bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visuomotor Velocity Transformations for Smooth Pursuit Eye Movements
Authors: Blohm Gunnar , Lefèvre Philippe
Published: August 2010

Smooth pursuit eye movements are driven by retinal motion signals. These retinal motion signals are converted into motor commands that obey Listing's law (i.e., no accumulation of ocular torsion). The fact that smooth pursuit follows Listing's law is often taken as evidence that no explicit reference frame transformation between the retinal velocity input and the head-centered motor command is required. Such eye-position-dependent reference frame transformations between eye- and head-centered coordinates have been well-described for saccades to static targets. Here we suggest that such an eye (and head)-position-dependent reference frame transformation is also required for target motion (i.e., velocity) driving smooth pursuit eye movements. Therefore we tested smooth pursuit initiation under different three-dimensional eye positions and compared human performance to model simulations. We specifically tested if the ocular rotation axis changed with vertical eye position, if the misalignment of the spatial and retinal axes during oblique fixations was taken into account, and if ocular torsion (due to head roll) was compensated for. If no eye-position-dependent velocity transformation was used, the pursuit initiation should follow the retinal direction, independently of eye position; in contrast, a correct visuomotor velocity transformation would result in spatially correct pursuit initiation. Overall subjects accounted for all three components of the visuomotor velocity transformation, but we did observe differences in the compensatory gains between individual subjects. We concluded that the brain does perform a visuomotor velocity transformation but that this transformation was prone to noise and inaccuracies of the internal model.
Ameloblastic Fibro-Odontoma: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Tolentino Elen de Souza , Centurion Bruna Stuchi , Lima Marta Cunha , Freitas-Faria Patrícia , Consolaro Alberto , Sant'ana Eduardo
Published: August 2010

An 11-year-old girl presented to our department to have a second opinion regarding a lesion involving her left mandible. She had previously undergone several radiographic exams including panoramic, helical, and cone-beam computed tomography. Radiographic examinations revealed a well-defined radiolucent region, which contained an irregular radiopaque mass of 3 cm in diameter, localized to the left angle of the mandible. Our presumptive diagnosis was complex odontoma. Excisional biopsy was performed, and microscopic features showed strands and islands of odontogenic epithelium showing peripheral palisading and loosely arranged central cells, identical to stellate reticulum, embedded in a myxoid cell-rich stroma resembling the dental papilla. Dentin and enamel were also presented. The diagnosis was ameloblastic fibro-odontoma, which is a rare mixed odontogenic tumor, derived from epithelial and ectomesenchymal elements that form the dental tissues.
Mittag‐Leffler Stability Theorem for Fractional Nonlinear Systems with Delay
Authors: Sadati S. J. , Baleanu D. , Ranjbar A. , Ghaderi R. , Abdeljawad (Maraaba) T.
Published: August 2010

Fractional calculus started to play an important role for analysis of the evolution of the nonlinear dynamical systems which are important in various branches of science and engineering. In this line of taught in this paper we studied the stability of fractional order nonlinear time‐delay systems for Caputo′s derivative, and we proved two theorems for Mittag‐Leffler stability of the fractional nonlinear time delay systems.

Erratum to “Mittag-Leffler Stability Theorem for Fractional Nonlinear Systems with Delay”dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/304352
Involvement of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 and PPARβ/δin Prostate Cancer Cell Growth
Authors: Morgan Elwin , Kannan-Thulasiraman Padmamalini , Noy Noa
Published: August 2010

Fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) delivers ligands from the cytosol directly to the nuclear receptor PPARβ/δand thus facilitates the ligation and enhances the transcriptional activity of the receptor. We show here that expression levels of both FABP5 and PPARβ/δare correlated with the tumorigenic potential of prostate cancer cell lines. We show further that FABP5 comprises a direct target gene for PPARβ/δand thus the binding protein and its cognate receptor are engaged in a positive feedback loop. The observations demonstrate that, similarly to effects observed in mammary carcinomas, activation of the FABP5/PPARβ/δpathway induces PPARβ/δtarget genes involved in cell survival and growth and enhances cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth in prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, the data show that downregulation of either FABP5 or PPARβ/δinhibits the growth of the highly malignant prostate cancer PC3M cells. These studies suggest that the FABP5/PPARβ/δpathway may play a general role in facilitating tumor progression and that inhibition of the pathway may comprise a novel strategy in treatment of cancer.
Spectral Fingerprinting on a Standard Mobile Phone
Authors: Iqbal Zafar , Filippini Daniel
Published: August 2010

Spectral fingerprinting of chemical indicators, using computer screens as light sources and web cameras as imaging detectors, is an emerging approach for chemical sensing with the potential to coexist in common consumer electronic devices. The migration of this technique to mobile phones is key to extend this sensing approach to the most ubiquitous and familiar type of instrumentation. Here, we investigate the feasibility and performance of spectral fingerprinting on reference samples using a standard mobile phone as a complete measuring platform, where the screen provides controlled illumination while the front camera is the imaging detector. Key elements for the execution of such experiments are the software design, the definition of the sample layout, the type of alignment between the phone and the sample, and the influence of ambient illumination. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of reflectance fingerprinting on standard mobile phones and identify the operating conditions of the key parameters that produce an adequate evaluation performance.
Hyperacute Therapies for Childhood Stroke: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Irazuzta Jose , Sullivan Kevin J.
Published: August 2010

Objective. The optimal management of pediatric patients with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) is not known. Despite this, goal-oriented, time-sensitive therapies geared to rapid reestablishment of arterial blood flow are occasionally applied with beneficial effects. The inconsistent approach to AIS is in part due to a lack of knowledge and preparedness.Methods. Case report of a 12-year-old male with right middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion resulting in dense left hemiplegia and mutism and review of the literature.Intervention(s). Mechanical thrombectomy, intra-arterial administration of rt-PA, vasodilators, and platelet inhibitors, and systemic anticoagulation and subsequent critical care support.Results. Restoration of right MCA blood flow and complete resolution of neurologic deficits.Conclusion. We report the gratifying outcome of treatment of a case of AIS in a pediatric patient treated with hyperacute therapies geared to arterial recanalization and subsequent neurologic critical care and review the pertinent literature. Guidelines for the emergency room management of pediatric AIS from prospective, randomized trials are needed.
Multiplicity Results for a Perturbed Elliptic Neumann Problem
Authors: Bonanno Gabriele , D′Aguì Giuseppina
Published: August 2010

The existence of three solutions for elliptic Neumann problems with a perturbed nonlinear term depending on two real parameters is investigated. Our approach is based on variational methods.
Generalized Gribov‐Lipatov Reciprocity and AdS/CFT
Authors: Beccaria Matteo , Forini Valentina , Macorini Guido
Published: August 2010

Planar 𝒩 = 4 SYM theory and QCD share the gluon sector, suggesting the investigation
of Gribov‐Lipatov reciprocity in the supersymmetric theory. Since the
AdS/CFT correspondence links 𝒩 = 4 SYM and superstring dynamics on AdS5 × S5, reciprocity is also expected to show up in the quantum corrected energies of certain
classical string configurations dual to gauge theory twist‐operators. We review recent
results confirming this picture and revisiting the old idea of Gribov‐Lipatov reciprocity
as a modern theoretical tool useful for the study of open problems in AdS/CFT.
Regulation of PPARγCoactivator-1αFunction and Expression in Muscle: Effect of Exercise
Authors: Uguccioni Giulia , D'souza Donna , Hood David A.
Published: August 2010

PPARγcoactivator-1α(PGC-1α) is considered to be a major regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. Though first discovered in brown adipose tissue, this coactivator has emerged as a coordinator of mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle via enhanced transcription of many nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins. Stimuli such as exercise provoke the activation of signalling cascades that lead to the induction of PGC-1α. Posttranslational modifications also regulate the function of PGC-1α, with a multitude of upstream molecules targeting the protein to modify its activity and/or expression. Previous research has established a positive correlation between resistance to fatigue and skeletal muscle mitochondrial content. Recently, studies have begun to elucidate the specific role of PGC-1αin exercise-related skeletal muscle adaptations, with several studies identifying it as a dominant regulator of organelle synthesis. This paper will highlight the function, regulation, and expression of PGC-1α, as well as the role of the coactivator during exercise adaptations.
A Galectin-3 Ligand Corrects the Impaired Function of Human CD4 and CD8 Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Favors Tumor Rejection in Mice
Authors: Demotte Nathalie , Wieërs Grégoire , Van Der Smissen Patrick , Moser Muriel , Schmidt Christopher , Thielemans Kris , Squifflet Jean-Luc , Weynand Birgit , Carrasco Javier , Lurquin Christophe , Courtoy Pierre J. , van der Bruggen Pierre
Published: August 2010

Human CD8+ tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL), in contrast with CD8+ blood cells, show impaired IFN-γ secretion on ex vivo restimulation. We have attributed the impaired IFN-γ secretion to a decreased mobility of T-cell receptors on trapping in a lattice of glycoproteins clustered by extracellular galectin-3. Indeed, we have previously shown that treatment with N-acetyllactosamine, a galectin ligand, restored this secretion. We strengthened this hypothesis here by showing that CD8+ TIL treated with an anti–galectin-3 antibody had an increased IFN-γ secretion. Moreover, we found that GCS-100, a polysaccharide in clinical development, detached galectin-3 from TIL and boosted cytotoxicity and secretion of different cytokines. Importantly, we observed that not only CD8+ TIL but also CD4+ TIL treated with GCS-100 secreted more IFN-γ on ex vivo restimulation. In tumor-bearing mice vaccinated with a tumor antigen, injections of GCS-100 led to tumor rejection in half of the mice, whereas all control mice died. In nonvaccinated mice, GCS-100 had no effect by itself. These results suggest that a combination of galectin-3 ligands and therapeutic vaccination may induce more tumor regressions in cancer patients than vaccination alone. Cancer Res; 70(19); 7476–88. ©2010 AACR.
Circulating Levels of the Innate and Humoral Immune Regulators CD14 and CD23 Are Associated with Adult Glioma
Authors: Zhou Mi , Wiemels Joseph L. , Bracci Paige M. , Wrensch Margaret R. , Mccoy Lucie S. , Rice Terri , Sison Jennette D. , Patoka Joseph S. , Wiencke John K.
Published: August 2010

Allergy history has been consistently inversely associated with glioma risk. Two serologic markers, soluble CD23 (sCD23) and soluble CD14 (sCD14), are part of the innate and adaptive humoral immune systems and modulate allergic responses in opposite directions, with sCD23 enhancing and sCD14 blunting inflammatory responses. We measured sCD23 and sCD14 in serum from blood that was drawn at a single time point from 1,079 glioma patients postdiagnosis and 736 healthy controls. Glioma was strongly associated with high sCD14 [highest versus lowest quartile odds ratio (OR), 3.94; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 2.98–5.21] and low sCD23 (lowest versus highest quartile OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.89–3.23). Results were consistent across glioma histologic types and grades, but were strongest for glioblastoma. Whereas temozolomide treatment was not associated with either sCD14 or sCD23 levels among cases, those taking dexamethasone had somewhat lower sCD23 levels than those not taking dexamethasone. However, sCD23 was associated with case status regardless of dexamethasone treatment. These results augment the long-observed association between allergies and glioma and support a role for the innate and adaptive humoral functions of the immune system, in particular immunoregulatory proteins, in gliomagenesis. Cancer Res; 70(19); 7534–42. ©2010 AACR.
Meta-analysis of Neuroblastomas Reveals a Skewed ALK Mutation Spectrum in Tumors with MYCN Amplification
Authors: De Brouwer Sara , De Preter Katleen , Kumps Candy , Zabrocki Piotr , Porcu Michaël , Westerhout Ellen M. , Lakeman Arjan , Vandesompele Jo , Hoebeeck Jasmien , Van Maerken Tom , De Paepe Anne , Laureys Geneviève , Schulte Johannes H. , Schramm Alexander , Van Den Broecke Caroline , Vermeulen Joëlle , Van Roy Nadine , Beiske Klaus , Renard Marleen , Noguera Rosa , Delattre Olivier , Janoueix-Lerosey Isabelle , Kogner Per , Martinsson Tommy , Nakagawara Akira , Ohira Miki , Caron Huib , Eggert Angelika , Cools Jan , Versteeg Rogier , Speleman Frank
Published: August 2010

Purpose: Activating mutations of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) were recently described in neuroblastoma. We carried out a meta-analysis of 709 neuroblastoma tumors to determine their frequency and mutation spectrum in relation to genomic and clinical parameters, and studied the prognostic significance of ALK copy number and expression.

Experimental Design: The frequency and type of ALK mutations, copy number gain, and expression were analyzed in a new series of 254 neuroblastoma tumors. Data from 455 published cases were used for further in-depth analysis.

Results: ALK mutations were present in 6.9% of 709 investigated tumors, and mutations were found in similar frequencies in favorable [International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) 1, 2, and 4S; 5.7%] and unfavorable (INSS 3 and 4; 7.5%) neuroblastomas (P = 0.087). Two hotspot mutations, at positions R1275 and F1174, were observed (49% and 34.7% of the mutated cases, respectively). Interestingly, the F1174 mutations occurred in a high proportion of MYCN-amplified cases (P = 0.001), and this combined occurrence was associated with a particular poor outcome, suggesting a positive cooperative effect between both aberrations. Furthermore, the F1174L mutant was characterized by a higher degree of autophosphorylation and a more potent transforming capacity as compared with the R1275Q mutant. Chromosome 2p gains, including the ALK locus (91.8%), were associated with a significantly increased ALK expression, which was also correlated with poor survival.

Conclusions: ALK mutations occur in equal frequencies across all genomic subtypes, but F1174L mutants are observed in a higher frequency of MYCN-amplified tumors and show increased transforming capacity as compared with the R1275Q mutants. Clin Cancer Res; 16(17); 4353–62. ©2010 AACR.
General Derivation of the Sets of Pedigrees with the Same Kinship Coefficients
Authors: Pinto Nádia , Silva Pedro V. , Amorim António
Published: August 2010

Quantification of kinships between two individuals using unlinked autosomal markers rests upon the identity-by-descent (IBD) probabilities among their four alleles at a locus because they determine the algebraic expressions of the joint genotypic probabilities. Nevertheless, some pedigrees share the same IBD probabilities and are therefore indistinguishable using those markers. Examples of these pedigrees were previously described, such as the case of half-siblings, grandparent-grandchild and avuncular, but a general analysis has not been attempted. The aim of this study is to present a systematic and mathematically supported framework where considering unlinked autosomal markers complete sets of indistinguishable pedigrees linking two non-inbred individuals are generally derived. In our work, complete sets of pedigrees with the same IBD partitions are formally established and mathematically treated, considering kinships linking any pair of non-inbred individuals, whether they are related just maternally or paternally, or both. Moreover, general expressions for IBD partitions, and consequently for joint genotypic probabilities, are derived considering a simple counting rule based on two ‘atom’ pedigrees: parent-child and full-siblings. Besides the theoretical formalization of the problem, the developed framework has potential applications in forensics as well as in breeding strategies design and in conservation studies.
Evaluation of Male Inter-Troop Transfer as a Mating Strategy among Ring-Tailed Lemurs on St. Catherines Island, USA
Authors: Parga Joyce A.
Published: August 2010

One commonly cited function of dispersal is to increase mating opportunities. In this study, I evaluated the hypothesis that male inter-troop transfer is used as a mating strategy in ring-tailed lemurs, Lemur catta, on St. Catherines Island (SCI), Ga., USA. I measured male mating success and inter-troop transfer behavior across 5 years in a population consisting of 4 lemur groups on SCI. Data strongly supported dispersal as a successful mating strategy of natal males, because these males did not mate within their natal groups, but always mated in their new groups of entry. For secondary male dispersal (transfers between 2 non-natal groups), data on 2 males collected in breeding seasons immediately prior to and following transfer show that their individual mating success measures increased following a transfer. Data revealed that among non-natal males, high-ranking males on SCI were more likely to transfer between groups than lower-ranking males, which is somewhat contrary to the more common trend among primates of lower-ranking males transferring more frequently. In sum, male primary dispersal appears to function as a mating strategy among male L. catta on SCI, with indications that secondary dispersal may also be successful at increasing male mating success.
Response to Dasatinib in a Patient with Concomitant Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Serpa Mariana , Bendit Israel , Seguro Fernanda , Xavier Flavia , Cavalcante Marcela , Steinbaum Daniel , Nardinelli Luciana , Aldred Vera Lucia , de Paula Henrique Moura , Dorlhiac-Llacer Pedro Enrique
Published: August 2010

While chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are common diseases in the elderly, they rarely occur simultaneously in the same patient. Here we present the case of a 77-year-old patient diagnosed with CML in the chronic phase who showed an optimal response to 400 mg/day of imatinib. This patient progressed to Binet B-CLL with an 11q22.3 deletion and CD38 positivity in the 4th month of treatment. During the follow-up, his lymphocyte number doubled in <6 months. Based on previous reports, dasatinib was chosen instead of imatinib. After 6 months of treatment with 100 mg/day of dasatinib, the patient demonstrated a partial response, characterized by the regression of lymph node enlargement, a hemoglobin level of 10.7 g/dl, neutrophils of 1.7 × 109/l, a 82% reduction in the lymphocyte number and an increase in cytotoxic CD8+ and large granular lymphocytes. This partial response has persisted to the present time. While little data have been published regarding the in vitro effect of dasatinib monotherapy for CLL, this case report provides some evidence of the clinical activity of dasatinib in CLL.
Trichilemmal Cyst Nevus with a Sebaceous Nevus Component
Authors: Pelivani Nedzmidin , Houriet Carine , Haneke Eckart
Published: August 2010

A 23-year-old man with a typical trichilemmal cyst nevus is reported. This recently described disorder is sufficiently characteristic to differentiate it from sebaceous nevus, nevus comedonicus, porokeratotic eccrine nevus, nevus corniculatus, follicular basaloid hamartoma, Munro’s nevus and Gardner’s syndrome.
Using Targeted Spirometry to Reduce Non-Diagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Schirnhofer Lea , Lamprecht Bernd , Firlei Natalie , Kaiser Bernhard , Buist A. Sonia , Halbert Ronald J. , Allison Michael J. , Studnicka Michael
Published: August 2010

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing worldwide and thus its associated morbidity and mortality. However, COPD often goes undiagnosed. Objectives: We evaluated the rate of non-diagnosed irreversible airway obstruction (AO) and characterized this patient group. We further assessed the possible effects of conducting targeted spirometry in a population sample in Salzburg, Austria, as part of the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study. Methods: 1,258 adults ≧40 years of age completed a questionnaire and performed spirometry before and after bronchodilator therapy (post-BD). Irreversible AO was defined as post-BD FEV1/FVC below the lower limit of normal; we used the FEV1% predicted (pred.) to further grade the disease. Participants without a physician diagnosis of COPD who reported respiratory symptoms and a history of risk factors (ever smoking or occupational risk) were defined as eligible for targeted spirometry. Results: 85.9% (171/199) of the participants with irreversible AO did not report a prior diagnosis of COPD. Non-diagnosed AO was inversely related to severity, age, self-reported prior respiratory diseases and cough as a respiratory symptom. 343 participants were eligible for targeted spirometry and irreversible AO was present in 86 (25.1%) participants. Therefore, targeted spirometry could reduce the underdiagnosis of irreversible AO of any severity by 50.3% (86 of 171). The diagnosis of 1 person with FEV1 <80% pred. would require spirometry in 8.4 subjects (95% confidence interval 6.2–11.1). Conclusion: Although several factors are associated with non-diagnosed AO, spirometry in individuals with respiratory symptoms and exposure to risk factors could reduce undiagnosed irreversible AO by half.
Electropathological Substrate of Long-Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Structural Heart Disease
Authors: Allessie Maurits A. , de Groot Natasja M.S. , Houben Richard P.M. , Schotten Ulrich , Boersma Eric , Smeets Joep L. , Crijns Harry J.
Published: August 2010

Background—

The electropathological substrate of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in humans is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the spatiotemporal characteristics of the fibrillatory process in patients with normal sinus rhythm and long-standing persistent AF.

Methods and Results—

During cardiac surgery, epicardial mapping (244 electrodes) of the right atrium (RA), the left lateral wall (LA), and the posterior left atrium (PV) was performed in 24 patients with long-standing persistent AF. Twenty-five patients with normal sinus rhythm, in whom AF was induced by rapid pacing, served as a reference group. A mapping algorithm was developed that separated the complex fibrillation process into its individual elements (wave mapping). Parameters used to characterize the substrate of AF were (1) the total length of interwave conduction block, (2) the number of fibrillation waves, and (3) the ratio of block to collision of fibrillation waves (dissociation index). In 4403 maps of persistent AF, no evidence for the presence of stable foci or rotors was found. Instead, many narrow wavelets propagated simultaneously through the atrial wall. The lateral boundaries of these waves were formed by lines of interwave conduction block, predominantly oriented parallel to the atrial musculature. Lines of block were not fixed but continuously changed on a beat-to-beat basis. In patients with persistent AF, the total length of block in the RA was more than 6-fold higher than during acute AF (median, 21.1 versus 3.4 mm/cm
2
;
P
<0.0001). The highest degree of interwave conduction block was found in the PV area (33.0 mm/cm
2
). The number of fibrillation waves during persistent AF was 4.5/cm
2
compared with 2.3 during acute AF, and the dissociation index was 7.3 versus 1.5 (
P
<0.0001). The interindividual variation of these parameters among patients was high.

Conclusions—

Electric dissociation of neighboring atrial muscle bundles is a key element in the development of the substrate of human AF. The degree of the pathological changes can be measured on an individual basis by electrophysiological parameters in the spatial domain.
The Financial Misadventures of Charles Bulfinch
Authors: Wickersham Jay
Published: August 2010

Though Charles Bulfinch is regarded as one of America's first great architects, his own memoir betrays his continuing shame over his business failures. Unable to support himself through architecture, Bulfinch tried to emulate his client Harrison Gray Otis's success in real estate development—with disastrous results.
Bediuzzaman and the Concept of Adl: Towards a Nursian Ontology of Divine Justice
Authors: Turner Colin
Published: August 2010

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi (1876‐1960), one of the foremost Muslim thinkers in the modern era, is one of few scholars in the Sunni Islamic tradition to make the notion of justice (Adl) a cornerstone of his theological discourse. This article is an attempt to prise open the shell of Nursian thought on Divine justice by examining the concept as it applies to three different but overlapping spheres: the sphere of the relationship between God and the cosmos in general; the sphere of the relationship between God and man in particular; and the sphere of the relationships that man enjoys with his fellow men. The objective is to throw light on one of the most controversial, yet under-researched, aspects of Muslim theology as seen through the intellectual prism of one of the Muslim world’s most overlooked scholars of Quranic exegesis.
When Worlds Collide: Scientists Doing Science in the Social World
Authors: Davey Gareth , Kwok-bun Chan
Published: August 2010

Despite the traditional independence in academia between the science and social science traditions, science is, essentially, a social pursuit, intertwined with social conditions, structures, and processes. If science can be pictured as a form of human cultural activity, practiced by people called ‘scientists,’ then it should be regarded in sociological terms. Given the rapid growth of science in Asia, more sociological studies are thus needed there to unravel the interplay between science and society, and how scientists do science. The present study reports the findings of in-depth open-ended interviews with scientists in various universities and research institutes in Singapore. The overall research question was: How do scientists in Singapore do their work in a social world? The underlying questions were designed to explore the social complexity of scientists’ work. The findings showed that the workings of science were drawn together, and directed by, non-science elements. They included the market, which controls research agendas and fashions; economics, which determines the availability of funding and encourages collaboration; bureaucratic administration, which provides the resources available to do science; and fashions, which persuade researchers to pursue topics considered acceptable by their peers. The associations between science and non-science are also not harmonious. Various tensions were reported in the interviews. What can be done to remedy the colliding worlds of science and non-science? The answer lies in more sociological studies. The sociological study of science is a relatively new item on the academic agenda, and there is a paucity of research in the Asian context. This study identifies several avenues for further enquiry, and serves as a primer for further research.
Sociocultural Differences in the Relationship Between Bilingualism and Creative Potential
Authors: Kharkhurin Anatoliy V.
Published: August 2010

The performances of Russian-English bilinguals and English monolinguals living in the United States, and Farsi-English bilinguals living in the United Arab Emirates and Farsi monolinguals living in Iran, were compared on the Abbreviated Torrance Test for Adults to investigate whether the sociocultural context modulates the influence of bilingualism on an individual’s creativity. The findings revealed an interactive influence of bilingualism and sociocultural context on creative potential, suggesting that the contribution of bilingual development to creative potential differs across cultures.
Effects of a high-intensity task-oriented training on gait performance early after stroke: a pilot study
Authors: Outermans Jacqueline C , van Peppen Roland PS , Wittink Harriet , Takken Tim , Kwakkel Gert
Published: August 2010

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and the effects on gait of a high intensity task-oriented training, incorporating a high cardiovascular workload and large number of repetitions, in patients with subacute stroke, when compared to a low intensity physiotherapy-programme.

Design and subjects: Randomized controlled clinical trial: Forty-four patients with stroke were recruited at 2 to 8 weeks after stroke onset.

Measures: Maximal gait speed assessed with the 10-metre timed walking test (10MTWT), walking capacity assessed with the six-minute walk test (6MWT). Control of standing balance assessed with the Berg Balance Scale and the Functional Reach test. Group differences were analysed using a Mann—Whitney U-test.

Results: Between-group analysis showed a statistically significant difference in favour of the high intensity task-oriented training in performance on the 10MTWT (Z = -2.13, P = 0.03) and the 6MWT (Z = -2.26, P = 0.02). No between-group difference were found for the Berg Balance Scale (Z = —0.07, P = 0.45) and the Functional Reach test (Z = —0.21, P = 0.84).

Conclusion: A high-intensity task-oriented training programme designed to improve hemiplegic gait and physical fitness was feasible in the present study and the effectiveness exceeds a low intensity physiotherapy-programme in terms of gait speed and walking capacity in patients with subacute stroke. In a future study, it seems appropriate to additionally use measures to evaluate physical fitness and energy expenditure while walking.
Empowering Public Sector Employees to Improve Performance: Does It Work?
Authors: Fernandez Sergio , Moldogaziev Tima
Published: August 2010

For more than a decade, public organizations have been adopting employee empowerment with the aim of improving performance and job satisfaction and promoting innovativeness. Our understanding of employee empowerment has been hindered by a dearth of empirical research on its uses and consequences in the public sector. Based on Bowen and Lawler’s conceptualization of employee empowerment, this study explores the link between various empowerment practices and perceived performance in federal agencies. It is found that empowerment practices aimed at providing employees with access to job-related knowledge and skills and at granting them discretion to change work processes have a positive and substantively significant influence on perceived performance. Other empowerment practices geared toward providing employees with information about goals and performance and offering them rewards based on performance are found, however, to have little bearing on perceptions of performance.
Joint Ventures, Economic Development Policy, and the Role of Local Governing Institutions
Authors: Hawkins Christopher V. , Feiock Richard
Published: August 2010

The “rules of the game” embodied in municipal government institutions constrain as well as provide opportunities for local government officials to capture individual benefits related to policy action. Whether the projected benefits of cooperation are localized or community-wide are hypothesized to combine with the political incentives produced under different forms of government to influence the likelihood local officials will enter into an economic development joint venture with other local governments. Analysis pooling survey data from the same cities at two time points provides evidence that prior agreements influence future cooperative actions and that joint ventures are more likely when there are localized benefits combined with mayor—council government, or when broader benefits are pursued under manager—council form of government.
Whistle-Blowing in Public Sector Organizations: Evidence From Pakistan
Authors: Bashir Sajid , Hamid Rafiq Khattak  , Hanif Ayesha , Sara Naseer Chohan
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this study is to investigate the contributory factors that affect the whistle-blowing process in public sector organizations of Pakistan. Previous studies reveal that a perception of apathy and likely retaliation by the management, peers, and employees at large creates a culture within organizations that negatively affects whistle-blowing. Data were collected from 1,762 employees working in various public sector organizations of Pakistan through a questionnaire. Frequency tables were used to analyze the data. Results suggest that in Pakistan a number of factors, such as culture and organizational retaliation, affect the whistle-blowing process. It also highlights that some unique culturally induced factors contribute toward the employees’ perception and practice of whistle-blowing in their organizations. Results are explained in light of Hofstede’s cultural indices, which indicate that whistle-blowing is culture bound.
Adoption of E-Communication Applications in U.S. Municipalities: The Role of Political Environment, Bureaucratic Structure, and the Nature of Applications
Authors: Ahn Michael J.
Published: August 2010

E-government has been touted by many as a technological answer to improve citizen participation, government accountability, and transparency by facilitating a greater level of communication and flow of public information between citizens and the government. This article examines how political environment, government structure, and the nature of individual e-government applications influence the likelihood of adoption. Using data obtained from multiple sources, logistic regressions are conducted on a sample of six e-government applications that possess varying degrees of communicative and organizational impacts on the government to observe how different factors influence their adoption. Findings include a general disinclination for adopting e-government applications with high communicative impact; however, such disinclination dissipated when there was a high level of political competition in the area and perceived demand for online communication; active traditional channels of political communication, such as political parties and accessibility to local council members, reduced the likelihood of adoption; the preferences of the elected mayors coincided with the perceptions of nonelected officials who favor e-government applications that would reduce the workload while disfavoring applications that would increase it.
Late-Holocene relationships among fire, climate and vegetation in a forest-sagebrush ecotone of southwestern Idaho, USA
Authors: Nelson Nathan A. , Pierce Jennifer
Published: August 2010

The forest-sagebrush ecotone is characterized by a more arid climate than forested regions; therefore, establishing fire histories using traditional methods (e.g. fire-scars from trees, charcoal in lake sediments) is problematic. This study uses radiocarbon dating of charcoal preserved in alluvial deposits to reconstruct a record of fire and geomorphic response in southwestern Idaho. Samples indicate three primary periods of fire-related activity: 4400—4000, 2000—1400, and 650—400 cal. yr BP. Charcoal macrofossil identification and comparison with other regional records indicate this area has likely alternated between a ‘fuel-limited’ system (fires limited by lack of fuels), and a ‘moisture-limited’ system (fires limited by too much moisture) with changes in Holocene climate. Over the past ~2000 yr, samples from this site indicate most fires occurred during wetter times than the record average. During overall wetter periods, (e.g. ‘Little Ice Age’ (LIA); 600—100 cal. yr BP) tree density may have increased, and fires occurred during intervals of relative drought. During times of prolonged drought (e.g. ‘Medieval Climate Anomaly’ (MCA); 1025—650 cal. yr BP) fire was recorded during a wetter interval. After ~600 cal. yr BP, fire activity was similar to alluvial charcoal records of low-intensity fires in a nearby ponderosa pine-dominated drainage, and sagebrush is common in charcoal samples. Both the ponderosa site and the Wood Creek site show low fire activity in ~6500—5000 cal yr BP; climatically, ~7—5 ka appears to correspond with regional records of drought. This work provides a unique record of fire in a semi-arid ecotone where (1) few records exist because of the paucity of dating sites, and (2) climatic sensitivity is likely enhanced.
Feminist Theology, Identity, and Discourse: A Closer Look at the ‘Coming Out’ of Sheryl Swoopes
Authors: McGee Paula L.
Published: August 2010

Sheryl Swoopes is an African American woman and a celebrity in the US Women’s National Basketball Association. In 2005, she announced she was in a seven-year relationship with a woman and received a six figure endorsement deal with a lesbian cruise line. Swoopes was also branded as a mother and married to a man — inferring heterosexuality. The article uses the ‘coming out’ to look at the interconnections of race, gender, class, sexual orientation, and celebrity identities. Using discourse analysis the article examines both academic and popular discourse to raise the question: ‘Is Sheryl Swoopes a lesbian?’ When can she self-identify as a lesbian and become an insider in the queer community? The article argues for feminists to see oppressions as multiplicative, rather than using the adding-on approach. Identifying celebrity as a capitalist identity, the article shows the challenges of identity and discourse and how they continue to frame our theological method.
A Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Reduce Adolescent Cannabis Use
Authors: Bender Kimberly , Tripodi Stephen J. , Sarteschi Christy , Vaughn Michael G.
Published: August 2010

Objective: This meta-analytic review assesses the effectiveness of substance abuse interventions to reduce adolescent cannabis use. Method: A systematic search identified 15 randomized controlled evaluations of interventions to reduce adolescent cannabis use published between 1960 and 2008. The primary outcome variables, frequency of cannabis use, and quantity of cannabis use, were measured between 1 month and 1 year posttreatment completion. Results: Analyses of random effects models revealed similarly moderate effects for individual (g = -.437; 95% CI = [-.671, -.203]) and family-based treatments (g = -.404; 95% CI = [-.613, -.195]). Substance abuse treatments are associated with moderate reductions in cannabis use although effect sizes tended to wane with greater length of time posttreatment. Discussion: Substance abuse treatment programs should consider implementing evidence-based interventions highlighted in this meta-analysis that fit the needs and characteristics of their client base and agency setting.
Pulse pressure is a predictor of vascular endothelial function in middle-aged subjects with no apparent heart disease
Authors: Beigel Roy , Dvir Danny , Arbel Yaron , Shechter Alon , Feinberg Micha S , Shechter Michael
Published: August 2010

Elevated pulse pressure (PP) is increasingly being recognized as a cardiovascular risk factor. To investigate whether PP is associated with endothelial function in subjects with no apparent heart disease we prospectively assessed brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in 525 consecutive subjects with no apparent heart disease [323 (61%) men, mean age 52 ± 11I years, mean body mass index (BMI) 26 ± 4 kg/m2]. Following an overnight fast and discontinuation of all medications for ≥ 12 hours, the FMD and endothelium-independent, nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation (NTG) were assessed using high-resolution linear array ultrasound. Univariate linear analysis revealed a significant inverse association between FMD and PP ( r = —0.65, p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure ( r = —0.52, p < 0.01) and age ( r = —0.21, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that PP was the strongest independent predictor of FMD. We therefore divided the study population into two groups: group A ( n = 290) ≤ the median PP, and group B ( n = 235) > the median PP of 50 mmHg. Male sex, hypertension, diabetes, BMI, heart rate, and the use of aspirin, long-acting nitrates, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers were significantly more common in Group B compared with Group A. FMD but not NTG was significantly greater in patients with PP ≤ the median PP, compared with > the median PP (14.9 ± 7.9% vs 10.8 ± 8.8%, p < 0.001 and 16.1 ± 9.6% vs 14.8 ± 8.4%, p = 0.38; respectively). Thus, PP is inversely associated with brachial FMD in middle-aged subjects with no apparent heart disease, suggesting a potential mechanism whereby elevated PP contributes to cardiovascular disease. Long-term follow-up is warranted to elucidate the incidence of coronary artery disease in both study groups.
Dose-dependent regulation of primitive erythroid maturation and identity by the transcription factor Eklf
Authors: Isern Joan , Fraser Stuart T. , He Zhiyong , Zhang Hailan , Baron Margaret H.
Published: August 2010

The primitive erythroid (EryP) lineage is the first to differentiate during mammalian embryogenesis. Eklf/Klf1 is a transcriptional regulator that is essential for definitive erythropoiesis in the fetal liver. Dissection of the role(s) of Eklf within the EryP compartment has been confounded by the simultaneous presence of EryP and fetal liver–derived definitive erythroid (EryD) cells in the blood. To address this problem, we have distinguished EryP from their definitive counterparts by crossing Eklf+/− mutant and ϵ-globin::histone H2B-GFP transgenic mice. Eklf-deficient EryP exhibit membrane ruffling and a failure to acquire the typical discoidal erythroid shape but they can enucleate. Flow cytometric analyses of H2B-GFP+ EryP revealed that Eklf heterozygosity results in the loss of Ter119 surface expression on EryP but not on EryD. Null mutation of Eklf resulted in abnormal expression of a range of surface proteins by EryP. In particular, several megakaryocyte markers were ectopically expressed by maturing Eklf-null EryP. Unexpectedly, the platelet tetraspanin CD9 was detected on nucleated wild-type EryP but not on mature EryD and thus provides a useful marker for purifying circulating EryP. We conclude that Eklf gene dosage is crucial for regulating the surface phenotype and molecular identity of maturing primitive erythroid cells.
Establishment of the first World Health Organization International Genetic Reference Panel for quantitation of BCR-ABL mRNA
Authors: White Helen E. , Matejtschuk Paul , Rigsby Peter , Gabert Jean , Lin Feng , Lynn Wang Y. , Branford Susan , Müller Martin C. , Beaufils Nathalie , Beillard Emmanuel , Colomer Dolors , Dvorakova Dana , Ehrencrona Hans , Goh Hyun-Gyung , El Housni Hakim , Jones Dan , Kairisto Veli , Kamel-Reid Suzanne , Kim Dong-Wook , Langabeer Stephen , Ma Edmond S. K. , Press Richard D. , Romeo Giuliana , Wang Lihui , Zoi Katerina , Hughes Timothy , Saglio Giuseppe , Hochhaus Andreas , Goldman John M. , Metcalfe Paul , Cross Nicholas C. P.
Published: August 2010

Serial quantitation of BCR-ABL mRNA levels is an important indicator of therapeutic response for patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia and Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but there is substantial variation in the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction methodologies used by different testing laboratories. To help improve the comparability of results between centers we sought to develop accredited reference reagents that are directly linked to the BCR-ABL international scale. After assessment of candidate cell lines, a reference material panel comprising 4 different dilution levels of freeze-dried preparations of K562 cells diluted in HL60 cells was prepared. After performance evaluation, the materials were assigned fixed percent BCR-ABL/control gene values according to the International Scale. A recommendation that the 4 materials be established as the first World Health Organization International Genetic Reference Panel for quantitation of BCR-ABL translocation by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was approved by the Expert Committee on Biological Standardization of the World Health Organization in November 2009. We consider that the development of these reagents is a significant milestone in the standardization of this clinically important test, but because they are a limited resource we suggest that their availability is restricted to manufacturers of secondary reference materials.
Lenalidomide in combination with melphalan and dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis: a multicenter phase 1/2 dose-escalation study
Authors: Moreau Philippe , Jaccard Arnaud , Benboubker Lotfi , Royer Bruno , Leleu Xavier , Bridoux Franck , Salles Gilles , Leblond Veronique , Roussel Murielle , Alakl May , Hermine Olivier , Planche Lucie , Harousseau Jean-Luc , Fermand Jean-Paul
Published: August 2010

New treatment options are required for primary systemic amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis. This phase 1/2 dose-escalation study aimed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of lenalidomide in combination with melphalan and dexamethasone (M-dex), and assess the efficacy and tolerability of this therapy for patients with de novo AL amyloidosis. Twenty-six patients were enrolled across 4 cohorts: M-dex + lenalidomide 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg once daily on days 1 to 21 in a 28-day cycle. No dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed in cohorts 1, 2, and 3. 4. Seven patients in cohort 4, M-dex + lenalidomide 20 mg/day, experienced DLT. MTD was defined as 15 mg of lenalidomide. A complete hematologic response was achieved in 42% at the dose of 15 mg of lenalidomide per day. After a median follow-up of 19 months, estimated 2-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were 80.8% and 53.8%, respectively. Hematologic and organ responses were both associated with superior EFS rates (P = .0001). A higher EFS was also observed in patients whose free light chains decreased by more than 50% during therapy (P = .019). Lenalidomide 15 mg/d + M-dex is a new effective combination therapy in patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00621400.