bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progressive renal papillary calcification and ureteral stone formation in mice deficient for Tamm-Horsfall protein
Authors: Liu Yan , Mo Lan , Goldfarb David S. , Evan Andrew P. , Liang Fengxia , Khan Saeed R. , Lieske John C. , Wu Xue-Ru
Published: July 2010

Mammalian urine contains a range of macromolecule proteins that play critical roles in renal stone formation, among which Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) is by far the most abundant. While THP is a potent inhibitor of crystal aggregation in vitro and its ablation in vivo predisposes one of the two existing mouse models to spontaneous intrarenal calcium crystallization, key controversies remain regarding the role of THP in nephrolithiasis. By carrying out a long-range follow-up of more than 250 THP-null mice and their wild-type controls, we demonstrate here that renal calcification is a highly consistent phenotype of the THP-null mice that is age and partially gene dosage dependent, but is gender and genetic background independent. Renal calcification in THP-null mice is progressive, and by 15 mo over 85% of all the THP-null mice develop spontaneous intrarenal crystals. The crystals consist primarily of calcium phosphate in the form of hydroxyapatite, are located more frequently in the interstitial space of the renal papillae than intratubularly, particularly in older animals, and lack accompanying inflammatory cell infiltration. The interstitial deposits of hydroxyapatite observed in THP-null mice bear strong resemblances to the renal crystals found in human kidneys bearing idiopathic calcium oxalate stones. Compared with 24-h urine from the wild-type mice, that of THP-null mice is supersaturated with brushite (calcium phosphate), a stone precursor, and has reduced urinary excretion of citrate, a stone inhibitor. While less frequent than renal calcinosis, renal pelvic and ureteral stones and hydronephrosis occur in the aged THP-null mice. These results provide direct in vivo evidence indicating that normal THP plays an important role in defending the urinary system against calcification and suggest that reduced expression and/or decreased function of THP could contribute to nephrolithiasis.
Grip force, EDL contractile properties, and voluntary wheel running after postdevelopmental myostatin depletion in mice
Authors: Personius Kirkwood E. , Jayaram Aditi , Krull David , Brown Roger , Xu Tianshun , Han Bajin , Burgess Kerri , Storey Christopher , Shah Bharati , Tawil Rabi , Welle Stephen
Published: July 2010

There is no consensus about whether making muscles abnormally large by reducing myostatin activity affects force-generating capacity or the ability to perform activities requiring muscular endurance. We therefore examined grip force, contractile properties of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles, and voluntary wheel running in mice in which myostatin was depleted after normal muscle development. Cre recombinase activity was induced to knock out exon 3 of the myostatin gene in 4-mo-old mice in which this exon was flanked by loxP sequences (Mstn[f/f]). Control mice with normal myostatin genes (Mstn[w/w]) received the same Cre-activating treatment. Myostatin depletion increased the mass of all muscles that were examined (gastrocnemius, quadriceps, tibialis anterior, EDL, soleus, triceps) by ∼20–40%. Grip force, measured multiple times 2–22 wk after myostatin knockout, was not consistently greater in the myostatin-deficient mice. EDL contractile properties were determined 7–13 mo after myostatin knockout. Twitch force tended to be greater in myostatin-deficient muscles (+24%; P = 0.09), whereas tetanic force was not consistently elevated (mean +11%; P = 0.36), even though EDL mass was greater than normal in all myostatin-deficient mice (mean +36%; P < 0.001). The force deficit induced by eccentric contractions was approximately twofold greater in myostatin-deficient than in normal EDL muscles (31% vs. 16% after five eccentric contractions; P = 0.02). Myostatin-deficient mice ran 19% less distance ( P < 0.01) than control mice during the 12 wk following myostatin depletion, primarily because of fewer running bouts per night rather than diminished running speed or bout duration. Reduced specific tension (ratio of force to mass) and reduced running have been observed after muscle hypertrophy was induced by other means, suggesting that they are characteristics generally associated with abnormally large muscles rather than unique effects of myostatin deficiency.
Interaction of hyperthermia and heart rate on stroke volume during prolonged exercise
Authors: Trinity Joel D. , Pahnke Matthew D. , Lee Joshua F. , Coyle Edward F.
Published: July 2010

People who become hyperthermic during exercise display large increases in heart rate (HR) and reductions in stroke volume (SV). It is not clear if the reduction in SV is due primarily to hyperthermia or if it is a secondary effect of an elevation in HR reducing ventricular filling. In the present study, the upward drift of HR during prolonged exercise was prevented by a very small dose of the β1-adrenoreceptor blocker (atenolol; βB), thus allowing SV to be compared at a given HR during normothermia and hyperthermia. Eleven men cycled for 60 min at 57% of peak O2 uptake after receiving placebo control (PL) or a low dose (0.2 mg/kg) of βB. Hyperthermia was induced by reducing heat dissipation during exercise. Four experimental conditions were studied: normothermia-PL, normothermia-βB, hyperthermia-PL, and hyperthermia-βB. Hyperthermia increased skin and core temperature by 4.3°C and 0.8°C ( P < 0.01), respectively. βB prevented HR elevation with hyperthermia: HR values were similar at minute 60 during normothermia-PL and hyperthermia-βB (155 ± 11 and 154 ± 13 beats/min, respectively, P = 0.82). However, SV was increased by 7% during the final 20 min of exercise during hyperthermia-βB compared with normothermia-PL (treatment × time interaction, P = 0.03). In conclusion, when matched for HR, mild hyperthermia increased SV during exercise. Furthermore, the reduction in SV throughout prolonged exercise under normothermic and mildly hyperthermic conditions appears to be due to the increase in HR.
Fast Detection Method in Cooperative Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Li Zhengyi , Liu Lin , Zhou Chi
Published: July 2010

Cognitive Radio (CR) technology improves the utilization of spectrum highly via opportunistic spectrum sharing, which requests fast detection as the spectrum utilization is dynamic. Taking into consideration the characteristic of wireless channels, we propose a fast detection scheme for a cooperative cognitive radio network, which consists of multiple CRs and a central control office. Specifically, each CR makes individual detection decision using the sequential probability ratio test combined with Neyman Pearson detection with respect to a specific observation window length. The proposed method upper bounds the detection delay. In addition, a weightedKout ofNfusion rule is also proposed for the central control office to reach fast global decision based on the information collected from CRs, with more weights assigned for CRs with good channel conditions. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can achieve fast detection while maintaining the detection accuracy.
Stability Analysis and Investigation of a Magnetoelastic BeamSubjected to Axial Compressive Load and Transverse Magnetic Field
Authors: Liu Mei-Feng , Chang Tai-Ping
Published: July 2010

The interactive behaviors between transverse magnetic fields and axial loads of a magnetoelastic (ME) beam subjected to general boundary conditions are investigated. In particular, the instability criterion for the magneto‐mechanical buckling problem is intricately discussed based on the structure characteristics and the initial conditions. The equation of motion for the proposed physical model is introduced according to the Hamilton′s principle, and the stability criterion is obtained by using the method of multiple scales implemented on both spatial and time domains. Eventually a so‐called Schrodinger equation with cubic nonlinearity (NLS) can be generated by suitably changing the variables; as a result, the stable criterion for the magnetoelastic beam can be acquired after dissecting the nonlinear Schrodinger equation and requiring the imaginary part of the time domain solution to be vanished. Stability criterion curve for the dispersion equation of the ME beam is firstly depicted in order to reveal the magnificent influence of the structure characteristic itself, followed by the instability constraint due to the variation of initial conditions and the observation locations. The results indicate that the prior one actually denotes a parabola, whereas the latter one is sometimes a diamond‐like or ellipse‐like region spotting along the prior one.
On the Instability of a Class of Periodic Travelling Wave Solutions of the Modified Boussinesq Equation
Authors: Arruda Lynnyngs Kelly
Published: July 2010

This paper is concerned with instability of periodic travelling wave solutions of the modified Boussinesq equation. Periodic travelling wave solutions with a fixed fundamental period L will be constructed by using Jacobi′s elliptic functions. It will be shown that these solutions, called dnoidal
waves, are nonlinearly unstable in the energy space for a range of their speeds of propagation and
periods.
A Case of Double Gallbladder with Adenocarcinoma Arising from the Left Hepatic Duct: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kawanishi Masahiro , Kuwada Yukio , Mitsuoka Yutaka , Sasao Shogo , Mouri Teruo , Takesaki Eiichi , Takahashi Tadateru , Toyota Kazuhiro , Nakatani Tamaki
Published: July 2010

Double gallbladder is a rare congenital biliary anomaly, but an accessory gallbladder arising from the left hepatic duct is a more remarkably rare congenital anomaly. We report a case of double gallbladder with adenocarcinoma and gallstones, which was preoperatively diagnosed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and then confirmed by open laparotomy. A review of the literature is presented.
Study of the Reaction Rate of Gold Nanotube Synthesis from Sacrificial Silver Nanorods through the Galvanic Replacement Method
Authors: Kwon Sunil , Dong Hyunbae , Lee Sang-Yup
Published: July 2010

An investigation was carried out about the gold nanotube synthesis via a galvanic replacement reaction. The progress of the gold nanotube synthesis was investigated using electron microscopy and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. In addition, the reaction rates of gold nanotube formation in the early stage of the reaction were studied. The chlorine ion concentration linearly increased with the gold precursor concentration but deviated from the stoichiometric amounts. This deviation was probably due to AgCl precipitates formed by the reaction of chlorine ions with dissolved silver ions. The replacement reaction was promoted with increased temperature and was nonlinearly proportional to the gold ion concentration. The outcomes of this research will enhance the current understanding of the galvanic replacement reaction.
Estimation of Elastic Moduli of Particulate Composites by New Models and Comparison with Moduli Measured by Tension, Dynamic, and Ultrasonic Tests
Authors: Bourkas G. , Prassianakis I. , Kytopoulos V. , Sideridis E. , Younis C.
Published: July 2010

The elastic constants of particulate composites are evaluated employing a theoretical cube-within-cube formation. Two new models of four and five components, respectively, formed by geometrical combination of three-component models existing in the literature, are used as Representative Volume Elements. Using the governing stress and strain equations of the proposed models, two new equations providing the static elastic and shear moduli of particulate composites are formulated. In order to obtain the dynamic elastic and shear moduli, the correspondence principle was applied successively to components connected in series and/or in parallel. The results estimated by the proposed models were compared with values evaluated from existing formulae in the literature, as well as with values obtained by tensile, dynamic, and ultrasonic experiments in epoxy/iron particulate composites. They were found to be close to values obtained by static and dynamic measurements and enough lower compared with values obtained from ultrasonic experiments. The latter is attributed to the high frequency of ultrasonics. Since measurements from ultrasonic's and from dynamic experiments depend on the frequency, the modulus of elasticity estimated by ultrasonic's is compared with that (storage modulus) estimated by dynamic experiments.
Life-History Traits and Population Relative Fitness of Trichlorphon-Resistant and -SusceptibleBactrocera dorsalis(Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Yu-ping Zhang , Yong-yue Lu , Ling Zeng , Guang-wen Liang
Published: July 2010

Life tables were established for trichlorphon-resistant and susceptibleBactrocera dorsalisstrains based on the laboratory observations. Trichlorphon-resistantB. dorsalisstrain had longer pupal and preoviposition periods, and mean generation time compared to the trichlorphon susceptible strain. Lower fecundity, emergence rate, and probability of standard fecundityPF, and shorter female and male longevity also were apparent in the trichlorphon resistant strain. Based on the life tables, the life population trend index (I) of the resistant strain was 86.80, while that of the susceptible strain was 116.97. The net reproduction rate (R0) and the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of the resistant strain were 1565.33 and 0.0164, while those of susceptible strain were 2184.00 and 0.0173, respectively. The results from this research revealed that the resistant strain was at a reproductive and developmental disadvantage relative to the susceptible strain.
Novel Approach to Early Detection of Doxorubicin Cardiotoxicity by Gadolinium-Enhanced Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in an Experimental Model
Authors: Lightfoot James C. , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Hamilton Craig A. , Jordan Jennifer , Torti Frank M. , Kock Nancy D. , Jordan James , Workman Susan , Hundley W. Gregory
Published: July 2010

Background—

We sought to determine whether cardiovascular magnetic resonance measures of gadolinium (Gd) signal intensity (SI) within the left ventricular myocardium are associated with future changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after receipt of doxorubicin (DOX).

Methods and Results—

Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups scheduled to receive weekly intravenous doses of normal saline (n=7), 1.5 mg/kg DOX (n=19), or 2.5 mg/kg DOX (n=14). Magnetic resonance determinations of LVEF and myocardial Gd-SI were performed before and at 2, 4, 7, and 10 weeks after DOX initiation. During treatment, animals were euthanized at different time points so that histopathologic assessments of the left ventricular myocardium could be obtained. Within-group analyses were performed to examine time-dependent relations between Gd-SI and primary events (deterioration in LVEF or an unanticipated death). Six of 19 animals receiving 1.5 mg/kg DOX and 10 of 14 animals receiving 2.5 mg/kg DOX experienced a primary event; no normal saline animals experienced a primary event. In animals with a primary event, histopathologic evidence of myocellular vacuolization occurred (
P
=0.04), and the Gd-SI was elevated relative to baseline at the time of the event (
P
<0.0001) and during the measurement period before the event (
P
=0.0001). In all animals (including normal saline) without an event, measures of Gd-SI did not differ from baseline.

Conclusions—

After DOX, low serial measures of Gd-SI predict an absence of an LVEF drop or unanticipated death. An increase in Gd-SI after DOX forecasts a subsequent drop in LVEF as well as histopathologic evidence of intracellular vacuolization consistent with DOX cardiotoxicity.
Mechanical Properties of Flax Fibers and of the Derived Unidirectional Composites
Authors: Charlet Karine , Jernot Jean-Paul , Gomina Moussa , Bizet Laurent , Bréard Joël
Published: July 2010

Flax fibers were used to process unidirectional composites by two different methods. Their mechanical properties obtained by tensile testing are discussed with respect to the properties of the fibers and those of the matrix (unsatured polyester). The similarity of the tensile curves of the composites and of the elementary fibers is attributed to the good adhesion of the fibers with the matrix. Moreover, as there is almost a linear evolution of the composite properties with the fiber volume fraction, these properties are used to estimate those of the real reinforcement material, that is, the flax bundles: the calculations lead to a fiber strength of 500-800 MPa and a fiber modulus of roughly 30 GPa, which is half the values obtained by tensile testing elementary fibers. These data may be helpful when trying to model the deformation behavior of flax fiber-reinforced composites.
Investigation of the Fracture Behavior of Woven Fiber Glass-reinforced Low-density Polyethylene Composite
Authors: Erkendirci Ö. Faruk , Avci Ahmet , Ekrem Mürsel
Published: July 2010

The fracture behavior of woven fiber glass-reinforced low-density polyethylene thermoplastic composite having a middle tension specimen with inclined through-thickness cracks under static loading is studied in this article. Through the experiments, the topics crack growth, crack opening displacement (COD), stress intensity factors, and fracture toughness are studied. Crack growth amount and COD values are used as a damage parameter factor for crack geometry calculations. The consequent results of the experiments are inspected with J-integral method and stress intensity factor. Load-elongation and load-crack mouth opening displacement, the strain energy release rate-crack growth amount, stress intensity factor-crack growth amount graphics were drawn as the material properties under consideration.
Life Prediction of CFRP/Metal Bolted Joint Under Water Absorption Condition
Authors: Miyano Yasushi , Nakada Masayuki , Sekine Naoyuki
Published: July 2010

Our proposed accelerated testing methodology (ATM) for the long-term life prediction of polymer matrix composites and structures is based on the time-temperature superposition principle to be held for the viscoelasticity of polymer matrix. This article is concerned with the life prediction of CFRP/metal bolted joint under water absorption condition based on ATM. CFRP/metal bolted joints were prepared under three conditions of ‘Dry,’ ‘Wet,’ and ‘Wet + Dry.’ The tensile static and fatigue tests of CFRP/metal bolted joints under these three conditions were performed at various loading rates and temperatures. As a result, the master curves of static and fatigue failure loads of these joints for the long-term life prediction were obtained and the influence of water absorption on the long-term life of these joints was cleared.
Are We Moving Toward Educating Students With Disabilities in Less Restrictive Settings?
Authors: McLeskey James , Landers Eric , Williamson Pamela , Hoppey David
Published: July 2010

The least restrictive environment (LRE) mandate provides a preference for educating students with disabilities in general education classrooms while allowing separate class services as necessary to meet student needs. This study investigated changes in national LRE placement trends for students with disabilities from 1990-1991 through 2007-2008. Findings revealed a significant increase in placements in general education settings and a substantial decrease in more restrictive placements. Placement practices for students at the secondary level changed substantially more than placements for elementary students, although both groups moved toward significantly less restrictive placement practices. Students with learning disabilities accounted for much of the overall change in placement practices, whereas students with emotional or behavioral disorders and intellectual disabilities experienced smaller changes in less restrictive placements.
Female Spirit Mediums and Religious Authority in Contemporary Southeastern China
Authors: Cline Erin M.
Published: July 2010

Although studies of Chinese spirit mediums in Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan abound, there has been little work done on spirit mediums in mainland China today. Yet spirit mediums play an important role in religious life in southeastern China, and in some areas, spirit mediums are predominantly women. This phenomenon is significant not only because it allows women who are of relatively low status to hold positions of religious authority but also because female spirit mediums sometimes address community needs that are not addressed by other religious authorities.
Cardiac and behavioral evidence for emotional influences on attention in 7-month-old infants
Authors: Leppänen Jukka , Peltola Mikko J. , Mäntymaa Mirjami , Koivuluoma Mikko , Salminen Anni , Puura Kaija
Published: July 2010

To examine the ontogeny of emotion—attention interactions, we investigated whether infants exhibit adult-like biases in automatic and voluntary attentional processes towards fearful facial expressions. Heart rate and saccadic eye movements were measured from 7-month-old infants (n = 42) while viewing non-face control stimuli, and neutral, happy, and fearful facial expressions flanked after 1000 ms by a peripheral distractor. Relative to neutral and happy expressions, fearful expressions resulted in a greater cardiac deceleration response during the first 1000 ms of face-viewing and in a relatively long-lasting suppression of face-to-distractor saccades. The results suggest that the neural architecture for the integration of emotional significance with automatic attentional orienting as well as more voluntary attentional prioritization processes is present early in life.
The Effects of a Vitamin D–deficient Diet on Chronic Cadmium Exposure in Rats
Authors: Uchida Hideomi , Kurata Yoshimasa , Hiratsuka Hideaki , Umemura Takashi
Published: July 2010

Itai-itai disease (IID) of humans is one of the most severe forms of chronic cadmium (Cd) intoxication. Itai-itai disease occurs mainly in post-menopausal women and is characterized by osteoporosis with osteomalacia, renal tubular disorder, and renal anemia. Some researchers insist the major cause of IID is not Cd, but rather malnutrition, especially hypovitaminosis D. We administrated a low concentration of Cd chloride intravenously to ovariectomized female rats that were fed a vitamin D–deficient diet or a normal diet for fifty weeks. The vitamin D–deficient diet decreased serum concentration of vitamin D, but it did not affect the metabolism of the kidney or bone. Cadmium treatment alone induced a decrease in serum concentration of vitamin D, as well as renal dysfunction, renal anemia, and abnormal bone metabolism. Osteoporosis with osteomalacia, tubular nephropathy, fibrous osteodystrophy, and bone marrow hyperplasia occurred following Cd treatment. In rats treated with Cd and administered a vitamin D–deficient diet, the toxic effects of Cd on kidney, bone, and hematopoiesis were enhanced in comparison to rats treated with Cd and a normal diet. The present experiment demonstrated that hypovitaminosis D did not evoke morphologic features of IID in humans but did enhance Cd-induced toxicity in the rat model of this disease.
Introduction to Hepatic Drug Metabolizing Enzyme Induction in Drug Safety Evaluation Studies
Authors: Botts Suzanne , Ennulat Daniela , Francke-Carroll Sabine , Graham Mark , Maronpot Robert R. , Mohutsky Michael
Published: July 2010

The following three articles represent the output of a combined effort initiated by the Scientific Regulatory Policy Committee of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology to provide a unified review of current scientific practices and relevant literature and provide suggestions regarding the recognition, interpretation, and risk assessment of hepatic drug metabolizing enzyme (DME) induction studies. The core objective was to provide a review that the scientific community including pathologists, regulatory scientists, toxicologists, investigative scientists, and others would find valuable for managing, designing, and interpreting toxicity studies supporting regulatory filings. Three working groups composed of scientists from industry, academia, and regulatory agencies were convened to review the available literature on important aspects of the interpretation and risk assessment of hepatic microsomal DME enzyme induction in three publications. The three reviews are as follows:

“Effects of Hepatic Drug Metabolizing Enzyme Induction on Clinical Pathology Parameters in Animals and Man,” Toxicol Pathol

“Hepatic Drug Metabolizing Enzyme Induction: Microscopic and Ultrastructural Appearance,” Toxicol Pathol

“Hepatic Drug Metabolizing Enzyme Induction and Implications for Preclinical and Clinical Risk Assessment,” Toxicol Pathol

The purpose of this introduction is not to summarize the articles but rather to frame the series and to provide a common mechanistic introduction.
Shipibo-Spanish: Differences in residual transfer at the syntax-morphology and the syntax-pragmatics interfaces
Authors: Sánchez Liliana , Camacho José , Ulloa Jose Elías
Published: July 2010

In this article, we present a study that tests the Interface Hypothesis (Sorace and Filiaci, 2006) at the syntax—pragmatics interface and its possible extension to the syntax—morphology interface in two groups of first language (L1) speakers of Shipibo with different levels of formal instruction in Spanish as a second language (L2). Shipibo is a mixed null subject language that only allows third person null subjects and has no person morphology on the verb. Spanish is a null subject language with rich person morphology on the verb. Evidence of acquisition of a core syntactic property (the extension of null subject licensing from third to first person subjects) was found in the speech of both groups of Shipibo speakers. No significant evidence of residual non-native patterns at the syntax—morphology interface was found (subject—verb mismatches in person) in the group with higher levels of formal instruction. At the syntax—pragmatics interface, we found non-native distribution of first person null subjects in both groups of Shipibo speakers that indicates residual transfer of discourse organization properties concerning topics from Shipibo into Spanish.
Transfer at the syntax-pragmatics interface: Pronominal subjects in bilingual Turkish
Authors: Haznedar Belma
Published: July 2010

This study investigates the issue of crosslinguistic influence in the domain of subject realization in Turkish in simultaneous acquisition of Turkish and English. The use of subjects in a null subject language like Turkish is a phenomenon linked to the pragmatics—syntax interface of the grammar and, thus, is a domain where crosslinguistic interference is predicted to occur in bilingual acquisition (Hulk and Müller, 2000; Müller and Hulk, 2001). Spontaneous Turkish data collected from one Turkish—English bilingual child, Ali-John, and one Turkish monolingual child, Murat, are compared. Our results reveal that Ali-John’s production of overt subjects in Turkish is more than that of the control child. These findings could be interpreted as due to crosslinguistic influence from English regarding the suppliance of overt subjects in the context of Turkish—English bilingual acquisition.
Older people living alone at the end of life in the UK: Research and policy challenges
Authors: Rolls Liz , Seymour Jane E , Froggatt Katherine A , Hanratty Barbara
Published: July 2010

Older people who live alone face particular challenges if they are to age and die well in the place and manner of their choosing. This discussion paper examines the experiences and needs of older people living alone towards the end of life. The paper focuses on the UK, given recent policy and service development initiatives there which emphasize home as a place of support and care; the promotion of independence; ensuring choice and decision making; and equity. These initiatives do not acknowledge diversity in the older population and make little provision to meet the specific needs that older people living alone may have as they approach the end of life. We identify three broader social factors that influence whether older people who live alone can remain at home until the end of their lives. The first factor is the physical environment; the second concerns their material environment; and the third relates to their social environment and their access to informal and formal care services. In future, palliative care research of relevance to older people should consider living arrangements as an important variable and be cognisant of the way in which wider social issues constrain the quality of end-of-life care that those living alone in older age receive.
Reliability testing of the FAMCARE-2 scale: measuring family carer satisfaction with palliative care
Authors: Aoun Samar , Bird Sonia , Kristjanson Linda J , Currow David
Published: July 2010

Measuring carers’ perceived satisfaction with services is crucial if services are going to continually improve their responsiveness to the needs of those they serve. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of the next generation FAMCARE tool, which was adapted to reflect inpatient and team-based care using palliative care services who are participating in the Australian Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration. FAMCARE-2 was distributed to a consecutive cohort of carers whilst in the caregiving role nationally. Analyses of internal consistency, generated structure and relationships of satisfaction with service provision by three demographic variables were undertaken. A total of 497 carers were recruited from 29 palliative care services across Australia, a mix of inpatient and community services. The scale achieved a high level of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.93) and item-to-total correlation coefficient of 0.49—0.72. Factor analysis of FAMCARE-2 revealed a 4-factor structure (management of physical symptoms and comfort, provision of information, family support and patient psychological care). Results of the survey indicated satisfaction with service provision across the FAMCARE-2 subscales. Older, female carers without a culturally and linguistically diverse background were more satisfied with service provision. We conclude that FAMCARE-2 is a psychometrically sound instrument useful for measuring family carer satisfaction with service provision in a variety of palliative care settings.
Conspicuously Absent: Lesbians in Professional Social Work
Authors: Sperling Rebecca L.
Published: July 2010

The social work profession, in its efforts to maintain legitimacy and secure its status in the marketplace, perpetuates heteronormative customs that support the suppression of its own lesbian presence. This article describes some of the traditions that have marginalized groups, particularly lesbians, within the profession and calls for a revision of these practices. Recommendations emphasize broadening the theoretical base of the curriculum of professional studies as early as the undergraduate level.
Structure and Properties of Cationic Poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Wang J. , Wang K. , Ye L.
Published: July 2010

In this study, through the macromolecule reaction, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was modified by quaternary ammonium cationic monomer (QAC) and the cationic PVA (C-PVA) was synthesized successfully. The structure of C-PVA was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared and Kjeldahl nitrogen content measurement. The properties of PVA were studied in terms of surface property, mechanical property, crystallization, and dynamic mechanical property. The results indicated that introduction of cationic groups onto the molecules of PVA resulted in an increase in hydrophilicity of PVA. The crystallization property was enhanced and the glass transition temperature decreased with increasing dosage of QAC due to the weakening of the intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonding of PVA. The stress—strain curves of C-PVA showed a ductile fracture, and the elongation at break of C-PVA can be improved from 62.95% for pure PVA to 461.5% without much decrease in the tensile strength.
Using automated semantic tagging in Critical Discourse Analysis: A case study on Scottish independence from a Scottish nationalist perspective
Authors: Prentice Sheryl
Published: July 2010

To date, studies of social attitudes towards Scottish independence tend to have been of the structured survey or interview variety. This study seeks to support and build upon the findings of recent social attitude surveys on Scottish independence using what is, as far as the author is aware, a novel methodology. This involves combining the corpus linguistic technique of automated semantic tagging with a discourse-historical Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework.Applying this to a three-million-word corpus built from a pro-independence internet discussion forum, the analysis shows, firstly, a view that independence will strengthen, consolidate or transform Scottish identity in a positive way and, secondly, a distinct lack of strategies that seek to dismantle British identity or refer to historical disputes. Thus, an evaluation of this methodology suggests that it successfully manages to produce findings that support previous research, challenge existing stereotypes, and allow new insight into Scottish nationalist ideology.
4,4′-Methylenedianiline-induced hepatitis in an industrial worker: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Giouleme Olga , Karabatsou Sofia , Hytiroglou Prodromos , Xanthis Andreas , Tsiaousi Eleni , Katsaros Marios , Koliouskas Dimitrios
Published: July 2010

4,4′-Methylenedianiline (MDA) is a chemical used in manufacturing and insulation processes and is a well-known hepatotoxin. We report the case of a 42-year-old construction-site worker who was accidentally exposed to large amounts of MDA and developed acute liver damage. The clinical course is described, with particular emphasis on the timely identification of the underlying cause and prompt management that led to an uneventful recovery. We review the relevant literature and discuss the safety measures necessary to minimize similar occupational hazards in industrial workers.
The effects of oral glutamine on cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Abraham Premila , Isaac Bina
Published: July 2010

Nephrotoxicity is one of the adverse side effects of cyclophosphamide (CP) chemotherapy. In a recent study, we have demonstrated that oxidative stress and glutathione depletion play important roles in CP-induced renal damage. The aim of the study was to verify whether glutamine, the precursor for glutathione synthesis, prevents CP-induced oxidative stress and renal damage using a rat model. Adult male rats were administered a single dose of 150 mg/ kg body weight of CP intraperitoneally. The glutamine-pretreated rats were administered 1 gm/kg body weight of glutamine orally 2 h before the administration of CP. Vehicle/glutaminetreated rats served as controls. All the rats were killed 16 h after the dose of CP/vehicle. The kidneys were removed and used for light microscopic and biochemical studies. The markers of oxidative stress including malondialdehyde content, protein carbonyl content, protein thiol, reduced glutathione and myeloperoxidase activity, a marker of neutrophil infiltration, were measured in kidney homogenates. CP treatment-induced damage to kidney involved the glomeruli and the tubules. Pretreatment with glutamine reduced CP-induced glutathione depletion and increased myeloperoxidase activity. However, it did not prevent CP-induced lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation and renal damage. The results of the present study suggest that glutamine pretreatment does not prevent CP-induced lipid peroxidation and renal damage, although it prevents CP-induced glutathione depletion and neutrophil infiltration significantly. It is suggested that mechanisms other than oxidative stress may also be involved and/or oxidative stress may be consequence and not the cause of CP induced renal damage.
Staging globalization for national projects: Global sport markets and elite athletic transnational labour in Qatar
Authors: Campbell Rook
Published: July 2010

The global migration of elite athletes is a key feature of the transnational labour market. Following a background discussion and review of the literature on sport and transnationalism, this article explores this phenomenon in the context of Qatar. Beginning with the emergence, meaning and movement of the elite athlete transnational labour force that constitutes global sport markets, the article explores how states call upon global sport markets in service to national projects. This is followed by a focused examination of the development of the global sport industry in Qatar. By looking at globalization in Qatar, we are able to see culturally relative characteristics of globalization that are not made visible in the predominantly Western-focused sport scholarship. Transnational sport in Qatar exemplifies the operating mechanisms of global networks. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion of transnational labour and the role played by elite sport in the contested terrain between localism and nationalism.
Understanding globalization through football: The new international division of labour, migratory channels and transnational trade circuits
Authors: Poli Raffaele
Published: July 2010

Among all sports, football is the one that saw the largest diffusion during the 20th century. Professional leagues exist on all continents and professional footballers are constantly on the move, trying to reach the wealthiest European clubs. Using the football players’ market as an example, this article highlights some key features of economic globalization: the new international division of labour, the ever increasing role played by intermediaries to bind the demand and supply of work on a transnational scale, and the setting up of spatially fragmented trade circuits. These processes form the basis for the creation of a global market of footballers in which clubs and championships play complementary roles and are more than ever functionally integrated beyond national borders.
Hockey success and birth date: The relative age effect revisited
Authors: Nolan Joseph E , Howell Grace
Published: July 2010

In a replication of studies by Barnsley et al. (1985), and Grondin et al. (1984) the authors gathered birthdates of players in the National Hockey League (NHL), Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The players were categorized according to month of birth. Additionally, the players were categorized by country of birth, reflecting the changes in professional hockey over the period since the original studies. The results indicate that despite the globalization of hockey and changes in minor hockey, relative age effect, that is, a strong linear relationship between the month of birth (from January to December) and the proportion of players in the leagues studied, still exists.
Correlates of pride in the performance success of United States athletes competing on an international stage
Authors: Denham Bryan E
Published: July 2010

Grounded in social-identity and self-categorization theories and drawing on data gathered in the US General Social Survey ( N = 2528), this research examines how demographic and media-use measures associate with national pride, as experienced through the success of US athletes competing internationally. Bivariate tests and analysis of covariance models indicated greater levels of national pride among black males, older respondents, those who classified themselves as republicans and those with lower levels of formal education. Exposure to newspapers and television did not prove statistically significant in multivariate analyses, although bivariate tests revealed that those exposed most frequently to television tended to agree in significantly higher numbers with the statement ‘When my country does well in international sports, it makes me proud to be an American.’ Limitations and recommendations for future research are offered.
An Improved Process for High Quality and Nutrition of Brown Rice Production
Authors: Watchararparpaiboon W. , Laohakunjit N. , Kerdchoechuen O.
Published: July 2010

Germinated brown rice (GBR) of two popular Thailand varieties, Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML 105) and Chainat 1, with improved nutritional composition, was obtained by optimizing water soaking conditions. Different water pH (3, 4, 6 and 8), temperatures (25 °C, 35 °C and 45 °C), and soaking times (12 and 24 h) were tested. Using the response surface methodology (RSM), the best condition for producing GBR of both varieties was soaking in water with pH 6 and temperature of 35 °C for 24 h. It caused a 4- to 5-fold increase in gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) content which, together with protein and lipid contents, were highest among treatments. Intermediate levels of thiamine (vitamin B1) and phytic acid (IP6) were obtained. In GBR of KDML 105 variety, GABA, vitamin B1 and IP6 contents were 16.48, 0.526 and 501.06 mg/100 g, respectively, while protein and lipid contents were 10.50% and 4.00%, respectively. For Chainat 1 variety, GABA, vitamin B1 and IP6 contents were 14.50, 0.436 and 486.03 mg/100 g, respectively, while protein and lipid contents were 9.80% and 3.99%, respectively. Carbohydrate and amylose contents differed by only less than 1-2% among treatments. Supplemental aeration during water soaking decreased GABA, protein and lipid contents, but increased vitamin B1 and IP6 contents in both varieties. Furthermore, cooked GBR of both varieties had softer texture than cooked ordinary brown rice.
Effect of Different Packaging Methods and Storage Temperature on Microbiological and Physicochemical Quality Characteristics of Meatball
Authors: Yilmaz I. , Demirci M.
Published: July 2010

The objective of this research was to determine physicochemical changes and microbiological quality of the different packaged meatball samples. Meatball samples in polystyrene tray were closed with polyethylene film (PS packs), vacuumed and modified atmosphere packaged, (MAP) (65% N2, 35% CO2), and held under refrigerated display (4 °C) for 8, 16 and 16 days for PS packs, vacuum and MAP, respectively. Microbial load, free fatty acids and thiobarbituric acid values of the samples tended to increase with storage time. Bacteria counts of the raw meatball samples increased 2 log cycles at the end of storage compared with initial values. Meatball samples can be stored without any microbiological problem for 7 days at 4 °C. Results from this study suggested that shelf-life assigned to modified-MAP and vacuum-packed meatballs may be appropriate. Meatball samples underwent physical deformation when they were packed before vacuum process. With these negative factors considered, MAP is superior to other two packs methods.
Dimensionality and the number of parties in legislative elections
Authors: Stoll Heather
Published: July 2010

This article explores how the party-defined dimensionality of political competition relates to the number of parties competing in legislative elections. It demonstrates that a mathematical relationship between the number of electoral parties and the literature’s concept of dimensionality follows from the variables’ definitions; conversely, it argues that exploring the relationship between the number of electoral parties and a different concept of dimensionality conveys new information. Hence, it first argues that how we conceptualize dimensionality matters. Redirecting attention to the latter relationship, it then hypothesizes that party system fragmentation will go hand-in-hand with the appearance of new conflicts on the political agenda when the electoral system is permissive. Using a time-series cross-sectional dataset that includes at its core a new measure of dimensionality, it finds reasonable support for the hypotheses; however, at the elite level, new parties are found to play less of a role in politicizing new conflicts than expected.
Pre-service physical education teachers’ perceptions of subject knowledge: Augmenting learning to teach
Authors: Herold Frank , Waring Michael
Published: July 2010

This paper explores pre-service teachers’ perceptions of subject knowledge as they learn to teach during a one-year postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) programme in England. The article examines the impact of pre-service teachers’ previous experiences and individual subject knowledge profiles on their development during their PGCE course. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 pre-service teachers (6 male; 6 female) over a period of three years at the beginning, middle and end of their 36-week teacher education programme in 2005/6. Pre-service teachers also completed weekly reflective commentaries on their learning to teach via a virtual learning environment (VLE). Analysis of the data involved the use of NVIVO software within a grounded theory framework. Pre-service teachers’ value judgements on aspects of their own subject knowledge, as well as the sources and means through which this knowledge was acquired are identified with a view to augmenting their learning experiences. The paper asserts that recent education reforms in England have restricted opportunities for pre-service teachers in England to develop their practical subject matter content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge and concludes with recommendations to enhance the quality of the existing framework postgraduate teacher education in England.
The associations between seventh grade Finnish students’ motivational climate, perceived competence, self-determined motivation, and fundamental movement skills
Authors: Kalaja Sami , Jaakkola Timo , Watt Anthony , Liukkonen Jarmo , Ommundsen Yngvar
Published: July 2010

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between motivational climate, perceived competence, self-determined motivation towards physical education (PE) and the fundamental movement skills of Finnish secondary school students. A sample of 370 seventh-grade PE students (girls n = 189; boys n = 181; mean age = 13.08; SD = 0.25) completed measures pertaining to motivational climates, perceived competence, regulation of motivation, and fundamental movement skills. Path analysis revealed results generally consistent with the theoretical tenets of the self-determination and the achievement goal theories by demonstrating that a task-involving motivational climate influenced perceived competence, which in turn affected more self-determined motivation towards PE. Furthermore, results revealed that this motivational sequence was associated with increased balance skill. A sequence consisting of task-involving climate, intrinsically regulated motivation, and balance skills was also observed. Additionally, the results indicated that task-involving motivational climate influenced perceived competence, in turn influencing manipulative and locomotor skills. Finally, an ego-involving climate was found to be a marginally positive predictor of manipulative skills.
Defining, acquiring and transacting cultural capital through assessment in physical education
Authors: Redelius Karin , Hay Peter
Published: July 2010

Assessment is a powerful message system in education, but one which has not received sufficient research and critical or theoretical attention in the field of physical education. Drawing on the physical education and health (PEH) assessment experiences of 16-year-old students in the Swedish education system, the focus in this paper is on what students learn about the purpose, practice and possible consequences of summative assessment. By studying their beliefs about grades and perceptions of the criteria for receiving a high grade in PEH, the aim is to analyse what values students comprehend and learn as important in the subject. Our conclusion is that the students learn, through and as a consequence or outcome of assessment, the valued characteristics and behaviours necessary for acquiring the institutional cultural capital of high grades, as well as information about the value of their capacities and their relative value within the field of PEH.