bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired Coronary Collateral Growth in the Metabolic Syndrome Is in Part Mediated by Matrix Metalloproteinase 12–Dependent Production of Endostatin and Angiostatin
Authors: Dodd Tracy , Wiggins Luke , Hutcheson Rebecca , Smith Erika , Musiyenko Alla , Hysell Brenda , Russell James C. , Rocic Petra
Published: April 2013

Objective—

We have previously shown that transient coronary artery occlusion stimulated coronary collateral growth (CCG) in healthy (Sprague Dawley) but not in metabolic syndrome (JCR:LA-cp [JCR] ) rats. Here, we sought to determine whether matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) negatively regulate CCG in the metabolic syndrome via release of endostatin and angiostatin.

Approach and Results—

Rats underwent transient, repetitive left anterior descending occlusion and resultant myocardial ischemia (RI) for 0 to 10 days. CCG was measured in the collateral-dependent and normal zones using microspheres, MMP activation by Western blot, and endostatin and angiostatin by ELISA on days 0, 3, 6, 9, or 10 of RI. Endostatin and angiostatin were increased in JCR but not in Sprague Dawley rats on days 6 and 9 of RI. Increased endostatin and angiostatin correlated with increased MMP12 (≈4-fold) activation in JCR but not in Sprague Dawley rats on days 6 and 9 of RI. Inhibition of MMP12 in JCR rats nearly completely blocked endostatin (≈85%) and angiostatin (≈90%) generation and significantly improved CCG (collateral-dependent zone flow was ≈66% of normal zone flow versus ≈12% for JCR RI).

Conclusions—

Compromised CCG in the metabolic syndrome is, in large part, because of increased MMP12 activation and consequent increased generation of endostatin and angiostatin, which inhibits late-stage collateral remodeling.
Upregulation of the Hyperpolarization-Activated Current Increases Pacemaker Activity of the Sinoatrial Node and Heart Rate During Pregnancy in Mice
Authors: El Khoury Nabil , Mathieu Sophie , Marger Laurine , Ross Jenna , El Gebeily Gracia , Ethier Nathalie , Fiset Céline
Published: April 2013

Background—

Pregnancy is associated with a faster heart rate (HR), which is a risk factor for arrhythmias. However, the underlying mechanisms for this increased HR are poorly understood. Therefore, this study was performed to gain mechanistic insight into the pregnancy-induced increase in HR.

Methods and Results—

Using surface ECG we observed that pregnant (P) mice have faster HR (531±14 beats per minute [bpm]) compared with nonpregnant (NP) mice (470±27 bpm;
P
<0.03). Results obtained with Langendorff-perfused hearts showed that this difference persisted in the absence of autonomic nervous innervation (NP, 327±16 bpm; P, 385±18 bpm;
P
<0.02). Spontaneous action potentials of sinoatrial node cells from pregnant mice exhibited higher automaticity (NP, 292±13 bpm; P, 330±12 bpm;
P
=0.047) and steeper diastolic depolarization (NP, 0.20±0.03 V/s; P, 0.40±0.06 V/s;
P
=0.004). Pregnancy increased the density of the hyperpolarization-activated current (
I
f
) (at −90mV: NP, −15.2±1.0 pA/pF; P, −28.6±2.9 pA/pF;
P
=0.0002) in sinoatrial node cells. Voltage dependence of the
I
f
activation curve and the intracellular cAMP levels were unchanged in sinoatrial node cells of pregnant mice. However, there was a significant increase in HCN2 channel protein expression with no change in HCN4 expression. Maximal depolarizing shift of the
I
f
activation curve induced by isoproterenol was attenuated in pregnancy. This reduced response to isoproterenol may be attributable to the lower cAMP sensitivity of HCN2 isoform compared with that of HCN4.

Conclusions—

This study shows that an increase in
I
f
current density contributes to the acceleration of sinoatrial node automaticity and explains, in part, the higher HR observed in pregnancy.
Beyond Medications and Diet: Alternative Approaches to Lowering Blood Pressure
Authors: Brook Robert D. , Appel Lawrence J. , Rubenfire Melvyn , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Bisognano John D. , Elliott William J. , Fuchs Flavio D. , Hughes Joel W. , Lackland Daniel T. , Staffileno Beth A. , Townsend Raymond R. , Rajagopalan Sanjay
Published: April 2013

Many antihypertensive medications and lifestyle changes are proven to reduce blood pressure. Over the past few decades, numerous additional modalities have been evaluated in regard to their potential blood pressure–lowering abilities. However, these nondietary, nondrug treatments, collectively called alternative approaches, have generally undergone fewer and less rigorous trials. This American Heart Association scientific statement aims to summarize the blood pressure–lowering efficacy of several alternative approaches and to provide a class of recommendation for their implementation in clinical practice based on the available level of evidence from the published literature. Among behavioral therapies, Transcendental Meditation (
Class IIB, Level of Evidence B
), other meditation techniques (
Class III, Level of Evidence C
), yoga (
Class III, Level of Evidence C
), other relaxation therapies (
Class III, Level of Evidence B
), and biofeedback approaches (
Class IIB, Level of Evidence B
) generally had modest, mixed, or no consistent evidence demonstrating their efficacy. Between the noninvasive procedures and devices evaluated, device-guided breathing (
Class IIA, Level of Evidence B
) had greater support than acupuncture (
Class III, Level of Evidence B
). Exercise-based regimens, including aerobic (
Class I, Level of Evidence A
), dynamic resistance (
Class IIA, Level of Evidence B
), and isometric handgrip (
Class IIB, Level of Evidence C
) modalities, had relatively stronger supporting evidence. It is the consensus of the writing group that it is reasonable for all individuals with blood pressure levels >120/80 mm Hg to consider trials of alternative approaches as adjuvant methods to help lower blood pressure when clinically appropriate. A suggested management algorithm is provided, along with recommendations for prioritizing the use of the individual approaches in clinical practice based on their level of evidence for blood pressure lowering, risk-to-benefit ratio, potential ancillary health benefits, and practicality in a real-world setting. Finally, recommendations for future research priorities are outlined.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Activation Improves Endothelial Function
Authors: Fraga-Silva Rodrigo A. , Costa-Fraga Fabiana P. , Murça Tatiane M. , Moraes Patrícia L. , Martins Lima Augusto , Lautner Roberto Q. , Castro Carlos H. , Soares Célia Maria A. , Borges Clayton L. , Nadu Ana Paula , Oliveira Marilene L. , Shenoy Vinayak , Katovich Michael J. , Santos Robson A.S. , Raizada Mohan K. , Ferreira Anderson J.
Published: April 2013

Diminished release and function of endothelium-derived nitric oxide coupled with increases in reactive oxygen species production is critical in endothelial dysfunction. Recent evidences have shown that activation of the protective axis of the renin–angiotensin system composed by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, angiotensin-(1–7), and Mas receptor promotes many beneficial vascular effects. This has led us to postulate that activation of intrinsic angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 would improve endothelial function by decreasing the reactive oxygen species production. In the present study, we tested 1-[[2-(dimetilamino)etil]amino]-4-(hidroximetil)-7-[[(4-metilfenil)sulfonil]oxi]-9H-xantona-9 (XNT), a small molecule angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 activator, on endothelial function to validate this hypothesis. In vivo treatment with XNT (1 mg/kg per day for 4 weeks) improved the endothelial function of spontaneously hypertensive rats and of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats when evaluated through the vasorelaxant responses to acetylcholine/sodium nitroprusside. Acute in vitro incubation with XNT caused endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation in aortic rings of rats. This vasorelaxation effect was attenuated by the Mas antagonist D-pro7-Ang-(1–7), and it was reduced in Mas knockout mice. These effects were associated with reduction in reactive oxygen species production. In addition, Ang II–induced reactive oxygen species production in human aortic endothelial cells was attenuated by preincubation with XNT. These results showed that chronic XNT administration improves the endothelial function of hypertensive and diabetic rat vessels by attenuation of the oxidative stress. Moreover, XNT elicits an endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation response, which was mediated by Mas. Thus, this study indicated that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 activation promotes beneficial effects on the endothelial function and it is a potential target for treating cardiovascular disease.
Alternating Direction Methods for Latent Variable Gaussian Graphical Model Selection
Authors: Ma Shiqian , Xue Lingzhou , Zou Hui
Published: April 2013

Chandrasekaran, Parrilo, and Willsky ( 2012 ) proposed a convex optimization problem for graphical model selection in the presence of unobserved variables. This convex optimization problem aims to estimate an inverse covariance matrix that can be decomposed into a sparse matrix minus a low-rank matrix from sample data. Solving this convex optimization problem is very challenging, especially for large problems. In this letter, we propose two alternating direction methods for solving this problem. The first method is to apply the classic alternating direction method of multipliers to solve the problem as a consensus problem. The second method is a proximal gradient-based alternating-direction method of multipliers. Our methods take advantage of the special structure of the problem and thus can solve large problems very efficiently. A global convergence result is established for the proposed methods. Numerical results on both synthetic data and gene expression data show that our methods usually solve problems with 1 million variables in 1 to 2 minutes and are usually 5 to 35 times faster than a state-of-the-art Newton-CG proximal point algorithm.
Decorrelation by Recurrent Inhibition in Heterogeneous Neural Circuits
Authors: Bernacchia Alberto , Wang Xiao-Jing
Published: April 2013

The activity of neurons is correlated, and this correlation affects how the brain processes information. We study the neural circuit mechanisms of correlations by analyzing a network model characterized by strong and heterogeneous interactions: excitatory input drives the fluctuations of neural activity, which are counterbalanced by inhibitory feedback. In particular, excitatory input tends to correlate neurons, while inhibitory feedback reduces correlations. We demonstrate that heterogeneity of synaptic connections is necessary for this inhibition of correlations. We calculate statistical averages over the disordered synaptic interactions and apply our findings to both a simple linear model and a more realistic spiking network model. We find that correlations at zero time lag are positive and of magnitude [Formula: see text], where K is the number of connections to a neuron. Correlations at longer timescales are of smaller magnitude, of order K−1, implying that inhibition of correlations occurs quickly, on a timescale of [Formula: see text]. The small magnitude of correlations agrees qualitatively with physiological measurements in the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. The model could be used to study correlations in brain regions dominated by recurrent inhibition, such as the striatum and globus pallidus.
A Monte Carlo Metropolis-Hastings Algorithm for Sampling from Distributions with Intractable Normalizing Constants
Authors: Liang Faming , Jin Ick-Hoon
Published: April 2013

Simulating from distributions with intractable normalizing constants has been a long-standing problem in machine learning. In this letter, we propose a new algorithm, the Monte Carlo Metropolis-Hastings (MCMH) algorithm, for tackling this problem. The MCMH algorithm is a Monte Carlo version of the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. It replaces the unknown normalizing constant ratio by a Monte Carlo estimate in simulations, while still converges, as shown in the letter, to the desired target distribution under mild conditions. The MCMH algorithm is illustrated with spatial autologistic models and exponential random graph models. Unlike other auxiliary variable Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms, such as the Møller and exchange algorithms, the MCMH algorithm avoids the requirement for perfect sampling, and thus can be applied to many statistical models for which perfect sampling is not available or very expensive. The MCMH algorithm can also be applied to Bayesian inference for random effect models and missing data problems that involve simulations from a distribution with intractable integrals.
Jeu de Paume & Jeux de la Raison in Seventeenth-Century Optics
Authors: Dijksterhuis Fokko Jan
Published: April 2013

In La Dioptrique (1637) René Descartes elucidated his derivation of the sine law of refraction by means of a comparison of light rays with the motion of tennis balls. In terms of a mathematical-physical model this comparison was quite problematic, as his critics then and now did not hesitate to point out. However, they misread Descartes’ intention, which was to appeal in a clarifying way to the imagination of his readers in order to render his discoveries comprehensible. These readers were in the first place the circle of supporters around Constantijn Huygens. In his comparisons Descartes drew directly on the cultural meanings and the practice of tennis in the urban culture of the Dutch Republic. The tennis metaphor entered Descartes’ writing in this cultural setting, providing him with a clue to understanding the rainbow. Later, however, in the Météores it figured much less prominently than in La Dioptrique.
A checklist and floristic summary of the vascular plants of Napa County, California
Authors: CRAIN BENJAMIN J. , WHITE JEFFREY W.
Published: April 2013

Napa County contains particularly high levels of biological diversity in a variety of categories and is considered one of ten localized areas in California that contain the highest numbers of native and endemic plant species. Here we present a floristic summary based on a new annotated checklist of the flora of this uniquely diverse region. The checklist was developed by combining several local and statewide floristic data sources that represent herbarium collection records and other observations from Napa County. The final checklist of vascular plants for Napa County consists of 1,716 taxa, including 1,418 native taxa from 101 different families. Alarmingly, 126 native taxa in Napa County were listed as rare or threatened to some degree. The results of this study demonstrate that for its size, Napa County contains remarkably high levels of plant diversity as well as high concentrations of special status taxa as compared to other areas within the California Floristic Province, the State of California as a whole, and other regions within global biodiversity hotspots characterized by Mediterranean climates. In particular, this analysis highlights the floristic significance of Napa County at global and local levels, and thus, this review is an important step to help promote and facilitate long term research and conservation planning in the area.
Bregmosina, a new Neotropical genus of Limosininae (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae)
Authors: MARSHALL STEPHEN A.
Published: April 2013

Bregmosina, a new genus of Limosininae (Diptera, Sphaeroceridae), is described on the basis of five new species from Central and South America. The genus is characterized by a broad head, swollen face, large oral cavity, a single pair of very large cruciate interfrontal bristles, short, broad fore tarsomeres and swollen hind tarsomeres one and two. The unusual male genitalia, including a longitudinally split sternite 5, strongly indicate that the genus is monophyletic. All species are probably associated with treefalls.
Lasers for the Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity
Authors: Sgolastra F. , Petrucci A. , Severino M. , Gatto R. , Monaco A.
Published: April 2013

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of lasers in reducing dentin hypersensitivity (DH) as compared with placebo or no treatment. Seven electronic databases and a manual search resulted in 2,538 unique publications. After selection, 13 studies were included in the meta-analysis. A CONSORT-based quality assessment revealed that 3 and 10 studies were at low and high risk of bias, respectively. A random-effects model with the generic inverse variance standardized mean difference (SMD) was used because of expected heterogeneity. Meta-analyses of the baseline-end of follow-up changes in pain revealed no differences for Er,Cr:YSSG vs. placebo (SMD = 2.49; 95% CI, -0.25 to 5.22; p = .07) but did reveal differences in favor of lasers for Er:YAG vs. placebo (SMD, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.25 to 4.05; p = .0002), Nd:YAG vs. placebo (SMD, 3.59; 95% CI, 0.49 to 6.69; p = .02), and GaAlAs vs. placebo (SMD, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.93 to 4.87; p < .00001). High and significant heterogeneity was found for all comparisons. In conclusion, Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, and GaAlAs lasers appear to be efficacious in reducing DH. However, given the high heterogeneity of the included studies, future randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm these results.
How Teachers Use Power in the Classroom to Avoid or Support Exclusionary School Discipline Practices
Authors: Pane Debra Mayes , Rocco Tonette S. , Miller Lynne D. , Salmon Angela K.
Published: April 2013

This study explored the relation between classroom interactions and exclusionary school discipline practices within and across four classrooms in a disciplinary alternative school. Critical social practice theory and critical microethnographic methodology supported the examination, interpretation, and analysis of interactive power to illuminate ways of transforming exclusionary school discipline practices. Data showed that exclusionary school discipline practices are mediated through power relations with insights into and implications for transforming exclusionary school discipline practices found in teachers’ discipline goals, ideology, and views of culture.
Understanding the Epistemological Divide in ESL Education
Authors: Marx Sherry , Saavedra Cinthya M.
Published: April 2013

In this critically reflective article, we share our perceptions of the epistemologies that shape our own understanding of successful ESL education and that of a school district that asked us to help redevelop its ESL program. Our differing epistemologies, ours critical and aimed toward social justice, theirs built on what we describe as neoliberal educational discourse and deficit constructions of ELLs and Latinas/os, inevitably led to the collapse of our collaboration. Our differences, particular points of tension, and the impact of this deep and wide chasm on policy and schooling are examined.
Homework Practices of English and Non-English–Speaking Parents
Authors: Thelamour Barbara , Jacobs D’Andrea L.
Published: April 2013

This study compared the homework practices of English-speaking and non-English–speaking parents. Using a national data set of 7,992 students across ages and ethnicities, the frequency and type of homework practices were investigated. Statistical analysis revealed significant (though small) differences between the overall homework practices between the groups of parents. There were also differences between the types of homework strategies parents employed, with English-speaking parents more likely to provide a place for homework and helping with homework and non-English more likely to check for homework completion. The results challenge the notion that nondominant parents are less involved in their children’s homework.
A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Instructional Coaching for Teachers of Diverse Learners
Authors: Teemant Annela
Published: April 2013

This longitudinal mixed-methods study investigates the efficacy and sustainability of instructional coaching outcomes among urban elementary teachers ( N = 36) using focus group and quantitative pre-, post-, and 1 year-after intervention data. Coached teachers participated in a 30-hr workshop and then seven cycles of coaching (15 hr) targeting use of five research-based principles of learning—the Standards for Effective Pedagogy—for teaching diverse students. Findings demonstrate instructional coaching led to statistically significant (a) pedagogical transformation and (b) patterns of sustainability and attrition. Implications for theory, practice, and research are derived by interpreting quantitative and qualitative findings together.
Synergy to Reduce Emergency Department Visits for Uncontrolled Hyperglycemia
Authors: Magee Michelle F. , Nassar Carine M. , Copeland James , Fokar Ali , Sharretts John M. , Dubin Jeffrey S. , Smith Mark S.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of a treatment algorithm and education intervention for the management of patients with type 2 diabetes and hyperglycemia presenting to the emergency department (ED) and stable enough to be discharged home.

Methods

Urban hospital ED patients (n = 86) with BG ≥ 200 mg/dL were enrolled in a 4-week prospective, nonrandomized pilot intervention with historic self-controls. Follow-up visits occurred at 12 to 72 hours, 2 and 4 weeks, and 6 months. T2DM medications were initiated or adjusted at each visit using a guideline-based diabetes medication management algorithm. Survival skills diabetes self-management education and navigation to outpatient services were provided.

Results

Participants were 51.8% male and 92% black, and 87.3% had private or public insurance. The top reasons for presenting to the ED were no provider appointment available (41.7%) and no primary care provider (14.6%). No hypoglycemia occurred in the first 24 hours following ED T2DM medication initiation or titration and overall hypoglycemia rates were low. BG was reduced from 356 ± 110 mg/dL at baseline to 183 ± 103 mg/dL at 4 weeks ( P < .001).

Conclusion

Diabetes medication management and survival skills education for uncontrolled diabetes may be safely initiated in the ED, as demonstrated by the multidisciplinary STEP-DC intervention, which effectively enabled glycemic control in this pilot study.
Paradise Sold: Resource Partitioning and the Organic Movement in the US Farming Industry
Authors: Sikavica Katarina , Pozner Jo-Ellen
Published: April 2013

Resource partitioning theory maintains that in markets in which anti-mass-production cultural sentiments make producer identity relevant, there should be no direct competition between generalists and specialists. Nevertheless, anecdotal evidence suggests that after initial partitioning, such competition, and hence de-partitioning, is in some cases possible. We refine received insights of resource partitioning theory regarding the stability of niche markets, particularly those driven by identity movements, by introducing the notion that partitioning is a dynamic and even reversible process. Previous research has offered an answer to the question of why identity movements create partitioning: because they increase the dimensionality of the resource space and engender sanctioning of visible violations of the specialists’ organizational form identity. In contrast, we offer an answer to the question of how and when markets may partition in a stable way: by generating sharply defined specialist form identities whose definitional code includes limits to organizational growth. Identity movements are underpinned with mechanisms that can facilitate or inhibit market partitioning, depending on their ability to generate sharp specialist form identities. We illustrate our argument through the case of organic farming in the United States, with reference to prior work on micro-brews and micro-radio, and discuss implications for resource partitioning theory.
Democracy’s New Discipline: Public Deliberation as Organizational Strategy
Authors: Lee Caroline W. , Romano Zachary
Published: April 2013

Scholars of politics have studied deliberative events as political processes aimed at empowering citizens, a perspective that frames organizational subsidies of public deliberation as civil society sponsorship. Based on multi-method fieldwork, this article investigates deliberation as a strategic tool marketed by an emerging industry of professional consultants to contemporary organizations facing resistance to retrenchment, redevelopment, and reorganization. This field-level organizational perspective reveals that deliberative solutions are sold to public, private, and third-sector managers in terms of their potential to cultivate stakeholder empathy for decision-makers, downsize public expectations for administrative problem-solving, and produce behavioral alignment and positive attitudes toward austerity measures. The simultaneous framing of deliberation as civic renewal and as a preemptive strategy for reducing contention demonstrates how sponsors have leveraged the ambiguities enabled by the reconfiguration of civic activity and authority described in this special issue. As such, we argue that understanding the political implications of the expanding market for sponsored deliberation requires a comparative historical approach to organizational strategy.
‘I feel more at home here than in my own community’: Approaching the emotional geographies of neighbourhood policy
Authors: Jupp Eleanor
Published: April 2013

This article explores the dynamics of UK neighbourhood policy in a new way, by bringing together an attention to emotions and identities in social policy governance with approaches to the experiential dynamics of place from social and cultural geography. The article draws on two sets of fieldwork among residents and professional workers in ‘disadvantaged’ neighbourhoods in the UK. These neighbourhoods frame contradictory emotional dynamics for both citizens and workers, in particular around geographies of ‘deprivation’ and ‘community’, producing multiple experiences of closeness and distanciation, inclusion and exclusion, visibility and invisibility. The article shows how the processes and outcomes of neighbourhood policy interventions are unavoidably bound up with these complex emotional geographies of place, especially those that seek to engage residents in change, and that this makes such policy interventions fragile and time-consuming.
Wisdom in action
Authors: Kane Michele
Published: April 2013

Annemarie Roeper is a luminary in the field of gifted education. Her many contributions provide a window into the depth and breadth of her curious and creative nature. Along with her husband George, she envisioned and developed a child-centered and holistic approach to education which resulted in The Roeper School, a legendary school for gifted children. The parent letters they would send home eventually led to a premier research journal, The Roeper Review. Annemarie Roeper’s life journey was represented by her publications, which included a myriad of articles as well as several books. She was a founding member of the global awareness committees for the National Association for Gifted Children and the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children. The legacy she leaves is her life story and the manner by which she transformed the challenges in her life and created opportunities for growth—she modeled wisdom in action.
Tumor Promotion by 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate in an Ultra-Short-Term Skin Carcinogenesis Bioassay Using rasH2 Mice
Authors: Kawabe M. , Urano K. , Suguro M. , Numano T. , Taguchi F. , Tsutsumi H. , Furukawa F.
Published: April 2013

Assessment of the skin tumor–promoting potential of 12- O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) after initiation with 7,12-dimethylbenz[ a]anthracene (DMBA) was conducted using rasH2 transgenic (Tg) mice and their nontransgenic (non-Tg) littermates. Mice were treated with DMBA (50 μg/100 μL acetone) on clipped back skin at the commencement of the study, and 1 week thereafter, TPA was applied at 8 μg/200 μL or 4 μg/200 μL acetone, once or twice weekly, for 7 weeks. Skin nodules were observed in the rasH2 Tg mice from week 4, and the incidence reached 100% at weeks 5 and 6. The number of skin nodules (multiplicity) in the 8-μg twice-weekly, 8-μg once-weekly, 4-μg twice-weekly, and 4-μg once-weekly groups was 62.4, 46.2, 62.6, and 36.9, respectively. The non-Tg mice also developed skin nodules, but the sensitivity to induction in the rasH2 Tg mice was higher. No nodules were observed in the acetone groups, but single nodules were apparent in the no-treatment rasH2 Tg and non-Tg groups. In conclusion, skin promotion effects could be detected within only 8 weeks in the rasH2 mice, and the concentration of 4 μg TPA once weekly was sufficient as a positive control. This short-term skin carcinogenesis bioassay using rasH2 mice could represent a useful tool for the assessment of drug and chemical safety with cutaneous treatment.
Data-Driven Analytical Tools for Characterization of Productivity and Service Quality Issues in IT Service Factories
Authors: Cavalcante Victor F. , Pinhanez Claudio S. , Paula Rogério A. de , Andrade Carolina S. , de Souza Cleidson R. B. , Appel Ana P.
Published: April 2013

In this article, we propose an analytical tool, named the Workload Profile Diagnosis ( WPD) method, to evaluate the performance and quality of incident management (IM) systems in information technology (IT) service factories. Based on the normalization of ticket assignment delay and resolution time by their respective service-level agreement, the method computes and plots the spreading of ticket data on a log-log chart. By comparing the actual and desired distribution values in specific areas, the WPD method diagnoses specific problems and issues in the performance of IM systems such as resource and skill allocation and abnormal behavior, and identifies opportunities for automated resolution or assignment of tickets, increases or decreases in the resources and skills needed, and ultimately aims to strike a better balance between productivity and service quality. In addition to an in-depth description of the WPD method, this article presents its application in the diagnostics of four service pools of a large IT service factory. An empirical study conducted in the IT service factory shows that most of the problems identified by the WPD method were indeed present in the service pools, therefore providing evidence of the validity of the WPD method. We conclude discussing how managers can use the method to detect and evaluate transformational opportunities to increase productivity and service quality in a systematic manner.
Spellbound
Authors: Väliaho Pasi
Published: April 2013

This article maps out and conceptualizes the way cinema emerged as a novel type of technology of the self and psychic individuation. It analyzes how cinema, in its inception, implemented a binding sensory dynamic that affected the convergence of spatiotemporal patterns into a constantly modifying hybrid self. Technologically animated images started to produce transformational spaces where the individual became problematized and regulated, not only in narratives and rhetorical figures, but more importantly, in the spatial patterning of perception, in affect transmission and collective organization. The article approaches cinema’s bodily and psychic dynamics in topological terms and employs three basic concepts—continuity, nearness, and neighborhood—so as to problematize what has become of the question of the individual in the age of moving images.
Marketing the “radical”: Symbolic communication and persuasive technologies in jihadist websites
Authors: Bhui Kamaldeep , Ibrahim Yasmin
Published: April 2013

This paper reviews the persuasion techniques employed by jihadist websites with particular reference to the patterns of rhetoric, image, and symbolism manifested in text, videos, and interactive formats. Beyond symbolic communication, the online media needs to be also understood through its persuasive tendencies as a medium which elicits social response through its design architecture. This double articulation of new media technologies, as a medium for information and as a form of persuasive technology, has provided new means to market the radical. The marketing techniques of jihadist websites through multimedia formats have consequences for the formation of identities, both collective and individual. As a marketing tool it combines established forms of rhetoric and propaganda with new ways to reach audiences through both popular culture and religious ideologies. The paper analyses the implications for further research and counterterrorism strategies.
Radon concentrations in air and water in the thermal spas of Ischia Island
Authors: Pugliese M. , Quarto M. , Roca V.
Published: April 2013

The aim of the paper is to give information about radon concentration in air and in water of 16 thermal spas of the Isle Ischia to assess the corresponding mean effective dose for workers. Measurements of air radon concentration were carried out by means of Electret Passive Environmental Radon Monitor (E-PERM) devices in long-term configuration, while radon activity concentration in water was measured using the same detectors in short-term configuration. In each plant, several kinds of rooms of different uses (office, muddy room, massage room, relax room, aerosol, mud pit and medical treatment room) were selected. Results show a great variability among the measurements relative to the different kinds of rooms of the spas. In some cases, the dose received by workers was higher than 3 mSv/y, which is the effective dose limit for occupational exposure imposed by Italian legislation.
Development of multi-parametric functional index model for evaluating the indoor comfort in built environment
Authors: Ralegaonkar Rahul V. , Sakhare Vishakha V.
Published: April 2013

Due to rapid urbanization of developing cities, the planners have a major challenge in designing climate responsive built environment for modern urban dwellers. In order to maintain a good built environmental quality, the various key design parameters of existing built form would need to be reviewed and analyzed to seek appropriate improvement. The present paper highlights the case study of a test room model in an educational campus. The experimentation was carried out in composite climatic zone of Nagpur in India. The desired built environment parameters viz., indoor light intensity, temperature and humidity was recorded and analyzed during experiments under controlled conditions of room openings. A functional index model was developed by this study using the multi-parametric regression analysis of the results. The qualitative assessment of the aforesaid parameters in terms of indoor comfort in the built environment was carried out. The developed mathematical index model for various functional parameters over the given geographic location can suitably be used by the designers for evaluating and enhancing the indoor comfort of a built environment suitable for the climate of Nagpur, India.
An investigation of thermal comfort adaptation behaviour in office buildings in the UK
Authors: Liu Jing , Yao Runming , McCloy Rachel
Published: April 2013

Around 40% of total energy consumption in the UK is consumed by creating comfortable indoor environment for occupants. Occupants’ behaviour in terms of achieving thermal comfort could have a significant impact on a building’s energy consumption. Therefore, understanding the interactions of occupants with their buildings would be essential to provide a thermal comfort environment that is less reliance on energy-intensive heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, to meet energy-saving and carbon emission targets. This paper presents the findings of a year-long field study conducted in non-air-conditioned office buildings in the UK. Occupants’ adaptive responses in terms of technological and personal dimensions are dynamic processes which could vary with both indoor and outdoor thermal conditions. The adaptive behaviours of occupants in the surveyed building show substantial seasonal and daily variations. Our study shows that non-physical factors such as habit could influence the adaptive responses of occupants. However, occupants sometimes displayed inappropriate adaptive behaviour, which could lead to a misuse of energy. This paper attempts to illustrate how occupants would adapt and interact with their built environment and consequently contribute to development of a guide for future design/refurbishment of buildings and to develop energy management systems for a comfortable built environment.
Measurement of radon concentration and exhalation rate in some mud houses of district Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Mahmood Arif , Tufail M. , Iqbal M. Azhar
Published: April 2013

Some low-income people of Pakistan live in traditional windowless one- to two-room houses made of mud. The data on radon concentration in such houses of Pakistan was scarce in the literature. Therefore, 60 mud houses in the vicinity of the city of Lahore (the capital of the Punjab province of Pakistan) were selected for survey of radon in these houses. The passive integrating technique with CN-85 track detectors was employed for the measurement of radon. Indoor and outdoor radon concentrations were determined to be 114.88 ± 66.79 (18.37 − 269.58) and 10.78 ± 2.70 (8.08 − 13.57) Bq m−3, respectively. Radon concentration was higher in the mud-made houses than that in the dwellings constructed of bricks and Portland cement. Radon exhalation rate from the walls and floors of the mud houses was measured to find the correlation with indoor radon concentration. A weak positive correlation was observed between these two quantities. From the measured concentration of radon, annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk were derived to be 2.54 ± 1.47 (0.41 − 5.95) mSv and (15.34 ± 8.92) × 10−3 (1.53 ± 0.89 %), respectively. Relatively higher radon concentration in the mud houses was due to the little exchange of air in these houses. Ventilation is recommended for the mitigation of radon from these houses.
The effect of indoor plants on human comfort
Authors: Qin Jun , Sun Chanjuan , Zhou Xin , Leng Hanbing , Lian Zhiwei
Published: April 2013

There is growing evidence to support the notion that plants can play an important role in providing a higher quality living environment. This study conducted a series of experiments to investigate the effects of characteristics, such as colour, odour and size of plants on human comfort, which was evaluated by a satisfaction survey and physiological measurements. Different kinds of plants with different levels of colour (green, tint and multicolour), odour (no odour, slight scent and strong scent) and size (small, medium and large) were chosen for the experiment design. A survey of participants’ satisfaction degree as well as measurements from electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), oxyhaemoglobin saturation, fingertip blood flow, skin resistance and respiration rate were utilized to illustrate the response of participants to the environments either with different plants or without plants. The results demonstrated that an interior office with plants was preferred over an office without plants. The environments with green, slightly scented and small plants were reported as the most favourite conditions. The EEG and oxyhaemoglobin saturation showed significant changes when plant conditions varied. These outcomes provided design strategies for incorporating the plants into the interior office spaces and also provided the physiological variables to evaluate human comfort in the outside environment.
Energy consumption analysis of a residential building with phase change materials under various cooling and heating conditions
Authors: Kim Taeyeon , Ahn Sangmin , Leigh Seung-Bok
Published: April 2013

Phase change materials (PCMs) absorb or release a large amount of heat when changing phase from solid to liquid or vice versa. When this characteristic of PCM is utilized, it can be employed effectively for energy conversation in buildings. To apply PCM to buildings, the thermal characteristics of PCM must be considered, such as the melting temperature and temperature range of the phase changes. In addition, the characteristics of the heating and cooling system, which influence the cycle of PCM absorbing and releasing heat, should also be taken into account. The purpose of this study was to provide guidelines for a method to apply PCM suitable for Korean residences, which use packaged air conditioners and floor radiant heating systems for cooling and heating, respectively. To accomplish this, the characteristics of cooling and heating energy reduction were analysed according to the application of PCM through simulation, taking into consideration various heating and cooling operating conditions. In addition, thermal conditions for PCM suitable for summer and winter were analysed through case studies, with the melting temperature and temperature range of phase changes as variables.
Inhalation exposure to particulate matter in rooms with underfloor air distribution
Authors: Gao Jun , Cao Changsheng , Luo Zhiwen , Zhang Xu
Published: April 2013

This work investigated the personal exposure to indoor particulate matters using the intake fraction metric and provided a possible way to trace the particle inhaled from an indoor particle source. A turbulence model validated by the particle measurements in a room with underfloor air distribution (UFAD) system was used to predict the indoor particle concentrations. Inhalation intake fraction of indoor particles was defined and evaluated in two rooms equipped with the UFAD, i.e., the experimental room and a small office. According to the exposure characteristics and a typical respiratory rate, the intake fraction was determined in two rooms with a continuous and episodic (human cough) source of particles, respectively. The findings showed that the well-mixing assumption of indoor air failed to give an accurate estimation of inhalation exposure and the average concentration at return outlet or within the overall room could not relate well the intake fraction to the amount of particle emitted from an indoor source.
Responding to denial, minimization and blame in correctional settings: The ‘real world’ implications of offender neutralizations
Authors: Bullock Karen , Condry Rachel
Published: April 2013

This article examines ‘real-world’ implications of offender neutralizations. Drawing on empirical evidence derived from a study of the operation of community-based cognitive-behavioural programmes for perpetrators of domestic violence, it focuses on the implications, for offenders, of displaying neutralizations in correctional treatment settings. This article draws attention to the complex relationship between neutralization and correctional group work practice. First, it demonstrates that neutralization of offending does not always have the negative implications for offenders that have been assumed by some commentators. Neutralization may not preclude enrolment on to a correctional programme, is not always challenged in a confrontational way by practitioners and does not automatically result in suspension and the application of more punitive criminal sanctions. Second, the article demonstrates the difficulties that practitioners and participants face in tackling neutralizations in this context. Our findings suggest a need to rethink the central role that neutralizations play in aspects of contemporary criminal justice practice.
Effect of Anodal Versus Cathodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Khedr Eman M. , Shawky Ola A. , El-Hammady Dina H. , Rothwell John C. , Darwish Essam S. , Mostafa Omar M. , Tohamy Amal M.
Published: April 2013

Objective. We compared the long-term effect of anodal versus cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on motor recovery in patients after subacute stroke. Methods. Forty patients with ischemic stroke undergoing rehabilitation were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: Anodal, Cathodal (over-affected and unaffected hemisphere, respectively), and Sham. Each group received tDCS at an intensity of 2 mA for 25 minutes daily for 6 consecutive days over of the motor cortex hand area. Patients were assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Orgogozo’s MCA scale (OMCASS), the Barthel index (BI), and the Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle strength scale at baseline, after the sixth tDCS session and then 1, 2, and 3 months later. Motor cortical excitability was measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at baseline and after the sixth session. Results. By the 3-month follow-up, all groups had improved on all scales with P values ranging from .01 to .0001. Improvement was equal in the Anodal and Cathodal groups. When these treated groups were combined and compared with Sham, significant interactions were seen for the OMCASS and BI scales of functional ability ( P = .002 for each). There was increased cortical excitability of the affected hemisphere in all groups with the changes being greater in the real versus sham groups. There were borderline significant improvements in muscle strength. Conclusion. A brief course of 2 types of tDCS stimulation is superior to sham stimulation in enhancing the effect of rehabilitation training to improve motor recovery after stroke.
The Effects of Race, Ethnicity, and Mood/Anxiety Disorders on the Chronic Physical Health Conditions of Men From a National Sample
Authors: Johnson-Lawrence Vicki , Griffith Derek M. , Watkins Daphne C.
Published: April 2013

Racial/ethnic differences in health are evident among men. Previous work suggests associations between mental and physical health but few studies have examined how mood/anxiety disorders and chronic physical health conditions covary by age, race, and ethnicity among men. Using data from 1,277 African American, 629 Caribbean Black, and 371 non-Hispanic White men from the National Survey of American Life, we examined associations between race/ethnicity and experiencing one or more chronic physical health conditions in logistic regression models stratified by age and 12-month mood/anxiety disorder status. Among men <45 years without mood/anxiety disorders, Caribbean Blacks had lower odds of chronic physical health conditions than Whites. Among men aged 45+ years with mood/anxiety disorders, African Americans had greater odds of chronic physical health conditions than Whites. Future studies should explore the underlying causes of such variation and how studying mental and chronic physical health problems together may help identify mechanisms that underlie racial disparities in life expectancy among men.