bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathophysiological Classification of Functional Dyspepsia Using a Novel Drinking-Ultrasonography Test
Authors: Kato Mototsugu , Nishida Urara , Nishida Mutsumi , Hata Tamotsu , Asaka Rumiko , Haneda Masahira , Yamamoto Keiko , Imai Aki , Yoshida Takeshi , Ono Shouko , Shimizu Yuichi , Asaka Masahiro
Published: June 2010

Background: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by various upper abdominal symptoms. The major mechanism of FD symptoms includes impaired fundic accommodation, delayed gastric emptying, and visceral hypersensitivity. We developed a novel drinking-ultrasonography test to combine a drink test with ultrasonography to assess gastric motility and sensory function of FD patients. Method: Subjects were 60 successive FD patients according to the Rome III criteria. A drinking-ultrasonography test was performed after subjects had fasted. The subjects ingested 200 ml of water at 2-min intervals 4 times (total 800 ml) through a straw. The maximum cross section of the proximal stomach was visualized before water intake, after each water intake, and 5 and 10 min after the completion of drinking using extracorporeal ultrasonography. Abdominal symptoms were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) a total of 5 times. The normal range of cross-sectional area and VAS were set using average ± standard deviations of 33 healthy volunteers. Cases outside the normal range were diagnosed with a motor or sensory disorder. Results: The drinking-ultrasonography test classified FD patients into four groups without adverse effect or trouble. The distribution of each group was 27% in the normal group, 15% in the impaired relaxation group, 10% in the delayed emptying group, and 48% in the visceral hypersensitivity group. There was no significant correlation between the pathophysiological classification and subtypes of FD defined by the Rome III criteria. Conclusion: We developed a novel drinking-ultrasonography test that was effective in classifying FD patients according to pathophysiological features.
Characteristics of Symptomatic Reflux Episodes in Patients with Non-Erosive Reflux Disease Who Have a Positive Symptom Index on Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Iwakiri Katsuhiko , Sano Hirohito , Tanaka Yuriko , Kawami Noriyuki , Umezawa Mariko , Futagami Seiji , Hoshihara Yoshio , Nomura Tsutomu , Miyashita Masao , Sakamoto Choitsu
Published: June 2010

Background and Aim: The reason that some reflux episodes evoke symptoms is poorly understood, therefore the aim of this study is to assess the determinants of reflux perception in patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Methods: Ten NERD patients with persistent symptoms, despite double-dose PPI therapy, were included in this study. All patients had a positive symptom index (SI), which was determined by ambulatory 24-hour combined impedance-pH monitoring. Reflux episodes were identified and classified as acid, weakly acidic or weakly alkaline reflux and were considered symptomatic if patients recorded a symptom within 5 min after a reflux episode. Results: A total of 954 liquid reflux episodes were detected, including 135 (14.2%) acid, 782 (82.0%) weakly acidic, and 37 (3.9%) weakly alkaline. Overall, 59 (6.2%) reflux episodes were symptomatic and the majority (88.1%) of symptomatic reflux episodes were weakly acidic reflux. When reflux episodes were confined to the distal esophagus, there were very few reflux symptoms. Proximal reflux is significantly more likely to be associated with reflux symptoms, irrespective of the acidity of the refluxate or the duration of proximal reflux episodes. Conclusions: In NERD patients who have a positive SI on double-dose PPI therapy, the high proximal extent of refluxate is a major factor associated with reflux perception.
G Protein-Coupled Receptor-Associated Sorting Protein 1 Regulates the Postendocytic Sorting of Seven-Transmembrane-Spanning G Protein-Coupled Receptors
Authors: Moser Elisabeth , Kargl Julia , Whistler Jennifer L. , Waldhoer Maria , Tschische Pia
Published: June 2010

The largest superfamily of membrane proteins that translate extracellular signals into intracellular messages are the 7-transmembrane-spanning (7TM) G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). One of the ways in which their activity is controlled is by the process of desensitization and endocytosis, whereby agonist-activated receptors are rapidly and often reversibly silenced through removal from the cell surface. Indeed, following endocytosis, individual receptors can be sorted differentially between recycling endosomes and lysosomes, which controls the reversibility of the silencing. Thus, endocytosis can either serve as a mechanism for receptor resensitization by delivering receptors back to the plasma membrane or facilitate receptor downregulation by serving as the first step towards targeting the receptors to lysosomes for degradation. The sorting of receptors to the lysosomal pathway can be facilitated by interaction with an array of accessory proteins. One of these proteins is the GPCR-associated sorting protein 1 (GASP-1), which specifically targets several 7TM-GPCR to the lysosomal pathway after endocytosis. Furthermore, GASP-1 was recently found to directly affect the signaling capacity of a 7TM-GPCR. Importantly, the in vivo relevance of GASP-1-dependent receptor sorting has also begun to be verified in animal models. Here, we summarize the recent advances in elucidating GASP-1-dependent receptor sorting functions and their potential implications in vivo.
Level of Kidney Function Correlates with Cognitive Decline
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhang LuXia , Liu LiSheng , Wang HaiYan
Published: June 2010

Background: Early stage chronic kidney disease has been related to cognitive decline recently, while the association between them has never been explored in a Chinese population. Methods: This prospective study included a 1,351 community-based Chinese population >40 years and with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >30 ml/min/ 1.73 m2. Kidney function was assessed by eGFR at baseline; cognitive function was evaluated by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) both at baseline and 4 years later, and MMSE score decreased ≤2 was defined as cognitive decline using analysis of Reliable Change Indices. There were 1,243 participants (92.0%) with valid data of MMSE at the second visit. Results: Altogether there were 66 (5.3%) incident cognitive decline cases during 4 years of follow-up. After adjusting for potential confounders including urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, the odds ratio of developing cognitive decline was 1.35 (95% CI 0.69–2.65) among participants with eGFR 60–89 ml/min/1.73 m2 and was 2.73 (95% CI 1.00–7.56) among participants with eGFR 30–59 ml/min/1.73 m2, compared to those with eGFR ≧90 ml/min/1.73 m2. Conclusion: Our prospective study suggests that kidney function is associated with a cognitive decline in a Chinese population and the relation is independent of urinary albumin excretion.
Effects of Direct Hemoperfusion Using a Cytokine-Adsorbing Column on Endotoxin-Induced Experimental Acute Lung Injury in Rats
Authors: Taniguchi Takumi , Kurita Akihide , Yamamoto Ken
Published: June 2010

Background: Effects of direct hemoperfusion with a cytokine-adsorbing column, CTR, on endotoxin-induced experimental acute lung injury in rats were evaluated. Methods: 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were ventilated mechanically and allocated to one of the following three groups (n = 12 per group): saline control, saline instilled into trachea; endotoxin control, endotoxin (40 mg/kg) instilled into trachea, and treatment group, CTR treated for 90 min after endotoxin (40 mg/kg) instillation. Blood gases, cytokine concentrations and lung histopathology were evaluated. Results: The decreased PaO2 in the treatment group had recovered at 120 min after instillation and was significantly higher than that in the endotoxin control. The increased PaCO2 in the endotoxin control was significantly higher than that in the treatment group. The elevated cytokine concentrations and the neutrophil infiltration into the lungs were less in the treatment group than in the endotoxin control. Conclusion: The present study showed that CTR treatment inhibited hypoxia, hypercapnia, and inflammatory responses in an acute lung injury model.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Peripheral Artery Disease among Patients on Maintenance Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Tian Shun-Li , Murphy Martin , Han Qing-Feng , Lu Xin-Hong , Wang Tao
Published: June 2010

Background: Cardiovascular disease is common in end-stage renal disease patients and accounts for more than half of the mortalities. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is frequently found in this population and is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality. However, there have been limited studies reporting the prevalence and risk factors for PAD among patients on maintenance continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) therapy. Methods: 343 CAPD patients from our clinic were recruited, and PAD was diagnosed using a value of ankle-brachial index <0.9. Both traditional and dialysis-related factors were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of PAD was 27.4% in all patients, which increased to 45% in patients aged >70 years. In age- and gender-adjusted logistic regression, diabetes mellitus (OR 2.354, 95% CI 1.288–4.3), diastolic blood pressure (OR 0.964, 95% CI 0.939–0.989), extracellular/intracellular water ratio (OR 2.504, 95% CI 1.067–5.804), and lnCRP (OR 1.251, 95% CI 1.031–1.518) were independently associated with PAD. Conclusion: Our study suggested that PAD is a common problem in patients on maintenance peritoneal dialysis, especially in elderly dialysis subjects. Diabetes mellitus, elevated hsCRP level, and extracellular/intracellular water ratio are all independent risk factors for PAD. It also suggested that aggressive risk factor management for PAD should be undertaken in CAPD patients.
Influence of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Geometry on Diagnostic Accuracy of Wall Motion and Perfusion Magnetic Resonance During Dobutamine Stress
Authors: Gebker Rolf , Mirelis Jesus G. , Jahnke Cosima , Hucko Thomas , Manka Robert , Hamdan Ashraf , Schnackenburg Bernhard , Fleck Eckart , Paetsch Ingo
Published: June 2010

Background—

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and geometry on the diagnostic accuracy of wall motion and additional perfusion imaging during high-dose dobutamine/atropine stress magnetic resonance for the detection of coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results—

Combined dobutamine stress magnetic resonance (DSMR)-wall motion and DSMR-perfusion imaging was performed in a single session in 187 patients scheduled for invasive coronary angiography. Patients were classified into 4 categories on the basis of LV mass (normal, ≤81 g/m
2
in men and ≤62 g/m
2
in women) and relative wall thickness (RWT) (normal, <0.45) as follows: normal geometry (normal mass, normal RWT), concentric remodeling (normal mass, increased RWT), concentric hypertrophy (increased mass, increased RWT), and eccentric hypertrophy (increased mass, normal RWT). Wall motion and perfusion images were interpreted sequentially, with observers blinded to other data. Significant coronary artery disease was defined as ≥70% stenosis. In patients with increased LV concentricity (defined by an RWT ≥0.45), sensitivity and accuracy of DSMR-wall motion were significantly reduced (63% and 73%, respectively;
P
<0.05) compared with patients without increased LV concentricity (90% and 88%, respectively;
P
<0.05). Although accuracy of DSMR-perfusion was higher than that of DSMR-wall motion in patients with concentric hypertrophy (82% versus 71%;
P
<0.05), accuracy of DSMR-wall motion was superior to DSMR-perfusion (90% versus 85%;
P
<0.05) in patients with eccentric hypertrophy.

Conclusions—

The accuracy of DSMR-wall motion is influenced by LV geometry. In patients with concentric remodeling and concentric hypertrophy, additional first-pass perfusion imaging during high-dose dobutamine stress improves the diagnostic accuracy for the detection of coronary artery disease.
Inhibition of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins Protects Against Atherosclerosis and Vascular Calcification
Authors: Yao Yucheng , Bennett Brian J. , Wang Xuping , Rosenfeld Michael E. , Giachelli Cecilia , Lusis Aldons J. , Boström Kristina I.
Published: June 2010

Rationale:

The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), a family of morphogens, have been implicated as mediators of calcification and inflammation in the vascular wall.

Objective:

To investigate the effect of altered expression of matrix Gla protein (MGP), an inhibitor of BMP, on vascular disease.

Methods and Results:

We used MGP transgenic or MGP-deficient mice bred to apolipoprotein E mice, a model of atherosclerosis. MGP overexpression reduced vascular BMP activity, atherosclerotic lesion size, intimal and medial calcification, and inflammation. It also reduced expression of the activin-like kinase receptor 1 and the vascular endothelial growth factor, part of a BMP-activated pathway that regulates angiogenesis and may enhance lesion formation and calcification. Conversely, MGP deficiency increased BMP activity, which may explain the diffuse calcification of vascular medial cells in MGP deficient aortas and the increase in expression of activin-like kinase receptor 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Unexpectedly, atherosclerotic lesion formation was decreased in MGP-deficient mice, which may be explained by a dramatic reduction in expression of endothelial adhesion molecules limiting monocyte infiltration of the artery wall.

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that BMP signaling is a key regulator of vascular disease, requiring careful control to maintain normal vascular homeostasis.
Elastin Haploinsufficiency Results in Progressive Aortic Valve Malformation and Latent Valve Disease in a Mouse Model
Authors: Hinton Robert B. , Adelman-Brown Jennifer , Witt Sandra , Krishnamurthy Varun K. , Osinska Hanna , Sakthivel Bhuvaneswari , James Jeanne F. , Li Dean Y. , Narmoneva Daria A. , Mecham Robert P. , Benson D. Woodrow
Published: June 2010

Rationale:

Elastin is a ubiquitous extracellular matrix protein that is highly organized in heart valves and arteries. Because elastic fiber abnormalities are a central feature of degenerative valve disease, we hypothesized that elastin-insufficient mice would manifest viable heart valve disease.

Objective:

To analyze valve structure and function in elastin-insufficient mice (
Eln
+/−
) at neonatal, juvenile, adult, and aged adult stages.

Methods and Results:

At birth, histochemical analysis demonstrated normal extracellular matrix organization in contrast to the aorta. However, at juvenile and adult stages, thin elongated valves with extracellular matrix disorganization, including elastin fragment infiltration of the annulus, were observed. The valve phenotype worsened by the aged adult stage with overgrowth and proteoglycan replacement of the valve annulus. The progressive nature of elastin insufficiency was also shown by aortic mechanical testing that demonstrated incrementally abnormal tensile stiffness from juvenile to adult stages.
Eln
+/−
mice demonstrated increased valve interstitial cell proliferation at the neonatal stage and varied valve interstitial cell activation at early and late stages. Gene expression profile analysis identified decreased transforming growth factor-β–mediated fibrogenesis signaling in
Eln
+/−
valve tissue. Juvenile
Eln
+/−
mice demonstrated normal valve function, but progressive valve disease (predominantly aortic regurgitation) was identified in 17% of adult and 70% of aged adult
Eln
+/−
mice by echocardiography.

Conclusions:

These results identify the
Eln
+/−
mouse as a model of latent aortic valve disease and establish a role for elastin dysregulation in valve pathogenesis.
Stem Cell–Derived Neurons Grafted in the Striatum Are Expelled Out of the Brain After Chronic Cortical Stroke
Authors: Dubois-Dauphin Michel , Julien Stéphanie
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—

In humans and rodents, cortical stroke can lead to cortex atrophy in long-term survivors. In the rodent, fetal brain neural precursors or stem cell–derived neurons grafted in the stroke-lesioned brain integrate successfully and reduce infarct in the short term. We have examined the fate, in the long term, of mouse embryonic stem cell–derived neural precursors grafted after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice.

Methods—

Green fluorescent protein-labeled neural precursors were grafted in the striatum of control and lesioned mice and their fate examined 9 months later.

Results—

In control mice, the neuronal progeny of mouse embryonic stem cells innervated distant brain structures, in a way remarkably similar between animals, displayed a laterality preference and remained polysialated neural cell adhesion molecule-immunoreactive. In lesioned mice, grafted cells were expelled out of the brain.

Conclusions—

Stroke-related brain atrophy and reshaping were not prevented by cell grafting and, eventually, led to the expulsion of the graft.
Impaired Cerebrovascular Reactivity With Steal Phenomenon Is Associated With Increased Diffusion in White Matter of Patients With Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Conklin John , Fierstra Jorn , Crawley Adrian P. , Han Jay S. , Poublanc Julien , Mandell Daniel M. , Silver Frank L. , Tymianski Michael , Fisher Joseph A. , Mikulis David J.
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—

Reduced cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) with steal phenomenon is an independent predictor for stroke and may indicate tissue exposed to episodic low-grade ischemia. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) calculated using diffusion-weighted MRI is effective in characterizing focal brain ischemia and subtle structural changes in normal-appearing white matter (WM). We hypothesized that regions of steal phenomenon are associated with increased ADC in normal-appearing WM of patients with Moyamoya disease.

Methods—

Twenty-two patients with unilateral CVR impairment secondary to Moyamoya disease and 12 healthy control subjects underwent diffusion-weighted MRI and functional MRI mapping of the cerebrovascular response to hypercapnia. Parametric maps of ADC and CVR were calculated, coregistered, and segmented using automated image processing methods. ADC of normal-appearing WM was compared between hemispheres, and between WM with negative CVR (ie, steal phenomenon) and WM with positive CVR.

Results—

In patients, ADC of normal-appearing WM was elevated in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the CVR impairment compared with the contralateral hemisphere (
P
<0.005) and in WM with negative CVR compared with WM with positive CVR (
P
<0.001). WM in regions of steal phenomenon within the affected hemisphere had higher ADC than homologous contralateral WM (
P
<0.005). In control subjects, negative CVR in WM was not associated with elevated ADC.

Conclusions—

Regions of steal phenomenon are spatially correlated with elevated ADC in normal-appearing WM of patients with Moyamoya disease. This structural abnormality may reflect low-grade ischemic injury after exhaustion of the cerebrovascular reserve capacity.
Minor Allele C of Chromosome 1p32 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs11206510 Confers Risk of Ischemic Stroke in the Chinese Han Population
Authors: Xu Chengqi , Wang Fan , Wang Binbin , Li Xiuchun , Li Cong , Wang Dan , Xiong Xin , Wang Pengyun , Lu Qiulun , Wang Xiaojing , Yang Qin , Yin Dan , Huang Yufeng , Ji Liying , Wang Nan , Chen Shanshan , Cheng Xiang , Liao Yuhua , Ma Xu , Su Dingfeng , Chen Guohua , Xia Hao , Shi Lisong , Tu Xin , Wang Qing K.
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—

Genome-wide association studies found that the common allele T of single nucleotide polymorphism rs11206510 on chromosome 1p32 was associated with increased low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (LDL-C) and with risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in white populations. The goals of this study are to determine whether rs11206510 is associated with LDL-C and CAD in a different ethnic population, namely a Chinese cohort, and to investigate whether rs11206510 is associated with ischemic stroke.

Methods—

The association of rs11206510 with LDL-C was analyzed in 1415 Chinese Han subjects. The CAD study utilized a GeneID cohort with 1543 CAD patients and 1240 controls. For stroke studies, 2 independent cohorts were used and included the GeneID North cohort, with 1205 cases and 1205 controls, and the GeneID Central cohort, with 692 cases and 882 controls.

Results—

Different from white populations, the minor allele C of rs11206510 was associated with increased LDL-C levels in the Chinese Han population (adjusted
P
=0.002) and conferred risk of early-onset CAD (380 cases vs 1240 controls; adjusted
P
=0.002, odds ratio, 1.89), but not with overall CAD (adjusted
P
=0.82). The allelic association with ischemic stroke was highly significant in 2 independent cohorts, with adjusted
P
=1.13×10
−5
(odds ratio,1.71) in the GeneID North cohort and adjusted
P
=9.32×10
−5
(odds ratio, 1.70) in the GeneID Central cohort. Genotypic association was also significant for both early-onset CAD and ischemic stroke.

Conclusions—

Our results indicate that single nucleotide polymorphism rs11206510 is associated with LDL-C levels and early-onset CAD in the Chinese Han population. For the first time to our knowledge, this study also demonstrates that rs11206510 confers a significant risk of ischemic stroke.
The Making of an Epic (American) Hero Fighting for Justice: Commodification, Consumption, and Intertextuality in the Floyd Landis Defense Campaign
Authors: Meân Lindsey J. , Kassing Jeffrey W. , Sanderson Jimmy
Published: June 2010

This article considers how American cyclist Floyd Landis is commodified, or produced and reproduced (hereafter “re/produced”), for consumption through the multiple texts of his mediated campaign to fight doping allegations, a campaign that emphasized digital media. Critical discourse analysis revealed several intertextually related narratives deployed for consumption by fans and supporters, narratives that commodified Landis in a variety of complex and interrelated ways. The overriding self-referential narrative across the defense campaign texts commodified Landis as the epic (American) hero fighting for justice against insurmountable odds, institutional forces, and foreign conspiracies, yet remaining grounded, accessible, and available for consumption by fans and supporters. It is suggested here that the effective consumption of Landis’s campaign is partly due to features of digital media that render it a powerful site for guiding interpretations and for performing identities in ways that directly re/ produce users and fans as part of the promotional cycle. Equally, using digital media simultaneously enacted other key discourses (such as justice and democratization) mobilized in the campaign.
Basketball’s Ghettocentric Logic
Authors: Andrews David L. , Silk Michael L.
Published: June 2010

Over the past three decades, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has been an instructive window into the practices and politics of popular racial representation. This is particularly true with regard to the framing of African Americans in general, and African American males in particular, within the commercial media. From being institutionally unsure as to how to address its perceived racial “problem,” the NBA has become a site for the creative mobilization of stereotypical understandings of Black spaces, experiences, and aesthetics as a means of stimulating the post-Fordist consumer marketplace. The emergence of this ghettocentric basketball logic provides the focus of this discussion, which seeks to critically engage the (re)invention and management of Blackness within the commercial spectacle of the NBA.
Relation of Arterial Properties to Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Hypertensive Adults: Focus on Gender-Related Differences
Authors: Cernes R. , Peer M. , Boaz M. , Harpaz D. , Matas Z. , Shargorodsky M.
Published: June 2010

Background: Although gender-related differences in ventricular remodeling and arterial stiffness have been described, the impact of gender on the association between vascular compliance and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has not been investigated. The current study was designed to determine the gender-related differences in the association between echographically determined LVH measures and arterial stiffness in hypertensive men and women. Methods: In the current study, 104 hypertensive participants (61 men and 43 women) were enrolled. Large artery elasticity index (LAEI) and small artery elasticity index (SAEI) were determined using pulse wave contour analysis (HDI CR 2000, Eagan, Minnesota). Left ventricular hypertrophy parameters including intraventricular septum thickness (IVST), posterior wall thickness (PWT), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were assessed echographically. Results: Hypertensive male versus female were similar in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, concomitant medications, and cardiovascular risk factors. Left ventricular mass index was significantly, inversely associated with IVST (r = —.32, P = .01), PWT (r = —.32, P = .01), and LVMI (r = —.28, P = .03) in men and significantly, inversely associated with IVST (r = —39, P = .01), PWT (r = —.42, P = .005), LVMI (r = —.54, P < .0001) in women. Small artery elasticity index was significantly, inversely associated with LVMI (r = —0.36, P = .02) in women only. In regression analysis, LAEI explained more variability than SAEI and was an independent predictor of LVH parameters in hypertensive men and women. Conclusions: Compliance of large arteries is potentially an independent predictor of LVH in hypertensive men and women. Therefore, arterial compliance is being considered an important tool in predicting LVH in hypertensive participants.
An Exploratory Study of the Development of Early Syllable Structure in Reading-Impaired Children
Authors: Lambrecht Smith Susan , Roberts Jenny A. , Locke John L. , Tozer Rebekah
Published: June 2010

Babbling between the ages of 8 and 19 months was examined in 19 children, 13 of whom were at high risk for reading disorder (RD) and 6 normally reading children at low familial risk for RD. Development of syllable complexity was examined at five periods across this 11-month window. Results indicated that children who later evidenced RD produced a lower proportion of canonical utterances and less complex syllable structures than children without RD. As syllable complexity is an early indicator of phonological sophistication, differences at this level may offer a window into how the phonological system of children with RD is structured. Future directions for this line of research are discussed.
Through the Eyes of Friends: An Investigation of School Context and Cross-Racial Friendships in Racially Mixed Schools
Authors: Williams Sheneka M.
Published: June 2010

Racially mixed schools are important because they affect the distribution of academic achievement, racial attitudes, subsequent social and economic outcomes of students, and patterns of residential integration. The purpose of this article is to capture and describe the role that adolescent friendships play in the educational and social experiences of students enrolled in racially mixed, or desegregated, schools. Based on qualitative analysis that includes semi-structured, in-depth interviews of female adolescents from middle school to high school, this study provides the practice- and policy-based implications of cross-racial friendships.
Habermas, Kantian pragmatism, and truth
Authors: Levine Steven
Published: June 2010

In his book Truth and Justification Habermas replaces his long-held discourse-theoretic conception of truth with what he calls a pragmatic theory of truth. Instead of taking truth to originate in the communicative interactions between subjects, this new theory ties truth to the action contexts of the lifeworld, contexts where the existence of the world is ratified in practice. This, Habermas argues, overcomes the relativism and contextualism endemic to the linguistic turn. This article has two goals: (1) to chart in detail how Habermas’ new theory of truth overcomes relativism and contextualism; and (2) to argue for the thesis that Habermas’ specific way of meeting this objective is flawed insofar as he resists relativism and contextualism by yoking truth to a concept of objectivity that is not consistent with the larger pragmatic transformation of his thought.
Persecution and social histories: Towards an Adornian critique of Levinas
Authors: Jackson Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2010

The respective philosophies of Emmanuel Levinas and Theodor Adorno share a concern with articulating a critique of Husserlian phenomenology which would do justice to the materiality of the subject. With this commonality in mind, it is argued that Levinas reifies this materiality by endowing it with a metaphysical priority expressive of ethical universality. In contrast, Adorno eschews the philosophical obsession with the assertion of metaphysical priority, insisting on the complexly historical nature of material life. In place of the Levinasian concern with the subject’s forgetting of her or his ethical responsibilities to ‘the Other’, Adorno’s notion of the primacy of the object helps to articulate the ways in which the subject is always already materially bound by singular social histories which are essentially exclusionary. Amelioration of our suffering would thus depend on a concrete break in material social life, rather than on an abstractly conceived revelation of transcendence.
Addressing sexuality and sexual orientation in supervision relationships
Authors: Beckett Clare
Published: June 2010

This article focuses on ways in which issues of sexuality and sexual orientation are negotiated within supervisory relationships. In supervision, probation officers hold organizational (or structural) power afforded by their role within the criminal justice system, and are expected to use that power to facilitate change in offenders. However, this explicit understanding of power may not reflect any of many other dynamics of power within the relationship: it is not the only understanding of power that is present in the interview. Individuals negotiate, gain and lose personal agency in many subtle ways that also reflect structural differentials like race, culture, class or ability. This paper draws on research that focused on the interplay of behaviours that creates or limits power. Specifically, the ways in which sexual orientation or gendered and sexualised behaviours change the roles of supervisor and supervisee in supervision sessions are interrogated. Supervision is used as a description of a relationship of power, applied to specified relationships between staff members as well as to supervision of offenders.
The impact of fatigue on cognitive functioning in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bol Yvonne , Duits Annelien A , Hupperts Raymond MM , Verlinden Inge , Verhey Frans RJ
Published: June 2010

Objective: To study the impact of physical and mental fatigue on cognitive complaints and cognitive performance in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: An outpatient neurology clinic.

Subjects: Eighty patients diagnosed with clinically definite multiple sclerosis.

Measures: The subscales physical and mental fatigue of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory; the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire. Cognitive performance was assessed by an extensive neuropsychological test battery, including several tasks requiring effortful information processing.

Results: Both anxiety and depression and mental fatigue significantly contributed to cognitive complaints, explaining respectively about 9% and 39% of the total variance. The contribution of physical fatigue to cognitive complaints was not significant. Both physical and mental fatigue did not significantly contribute to cognitive performance in terms of mental speed, attention, memory and executive functioning.

Conclusions: To refine interventions for those patients with cognitive complaints, we advise adding measurements of anxiety, depression and fatigue to their neuropsychological assessment. Fatigue permits extensive neuropsychological assessment, which is needed to detect cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis.
Effect of creatine supplementation as a potential adjuvant therapy to exercise training in cardiac patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cornelissen VA , Defoor JGM , Stevens A. , Schepers D. , Hespel P. , Decramer M. , Mortelmans L. , Dobbels F. , Vanhaecke J. , Fagard RH , Vanhees L.
Published: June 2010

Objective: To investigate the effect of oral creatine supplementation in conjunction with an exercise programme on physical fitness in patients with coronary artery disease or chronic heart failure.

Design: Single centre double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial.

Setting: Cardiac rehabilitation centre.

Subjects and intervention: 70 (4 women) cardiac patients (age 57.5 (8.4) years) were randomized to a placebo (n = 37) or creatine (n = 33) treatment for three months. Combined aerobic endurance and resistance training (three sessions/ week) was performed during supplementation.

Main Measures: Aerobic power was determined during graded bicycle testing, knee extensor peak isometric and isokinetic strength, endurance and recovery were assessed by an isokinetic dynamometer, and health related quality of life was evaluated with the SF-36 and MacNew Heart Disease questionnaires. In addition, blood samples were taken after an overnight fast and 24 hour urinary collection was performed.

Results: At baseline there were no significant differences between both groups. We observed main time effects for aerobic power, muscle performance, health related quality of life, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides (pre vs post; P<0.05 for all). However, changes after training were similar between placebo group and creatine group (P>0.05). Further, no detrimental effect on renal or liver function was observed nor were there any reports of side effects.

Conclusion: Oral creatine supplementation in combination with exercise training does not exert any additional effect on the improvement in physical performance, health related quality of life, lipid profile in patients with coronary artery disease or chronic heart failure than exercise training alone.
Effectiveness of motor learning coaching in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bar-Haim Simona , Harries Netta , Nammourah Ibtisam , Oraibi Saleh , Malhees Waddah , Loeppky Jack , Perkins Neil J , Belokopytov Mark , Kaplanski Jacob , Lahat Eli
Published: June 2010

Objective: To evaluate effectiveness of motor learning coaching on retention and transfer of gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy.

Design: Block randomized trial, matched for age and gross motor function.

Setting: Coordinated, multinational study (Israel, Jordan and Palestinian Authority) in schools and rehabilitation centers.

Subjects: 78 children with spastic cerebral palsy, gross motor functional levels II and III, aged 66 to 146 months.

Interventions: 1 hr/day, 3 days/week for 3 months treatment with motor learning coaching or neurodevelopmental treatment: two groups.

Main measures: Gross motor function Measure (GMFM-66), stair-climbing mechanical efficiency (ME) and parent questionnaire rating their child’s mobility. Immediate treatment effects were assessed after 3 months and retention determined from follow-up measurements 6 months after treatment.

Results: GMFM-66, ME and parent questionnaires were obtained from 65, 31 and 64 subjects, respectively. Although both groups increased GMFM-66 score over 3 months, measurements 6 months later indicated retention was significantly superior by 2.7 in the motor learning coaching children of level-II. Similar retention trend was evident for ME, increasing 6 months after motor learning coaching by 1.1% and declining 0.3% after neurodevelopmental treatment. Mobility performance in the outdoors and community environment increased 13% from 3 to 9 months after motor learning coaching and decreased 12% after neurodevelopmental treatment. Minor group differences occurred in children of level-III.

Conclusions: In higher functioning children with cerebral palsy, the motor learning coaching treatment resulted in significantly greater retention of gross motor function and transfer of mobility performance to unstructured environments than neurodevelopmental treatment.
Part 2: Home-based family caregiving at the end of life: a comprehensive review of published qualitative research (1998-2008)
Authors: Funk L , Stajduhar KI , Toye C , Aoun S , Grande GE , Todd CJ
Published: June 2010

Family caregivers are crucial for supporting home death. We reviewed published qualitative research on home-based family caregiving at end of life (1998—2008), synthesizing key findings and identifying gaps where additional research is needed. Multiple databases were searched and abstracts reviewed for a focus on family caregiving and palliative care; full articles were reviewed to extract data for this review. In total, 105 articles were included. Findings are presented in the following areas: the caregiving experience and contextual features; supporting family caregivers at end of life; caregiving roles and decision-making; and rewards, meaning and coping. We noted a lack of definitional clarity; a reliance on interview methods and descriptive, thematic analyses, and a relative lack of diversity of patient conditions. Research needs are identified in several areas, including the bereavement experience, caregiver ambivalence, access to services, caregiver meaning-making, and relational and contextual influences on family caregiving at end of life.
Experimental Study on Silicone Rubber Mold Design for Thermal Expansion RTM
Authors: Su Fang-Yu , Wu Xiao-Qing
Published: June 2010

The silicone rubber mold in thermal expansion resin transfer molding was used to generate high thermal expansion pressure on the preform, having an advantage over fabrication of complex-shaped composites. The mold thickness-fiber content equation was derived to design the mold size. It was established based on two parts in this article, the pressure and corresponding fiber content data obtained from compaction experiment and the mold thickness-pressure equation gained from the calculation theory for mold design. Considering the influence of process parameters on the mold size, the synergistic effect of temperature, mold thickness, and the fiber content has been analyzed. The results indicate that mold thickness is inversely proportional to the temperature when the desired fiber content remains constant. When the final fiber content of the part is set, every unit decrease in temperature leads to increasing amplitude of mold thickness. When the temperature variation is unchanged, with every unit increase in fiber content the amplitude of mold thickness grows larger. Moreover, according to the temperature inequality, the temperature variation should be above the critical value so as to make the mold designable.
Characterization and modeling of compression behavior of syntactic foam-filled honeycombs
Authors: Jhaver Rahul , Tippur Hareesh
Published: June 2010

Processing and compression behavior of lightweight syntactic foam-filled aluminum honeycomb composites is presented. Different foam-filled honeycomb composites are prepared by varying the volume fraction of microballoons in the syntactic epoxy foam while keeping the volume fraction of the metallic network the same. Uniaxial compression tests are then carried out on syntactic foam and foam-filled honeycomb composites. The latter shows improvement in elastic modulus and plateau stress values by 26—31% and 36—39% when compared to the syntactic foam with the same volume fraction of microballoons. The maximum increase in energy absorption for syntactic foam-filled honeycomb composite is found to be approximately 48%. The compression response and stress-strain characteristics of the foam-filled honeycombs are also examined relative to a 3D variant, namely, an interpenetrating aluminum-syntactic foam composite. Elasto-plastic finite element models are developed to simulate experiments performed on syntactic foam-filled honeycomb composite. The numerical model based on stress-strain responses of the constituents of the composite is shown to successfully capture the overall behavior.
An experimental investigation of free vibration response of curved sandwich beam with face/core debond
Authors: Baba Buket Okutan , Thoppul Srinivasa
Published: June 2010

The aim of this research was to investigate the curvature and face/core debond influence on the vibration behavior of curved composite sandwich beams made up of carbon/epoxy laminate skins over a polyurethane foam core. Flat and curved sandwich beams with debond were prepared by keeping the arc length of the sandwich beams equal to the length of the flat sandwich beams. Sandwich specimens with three different curvatures and debond between the top and bottom face/core were manufactured. Systematic vibration and static experiments were carried to determine the response and to study the effect of curvature and debond. Flexural stiffness and strength of the sandwich beams were determined by four-point bending tests. The natural frequencies and damping loss factors of the sandwich beams were determined using impulse frequency response technique under free—free boundary conditions. Four-point bending test results indicate that stiffness of the beams decrease with presence of debond. Vibration test results show that face/core debond causes reduction of the natural frequencies whereas damping loss factor values increase with presence of debond. The effects of debond and curvature on damping loss factor is higher than that on natural frequency.
Knowledge of Depression Among Korean American Older Adults
Authors: Jang Yuri , Gum Amber M. , Chiriboga David A.
Published: June 2010

The present study explored knowledge about depression and the factors that predict that knowledge in a sample of Korean American older adults ( N = 675). Compared with other published results, knowledge of depression in the present sample was generally low. The participants provided on average only 42.6% correct answers on the 12-item Depression in Late Life Quiz, and for 9 items, more than 50% of the participants provided incorrect answers. In a multivariate linear regression, acculturation (β = .12, p < .01) and depressive symptoms (β = −.09, p < .05) were significant predictors of knowledge. Individuals with lower levels of acculturation had less knowledge of depression. An interesting finding was that those with higher levels of depressive symptoms exhibited poorer knowledge of depression. The study findings emphasized the need for educational interventions to be provided in order to improve the mental health literacy of Korean American older adults.
Home Enteral Nutrition
Authors: Cawsey Sarah I. , Soo Jason , Gramlich Leah M.
Published: June 2010

Background: Home enteral nutrition (HEN) is a life‐sustaining therapy for patients who are unable to meet nutrient needs by oral intake, who have a functional gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and who are able to remain in their own home. The objective of this study was to identify whether the indication for HEN is related to reason for discharge from a HEN program. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients admitted to the multidisciplinary Northern Alberta Home Enteral Nutrition Support Program between January 1, 1999 and January 1, 2005 was performed. Detailed information on the indication for HEN, length of time on program, and reason for discharge was collected and statistically analyzed. Results: Over the 6‐year period, 727 adult patients were admitted. Major diagnostic categories for HEN were cancer, neurological disorders, and GI disorders. Median duration of HEN for cancer patients was 122 (range, 1‐1259) days, duration for neurological disorders was 187 (range, 1‐1752) days, and duration for GI disorders was 161 (range, 1‐1849) days. Death was the main reason for discharge in patients with cancer and neurological disorders. Patients with GI disorders were most likely to initiate oral intake and least likely to be discharged because of death. Conclusions: Indications for HEN are related to outcome—specifically, time to discontinuation of enteral nutrition and reason for discharge, including return to oral intake and death.
Candidemia Incidence in Recipients of Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Stratman Rachel C. , Martin Craig A. , Rapp Robert P. , Berger Rolando , Magnuson Barbara
Published: June 2010

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of candidemia in recipients of parenteral nutrition (PN) in a tertiary medical center with disease‐specific guidelines for appropriate PN use. Methods: A retrospective, medical record/database review was conducted for adult patients who received PN in a 473‐bed medical center from January 2006 to October 2008. Patients receiving PN >72 hours with no recent history of fungemia or concomitant antifungal therapy were evaluated for candidemia incidence with special interest in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Epidemiological and clinical factors promoting candidemia development, pattern of systemic antifungal therapy use, and patient outcomes were investigated. Results: Of 286 PN recipients, 14 (4.9%) patients were diagnosed with new‐onset candidemia, with an incidence rate of 1.6 episodes per 1000 hospital‐days. In the subgroup of 177 ICU patients, 11 (6.2%) patients developed candidemia, with an incidence rate of 2.4 episodes per 1000 ICU‐days. PN duration was significantly longer in the candidemia group, with a median of 17 (4‐53) days compared with 8 (4‐124) days in the noncandidemia group (P = .013). Severity of illness was defined as major to extreme in 83.5% of patients. Hospital mortality in the candidemia group was greater than in the noncandidemia group (35.7% vs 16.2%, P = .058). Conclusions: Guidelines for PN therapy appropriately limit unnecessary use of PN but also select out severely ill patients who are at high risk for the development of candidemia. This study generates questions for future studies, including the benefits of empirical antifungal therapy in high‐risk PN recipients.
Colonic Ischemia and Perforation Associated With Enteral Feeding Through an Ileal Tube
Authors: De Brabandere Kristof , De Waele Boudewijn , Delvaux Georges
Published: June 2010

Reported complications of enteral feeding through a jejunostomy include diarrhea, intraperitoneal leaks, bowel obstruction, fistula formation, wound infection, tube occlusion, and other mechanical malfunctions. However, the incidence of these complications is very low, and many physicians prefer to feed their patients by means of a jejunal tube instead of parenteral nutrition. A potentially lethal complication is ischemia of the bowel distal to the site of insertion of the feeding catheter. The described cases of bowel ischemia secondary to enteral nutrition invariably occurred at the level of the jejunum. This report describes an unusual case of perforation of the colon in a patient fed through an erroneously placed feeding catheter in the distal ileum, just proximal to the ileocecal valve. After weeks of continuous and intractable diarrhea and progressive weight loss, the patient developed diffuse colonic ischemia with subsequent free perforation of the left colon and peritonitis. Surgical treatment consisted of placement of a new feeding tube in the proximal jejunum and removal of the old one together with a short segment of small bowel, left hemicolectomy, and end colostomy. The patient tolerated the procedure well, the tube feedings were gradually restarted, and at the 6‐month postoperative visit gastrointestinal function was normal. This case illustrates possible complications of an inadvertently placed feeding tube. Not only may it cause unexplained diarrhea and undernutrition, but it may lead to more serious events like colonic ischemia and perforation.