bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sprouty genes prevent excessive FGF signalling in multiple cell types throughout development of the cerebellum
Authors: Yu Tian , Yaguchi Yuichiro , Echevarria Diego , Martinez Salvador , Basson M. Albert
Published: June 2011

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and regulators of the FGF signalling pathway are expressed in several cell types within the cerebellum throughout its development. Although much is known about the function of this pathway during the establishment of the cerebellar territory during early embryogenesis, the role of this pathway during later developmental stages is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the function of sprouty genes (Spry1, Spry2 and Spry4), which encode feedback antagonists of FGF signalling, during cerebellar development in the mouse. Simultaneous deletion of more than one of these genes resulted in a number of defects, including mediolateral expansion of the cerebellar vermis, reduced thickness of the granule cell layer and abnormal foliation. Analysis of cerebellar development revealed that the anterior cerebellar neuroepithelium in the early embryonic cerebellum was expanded and that granule cell proliferation during late embryogenesis and early postnatal development was reduced. We show that the granule cell proliferation deficit correlated with reduced sonic hedgehog (SHH) expression and signalling. A reduction in Fgfr1 dosage during development rescued these defects, confirming that the abnormalities are due to excess FGF signalling. Our data indicate that sprouty acts both cell autonomously in granule cell precursors and non-cell autonomously to regulate granule cell number. Taken together, our data demonstrate that FGF signalling levels have to be tightly controlled throughout cerebellar development in order to maintain the normal development of multiple cell types.
Planar polarity pathway and Nance-Horan syndrome-like 1b have essential cell-autonomous functions in neuronal migration
Authors: Walsh Gregory S. , Grant Paul K. , Morgan John A. , Moens Cecilia B.
Published: June 2011

Components of the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway are required for the caudal tangential migration of facial branchiomotor (FBM) neurons, but how PCP signaling regulates this migration is not understood. In a forward genetic screen, we identified a new gene, nhsl1b, required for FBM neuron migration. nhsl1b encodes a WAVE-homology domain-containing protein related to human Nance-Horan syndrome (NHS) protein and Drosophila GUK-holder (Gukh), which have been shown to interact with components of the WAVE regulatory complex that controls cytoskeletal dynamics and with the polarity protein Scribble, respectively. Nhsl1b localizes to FBM neuron membrane protrusions and interacts physically and genetically with Scrib to control FBM neuron migration. Using chimeric analysis, we show that FBM neurons have two modes of migration: one involving interactions between the neurons and their planar-polarized environment, and an alternative, collective mode involving interactions between the neurons themselves. We demonstrate that the first mode of migration requires the cell-autonomous functions of Nhsl1b and the PCP components Scrib and Vangl2 in addition to the non-autonomous functions of Scrib and Vangl2, which serve to polarize the epithelial cells in the environment of the migrating neurons. These results define a role for Nhsl1b as a neuronal effector of PCP signaling and indicate that proper FBM neuron migration is directly controlled by PCP signaling between the epithelium and the migrating neurons.
hnRNP K post-transcriptionally co-regulates multiple cytoskeletal genes needed for axonogenesis
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Szaro Ben G.
Published: June 2011

The RNA-binding protein, hnRNP K, is essential for axonogenesis. Suppressing its expression in Xenopus embryos yields terminally specified neurons with severely disorganized microtubules, microfilaments and neurofilaments, raising the hypothesis that hnRNP K post-transcriptionally regulates multiple transcripts of proteins that organize the axonal cytoskeleton. To identify downstream candidates for this regulation, RNAs that co-immunoprecipitated from juvenile brain with hnRNP K were identified on microarrays. A substantial number of these transcripts were linked to the cytoskeleton and to intracellular localization, trafficking and transport. Injection into embryos of a non-coding RNA bearing multiple copies of an hnRNP K RNA-binding consensus sequence found within these transcripts largely phenocopied hnRNP K knockdown, further supporting the idea that it regulates axonogenesis through its binding to downstream target RNAs. For further study of regulation by hnRNP K of the cytoskeleton during axon outgrowth, we focused on three validated RNAs representing elements associated with all three polymers – Arp2, tau and an α-internexin-like neurofilament. All three were co-regulated post-transcriptionally by hnRNP K, as hnRNP K knockdown yielded comparable defects in their nuclear export and translation but not transcription. Directly knocking down expression of all three together, but not each one individually, substantially reproduced the axonless phenotype, providing further evidence that regulation of axonogenesis by hnRNP K occurs largely through pleiotropic effects on cytoskeletal-associated targets. These experiments provide evidence that hnRNP K is the nexus of a novel post-transcriptional regulatory module controlling the synthesis of proteins that integrate all three cytoskeletal polymers to form the axon.
HALF FILLED promotes reproductive tract development and fertilization efficiency in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Crawford Brian C. W. , Yanofsky Martin F.
Published: June 2011

Successful fertilization in angiosperms requires the growth of pollen tubes through the female reproductive tract as they seek out unfertilized ovules. In Arabidopsis, the reproductive tract begins with the stigma, where pollen grains initially adhere, and extends through the transmitting tract of the style and ovary. In wild-type plants, cells within the transmitting tract produce a rich extracellular matrix and undergo programmed cell death to facilitate pollen movement. Here, we show that the HAF, BEE1 and BEE3 genes encode closely related bHLH transcription factors that act redundantly to specify reproductive tract tissues. These three genes are expressed in distinct but overlapping patterns within the reproductive tract, and in haf bee1 bee3 triple mutants extracellular matrix formation and cell death fail to occur within the transmitting tract. We used a minimal pollination assay to show that HAF is necessary and sufficient to promote fertilization efficiency. Our studies further show that HAF expression depends on the NTT gene and on an auxin signaling pathway mediated by the ARF6, ARF8 and HEC genes.
Cxcl12 evolution – subfunctionalization of a ligand through altered interaction with the chemokine receptor
Authors: Boldajipour Bijan , Doitsidou Maria , Tarbashevich Katsiaryna , Laguri Cedric , Yu Shuizi Rachel , Ries Jonas , Dumstrei Karin , Thelen Sylvia , Dörries Julia , Messerschmidt Esther-Maria , Thelen Marcus , Schwille Petra , Brand Michael , Lortat-Jacob Hugues , Raz Erez
Published: June 2011

The active migration of primordial germ cells (PGCs) from their site of specification towards their target is a valuable model for investigating directed cell migration within the complex environment of the developing embryo. In several vertebrates, PGC migration is guided by Cxcl12, a member of the chemokine superfamily. Interestingly, two distinct Cxcl12 paralogs are expressed in zebrafish embryos and contribute to the chemotattractive landscape. Although this offers versatility in the use of chemokine signals, it also requires a mechanism through which migrating cells prioritize the relevant cues that they encounter. Here, we show that PGCs respond preferentially to one of the paralogs and define the molecular basis for this biased behavior. We find that a single amino acid exchange switches the relative affinity of the Cxcl12 ligands for one of the duplicated Cxcr4 receptors, thereby determining the functional specialization of each chemokine that elicits a distinct function in a distinct process. This scenario represents an example of protein subfunctionalization – the specialization of two gene copies to perform complementary functions following gene duplication – which in this case is based on receptor-ligand interaction. Such specialization increases the complexity and flexibility of chemokine signaling in controlling concurrent developmental processes.
Improved plasma free metadrenaline analysis requires mixed mode cation exchange solid-phase extraction prior to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry detection
Authors: Clarke Michael W , Cooke Brian , Hoad Kirsten , Glendenning Paul
Published: June 2011

Background

The investigation and effective management of phaeochromocytoma involves biochemical measurement of either conjugated total urine or plasma free metadrenalines. Current analytical methods include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection (ECD) or liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS). Since the first two methods are either extremely laborious, necessitate low sample run numbers, result in slow turnaround times or are subject to analytical interference, a robust, routine clinical method is not achievable. We established a novel sample preparation method to measure plasma free metadrenalines using LCMS/MS.

Methods

Three different solid-phase extraction (SPE) methods were compared: hydrophilic–lipophilic balance sorbent (HLB), weak cation exchange (WCX) and mixed mode cation exchange (MCX) and their ability to remove interfering compounds prior to LCMS/MS analysis. Maximum recovery of plasma free metadrenaline and plasma free normetadrenaline were achieved by positively charging compounds prior to SPE application.

Results

Compared with HLB and WCX cartridges, MCX extraction resulted in chromatography without co-eluting interference with superior assay precision and accuracy. Additionally, samples that could not be quantified because of interference using HPLC/ECD could be readily assayed using this new method.

Conclusions

The use of the MCX SPE method with LCMS/MS detection provides an improved assay to measure plasma free metadrenalines in comparison to many available alternative methods.
Bazedoxifene: a new selective estrogen receptor modulator for postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Genant Harry K
Published: June 2011

An ongoing need for safe and effective pharmacological therapies exists for postmenopausal osteoporosis, which imposes a significant burden on both women and the health-care system. Bazedoxifene is a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator with a unique tissue-selectivity profile. In phase 3 clinical trials of nearly 10,000 postmenopausal women, bazedoxifene was shown to significantly reduce the risk of new vertebral fracture versus placebo, with favourable effects on bone mineral density, bone turnover markers and the lipid profile. Moreover, in a subgroup of women at increased risk of fracture, bazedoxifene significantly decreased non-vertebral fracture risk versus both placebo and raloxifene. Bazedoxifene has been shown to be safe and well tolerated, with no evidence of endometrial or breast stimulation. These data suggest that bazedoxifene may offer significant clinical benefit for postmenopausal women with or at risk of developing osteoporosis, which may subsequently lessen the medical and economic burden of this disease.
Modernizing the NHS: observations and recommendations from the British Menopause Society
Authors:   British Menopause Society Council
Published: June 2011

Women's health often declines in middle and old age for reasons that are avoidable. Simple measures including lifestyle change could make a significant difference. Education of women is all important. The BMS feels that the provision of a simple health check of all women at the age of 50 years would provide an excellent opportunity that would serve as a screening as well as an educational visit at which balanced information about appropriate treatments and lifestyle changes in natural and premature menopause should be given to empower women to make an informed choice.
Zooming In on Paid Search Ads—A Consumer-Level Model Calibrated on Aggregated Data
Authors: Rutz Oliver J. , Trusov Michael
Published: June 2011

We develop a two-stage consumer-level model of paid search advertising response based on standard aggregated data provided to advertisers by major search engines such as Google or Bing. The proposed model uses behavioral primitives in accord with utility maximization and allows recovering parameters of the heterogeneity distribution in consumer preferences. The model is estimated on a novel paid search data set that includes information on the ad copy. To that end, we develop an original framework to analyze composition and design attributes of paid search ads. Our results allow us to correctly evaluate the effects of specific ad properties on ad performance, taking consumer heterogeneity into account. Another benefit of our approach is allowing recovery of preference correlation across the click-through and conversion stage. Based on the estimated correlation between price- and position-sensitivity, we propose a novel contextual targeting scheme in which a coupon is offered to a consumer depending on the position in which the paid search ad was displayed. Our analysis shows that total revenues from conversion can be increased using this targeting scheme while keeping cost constant.
The Impact of Gender Composition on Team Performance and Decision Making: Evidence from the Field
Authors: Apesteguia Jose , Azmat Ghazala , Iriberri Nagore
Published: June 2011

We investigate whether the gender composition of teams affects their economic performance. We study a large business game, played in groups of three, in which each group takes the role of a general manager. There are two parallel competitions, one involving undergraduates and the other involving MBA students. Our analysis shows that teams formed by three women are significantly outperformed by all other gender combinations, both at the undergraduate and MBA levels. Looking across the performance distribution, we find that for undergraduates, three-women teams are outperformed throughout, but by as much as 0.47 of a standard deviation of the mean at the bottom and by only 0.09 at the top. For MBA students, at the top, the best performing group is two men and one woman. The differences in performance are explained by differences in decision making. We observe that three-women teams are less aggressive in their pricing strategies, invest less in research and development, and invest more in social sustainability initiatives than does any other gender combination.

This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, Teck Ho, and Terrance Odean, special issue editors.
An Empirical Analysis of User Content Generation and Usage Behavior on the Mobile Internet
Authors: Ghose Anindya , Han Sang Pil
Published: June 2011

We quantify how user mobile Internet usage relates to unique characteristics of the mobile Internet. In particular, we focus on examining how the mobile-phone-based content generation behavior of users relates to content usage behavior. The key objective is to analyze whether there is a positive or negative interdependence between the two activities. We use a unique panel data set that consists of individual-level mobile Internet usage data that encompass individual multimedia content generation and usage behavior. We combine this knowledge with data on user calling patterns, such as duration, frequency, and locations from where calls are placed, to construct their social network and to compute their geographical mobility. We build an individual-level simultaneous equation panel data model that controls for the different sources of endogeneity of the social network. We find that there is a negative and statistically significant temporal interdependence between content generation and usage. This finding implies that an increase in content usage in the previous period has a negative impact on content generation in the current period and vice versa. The marginal effect of this interdependence is stronger on content usage (up to 8.7%) than on content generation (up to 4.3%). The extent of geographical mobility of users has a positive effect on their mobile Internet activities. Users more frequently engage in content usage compared to content generation when they are traveling. In addition, the variance of user mobility has a stronger impact on their mobile Internet activities than does the mean. We also find that the social network has a strong positive effect on user behavior in the mobile Internet. These analyses unpack the mechanisms that stimulate user behavior on the mobile Internet. Implications for shaping user mobile Internet usage behavior are discussed.

This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta and Preyas Desai, special issue editors.

This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta and Preyas Desai, special issue editors.
The Dark Side of Rapport: Agent Misbehavior Face-to-Face and Online
Authors: Jap Sandy , Robertson Diana C. , Hamilton Ryan
Published: June 2011

A considerable body of research has extolled the virtues of establishing rapport in negotiations. Negotiators who are high in rapport tend to be more likely to reach an agreement and more satisfied with the outcome. Although rapport generally has been found to have positive effects in standard negotiation settings, we investigate the effects of rapport in impasse settings, where conflict between negotiators' core needs means that a successful deal can only be reached when one or both parties acts unethically or “misbehaves,” for example, by lying to the negotiation partner. In a series of three experiments, we find that negotiators who have a high level of rapport are more likely to behave unethically than are negotiators who have a low level of rapport. We find this effect holds both when high rapport results from the way in which negotiations are conducted (face-to-face versus computer mediated) and also when rapport is established through a brief rapport-building exercise before negotiations begin. Finally, we find that the negative effects (unethical behavior)—but not the positive effects (satisfaction with the negotiation, trust, and willingness to work in the future with the negotiation partner)—of high rapport are reduced when negotiators are given a simple reminder before negotiations begin that one's actions can have long-term repercussions for one's reputation. Taken together, this research supports the idea that, despite its several advantages, in certain situations rapport has a dark side, of which negotiators must be wary.

This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta and Preyas Desai, special issue editors.

This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta and Preyas Desai, special issue editors.
Approximation for convex functionals on non-positively curved spaces
and the Trotter–Kato product formula
Authors: Stojkovic Igor
Published: June 2011

We study the validity of the Trotter–Kato product formula in the setting of gradient flows on CAT(0) metric spaces. We follow the strategy of the proof of the Hilbert space version of this theorem given by Kato–Masuda,
but instead of the linear structure and inner product we have only geodesics and the CAT(0) inequality available. Thus we construct a counterpart of the approximation semigroups and their resolvents in CAT(0) spaces. We show that the convergence of the approximated resolvents to the resolvents of the sum functional implies convergence of the approximation semigroups to the semigroup associated to the sum functional. We also show that this resolvents convergence implies the product Trotter–Kato formula in CAT(0) spaces.
These approximation theorems are of independent interest. A major
difficulty compared to the linear theory is the lack of an appropriate notion of weak convergence on such spaces. This difficulty is successfully overcome with the aid of an
ultra-filters technique. The main results of our investigation are various versions of the Trotter–Kato product formula in CAT(0) spaces.
Therapeutic drug monitoring of newer antiepileptic drugs / Therapeutic drug monitoring bei neueren Antiepileptika
Authors: Brandt Christian , May Theodor W.
Published: June 2011

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has been in clinical use for more than three decades. Its value has, however, been questioned recently for several reasons, e.g., the occurrence of newer AEDs, for which the use of TDM has to be evaluated, but also because of financial strains on health systems. The current review aims at assessing the use of TDM in newer AEDs, i.e., those that entered the market since the beginning of the 1990s. As some have been licensed only recently and others are only in very limited use, either because of orphan drug status or because of limited efficacy or potentially severe adverse events, only limited data exist for some of the newer AEDs. General considerations are made in the review, and each new AED is discussed, and, in some cases preliminary, assessment of the use of TDM is given.
Eine hermeneutische Anthropologie
Authors: Wellmer Albrecht
Published: June 2011

Emil Angehrn: Sinn und Nicht-Sinn. Das Verstehen des Menschen. Mohr Siebeck Verlag, Tübingen 2010, 405 S.
Wozu Tatsachen?
Authors: Sturm Holger
Published: June 2011

Frank Hofmann: Die Metaphysik der Tatsachen. Mentis Verlag, Paderborn 2008, 184 S.
Freedom, Self-Obligation, and Selfhood in Henry James
Authors: Fessenbecker Patrick
Published: June 2011

Patrick Fessenbecker, "Freedom, Self-Obligation, and Selfhood in Henry James" (pp. 69–95)

In this essay I argue for a new interpretation of Henry James's The Portrait of a Lady (1880–81, revised 1908). After briefly surveying the history of interpretations of the novel, I argue that critics have failed to understand the peculiar nature of Isabel Archer's volitional state, particularly in her decision to stay with her abusive husband at the end of the novel. Isabel, I demonstrate, is constrained in an important and binding way, but the source of the constraint is simply herself, in a philosophically perplexing way. This essay attempts to illuminate these features of the novel by drawing on the philosophical resources in Harry G. Frankfurt's works, particularly his notion of "wantons," or agents who do not care about their wills and thus are in an important sense not persons, as well as his concept of a "volitional necessity," a complex of cares, desires, and beliefs that is so essential to an agent's personhood that actions on behalf of the necessity feel inevitable. Though the agent cannot help but act on the necessity, she nevertheless feels importantly free, because the compulsory force is simply her self. The essay then concludes by briefly suggesting how these Frankfurtian ideas might suggest new interpretations of other James novels, which I introduce through short discussions of The Wings of the Dove (1902) and The Ambassadors (1903).
The Wages of War: Liberal Gullibility, Soviet Intervention, and the End of the Popular Front
Authors: Takayoshi Ichiro
Published: June 2011

This article reopens the case of liberal gullibility in the Spanish Civil War. Using Ernest Hemingway as an example, I explain why politics cannot fool all the soldiers all the time. There is no such thing as gullibility in war.
Buffon on Death and Fossils
Authors: Stalnaker Joanna
Published: June 2011

This article addresses the association between death and fossils that Buffon developed across the thirty-six volumes of his Histoire naturelle and its implications for his literary project. Through a study of the connections between Buffon's physiological theory of death, his fable of the first man, his anthropological treatment of funeral rites among non-European peoples, his statistical studies of life expectancy, and his personalized discussion of fossils at the end of his life, I argue that over the course of Buffon's career the imaginative trope connecting death to ossification and petrification shaped both his natural philosophy and his literary project. This trope found its richest expression in Buffon's last work, the Histoire naturelle des minéraux, which I interpret as his testament.
Kant's Magic Lantern: Historical Epistemology and Media Archaeology
Authors: Andriopoulos Stefan
Published: June 2011

This essay juxtaposes Kant's critical epistemology with the visual medium of the phantasmagoria and a contemporaneous debate about spirit apparitions. Kant's notion of Erscheinung as an appearance or apparition of a supersensory thing in itself draws on the previous hypothesis of genuine spirit apparitions from his Dreams of a Spirit Seer (1766). His doctrine of transcendental illusion, by contrast, adapts a second, skeptical explanation of spirit visions by describing speculative metaphysics as a “magic lantern of brain phantoms.” Kant thereby transforms the optical instrument into an epistemological figure, highlighting the unreliability and limits of philosophical knowledge.
Embodied Communities: Commemorating Robert Burns, 1859
Authors: Rigney Ann
Published: June 2011

The centenary celebrations of Robert Burns on January 25, 1859, took the form of more than eight hundred meetings across the English-speaking world at which participants celebrated both the memory of the poet and, especially through the use of the telegraph, their own present-day inter-connectedness. This article situates this extraordinary event within the larger context of the nineteenth-century culture of artistic commemorations and uses the case to critically reexamine the view of literature's role in nation building that has been generally accepted since Anderson's influential Imagined Communities (1983).
Distribution of strontium and mineralization in iliac bone biopsies from osteoporotic women treated long-term with strontium ranelate
Authors: Doublier Audrey , Farlay Delphine , Khebbab Mohamed T , Jaurand Xavier , Meunier Pierre J , Boivin Georges
Published: June 2011

Objective

To investigate interactions between strontium (Sr) and bone mineral and its effects on mineralization in osteoporotic women treated long-term with Sr ranelate (SrRan).

Design

In this study, 34 iliac bone biopsies were analyzed after 2, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months of treatment with SrRan.

Methods

Sr global distribution was analyzed by X-ray cartography and the percentage of bone area containing Sr was calculated in the bone samples. The focal distribution of Sr in all bone samples was investigated by X-ray microanalysis. The degree of mineralization was assessed by quantitative microradiography.

Results

Absent from old bone formed before the beginning of treatment, Sr was exclusively present in bone formed during this treatment with a much higher focal Sr content in new bone structural units than in old ones. A progressive increase in the extent of areas containing Sr was observed during treatment. The focal bone Sr content in recently formed bone was constant over treatment. Secondary mineralization was maintained at a normal level during treatment.

Conclusion

Thus, the quality of bone mineralization (density and heterogeneity at tissue level) was preserved after a long-term treatment with SrRan.
Antineoplastic effect of iodine and iodide in dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced mammary tumors: association between lactoperoxidase and estrogen-adduct production
Authors: Soriano Ofelia , Delgado Guadalupe , Anguiano Brenda , Petrosyan Pavel , Molina-Servín Edith D , Gonsebatt Maria E , Aceves Carmen
Published: June 2011

Several groups, including ours, have reported that iodine exhibited antiproliferative and apoptotic effects in various cancer cells only if this element is supplemented as molecular iodine, or as iodide, to cells that are able to oxidize it with the enzyme thyroperoxidase. In this study, we analyzed the effect of various concentrations of iodine and/or iodide in the dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) mammary cancer model in rats. The results show that 0.1% iodine or iodide increases the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor type γ (PPARγ), triggering caspase-mediated apoptosis pathways in damaged mammary tissue (DMBA-treated mammary gland) as well as in frank mammary tumors, but not in normal mammary gland. DMBA treatment induces the expression of lactoperoxidase, which participates in the antineoplastic effect of iodide and could be involved in the pro-neoplastic effect of estrogens, increasing the formation of DNA adducts. In conclusion, our results show that a supplement of 0.1% molecular iodine/potassium iodide (0.05/0.05%) exert antineoplastic effects, preventing estrogen-induced DNA adducts and inducing apoptosis through PPARγ/caspases in pre-cancer and cancerous cells. Since this iodine concentration does not modify the cytology (histology, apoptosis rate) or physiology (triiodothyronine and thyrotropin) of the thyroid gland, we propose that it be considered as an adjuvant treatment for premenopausal mammary cancer.
Decoding Motor Signals From the Pediatric Cortex: Implications for Brain-Computer Interfaces in Children
Authors: Breshears Jonathan D. , Gaona Charles M. , Roland Jarod L. , Sharma Mohit , Anderson Nicholas R. , Bundy David T. , Freudenburg Zachary V. , Smyth Matthew D. , Zempel John , Limbrick David D. , Smart William D. , Leuthardt Eric C.
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To demonstrate the decodable nature of pediatric brain signals for the purpose of neuroprosthetic control. We hypothesized that children would achieve levels of brain-derived computer control comparable to performance previously reported for adults.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Six pediatric patients with intractable epilepsy who were invasively monitored underwent screening for electrocortical control signals associated with specific motor or phoneme articulation tasks. Subsequently, patients received visual feedback as they used these associated electrocortical signals to direct one dimensional cursor movement to a target on a screen.

RESULTS:

All patients achieved accuracies between 70% and 99% within 9 minutes of training using the same screened motor and articulation tasks. Two subjects went on to achieve maximum accuracies of 73% and 100% using imagined actions alone. Average mean and maximum performance for the 6 pediatric patients was comparable to that of 5 adults. The mean accuracy of the pediatric group was 81% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 71.5–90.5) over a mean training time of 11.6 minutes, whereas the adult group had a mean accuracy of 72% (95% CI: 61.2–84.3) over a mean training time of 12.5 minutes. Maximum performance was also similar between the pediatric and adult groups (89.6% [95% CI: 83–96.3] and 88.5% [95% CI: 77.1–99.8], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

Similarly to adult brain signals, pediatric brain signals can be decoded and used for BCI operation. Therefore, BCI systems developed for adults likely hold similar promise for children with motor disabilities.
The Efficacy of Motivational Interviewing Versus Brief Advice for Adolescent Smoking Behavior Change
Authors: Audrain-McGovern Janet , Stevens Sarah , Murray Pamela J. , Kinsman Sara , Zuckoff Allan , Pletcher Jon , Moss Deborah , Baumritter Agnieshka , Kalkhuis-Beam Susan , Carlson Elyse , Rodriguez Daniel , Wileyto E. Paul
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE:

In this study we sought to evaluate the efficacy of motivational interviewing (MI) compared with structured brief advice (SBA) for adolescent smoking behavior change.

METHODS:

Participants (N = 355) were randomly assigned to 5 sessions of either MI or SBA. The primary outcomes were attempts to reduce and to quit smoking, smoking reduction, and cotinine-validated 7-day point-prevalence smoking abstinence at the end of treatment (week 12) and the 24-week follow-up.

RESULTS:

White adolescents were ∼80% less likely to attempt to cut back (odds ratio [OR]: 0.21; confidence interval [CI]: 0.08–0.53) and >80% less likely to attempt to quit smoking compared with black adolescents (OR: 0.17 [CI: 0.06–0.46]). Adolescents who were at least planning to cut back or quit smoking at baseline were almost 3 times more likely to attempt to cut back (OR: 2.87 [CI: 1.26–6.52]) and to attempt to quit smoking (OR: 3.13 [CI: 1.19–8.26]). Adolescents who received MI were ∼60% less likely than adolescents who received SBA to try to quit smoking (OR: 0.41 [CI: 0.17–0.97]). However, adolescents who received MI showed a greater reduction in cigarettes smoked per day than adolescents who received SBA (5.3 vs 3.3 fewer cigarettes per day). There were no statistically significant differences between MI and SBA in smoking abstinence (5.7% vs 5.6%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

The effects of MI on adolescent smoking behavior change are modest, and MI may best fit within a multicomponent smoking cessation treatment approach in which behavior change skills can support and promote smoking behavior change decisions.
Importance of Early Weight Change in a Pediatric Weight Management Trial
Authors: Goldschmidt Andrea B. , Stein Richard I. , Saelens Brian E. , Theim Kelly R. , Epstein Leonard H. , Wilfley Denise E.
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Early weight change is associated with overall weight loss treatment response in adults but has been relatively unexplored in youth. We investigated the importance of early weight change in a pediatric weight control trial.

METHODS:

Overweight children aged 7 to 12 years (n = 204) participated in a randomized controlled trial of 2 weight maintenance treatments (MTs) after a 20-week family-based behavioral weight loss treatment (FBT). Hierarchical regression was used to investigate the relation between children's percentage weight change at sessions 4, 6, and 8 of FBT and BMI z-score reductions after FBT and at the 2-year follow-up. Correlations and hierarchical regression were used to identify child and parent factors associated with children's early weight change.

RESULTS:

Children's percentage weight change by FBT session 8 was the best predictor of BMI z-score reductions after FBT and at 2-year follow-up. Percentage weight change in children at session 8 was associated with better FBT attendance and with greater percentage weight change in parents at FBT session 8.

CONCLUSIONS:

Early weight change seems to be related to treatment response through the end of treatment and 2-year follow-up. Future research should include investigation of strategies to promote early weight change in children and parents and identification of mechanisms through which early weight change is related to overall treatment response.
Parents' Evaluation of Media Ratings a Decade After the Television Ratings Were Introduced
Authors: Gentile Douglas A. , Maier Julia A. , Hasson Mary Rice , Lopez de Bonetti Beatriz
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE:

The 3 national studies reported here were designed to find out how satisfied parents are with media rating systems, how regularly they use them, and what types of information they ideally would like to have.

METHODS:

Parents (n = 745, study 1; n = 768, study 2; n = 769, study 3) were surveyed nationally by independent research firms. Studies 1 and 2 were conducted by Harris Interactive, and study 3 was conducted by Research Now. All of them were cross-sectional national surveys.

RESULTS:

Parents desire ratings for many types of media, but they do not think the existing ratings accurately provide the information they want. They would prefer ratings to provide detailed content information. In general, parents tend to agree on the types and descriptors of content about which they would like to know. They do not, however, agree on the ages for which different content aspects are appropriate. Parents would support the creation of a universal rating system that could be applied to multiple types of media.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ratings can be effective only if they are useful for parents. This set of studies reveals that improvements in media ratings are needed to make them valuable for parents.
Correlation Between Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts and Inguinal Hernias in Children: An 8-Year Follow-up
Authors: Chen Yu-Chun , Wu Jau-Ching , Liu Laura , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Huang Wen-Cheng , Cheng Henrich
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of this study was to investigate the correlation between ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPSs) and inguinal hernias (IHs) in children.

METHODS:

Study subjects were identified from a nationwide cohort of 1 537 843 children aged 0 to 5 years from 1996 to 2000. They were assigned to the VPS group (n = 675), who received VPS, or a control group (n = 6704) of age- and gender-matched children. Both groups (N = 7379) were followed up for 8 years for IH. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS:

After the 8-year follow-up, 353 of the 7379 study subjects (78 from the VPS group and 275 from the control group) underwent IH surgery. The 8-year cumulative incidence rate of IH-repair surgery was 13.3% in the VPS group, significantly higher than that in the control group (4.1%; P < .001). Children in the VPS group were more likely to develop IH than the control group (hazard ratio: 3.62; P < .001), even after adjusting for age, gender, and comorbidities (adjusted hazard ratio: 6.63; P < .001). The average time interval between VPS and IH surgery was 1.73 years earlier in the VPS group than those in the control group (1.29 vs 3.02 years; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Children who received a VPS when younger than 5 years were more likely to have IH; the highest risk was during the first 2 years after VPS surgery. A high index of suspicion for inguinal manifestations is recommended during their follow-up.
Acute respiratory failure caused by neglected giant substernal nontoxic goiter
Authors: Ioannidis Orestis , Dalampini Eleftheria , Chatzopoulos Stavros , Kotronis Anastasios , Paraskevas George , Konstantara Athina , Papadimitriou Nikolaos , Makrantonakis Apostolos , Kakoutis Emmanouil
Published: June 2011

Substernal goiter is usually defined as a goiter in which the thyroid mass has descended the plane of the thoracic inlet or if more than 50% of the thyroid mass is located below the thoracic inlet. Substernal goiters may be asymptomatic or may present with symptoms caused by compression of adjacent organs. Acute respiratory failure is rare in cases of substernal goiter. In cases of symptomatic substernal goiter the treatment is surgical by thyroidectomy. We present a rare case of a giant substernal nontoxic goiter which caused acute respiratory failure which was treated by urgent thyroidectomy through a T-incision.
"Aprecie com moderação": a identidade da organização como drama e atos de performance
Authors: Borges Jacquelaine Florindo , Medeiros Cintia Rodrigues de Oliveira
Published: June 2011

A questão do que constitui a identidade de uma organização motivou produtivas conversações em busca de teorias, desde os anos 1980. Neste estudo, conduzimos o diálogo entre essa literatura e os conceitos desenvolvidos no campo da Antropologia da Performance. Como elemento facilitador desse diálogo, nós apresentamos, a título de ilustração, o processo de construção identitária da Ambev, companhia do setor de bebidas, em um período de contestação das regras sobre o consumo de álcool. Nossa análise mostra a natureza relacional do conceito de identidade da organização, um processo de múltiplas e fluidas interações construído em situações dramáticas e por atos de performance. Às questões que capturam a essência desse conceito, já presentes na literatura, nós adicionamos outra - "O que ou quem estamos nos tornando como organização?"
Significado do trabalho nas indústrias criativas
Authors: Bendassolli Pedro F , Borges-Andrade Jairo Eduardo
Published: June 2011

Estudos sobre o trabalhador nas indústrias criativas ainda são escassos na literatura científica da administração. Esta pesquisa buscou contribuir para a superação dessa lacuna ao estudar o significado de trabalho para profissionais que atuam nessas indústrias. Traduzimos e adaptamos um instrumento canadense de mensuração desse constructo, o qual foi aplicado a 451 indivíduos de diversas indústrias criativas no Estado de São Paulo. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente por meio de técnicas psicométricas e de comparação e associação entre médias. Os resultados mostram que os fatores mais associados a um trabalho que tenha significado para esses indivíduos são: a possibilidade de aprender e se desenvolver pelo trabalho, sua utilidade social, a oportunidade de identificação e de expressão por meio dele, autonomia, boas relações interpessoais e respeito às questões éticas. O artigo conclui com algumas implicações desses resultados para a literatura sobre indústrias criativas e significado do trabalho
Análise do desenvolvimento de Arranjos Produtivos Locais (APLs): um estudo de caso do município de Paraty (RJ)
Authors: Ferreira Maria Tatiana da Silva , Meireles Sheila Santos de , Macedo Marcelo Álvaro da Silva , Barone Francisco Marcelo , Sant'anna Paulo Roberto de , Zotes Luiz Pérez
Published: June 2011

Este trabalho aborda o desenvolvimento local no município de Paraty, através da formação de APLs, especificamente neste caso voltados para a atividade turística. Através de informações obtidas por análise documental e entrevistas, pode-se analisar as potencialidades da região e apontar caminhos para incremento de sua competitividade, principalmente no que tange à integração e à formação de parcerias entre empresas, comunidade e poder público. Além disso, foram feitas sugestões para superar obstáculos, vencer desafios e aproveitar oportunidades, baseadas na vocação turística, para que a região se torne competitiva no mercado de destinos turísticos, fidelizando e ampliando a base de turistas, através do melhor aproveitamento de seus encantos naturais, históricos e culturais. Os principais resultados mostram que Paraty carece de melhorias de infraestrutura para desenvolver o turismo local, que vão desde o saneamento básico até o melhor treinamento e capacitação de mão de obra. Além disso, toda a estrutura existente ainda não pode ser considerada efetivamente um APL, apesar de já se observar uma organização da rede de pequenas e médias empresas voltada para o desenvolvimento turístico sustentável do município. O que se encontra, em termos de organização em rede, é um APL ainda informal, onde praticamente inexiste a liderança e a confiança interna.
Avaliação de risco para úlcera por pressão em pacientes críticos
Authors: Gomes Flávia Sampaio Latini , Bastos Marisa Antonini Ribeiro , Matozinhos Fernanda Penido , Temponi Hanrieti Rotelli , Velásquez-Meléndez Gustavo
Published: June 2011

Pacientes acamados apresentam risco de desenvolver úlceras por pressão e representam um grupo prioritário para o estudo e identificação deste agravo. Para tal, utilizam-se instrumentos de avaliação específicos para o problema. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de úlcera por pressão em pacientes adultos internados em CTIs. Trata-se de um estudo seccional analítico no qual foram avaliados 140 pacientes, internados em 22 CTIs, utilizando-se a escala de Braden. Os resultados mostraram que pacientes internados por 15 dias ou mais apresentavam alguma categoria de risco. As maiores freqüências de úlcera por pressão foram encontradas em pacientes que estavam nas categorias: percepção sensorial (completamente limitado), umidade (constantemente úmida), mobilidade (completamente imobilizado), atividade (acamado), nutrição (adequado) e fricção e cisalhamento (problema). Conclui-se que a utilização dessa escala traduz-se em estratégia importante no cuidar de pacientes em terapia intensiva.
O conhecimento dos pacientes com câncer sobre seus direitos legais
Authors: Sonobe Helena Megumi , Buetto Luciana Scatralhe , Zago Márcia Maria Fontão
Published: June 2011

Os objetivos do estudo foram: levantar o conhecimento dos pacientes oncológicos sobre seus direitos, identificar os mais conhecidos e verificar o conhecimento dos procedimentos para sua solicitação. Foi realizado um levantamento, aplicando um instrumento tipo check-list numa entrevista. Participaram 42 pacientes oncológicos que realizavam quimioterapia e seus familiares. 57% eram do sexo feminino; 28% tinham idade entre 61 e 70 anos; 62% cursaram apenas o 1º grau; 72% eram casados; 50% tinham renda familiar de 2,6 salários mínimos. 45% desconheciam os benefícios; dentre os benefícios existentes, a aposentadoria foi reconhecida por 23%; 33% citaram o laudo médico como o documento mais importante; 38% tiveram acesso às informações pela mídia; 23% não haviam solicitado nenhum benefício e 31% relataram obtenção de algum benefício. Concluímos que o enfermeiro precisar atuar com efetividade na divulgação dos direitos dos pacientes, para que os benefícios sejam assegurados e sua condição de cidadão seja respeitada.
Crenças religiosas, doença e morte: perspectiva da família na experiência de doença
Authors: Bousso Regina Szylit , Poles Kátia , Serafim Taís de Souza , Miranda Mariana Gonçalves de
Published: June 2011

Este estudo teve como objetivos identificar temas predominantes sobre religião, doença e morte nas histórias de vida de famílias e examinar a relação entre as crenças religiosas, doença e morte na narrativa de famílias que conviveram com um familiar doente. Utilizamos como referencial teórico o Interacionismo Simbólico e como referencial metodológico a História Oral. Participaram do estudo dezessete famílias de nove religiões diferentes que vivenciaram a experiência de doença e morte de algum familiar. Por meio da análise dos dados, foi possível compreender que a religiosidade é parte relevante da vida de muitas famílias e não pode ser negligenciada no contexto da doença. Os resultados apontam para a importância de se compreender o significado da religião para a família no processo saúde doença, a fim de que o enfermeiro possa atuar na prevenção e promoção da saúde.
Revelação do diagnóstico de aids à criança na compreensão de familiares
Authors: Schaurich Diego
Published: June 2011

Pesquisa fenomenológica que buscou compreender como a familiar cuidadora percebe a revelação do diagnóstico de aids à criança, fundamentado na filosofia de Martin Buber. Realizou-se em um hospital-escola de Porto Alegre com sete familiares de crianças com aids. A coleta das informações ocorreu por meio da entrevista fenomenológica e, para a interpretação, recorreu-se à hermenêutica. Os diálogos para a revelação do diagnóstico ao TU criança com aids demonstram que esta situação está presente no vivido por estas cuidadoras e interfere em sua existencialidade, ao estabelecer relações com o outro, no mundo. A revelação do diagnóstico de aids à criança é um fenômeno complexo e que gera diálogos relacionados às situações cotidianas compartilhadas pelas cuidadoras e crianças. Acredita-se na necessidade de outras pesquisas sobre esta temática, cada vez mais emergente nos serviços de saúde, e que considerem a dinamicidade e singularidade dos rumos tomados por esta epidemia no cenário brasileiro.
Prevalência e comorbidade de dor e fadiga em mulheres com câncer de mama
Authors: Lamino Daniela de Araújo , Mota Dálete Delalibera Correa de Faria , Pimenta Cibele Andrucioli de Mattos
Published: June 2011

O estudo analisou a prevalência e a comorbidade de dor e fadiga em mulheres com câncer de mama. Trata-se de estudo transversal, com amostra, não probabilística de 182 mulheres em tratamento ambulatorial para câncer de mama, entrevistadas no período de julho 2006 a março de 2007. Fadiga, avaliada pela Escala de Fadiga de Piper, foi dividida em duas categorias (escore 0,1-4,9 e >5-10). Dor, avaliada pela escala de 0-10, foi categorizada do mesmo modo que fadiga. Fadiga ocorreu em 94 mulheres (51,6%), sendo >5 em 44 (46,8%) delas. Dor ocorreu em 86 mulheres (47,2%), sendo >5 em 50 (58,1%). Fadiga e dor correlacionaram-se (r=0,38, p=0,003) e a comorbidade fadiga e dor foi de 38,3%. Dor intensa acentuou a fadiga (p=0,089) e fadiga intensa acentuou a dor (p=0,016). Tais dados são inéditos em nosso meio, confirmam a existência de um cluster de sintoma e dos prejuízos decorrentes dessa comorbidade.