bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting the Academic Choices of Academically Talented Middle School Students
Authors: Olszewski-Kubilius Paula , Yasumoto Jeff
Published: October 2011

This study examines the factors that influence the couise choices of gifted middle school students who participated in a summer academic program. Specifically, we studied factors that influence the choices between math, science, and verbal oriented courses. The factors included gender, race, ability, previous educational experiences, interests, and parental attitudes. Results show that there was a gender difference favoring males for selection of math and science courses over verbal ones. Parental attitudes and previous educational experiences influenced the selection of a math class over a verbal course. Parental attitudes and race influenced the selection of a science course over a verbal course. The importance that parents place on mathematics and science for the child's future had the most powerful influence over a student's selections compared to other variables and appears to offset negative attitudes that might prevent females from selecting math courses.
Is Giftedness Socially Stigmatizing? The Impact of High Achievement on Social Interactions
Authors: Manor-Bullock Rochelle , Look Christine , Dixon David N.
Published: October 2011

Interpersonal and emotional difficulties of gifted adolescents have been well documented; however, the relational dynamics that lead to such difficulties are less well understood. Following ideas posited by researchers such as Coleman and Cross (1988), the current study attempted to examine the “social stigma of giftedness” and the management of this stigma. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to explore social experiences of students at the Indiana Academy for Mathematics, Science, and Humanities. Perceptions of cliques and how social interactions at the Academy differed from regular high schools were also addressed. Possible hypotheses regarding how these students used information management strategies to deal with the stigma associated with giftedness are explored.
An Overview of Effective Practices with Gifted Students in General-Education Settings
Authors: Johnsen Susan K. , Ryser Gail R.
Published: October 2011

Approximately 675 citations in journals dedicated to gifted studies and 83 abstracts indexed by ERIC, PsycLIT, and Dissertation Abstracts International from 1989 to the present were reviewed. To qualify for this review, the reference needed to meet the following criteria: (a) sample included a clearly identified group of gifted students, (b) validity issues were considered, (c) qualitative or quantitative methods were clearly identified, (d) outcomes were related to learner or classroom changes, and (e) the practice could be or was implemented in a general-education classroom. The references were then categorized according to effective research methods, validity issues, and classroom instructional practices that might be modified or changed. These categories were used to assist researchers in planning and initiating future efficacy studies for serving gifted students in the general-education classroom. Only 39, or 5%, of the identified references were databased. The majority of the literature focused on specific instructional strategies and program models that are effective with gifted students. A need continues to exist for databased articles that examine effective practices with gifted students in the general-education classroom.
A cost analysis of specialist inpatient neurorehabilitation services in the UK
Authors: Turner-Stokes Lynne , Bill Alan , Dredge Robert
Published: October 2011

Objective: To determine the range and variation in costs and service characteristics between different levels of specialist neurorehabilitation services in England, and to determine key predictors of service costs.

Design: A retrospective analysis of service costs, staffing and activity levels, with comparison across service types.

Setting: Specialist neurorehabilitation services ( n = 17) from different areas of England, were divided into three types according to predefined criteria: adult level 1 (tertiary) ( n = 8) and level 2a (supra-district) ( n = 7) services; and children’s services ( n = 2).

Main measures: Annual service costs were collated using a standard costing template, and divided according to principal cost type (direct/indirect/overheads) and behaviour (variable/non-variable). For comparison between the level 1 and 2a services, costs and service characteristics were calculated per occupied bed.

Results: The percentage breakdown of costs was consistent across all three service types, with direct costs making up 83%, indirect 10%, and overheads 7% of total costs. The median variable component ranged from 75 to 76%. Staff pay made up 66% and accounted for 95% of the variance of the total costs in adult services. Level 1 services had higher total staffing costs, mainly reflecting higher therapy staff numbers ( z = –2.0, P = 0.05). The median total costs/bed-day were: level 1 £530 (interquartile range (IQR) 435–574) (equivalent to US$860 or €650) and level 2a £402 (US$650 or €459) (IQR 326–451) ( z = –2.5, P = 0.009). Children’s services cost almost twice that (£1017–1177).

Conclusions: Expected variations in cost are largely due to differences in staff costs. Total staff costs projected by 150% provided a reasonable estimate of total unit costs.
Systematic back muscle exercise after percutaneous vertebroplasty for spinal osteoporotic compression fracture patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Bai-Ling , Zhong Yi , Huang Yang-Liang , Zeng Li-Wen , Li Yi-Qiang , Yang Xiao-Xi , Jiang Qin , Wang Chu-Huai
Published: October 2011

Objective: To analyze the clinical significance of postoperative back muscle exercises after percutaneous vertebroplasty for spinal osteoporotic compression fracture patients.

Design: Clinical randomized controlled trials of parallel group nonpharmacologic study.

Setting: Patients practised back muscle exercises in the spinal surgery department, rehabilitation department and at their residences.

Subjects: Osteoporotic compression fracture patients who had undergone percutaneous vertebroplasty and processed sufficient muscle strength to participate in the training were studied.

Interventions: Patients were randomized into two groups, which were titled A and B. General postoperation therapy, including antiosteoporotic medications and education, was offered to all patients. Group B patients received additional systematic back muscle exercise.

Main measures: Both Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively at three-day, one-month, six-month, one-year and two-year follow-up.

Results: From January 2006 to January 2009, a total of 82 patients were assessed for eligibility, 60 patients were enrolled and randomized into two groups. Forty-two (70%) patients (20 of 30 in Group A and 22 of 30 in Group B) were successfully followed-up for two years. Systematic back muscle exercises resulted in a significant advantage in both measurements. The ODI of Group B was significantly better than Group A at the six-month, one-year and two-year follow-ups ( P < 0.05). The pain level of Group B was significantly lower than in Group A at the one- and two-year follow-ups ( P < 0.05). At the end of our study, the mean (SD) of the ODI in Groups A and B were 39.1 (9.14) and 23.4 (5.62); the mean (SD) of the VAS in Groups A and B were 3.4 (1.15) and 2.1 (0.84), respectively.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the benefit of the exercises required at least six months to be observed; however, the favourable effects could last for two years. Therefore, systematic back muscle exercise should be recommended as one of the treatment guidelines for postpercutaneous vertebroplasty patients.
Patient and Surgeon Characteristics Associated With Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Graft Selection
Authors: Inacio Maria C.S. , Paxton Elizabeth W. , Maletis Gregory B. , Csintalan Rick P. , Granan Lars-Petter , Fithian Donald C. , Funahashi Tadashi T.
Published: October 2011

Background: It has been suggested that a surgeon’s experience and training are the most important factors associated with graft selection, but no studies have qualified this association. Graft usage prevalence has not been described for large anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) populations in the United States.

Purpose: To describe the prevalence of graft usage in a large community-based practice and evaluate the association of patient, surgeon, and site characteristics with choice of primary ACLR graft.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: Primary ACLRs performed between February 2005 and June 2010 were selected for the study. A community-based ligament registry was used to identify cases and variables used for analysis. Graft choice (any allograft, hamstring autograft, and bone–patellar tendon–bone [BPTB] autograft) was compared by patient characteristics and surgeon and site characteristics. Associations between independent variables and graft choice were evaluated using a polychotomous regression model.

Results: Of the 9849 patients included in the study, 64% were male, and overall median age was 28 years. Of these, 2796 (28.4%) received BPTB autografts, 3013 (30.6%) received hamstring autografts, and 4040 (41.0%) received allografts. The prevalence of graft source by patients’ gender, race, age, body mass index (BMI), as well as surgeons’ fellowship training status, average volume, and site volume were significantly different (all P < .001). Adjusted models showed that patients’ gender ( P < .001), race ( P = .018), age ( P < .001), BMI ( P < .001), as well as surgeons’ fellowship training status ( P < .001), average volume ( P < .001), and site volume ( P < .001) are associated with graft selection. Older and female patients with lower BMI were more likely to receive allografts and hamstring autografts than BPTB autografts. Cases performed by non–fellowship-trained surgeons, lower volume sites, and/or lower volume surgeons were also more likely to be performed with allografts or hamstring autografts than BPTB autografts.

Conclusion: Gender, age, race, as well as facility and surgeon characteristics such as volume and location are associated with ACL graft choices.
Travel Behavior among Latino Immigrants
Authors: Liu Cathy Yang , Painter Gary
Published: October 2011

This article investigates the determinants of Latino immigrants’ travel mode choices (auto alone, carpool, transit, and other modes) from six different immigrant gateways: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of living in ethnically concentrated locations and working in ethnically concentrated employment sectors in shaping their choices. The results indicate that living in areas with higher ethnic concentrations increases both the likelihood of carpooling and of taking public transit. Furthermore, working in an ethnic niche is a strong predictor of carpooling versus driving alone in five metropolitan areas, and of taking transit versus driving alone in four metropolitan areas.
Dimethoate-induced oxidative damage in erythrocytes of female adult rats
Authors: Amara Ibtissem Ben , Soudani Nejla , Hakim Ahmed , Bouaziz Hanen , Troudi Afef , Zeghal Khaled Mounir , Zeghal Najiba
Published: October 2011

Pesticide hazards have been accentuated by the sharp rise in their agricultural, industrial and domestic use. Acute exposure to pesticides can cause oxidative damage. Our study investigated the potential ability of selenium (Se) and/or vitamin E, used as nutritional supplements, to alleviate erythrocyte oxidative damage induced by dimethoate (DM), an organophosphate pesticide. Female Wistar rats were exposed to DM (0.2g/L−1 of drinking water), DM + Se (0.5 mg/kg of diet), DM + vitamin E (100 mg/kg of diet), or DM + Se + vitamin E. Rats exposed to DM for 30 days showed an increase in malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in their erythocytes, while Na+,K+-ATPase and catalase activities, glutathione, non-protein thiol, vitamin E and vitamin C levels decreased. We also noted an increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity, marker of haemolysis and a decrease in acetylcholinesterase, the principal mode of organophosphorus action. Co-administration of Se or vitamin E to the diet of DM-treated rats ameliorated the biochemical parameters cited above. But the combined effect of Se and vitamin E was more powerful in antagonizing DM-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, our investigation revealed that both Se and vitamin E were useful elements in preventing DM-induced erythrocytes damage.
The Uses of Social Network Analysis in Planning: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Dempwolf C. Scott , Lyles L. Ward
Published: October 2011

This article reviews the basic concepts of Social Network Analysis (SNA) and its uses in theoretical and empirical planning literature. Continuing a discussion among planning theorists that was initiated at the 2003 ACSP/AESOP Joint Congress, the authors respond to specific gaps identified in papers presented at that conference. Specifically, the authors review the literature on SNA within disciplines related to planning and empirical planning studies using SNA. The authors find that the knowledge base on SNA specifically and network analysis generally is highly fragmented along disciplinary lines, contributing to the critique that it is a fuzzy concept.
Computational fluid dynamics analysis of multi-element, high-lift aerofoil sections at transonic manoeuvre conditions
Authors: Johnston LJ
Published: October 2011

The application of a previously developed computational method to the prediction of high-lift performance for multi-element aerofoil sections operating at transonic flow conditions is described. The flows are computed by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations, using a full differential Reynolds-stress turbulence model to evaluate the various Reynolds-stress components appearing in the governing mean-flow equations. Algebraic wall functions are used to bridge the molecular viscosity-dominated region immediately adjacent to the aerofoil surfaces. An unstructured grid-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology is used to deal with the geometric complexity of the multi-element aerofoil configurations. Initial results are presented for the viscous, transonic flow development around the SKF 1.1 supercritical aerofoil section, equipped with either a trailing-edge flap or a leading-edge slat. Predicted surface pressure distributions generally compare well with experimental data for the two high-lift aerofoil geometries considered, at a free-stream Mach number of 0.6 and over a range of incidence angles. There are some discrepancies in the regions immediately downstream of shock wave/boundary layer interactions, possibly resulting from the use of wall-function boundary conditions in the computations. Predicted Mach number contours indicate the complexity of the transonic flow fields for high-lift configurations, with the slat wake passing through an extensive supersonic-flow region, terminated by a normal shock wave, on the main aerofoil upper surface, for example.
Octreotide for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: Clinical effects and an in vitro study on its therapeutic mechanism
Authors: Zhang Y , Huang W , Li F , Feng S , Kang K , Xu J
Published: October 2011

Increased serum growth hormone (GH), together with high expression of growth hormone receptor on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), correlates with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) activity, suggesting that modulation of GH signaling may affect SLE activity. We explored the effects of octreotide (OCT), an analog of somatostatin that suppresses the release of GH, in SLE. The objectives of the study were to investigate effects of OCT on the proliferative capacity and cytokine expression of PBMCs from patients with SLE and to investigate therapeutic effects of OCT in patients with SLE. PBMCs from 13 active/inactive SLE patients and 11 controls were pretreated with or without GH and cultured with OCT. The proliferation of PBMCs was assessed by MTT assay and cytokines were quantified by ELISA. We compared the clinical response of 12 patients with SLE treated with OCT (100 µg twice daily) with 12 patients treated with prednisone over three months. OCT inhibited PBMC proliferation in a dose-dependent manner and decreased the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Patients treated with OCT demonstrated improvements in SLEDAI, dsDNA titer, complement levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). OCT inhibited PBMC proliferation and PBMC secretion of IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ stimulated by GH. Treatment of patients with OCT resulted in clinical improvement in SLE.
Constitutive abnormal expression of RasGRP-1 isoforms and low expression of PARP-1 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Rapoport MJ , Bloch O , Amit-Vasina M , Yona E , Molad Y
Published: October 2011

Objective: Defective expression of Ras guanil releasing protein-1 (RasGRP-1) and increased apoptosis have been reported in lymphocytes from SLE patients. Whether these aberrations are correlated and linked to disease activity has not been elucidated. Methods: Expression of normal 90 kDa RasGRP-1, its most prevalent 86 kDa isoform and full PARP-1 116 kDa and its cleavage fragment 84 kDa were determined in whole protein lysates of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in correlation with mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity and SLE clinical status in a large group of SLE patients during 1 year follow-up. Results: Expression of normal 90 kDa RasGRP-1 was comparable in patients and controls. However, SLE patients demonstrated a constitutively increased 86 kDa/90 kDA ratio ( p < 0.01) and decreased full poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase protein-1 (PARP-1) expression ( p < 0.002) compared with controls who were disease-independent. A remission in disease activity was associated with decreased RasGRP-1 expression. Expression of 84 kDa PARP-1 cleavage fragment was found in 15% of patients but in none of the controls. In addition, expression of PARP-1 correlated positively with normal 90 kDa RasGRP-1 expression and negatively with the RasGRP-1 86 kDa/90 kDA ratio. Conclusions: These data suggest that constitutive aberrant expression of PARP-1 and RasGRP-1 ratio may act in concert to impair survival of lymphocytes in SLE patients.
Ethical conflicts with hospitals: The perspective of nurses and physicians
Authors: Gaudine Alice , LeFort Sandra M , Lamb Marianne , Thorne Linda
Published: October 2011

Nurses and physicians may experience ethical conflict when there is a difference between their own values, their professional values or the values of their organization. The distribution of limited health care resources can be a major source of ethical conflict. Relatively few studies have examined nurses' and physicians' ethical conflict with organizations. This study examined the research question ‘What are the organizational ethical conflicts that hospital nurses and physicians experience in their practice?’ We interviewed 34 registered nurses, 10 nurse managers, and 31 physicians as part of a larger study, and asked them to describe their ethical conflicts with organizations. Through content analysis, we identified themes of nurses' and physicians' ethical conflict with organizations and compared the themes for nurses with those for physicians.
Frequency and burden with ethical conflicts and burnout in nurses
Authors: Wlodarczyk Dorota , Lazarewicz Magdalena
Published: October 2011

Many studies examine a stressors-professional burnout (PB) relation, but only few consider the role of ethical conflicts (ECs) in this context. The aim of this study was to characterize ECs' frequency and level of burden with them among nurses and to establish the relations between ECs' frequency, burden and PB. One hundred nurses participated in this study. ECs' frequency and burden were tested with an originally developed questionnaire. PB was examined with Maslach Burnout Inventory. Most frequent ECs concerned a nurse-patient relationship. PB was positively related to ECs' frequency ( r = .54; p = .001) and burden ( r = .22; p = .03). Frequency of specific conflict did not imply burden with it and vice versa. ECs' frequency seems more important for PB than a level of burden with them. The most frequent and the most burdening conflicts may lead to development of PB but the less frequent and less burdening ones are also dangerous.
Vibration of laminated sandwich beams having soft core
Authors: Chalak Hanuman Devidas , Chakrabarti Anupam , Iqbal Mohamad Asharaf , Sheikh Abdul Hamid
Published: October 2011

Free vibration response of laminated sandwich beams having a soft core is studied by using a recently developed C0 finite element beam model. The model has been developed based on higher order zigzag theory where the in-plane displacement variation is considered to be cubic for both the face sheets and the core. The transverse displacement is assumed to be quadratic within the core while it remains constant in the faces beyond the core. The model satisfies the condition of transverse shear stress continuity at the layer interfaces and the zero transverse shear stress condition at the top and bottom of the beam. The nodal field variables are chosen in an efficient manner to overcome the problem of continuity requirement of the derivatives of transverse displacements. Numerical examples on free vibration covering different features of laminated composite and sandwich beams are presented. Many new results are also presented which should be useful for future research.
Patient Mix in Outpatient Surgery Settings and Implications for Medicare Payment Policy
Authors: Meyerhoefer Chad D. , Colby Margaret S. , McFetridge Jeffrey T.
Published: October 2011

In 2008, Medicare implemented a new payment policy for ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), which aligns the ASC payment system with that used for hospital outpatient departments and reimburses ASCs approximately 65% of what hospitals receive for the same outpatient surgery. The authors assess patient selection across ASCs and hospital outpatient departments for four common surgeries (colonoscopy, hernia repair, knee arthroscopy, cataract repair), using data on procedures performed in Florida from 2004 to 2008. The authors construct measures of patient illness severity and cost risk and find that ASCs benefit from positive selection. Nonetheless, the degree of selection varies by surgery type and patient population. While similar studies in other states are needed, the findings suggest that modifications to the Medicare outpatient payment system may be appropriate to account for the different populations that each setting attracts.
ADHD and Female Specific Concerns
Authors: Nussbaum Nancy L.
Published: October 2011

ADHD was once thought of as a predominantly male disorder. While this may be true for ADHD in childhood, extant research suggests that the number of women with ADHD may be nearly equal to that of men with the disorder (Faraone et al., 2000). There is accumulating research which clearly indicates subtle but important sex differences exist in the symptom profile, neuropathology and clinical course of ADHD. Compared to males with ADHD, females with ADHD are more prone to have difficulties with inattentive symptoms than hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, and females often receive a diagnosis of ADHD significantly later than do males (Gaub & Carlson, 1997; Gershon, 2002a, 2002b). Emerging evidence suggests differences exist in the neuropathology of ADHD, and there are hormonal factors which may play an important role in understanding ADHD in females. Although research demonstrates females with ADHD differ from males in important ways, little research exists that evaluates differences in treatment response. Given the subtle but important differences in presentation and developmental course of ADHD, it is essential that both clinical practice and research be informed by awareness of these differences in order to better identify and promote improved quality of care to girls and women with ADHD.
Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults
Authors: Solanto Mary V. , Wasserstein Jeanette , Marks David J. , Mitchell Katherine J.
Published: October 2011

Objective: To empirically identify the appropriate symptom threshold for hyperactivity-impulsivity for diagnosis of ADHD in adults. Method: Participants were 88 adults ( M [ SD] age = 41.69 [11.78] years, 66% female, 16% minority) meeting formal DSM-IV criteria for ADHD combined or predominantly inattentive subtypes based on a structured diagnostic interview keyed to DSM-IV (Conners’ Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV [CAADID]). All participants also completed the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS), which was normed on the general adult population and includes subscales for DSM-IV inattentive and DSM-IV hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. A T-score threshold of 65 (at least 1.5 SD above population mean) on the CAARS DSM-IV hyperactive-impulsive dimension was used to identify participants with empirically elevated symptom severity. Results: Of 88 participating adults, 48 (55%) had a T-score of at least 65 (1.5 SD) on the CAARS DSM-IV Hyperactive-Impulsive scale. Of these, only 25 (52%) met the DSM-IV cutoff of six hyperactive-impulsive symptoms on the CAADID. Thus, approximately half of those who reported empirically elevated hyperactive-impulsive complaints on the CAARS did not concurrently meet the six-symptom DSM-IV cutoff on the CAADID. An alternative cutoff of four hyperactive-impulsive symptoms on the CAADID captured 39 (81%) cases identified by the CAARS. Conclusion: In adults, mandating at least six hyperactive-impulsive symptoms excludes a significant percentage (almost half) of adults who are at least 1.5 SD above the population mean on a dimensional measure of hyperactivity-impulsivity. These data provide a compelling basis for lowering the symptom threshold of hyperactivity-impulsivity for adults in the DSM-5.
Reasonableness and Reaction Time
Authors: Blair J. Pete , Pollock Joycelyn , Montague Don , Nichols Terry , Curnutt John , Burns David
Published: October 2011

When the police use deadly force, their actions are judged by the reasonableness standard. This article seeks to inform the reasonableness standard by examining the ability of police officers to respond to armed suspects. The results of a reaction time experiment are presented. In this experiment, police officers encountered a suspect armed with a gun, pointing down and not at the police officer. The police officer had his gun aimed at the suspect and ordered the suspect to drop the gun. The suspect then either surrendered or attempted to shoot the officer. The speed with which the officer fired if the suspect chose to shoot was assessed. Results suggest that the officers were generally not able to fire before the suspect. Implications for the reasonableness standard and policy are discussed.
Using implicit associations towards fruit consumption to understand fruit consumption behaviour and habit strength relationships
Authors: de Bruijn Gert-Jan , Keer Mario , Conner Mark , Rhodes Ryan E.
Published: October 2011

An implicit association test (IAT) was used to investigate how habit strength, implicit attitudes and fruit consumption interrelate. Fifty-two participants completed a computerized IAT and provided measures of fruit consumption and related habit strength. Implicit attitudes moderated the habit strength—fruit consumption relationship; stronger relationships were observed when implicit attitudes were more positive. Amongst those with strong fruit habits, more positive associations with fruit were found for those who had recently consumed sufficient fruits compared to those who had not. Findings demonstrate the relevance of implicit positive associations in understanding the relationship between fruit consumption habits and subsequent fruit consumption.
The potential of smoking cessation programmes and a smoking ban in public places: Comparing gain in life expectancy and cost effectiveness
Authors: Højgaard Betina , Olsen Kim Rose , Pisinger Charlotta , Tønnesen Hanne , Gyrd-Hansen Dorte
Published: October 2011

Background: Interventions aimed at reducing the number of smokers are generally believed to be cost effective. However as the cost of the interventions should be paid up front whereas the gains in life years only appear in the future – the budgetary consequences might be a barrier to implementing such interventions. Aims: The aim of the present paper was to assess the long-term cost effectiveness as well as the short-term (10 years) budget consequences of cessation programmes and a smoking ban in enclosed public places. Methods: We develop a population-based Markov model capable of analyzing both interventions and assess long-term costs effectiveness as well as short-term budgetary consequences and outcome gains. The smoking cessation programme model was based on data from the Danish National Smoking Cessation Database (SCDB), while the model of the smoking ban was based on effect estimates found in the literature. Results: On a population level the effect of a smoking ban has the largest potential compared with the effect of smoking cessation programmes. Our results suggest that smoking cessation programmes are cost saving and generate life-years, whereas the costs per life-year gained by a smoking ban are 40,645 to 64,462 DKK (100 DKK = €13.4). These results are conservative as they do not include the healthcare cost saving related to reduced passive smoking. Conclusions: Our results indicate that smoking cessation programmes and a smoking ban in enclosed public places both in the short term and the long term are cost-effective strategies compared with the status quo.
On the autotelic character of politics
Authors: Parietti Guido
Published: October 2011

There is a wide consensus that politics should not be considered as an end in itself, being instead instrumentally valuable, provided it is capable of producing good outcomes, however defined. Even when some intrinsic value is accorded to politics, it is thought to be dependent on some broader instrumental character. I shall argue for the reverse: that politics ought to be considered autotelic, and that the very possibility of any good outcomes depends on that. I will begin with a brief summary of how deep and widespread this rejection of the autotelic character of politics is. Then, mainly drawing on Arendt, I shall argue for a restatement of the question, which will clarify why and how a meaningful and coherent concept of politics should be autotelic. Eventually, I will sketch some of the implications for normative political theory.
Further Evidence That the Expression of CD38 and HLA-DR+ in CD8+ Lymphocytes Does Not Correlate to Disease Progression in HIV-1 Vertically Infected Children
Authors: Romeiro Juliana Ribeiro , Pinto Jorge Andrade , Silva Maria Luiza , Eloi-Santos Silvana Maria
Published: October 2011

Background: In adults, an increase in CD8+CD38+ T cell levels is a strong indicator of disease progression in HIV infection. However, in children, data are conflicting. Slow-progressing children (SPC) provide an exceptional resource for the investigation and clarification of the immunological and virological mechanisms of natural control of HIV infection and can be used to investigate prognostic indicators of disease progression. Objectives: To investigate the immune activation status and T regulatory (Treg) cell levels in SPC. Study design: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 28 children 8 years old and older who were vertically infected with HIV. The children were stratified into 3 groups according to their clinical outcome: SPC (anti-retroviral-therapy-naïve; ≥8 years-old; CD4 ≥20%; viral load <25,000 copies), IF/VF (anti-retroviral-therapy but with no therapeutic response), and IS/VS (anti-retroviral therapy with good therapeutic response). Uninfected children (NI) were assessed as healthy control group. Results: A higher percentage of activated CD8+ T cells were found in all HIV infected children, regardless of the evolution of disease. The activation of CD8+ T cells was not associated with either viral load or the percentage of CD4+ T cells. In addition, Treg cell levels did not show any correlation with the clinical outcome or the activation status of CD8+ T cells. Conclusions: HIV-1-infected children presented an increased percentage of activated CD8+ T cells and an unaltered percentage of Treg cells, regardless of their clinical evolution. Thus, these immunological parameters should not be used for prognostic evaluation.
Calculating and Preparing a Pureed-by-Gastrostomy-Tube (PBGT) Diet for Pediatric Patients With Retching and Gagging Postfundoplication
Authors: O’Flaherty Therese , Santoro Kathy , Pentiuk Scott
Published: October 2011

Children with feeding disorders often require gastrostomy feedings and may experience episodes of retching and gagging. The pureed-by-gastrostomy-tube (PBGT) diet was developed to reduce episodes of retching and gagging, provide a complete source of the child’s nutrition and fluid needs as an alternative to commercialized formulas, and promote oral intake. This article is a follow-up to the authors’ original report. The authors’ intention is to now provide guidelines for other dietitians to calculate and analyze this specialized formula. It also describes feeding guidelines, family education, and ongoing patient follow-up and monitoring.
The Effects of Trust on the Preference for Decentralized Bargaining
Authors: Nienhueser Werner , Hossfeld Heiko
Published: October 2011

This article looks into the question of whether trust between works councillors and managers affects their preferences for plant-level negotiations compared with industry-wide or multiemployer bargaining. The main hypothesis is that when a high degree of mutual trust exists, both parties are more likely to show a preference toward the plant level. When the level of trust is low, the bargaining parties rely more on supraplant-level bargaining and collective bargaining power. This article uses data from a survey of 1,000 German companies of at least 100 employees, including 1,000 personnel managers and 1,000 works councillors, that is, those persons responsible for negotiating working conditions at the plant level. Logistic regression analyses show that trust has no significant effect on the managers’ preference for decentralized bargaining, whereas it can be found to affect the works councillors. The authors finally discuss the question of why the effect of trust is different for the bargaining parties.
D6 facilitates cellular migration and fluid flow to lymph nodes by suppressing lymphatic congestion
Authors: Lee Kit Ming , McKimmie Clive S. , Gilchrist Derek S. , Pallas Kenneth J. , Nibbs Robert J. , Garside Paul , McDonald Victoria , Jenkins Christopher , Ransohoff Richard , Liu LiPing , Milling Simon , Cerovic Vuk , Graham Gerard J.
Published: October 2011

Lymphatic endothelial cells are important for efficient flow of antigen-bearing fluid and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) from peripheral sites to lymph nodes (LNs). APC movement to LNs is dependent on the constitutive chemokine receptor CCR7, although how conflicting inflammatory and constitutive chemokine cues are integrated at lymphatic surfaces during this process is not understood. Here we reveal a previously unrecognized aspect of the regulation of this process. The D6 chemokine-scavenging receptor, which is expressed on lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), maintains lymphatic surfaces free of inflammatory CC-chemokines and minimizes interaction of inflammatory leukocytes with these surfaces. D6 does not alter the level of CCR7 ligands on LECs, thus ensuring selective presentation of homeostatic chemokines for interaction with CCR7+ APCs. Accordingly, in D6-deficient mice, inflammatory CC-chemokine adherence to LECs results in inappropriate perilymphatic accumulation of inflammatory leukocytes at peripheral inflamed sites and draining LNs. This results in lymphatic congestion and impaired movement of APCs, and fluid, from inflamed sites to LNs. We propose that D6, by suppressing inflammatory chemokine binding to lymphatic surfaces, and thereby preventing inappropriate inflammatory leukocyte adherence, is a key regulator of lymphatic function and a novel, and indispensable, contributor to the integration of innate and adaptive immune responses.
Environmental factors in early childhood are associated with multiple sclerosis: a case-control study
Authors: Conradi Silja , Malzahn Uwe , Schröter Franziska , Paul Friedemann , Quill Sabine , Spruth Eike , Harms Lutz , Then Bergh Florian , Ditzenbach Anna , Georgi Thomas , Heuschmann Peter , Rosche Berit
Published: October 2011

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with increasing incidence mainly in high-income countries. One explanation of this phenomenon may be a higher prevalence of allergic and autoimmune diseases in industrialized countries as a consequence of otherwise beneficial advances in sanitation (hygiene hypothesis). We investigated environmental factors in early childhood associated with MS.

Methods

A case-control study was performed of 245 MS patients and 296 population-based controls in Berlin. The study participants completed a standardized questionnaire on environmental factors in childhood and youth, including aspects of personal and community hygiene. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate factors in childhood and youth associated with the occurrence of MS.

Results

Mean age was 46 years (range, 20-80) in the MS group and 42 years (range 18-80) in the control group, of which 73.9% in the MS and 61.5% in the control group were female. The multivariable analysis showed that having at least two older siblings (OR 0.54; p = 0.05, for individuals with two older siblings compared to individuals without older siblings), attending a day-care center (OR 0.5; p = 0.004) and growing up in an urban center with more than 100, 000 inhabitants (OR 0.43; p = 0.009) were factors independently associated with a lower chance for MS.

Conclusions

The hygiene hypothesis may play a role in the occurrence of MS and could explain disease distribution and increasing incidence.
RACK1, A multifaceted scaffolding protein: Structure and function
Authors: Adams David R , Ron Dorit , Kiely Patrick A
Published: October 2011

The Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) is a member of the tryptophan-aspartate repeat (WD-repeat) family of proteins and shares significant homology to the β subunit of G-proteins (Gβ). RACK1 adopts a seven-bladed β-propeller structure which facilitates protein binding. RACK1 has a significant role to play in shuttling proteins around the cell, anchoring proteins at particular locations and in stabilising protein activity. It interacts with the ribosomal machinery, with several cell surface receptors and with proteins in the nucleus. As a result, RACK1 is a key mediator of various pathways and contributes to numerous aspects of cellular function. Here, we discuss RACK1 gene and structure and its role in specific signaling pathways, and address how posttranslational modifications facilitate subcellular location and translocation of RACK1. This review condenses several recent studies suggesting a role for RACK1 in physiological processes such as development, cell migration, central nervous system (CN) function and circadian rhythm as well as reviewing the role of RACK1 in disease.
Arabidopsis seedling flood-inoculation technique: a rapid and reliable assay for studying plant-bacterial interactions
Authors: Ishiga Yasuhiro , Ishiga Takako , Uppalapati Srinivasa R , Mysore Kirankumar S
Published: October 2011

Background

The Arabidopsis thaliana-Pseudomonas syringae model pathosystem is one of the most widely used systems to understand the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and plant innate immunity. Several inoculation methods have been used to study plant-pathogen interactions in this model system. However, none of the methods reported to date are similar to those occurring in nature and amicable to large-scale mutant screens.

Results

In this study, we developed a rapid and reliable seedling flood-inoculation method based on young Arabidopsis seedlings grown on MS medium. This method has several advantages over conventional soil-grown plant inoculation assays, including a shorter growth and incubation period, ease of inoculation and handling, uniform infection and disease development, requires less growth chamber space and is suitable for high-throughput screens. In this study we demonstrated the efficacy of the Arabidopsis seedling assay to study 1) the virulence factors of P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000, including type III protein secretion system (TTSS) and phytotoxin coronatine (COR); 2) the effector-triggered immunity; and 3) Arabidopsis mutants affected in salicylic acid (SA)- and pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMPs)-mediated pathways. Furthermore, we applied this technique to study nonhost resistance (NHR) responses in Arabidopsis using nonhost pathogens, such as P. syringae pv. tabaci, pv. glycinea and pv. tomato T1, and confirmed the functional role of FLAGELLIN-SENSING 2 (FLS2) in NHR.

Conclusions

The Arabidopsis seedling flood-inoculation assay provides a rapid, efficient and economical method for studying Arabidopsis-Pseudomonas interactions with minimal growth chamber space and time. This assay could also provide an excellent system for investigating the virulence mechanisms of P. syringae. Using this method, we demonstrated that FLS2 plays a critical role in conferring NHR against nonhost pathovars of P. syringae, but not to Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria. This method is potentially ideal for high-throughput screening of both Arabidopsis and pathogen mutants.
Monetary Policy and the Financing of Firms
Authors: Fiore Fiorella De , Teles Pedro , Tristani Oreste
Published: October 2011

How should monetary policy respond to changes in financial conditions? We consider a simple model where firms are subject to shocks which may force them to default on their debt. Firms' assets and liabilities are nominal and predetermined. Monetary policy can therefore affect the real value of funds used to finance production. In this model, allowing for inflation volatility in response to aggregate shocks can be optimal; the optimal response to adverse financial shocks is to lower interest rates and to engineer some inflation; and the Taylor rule may implement allocations that have opposite cyclical properties to the optimal ones. (JEL G32, E31, E43, E44, E52)
Teaching Operational Research and Strategy at Warwick Business School
Authors: O'Brien Frances A. , Dyson Robert G. , Kunc Martin
Published: October 2011

This paper describes the development of three courses that have run for more than 30 years at Warwick Business School in the United Kingdom. The courses focus on supporting the strategy process, which consists of activities such as: setting direction and goals; creating, rehearsing, and evaluating strategic initiatives; exploring the external environment; and measuring and learning from organisational performance. We present the structure of the three courses (for undergraduate, Specialist Masters, and Executive MBA students) taught during the 2009–2010 academic year, highlighting the frameworks, methods and models, or tools, covered on the different courses. A key contribution of this paper is that it demonstrates how tools drawn from the operational research/management science field, but also other fields, including strategic management, can be brought together to support the strategy process. The tools are typically but not exclusively qualitative, or soft, and participative in nature. We describe how we teach five particular tools in some depth: visioning, scenario planning, SWOT/TOWS analysis, system dynamics, and the balanced scorecard. We also highlight how these tools are combined with other approaches covered in the courses. This paper ends with reflections on our experiences of teaching the courses and signposts potential future developments.
The significance of the Cα substituent in the selective inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 9
Authors: Domingo Riyad , Chibale Kelly , Sturrock Edward D.
Published: October 2011

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) cleave and degrade most components of the extracellular matrix, and unregulated MMP activity has been correlated to cancer and metastasis. Hence there is a burgeoning need to develop inhibitors that bind selectively to structurally similar MMPs. The inhibition profiles of peptidomimetics containing Cα substituents at the α,β unsaturated carbon were evaluated against the recombinant forms of ADAM17, MMP1, and MMP9. The dicarboxylic acid D2 and hydroxamate C2 inhibited MMP9 but not MMP1. The unsaturated compound E2 displayed selective inhibition for MMP1, compared with the saturated precursor C2, with an IC50 value of 3.91 μm. The molecular basis for this selectivity was further investigated by the molecular docking of E2 and D2 into the active sites of MMP1 and MMP9. These data demonstrate hydrogen-bonding interactions between the carbonyl group of the Cα substituent of E2 and the side chain of Asn180 present in the active site of MMP1. Conversely, the docked MMP9-D2 structure shows hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding between the ligand’s morpholine substituent and second carboxylic acid group with Leu187 and an amide, respectively. This study suggests that substituents other than P1′ and P2′ may confer selectivity among MMPs and may aid in the search for novel lead compounds.
X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein and active caspase-3 expression patterns in antral follicles in the sheep ovary
Authors: Phillipps Hollian R , Kokay Ilona C , Grattan David R , Hurst Peter R
Published: October 2011

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) interacts with caspases to inhibit their activity, thereby providing a potential mechanism for regulation of granulosa cell apoptosis occurring during follicular atresia. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and localization of XIAP mRNA and protein content in the sheep ovary and compare these expression patterns with active caspase-3 protein in the same antral follicles. Romney ewe estrous cycles (n=25) were synchronized with 2–3 Estrumate injections and ovarian tissue collected during the luteal and follicular phases of the cycle. The presence ofXIAPmRNA was confirmed by RT-PCR using laser capture microdissected ovarian cell samples.XIAPmRNA was subsequently localized byin situhybridization histochemistry and XIAP and active caspase-3 protein visualized by immunohistochemistry. In antral follicles extensive XIAP localization was evident in both granulosa and thecal cells. In contrast, mRNA expression was widespread in granulosa cells and only detected in thecal tissue from a small proportion of antral follicles. Active caspase-3 and XIAP comparative expression analysis showed positiveXIAPmRNA expression in all late luteal phase (day 14) follicles, despite varying levels of active caspase-3 protein. A proportion of follicular phase (days 15 and 16) follicles, however, showed an inverse expression relationship at the protein and mRNA levels in both granulosa and thecal tissue, as did XIAP protein in day 14 follicles. These results suggest high XIAP may prevent activation of caspase-3, thereby regulating follicular atresia in antral follicles and could potentially be utilized as a marker of follicular health.