bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Three-Gene Expression Signature Model for Risk Stratification of Patients with Neuroblastoma
Authors: Garcia Idoia , Mayol Gemma , Ríos José , Domenech Gema , Cheung Nai-Kong V. , Oberthuer André , Fischer Matthias , Maris John M. , Brodeur Garrett M. , Hero Barbara , Rodríguez Eva , Suñol Mariona , Galvan Patricia , de Torres Carmen , Mora Jaume , Lavarino Cinzia
Published: February 2012

Purpose: Neuroblastoma is an embryonal tumor with contrasting clinical courses. Despite elaborate stratification strategies, precise clinical risk assessment still remains a challenge. The purpose of this study was to develop a PCR-based predictor model to improve clinical risk assessment of patients with neuroblastoma.

Experimental Design: The model was developed using real-time PCR gene expression data from 96 samples and tested on separate expression data sets obtained from real-time PCR and microarray studies comprising 362 patients.

Results: On the basis of our prior study of differentially expressed genes in favorable and unfavorable neuroblastoma subgroups, we identified three genes, CHD5, PAFAH1B1, and NME1, strongly associated with patient outcome. The expression pattern of these genes was used to develop a PCR-based single-score predictor model. The model discriminated patients into two groups with significantly different clinical outcome [set 1: 5-year overall survival (OS): 0.93 ± 0.03 vs. 0.53 ± 0.06, 5-year event-free survival (EFS): 0.85 ± 0.04 vs. 0.042 ± 0.06, both P < 0.001; set 2 OS: 0.97 ± 0.02 vs. 0.61 ± 0.1, P = 0.005, EFS: 0.91 ± 0.8 vs. 0.56 ± 0.1, P = 0.005; and set 3 OS: 0.99 ± 0.01 vs. 0.56 ± 0.06, EFS: 0.96 ± 0.02 vs. 0.43 ± 0.05, both P < 0.001]. Multivariate analysis showed that the model was an independent marker for survival (P < 0.001, for all). In comparison with accepted risk stratification systems, the model robustly classified patients in the total cohort and in different clinically relevant risk subgroups.

Conclusion: We propose for the first time in neuroblastoma, a technically simple PCR-based predictor model that could help refine current risk stratification systems. Clin Cancer Res; 18(7); 2012–23. ©2012 AACR.
CEP-32496: A Novel Orally Active BRAFV600E Inhibitor with Selective Cellular and In Vivo Antitumor Activity
Authors: James Joyce , Ruggeri Bruce , Armstrong Robert C. , Rowbottom Martin W. , Jones-Bolin Susan , Gunawardane Ruwanthi N. , Dobrzanski Pawel , Gardner Michael F. , Zhao Hugh , Cramer Merryl D. , Hunter Kathryn , Nepomuceno Ronald R. , Cheng Mangeng , Gitnick Dana , Yazdanian Mehran , Insko Darren E. , Ator Mark A. , Apuy Julius L. , Faraoni Raffaella , Dorsey Bruce D. , Williams Michael , Bhagwat Shripad S. , Holladay Mark W.
Published: February 2012

Mutations in the BRAF gene have been identified in approximately 7% of cancers, including 60% to 70% of melanomas, 29% to 83% of papillary thyroid carcinomas, 4% to 16% colorectal cancers, and a lesser extent in serous ovarian and non–small cell lung cancers. The V600E mutation is found in the vast majority of cases and is an activating mutation, conferring transforming and immortalization potential to cells. CEP-32496 is a potent BRAF inhibitor in an in vitro binding assay for mutated BRAFV600E (Kd BRAFV600E = 14 nmol/L) and in a mitogen-activated protein (MAP)/extracellular signal–regulated (ER) kinase (MEK) phosphorylation (pMEK) inhibition assay in human melanoma (A375) and colorectal cancer (Colo-205) cell lines (IC50 = 78 and 60 nmol/L). In vitro, CEP-32496 has multikinase binding activity at other cancer targets of interest; however, it exhibits selective cellular cytotoxicity for BRAFV600E versus wild-type cells. CEP-32496 is orally bioavailable in multiple preclinical species (>95% in rats, dogs, and monkeys) and has single oral dose pharmacodynamic inhibition (10–55 mg/kg) of both pMEK and pERK in BRAFV600E colon carcinoma xenografts in nude mice. Sustained tumor stasis and regressions are observed with oral administration (30–100 mg/kg twice daily) against BRAFV600E melanoma and colon carcinoma xenografts, with no adverse effects. Little or no epithelial hyperplasia was observed in rodents and primates with prolonged oral administration and sustained exposure. CEP-32496 benchmarks favorably with respect to other kinase inhibitors, including RAF-265 (phase I), sorafenib, (approved), and vemurafenib (PLX4032/RG7204, approved). CEP-32496 represents a novel and pharmacologically active BRAF inhibitor with a favorable side effect profile currently in clinical development. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(4); 930–41. ©2012 AACR.
Nanobodies Targeting the Hepatocyte Growth Factor: Potential New Drugs for Molecular Cancer Therapy
Authors: Vosjan Maria J.W.D. , Vercammen Jo , Kolkman Joost A. , Stigter-van Walsum Marijke , Revets Hilde , van Dongen Guus A.M.S.
Published: February 2012

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-Met are associated with increased aggressiveness of tumors and poor prognostic outcome of patients with cancer. Here, we report the development and characterization of therapeutic anti-HGF (αHGF)-Nanobodies and their potential for positron emission tomographic (PET) imaging to assess HGF expression in vivo. Two αHGF-Nanobodies designated 1E2 and 6E10 were identified, characterized, and molecularly fused to an albumin-binding Nanobody unit (Alb8) to obtain serum half-life extension. The resulting Nanobody formats were radiolabeled with the positron emitter zirconium-89 (89Zr, t½ = 78 hours), administered to nude mice bearing U87 MG glioblastoma xenografts, and their biodistribution was assessed. In addition, their therapeutic effect was evaluated in the same animal model at doses of 10, 30, or 100 μg per mouse. The 89Zr-Nanobodies showed similar biodistribution with selective tumor targeting. For example, 1E2-Alb8 showed decreased blood levels of 12.6%ID/g ± 0.6%ID/g, 7.2%ID/g ± 1.0%ID/g, 3.4%ID/g ± 0.3%ID/g, and 0.3%ID/g ± 0.1%ID/g at 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after injection, whereas tumor uptake levels remained relatively stable at these time points: 7.8%ID/g ± 1.1%ID/g, 8.9%ID/g ± 1.0%ID/g, 8.7%ID/g ± 1.5%ID/g, and 7.2%ID/g ±1.6%ID/g. Uptake in normal tissues was lower than in tumor, except for kidneys. In a therapy study, all Nanobody-treated mice showed tumor growth delay compared with the control saline group. In the 100-μg group, four of six mice were cured after treatment with 1E2-Alb8 and 73 days follow-up, and three of six mice when treated with 6E10-Alb8. These results provide evidence that Nanobodies 1E2-Alb8 and 6E10-Alb8 have potential for therapy and PET imaging of HGF-expressing tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(4); 1017–25. ©2012 AACR.
Oncogenic Function and Early Detection Potential of miRNA-10b in Oral Cancer as Identified by microRNA Profiling
Authors: Lu Ya-Ching , Chen Yin-Ju , Wang Hung-Ming , Tsai Chi-Ying , Chen Wen-Ho , Huang Yu-Chen , Fan Kang-Hsing , Tsai Chi-Neu , Huang Shiang-Fu , Kang Chung-Jan , Chang Joseph Tung-Chieh , Cheng Ann-Joy
Published: February 2012

The miRNA participates in a variety of biologic processes, and dysregulation of miRNA is associated with malignant transformation. In this study, we determined specific profile of miRNA associated with oral cancer by using miRNA array screening method. There were 23 miRNAs found with considerably differential expressions between six oral cancer cell lines and five lines of normal oral keratinocytes, in which, 10 miRNAs showed the highest significant difference after independent examination by reverse transcription quantitative PCR. Eight molecules were upregulated, miR-10b, miR-196a, miR-196b, miR-582-5p, miR-15b, miR-301, miR-148b, and miR-128a, and two molecules, miR-503 and miR-31, were downregulated. The most upregulated miR-10b was further examined, and its functions were characterized in two oral cancer cell lines. The miR-10b actively promotes cell migration (2.6- to 3.6-fold) and invasion (1.7- to 1.9-fold) but has minimal effect on cell growth or chemo-/radiosensitivity. Furthermore, miR-10b was considerably elevated in the plasma of xenografted tumor mice (20-fold). This upregulation of miR-10b in plasma was further shown in the patients with oral cancer [P < 0.0001, area under curve (AUC) = 0.932] and precancer lesions (P < 0.0001, AUC = 0.967), suggesting that miR-10b possesses a high potential to discriminate the normal subjects. In conclusion, we have identified at least 10 miRNAs significantly associated with oral cancer, including the most elevated miR-10b. The miR-10b actively participates in cancer formation by promoting cell migration and invasion. Our study using clinical samples suggests that plasma miR-10b has high potential as an early detection marker for oral cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 5(4); 665–74. ©2012 AACR.
Protection of Humans by Plant Glucosinolates: Efficiency of Conversion of Glucosinolates to Isothiocyanates by the Gastrointestinal Microflora
Authors: Fahey Jed W. , Wehage Scott L. , Holtzclaw W. David , Kensler Thomas W. , Egner Patricia A. , Shapiro Theresa A. , Talalay Paul
Published: February 2012

Plant-based diets rich in crucifers are effective in preventing cancer and other chronic diseases. Crucifers contain very high concentrations of glucosinolates (GS; β-thioglucoside-N-hydroxysulfates). Although not themselves protective, GS are converted by coexisting myrosinases to bitter isothiocyanates (ITC) which defend plants against predators. Coincidentally, ITC also induce mammalian genes that regulate defenses against oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA-damaging electrophiles. Consequently, the efficiency of conversion of GS to ITC may be critical in controlling the health-promoting benefits of crucifers. If myrosinase is heat-inactivated by cooking, the gastrointestinal microflora converts GS to ITC, a process abolished by enteric antibiotics and bowel cleansing. When single oral doses of GS were administered as broccoli sprout extracts (BSE) to two dissimilar populations (rural Han Chinese and racially mixed Baltimoreans) patterns of excretions of urinary dithiocarbamates (DTC) were very similar. Individual conversions in both populations varied enormously, from about 1% to more than 40% of dose. In contrast, administration of ITC (largely sulforaphane)-containing BSE resulted in uniformly high (70%–90%) conversions to urinary DTC. Despite the remarkably large range of conversion efficiencies between individuals, repeated determinations within individuals were much more consistent. The rates of urinary excretion (slow or fast) were unrelated to the ultimate magnitudes (low or high) of these conversions. Although no demographic factors affecting conversion efficiency have been identified, there are clearly diurnal variations: conversion of GS to DTC was greater during the day, but conversion of ITC to DTC was more efficient at night. Cancer Prev Res; 5(4); 603–11. ©2012 AACR.
Planned Neck Dissection before Combined Chemoradiation in Organ Preservation Protocol for N2-N3 of Supraglottic or Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Xue-Kui , Li Quan , Zhang Quan , Su Yong , Shi Yan-Xia , Li Hao , Zeng Zong-Yuan , Guo Zhu-Ming
Published: February 2012

Objective: To investigate the clinical therapeutic outcomes and neck node control of a pretreatment neck dissection in the chemoradiation protocol of organ preservation for N2-N3 of supraglottic and hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: Forty-six patients (group A) with untreated N2 or N3 squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottis or hypopharynx underwent pretreatment neck dissection in a chemoradiation protocol, while 39 patients (group B) did not undergo pretreatment neck dissection in a chemoradiation protocol. Salvage surgeries were used for local or cervical node residual tumor or recurrence after chemoradiotherapy. Results: In group A, the mean time between neck dissection and chemoradiation was 21 days (range 15-29). Only 3 patients (6.5%) experienced wound complications. A ‘boost' of radiation of 12 Gy was delivered after 33 neck dissections (64.8%) in patients with extracapsular spread. The Kaplan-Meier 5-year overall survival rate was 42.5%. The 5-year overall survival rate and disease-specific survival rate in group A was 42.5 and 46.4%. The rate of neck node control in group A was better than that in group B (86.3 vs. 65.9%, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Pretreatment neck dissection in a chemoradiation protocol for supraglottic or hypopharyngeal carcinoma showed low complication rates, no delay for radiation, optimal radiation doses, and a high nodal disease control.
Trends in the Incidence of Biopsy-Proven Glomerular Diseases in the Adult Population in Central Poland in the Years 1990-2010
Authors: Kurnatowska Ilona , Jędrzejka Dorota , Małyska Aneta , Wągrowska-Danilewicz Małgorzata , Danilewicz Marian , Nowicki Michał
Published: February 2012

Background: There is a paucity of epidemiological data on biopsy-proven glomerulonephritis (GN) in Poland. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of renal diseases based on histological diagnosis in the region of Central Poland over the last two decades. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the results of 746 consecutive native kidney biopsies performed in the Caucasian adults from 1990 to 2010 in a single tertiary nephrology center serving an area of Central Poland. Results: Primary GN was found in 81.4% of all biopsies. The mesangioproliferative GN including IgA nephropathy was the most frequent type of primary GN (51.2%). Membranoproliferative GN was diagnosed between 1990 and 2000 more frequently than in the following decade (26.7 vs. 7.3%, p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the incidence of FSGS (4.8 vs. 17.3%, p < 0.001) and MCD (5.1 vs. 11.2%, p < 0.001) over time. Secondary GN was documented in 18.6% of biopsies and lupus nephritis was the most frequent cause (34.5%). Conclusion: Our analysis showed the decrease in the incidence of membranoproliferative GN with the parallel increase of FSGS and MCD over the last twenty years. Mesangioproliferative GN including IgA nephropathy remains the most frequent type of GN observed in our region.
Cholesterol Is Associated with the Presence of a Lipid Core in Carotid Plaque of Asymptomatic, Young-to-Middle-Aged African Americans with and without HIV Infection and Cocaine Use Residing in Inner-City Baltimore, Md., USA
Authors: Du Jiefu , Wasserman Bruce A. , Tong Weijing , Chen Shaoguang , Lai Shenghan , Malhotra Saurabh , Lai Hong
Published: February 2012

Background: Stroke remains a leading cause of death in the United States. While stroke-related mortality in the USA has declined over the past decades, stroke death rates are still higher for blacks than for whites, even at younger ages. The purpose of this study was to estimate the frequency of a lipid core and explore risk factors for its presence in asymptomatic, young-to-middle-aged urban African American adults recruited from inner-city Baltimore, Md., USA. Methods: Between August 28, 2003, and May 26, 2005, 198 African American participants aged 30-44 years from inner-city Baltimore, Md., were enrolled in an observational study of subclinical atherosclerosis related to HIV and cocaine use. In addition to clinical examinations and laboratory tests, B-mode ultrasound for intima-media thickness of the internal carotid arteries was performed. Among these 198, 52 were selected from the top 30th percentile of maximum carotid intima-media thickness by ultrasound, and high-resolution black blood MRI images were acquired through their carotid plaque before and after the intravenous administration of gadodiamide. Of these 52, 37 with maximum segmental thickness by MRI >1.0 mm were included in this study. Lumen and outer wall contours were defined using semiautomated analysis software. The frequency of a lipid core in carotid plaque was estimated and risk factors for lipid core presence were explored using logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 37 participants in this study, 12 (32.4%) were women. The mean age was 38.7 ± 4.9 years. A lipid core was present in 9 (17%) of the plaques. Seventy percent of the study participants had a history of cigarette smoking. The mean total cholesterol level was 176.1 ± 37.3 mg/dl, the mean systolic blood pressure was 113.1 ± 13.3 mm Hg, and the mean diastolic blood pressure was 78.9 ± 9.5 mm Hg. There were 5 participants with hypertension (13.5%). Twelve (32%) participants had a history of chronic cocaine use, and 23 (62%) were HIV positive. Among the factors investigated, including age, sex, blood pressure, cigarette smoking, C-reactive protein, fasting glucose, triglycerides, serum total cholesterol, coronary calcium, cocaine use, and HIV infection, only total cholesterol was significantly associated with the presence of a lipid core. Conclusions: This study revealed an unexpectedly high rate of the presence of lipid core in carotid plaque and highlights the importance of cholesterol lowering to prevent cerebrovascular disease in this population. Further population-based studies are warranted to confirm these results.
BMD Values and GSTM3 Gene Polymorphisms in Combination with GSTT1/GSTM1 Genes: A Genetic Association Study in Slovenian Elderly
Authors: Jurkovic Mlakar Simona , Prezelj Janez , Osredkar Josko , Marc Janja
Published: February 2012

Background: Much research suggests that oxidative stress is associated with osteoporosis development. Glutathione S-transferases mu3 (GSTM3) are an important group of detoxifying enzymes that eliminate oxidative stress-related products. Objectives: To examine the associations of functional GSTM3 gene polymorphisms (Val224Ile and insdelAGG), their haplotypes and, in combination with GSTT1-null and GSTM1-null polymorphisms, with bone mineral density (BMD) measured at femoral neck (_fn), lumbar spine (_ls) and total hip (_th) and biochemical bone turnover markers in 593 Slovenian elderly women and 119 Slovenian elderly men. Methods:GSTM3, GSTT1-null and GSTM1-null gene polymorphisms using sizing denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography, triplex PCR method or real-time PCR; BMD_fn, BMD_ls, BMD_th values using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and plasma osteocalcin, serum bone alkaline phosphatase and free soluble tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily, member 11 (sRANKL) concentrations using a solid-phase, two-site chemiluminescent enzyme-labeled immunometric assay, radioimmunoassay or enzyme immunoassay were determined. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way and two-way ANCOVA with adjustment for potential confounders (age, height and weight). Results: The (borderline) significant differences in BMD_th and BMD_fn values between genotype subgroups of Val224Ile polymorphism of GSTM3 gene (p = 0.057 and 0.053, respectively) with the lowest BMD values among heterozygotes and between 224Ile-insAGG haplotype subgroups (p = 0.048 and 0.019, respectively) were found. Significant differences of BMD_fn between the 224Ile-delAGG haplotype subgroups were observed (p = 0.012). Association of 224Val-insAGG with BMD_fn was of borderline significance (p = 0.062). Conclusion: The results of our study demonstrate the genetic association between detoxifying enzyme GSTM3 and BMD variation, suggesting that the Val224Ile polymorphism and 224Ile-insAGG haplotype could be used for further evaluation of the impact of GSTs gene polymorphisms on osteoporosis, using larger cohorts in searching for osteoporosis risk markers.
Expression of Epidermal Growth Factors, erbBs, in the Nasal Mucosa of Patients with Chronic Hypertrophic Rhinitis
Authors: Nguyen Khac-Hung , Suzuki Hideaki , Wakasugi Tetsuro , Hohchi Nobusuke , Hashida Koichi , Kitamura Takuro , Shibata Minori
Published: February 2012

Purpose: To investigate the expression of erbBs in the nasal mucosa of patients with chronic hypertrophic rhinitis. Procedures: Inferior turbinates were collected from 12 turbinectomized patients with allergic and nonallergic chronic hypertrophic rhinitis. Differential cell counts in the peripheral blood and allergy tests were conducted before surgery. The expressions of erbB1, 2, 3 and 4 were examined by fluorescence immunohistochemistry and by quantitative real-time transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Immunohistochemical fluorescence was quantitatively measured using image-analyzing software. Eosinophils infiltrated into the mucosa were counted in sections stained with Hansel solution. Results: Each of the erbB types 1-4 was expressed in both epithelial cells and nasal gland cells. Immunoreactivity for erbB1 was strong and that for erbB2 and 3 was moderate, while that for erbB4 was faint. These findings were consistent with the results of qRT-PCR. The percentage of peripheral blood eosinophils was significantly correlated with the eosinophil count in the nasal mucosa and with immunoreactivity for erbB1 in the nasal gland. Conclusions: These results suggest a possible role of eosinophils in regulating erbB1 and thus in regulating mucosal hypertrophy in chronic hypertrophic rhinitis.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyper-Delayed Graft Function after Renal Transplantation
Authors: Zhang Keqin , Huo Wenqian , Liu Rongrong , Nie Zhilin , Ye Jin , Li Qiansheng
Published: February 2012

Background: Renal transplant recipients may experience delayed graft function (DGF), but recovery can take many months, a condition we define as hyper-delayed graft function (HDGF). Methods: A retrospective review of 50 renal transplant recipients who had HDGF and comparison with patients who had immediate graft function (IGF) and DGF. Results: Acute renal tube necrosis (ATN) during or soon after surgery was the most common cause of HDGF. Following standard treatment, 48 HDGF patients transitioned from oliguria to polyuria in 45 days (± 3) and renal function of the kidney fully recovered in 73 days (± 1). These HDGF patients had similar overall survival and kidney survival rates as IGF and DGF patients who were matched for age, sex, primary underlying disease, tissue matching, warm and cold ischemia time, and surgery time. Conclusions: Appropriate care and monitoring of HDGF patients allows them to regain normal renal function and to achieve patient and renal survival rates similar to those of IGF and DGF patients.
Essential Role of Caveolin-3 in Adiponectin Signalsome Formation and Adiponectin Cardioprotection
Authors: Wang Yajing , Wang Xiaoliang , Jasmin Jean-François , Lau Wayne Bond , Li Rong , Yuan Yuexin , Yi Wei , Chuprun Kurt , Lisanti Michael P. , Koch Walter J. , Gao Erhe , Ma Xin-Liang
Published: February 2012

Objective—

Adiponectin (APN) system malfunction is causatively related to increased cardiovascular morbidity/mortality in diabetic patients. The aim of the current study was to investigate molecular mechanisms responsible for APN transmembrane signaling and cardioprotection.

Methods and Results—

Compared with wild-type mice, caveolin-3 knockout (Cav-3KO) mice exhibited modestly increased myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (increased infarct size, apoptosis, and poorer cardiac function recovery;
P
<0.05). Although the expression level of key APN signaling molecules was normal in Cav-3KO, the cardioprotective effects of APN observed in wild-type were either markedly reduced or completely lost in Cav-3KO. Molecular and cellular experiments revealed that APN receptor 1 (AdipoR1) colocalized with Cav-3, forming AdipoR1/Cav-3 complex via specific Cav-3 scaffolding domain binding motifs. AdipoR1/Cav-3 interaction was required for APN-initiated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)–dependent and AMPK-independent intracellular cardioprotective signalings. More importantly, APPL1 and adenylate cyclase, 2 immediately downstream molecules required for AMPK-dependent and AMPK-independent signaling, respectively, formed a protein complex with AdipoR1 in a Cav-3 dependent fashion. Finally, pharmacological activation of both AMPK plus protein kinase A significantly reduced myocardial infarct size and improved cardiac function in Cav-3KO animals.

Conclusion—

Taken together, these results demonstrated for the first time that Cav-3 plays an essential role in APN transmembrane signaling and APN anti-ischemic/cardioprotective actions.
Percutaneous Femoral Arteriovenous Shunt Creation for Advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Bertog Stefan C. , Kolmer Christina , Kleschnew Swetlana , Franke Jennifer , Wunderlich Nina , Kardos Peter , Sievert Horst
Published: February 2012

Background—

Advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes a significant reduction in functional capacity because of dyspnea and fatigue, partially related to hypoxemia and compromised oxygen delivery. Percutaneous creation of an arteriovenous shunt may increase oxygen delivery and, hence, improve patients' functional capacity.

Methods and Results—

This is a prospective, single-center, proof-of-concept pilot study. Patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease underwent percutaneous arteriovenous shunt creation. End points were the change in 6-minute walking distance; quality of life, measured by St George's Respiratory Questionnaire; and physiological parameters at 12-week follow-up. Fifteen patients underwent percutaneous arteriovenous shunt creation. Cardiac output and oxygen delivery increased significantly from 4.1 L/min at baseline to 5.9 L/min at 12 weeks (
P
<0.01) and from 751 mL/min at baseline to 972 mL/min at 12 weeks (
P
<0.01), respectively; however, there was a trend toward a significant decrease in the 6-minute walking distance between baseline (338 m) and 12-week follow-up (294 m) (
P
=0.07). There was no significant difference in the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire score, oxygen saturation, or lung function tests. Lower extremity edema, venous stenosis, right heart failure, and deep venous thrombosis occurred in 10, 7, 4, and 4 patients, respectively.

Conclusions—

Though it causes a significant increase in cardiac output and oxygen delivery , the creation of an arteriovenous shunt in the setting of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease did not improve functional capacity or quality of life. A significant number of adverse events occurred. This concept cannot be recommended for routine clinical use in unselected patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The Thermally Driven Cross-Basin Circulation in Idealized Basins under Varying Wind Conditions
Authors: Lehner Manuela , Whiteman C. David
Published: February 2012

The Weather Research and Forecasting model is used to perform large-eddy simulations of thermally driven cross-basin winds in idealized, closed basins. A spatially and temporally varying heat flux is prescribed at the surface as a function of slope inclination and orientation to produce a horizontal temperature gradient across the basin. The thermal asymmetry leads to the formation of a closed circulation cell flowing toward the more strongly heated sidewall, with a return flow in the upper part of the basin. In the presence of background winds above the basin, a second circulation cell forms in the upper part of the basin, resulting in one basin-sized cell, two counterrotating cells, or two cells with perpendicular rotation axes, depending on the background-wind direction with respect to the temperature gradient. The thermal cell near the basin floor and the background-wind-induced cell interact with each other either to enhance or to reduce the thermal cross-basin flow and return flow. It is shown that in 5–10-km-wide basins cross-basin temperature differences that are representative of east- and west-facing slopes are insufficient to maintain perceptible cross-basin winds because of reduced horizontal temperature and pressure gradients, particularly in a neutrally stratified atmosphere.
Trends in the Occupational Returns to Educational Credentials in the Dutch Labor Market: Changes in Structures and in the Association?
Authors: Wolbers Maarten H. J. , de Graaf Paul M. , Ultee Wout C.
Published: February 2012

In this article, we determine changes in the relationship between education and the labor market in The Netherlands since 1960, for which both developments in the distribution of the labor force according to educational attainment and level of occupation (structural changes) and shifts in the mechanism to allocate educated individuals to occupational positions (which modify the net association between education and occupation) are used. To observe both developments, we make use of data from the 1960 Census and four Labor Force Surveys held in 1973, 1977, 1985, and 1991. Loglinear analysis shows that the association between education and occupation has altered. We conclude that changes in the relationship between education and occupation are not only the result of structural changes, but also the outcome of changes in the way educated individuals are allocated to jobs. These shifts in the allocation mechanism are largely connected with the state of the business cycle: in times of high unemployment, employers increasingly select employees on the basis of their education. We also find some support for modernization theory, but as soon as the state of the business cycle is accounted for, the impact of modernization becomes non-significant.
Work Orientations in Scandinavia: Employment Commitment and Organizational Commitment in Denmark, Norway and Sweden
Authors: Svallfors Stefan , Halvorsen Knut , Andersen Jørgen Goul
Published: February 2012

In this study we analyse employment commitment and organizational commitment in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, using data from the International Social Survey Programme (1997). We begin with an institutional comparison of the three countries, where it is concluded that a strong institutionalized commitment to work is of longest standing in Sweden and most recent in Denmark. It is concluded that, contrary to expectations, both employment and organizational commitment among the population is weakest in Sweden and strongest in Denmark. Group patterns in commitment are basically similar in all three countries, the only exception being a lower employment commitment among the unemployed in Denmark. In all three countries, differences related to stratification, such as differences between classes and between educational categories, are much more important than family structure in determining commitment. An especially noteworthy finding is that in all three countries, employment commitment is significantly higher among women than among men.
Sex-Typed Language: The Production of Grammatical Cases
Authors: Barron Nancy
Published: February 2012

Sex role influences a diverse range of social behaviors. Since language behavior is central to social interaction, sex role was expected to influence language behavior. Since members of the two sexes experience varying biosocial realities, and since language is a system of communication about realities, language behavior of men and women was expected to differ. Case refers to a system of deep structure constructs which define the relational meaning of a nominal unit to the verb and any other nominal units within a simplex sentence. Hypotheses about cases were deduced from corresponding features of sex role behaviors and case categories. Cases and gender were measured from texts made from videotapes of teachers in classrooms. Reconstruction, a method of inserting grammatically and contextually implicit information into the verbal exchange and classifying the resulting communication into simplex sentences and lexical units, was used to process the language data. Women produced a significantly greater proportion of explicit participative cases than men, thus demonstrating their greater concern with internal psychological states. The greater involvement of men with implementation of action by means of objects was shown by their greater use of instrumental and source cases. Women used significantly more instances of the purposive case. Men produced a significantly greater proportion of objective cases, thus verbally emphasizing things and particularly things acted upon. Agentive and locative cases failed to yield a difference for case realizations by men and women. Implications and conclusions were discussed.
Sex Roles, Social Class and Political Consciousness
Authors: Heiskanen Veronica Stolte
Published: February 2012

Current conceptualizations of political socialization are reviewed and a more structurally oriented alternative framework is presented. The concepts of opportunity structures and potentials are introduced, and the relative importance of sex versus social class differences in political awareness and articulation arc examined. Analysis of empirical data, e.g. on the political and non-political information levels, on the correlations with sex of different politically relevant attitudes obtained from a survey of Finnish secondary and vocational school youth shows the generally lower level of awareness and articulation among females than males. More definite differences, however, were noted between the type of school in general, irrespective of the sex of the students.
A Cross-Cultural Examination of Women's Marital, Educational and Occupational Options
Authors: Safilios-Rothschild Constantina
Published: February 2012

The examined cross-cultural evidence indicates that women may come to have many options in very different types of societies and through very different combinations of social, political, cultural and economic reasons. Furthermore, there is no linear relationship between a country's level of economic development and the range of women's options in different life sectors. Thus, the option not to marry becomes much more of an option for men and women in the less economically developed countries. Women, on the other hand, have much more the options to work in general, to work after marriage and to enroll in college when a country is at a medium high level of economic development (GNP-$ 1, 000-$ 1, 500) than at higher or lower levels. Finally, a wide range of occupational choices for women can be achieved in countries at either a medium high or a medium low level of economic development.
Opening the window: Managing death in the workplace
Authors: Kessler Ian , Heron Paul , Dopson Sue
Published: February 2012

This article draws upon the emotion at work literature to explore how workers manage their feelings in dealing with death as a routine part of their working lives. It focuses on a specific group of workers, healthcare assistants (HCAs) in a hospital setting, who in delivering direct patient care have a particularly intimate relationship with dying and death. Based upon interview data from HCAs in four English acute hospital trusts, the article argues that the emotional outcomes of patient deaths can be explained by the nature of death as an event – its structure, context and actor circumstances – and by how HCAs appraise that event through the use of cognitive change and attentional deployment.
Continuity and Change in Gang Membership and Gang Embeddedness
Authors: Pyrooz David C. , Sweeten Gary , Piquero Alex R.
Published: February 2012

Objectives. Drawing from social network and life-course frameworks, the authors extend Hagan’s concept of criminal embeddedness to embeddedness within gangs. This study explores the relationship between embeddedness in a gang, a type of deviant network, and desistance from gang membership. Method. Data were gathered over a five-year period from 226 adjudicated youth reporting gang membership at the baseline interview. An item response theory model is used to construct gang embeddedness. The authors estimate a logistic hierarchical linear model to identify whether baseline levels of gang embeddedness alter the longitudinal contours of gang membership. Results. Gang embeddedness is associated with slowing the rate of desistance from gang membership over the full five-year study period. Gang members with low levels of embeddedness leave the gang quickly, crossing a 50 percent threshold in six months after the baseline interview, whereas high levels of embeddedness delays similar reductions until about two years. Males, Hispanics, and Blacks were associated with greater continuity in gang membership as well as those with low self-control. Conclusions. The concept of gang embeddedness broadens understanding of heterogeneity in deviant network immersion and is applicable to a wide range of criminal and delinquent networks. Gang embeddedness has implications for studying the parameters of gang careers and for a range of criminological outcomes.
Improving fiber trapping with a contact surface during the ring twisting of two cotton yarns
Authors: Xia Zhigang , Xu Weilin , Wang Xungai
Published: February 2012

In this study, a geometrical model was introduced to improve the hair trapping via a surface contacting the yarn-twisting triangle during ring twisting of two single yarns. The fiber-trapping improvement with the contact surface was analyzed theoretically. Then, single Ne 80 ring cotton yarns were used to produce two-ply yarns under different ring-twisting conditions, namely conventional twisting, dry twisting of yarns with a plane surface, wet twisting of yarns with a plane surface, dry twisting of yarns with a grooved surface, and wet twisting of yarns with a grooved surface. Plied yarn properties, including yarn hairiness, strength, and irregularity, were tested. The Student Newman Keuls (SNK) test and variation analysis were also carried out in the SPSS program to study the effect of different contact surfaces on related yarn properties; the significance level was 0.05 for the SNK test and variation analysis. The hairiness of plied yarns was significantly reduced when twisting with the plane or grooved surface, especially for the wet twisting cases. This corresponds well with our model on improving fiber trapping.
Union Decline and Voice among Minority Ethnic Workers
Authors: Holgate Jane , Pollert Anna , Keles Janroj , Kumarappan Leena
Published: February 2012

This paper reports on a study of the experiences of minority ethnic workers in seeking advice and support for workplace problems. Our focus on three minority ethnic groups (Kurdish, Black Caribbean and South Asian) in three specific localities of London is unique in that it provides new micro-level qualitative data on whether or not local social networks are utilised to assist with employment problems. The research explores workers’ knowledge of what employment advice is available in their localities and their experiences of seeking advice. Interviewees included community advice workers, trade unionists, lawyers and funding bodies about the extent of local employment provision. The findings show that there are few places to turn and a dearth of individual employment advice.
CFTC/CFDT Attitudes towards Immigration in the Parisian Region
Authors: Blévis Laure , Pezet Eric
Published: February 2012

This paper, which is based on the detailed analysis of the post-war archives of the French Christian union Confédération Française des Travailleurs Chrétiens (CFTC), which became the Confédération Française Démocratique du Travail (CFDT) in 1964, highlights the difficulties, both from a practical and ideological point of view, for a militant organisation to embrace the cause of immigrant workers and to give them a voice. The CFDT had to ‘construct’ immigrant workers as a group they could represent, which means as a group that relates to French workers, despite possible xenophobia. A key moment was the denunciation of their housing conditions that make immigrant workers not competitors in the job market but victims of injustice. The union had to reinvent its engagement frames in order to include the specific problems faced by the immigrant workforce. The study shows that the urban dimension was essential in this process as Paris slums made visible an important plight of migrants and provided the opportunity to change public opinion.
Opioid Shopping Behavior: How Often, How Soon, Which Drugs, and What Payment Method
Authors: Cepeda M. Soledad , Fife Daniel , Chow Wing , Mastrogiovanni Gregory , Henderson Scott C.
Published: February 2012

Doctor shopping (obtaining opioid prescriptions from multiple prescribers) is one example of opioid abuse and diversion. The authors assessed how soon shopping behavior was observed after opioid exposure, number of events per shopper, preferred opioids, and method of payment. This was a cohort study. Individuals with ≥1 dispensing for any opioid in 2008 were followed for 18 months. Shopping behavior was defined as ≥2 prescriptions by different prescribers with ≥1 day of overlap and filled at ≥3 pharmacies [Correction added May 23, 2013 after online publication: in the full article HTML only, the ≤ symbol was used instead of the ≥ symbol in the preceding two sentences. The PDF was correct.]. Of 25,161,024 subjects, 0.30% exhibited shopping behavior. Opioid‐experienced subjects were 13.7 times more likely to exhibit shopping behavior and had more shopping episodes than opioid‐naive subjects. Time to first shopping event was 246.90 ± 163.61 days. Number of episodes was 2.74 ± 4.66. Most subjects with shopping behavior (55.27%) had 1 shopping episode, whereas 9.52% had ≥6 episodes; [Correction added May 23, 2013 after online publication: in the full article HTML only, the ≤ symbol was used instead of the ≥ symbol in the preceding sentence. The PDF was correct.] 88.99% had ≤4 prescribers. Subjects with shopping behavior filled schedule II opioids more often than subjects without shopping behavior (19.51% vs 10.89%) and more often paid in cash (44.85% vs 18.54%). Three of 1000 people exposed to opioids exhibit shopping behavior, on average, 8 months after exposure. Opioid shoppers seek strong opioids, avoid combination products, often pay cash, and obtain prescriptions from few prescribers.
Community College Student Alcohol Use
Authors: Wall Andrew F. , BaileyShea Chelsea , McIntosh Scott
Published: February 2012

The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of heavy alcohol use, related harm, and implications for prevention among community college students. We used data from 7,965 students at 19 community colleges who responded to the Core Alcohol and Other Drug Survey. This secondary analysis of the survey data found heavy consumption among 47% of 17- to 24-year-old community college students, a figure that reflects national trends at 4-year colleges, and a significant heavy consumption rate (23%) among students who are 25 or older. Similarly, the study found that consumption and harm varied by individual background, environment, and student attitudes. Community colleges are challenged to consider the role alcohol plays in student health and learning, and whether new efforts to ameliorate the harm from heavy alcohol use are warranted in an era of limited institutional resources.
Juvenile Miranda Warnings
Authors: Rogers Richard , Blackwood Hayley L. , Fiduccia Chelsea E. , Steadham Jennifer A. , Drogin Eric Y. , Rogstad Jill E.
Published: February 2012

The American Bar Association, via its newly adopted policy, seeks fundamental changes in procedural justice with respect to juvenile Miranda warnings. It calls for understandable Miranda warnings to educate youth in custody regarding the relevant Constitutional protections. In surveying prosecutors and public defenders, the authors collected 293 juvenile Miranda warnings that are intended specifically for youthful offenders. Length and reading levels were analyzed and compared to an earlier survey. Nearly two thirds (64.9%) of these warnings were very long (> 175 words), which hinders Miranda comprehension. In addition, most juvenile warnings (91.6%) require reading comprehension higher than a 6th-grade level; 5.2% exceed a 12th-grade reading level. Combining across two surveys, more than half of juvenile Miranda warnings are highly problematic because of excessive lengths or difficult reading comprehension. However, simple and easily read Miranda components were identified that could be used to improve juvenile advisements. Breaking new ground, Miranda waivers were examined for both juveniles and their parents/interested adults. Interestingly, most juvenile versions emphasized waivers in positive terms (e.g., “an opportunity”) and downplayed the potential for negative consequences.
Yhwh's Surprising Covenant Hesed in Jonah
Authors: Anderson Joel Edmund
Published: February 2012

This article, essentially a “part two” of my earlier article, “Jonah's Peculiar Re-Creation,” continues to explore narrative readings of the story of Jonah. Whereas the former article focused on the intertextual connections and thematic parallels between the story of Jonah and the creation account of Genesis 1–3, as well as the flood account of Genesis 6–9, this current article focuses specifically on the full or partial citations in Jonah of Exodus 32:14, Exodus 34:6, 1 Kings 19:4–6, and Jeremiah 8:7–8, as well as the implicit allusion to Jeremiah 36, and argues that along with the strong “re-creation theme” found in Jonah, there is a clear “covenant theme” in Jonah as well. The covenant language found in the story's citations and allusions would serve to challenge its postexilic audience, not only to reconsider the implications of the Abrahamic Covenant for their current situation, but also to re-evaluate the significance of the Mosaic Covenant in light of the expectations of a prophesied New Covenant. As with the previous article, this article is also an exercise in synchronic readings and intertextuality set within the historical parameters of the postexilic Jewish community.
Theological Trace in Qoheleth
Authors: Walsh Carey
Published: February 2012

The presence of theology in Qoholeth (Ecclesiastes) has long been disputed. The book's frequent use of hebel (“vanity” or “vapor”) has discouraged theological analysis. Attention to hebel's basic atmospheric sense, “vapor” allows a theological trace to emerge. This essay argues for a theology of reverence in Qoholeth that includes both the troublesome refrain and omission of the divine name.
Making Your Point: The Use of Gestures in Ancient Israel
Authors: Matthews Victor H.
Published: February 2012

More than simple narrative embellishment, the descriptions of physical gestures or other body movements by characters in biblical stories are a rich source of cultural information. As is the case with live dialogue, various forms of nonverbal communication both accompany and enliven the scene in a written narrative. They convey emotion, dominance, and social status, and they help to illustrate a position or specific point being made by the dialogue partners. Therefore the use of kinesics and other methods of analyzing nonverbal communication become a valuable interpretative tool for biblical scholars. This study examines categories of nonverbal comunication and provides an annotated survey of their use in biblical narrative.
“I Help Because I Want to, Not Because You Tell Me to”
Authors: Pavey Louisa , Greitemeyer Tobias , Sparks Paul
Published: February 2012

Empathetic arousal has been found to be a strong predictor of helping behavior. However, research has neglected the motivational mechanisms whereby empathetic concern elicits help giving. Three studies examined the extent to which autonomous and controlled motives for helping mediated the relationship between empathy and helping. Study 1 found that state empathy predicted willingness to offer time and money to help a person in need, with this relationship mediated by autonomous motivation for helping. Study 2 demonstrated that dispositional, empathetic concern predicted prosocial intentions and behavior via the mediation of autonomous motivation. Study 3 revealed that participants who focused on the emotions of another person in distress reported greater willingness to help than did participants who remained emotionally detached, with this effect mediated by autonomous motivation to help. Controlled motivation had no positive effects on helping in any of the studies. The results suggest that empathy encourages prosocial behavior by increasing autonomous motivation to help.