bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cholestase bei totaler parenteraler Ernährung (TPE)
Authors: Böhles H.
Published: June 2009

Die intrahepatische Cholestase ist eine häufige, jedoch ungeklärte Komplikation der TPE, vor allem des Säuglingsalters. Es werden Häufigkeiten von ca. 10–50% angegeben. Die Konzentration der Serumgallensäuren ist ein empfindlicher Indikator für eine beginnende Cholestase. Die wesentlichen histologischen Veränderungen sind durch eine portale Entzündungsreaktion, Fibrose und Gallengangsproliferation gekennzeichnet. Wesentliche Komponenten der offensichtlich multifaktoriellen Cholestaseentstehung sind: die fehlende orale Nahrungsaufnahme, Wiedereröffnung der fetalen Gallensäuresynthese, toxische Wirkung von Aminosäuren, Hypalbuminämie, Sepsis und Substratüberschuβ.
Klinische Untersuchungen zur periphervenosen parenteralen Ernährung
Authors: Dölp R. , Grünert A. , Schmitz E. , Ahnefeld F.W.
Published: June 2009

In einer vergleichenden randomisierten Studie untersuchten wir zwanzig Patientinnen vom Operationstag bis zum dritten postoperativen Tag nach vaginaler Hysterektomie. Zehn Patientinnen der Gruppe I erhielten 40 ml/kg KG einer kohlenhydratfreien Wasser-Elektrolytlösung, während wir zehn weiteren Patientinnen (II) vom Morgen des ersten postoperativen Tages an eine 3,5%ige Aminosäurenlösung mit 6%igem Kohlenhydratanteil in gleichem Volumen infundierten. Wirerzielten in der Gruppe II eine nahezu ausgeglichene Stickstoffbilanz. Diese Stickstoffbilanz und eine N-Retention von 81% bildeten die Voraussetzungen für eine entsprechende Proteinsynthese. Als einen Hinweis darauf sehen wir die Plasmaalbuminkonzentration an, die in der Prüfgruppe günstiger als in der Kontrollgruppe lag. Eine weitere Voraussetzung für eine optimale Utilisation der zugeführten Aminosäuren wurde dadurch erreicht, daβ die physiologische Plasmaaminosäurenkonzentration im Verlauf der parenteralen Ernährung nicht beeinfluβt wurde, die Aminosäurenhomöostase im Plasma blieb gewahrt. Der niedrige Kohlenhydratanteil in der Infusionslösung und der Einsatz von Nicht-Glukosekohlenhydraten (Sorbit/Xylit) führten zu einer nur mäβigen Insulinstimulierung, wodurch die Lipolyse nicht komplett unterdrückt wurde; die Freisetzung nichtveresterter Fettsäuren als endogene Energieträger blieb erhalten. Sowohl diese Ergebnisse als auch die gute Allgemein- und Lokalverträglichkeit sprechen dafür, die geprüfte Aminosäurenlösung zur periphervenosen parenteralen Ernährung in der postoperativen Phase zu empfehlen.
Activation of NF-κB by Palmitate in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Maloney Ezekiel , Sweet Ian R. , Hockenbery David M. , Pham Matilda , Rizzo Norma O. , Tateya Sanshiro , Handa Priya , Schwartz Michael W. , Kim Francis
Published: June 2009

Objective—

We investigated whether NADPH oxidase–dependent production of superoxide contributes to activation of NF-κB in endothelial cells by the saturated free fatty acid palmitate.

Methods and Results—

After incubation of human endothelial cells with palmitate at a concentration known to induce cellular inflammation (100 μmol/L), we measured superoxide levels by using electron spin resonance spectroscopy and the spin trap 1-hydroxy-3-methoxycarbonyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine (CMH). Palmitate exposure induced a >2-fold increase in superoxide levels, an effect associated with activation of NF-κB signaling as measured by phospho-IκBα, NF-κB activity, IL-6, and ICAM expression. Reduction in superoxide levels by each of 3 different interventions—pretreatment with superoxide dismutase (SOD), diphenylene iodinium (DPI), or knockdown of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) by siRNA—attenuated palmitate-mediated NF-κB signaling. Inhibition of toll like receptor-4 (TLR4) signaling also suppressed palmitate-mediated superoxide production and associated inflammation, whereas palmitate-mediated superoxide production was not affected by overexpression of a phosphorylation mutant IκBα (NF-κB super repressor) that blocks cellular inflammation downstream of IKKβ/NF-κB. Finally, high-fat feeding increased expression of NOX4 and an upstream activator, bone morphogenic protein (BMP4), in thoracic aortic tissue from C57BL/6 mice, but not in TLR4
−/−
mice, compared to low-fat fed controls.

Conclusions—

These results suggest that NADPH oxidase–dependent superoxide production links palmitate-stimulated TLR4 activation to NF-κB signaling in endothelial cells.
Three Distinct Directions of Intramural Activation Reveal Nonuniform Side-to-Side Electrical Coupling of Ventricular Myocytes
Authors: Caldwell Bryan J. , Trew Mark L. , Sands Gregory B. , Hooks Darren A. , LeGrice Ian J. , Smaill Bruce H.
Published: June 2009

Background—

The anisotropy of cardiac tissue is a key determinant of 3D electric propagation and the stability of activation wave fronts in the heart. The electric properties of ventricular myocardium are widely assumed to be axially anisotropic, with activation propagating most rapidly in the myofiber direction and at uniform velocity transverse to this. We present new experimental evidence that contradicts this view.

Methods and Results—

For the first time, high-density intramural electric mapping (325 electrodes at ≈4�4�1-mm spacing) from pig left ventricular tissue was used to reconstruct 3D paced activation surfaces projected directly onto 3D tissue structure imaged throughout the same left ventricular volume. These data from 5 hearts demonstrate that ventricular tissue is electrically orthotropic with 3 distinct propagation directions that coincide with local microstructural axes defined by the laminar arrangement of ventricular myocytes. The maximum conduction velocity of 0.67�0.019 ms
−1
was aligned with the myofiber axis. However, transverse to this, the maximum conduction velocity was 0.30�0.010 ms
−1
, parallel to the myocyte layers and 0.17�0.004 ms
−1
normal to them. These orthotropic conduction velocities give rise to preferential activation pathways across the left ventricular free wall that are not captured by structurally detailed computer models, which incorporate axially anisotropic electric properties.

Conclusions—

Our findings suggest that current views on uniform side-to-side electric coupling in the heart need to be revised. In particular, nonuniform laminar myocardial architecture and associated electric orthotropy should be included in future models of initiation and maintenance of ventricular arrhythmia.
Echocardiographic Strain Imaging to Assess Early and Late Consequences of Sarcomere Mutations in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ho Carolyn Y. , Carlsen Christian , Thune Jens Jakob , Havndrup Ole , Bundgaard Henning , Farrohi Faranak , Rivero Jose , Cirino Allison L. , Andersen Paal Skytt , Christiansen Michael , Maron Barry J. , Orav E. John , K�ber Lars
Published: June 2009

Background—

Genetic testing identifies sarcomere mutation carriers (G+) before clinical diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), allowing characterization of initial disease manifestations. Previous studies demonstrated that impaired relaxation develops before left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The precise impact of sarcomere mutations on systolic function in early and late disease is unclear.

Methods and Results—

Comprehensive echocardiography with strain imaging was performed on 146 genotyped individuals with mutations in 5 sarcomere genes. Contractile parameters were compared in 68 preclinical (G+/LVH−), 40 overt (G+/LVH+) subjects with HCM, and 38 mutation (−) normal control relatives. All subjects had normal left ventricular ejection fraction. In preclinical HCM, global and regional peak systolic strain (ε
sys
) and longitudinal systolic strain rate were not significantly different from controls, but early diastolic mitral annular velocity (Ea) was reduced by 13%. In overt HCM, there was a significant 27% and 14% decrease in global longitudinal ε
sys
and systolic strain rate, respectively, compared with both preclinical HCM and controls (
P
<0.013 for all comparisons), and a 33% reduction in Ea.

Conclusions—

Sarcomere mutations have disparate initial effects on diastolic and systolic functions. Preclinical HCM is characterized by impaired relaxation but preserved systolic strain. In contrast, both diastolic and longitudinal systolic abnormalities are present in overt disease despite normal ejection fraction. We propose that diastolic dysfunction is an early consequence of sarcomere mutations, whereas systolic dysfunction results from mutations combined with subsequent pathological remodeling. Identifying mechanistic pathways triggered by these mutations may begin to reshape the clinical paradigm for treatment, based on early diagnosis and disease prevention.
Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A
2
and Risk of Congestive Heart Failure in Older Adults
Authors: Suzuki Takeki , Solomon Cam , Jenny Nancy Swords , Tracy Russell , Nelson Jeanenne J. , Psaty Bruce M. , Furberg Curt , Cushman Mary
Published: June 2009

Background—

Inflammation may be a causative factor in congestive heart failure (CHF). Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A
2
(Lp-PLA
2
) is an inflammation marker associated with vascular risk. One previous study showed an association of Lp-PLA
2
activity with CHF risk, but there were only 94 CHF cases and Lp-PLA
2
antigen, which is available clinically in the United States, was not measured.

Methods and Results—

We measured baseline Lp-PLA
2
antigen and activity in 3991 men and women without baseline CHF or cardiovascular disease who were participating in the Cardiovascular Health Study, a prospective observational study of adults 65 years or older. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, clinic site, race, low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hypertension, smoking status, pack-years, and diabetes were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% CIs for incident CHF. Further models adjusted for coronary disease events during follow-up and C-reactive protein. Eight hundred twenty-nine participants developed CHF during 12.1 years. Adjusted hazard ratios for CHF with Lp-PLA
2
in the fourth compared with the first quartile were 1.44 (95% CI, 1.16 to 1.79) for Lp-PLA
2
antigen and 1.06 (95% CI, 0.84 to 1.32) for activity. Adjustment for incident coronary disease attenuated the hazard ratio for Lp-PLA
2
antigen to 1.26 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.57), adjustment for C-reactive protein had minimal impact.

Conclusions—

Lp-PLA
2
antigen was associated with risk of future CHF in older people, independent of CHF and coronary risk factors, and partly mediated by coronary disease events. Further clinical and basic research is needed to better understand the role of Lp-PLA
2
in CHF.
An Unbiased Chemical Biology Screen Identifies Agents That Modulate Uptake of Oxidized LDL by Macrophages
Authors: Etzion Yoram , Hackett Alice , Proctor Brandon M. , Ren Jie , Nolan Bill , Ellenberger Thomas , Muslin Anthony J.
Published: June 2009

Macrophage-derived foam cells are thought to play a major role in atherosclerotic lesion formation and progression. An automated assay was established to evaluate the uptake of fluorescently labeled oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) by a monocyte/macrophage cell line. The assay was used to screen 480 known bioactive compounds. Twenty-two active compounds were identified. Efficacy studies in peritoneal macrophages demonstrated a high rate of concordance with the initial screening results. Inhibitory compounds confirmed important previous findings and identified new drugs of interest including: 3 blockers of nuclear factor κb activation, 2 protein kinase C inhibitors, a phospholipase C inhibitor, and 2 antipsychotic drugs. In addition, an opioid receptor agonist was found to increase the oxLDL uptake of macrophages. The involvement of nuclear factor κB in oxLDL uptake was validated in peritoneal macrophages in vivo. The results support a model in which oxLDL uptake is dependent on the activation of multiple intracellular signaling pathways that culminate in actin-mediated lipoprotein internalization.
Angiomodulin Is a Specific Marker of Vasculature and Regulates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A–Dependent Neoangiogenesis
Authors: Hooper Andrea T. , Shmelkov Sergey V. , Gupta Sunny , Milde Till , Bambino Kathryn , Gillen Kelly , Goetz Mollie , Chavala Sai , Baljevic Muhamed , Murphy Andrew J. , Valenzuela David M. , Gale Nicholas W. , Thurston Gavin , Yancopoulos George D. , Vahdat Linda , Evans Todd , Rafii Shahin
Published: June 2009

Blood vessel formation is controlled by the balance between pro- and antiangiogenic pathways. Although much is known about the factors that drive sprouting of neovessels, the factors that stabilize and pattern neovessels are undefined. The expression of angiomodulin (AGM), a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A binding protein, was increased in the vasculature of several human tumors as compared to normal tissue, raising the hypothesis that AGM may modulate VEGF-A–dependent vascular patterning. To elucidate the expression pattern of AGM, we developed an AGM knockin reporter mouse (AGM
lacZ/+
), with which we demonstrate that AGM is predominantly expressed in the vasculature of developing embryos and adult organs. During physiological and pathological angiogenesis, AGM is upregulated in the angiogenic vasculature. Using the zebrafish model, we found that AGM is restricted to developing vasculature by 17 to 22 hours postfertilization. Blockade of AGM activity with morpholino oligomers results in prominent angiogenesis defects in vascular sprouting and remodeling. Concurrent knockdown of both AGM and VEGF-A results in synergistic angiogenesis defects. When VEGF-A is overexpressed, the compensatory induction of the VEGF-A receptor, VEGFR2/flk-1, is blocked by the simultaneous injection of AGM morpholino oligomers. These results demonstrate that the vascular-specific marker AGM modulates vascular remodeling in part by temporizing the proangiogenic effects of VEGF-A.
MicroRNA-145, a Novel Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Marker and Modulator, Controls Vascular Neointimal Lesion Formation
Authors: Cheng Yunhui , Liu Xiaojun , Yang Jian , Lin Ying , Xu Da-Zhong , Lu Qi , Deitch Edwin A. , Huo Yuqing , Delphin Ellise S. , Zhang Chunxiang
Published: June 2009

Phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of a variety of proliferative vascular diseases. Recently, we have found that microRNA (miRNA) miR-145 is the most abundant miRNA in normal vascular walls and in freshly isolated VSMCs; however, the role of miR-145 in VSMC phenotypic modulation and vascular diseases is currently unknown. Here we find that miR-145 is selectively expressed in VSMCs of the vascular wall and its expression is significantly downregulated in the vascular walls with neointimal lesion formation and in cultured dedifferentiated VSMCs. More importantly, both in cultured rat VSMCs in vitro and in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries in vivo, we demonstrate that the noncoding RNA miR-145 is a novel phenotypic marker and a novel phenotypic modulator of VSMCs. VSMC differentiation marker genes such as SM α-actin, calponin, and SM-MHC are upregulated by premiR-145 or adenovirus expressing miR-145 (Ad-miR-145) but are downregulated by the miR-145 inhibitor 2′OMe-miR-145. We have further identified that miR-145-mediated phenotypic modulation of VSMCs is through its target gene KLF5 and its downstream signaling molecule, myocardin. Finally, restoration of miR-145 in balloon-injured arteries via Ad-miR-145 inhibits neointimal growth. We conclude that miR-145 is a novel VSMC phenotypic marker and modulator that is able of controlling vascular neointimal lesion formation. These novel findings may have extensive implications for the diagnosis and therapy of a variety of proliferative vascular diseases.
Urgency of Carotid Endarterectomy for Secondary Stroke Prevention
Authors: Gladstone David J. , Oh Jiwon , Fang Jiming , Lindsay Patty , Tu Jack V. , Silver Frank L. , Kapral Moira K.
Published: June 2009

Background and Purpose—

The benefit of carotid endarterectomy for preventing recurrent stroke is maximal when surgery is performed within 2 weeks after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack; the benefit is reduced when surgery is delayed >2 weeks and essentially lost if delayed >3 months. Guidelines recommend endarterectomy within 2 weeks poststroke/transient ischemic attack for patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. This study examined time to endarterectomy at designated stroke centers as a measure of evidence-based best practices for stroke prevention.

Methods—

From the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network, we identified all consecutive patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack at 12 provincial stroke centers (Ontario, Canada, 2003 to 2006) and selected those with unilateral symptomatic carotid stenosis of moderate (50% to 69%) or severe (70% to 99%) degree. Using linkages to administrative databases, we identified patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy within 6 months after the symptomatic event and calculated the time intervals between the index event and surgery. We compared the timing of surgery according to age, sex, degree of stenosis, index event, geographic region, and year. Logistic regression assessed variables associated with early surgery.

Results—

One hundred five patients underwent endarterectomy for unilateral symptomatic carotid stenosis (50% to 99%) within 6 months of the index event. The median time from index event to surgery was 30 days (interquartile range, 10 to 81). Only one third (38 of 105) received endarterectomy within the recommended 2-week target timeframe, and in one fourth (26 of 105), surgery was delayed >3 months. Surgery within 2 weeks was more likely if the index event was a transient ischemic attack rather than a stroke. Access to early endarterectomy varied markedly between hospitals across the province and improved over time from 2003 to 2006.

Conclusions—

In this hospital-based cohort, the majority of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy after a transient ischemic attack or stroke had surgery delayed well beyond the period of maximum effectiveness. To enhance secondary stroke prevention, greater efforts are needed to minimize delays to diagnosis and surgical treatment for patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis.
Anticoagulation Therapy and Imaging in Neonates With a Unilateral Thalamic Hemorrhage Due to Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis
Authors: Kersbergen Karina J. , de Vries Linda S. , van Straaten H. L.M.(Irma) , Benders Manon J.N.L. , Nievelstein Rutger A.J. , Groenendaal Floris
Published: June 2009

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis is a rare disorder with a high risk of an adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Until now, anticoagulation therapy has been restricted to neonates without an associated parenchymal hemorrhage. In this study, we describe sequential neuroimaging findings and use of anticoagulation therapy in newborn infants with a unilateral thalamic hemorrhage due to cerebral sinovenous thrombosis.

Methods—

Ten neonates with a unilateral thalamic hemorrhage and cerebral sinovenous thrombosis were studied. Diagnosis was suspected using cranial ultrasound and confirmed with MRI/MR venography. Eight infants had a repeat MRI at 3 to 7 months. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed from 3 months until 5 years.

Results—

One infant died. Seven infants were treated with low-molecular-weight heparin. No side affects were noted. MRI showed involvement of multiple sinuses, additional intraventricular hemorrhage, and white matter lesions in all infants. Recanalization was present on the repeat MRI at 3 months in all infants. Treatment was delayed in one infant and anticoagulation was started only after extension of the thalamic hemorrhage. He required a ventriculoperitoneal drain for posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation and developed cerebral visual impairment and global delay. Two other infants showed global delay and one of them also developed postneonatal epilepsy. Mild asymmetry in tone was present in 4 children.

Conclusions—

Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis was found in 10 neonates with unilateral thalamic hemorrhage. Diagnosis was suspected on cranial ultrasound and confirmed with MRI/MR venography. Treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin in newborn infants with a thalamic hemorrhage due to cerebral sinovenous thrombosis appears to be safe and should be considered. Long-term follow-up will be needed to assess cognitive outcome.
The Efficacy of Erythropoietin and Its Analogues in Animal Stroke Models
Authors: Minnerup Jens , Heidrich Jan , Rogalewski Andreas , Schäbitz Wolf-Rüdiger , Wellmann Jürgen
Published: June 2009

Background and Purpose—

Erythropoietin (EPO) was explored regarding its suitability as a candidate stroke drug in animal experimental studies. We performed a meta-analysis to obtain an overall impression of the efficacy of EPO in published animal experimental stroke studies and for potential guidance of future clinical studies.

Methods—

By electronic and manual searches of the literature, we identified studies describing the efficacy of EPO in experimental focal cerebral ischemia. Data on study quality, EPO dose, time of administration, and outcome measured as infarct volume or functional deficit were extracted. Data from all studies were pooled by means of a meta-analysis.

Results—

Sixteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. When administered after the onset of ischemia, EPO and its analogues reduced infarct size by 32% and improved neurobehavioral deficits significantly. A meta-regression suggests higher doses of EPO to be associated with smaller infarct volumes. When administered earlier than 6 hours EPO was more effective compared to a later treatment initiation. Both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic EPO analogues showed efficacy in experimental stroke.

Conclusion—

In conclusion, this analysis further strengthens confidence in the efficacy of EPO and its analogues in stroke therapy. Nonhematopoietic EPO analogues which are known to have less systemic adverse effects compared to EPO are also promising candidate stroke drugs. Further experimental studies are required that evaluate the safety of a combination of EPO with thrombolysis and whether EPO is also effective in animals with comorbidity.
Information-Geometric Measures as Robust Estimators of Connection Strengths and External Inputs
Authors: Tatsuno Masami , Fellous Jean-Marc , Amari Shun-ichi
Published: June 2009

Information geometry has been suggested to provide a powerful tool for analyzing multineuronal spike trains. Among several advantages of this approach, a significant property is the close link between information-geometric measures and neural network architectures. Previous modeling studies established that the first- and second-order information-geometric measures corresponded to the number of external inputs and the connection strengths of the network, respectively. This relationship was, however, limited to a symmetrically connected network, and the number of neurons used in the parameter estimation of the log-linear model needed to be known. Recently, simulation studies of biophysical model neurons have suggested that information geometry can estimate the relative change of connection strengths and external inputs even with asymmetric connections. Inspired by these studies, we analytically investigated the link between the information-geometric measures and the neural network structure with asymmetrically connected networks of N neurons. We focused on the information-geometric measures of orders one and two, which can be derived from the two-neuron log-linear model, because unlike higher-order measures, they can be easily estimated experimentally. Considering the equilibrium state of a network of binary model neurons that obey stochastic dynamics, we analytically showed that the corrected first- and second-order information-geometric measures provided robust and consistent approximation of the external inputs and connection strengths, respectively. These results suggest that information-geometric measures provide useful insights into the neural network architecture and that they will contribute to the study of system-level neuroscience.
Early Christian Missionaries as Physicians Healing and its Cultural Value in the Greco-Roman Context
Authors: Bazzana Giovanni Battista
Published: June 2009

Q 10 shows some features that equate Jesus' missionaries to Greco-Roman medical practitioners. Moreover, some early Christian texts developed the same imagery, accompanying it with some hints of social critique. Conversely, under the early empire, the prestige and the privileges of doctors, who had good patronage connections, were significantly increased through imperial legislation. The Christian choice of representing missionaries as physicians may be understood by employing the anthropological category of “mimesis”. This entailed a critique of the patronage system and, hence, it arguably won the Christian mission a part of its success in some sectors of the ancient society.
Religious Identity and the Gospel of Reconciliation A Central European View
Authors: Tomka Miklós
Published: June 2009

Religion and religious identities have stronghold in the people's life and identity in Central and Eastern Europe. After the collapse of communism and with the disintegration of the previous unifying systems, societies entered modernity swiftly which include the process of individualization and self determination. All these led to fundamental identity crisis. With its promise of coherent values, religion has become a strong force. The social impact of different religious groups, Catholic, Orthodox, Protestants, and Islam are different. Reconciliation has to begin with the healing of the wounded identities. It has to begin with the recognition of one's sinfulness and the effort to overcome it through dependence in God.
Bediako of Africa: A Late 20th Century Outstanding Theologian and Teacher
Authors: Asamoah-Gyadu J. Kwabena
Published: June 2009

Kwame Bediako of the Akrofi-Christaller Memorial Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture based in Akropong-Akwapim in Ghana, was a stalwart in the field of African Christianity and Theology. He was called home to glory in June 2008 at the age of 63 years. Converted from atheism whilst studying for a doctorate degree in French and African literature at the University of Bordeaux in France, Bediako embraced a conservative evangelical faith. He went on to do a second PhD in Theology under the tutelage of Andrew F. Walls in Aberdeen. Bediako returned to Ghana in 1984 to found the then Akrofi-Christaller Memorial Center for Mission Research and Applied Theology. Through that initiative, now a fully accredited tertiary theological educational institute, Bediako pioneered a new way of doing theology through his emphasis on mother-tongue hermeneutics, oral or grassroots theology, and the study of primal religions as the sub-structure of Christian expression in the majority Two Thirds World. These ideas are outlined in his major publications, Theology and Identity, Christianity in Africa, Jesus of Africa, and the many forceful and insightful articles scattered in local and international journals in religion and theology. For many years to come, although living in glory, Bediako's evangelical intellectual heritage will continue as a leading reference point for all those seeking to understand Africa's place in the history of world Christianity.
Identity affirmation through `signature style': A study of toy car designers
Authors: Elsbach Kimberly D.
Published: June 2009

I describe findings from a qualitative study of toy car designers that shows how creative workers may develop and express `signature styles' through their work. The display of these signature styles — that were not advertised, stamped on products, or even recognized in official corporate marketing communications — allowed designers to affirm their creative, professional identities while designing commodity products within the practical constraints of a corporate context. Findings further revealed that creative workers used signature styles, primarily, to affirm the identity categorizations of `idealistic' and `independent'. I discuss how these findings extend our understanding of `identity work' among creative workers, and may improve our ability to effectively manage these workers in corporate settings.
Impact of dual executive leadership dynamics in creative organizations
Authors: Reid Wendy , Karambayya Rekha
Published: June 2009

The paradoxical co-existence of business and artistic objectives in creative organizations provides a useful background to explore the conflict dynamics of dual executive leadership. Using a social psychological lens, eight case studies of non-profit performing arts companies in Canada generated two sets of findings that highlight 1) types of conflict dissemination beyond the duo and 2) their co-occurrence with conflict types impacting on the organization's ability to function well. The study also re-confirmed types of conflict as found in the leadership duo.
The organization of creativity in Japanese advertising production
Authors: Moeran Brian
Published: June 2009

This article makes use of the results of ethnographic participant observation to analyze how creativity is organized in the production of Japanese advertising. An ad campaign, like many other creative products, is produced by `motley crews' of personnel from both within an agency contracted to conceptualize the campaign on behalf of its client (an account team) and freelance professionals hired to realize the account team's creative concept (a production team). The concepts of frame analysis and art worlds are used to analyze the symbolic space of the studio and the transformations that occur there, while that of field enables a comparative analysis of advertising's `space of possibles' in which different actors position themselves and their clients' products. Creativity is used to establish relations of power among advertising personnel, as well as over consumers, by means of the constant (re)positioning of advertisers' products. This is the function of advertising's motley crew.
Moving towards integrated public governance: improving service delivery through community engagement
Authors: Kernaghan Kenneth
Published: June 2009

Community engagement for improved citizen-centred service is an important dimension of Integrated Service Delivery (ISD), which is in turn a central component of the movement towards Integrated Public Governance. The experience of such organizations as Centrelink and Service Canada can inform thinking and action on the community engagement activities of ISD organizations in general. Most of these organizations are at an early stage in the use of innovative approaches to community engagement, but many of them are well positioned to use their physical presence in local offices across their jurisdiction to enhance service delivery. This article examines eight ISD organizations in four countries as a basis for discussing such matters as the benefits and challenges of community engagement, the nature of the engagement, and the means by which these organizations have fostered it. For ISD organizations to leverage their community presence, they must collaborate with a wide variety of community stakeholders.

Points for practitioners

Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) organizations can leverage their physical presence in local communities to improve service for individual citizens. This community engagement activity can take the form of partnerships, consultations and contracts. The corporate level can support community engagement through administrative structures and processes and through training opportunities and learning tools. Each local office needs an appropriate measure of discretion and flexibility to adapt its engagement activities to the community's particular challenges and resources. The movement in public management towards Integrated Public Governance and the anticipated increase in the delivery of government services by private and third sector organizations point to the need for collaborative community engagement. There are significant barriers as well as benefits associated with the community engagement activities of ISD organizations.
Understanding modern transparency
Authors: Meijer Albert
Published: June 2009

Proponents and opponents fiercely debate whether computer-mediated transparency has a positive effect on trust in the public sector. This article enhances our understanding of transparency by presenting three perspectives: a premodern, modern and post-modern perspective, and analyzing the basic assumptions of these perspectives about transparency. The analysis shows that the proponents of computer-mediated transparency have a modern perspective on societal change: computer-mediated transparency gives people better information and thus contributes to the rationalization of society. Opponents argue from a premodern perspective that unidirectional, structured and decontextualized forms of transparency will result in a loss of societal trust. Postmodernists focus on the esthetics of transparency and argue for varied and diverse forms of computer-mediated transparency. The value of these three perspectives is illustrated by using them to analyze debates about the need for making school performance in the Netherlands transparent. On the basis of this analysis, the author argues for diversity in systems of transparency to maximize effects on societal trust.

Points for practitioners

This article evaluates transparency through the Internet from different perspectives. Premodernists see computer-mediated transparency as a threat to traditional mechanisms of trust such as face-to-face contacts, modernists praise computer-mediated transparency for its contribution to trust by providing objective information to the general public and postmodernists value the esthetic value of computer-mediated transparency. The ambivalent relation between trust and openness is at the heart of debates about the new transparency. This article argues that it is imperative that we understand these controversies, and debate which forms of computer-mediated transparency we want in the public sector.
Good moves, mistakes and unexpected events in an initiative to improve public management in the ICT service provision at a university
Authors: Melián-González Santiago , Bulchand-Gidumal Jacques
Published: June 2009

New public management aims to improve the efficacy and other performance criteria of public organizations. To that end, it is based on principles like specialization and public organization desegregation, and on practices such as outsourcing and the development of internal markets. This article presents a public university management action comprising the creation of an information and communications technology service enterprise. The bases for this initiative include theoretical approaches as well as practical issues. The value of this work is that it studies the referred initiative implantation process and its subsequent effects. The case method is used to analyse some theoretical proposals of new public management. The result is that good moves, mistakes and unforeseen consequences have been found, making it a source of learning for academics and professionals in this field.

Points for practitioners

Internal markets constitute an appropriate mechanism to achieve the benefits of new public management. However, when implementing it, care has to be taken in several aspects: (1) the use of private sector initiatives in the public sector is complex and many different aspects have to be considered; (2) the human resources of the contracting company have to be involved in the process from the very beginning and; (3) measures of performance of the process must be developed and put into practice. That said, internal markets allow an increase in the number of services delivered without increasing the number of work posts, providing the parent firm with the advantages of both outsourcing and insourcing.
An empirical analysis of innovativeness in government: findings and implications
Authors: Seok Eun Kim  , Gee Weon Chang
Published: June 2009

The purpose of the study is to identify the main determinants of innovation capacity in government using a large N dataset. Three different groups — agency employees, auditing agency employees, and executive officers of non-governmental organizations — evaluated the capacity for innovation of the 46 departments in the Korean central government. The results found that leadership style, performance-based reward, information and knowledge sharing, and learning culture appear to increase innovation capacity in government. Unexpectedly, goal clarity and network relationship moderates the capacity for innovation in government significantly. These counterintuitive findings challenge the conventional wisdom of bureaucratic inertia and call for a distinctive approach for research in government innovativeness.

Points for practitioners

As innovation has become a major tool of organizational survival, government managers must learn how to build capacity for innovation. They must not only have a strong will for exploring innovative ideas, but also act as a problem solver to implement innovative tasks effectively. Offering appropriate rewards for employees' creativity, encouraging information and knowledge sharing, and building a learning culture could also increase the capacity for government innovation. However, inappropriate goal clarification and consensus-building among network participants may impede innovation. Understanding the impact of innovation capacity would help government managers design strategic actions to make the government more receptive to innovation.
Evidence of public service motivation of social workers in China
Authors: Liu Bangcheng
Published: June 2009

To investigate how generalizable public service motivation (PSM) observed in Western society is to China and examine the instrumentality of public service motivation, two studies were conducted independently. In Study 1, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is implemented to test the existence of PSM based on 99 social workers in Region A of one city located in Eastern China. In Study 2, another CFA process is implemented to confirm the construct validity of PSM, based on 474 social workers in Region B of the same city. In Study 2, we evaluated the instrumentality of PSM. These studies not only provide evidence for the construct validity of PSM, but also produce interesting results that relate to the history and institutional background of Chinese social work.

Points for practitioners

Results of the study have confirmed the generalizability of public service motivation (PSM) observed in Western society in China and examined the instrumentality of the construct in China. The results identify several key implications for professionals working in social work management and administration: (1) PSM can be used as an additional tool to recruit and select individuals who are best suited for social work; (2) For management in social work or other public sectors, PSM could be as a direction in training and development; (3) More importantly, PSM could provide additional view of incentives in social work or other public sectors.
Cleaning and Functionalization of Polymer Surfaces and Nanoscale Carbon Fillers by UV/Ozone Treatment: A Review
Authors: Man Lung Sham  , Jing Li  , Peng Cheng Ma  , Kim Jang-Kyo
Published: June 2009

Dry oxidizing methods have been widely used to modify surface properties of polymer and ceramic substrates. Compared to other dry oxidizing methods, ultraviolet light/ozone (UV/O3) treatment has hitherto attracted less attention, mainly due to relatively weak oxidizing power. With optimized processing conditions, however, UV/O3 treatment can be better capable of offering desired effects associated with appropriate surface modifications. Incorporation of nanoscale reinforcements, e.g., carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphite, into a polymer matrix creates a new class of composites that possess unique mechanical and functional capabilities. A proper surface treatment is critical to dispersing the reinforcements in the matrix, hence to provide adequate adhesion between the reinforcements and the matrix. In this article, a review is provided on the underlying mechanisms of and the advantages arising from UV/O3 treatment of polymer substrates and nanoscale carbon materials. Special focus is placed on the relationship between the changes in chemical composition, morphology, functional groups of the treated surface and the corresponding improvements in adhesion and wettability of the substrate, dispersion of nano-reinforcements, as well as the properties of the nanocomposites made therefrom.
Mechanical Response of an Alumina-filled Epoxy at Various Strain Rates
Authors: Song B. , Chen W. , Montgomery S.T. , Forrestal M.J.
Published: June 2009

The compressive response of an alumina-filled epoxy composite material was characterized at various strain rates using a Kolsky bar and universal testing frame (MTS). In the Kolsky-bar experiments, dynamic stress equilibrium and constant strain-rate deformation in specimens were achieved using pulse-shaping techniques. The effects of specimen aspect ratio and interfacial friction on the dynamic response of the material were examined. Compressive stress-strain curves for the composite were obtained at strain rates ranging from 9.4 × 10-4 to 1.35 × 103 s-1 which exhibited strong strain-rate sensitivity. A material response model, which agrees well with the experimental measurements for the strain rates examined in this study, is also described.
A Test of Social Disorganization Theory in High-Risk Urban Neighborhoods
Authors: Kingston Beverly , Huizinga David , Elliott Delbert S.
Published: June 2009

Although there is a growing body of research based on social disorganization theory that relates the neighborhood context to juvenile crime and delinquency, it is unknown whether neighborhood social processes operate in a similar way across all types of disadvantaged neighborhoods. It is possible that some social processes are unique to economically depressed areas. This research attempts to explain theoretically and test empirically the relationships between neighborhood social structure, social processes, delinquent opportunity structures, and rates of adolescent delinquency among structurally disadvantaged neighborhoods. The hypotheses are tested using neighborhood-level parent and youth data from 44 Denver neighborhoods. A series of regression models are constructed to estimate the effects of the neighborhood on rates of delinquency. The results show that for this high-risk sample the most consistent predictor of rates of problem behavior is youths' perceptions of limited opportunities for the future.
Body Size and Social Self-Image Among Adolescent African American Girls
Authors: Granberg Ellen M. , Gordon Simons Leslie , Simons Ronald L.
Published: June 2009

Social psychologists have amassed a large body of work demonstrating that overweight African American adolescent girls have generally positive self-images, particularly when compared with overweight females from other racial and ethnic groups. Some scholars have proposed that elements of African American social experience may contribute to the maintenance of these positive self-views. The article evaluates these arguments using data drawn from a panel study of socioeconomically diverse African American adolescent girls living in Iowa and Georgia. The article analyzes the relationship between body size and social self-image over three waves of data, starting when the girls were 10 years of age and concluding when they were approximately 14. The findings show that heavier respondents hold less positive social self-images; however, the findings also show that being raised in a family that practices racial socialization moderates this relationship.
Effect of 393T>C Polymorphism of GNAS1 Gene on Dobutamine Response in Chinese Healthy Subjects
Authors: Mao Yan‐Mei , Liu Zhao‐Qian , Chen Bi‐Lian , Guo Dong , Han Chun‐Ting , Yang Li‐Jun , Wang Sai‐Ying , Fan Lan , Zhou Hong‐Hao
Published: June 2009

The purpose of this study was to characterize the functional consequences of the 393T>C polymorphism of the GNAS1 gene in vivo. PCR‐RFLP assays were used to identifyGNAS1andβ1‐adrenoceptor genotypes. The heart rate (HR), blood pressure, left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were determined in different genotypes through a modified dobutamine stress echocardiography protocol. Our results showed that individuals with homozygous or heterozygous C393 had an increased cardiovascular agonistic response to dobutamine, and the increases from baseline in LVFS at the 3 dosage levels of dobutamine were 19.3% ± 1.0% versus 32.0% ± 2.9%, 36.7% ± 3.1% versus 41.3% ± 4.1%, and 51.7% ± 3.3% versus 58.7% ± 2.6% in T393 homozygotes and C393 homozygotes or heterozygotes, respectively(P =.026). Significant differences were also found between these 2 groups with the increases from baseline in LVEF(P =.007) and SBP(P =.048). In addition, there were significant differences in the increases from atopine in LVFS(P =.011), LVEF(P =.004), and SBP(P =.046) between the T393 homozygotes and C393 homozygotes or heterozygotes. The change of LVEF in C393 homozygous was higher than that in T393 homozygous at the dose of 40 μg/kg/min (28.9% ± 4.0% vs 36.4% ± 2.1%; 95% CI, 18.8%‐38.9%;P =.046). These data suggested that the 393T>C polymorphism of GNAS1 was functionally relevant in vivo.
Presidential Staffing and Public Opinion
Authors: Villalobos José D. , Vaughn Justin S.
Published: June 2009

Scholars traditionally frame presidential efforts to politicize the federal bureaucracy as the result of divergence between the president's preferences and an agency's output. The authors argue that presidential concern with agency output is dynamic and is in part conditioned by the president's relationship with the public. To assess the relationship between politicization and public opinion, the authors use a data set that combines information on presidential efforts to politicize the Council of Economic Advisers from 1989 to 2004 with that of public attitudes concerning the president's handling of the economy. Their results indicate that public opinion does indeed bear a marginal, yet statistically significant, influence on presidential efforts to manage the federal bureaucracy, thus, providing a new contribution to the debate concerning presidents and the politics of bureaucratic structure.
Public Recreation Administration
Authors: Zimmermann Jo An M. , Allen Lawrence R.
Published: June 2009

Public recreation agencies are challenged to provide a broad range of programs and activities. The administrator plays a key role in decision making within the park and recreation agency. The purpose of this research is to determine how chief administrative officers of local public recreation agencies perceive their role relating to the administration and delivery of public recreation services. Results indicate two independent yet related administrative roles. As administrative roles are better understood, administrators will be more aware of their behavior and subsequently better equipped to address the demands and expectations of operating a recreation system.
Can Management Strategy Minimize the Impact of Red Tape on Organizational Performance?
Authors: Walker Richard M. , Brewer Gene A.
Published: June 2009

This study investigates the effects of red tape and strategy on organizational performance. Data come from 135 English local government authorities. Data are collected on several dimensions of red tape, three types of strategy (prospecting, defending, and reacting), and internal and external perceptual measures of organizational performance. The findings show that red tape lowers performance. The harmful effects of red tape are, however, mitigated by a strategic stance of prospecting. Defending has no effect on the impact of red tape on organizational performance, whereas reacting tends to amplify the harmful effects—thus worsening organizational performance. The primary implication of these findings is that public organizations should move toward more proactive strategies.