is highly associated with partial medication adherence or nonadherence in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. Recent studies suggest that long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics compared with oral antipsychotics are more effective for medication adherence and relapse prevention. Moreover, some clinical guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia suggested that LAI antipsychotics should be considered when patients are nonadherent “at any stage.” Decreased compliance is a common cause of relapse during the initial stages of the disease. Therefore, LAI antipsychotics should be highly considered when treating patients with first-episode schizophrenia. In the present paper, clinical trial data and current guidelines on the use of LAI antipsychotics for first-episode schizophrenia are discussed as well as the pros and cons of this treatment option.
Modeling the Short-Term Effect of Traffic and Meteorology on Air Pollution in Turin with Generalized Additive Models
Authors: Bertaccini Pancrazio , Dukic Vanja , Ignaccolo Rosaria
Published: August 2012

Vehicular traffic plays an important role in atmospheric pollution and can be used as one of the key predictors in air-quality forecasting models. The models that can account for the role of traffic are especially valuable in urban areas, where high pollutant concentrations are often observed during particular times of day (rush hour) and year (winter). In this paper, we develop a generalized additive models approach to analyze the behavior of concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM10), collected at the environmental monitoring stations distributed throughout the city of Turin, Italy, from December 2003 to April 2005. We describe nonlinear relationships between predictors and pollutants, that are adjusted for unobserved time-varying confounders. We examine several functional forms for the traffic variable and find that a simple form can often provide adequate modeling power. Our analysis shows that there is a saturation effect of traffic on NO2, while such saturation is less evident in models linking traffic to PM10behavior, having adjusted for meteorological covariates. Moreover, we consider the proposed models separately by seasons and highlight similarities and differences in the predictors’ partial effects. Finally, we show how forecasting can help in evaluating traffic regulation policies.
Atomic Radiations in the Decay of Medical Radioisotopes: A Physics Perspective
Authors: Lee B. Q. , Kibédi T. , Stuchbery A. E. , Robertson K. A.
Published: August 2012

Auger electrons emitted in nuclear decay offer a unique tool to treat cancer cells at the scale of a DNA molecule. Over the last forty years many aspects of this promising research goal have been explored, however it is still not in the phase of serious clinical trials. In this paper, we review the physical processes of Auger emission in nuclear decay and present a new model being developed to evaluate the energy spectrum of Auger electrons, and hence overcome the limitations of existing computations.
Detection of Fractal Behavior in Temporal Series of Synaptic Quantal Release Events: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Lamanna Jacopo , Malgaroli Antonio , Cerutti Sergio , Signorini Maria G.
Published: August 2012

Since the pioneering work of Fatt and Katz at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), spontaneous synaptic release (minis), that is, the quantal discharge of neurotransmitter molecules which occurs in the absence of action potentials, has been unanimously considered a memoryless random Poisson process where each quantum is discharged with a very low release probability independently from other quanta. When this model was thoroughly tested, for both population and single-synapse recordings, some clear evidence in favor of a more complex scenario emerged. This included short- and long-range correlation in mini occurrences and divergence from mono-exponential inter-mini-interval distributions, both unexpected for a homogeneous Poisson process, that is, with a rate parameter that does not change over time. Since we are interested in accurately quantifying the fractal exponentαof the spontaneous neurotransmitter release process at central synaptic sites, this work was aimed at evaluating the sensitivity of the most established methods available, such as the periodogram, the Allan, factor and the detrended fluctuation analysis. For this analysis we matched spontaneous release series recorded at individual hippocampal synapses (single-synapse recordings) to generate large collections of simulated quantal events by means of a custom algorithm combining Monte Carlo sampling methods with spectral methods for the generation of1/fseries. These tests were performed by varying separately: (i) the fractal exponentαof the rate driving the release process; (ii) the distribution of intervals between successive releases, mimicking those encountered in single-synapse experimental series; (iii) the number of samples. The aims were to provide a methodological framework for approaching the fractal analysis of single-unit spontaneous release series recorded at central synapses.
Aspirin Sensitivity and Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Polyps: A Fatal Combination
Authors: Graefe Hendrik , Roebke Christina , Schäfer Dirk , Meyer Jens Eduard
Published: August 2012

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) refers to aspirin sensitivity, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), nasal polyposis, asthma, eosinophil inflammation in the upper and lower airways, urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis following the ingestion of NSAIDs. Epidemiologic and pathophysiological links between these diseases are established. The precise pathogenesis remains less defined, even though there is some progress in the understanding of several molecular mechanisms. Nevertheless, these combinations of diseases in patients classified by AERD constitute a fatal combination and may be difficult to treat with standard medical and surgical interventions. This paper reviews in brief the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, molecular pathogenesis, and specific therapies of patients classified by AERD and postulates future attempts to gain new insights into this disease.
Diffraction of Light by a Two-Dimensional Lattice of Spheres
Authors: de Dormale Bernard , Truong Vo-Van
Published: August 2012

Two-dimensional arrays of particles are of great interest because of their very characteristic optical properties and numerous potential applications. Although a variety of theoretical approaches are available for the description of their properties, methods that are accurate and convenient for computational procedures are always sought. In this work, a new technique to study the diffraction of a monochromatic electromagnetic field by a two-dimensional lattice of spheres is presented. The method, based on Fourier series, can take into account an arbitrary number of terms in the multipole expansion of the field scattered by each sphere. This method has the advantage of leading to simple formulas that can be readily programmed and used as a powerful tool for nanostructure characterization.
Microbial Communities and Their Performances in Anaerobic Hybrid Sludge Bed-Fixed Film Reactor for Treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent under Various Organic Pollutant Concentrations
Authors: Meesap Kanlayanee , Boonapatcharoen Nimaradee , Techkarnjanaruk Somkiet , Chaiprasert Pawinee
Published: August 2012

The anaerobic hybrid reactor consisting of sludge and packed zones was operated with organic pollutant loading rates from 6.2 to 8.2 g COD/L day, composed mainly of suspended solids (SS) and oil and grease (O&G) concentrations between 5.2 to 10.2 and 0.9 to 1.9 g/L, respectively. The overall process performance in terms of chemical oxygen demands (COD), SS, and O&G removals was 73, 63, and 56%, respectively. When the organic pollutant concentrations were increased, the resultant methane potentials were higher, and the methane yield increased to 0.30 L CH4/g CODremoved. It was observed these effects on the microbial population and activity in the sludge and packed zones. The eubacterial population and activity in the sludge zone increased to 6.4 × 109copies rDNA/g VSS and 1.65 g COD/g VSS day, respectively, whereas those in the packed zone were lower. The predominant hydrolytic and fermentative bacteria werePseudomonas,Clostridium, andBacteroidetes. In addition, the archaeal population and activity in the packed zone were increased from to 9.1 × 107copies rDNA/g VSS and 0.34 g COD-CH4/g VSS day, respectively, whereas those in the sludge zone were not much changed. The most represented species of methanogens were the acetoclasticMethanosaeta, the hydrogenotrophicMethanobacteriumsp., and the hydrogenotrophicMethanomicrobiaceae.
Mercury Toxicity on Sodium Pump and Organoseleniums Intervention: A Paradox
Authors: Kade Ige Joseph
Published: August 2012

Mercury is an environmental poison, and the damage to living system is generally severe. The severity of mercury poisoning is consequent from the fact that it targets the thiol-containing enzymes, irreversibly oxidizing their critical thiol groups, consequently leading to an inactivation of the enzyme. The Na+/K+-ATPase is a sulfhydryl protein that is sensitive to Hg2+assault. On the other hand, organoseleniums are a class of pharmacologically promising compounds with potent antioxidant effects. While Hg2+oxidizes sulfhydryl groups of Na+/K+-ATPase underin vitroandin vivoconditions, the organoselenium compounds inhibit Na+/K+-ATPasein vitrobut enhance its activities underin vivoconditions with concomitant increase in the level of endogenous thiols. Paradoxically, it appears that these two thiol oxidants can be used to counteract one another underin vivoconditions, and this hypothesis serves as the basis for this paper.
Dynamic Analysis of a Predator‐Prey (Pest) Model with Disease in Prey and Involving an Impulsive Control Strategy
Authors: Zhao Min , Wang Yanzhen , Chen Lansun
Published: August 2012

The dynamic behaviors of a predator‐prey (pest) model with disease in prey and involving an impulsive control strategy to release infected prey at fixed times are investigated for the purpose of integrated pest management. Mathematical theoretical works have been pursuing the investigation of the local asymptotical stability and global attractivity for the semitrivial periodic solution and population persistent, which depicts the threshold expression of some critical parameters for carrying out integrated pest management. Numerical analysis indicates that the impulsive control strategy has a strong effect on the dynamical complexity and population persistent using bifurcation diagrams and power spectra diagrams. These results show that if the release amount of infective prey can satisfy some critical conditions, then all biological populations will coexist. All these results are expected to be of use in the study of the dynamic complexity of ecosystems.
Near-Ground Path Loss Measurements and Modeling for Wireless Sensor Networks at 2.4 GHz
Authors: Wang Daihua , Song Linli , Kong Xiangshan , Zhang Zhijie
Published: August 2012

Near-ground channel characterization is an important issue in most military applications of wireless sensor networks. However, the channel at the ground level lacks characterization. In this paper, we present a path loss model for three near-ground scenarios. The path loss values for each scenario were captured through extensive measurements, and then a least-square linear regression was performed. This indicates that the log-distance-based model is still suitable for path loss modeling in near-ground scenarios, and the prediction accuracy of the two-slope model is superior to that of the one-slope model. The validity of the proposed model was further verified by comparisons between the predicted and measured far-field path losses. Finally, compared to the generic models, the proposed model is more effective for the path loss prediction in near-ground scenarios.
Hypoxia-Induced Gene Expression in Chemoradioresistant Cervical Cancer Revealed by Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Authors: Halle Cathinka , Andersen Erlend , Lando Malin , Aarnes Eva-Katrine , Hasvold Grete , Holden Marit , Syljuåsen Randi G. , Sundfør Kolbein , Kristensen Gunnar B. , Holm Ruth , Malinen Eirik , Lyng Heidi
Published: August 2012

Knowledge of the molecular background of functional magnetic resonance (MR) images is required to fully exploit their potential in cancer management. We explored the prognostic impact of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging (DCE-MRI) parameters in cervical cancer combined with global gene expression data to reveal their underlying molecular phenotype and construct a representative gene signature for the relevant parameter. On the basis of 78 patients with cervical cancer subjected to curative chemoradiotherapy, we identified the prognostic DCE-MRI parameter ABrix by pharmacokinetic analysis of pretreatment images based on the Brix model, in which tumors with low ABrix appeared to be most aggressive. Gene set analysis of 46 tumors with pairwise DCE-MRI and gene expression data showed a significant correlation between ABrix and the hypoxia gene sets, whereas gene sets related to other tumor phenotypes were not significant. Hypoxia gene sets specific for cervical cancer created in cell culture experiments, including both targets of the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF1α) and the unfolded protein response, were the most significant. In the remaining 32 tumors, low ABrix was associated with upregulation of HIF1α protein expression, as assessed by immunohistochemistry, consistent with increased hypoxia. On the basis of the hypoxia gene sets, a signature of 31 genes that were upregulated in tumors with low ABrix was constructed. This DCE-MRI hypoxia gene signature showed prognostic impact in an independent validation cohort of 109 patients. Our findings reveal the molecular basis of an aggressive hypoxic phenotype and suggest the use of DCE-MRI to noninvasively identify patients with hypoxia-related chemoradioresistance. Cancer Res; 72(20); 5285–95. ©2012 AACR.
Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteines-like 1 Suppresses Aggressiveness and Predicts Better Survival in Colorectal Cancers
Authors: Hu Hanguang , Zhang Hang , Ge Weiting , Liu Xiyong , Loera Sofia , Chu Peiguo , Chen Huarong , Peng Jiaping , Zhou Lun , Yu Shujing , Yuan Ying , Zhang Suzhan , Lai Lily , Yen Yun , Zheng Shu
Published: August 2012

Purpose: Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteines-like 1 (SPARCL1) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein with malignancy-suppressing potential. The hypothesis that SPARCL1 reduces cancer invasiveness and predicts better survival in colorectal cancers (CRC) was investigated.

Experimental Design: Stable SPARCL1 transfectants, RKO-SPARCL1, and corresponding vector control were constructed and implanted into nude mice to generate a mouse xenograft model of liver metastasis. Also, a retrospective outcome study was conducted on the COH set (222 CRCs) and ZJU set (412 CRCs). The protein expression level of SPARCL1 was determined by immunohistochemistry. The Kaplan–Meier and Cox analyses were used for survival analysis. The association of SPARCL1 with mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) was examined by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis.

Results: The ectopic expression of SPARCL1 significantly reduced the potential for anchorage-independent growth, migration, invasion and induced cell differentiation in RKO and SW620 cells. In mouse xenograft model, the expression of SPARCL1 significantly reduced the liver metastasis (P < 0.01). The patient-based studies revealed that the expression of SPARCL1 was related to better differentiation (P < 0.01), less lymph node involvement [OR, 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.45–1.00], and less distant metastasis (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.18–0.79). The Kaplan–Meier and Cox analysis showed that the expression of SPARCL1 was associated with better overall survival (log-rank: P < 0.01; HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.39–0.84). Transfection of SPARCL1 induced MET of colon cancer cells.

Conclusion: SPARCL1 functions as a tumor suppressor promoting differentiation possibly via MET, which inhibits the aggressiveness of CRCs. Clin Cancer Res; 18(19); 5438–48. ©2012 AACR.
The Inhibitor of Histone Deacetylases Sodium Butyrate Enhances the Cytotoxicity of Mitomycin C
Authors: Gospodinov Anastas , Popova Stanislava , Vassileva Ivelina , Anachkova Boyka
Published: August 2012

The use of histone deacetylase inhibitors has been proposed as a promising approach to increase the cell killing effect of DNA damage–inducing drugs in chemotherapy. However, the molecular mechanism of their action remains understudied. In the present article, we have assessed the effect of the histone deacetylase inhibitor sodium butyrate on the DNA damage response induced by the crosslinking agent mitomycin C. Sodium butyrate increased mitomycin C cytotoxicity, but did not impair the repair pathways required to remove mitomycin C-induced lesions as neither the rate of nucleotide excision repair nor the homologous recombination repair rate were diminished. Sodium butyrate treatment abrogated the S-phase cell-cycle checkpoint in mitomycin C-treated cells and induced the G2–M checkpoint. However, sodium butyrate treatment alone resulted in accumulation of reactive oxygen species, double-strand breaks in DNA, and apoptosis. These results imply that the accumulation of reactive oxygen species–mediated increase in DNA lesion burden may be the major mechanism by which sodium butyrate enhances the cytotoxicity of mitomycin C. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(10); 2116–26. ©2012 AACR.
Active Efflux of Dasatinib from the Brain Limits Efficacy against Murine Glioblastoma: Broad Implications for the Clinical Use of Molecularly Targeted Agents
Authors: Agarwal Sagar , Mittapalli Rajendar K. , Zellmer David M. , Gallardo Jose L. , Donelson Randy , Seiler Charlie , Decker Stacy A. , SantaCruz Karen S. , Pokorny Jenny L. , Sarkaria Jann N. , Elmquist William F. , Ohlfest John R.
Published: August 2012

The importance of the blood–brain barrier in preventing effective pharmacotherapy of glioblastoma has been controversial. The controversy stems from the fact that vascular endothelial cell tight junctions are disrupted in the tumor, allowing some systemic drug delivery. P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) efflux drugs from brain capillary endothelial cells into the blood. We tested the hypothesis that although the tight junctions are “leaky” in the core of glioblastomas, active efflux limits drug delivery to tumor-infiltrated normal brain and consequently, treatment efficacy. Malignant gliomas were induced by oncogene transfer into wild-type (WT) mice or mice deficient for Pgp and BCRP (knockout, KO). Glioma-bearing mice were orally dosed with dasatinib, a kinase inhibitor and dual BCRP/PgP substrate that is being currently tested in clinical trials. KO mice treated with dasatinib survived for twice as long as WT mice. Microdissection of the tumor core, invasive rim, and normal brain revealed 2- to 3-fold enhancement in dasatinib brain concentrations in KO mice relative to WT. Analysis of signaling showed that poor drug delivery correlated with the lack of inhibition of a dasatinib target, especially in normal brain. A majority of human glioma xenograft lines tested expressed BCRP or PgP and were sensitized to dasatinib by a dual BCRP/Pgp inhibitor, illustrating a second barrier to drug delivery intrinsic to the tumor itself. These data show that active efflux is a relevant obstacle to treating glioblastoma and provide a plausible mechanistic basis for the clinical failure of numerous drugs that are BCRP/Pgp substrates. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(10); 2183–92. ©2012 AACR.
Is It Rational to Assume that Infants Imitate Rationally A Theoretical Analysis and Critique
Authors: Paulus Markus
Published: August 2012

It has been suggested that preverbal infants evaluate the efficiency of others’ actions (by applying a principle of rational action) and that they imitate others’ actions rationally. The present contribution presents a conceptual analysis of the claim that preverbal infants imitate rationally. It shows that this ability rests on at least three assumptions: that infants are able to perceive others’ action capabilities, that infants reason about and conceptually represent their own bodies, and that infants are able to think counterfactually. It is argued that none of these three abilities is in place during infancy. Furthermore, it is shown that the idea of a principle of rational action suffers from two fallacies. As a consequence, is it suggested that it is not rational to assume that infants imitate rationally.
Increased Frequency of Restless Legs Syndrome in Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Sieminski Mariusz , Bilińska Małgorzata , Nyka Walenty M.
Published: August 2012

Background/Aims: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: We interviewed 73 MG patients and 65 healthy controls by using a structured diagnostic questionnaire based on the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group diagnostic criteria. We also collected data about the course of MG therapy, the presence of other comorbidities, sleep complaints, and demographic characteristics. All of the MG patients underwent neurological assessment. Results: RLS was present in 43.2% of the MG patients and in 20% of the controls (p = 0.0029). We failed to identify a relationship between the prevalence of RLS and the duration and type of MG therapy, other comorbidities, age or sex of the patients. Patients with MG more frequently reported daytime sleepiness. For 9.4% of the RLS-positive MG patients, RLS symptoms represented the most disturbing health problem; for 46.9% of them, RLS was as problematic as other diseases. Conclusions: RLS is common in MG patients. MG patients consider RLS symptoms as a troublesome health problem.
Septo-Optic Dysplasia: Antenatal Risk Factors and Clinical Features in a Regional Study
Authors: Atapattu Navoda , Ainsworth John , Willshaw Harry , Parulekar Manoj , MacPherson Lesley , Miller Claire , Davies Paul , Kirk Jeremy M.W.
Published: August 2012

Background: Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a disorder with postulated environmental and genetic aetiology. This study delineates clinical features and potential perinatal environmental factors along with epidemiology in SOD children. Methods: Assessment of patients with SOD triad features in the UK West Midlands region. Results: Of 227 patients identified between 1998 and 2009 with 1 or more feature of the triad, 55 had midline defects, 149 had optic nerve hypoplasia and 132 had hypopituitarism. Eighty-eight children (52% males; incidence 8.3/100,000 live births) had SOD defined as 2 out of 3 features and 21 (24%) had all 3. Sixty-one percent had anterior pituitary deficiency and 21.5% had diabetes insipidus. Median maternal/paternal ages in SOD were 21 and 23.5 years, compared to UK means of 29.3 and 32.4 years (p < 0.001). First trimester bleeding was markedly increased at 12/48 (25%) compared to 0.07% in the UK (p < 0.001). Ethnicity showed a non-significant higher prevalence in Afro-Caribbean and mixed race groups, and significantly lower prevalence (p = 0.004) in South Asian groups compared to West Midland and Birmingham city data: 8% versus 2.5 and 6.7%, 9% versus 1.8 and 3.2% and 3% versus 8.4 and 21%, respectively. Conclusions: SOD is associated with younger maternal and paternal age, primigravida births and ethnic differences. Increased first trimester bleeding may indicate that SOD is a vascular disruption sequence.
Effects of Lower Frequency-to-Electrode Allocations on Speech and Pitch Perception with the Hybrid Short-Electrode Cochlear Implant
Authors: Reiss Lina A.J. , Perreau Ann E. , Turner Christopher W.
Published: August 2012

Because some users of a Hybrid short-electrode cochlear implant (CI) lose their low-frequency residual hearing after receiving the CI, we tested whether increasing the CI speech processor frequency allocation range to include lower frequencies improves speech perception in these individuals. A secondary goal was to see if pitch perception changed after experience with the new CI frequency allocation. Three subjects who had lost all residual hearing in the implanted ear were recruited to use an experimental CI frequency allocation with a lower frequency cutoff than their current clinical frequency allocation. Speech and pitch perception results were collected at multiple time points throughout the study. In general, subjects showed little or no improvement for speech recognition with the experimental allocation when the CI was worn with a hearing aid in the contralateral ear. However, all 3 subjects showed changes in pitch perception that followed the changes in frequency allocations over time, consistent with previous studies showing that pitch perception changes upon provision of a CI.
The Clinical Significance of Preoperative Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pediatric Cochlear Implant Recipients
Authors: Moon Il Joon , Kim Eun Yeon , Park Ga-Young , Jang Min Seok , Kim Ji Hye , Lee Jeehun , Chung Won-Ho , Cho Yang-Sun , Hong Sung Hwa
Published: August 2012

Although central nervous system abnormalities are incidentally detected in preoperative brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in pediatric cochlear implant (CI) candidates, the clinical significance of the abnormalities remains unclear. We aimed to assess post-implantation auditory and speech performance in patients with brain lesions seen on MRI. Pediatric CI recipients (n = 177) who underwent preoperative MRI scans of the brain between January 2002 and June 2009 were included in this study. Patients with brain lesions on MRI were reviewed and categorized into the following groups: brain parenchymal lesions (focal vs. diffuse), ventriculomegaly, and extra-axial lesion. The main communication mode as well as progress in auditory perception and speech production were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Performance in patients with brain lesions was compared with the age- and sex-matched control group. Various brain lesions were found in 27 out of 177 patients. Children with brain lesions who received CIs showed gradual progress in auditory and speech outcomes for 2 years, though performance was reduced compared with the control group. In addition, there was a significant difference in the main communication mode between the two groups at 2 years following cochlear implantation. This difference was especially significant in patients with diffuse brain parenchymal lesions after further stratification of the brain lesion group. Preoperative brain MRI may have a role in improving the prediction of adverse outcomes in pediatric CI recipients. In particular, children with diffuse brain parenchymal lesions should be counseled regarding the poor prognosis preoperatively, and followed up with special attention.
TRV120027, a Novel β-Arrestin Biased Ligand at the Angiotensin II Type I Receptor, Unloads the Heart and Maintains Renal Function When Added to Furosemide in Experimental Heart Failure
Authors: Boerrigter Guido , Soergel David G. , Violin Jonathan D. , Lark Michael W. , Burnett John C.
Published: August 2012

Background—

TRV120027 is a novel β-arrestin biased ligand of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor; it antagonizes canonical G-protein–mediated coupling while, in contrast to classical angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists, it engages β-arrestin–mediated signaling. Consequently, TRV120027 inhibits angiotensin II–mediated vasoconstriction while, via β-arrestin coupling, it increases cardiomyocyte contractility. We hypothesized that TRV120027 would elicit beneficial cardiorenal actions when added to furosemide in experimental heart failure.

Methods and Results—

Two groups of anesthetized dogs (n=6 each) with tachypacing-induced heart failure were studied. After a baseline clearance, 1 group (F+V) received furosemide (1 mg/kg per hour) plus saline for 90 minutes, whereas the other (F+T) received the same dose of furosemide plus TRV120027 (0.3 and 1.5 µg/kg per minute for 45 minutes each); 2 clearances were done during drug infusion. After a washout, a postinfusion clearance was done; *
P
<0.05 between groups. F+V and F+T increased diuresis and natriuresis to a similar extent during drug administration, but urine flow* and urinary sodium excretion* were higher in the postinfusion clearance with F+T. Glomerular filtration rate was preserved in both groups. Renal blood flow increased with F+T but this was not significant versus F+V. Compared with F+V, F+T decreased mean arterial pressure*, systemic* and pulmonary* vascular resistances, and atrial natriuretic peptide*. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure* decreased to a larger extent with F+T than with F+V.

Conclusions—

When added to furosemide, TRV120027, a novel β-arrestin biased angiotensin II type 1 receptor ligand, preserved furosemide-mediated natriuresis and diuresis, while reducing cardiac preload and afterload. These results provide support for TRV120027 as a promising novel therapeutic for the treatment of heart failure.
Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Preeclamptic Women With Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Shahul Sajid , Rhee Julie , Hacker Michele R. , Gulati Gaurav , Mitchell John D. , Hess Phil , Mahmood Feroze , Arany Zolt , Rana Sarosh , Talmor Daniel
Published: August 2012

Background—

Patients with preeclampsia are at risk for cardiovascular disease. Changes in cardiac function are subtle in preeclampsia and are difficult to quantify with conventional imaging. Strain measurements using speckle-tracking echocardiography have been used to sensitively quantify abnormalities in other disease settings.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated the feasibility and sensitivity of strain imaging using speckle-tracking echocardiography in women with preeclampsia. Forty-seven women were enrolled in this pilot study and 39 were analyzed: 11 with preeclampsia, 17 without a hypertensive disorder, and 11 with nonproteinuric hypertension. Echocardiographic ejection fraction and global peak longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strain were measured. Longitudinal strain was significantly worsened in women with preeclampsia compared with women without a hypertensive disorder (
P
=0.0001). Similar results were observed for radial strain (
P
=0.006) and circumferential strain (
P
=0.03). Women with preeclampsia also had significantly worsened longitudinal (
P
=0.04), radial (
P
=0.01), and circumferential (
P
=0.002) strain compared with women with nonproteinuric hypertension. Women with preeclampsia did not have a significantly different ejection fraction compared with women without a hypertensive disorder (
P
=0.16) and women with nonproteinuric hypertension (
P
=0.44).

Conclusions—

Myocardial strain imaging using speckle tracking is more sensitive than left ventricular ejection fraction to detect differences in left ventricular systolic function in women with and without preeclampsia.
Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions
Editors’ Picks: Most Important Papers in New Drug-Eluting Stents
Authors:   The Editors
Published: August 2012

The following are highlights from the series,
Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions
Topic Review. This series summarizes the most important articles, as selected by the editors, that have published in the
Circulation
portfolio. The studies included in this article represent the most noteworthy research in the area of new drug-eluting stents.
A System for Tuning Instruments Using Recorded Music Instead of Theory-Based Frequency Presets
Authors: Bozkurt Barış
Published: August 2012

Musical instrument tuners are devices that help musicians to adjust their instruments such that the played notes have the desired fundamental frequencies. In a conventional tuner, the reference tuning frequencies are preset, where the presets are obtained from tuning (musical scale) theory, such as twelve-tone equal temperament, or are user-specified temperaments. For many kinds of music in oral traditions, especially nonwestern music, widely accepted theoretical presets for tuning frequencies are not available because of the use of non-standard tunings. For such contexts, the “reference” is a master musician or a recording of a master musician. In this article, a tuning method and technology are presented that help the musician to tune the instrument according to a given (user-provided) recording. The method makes use of simultaneous audio and visual feedback during the tuning process, in which novel approaches are used for both modalities. For audio feedback, loopable stable frames, obtained automatically from the recording, are looped and played continuously. For visual feedback, a superimposed plot of the auto-difference functions is displayed instead of the conventional tuner's approach of detecting frequencies and displaying the amount of frequency difference between the input and the reference.
Automated Violin Fingering Transcription Through Analysis of an Audio Recording
Authors: Maezawa Akira , Itoyama Katsutoshi , Komatani Kazunori , Ogata Tetsuya , Okuno Hiroshi G.
Published: August 2012

We present a method to recuperate fingerings for a given piece of violin music in order to recreate the timbre of a given audio recording of the piece. This is achieved by first analyzing an audio signal to determine the most likely sequence of two-dimensional fingerboard locations (string number and location along the string), which recovers elements of violin fingering relevant to timbre. This sequence is then used as a constraint for finding an ergonomic sequence of finger placements that satisfies both the sequence of notated pitch and the given fingerboard-location sequence.

Fingerboard-location-sequence estimation is based on estimation of a hidden Markov model, each state of which represents a particular fingerboard location and emits a Gaussian mixture model of the relative strengths of harmonics. The relative strengths of harmonics are estimated from a polyphonic mixture using score-informed source segregation, and compensates for discrepancies between observed data and training data through mean normalization.

Fingering estimation is based on the modeling of a cost function for a sequence of finger placements. We tailor our model to incorporate the playing practices of the violin.

We evaluate the performance of the fingerboard-location estimator with a polyphonic mixture, and with recordings of a violin whose timbral characteristics differ significantly from that of the training data. We subjectively evaluate the fingering estimator and validate the effectiveness of tailoring the fingering model towards the violin.
Automatic Composition of Electroacoustic Art Music Utilizing Machine Listening
Authors: Collins Nick
Published: August 2012

This article presents Autocousmatic, an algorithmic system that creates electroacoustic art music using machine-listening processes within the design cycle. After surveying previous projects in automated mixing and algorithmic composition, the design and implementation of the current system is outlined. An iterative, automatic effects processing system is coupled to machine-listening components, including the assessment of the “worthiness” of intermediate files to continue to a final mixing stage. Generation of the formal structure of output pieces utilizes models derived from a small corpus of exemplar electroacoustic music, and a dynamic time-warping similarity-measure technique drawn from music information retrieval is employed to decide between candidate final mixes. Evaluation of Autocousmatic has involved three main components: the entry of its output works into composition competitions, the public release of the software with an associated questionnaire and sound examples on SoundCloud, and direct feedback from three highly experienced electroacoustic composers. The article concludes with a discussion of the current status of the system, with regards to ideas from the computational creativity literature, among other sources, and suggestions for future work that may advance the compositional ability of the system beyond its current level and towards human-like expertise.
Acetaminophen Pediatric Dose Selection
Authors: George Mathew , Phelps Mitch A. , Kitzmiller Joseph P.
Published: August 2012

Acetaminophen-associated liver toxicity remains a serious concern, but guidance regarding dose selection is ambiguous, and the literature describing acetaminophen efficacy and toxicity in pediatrics is limited. Clinical investigation and reporting are needed. This study investigates caregiver satisfaction with 2 commonly prescribed dose levels. This nonrandomized, open-label, outpatient study included 37 moderately febrile pediatric patients prescribed acetaminophen at either 10 or 15 mg/kg every 4 hours. Patient caregivers indicated how well the acetaminophen reduced fever by completing a 5-point Likert scale. A 2-sample t test determined whether a statistically significant difference in satisfaction scores existed. Sufficient statistical power was achieved, and the mean satisfaction scores for both groups were not significantly different. Although further studies using more precise and objective end points are needed to provide optimal evidence-based guidance for acetaminophen pediatric dose selection, the findings in this study suggest that prescribers should consider a starting dose of only 10 mg/kg for moderately febrile pediatric patients.
Revolts in Syria: Tracking the Convergence Between Authoritarianism and Neoliberalism
Authors: Dahi Omar S , Munif Yasser
Published: August 2012

With the popular revolt in Syria entering its ninth month, it is becoming more evident that the current regime is reaching its historical limits. To understand the origin of these revolts, however, one needs to explore the longer-term history. This report situates Syria’s uprisings within the wider Arab trajectory and argues that the state socialist model built by the Syrian Ba’ath in the 1960s has given way to an organic relationship between Westernized merchant classes and authoritarian forces. However, the increasing fusion between neoliberal and authoritarian forces also created the possibilities for the social revolts.
Motivational Primes, Trust, and Negotiators’ Reaction to a Crisis
Authors: Druckman Daniel , Olekalns Mara
Published: August 2012

Using a simulated bilateral negotiation over several security issues, the authors explore how variations in the negotiation context influence reactions to a negotiating crisis. Negotiators were primed to focus on one of three aspects of the context: transaction costs, dependence, or shared identity. They were asked to respond to the crisis with a decision to reach an immediate agreement, continue negotiating, or reframe the issues. The results showed that mutual dependence (unattractive alternatives) led to reframing (turning points) whereas high transaction costs led to a preference for continuing the negotiation. Shared identity did not affect negotiators preference across alternative courses of action. Affective trust amplified the impact of dependence and transaction costs: the decision to reframe was made more often by negotiators who reported low affective trust, whereas the decision to reach immediate agreement was made more often by negotiators who reported high affective trust. High cognitive trust encouraged negotiators to continue the negotiation if they had a shared identity or if transaction costs were high. Applications were made to real-world cases and implications were developed for Relational Order theory and for further research.
“They Think Minority Means Lesser Than”
Authors: Allen Quaylan
Published: August 2012

The current literature on Black middle-class men is sparse, leaving little to be known about the raced, classed, and gendered experiences for many Black middle-class male students and their families. Employing qualitative methodology, this study uses critical race theory (CRT) to examine the educational experiences of Black middle-class high school male students through the counterstories of Black students and their fathers. This study highlights various microaggression events experienced by the male students as well as the forms of cultural wealth drawn upon by the fathers to divert the potential negative outcomes of school racism.
Tracking Success
Authors: Moller Stephanie , Stearns Elizabeth
Published: August 2012

Education researchers have established that educational tracking reinforces inequalities, but they have not fully examined the affect of these tracks on labor market outcomes for men and women of different races/ethnicities. At the same time, labor market researchers have studied the association between education and income by race and gender, but they do not distinguish among types of education. The researchers integrate these literatures by examining the relationship between educational tracking in secondary school and income in young adulthood, using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study. This study finds that educational tracking is associated with income, independent of the quantity of education.
Urban Renewal in the Inner City of Budapest: Gentrification from a Post-socialist Perspective
Authors: Kovács Zoltán , Wiessner Reinhard , Zischner Romy
Published: August 2012

After the political and economic changes of 1989–90, the concept of gentrification inspired many urban researchers in central and eastern Europe (CEE). Despite the growing number of papers, there is still a substantial empirical gap concerning the transformation of inner-city neighbourhoods in the CEE. This paper is based on empirical data regarding the physical and social upgrading of neighbourhoods in inner Budapest. The paper argues that gentrification in its traditional sense affects only smaller areas of the inner city, mostly those where demolition and new housing construction took place as an outcome of regeneration programmes. At the same time, the old housing stock has been less affected by gentrification. This is mainly due to the high share of owner-occupation and the social responsibility of local governments. Thanks to renovation and new housing construction, a healthy social mix will probably persist in the inner city of Budapest in the future.
Differential Spaces, Power Hierarchy and Collaborative Planning: A Critique of the Role of Temporary Uses in Shaping and Making Places
Authors: Andres Lauren
Published: August 2012

Drawing upon collaborative planning theory and on the work of Lefebvre and de Certeau, this paper explores the multistage governance arrangements leading to the employment of temporary uses as an instrument for regeneration in a context of economic crisis. It contributes to a thorough understanding of the relations between the power hierarchy and the strategy/tactics developed through a more or less inclusive collaborative process from place-shaping (weak planning) to place-making (masterplanning). By decrypting the different paths that can be taken by the collaborative process, the paper demonstrates how temporary uses on differential spaces shape space from a use value point of view, influence and challenge the distribution of power and enable (temporary) occupants to acquire and sometimes sustain a position in the place-making process.
Capacity Building through Socially Responsible Tourism Development
Authors: Koutra Christina , Edwards Jon
Published: August 2012

Tourism was introduced in Elmina and Cape Coast, Ghana, Africa, in the late 1980s in part to assist in the reduction of poverty. However, more than 15 years later, the sector has not developed to the extent needed to significantly reduce poverty. A participatory approach to research indicated that the cause was a lack of capacity building. Existing definitions of capacity building are complex and elusive and so far it has not been used as a development objective but as a measurement to realize short-term results. A new clearer definition of capacity building is proposed that is based on the concept of four types of capital: social, human, physical, and financial. It is contended that this definitional clarification allows capacity building to be measured and assessed and therefore legitimately used as a development objective
A Systematic Approach to Scale Development in Tourist Shopping Satisfaction
Authors: Wong IpKin Anthony , Wan Yim King Penny
Published: August 2012

Tourism shopping has been acknowledged as a primary travel motive. Yet research on the underlying dimensions, antecedents, and consequences of tourist shopping satisfaction has not received adequate attention. The objective of this article is to explore tourist shopping satisfaction and examine its dimensionality. The authors systematically develop a scale that conceptualizes tourists’ shopping satisfaction as a four-dimensional construct that reflects tourists’ satisfaction of service product and environment, merchandise value, staff service quality, and service differentiation during their shopping excursion. Using this scale, the authors examine a structural model linking tourist facilities, as major destination attributes, to shopping satisfaction and shopping experience. This article ends with a discussion of the implications and future research directions.
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Authors: Schultz Bart
Published: August 2012

Derek Parfit’s long-awaited work On What Matters is a very ambitious, very strange production seeking to defend both a nonreductive and nonnaturalistic but nonmetaphysical and nonontological form of cognitive intuitionism or rationalism and an ethical theory (the Triple Theory) reflecting the convergence of Kantian universalizability, Scanlonian contractualism, and rule utilitarianism. Critics have already countered that Parfit’s metaethics is unbelievable and his convergence thesis unconvincing, but On What Matters is a truly Sidgwickian work, the implications of which largely remain to be worked out. Parfit does not go far enough in spelling out exactly what matters and why, what normative reasons we actually have, and where we should go from here, if we take him seriously.
When Should Advice Be Given? Assessing the Role of Sequential Placement of Advice in Supportive Interactions in Two Cultures
Authors: Feng Bo
Published: August 2012

The current study assessed an integrated model of advice giving (Emotional support—Problem inquiry and analysis—Advice) with 572 participants from United States and 540 participants from mainland China. Participants read and responded to a hypothetical scenario in which they received advice from a friend. Advice that was offered following the moves of emotional support and problem inquiry and analysis was judged by both American and Chinese participants to be higher in quality and was more likely to be implemented than advice that did not follow this sequential pattern. Compared to Chinese participants, American participants evaluated advice offered with emotional support or problem inquiry and analysis as higher in quality. Participants with a higher independent self-construal also rated advice offered in conjunction with emotional support or problem inquiry and analysis as higher in quality than participants with a lower independent self-construal.