bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Effects of Specialized Stroke Care With Telemedicine Support in Community Hospitals on Behalf of the Telemedical Project for Integrative Stroke Care (TEMPiS)
Authors: Audebert Heinrich J. , Schultes Kathrin , Tietz Viola , Heuschmann Peter U. , Bogdahn Ulrich , Haberl Roman L. , Schenkel Johannes ,   Writing Committee for the Telemedical Project for Integrative Stroke Care (TEMPiS)
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose—

Stroke unit treatment is effective in reducing death and dependency after stroke but is not available in many, particularly rural, areas. The implementation of a stroke network with telemedicine support was associated with improved outcome at 3 months. We report follow-up results at 12 and 30 months after acute stroke.

Methods—

Telemedical Project for Integrative Stroke Care (TEMPiS) consists of the set-up of specialized local stroke wards, continuous medical education, and telemedical consultation for patients with acute stroke by 2 stroke centers. In a prospective, nonrandomized, intervention study, 5 community hospitals participating in the network were compared with 5 matched control hospitals without specialized stroke facilities or telemedical support. All patients with consecutive ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke admitted between July 2003 and March 2005 were evaluated. Outcome “death and dependency” was defined by death, institutional care, or disability (Barthel index <60 or Rankin scale >3).

Results—

We followed-up 3060 patients (1938 in TEMPiS and 1122 in control hospitals). Follow-up rates were 97.2% after 12 months and 95.9% after 30 months for death or institutional care, and 96.5% after 12 months and 95.7% after 30 months for death and dependency. In multivariable regression analysis, there was no significant effect of the TEMPiS intervention for reduced “death or institutional care” at 12 months (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.75–1.07;
P
=0.23) and 30 months (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.78–1.11;
P
=0.40) but a significant reduction of “death and dependency” at 12 months (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.54–0.78;
P
<0.01) and 30 months (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.68–0.98;
P
=0.031).

Conclusions—

Implementing a system of specialized stroke wards, continuing education, and telemedicine in community hospitals offers long-term benefit for acute stroke patients.
Required Service-Learning Courses
Authors: Rogers Ibram
Published: November 2008

Historically, the mission of Black Studies has been two-fold: scholarship and service. Both the pioneering students and the faculty of Black Studies called for the discipline to produce socially responsible scholar-activists, and studies have proven that the most proficient method of ingraining social responsibility is through service-learning. Therefore, Black Studies must require service-learning in its curriculums. It is argued that Black Studies should also require these service-learning elements because of their long legacy in Black education in general and Black Studies in particular. However, required service-learning courses are rare in departments and programs, a study conducted by the author shows. In order to increase the number of Black Studies units with service-learning elements, this article concludes with a service-learning proposal that programs and departments could use to institute a required service-learning component into their curriculums.
Recent Development in Natural Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Malkapuram Ramakrishna , Kumar Vivek , Yuvraj Singh Negi
Published: November 2008

This review article describes the recent developments of natural fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites. Natural fibers are low-cost, recyclable, and eco-friendly materials. Due to eco-friendly and bio-degradability characteristics of these natural fibers, they are considered as strong candidates to replace the conventional glass and carbon fibers. The chemical, mechanical, and physical properties of natural fibers have distinct properties; depending upon the cellulosic content of the fibers which varies from fiber to fiber. The mechanical properties of composites are influenced mainly by the adhesion between matrix and fibers. Chemical and physical modification methods were incorporated to improve the fiber—matrix adhesion resulting in the enhancement of mechanical properties of the composites. The most important natural fibers are jute, flax, and coir and their novel processing technics to develop natural fiber reinforced composites are also described.
Effect of Processing Temperatures on Mechanical Properties of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch-Filled PVC Extrudates
Authors: Bakar Aznizam Abu , Hassan Azman , Yusof Ahmad Fuad Mohd
Published: November 2008

The influence of extrusion processing temperature profiles on the mechanical properties of oil palm empty fruit bunch-filled poly(vinyl chloride) extrudates was investigated. Only the poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), acrylic and chlorinated polyethylene extrudates filled with 10 phr oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) were able to be extruded successfully as the extrusion processing temperature profiles increased. The extrudates containing 20 phr OPEFB were severely distorted even though the processing temperature was increased to the maximum level. The impact strength, flexural modulus and strength, and yield stress and strain at break of extrudates filled with 10 phr OPEFB were insignificantly affected by the increase of extrusion processing temperature and fusion level of PVC.
Modified Average Stress Criterion to Predict the Fracture Strength of Various Lay-Ups of Carbon/Epoxy Laminates
Authors: Kamala Kannan V. , Murali Vela , Nageswara Rao B.
Published: November 2008

The prediction of the fracture strength of carbon/epoxy laminates containing sharp notches through the damage model depends on the un-notched strength and the critical length of the damage zone ahead of the notch. In general, the critical length of the damage zone depends on the material, specimen, and size of the sharp notch. Modifications are made in one of the stress fracture criteria known as the average stress criterion for accurate prediction of notched tensile strength of composite laminates containing sharp notches. To examine the adequacy of these modifications, fracture data of center-cracked carbon/epoxy composite laminates with various lay-ups are considered. The notched strength estimates are found to be close to the test results. The modified average stress criterion is very simple to predict the notched tensile strength.
Modeling of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting from an L-shaped Beam-mass Structure with an Application to UAVs
Authors: Erturk Alper , Renno Jamil M. , Inman Daniel J.
Published: November 2008

Cantilevered piezoelectric energy harvesters have been extensively investigated in the literature of energy harvesting. As an alternative to conventional cantilevered beams, this article presents the L-shaped beam-mass structure as a new piezoelectric energy harvester configuration. This structure can be tuned to have the first two natural frequencies relatively close to each other, resulting in the possibility of a broader band energy harvesting system. This article describes the important features of the L-shaped piezoelectric energy harvester configuration and develops a linear distributed parameter model for predicting the electromechanically coupled voltage response and displacement response of the harvester structure. After deriving the coupled distributed parameter model, a case study is presented to investigate the electrical power generation performance of the L-shaped energy harvester. A direct application of the L-shaped piezoelectric energy harvester configuration is proposed for use as landing gears in unmanned air vehicle applications and a case study is presented where the results of the L-shaped — energy harvester — landing gear are favorably compared against the published experimental results of a curved beam configuration used for the same purpose.
Understanding Self-Determination and Families of Young Children With Disabilities in Home Environments
Authors: Brotherson Mary Jane , Cook Christine C. , Erwin Elizabeth J. , Weigel Cindy J.
Published: November 2008

This article is about emergent self-determination for young children with disabilities in their home environments. The purpose of this study was to better understand family and home characteristics and how they influence the ways in which families can support the development of self-determination for their children with disabilities. Thirty families of young children with disabilities were interviewed, and their homes were systematically observed. Using a grounded theory design, an emergent model was developed that examined family and home context and the influence of context on the strategies that families used to support self-determination. Future research and practice implications of this research for supporting families are discussed.
Maternal Sensitivity and Communication Styles
Authors: Hwa-Froelich Deborah A. , Loveland Cook Cynthia A. , Flick Louise H.
Published: November 2008

Women living in poverty are at increased risk for depression, especially during their childbearing years. Whereas poverty has known adverse effects on children's cognitive, social, and communication development, maternal depression may place these children at additional risk of developmental delays. The maternal sensitivity of mothers with and without depression and its relationship to maternal–child communicative patterns was investigated. We analyzed cross-sectional data on a sample of 23 African American and Caucasian mother–child dyads (13 with and 10 without depression) living in poverty, drawn from a prospective cohort study. Maternal depression was identified using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule–IV based on diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.). Language samples of maternal–child interaction were analyzed using measures of maternal sensitivity, speech acts, and mother–child interchanges. Significant differences in maternal sensitivity, as well as different patterns of relationships between sensitive and communicative behaviors, were found between the groups. Early childhood professionals need to be aware of the effects maternal depression has on communicative interactions and children's development.
The State of the Practice of Value for Money Analysis in Comparing Public Private Partnerships to Traditional Procurements
Authors: Morallos Dorothy , Amekudzi Adjo
Published: November 2008

Literary sources regarding public—private partnerships (PPPs) often mention the importance of conducting a value for money (VfM) analysis to determine the value of pursuing a project through a PPP versus a traditional procurement; however, few sources detail how agencies actually use this analysis in practice. This article provides a state-of-the-practice review of VfM analysis using examples from Australia, Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia, focusing particularly on the VfM model used by agencies such as Partnerships Victoria, The United Kingdom's Her Majesty Treasury Department, and Partnerships British Columbia. Despite its growing applications in PPP projects from all different sectors, VfM has faced significant criticisms from academics and practitioners. This article evaluates reviews of VfM, noting the weaknesses and strengths of the methodology. Using the information derived from the evaluation, this article provides a guided reference for public agencies looking to adopt this VfM methodology in their current PPP decision-making framework.
The role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in the induction of immune tolerance: focus on hematology
Authors: Curti Antonio , Trabanelli Sara , Salvestrini Valentina , Baccarani Michele , Lemoli Roberto M.
Published: November 2008

The regulation of the interaction between the immune system and antigens, which may lead to the induction of immune tolerance, is critical both under physiologic conditions and in different pathological settings. In the past few years, major strides have been made in our understanding of the molecular and cellular bases of this process. Novel pathways have been identified and several novel therapeutic agents are currently under clinical investigation for those diseases in which the normal balance between activation and suppression of the immune response is altered. The tryptophan catabolic enzyme, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), is one of the key players involved in the inhibition of cell proliferation, including that of activated T cells. Recent works have demonstrated a crucial role for IDO in the induction of immune tolerance during infection, pregnancy, transplantation, autoimmunity, and neoplasias, including hematologic malignancies. In this review, the role of IDO in the induction of immunologic tolerance is addressed with a specific focus on its recently discovered effect on hematologic malignancies.
Lysosomal enzyme cathepsin D protects against alpha-synuclein aggregation and toxicity
Authors: Qiao Liyan , Hamamichi Shusei , Caldwell Kim A , Caldwell Guy A , Yacoubian Talene A , Wilson Scott , Xie Zuo-Lei , Speake Lisa D , Parks Rachael , Crabtree Donna , Liang Qiuli , Crimmins Stephen , Schneider Lonnie , Uchiyama Yasuo , Iwatsubo Takeshi , Zhou Yi , Peng Lisheng , Lu YouMing , Standaert David G , Walls Ken C , Shacka John J , Roth Kevin A , Zhang Jianhua
Published: November 2008

α-synuclein (α-syn) is a main component of Lewy bodies (LB) that occur in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with LB (DLB) and multi-system atrophy. α-syn mutations or amplifications are responsible for a subset of autosomal dominant familial PD cases, and overexpression causes neurodegeneration and motor disturbances in animals. To investigate mechanisms for α-syn accumulation and toxicity, we studied a mouse model of lysosomal enzyme cathepsin D (CD) deficiency, and found extensive accumulation of endogenous α-syn in neurons without overabundance of α-syn mRNA. In addition to impaired macroautophagy, CD deficiency reduced proteasome activity, suggesting an essential role for lysosomal CD function in regulating multiple proteolytic pathways that are important for α-syn metabolism. Conversely, CD overexpression reduces α-syn aggregation and is neuroprotective against α-syn overexpression-induced cell death in vitro. In aC. elegansmodel, CD deficiency exacerbates α-syn accumulation while its overexpression is protective against α-syn-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Mutated CD with diminished enzymatic activity or overexpression of cathepsins B (CB) or L (CL) is not protective in the worm model, indicating a unique requirement for enzymatically active CD. Our data identify a conserved CD function in α-syn degradation and identify CD as a novel target for LB disease therapeutics.
Inhibition of hepatocelluar carcinoma MAT2A and MAT2beta gene expressions by single and dual small interfering RNA
Authors: Wang Qun , Liu Quan-yan , Liu Zhi-Su , Qian Qun , Sun Quan , Pan Ding-yu
Published: November 2008

RNA interference (RNAi) has been successfully applied in suppression of hepatic cancer genes. In hepatocelluar carcinoma cell, one methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) isozyme, MATII was found to have two catalytic subunits which were encoded by MAT2A and MAT2β respectively. During tumorigeness of hepatocelluar carcinoma, expressions of the two genes were discovered to be increased combining with a switch of MAT (form MATI to MATII), To figure out the role played by MATII in hepatic cancer, In this study, for the first time we established a dual small interfering RNA (siRNA) expression system, which could simultaneously express two different siRNA molecules specifically targeting two genes. To test the effectiveness of this system, we applied this approach to express simultaneously two different siRNA duplexes that specifically target MAT2A and MAT2β genes of hepatocelluar carcinoma respectively in HepG2 cell. Results indicated that dual siRNA could simultaneously inhibit the expression of MAT2A and MAT2β gene by 89.5% and 97.8% respectively, In addition, dual siRNA molecules were able to significantly suppress growth of hepatocelluar carcinoma cell in vitro as well as induce apoptosis which was involved in arrest cell cycle at the G1/S checkpoint and the expressions of p21, p27 and Bax.
Explicit Directivity-Pulse Inclusion in Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis
Authors: Tothong Polsak , Cornell C. Allin , Baker J. W.
Published: November 2008

Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) is widely used to estimate the ground motion intensity that should be considered when assessing a structure's performance. Disaggregation of PSHA is often used to identify representative ground motions in terms of magnitude and distance for structural analysis. Forward directivity–induced velocity pulses, which may occur in near-fault (or near-source) motions, are known to cause relatively severe elastic and inelastic response in structures of certain periods. Here, the principles of PSHA are extended to incorporate the possible occurrence of a velocity pulse in a near-fault ground motion. For each magnitude and site-source geometry, the probability of occurrence of a pulse is considered along with the probability distribution of the pulse period given that a pulse does occur. A near-source “narrowband” attenuation law modification to predict ground motion spectral acceleration ( Sa) amplitude that takes advantage of this additional pulse period information is utilized. Further, disaggregation results provide the probability that a given level of ground motion intensity is caused by a pulse-like ground motion, as well as the conditional probability distribution of the pulse period associated with that ground motion. These extensions improve the accuracy of PSHA for sites located near faults, as well as provide a rational basis for selecting appropriate near-fault ground motions to be used in the dynamic analyses of a structure.
Assessment of ASCE 41 Height-to-Thickness Ratio Limits for URM Walls
Authors: Sharif Iman , Meisl Christopher S. , Elwood Kenneth J.
Published: November 2008

Unreinforced masonry (URM) walls with sufficient anchorage to the diaphragms will crack above mid-height when subjected to out-of-plane ground motions. This study investigates the sensitivity of the out-of-plane response to varying height-to-thickness ( h/ t) ratios for URM walls connected to rigid diaphragms. ASCE 41, Seismic Rehabilitation Standard, provides guidelines for permissible h/ t ratios for out-of-plane URM walls. To assess these limits, a rigid-body numerical model, calibrated to full-scale shake table tests, was used. The focus of the analysis was to identify the minimum h/ t ratio that would cause collapse of the wall when subjected to seismic shaking. The analysis was performed for 80 input motions and accounted for variability in the crack location. The results of the study suggest that the probability of collapse is dependent on the site class and that walls with limited overburden and satisfying the h/ t limits in ASCE 41 have a very low probability of collapse.
Chemotherapy Treatments for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Is Evidence-Based Medicine in Practice?
Authors: Field Kathryn M. , Kosmider Suzanne , Jefford Michael , Jennens Ross , Green Michael , Gibbs Peter
Published: November 2008

Purpose:

The optimal regimen for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) remains uncertain. We sought to document clinicians' treatment recommendations and determine the motivation behind them.

Materials and Methods:

A postal questionnaire was sent to all members of the Medical Oncology Group of Australia concerning chemotherapy treatment options in the setting of metastatic CRC.

Results:

The response rate was 59.7% (n = 188). One hundred sixty-two physicians (86%) treated patients with CRC. Of the 162 physicians, 92.6% (n = 150) recommended oxaliplatin-based regimens as first-line treatment for CRC due to perceived superior efficacy (66.9%; n = 107) or toxicity profile (17%; n = 27). Fluorouracil (FU), leucovorin (LV), and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX6) was the most popular regimen (59.3%; n = 98). Calcium and magnesium to prevent oxaliplatin-related neurotoxicity was routinely used by 34.6% of physicians (n = 56) from cycle 1. Despite the lack of phase III data at the time, 8.6% of physicians (n = 14) selected capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) a preferred first-line regimen; 61.7% of physicians (n = 100) recommended FU, LV, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) second-line treatment. Concerning LV dose, one third of physicians (33.3%; n = 54) selected 20 mg/m2 and one third of physicians (32.7%, n = 53) selected 200 mg/m2, with 25.3% of physicians (n = 41) using a fixed 50 mg bolus.

Conclusion:

This survey demonstrated considerable variation regarding recommended chemotherapy for patients with metastatic CRC. Of considerable concern is the use of calcium and magnesium based on retrospective data alone. Given that this variation in practice may significantly impact patient outcomes, additional studies are required to improve understanding of physician attitudes and the motivations behind treatment decision making.
Longitudinal in Vivo Analysis of the Region-Specific Efficacy of Parathyroid Hormone in a Rat Cortical Defect Model
Authors: Komatsu David E. , Brune Kellie A. , Liu Hong , Schmidt Allen L. , Han Bomie , Zeng Qing Q. , Yang Xuhao , Nunes Jairo S. , Lu Yuefeng , Geiser Andrew G. , Ma Yanfei L. , Wolos Jeffrey A. , Westmore Michael S. , Sato Masahiko
Published: November 2008

PTH has been shown to enhance fracture repair; however, exactly when and where PTH acts in this process remains to be elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a longitudinal, region-specific analysis of bone regeneration in mature, osteopenic rats using a cortical defect model. Six-month-old rats were ovariectomized, and allowed to lose bone for 2 months, before being subjected to bilateral 2-mm circular defects in their femoral diaphyses. They were then treated for 5 wk with hPTH1–38 at doses of 0, 3, 10, or 30 μg/kg · d and scanned weekly by in vivo quantitative computed tomography. Quantitative computed tomography analyses showed temporal, dose-dependent increases in mineralization in the defects, intramedullary (IM) spaces, and whole diaphyses at the defect sites. Histomorphometry confirmed PTH stimulation of primarily woven bone in the defects and IM spaces, but not the periosteum. After necropsy, biomechanical testing identified an increase in strength at the highest PTH dose. Serum procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide concentration showed a transient increase due to drilling, but procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide also increased with PTH treatment, whereas tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase unexpectedly decreased. Analyses of lumber vertebra confirmed systemic efficacy of PTH at a nonfracture site. In summary, PTH dose dependently induced new bone formation within defects, at endocortical surfaces, and in IM spaces, resulting in faster and greater bone healing, as well as efficacy at other skeletal sites. The effects of PTH were kinetic, region specific, and most apparent at high doses that may not be entirely clinically relevant; therefore, clinical studies are necessary to clarify the therapeutic utility of PTH in bone healing.
A differential developmental pattern of spinal interneuron apoptosis during synaptogenesis: insights from genetic analyses of the protocadherin-γ gene cluster
Authors: Prasad Tuhina , Wang Xiaozhong , Gray Paul A. , Weiner Joshua A.
Published: November 2008

Although the role of developmental apoptosis in shaping the complement and connectivity of sensory and motoneurons is well documented, the extent to which cell death affects the 13 cardinal classes of spinal interneurons is unclear. Using a series of genetic manipulations in vivo, we demonstrate for the first time a differential pattern of developmental apoptosis in molecularly identified spinal interneuron populations, and implicate the adhesion molecule family encoded by the 22-member protocadherin-γ(Pcdh-γ) gene cluster in its control. In constitutive Pcdh-γ null mouse embryos, many interneuron populations undergo increased apoptosis, but to differing extents: for example, over 80% of En1-positive V1 neurons are lost, whereas only 30% of Chx10-positive V2a neurons are lost and there is no reduction in the number of V1-derived Renshaw cells. We show that this represents an exacerbation of a normal, underlying developmental pattern: the extent of each population's decrease in Pcdh-γ mutants is precisely commensurate both with the extent of its loss during normal embryogenesis and with the extent of its increase in Bax-/- mice, in which apoptosis is genetically blocked. Interneuron apoptosis begins during the first wave of synaptogenesisis in the spinal cord, occurring first among ventral populations (primarily between E14 and E17), and only later among dorsal populations (primarily after P0). Utilizing a new, conditional Pcdh-γ mutant allele, we show that the γ-Pcdhs can promote survival non-cell-autonomously: mutant neurons can survive if they are surrounded by normal neurons, and normal neurons can undergo apoptosis if they are surrounded by mutant neurons.
Experimental designs in sport implement research: Application to the tension loss in tennis strings
Authors: Rogowski I , Bordes C , Tabon A , Gauvrit J‐Y , Lanteri P
Published: November 2008

The aim of this study was to quantify the influence of five experimental variables (style of play, sheath and central structure of synthetic strings, racket frame, and game court) on the tension loss in tennis strings in field situations, using experimental design methodology. Sixteen experiments were defined using a fractional factorial design 2(5–1). The tension loss in tennis strings was calculated by the difference between the tension measured just before and just after one hour of play. Multiple linear regression was performed to express the tension loss as a function of the five experimental variables and their first‐order interactions. The results showed that the tension loss was influenced by three main experimental variables: game court, racket frame, and string‐sheath, and by four two‐factor interactions, including the style of play and string central structure interaction term. The tension loss in tennis strings was minimal when playing with an 18‐main‐string racket frame strung with an S1‐coated string on a hard court. This work suggested that experimental designs could help researchers to highlight the sport implements’ behaviour in field situations.
Development and initial evaluation of a smart resistance training system
Authors: West A A , Smith J D , McLeod C S
Published: November 2008

Resistance training equipment is designed to provide specific groups of muscles with an artificially high stress input for short durations. In the sports and, in particular, the rehabilitation domains, control and customization of the applied torque and velocity profiles applied to the musculoskeletal system is desired, since individual biomechanics, training, and rehabilitation requirements and capabilities differ. A ‘smart training system’ (STS) that supports a unique resistance profile generation and control capability is discussed in this paper. Any resistance profile, i.e. combinations of torques, velocities, and positions, can be generated by either user calibration activities, e.g. via isometric and isokinetic exercises, or designed, e.g. inertial load emulation via integrated profile design software, and utilized within the system. Since the STS is capable of providing either passive braking, e.g. isotonic, isometric, or active driving, e.g. isokinetic eccentric, resistances, safe operation is paramount. Integrated profile monitoring software (to ensure that the user never exceeds calibrated capability) and mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical safety systems are utilized within the STS.

Control and monitoring of torque—velocity—position profiles enables unique exercise modes to be designed and implemented. A novel exercise mode (termed ‘variokinetic’) is discussed in this paper that supports an active (or passive) resistance based upon the instantaneous torque, velocity, and position requirements of the musculoskeletal joint. The value of this mode is not established in this paper; only a demonstration of the capability of the system to support these variokinetic profiles, and, hence, support future sports or rehabilitation specific resistance profile training. Preliminary results are reported that indicate the software and hardware systems are capable of providing the desired real-time actuation and feedback capabilities, and could, if developed further, provide a wide range of users with an efficient and effective alternative to existing exercise methods and machines.
Interpreting the Great Moderation: Changes in the Volatility of Economic Activity at the Macro and Micro Levels
Authors: Davis Steven J , Kahn James A
Published: November 2008

Most advanced economies have experienced a striking decline in the volatility of aggregate economic activity since the early 1980s. Volatility reductions are evident for output and employment at the aggregate level and across most industrial sectors and expenditure categories. Inflation and inflation volatility have also declined dramatically. Previous studies offer several potential explanations for this “Great Moderation.” We review evidence on the Great Moderation in conjunction with evidence about volatility trends at the micro level. We combine the two types of evidence to develop a tentative story for important components of the aggregate volatility decline and its consequences. The key ingredients are declines in firm-level volatility and aggregate volatility—most dramatically in the durable goods sector. Surprisingly, this has occurred without a decline in household consumption volatility and individual earnings uncertainty. Our explanation for the aggregate volatility decline stresses improved supply-chain management, particularly in the durable goods sector, and, less important, a shift in production and employment from goods to services. We provide evidence that better inventory control made a substantial contribution to declines in firm-level and aggregate volatility. Consistent with this view, if we look past the turbulent 1970s and early 1980s much of the moderation reflects a decline in high frequency (short-term) fluctuations. While these developments represent efficiency gains, they do not imply (nor is there evidence for) a reduction in economic uncertainty faced by individuals and households.
Retrospectives: Guinnessometrics: The Economic Foundation of “Student's” t
Authors: Ziliak Stephen T
Published: November 2008

In economics and other sciences, “statistical significance” is by custom, habit, and education a necessary and sufficient condition for proving an empirical result. The canonical routine is to calculate what's called a t-statistic and then to compare its estimated value against a theoretically expected value of it, which is found in “Student's” t table. A result yielding a t-value greater than or equal to about 2.0 is said to be “statistically significant at the 95 percent level.” Alternatively, a regression coefficient is said to be “statistically significantly different from the null, p < .05.” Canonically speaking, if a coefficient clears the 95 percent hurdle, it warrants additional scientific attention. If not, not. The first presentation of “Student's” test of significance came a century ago in 1908, in “The Probable Error of a Mean,” published by an anonymous “Student.” The author's commercial employer required that his identity be shielded from competitors, but we have known for some decades that the article was written by William Sealy Gosset (1876–1937), whose entire career was spent at Guinness's brewery in Dublin, where Gosset was a master brewer and experimental scientist. Perhaps surprisingly, the ingenious “Student” did not give a hoot for a single finding of “statistical” significance, even at the 95 percent level of significance as established by his own tables. Beginning in 1904, “Student,” who was a businessman besides a scientist, took an economic approach to the logic of uncertainty, arguing finally that statistical significance is “nearly valueless” in itself.
Providing Prescription Drug Coverage to the Elderly: America's Experiment with Medicare Part D
Authors: Duggan Mark , Healy Patrick , Morton Fiona Scott
Published: November 2008

The federal government's Medicare program did not provide general prescription drug coverage for the first 40 years of its existence. Thus, more than 30 percent of the 44 million elderly and disabled beneficiaries of the program lacked insurance coverage for prescribed medications. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 established a voluntary outpatient prescription drug benefit known as Medicare Part D. This program took effect in 2006 and represents the largest expansion of an entitlement program since the start of Medicare itself. The design of Part D is of particular interest to economists for at least three reasons: First, the program has the potential to affect significantly both the health and the economic well-being of the more than 44 million individuals currently enrolled in Medicare. Second, Part D has substantially increased government spending on health care despite the projections that such spending was already on an unsustainable path. Third, Part D represents an ambitious attempt to use market mechanisms in the delivery of a large-scale entitlement program. Part D has been controversial. In this paper, we aim to shed light on the various issues raised by the Part D program, including the incentives inherent in the competition among plans, the forces that affect drug prices, and the sustainability of Part D in the face of adverse selection and moral hazard. We conclude that Part D has succeeded in a number of important ways, however, substantial room for improvement remains.
Assessing the impact of the NHS Service Delivery and Organisation Research and Development Programme
Authors: Peckham Stephen , Willmott Michaela , Allen Pauline , Andersen Stuart , Goodwin Nick
Published: November 2008

This article summarises the results of a review of the impact of research funded by the NHS Service Delivery and Organisation Research and Development (SDO) Programme. The review draws primarily on the HERG Payback model, and the outputs and outcomes of SDO research are summarised in each of the five Payback domains: service delivery, policy, practice, research and capacity building. The article also discusses conceptual and methodological problems in identifying and attributing research impact that have been raised by the SDO impact review.
Slow Light and Its Applications
Authors: Boyd Robert W. , Hau Lene , Wang Hailin , Eisenstein Gadi , Noda Susumu , Moerk Jesper
Published: November 2008

We are pleased to present this feature issue, coordinated between the Journal of the Optical Society of America B (JOSA B) and the Journal of Lightwave Technology (JLT), on fundamental and applied aspects of slow light. The joint issue between the two journals reflects the tremendous breadth of this field; it is the strong feeling of the editors that research in slow light spans both fundamental and applied issues, and for this reason a joint venture between the two journals was in order.
Neurogenesis in the Dentate Gyrus Depends on Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Signaling
Authors: Müller Stephan , Chakrapani Baby P.S. , Schwegler Herbert , Hofmann Hans-Dieter , Kirsch Matthias
Published: November 2008

In the neurogenic areas of the adult rodent brain, neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferate and produce new neurons throughout the lifetime. This requires a permanent pool of NSCs, the size of which needs to be tightly controlled. The gp130-associated cytokines ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) have been implicated in regulating NSC self-renewal and differentiation during embryonic development and in the adult brain. To study the relevance of the two cytokines in vivo, we analyzed precursor cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of CNTF- and LIF-deficient mouse mutants. The number of radial glia-like NSCs, proliferative activity, and generation of new neurons were all reduced in CNTF−/− mutants but unaltered in LIF−/− animals. Conditional ablation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) gene under the control of the human glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter resulted in a reduction of neurogenesis similar to that in CNTF−/− mice. The size of the granule cell layer was decreased in both mutants. Treatment of neurosphere cultures prepared from adult forebrain with CNTF inhibited overall proliferative activity but increased the number of NSCs as indicated by enhanced secondary neurosphere formation and upregulated expression of stem cell markers. Knockdown of STAT3 with short interfering RNA inhibited CNTF effects on neurospheres, and knockdown of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) enhanced them. Our results provide evidence that CNTF-induced STAT3 signaling is essential for the formation and/or maintenance of the neurogenic subgranular zone in the adult dentate gyrus and suggest that CNTF is required to keep the balance between NSC self-renewal and the generation of neuronal progenitors.
Gonadotropin-stimulated epidermal growth factor receptor expression in human ovarian surface epithelial cells: involvement of cyclic AMP-dependent exchange protein activated by cAMP pathway
Authors: Choi Jung-Hye , Chen Chien-Lin , Poon Song Ling , Wang Hsin-Shih , Leung Peter C K
Published: November 2008

In addition to their critical roles in folliculogenesis and ovarian granulosa cell steroidogenesis, gonadotropins have been implicated as potential risk factors in ovarian epithelial carcinomas, most of which are derived from ovarian surface epithelium (OSE). However, the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of FSH and LH in OSE and its neoplastic counterpart is not well understood. We previously demonstrated that gonadotropins promote the growth of OSE cells by regulating the levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) via the activation of ERK1/2 and PI3K pathways in immortalized human OSE (IOSE) cells. In this study, we investigated whether cAMP and its novel binding target, named exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac), are involved in the gonadotropin-induced EGFR expression in OSE cells. Gonadotropins elevated intracellular cAMP levels in both IOSE and granulosa cells, and this increase was attenuated by SQ22536, an inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase (AC). The activation of the ERK1/2 and Akt pathways as well as the expression of EGFR was stimulated by reagents that elevate intracellular cAMP levels, via cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP and AC activator forskolin. A similar increase was observed when the cells were treated with a novel cAMP analog, 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-2′-O-methyl adenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (8-CPT-2ME-cAMP), which activates Epac specifically but not PKA. Moreover, the gonadotropin-induced EGFR expression and ERK1/2 and Akt activation were abolished by overexpression of dominant negative Epac. Taken together, these results indicate that the AC/cAMP/Epac signaling pathway may mediate the up-regulation of EGFR by gonadotropins via ERK1/2 and Akt activation.
Geriatric Psychiatry and Fellowship Programs in the United States
Authors: Cordon David
Published: November 2008

Psychiatric disorders are extremely common in the elderly and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. For example, 8% to 15% of the geriatric population has clinically significant symptoms of depression (NIH Consensus Conference, 1992). Elderly Americans commit suicide at a rate twice the national average (National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, 2007). Ten to 15% of elderly community residents have Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or other dementias (Evans et al., 1989). AD is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States (Centers for Disease Control, 2006).
Protective Behavioral Strategies and Negative Alcohol-Related Consequences in College Students
Authors: Araas Teresa E. , Adams Troy B.
Published: November 2008

Objective:

Alcohol abuse among college students is associated with a quality of life burden. The current study replicated and extended previous research on protective behavioral strategies (PBS) by examining relationships between PBS use and negative alcohol-related consequences.

Method:

A national sample of 29,792 U.S. college students who completed the National College Health Assessment during spring 2004 was included. Using a retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data, relationships between PBS use and negative alcohol-related consequences were examined.

Results:

Greater PBS use was associated with fewer negative alcohol-related consequences, while less frequent use of PBS was correlated with increased negative alcohol-related consequences.

Discussion:

The current study findings strongly support expanded educational alcohol-intervention programs promoting greater PBS use aimed at reducing or completely alleviating negative alcohol-related consequences (e.g., BASICS, ASTP). Future research should further investigate such PBS-based intervention programs, examine the existence of latent PBS, and study use of combined PBS.
Salvia Divinorum Use among a College Student Sample
Authors: Khey David N. , Miller Bryan Lee , Griffin O. Hayden
Published: November 2008

The recreational use of Salvia divinorum has received increased attention by media outlets and policy-makers in recent years. The vast absence of research to guide the dissemination of information has prompted this research note describing the use of this substance in a large public institution of higher education. The prevalence of Salvia divinorum is described in this context and a description of patterns of use, methods of acquisition, and a subjective estimation of continuance are proffered.
Arcuate fasciculus tractography integrated into Gamma Knife surgery
Authors: Maruyama Keisuke , Koga Tomoyuki , Kamada Kyousuke , Ota Takahiro , Itoh Daisuke , Ino Kenji , Igaki Hiroshi , Aoki Shigeki , Masutani Yoshitaka , Shin Masahiro , Saito Nobuhito
Published: November 2008

Object

To prevent speech disturbances after Gamma Knife surgery (GKS), the authors integrated arcuate fasciculus (AF) tractography based on diffusion tensor (DT) MR imaging into treatment planning for GKS.

Methods

Arcuate fasciculus tractography was retrospectively integrated into planning that had been previously performed by neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists. This technique was retrospectively applied to 12 patients with arteriovenous malformations adjacent to the AF. Diffusion tensor images were acquired before the frame was affixed to the patient's head and DT tractography images of the AF were created using the authors' original software. The data from DT tractography and stereotactic 3D imaging studies obtained after frame fixation were transported to a treatment planning workstation for GKS and coregistered so that the delivered doses and incidence of posttreatment aphasia could be assessed.

Results

The AF could not be depicted in 2 patients who initially presented with motor aphasia caused by hemorrhaging from arteriovenous malformations. During the median follow-up period of 29 months after GKS, aphasia developed in 2 patients: 30 Gy delivered to the frontal portion of the AF caused conduction aphasia in 1 patient, and 9.6 Gy to the temporal portion led to motor aphasia in the other. Speech dysfunction was not observed after a maximum radiation dose of 10.0–16.8 Gy was delivered to the frontal fibers in 4 patients, and 3.6–5.2 Gy to the temporal fibers in 3.

Conclusions

The authors found that administration of a 10-Gy radiation dose during GKS was tolerated in the frontal but not the temporal fibers of the AF. The authors recommend confirmation of the dose by integration of AF tractography with GKS, especially in lesions located near the temporal language fibers.
Simulation of Doxorubicin Delivery via Glucosamine(ethylene glycol) Carrier
Authors: Pirawattana Thongjun , Srinophakun Thongchai
Published: November 2008

This article focuses on the molecular modeling of the release of doxorubicin from capsules composed of glucosamine(ethylene glycol) oligomers. Doxorubicin forms micelle structures with glucosamine(ethylene glycol), and the drug release mechanism can be studied through the modeling of oligomeric bond breaking under acidic, neutral, or basic conditions. Under these conditions, the activation energies were calculated to be 145.51, 135.78, and 287.60 kcal/mol, respectively, at the B3LYP/6-31G//PM3 level. Based on these values, doxorubicin can be released into acidic and neutral solutions but not into basic solution. Ethylene glycol chain length in glucosamine(ethylene glycol) also effects drug release. As the length of ethylene glycol increases, the amount of drug released increases under acidic conditions, but decreases under neutral and basic conditions. When the drug is released from glucosamine(ethylene glycol) oligomers, the drug molecule and glucosamine(ethylene glycol) molecules form a micelle structure. Studies found that, as the length of the ethylene glycol chains increases, the micelle structure is more easily formed. The ethylene glycol group can deliver doxorubicin to cancer cells in micelle form.
Effects of Direct Transplantation of Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells into the Demyelinated Spinal Cord
Authors: Hunt D. P. J. , Irvine K. A. , Webber D. J. , Compston D. A. S. , Blakemore W. F. , Chandran S.
Published: November 2008

The adult bone marrow contains a population of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), defined by plastic adherence, expression of stromal cell surface markers, and differentiation into mesenchymal lineages. There has been much interest in the possible therapeutic use of MSCs in the treatment of demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. One therapeutic possibility is that these cells may be able to remyelinate when directly injected into the demyelinated spinal cord. Here we examine the effects of direct transplantation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled MSCs into a model of focal spinal cord demyelination induced by ethidium bromide. We demonstrate that direct intralesional injection of undifferentiated MSCs does not lead to remyelination. Furthermore, we report that transplanted MSCs migrate into areas of normal tissue, deposit collagen, and are associated with axonal damage. These findings support the need for further experimental evaluation of the safety and efficacy of direct parenchymal injection of MSCs into demyelinated lesions and highlight an important issue regarding potential clinical consequences of culture heterogeneity of MSCs between centers.