bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiographic Assessment of the Technical Quality and Periapical Health of Root‐Filled Teeth Performed by General Practitioners in a Turkish Subpopulation
Authors: Tarim Ertas E. , Ertas H. , Sisman Y. , Sagsen B. , Er O.
Published: February 2013

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate by means of radiographs the technical quality of root fillings performed by dental practitioners. Methods and Material. Standardized periapical radiographs were made on 484 patients who received endodontic treatment in private practice. A total of 831 endodontically treated teeth with 1448 roots were evaluated for technical quality of the root canal filling and the periapical status of the teeth. Also, the apical status of each root‐filled tooth was assessed according to the length, density, and taper of root fillings, and the presence of apical transportation, broken root instruments, and overfilled sealer or gutta‐percha material was recorded for each root canal. Results. Of the endodontically treated teeth 26.6% had healthy periapical tissues, while technically good endodontic treatment constituted 12.8%. Based on the treatment success, there was no significant difference between the tooth groups. Statistical analysis of the data did not demonstrate statistically significant differences between the various parameters that were evaluated (P < 0.05). Conclusions. Technical quality of root fillings in a population who received treatment in private practice was poor and was consistent with a low prevalence of apical health. The probable reasons for this failure are multifactorial and may be improved if the operators improve their skills with continuing postgraduate education programs.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological and Cytotoxic Studies of Copper(II), Nickel(II), and Zinc(II) Binary Complexes of 3-Amino-5-methyl Isoxazole Schiff Base
Authors: Sathish Kumar K. , Chityala Vijay Kumar , Subhashini N. J. P. , Prashanthi Y. , Shivaraj
Published: February 2013

Binary complexes of Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) ions have been synthesized by reacting metal salts with a Schiff base, 2-((E)-(5-methylisoxazol-3-ylimino)methyl)-4-methoxyphenol (MIIMMP) in an alcoholic medium. All the metal complexes and schiff base have been characterized by using elemental analysis, IR, UV-VIS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, Mass, ESR spectral data, magnetic moments, TG, and DTA studies. Based on the analytical, spectral data and molecular modeling studies, Ni(II) and Zn(II) metal complexes have octahedral geometry, whereas Cu(II) complex has tetragonal geometry. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of the Schiff base and its metal complexes were studied on bacteria, fungi, and human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa).
Involvement of Lyn and the Atypical Kinase SgK269/PEAK1 in a Basal Breast Cancer Signaling Pathway
Authors: Croucher David R. , Hochgräfe Falko , Zhang Luxi , Liu Ling , Lyons Ruth J. , Rickwood Danny , Tactacan Carole M. , Browne Brigid C. , Ali Naveid , Chan Howard , Shearer Robert , Gallego-Ortega David , Saunders Darren N. , Swarbrick Alexander , Daly Roger J.
Published: February 2013

Basal breast cancer cells feature high expression of the Src family kinase Lyn that has been implicated in the pathogenicity of this disease. In this study, we identified novel Lyn kinase substrates, the most prominent of which was the atypical kinase SgK269 (PEAK1). In breast cancer cells, SgK269 expression associated with the basal phenotype. In primary breast tumors, SgK269 overexpression was detected in a subset of basal, HER2-positive, and luminal cancers. In immortalized MCF-10A mammary epithelial cells, SgK269 promoted transition to a mesenchymal phenotype and increased cell motility and invasion. Growth of MCF-10A acini in three-dimensional (3D) culture was enhanced upon SgK269 overexpression, which induced an abnormal, multilobular acinar morphology and promoted extracellular signal–regulated kinase (Erk) and Stat3 activation. SgK269 Y635F, mutated at a major Lyn phosphorylation site, did not enhance acinar size or cellular invasion. We show that Y635 represents a Grb2-binding site that promotes both Stat3 and Erk activation in 3D culture. RNA interference–mediated attenuation of SgK269 in basal breast cancer cells promoted acquisition of epithelial characteristics and decreased anchorage-independent growth. Together, our results define a novel signaling pathway in basal breast cancer involving Lyn and SgK269 that offers clinical opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Cancer Res; 73(6); 1969–80. ©2012 AACR.
FOXC2 Expression Links Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Stem Cell Properties in Breast Cancer
Authors: Hollier Brett G. , Tinnirello Agata A. , Werden Steven J. , Evans Kurt W. , Taube Joseph H. , Sarkar Tapasree Roy , Sphyris Nathalie , Shariati Maryam , Kumar Sreedevi V. , Battula Venkata L. , Herschkowitz Jason I. , Guerra Rudy , Chang Jeffrey T. , Miura Naoyuki , Rosen Jeffrey M. , Mani Sendurai A.
Published: February 2013

Resistance to chemotherapy and metastases are the major causes of breast cancer-related mortality. Moreover, cancer stem cells (CSC) play critical roles in cancer progression and treatment resistance. Previously, it was found that CSC-like cells can be generated by aberrant activation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby making anti-EMT strategies a novel therapeutic option for treatment of aggressive breast cancers. Here, we report that the transcription factor FOXC2 induced in response to multiple EMT signaling pathways as well as elevated in stem cell-enriched factions is a critical determinant of mesenchymal and stem cell properties, in cells induced to undergo EMT- and CSC-enriched breast cancer cell lines. More specifically, attenuation of FOXC2 expression using lentiviral short hairpin RNA led to inhibition of the mesenchymal phenotype and associated invasive and stem cell properties, which included reduced mammosphere-forming ability and tumor initiation. Whereas, overexpression of FOXC2 was sufficient to induce CSC properties and spontaneous metastasis in transformed human mammary epithelial cells. Furthermore, a FOXC2-induced gene expression signature was enriched in the claudin-low/basal B breast tumor subtype that contains EMT and CSC features. Having identified PDGFR-β to be regulated by FOXC2, we show that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved PDGFR inhibitor, sunitinib, targets FOXC2-expressing tumor cells leading to reduced CSC and metastatic properties. Thus, FOXC2 or its associated gene expression program may provide an effective target for anti-EMT-based therapies for the treatment of claudin-low/basal B breast tumors or other EMT-/CSC-enriched tumors. Cancer Res; 73(6); 1981–92. ©2012 AACR.
Procollagen Lysyl Hydroxylase 2 Is Essential for Hypoxia-Induced Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Gilkes Daniele M. , Bajpai Saumendra , Wong Carmen C. , Chaturvedi Pallavi , Hubbi Maimon E. , Wirtz Denis , Semenza Gregg L.
Published: February 2013

Metastasis is the leading cause of death among patients who have breast cancer. Understanding the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the metastatic process may lead to the development of improved therapies to treat patients with cancer. Intratumoral hypoxia, found in the majority of breast cancers, is associated with an increased risk of metastasis and mortality. We found that in hypoxic breast cancer cells, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) activates transcription of the PLOD1 and PLOD2 genes encoding procollagen lysyl hydroxylases that are required for the biogenesis of collagen, which is a major constituent of the ECM. High PLOD2 expression in breast cancer biopsies is associated with increased risk of mortality. We show that PLOD2 is critical for fibrillar collagen formation by breast cancer cells, increases tumor stiffness, and is required for metastasis to lymph nodes and lungs. Mol Cancer Res; 11(5); 456–66. ©2013 AACR.
The Greek Translator of ExodusInterpres (translator) and Expositor (interpretor) His Treatment of Theophanies
Authors: Perkins Larry
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Scholars have noted the various strategies used in Greek Exodus to ensure conformity in the narrative with Yahweh’s warning (Exod 33:20) “No one shall see me and live.” Close examination of five “theophanies,” the rendering of the Hebrew verb יעד when Yahweh is subject, and the rendering of the Hebrew expression “see the face of Yahweh” indicates that the translator carefully communicated in the target text compliance of Moses and others with the principle expressed in Exod 33:20. In some cases the translator may be following a different Hebrew Vorlage, but in most cases the text suggests the translator shapes the Greek text to conform with the Exod 33:20 axiom. That this tendency occurs in at least three different types of situations within Greek Exodus indicates that the translator is both interpres and expositor.
The Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire May be the Preferred Method of Rationing Patients for Varicose Vein Surgery
Authors: Lattimer Christopher R. , Kalodiki Evi , Azzam Mustapha , Geroulakos George
Published: February 2013

Rationing treatment of varicose veins (VVs) is of importance in countries with a public health service and limited funds. This study examines why and how the Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire (AVVQ) can be used in achieving rationing. Baseline assessments prior to endovenous treatment included the venous clinical severity score (VCSS), venous filling index (VFI), and the refluxing great saphenous vein (GSV) diameter. Absolute change in the AVVQ defined improvement. There was no significant correlation in AVVQ improvement compared to baseline VCSS, VFI, GSV diameter or when patients were divided into mild and severe disease (C2,3 vs C4-6) or laser ablation versus foam sclerotherapy. However, AVVQ improvement significantly correlated at 3 weeks (n = 84) and 3 months (n = 70) with their baseline values ( r = .5 and r = .585), P < .0005 (Spearman). In conclusion, patients with an initial poor quality of life may benefit most from endovenous treatment, irrespective of other baseline severity assessments.
Teacher Education, Experience, and the Practice of Aligned Instruction
Authors: Polikoff Morgan S.
Published: February 2013

Research over the past two decades has shown the alignment of teachers’ instruction with state standards is generally weak. Proposing that alignment is a useful measure of teachers’ curricular knowledge (Shulman, 1986), this study uses a large database of teacher reports of their content coverage to understand the relationship of teacher educational and career experience variables with instructional alignment. The results of the fixed effects models indicate significant, positive associations, though they are generally modest in magnitude. Implications for research and policy are discussed.
The Influence of University Courses and Field Experiences on Chinese Elementary Candidates’ Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching
Authors: Youngs Peter , Qian Hong
Published: February 2013

In this article, we draw on survey data to investigate associations between Chinese elementary teaching candidates’ mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) and their experiences in mathematics courses, mathematics methods courses, and student teaching. In our study, we found that (a) Chinese teaching candidates’ completion of courses in number theory and mathematical reasoning, (b) their exposure to certain topics and learning experiences in mathematics methods courses and general pedagogy courses, and (c) the extent to which candidates had full instructional responsibility during student teaching were associated with significantly higher levels of MKT in number and operations (N&O). At the same time, our analyses also revealed that candidates’ MKT was not affected by the overall number of university-level mathematics courses that they had completed or the overall length of their student teaching (including weeks when they did not have full responsibility for instruction).
Shooting the Messenger to Spite the Message? Exploring Reactions to Claims of Racial Bias
Authors: Schultz Jennifer R. , Maddox Keith B.
Published: February 2013

Two experiments examined aspects of the communicator, message, and audience in producing evaluative backlash toward minorities who make claims of ongoing racial bias. In Experiment 1, participants evaluated a White or Black confederate who gave a speech expressing no claim, a mild claim, or an extreme claim of racial bias. Results indicated a race-specific evaluative backlash: Participants more negatively rated Black compared with White communicators, but only when the claim was extreme. Experiment 2 found that participants more negatively rated Black (vs. White) communicators when they used low-quality arguments, but this backlash was eliminated when Black communicators used high-quality arguments. Furthermore, participants who held stronger meritocracy beliefs and who heard low-quality arguments were more likely to evaluate Black communicators harshly. These findings clarify the conditions under which people from advantaged groups are more likely to recognize claims of racial bias as legitimate and respond favorably to the communicator.
Health Care Provider Surveys in the United States, 2000–2010
Authors: McLeod Caroline C. , Klabunde Carrie N. , Willis Gordon B. , Stark Debra
Published: February 2013

Surveys of health care providers (e.g., physicians and other health care professionals) are an important tool for assessing health care practices and the settings in which care is delivered. Although multiple methods are used to increase survey data quality, little is known about which methods are most commonly implemented. We reviewed 117 large surveys described in literature published between 2000 and 2010, examining descriptions of survey design features, survey implementation, and response rates. Despite wide variation, the typical provider survey selected practicing physicians as respondents, used the American Medical Association Masterfile as sample frame, included mail as both mode of initial contact and questionnaire administration mode, and offered monetary incentives to respondents. Our review revealed inconsistency of documentation concerning procedures used, and a variety of response rate calculation methods, such that it was difficult to determine practices that maximize response rate. We recommend that reports provide more comprehensive documentation concerning key methodological features to improve assessment of survey data quality.
Translation and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess the Diagnosis and Management of Dementia in Greek General Practice
Authors: Prokopiadou Dimitra , Papadakaki Maria , Roumeliotaki Theano , Komninos Ioannis D. , Bastas Charalampos , Iatraki Eliza , Saridaki Aristoula , Tatsioni Athina , Manyon Andrea , Lionis Christos
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge scale (ADKS) in a population of Greek general practitioners (GPs). The international standards for the forward and back translation approach were followed. For the validation step, 112 GPs, treating dementia in their daily practices, were enrolled from Crete. The questionnaire was assessed for the following psychometric properties: intraclass reliability, test–retest reliability, and construct and face validity. Internal consistency of the Greek ADKS was satisfactory (α = .65). A high repeatability of the instrument was found during the retest with 27 GPs (intraclass correlation coefficient = 1.0). Factor analysis showed that all the items from the original instrument can be used in the Greek version. The inter-item correlation revealed a high cross-correlation between the items of the questionnaire (α > .6). The data confirmed the validity of the Greek version of the ADKS for measuring GPs’ knowledge on the diagnosis and management of dementia.
Prognostic Significance of Kit Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Dysregulations in Feline Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors
Authors: Sabattini S. , Frizzon M. Guadagni , Gentilini F. , Turba M. E. , Capitani O. , Bettini G.
Published: February 2013

Feline cutaneous mast cell tumors (FeCMCTs) are characterized by variable biological behavior. Development of multiple nodules and potential visceral involvement, along with inconsistency of conventional prognostic aids, justify uncertainty in differentiating benign from malignant forms. c-Kit proto-oncogene activating mutations have been reported in feline mast cell tumors (MCTs), but their prognostic relevance was not investigated. This study was performed on FeCMCTs with variable clinical outcome to assess whether Kit cytoplasmic immunohistochemical labeling can be regarded as indicative of c-Kit mutations and to evaluate the relationship between Kit dysregulation and survival. Twenty-four cats diagnosed with a primary cutaneous MCT were enrolled. Kit immunohistochemical pattern and c-Kit (exons 8, 9, 11) mutational status were assessed in 34 tumor samples. Risk factors affecting survival were a number of mitoses greater than 5 per 10 HPFs ( P = .017) and cytoplasmic Kit labeling ( P = .045). Increased mitotic activity was associated with Kit cytoplasmic expression ( P = .01). c-Kit encoding mutations were present in 19 (56%) tumors (exon 8, 19%; exon 9, 71%; exon 11, 10%), however, they were not significantly related to protein expression and they had no influence on prognosis. Additionally, in 6 of 9 (67%) cats, multiple nodules from the same cat had different mutational statuses. Mutations in the fifth immunoglobulin-like domain of Kit occur frequently in FeCMCT, but they are variably associated with aberrant protein expression and do not appear to be strictly correlated with biological behavior. These findings need to be confirmed in larger series, and exploration of further genomic regions of c-Kit is warranted.
Neuropathological effect of dimethyl disulfide on neurons of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria
Authors: Essawy Amina E , Gaaboub Ibrahim A , Abdel-Moneim Ashraf M , El-Sayed Soad A
Published: February 2013

Botanical insecticides have introduced a new concept in insecticide research. In response to insect attacks, some plants can release volatile compounds that alter insect metabolism and nervous system activity. In the present study, changes in the electrical activity of chemoreceptors and alteration of the fine structure of metathoracic ganglia of desert locust were examined after acute exposure to dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), a sulfur compound released from Allium porrum. Animals were exposed to 1/4 LC50 of DMDS (0.375 μl/L air) and electrophysiological and electron-microscopical studies were carried out. Application of DMDS showed an increase in the activity of deterrent cells present in tarsal chemosensilla of locust. On the other hand, evident degenerative changes in the neurons, neuroglia, neuropile and synaptic vesicles were observed in the metathoracic ganglia of DMDS-treated animals. These findings revealed that pest control using DMDS might be feasible and future work is highly recommended in this respect.
Honoring Voices From Beginning Special Educators for Making Changes in Teacher Preparation
Authors: Conderman Greg , Johnston-Rodriguez Sarah , Hartman Paula , Walker David
Published: February 2013

Through a mixed-methods study, teacher educators investigated recent graduates’ perceptions of their preparation program. Beginning special education teachers completed surveys and indicated (a) their level of preparation and confidence associated with 25 core competencies, (b) the most beneficial components of their preparation program, (c) suggestions for improving the program, and (d) current training needs. The highest levels of preparation and confidence were found in the areas of professionalism, behavior management, and instruction. The lowest levels of preparation and confidence were noted in transition and teaching students whose first language was not English. Participants reported that early clinical experiences and student teaching were the most beneficial components of the program. Furthermore, they offered suggestions for adding breadth and depth to courses and desired to learn more about timely issues.
Diversified Transnational Mothering via Telecommunication
Authors: Peng Yinni , Wong Odalia M. H.
Published: February 2013

Recent research argues that the use of information and communication technology (ICT) has created a new channel through which transnational mothers can fulfill their maternal duties from afar. However, the literature pays little attention to the diversity of mothering practices via telecommunication. To fill this gap, our qualitative research on Filipina domestic workers in Hong Kong elaborates on the complexity and diversity of transnational mothering via mobile communication by demonstrating three patterns for the performance of maternal duties: intensive, collaborative, and passive mothering. We argue that transnational mothering via telecommunication is shaped by the intersection of mothers’ agency, children’s responses, and substitute caregivers’ role in child care.
Life Course Research Design
Authors: Howes Loene M. , Goodman-Delahunty Jane
Published: February 2013

Once associated with lifetime employment, policing and teaching have become increasingly associated with employee attrition. We used a life course research design to explore career turning points and transitions, in the context of preceding and following careers. Former police officers ( n = 9) and former teachers ( n = 15) from around Australia participated in 30- to 60-min interviews about their careers and career decision making. Transcribed interview responses were analyzed using contextualizing and categorizing methods. Although participants’ experiences of ruptures preceding voluntary career change differed, the theme of feeling undervalued as a result of ruptures was common among participants. Participants felt valued in subsequent careers when prior skills were recognized and opportunities existed to acquire and apply new skills. Practical implications include the need for organizations to offer supportive workplace environments that value individual members and their contributions.
Depressive Symptomatology, Exercise Adherence, and Fitness Are Associated With Reduced Cognitive Performance in Heart Failure
Authors: Alosco Michael L. , Spitznagel Mary Beth , van Dulmen Manfred , Raz Naftali , Cohen Ronald , Sweet Lawrence H. , Colbert Lisa H. , Josephson Richard , Hughes Joel , Rosneck Jim , Gunstad John
Published: February 2013

Objective: Depression is common in heart failure (HF) and associated with reduced cognitive function. The current study used Structrual Equation Modeling to examine whether depression adversely impacts cognitive function in HF through its adverse affects on exercise adherence and cardiovascular fitness. Method: 158 HF patients completed neuropsychological testing, physical fitness test, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and measures assessing exercise adherence and physical exertion. Results: The model demonstrated excellent model fit and increased scores on the BDI-II negatively affected exercise adherence and cardiovascular fitness. There was a strong inverse association between cardiovascular fitness and cognitive function. Sobel test showed a significant indirect pathway between the BDI-II and cognitive function through cardiovascular fitness. Discussion: This study suggests depression in HF may adversely impact cognitive function through reduced cardiovascular fitness. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether treatment of depression can lead to better lifestyle behaviors and ultimately improve neurocognitive outcomes in HF.
Modelling and simulation of a fuel cell powered electric drivetrain for wide body passenger aircraft
Authors: Moreno R Felix , Economou JT , Bray D , Knowles K
Published: February 2013

With each passing day, new and more stringent emissions regulations are being introduced in all transportation sectors. The present day commercial airline sector is no stranger to that as exemplified by ICAO agreements signed in 2010; therefore reducing ground pollutant gas and noise emissions has become more important to a point where it has grown into the subject area of many new technological developments. One such development is the recent demonstration of electrical taxi drivetrains for wide body passenger airliners powered by a modified APU turbine electrical power generation system. To further understand the full potential of electric taxi drivetrains, work has been carried out to simulate replacing a regular APU by using PEM fuel cells to generate all the electrical power required by the aircraft and drivetrain. Simulation results will bring more light into the possible requirements, implications and benefits of the new architectures.
Automatic smoothing parameter selection in GAMLSS with an application to centile estimation
Authors: Rigby Robert A , Stasinopoulos Dimitrios M
Published: February 2013

A method for automatic selection of the smoothing parameters in a generalised additive model for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) model is introduced. The method uses a P-spline representation of the smoothing terms to express them as random effect terms with an internal (or local) maximum likelihood estimation on the predictor scale of each distribution parameter to estimate its smoothing parameters. This provides a fast method for estimating multiple smoothing parameters. The method is applied to centile estimation where all four parameters of a distribution for the response variable are modelled as smooth functions of a transformed explanatory variable x. This allows smooth modelling of the location, scale, skewness and kurtosis parameters of the response variable distribution as functions of x.
Modeling height for children born small for gestational age treated with growth hormone
Authors: Willemsen Sten P , de Ridder Maria , Eilers Paul H.C. , Hokken-Koelega Anita , Lesaffre Emmanuel
Published: February 2013

The analysis of growth curves of children can be done on either the original scale or in standard deviation scores. The first approach is found in many statistical textbooks, while the second approach is common in endocrinology, for instance in the evaluation of the effect of growth hormone in children that are born small for gestational age that remain small later in childhood. We illustrate here that the second approach may involve more complex modeling and hence a worse model fit.
Testing for association in case-control genome-wide association studies with shared controls
Authors: Chen Zhongxue , Huang Hanwen , Ng Hon Keung Tony
Published: February 2013

The statistical analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) with multiple diseases and shared controls (SCs) is discussed. The usual method for analyzing data from these studies is to compare each individual disease with either the SCs or the pooled controls which include other diseases. We observed that applying individual association tests can be problematic because these tests may suffer from power loss in detecting significant associations between diseases and single-nucleotide polymorphism or copy number variant. We propose here a two-stage procedure wherein we first apply an overall chi-square test for multiple diseases with SCs; if the overall test is rejected, then individual tests using the chi-square partition method will be applied to each disease against SCs. A real GWAS data set with SCs and a Monte Carlo simulation study are used to demonstrate that the proposed method is more effective and preferable than other existing methods for analyzing data from GWASs with multiple diseases and SCs.
Unethical conduct by the nurse
Authors: Dixon Kathleen A
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to uncover and critically examine hidden assumptions that underpin the findings of nurses’ unethical conduct arising from inquiries conducted by the Nurses Tribunal in New South Wales. This was a qualitative study located within a post-structural theoretical framework. Transcripts of five inquiries conducted between 1998 and 2003 were analysed using critical discourse analysis. The findings revealed two dominant discourses that were drawn upon in the inquiries to construct nurses’ conduct as unethical. These were discourses of trust and accountability. The way the nurses were spoken about during the inquiries was shaped by normalising judgements that were used to discursively position the nurse through narrative.
Internationalization as De-Westernization of the Curriculum
Authors: Breit Rhonda , Obijiofor Levi , Fitzgerald Richard
Published: February 2013

Internationalization of the curriculum points to the interdependent and interconnected (globalized) world in which higher education operates. However, while international awareness is crucial to the study of journalism, in practice this often means an Anglo-American curriculum based around Western principles of journalism education and training that are deeply rooted in Western values and traditions. This tendency to privilege Western thought, practice, and values obscures from view other journalism practices and renders Western models of journalism desirable, replicable, and transplantable to any part of the world. This article discusses the engagement of a small group of staff in the process of thinking through the meaning of internationalization of the curriculum in their particular disciplinary and institutional context. The staff are located in a school of journalism and communication at a large research intensive university in Australia. The article describes the thinking behind their decision to focus internationalization of the curriculum on “critical de-Westernization” and social imaginaries. This was a gestalt shift resulting from discussion of the way in which “taken for granted” disciplinary canons had hitherto been uncritically embedded into the curriculum. It is argued that treating internationalization of the journalism curriculum as critical de-Westernization has conceptual and practical benefits in a globalized world.
How Individual Performance Affects Variability of Peer Evaluations in Classroom Teams
Authors: Davison H. Kristl , Mishra Vipanchi , Bing Mark N. , Frink Dwight D.
Published: February 2013

Business school courses often require team projects, both for pedagogical reasons as well as to prepare students for the kinds of team-based activities that are common in organizations these days. However, social loafing is a common problem in teams, and peer evaluations by team members are sometimes used in such team settings to assess individuals’ contributions. We propose that high and low team performers differ in terms of their ability and motivation to make distinctions in their teammates’ performance, and consequently they differ in how they evaluate their teammates’ performances. Specifically, we predict that high performers will provide evaluations of teammates that distinguish between those who did well and those who performed poorly, and thus high performers’ ratings will exhibit greater variability. In contrast, we predict that low performers will fail to distinguish among teammates’ levels of performance, and thus will provide evaluations that are lower in variability. Using latent growth modeling, we demonstrate that high and low performers do indeed differ as predicted in the variability of the points they allocate to teammates. The pedagogical implications of this positive relationship between team members’ performance and variability in points allocated are discussed.
Ethnic Segregation and Radical Right-Wing Voting in Dutch Cities
Authors: van der Waal Jeroen , de Koster Willem , Achterberg Peter
Published: February 2013

Previous studies have linked anti-immigrant voting and other indications of ethnic animosities to ethnic segregation, yielding different results. In this study, we focus on the locally strongly diverging support for Geert Wilders’s Party for Freedom ( Partij voor de Vrijheid [PVV]) in the Dutch national parliamentary elections of 2006 and 2010 to assess how it can be understood that the effect of ethnic segregation on anti-immigrant voting varies, and how this can be theoretically interpreted. Our analyses on 50 Dutch cities demonstrate that ethnic segregation leads to PVV voting, and that this positive effect is stronger in cities with a more tolerant cultural atmosphere and lower levels of unemployment. This positive effect is at odds with ethnic threat theory, and our contextualization informed by the cultural and economic conditions of cities enables empirically distinguishing between contact theory and concentration theory. Whereas both predict a positive effect, only contact theory is corroborated by our results.
Clinical Update on Genetic and Autoimmune Biomarkers in Pediatric Diabetes
Authors: O’Connor M. Rebecca , Doorenbos Ardith , Voss Joachim
Published: February 2013

Purpose:

The purpose of this clinical update is to review the etiology of diabetes types affecting youth under 20 and describe diabetes-related genetic and autoimmune biomarkers based on the most recent literature. This information will support diabetes care providers’ efforts to better explain the complex topic to patients and families.

Method:

A PubMed search identified 396 reviews published from 2008 to 2011 that included the topics of etiology, epidemiology, genetics/epigenetics, pathogenesis, or immunology related to diabetes in youth. The current clinical update includes 19 of these.

Results:

The majority of youth under 20 years with diabetes have Type 1 diabetes. Other forms of the disease affecting this population include Type 2, monogenic, and secondary diabetes. Genetic and autoimmune biomarkers can help determine the risk and diagnosis of both Type 1 and monogenic diabetes. An accurate diagnosis of diabetes type allows for determination of optimal treatment options.

Conclusion:

The complexity of determining etiology, risk, diagnosis, and treatment for diabetes in youth is increasing with the rate of related genetic and immunologic advances. Diabetes care providers must be able to explain the complex genetic and autoimmune biomarkers used in determining the risk of diabetes, diagnosis of the disease, and identification of treatment options to patients and families.
Antiproteinuric effect of angiotensin receptor blockers in normotensive patients with proteinuria: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Geng Deng-feng , Sun Wei-feng , Yang Li , En Ge , Wang Jing-feng
Published: February 2013

Introduction:

The objective of this article is to evaluate the antiproteinuric effect of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in normotensive patients with proteinuria.

Materials and methods:

We reviewed randomized controlled trials assessing ARBs treatment in patients with normotension and proteinuria. Data concerning the study design, patient characteristics, and outcomes were extracted. Ratio of means was calculated by using the generalized inverse variance method.

Results:

Eight trials involving 866 patients were included in this study. Compared with a control group, ARBs group was associated with a significant reduction in urinary protein excretion (ratio of means 0.53, 95% CI 0.44–0.64). Subgroup analysis shows that ARBs therapy resulted in a significant decrease in urinary protein excretion in diabetic patients with microalbuminuria or nondiabetic nephropathy with overt proteinuria (ratio of means 0.57, 95% CI 0.47–0.69 and 0.46, 95% CI 0.26–0.83, respectively), in a Western population or an Asian population (ratio of means 0.61, 95% CI 0.54–0.69 and 0.49, 95% CI 0.37–0.64, respectively), and in patients followed up for one to three months or three to 12 months (ratio of means 0.62, 95% CI 0.54–0.70 and 0.49, 95% CI 0.38–0.63, respectively).

Conclusions:

The data suggest that ARBs may have beneficial effects in preventing the progression of proteinuria in normotensive patients with renal disease.
Exploring Response Differences between Face-to-Face and Web Surveys
Authors: Bennink Margot , Moors Guy , Gelissen John
Published: February 2013

Can existing longitudinal surveys profit from the (financial) advantages of web surveying by switching survey mode from face-to-face interviews to web surveys? Before such a radical change in data collection procedure can be undertaken, it needs to be established that mode effects cannot confound the responses to the survey items. To this end, the responses of the Dutch European Values Study of 2008 were compared to the responses of a time parallel web survey. The responses on 163 of the 256 items differed significantly across modes. To explain these response differences between modes, an exploratory crisp set qualitative comparative analysis approach was used. Five sufficient conditions—combinations of survey mode characteristics—but no necessary conditions for response differences between survey modes were found. Two survey characteristics were neither necessary nor sufficient to produce the outcome. Results suggest that switching modes may affect comparability between waves in a longitudinal survey.
Multicasting
Authors: Himberg Julia
Published: February 2013

Paying particular attention to the ways in which lesbian consumers and programming are co-constituted, this article examines lesbian programming on cable TV as a strategic method for attracting audiences and branding networks. Drawing on interviews with TV industry practitioners and market researchers, I examine the impact of institutional beliefs and practices on the production of lesbian programming. Based on these interviews and investigation of the contemporary cable and marketing industries, I consider the use of lesbian programming as a method for targeting cable’s increasingly fragmented audiences. I use the basic cable network Bravo and the premium cable network Showtime as case studies, positing an emerging trend in television: cable channels use lesbian programming to tap into multiple markets. What I have termed multicasting, targeting several distinct audience demographics, provides a framework for understanding why lesbian images are commodifiable in the postnetwork cable TV landscape.
School Systems’ Practices of Controlling Socialization During Principal Succession
Authors: Bengtson Ed , Zepeda Sally J. , Parylo Oksana
Published: February 2013

The importance of effective school leadership is well known. The inevitable changing of school leaders raises concerns over the successfulness of the succession process. Directly linked to leader succession is socialization; therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the processes and practices of school systems that control the organizational socialization of school principals as they succeed into the principalship. Using a multiple-case study approach, this qualitative inquiry examined the practices of four US school systems regarding the socialization of principals. The study, framed by organizational socialization theory, found a custodial response to socialization supported by collective, formal, serial, and investiture tactics. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of what system leaders and policy-makers might consider in supporting the socialization process of new principals.
Modeling of moisture evaporation from the skin, eyes, and airway to evaluate sensations of dryness in low-humidity environments
Authors: Takada Satoru , Matsushita Takayuki
Published: February 2013

Occupants of low-humidity environments often complain of a sensation of dryness. According to the results of a questionnaire administered to 1000 Japanese office workers, 70% of that population experiences dryness during dry seasons. It is therefore important to clarify the environmental conditions that cause discomfort due to dryness and control the indoor environmental conditions to avoid such discomfort. For the purpose, this study aims at creating a numerical model to predict the sensation of dryness under certain environmental conditions. Since one of the causes of dryness would be the high evaporation rates from the body part where dryness is perceived, the modeling of moisture evaporation from the surface of skin, eyes, and airway was studied in this article, using the thermal model of human body. At the same time, the evaporation rates from the skin surface, eyes, and airway of a human were calculated for various air temperatures and humidity levels. It was shown quantitatively from the calculated results that the air temperature as well as the vapor pressure influences the evaporation rate because the air temperature thermally influences the temperature of the surface where evaporation occurs (skin, eyes, and throat).
Multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae and comparison with multiple loci sequence typing
Authors: van Cuyck Hélène , Pichon Bruno , Leroy Philippe , Granger-Farbos Alexandra , Underwood Anthony , Soullié Bruno , Koeck Jean-Louis
Published: February 2013

Background

Streptococcus pneumoniae infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The diversity of pneumococci was first evidenced by serotyping of their capsular polysaccharides, responsible of virulence, resolving into more than 93 serotypes. Molecular tools have been developed to track the emergence and the spread of resistant, hyper virulent or non-vaccine type clones, particularly DNA-based methods using genetic polymorphism. Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis analysis (PFGE) and Multiple Loci Sequence Typing (MLST) are the most frequently used genotyping techniques for S. pneumoniae. MLST is based on sequence comparison of housekeeping genes clustering isolates within sequence types. The availability of genome sequence data from different S. pneumoniae strains facilitated the search for other class of genetic markers as polymorphic DNA sequences for a Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA). This study aims at confirming the relevance of MLVA of S. pneumoniae, comparing MLST and MLVA performances when discriminating subgroups of strains belonging to the same Sequence Type (ST), and defining a restricted but universal set of MLVA markers that has at least the same discriminatory power as MLST for S. pneumoniae by applying marker sets used by different authors on 331 isolates selected in UK.

Results

A minimum spanning tree was built including the serotypes distribution and comparing MLVA and MLST results. 220 MLVA types were determined grouped in 10 Sequence Types (ST). MLVA differentiated ST162 in two clonal complexes. A minimal set was defined: ms 25 and ms37, ms17, ms19, ms33, ms39, and ms40 including two universal markers. The selection was based on MLVA markers with a Diversity Index >0.8 and a selection of others depending of the population tested and the aim of the study. This set of 7 MLVA markers yields strain clusters similar to those obtained by MLST.

Conclusions

MLVA can discriminate relevant subgroups among strains belonging to the same ST. MLVA offers the possibility to deduce the ST from the MLVA Type. It permits to investigate local outbreaks or to track the worldwide spread of clones and the emergence of variants.
Expression of LGR-5, MSI-1 and DCAMKL-1, putative stem cell markers, in the early phases of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced rat colon carcinogenesis: correlation with nuclear β-catenin
Authors: Femia Angelo Pietro , Dolara Piero , Salvadori Maddalena , Caderni Giovanna
Published: February 2013

Background

Colon cancer stem cells may drive carcinogenesis and account for chemotherapeutic failure. Although many markers for these cells have been proposed, there is no complete agreement regarding them, nor has their presence in the early phases of carcinogenesis been characterized in depth.

Methods

The expression of the putative markers LGR-5 (leucine-rich-repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5), MSI-1 (Musashi-1) and DCAMKL-1 (doublecortin and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-like-1) was studied in normal colon mucosa (NM), in the precancerous lesions Mucin Depleted Foci (MDF) and in macroscopic tumours (adenomas) of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-treated rats. Co-localization between these markers and nuclear β-catenin (NBC), an attributed feature of cancer stem cells, was also determined. Moreover, since PGE2 could increase NBC, we tested whether short-term treatment with celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor (2 weeks, 250 ppm in the diet) could reduce the expression of these markers.

Results

LGR-5 expression in NM was low (Labelling Index (LI): 0.22±0.03 (means±SE)) with positive cells located mainly at the base of the crypts. Compared to NM, LGR-5 was overexpressed in MDF and tumours (LI: 4.7±2.0 and 2.9±1.0 in MDF and tumours, respectively, P<0.01 compared to NM). DCAMKL-1 positive cells, distributed along the length of normal crypts, were reduced in MDF and tumours. Nuclear expression of MSI-1, located mainly at the base of normal crypts, was not observed in MDF or tumours. In both MDF and tumours, few cells co-expressed LGR-5 and NBC (LI: 1.0±0.3 and 0.4±0.2 in MDF and tumours, respectively). Notwithstanding the lower expression of DCAMKL-1 in tumours, the percentage of cells co-expressing DCAMKL-1 and NBC was higher than in NM (LI: 0.5±0.1 and 0.04±0.02 in tumours and NM, respectively). MSI-1 and NBC co-localization was not observed. Celecoxib did not reduce cells co-expressing LGR-5 and NBC.

Conclusions

Based on its prevalent localization at the base of normal crypts, as expected for stem cells, and on the overexpression in precancerous lesions and tumours, we support LGR-5, but not MSI-1 or DCAMKL-1, as putative neoplastic stem cell marker. In both MDF and tumours, we identified LGR-5-positive cells co-expressing NBC which could be a subpopulation with the highest stem cell features.