bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic Type 2 Diabetes in Obese Youth
Authors: Tfayli Hala , Bacha Fida , Gungor Neslihan , Arslanian Silva
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE— Some obese youth with a clinical diagnosis of type 2 diabetes have evidence of islet cell autoimmunity with positive autoantibodies. In this study, we investigated the differences in insulin sensitivity and secretion between autoantibody-negative (Ab−) and -positive (Ab+) youth with clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetes in comparison with control subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Sixteen Ab− and 26 Ab+ clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients and 39 obese control youth underwent evaluation of insulin sensitivity (3-h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp), substrate oxidation (indirect calorimetry), first- and second-phase insulin secretion (2-h hyperglycemic clamp), body composition and abdominal adiposity (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography scan, respectively), and glucose disposition index (first-phase insulin secretion × insulin sensitivity).

RESULTS— Insulin-stimulated total, oxidative, and nonoxidative glucose disposal, and suppression of fat oxidation during hyperinsulinemia were significantly lower in Ab− compared with Ab+ clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetic and control subjects with no difference between the latter two. First- and second-phase insulin secretion and C-peptide were lower in Ab+ compared with Ab− type 2 diabetes. Glucose disposition index was not different between the Ab− and Ab+ clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients, but both were significantly lower than that in control subjects. Systolic blood pressure and alanine aminotransferase were higher in Ab− versus Ab+ clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients, whereas the frequency of ketonuria at diagnosis was higher in Ab+ versus Ab− patients.

CONCLUSIONS— Islet-cell Ab− clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetic youth are characterized by severe insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency, whereas Ab+ youth have severe insulin deficiency and β-cell failure. The former group has additional features of insulin resistance. These important metabolic differences could influence the natural history of hyperglycemia, insulin dependence, and clinical outcomes in these youth.
Impact of Pay for Performance on Ethnic Disparities in Intermediate Outcomes for Diabetes: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Millett Christopher , Netuveli Gopalakrishnan , Saxena Sonia , Majeed Azeem
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a major pay for performance incentive on trends in the quality of diabetes care in white, black, and South Asian ethnic groups in an urban setting in the U.K.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We developed longitudinal models examining the quality of diabetes care in a cohort of ethnically diverse patients in Southwest London using electronic family practice records. Outcome measures were mean blood pressure and A1C values between 2000 and 2005.

RESULTS—The introduction of pay for performance was associated with reductions in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which were significantly greater than those predicted by the underlying trend in the white (−5.8 and −4.2 mmHg), black (−2.5 and −2.4 mmHg), and South Asian (−5.5 and −3.3 mmHg) groups. Reductions in A1C levels were significantly greater than those predicted by the underlying trend in the white group (−0.5%) but not in the black (−0.3%) or South Asian (−0.4%) groups. Ethnic group disparities in annual measurement of blood pressure and A1C were abolished before the introduction of pay for performance.

CONCLUSIONS—The introduction of a pay for performance incentive in U.K. primary care was associated with improvements in the intermediate outcomes of diabetes care for all ethnic groups. However, the magnitude of improvement appeared to differ between ethnic groups, thus potentially widening existing disparities in care. Policy makers should consider the potential impacts of pay for performance incentives on health disparities when designing and evaluating such programs.
Elevated Levels of the Anti-Inflammatory Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Precede the Onset of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Herder Christian , Brunner Eric J. , Rathmann Wolfgang , Strassburger Klaus , Tabák Adam G. , Schloot Nanette C. , Witte Daniel R.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), a natural inhibitor of interleukin-1β, has been shown to improve β-cell function and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether baseline systemic levels of IL-1Ra are associated with incident type 2 diabetes during more than 10 years of follow-up.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We measured serum IL-1Ra concentrations in a nested case-control study (181 case and 376 age-, sex-, and BMI-matched normoglycemic control subjects) within the Whitehall II cohort (U.K.).

RESULTS—IL-1Ra concentrations were higher in case subjects (P = 0.0006) and associated with incident type 2 diabetes (odds ratio for a 1-SD increase of IL-1Ra 1.48 [95% CI 1.21–1.80]). This association remained significant after adjustment for multiple potential confounders but was attenuated by adjusting for 2-h glucose.

CONCLUSIONS—Our findings indicate that individuals who will develop type 2 diabetes are characterized by a complex immune activation that also includes upregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1Ra.
Environmental factors, supply chain capabilities and business performance in horticultural marketing channels
Authors: Matanda Margaret , Schroder Bill
Published: December 2008

This paper investigates the relationship between environmental uncertainty, supply chain capabilities and business performance in the context of the Zimbabwean horticultural industry. We hypothesised that the development of most supply chain capabilities would be negatively associated with environmental uncertainty and that supply chain capabilities would be positively related to the performance of the individual businesses in the supply chain. These hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling. The hypotheses were generally supported for the relationships between environmental uncertainty and supply chain capabilities. However, most supply chain capabilities and environmental uncertainty were seen to be negatively related to business performance. We used established constructs for environmental uncertainty and business performance and developed new measures of supply chain capabilities. The main contributions of the paper are to simultaneously test the linkages between the three constructs and to develop new measures of supply chain capabilities.
The measurement of benefits from and enablers for supply chain partnerships in the UK fresh produce industry
Authors: Zanquetto-Filho Helio , Fearne Andrew , Pizzolato Nélio
Published: December 2008

This paper is concerned with the nature of the benefits from and the factors that enable successful supply chain partnerships to be developed between suppliers and retailers in the UK fresh produce industry. A review of the literature on buyersupplier relationship is presented which highlights three main elements: intangible pre-requisites, tangible enablers and benefits, from which a theoretical model is derived. The categorisation and composition of enablers, internal and joint and the benefits hypothesised in the model are then tested empirically through the analysis of data collected through a postal survey of UK fresh produce suppliers. The results provide support for the hypotheses, derived from the literature, that the benefits from supply chain partnerships come in the form of cost savings, improved customer service, more effective marketing and sales growth and that key partnership enablers may be categorised as specific internal capabilities based around innovation, cost control and communication systems, and joint (buyer/supplier) capabilities in activities relating to innovation, management, communication, production planning, investment and control.
Firm entry through e-commerce in the U.S. agricultural input distribution industry
Authors: Kalaitzandonakes Nicholas , Kaufman James , Wang Xinghe
Published: December 2008

US agricultural input supply chains have been chronically burdened with excess inventories and inefficient coordination. In the late 1990s, new e-commerce firms sought to streamline the chain by efficiently connecting end-users with upstream suppliers while displacing incumbent intermediaries. Despite promising conditions, e-commerce entrants have been only marginally successful in the US agricultural input markets while incumbents have remained firmly in place. In this paper, we develop a theoretical model to examine the conditions under which e-commerce firms could enter and disintermediate agricultural input markets. We then evaluate these conditions against empirical evidence for the 1998-2000 period — when most e-commerce firm entry occurred in the US-and provide an explanation for the apparent failure of many of the early entrants.
A New Type of Rural Nurse Residency
Authors: Molinari Deana L. , Monserud Maria , Hudzinski Dionetta
Published: December 2008

The Rural Nurse Internship program is a distance education-based nurse residency designed to meet the needs of rural hospitals across the country. Nurses learn to perform the generalist role by practicing crisis assessment and management in six subnursing specialties. The collaborative yearlong residency provides preceptors, mentors, monthly seminars, and just-in-time information to novice nurses in their own hospitals using instructional technologies. Expert rural nurses teach novice employees using a standardized curriculum. Hospitals individualize the program to meet employee and hospital needs.
Exploring Critical Thinking in Critical Care Nursing Education: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rogal Sonya M. , Young Jeanne
Published: December 2008

Background: Critical care nurses process vast amounts of information and require well developed critical-thinking skills to make clinical decisions.

Method: Using a pretest posttest design, the critical-thinking skills of 31 postgraduate nurses were evaluated using the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST).

Results: For the total group, mean critical-thinking scores improved slightly over time. The CCTST revealed a mean pretest score of 18.5 and a mean posttest score of 19.7, both of which were higher than the established norms for the test. Overall, no significant difference was observed between pretest and posttest. However, statistical significance was observed posttest for nurses whose critical-thinking scores improved (p < .000).

Conclusion: Despite the small sample, the majority of the postgraduate nurses improved their critical-thinking skills during the course of their study.
Safety and Efficacy of Psychosocial Interventions Used to Treat Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Evans Steven W. , Schultz Brandon K. , Sadler Joanna M.
Published: December 2008

EXCERPT

Children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience impairments that can result in poor long-term outcomes in academic achievement and relationships with peers and family members. The most frequently used treatment for ADHD is stimulant therapy; however, stimulant therapy does not relieve some ADHD-related impairments, appears ineffective in reducing behavioral symptoms in up to 30% of cases, and is rejected or abandoned by a significant proportion of youths and caregivers. As a result, research on psychosocial treatments has progressed, as detailed in several recent reviews. This article provides a synopsis of psychosocial interventions for childhood ADHD, with an emphasis on basic behavior management principles, evidence-based interventions, and safety issues. We also highlight developmental issues that distinguish psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents, as well as provide practical recommendations for collaborating with mental health professionals.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Steven W. Evans, PhD, is Alvin V. Baird Jr., Centennial Chair of Psychology, Alvin V. Baird Attention and Learning Disabilities Center, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia. Brandon K. Schultz, EdS, is Director of Clinical Services, Alvin V. Baird Attention and Learning Disabilities Center, James Madison University. Joanna M. Sadler, BS, is a Graduate Student at James Madison University.

Address correspondence to Steven W. Evans, PhD, Alvin V. Baird Attention and Learning Disabilities Center, MSC 9013, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, or email evanssw@jmu.edu.

Dr. Evans, Mr. Schultz, and Ms. Sadler have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVESIdentify safety risks associated with using psychosocial interventions to treat children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)Describe methods for providing parent training, including specialized training focused on homework management for adolescents.Describe the current status of interventions targeting social functioning as well as those targeting academic impairment.
Function, Impairment, and Long-term Outcomes in Children with ADHD and How to Measure Them
Authors: Lollar Donald J.
Published: December 2008

EXCERPT
The title of this article portends a complicated perspective on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Function, impairment, long-term outcomes, and measurement are each topics for extensive discussion. But there is uniformity among them that allows straightforward discussion of the topics and their applications to practice and research. By disentangling some of the interrelated notions of ADHD that have become so standard as to be unquestioned — namely the inclusion of different levels of function in the characteristics used to define the diagnosis of ADHD — clinicians and researchers will understand that there is a great need for clearer distinctions within our diagnostic criteria and intervention strategies, so that long-term positive outcomes can be achieved by those living with ADHD.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Donald J. Lollar, EdD, is Senior Research Scientist, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.
Address correspondence to Donald J. Lollar, EdD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, NE, M/S E-87, Atlanta, GA 30333; fax 404-498-3050.
Dr. Lollar has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Assessing the Clinical Value of Cognitive Appraisal in Adults Aging with HIV
Authors: Vance David E. , Farr Kenneth F. , Struzick Tom
Published: December 2008

HIV and normal aging can each negatively affect executive functioning, attention, memory, and, ultimately, metacognitive abilities, which are important for internally monitoring neuropsychological performance. Some individuals who are aging with HIV may experience severe changes in their metacognitive abilities. They may be unaware of their neuropsychological functioning and may not be accurately monitoring their cognitive abilities. Nurses who rely on patients’ self-reports of cognitive status should exercise caution regarding the accuracy of these reports and consider confirming and validating such responses when impairments are suspected. A flowchart for monitoring patients with suspected metacognitive impairments is provided.
Partners in Practice: A Win-Win Model for Clinical Education
Authors: Daley Linda K. , Menke Edna , Kirkpatrick Bonnie , Sheets Diane
Published: December 2008

A program of cognitive apprenticeship focusing on problem solving skills through reflection, discussion, and actions shared between novice and experienced students was developed and piloted in a large baccalaureate nursing program in the mid-western United States. The program paired senior students in a leadership course with instructor-led groups of first-year students in the clinical and laboratory setting. Senior students developed leadership skills associated with best practices including preparation, planning, clear communication, feedback, and change, while gaining a better appreciation of individual learning needs. First-year students gained confidence with their knowledge and skills and were able to refine communications with patients, patients' families, and staff members and think more critically about patient care issues. Unanticipated benefits included patient, family, and staff recognition and appreciation for a new model for patient care delivery.
Preceptorship in Undergraduate Nursing Education: An Integrative Review
Authors: Udlis Kimberly A.
Published: December 2008

The traditional clinical component of undergraduate nursing education has been reputed to inadequately prepare students for professional nursing. Preceptorship programs have become prevalent in nursing education as an alternative clinical teaching method, yet few empirical studies have been performed to support its benefits or advantages over the traditional clinical experience. Sixteen research studies examining measurable changes in students as a result of preceptorship were reviewed. Overall, 56% of the studies reviewed supported the use of preceptored clinical experiences in undergraduate nursing education, whereas the remaining 44% found no significant differences in students after a preceptorship experience. Specifically, preceptorship failed to demonstrate significant benefits over traditional clinicals in the areas of critical thinking, clinical competence, and NCLEX-RN
®
pass rates. Further empirical studies are warranted to elucidate the role of preceptorship in undergraduate nursing education.
What's Your Diagnosis?
Authors: Walton David S. , Katsavounidou Garyfallia
Published: December 2008

The What’s Your Diagnosis? column is a self-test that presents an image and a brief case description with an answer.
Older Adults with Alzheimer's Disease in a Faith Community: Forging Needed Partnerships Between Clergy and Health Care Professionals
Authors: Tompkins Catherine J. , Sorrell Jeanne M.
Published: December 2008

In the first phase of this study, focus groups were conducted with 12 clergy to explore how to meet the needs of Alzheimer's disease patients and their families. The clergy reported that although they do reach out to these families, they have not received formal training, so they often do not know what families need. Members of their congregations who are trained in working with Alzheimer's patients need to partner with the clergy in reaching out to these families. Although this article mainly focuses on the clergy's perspective, in the second phase of the study, caregivers and early-stage Alzheimer's patients were asked to describe their experiences of spiritual connections related to Alzheimer's disease.
State-of-the-Science on Postacute Rehabilitation: Setting a Research Agenda and Developing an Evidence Base for Practice and Public Policy. An Introduction
Authors: Heinemann Allen W.
Published: December 2008

The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Measuring Rehabilitation Outcomes and Effectiveness along with academic, professional, provider, accreditor, and other organizations, sponsored a 2-day State-of-the-Science of Post-Acute Rehabilitation Symposium in February 2007. Its purpose was to serve as a catalyst for expanded research into rehabilitation postacute care (PAC) so that policy for such care is founded on a solid base of evidence. The goals were to: (1) describe the extent of current knowledge regarding utilization, organization, and outcomes of postacute rehabilitation settings, (2) identify methodologic and measurement challenges to conducting research, (3) foster the exchange of ideas among researchers, policy-makers, industry representatives, funding agency staffs, consumers, and advocacy groups, and (4) identify critical issues related to setting, delivery, payment, and effectiveness of rehabilitation services. Plenary presentations and state-of-the-science summaries were organized around 4 themes: (1) the need for improved measurement of key rehabilitation variables and methods to collect and analyze this information, (2) factors that influence access to postacute rehabilitation care, (3) similarities and differences in quality and quantity of services across PAC settings, and (4) effectiveness of postacute rehabilitation services. The full set of symposium articles, including recommendations for future research, appears in the November 2007 issue of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Leisure Time Physical Activity Energy Expenditure in Boys with Developmental Coordination Disorder: The Role of Peer Relations Self-Concept Perceptions
Authors: Poulsen Anne A. , Ziviani Jenny M. , Cuskelly Monica
Published: December 2008

An integral aspect of occupational therapy practice is the facilitation of active participation in health-enhancing leisure for all individuals. Boys with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are at risk of limited participation in recreational physical activities, which has implications for physical health associated with low energy expenditure. Therefore, identification of mechanisms influencing relationships between physical coordination ability and physical activity energy expenditure is warranted. Self-concept perceptions were investigated as potential mechanisms influencing energy expenditure during the out-of-school hours for boys with DCD. Participants were 60 boys with DCD and 113 boys without DCD between 10 and 13 years of age who were assessed by the Self-Description Questionnaire-I and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children. Parents completed 7-day diaries that were used to record intensity, duration, content, and social and physical context of leisure time activities. Boys with DCD were found to have lower mean scores than boys without DCD for energy expenditure and self-concept appraisals of physical ability and physical appearance, peer relations and parent relations, and general self-concepts. The peer relations self-concept was identified as a significant mechanism mediating the relationship between physical coordination ability and low energy expenditure. The clinical significance of the peer relations self-concept as a change mechanism influencing the negative relationship between physical coordination ability and sedentary behavior is discussed.
Resolution of Tractional Macular Edema Following Spontaneous Detachment of Residual Vitreous Cortex in a Vitrectomized Eye
Authors: Maguluri Sri , Recchia Franco M.
Published: December 2008

A 15-year-old boy underwent pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy following blunt closed-globe injury. Postoperatively, he had visual distortion and a decline in visual acuity attributable to tractional macular edema caused by clinically apparent residual vitreous cortex. One month later, macular edema resolved and visual acuity improved following spontaneous vitreous separation. This case illustrates what has been termed the posterior bursa macularis and emphasizes its pathoetiologic role in vitreomacular disease.
Visual Loss After Transscleral Diode Laser Cyclophotocoagulation for Primary Open-Angle and Neovascular Glaucoma
Authors: Pokroy Russell , Greenwald Yoel , Pollack Ayala , Bukelman Amir , Zalish Miriam
Published: December 2008

Background and Objective:
Varying incidences of visual loss after transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation for uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) have been reported. This study compared the treatment response in primary open-angle (POAG) and neovascular (NVG) glaucoma, particularly regarding vision loss.

Patients and Methods:
Case notes of consecutive patients who underwent transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation between March 2001 and September 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. A diagnosis of POAG or NVG and at least 6 months of follow-up were required for inclusion. Conservative laser parameters were used. The treatment response of the POAG and NVG groups was compared.

Results:
Twenty-five eyes of 23 patients with POAG and 14 eyes of 14 patients with NVG were studied. Mean follow-up was 22.4 and 12.9 months in the POAG and NVG groups, respectively. Post-treatment, both groups had significant reduction in mean IOP of 7.3 (29.2%) and 13.2 (36.6%) mm Hg, respectively (between group P = .18). One eye in each group had mild hypotony of 4 mm Hg, and no eyes became phthisical. Oral acetazol-amide treatment was significantly reduced in both groups. Visual acuity post-treatment decreased in both groups; the POAG eyes had better initial visual acuity and lost more visual acuity. Nine of 25 (36%) POAG and 4 of 8 (50%) NVG eyes lost 2 or more LogMAR lines.

Conclusions:
Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation reduced IOP and medication requirements in POAG and NVG. Patients should be warned that visual loss may occur, especially in end-stage glaucoma.
Parry–Romberg Syndrome Studied by Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Theodossiadis Panagiotis G. , Grigoropoulos Vlassis G. , Emfietzoglou Ioannis , Papaspirou Alexis , Nikolaidis Pantelis , Vergados Ioannis , Theodossiadis George P.
Published: December 2008

A case of Parry–Romberg syndrome that was studied by fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) is described. OCT revealed the existence of retinal nerve fiber layer edema and abnormalities of the vitreoretinal interface. The presence of diffused retinal edema throughout the papillomacular area and the formation of thick retinal folds with intra-retinal diffuse macular edema were also evident. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated optic disc swelling, engorgement of the retinal vessels, and mottling of the pigment epithelium. The retinal nerve fiber layer edema and the hyperreflectivity of the retinal surface indicate abnormalities and thickening of the vitreoretinal interface, as shown on OCT, and may further contribute to the retinal involvement in Parry–Romberg syndrome.
Pressure Ulcers Among Terminally Ill Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Kayser-Jones Jeanie , Kris Alison E. , Lim Kyung-Choon , Walent Ronald J. , Halifax Elizabeth , Paul Steven M.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this prospective, anthropological study was to describe and analyze the experiences and care of terminally ill nursing home residents who were admitted with or acquired pressure ulcers (PUs) after admission. Data were collected in two proprietary nursing homes. Participant observation, in-depth interviews, event analysis, and chart review were used to obtain data. A total of 64 (54.7%) of the 117 terminally ill residents in the study had PUs; 52 (81.3%) of whom died with PUs. The findings disclosed that the absence of family advocacy, inability to speak English, and inadequate staffing and lack of supervision, along with other previously reported risk factors, contributed to the development of PUs. Specifically, inadequate staffing and lack of supervision led to inadequate assistance at mealtime, infrequent repositioning, and inadequate continence care, which in turn led to weight loss, unrelieved pressure on bony prominences, and moist, irritated skin. The outcome was a high rate of residents dying with PUs. Knowledge of and attention to these risk factors can guide nurses in the prevention and management of PUs.
Chaetognath spatial distribution and how egg-carrying affects the vertical distribution of Sagitta tasmanica off southern Chile
Authors: Villenas Francisco , Palma Sergio , Soto Daniela
Published: December 2008

Six chaetognath species were determined, all for the first time, in the inner waters between Reloncaví Fjord and Boca del Guafo, Chile. Sagitta tasmanica (85.3%) and Eukrohnia hamata (5.8%) were dominant. Sagitta minima was collected for the first time in the southern channel and fjord region. The largest chaetognath aggregations were found around the Desertores Islands, which create a geographic barrier between two microbasins (north and south) with different oceanographic characteristics. S. decipiens was distributed mostly in the surface layer (0-50 m), whereas E. hamata, S. chilensis, S. minima, and S. enflata were found in deeper waters (50-200 m). The vertical distribution of S. tasmanica was homogeneous; mature, egg-carrying individuals were found at greater depths than those without eggs.
Pathology is alleviated by doxycycline in a laminin‐α2–null model of congenital muscular dystrophy
Authors: Girgenrath Mahasweta , Beermann Mary Lou , Vishnudas Vivek K. , Homma Sachiko , Miller Jeffrey Boone
Published: December 2008

Objective

Congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A is an autosomal recessive disease that is caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the laminin‐α2 gene, and results in motor nerve and skeletal muscle dysfunction. In a previous study, we used genetic modifications to show that inappropriate induction of apoptosis was a significant contributor to pathogenesis in a laminin‐α2–deficient mouse model of congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A. To identify a possible pharmacological therapy for laminin‐α2 deficiency, we designed this study to determine whether treatment with minocycline or doxycycline, which are tetracycline derivatives reported to have antiapoptotic effects in mammals, would significantly increase lifespan and improve neuromuscular function in laminin‐α2–deficient mice.

Methods

Mice that were homozygous for a targeted, inactivating mutation of the laminin‐α2 gene were placed into control, minocycline‐treated, or doxycycline‐treated groups. Drug treatment began within 2 weeks of birth, and the progression of disease was followed over time using behavioral, growth, histological, and molecular assays.

Results

We found that treatment with either minocycline or doxycycline increased the median lifespan of laminin‐α2–null mice from approximately 32 days to approximately 70 days. Furthermore, doxycycline improved postnatal growth rate and delayed the onset of hind‐limb paralysis. Doxycycline‐treated laminin‐α2–deficient muscles had increased Akt phosphorylation, decreased inflammation, and decreased levels of Bax protein, terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase–mediated dUTP nick end labeling–positive myonuclei, and activated caspase‐3.

Interpretation

Doxycycline or other drugs with similar functional profiles may be a possible route to improving neuromuscular dysfunction caused by laminin‐α2‐deficiency. Ann Neurol 2008
An antitracking varnish for rated electrical application
Authors: Maiti Pravat Kumar
Published: December 2008

We report on a synthesis, characterization, and thermal evaluation of a pigmented and silicone‐modified medium oil alkyd insulating varnish for antitracking application in rated electrical machines such as traction motors, transformers, and large generators. The varnish is generally applied on the top surface of the main insulation of coils by spray or brush and then baked to remove solvent. The semiconducting pigments entrapped in solid polymer matrix reduces surface corona, flash‐over, and tracking of the main insulation by distributing uneven charges from polar or charged particles deposited on the surface after long time use of the machines. The varnish was thoroughly evaluated by means of electrical and mechanical properties over a temperature range. The temperature class of the antitracking varnish was 191.22°C determined by IEC 60216 methods on helical coil bond strength of the cured films. The dielectric strength, tracking, and arc resistance of the pigmented varnish were exceptionally high and it will save core insulation from the tracking, corona and short‐time flash‐over. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Influence of electron beam sterilization on polymers when incubated in different media
Authors: Mrad O. , Saunier J. , Chodur C. Aymes , Agnely F. , Yagoubi N.
Published: December 2008

Polyurethane catheters were irradiated with electron‐beam. We looked at the way the catheter is physically and chemically modified after incubation in different media. An extracting medium (methanol) was compared to other oxidative, enzymatic, and saline aqueous media, mimicking some aspects of biological fluids. Irradiation had a strong impact on the stability of polymer during incubation. For nonirradiated samples incubated in aqueous media, only a small diffusion of additives was observed; no oligomer release was put into evidence, and the polymer was almost not degraded. But the chain branching that occurred because of irradiation created some weaknesses in the polymer chains: irradiated samples were mostly sensitive to chain scission and oligomers released during incubation; this trend increased with the irradiation dose. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Modification of electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) membranes through the introduction of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate
Authors: Zhao Liang , Zhang Hong , Li Xiaoran , Zhao Jin , Zhao Ci , Yuan Xiaoyan
Published: December 2008

For the modification of an electrospun poly (vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF–HFP) membrane for its potential use as an electrolyte or separator in lithium batteries, poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) was introduced into a polymer solution for electrospinning. A post heat treatment of the as‐electrospun membrane at an elevated temperature was performed for PEGDMA polymerization, and this was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that no significant variations in the membrane morphology were detected when a small amount of PEGDMA (PVDF–HFP/PEGDMA mass ratio = 4/1) was incorporated. This electrospun membrane after heat treatment at 130°C for 2 h exhibited a significantly higher tensile strength (6.26 ± 0.22 MPa) than that of an electrospun PVDF–HFP membrane (3.28 ± 0.35 MPa) without PEGDMA. The porosity and liquid absorption of the electrospun PVDF–HFP/PEGDMA (4/1) membrane were 70.0 ± 1.6% and 267 ± 11%, respectively, lower than those of the electrospun PVDF–HFP membrane (76.5 ± 0.3% and 352 ± 15%) because of the introduction of PEGDMA. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Highly crosslinked poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres prepared by precipitation polymerization: Effects of the polymerization parameters on the characteristics of the particles
Authors: Cui Hengli , Chen Hou , Qu Rongjun , Wang Chunhua , Sun Changmei , Zhou Wenying , Yu Mengmeng , Jiang Hongyan
Published: December 2008

Highly crosslinked poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres with a 1.0–2.5‐μm diameter were prepared by precipitation polymerization in neat acetonitrile. The effects of various polymerization parameters such as the monomer and initiator concentration, comonomer composition, and cosolvents on the properties of the resulting particles were studied. The particle diameter increased with the monomer concentration, whereas the particle size distribution remained almost constant. The resulting yield of the particles reached 41.1% when 6 wt % 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile (based on the total monomer) was used as the initiator. The styrene fraction in the monomer composition and toluene fraction in the solvent mixture also significantly affected the morphology and size of the resulting particles. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Aqueous deposited copolymerization of acrylonitrile and itaconic acid
Authors: Zhao Yaqi , Wang Chengguo , Wang Yanxiang , Zhu Bo
Published: December 2008

Aqueous deposited copolymerization reactions of acrylonitrile (AN) with itaconic acid (IA) were carried out in deionized water at 60°C with a single water‐soluble initiator. High‐molecular‐weight polyacrylonitrile (PAN) copolymers were acquired by adjustment of technical polymerization parameters. When the amount of IA in the feed reached 2 wt %, the conversion of the polymerization reaction, intrinsic viscosity, and viscosity‐average molecular weight all achieved their maximum values, whereas the molecular weight distribution achieved its minimum value. The AN/IA reactivity ratios, calculated with Q–e schemes (where Q and e are measures of the reactivity and polarity, respectively), agreed well with those determined with the Fineman–Ross and Kelen–Tüdõs methods. The thermal properties and structural characteristics of the PAN polymers were measured with differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The introduction of IA into the polymerization system was found to be propitious for the preoxidation of the PAN polymers, and the characteristic absorption bands of CN, CO, or OH existed in the polymer main chains. With an increase in the required amount of IA in the polymerization system, the exothermic figure of the exotherms became broader, and the intensity of the CO and OH absorption bands became stronger. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Developmental course of EphA4 cellular and subcellular localization in the postnatal rat hippocampus
Authors: Tremblay Marie‐Ève , Riad Mustapha , Chierzi Sabrina , Murai Keith K. , Pasquale Elena B. , Doucet Guy
Published: December 2008

From embryonic development to adulthood, the EphA4 receptor and several of its ephrin‐A or ‐B ligands are expressed in the hippocampus, where they presumably play distinct roles at different developmental stages. To help clarify these diverse roles in the assembly and function of the hippocampus, we examined the cellular and subcellular localization of EphA4 in postnatal rat hippocampus by light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. On postnatal day (P) 1, the EphA4 immunostaining was robust in most layers of CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus and then decreased gradually, until P21, especially in the cell body layers. At the ultrastructural level, focal spots of EphA4 immunoreactivity were detected all over the plasma membrane of pyramidal and granule cells, between P1 and P14, from the perikarya to the dendritic and axonal extremities, including growth cones and filopodia. This cell surface immunoreactivity then became restricted to the synapse‐associated dendritic spines and axon terminals by P21. In astrocytes, the EphA4 immunolabeling showed a similar cell surface redistribution, from the perikarya and large processes at P1–P7, to small perisynaptic processes at P14–P21. In both cell types, spots of EphA4 immunoreactivity were also detected, with an incidence decreasing with maturation, on the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and vesicles, organelles involved in protein synthesis, posttranslational modifications, and transport. The cell surface evolution of EphA4 localization in neuronal and glial cells is consistent with successive involvements in the developmental movements of cell bodies first, followed by process outgrowth and guidance, synaptogenesis, and finally synaptic maintenance and plasticity. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:798–813, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Character impact odorants from Brassicaceae by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA): Brassica cretica and Brassica insularis
Authors: Breme Katharina , Langle Stéphane , Fernandez Xavier , Meierhenrich Uwe J. , Brevard Hugues , Joulain Daniel
Published: December 2008

Volatile extracts of two wild cabbages, Brassica cretica and Brassica insularis, were studied by GC–MS, GC/FID, and GC–olfactometry/aroma extract dilution analysis (GC–O/AEDA). Major compounds were 3‐butenyl cyanide (70% of the total GC/FID area) and 3‐butenyl isothiocyanate (29%) in B. cretica and 2‐phenylethyl cyanide (53%) and 2‐phenylethyl isothiocyanate (21%) in B. insularis. AEDA revealed the impact of five heteroatomic trace compounds (diacetyl, methional, furfuryl thiol, 1‐octen‐3‐one and skatole) with moderate to high flavour dilution (FD) factors that were detected only due to GC–O analyses. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aggression is related to frontal serotonin‐1A receptor distribution as revealed by PET in healthy subjects
Authors: Witte A. Veronica , Flöel Agnes , Stein Patrycja , Savli Markus , Mien Leonhard‐Key , Wadsak Wolfgang , Spindelegger Christoph , Moser Ulrike , Fink Martin , Hahn Andreas , Mitterhauser Markus , Kletter Kurt , Kasper Siegfried , Lanzenberger Rupert
Published: December 2008

Objectives: Various studies indicate that serotonin regulates impulsivity and the inhibitory control of aggression. Aggression is also known to be modified by sex hormones, which exert influence on serotonergic neurotransmission. The present study aimed to elucidate potential interactions between human aggression, the inhibitory serotonergic 5‐HT1Areceptor, and sex hormones.Experimental Design: Thirty‐three healthy volunteers (16 women, aged 26.24 ± 5.5 yr) completed a validated questionnaire incorporating five dimensions of aggression. Subsequently, all subjects underwent positron emission tomography with the radioligand [carbonyl‐11C]WAY‐100635 to quantify 5‐HT1Abinding potentials (BPNDs) in the prefrontal cortex, limbic areas, and midbrain. Also, plasma levels of testosterone, 17ß‐estradiol and sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) were measured. Relations between aggression scores, regional 5‐HT1ABPNDs, and hormone levels were analyzed using correlations, multivariate analyses of variance, and linear regressions.Principal Observations: Statistical analyses revealed higher 5‐HT1Areceptor BPNDs in subjects exhibiting higher aggression scores in prefrontal (allP< 0.041) and anterior cingulate cortices (P= 0.016). More aggressive subjects were also characterized by lower SHBG levels (P= 0.015). Moreover, higher SHBG levels were associated with lower 5‐HT1ABPNDs in frontal (P= 0.048) and cingulate cortices (allP< 0.013) and in the amygdala (P= 0.03).Conclusions:The present study provides first‐time evidence for a specific interrelation between the 5‐HT1Areceptor distribution, sex hormones, and aggression in humans. Our findings point to a reduced down‐stream control due to higher amounts or activities of frontal 5‐HT1Areceptors in more aggressive subjects, which is presumably modulated by sex hormones. Hum Brain Mapp 30:2558–2570, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epstein‐Barr virus and the pathogenesis of Burkitt's lymphoma: More questions than answers
Authors: Bornkamm Georg W.
Published: December 2008

Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) was first described as a clinical entity in children in Central Africa by Denis Burkitt in 1958. The particular epidemiological features of this tumor initiated the search for a virus as the causative agent and led to the discovery of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) by Epstein and coworkers in 1964. It became apparent in the seventies and eighties that the tumor is not restricted to Central Africa, but occurs with lesser incidence all over the world (sporadic BL) and is also particularly frequent in HIV infected individuals, and that not all BL cases are associated with EBV: about 95% of the cases in Central Africa, 40 to 50% of the cases in HIV‐infected individuals and 10 to 20% of the sporadic cases harbour the viral information and express at least one viral antigen (EBNA1) and a number of non‐coding viral RNAs. In contrast, all BL cases regardless of their geographical origin exhibit one of three c‐myc/Ig chromosomal translocations leading to the activation of the c‐myc gene as a crucial event in the development of this disease. Although epidemiological evidence clearly points to a role of the virus in the African cases, the role of EBV in the pathogenesis of BL has remained largely elusive. This review summarizes current concepts and ideas how EBV might contribute to the development of BL in the light of the progress made in the last decade and discusses the problems of the experimental systems available to test such hypotheses. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computational chemistry study of 3D‐structure‐function relationships for enzymes based on Markov models for protein electrostatic, HINT, and van der Waals potentials
Authors: Concu Riccardo , Podda Gianni , Uriarte Eugenio , González‐Díaz Humberto
Published: December 2008

In a significant work, Dobson and Doig (J Mol Biol 2003, 330, 771) illustrated protein prediction as enzymatic or not from spatial structure without resorting to alignments. They used 52 protein features and a nonlinear support vector machine model to classify more than 1000 proteins collected from the PDB with a 77% overall accuracy. The most useful features were: the secondary‐structure content, the amino acid frequencies, the number of disulphide bonds, and the largest cleft size. Working on the same dataset used by D&D, in this article we reported a good and simple model, based on the Markov chain models (MCM), to classify protein 3D structures as enzymatic or not, taking into consideration the spatial structure without resorting to alignments. Here we define, for the first time, a general MCM to calculate the electrostatic potential, molecular vibrations, van der Waals (vdw) interactions, and hydrophobic interactions (HINT) and use them in comparative studies of potential fields and/or protein function prediction. The dataset is composed of 1371 proteins divided into 689 enzymes and 682 nonenzymes, all proteins were collected from the PDB. The best model we found was a linear model carried out with the linear discriminant analysis; it was able to classify 74.18% of the proteins using only two electrostatic potentials. In the work described here, we define 3D‐HINT potentials (μk) and use them for the first time to derive a classifier for protein enzymes. We analyzed ROC curves, domain of applicability, parametric assumptions, desirability maps, and also tested other nonlinear artificial neural network models which did not improve the linear model. In closing, this MCM allows a fast calculation and comparison of different potentials deriving into accurate protein 3D structure‐function relationships, notably simpler than the previous. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2009
Efficiency and productivity growth in hotel industry
Authors: Barros Carlos Pestana , Peypoch Nicolas , Solonandrasana Bernardin
Published: December 2008

This paper analyses the relative efficiency and productivity of a representative sample of Portuguese hotels by using the directional distance function and the Luenberger productivity indicator. The key advantage of this approach is that both input contraction and output expansion are considered. The model generates hotel efficiency scores, ranking the hotels in the sample. We conclude that both inputs and outputs play a major role in hotel efficiency. Therefore, we suggest an alteration of management procedures in order to enable efficiency to be increased, based on an effective enhanced‐incentive policy and taking into account the small hotel characteristics of the sample. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex differences in time to task failure and blood flow for an intermittent isometric fatiguing contraction
Authors: Hunter Sandra K. , Griffith Erin E. , Schlachter Kristine M. , Kufahl Tim D.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to compare the time to task failure, postcontraction hyperemia, and vascular conductance of young men and women for a submaximal intermittent fatiguing contraction performed with the handgrip muscles. Twenty men and 20 women (mean ± SD: 22 ± 4 years) performed an isometric contraction at 50% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) (6‐s contraction, 4‐s rest) until task failure. Forearm venous occlusion plethysmography was used to estimate the peak blood flow (after 10‐min occlusion) and blood flow at rest after 6‐s submaximal contractions of varying intensities, and during an intermittent fatiguing contraction at 1‐min intervals and task failure. The time to task failure was longer for the women compared with the men (408 ± 205 s vs. 297 ± 57 s, P < 0.05). Postcontraction hyperemia and vascular conductance were greater for men than for women after nonfatiguing 6‐s submaximal contractions performed at 20%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 80% of MVC force (P < 0.05). In contrast, hyperemia and vascular conductance were similar for both genders when measured at 50 s into the fatiguing contraction, at each minute thereafter, and at task failure. Regression analysis indicated that the rate of electromyographic activity and perceived exertion were the significant predictors of the time to task failure. The longer time to task failure for women compared with men for an intermittent fatiguing contraction with handgrip muscles was not explained by postcontraction hyperemia or vascular conductance with fatigue. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 39: 42–53, 2009