bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Democratization and trade policy: An empirical analysis of developing countries
Authors: Baccini Leonardo
Published: March 2011

I show that the process of democratization in developing countries constitutes an important factor in the formation of preferential trade agreements. Specifically, democratizing developing countries are more likely to form a preferential trade agreement with richer countries, whereas there is little evidence that democratic transition affects the probability of a developing country joining a preferential trade agreement with other developing countries. This result follows naturally from median voter preferences and the Heckscher–Ohlin and Stolper–Samuelson theorems. Put simply, the median voter gains from trading with the richer states and loses from trading with the other poor states. Since preferential trade agreements allow countries to waive the most-favored nation principle, the need for both trade openness and protectionism against competitors might explain why preferential trade agreements constitute one of the main features of the current wave of globalization. I quantitatively test this hypothesis using a newly compiled dataset that covers 135 developing countries from 1990 to 2007. An important implication of this article is that it could be more challenging than expected to combine domestic political equality with international economic equality.
A comparative study of the effects of input-based and production-based instruction on vocabulary acquisition by young EFL learners
Authors: Shintani Natsuko
Published: March 2011

The study reported in this article investigated the comparative effects of two types of treatment — one of which emphasized input and the other output — on the vocabulary acquisition of young EFL learners. In the input-based instruction, the students were not required to produce output whereas in the production-based instruction the students were required to produce output. Thirty-six Japanese children aged 6—8 were divided into three groups (input-based, production-based and control group), received six weeks instruction and took four types of vocabulary tests as a pre-, post- and delayed post-test. The findings provide further evidence that both input-based and production-based instruction lead to both receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge. In general, the results show similar levels of effects for input-based and production-based instruction on vocabulary acquisition. However, an examination of process features indicates that the input-based tasks provided opportunities for richer interaction for the learners than the production-based activities. This may explain the better performance of the input-based group on the task-based comprehension test and the same levels of achievement in the production tests despite relatively fewer opportunities for second language (L2) production.
Re-examining the role of explicit instruction and input flood on the acquisition of Spanish discourse markers
Authors: Hernández Todd A
Published: March 2011

Expanding on the studies of Hernández (2008) and de la Fuente (2009), this investigation examines the combined effect of explicit instruction (EI) and input flood (IF) vs. IF alone on students’ use of discourse markers to narrate a past event. Participants included 91 English-speaking adults enrolled in fourth-semester college Spanish courses, assigned to the EI + IF group ( n = 36), the IF group ( n = 30), or the control group ( n = 25). The EI + IF group was provided with EI on the function and use of discourse markers. This group also received a flood of input containing the target forms. Students were provided with communicative practice and feedback. In contrast, the IF group did not receive EI + IF on the use of discourse markers. This group received the same flood of input as the EI group. The IF group was presented with communicative practice although there was no feedback. Results of a speaking task administered as a pre-test, immediate post-test, and delayed post-test indicated that both treatments had a positive effect on students’ use of discourse markers. Discourse transcripts show that the EI + IF group used more discourse markers to shape their output in student— student communicative exchanges than the IF group. Taken together, results suggest that the combined effect of EI and IF was not superior to IF alone in promoting student use of discourse markers as measured on the post-test speaking tasks.
Using pretask modelling to encourage collaborative learning opportunities
Authors: Kim YouJin , McDonough Kim
Published: March 2011

The current study examines the impact of pretask modelling on the collaborative learning opportunities that occurred when Korean learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) carried out three tasks: dictogloss, decision-making, and information-gap. Forty-four adolescents who were enrolled in a required English course at a middle school in Korea completed the tasks over a two-week period. Half of the learners viewed videotaped models of collaborative interaction prior to carrying out the tasks, while the other learners did not receive pretask modelling. The interaction between the learners was analysed in terms of the type and resolution of language related episodes (LREs) and the learners’ pair dynamics. Results indicated that learners who received pretask modelling produced more LREs and correctly resolved a greater proportion of those LREs than learners who did not receive any models. They also demonstrated more collaborative pair dynamics than learners who did not receive models. Trends in the data are discussed in terms of the potential benefits of pretask modelling for encouraging collaboration between young learners in EFL settings.
The effects of the cultural portfolio project on cultural and EFL learning in Taiwan’s EFL college classes
Authors: Su Ya-Chen
Published: March 2011

Learning about foreign language (FL) cultures is becoming an important objective in the FL curricula and national standards of different countries throughout the world. The purposes of the study were to examine the effects of the cultural portfolio project on (1) students’ specific aspects of development of cultural knowledge and change in perception of native English speakers and their cultures; (2) students’ self-awareness, evaluation, and modification of stereotypes toward the target cultures; and (3) students’ change in perception of and attitude toward cultural learning. Data were collected through students’ cultural portfolio projects, pre- and post-questionnaires, classroom observation, and interviews. Results indicated that instead of memorizing cultural facts, students experienced an active process of constructing knowledge. Most students commented that their views toward native-English-speaking cultures and language learning had been changed after completing the cultural portfolio project, for instance by moving from an ethnocentric view to respect cultural differences, becoming more aware of diversity within culture, and understanding that the media presents the surface culture of native-English-speaking countries.
Lessons about learning: Comparing learner experiences with language research
Authors: Rowland Luke
Published: March 2011

This is an account of how one class of English language learners compared and contrasted their language learning experiences with English language teaching (ELT) research findings during a five-week Intensive Academic Preparation course at an Australian university. It takes as its starting point the fact that learners, unlike teachers and researchers, are rarely, if ever, encouraged to view language research as a potentially valuable resource. Using an exploratory practice approach (Allwright, 2003, 2005; Allwright & Hanks, 2009), the class examined and discussed both the structure and the content of three language teaching journal articles during regular English lessons. The comparisons the students made between their own language learning experiences and the research in the articles helped us to recognize three important characteristics of the learners in our class: (1) their pride in their personal knowledge of English language learning, (2) their understanding of themselves as individuals within the language learning process, and (3) their obvious concern with how their wider lives impact upon their learning approaches. Most importantly from a pedagogical standpoint, I witnessed my students develop as reflective, critical language experts in their own right through this experience of engaging with both the processes and the products of language research.
Essentialist beliefs predict automatic motor-responses to social categories
Authors: Bastian Brock , Loughnan Steve , Koval Peter
Published: March 2011

Essentialist thinking has been implicated in producing segregation between social groups even in the absence of negative attitudes. This mode of category representation brings social group information to the fore in social information processing, suggesting that the social consequences of essentialism are associated with basic categorization processes. Drawing on recent work demonstrating that automatic approach and avoidance behaviors are directly embedded in intergroup categorization, we show that people who hold essentialist beliefs about human attributes are faster to approach their ingroup. Moreover this relationship is not accounted for by explicit prejudice towards the outgroup and essentialist beliefs were unrelated to implicit evaluation of either group. The findings demonstrate that essentialist beliefs are associated with immediate behavioral responses attached to social category exemplars, highlighting the links between these beliefs and basic categorization processes.
Collective regulatory focus predicts specific aspects of team innovation
Authors: Rietzschel Eric F.
Published: March 2011

Much innovative work in organizations takes place in teams. Because organizational demands are complex and resources are limited, teams need to regulate their collective efforts to perform optimally. Based on previous research and a stage-based approach to innovation, it was hypothesized that team-level regulatory focus would predict teams’ activities regarding the generation and promotion of innovative ideas, but not actual implementation. Regulatory focus and innovative performance were measured in an organizational survey study. Results showed that, as expected, regulatory focus affected idea generation and idea promotion, but not idea realization.
Conversion vs. Tolerance
Authors: Shaffer Emily S. , Prislin Radmila
Published: March 2011

Past research has documented that social change has different implications for group identification when it is effected through successful minority’s advocacy for tolerance of diversity vs. conversion of opponents to supporters. Extending these findings, the current study demonstrated that minorities who successfully advocated tolerance, compared to those who successfully converted opponents, were more loyal to the group. This was evident in their working harder for the group at their own personal expense and without expecting anything in return. The effect of influence strategy on group loyalty was mediated by evaluative and cognitive components of group identification. Implications for group dynamics in which active minorities employ different influence strategies and their motivational underpinnings are discussed.
Can men promote feminist movements?
Authors: Vernet Jean Pierre , Vala Jorge , Butera Fabrizio
Published: March 2011

This research investigates the possibility for men to promote feminist movements. In two experiments, we used the social influence technique of reassociation, known to reduce the rejection of feminists by blaming the target for forgetting that feminists have promoted women’s rights. An influence source, either same-gender (lower threat) or different-gender (higher threat), confronted participants with the reassociation technique and blamed them in a more versus less threatening manner. This procedure is known to induce positive attitude change when threat is lower. Results of two experiments showed that a less threatening ingroup source induced a more positive attitude change toward feminists when reassociation was less threatening than when it was more threatening, while a more threatening outgroup source achieved equally lower levels of attitude change in all conditions. In sum, the reassociation procedure can be used to ameliorate attitudes toward feminist movements, but within the framework of intragroup, not intergroup, social influence communications.
Experiences of the Swedish healthcare system: An interview study with refugees in need of long-term health care
Authors: Razavi Monireh Farsi , Falk Lars , Björn Åke , Wilhelmsson Susan
Published: March 2011

Background: Refugees needing long-term health care must adapt to new healthcare systems. The aim of this study was to examine the viewpoints of nine refugees in a county in Sweden, with a known chronic disease or functional impairment requiring long-term medical care, on their contacts with care providers regarding treatment and personal needs. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with nine individuals and/or their next of kin. Inductive content analysis was used to identify experiences. Results: ‘‘Care organisations/resources’’ and ‘‘professional competence’’ were the categories extracted. Participants felt cared for due to accessibility to and regular appointments with the same care provider. Visiting different clinics contributed to a negative experience and lack of trust. The staff ’s interest in participants’ lives and health contributed to a sense of professionalism. Most participants said the problems experienced were not related to their backgrounds as refugees. Many patients did not fully understand which clinic they were attending or the purpose of the care that the specific clinic provided. Some lacked knowledge of their disease. Conclusions: Health care was perceived as equal to other Swedish citizens and problems experienced were not explained by refugee backgrounds. Lack of information from care providers and being sent to various levels of care created feelings of a lack of overall medical responsibility.
Virtually networked housing movement: Hyperlink network structure of housing social movement organizations
Authors: Kropczynski Jessica , Nah Seungahn
Published: March 2011

Using such theories as resource mobilization and social capital, this article examines how housing social movement organizations (SMOs) in the USA are connected through hyperlink networks. In doing so, this article employed hyperlink network analysis (HNA) through data collected from 26 national housing SMOs. Results indicate that the more bridging ties an organization has, the more central they are to the network. Results also show that the more incoming hyperlinks that a particular organization has, the more central they are to the network. These results suggest that the utilization of bridging social capital by a housing SMO has the potential to increase the ability to mobilize resources by that organization. Furthermore, increasing the number of bridging hyperlinks available on a website can improve the web presence of the SMO furthering the goals of the overall movement.
Location-aware mobile media and urban sociability
Authors: Sutko Daniel M. , de Souza e Silva Adriana
Published: March 2011

Location-aware mobile media allow users to see their locations on a map on their mobile phone screens. These applications either disclose the physical positions of known friends, or represent the locations of groups of unknown people. We call these interfaces eponymous and anonymous, respectively. This article presents our classification of eponymous and anonymous location-aware interfaces by investigating how these applications may require us to rethink our understanding of urban sociability, particularly how we coordinate and communicate in public spaces. We argue that common assumptions made about location-aware mobile media, namely their ability to increase one’s spatial awareness and to encourage one to meet more people in public spaces, might be fallacious due to pre-existing practices of sociability in the city. We explore these issues in the light of three bodies of theory: Goffman’s presentation of self in everyday life, Simmel’s ideas on sociability, and Lehtonen and Mäenpää’s concept of street sociability.
Sympathetic and angiotensinergic responses mediated by paradoxical sleep loss in rats
Authors: Perry Juliana C , Bergamaschi Cássia T , Campos Ruy R , Andersen Monica L , Montano Nicola , Casarini Dulce E , Tufik Sergio
Published: March 2011

Introduction: Recent investigations over the past decade have linked the development of hypertension to sleep loss, although the mechanisms underlying this association are still under scrutiny. To determine the relationship between sleep deprivation and cardiovascular dysfunction, we examined the effects of paradoxical sleep deprivation on heart rate, blood pressure, sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and their consequences in the blood renin—angiotensin system.

Materials and methods: Wistar-Hannover male rats were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: 1) control, 2) paradoxical sleep deprivation for 24 h and 3) paradoxical sleep deprivation for 96 h. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded in awake, freely moving rats.

Results: Heart rate was higher in the 96 h paradoxical sleep deprivation group compared with the control group. Renal SNA was increased in all deprived groups. However, no significant statistical differences were observed in blood pressure or splanchnic SNA among groups. Paradoxical sleep deprivation (24 and 96 h) reduced plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) concentrations.

Conclusions: The results suggest that selective sleep deprivation produces an increase in SNA, preferentially in the kidney. Thus, alterations in the sympathetic system in response to sleep loss may be an important pathway through which hypertension develops.
Stent Grafting for a Distal Thoracic Aortic Injury
Authors: Willis Michelle , Neschis David , Menaker Jay , Lilly Michael , Scalea Thomas
Published: March 2011

Aortic injury following blunt trauma can be potentially devastating, particularly when it occurs in multiply injured patients. This injury normally occurs just distal to the left subclavian artery. Recently, stent grafting has become a mainstay in therapy. Although technical challenges certainly exist in stent grafting aortic injuries in this location, the ability to avoid all complications associated with traditional open repair make stent grafting extremely attractive. We present a case on a 41-year-old man who sustained an aortic injury just proximal to the celiac axis. We used stent grafting to treat this injury with a very favorable result.
Quality of Life and Functional Status After Revascularization or Conservative Treatment in Patients With Intermittent Claudication
Authors: Hedeager Momsen Anne-Mette , Bach Jensen Martin , Norager Charlotte Buchard , Roerbæk Madsen Mogens , Vestersgaard- Andersen Torben , Lindholt Jes Sanddal
Published: March 2011

Revascularization of patients with intermittent claudication (IC) is recommended only for selected patients who have chronic pain or disabling disease. However, improvement in the quality of life (QoL) could justify more widespread use.

Objectives: To determine the effect of conservative treatment and revascularization on the QoL and physical performance of selected patients with IC.

Patients and Methods: This nonrandomized, parallel group, follow-up study included 83 patients with IC at Fontaine stage II. On the basis of interventional opportunities and the risks and benefits, combined with the preference of the patient, 47 patients were treated conservatively and 41 were revascularized. The patients were examined at inclusion and 3 months later. The evaluations included the QoL measure Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ), pain-free and maximal walking distance (treadmill at 3 km/h, no incline), maximal isometric knee-extension strength and endurance, and ankle—brachial blood pressure index (ABI).

Results: At baseline, the SF-36 and WIQ scores and the ABI were significantly lower in the patients selected for revascularization. After revascularization, all dimensions of QoL and functional status increased significantly in the patients who underwent revascularisation compared with the patients treated conservatively. The difference in the change in the physical component summary of SF-36 was 29.4% (P < .001), in the total WIQ 63.6% (P = .0002), and in the pain-free and maximal walking distances 313% (P < .001) and 135% (P < .001), respectively. After adjustment for age, smoking, ABI, body mass index (BMI), and baseline values, the differences remained statistically significant.

Conclusion: Revascularization above the knee increased QoL, functional status, and walking distance significantly in patients with moderate IC.
Acute Radiation Syndrome After Endovascular AAA Repair
Authors: Rahimi Saum A. , Coyle Brian W. , Vogel Todd R. , Haser Paul B. , Graham Alan M.
Published: March 2011

Acute radiation syndrome or radiation sickness is a serious illness that occurs after the body receives a high dose of radiation, typically over a short period of time. This condition may be underrecognized by interventionalists and must be considered whenever performing complex endovascular procedures.
Spontaneous Rupture of a Carotid Artery Aneurysm
Authors: O'Brien Patrick Joshua , Peterson David , Cox Mitchell Wayne
Published: March 2011

Carotid aneurysms are rare, accounting for less than 4% of all aneurysms, and repair of this entity comprises only 0.9% of all carotid procedures at major referral centers. Stroke is the most frequent complication and the possibility of rupture is only rarely considered. Rupture of a nontraumatic, uninfected carotid aneurysm is an exceedingly rare event, with only a handful of cases documented in the world literature, most of which presented as an acute, life-threatening emergency. This report documents the highly unusual circumstance of subacute presentation of a ruptured carotid aneurysm.
The Transition to IVUS-Guided IVC Filter Deployment in the Nontrauma Patient
Authors: Kassavin Daniel S. , Constantinopoulos George
Published: March 2011

While prior reports have demonstrated intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) deployment to be feasible, larger reviews using the latest generation of filters in the nontrauma setting are absent. We review our experience with the deployment of 104 IVCFs using IVUS, whereby we transition from a combined use of IVUS with traditional road mapping techniques (venography and/or renal vein cannulation) to the sole use of the IVUS as the road mapping tool for IVCF insertion. The use of IVUS for IVCF deployment minimizes radiation exposure to patients and staff, minimizes patient contrast exposure, and minimizes dependency on auxiliary staff for fluoroscopy. Intravascular ultrasound IVCF deployments can be performed without increasing morbidity and mortality, case duration, or overall costs when compared to standard deployments. The learning curve for transitioning into the use of the IVUS as the primary road mapping tool for IVCF deployments is approximately 20 cases.
Using an agent-based model to explore troop surge strategy
Authors: Sokolowski John A , Banks Catherine M , Morrow Brent
Published: March 2011

In October of 2001, the United States invaded Afghanistan and replaced the Taliban government. Since its overthrow, the Taliban has pieced together and waged an insurgency to retake Afghanistan, and that insurgency has gained momentum and grown in strength while the United States/North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) effort shrank in size to about 55,000 troops in 2007. A wide range of factors contributed to the insurgency, ranging from socio-cultural to economic to political. This research applied an in-depth study of Afghanistan to an agent-based model to determine if a military troop surge emphasizing a focused security effort could be successful in battling the growing insurgency within Afghanistan. An agent-based model was created and validated against the strategy and situation on the ground in Afghanistan that existed in 2007. Three experiments were conducted representing surges of 50%, 200%, and 400%. The results indicated that a surge of 200% or greater of the existing size force would be necessary to reduce the size of the insurgency, but that a surge of only 50% (50,000 more troops) would not bring about any significant changes as compared to the existing strategy. These model results provide insight into the potential success of various sized troop surges in Afghanistan that implement a focused security effort.
Minimally Invasive Colorectal Resection Is Associated With a Transient Increase in Plasma Hepatocyte Growth Factor Levels Early After Surgery for Colon Cancer
Authors: Kumara H. M. C. Shantha , Tohme Samer T. , Kim Ik Y. , Kim Donald G. , Kalady Matthew F. , Luchtefeld Martin , Hoffman Keith , DiMaggio Vincent , Whelan Richard L.
Published: March 2011

Introduction. Surgery’s impact on blood levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a potent angiogenic factor, is unknown. Preoperative (PreOp) HGF blood levels are elevated in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and correlate with disease stage and prognosis. This study’s purpose was to determine plasma HGF levels after minimally invasive colorectal resection (MICR) in patients with CRC. Methods. Clinical and operative data were collected. Blood samples were obtained in all patients PreOp and on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 3; in some, samples were taken during weeks 2 and 3 after MICR. Late samples were bundled into 7-day time blocks. HGF levels were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in duplicate. Student’s t test was used to analyze the data (significance, P < .0125 after Bonferroni correction). Results. A total of 28 CRC patients who underwent MICR were studied. Most had right, sigmoid, or left segmental colectomy. The mean plasma HGF level was higher on POD 1 (2417 ± 1476 pg/mL, P < .001) and POD 3 (2081 ± 1048 pg/mL, P < .001) when compared with PreOp levels (1045 ± 406 pg/mL). Plasma levels were back to baseline by the second (1100 ± 474 pg/mL, P = .64) and third postoperative weeks (1010 ± 327 pg/mL, P = .51). Conclusion. MICR for CRC is associated with a 1.9- to 2.3-fold increase in plasma HGF levels during the first 3 PODs after which levels normalize. This transient increase may briefly promote angiogenesis and the growth of residual tumor cells.
Single-Port Laparoscopic Subtotal Gastrectomy With DIα Lymphadenectomy
Authors: Ozdemir Baris A. , Thomas Rhys L. , Soon Yuen
Published: March 2011

Background. “Conventional multiport” laparoscopic gastrectomy for early stage gastric cancer is an increasingly frequently performed procedure. The authors describe their experience of the first reported single-port laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy in an 88-year-old lady with early antral gastric adenocarcinoma. Method. Single-port laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy with D1α lymphadenectomy was successfully performed using a transumbilical multichannel single port. Straight and flexible tipped laparoscopes were used to obtain off-axis views of the operative field. A flexible tipped stapler and curved instruments were used to reconstruct the Polya-type gastrojejunostomy. The procedure was performed without compromising standard, oncological principles. Results. Specimen histology revealed moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma infiltrating the submucosa. Proximal and distal resection margins were tumor free. Furthermore, 41 tumor-free lymph nodes were harvested. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6. Conclusions. Single-port gastrectomy for cancer is technically and oncologically feasible when performed by experienced minimally invasive surgical oncologists with extensive experience of benign single-port laparoscopic procedures. The advantages to the patient in terms of cosmesis and shorter hospital stay are clear. However, further studies are required to assess this technique when treating gastric and other malignancies.
A Specific Instrument to Facilitate Single-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Yin Heliang , Wang Zhifei , Xu Jun , Guan Yinghui , Zhai Bo , Zhao Lei
Published: March 2011

Background. Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) is a promising technique with regard to reducing postoperative pain, decreasing complications, and improving cosmesis. Many instruments have been invented to overcome the limitation brought about by the chopstick effect, most of which are inflexible. This results in a limitation when the operator wants to move the tip of the instrument to a certain angle. Recently, the authors used a new instrument, which has 2 simultaneously movable wrists, in 30 cases of SILC. Methods. From May 2010 to August 2010, 30 patients with symptomatic gallbladder disease underwent SILC through a 15- to 20-mm umbilical incision using a 3-trocar technique. A novel laparoscope instrument with adjustable and rotatable wrists (Liuyedao, Inc, Yuyao,China) was applied, combined with the use of harmonic scalpel. Results. The mean operation time was 56.4 minutes (range = 26-170 minutes). The mean estimated blood loss was 16.6 mL (range = 5-60 mL). There were no conversions of the SILC technique. No drainage was placed, and no bleeding or bile leakage occurred. The mean hospital stay was 3 days (range = 1-5 days). Conclusions. The SILC technique with the novel instrument is safe, feasible, and effective. This new instrument facilitates the SILC procedure.
Methods for evaluating endothelial function: a position statement from the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Peripheral Circulation
Authors: Lekakis John , Abraham Pierre , Balbarini Alberto , Blann Andrew , Boulanger Chantal M , Cockcroft John , Cosentino Francesco , Deanfield John , Gallino Augusto , Ikonomidis Ignatios , Kremastinos Dimitrios , Landmesser Ulf , Protogerou Athanase , Stefanadis Christodoulos , Tousoulis Dimitris , Vassalli Giuseppe , Vink Hans , Werner Nikos , Wilkinson Ian , Vlachopoulos Charalambos
Published: March 2011

The endothelium holds a pivotal role in cardiovascular health and disease. Assessment of its function was until recently limited to experimental designs due to its location. The advent of novel techniques has facilitated testing on a more detailed basis, with focus on distinct pathways. This review presents available in-vivo and ex-vivo methods for evaluating endothelial function with special focus on more recent ones. The diagnostic modalities covered include assessment of epicardial and microvascular coronary endothelial function, local vasodilation by venous occlusion plethysmography and flow-mediated dilatation, arterial pulse wave analysis and pulse amplitude tonometry, microvascular blood flow by laser Doppler flowmetry, biochemical markers and bioassays, measurement of endothelial-derived microparticles and progenitor cells, and glycocalyx measurements. Insights and practical information on the theoretical basis, methodological aspects, and clinical application in various disease states are discussed. The ability of these methods to detect endothelial dysfunction before overt cardiovascular disease manifests make them attractive clinical tools for prevention and rehabilitation.
Management of vestibular migraine
Authors: Bisdorff Alexandre R.
Published: March 2011

Vestibular migraine is considered to be the second most common cause of vertigo and the most common cause of spontaneous episodic vertigo. The duration of attacks varies from seconds to days, usually lasting minutes to hours, and they mostly occur independently of headaches. Long-lasting individual attacks are treated with generic antivertiginous and antiemetic drugs. Specific antimigraine drugs are unlikely to be very effective for rescue. The mainstay of the management of vestibular migraine is prophylactic medication. To date, there are no controlled trials available; the body of knowledge builds on case series and retrospective or observational studies. Most drugs are also used for the prevention of migraine headaches. The choice of medication should be guided by its side effect profile and the comorbidities of patients. Betablockers such as propanolol or metoprolol are preferred in patients with hypertension but in the absence of asthma. Anticonvulsants include topiramate when patients are obese, valproic acid and lamotrigine. Lamotrigine is preferred if vertigo is more frequent than headaches. Calcium antagonists include verapamil and flunarizine. If patients have anxiety, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitryptiline or nortryptiline or SSRIs and benzodiazepines such as clonazepam are recommended. Acetazolamide is effective in rare genetic disorders related to migraine-like episodic ataxia; however, its place in vestibular migraine is still to be established. Nonpharmacological measures such as diet, sleep, hygiene and avoidance of triggers are recommended as they are for migraine. Vestibular rehabilitation might be useful when there are complications such as loss of confidence in balance or visual dependence.
First report of investigation into an outbreak due to carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a tertiary Brazilian hospital, with extension to a patient in the community
Authors: Abboud Cely S , Bergamasco Maria Daniela , Doi André Mario , Zandonadi Eliana C , Barbosa Vera , Cortez Doralice , Rigueiro Saraiva Cássia , Doy Cláudia , de Oliveira Garcia Doroti
Published: March 2011

This is the description of an investigation into an outbreak of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC) that involved 22 inpatients in a public Brazilian hospital specialising in cardiac surgery, where these bacteria had never been isolated before. The dissemination of KPC also involved an external patient. This is the first description of a KPC outbreak in a Brazilian hospital.
Regrets of the Typical American
Authors: Morrison Mike , Roese Neal J.
Published: March 2011

In this study of regret among a representative sample of Americans, the authors examined hypotheses derived from regret regulation theory, which asserts that regrets motivate a range of ameliorative cognitive consequences. Using a random-digit telephone survey, respondents reported a salient regret, then answered questions about that regret. Results showed inaction regrets lasted longer than action regrets, and that greater loss severity corresponded to more inaction regrets. Regrets more often focused on nonfixable than fixable situations. Women more than men reported love rather than work regrets and, overall, regrets more often focused on romance than on other life domains. Objective life circumstances (referenced by demographic variables) predicted regret in patterns consistent with regret regulation theory. These results complement laboratory findings while suggesting new refinements to existing theory.
Update on JAK2 inhibitors in myeloproliferative neoplasm
Authors: Chan Daniel , Koren-Michowitz Maya
Published: March 2011

Since the discovery of mutant Janus Kinase 2 ( JAK2), JAK2V617F, in a major proportion of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients, there has been a flurry of activity in the development of JAK2 inhibitors. Pan-JAK, predominantly JAK2 and off-target JAK2 inhibitors have been developed in the short span of the past 5 years. These compounds have since been tested to varying success in both in vitro and in vivo settings with several proceeding on to advanced clinical trials. Although it was hoped that these inhibitors would be the silver bullet in the manner than imatinib was to chronic myeloid leukemia, it is becoming apparent that this is not the case for various reasons, chief of which is that a significant reduction of the underlying pathogenic clone is not achieved. In fact, the very notion that the target of JAK2 inhibitors (be it pan-JAK or JAK2 specific) is the mutant JAK2V617F is being challenged with findings from several clinical trials showing a poor correlation between the reduction in JAK2V617F mutant allele burden and clinical response. In view of this, it is not surprising that several groups are now investigating combinations of JAK2 inhibitors and other agents in MPN. Although much knowledge has been added in this short span of time, it is apparent that our understanding of the role of JAK2 inhibitors in the treatment scheme of MPN is only beginning.
Rapid identification of therapeutic targets in hematologic malignancies via functional genomics
Authors: Tyner Jeffrey W.
Published: March 2011

The clinical application of gene-targeted drugs has transformed cancer therapy. The hallmark example of this strategy is use of the ABL kinase inhibitor imatinib for treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This remarkable clinical success has also stimulated an expansive search for personalized gene targets in all patients to facilitate broad application of targeted therapy for cancer. However, achievement of this objective will require simultaneous work towards several complementary goals. The first step towards broad application of gene-targeted therapy must entail a rapid means to identify target oncogenes in individual patients. Next, we must identify well-tolerated, gene-specific drugs that are collectively effective against a wide diversity of gene targets. Finally, we must develop protocols by which individual patients are matched with appropriate, gene-targeted drugs in a clinically relevant time frame. While these may seem like difficult tasks, we are fortunate to have a wide variety of new and rapidly evolving research tools at our disposal. These include next-generation sequencing of the genome and transcriptome, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)/copy number variations (CNV) and gene expression microarrays, and RNAi libraries for the application of functional screens. In this review we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of these techniques with the goal of demonstrating that no single technique will be sufficient as a standalone technology, but rather it will be the integration of all techniques that will enable broad application of gene-targeted cancer therapies.
Racial Politics of Juvenile Justice Policy Support
Authors: Ward Geoff , Kupchik Aaron , Parker Laurin , Starks Brian Chad
Published: March 2011

Since 1992 there has been a federal mandate to reduce “disproportionate minority contact” (DMC), that is, juvenile and criminal justice system contact of non-White youth at rates exceeding their representation in the population. There is little research on how juvenile court authorities interpret this problem and their responsibility to address it, yet existing studies suggest that racial attitudes of court workers, and the lack of diversity among these officials, may contribute to DMC. Using a survey of juvenile court workers, the authors consider how court authorities view the importance of addressing disproportionate minority confinement and the individual-level and contextual predictors of these orientations. The authors find significant variation in the extent to which local court workers view DMC as a problem and that racial politics condition these orientations. Their findings support prior work suggesting that courtroom workgroups be seen as collectives that filter and interpret external rules and regulations, such as the DMC Mandate and indicate the significance of race to the focal concerns of court workers. Within limitations of the study, findings suggest racial politics of probation officers and court contexts may impede or promote local responses to the DMC Mandate and that minority representation within the courtroom workforce is an important source of DMC Mandate support.
A Multilevel Analysis of Race on the Decision to Petition a Case in the Juvenile Court
Authors: Freiburger Tina L. , Jordan Kareem L.
Published: March 2011

There is a large body of research examining the impact of race on juvenile court outcomes. Fewer studies have specifically examined the decision by prosecutors to formally petition a case to the juvenile court. A much smaller body of literature statistically controls for structural level variables (e.g., population density and racial composition), while examining the impact of race. Using the symbolic threat hypothesis, the current study examines the effect of race on the decision to petition a case to the juvenile court among youths in West Virginia’s juvenile court, while controlling for both individual and structural factors. The results show that race at the individual level did not have a significant impact on odds of petition; although, percentage in poverty significantly interacted with race to increase the odds of Black youths being petitioned in areas of increased poverty. Implications of the results are further discussed.
Kinetics and intracellular compartmentalization of HTLV-1 gene expression: nuclear retention of HBZ mRNAs
Authors: Rende Francesca , Cavallari Ilaria , Corradin Alberto , Silic-Benussi Micol , Toulza Frederic , Toffolo Gianna M. , Tanaka Yuetsu , Jacobson Steven , Taylor Graham P. , D'Agostino Donna M. , Bangham Charles R. M. , Ciminale Vincenzo
Published: March 2011

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) codes for 9 alternatively spliced transcripts and 2 major regulatory proteins named Tax and Rex that function at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels, respectively. We investigated the temporal sequence of HTLV-1 gene expression in primary cells from infected patients using splice site-specific quantitative RT-PCR. The results indicated a two-phase kinetics with the tax/rex mRNA preceding expression of other viral transcripts. Analysis of mRNA compartmentalization in cells transfected with HTLV-1 molecular clones demonstrated the strict Rex-dependency of the two-phase kinetics and revealed strong nuclear retention of HBZ mRNAs, supporting their function as noncoding transcripts. Mathematical modeling underscored the importance of a delay between the functions of Tax and Rex, which was supported by experimental evidence of the longer half-life of Rex. These data provide evidence for a temporal pattern of HTLV-1 expression and reveal major differences in the intracellular compartmentalization of HTLV-1 transcripts.
Do reactive oxygen species play a role in myeloid leukemias?
Authors: Hole Paul Spencer , Darley Richard Lawrence , Tonks Alex
Published: March 2011

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a heterogeneous group of molecules that are generated by mature myeloid cells during innate immune responses, and are also implicated in normal intracellular signaling. Excessive production of ROS (and/or a deficiency in antioxidant pathways) can lead to oxidative stress, a state that has been observed in several hematopoietic malignancies including acute and chronic myeloid leukemias (AML and CML). Currently it is unclear what the cause of oxidative stress might be and whether oxidative stress contributes to the development, progression, or maintenance of these diseases. This article reviews the current evidence suggesting a role for ROS both in normal hematopoiesis and in myeloid leukemogenesis, and discusses the usefulness of therapeutically targeting oxidative stress in myeloid malignancy.
Interferon-γ-secreting NK cells promote induction of dry eye disease
Authors: Chen Yihe , Chauhan Sunil K , Saban Daniel R , Sadrai Zahra , Okanobo Andre , Dana Reza
Published: March 2011

NK cells have been increasingly reported to be an important effector in autoimmune diseases. However, nothing is known in this regard in DED, the most common eye pathology, which is characterized by sustained inflammation on the ocular surface. In the present study, we have examined the profile of NK cells on the ocular surface as well as in the draining lymphoid tissues during the development of this disease. Our data demonstrate activated NK cells during the disease-induction phase. Moreover, in vivo depletion of NK cells in mice results in reduced disease severity and diminished proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, we show that NK cells are also able to modulate the maturation of APCs, which is correlated with IFN-γ from NK cells. Together, our findings provide new in vivo evidence that IFN-γ-secreting NK cells can promote induction of DED via direct target tissue damage and indirect influence on the priming phase of an adaptive immune response in secondary lymphoid tissue.
Numerical and experimental mapping of small root zones using optimized surface and borehole resistivity tomography
Authors: al Hagrey Said Attia , Petersen Torsten
Published: March 2011

An exact mapping of root zones is essential to understand plant growth, root biomass, and soil functions important for environmental and climatic management and protection. Numerical and experimental techniques of the electrical resistivity tomography were applied in 2D and 3D to resolve small root zones in the centimeter range. Numerically, we studied two scenarios of conductive and resistive root zones as a function of (1) eight different quadripole electrode configurations (standard, nonstandard, and optimized), (2) four different survey designs with electrode arrays at the soil surface and in boreholes, and (3) eight different inversion constraints. The best resolved output tomogram was evaluated semiquantitatively using the criteria of visual similarity to the input model, least data set, rms error, and iteration number and quantitatively by the model difference relative to the input model. The results showed that the surface-borehole configurations have the best resolution for the whole root zone. The single-surface and borehole surveys resolve only the respective upper and middle-lower root parts. The results reflect the potential of the optimization approach to generate small data sets of far higher resolution than the standard sets. Based on these results, we used the surface-borehole survey around a young hibiscus planted in a sandy soil in a laboratory experiment. The surface-borehole surveys using small, optimized configurations result in an optimum spatiotemporal resolution for simultaneous applications for 3D mapping of targets (root zones and water and soil heterogeneities) and 4D monitoring of their processes.
Capitalism Disguised as Democracy: A Theory of “Belonging,” Not Belongings, in the New South Africa
Authors: Myambo Melissa Tandiwe
Published: March 2011

Exploring the relationship between capitalism and the discourse of multicultural democracy that animates the New South Africa's notion of itself as Rainbow Nation, this article attempts to understand why it is impossible for politically progressive postapartheid South African fiction, centrally concerned with social justice, to launch an effective critique of neoliberal capitalism in present day South Africa. Because South Africa's entry onto the global stage in 1994 was conditioned by the pivotal moment of globalization in which its Rainbow Nation democracy was forged, I argue that close readings of three texts—the 1955 Freedom Charter, which formed the basis of the New South African constitution; Phaswane Mpe's 2001 novel Welcome to Our Hillbrow; and the 2006 film Catch a Fire—shed light on globalization as a political-economic-cultural strategy. I suggest that Rainbow Nation democracy enables a sense of metaphorical “belonging” to the nation but not a material redistribution of national belongings in the concrete sense of possessions, private property, and land. Neoliberal globalization working through Rainbow Nation ideology performs a deft, dangerous conflation of capitalism with democracy that serves to further legitimize the persistence of economic injustice, and this conflation has wide reaching consequences for all (aspiring) democracies.