bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Simplified-Visually Rich and Traditional Presentation Styles
Authors: Johnson Douglas A. , Christensen Jack
Published: February 2012

Microsoft PowerPoint and similar presentation tools have become commonplace in higher education, yet there is very little research on the effectiveness of different PowerPoint formats for implementing this software. This study compared two PowerPoint presentation techniques: a more traditional format employing heavy use of bullet points with text and a newer format referred to as the Simplified-Visually Rich Approach, which uses frequent visuals and minimizes on-screen text. These techniques were assessed with a quasi-experimental between-groups design that analyzed the impact of these two formats on college student satisfaction and learning outcomes in a general psychology course. No differences in learning outcomes were demonstrated, although the Simplified-Visually Rich Approach produced significantly higher student satisfaction.
In-Class Versus Online Video Lectures
Authors: Jensen Scott A.
Published: February 2012

Previous findings suggest some advantages to using an online format to deliver declarative knowledge and to using class time for active learning and discussion. During 4 weeks of an introductory psychology course, students were assigned on alternate weeks to attend one of two lecture formats: in-class lecture or online video lecture with an in-class active learning session. No advantage was found for either format on the basis of quiz scores. Students appreciated the convenience of online lectures but preferred in-class lectures because of the increased ease of maintaining attention in the more structured environment. Attendance, as well as access of online content, decreased during the course of the study, suggesting that hybrid courses may lead to decreases in overall student effort.
Using History to Teach Contemporary Psychology
Authors: Beins Bernard C.
Published: February 2012

Gaining a perspective on the evolution of psychological concepts can show students the power of theory and societal perspective in shaping scientific ideas across time. In this article, the author uses two constructs, the broad concept of intelligence and the narrow concept of combat stress reaction, to illustrate how psychologists have grappled with these ideas over the past century. These examples can provide a model for using the history of psychology to explain how ideas have taken their shape. These illustrations also show the difficulty in developing ideas that are scientifically useful and that periodic changes in the conceptualization of ideas are a normal feature of a dynamic discipline.
Fatty Emaciation
Authors: Macher Arielle D. , Palazuelos Daniel , Maviglia Saverio M.
Published: February 2012

Refeeding syndrome has been observed in patients receiving nutrition after a prolonged period of malnourishment and is characterized by multiple metabolic derangements. Besides hypophosphatemia and hypoglycemia, lipemia has been described in association with parenteral nutrition administration to the malnourished. The authors describe one anorexic patient who developed lipemia during oral refeeding, followed by a precipitous drop in hematocrit suggestive of fat overload syndrome.
Cytokine Pathways in Allergic Disease
Authors: Williams Cara M. M. , Rahman Saifur , Hubeau Cedric , Ma Hak-Ling
Published: February 2012

Cytokines are critical in allergic intercellular communication networks, and they contribute to disease pathology through the recruitment and activation of pro-inflammatory leukocytes and in chronic disease to pro-fibrotic/remodeling events. Th2 cytokines predominate primarily in mild to moderate allergic asthma, although clinical trials with inhibitors of IL-4 and IL-5 have not provided the robust efficacy observed in animal models of allergy. These results not only highlight the complexity of allergic disease, but they also point to the importance of other cytokine networks in driving pathology. The heterogeneous nature of the disease is emphasized by the fact that the Th2/Th1/Th17 cytokine balance can be influenced by the initiating allergic trigger. For example, the house dust mite allergen Der p 2 mimics the activity of MD-2 by presenting lipopolysaccharide to Toll-like receptor-4 for the activation of inflammatory genes including innate-type cytokines. Here we discuss the functions of the novel cytokine players, thymic stromal lymphopoetin (TSLP), IL-33, IL-25, and IL-9 and delineate nonredundant roles for IL-4 and IL-13 in allergic disease. Persistent efforts in the characterization of these and other cytokine networks will be essential for understanding the complex pathogenic mechanisms that underpin allergic disease and for guiding targeted therapeutic interventions.
Biomarkers of Collecting Duct Injury in Han-Wistar and Sprague-Dawley Rats Treated with N-Phenylanthranilic Acid
Authors: Betton Graham R. , Ennulat Daniela , Hoffman David , Gautier Jean-Charles , Harpur Ernie , Pettit Syril
Published: February 2012

N-phenylanthranilic acid is a chloride channel blocker that causes renal papillary necrosis in rats. Studies were conducted in two strains of male rats to evaluate novel biomarkers of nephrotoxicity. Han-Wistar rats were given daily oral doses of 50, 350, or up to 700 mg/kg/day of NPAA, and Sprague-Dawley rats were given 50 or 400 mg/kg/day of NPAA. Rats were euthanized on days 8 and 15. The candidate kidney injury biomarkers renal papillary antigen-1 (RPA-1, for collecting duct injury), clusterin (for general kidney injury), α-glutathione-S-transferase (a proximal tubular marker), and µ-glutathione-S-transferase (a distal tubular marker) were measured in urine by enzyme immunoassay. Characteristic degeneration and necrosis of the collecting duct and renal papilla were observed in Han-Wistar rats at the high dose on day 8 and at the mid and high doses on day 15, and in Sprague-Dawley rats given the high dose on days 8 and 15. Increases in urinary RPA-1, and to a lesser extent urine clusterin, were generally associated with the presence of collecting duct injury and were more sensitive than BUN and serum creatinine. On the other hand, decreases in α-glutathione-S-transferase without proximal tubule lesions in both strains and decreases in µ-glutathione-S-transferase in Sprague-Dawley rats only were not associated with morphological proximal or distal tubule abnormalities, so both were of less utility. It was concluded that RPA-1 is a new biomarker with utility in the detection of collecting duct injury in papillary necrosis in male rats.
Nasal Passages of Göttingen Minipigs from the Neonatal Period to Young Adult
Authors: Kuper C. Frieke , Ernst Heinrich , van Oostrum Lidy C. M. , Rittinghausen Susanne , Penninks André H. , Ganderup Niels-Christian , Wolterbeek André P. M.
Published: February 2012

Histopathological examination of the nasal passages requires a standardized approach for recording lesion distribution patterns. Nasal diagrams provide guidance to map the lesions. Information on lesions exists for rodents, dogs, and monkeys, which all have been used in inhalation studies. Recently, minipigs have garnered interest as an inhalation model because minipigs resemble humans in many features of anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry and may be a good alternative to monkeys and dogs. The present work explored the microanatomy and histology of the nasal passages of Göttingen minipigs from postnatal day 1 until 6 months of age. Six nasal levels were selected, which allow examination of the squamous, transitional (nonciliated) and ciliated respiratory, and olfactory epithelia; the nasopharynx; and relevant structures such as the vomeronasal organ, olfactory bulb, and nasal/nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue.
Reduction of Acute Hepatic Damage Induced by Acetaminophen after Treatment with Diphenyl Diselenide in Mice
Authors: da Rosa Edovando J. F. , da Silva Michele Hinerasky , Carvalho Nelson Rodrigues , Bridi Jessika Cristina , da Rocha João Batista , Carbajo-Pescador Sara , Mauriz Jose Luiz , González-Gallego Javier , Soares Félix Alexandre Antunes
Published: February 2012

In this study, the authors evaluated the ability of diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 to reverse acute hepatic failure induced by acetaminophen (APAP) in mice. The animals received an APAP dose of 600 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.), and then 1 hour later, they received 15.6 mg/kg i.p. of (PhSe)2. Three hours after (PhSe)2 administration, the animals were sacrificed and blood and liver samples were collected for analysis. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured. The levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein (DFC), catalase activity (CAT), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were determined in the liver. A methyl-tetrazolium reduction (MTT) assay was also performed on the liver. Histopathological studies were conducted in all groups. Exposure of animals to APAP induced oxidative stress, increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), and the generation of reactive species, reduced the levels of GSH, and caused an increase in the MPO activity. Treatment with (PhSe)2 reduced LPO and the formation of reactive species and inhibited the processes of inflammation, reducing the hepatic damage induced by APAP. The results of this study show that (PhSe)2 is a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of acute hepatic failure.
Where are they? Gifted disadvantaged children in India
Authors: Sharma Jyoti
Published: February 2012

India is a pluralistic, multicultural, and multilingual society. Cultural differences within India make it impossible to adopt a common approach to the identification of potentially gifted children. We need a program that is locally driven and culturally appropriate to be able to make a real difference in the future life of young potentially able children, so that our neglected best can become culturally excellent achievers. The Ministry of Human Resource Development has taken the wake-up call to bring all marginalized children into an educational ‘safety net’. Preparing a suitable model for ‘identification’ and ‘nurturance’ of potentially gifted children across diverse sociocultural profiles of society is also an area of concern for today’s government.
Working positively with rural estates: The scale and nature of estates and their contribution to the East Midlands of England
Authors: Beedell Jason , Teanby Andrew , Annibal Ivan
Published: February 2012

This research, carried out for the East Midlands Development Agency (emda), aims to understand the number and nature of estates in the region and the contribution that they make to the economy, environment and social fabric. It shows that estates are active as employers, providers of workspace, operators of visitor businesses, innovators, hosts of renewable energy, protectors and managers of the environment, providers of community infrastructure, providers of housing and contributors to local distinctiveness. The research concludes by recommending how the public sector and estates can work better together.
Sustainable rural development in England: Policy problems and equity consequences
Authors: Curry Nigel
Published: February 2012

Spatial planning policies ensure a ‘no development’ ethic for rural areas in England, brought about by strong restrictive housing polices and an urban-centric view of sustainable development. Such an ethic is unlikely to be ameliorated by the Localism Bill passing through the English Parliament in 2010–11. Economic development policies provide confusing signals for rural sustainable development as they appear simultaneously to require the pursuit of productivity, well-being, endogenous development and income support: objectives that are not compatible. Together these policy sets are likely to exacerbate inequalities in both wealth and opportunity in rural areas. This inhibits the achievement of sustainable development when viewed as having equity considerations at its core.
A conceptualisation of the relationship capital of rural small service firms
Authors: Moyes David , Whittam Geoffrey , Ferri Paul
Published: February 2012

Rural southwest Scotland relies to an atypically large extent on its small firms. This research adopts a qualitative approach to explore and map the relationships of 12 rural SMEs in the service sector. Although formal networks are underdeveloped in rural southwest Scotland, business owners determine alternative ways of overcoming many of the constraints which they face. Insights into the ways in which rural SMEs function within their environment reveal that the more agile rural SMEs have overcome their lack of access to networks.
Exploring entrepreneurial skills and competencies in farm tourism
Authors: Phelan Chris , Sharpley Richard
Published: February 2012

Diversification to farm tourism is increasingly seen as a viable development strategy to promote a more diverse and sustainable rural economy and to counter declining farm incomes. However, the dynamics of the modern farm tourism business and the entrepreneurial and competitive skills farmers require in making the transition from agriculture to a diversified enterprise remains limited. This article explores the range of skills and competencies that farmers in the North West of England identify as important when adopting a diversification strategy to farm tourism. The findings indicate that, whilst a range of managerial skills are valued by farmers, they lack many of the additional business and entrepreneurial competencies required for success. The article acknowledges the need to generate consensus on the requisite skill-set that farm tourism operators require.
What factors enable community leadership of renewable energy projects? Lessons from a woodfuel heating initiative
Authors: Rogers Jennifer C , Simmons Eunice A , Convery Ian , Weatherall Andrew
Published: February 2012

Increasing renewable energy generation is fundamental to sustainable development as current reliance on fossil fuel combustion is an environmentally damaging, inequitable use of finite resources with far-reaching negative social impacts. To date, UK energy policy has sought to increase renewable energy capacity by encouraging large-scale commercially led developments. Recently, however, there has been growing interest in the scope for alternative small scale and community-led renewable energy development. This case study research from northwest England investigates the development of a community-led woodfuel heating project in a remote rural setting. Qualitative data from project participants’ interviews show the project was conceived as means of addressing multiple threats to the sustainability of their rural community. Participants’ vision of the project was found to fit the eco-economy paradigm.
The innovation performance of small rural enterprises and cooperatives in Tehran province, Iran
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Jamal F , McElwee Gerard , Soltani Shohreh , Smith David J
Published: February 2012

Rural small enterprises, especially those which are involved in processing and packaging food products, play an important role in creating opportunities for employment and producing value added products in the agriculture sector. However, a major challenge for these enterprises is a lack of sustainability. In this research, innovation was examined as the key factor for sustainability of small rural enterprises. The findings show regional cooperatives perform better in terms of innovation compared to private enterprises. This advantage could be seen in both product/service and market innovations.
Atmospheres of Seduction
Authors: Biehl-Missal Brigitte , Saren Michael
Published: February 2012

This article introduces the concept of the “atmosphere” from aesthetic theory to contribute to critical research on the aesthetic, embodied experience in retailing, and consumption spaces, which has received little attention in the marketing literature. The article draws on the “new aesthetics” of Gernot Böhme which is not a theory of art or the works of art but considers the full range of “aesthetic work” including marketing practices. Contributing to the art-versus-commerce debate, this framework suggests differentiating between atmospheres in the arts and in marketing, and it suggests the continued relevance of Critical Theory. The theoretical background is applied to a Starbucks coffee shop as an example for a seductive consumption atmosphere to make evident issues of aesthetic pleasure and aesthetic manipulation. The concept of the atmosphere helps to consider aesthetics as an active social power in a macromarketing context.
A Phenomenological Approach to Assessing a DUI/DWI Program
Authors: Narag Raymund E. , Maxwell Sheila Royo , Lee Byung
Published: February 2012

In an effort to find a more proactive solution to the problem of drunk driving, a midwestern city has implemented a Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Impaired (DUI/DWI) Court program, a derivative of the popular drug courts. Eligible participants are those who have had two or more drunk-driving offenses but who have not been convicted of a violent offense. Participants volunteer for a 36-week program in exchange for a suspension of their prison sentence. Program elements include drug/alcohol monitoring, support groups, counseling, and extensive supervision. Using a phenomenological approach, this article describes the challenges faced by 20 participants, how they navigated the program requirements, their key realizations about their conditions, and their views on the viability and effectiveness of the program. The article uses qualitative interviews of participants and stakeholders collected for a process evaluation of the DUI program, and official records collected for programming purposes. Findings from this research can be used broadly for programming purposes and can be used by other court jurisdictions that are developing similar programs.
A Reanalysis of the Self-Appraisal Questionnaire
Authors: Mitchell Ojmarrh , Caudy Michael S. , MacKenzie Doris Layton
Published: February 2012

This research reassessed the psychometric properties and predictive validity of the Self-Appraisal Questionnaire (SAQ) in response to published criticism of the authors’ earlier work. The current research used a much longer recidivism tracking-period, a different measure of recidivism, a larger sample, and more advanced analytic techniques than the original. Examination of the SAQ’s psychometric properties continued to indicate that three of the six recidivism prediction subscales exhibited substandard levels of reliability and four of these subscales were not unidimensional. Yet, in contrast to the author’s earlier results, the current analyses found that SAQ total score modestly predicted reconviction.
Restoration of Labral Anatomy and Biomechanics After Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior Repair
Authors: Boddula Madhav R. , Adamson Gregory J. , Gupta Akash , McGarry Michelle H. , Lee Thay Q.
Published: February 2012

Background: Both simple and mattress repair techniques have been utilized with success for type II superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions; however, direct anatomic and biomechanical comparisons of these techniques have yet to be clearly demonstrated.

Hypothesis: For type II SLAP lesions, the mattress suture repair technique will result in greater labral height and better position on the glenoid face and exhibit stronger biomechanical characteristics, when cyclically loaded and loaded to failure through the biceps, compared with the simple suture repair technique.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Six matched pairs of cadaveric shoulders were dissected, and a clock face was created on the glenoid from 9 o’clock (posterior) to 3 o’clock (anterior). For the intact specimen, labral height and labral distance from the glenoid edge were measured using a MicroScribe. A SLAP lesion was then created from 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock. Lesions were repaired with two 3.0-mm BioSuture-Tak anchors placed at 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock. For each pair, a mattress repair was used for one shoulder, and a simple repair was used for the contralateral shoulder. After repair, labral height and labral distance from the glenoid edge were again measured. The specimens were then cyclically loaded and loaded to failure through the biceps using an Instron machine. A paired t test was used for statistical analysis.

Results: After mattress repair, a significant increase in labral height occurred compared with intact from 2.5 ± 0.3 mm to 4.3 ± 0.3 mm at 11 o’clock ( P = .013), 2.7 ± 0.5 mm to 4.2 ± 0.7 mm at 12:30 o’clock ( P = .007), 3.1 ± 0.5 mm to 4.2 ± 0.7 mm at 1 o’clock ( P = .006), and 2.8 ± 0.7 mm to 3.7 ± 0.8 mm at 1:30 o’clock ( P = .037). There was no significant difference in labral height between the intact condition and after simple repair at any clock face position. Labral height was significantly increased in the mattress repairs compared with simple repairs at 11 o’clock (mean difference, 2.0 mm; P = .008) and 12:30 o’clock (mean difference, 1.3 mm; P = .044). Labral distance from the glenoid edge was not significantly different between techniques. No difference was observed between the mattress and simple repair techniques for all biomechanical parameters, except the simple technique had a higher load and energy absorbed at 2-mm displacement.

Conclusion: The mattress technique created a greater labral height while maintaining similar biomechanical characteristics compared with the simple repair, with the exception of load and energy absorbed at 2-mm displacement, which was increased for the simple technique.

Clinical Relevance: Mattress repair for type II SLAP lesions creates a higher labral bumper compared with simple repairs, while both techniques resulted in similar biomechanical characteristics.
Zinc and Liver Disease
Authors: Mohammad Mohammad K. , Zhou Zhanxiang , Cave Matthew , Barve Ashutosh , McClain Craig J.
Published: February 2012

Zinc is an essential trace element required for normal cell growth, development, and differentiation. It is involved in DNA synthesis, RNA transcription, and cell division and activation. It is a critical component in many zinc protein/enzymes, including critical zinc transcription factors. Zinc deficiency/altered metabolism is observed in many types of liver disease, including alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and viral liver disease. Some of the mechanisms for zinc deficiency/altered metabolism include decreased dietary intake, increased urinary excretion, activation of certain zinc transporters, and induction of hepatic metallothionein. Zinc deficiency may manifest itself in many ways in liver disease, including skin lesions, poor wound healing/liver regeneration, altered mental status, or altered immune function. Zinc supplementation has been documented to block/attenuate experimental ALD through multiple processes, including stabilization of gut‐barrier function, decreasing endotoxemia, decreasing proinflammatory cytokine production, decreasing oxidative stress, and attenuating apoptotic hepatocyte death. Clinical trials in human liver disease are limited in size and quality, but it is clear that zinc supplementation reverses clinical signs of zinc deficiency in patients with liver disease. Some studies suggest improvement in liver function in both ALD and hepatitis C following zinc supplementation, and 1 study suggested improved fibrosis markers in hepatitis C patients. The dose of zinc used for treatment of liver disease is usually 50 mg of elemental zinc taken with a meal to decrease the potential side effect of nausea.
Selenium Supplementation in the Critically Ill
Authors: Hardy Gil , Hardy Ines , Manzanares William
Published: February 2012

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element with antioxidant, immunological, and anti‐inflammatory properties, which are attributed to its presence in selenoproteins, as the 21st amino acid selenocysteine. These selenoenzymes are involved in redox signaling, antioxidant defense, thyroid hormone metabolism, and immune responses. Dietary intakes differ considerably between geographical regions, due to variability of the Se food content, leading to differences in dietary reference intakes and toxicity cautions. Critical illness with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is characterized by Se depletion with high morbidity and mortality. Se status correlates well with clinical outcome in SIRS and may be useful as an early predictor of survival. Several investigators have evaluated the benefits of Se supplementation for the critically ill, either as monotherapy or in an antioxidant micronutrient combination. Pharmaconutrition, with high‐dose Se (from 500–1600 µg/d) involving an initial loading bolus, followed by continuous infusion, appears to be safe and efficacious, with evidence that it can improve clinical outcome by reducing illness severity, infectious complications, and decreasing mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU). We now have a clearer understanding of the pharmacokinetics of the initial and transient pro‐oxidant effect of an intravenous bolus of selenite and the antioxidant effect of continuous infusion. Better biomarkers to ascertain optimum Se requirements for individual patients are now needed, and clinical practice guidelines need improvement. Nevertheless, sufficient evidence is available to consider initiating high‐dose intravenous Se therapy routinely in critically ill SIRS patients, immediately on admission to the ICU.
Integrating multiple sensors for the closed-loop three-dimensional digitization
Authors: Huang Yunbao , Li Haiyan , Wang Qifu , Chen Liping
Published: February 2012

In this article, we present a set of novel techniques, which include (1) sensor-stage calibration, (2) high-level script programming for the flexible control of data sensing, and (3) a framework for dynamic data sensing, visualization and shape modeling. It enables the integration of multiple three-dimensional sensors into one controlled three-dimensional digitization system for the closed-loop of data sensing and shape modeling. In this system, point, line, and area sensors with different sensing coverage, accuracies, and resolutions can be integrated into a multi-stage platform on which data acquisition from each sensor can be programmed in a controlled manner. In this manner, the closed-loop of data sensing and shape modeling can be achieved, which can significantly improve the overall digitization efficiency and shape modeling quality. Finally, two three-dimensional digitization examples of such multi-sensor system are demonstrated, (1) complementary integration of multiple sensors for three-dimensional digitization and (2) the closed-loop of dynamic data sensing and shape modeling to significantly improve overall sensing efficiency and shape modeling quality.
Early Conceptual and Linguistic Processes Operate in Independent Channels
Authors: Endress Ansgar D. , Potter Mary C.
Published: February 2012

Language and concepts are intimately linked, but how do they interact? In the study reported here, we probed the relation between conceptual and linguistic processing at the earliest processing stages. We presented observers with sequences of visual scenes lasting 200 or 250 ms per picture. Results showed that observers understood and remembered the scenes’ abstract gist and, therefore, their conceptual meaning. However, observers remembered the scenes at least as well when they simultaneously performed a linguistic secondary task (i.e., reading and retaining sentences); in contrast, a nonlinguistic secondary task (equated for difficulty with the linguistic task) impaired scene recognition. Further, encoding scenes interfered with performance on the nonlinguistic task and vice versa, but scene processing and performing the linguistic task did not affect each other. At the earliest stages of conceptual processing, the extraction of meaning from visually presented linguistic stimuli and the extraction of conceptual information from the world take place in remarkably independent channels.
Venous thrombosis following intravenous injection of household bleach
Authors: Rahmani SH , Ahmadi S , Vahdati SS , Moghaddam HH
Published: February 2012

Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is used extensively as a disinfectant or bleaching agent. Most studies describe ingestion or inhalation route of this product with rare complication and fatalities. Despite global daily exposures, data about bleach injection is limited. Here we report intentional infusion of 20 mL, sodium hypochlorite 5% diluted in 500 mL normal saline 1.5 h prior admission. Clinical manifestation included local pain and edema. There were no laboratory abnormalities in the patient. Doppler sonography revealed thrombosis in superficial (antecubital and basilic) veins. Limb elevation, warm compress, and ibuprofen relived pain and edema after 3 days.
The effects of cold-induced stress on liver oxidative injury during binge drinking
Authors: Ostojić Jelena Nešović , Mladenović Dušan , Ninković Milica , Vučević Danijela , Bondžić Kristina , Ješić-Vukićević Rada , Radosavljević Tatjana
Published: February 2012

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of cold stress on hepatic oxidative damage during binge drinking in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: group 1: control; group 2: ethanol-treated; group 3: stress-exposed; group 4: stress-exposed and ethanol-treated group. Oxidative and nitrosative stress parameters in the liver were determined spectrophotometrically, 12 h after treatment. Liver malondialdehyde concentration was significantly higher in group 4 when compared with groups 2 and 3. The highest increase in nitric oxide concentration was demonstrated in group 4 in comparison with groups 2 and 3. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly lower in group 4 when compared with groups 2 and 3. Ethanol administration induced a larger decrease in the activity of copper-/zinc-SOD in group 4 in comparison with group 2. Activity of manganese-SOD (Mn-SOD) was significantly higher in groups 3 and 4, when compared with control values, but the greatest increase in the activity of Mn-SOD was demonstrated in group 2. We also evaluated statistically significant decrease in the level of reduced gluthatione in the liver of group 4 in comparison with group 3. Based on our study, it can be concluded that cold-exposed stress and binge ethanol drinking have additive effects in imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant defense system in liver.
Study on the cytogenetic changes induced by benzene and hydroquinone in human lymphocytes
Authors: Peng D , Jiaxing W , Chunhui H , Weiyi P , Xiaomin W
Published: February 2012

Benzene (BN) is a prototypical hematotoxicant, genotoxic carcinogen, and ubiquitous environmental pollutant. Although the molecular mechanisms of BN-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxic damage are poorly understood in humans, previous studies suggested that bioactivated BN metabolites are capable of oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and DNA damage. The objective of the current study was to investigate the BN-induced cytogenetic changes and underlying mechanisms based on these hypotheses. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) might be the targets for BN-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, and therefore DNA damage responses of PBLs after exposure to different concentrations of BN (0.25, 3.5, 50 μmol/L) or BN metabolite, hydroquinone (HQ; 50, 150, 450 μmol/L) were studied in vitro. Microculture tetrazolium assay, flow cytometry, 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein-diacetate assay, comet assay, micronuclei assay, and attenuated total reflectance microspectroscope were chosen for this study. Based on the results, we reached the conclusion that different concentrations of BN or HQ significantly inhibited cell growth, induced the arrest of S phase and G2/M phase, and increased late apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, evidence was also provided to support the conclusion that BN and HQ induced DNA strand breaks and chromosomal mutations in PBL, which indicated the genotoxicity of BN and HQ. Current evidence has indicated that multiple mechanisms including dysfunction of cell cycle, programmed cell death, oxidative stress, and DNA lesions are likely to contribute to BN-induced cytogenetic changes.
Association between canine pancreatic-specific lipase and histologic exocrine pancreatic inflammation in dogs
Authors: Mansfield Caroline S. , Anderson Garry A. , O’Hara Amanda J.
Published: February 2012

The current study aimed to determine the specificity, and to a lesser extent the sensitivity, of canine pancreatic-specific lipase (cPL) concentration in dogs with various disease conditions. Dogs were presented for postmortem examination and had serum collected for cPL concentration within 6 hr preceding death or immediately postmortem. Pancreatic tissue was collected postmortem, and sections from the left lobe, right lobe, and body of the pancreas were examined histologically. Inflammation and fibrosis in each section were assessed to determine a total pancreatic inflammatory score and pancreatic fibrosis score in each dog. Correlations between these scores and the cPL concentration were made, as well as determination of specificity. A total of 32 dogs were included in the analysis, 20 of whom had no to minimal pancreatic inflammation. The specificity of cPL with a cutoff value of 200 µg/l was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 56–94%), while with a cutoff of 400 µg/l, the specificity was 90% (95% CI: 68–99%). There was a significant but rather low correlation between cPL concentration and the pancreatic inflammation score, but not with the fibrosis score. Canine pancreatic-specific lipase concentration has good specificity overall in dogs without pancreatitis. This test is less useful in dogs with milder pancreatitis, and both false-positive and false-negative results occur. Results indicated that dogs with clinical signs suggestive of pancreatitis would require abdominal imaging in addition to serum cPL testing to evaluate the cause (or causes) of clinical signs.
Design of a long-period fiber grating sensor for reinforcing bar corrosion in concrete
Authors: Liu Hong-yue , Liang Da-kai , Zeng Jie , Jin Jing , Wu Jin , Geng Jiang
Published: February 2012

In this article, a fiber monitoring technique for detecting the state of rebar corrosion in concrete is proposed, which uses the sensitivity of the long-period fiber grating (LPFG). In this technique, the configuration of a LPFG rebar corrosion sensor is carefully designed to detect the changes of refractive index around rebar in concrete caused by chloride and liquid rust. In the experiment, the sensor using the corresponding package was embedded in concrete structures. The LPFG spectrum curves corresponding to different refractive indexes of the environment under test were captured by the monitoring technique of LPFG transmission spectra, and the relationship between the resonance peak wavelength and the state of rebar corrosion in concrete was obtained. The experimental results numerically showed that the sensor response has good regularity for a wide range of travel.
Geometry optimization in buckling of a shape memory alloy column due to constrained recovery
Authors: Janez Kunavar , Franc Kosel , Andrej Pukšič , Tomaž Videnič
Published: February 2012

Constrained recovery of a compressively prestrained shape memory alloy (SMA) is experimentally and theoretically investigated. Thermomechanical properties of the SMA during the process of constrained recovery are experimentally obtained. Optimization of geometry in buckling of an ideally straight, simply supported column with a nonconstant cross section due to constrained recovery is theoretically investigated. Using the experimentally obtained thermomechanical properties, the critical buckling force and temperature of the optimized column are calculated. Various experiments were conducted in order to verify the calculated results. The calculated critical load and predicted buckling temperatures show good agreement with buckling experiments reported in this article.
Energy harvester for vehicle tires: Nonlinear dynamics and experimental outcomes
Authors: Tornincasa Stefano , Repetto Maurizio , Bonisoli Elvio , Di Monaco Francesco
Published: February 2012

This article presents a very compact electromechanical wideband energy harvester optimized for tire applications. The device exploits an asymmetric magnetic spring to be adaptive and effective at almost any vehicle speed. The device has been simulated through an experimentally validated SIMULINK block-oriented model. The simulation takes into account nonlinear dynamic and adaptive resonant behavior of the seismic mass, electromagnetic, and magnetostatic coupling between floating magnetic mass and coils, and the transfer of the generated power to an external load by means of a nonlinear circuit interface. A particular focus on the pneumatic effect on the floating magnet has been made. A convenient choice of clearance between moving and fixed parts can be used to create an effective air brake preventing or softening shocks with end stops and to modify system dynamic. A nonlinear equivalent spring dashpot model of the pneumatic effect and a method to estimate its parameters from geometry have been proposed. An analysis of different nonlinearities of the system at different vehicle speed and a study on the combined effect of softening and hardening behavior of the device have been performed and discussed.
Smaller Platelet Volumes Associated With Vascular Malformations
Authors: Klapman Marvin H. , Sosa Valentina B. , Mattson-Gates Gail F. , Baker Cynthia N. , Sydorak Roman M. , Ong Victor L. , Li Bonnie H. , Yao Janis F.
Published: February 2012

Various parameters in 91 adult participants with vascular malformations and 91 controls were studied. The mean of the participants' platelet volumes was 8.5 fL and that of their controls was 9.1 ( P < .001). The mean of the participants' platelet mass was 2145 µL/L of blood and that of their controls was 2351 ( P = .006). The other parameters studied were not significantly different than the controls. It is suggested that the lower platelet volume might be related to a compensatory mechanism to keep the total body platelet mass stable despite the increased vasculature.
National estimate of multiple sclerosis incidence in France (2001–2007)
Authors: Fromont A , Binquet C , Sauleau EA , Fournel I , Despalins R , Rollot F , Weill A , Clerc L , Bonithon-Kopp C , Moreau T
Published: February 2012

Background:

In France, the incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is not well known, and MS is one of the 30 long-term illnesses for which patients are covered for 100% of their health care costs.

Objective:

To estimate the incidence of MS in France and its geographic variations.

Methods:

We estimated the national rate for notification of MS to the main French health insurance system, and its confidence interval (CI), between November 2000 and October 2007, which covers 87% of the population. We analysed geographic variations using a Bayesian approach.

Results:

Between November 2000 and October 2007, among a covered population of 52,449,871, some 28,682 individuals were registered as having MS. After age standardization according to the European population, the notification rate for MS was 6.8 per 100,000 (6.7–6.9), 9.8 (9.7–10.0) in women and 3.7 (3.6–3.8) in men. When the under-notification rate (11.5% and 29%) was taken into account, the notification rate per 100,000 inhabitants was estimated between 7.6 and 8.8. The notification rate was higher in north-eastern France, and lower on the Atlantic coast and in the Alps as well as on both sides of the Rhône River.

Conclusions:

This study, conducted on a representative French population, provides for the first time national estimates of MS incidence between November 2000 and October 2007.
Glocal yoga: Re-appropriation in the Indian consumptionscape
Authors: Askegaard Søren , Eckhardt Giana M.
Published: February 2012

The contemporary global consumptionscape is characterized by a vast array of global economic, technological and cultural flows. These flows connect different consumer cultures in complex ways. One outcome of global cultural flows is the re-appropriation of cultural practices in their places of origin after a process of sanctioning in (most often) the western hotbed of consumer culture production. In this paper we explore how the crossing and re-crossing of boundaries has fundamentally transformed the practices and ideas behind local consumption practices in the Indian marketplace; specifically, yoga. We uncover six ways in which middle class yoga consumers in India interpret glocal yoga as it becomes a fashionable practice: yoga as a resource management technique, yoga as a health practice, market oriented yoga, global yoga, global yoga as cultural domination, and yoga as national heritage. We discuss the implications of this re-appropriation process for our understanding of marketplace globalization.
Target visibility level and detection distance on a driving simulator
Authors: Brémond R , Bodard V , Dumont E , Nouailles-Mayeur A
Published: February 2012

The visibility level (VL), a quality index in road lighting design, also serves to assess automotive lighting performance. Unlike illuminance levels, the VL provides a link between lighting design and driving performance. The reference performance of the VL is the detection of a small uniform target, standing on a uniform background (the road surface). Still, VL is subject to a number of caveats with regards to the driving task. We address the non-realistic nature of the reference target (a uniform square). A driving simulation experiment was conducted in a virtual night-time rural highway environment. The subjects drove along the road and came across different targets on the roadside. The detection distances were recorded and compared with the corresponding VL, showing rather good agreement.
Production of a novel biomacromolecule for nanoelectronic devices and artificial retinas utilizing textile wastewater as carbon source: Optimization by Taguchi experimental design
Authors: Taran Mojtaba , Monazah Arina , Taherikalani Morovat
Published: February 2012

In this study, the ability of Haloarcula sp. IRU1 isolated from Urmia lake, Iran, for production of cruxrhodopsin as a biomacromolecule with nanofunction from textile wastewater was evaluated and optimized by Taguchi experimental design. According to Taguchi method, the optimum conditions at which high cruxrhodopsin production could be achieved were observed to be in the presence of textile wastewater at 0.25% (volume/volume), yeast extract at 0.025% (weight/volume) and KH2PO4 at 0.005% (weight/volume). In conclusion, Haloarcula sp. IRU1 is capable of cruxrhodopsin production from textile wastewater in different conditions.
Relationally Bare/Bear
Authors: Santoro Patrick
Published: February 2012

This article is an autoethnographic account of the intricacies surrounding relational dissolution. In tracing moments of a four-year relationship, the author critically and reflexively examines his identity as a gay Bear, acknowledging how his culturally stigmatized hairy and husky body challenged his ability to love. Emphasizing the demanding and unending negotiations of body image, the narratives herein reveal how losing weight allowed the author to re-story the potential of his body, marking a shift in sexual desire for himself and other men. While this article paints a relationship’s end, it also captures a beginning—of what it means to seek a communicatively, emotionally, and physically fulfilling intimacy.
Does Transformational Leadership Facilitate Follower Beliefs in Corporate Social Responsibility? A Field Study of Leader Personal Values and Follower Outcomes
Authors: Groves Kevin S. , LaRocca Michael A.
Published: February 2012

The authors tested an integrated model of transformational leadership consisting of leader personal values, follower beliefs in corporate social responsibility, and leadership performance outcomes. Data from 110 managers and 472 of their direct reports demonstrated strong support for the integrated model. As predicted, leader openness to change, self-transcendent, and collectivistic work values were positively associated with transformational leadership, whereas self-enhancement values were negatively associated with transformational leadership. Follower beliefs in corporate social responsibility partially mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and follower extra effort, which was strongly associated with leadership effectiveness. Implications for leadership theory, practice, and future research are discussed.
The “AMID” Hernia and Skin Stapler for Lichtenstein Hernia Repair
Authors: Castillo Cesar , Légner András
Published: February 2012

Background. The Lichtenstein hernia repair is a widely accepted and durable treatment option for groin hernias, but acute and chronic postoperative pain for inguinal hernia repair remains a significant issue. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the benefit of a novel hernia stapler on acute postoperative pain after a Lichtenstein hernia repair. Methods. A prospective double-arm single-center trial was conducted. Nine patients underwent a Lichtenstein hernia repair using the AMID Stapler (group 1), and another 9 patients underwent a sutured Lichtenstein hernia repair (group 2). Preoperative and postoperative pain was measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS). The intraoperative pain management was either local with sedation, spinal, or general anesthesia. All patients received a local anesthesia preemptively independent of the main anesthetic method. Medication usage, pain, and any procedure related adverse event were documented on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 30. Results. There was no significant difference in demographic data, type or size of hernia, or in baseline pain severity between groups. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. The VAS cumulative average (±standard deviation) pain score during the first postoperative week was 126 (±9.3) and 162 (±9.4) in group 1 and group 2, respectively ( P = .38). Patients in group 1 took significantly less pain medication on days 1, 2, and 3 ( P < .0001, P = .004, P = .02, respectively), and there was a trend toward a lower average analgesic demand during the entire first postoperative week: 11 (±0.54) doses in group 1 and 15.4 (±0.18) doses in group 2 ( P = .07). Conclusion. The Lichtenstein hernia repair using the AMID Stapler is simple and safe and resulted in lower acute postoperative pain and lower analgesic consumption as compared with the sutured Lichtenstein hernia repair. A multicenter clinical trial with a large sample size is needed to more accurately study pain reduction.
Ethyl Pyruvate Improves Healing of Colonic Anastomosis in a Rat Model of Peritonitis
Authors: Onur Ender , Akalın Berkant , Memisoglu Kemal , Karip Aziz Bora , Aydın Mehmet Timucin , Altun Hasan , Ekci Baki
Published: February 2012

Background. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of ethyl pyruvate (EP) on wound healing in primary colonic anastomoses in intraperitoneal sepsis. Methods. Standard left colon resection and end-to-end anastomosis were performed on 30 rats. They were grouped as control (C)—no further treatment; sepsis (S)—received 2 mL Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) intraperitoneally (IP), and after 5 hours, standard resection and anastomosis were performed; or sepsis-group treated with EP (S-EP)—received 2 mL E coli IP, after 5 hours, standard resection and anastomosis were performed and treated with EP 50 mg/kg IP for 7 days. On the postoperative day 7, the animals were sacrificed. Results. The anastomosis bursting pressure in group S was significantly lower than in the other groups. There were no differences between groups C and S-EP. Tissue hydroxyproline concentrations in group C were significantly higher than in group S. Conclusions. EP administration prevented intraperitoneal sepsis-induced impaired anastomotic healing of colon.