bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Carbon Monoxide Attenuation of Tubuloglomerular Feedback
Authors: Ren YiLin , D'Ambrosio Martin A. , Wang Hong , Falck John R. , Peterson Edward L. , Garvin Jeffrey L. , Carretero Oscar A.
Published: April 2012

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a physiological messenger with diverse functions in the kidney, including controlling afferent arteriole tone both directly and via tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). We have reported that CO attenuates TGF, but the mechanisms underlying this effect remain unknown. We hypothesized that CO, acting via cGMP, cGMP-dependent protein kinase, and cGMP-stimulated phosphodiesterase 2, reduces cAMP in the macula densa, leading to TGF attenuation. In vitro, microdissected rabbit afferent arterioles and their attached macula densa were simultaneously perfused. TGF was measured as the decrease in afferent arteriole diameter elicited by switching macula densa NaCl from 10 to 80 mmol/L. Adding a CO-releasing molecule (CORM-3, 5×10
−5
mol/L) to the macula densa blunted TGF from 3.3±0.3 to 2.0±0.3 μm (
P
<0.001). The guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY-83583 (10
−6
mol/L) enhanced TGF (5.8±0.6 μm;
P
<0.001 versus control) and prevented the effect of CORM-3 on TGF (LY-83583+CORM-3, 5.5±0.3 μm). Similarly, the cGMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor KT-5823 (2×10
−6
mol/L) enhanced TGF and prevented the effect of CORM-3 on TGF (KT-5823, 6.0±0.7 μm; KT-5823+CORM-3, 5.9±0.8 μm). However, the phosphodiesterase 2 inhibitor BAY-60-7550 (10
−6
mol/L) did not prevent the effect of CORM-3 on TGF (BAY-60-7550, 4.07±0.31 μm; BAY-60-7550+CORM-3, 1.84±0.31 μm;
P
<0.001). Finally, the degradation-resistant cAMP analog dibutyryl-cAMP (10
−3
mol/L) prevented the attenuation of TGF by CORM-3 (dibutyryl-cAMP, 4.6±0.5 μm; dibutyryl-cAMP+CORM-3, 5.0±0.6 μm). We conclude that CO attenuates TGF by reducing cAMP via a cGMP-dependent pathway mediated by cGMP-dependent protein kinase rather than phosphodiesterase 2. Our results will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms that control the renal microcirculation.
A Framework for Evaluating Pairwise and Multiway Synchrony Among Stimulus-Driven Neurons
Authors: Kelly Ryan C. , Kass Robert E.
Published: April 2012

Several authors have previously discussed the use of log-linear models, often called maximum entropy models, for analyzing spike train data to detect synchrony. The usual log-linear modeling techniques, however, do not allow time-varying firing rates that typically appear in stimulus-driven (or action-driven) neurons, nor do they incorporate non-Poisson history effects or covariate effects. We generalize the usual approach, combining point-process regression models of individual neuron activity with log-linear models of multiway synchronous interaction. The methods are illustrated with results found in spike trains recorded simultaneously from primary visual cortex. We then assess the amount of data needed to reliably detect multiway spiking.
An Efficient Learning Procedure for Deep Boltzmann Machines
Authors: Salakhutdinov Ruslan , Hinton Geoffrey
Published: April 2012

We present a new learning algorithm for Boltzmann machines that contain many layers of hidden variables. Data-dependent statistics are estimated using a variational approximation that tends to focus on a single mode, and data-independent statistics are estimated using persistent Markov chains. The use of two quite different techniques for estimating the two types of statistic that enter into the gradient of the log likelihood makes it practical to learn Boltzmann machines with multiple hidden layers and millions of parameters. The learning can be made more efficient by using a layer-by-layer pretraining phase that initializes the weights sensibly. The pretraining also allows the variational inference to be initialized sensibly with a single bottom-up pass. We present results on the MNIST and NORB data sets showing that deep Boltzmann machines learn very good generative models of handwritten digits and 3D objects. We also show that the features discovered by deep Boltzmann machines are a very effective way to initialize the hidden layers of feedforward neural nets, which are then discriminatively fine-tuned.
Bayesian Community Detection
Authors: Mørup Morten , Schmidt Mikkel N.
Published: April 2012

Many networks of scientific interest naturally decompose into clusters or communities with comparatively fewer external than internal links; however, current Bayesian models of network communities do not exert this intuitive notion of communities. We formulate a nonparametric Bayesian model for community detection consistent with an intuitive definition of communities and present a Markov chain Monte Carlo procedure for inferring the community structure. A Matlab toolbox with the proposed inference procedure is available for download. On synthetic and real networks, our model detects communities consistent with ground truth, and on real networks, it outperforms existing approaches in predicting missing links. This suggests that community structure is an important structural property of networks that should be explicitly modeled.
The Roles of an Expanding Wind Field and Inertial Stability in Tropical Cyclone Secondary Eyewall Formation
Authors: Rozoff Christopher M. , Nolan David S. , Kossin James P. , Zhang Fuqing , Fang Juan
Published: April 2012

The Weather and Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) is used to simulate secondary eyewall formation (SEF) in a tropical cyclone (TC) on the β plane. The simulated SEF process is accompanied by an outward expansion of kinetic energy and the TC warm core. An absolute angular momentum budget demonstrates that this outward expansion is predominantly a symmetric response to the azimuthal-mean and wavenumber-1 components of the transverse circulation. As the kinetic energy expands outward, the kinetic energy efficiency in which latent heating can be retained as local kinetic energy increases near the developing outer eyewall.

The kinetic energy efficiency associated with SEF is examined further using a symmetric linearized, nonhydrostatic vortex model that is configured as a balanced vortex model. Given the symmetric tangential wind and temperature structure from WRF, which is close to a state of thermal wind balance above the boundary layer, the idealized model provides the transverse circulation associated with the symmetric latent heating and friction prescribed from WRF. In a number of ways, this vortex response matches the azimuthal-mean secondary circulation in WRF. These calculations suggest that sustained azimuthal-mean latent heating outside of the primary eyewall will eventually lead to SEF. Sensitivity experiments with the balanced vortex model show that, for a fixed amount of heating, SEF is facilitated by a broadening TC wind field.
Systematic Model Error: The Impact of Increased Horizontal Resolution versus Improved Stochastic and Deterministic Parameterizations
Authors: Berner J. , Jung T. , Palmer T. N.
Published: April 2012

Long-standing systematic model errors in both tropics and extratropics of the ECMWF model run at a horizontal resolution typical for climate models are investigated. Based on the hypothesis that the misrepresentation of unresolved scales contributes to the systematic model error, three model refinements aimed at their representation—fluctuating or deterministically—are investigated.

Increasing horizontal resolution to explicitly simulate smaller-scale features, representing subgrid-scale fluctuations by a stochastic parameterization, and improving the deterministic physics parameterizations all lead to a decrease in the systematic bias of the Northern Hemispheric circulation. These refinements reduce the overly zonal flow and improve the model’s ability to capture the frequency of blocking. However, the model refinements differ greatly in their impact in the tropics. While improving the deterministic and introducing stochastic parameterizations reduces the systematic precipitation bias and improves the characteristics of convectively coupled waves and tropical variability in general, increasing horizontal resolution has little impact.

The fact that different model refinements can lead to reductions in systematic model error is consistent with the hypothesis that unresolved scales play an important role. At the same time, this degeneracy of the response to different forcings can lead to compensating model errors. Hence, if one takes the view that stochastic parameterization should be an important element of next-generation climate models, if only to provide reliable estimates of model uncertainty, then a fundamental conclusion of this study is that stochasticity should be incorporated within the design of physical process parameterizations and improvements of the dynamical core and not added a posteriori.
A Comparison of Decadal-to-Interdecadal Variability and Trend in Reanalysis Datasets Using Atmospheric Angular Momentum
Authors: Paek Houk , Huang Huei-Ping
Published: April 2012

An intercomparison of the global relative angular momentum MR in five reanalysis datasets, including the Twentieth Century Reanalysis (20CR), is performed for the second half of the twentieth century. The intercomparison forms a stringent test for 20CR because the variability of MR is known to be strongly influenced by the variability of upper-tropospheric zonal wind whereas 20CR assimilated only surface observations. The analysis reveals good agreement for decadal-to-multidecadal variability among all of the datasets, including 20CR, for the second half of the twentieth century. The discrepancies among different datasets are mainly in the slowest component, the long-term trend, of MR. Once the data are detrended, the resulting decadal-to-multidecadal variability shows even better agreement among all of the datasets. This result indicates that 20CR can be reliably used for the analysis of decadal-to-interdecadal variability in the pre-1950 era, provided that the data are properly detrended. As a quick application, it is found that the increase in MR during the 1976/77 climate-shift event remains the sharpest over the entire period from 1871 to 2008 covered by 20CR. The nontrivial difference in the long-term trend between 20CR and the other reanalysis datasets found in this study provides a caution against using 20CR to determine the trend on the centennial time scale that is relevant to climate change. These conclusions are restricted to the quantities that depend strongly on the upper-tropospheric zonal wind, but the approach adopted in this work will be useful for future intercomparisons of the low-frequency behavior of other climate indices in the reanalysis datasets.
Quantifying the Relevance of Cyclones for Precipitation Extremes
Authors: Pfahl Stephan , Wernli Heini
Published: April 2012

Owing to the huge potential impact of precipitation extremes on society, it is important to better understand the mechanisms causing these events, and their variations with respect to a changing climate. In this study, the importance of a particular category of weather systems, namely cyclones, for the occurrence of regional-scale precipitation extremes is quantified globally using the ECMWF Interim reanalysis (ERA-Interim) dataset. Such an event-based climatological approach complements previous case studies, which established the physical relationship between cyclones and heavy precipitation. A high percentage of precipitation extremes is found to be directly related to cyclones. Regional hot spots are identified where this percentage of cyclone-induced precipitation extremes exceeds 80% (e.g., in the Mediterranean region, Newfoundland, near Japan, and over the South China Sea). The results suggest that in these regions changes of heavy precipitation with global warming are specifically sensitive to variations in the dynamical forcing, for example, related to shifts of the storm tracks. Furthermore, properties of cyclones causing extreme precipitation are investigated. In the exit regions of the Northern Hemisphere storm tracks, these cyclones are on average slightly more intense than low pressure systems not associated with precipitation extremes, but no differences with respect to minimum core pressure are found in most other parts of the midlatitudes. The fundamental linkage between cyclones and precipitation extremes may thus provide guidance to forecasters involved in flood prediction, but it is unlikely that forecasting rules based on simple cyclone properties can be established.
Considering the temporary leader in temporary work arrangements: Sensemaking processes of internal interim leaders
Authors: Browning Blair W , McNamee Lacy G
Published: April 2012

Though temporary work arrangements have garnered increased attention among scholars and practitioners, there has been little research into internal interim leaders (i.e. interims hired from within the organization) as a distinct case of temporary worker and leader. Internal interims are a fixture in organizational leadership and often serve during critical periods of change. As such, it is important to examine these leaders’ actions and the social, organizational, and individual dynamics that inform them. Toward this end, the present study examines the sensemaking processes of 24 internal interims using a qualitative approach. We describe five distinct sensemaking processes ( dutiful, traditional, aspiring, reluctant, and self-conscious) shared by the 24 participants and discuss how several social dynamics (message valence and consistency) and individual factors (prior leadership and future aspirations) influenced these divergent processes. Further, we contend that internal interims adopt more passive ( caretaking) or proactive ( trailblazing) styles of leadership based on these socially and individually informed sensemaking processes. Finally, we highlight directions for future research (motivating factors for serving as an internal interim, experiences with stigma and alienation, and processes of identity formation and identification) that may concomitantly enhance our understandings of internal interims as well as temporary workers and leaders at large.
Wanting to Be Great and Better But Not Average
Authors: Gaertner Lowell , Sedikides Constantine , Cai Huajian
Published: April 2012

What is the nature of self-evaluation motives? The relativist perspective suggests that self-evaluation motives vary culturally, with self-enhancement developing in Western culture and self-effacement and self-improvement developing in East Asian culture. The universalist perspective suggests that self-enhancement and self-improvement are basic human motives that coexist in the self-system and are prevalent across cultures. We tested the competing perspectives in a cross-cultural study. Chinese and American students rated the degree to which they want to receive four types of feedback (self-enhancing, self-effacing, self-improving, and no-feedback) from four sources (parents, teachers, friends, and classmates). Chinese and Americans (a) overwhelmingly wanted self-enhancing and self-improving feedback more than self-effacing feedback and no-feedback and (b) were uninterested in self-effacing feedback. These findings attest to the universal nature of self-enhancement and self-improvement motives.
Computerized Crime Linkage Systems
Authors: Bennell Craig , Snook Brent , Macdonald Sarah , House John C. , Taylor Paul J.
Published: April 2012

Computerized crime linkage systems are meant to assist the police in determining whether crimes have been committed by the same offender. In this article, the authors assess these systems critically and identify four assumptions that affect the effectiveness of these systems. These assumptions are that (a) data in the systems can be coded reliably, (b) data in the systems are accurate, (c) violent serial offenders exhibit consistent but distinctive patterns of behavior, and (d) analysts have the ability to use the data in the systems to link crimes accurately. The authors argue that there is no compelling empirical support for any of the four assumptions, and they outline a research agenda for testing each assumption. Until evidence supporting these assumptions becomes available, the value of linkage systems will remain open to debate.
Design and fabrication of a micro-actuator based on an electromagnetic membrane device
Authors: Ma Rong-Hua , Zhong Jian-Hao
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this study is to develop a micro-actuator manufactured by microelectromechanical system-based fabrication and electroplating techniques. This actuator presents a novel technique in electromagnetic fabrication with a smaller physical size than its traditional counterparts and provides a faster response time at a lower cost. A micro-coil structure is released from FeCl3 etchant and bonded on a thin film (Parafilm ‘M’ Pechiney Plastic Packaging Inc.) to achieve an actuator-membrane structure. When an external AC power is applied to a micro-coil, a magnetic field is created to attract and repel through an NdFeB permanent magnet, and the displacement of the membrane is increased by AC. The results show that the measured magnetic field intensity weakens as the distance between the coil and the Gauss meter probe increases. However, it is observed that the magnetic field intensity does not increase linearly with the number of series coils, because of the distance between them.
Application of LSSVM inverse in a variable frequency induction motor drive system
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Zhu Huangqiu , Yang Zebin
Published: April 2012

To improve effectively the dynamic performance and control accuracy of the variable frequency induction motor drive system (VFIMDS), which is a non-linear, strong-coupled and complex system, a novel linearization control method for the speed regulation problem is proposed in this paper. The new control strategy, named the least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) inverse, is based on the inverse system theory and the principle of LSSVM regression. The LSSVM inverse is composed of a LSSVM approximating the inverse model of the VFIMDS and an integrator. Firstly, the mathematical model of the VFIMDS is given and its invertibility is proved. Secondly, the inverse model of the VFIMDS is obtained by using the LSSVM. Thirdly, by combining the LSSVM inverse model with the original VFIMDS, a composite pseudo-linear system can be completed. Then, a linear close-loop adjustor is design to obtain the good speed regulating performance. Finally, simulation comparisons are carried out using the proposed method and the conventional proportional integral control method, and the results demonstrate that the variable frequency speed-regulating performances of the VFIMDS can be greatly improved by using the proposed method.
Association Between Glycosylated Hemoglobin and Intentional Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Shantha Ghanshyam Palamaner Subash , Kumar Anita Ashok , Kahan Scott , Cheskin Lawrence J.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between magnitude of weight loss and improvement in percentage A1C (A1C%) among overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing weight reduction.

Methods

Case records of patients enrolled in 2 university-based weight management programs were reviewed. Patients were sampled if they had a diagnosis of DM and had at least 1 documented A1C% reduction from their baseline value. Weight loss treatment was individualized and consisted of a calorie-restricted diet, a behavior modification plan, and a plan for increasing physical activity. Patient weights were measured at bimonthly visits. A1C% was measured every 3 months.

Results

Seventy-two patients formed the study cohort. Mean baseline body mass index was 35.1 kg/m2, mean age was 52.6 years, and 59% were males. Mean starting A1C% was 8.6. Patients achieved significant mean weight loss (10.7 kg) at study exit. Weight loss of 6.5 kg (4.5% of baseline body weight), 12.2 kg (8.7%), and 15.9 kg (10.3%) was required to reduce A1C% by 0.5, 1, and 1.5, respectively, and it took a mean of 5.6, 8.7, and 10.1 months, respectively, to achieve this. After adjustment for antidiabetic medication intake, for every 10% weight loss, the predicted reduction in A1C% was 0.81.

Conclusions

Intentional weight loss of 10% can potentially decrease A1C% by 0.81 among patients with type 2 DM. This finding may be clinically useful in encouraging and counseling a patient attempting weight loss.
Otolaryngology Resident In‐Service Examination Scores Predict Passage of the Written Board Examination
Authors: Puscas Liana
Published: April 2012

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the association between the Otolaryngology Training Examination (OTE) and the passage rate of first‐time examinees on the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto) Written Qualifying Examination (WQE).

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

De‐identified database containing information on examinees who took the WQE in 2007 to 2011 and the OTE in 2005 to 2011.

Subjects and Methods

One thousand three hundred nine otolaryngology residents took the WQE for the first time in 2007 to 2011 and the OTE in their final and penultimate years of training in 2005 to 2011. Data were analyzed using 1‐way frequencies and table analysis. Logistic regression was used to model the relationship between the pass/fail WQE result and the OTE percentile score in the final and penultimate years of training. Data transformation was used to analyze WQE passage as a function of OTE scores by deciles and quartiles.

Results

There is a significant relationship between OTE score and passage of the WQE on the first attempt. The probability of passing the WQE on the first attempt is 97% if the resident scores in the upper 3 quartiles of the OTE in the final and penultimate years of training compared with 70% if the examinee scores in the bottom quartile both years.

Conclusion

Residents who score in the bottom quartile in both their final and penultimate years of training are at significantly higher risk of failing the WQE on the first attempt. Remediation efforts should be focused on these individuals.
A selective cytopheretic inhibitory device for use during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery
Authors: Pino CJ , Lou L , Smith PL , Ding F , Pagani FD , Buffington DA , Humes HD
Published: April 2012

Background:

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) can occur in association with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery, resulting in multiple organ dysfunction (MOD). Activated neutrophils have been implicated as major inciting factors in this process. Neutrophil-depleting filters incorporated within the extracorporeal blood circuit during CPB have been developed and evaluated, with inconsistent clinical results.

Methods:

A novel, biomimetic, selective cytopheretic device (SCD) was tested in vitro within a blood circuit to assess safety and interactions with blood components and further evaluated ex vivo in a bovine model of CPB surgery during ventricular assist device implantation.

Results:

In vitro blood circuit studies demonstrated that the SCD reduces circulating neutrophils while maintaining low rates of hemolysis compared to current leukocyte-reduction filters. In the bovine CPB model, animals without SCD treatment (No SCD) demonstrated an increase in circulating white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts, steadily increasing throughout CPB. SCD with only systemic heparin anticoagulation (SCD-H) acutely reduced neutrophils for the first 2 hrs of CPB, but followed with a greater than 6-fold increase in neutrophil counts. SCD treatment with regional citrate anticoagulation along the SCD circuit (SCD-C) reduced systemic neutrophil counts throughout 4 hrs of CPB despite lower amounts of eluted cells from the SCD. When analyzed for immature neutrophils, the control and SCD-H showed increasing counts at later time-points, not seen in the SCD-C group, suggesting a more complex mechanism of action than simple leukoreduction.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that SCD-C therapy may disrupt the systemic leukocyte response during CPB, leading to improved outcomes for CPB-mediated MOD.
The Devon Island rover navigation dataset
Authors: Furgale Paul , Carle Pat , Enright John , Barfoot Timothy D
Published: April 2012

In this paper we present a rover navigation dataset collected at a Mars/Moon analogue site on Devon Island, in the Canadian High Arctic. The dataset is split into two parts. The first part contains rover traverse data: stereo imagery, Sun vectors, inclinometer data, and ground-truth position information from a differential global positioning system (DGPS) collected over a 10-km traverse. The second part contains long-range localization data: 3D laser range scans, image panoramas, digital elevation models, and GPS data useful for global position estimation. All images are available in common formats and other data is presented in human-readable text files. To facilitate use of the data, Matlab parsing scripts are included.
An Ocular Infection Model Using Suckling Hamsters Inoculated With Equine Herpesvirus 9 (EHV-9)
Authors: El-Habashi N. , Kato Y. , EL-Nahass E. , Fukushi H. , Hirata A. , Sakai H. , Kimura J. , Yanai T.
Published: April 2012

By using a new member of the neurotropic equine herpesviruses, EHV-9, which induced encephalitis in various species via various routes, an ocular infection model was developed in suckling hamsters. The suckling hamsters were inoculated with EHV-9 via the conjunctival route and were sacrificed after 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 hours (h) post inoculation (PI). Three horizontal sections of the brains, including the eyes and cranial cavity, were examined histologically to assess the viral kinetics and time-course neuropathological alterations using a panoramic view. At 6 to 24 h PI, there were various degrees of necrosis in the conjunctival epithelial cells, as well as frequent mononuclear cell infiltrations in the lamina propria and the tarsus of the eyelid, and frequent myositis of the eyelid muscles. At 96 h PI, encephalitis was observed in the brainstem at the level of the pons and cerebellum. EHV-9 antigen immunoreactivity was detected in the macrophages circulating in the eyelid and around the fine nerve endings supplying the eyelid, the nerves of the extraocular muscles, and the lacrimal glands from 6 h to 144 h PI. At 96 h PI, the viral antigen immunoreactivity was detected in the brainstem at the level of the pons and cerebellum. These results suggest that EHV-9 invaded the brain via the trigeminal nerve in addition to the abducent, oculomotor, and facial nerves. This conjunctival EHV-9 suckling hamster model may be useful in assessing the neuronal spread of neuropathogenic viruses via the eyes to the brain.
Acute toxic effects of fenpyroximate acaricide on Guppy (Poecilia reticulata Peters, 1859)
Authors: Doğan Nesli , Yazıcı Zehra , Şişman Turgay , Aşkın Hakan
Published: April 2012

Fenpyroximate (FP), an acaricide, is widely used in the prevention of acarids (mites) in fruit plant gardens. In this study, the acute toxic effects of different concentrations of FP were investigated using adult guppy ( Poecilia reticulata Peters, 1859). Guppy adults were exposed to a range of FP concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 µg/L) during 48 h. Static method, which is one of the acute toxicity experiments, has been used in this study. According to probit analysis, the 48-h median lethal concentration (LC50) value of FP at 26°C was found to be 72.821 µg/L. Sublethal exposures were predetermined based on 48-h LC50 value. Guppies were exposed to low concentrations (15, 25, and 50 µg/L) of FP for 48 h. Signs of paralysis and behavior deformations were monitored every 12 h in a number of live and dead adults. Low concentrations of FP were also responsible for erratic swimming, loss of equilibrium, and being lethargic. Liver histology revealed several pathological damages including congestion, picnotic nucleus, sinusoidal dilatation, increase in melanomacrophagic centers, and endothelial degeneration. Finally, the toxicity test results provided 48-h LC50 value for FP, and low concentrations of FP can be highly detrimental to guppy adults with clear evidence of behavioral and histologic effects.
Bargaining in the shadow of ‘optional frameworks’? The rise of transnational collective agreements and EU law
Authors: Faro Antonio Lo
Published: April 2012

Roughly 10 million European employees are potentially affected by some 200 transnational texts concluded within multinational companies. Unlike other forms of social dialogue with legal effects determined by the Treaty, transnational collective agreements enjoy no legal certainty as to their enforcement. This is often considered a virtue, since autonomous arrangements entered into by the parties could be seen as an expression of a voluntary system of European industrial relations. This article discusses the plausibility of such a view, also taking into account Commission proposal to draft an ‘optional legal framework’ aimed at conferring a more definite binding character on transnational agreements.
An Acute Recovery Unit: the first 18 months
Authors: O’Connor Nick , Mulley Rachael , Grasso Bianca , Lambert Tim , Snars Jeff , Jhita Prehya
Published: April 2012

Objectives:

To describe a new type of acute inpatient unit, the Acute Recovery Unit, at the Concord Centre for Mental Health, Sydney and to report patient characteristics and outcome data for the first 18 months of operation.

Methods:

The mission, values, principles of care and operation of the Acute Recovery Unit are presented, including the lessons from a review of the first 18 months of operation. The specialist assessment procedure, academic detailing and range of specialist interventions are described.

Results:

Clinical outcome measures including the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale, Multidimensional Incomplete Recovery – Clinical Global Index and community tenure time post-discharge are presented.

Conclusions:

The Acute Recovery Unit is an important component of the range of services required at a regional level to respond to those who will develop treatment refractory mental illness.
On single damage variable models for fatigue
Authors: Rejovitzky Elisha , Altus Eli
Published: April 2012

This study focuses on an analytical investigation of the common characteristics of fatigue models based on a single damage variable. The general single damage variable constitutive equation is used to extract several fundamental properties. It is shown that at constant amplitude loads, damage evolution results are sufficient for predicting fatigue life under any load history. Two-level fatigue envelopes constitute an indirect measure of the damage evolution and form an alternative basis for life prediction. In addition, high-to-low and low-to-high envelopes are anti-symmetrical with respect to each other. A new integral formula for life prediction under random loads is verified with the models of Manson and Hashin, and also developed analytically for other models including Chaboche, resulting in analytical predictions. The Palmgren – Miner rule is found to yield an upper bound for fatigue life predictions under random loads, regardless of the load distribution and the specific single damage variable model.
A Process for Assessing and Improving Business Writing at the MBA Level
Authors: May Gary L. , Thompson Margaret A. , Hebblethwaite Jennifer
Published: April 2012

Assurance of learning continues to be a hot topic in higher education. Both accreditation agencies and employers are asking a key question: Are we graduating students who actually have the knowledge and skills that we promise? This case study focuses on business writing in an MBA program and presents a prescriptive, five-step program to improve MBA students’ writing skills. The study provides example documents used in the assessment process and an example of data analysis used to “close the loop” in the assurance of learning cycle. The study concludes with lessons learned and recommendations for future improvements in the process.
Increased Response-Time Variability Across Different Cognitive Tasks in Children With ADHD
Authors: Adamo Nicoletta , Di Martino Adriana , Esu Lidia , Petkova Eva , Johnson Katherine , Kelly Simon , Castellanos Francisco Xavier , Zuddas Alessandro
Published: April 2012

Objective: Increased response-time (RT) fluctuations below 0.2 Hz have been reported as characteristic of ADHD in some but not all studies, possibly due to methodological differences. Accordingly, We contrasted two tasks and two analytical approaches in the same sample of children with ADHD. Method: Fifty-two children with ADHD and 49 typically developing children completed an Eriksen Flanker Task and a fixed-sequence version of the sustained attention to response task. RT fluctuations with two different frequency analyses were examined. Results: Robust ADHD-related increases of slow RT fluctuations within all frequencies were found in both tasks. Tasks were significantly correlated in both groups for frequencies above 0.07 Hz. RT fluctuations across all frequencies were greatest in children with ADHD with abnormally elevated omissions. Conclusion: We observed significantly increased fluctuations of RT in children with ADHD across two different tasks and methods supporting the hypothesis that slow frequency RT fluctuations reflect neurophysiological processes underlying ADHD.
A Pilot Study of Lis-Dexamfetamine Dimesylate (LDX/SPD489) to Facilitate Smoking Cessation in Nicotine-Dependent Adults With ADHD
Authors: Kollins Scott H. , English Joseph S. , Itchon-Ramos Nilda , Chrisman Allan K. , Dew Rachel , O’Brien Benjamin , McClernon F. Joseph
Published: April 2012

Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of lis-dexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) as an adjunct to nicotine replacement therapy in adult smokers with ADHD who were undergoing a quit attempt. Methods: Thirty-two regular adult smokers with ADHD were randomized to receive LDX ( n = 17) or placebo ( n = 15) in addition to nicotine patch concurrent with a quit attempt. Results: There were no differences between smokers assigned to LDX versus placebo in any smoking outcomes. Participants treated with LDX demonstrated significant reductions in self-reported and clinician-rated ADHD symptoms. LDX was well tolerated in smokers attempting to quit. Discussion: In general, LDX does not facilitate smoking cessation in adults with ADHD more than does placebo, though both groups significantly reduced smoking. LDX demonstrated efficacy for reducing ADHD symptoms in adult smokers engaging in a quit attempt.
Suspected acquired hypocobalaminaemic encephalopathy in a cat: resolution of encephalopathic signs and MRI lesions subsequent to cobalamin supplementation
Authors: Simpson Katherine , Battersby Ian , Lowrie Mark
Published: April 2012

Presenting signs and initial investigations: An 8-year-old female spayed British shorthair cat was presented with a history of waxing and waning neurological signs. Neuroanatomical localisation was consistent with a diffuse forebrain disease. Blood ammonia concentration was increased. Abdominal ultrasonography and a bile acid stimulation test were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed hyperintense, bilaterally symmetrical, diffuse lesions on T2-weighted sequences, predominantly, but not exclusively, affecting the grey matter. Serum cobalamin (vitamin B12) concentration was low. Hypocobalaminaemia resulting in a urea cycle abnormality was considered a likely cause of the hyperammonaemia.

Treatment: Daily cobalamin injections resulted in a rapid clinical improvement. Eight weeks into treatment neurological examination was unremarkable and there was complete resolution of the MRI lesions.

Clinical importance: This is the first reported case of acquired feline hypocobalaminaemia resulting in an encephalopathy. Additionally, this case is unique in describing reversible brain MRI abnormalities in a cobalamin-deficient companion animal.
Nasopharyngeal Disease in Cats
Authors: Reed Nicki , Gunn-Moore Danièlle
Published: April 2012

Practical relevance: Nasal discharge, sneezing and upper respiratory noise are frequent presenting signs in feline practice.

Clinical challenges: The small nasal cavity of the cat can make visualisation of lesions challenging. In addition, investigations may identify only secondary complications of a disease process, rather than the initial aetiological agent.

Global importance: Nasopharyngeal disease is a worldwide problem. However, fungal disease shows regional variations in prevalence.

Audience: This review, aimed at general practitioners as well as those undertaking more specialist investigations in feline respiratory disease, aims to provide practical guidance on the approach necessary to obtain a diagnosis in cats with nasopharyngeal disease. It should also help to explain why a specific diagnosis may not always be possible.

Equipment: While access to endoscopy and computed tomography is advantageous, extensive information can be gained from equipment readily available in all practices.

Evidence base: The information presented in this article is based on peer-reviewed publications and the clinical experience of the authors.
From Problem to Success
Authors: Michel Kathryn , Scherk Margie
Published: April 2012

Practical relevance: Obesity is the most common unhealthy nutritional condition that is recognized in cats. Documented associated health risks include diabetes mellitus, lameness, non-allergic skin disease, feline lower urinary tract disease and idiopathic hepatic lipidosis.

Clinical challenges: Simply recommending a diet designed for weight loss fails, in most cases, to result in successful weight loss in the obese or overweight cat. A more in-depth approach that centers on communication and commitment, alongside a program of feeding a predetermined amount of a specific diet plus exercise and enrichment of the cat’s life, offers a chance for a healthy result.

Patient group: It has been reported in some developed countries that as much as 40–50% of the feline population may be overweight or obese, with middle-aged cats, male cats, mixed-breed cats and neutered cats being at greatest risk.

Audience: This review of what is currently known about the health risks, predisposing factors and treatment of excessive weight gain in cats is aimed at all veterinary health professionals.

Evidence base: The information reported in the review is drawn from the current scientific literature as well as from the clinical experience of the authors.
Social drama in the academic-media nexus: Journalism’s strategic response to deviant ideas
Authors: McDevitt Michael , Briziarelli Marco , Klocke Brian
Published: April 2012

This article applies ‘social drama’ – adapted from the anthropology of Victor Turner – to portray a performance of media ritual in control of critical academic discourse. Insights from newspaper coverage of a controversy surrounding Ward Churchill allow us to trace theoretical connections between strategic ritual at the occupational level and media ritual in cultural practice. We observe a fractal-like structure, such that ritualistic punishment of deviant ideas as a cultural response is encoded in textual production. We discuss implications of social drama as media ritual for the prowess of US journalism in patrolling boundaries of acceptable ideas in the academic-media nexus.
Urban transformation and individual responsibility: The Atlanta BeltLine
Authors: Kirkman Robert , Noonan Douglas S , Dunn Sean K
Published: April 2012

We consider the case of the proposed Atlanta BeltLine to shed light on what may be crucial limits to ethical decision making and responsible action in shaping or reshaping the built environment, especially as those limits enter into the lived experience of individual residents of metropolitan areas. Drawing from theoretical sources in the humanities and social sciences, we consider the scope and limits of responsible individual conduct within complex urban systems, and derive insights that may be of value to planners and others who have visions for urban transformation. We will also draw from the ongoing analysis of our survey of Atlanta area residents, for purposes of illustration.
The internationalization of tertiary education in Asia: Language, identity and conflict
Authors: Trent John
Published: April 2012

This article reports on a qualitative study that examined the identity construction experiences of six international English-language teaching assistants (IELTAs) in a large English medium of instruction university in Hong Kong. The study explored the contribution of the IELTAs to the internationalization goals of the university using a framework of teacher identity construction. The study illustrates that the IELTAs faced significant challenges in constructing their identities as teachers, and that identity conflicts that arose with students at the host university could threaten the IELTAs’ contributions to the internationalization goals of the university. The article draws upon aspects of critical discourse analysis to explore the reactions of the IELTAs to these conflicts and reveals how, through the exercise of agency and the emergence of an evolving community of practice, the IELTAs constructed their preferred teacher identities. Implications for the design of IELTA programs in analogous educational settings and future research are also considered.
Distinguished Scholar Invited Essay Behavioral Decision Making
Authors: Aldag Ramon J.
Published: April 2012

The past few decades have witnessed greatly enhanced interest in behavioral decision theory. Unlike traditional decision theory, which is normative or prescriptive and seeks an optimal solution, behavioral decision theory (although it yields important practical implications) is inherently descriptive, seeking to understand how people actually make decisions. This article discusses rationality and its limits, approaches to examination of decision processes, and consequences of limits on rationality. Issues relating to the clinical-actuarial controversy and automatic decision making are then addressed. Two approaches to improving decision making–by use of statistical groups and prediction markets as well as by implementation of forms of paternalistic intervention–are examined. Implications for leadership and organizations are then offered.
The Temporal, Spatial, and Frequency Dimensions of Neural Oscillations Associated With Verbal Working Memory
Authors: Stephane Massoud , Leuthold Arthur , Kuskowski Michael , McClannahan Kate , Xu Tinting
Published: April 2012

Cognitive operations engage neural generators oscillating at different frequencies distributed in time and space. Accordingly, oscillatory activity detected by magnetoencephalography (MEG)/electroencephalography (EEG) should be analyzed along frequency, time, and spatial dimensions. MEG data were obtained from 19 healthy individuals while performing a modified Sternberg paradigm. The stimuli were letters, which constituted words or pronounceable nonwords. We applied tridimensional analysis of oscillations and also computed event-related fields (ERFs) in areas where significant changes in oscillatory activity were observed. Verbal working memory for visual verbal stimuli was associated with oscillatory interplay between the bilateral occipital lobes and the left frontoparietotemporal areas. Spatially stable occipital desynchrony was noted during information encoding, while a left hemisphere desynchronization, increasing in amplitude and spatial extent over time, was observed during information encoding and maintenance. No ERF changes were detected during information maintenance. Oscillatory activity associated with verbal working memory is consistent with the above hypothesis. These findings underscore the importance of multidimensional evaluation of oscillations. The findings also indicate that combining electrophysiological methods increase the chance of signal detection.
Subclinical Rhythmic Electrographic Discharges of Adults in a Patient with Migraine
Authors: Burakgazi Evren , Akbar Umar , Kelly John
Published: April 2012

Subclinical rhythmic electrographic discharges of adults (SREDA) is a distinctive electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern seen in adults and is thought to have little clinical significance. These patterns are generally considered nonspecific. We evaluated a 45-year-old female patient with migraine in whom SREDA seemed to have a temporal relation to the migraine symptoms of the patient.
Ganglions of the hand and wrist: determinants of treatment choice
Authors: Peters F. , Vranceanu A.-M. , Elbon M. , Ring D.
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to determine whether psychological factors (depression, catastrophic thinking, and pain anxiety) and pain intensity are associated with choice of operative treatment. Ninety new patients with a ganglion cyst on their hand or wrist completed psychological questionnaires (Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale, and Center for the Epidemiological Study of Depression instrument) and an ordinal measure of pain intensity. After a minimum of 4 months, patients were contacted to determine if they chose operative treatment, to rate their pain intensity, and to complete the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Younger patients were more likely to choose operative treatment. Psychological factors were associated with pain intensity at enrolment, but not with treatment choice. Operative treatment did not result in less pain intensity or disability, or higher satisfaction compared with non-operative treatment.
Pyrolytic carbon arthroplasty for the proximal interphalangeal joint: results after minimum 3 years of follow-up
Authors: Mashhadi S. A. , Chandrasekharan L. , Pickford M. A.
Published: April 2012

A retrospective study was undertaken to review the outcomes of a consecutive series of patients treated using pyrocarbon surface replacement arthroplasty by the same surgeon. We analyzed the results of this procedure in 24 proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints in 19 hands of 16 patients. The minimum follow-up was 3 years. The study showed that pyrocarbon PIP joint replacements provided excellent pain relief and high patient satisfaction. More than two-thirds of patients subjectively rated postoperative range of motion and functional outcomes as better than preoperatively. Objective assessment showed a modest improvement in the active range of motion, which did not achieve statistical significance, although we did observe a statistically significant increase in passive range of motion. The results are encouraging for those surgeons who seek an alternative to silicone implant PIP joint arthroplasty in high-demand patients.
Continuation of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support After Multiple Failed Lung Transplantations
Authors: Silverman Richard B.
Published: April 2012

This report describes the clinical course of a patient who in sequence had 2 failed orthotopic lung transplants. After each transplant, she required extended periods of circulatory support via extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The patient was never able to be weaned from ECMO. In the end she developed extensive multisystem organ failure and expired 45 days after the initial attempt at transplantation after spending the entire postoperative time on ECMO. The family, ethical, and sociopolitical issues raised by the extended course of care for this patient are discussed.