bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two new species of Paurodontella Husain & Khan, 1968 (Nematoda: Sphaerulariidae) associated with wheat and a diagnostic compendium to the genus
Authors: Handoo Zafar A. , Iqbal Erum Y. , Kazi Nasira , Fayyaz Shahina
Published: March 2010

An identification key to ten valid species of Paurodontella is given. A
compendium of the most important diagnostic characters with illustrations of
each species is included as a practical alternative and supplement to the
key. The diagnosis of Paurodontella is emended and a list of all valid
species of the genus is given. Two new species (Paurodontella myceliophaga
n. sp. and P. balochistanica n. sp.) collected around the roots of wheat
(Triticum aestivum L.) from North-West Frontier Province and Balochistan,
Pakistan, are described and illustrated. Paurodontella myceliophaga n. sp.
is characterised by having a short post-uterine sac, lateral field with four
incisures, excretory pore at the base of the pharynx and fusiform median
bulb, whereas P. balochistanica n. sp. has a longer and very slender body
with posterior vulva, lateral field with four incisures and short mucronate
tail. Because these species are limited in distribution, their importance is
not known.
Hatching of Heterodera filipjevi in controlled and natural temperature conditions in Turkey
Authors: Sahin Elif , Nicol Julie M. , Elekcioglu I. Halil , Rivoal Roger
Published: March 2010

The effect of different temperatures under both in vitro and in vivo
conditions on the hatching behaviour of second-stage juveniles (J2) of the
cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera filipjevi, was studied. Cumulative percent
hatching was affected significantly by temperature after 290 days of
incubation. Hatching was significantly greater at lower temperatures (5, 10
and 15°C) compared with that at the higher temperatures of 20 and 25°C,
ranging between 75 and 94% vs 19 and 22%, respectively. The highest
cumulative hatch of 94% was obtained at a constant temperature of 15°C at
290 days. However, the lowest cumulative hatch of 33% was obtained after
initial exposure to 5°C followed by transfer to 25°C at day 290. In general,
incubating the cysts at lower initial temperatures of 10 or 15°C for 58 days
gave the highest initial hatching rates 1 week after exposure to the final
temperatures. Under natural temperature conditions in the field, J2
emergence started at 17°C in October and continued until the end of April in
the temperature range of 2-17°C. A total hatch of 94% was recorded under
field temperature conditions over the course of 1 year. Hatch of most J2
occurred in two peaks; the first in October and the second in February, and,
accordingly, the greatest invasion by H. filipjevi is most likely to occur
just after these two peaks. Heterodera filipjevi does not seem to have a
diapause and could hatch anytime when wheat plants are available.
“Dass jede einzelne Sache, für die Israel sein Leben gab, in seinen Händen Bestand haben sollte . . .”: Individuelle und regional unabhängige Religiosität in der Mekhilta des Rabbi Jischmael
Authors: Plietzsch Susanne
Published: March 2010

This paper argues that Mekhilta de-Rabbi Yishmael (MekhY) is distinguishing between local realities of Jewish religion (like the Temple, the Davidic kingdom, full jurisdiction, and even the land of Israel) and a local independent religiosity based on individual responsibility. MekhY pursues the interest to strengthen a regional independent Judaism of individual religious practice and deduces this concept from the Exodus-Sinai narrative. Shabbat is mentioned time and again as a paradigm of this perception of Jewish religiosity. The exegetical interest of MekhY can be shown already by its selection of Biblical texts, this will furthermore be demonstrated by means of four passages of this Midrash.
“This One Fulfilled What Is Written in That One”: On an Early Burial Practice in Its Literary and Artistic Contexts
Authors: Kadari Adiel
Published: March 2010

This article deals with a surprising practice of placing a Torah scroll on a funeral bier and crying out: “This one fulfilled what is written in that one.” An allusion to this custom already appears in a Tannaitic haggadah that tells about the bringing of Joseph’s bones to burial in the Land of Israel. This practice seems to run counter to the tendency to distance the corpse from the realm of the sacred. I seek to examine it through literary motifs from eulogies and depictions of the death of various individuals, and through artistic findings from the realm of funerary art. This examination leads to conclusions about the significance of the presence of the Torah scroll in the context of funerals and burial rituals.
Overlap of Solar and Infrared Spectra and the Shortwave Radiative Effect of Methane
Authors: Li J. , Curry C. L. , Sun Z. , Zhang F.
Published: March 2010

This paper focuses on two shortcomings of radiative transfer codes commonly used in climate models. The first aspect concerns the partitioning of solar versus infrared spectral energy. In most climate models, the solar spectrum comprises wavelengths less than 4 μm with all incoming solar energy deposited in that range. In reality, however, the solar spectrum extends into the infrared, with about 12 W m−2 in the 4–1000-μm range. In this paper a simple method is proposed wherein the longwave radiative transfer equation with solar energy input is solved. In comparison with the traditional method, the new solution results in more solar energy absorbed in the atmosphere and less at the surface.

As mentioned in a recent intercomparison of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC AR4) and line-by-line (LBL) radiation models, most climate model radiation schemes neglect shortwave absorption by methane. However, the shortwave radiative forcing at the surface due to CH4 since the preindustrial period is estimated to exceed that due to CO2. The authors show that the CH4 shortwave effect can be included in a correlated k-distribution model, with the additional flux being accurately simulated in comparison with LBL models.

Ten-year GCM simulations are presented, showing the detailed climatic effect of these changes in radiation treatment. It is demonstrated that the inclusion of solar flux in the infrared range produces a significant amount of extra warming in the atmosphere, specifically (i) in the tropical stratosphere where the warming can exceed 1 K day−1, and (ii) near the tropical tropopause layer. Additional GCM simulations show that inclusion of CH4 in the shortwave calculations also produces a warming of the atmosphere and a consequent reduction of the upward flux at the top of the atmosphere.
Foehn Winds in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica: The Origin of Extreme Warming Events*
Authors: Speirs Johanna C. , Steinhoff Daniel F. , McGowan Hamish A. , Bromwich David H. , Monaghan Andrew J.
Published: March 2010

Foehn winds resulting from topographic modification of airflow in the lee of mountain barriers are frequently experienced in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDVs) of Antarctica. Strong foehn winds in the MDVs cause dramatic warming at onset and have significant effects on landscape forming processes; however, no detailed scientific investigation of foehn in the MDVs has been conducted. As a result, they are often misinterpreted as adiabatically warmed katabatic winds draining from the polar plateau. Herein observations from surface weather stations and numerical model output from the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS) during foehn events in the MDVs are presented. Results show that foehn winds in the MDVs are caused by topographic modification of south-southwesterly airflow, which is channeled into the valleys from higher levels. Modeling of a winter foehn event identifies mountain wave activity similar to that associated with midlatitude foehn winds. These events are found to be caused by strong pressure gradients over the mountain ranges of the MDVs related to synoptic-scale cyclones positioned off the coast of Marie Byrd Land. Analysis of meteorological records for 2006 and 2007 finds an increase of 10% in the frequency of foehn events in 2007 compared to 2006, which corresponds to stronger pressure gradients in the Ross Sea region. It is postulated that the intra- and interannual frequency and intensity of foehn events in the MDVs may therefore vary in response to the position and frequency of cyclones in the Ross Sea region.
Interdecadal Change in the Relationship between ENSO and the Intraseasonal Oscillation in East Asia
Authors: Yun Kyung-Sook , Seo Kyong-Hwan , Ha Kyung-Ja
Published: March 2010

The northward-propagating intraseasonal oscillation (NPISO) during the boreal summer is closely linked to the onset/retreat and intensity of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM). In this study, interdecadal variability in the relationships between the NPISO and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) was investigated using long-term outgoing longwave radiation data obtained from the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) for a 44-yr period (1958 to 2001). It was found that before the late 1970s, the preceding winter ENSO influenced the early summer (i.e., May to June) NPISO activity, whereas after the late 1970s a strong relationship appeared during the later summertime (i.e., July to August). The May–June NPISO before the late 1970s was modulated by springtime Indian Ocean sea surface temperature warming and central North Pacific suppressed convection anomalies and was consequently related to the ENSO-induced west Pacific (WP) pattern, which shows a north–south dipole structure over the North Pacific from winter through spring. After the late 1970s, because of an anomalously strengthened Walker–Hadley circulation, Indian Ocean SST warming was significantly maintained until summer, which promoted a strong suppressed convection anomaly over the Philippine Sea during summer and consequently an enhanced western North Pacific subtropical high and Pacific–Japan (PJ) pattern.
A Bayesian Regression Approach to Seasonal Prediction of Tropical Cyclones Affecting the Fiji Region
Authors: Chand Savin S. , Walsh Kevin J. E. , Chan Johnny C. L.
Published: March 2010

This study presents seasonal prediction schemes for tropical cyclones (TCs) affecting the Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga (FST) region. Two separate Bayesian regression models are developed: (i) for cyclones forming within the FST region (FORM) and (ii) for cyclones entering the FST region (ENT). Predictors examined include various El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) indices and large-scale environmental parameters. Only those predictors that showed significant correlations with FORM and ENT are retained. Significant preseason correlations are found as early as May–July (approximately three months in advance). Therefore, May–July predictors are used to make initial predictions, and updated predictions are issued later using October–December early-cyclone-season predictors. A number of predictor combinations are evaluated through a cross-validation technique. Results suggest that a model based on relative vorticity and the Niño-4 index is optimal to predict the annual number of TCs associated with FORM, as it has the smallest RMSE associated with its hindcasts (RMSE = 1.63). Similarly, the all-parameter-combined model, which includes the Niño-4 index and some large-scale environmental fields over the East China Sea, appears appropriate to predict the annual number of TCs associated with ENT (RMSE = 0.98). While the all-parameter-combined ENT model appears to have good skill over all years, the May–July prediction of the annual number of TCs associated with FORM has two limitations. First, it underestimates (overestimates) the formation for years where the onset of El Niño (La Niña) events is after the May–July preseason or where a previous La Niña (El Niño) event continued through May–July during its decay phase. Second, its performance in neutral conditions is quite variable. Overall, no significant skill can be achieved for neutral conditions even after an October–December update. This is contrary to the performance during El Niño or La Niña events, where model performance is improved substantially after an October–December early-cyclone-season update.
Quantifying Environmental Control on Tropical Cyclone Intensity Change
Authors: Hendricks Eric A. , Peng Melinda S. , Fu Bing , Li Tim
Published: March 2010

Composite analysis is used to examine environmental and climatology and persistence characteristics of tropical cyclones (TCs) undergoing different intensity changes in the western North Pacific (WPAC) and North Atlantic (ATL) ocean basins. Using the cumulative distribution functions of 24-h intensity changes from the 2003–08 best-track data, four intensity change bins are defined: rapidly intensifying (RI), intensifying, neutral, and weakening. The Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System daily 0000 and 1200 UTC global analysis and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Microwave Imager data are then used as proxies for the real atmosphere, and composites of various environmental fields believed relevant to TC intensity change are made in the vicinity of the TCs. These composites give the average characteristics near the TC, prior to undergoing a given intensity change episode.

For the environmental variables, statistically significant differences are examined between RI storms and the other groups. While some environmental differences were found between RI and weakening/neutral TCs in both basins, an interesting result from this study is that the environment of RI TCs and intensifying TCs is quite similar. This indicates that the rate of intensification is only weakly dependent on the environmental conditions, on average, provided the environment is favorable. Notable exceptions were that in the WPAC, RI events occurred in environments with significantly larger conditional instability than intensifying events. In the ATL, RI events occurred in environments with weaker deep-layer shear than intensifying events. An important finding of this work is that SSTs are similar between intensifying and rapidly intensifying TCs, indicating that the rate of intensification is not critically dependent on SST.

The TCs in both basins were more intense prior to undergoing an RI episode than an intensifying or neutral episode. In the WPAC, the three groups had similar translational speeds and headings, and average initial position. In the ATL, RI storms were located farther south than intensifying and neutral storms, and had a larger translational speed and a more westward component to the heading.
Indian Hedgehog Roles in Post-natal TMJ Development and Organization
Authors: Ochiai T. , Shibukawa Y. , Nagayama M. , Mundy C. , Yasuda T. , Okabe T. , Shimono K. , Kanyama M. , Hasegawa H. , Maeda Y. , Lanske B. , Pacifici M. , Koyama E.
Published: March 2010

Indian hedgehog (Ihh) is essential for embryonic mandibular condylar growth and disc primordium formation. To determine whether it regulates those processes during post-natal life, we ablated Ihh in cartilage of neonatal mice and assessed the consequences on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) growth and organization over age. Ihh deficiency caused condylar disorganization and growth retardation and reduced polymorphic cell layer proliferation. Expression of Sox9, Runx2, and Osterix was low, as was that of collagen II, collagen I, and aggrecan, thus altering the fibrocartilaginous nature of the condyle. Though a disc formed, it exhibited morphological defects, partial fusion with the glenoid bone surface, reduced synovial cavity space, and, unexpectedly, higher lubricin expression. Analysis of the data shows, for the first time, that continuous Ihh action is required for completion of post-natal TMJ growth and organization. Lubricin overexpression in mutants may represent a compensatory response to sustain TMJ movement and function.
Threshold for Detection of Incisal Forces Is Increased by Jaw Movement
Authors: Sowman P.F , Brinkworth R.S.A. , Türker K.S.
Published: March 2010

Current knowledge regarding the sensitivity of the teeth to forces is based on psychophysical experiments that measured touch detection thresholds under static jaw conditions. It is not known whether jaw movements alter the perception of forces applied to the teeth, but, based on limb movement studies, it is hypothesized that the perception of mechanoreceptor outputs will be downwardly modulated by jaw movements. We predicted that, compared with static jaw conditions, rhythmic jaw movements would be associated with significantly higher psychophysical thresholds for the detection of incisally applied forces. In eight participants, mechanical pulses were delivered to an incisor during static jaw holding or during cyclic jaw opening and closing. Analogous to findings in human limbs, the psychophysical salience of periodontal mechanoreceptor feedback was downwardly modulated by physiologically relevant movements; detection thresholds for mechanical pulses applied to a central incisor were significantly higher during jaw-closing movements than during static jaw positioning.
Killing of Treponema denticola by Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: Gaibani P. , Vocale C. , Ambretti S. , Cavrini F. , Izard J. , Miragliotta L. , Pellegrino M.T. , Sambri V.
Published: March 2010

Treponema denticola has been identified as an important cause of periodontal disease and hypothesized to be involved in extra-oral infections. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of T. denticola cell length and motility during mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro uptake. Macrophages, incubated under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, produced a similar amount of TNF-α when stimulated with Escherichia coli LPS. The uptake of FlgE- and CfpA-deficient mutants of T. denticola was significantly increased compared with the wild-type strain, due to cell size or lack of motility. Opsonization with specific antibodies considerably improved the treponemes’ uptake. These results suggest that macrophages, in addition to other phagocytes, could play an important role in the control of T. denticola infection, and that the raising of specific antibodies could improve the efficacy of the immune response toward T. denticola, either at an oral site or during dissemination.
Anti-NGF Treatment Reduces Bone Resorption in Periodontitis
Authors: Gašperšič R. , Kovačič U. , Glišovič Š. , Cör A. , Skalerič U.
Published: March 2010

Periodontitis is characterized by periodontal tissue destruction, including the alveolar bone. One of its critical components is the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides from sensory nerve endings innervating the periodontium. Since nerve growth factor (NGF) has been reported to up-regulate neuropeptides in sensory neurons, we hypothesized that it would be increased in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats, and that systemic NGF neutralization would reduce the periodontitis-associated alveolar bone resorption. Real-time PCR analysis disclosed a statistically significant time-dependent up-regulation of NGF mRNA in gingiva during 2 weeks of periodontitis. Interestingly, NGF up-regulation was also detected in the contralateral gingiva. In addition, immunohistochemistry of trigeminal ganglion neurons innervating the gingivomucosa demonstrated increased expression of TrkA receptor for NGF. Systemic anti-NGF treatment during periodontitis significantly reduced interleukin-1β expression in gingiva and bilateral alveolar bone resorption. This suggests that NGF promotes periodontal inflammation and implicates a possible use of anti-NGF treatment in periodontitis.
Different Forms of DMP1 Play Distinct Roles in Mineralization
Authors: Gericke A. , Qin C. , Sun Y. , Redfern R. , Redfern D. , Fujimoto Y. , Taleb H. , Butler W.T. , Boskey A.L.
Published: March 2010

Dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP1) is a major synthetic product of hypertrophic chondrocytes and osteocytes. Previous in vitro studies showed full-length DMP1 inhibits hydroxyapatite (HA) formation and growth, while its N-terminal fragment (37K) promotes HA formation. Since there are 3 fragments within the mineralized tissues [N-terminal, C-terminal (57K), and a chondroitin-sulfate-linked N-terminal fragment (DMP1-PG)], we predicted that each would have a distinct effect on mineralization related to its interaction with HA. In a gelatin-gel system, 37K and 57K fragments were both promoters of HA formation and growth; DMP1-PG was an inhibitor. The secondary structures of the 3 fragments and the full-length protein in the presence and absence of Ca2+ and HA determined by FTIR showed that the full-length protein undergoes slight conformational changes on binding to HA, while 37K, 57K, and DMP1-PG do not change conformation. These findings indicate that distinct forms of DMP1 may work collectively in controlling the mineralization process.
Implication of Ethanol Wet-bonding in Hybrid Layer Remineralization
Authors: Kim J. , Gu L. , Breschi L. , Tjäderhane L. , Choi K.K. , Pashley D.H. , Tay F.R.
Published: March 2010

During mineralization, unbound water within the collagen matrix is replaced by apatite. This study tested the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the status of in vitro biomimetic remineralization of hybrid layers, regardless of their moisture contents. Acid-etched dentin was bonded with One-Step with ethanol-wet-bonding, water-wet-bonding, and water-overwet-bonding protocols. Composite-dentin slabs were subjected to remineralization for 1-4 months in a medium containing dual biomimetic analogs, with set Portland cement as the calcium source and characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Remineralization was either non-existent or restricted to the intrafibrillar mode in ethanol-wet-bonded specimens. Extensive intrafibrillar and interfibrillar remineralization was observed in water-wet-bonded specimens. Water-overwet specimens demonstrated partial remineralization of hybrid layers and precipitation of mineralized plates within water channels. The use of ethanol-wet-bonding substantiates that biomimetic remineralization is a progressive dehydration process that replaces residual water in hybrid layers with apatite crystallites.
An All-in-One Adhesive Does Not Etch beyond Hybrid Layers
Authors: Kim J. , Mai S. , Carrilho M.R. , Yiu C.K.Y. , Pashley D.H. , Tay F.R.
Published: March 2010

Continuous etching of aggressive all-in-one adhesives occurs in wet dentin tubules after polymerization of the adhesives. This study challenged the hypothesis that unpolymerized acidic monomers from an aggressive all-in-one self-etching adhesive continue to etch beyond dentin hybrid layers. Dentin surfaces bonded with Adper Prompt L-Pop were sectioned into 0.3-mm-thick slabs. Some of the slabs were stored in water (pH 6.8) or glycine buffer (pH 11.1) for six weeks and then examined by CLSM, SEM, and TEM. The rest were immersed in a biomimetic remineralizing medium for up to 4 months. Morphologic analysis indicated no difference in demineralization thickness between the two 6-week storage groups. However, increased permeability and loss of integrity occurred along the base of the hybrid layers in the glycine buffer group, but not in the water storage group. These findings were also confirmed by the results of biomimetic remineralization along the bases of those hybrid layers.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Leukotoxin
Authors: Kachlany S.C.
Published: March 2010

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the human oral cavity and is the causative agent for localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP), an aggressive form of periodontal disease that occurs in adolescents. A. actinomycetemcomitans secretes a protein toxin, leukotoxin (LtxA), which helps the bacterium evade the host immune response during infection. LtxA is a membrane-active toxin that specifically targets white blood cells (WBCs). In this review, we discuss recent developments in this field, including the identification and characterization of genes and proteins involved in secretion, regulation of LtxA, biosynthesis, newly described activities of LtxA, and how LtxA may be used as a therapy for the treatment of diseases.
Osteocytes and WNT: the Mechanical Control of Bone Formation
Authors: Galli C. , Passeri G. , Macaluso G.M.
Published: March 2010

Mechanical loading is of pivotal importance in the maintenance of skeletal homeostasis, but the players involved in the transduction of mechanical stimuli to promote bone maintenance have long remained elusive. Osteocytes, the most abundant cells in bone, possess mechanosensing appendices stretching through a system of bone canaliculi. Mechanical stimulation plays an important role in osteocyte survival and hence in the preservation of bone mechanical properties, through the maintenance of bone hydratation. Osteocytes can also control the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal precursors in response to mechanical loading by modulating WNT signaling pathways, essential regulators of cell fate and commitment, through the protein sclerostin. Mutations of Sost, the sclerostin-encoding gene, have dramatic effects on the skeleton, indicating that osteocytes may act as master regulators of bone formation and localized bone remodeling. Moreover, the development of sclerostin inhibitors is opening new possibilities for bone regeneration in orthopedics and the dental field.
Multiple‐Dose Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Sergliflozin Etabonate, a Novel Inhibitor of Glucose Reabsorption, in Healthy Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Randomized Double‐Blind Study
Authors: Hussey Elizabeth K. , Dobbins Robert L. , Stoltz Randall R. , Stockman Nancy L. , O'Connor‐Semmes Robin L. , Kapur Anita , Murray Sharon C. , Layko Debbi , Nunez Derek J. R.
Published: March 2010

Sergliflozin, the active entity of sergliflozin etabonate, is a selective inhibitor of the sodium‐dependent glucose cotransporter‐2 in the renal tubule. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sergliflozin were examined during administration of sergliflozin etabonate (500 or 1000 mg) or placebo 3 times daily (tid) for 14 days in healthy overweight or obese human volunteers (n = 18). At the doses tested, sergliflozin showed less than dose‐proportional pharmacokinetic characteristics. Mean half‐life of the active entity was approximately 2 hours; there was no evidence of drug accumulation. Sergliflozin etabonate produced rapid and sustained suppression of renal glucose reabsorption, resulting in a dose‐related glucosuria, and a transient increase in urinary electrolyte and fluid loss; plasma glucose, insulin, and electrolyte levels were unchanged. Sergliflozin etabonate produced a rapid, dose‐related reduction in body weight (mean changes of −0.09, −1.55, and −1.74 kg from baseline to day 15 with placebo, sergliflozin etabonate 500 mg, and sergliflozin etabonate 1000 mg, respectively), apparently through increased urinary calorie loss rather than through osmotic diuresis. Sergliflozin etabonate 500 or 1000 mg tid was generally well tolerated; no clinically significant adverse events were identified. Renal function (creatinine clearance) was not affected by sergliflozin etabonate, although urinary microalbumin, N‐acetyl‐beta‐D‐glucosaminidase, and β2‐microglobulin levels tended to increase.
The moderating role of employability on the relationship between job insecurity and commitment to change
Authors: Hina Jawaid Kalyal  , Berntson Erik , Baraldi Stephan , Näswall Katharina , Sverke Magnus
Published: March 2010

The development of commitment to change is an underresearched area especially in non-western settings. The aim of the present study was to determine whether employability can moderate the negative effects of job insecurity on individuals’ commitment to change. A survey method approach was used to collect 149 responses from managers of a large public sector organization in Pakistan undergoing restructuring. Hierarchical multiple regression results suggest that employability is an important coping resource during organizational change as it helps mitigate the negative effects of job insecurity on the most desirable form of commitment to change, namely affective commitment to change. Theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed.
Examining occupational self-efficacy, work locus of control and communication as moderators of the job insecurity—job performance relationship
Authors: König Cornelius J , Debus Maike E , Häusler Stéphanie , Lendenmann Nora , Kleinmann Martin
Published: March 2010

Employees’ performance has been shown to be moderately hampered by job insecurity. Based on conservation of resources theory, the study examines whether three possible resources (occupational self-efficacy, work locus of control and communication) moderate the negative job insecurity—performance relationship. Analyses of a large Swiss dataset reveal two significant interaction effects: the higher the job insecurity, the less influence work locus of control and perceived communication exert on the job insecurity—performance relationship. This suggests that work locus of control and perceived communication may be resources that can only act beneficially in a situation of low job insecurity.
Metabolic Control, Self-care Behaviors, and Parenting in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Stoker Greene Maia , Mandleco Barbara , Olsen Roper Susanne , Marshall Elaine S. , Dyches Tina
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this pilot study was to explore relationships among metabolic control, self-care behaviors, and parenting in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Twenty-nine adolescents (mean age, 14.1 years) and their parents participated. Metabolic control was determined by an average of 4 A1C values taken prior to study enrollment; self-care behaviors were measured with a 12-item self-report questionnaire; parenting style was evaluated using the Parenting Practices Report.

Results

The mean for A1C values was 8.5%; the mean for overall self-care behaviors was 4.93 (5 = usually). Participants rated themselves highest on the self-care behaviors of giving insulin shots when indicated and adjusting insulin when eating a lot. They ranked themselves lowest on eating a low-fat diet and testing urine for ketones. Parents tended to be more authoritative in their approaches to parenting than either authoritarian or permissive. A significant relationship was found between authoritative mothering and adolescent self-care behaviors and metabolic control. Regression analyses controlling for age and length of time with diabetes confirmed the significance of these relationships. Authoritative fathering positively correlated with the self-care behaviors of monitoring blood glucose, taking insulin, and not skipping meals. A relationship was also noted between permissive parenting by mothers/fathers and poorer metabolic outcomes. However, the permissive parenting correlations did not remain significant when controlling for age and length of time with diabetes.

Conclusions

Clinicians may help prevent declining participation in self-care behaviors and metabolic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes by working with parents, particularly mothers, and encouraging authoritative parenting.
3-Year Follow-up of Clinical and Behavioral Improvements Following a Multifaceted Diabetes Care Intervention
Authors: Piatt Gretchen A. , Anderson Robert M. , Brooks Maria M. , Songer Thomas , Siminerio Linda M. , Korytkowski Mary M. , Zgibor Janice C.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine if improvements observed in clinical, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes measured at 12 months following a multifaceted diabetes care intervention were sustained at 3-year follow-up.

Methods

This study was a multilevel, nonblinded, cluster design, randomized controlled trial that took place in an under-served suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, between 1999 and 2005. Eleven primary care practices, and their patients, were randomly assigned to 3 groups: chronic care model (CCM) intervention (n = 30), provider education only (PROV) (n = 38), and usual care (UC) (n = 51). Subjects were followed for 3 years.

Results

Improvements observed at 12-month follow-up in glycemic (—0.5%) and blood pressure control (—4.8 mm Hg), and the proportion of participants who self-monitor their blood glucose (86.7%-100%), were sustained at 3-year follow-up in the CCM group. Additional improvements occurred in non-HDLc levels in all study groups and quality of well-being scores in the CCM intervention group. All associations remained after controlling for medication treatment intensification.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated that improvements in outcomes can be sustained over time following a multifaceted diabetes care intervention. Future research in this area is necessary to understand if improvements in outcomes can be sustained following diabetes self-management education (DSME) and what type of patient fares the best from multifaceted diabetes care interventions.
An investigation of four writing traits and two tasks across two languages
Authors: Bae Jungok , Bachman Lyle F.
Published: March 2010

This study investigated the validity of four theoretically motivated traits of writing ability across English and Korean, based on elementary school students’ responses to letter- and story-writing tasks. Their responses were scored analytically and analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. The findings include the following. A model of writing ability that includes the influence of four primary trait factors (grammar, content, spelling, and text length), which are influenced by a higher-order trait factor, and of the effect of test methods (letter- and story-writing tasks) provides a reasonable explanation for differences in writing performance among students. The trait effects are central while the method effects peripheral and inconsistent. A higher-order factor explains the correlations among the four primary factors, whose uniqueness is retained even while removing the effect of the general factor. This research expands our understanding of writing performance in the following unique aspects: models of writing with the four traits and the two tasks across two languages, largely unverified aspects of writing in prior factorial studies; a CFA-correlated-uniqueness approach for trait-method investigation.
Vascular Safety during High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Kim Jingoo , Allaire Robert , Harner Christopher D.
Published: March 2010

Background

High tibial osteotomy is technically demanding. Risks include injury to the popliteal neurovascular bundle. The present goal was to further define this risk.

Hypothesis

The distance from the posterior tibia to the popliteal artery increases with increasing knee flexion. A saw angle perpendicular to the coronal plane can injure the popliteal artery.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods

Seven fresh-frozen cadaveric lower extremities were used. Lateral radiographs at knee flexion angles of 90°, 60°, 45°, 30°, and 0° were taken to measure the distance from the anterior border of the popliteal artery to the posterior cortex of the tibia 5.0 mm and 2.0 cm below the joint line. After an opening wedge high tibial osteotomy was made, qualitative assessments were made of the depth of a saw blade inserted into the kerf and the relative encroachment of the saw blade on the popliteal artery. The interval through which the space anterior to the popliteus can be accessed was identified by gross dissection in all specimens.

Results

The distance from the posterior tibia to the popliteal artery increased with knee flexion. At 5.0 mm and 2.0 cm below the joint line, the mean distance at 90° was significantly greater than at all other angles. The popliteal artery could be injured by the oscillating saw at angles greater than 30° to the coronal plane. A protective device inserted anterior to the popliteus protects the neurovascular structures.

Conclusion

The popliteal artery is farthest from the posterior tibia at 90° of knee flexion. Saw angles greater than 30° from the coronal plane put the popliteal neurovasculature at risk of injury.

Clinical Relevance

To perform a safe osteotomy, the knee should be positioned in 90° of flexion with the saw angled less than 30° from the coronal plane. A protective device deep to the popliteus may protect against popliteal injury.
Courage and Compassion in the Striving for Authenticity: States of Complacency, Compliance, and Contestation
Authors: Kreber Carolin
Published: March 2010

Synthesising Martha Nussbaum’s study of the emotions and the capabilities approach to human development with Charles Taylor’s claim that authentic identities ought to be constructed dialogically against “horizons of significance,” the author identifies critical features of authenticity that are then applied to the context of adult educators, learners, and pedagogies. With the purpose of surfacing the context-transcendent structure underlying the experience of struggling for authenticity, the article takes as its point of departure the context of coming out about one’s sexual orientation. The metaphor of “coming out” is subsequently extended to the process of striving for authenticity also in other contexts. This striving involves overcoming complacency and compliance and engaging in contestation, has both a psychological and sociological dimension, and is associated with the civic virtues of courage and compassion. The author also speculates on why authenticity is perceived as a timely notion by many adult and higher education professionals.
Effects of Peer Tutoring With Audio Prompting on Vocabulary Acquisition for Struggling Readers
Authors: Mackiewicz Sara Moore , Wood Charles L. , Cooke Nancy L. , Mazzotti Valerie L.
Published: March 2010

Reciprocal peer tutoring can be an effective supplement to teacher-led instruction, but students need to have the tutoring skills necessary to teach their peers successfully. Previous studies have addressed the challenge of providing essential information to a naïve tutor, allowing for correct modeling and feedback. The present study compared incidental learning of vocabulary words through classroom reading instruction to a combination of incidental learning supplemented with peer tutoring. Eight fourth-grade students were trained to tutor each other using a digital recording and playback device that provides audio prompts to naïve tutors. Results indicated that students made modest gains from incidental learning and much stronger gains from peer tutoring with audio prompting. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Wimmer’s concept of psychogenic psychosis revisited
Authors: Castagnini Augusto C
Published: March 2010

In the early twentieth century the Danish psychiatrist August Wimmer (1872—1937) developed the concept of psychogenic psychosis (PP) as a category of mental disorders separate from schizophrenia and manic depression. It subsumed a variety of clinical conditions with affective, confusional and paranoid features typically triggered by a psychical trauma. Wimmer’s work has established itself as one of the classic texts in Scandinavian psychiatry but, for linguistic reasons, long remained almost unknown in other European countries. Translated into English in 2003, it is now available for historical and psychopathological analyses. This paper describes the original meaning of PP and sets it in context, then discusses the implications arising from the usage of the diagnostic categories introduced to replace PP in modern international classifications.
The madness of King George III: a psychiatric re-assessment
Authors: Peters Timothy J , Beveridge Allan
Published: March 2010

This research, based on a study of King George III’s medical records and of contemporary diaries of his courtiers and equerries, further confirms the considerable doubt on the claim of Richard Hunter and Ida Macalpine that the King suffered from recurrent attacks of acute porphyria. The present study examines the above records from a psychiatric viewpoint, together with some additional reports, to re-assess the nature of the King’s maladies. It concludes that he suffered from recurrent mania (four episodes), with chronic mania and possibly a degree of fatuity during the last decade of his life. This is in agreement with previous reports that he suffered from manic-depressive psychosis.
The Role of Negative Emotion in General Strain Theory
Authors: Ganem Natasha M.
Published: March 2010

General strain theory (GST) argues that strain (i.e., stress) leads to negative emotion and that negative emotion leads to criminal behavior. Though GST has received a significant amount of empirical support, tests of GST have focused primarily on the relationship between stress, anger, and interpersonal aggression. Much of past GST research has therefore neglected the idea that different types of strain might produce different negative emotions aside from anger and that different negative emotions might produce different types of criminal involvement aside from interpersonal aggression. This article investigates these possibilities. Literature from the social psychology of emotion is used to develop hypotheses that are tested through a vignette study. Results indicate that certain situations produce certain emotions more so than others but that negative emotions often co-occur. Some negative emotions precipitate criminal involvement, whereas others inhibit criminal tendencies.
What Are the Unique Design Features of Language? Formal Tools for Comparative Claims
Authors: Zuidema Willem , Verhagen Arie
Published: March 2010

What are the “design features” of human language that need to be explained? Starting from R. Jackendoff’s scenario for the evolution of language, we argue that it is the transitions between stages that pose the crucial challenges for accounts of the evolution of language. We review a number of formalisms for conceptualizations, sound, and the mapping between them, and describe and evaluate the differences between each of Jackendoff’s stages in terms of these formalisms. We conclude from this discussion that the transitions to combinatorial phonology, compositional semantics and hierarchical phrase structure can be formally characterized. Modeling these transitions is a major challenge for language evolution research.
Review Article: Effects of Plant Sterols and Stanols Beyond Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Lowering
Authors: Derdemezis Christos S. , Filippatos Theodosios D. , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Elisaf Moses S.
Published: March 2010

Consumption of foods and supplements enriched with plant sterols/stanols (PS) may help reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. In this review, we consider the effects of PS beyond LDL-C lowering. Plant sterols/stanols exert beneficial effects on other lipid variables, such as apolipoprotein (apo) B/apoAI ratio and, in some studies, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). Plant sterols/stanols may also affect inflammatory markers, coagulation parameters, as well as platelet and endothelial function. Evidence also exists about a beneficial effect on oxidative stress, but this does not seem to be of greater degree than that expected from the LDL-C lowering. Many of these effects have been demonstrated in vitro and animal models. Some in vitro effects cannot be seen in vivo or in humans at usual doses. The epidemiological studies that evaluated the association of plasma PS concentration with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk do not provide a definitive answer. Long-term randomized placebo-controlled studies are required to clarify the effects of supplementation with PS on CVD risk and progression of atherosclerosis.
Review Article: Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids: Novel Mediators of Cardioprotection
Authors: Nithipatikom Kasem , Gross Garrett J.
Published: March 2010

Recent evidence from a number of in vitro and in vivo studies in isolated cells and animal models has suggested that the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) pathway of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism produces potent cardioprotective metabolites that markedly reduce reversible (myocardial stunning) and irreversible (infarct size [IS]) injury in the ischemic/reperfused heart. The major players in this protective response appear to be the AA metabolites including the regioisomers of 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). The present review article will discuss the beneficial effects of the EETs on myocardial stunning and IS reduction and consider some of the signaling pathways and cellular mechanisms by which the EETs produce their beneficial effects and the possible therapeutic benefits that may result from activation of this pathway. The results discussed in this review are taken from experiments obtained from 3 diverse species in different laboratories: the mouse, rat, and dog, in which the results were nearly identical qualitatively and quantitatively, suggesting that these findings are likely to be extrapolated to man as well.
Tegaserod and the Risk of Cardiovascular Ischemic Events: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Loughlin Jeanne , Quinn Sherry , Rivero Elena , Wong Judy , Huang Jiaquing , Kralstein Jeffrey , Earnest David L. , Seeger John D.
Published: March 2010

Objectives: Tegaserod, a partial 5-HT4 agonist previously approved for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation, was suspended from US marketing in 2007, based on pooled clinical trial results which contained a signal suggesting increased risk of cardiovascular ischemic events (CVIEs). We sought to evaluate whether there was an association between tegaserod and CVIE in a setting of routine clinical practice. Methods: This was a matched cohort study conducted within a large US health insurance database, involving 52 229 patients who initiated tegaserod and 52 229 patients with similar characteristics who did not initiate tegaserod. Participants were followed for up to 6 months for the occurrence of CVIE (myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, coronary revascularization, and stroke). Outcomes were identified using insurance claims and were confirmed by review of medical records. We conducted as-matched analyses providing hazard ratios (HRs) along with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and as-treated analyses accounting for changes in dispensed therapy. Results: There was no increased risk of CVIE associated with tegaserod treatment. The as-matched association between tegaserod and ischemic cardiovascular outcomes (HR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.73-1.23) and stroke (HR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.46-1.77) did not change substantially in the as-treated analyses (cardiovascular relative risk [RR] = 1.14, 95% CI 0.83-1.56; stroke: RR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.49-2.02). The results were largely unaffected by adjustment for characteristics or subgroup analyses. Conclusion: In this observational study of tegaserod use, we found no evidence for an increased risk of CVIE in tegaserod users.
Antiviral immune response in patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy siblings
Authors: Comabella M. , Montalban X. , Horga A. , Messmer B. , Kakalacheva K. , Strowig T. , Caballero E. , Münz C. , Lünemann JD
Published: March 2010

The objective of this study was to determine the immune responses to candidate viral triggers of multiple sclerosis in patients and healthy siblings raised in the same family household. Virus antigen-specific IgG responses to Epstein—Barr virus-derived gene products as well as to human herpersvirus-6, human cytomegalovirus, and measles virus were evaluated in 25 multiple sclerosis patients and compared with 49 healthy full-siblings. IgG responses to the latent Epstein—Barr virus-encoded nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1) were selectively increased in individuals with multiple sclerosis compared with their unaffected siblings. We conclude that elevated IgG responses towards EBNA1 are associated with the development of multiple sclerosis.