bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow Patterns at Stented Coronary Bifurcations
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Theodorakakos Andreas , Pantos Ioannis , Gavaises Manolis , Karcanias Nicos , Efstathopoulos Efstathios P.
Published: July 2012

Background—

The ideal bifurcation stenting technique is not established, and data on the hemodynamic characteristics at stented bifurcations are limited.

Methods and Results—

We used computational fluid dynamics analysis to assess hemodynamic parameters known affect the risk of restenosis and thrombosis at coronary bifurcations after the use of various single- and double-stenting techniques. We assessed the distributions and surface integrals of the time averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and relative residence time (t
r
). Single main branch stenting without side branch balloon angioplasty or stenting provided the most favorable hemodynamic results (integrated values of TAWSS=4.13·10
−4
N, OSI=7.52·10
−6
m
2
, t
r
=5.57·10
−4
m
2
/Pa) with bifurcational area subjected to OSI values >0.25, >0.35, and >0.45 calculated as 0.36 mm
2
, 0.04 mm
2
, and 0 mm
2
, respectively. Extended bifurcation areas subjected to these OSI values were seen after T-stenting: 0.61 mm
2
, 0.18 mm
2
, and 0.02 mm
2
, respectively. Among the considered double-stenting techniques, crush stenting (integrated values of TAWSS=1.18·10
−4
N, OSI=7.75·10
−6
m
2
, t
r
=6.16·10
−4
m
2
/Pa) gave the most favorable results compared with T-stenting (TAWSS=0.78·10
−4
N, OSI=10.40·10
−6
m
2
, t
r
=6.87·10
−4
m
2
/Pa) or the culotte technique (TAWSS=1.30· 10
−4
N, OSI=9.87·10
−6
m
2
, t
r
=8.78·10
−4
m
2
/Pa).

Conclusions—

In the studied models of computer simulations, stenting of the main branch with our without balloon angioplasty of the side branch offers hemodynamic advantages over double stenting. When double stenting is considered, the crush technique with the use of a thin-strut stent may result in improved immediate hemodynamics compared with culotte or T-stenting.
Statins and the Risk of Cancer After Heart Transplantation
Authors: Fröhlich Georg Marcus , Rufibach Kaspar , Enseleit Frank , Wolfrum Mathias , von Babo Michelle , Frank Michelle , Berli Reto , Hermann Mathias , Holzmeister Johannes , Wilhelm Markus , Falk Volkmar , Noll Georg , Lüscher Thomas F. , Ruschitzka Frank
Published: July 2012

Background—

Although newer immunosuppressive agents, such as mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitors, have lowered the occurrence of malignancies after transplantation, cancer is still a leading cause of death late after heart transplantation. Statins may have an impact on clinical outcomes beyond their lipid-lowering effects. The aim of the present study was to delineate whether statin therapy has an impact on cancer risk and total mortality after heart transplantation.

Methods and Results—

A total of 255 patients who underwent heart transplantation at the University Hospital Zurich between 1985 and 2007 and survived the first year were included in the present study. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of any malignancy; the secondary end point was overall survival. During follow-up, a malignancy was diagnosed in 108 patients (42%). The cumulative incidence of tumors 8 years after transplantation was reduced in patients receiving a statin (34% versus 13%; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.43 versus 0.07–0.18;
P
<0.003). Statin use was associated with improved cancer-free and overall survival (both
P
<0.0001). A Cox regression model that analyzed the time to tumor formation with or without statin therapy, adjusted for age, male sex, type of cardiomyopathy, and immunosuppressive therapy (including switch to mTOR inhibitors or tacrolimus), demonstrated a superior survival in the statin group. Statins reduced the hazard of occurrence of any malignancy by 67% (hazard ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.21–0.51;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Although it is not possible to adjust for all potential confounders because of the very long follow-up period, this registry suggests that statin use is associated with improved cancer-free and overall survival after cardiac transplantation. These data will need to be confirmed in a prospective trial.
Patients Living in Impoverished Areas Have More Severe Ischemic Strokes
Authors: Kleindorfer Dawn , Lindsell Christopher , Alwell Kathleen A. , Moomaw Charles J. , Woo Daniel , Flaherty Matthew L. , Khatri Pooja , Adeoye Opeolu , Ferioli Simona , Kissela Brett M.
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—

Initial stroke severity is one of the strongest predictors of eventual stroke outcome. However, predictors of initial stroke severity have not been well-described within a population. We hypothesized that poorer patients would have a higher initial stroke severity on presentation to medical attention.

Methods—

We identified all cases of hospital-ascertained ischemic stroke occurring in 2005 within a biracial population of 1.3 million. “Community” socioecomic status was determined for each patient based on the percentage below poverty in the census tract in which the patient resided. Linear regression was used to model the effect of socioeconomic status on stroke severity. Models were adjusted for race, gender, age, prestroke disability, and history of medical comorbidities.

Results—

There were 1895 ischemic stroke events detected in 2005 included in this analysis; 22% were black, 52% were female, and the mean age was 71 years (range, 19–104). The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 3 (range, 0–40). The poorest community socioeconomic status was associated with a significantly increased initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale by 1.5 points (95% confidence interval, 0.5–2.6;
P
<0.001) compared with the richest category in the univariate analysis, which increased to 2.2 points after adjustment for demographics and comorbidities.

Conclusions—

We found that increasing community poverty was associated with worse stroke severity at presentation, independent of other known factors associated with stroke outcomes. Socioeconomic status may impact stroke severity via medication compliance, access to care, and cultural factors, or may be a proxy measure for undiagnosed disease states.
Intra-Arterial Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Moniche Francisco , Gonzalez Alejandro , Gonzalez-Marcos Jose-Ramon , Carmona Magdalena , Piñero Pilar , Espigado Ildefonso , Garcia-Solis David , Cayuela Aurelio , Montaner Joan , Boada Cristina , Rosell Anna , Jimenez Maria-Dolores , Mayol Antonio , Gil-Peralta Alberto
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—

Bone marrow mononuclear cell (BM-MNC) intra-arterial transplantation improves recovery in experimental models of ischemic stroke. We aimed to assess the safety, feasibility, and biological effects of autologous BM-MNC transplantation in patients with stroke.

Methods—

A single-blind (outcomes assessor) controlled Phase I/II trial was conducted in patients with middle cerebral artery stroke. Autologous BM-MNCs were injected intra-arterially between 5 and 9 days after stroke. Follow-up was done for up to 6 months and blood samples were collected for biological markers. The primary outcome was safety and feasibility of the procedure. The secondary outcome was improvement in neurological function.

Results—

Ten cases (BM-MNC-treated) and 10 control subjects (BM-MNC-nontreated) were consecutively included. Mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale before the procedure was 15.6. Mean BM-MNCs injected were 1.59×10
8
. There was no death, stroke recurrence, or tumor formation during follow-up, although 2 cases had an isolate partial seizure at 3 months. After transplantation, higher plasma levels of beta nerve growth factor (β-nerve growth factor) were found compared with control subjects (
P
=0.02). There were no significant differences in neurological function at 180 days. A trend to positive correlation between number of CD34+ cells injected and Barthel Index was found (
r
=0.56,
P
=0.09).

Conclusions—

Intra-arterial BM-MNC transplantation in subacute ischemic stroke is feasible and seems to be safe. Larger randomized trials are needed to confirm the safety and elucidate the efficacy of BM-MNC transplantation.

Clinical Trial Registration-URL—

www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00761982.
Physical Therapists' Guideline Adherence on Early Mobilization and Intensity of Practice at Dutch Acute Stroke Units
Authors: Otterman Nicoline M. , van der Wees Philip J. , Bernhardt Julie , Kwakkel Gert
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—

Clinical practice guidelines for patients with stroke recommend early stroke rehabilitation at acute hospital stroke units. The present study aimed to (1) explore the organization of early stroke rehabilitation; (2) investigate current practice with respect to early mobilization and augmented exercise therapy time; and (3) identify the perceived barriers to and facilitators for guideline adherence as reported by physical therapists (PTs) working on acute hospital stroke units.

Methods—

All 96 Dutch acute hospital stroke units were requested to assign one PT for participation in the survey.

Results—

Of the 96 contacted PTs, 91 returned the questionnaire. Seventy-one percent of acute hospital stroke units reported that out-of-bed mobilization of patients was performed within 24 hours. PTs provided a mean of 22 minutes of physical therapy per weekday and weekend therapy was not standard practice. PTs reported having sufficient knowledge of and experience with the clinical practice guidelines for patients with stroke and reported that the clinical practice guidelines for patients with stroke left enough room for them to draw their own conclusions and to take patient preferences into account. PTs perceived insufficient time to comply with the clinical practice guidelines for patients with stroke and a need for financial compensation to realize human resources.

Conclusions—

Our national survey among PTs suggests that the organization of early stroke rehabilitation varies considerably and that early mobilization and intensity of practice in early stroke rehabilitation are not optimal. Addressing this problem requires agreement between hospital management boards and insurance companies about minimum services and resources required and the introduction of novel methods of increasing duration of exercise therapy with minimal use of resources.
Isoflurane Attenuates Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption in Ipsilateral Hemisphere After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Mice
Authors: Altay Orhan , Suzuki Hidenori , Hasegawa Yu , Caner Basak , Krafft Paul R. , Fujii Mutsumi , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H.
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—

We examined effects of isoflurane, volatile anesthetics, on blood–brain barrier disruption in the endovascular perforation model of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in mice.

Methods—

Animals were assigned to sham-operated, SAH+vehicle–air, SAH+1%, or 2% isoflurane groups. Neurobehavioral function, brain water content, Evans blue dye extravasation, and Western blotting for sphingosine kinases, occludin, claudin-5, junctional adhesion molecule, and vascular endothelial cadherin were evaluated at 24 hours post-SAH. Effects of sphingosine kinase (N,N-dimethylsphingosine) or sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1/3 (S1P1/3) inhibitors (VPC23019) on isoflurane's action were also examined.

Results—

SAH aggravated neurological scores, brain edema, and blood–brain barrier permeability, which were prevented by 2% but not 1% isoflurane posttreatment. Two percent isoflurane increased sphingosine kinase-1 expression and prevented a post-SAH decrease in expressions of the blood–brain barrier-related proteins. Both N,N-dimethylsphingosine and VPC23019 abolished the beneficial effects of isoflurane.

Conclusions—

Two percent isoflurane can suppress post-SAH blood–brain barrier disruption, which may be mediated by sphingosine kinase 1 expression and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1/3 activation.
Warfarin-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage Is Inadequately Treated at Community Emergency Departments
Authors: Liotta Eric M. , Garg Rajeev K. , Temes Richard E. , John Sayona , Lee Vivien H. , Bleck Thomas P. , Prabhakaran Shyam
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to investigate time delays, adherence to guidelines, and their impact on outcomes in patients with warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage transferred from community emergency departments to a comprehensive stroke center.

Methods—

We collected demographic, clinical, transfer time, treatment, and outcome data for patients transferred to our institution with warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage from community emergency departments.

Results—

Among 928 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, 56 (6%) with warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (median international normalized ratio, 2.55) were transferred to the comprehensive stroke center. Twenty patients received no acute reversal therapy before transfer, only 4 of whom had international normalized ratios ≤1.4 in the community emergency department. Median time of emergency department stay was 3.66 hours and median time to initiation of acute reversal therapy was 4.48 hours. Those who received ≥3 U of fresh–frozen plasma or recombinant activated Factor VIIa (11 patients) before transfer had lower repeat international normalized ratios and better discharge dispositions than those treated less aggressively.

Conclusions—

Treatment of warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage in community emergency departments is often suboptimal and does not adhere to published guidelines. Treating coagulopathy aggressively before interhospital transfer may improve outcomes and warrants further investigation.
Severity of Coronary Artery Disease Affects Prognosis of Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Ishihara Takayuki , Iida Osamu , Tosaka Atsushi , Soga Yoshimitsu , Sakamoto Yasunari , Hirano Keisuke , Nanto Shinsuke , Uematsu Masaaki
Published: July 2012

It remains unclear whether severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) affects the prognosis of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). In this retrospective, multicenter study, we analyzed 537 consecutive patients with symptomatic PAD who underwent both peripheral artery revascularization and coronary angiography (CAG) prior to revascularization. We classified patients into 3 groups based on CAG: no-CAD group, intermediate CAD group (1-2 diseased vessels), and triple-vessel disease (TVD) group. We evaluated clinical outcome including all-cause death, major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), and amputation. The no-CAD, intermediate CAD, and TVD groups comprised 204, 268, and 65 patients, respectively. Mean follow-up duration was 952 ± 497 days. Freedom from any adverse outcome was highest in the no-CAD group and lowest in the TVD group (all-cause death: 86% vs 77% vs 65%, P = .043; MACE: 95% vs 87% vs 78%, P = .044; amputation: 96% vs 92% vs 83%, P = .0015). Severity of CAD affected prognosis of patients with PAD.
Interrater Agreement Evaluation
Authors: Raykov Tenko , Dimitrov Dimiter M. , von Eye Alexander , Marcoulides George A.
Published: July 2012

A latent variable modeling method for evaluation of interrater agreement is outlined. The procedure is useful for point and interval estimation of the degree of agreement among a given set of judges evaluating a group of targets. In addition, the approach allows one to test for identity in underlying thresholds across raters as well as to identify possibly aberrantly evaluating judges. A measure of interrater agreement is proposed, which is related to popular indexes of interrater reliability for observed variables and composite reliability. The outlined method also permits the examination of underlying common sources of ratings variability, provides a useful complement to the literature on interrater agreement with manifest measures, and relaxes some of its assumptions. The procedure is illustrated with numerical data.
Team Communication During Patient Handover From the Operating Room
Authors: Manser Tanja , Foster Simon , Flin Rhona , Patey Rona
Published: July 2012

Objective:

This study was aimed at examining team communication during postoperative handover and its relationship to clinicians’ self-ratings of handover quality.

Background:

Adverse events can often be traced back to inadequate communication during patient handover. Research and improvement efforts have mostly focused on the information transfer function of patient handover. However, the specific mechanisms between handover communication processes among teams of transferring and receiving clinicians and handover quality are poorly understood.

Method:

We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional observation study using a taxonomy for handover behaviors developed on the basis of established approaches for analyzing teamwork in health care. Immediately after the observation, transferring and receiving clinicians rated the quality of the handover using a structured tool for handover quality assessment. Handover communication during 117 handovers in three postoperative settings and its relationship to clinicians’ self-ratings of handover quality were analyzed with the use of correlation analyses and analyses of variance.

Results:

We identified significantly different patterns of handover communication between clinical settings and across handover roles. Assessments provided during handover were related to higher ratings of handover quality overall and to all four dimensions of handover quality identified in this study. If assessment was lacking, we observed compensatory information seeking by the receiving team.

Conclusion:

Handover quality is more than the correct, complete transmission of patient information. Assessments, including predictions or anticipated problems, are critical to the quality of postoperative handover.

Application:

The identification of communication behaviors related to high-quality handovers is necessary to effectively support the design and evaluation of handover improvement efforts.
Convergent Pre-motoneuronal Inputs to Single Trigeminal Motoneurons
Authors: Nonaka M. , Nishimura A. , Nakamura S. , Nakayama K. , Mochizuki A. , Iijima T. , Inoue T.
Published: July 2012

Because pre-motor neurons targeting trigeminal motoneurons are located in various regions, including the supratrigeminal (SupV) and intertrigeminal (IntV) regions, the principal sensory trigeminal nucleus (PrV), and the region dorsal to the PrV (dRt), a single trigeminal motoneuron may receive differential convergent inputs from these regions. We thus examined the properties of synaptic inputs from these regions to masseter motoneurons (MMNs) and digastric motoneurons (DMNs) in brainstem slice preparations obtained from P1-5 neonatal rats, using whole-cell recordings and laser photolysis of caged glutamate. Photostimulation of multiple regions within the SupV, IntV, PrV, and dRt induced post-synaptic currents (PSCs) in 14 of 19 MMNs and 18 of 26 DMNs. Furthermore, the stimulation of the lateral SupV significantly induced burst PSCs in MMNs more often than low-frequency PSCs in MMNs or burst PSCs in DMNs. Similar results were obtained in the presence of the GABAA receptor antagonist SR95531 and the glycine receptor antagonist strychnine. These results suggest that both neonatal MMNs and DMNs receive convergent glutamatergic inputs from the SupV, IntV, PrV, and dRt, and that the lateral SupV sends burst inputs predominantly to the MMNs. Such convergent pre-motoneuronal inputs to trigeminal motoneurons may contribute to the proper execution of neonatal oro-motor functions.
Reinforcement of waste rubber powder by zinc dimethacrylate
Authors: Zhai Junxue , Zhao Shugao
Published: July 2012

The reinforcing effect of in situ prepared zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA) on the waste rubber powder (WRP) was investigated by the mechanical/morphological tests and the vulcanization analysis. Scanning electronic microscope and polarizing microscope analyses showed that there were ZDMA particles in the modified WRP vulcanizate. The ZDMA improved the interaction between WRP particles and increased the mechanical properties of WRP vulcanizate. The cross-linking kinetics of ZDMA-modified-WRP was studied by cure curves at different temperature. The results showed that the ZDMA participated in the cross-link reaction of WRP particles and increased the cure rate constant and decreased the cure activate energy. The tensile behaviors for different modified WRP vulcanizates also implied the improvement of ZDMA to the interaction of the WRP particle. Besides, the ZDMA-modified-WRP had reinforcing effect on the natural rubber vulcanizate in comparison with the negative effect of other modified WRP.
Helping the Postmodern Ajax
Authors: Kamieński Łukasz
Published: July 2012

War causes trauma that can undo a warrior’s character. Sophocles’ Ajax is a good example of a traumatized warrior and some Afghanistan and Iraq veterans see striking parallels between contemporary conflicts and the Trojan War. With the United States increasingly facing asymmetrical enemies, there are now many traumatized soldiers and vets, not only suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but also committing suicide. Combat stress, being central to warfare, has until now been incurable. Today, advanced military R&D projects aim to find a “magic pill” to forestall PTSD. Propranolol may be such a drug, as it could be used to prevent PTSD by “erasing” emotional memories. However, this attempt at pharmacoprevention raises many ethical questions. Most importantly, it threatens to instrumentalize away the existential element of war and to push warfare into a posthuman age. To better understand the challenges we are facing today, it is important not only to read Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World but also to go back to the Greeks.
The Impact of Career Mentoring and Psychosocial Mentoring on Affective Organizational Commitment, Job Involvement, and Turnover Intention
Authors: Craig Christopher A. , Allen Myria W. , Reid Margaret F. , Riemenschneider Cynthia K. , Armstrong Deborah J.
Published: July 2012

This study explores the relationships between career and psychosocial mentoring, and the employee outcomes of affective organizational commitment (AOC), job involvement, and turnover intention. The relationships between psychosocial mentoring and the employee outcomes of AOC and turnover intention were significant. Building from affective events theory, the authors found that AOC mediated the relationship between psychosocial mentoring and employee turnover intention. The study emphasizes the importance of emotion and affect by showing that employees who experienced positive mentoring events at work exhibited higher levels of AOC, which in turn led to reduced turnover intention. The implications are discussed.
Gaps in Pursuing Participatory Good Governance
Authors: Waheduzzaman  , Mphande Charles H. B.
Published: July 2012

The Government of Bangladesh with the help of international development agencies has been trying to develop good governance through effective people’s participation with the aim of realizing effective outcomes from aid-assisted development projects. This research was conducted to explore how theories of people’s participation could be understood and adapted to support effective implementation of development programs through good governance in Bangladesh. Findings from case studies, including the interviews of different stakeholders responsible for ensuring participatory governance, reveal that existing structural, conceptual, and cultural gaps hinder the proper implementation and interpretation of the theory of participatory governance in rural Bangladesh.
Street-Level Bureaucrats and the Welfare State
Authors: Rice Deborah
Published: July 2012

In the era of “activation,” which is characterized by the decentralization and individualization of social services, welfare caseworkers play an increasingly important role in shaping the policy outcomes of the welfare state. In this article, it is argued that to theoretically accommodate the complex institutional and systemic environments in which today’s caseworkers operate, the street-level bureaucracy approach introduced by Lipsky should be married with institutionalist theory, thereby laying the groundwork for a micro-institutionalist theory of policy implementation.
Group Identities, Oil, and the Local Political Domain in Kirkuk
Authors: Bet-Shlimon Arbella
Published: July 2012

Using materials from British government and oil company archives, as well as magazine articles, newspaper articles, and other published sources in English and Arabic, this article addresses the group identities of the ethnic communities of Kirkuk, Iraq, in the context of the city’s growth as a result of the presence of the Iraqi oil industry. It contends that in the early to mid-twentieth century, Kirkuk developed a distinct domain of urban politics in which previously fluid ethnic identities hardened and in which Kirkukis, at one time more reliant on external patronage, became deeply invested. These circumstances led to intercommunal tensions and violence in the city in Iraq’s post-1958 revolutionary era.
Fighting for Unionist Home Rule
Authors: Wallace Ciarán
Published: July 2012

In the late nineteenth century, Dublin was being choked by a ring of independent suburbs. Unable to expand either its territory or the number of ratepayers, and prevented from finding space for new housing, the city could neither improve its finances nor tackle its chronic slum problem. A prolonged campaign by the nationalist city to annex the unionist townships met with fierce resistance. The energy invested by both sides in this dispute reveals much about the complex relationship between civil society and urban government, and about that relationship’s role in expressing popular identities. Irish independence in 1922 transformed the dynamics of this struggle, producing some unexpected results. Understanding Dublin’s competing councils informs the debate on the role of civil society in the urban environment, and contributes to wider discussions of national identity, the failure of the Union of 1800, and the emergence of Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State.
The relationships among language ability, emotion regulation and social competence in second-grade students
Authors: Monopoli W. John , Kingston Sharon
Published: July 2012

Relationships exist between language ability, emotion regulation, and social competence in preschool children. This study examines how these relationships function in elementary school children, and explores whether language ability partially mediates the relationship between emotion regulation and social competence. Second-grade students ( N = 67) completed an assessment of receptive vocabulary, and teachers rated emotional and social skills. Results show relationships between emotion regulation and social competence, and between language and aspects of social competence. There were compelling sex differences in the strength of the relationships between these variables. However, language did not act as a mediator. Future research should further investigate the role of language skills in social competence as children mature, and further investigate sex differences in these constructs.
Postpartum maternal sleep and mothers’ perceptions of their attachment relationship with the infant among women with a history of depression during pregnancy
Authors: Tikotzky Liat , Chambers Andrea S. , Kent Jamie , Gaylor Erika , Manber Rachel
Published: July 2012

This study assessed the links between maternal sleep and mothers’ perceptions of their attachment relationship with their infant among women at risk for postpartum depression by virtue of having been depressed during pregnancy. Sixty-two mothers completed sleep diaries and questionnaires at 3 and 6 months postpartum. Regression analyses, controlling for depression severity and infant temperament, revealed significant prospective correlation between maternal shorter total sleep time at 3 months and lower scores on a mother–infant attachment questionnaire at 6 months. At 6 months, the longer time mothers were awake tending to their infants the lower were their attachment scores. The findings suggest that improving sleep of mothers who suffered from prenatal depression may have a positive effect on mothers’ self-reported relationship with their infants.
Strategic Planning and the Fiscal Performance of City Governments during the Great Recession
Authors: Jimenez Benedict S.
Published: July 2012

Strategic planning has the potential to enable cities to weather the effects of fiscal crises. City officials can use the information gathered though internal and external scanning to implement fiscal policy changes that can minimize their governments’ exposure to external fiscal shocks, and to experiment with alternative service delivery arrangements that generate cost savings. Linking strategic plans to budgets allows cities to focus on core services, and reduce expenditures for nonessential programs. Strategic plans can also provide a framework for operations, facilitating closer cooperation and coordination among managers and workers in preventing the further deterioration in the fiscal condition of their organization. Can cities that implement comprehensive strategic planning adjust better to the current fiscal crisis and minimize their budget deficits? The results of advanced econometric analysis are inconclusive. Adjusting for selection bias and endogeneity, strategic planning is associated with the perception of improving city government fiscal health. Planning, however, has no effect on actual deficits.
Age-Associated Cartilage Degeneration of the Canine Humeral Head
Authors: Craig L. E. , Reed A.
Published: July 2012

The goal of this study was to determine if cartilage lesions of the humeral head in adult dogs are the consequence of osteochondrosis dissecans or degenerative joint disease. A gross and histologic survey was performed of humeral head cartilage lesions of 155 dogs ranging in age from 1 week to 19 years. The humeral head and cartilage lesion size were measured for each dog. Cartilage lesions were classified as fibrillation, fissures, erosion, and/or eburnation. The area of each lesion was multiplied by a severity score (fibrillation and fissures 1, erosion 2, and eburnation 3) to create a combined score for each humeral head. Correlations between this combined lesion score and age, humeral head size, body weight, and body condition score were assessed using a Bonferroni-corrected alpha of .01. Twenty-six humeral heads were also evaluated histologically. Of the 155 dogs, 80 (52%) had gross lesions of the articular cartilage. The presence and severity of the articular cartilage lesions were positively correlated with age, humeral head size, body weight, and body condition score. The average age of dogs with cartilage lesions was 8.8 years, and 77/105 (74%) of adult dogs had cartilage lesions. Fifty dogs were 3 years of age or younger; 3 of those had cartilage lesions, 1 of which was osteochondrosis. These data indicate that cartilage erosion of the caudal humeral head in dogs is a common degenerative lesion acquired in adult large breed dogs; osteochondrosis dissecans does not precede the lesion in the vast majority of cases.
Histomorphometry of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease and Correlation With Markers of Renal Dysfunction
Authors: Chakrabarti S. , Syme H. M. , Brown C. A. , Elliott J.
Published: July 2012

Chronic kidney disease is common in geriatric cats, but most cases have nonspecific renal lesions, and few studies have correlated these lesions with clinicopathological markers of renal dysfunction. The aim of this study was to identify the lesions best correlated with renal function and likely mediators of disease progression in cats with chronic kidney disease. Cats were recruited through 2 first-opinion practices between 1992 and 2010. When postmortem examinations were authorized, renal tissues were preserved in formalin. Sections were evaluated by a pathologist masked to all clinicopathological data. They were scored semiquantitatively for the severity of glomerulosclerosis, interstitial inflammation, and fibrosis. Glomerular volume was measured using image analysis; the percentage of glomeruli that were obsolescent was recorded. Sections were assessed for hyperplastic arteriolosclerosis and tubular mineralization. Kidneys from 80 cats with plasma biochemical data from the last 2 months of life were included in the study. Multivariable linear regression ( P < .05) was used to assess the association of lesions with clinicopathological data obtained close to death. Interstitial fibrosis was the lesion best correlated with the severity of azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, and anemia. Proteinuria was associated with interstitial fibrosis and glomerular hypertrophy, whereas higher time-averaged systolic blood pressure was associated with glomerulosclerosis and hyperplastic arteriolosclerosis.
School Predictors of Violent Criminality in Adulthood
Authors: Katsiyannis Antonis , Thompson Martie P. , Barrett David E. , Kingree J. B.
Published: July 2012

School-related problems such as poor academic performance, truancy, frequent suspensions, and grade repeating have been identified as risk factors for adolescent behavior problems. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of school-related factors on violent criminality in adulthood, based on data from the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health. Logistic regression analyses indicated that behavioral variables (i.e., truancy, suspensions) and academic variables (i.e., grade retention and grades) significantly improved the prediction of criminal offending. The strongest predictor of violent criminal behavior in adulthood was repeating a grade at the secondary level. Practice implications are presented.
A Song to Remember
Authors: Lippman Julia R. , Greenwood Dara N.
Published: July 2012

The present study employs a mixed methods approach to understanding the psychological functions and contexts of music use. Seventy-six emerging adults selected a single piece of music that they considered personally significant and elaborated on the reasons for this significance in response to written prompts. A constant comparative analysis of these retrospective accounts revealed three major themes. Specifically, participants selected music that helped them cope with a transition, facilitated self-reflection, or elicited positive memories. Additionally two metathemes emerged: participants selected music with lyrics that resonated with their own experiences or that helped them feel less alone. Quantitative analyses revealed systematic differences between the three major themes. Results are discussed in light of the psychological functions music may serve.
Apoptosis and lipid peroxidation in ochratoxin A- and citrinin-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Dwivedi Prabhaker , Sharma Anil Kumar , Sankar Muthu , Patil Rajendra Damu , Singh Nittin Dev
Published: July 2012

Ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CIT) are nephrotoxic mycotoxins produced mainly by fungal species Aspergillus ochraceus and Penicillium citrinum, respectively, which have been found to occur together in various food and feed commodities. In the present study, both OTA and CIT were evaluated for their potential to induce oxidative damage by determining lipid peroxidation (LPO) through malondialdehyde (MDA) assay and apoptosis by flow cytometry, gel electrophoresis and renal ultrastructural morphology in rabbits fed with diets containing OTA (0.75 mg/kg feed), CIT (15 mg/kg feed) and OTA + CIT (0.75 and 15 mg/kg feed, respectively) up to 60 days. The concentration of MDA was found significantly higher in OTA and combination-treated groups. OTA and combination-treated groups revealed more apoptotic cells in flow cytometry when compared with the CIT-treated group. Characteristic DNA fragmentation, as evidenced by ladder pattern in electrophoresis appeared in the toxin-treated groups. Ultrastructurally, interstitial cells showed nuclear fragmentation and cytoplasmic blebbing in OTA- and CIT-treated groups; whereas, proximal convoluted tubular epithelial cells, besides interstitial cells, showed nuclear fragmentation in the combined treatment group. The results suggested that low concentrations of OTA and CIT either alone or in combination induced apoptosis in a time-dependent manner and LPO in the rabbit kidney, which appeared to play a major role in the pathogenesis of nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, the interaction of these two nephrotoxic mycotoxins was found to be additive.
Effects of 99mTc sestamibi on antioxidant defense system and lipid peroxidation in the heart of Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Cesur Gokhan , Doguc Duygu Kumbul , Yildiz Mustafa , Ogut Serdal , Polat Mumin , Ongel Kurtulus
Published: July 2012

Nuclear medicine has been using radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnostic and therapeutic purposes of many diseases. Technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc sestamibi) is a lypophilic complex that has a positive-loaded isonitril group. Aim of the study is to investigate whether 99mTc sestamibi, which is one of the mostly used radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine field, causes oxidative damage or not in rats’ heart after an injection. A total of 16 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: group I: 99mTc sestamibi group, 99mTc sestamibi administered intravenously with the dose of 25MBq; group II: control group, one dose of isotonic sodium chloride was administered intravenous with the same volume as 99mTc sestamibi group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) were used as markers of oxidative stress-induced heart impairment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant status (TAS) activities were studied to evaluate the changes in the antioxidant status. In the 99mTc sestamibi group (group I), animals treated with 99mTc sestamibi produced a significant decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT), while MDA level increased when compared with control group (group II) in myocardial tissue ( p < 0.05). On the other hand, the GSH-Px activities were significantly increased in the 99mTc sestamibi-treated rats compared with the untreated rats ( p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the TAS and TOS levels of plasma.
The Creation of Restorative Places for Teachers in an Urban School
Authors: Mawhinney Lynnette
Published: July 2012

This article chronicles a two-year ethnography focused on teachers’ restorative places. Restorative places, in school contexts, are where teachers congregate with colleagues for solace during the workday. In this article, I outline teachers’ perceptions at one urban school, from their own voice, of how restorative places are created, while also exploring their thoughts on the interactions and relationships developed within these places. This understanding can help guide teachers and administrators to establishing restorative places that are best suited to support teachers’ professional needs.
Approaches to Learning at Work
Authors: Kyndt Eva , Raes Elisabeth , Dochy Filip , Janssens Els
Published: July 2012

Learning and development are taking up a central role in the human resource policies of organizations because of their crucial contribution to the competitiveness of those organizations. The present study investigates the relationship of work motivation, perceived workload, and choice independence with employees’ approaches to learning at work. Participants in this study were 358 Belgian employees who completed the Approaches to Learning at Work Questionnaire, the Workplace Climate Questionnaire, and the Motivation at Work Scale. Results show that both autonomous and controlled motivation relate positively to employees’ deep approaches to learning. In addition, an interaction effect of perceived workload and choice independence on a deep approach to learning was found. The results concerning a surface-disorganized approach to learning showed a negative relationship with autonomous motivation and a positive relationship with perceived workload. None of the predictors related significantly to a surface-rational approach.
Neo-Developmentalism and the Challenges of Economic Policy-Making under Dilma Rousseff
Authors: Morais Lecio , Saad-Filho Alfredo
Published: July 2012

This article reviews the emergence of neo-developmentalist economic policies in Brazil, in the early 2000s, as a heterodox alternative to neoliberalism. These policies were implemented in the second Lula administration (2006–10), and continued under Dilma Rousseff. However, neo-developmentalism has not simply replaced neoliberalism; rather, these prima facie incompatible policy frameworks have been combined, and the ensuing policies have achieved significant successes despite the intrinsic fragilities and limitations of this hybrid structure. The article examines the achievements and limitations of these policies, and the (limited) scope for their continuation in Dilma’s Rousseff’s administration.
Time Flies When You’re Having Approach-Motivated Fun
Authors: Gable Philip A. , Poole Bryan D.
Published: July 2012

Time flies when you’re having fun, but what is it about pleasant experiences that makes time seem to go by faster? In the experiments reported here, we tested the proposal that approach motivation causes perceptual shortening of time during pleasant experiences. Relative to a neutral state or a positive state with low approach motivation (Experiment 1), a positive state with high approach motivation shortened perceptions of time. Also, individual differences in approach motivation predicted shorter perceptions of time. In Experiment 2, we manipulated approach motivation independently of the affective state and showed that increasing approach motivation caused time to be perceived as passing more quickly. In Experiment 3, we showed that positive approach motivation, as opposed to arousal, shortens perception of time by comparing a highly arousing positive state with a highly arousing negative state. Shortening of time perception in appetitive states may prolong approach-motivated behavior and increase the likelihood of acquiring appetitive objects or goals.
Thought Beyond Language
Authors: Monti Martin M. , Parsons Lawrence M. , Osherson Daniel N.
Published: July 2012

A central question in cognitive science is whether natural language provides combinatorial operations that are essential to diverse domains of thought. In the study reported here, we addressed this issue by examining the role of linguistic mechanisms in forging the hierarchical structures of algebra. In a 3-T functional MRI experiment, we showed that processing of the syntax-like operations of algebra does not rely on the neural mechanisms of natural language. Our findings indicate that processing the syntax of language elicits the known substrate of linguistic competence, whereas algebraic operations recruit bilateral parietal brain regions previously implicated in the representation of magnitude. This double dissociation argues against the view that language provides the structure of thought across all cognitive domains.
The stratigraphic status of the Anthropocene
Authors: Gale SJ , Hoare PG
Published: July 2012

The term Anthropocene was coined to describe the present geological epoch, in which human activity dominates many of the processes acting on the surface of the Earth. The expression has been widely adopted, but remains informal and lacks precise definition. There have been several attempts to establish formal stratigraphic markers to define the start of the Anthropocene. Most recently, Certini and Scalenghe (Certini G and Scalenghe R (2011) Anthropogenic soils are the golden spikes for the Anthropocene. The Holocene 21: 1269–1274) have argued that the best markers are anthropogenic soils and that these may be used to identify the base of the Anthropocene in stratigraphic sequences. Unfortunately, soils fail to meet many of the criteria required for the establishment of stratigraphic ‘golden spikes’. Their preservation potential is poor, many stratigraphically important environments do not experience pedogenesis and anthrosols do not always provide the stratigraphically lowest marker of human impact. In addition, there are practical and theoretical difficulties in defining the base of anthrosols and thus in identifying the start of the Anthropocene. More generally, the worldwide diachroneity of human impact makes it impossible to establish a single chronological datum for the epoch, raising questions about the value of stratigraphic methods in defining the base of the Anthropocene. More significantly, much of the work undertaken on the Anthropocene lies beyond stratigraphy, and a stratigraphic definition of this epoch may be unnecessary, constraining and arbitrary. It is not clear for practical purposes whether there is any real need for a golden spike at the base of the Anthropocene. The global stratigraphic approach may prove of limited utility in studies of human environmental impact.
Suicide is preventable, sometimes
Authors: Walter Garry , Pridmore Saxby
Published: July 2012

Objective:

The objective was to examine the assumption that suicide is inevitably preventable.

Conclusions:

Suicide may not always be avoidable. This does not mean that every effort should not be made to prevent it or vigorously treat illnesses that are often contributory. The assumption, however, may give rise to undue optimism, and unjustified blame when suicides do occur.
E-CYMHS: an expansion of a child and youth telepsychiatry model in Queensland
Authors: Wood Jennylee , Stathis Stephen , Smith Anthony , Krause Judi
Published: July 2012

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to describe the evolution of the E-Child and Youth Mental Health Service (E-CYMHS), which supports regional and rural mental health services by providing access to consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists to isolated staff in regional areas, where access to specialist psychiatric services is limited.

Conclusions:

E-CYMHS provides a level of parity in mental health care between metropolitan, regional and remote services through the provision of regular videoconferencing services with child and adolescent psychiatrists and senior allied health clinicians. The three key features which underpin the success of the service are: 1. A central co-ordinator of services; 2. Provision of support outside regular videoconference times; and 3. Routine outreach visits that foster community capacity-building. E-CYMHS has been well received by the regional mental health services it supports, and the total provision of services has more than doubled over the last three years. It is anticipated that as telepsychiatry is increasingly viewed as a credible alternative to traditional means of patient care, this trend is likely to continue.
Ecological Features of Preschools and the Social Engagement of Children With Autism
Authors: Reszka Stephanie S. , Odom Samuel L. , Hume Kara A.
Published: July 2012

One way to support the social engagement of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is by identifying features of natural environments that increase the likelihood of social interaction. This descriptive study was an examination of the (a) social engagement of 68 preschoolers with ASD in classrooms, (b) ecological features of classrooms that promoted social engagement, and (c) relationships between social engagement and ecological features using the Code for Active Student Participation and Engagement–Revised, an ecobehavioral observational system. Overall, children without ASD were most likely to be socially engaged with peers in the Books and Food/Snack classroom areas, when participating in book or large motor behaviors, in small groups with peers or large groups with an adult, and during child-initiated activities. Implications for practice and future research are highlighted.