bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educational psychologists' use of therapeutic interventions: issues arising from two exploratory case studies
Authors: ATKINSON CATHY , CORBAN IAN , TEMPLETON JENNY
Published: November 2011

This article considers the evolving role of the educational psychologist (EP) in providing therapeutic support to children and young people. Through two small‐scale research studies, EPs' use of therapeutic interventions and issues in delivering them are explored. Findings reveal use of a range of therapeutic interventions in different contexts with schools and multi‐agency partners. Issues relate to opportunities to practise therapeutic interventions due to competing pressures, access to supervision and perceptions of the EP role. Themes emerging from the studies are explored systematically using a SWOT framework to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to EPs' use of therapeutic interventions. It is hoped that a forthcoming UK‐wide study into EPs' use of therapy will provide a more sophisticated picture about some of the issues raised in this article.
Apology with and Without a Request for Forgiveness
Authors: Szablowinski Zenon
Published: November 2011

The offender who desires to restore or maintain a relationship after a conflict apologises to his or her victim. Not only an individual but also a group can make apology. Groups do it through their representatives who are recognised as such by both sides. Sometimes offenders acknowledge wrongdoing and express regret for it. At other times while apologising, they may also ask for forgiveness. Does apology without a request for forgiveness mean the same as apology with such a request? Are there any cases where apology may be appropriate, but not a request for forgiveness? Do those who apologise without asking for forgiveness really not want to be forgiven? This article answers these questions by exploring the notion of apology and its relation to forgiveness.
Public awareness and attitudes towards cutaneous leishmaniasis in an endemic region in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Amin T.T. , Kaliyadan F. , Al‐Ajyan M.I. , Al‐Arfaj A.K. , Al‐mujhim M.A. , Al‐Harbi S.J. , Al Mohammed H.I.
Published: November 2011

Background and Aims  One of the priorities in public health policy for the control of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is to investigate associations between disease distribution, socio‐demographical and environmental risk factors, so that rational prevention and control strategies can be developed. Assessment of baseline awareness of the disease amongst the endemic population would be one of the first steps in this direction. This study aims to provide qualitative information on lay perceptions of CL in an endemic area in Saudi Arabia. We also attempted to correlate these perceptions with associated socio‐demographical backgrounds.

Methods  This was a cross‐sectional descriptive survey carried out in Al‐Hassa, located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The study included 1824 participants, age ranging from 15 to 63 years (mean 35.86 ± 9.54 years).

Results  Over 76% of the studied population recognized the infectious nature of CL. There was also good awareness regarding the clinical features of CL, but the awareness regarding the vector, transmission, risk factors and preventive methods were very poor. Our study demonstrated a significantly higher knowledge score correlated with regard to male gender, higher family income, age and a previous history of CL.

Conclusion  In our study we found low awareness for important epidemiological aspects like transmission of the disease, risk factors and prevention. Our study provides a baseline to understand and correct deficits in the perceptions and knowledge regarding CL in Saudi Arabia and would provide a template to design interventions.
Management Systems, Patient Quality Improvement, Resource Availability, and Substance Abuse Treatment Quality
Authors: Fields Dail , Roman Paul M. , Blum Terry C.
Published: November 2011

Objective

To examine the relationships among general management systems, patient‐focused quality management/continuous process improvement (TQM/CPI) processes, resource availability, and multiple dimensions of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Data are from a nationally representative sample of 221 SUD treatment centers through the National Treatment Center Study (NTCS).

Study Design

The design was a cross‐sectional field study using latent variable structural equation models. The key variables are management practices, TQM/continuous quality improvement (CQI) practices, resource availability, and treatment center performance.

Data Collection

Interviews and questionnaires provided data from treatment center administrative directors and clinical directors in 2007–2008.

Principal Findings

Patient‐focused TQM/CQI practices fully mediated the relationship between internal management practices and performance. The effects of TQM/CQI on performance are significantly larger for treatment centers with higher levels of staff per patient.

Conclusions

Internal management practices may create a setting that supports implementation of specific patient‐focused practices and protocols inherent to TQM/CQI processes. However, the positive effects of internal management practices on treatment center performance occur through use of specific patient‐focused TQM/CPI practices and have more impact when greater amounts of supporting resources are present.
How Effective Is Internal Control Reporting under SOX 404? Determinants of the (Non‐)Disclosure of Existing Material Weaknesses
Authors: RICE SARAH C. , WEBER DAVID P.
Published: November 2011

We study determinants of internal control reporting decisions under Section 404 of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX 404) using a sample of restating firms whose original misstatements are linked to underlying control weaknesses. We find that only a minority of these firms acknowledge their existing control weaknesses during their misstatement periods, and that this proportion has declined over time. Further, the probability of reporting existing weaknesses is negatively associated with external capital needs, firm size, non‐audit fees, and the presence of a large audit firm; it is positively associated with financial distress, auditor effort, previously reported control weaknesses and restatements, and recent auditor and management changes. These results provide evidence that detection and disclosure incentives play a role in whether existing material weaknesses are reported, which has implications for the effectiveness of SOX 404 in providing investors with advance warning of potential accounting problems.
The neuroregenerative mechanism mediated by the Hsp90‐binding immunophilin FKBP52 resembles the early steps of neuronal differentiation
Authors: Quintá HR , Galigniana MD
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The immunosuppressive macrolide FK506 (tacrolimus) shows neuroregenerative action by a mechanism that appears to involve the Hsp90‐binding immunophilin FKBP52. This study analyses some aspects of the early steps of neuronal differentiation and neuroregeneration.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Undifferentiated murine neuroblastoma cells and hippocampal neurones isolated from embryonic day‐17 rat embryos were induced to differentiate with FK506. Subcellular relocalization of FKBP52, Hsp90 and its co‐chaperone p23 was analysed by indirect immunofluorescence confocal microscopy and by Western blots of axonal fractions isolated from cells grown on a porous transwell cell culture chamber. Neuroregeneration was evaluated using a scratch‐wound assay.

KEY RESULTS In undifferentiated cells, FKBP52, Hsp90 and p23 are located in the cell nucleus, forming an annular structure that disassembles when the differentiation process is triggered by FK506. This was observed in the N2a cell line and in hippocampal neurones. More importantly, the annular structure of chaperones is reassembled after damaging the neurones, whereas FK506 prompts their rapid regeneration, a process linked to the subcellular redistribution of the heterocomplex.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS There is a direct relationship between the disassembly of the chaperone complex and the progression of neuronal differentiation upon stimulation with the immunophilin ligand FK506. Both neuronal differentiation and neuroregeneration appear to be mechanistically linked, so the elucidation of one mechanism may lead to unravel the properties of the other. This study also implies that the discovery of FK506 derivatives, devoid of immunosuppressive action, would be therapeutically significant for neurotrophic use.
An Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge of Botulism
Authors: Bork Christopher E. , Rega Paul P.
Published: November 2011

Objective

To assess nurses’ knowledge of botulism, a Centers for Disease Control Category A bioterrorism agent, one case of which constitutes an emergency.

Design

The study utilized survey research.

Sample

The cluster sample included 1,414 registered nurses.

Measure

The survey gathered demographic data and nurses’ knowledge of the background, manifestation and management of botulism.

Results

The mean percentage of correct answers for the sample was 25.95%, with a standard deviation (SD) of ±19.89%. Only 90 (6.3%) achieved 60% or more correct. Educational preparation, experience, specialty/area of practice and whether nurses had a class in disaster medicine were also examined and although differences were noted, none of these factors accounted for a score of 60% or above.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate the need for an assessment of the current education nurses receive about botulism.
A Retrospective Study of the Management of Pediatric Kerion in Trichophyton Tonsurans Infection
Authors: Proudfoot Laura E. , Higgins Elisabeth M. , Morris‐Jones Rachael
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Kerion celsi is the inflammatory extreme of tinea capitis, representing a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to the causative dermatophyte. Some authors have advocated the use of oral corticosteroids in patients with kerion formation to inhibit the host inflammatory response and minimize the risk of scarring. This retrospective study analyzed the management and outcome of all children younger than 10 years old presenting to our pediatric dermatology service with tinea capitis resulting in kerion formation between 2003 and 2009. We propose that kerion treatment be directed toward the underlying dermatophyte. Oral and intralesional corticosteroids are an unnecessary adjunct to oral antifungal therapy for children with tinea capitis presenting with kerion in urban areas.
Romiplostim efficacy in an acute myeloid leukemia patient with transfusion refractory thrombocytopenia
Authors: Berthelot‐Richer Maxime , Boilard Brigitte , Morin Annie , Bolduc Brigitte , Beauregard Patrice , Kotb Rami
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: Refractoriness to platelet (PLT) transfusion is a feared, life‐threatening complication in hematology‐oncology patients. Despite increased PLT requirement and treatment costs, the clinical management is difficult and these patients had less favorable outcomes.

CASE REPORT: We report on the efficacy of the thrombopoietic agent romiplostim in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia with chemotherapy‐induced transfusion‐refractory thrombocytopenia.

CONCLUSION: Romiplostim could be very helpfull in the management of AML patients with transfusion refractory thrombocytopenia.
Innis Lecture: Universal early childhood interventions: what is the evidence base?
Authors: Baker Michael
Published: November 2011

Abstract Universality is a hallmark of Canadian social policy for very young children. The evidence base for these policies is small, non‐experimental, and offers mixed results. In contrast, the evidence base for targeted early childhood interventions is largely experimental and offers strong guidance. Policy makers and advocates often cite the research on targeted programs in support of universal programs, although this is problematic for a number of reasons. Universal programs require a better understanding of the developmental trajectories of more advantaged children. Evidence from the NLSCY suggests there are some potentially important differences in the association of early and later childhood developmental outcomes by family economic resources.
The ins and outs of unemployment in Canada, 1976–2008
Authors: Campolieti Michele
Published: November 2011

Abstract This paper studies the flows into and out of unemployment in Canada at an aggregate and a number of disaggregated levels. I find that inflows into unemployment are countercyclical and outflows are procyclical. At an aggregate level, changes in the rate at which individuals leave unemployment account for most of the changes in unemployment rates in Canada between 1976 and 2008. However, flows into unemployment matter more at some disaggregated levels. There are also some differences in the contributions of flows into and out of unemployment to changes in unemployment rates across the 1981–82 and 1990–92 recessions.
Ad‐valorem tax incidence and after‐tax price adjustments: evidence from Brazilian basic basket food
Authors: Politi Ricardo Batista , Mattos Enlinson
Published: November 2011

Abstract Recent empirical work on tax incidence suggests that after‐tax price responses are independent of the tax change direction. This paper investigates asymmetric price responses to ad‐valorem tax changes in the Brazilian food market for 10 goods in 16 states during the period 1994–2008. Our results suggest that when tax rates increase, tax full shifting occurs for 2 of the 10 goods and tax overshifting occurs for one of the 10 goods; the price response to tax cuts is an undershifting for all goods. Moreover, this last result is similar to our estimation of (average) tax incidence (undershifting). We also investigate the short‐term and long‐term relationships between prices and VAT rate parameters and find that prices seem to respond to tax shocks within four months.
The dual nature of public goods and congestion: the role of fiscal policy revisited
Authors: Chatterjee Santanu , Ghosh Sugata
Published: November 2011

Abstract The role of fiscal policy is examined when public goods provide both productive and utility services. In the presence of congestion, the consumption tax is shown to be distortionary. Optimal fiscal policy involves using consumption‐based instruments in conjunction with the income tax. An income tax‐financed increase in government spending dominates both lump‐sum and consumption tax‐financing. Replacing the lump‐sum tax with an income tax to finance a given level of spending dominates introducing an equivalent consumption tax. These results contrast sharply with the literature, where the consumption tax is generally viewed as the least distortionary source of public finance.
Successful Catheter Cryoablation of Hisian Ectopy Using 2 New Diagnostic Criteria Based on Unipolar and Bipolar Recordings of the His Electrogram
Authors: EIZMENDI ICIAR , ALMENDRAL JESÚS , HADID CLAUDIO , ORTIZ MERCEDES
Published: November 2011

Hisian Ectopy Cryoablation Using New Diagnostic Criteria. We describe the case of a 61‐year‐old woman who underwent successful catheter cryoablation of a symptomatic Hisian ectopy. Diagnosis was based on features of the HV interval assessed from a bipolar recording during mapping. The location of the arrhythmic focus was identified using simultaneous unipolar and bipolar recordings of the His electrogram. This case report highlights the use of 2 new criteria for the diagnosis and mapping of Hisian ectopy, and the successful use of cryothermia for the ablation of extrasystoles arising from the His bundle. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23 p. 325‐329, March 2012.)
Impact of Dietary Folate Intake on Depressive Symptoms in Young Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Watanabe Hiroko , Ishida Sadayo , Konno Yoshie , Matsumoto Momoyo , Nomachi Shinobu , Masaki Kiyoko , Okayama Hisayo , Nagai Yasushi
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Folate deficiencies may be linked to depressive disorders among persons suffering from neurological and psychiatric problems. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of dietary folate intake on depressive symptoms in young Japanese women of reproductive age.

Methods: The study was conducted in Japan in 2009 with 141 Japanese women aged 18 to 28 years. A Japanese version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES‐D) scale was used to screen for depressive symptoms. Dietary intake was investigated by a diet history questionnaire. Nonfasting blood samples were collected from the women to measure folate and homocysteine levels.

Results: The proportion of women with lower folate intake (< 240 μg/d) was significantly higher in the women with CES‐D scores greater than or equal to 19 when compared with the folate levels in those with CES‐D scores less than 19 (75.0% vs 43.6%, respectively; P < .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between CES‐D scores greater than or equal to 19, low folate intake, and low vitamin B6 intake when adjusted for age, living status, smoking, and body mass index. Adequate folate intake of more than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) level of 240 μg per day was independently related to a decreased risk of depression (adjusted odds ratio 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.11‐0.56; P < .001).

Discussion: Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a reduced incidence of depression in women whose intake of folate exceeded the RDA of 240 μg per day. This finding suggests that dietary folate intake may be causally related to depressive symptoms in women of reproductive age. If results of studies powered to determine causal relationships are similarly positive, folate supplementation could reduce the incidence of depression.
Skilled Birth Attendants in Mexico: How Does Care During Normal Birth by General Physicians, Obstetric Nurses, and Professional Midwives Compare With World Health Organization Evidence‐Based Practice Guidelines?
Authors: Walker Dilys , DeMaria Lisa M. , Suarez Leticia , Cragin Leslie ,   The Evaluating Alternative Models of Obstetric Care in Mexico Research Team
Published: November 2011

Introduction: We evaluated the quality of basic obstetric care provided by Mexican general physicians, obstetric nurses, and professional midwives compared with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for evidence‐based practices and national guidelines.

Methods: Vaginal births were observed in 5 hospitals in 5 states from June 2006 until July 2007. We created 5 indices based on WHO guidelines and national standards for care during normal birth. These indices included 1) favorable practices at admission, 2) favorable practices during labor, birth, and immediately postpartum, 3) harmful or excessively used practices, 4) newborn practices, and 5) obstetric outcomes. We assessed each provider type's performance as high or low compared with the WHO standard and performed bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess the association between indices, patient characteristics, and provider type, adjusting for standard errors for intragroup correlation.

Results: We observed 876 independently managed vaginal births. Adjusted regression analyses compared with the general physicians standard revealed significant results for favorable care by obstetric nurses on admission (odds ratio [OR] 6.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.08‐18.84); for care by professional midwives (OR 21.08; 95% CI, 4.24‐104.94) and obstetric nurses (OR 7.88; 95% CI, 2.76‐22.52) during labor, birth, and postpartum; and for newborn practices by obstetric nurses (OR 4.14; 95% CI, 1.08‐15.90). Professional midwives were least likely to perform harmful/excessively used practices during labor, birth, and the postpartum period (OR 0.06; 95% CI, 0.00‐0.35).

Discussion: Professional midwives and obstetric nurses perform equally or better than general physicians when assessed by use or misuse of evidence‐based practices. Professional midwives are an underutilized resource in Mexico. If integrated into the mainstream Mexican health system, they may improve the quality of obstetric care.
Shoulder Dystocia and Postpartum Hemorrhage Simulations: Student Confidence in Managing These Complications
Authors: Andrighetti Tia P. , Knestrick Joyce M. , Marowitz Amy , Martin Cheryl , Engstrom Janet L.
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Simulation is an effective teaching strategy for educating health professionals. However, little is known about the effectiveness of simulations in midwifery education. The purpose of this project was to determine whether the use of high‐fidelity simulations for the obstetric emergencies of shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage increases student confidence in managing these complications.

Methods: The participants were registered nurses enrolled in a graduate midwifery education program in the Southeastern United States. Student confidence in learning to manage shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage was studied in 2 groups of students. The control group (n = 10) received standard teaching methods consisting of discussion, watching a video, and low‐fidelity teaching methods. The intervention group (n = 18) received a high‐fidelity simulation learning experience. Student confidence was measured before and after each learning experience using a validated, 8‐item, Likert‐type scale.

Results: In the control group, student confidence did not significantly increase after a classroom discussion or low‐fidelity simulation experience. Student confidence increased significantly (P < .01) after the high‐fidelity simulation learning experiences. When the differences between the pretest and posttest scores were compared for the control and intervention groups, there was a moderate effect size (0.54) for the intervention group for the shoulder dystocia simulations and a large effect size (1.68) for the postpartum hemorrhage simulations.

Conclusion: High‐fidelity simulations for shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage significantly increased student confidence in managing these complications.
Abandoning Fish: The Vulnerability of Salmon as a Cultural Resource in a Post‐Soviet Commons
Authors: Gerkey Drew
Published: November 2011

Following the dramatic transformations of Soviet collectivization and the ongoing transition to post‐Soviet markets, institutions, and regulatory regimes, salmon fisheries of the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East have become a vulnerable natural and economic resource. Although government authorities and environmentalists working in Kamchatka recognize salmon as an important part of local indigenous people's lives and cultural identities, the formal system for managing salmon fisheries does not directly address the vulnerability of cultural resources tied to salmon. In the mixed economy of rural villages, salmon fishing not only produces food that meets economic needs, it also generates cultural value. I examine how cultural resources are created as people harvest salmon, circulate it within their communities, and construct common identities from this work. Focusing on the obshchina, an institution that has emerged in the post‐Soviet era to coordinate salmon fishing and other traditional economic activities, I explore dilemmas that arise as people strive to preserve the economic and cultural value of salmon while ensuring that their ways of life develop and remain viable in changing and challenging environments.
Clinical efficacy of a xenogeneic collagen matrix in augmenting keratinized mucosa around implants: a randomized controlled prospective clinical trial
Authors: Lorenzo Ramón , García Virginia , Orsini Marco , Martin Conchita , Sanz Mariano
Published: November 2011

Aim

The aim of this controlled randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a xenogeneic collagen matrix (CM) to augment the keratinized tissue around implants supporting prosthetic restorations at 6 months when compared with the standard treatment, the connective tissue autograft, CTG).

Materials and methods

This randomized longitudinal parallel controlled clinical trial studied 24 patients with at least one location with minimal keratinized tissue (≤1 mm).

Main outcome measure

The 6‐month width of keratinized tissue. As secondary outcomes the esthetic outlook, the maintenance of peri‐implant mucosal health and the patient morbidity were assessed pre‐operatively and 1, 3, and 6 months post‐operatively.

Results

At 6 months, Group CTG attained a mean width of keratinized tissue of 2.75 (1.5) mm, while the corresponding figure in Group CM was 2.8 (0.4) mm, the inter‐group differences not being statistically significant. The surgical procedure in both groups did not alter significantly the mucosal health in the affected abutments. There was a similar esthetic result and significant increase in the vestibular depth in both groups as a result of the surgery. In the CM group it changed from 2.2 (3.3) to 5.1 (2.5) mm at 6 months. The patients treated with the CM referred less pain, needed less pain medication, and the surgical time was shorter, although these differences were not statistically significant when compared with the CTG group.

Conclusions

These results prove that this new CM was as effective and predictable as the CTG for attaining a band of keratinized tissue.
Relaxant effect of a novel calcium‐activated potassium channel modulator on human myometrial spontaneous contractility in vitro
Authors: Rosenbaum S. T. , Larsen T. , Joergensen J. C. , Bouchelouche P. N.
Published: November 2011

Aim:  To investigate the effect of 4,5‐dichloro‐1,3‐diethyl‐1,3‐dihydro‐benzoimidazol‐2‐one (NS4591), a novel SK/IK channels positive modulator, on human myometrial activity.

Methods:  Organ bath studies were performed on myometrial preparations obtained from women undergoing elective caesarean section at term (N = 11) or hysterectomy (N = 11). NS4591 was added cumulatively in the concentration range of 0.3–30 μm. In separate experiments, the effects of pre‐incubation of muscle preparation with the SK or IK channel blockers apamin (1 μm) and TRAM34 (10 μm) on the outcomes of NS4591 were evaluated. Simultaneous vehicle controls were performed for all experiments. The effects of drugs were studied on spontaneous contractions.

Results:  NS4591 exerted an inhibitory effect on myometrial contractions in muscle strips from non‐pregnant and pregnant women. The contractility in non‐pregnant and pregnant myometrium was reduced to the following values respectively: amplitude 20.65 ± 7.38% (P < 0.001) and 42.85 ± 11.04% (P < 0.05) and area under the curve 11.72 ± 7.39% (P < 0.001) and 34.84 ± 10.50% (P < 0.001) and are reflective of 30 μm NS4591 compared to vehicle control. In non‐pregnant tissue, apamin partially reduced the inhibitory effects of NS4591, but we observed relaxation mediated by NS4591 despite pre‐incubation with TRAM34. In contrast, in pregnant tissue, neither apamin nor TRAM34 could reverse the relaxatory effects of NS4591.

Conclusion:  Our findings imply that SK/IK channels are present and functional in myometrium from pregnant and non‐pregnant women. The SK/IK channel‐positive modulator NS4591 exerts relaxation of human myometrium in vitro, and this may have implications for the clinical management of preterm labour.
German Grammar in the Students' Words: The Essentialization of German Grammar by American College‐Level Learners
Authors: Chavez Monika
Published: November 2011

This study of 134 college‐level learners of German, enrolled in four years of instruction, showed them to essentialize German grammar when asked to describe it to a hypothetical friend. Kubota defined the term essentialization to capture learners' views of the target culture. Its main characteristic is the presupposition of “essential, stable, and objective traits” that distinguish one culture from the other. Indeed, analysis indicated that students construct essential differences between the grammars of German and English, thus reducing especially German to features that appear important to the learners but do not do justice to the functional realities of German as a living, organic language. Moreover, many students' descriptions of German grammar marked a strong affective response. The paper concludes with a discussion of these results in terms of (a) students' inability to perceive German as “real”; (b) students' and novice teachers' disorientation vis‐à‐vis systemic and socio‐culturally connoted views of German; (c) a call for not just curricular but also “mind” reform; (d) appropriate objectives for language learning, such as those discussed by Byrnes, Kramsch, Kramsch and Whiteside, Maxim, and Schulz; and (e) the need for graduate programs to make the most of their role as training grounds for future teachers of language and culture.
Developing Literary Reading Skills through Creative Writing in German as a Second Language
Authors: Urlaub Per
Published: November 2011

Literary reading skills in a second language (L2) are essential for student success at the advanced levels of collegiate language instruction. This article introduces an instructional approach that fosters the development of L2 literary reading skills through creative writing activities. First, the article identifies those skills that language learners need in order to become literary readers in German and argues that creative writing fosters the development of these skills. The article illustrates the potential of creative writing activities with writing samples and self‐reflective statements of three advanced language learners. The article concludes with a set of pedagogical recommendations and identifies limitations of the approach.
Something Old, Something New: Integrating Canonical Works in a German Studies Curriculum
Authors: Frackman Kyle
Published: November 2011

This essay focuses on advanced‐level German instruction and advocates an open, flexible approach to integrating the recommendations of the much‐discussed 2007 MLA report on “Foreign Languages and Higher Education.” Specifically, language, literature, film, and cultural studies are combined to allow for the development of transcultural competence at the advanced level, while also fostering advanced capacities in German. Informing the discussion is an examination of changing demands on German Studies curricula and their inclusion or exclusion of canonical material. Bringing together a wide range of cultural products facilitates students' consideration of cultural/historical contexts, relationships and similarities and differences among characters, and connections to the students' own experiences. Student goal‐setting, assessment, and evaluation help to direct the trajectory of the advanced course, avoiding the common problem of underdefined or undertheorized pedagogies past the intermediate level.
Vitis vinifera L. grape skin extract activates the insulin-signalling cascade and reduces hyperglycaemia in alloxan-induced diabetic mice
Authors: Soares de Moura Roberto , da Costa Giselle França , Moreira Annie Seixas Bello , Queiroz Emerson Ferreira , Moreira Daniele Dal Col , Garcia-Souza Erica Patrícia , Resende Ângela Castro , Moura Aníbal Sanchez , Teixeira Michelle Teixeira
Published: November 2011

Objectives

This study examined the effect of Vitis vinifera grape skin extract (ACH09) on hyperglycaemia and the insulin-signalling cascade in alloxan-treated mice.

Methods

Glycaemia, serum insulin and Western blot analysis of insulin cascade proteins were evaluated in the gastrocnemius muscles of four groups of adult mice: control, ACH09 (200 mg/kg per day, p.o.), alloxan (300 mg/kg, i.p.) and alloxan + ACH09. Insulin secretion in isolated pancreatic islets was also studied.

Key findings

Glycaemia values in the alloxan + ACH09 and ACH09 groups were significantly lower than in the alloxan-treated and control groups, respectively. Increased insulin resistance (HOMA index) was observed in the alloxan-treated group but not in the alloxan + ACH09 group. Insulin receptor content and Akt phosphorylation were significantly greater in the alloxan + ACH09 group compared with the alloxan-treated group. The glucose transporter (GLUT-4) content was reduced in alloxan-treated mice compared with the control group, while alloxan + ACH09 and ACH09-treated mice showed a significant increase in GLUT-4 content. ACH09 treatment did not change glucose-induced insulin secretion in isolated pancreatic islets.

Conclusions

The results suggest that ACH09 has hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycaemic effects that are independent of an increase in insulin release but are probably dependent on an increase in insulin sensitivity resulting from an activation of the insulin-signalling cascade in skeletal muscle.
Effects of isoflurane on learning and memory functions of wild-type and glutamate transporter type 3 knockout mice
Authors: Lee Sunam , Park Sang-Hon , Zuo Zhiyi
Published: November 2011

Objectives

General anesthetics may contribute to the post-operative cognitive dysfunction. This study was designed to determine the effects of isoflurane on the learning and memory of healthy animals or animals with a decreased brain antioxidative capacity.

Methods

Seven- to nine-week-old female CD-1 wild-type mice or glutamate transporter type 3 (EAAT3) knockout mice whose brains have a decreased glutathione level were exposed to or were not exposed to 1.3% isoflurane for 2 h. They were subjected to fear conditioning or Barnes maze tests 1 week later.

Key findings

The EAAT3 knockout mice had less freezing behaviour than the wild-type mice in tone-related fear. Isoflurane did not affect the freezing behaviour of the wild-type and EAAT3 knockout mice. The time for the wild-type and EAAT3 knockout mice to identify the target hole in the training sessions and memory test with the Barnes maze was not affected by isoflurane. However, the EAAT3 knockout mice took longer to identify the target hole than the wild-type mice in these tests.

Conclusions

These results suggest that EAAT3 knockout mice have significant cognitive impairment. Isoflurane may not significantly affect the cognition of wild-type and EAAT3 knockout mice in a delayed phase after isoflurane exposure.
A Study of Critical Heat Flux During Flow Boiling in Microchannel Heat Sinks
Authors: Chen Tailian , Garimella Suresh V.
Published: November 2011

The cooling capacity of two-phase transport in microchannels is limited by the occurrence of critical heat flux (CHF). Due to the nature of the phenomenon, it is challenging to obtain reliable CHF data without causing damage to the device under test. In this work, the critical heat fluxes for flow boiling of FC-77 in a silicon thermal test die containing 60 parallel microchannels were measured at five total flow rates through the microchannels in the range of 20–80 ml/min. CHF is caused by dryout at the wall near the exit of the microchannels, which in turn is attributed to the flow reversal upstream of the microchannels. The bubbles pushed back into the inlet plenum agglomerate; the resulting flow blockage is a likely cause for the occurrence of CHF which is marked by an abrupt increase in wall temperature near the exit and an abrupt decrease in pressure drop across the microchannels. A database of 49 data points obtained from five experiments in four independent studies with water, R-113, and FC-77 as coolants was compiled and analyzed. It is found that the CHF has a strong dependence on the coolant, the flow rate, and the area upon which the heat flux definition is based. However, at a given flow rate, the critical heat input (total heat transfer rate to the coolant when CHF occurs) depends only on the coolant and has minimal dependence on the details of the microchannel heat sink (channel size, number of channels, substrate material, and base area). The critical heat input for flow boiling in multiple parallel microchannels follows a well-defined trend with the product of mass flow rate and latent heat of vaporization. A power-law correlation is proposed which offers a simple, yet accurate method for predicting the CHF. The thermodynamic exit quality at CHF is also analyzed and discussed to provide insights into the CHF phenomenon in a heat sink containing multiple parallel microchannels.
Determination of the Loads Applied on the Anatomy and Orthosis During Ambulation With a New Reciprocal Gait Orthosis
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Taghi
Published: November 2011

Various types of orthoses have been designed to enable individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) to stand and walk; however, all of these orthoses have certain problems. A new type of lower limb orthosis was designed and evaluated while five normal subjects walked. Appropriate types of strain gauges were attached on the lateral bar of the orthosis, near the hip joint, in order to measure the loads transmitted through the orthosis. The force applied on the foot, orthosis, and crutch, and the moment applied on the hip joint complex and orthosis were measured during walking with the orthosis. This study showed that the loads applied on the orthosis differed from that reported in the literature and the pattern of the moment and force transmitted through the orthosis was different from those applied on the anatomical structures. The results of this research can be used to enhance lower limb orthotic design for individuals with SCI.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Liposomal Amphotericin B and Caspofungin in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Recipients
Authors: Würthwein Gudrun , Young Charlotte , Lanvers-Kaminsky Claudia , Hempel Georg , Trame Mirjam N. , Schwerdtfeger Rainer , Ostermann Helmut , Heinz Werner J. , Cornely Oliver A. , Kolve Hedwig , Boos Joachim , Silling Gerda , Groll Andreas H.
Published: November 2011

Liposomal amphotericin B (LAMB) and caspofungin (CAS) are important antifungal agents in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT) recipients. Little is known, however, about the pharmacokinetics (PK) of both agents and their combination in this population. The PK of LAMB and CAS and the potential for PK interactions between both agents were investigated within a risk-stratified, randomized phase II clinical trial in 53 adult aHSCT recipients with granulocytopenia and refractory fever. Patients received either LAMB (
n
= 17; 3 mg/kg once a day [QD]), CAS (
n
= 19; 50 mg QD; day 1, 70 mg), or the combination of both (CAS-LAMB;
n
= 17) for a median duration of 10 to 13 days (range, 4 to 28 days) until defervescence and granulocyte recovery. PK sampling was performed on days 1 and 4. Drug concentrations in plasma (LAMB, 405 samples; CAS, 458 samples) were quantified by high-pressure liquid chromatography and were analyzed using population pharmacokinetic modeling. CAS concentration data best fitted a two-compartment model with a proportional error model and interindividual variability (IIV) for clearance (CL) and central volume of distribution (
V
1
) (CL, 0.462 liter/h ± 25%;
V
1
, 8.33 liters ± 29%; intercompartmental clearance [
Q
], 1.25 liters/h; peripheral volume of distribution [
V
2
], 3.59 liters). Concentration data for LAMB best fitted a two-compartment model with a proportional error model and IIV for all parameters (CL, 1.22 liters/h ± 64%;
V
1
, 19.2 liters ± 38%;
Q
, 2.18 liters/h ± 47%;
V
2
, 52.8 liters ± 84%). Internal model validation showed predictability and robustness of both models. None of the covariates tested (LAMB or CAS comedication, gender, body weight, age, body surface area, serum bilirubin, and creatinine clearance) further improved the models. In summary, the disposition of LAMB and CAS was best described by two-compartment models. Drug exposures in aHSCT patients were comparable to those in other populations, and no PK interactions were observed between the two compounds.
Characterization of the Inhibitor-Resistant SHV β-Lactamase SHV-107 in a Clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain Coproducing GES-7 Enzyme
Authors: Manageiro Vera , Ferreira Eugénia , Cougnoux Antony , Albuquerque Luís , Caniça Manuela , Bonnet Richard
Published: November 2011

The clinical
Klebsiella pneumoniae
INSRA6884 strain exhibited nonsusceptibility to all penicillins tested (MICs of 64 to >2,048 μg/ml). The MICs of penicillins were weakly reduced by clavulanate (from 2,048 to 512 μg/ml), and tazobactam restored piperacillin susceptibility. Molecular characterization identified the genes
bla
GES-7
and a new β-lactamase gene,
bla
SHV-107
, which encoded an enzyme that differed from SHV-1 by the amino acid substitutions Leu35Gln and Thr235Ala. The SHV-107-producing
Escherichia coli
strain exhibited only a β-lactam resistance phenotype with respect to amoxicillin, ticarcillin, and amoxicillin-clavulanate combination. The kinetic parameters of the purified SHV-107 enzyme revealed a high affinity for penicillins. However, catalytic efficiency for these antibiotics was lower for SHV-107 than for SHV-1. No hydrolysis was detected against oxyimino-β-lactams. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) for clavulanic acid was 9-fold higher for SHV-107 than for SHV-1, but the inhibitory effects of tazobactam were unchanged. Molecular dynamics simulation suggested that the Thr235Ala substitution affects the accommodation of clavulanate in the binding site and therefore its inhibitory activity.
The Class A β-Lactamase FTU-1 Is Native to Francisella tularensis
Authors: Antunes Nuno T. , Frase Hilary , Toth Marta , Vakulenko Sergei B.
Published: November 2011

The class A β-lactamase FTU-1 produces resistance to penicillins and ceftazidime but not to any other β-lactam antibiotics tested. FTU-1 hydrolyzes penicillin antibiotics with catalytic efficiencies of 105to 106M−1s−1and cephalosporins and carbapenems with catalytic efficiencies of 102to 103M−1s−1, but the monobactam aztreonam and the cephamycin cefoxitin are not substrates for the enzyme. FTU-1 shares 21 to 34% amino acid sequence identity with other class A β-lactamases and harbors two cysteine residues conserved in all class A carbapenemases. FTU-1 is the first weak class A carbapenemase that is native toFrancisella tularensis.
Yersinia pestisacrAB-tolCin Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence
Authors: Lister Ida M. , Raftery Connor , Mecsas Joan , Levy Stuart B.
Published: November 2011

The efflux pump AcrAB is important in the antibiotic resistance and virulence of several pathogenic bacteria. We report that deletion of theYersinia pestisAcrAB-TolC homolog leads to increased susceptibility to diverse substrates, including, though unlike inEscherichia coli, the aminoglycosides. Neither is theY. pestispump affected by the efflux pump inhibitor phenylalanine-arginine beta-naphthylamide. In mouse plague models, pump deletion does not have a significant effect on tissue colonization.
Micafungin Concentrations in the Plasma and Burn Eschar of Severely Burned Patients
Authors: Sasaki Junichi , Yamanouchi Satoshi , Kudo Daisuke , Endo Tomoyuki , Nomura Ryosuke , Takuma Kiyotsugu , Kushimoto Shigeki , Shinozawa Yotaro , Kishino Satoshi , Hori Shingo , Aikawa Naoki
Published: November 2011

Micafungin concentrations in plasma and burn eschar after daily intravenous infusion (1 h) of micafungin (200 to 300 mg) were investigated for six patients with severe burns. Micafungin treatment was initiated more than 72 h after the burn injuries. The peak and trough levels in the plasma after the initial administration and repeated administrations for more than 4 days were comparable with or slightly lower than the reported values for healthy volunteers. Micafungin concentrations in the plasma and burn eschar were between 3.6 and >1,000 times higher than the reported MIC
90
s of micafungin against clinically important
Candida
and
Aspergillus
species.
Ertapenem Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics during Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Cardone Katie E. , Grabe Darren W. , Kulawy Robert W. , Daoui Rachid , Roglieri Joseph , Meola Shari , Drusano George L. , Lodise Thomas P.
Published: November 2011

Scant data exist for the pharmacokinetics (PK) of ertapenem in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The goals of this study were to characterize the PK profile of ertapenem during CAPD, determine the extent of ertapenem penetration into the peritoneal cavity, and quantify the probability of the target attainment (PTA) profile in the serum and peritoneal cavity. A single-dose PK study was conducted in seven patients on CAPD. Population PK modeling and Monte Carlo simulation determined the probability that ertapenem at 500 mg intravenously (i.v.) every 24 h (q24h) would achieve concentrations in excess of the MIC for 40% of the dosing interval (40%
T
>MIC, where
T
is time) in the serum and peritoneal cavity. Monte Carlo simulation was also used to calculate the peritoneal cavity/serum mean and median penetration ratios by estimating the area under the concentration-time curve in the peritoneal cavity and serum (AUC
Peritoneal
and AUC
Serum
, respectively) from zero to infinity after a single simulated dose. The population mean (± standard deviation [SD]) values for the apparent volume in the central compartment, clearance, and apparent volume in the peritoneal cavity were 2.78 (0.62) liters, 0.24 (0.07) liters/hr, and 5.81 (2.05) liters, respectively. The mean (SD) AUC
Peritoneal
/AUC
Serum
ratio was 1.039 (0.861), and the median penetration ratio was 0.801 (interquartile range, 0.486 to 1.317). In both the serum and peritoneal cavity, ertapenem at 500 mg i.v. q24h was very likely (>90%) to achieve the pharmacodynamic target for MICs of ≤2 mg/liter. The simulations suggest that 500 mg of ertapenem i.v. q24h is very likely to achieve the exposure target associated with clinical efficacy in both the serum and peritoneal cavity against the range of MIC values deemed susceptible by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.
Characterization of the Inhibition Mechanism of HIV-1 Nucleocapsid Protein Chaperone Activities by Methylated Oligoribonucleotides
Authors: Avilov Sergiy V. , Boudier Christian , Gottikh Marina , Darlix Jean-Luc , Mély Yves
Published: November 2011

Since currently available therapies against HIV/AIDS still show important drawbacks, the development of novel anti-HIV treatments is a key issue. We recently characterized methylated oligoribonucleotides (mONs) that extensively inhibit HIV-1 replication in primary T cells at nanomolar concentrations. The mONs were shown to target both HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and the nucleocapsid protein (NC), which is an essential partner of RT during viral DNA synthesis. To further understand the mechanism of such mONs, we studied by isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence-based techniques their NC binding properties and ability to inhibit the nucleic acid chaperone properties of NC. Notably, we investigated the ability of mONs to inhibit the NC-induced destabilization of the HIV-1 cTAR (complementary DNA sequence to TAR [transactivation response element]) stem-loop and the NC-promoted cTAR annealing to its complementary sequence, required at the early stage of HIV-1 viral DNA synthesis. Moreover, we compared the activity of the mONs to that of a number of modified and nonmodified oligonucleotides. Results show that the mONs inhibit NC by a competitive mechanism whereby the mONs tightly bind the NC peptide, mainly through nonelectrostatic interactions with the hydrophobic platform at the top of the NC zinc fingers. Taken together, these results favor the notion that the mONs impair the process of the RT-directed viral DNA synthesis by sequestering NC molecules, thus preventing the chaperoning of viral DNA synthesis by NC. These findings contribute to the understanding of the molecular basis for NC inhibition by mONs, which could be used for the rational design of antiretroviral compounds targeting HIV-1 NC protein.