bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children’s Appraisals as Mediators of the Relationship Between Domestic Violence and Child Adjustment
Authors: Fortin Andrée , Doucet Martin , Damant Dominique
Published: July 2011

This study examines the relationships among variables that were likely to mediate the effects of exposure to domestic violence on children’s internalizing problems (i.e., children’s appraisals of domestic violence and their perceptions of family relationships). The study was conducted with 79 children exposed to domestic violence, including 41 boys and 38 girls, aged between 9 and 12 years old. Indicators used for children’s appraisals of violence were attribution of blame and perceived threat. Children’s perceptions of family relationships were based on their levels of parentification and the degree of their loyalty conflicts. A path analysis was used to verify the predictive model’s pathways and to test the multiple mediator effects. Findings confirm the contribution of mediating variables and also reflect the association between self-blame and children’s parentification. The results stress the relevance of evaluating the combined role of different potential mediators to provide a better understanding of the impact of domestic violence on children.
Psychological and Behavioral Predictors of Taking Pet Companions When Traveling
Authors: Hung Kuang -Peng , Chen Annie Huiling , Peng Norman
Published: July 2011

Although the importance of animal companions for their owners has been investigated (Aylesworth, Chapman, & Dobscha, 1999), and it has been established that pets are becoming increasingly important and that owners are spending more and more on them (Ridgway, Kukar-Kinney, Monroe,
& Chamberlin, 2008), the question remains of whether it is more likely that animal companions change their owner's lifestyle or vice versa. Using the theory of planned behavior (TPB; Ajzen, 1991); characteristics of self-monitoring, and scales assessing the owner-pet relationship, in this
investigation we shed new light on how and why owners decide whether or not to take their pets with them when traveling for leisure purposes.
Predicting Cigarette-Seeking Behavior: How Reward Sensitivity and Positive Emotions Influence Nicotine Cravings
Authors: Moon Jiyoon , Lee Jang-Han
Published: July 2011

Reward sensitivity is a primary indicator of impulsive behavior, such as cigarette smoking, and contributes to positive emotional experiences. The aim in this study was to examine smokers' emotional experiences and cravings in relation to their personality traits. Participants were
divided into high- and low-reward sensitivity groups, and a procedure aimed at inducing emotions was conducted while physiological responses were recorded. There was a significant difference in the subjective experiences of the 2 groups, and a significant positive correlation existed between
a positive emotional experience and craving cigarettes. Furthermore, reward sensitivity induced craving in smokers and the relationship was mediated by positive emotion. We believe that the identified mediating effect of positive emotions on craving could provide a better understanding of
maladaptive behavior associated with positive emotion and may play an important role in treatment of nicotine dependence.
Influences of Adolescents on Family Purchasing Behavior: Perceptions of Adolescents and Parents
Authors: Şener Arzu
Published: July 2011

The perceptions of family members regarding the purchase influence of adolescents were examined. The results of this Turkish study indicate that the influence of adolescents, especially on the purchase of items intended for their own use, is significant. It was found that the influence
of male adolescents on purchases was perceived to be stronger than the influence of females. Although the influence of adolescents in suggesting a brand while shopping with parents for a product for family use was considered to be strong, their influence on suggesting a price and products
was considered to be weak.
A Comparison of Taiwanese and Philippine Chinese Business Negotiation Styles
Authors: Chang Lieh-Ching
Published: July 2011

The business negotiation styles of Taiwanese and Philippine Chinese were examined by means of 460 survey questionnaires. The design was based on the dual concern model developed by Pearson (1999) from the theory proposed by Blake and Mouton (1985) and explored the tendencies of negotiations
and 5 negotiation category styles of accommodation, collaboration, avoidance, competition, and consultation. Results indicated that although both Taiwanese and Philippine Chinese belong to the Chinese culture, there are cultural differences. Philippine Chinese were more inclined to use the
negotiation styles of accommodation and withdrawal, whereas Taiwanese used competition more, indicating that the Taiwanese tended to be more aggressive.
Relationships Among Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy, and Faith in People in Chinese Heroin Abusers
Authors: Geng Liuna , Jiang Tao , Han Dan
Published: July 2011

The relationships among self-esteem, self-efficacy, and faith in people in Chinese heroin abusers were investigated. We used 3 rating scales to survey a sample of 200 heroin abusers: the Self-esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965), the Self-efficacy Questionnaire for Chinese Drug Users (Geng
& Han, 2008), and the Faith in People Scale (Rosenberg, 1956). A correlation analysis and a regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. The correlations among self-esteem, self-efficacy, and faith in people were significantly positive. Self-efficacy and faith in people results
were found to be predictive of the self-esteem level of participants at a statistically significant level.
The Influence of Trust and Usefulness on Customer Perceptions of E-Service Quality
Authors: Luo Shu-Fang , Lee Tzai-Zang
Published: July 2011

E-service markets for airlines have been growing rapidly over the past several years. Because they reduce the waiting time compared to offline shopping transactions. e-commerce and e-service marketing activities have attracted a great deal of attention as a means of increasing customers'
awareness and favorable perceptions of online shopping. In this study we surveyed 236 international travelers who had purchased airline tickets from 30 different airline service websites in Taiwan. The results illustrate that customers' perceptions of both trust and usefulness, which are the
factors of the technology acceptance perspective, positively moderate the relationship between e-service quality, perception of service value and service satisfaction.
The Influence of Self-Efficacy on Flight Dispatchers' Stressor-Strain Relationships
Authors: Liu Haihua , Song Guoping , Wang Dengfeng
Published: July 2011

Flight dispatchers' role stressors and their consequential work-related strains and job satisfaction were investigated in this study, along with the moderating effect of self-efficacy on flight dispatchers' role stressors and strains, and on role stressors and job satisfaction. Data
were collected from 309 flight dispatchers from 2 Chinese airlines. Correlations and hierarchical regressions revealed that the role stressors were all related to flight dispatchers' physical strain, psychological strain, and job satisfaction. The moderating effect of self-efficacy depends
on the different role stressors and dependent variables being examined. Specifically, the moderating effect was found to be significant in the role conflict-psychological strain relationship, role conflict-job satisfaction relationship, and role overload-psychological strain relationship.
Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Corroded scale analysis from water distribution pipes
Authors: Rajakovic-Ognjanovic Vladana , Grgur Branimir
Published: July 2011

The subject of this study was the steel pipes that are part of Belgrade's
drinking water supply network. In order to investigate the mutual effects of
corrosion and water quality, the corrosion scales on the pipes were analyzed.
The idea was to improve control of corrosion processes and prevent impact of
corrosion on water quality degradation. The instrumental methods for
corrosion scales characterization used were: scanning electron microscopy
(SEM), for the investigation of corrosion scales of the analyzed samples
surfaces, X-ray diffraction (XRD), for the analysis of the presence of solid
forms inside scales, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), for the
microstructural analysis of the corroded scales, and BET adsorption isotherm
for the surface area determination. Depending on the composition of water
next to the pipe surface, corrosion of iron results in the formation of
different compounds and solid phases. The composition and structure of the
iron scales in the drinking water distribution pipes depends on the type of
the metal and the composition of the aqueous phase. Their formation is
probably governed by several factors that include water quality parameters
such as pH, alkalinity, buffer intensity, natural organic matter (NOM)
concentration, and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration. Factors such as water
flow patterns, seasonal fluctuations in temperature, and microbiological
activity as well as water treatment practices such as application of
corrosion inhibitors can also influence corrosion scale formation and growth.
Therefore, the corrosion scales found in iron and steel pipes are expected to
have unique features for each site. Compounds that are found in iron
corrosion scales often include goethite, lepidocrocite, magnetite, hematite,
ferrous oxide, siderite, ferrous hydroxide, ferric hydroxide, ferrihydrite,
calcium carbonate and green rusts. Iron scales have characteristic features
that include: corroded floor, porous core that contains both fluid and solid,
relatively dense shell-like layer that covers the porous core and provides
structural integrity to the scale, and surface layer that is present on top
of the shell-like layer at scale-water interface and loosely attached to the
shell-like layer. Iron(II) deposits are formed under reducing conditions. The
presence of relatively soluble Fe(II) deposits such as siderite and ferrous
hydroxide was confirmed by XRD and SEM analysis. In the presence of carbonic
species, siderite (FeCO3) is prevailing ferrous deposit. Further studies are
needed for obtaining greater knowledge on the mechanism of iron release from
corroded pipes and the influence of water quality to iron corrosion.
Distribution and forms of manganese in vertisols of Serbia
Authors: Milivojevic Jelena , Djalovic Ivica , Jelic Miodrag , Trifunovic Srecko , Bogdanovic Darinka , Milosev Dragisa , Nedeljkovic Branislav , Bjelic Dragana
Published: July 2011

Soil samples taken from the Ap horizont of arable land and meadows at ten
different localities were analyzed for different forms of manganese,
including total (HF), pseudo-total (HNO3), 0.1 M HClextractable and
DTPA-extractable. A sequential fractional procedure was used for Mn
portioning into fractions: water soluble and exchangeable Mn (I),
specifically adsorbed Mn with carbonates (II), reductant releasable Mn in
oxides (III), Mn bonded with organic matter (IV) and Mn structurally bonded
in silicates (residual fraction) (V). Serbian vertisols have a normal Mn
content, comparable with similar soils. The total (HF) and pseudo-total
(HNO3) Mn contents were not correlated with soil properties, whereas the
humus content positively influenced the 0.1 M HCl-extractable Mn in soil (r =
0.49
Experimental and Numerical Study of Friction and Braking Characteristics of Rolling Tires
Authors: van der Steen R. , Lopez I. , Nijmeijer H. , Schmeitz A. , de Bruijn B.
Published: July 2011

Throughout the tire industry, virtual testing has been widely adopted in the design process. Both static deformation and dynamic response of the tire rolling on the road must be accurately predicted to evaluate the handling performance of a tire. Unfortunately, experimental characterization of rubber compound frictional properties is limited, and therefore, the Coulomb friction model is still often used in finite element (FE) simulations. To overcome this limitation, a different strategy is developed to capture observed effects of dry friction. The proposed friction model is decomposed into the product of a contact pressure dependent part and a slip velocity dependent part. The Identification of the parameters of the slip velocity dependent part, using measured axle forces, is presented in this paper. The complete phenomenological friction model is coupled to a FE model of the tire under testing. A steady-state transport approach is used to efficiently compute the steady-state longitudinal slip characteristics, which show good quantitative agreement with experiments.
Gas Transport in the Tire Aging Test and Intracarcass Pressure Issues
Authors: Kerchman Vladimir
Published: July 2011

Development of the laboratory-based accelerated service life testing—“tire aging test”—encountered difficulties due to the complexity of multidisciplinary processes in the tire materials and structures while trying to induce thermooxidative degradation similar to that taking place in the “worst case” in-service. Preliminary experience with the oven aging at elevated temperatures showed that in some light truck tires damaging conditions occur in the form of sidewall blisters/detachments and casing separations due to inflation gas built up in interior tire layers during oven aging, even prior the roadwheel endurance testing (DOT HS 810 799, Research Report to Congress on Tire Aging), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Washington, D.C., 2007, http://www.cbsatlanta.com/download/2010/0512/23529107.pdf). Analysis and comprehensive modeling techniques are developed for gas diffusion and oxidation in the tire structure, with focus on the intracarcass pressure (ICP) build-up predictions. In finite element models, the temperature dependent diffusion properties are used with account for their high heterogeneity in different tire components. Results of transient simulations predict higher oxidation/degradation rate in the sidewall and a detrimental effect of ICP build-up for Load Range E tires—mainly due to excessive nitrogen permeation. Influence of the butyl liner barrier permeability and gauge is evaluated, as well as impact of other tire construction variations. Predicted trends agree with the available observations and measurements. ICP levels in simulations of the long-term gas diffusion under regular service conditions are significantly lower than in the oven aging test modeling. Mechanical aspects of the ICP-induced sidewall separation are also discussed. Modified aging test conditions are proposed that will greatly reduce the deleterious side-effect of the ICP buildup, as assessed in simulations.
Prediction of Experimental Pain Sensitivity by Attention to Pain-Related Stimuli in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Baum Corinna , Huber Claudia , Schneider Raphaela , Lautenbacher Stefan
Published: July 2011

The aim of the present study was to assess the predictive power of the processing of pain-related information, comprising concepts of hypervigilance to pain, pain catastrophizing, and pain-related anxiety (questionnaires) as well as attentional processes related to pain-related stimuli (dot-probe task) in explaining individual differences in experimental pain sensitivity (pressure/thermal pain threshold). In 160 healthy participants (ages 13–61; 80 females), results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that self-reported hypervigilance contributed significantly to the prediction of pain sensitivity, whereas pain catastrophizing and anxiety did not. However, inconsistent with prediction, the effect was in the opposite direction, indicating that vigilance to pain sensations or stimuli is associated with lower pain sensitivity in healthy individuals. Entering the attentional bias indices from the dot-probe task showed that an increased bias to pain words is related to higher experimental pain sensitivity, which confirms the hypothesis.
Effects of High-Frequency Yoga Breathing Called Kapalabhati Compared with Breath Awareness on the Degree of Optical Illusion Perceived
Authors: Telles Shirley , Maharana Kanchan , Balrana Budhi , Balkrishna Acharya
Published: July 2011

Prior research has shown that methods of meditation, breath control, and different kinds of yoga breathing affect attention and visual perception, including decreasing the size of certain optical illusions. Evaluating relationships sheds light on the perceptual and cognitive changes induced by yoga and related methods, and the locus of the effects. In the present study, the degree of optical illusion was assessed using Müller-Lyer stimuli before and immediately after two different kinds of practice, a high frequency yoga breathing called kapalabhati, and breath awareness. A nonyoga, control session tested for practice effects. Thirty participants (with group M age = 26.9 yr., SD = 5.7) practiced the two techniques for 18 min. on two separate days. The control group had 15 nonyoga practitioners assessed before and after 18 min. in which they did not perform any specific activity but were seated and relaxed. After both kapalabhati and breath awareness there was a significant decrease in the degree of optical illusion. The possibility that this was due to a practice or repetition effect was ruled out when 15 nonyoga practitioners showed no change in the degree of illusion when retested after 18 min. The changes were interpreted as due to changes in perception related to the way the stimuli were judged.
Validation of a German Version of the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS28) and Motivation Analysis in Competitive Mountain Runners
Authors: Burtscher Johannes , Furtner Marco , Sachse Pierre , Burtscher Martin
Published: July 2011

This study validated a German version of the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS28) and investigated the sex-specific and age-related differences in motivation of competitive mountain runners. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the SMS28 was based on translation and back-translation methodology. Acceptable validity of the German version of the SMS28 was indicated by the high correlations (.81 to .98) of scores on the seven subscales for the English and German versions completed by 15 subjects. Motivation analysis was performed with 127 competitive male and female mountain runners. The seven subscales of the German version showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's coefficient alphas .70 to .85). Findings on motivation of competitive mountain runners were a decline across age groups of Intrinsic motivation toward accomplishment for both sexes and an age-related decline of External regulation only for females. These motivational changes might well be associated with the observed diminishing numbers of older participants in mountain running competitions.
A Pilot Study of Performance in Young and Middle-Aged Adults on Verbal Recall
Authors: Burda Angela , Flatness Jamie , Lyons Ashley , Sorensen Emily
Published: July 2011

The objective was to explore whether middle-aged adults ( M age = 48.9 yr.; n = 26) differed on verbal recall from young adults ( M age = 26.3 yr.; n = 26). Little data exist on the performance of middle-aged, healthy adults. Groups of young and middle-aged adults recalled words from the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test across six trials during a single session. The same 15 words were used for recall in Trials 1–5. Prior to the sixth trial, 15 distractor words were presented. Participants then recalled the original set of 15 words. No significant differences occurred on any of the recall trials. Although the power of this study was low, the effect of age is apparently quite small.
Reading Words with Jumbled Characters in Japanese
Authors: Mori Kazuo , Komatsu Rika
Published: July 2011

Rayner, et al. (2006) was replicated with 36 Japanese undergraduates who read Japanese sentences in which characters were transposed in one word at the beginning, middle, or end. The same pattern of reading delays in relation to transposition location was found but in smaller magnitude. Transposition of characters at the beginning of words caused the largest delay in reading.
Asymmetry of Force Fluctuation during Low and Moderate Intensity Isometric Knee Extensions
Authors: Oshita Kazushige , Yano Sumio
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the asymmetry of force fluctuation during isometric knee extension at low and moderate intensities. 11 healthy men ( M age = 21 yr., SD = 1) performed unilateral force matching tasks; sustained isometric knee extension at 20% and 30% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). During the tasks, a mechanomyogram was measured by an accelerometer arrangement placed on the vastus lateralis. Although force fluctuation was not significantly different between the two legs at 20% MVC, it was higher in the left (weaker) leg than in the right (stronger) leg at 30% MVC. A significant difference in mean power frequency of the mechanomyographic signal between the two legs was also observed only at 30% MVC. These results suggest that the asymmetry of force fluctuation during isometric knee extension was not statistically significant at low intensity; however, it was significant at moderate intensity. These differences in force fluctuation between intensities might be influenced by different motor-unit firing rates in active muscle.
Inherent Differences in Nasal and Tracheal Ciliary Function in Response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Challenge
Authors: Zhao Ke-Qing , Goldstein Natalia , Yang Haibin , Cowan Andrew T. , Chen Bei , Zheng Chunquan , Palmer James N. , Kreindler James L. , Cohen Noam A.
Published: July 2011

Background

Sinonasal mucosal biofilms are recognized as contributors to the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Attachment of bacteria to the sinonasal surface is an initial step in biofilm formation. A critical defense against this occurrence is mucociliary clearance (MCC). To ascertain whether the ciliary component of MCC is uniform throughout the airway we compared ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in the murine nasal septum and trachea at baseline and after challenge with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common pathogen of CRS.

Methods

Murine septal and tracheal air–liquid interface cultures were evaluated for basal and stimulated CBF after exposure to control or conditioned media from Pseudomonas. Additionally, the attachment of Pseudomonas to nasal and tracheal cultures was assessed after pretreatment with control or conditioned media.

Results

Basal CBF is significantly slower in primary nasal airway cultures compared with tracheal airway cultures. Tracheal airway cultures show resistance to Pseudomonas secreted ciliotoxins not evident in nasal septal cultures. Furthermore, after challenge with viable Pseudomonas, significantly more bacteria attach to the nasal cultures compared with the tracheal cultures.

Conclusion

Using primary murine nasal and tracheal airway cultures we show inherent differences in cilia function and increased susceptibility of the upper airway to attachment by Pseudomonas. Understanding the differences between upper and subglottic airway mucociliary clearance should lead to novel approaches in the management of upper airway infection.
Olopatadine 0.6% Nasal Spray Protects from Vasomotor Challenge in Patients with Severe Vasomotor Rhinitis
Authors: Smith Peter K. , Collins Joel
Published: July 2011

Background

Vasomotor rhinitis (VMR) is a hypersensitivity syndrome with heightened reactivity to environmental triggers.

Methods

Twenty-two patients with severe VMR were treated nasally with either normal saline or 0.6% olopatadine and challenged nasally with a hyperosmolar mannitol solution.

Results

Treatment with 0.6% olopatadine resulted in an improvement in instantaneous nasal symptom scores at 5 and 30 minutes (p < 0.01) compared with baseline and at 30 minutes after hyperosmolar challenge compared with saline-pretreated individuals (p < 0.01). There was also an improvement in nasal peak inspiratory flow rate at 30 minutes after hyperosmolar challenge compared with saline-pretreated individuals (p < 0.01.

Conclusion

In this patient population 0.6% olopatadine appears to be efficacious in symptom reduction in VMR and protects from hyperosmolar challenge.
Stenting the Nasal Airway for Maximizing Inspiratory Airflow: Internal Max-Air Nose Cones versus External Breathe Right Strip
Authors: Raudenbush Bryan
Published: July 2011

Background

Several nasal dilator devices designed to stent the anterior nasal airway to increase peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) currently exist; however, comparisons of such devices are limited. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of two different nasal dilator devices, an internal device (Max-Air Nose Cones; Sanostec Corp., Beverly Farms, MA) and an external device (Breathe Right nasal strip; GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, Middlesex, U.K.) on stenting of the anterior nasal airway to maximize PNIF.

Methods

Repeated measurements of PNIF were obtained in 30 individuals noting complaints of sleep-disordered breathing due to nasal breathing discomfort and nasal airway obstruction, both with and without the two different nasal dilator devices.

Results

A one-within analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed among the three conditions (control, Max-Air Nose Cones, and Breathe Right nasal strip), and a statistically significant effect was found (F[2,58] = 298.13; p< 0.00001). Tukey post hoc contrasts revealed that the control condition PNIF (66.07 L/min) was significantly lower than both the Max-Air Nose Cones (138.73 L/min) and the Breathe Right nasal strip (102.17 L/min) conditions. The Max-Air Nose Cone increased inspiratory airflow by 73 L/min, or a 110% improvement over baseline. In addition, the Max-Air Nose Cone condition PNIF was significantly higher than both the control condition and the nasal strip condition.

Conclusion

Although both the Max-Air Nose Cones and the Breathe Right nasal strips increased PNIF from baseline, the Max-Air Nose Cones showed significantly greater efficacy at stenting the anterior nasal airway, providing twice the improvement in PNIF over baseline than did the Breathe Right nasal strips.
Paranasal Sinus Mucoceles with Ophthalmologic Manifestations: A 17-year Review of 96 Cases
Authors: Kim Yoo-Suk , Kim Kyubo , Lee Jeung-Gweon , Yoon Joo-Heon , Kim Chang-Hoon
Published: July 2011

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the characteristics of paranasal sinus mucoceles with ophthalmologic manifestations with a focus on optic neuropathy.

Methods

From January 1993 to May 2010, 96 consecutive patients diagnosed with paranasal sinus mucoceles with ophthalmologic manifestations were investigated. Clinical and therapeutic factors and demographics were reviewed from medical records. Statistical associations between clinical and therapeutic factors and visual outcomes after surgery were also analyzed.

Results

A total of 352 patients were diagnosed with paranasal sinus mucoceles and underwent surgical treatment. Ninety-six of them presented with ophthalmologic symptoms, and periorbital swelling and pain were the most common symptoms (36.4%) in those patients. Among the 96 patients with ophthalmologic manifestations, 18 (18.8%) were diagnosed with optic neuropathy based on the deterioration of their visual acuity and unilateral relative afferent papillary defect. Ten of these 18 patients showed improvements in their vision after surgical intervention. The statistical analysis of the association between clinical and therapeutic factors and visual outcomes showed that the presence of infection was the only significant factor (p = 0.023).

Conclusion

Paranasal sinus mucoceles present various ophthalmologic manifestations. Among them, optic neuropathy may be one of the most devastating conditions. In treating optic neuropathy caused by mucoceles, the presence of infection was the only factor that had any influence on postoperative visual outcomes. Therefore, we conclude that not only surgical drainage and ventilation of the sinus are necessary, but infection control is also a vital factor in treating mucoceles with optic neuropathy.
Characterization of Bacterial Community Diversity in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Infections Using Novel Culture-independent Techniques
Authors: Stressmann Franziska A. , Rogers Geraint B. , Chan Samuel W. , Howarth Peter H. , Harries Philip G. , Bruce Ken D. , Salib Rami J.
Published: July 2011

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with or without polyps is a common chronic upper airway condition of multifactorial origin. Fundamental to effective treatment of any infection is the ability to accurately characterize the underlying cause. Many studies have shown that only a small fraction of the total range of bacterial species present in CRS is detected through conventional culture-dependent techniques. Consequently, culture data are often unrepresentative of the true diversity of the microbial community within the sample. These drawbacks, along with the length of time required to complete the analysis, strongly support the development of alternative means of assessing which bacterial species are present. As such, molecular microbiological approaches that assess the content of clinical samples in a culture-independent manner could significantly enhance the range and quality of data obtained routinely from such samples. We aimed to characterize the bacterial diversity present in tissue and mucus samples taken from the CRS setting using molecular nonculture-dependent techniques.

Methods

Through 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene clone sequencing and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis, the bacteria present in 70 clinical samples from 43 CRS patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery were characterized.

Results

Bacterial T-RFLP profiles were generated for 70 of 73 samples and a total of 48 separate bands were detected. Species belonging to 34 genera were identified as present by clone sequence analysis. Of the species detected, those within the genera Pseudomonas, Citrobacter, Haemophilus, Propionibacterium, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus were found numerically dominant, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa the most frequently detected species.

Conclusion

This study has validated the use of the culture-independent technique T-RFLP in sinonasal samples. Preliminary characterization of the microbial diversity in CRS suggests a complex range of common and novel bacterial species within the upper airway in CRS, providing further evidence for the polymicrobial etiology of CRS.
Transforming Growth Factor Beta: A Role in the Upper Airway and Rhinosinusitis—Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus–Induced Apoptosis with Pulmonary Alveolar Cells
Authors: Frisella Patrick D. , Silverberg Jonathan , Joks Rauno , Frieri Marianne
Published: July 2011

Background

There is a link with the upper and lower airway and disruption of alveolar epithelial cells, which is a potential trigger for the reactivation of the epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit (EMTU) and induced characteristic airway changes associated with allergic asthma. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is a common inhalant indoor allergen and is known for causing allergic rhinitis and airway inflammation. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1) is a major participant in the airway remodeling of asthma, a component of cellular stress response pathways, and enhanced epithelial immunoreactivity is known to occur in allergic rhinitis.

Methods

In this study, we show the ability of D. pteronyssinus allergens from dialyzed standardized immunotherapy extract to induce apoptosis and increase TGF-beta1 secretion in a confluent A549 cell line model. A549 cells were treated with either 600 AU/mL dialyzed D. pteronyssinus immunotherapy extract (eDp) or Ctl media (Ctl) for 24 hours. Cells and supernatants were collected, washed, and treated with Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit II (BD Pharmingen, La Jolla, CA) and then analyzed by flow cytometry. TGF-beta1 secretion was determined by ELISA using cell culture supernatants.

Results

The eDp group showed a fourfold increase in early apoptotic cells with a twofold increase in late apoptotic cells versus the Ctl group, along with a 1.65-fold increase of TGF-beta1.

Conclusion

eDp induced viable A549 cells to undergo apoptosis determined by flow cytometry analysis with a significant increase in TGF-beta1 secretion compared with Ctl.
Single-Run Separation of Closely Related Cationic and Anionic Compounds by CE-ESI-MS: Application to the Simultaneous Analysis of Melamine and its Analogs in Milk
Authors: Kohler Isabelle , Cognard Emmanuelle , Marchi Ivano , Ortelli Didier , Edder Patrick , Veuthey Jean-Luc , Rudaz Serge , Schappler Julie
Published: July 2011

In recent years, two adulteration incidents concerning the addition of melamine, a nitrogen-rich-industrial small polar compound, to pet food and infant formula products have occurred in China. These issues prompted laboratories to develop methods for the analysis of melamine and related
compounds in a wide variety of food products and ingredients. In this context, a CE-ESI-MS method was developed to simultaneously analyze melamine and its related products (ammeline, ammelide and cyanuric acid) that possess close physico-chemical properties. This method allows the simultaneous
analysis of both cations and anions in a single run, using CE to divide the run into two time segments in normal polarity mode. For this purpose, ESI polarity was switched once during the run, increasing sensitivity and data quality. The method was applied to spiked powdered milk and melamine-contaminated
powdered milk, with two sample preparation procedures.
Nutritional Metabonomics: An Approach to Promote Personalized Health and Wellness
Authors: Collino Sebastiano , Martin François-Pierre J. , Kochhar Sunil , Rezzi Serge
Published: July 2011

Nutritional research has emerged in the last century from the study of nutrients as a means of nourishment to the general population to the quest for wellness improvement through specific food components. Advances in nutrigenomics technologies have allowed nutrition scientists to be
for the first time at the forefront of nutritional research. Such advances have given them the ability to discern new vital scientific discoveries specifically for the development of new tailored dietary patterns. In this, nutritional metabonomics has rapidly evolved into a very powerful bioanalytical
tool able to assess multi-parametric metabolic responses of living organisms to specific dietary interventions. Nutritional metabonomics therefore provides a systematic approach through the comprehensive analysis of metabolites aiming today at the quest for homeostatic balance which is dependent
not only on the host but also on the crucial metabolic interactions with microbial symbionts.
The Kinship or k-Index as an Antidote Against the Toxic Effects of h-Indices
Authors: Molinié Antoinette , Bodenhausen Geoffrey
Published: July 2011

In a bilingual paper entitled 'Bibliometrics as weapons of mass citation – La bibliométrie comme arme de citation massive', recently translated into English, we have argued that the current fashion of ranking people, papers and journals is anything but harmless.
The point was forcefully supported by Richard Ernst in a post-face entitled 'The Follies of Citation Indices and Academic Ranking Lists.' We received a surprising number of passionate responses, such as 'It's written out of my heart' (TH); 'Je soutiens cette entreprise courageuse
de tout coeur' (VT); 'Impact Faktoren sind ein Marktinstrument gewisser Verlage (FS); 'Il y a un combat à mener' (SB). Some thoughtful responses have been incorporated into this Essay, albeit in attenuated form. We suggest that the 'fertility' of individual scientists
be appreciated in terms of kinship rather than through personalized indices.
Outcome of Bulbar Urethra End to End Anastomosis in a Single Centre
Authors: Bhandari BB , Hamal BK
Published: July 2011

Aims : A retrospective evaluation and statistical analysis of outcome in patients who underwent bulbar end to end anastomosis for stricture of bulbar urethra in Army Hospital. Methodology: 50 patients with average age of 35 years who underwent bulbar end to end anastomosis between 2005 and 2009 at Army Hospital were analyzed. Mean follow up was 24 months. Stricture etiology was catheter induced 40%, perineal trauma 30%, infection 13%, instrumentation 10% and unknown in 7%. Stricture length was 1cm (59%), 1 to 2 cm (37%) and above 2cm (4%). 30% of the patients were previously subjected to multiple dilatations and internal urethrotomy and clinical outcome was considered failure if postoperative instrumentation was required. Postoperative sexual dysfunction was judged using nonvalidated questionnaire. Results: Of the 50 cases, 80% were successful and treatment failure was 20 %. Failed cases are Managed with OIU and buccal mucosal graft and are being followed. Ten patients were unsatisfied with there sexual function out of which 5 had ejaculatory dissatisfaction, 3 with compromised erection and 2 had decreased glans sensitivity. Conclusion: Bulbar end to end anastomosis has success rate of 80%, with better outcome in fresh cases than in previously intervened cases. Sexual outcome is successful in 80%. Key words: bulbar urethra; stricture; anastomosis; outcome DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v9i2.5024 Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital Vol.9(2) 2010: 38-41
Chorioangioma of Placenta
Authors: Khatri R , Manandhar R , Pradhan N , Manandhar B , Rawal S
Published: July 2011

We report a case of Chrioangima of placenta resulting to hydropsfetalis. A 24 yrs old primigravida with polyhydramnios and large placental chorioangioma at 24 wks of gestation expelled a nonimmune hydropic male baby weighing 900gms. The baby expired after 5 minutes of expulsion. Keywords: Placental chorioangioma; Hydropsfetalis; Polyhydraamnios DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v9i2.5026 Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital Vol.9(2) 2010: 44-46
Introduction
Authors: Dolan Catherine , Rajak Dinah
Published: July 2011

As the global community confronts increasing economic, social, and environmental
challenges, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) movement has
demonstrated a powerful capacity to offer itself up as a solution, circulating new
ethical regimes of accountability and sustainability in business. This article introduces
five contributions that explore ethnographically the meanings, practices,
and impact of corporate social and environmental responsibility across a range of
transnational corporations and geographical locations (India, South Africa, the
UK, Chile, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo). In each of these contexts
corporations are performing ethics in different ways and to different ends, from
the mundane to the ritualistic and from the discursive to the material, drawing a
range of actors, interests, and agendas into the moral fold of CSR. Yet across these
diverse sites a set of common tensions in the practice and discourse of CSR
emerge, as the supposedly “win-win” marriage between the social and the technical,
the market and morality, and the natural and the cultural becomes routinized
in global management practice. By tracing the connections and conflicts between
the local micropolitics of corporate engagement and the global movements of
CSR, the collection reveals the ambiguous and shifting nature of CSR and the ways
in which social and environmental relations are transformed through the regime
of ethical capitalism.
Re-siting corporate responsibility
Authors: Dolan Catherine , Johnstone-Louis Mary
Published: July 2011

The bottom-of-the-pyramid (BOP) approach is championed as a way to
deliver both corporate profits and poverty reduction. This article explores how
“the poor” are repurposed as the instruments of ethical capitalism through the archetypal
BOP model—Avon Cosmetics. A harbinger of “compassionate capitalism,”
Avon has long stylized its entrepreneurial opportunity as a channel to a
transcendent realm of self-actualization and social transformation. The company
pursues this vision through a set of discourses and calculative practices that aim
to produce industrious, self-disciplined, and empowered “entrepreneurs.” However,
while BOP systems like Avon may provide a viable income stream for “poor”
women, the practices through which women are “converted” into enterprising
subjects can confound their intended “empowerment” effects. The article suggests
that while targeting the “bottom of the pyramid” may elide the distinction between
the maximization of profit and the imperatives of sustainable development,
devolving corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the “entrepreneurial poor”
raises questions about the implications of “making poverty business.”
Collective contradictions of "corporate" environmental conservation
Authors: Hardin Rebecca
Published: July 2011

Relationships emerging between corporate actors and environmental
conservation organizations range from partnerships in field operations to gifts
brokered at the upper echelons of corporate and nongovernmental organization
(NGO) management. Drawing on Mauss’s original formulation of “the gift,” I consider
the social consequences and contexts of these relationships, over various territorial
and temporal scales. I argue that recent critiques of conservation NGOs for
having “sold out” to corporate interests obscure a more nuanced view of such relationships,
their roots in the history of wildlife conservation under colonial circumstances,
and their connections to new modes of hybrid environmental
governance. These latter include transformations in corporate practice vis-à-vis
consumer preference, processes of certification, and educational impacts on professional
training for industry personnel, as well as the adoption by many NGOs
of terminologies and planning processes from the corporate world. These relational
norms and institutional transformations make any oversimplified notion of
corporate responsibility insufficient with respect to environmental sectors.
“It's Too Late Baby, Now, It's Too Late?“ Frustration and Resignation in Recent Books on Climate Change Policy
Authors: Raymond Leigh
Published: July 2011

Hulme, Mike. 2009. Why We Disagree About Climate Change: Understanding Controversy, Inaction, and Opportunity. Cambridge University Press.

Malone, Elizabeth L. 2009. Debating Climate Change: Pathways through Argument to Agreement. Sterling, VA: Earthscan.

Stehr, Nico and Hans von Storch. 2010. Climate and Society: Climate as Resource, Climate as Risk. Hackensack, NJ: World Scientific.
Reply to Holland … the Meaning of Life and Darwinism
Authors: Cottingham John
Published: July 2011

While finding no fault with Darwinism as a scientific theory, this paper argues that there are serious problems for the scientistic construal of Darwinism that interprets the universe as nothing but a purely random and contingent flow of events. Life in a godless impersonal universe is beset by contingency, alienation, despair, failure and fragility. Notwithstanding Alan Holland's claim that we can evade these problems though self-affirmation, I argue that human beings can achieve meaningful lives only by acknowledging our dependency and accepting the authority of values we did not create.
Ethical Extensionism under Uncertainty of Sentience: Duties to Non-Human Organisms without Drawing a Line
Authors: Chan Kai M. A.
Published: July 2011

Ethical extensionism generally involves drawing one or more lines of moral standing. I argue (i) for all living organisms, there is a non-zero probability of sentience and consciousness, and (ii) we cannot justify excluding beings from consideration on the basis of uncertainty of their sentience, etc., and rather we should incorporate this uncertainty into the strength of our moral responsibilities. This use of probabilities differs critically from multi-criteria theories of moral standing and those that assign benefit of the doubt, which involve unjustified exclusions and dilutions of duties. From uncertainty rises certainty: we have duties to non-human organisms, although they may often be minor. This modi-fication of extensionist ethics provides foundation for an environmental ethic that parallels interpersonal and animal welfare ethics, and it suggests that we owe much greater concern to ‘lower’ organisms than they are typically given.
The Map of Moral Significance: A New Axiological Matrix for Environmental Ethics
Authors: Muraca Barbara
Published: July 2011

One main issue within environmental ethics is the so-called Demarcation Problem, i.e. the question of which entities are members of the moral community and hold intrinsic value. I argue that the demarcation problem relies mainly on Kantian moral philosophy. While the Kantian framework offers a strong and immediately deontological argument for moral agents holding inherent moral values, it presents problems when stretched beyond its original scope and lacks an adequate ground for addressing relational complexity and the moral significance of collectives. In this paper I outline an alternative axiological framework (‘map of moral significance') that relies on a relational ontology and encompasses intrinsic and relational values as the two equipollent axes of a matrix in which to embed the question posited by the Demarcation Problem.
Why Do Young People Participate in Environmental Political Action?
Authors: Paloniemi Riikka , Vainio Annukka
Published: July 2011

This study is an investigation of the predictors of young people's interest in environmental political action. Data were collected by means of a survey of young people (ages 15–30) living in Finland (N = 512). The results supported the Environmental Political Action Interest Model (EPAIM) proposed in this study and show that post-materialist values and political competence increased interest in environmental political action. In addition, trust in political parties and nongovernmental organisations was indirectly associated with interest in environmental political action. The results suggest how political authorities might develop policies to encourage young people's participation in environmental politics.
ProvenCare lung cancer: A multi‐institutional improvement collaborative
Authors: Katlic Mark R. , Facktor Matthew A. , Berry Scott A. , McKinley Karen E. , Bothe Albert , Steele Glenn D.
Published: July 2011

Geisinger's ProvenCareTM Program (for elective coronary artery bypass surgery, total hip replacement, and others) has shown that the principles of reliability science, facilitated by a robust electronic health record and institutional commitment, allow the re‐engineering of complicated clinical processes. This eliminates unwarranted variation and promotes the completion of evidence‐based elements of care. It has not been established that ProvenCare can be generalized to other institutions. Now, under the auspices of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, ProvenCare has been adapted to a multi‐institutional collaborative for the care of the patient with resectable lung cancer. CA Cancer J Clin 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society, Inc.
Epigenetic Therapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Cai Feng-Feng , Kohler Corina , Zhang Bei , Wang Ming-Hong , Chen Wei-Jie , Zhong Xiao-Yan
Published: July 2011

Both genetic and epigenetic alterations can control the progression of cancer. Genetic alterations are impossible to reverse, while epigenetic alterations are reversible. This advantage suggests that epigenetic modifications should be preferred in therapy applications. DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases have become the primary targets for studies in epigenetic therapy. Some DNA methylation inhibitors and histone deacetylation inhibitors are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as anti-cancer drugs. Therefore, the uses of epigenetic targets are believed to have great potential as a lasting favorable approach in treating breast cancer.