bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Program transition challenges in International Baccalaureate schools
Authors: Hallinger Philip , Lee Moosung , Walker Allan
Published: September 2011

International Baccalaureate (IB) schools have experienced dramatic growth worldwide over the past decade in response to burgeoning demand for high-quality education with an international orientation. One increasingly common trend has found international schools adopting two or more of the three programs offered by the IB: the Diploma, Middle Years and Primary Years programs. While the IB’s three academic programs cover the full K-12 education continuum, they were developed in an evolutionary rather than a strategic fashion and operate with very different curricular assumptions. Thus schools adopting multiple IB programs have reported a variety of ‘transition problems’ as students move from one program to the next. In light of these reports, the IB undertook a global survey of IB Program Coordinators in 2008 with the goal of better understanding the extent and nature of this problem. In this study we analyze those data in an effort to understand the challenges that schools are experiencing as they seek to support students in making a successful transition from the Middle Years Program to the Diploma Program. We also highlight differences in the challenges faced by partial continuum and full continuum IB schools and offer recommendations for addressing the ‘transition problems’ identified in the study.
Developing intercultural competence in multilingual and multicultural student groups
Authors: Krajewski Sabine
Published: September 2011

Internationalization and intercultural competence are key issues in higher education institutions across the globe. In times of accelerating globalization, intercultural competence emerges as one of the most desirable graduate capabilities for those who are likely to work in international environments. This article focuses on the development of intercultural skills within mixed student groups. It offers a case study with a focus on building intercultural competence through an assignment that invites experiential, self-directed learning. Students’ previous intercultural experiences as well as their personal attitudes, it is argued, have a strong influence on what they learn during their studies. The assignment presented in the case study draws upon the expertise that individual students already have when they enter the classroom, and aims at further developing their intercultural skills. The article also includes an assessment of the assignment, based on a student survey conducted across several semesters. The results of the survey show how students rate the usefulness of this particular assignment in comparison with other, more traditional, assessed tasks such as essay writing.
When borders overlap: Composite identities in children in international schools
Authors: Pearce Richard
Published: September 2011

A growing internationally mobile community is served by international schools. Their students are seen as adjusting to moves by identity development, acquiring new values and norms through cultural influences from national, individual and perhaps global sources. This occurs by emotional attachment to significant others and subsequent adoption of values which form consonant sets. Identity structure analysis was used to investigate this in a cohort of students over the course of a year. Results demonstrated their use of national and individual value-sets, forming a mosaic of identities rather than a blend.
Finding frequency distributions of CIE Standard General Skies from sky illuminance or irradiance
Authors: Alshaibani K
Published: September 2011

The CIE Standard General Sky divides the luminance distributions of skies into 15 types, ranging from overcast sky to clear sky. Finding the type of sky from the set of CIE Standard General Skies is a difficult task. This is due to the need for accurate luminance measurements over a long period of time because such data are not available in many regions around the world and to the difficulty in obtaining accurate readings for the zenith luminance. This study presents a method whereby the ratio of the vertical sky illuminance (or irradiance) on two surfaces or the ratio of vertical sky illuminance to the horizontal sky illuminance can be used to classify a sky into one of the CIE Standard General Skies.
Flame retardant antibacterial cotton high-loft nonwoven fabrics
Authors: Uppal Rohit , Bhat Gajanan , Akato Kokouvi , Parikh Dharnid V , Nam Sunghyun , Condon Brian
Published: September 2011

Flame retardant treated gray cotton fibers were blended with antibacterial treated gray cotton fibers and polyester/polyester sheath/core bicomponent fibers to form high-loft fabrics. The high flame retardancy (FR) and antibacterial property of these high lofts were evaluated by limiting oxygen index, vertical flame testing, and antimicrobial tests against S. aureus (ATCC 6538), a Gram-positive bacterium, and K. pneumonia (ATCC 4352), a Gram-negative bacterium. The blended high-loft nonwoven fabrics, apart from the control blend number 5, had high LOI values greater than 24.7. Samples should have a higher LOI value than the threshold value of 20.95. All the blended high-loft nonwoven fabrics passed the vertical flame test and the char length increased with the decrease in the proportion of the SRRC FR cotton in the blends. The blended high-loft nonwoven fabrics were effective in reducing the bacteria by 99.9% for both types of bacteria tested. FR gray cotton fiber obtained from the treatment of SRRC 2 formulation (blend number 4) also showed good antibacterial properties.
Iliac Artery Dissection on Noncontrast CT
Authors: Lee Arvind Dhas , Mori Amelia M.
Published: September 2011

A case of acute limb ischemia secondary to iliac artery dissection is presented along with its management. Images highlighting the features of dissection on a noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan are presented and discussed.
Microbial Pathogenesis of Bacterial Biofilms
Authors: Frei Elisabeth , Hodgkiss-Harlow Kelley , Rossi Peter J. , Edmiston Charles E. , Bandyk Dennis F.
Published: September 2011

Vascular surgical site infection (SSI) is caused by pathogenic bacterial strains whose preferred mode of growth is within a surface biofilm. Bacterial biofilm formation can develop within hours to days in a wound and produces a recalcitrant infectious process especially in the presence of a prosthetic graft. The initial steps of biofilm formation are bacterial adhesion to biologic or inert surgical site structures followed by organism production of exopolysaccaride matrix which encases developing bacteria colonies to produce a protective microenvironment. As the biofilm matures, a dynamic process of organism cell-to-cell signaling occurs with varying growth modes of sessile bacteria within the biofilm and the release of planktonic bacteria with the potential to spread and expand the biofilm-mediated infection. The prevalence of staphyloccocal strains causing vascular SSI is best understood when viewed as a biofilm-mediated infection with virulence factors related to specific cell surface adhesion proteins and bacteria-derived matrix production. Nonhealing surgical sites following lower limb revascularization, the late appearance of prosthetic graft infection caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis, and the development of groin site tracts after aortofemoral bypass grafting are clinical examples of a biofilm-mediated SSI. A mature biofilm within a wound or coating a prosthetic device exhibits resistance to host defenses and selected antibiotics, impairs wound healing, and is a perpetual irritant to that host by inciting a chronic inflammatory process. By understanding the microbial pathogenesis of biofilm formation, strategies to treat and prevent biofilm-mediated infection can be developed and utilized to reduce vascular SSIs.
The “Symbolic Protest” Behind Women’s Reporting of Sexual Assault Crime to Police
Authors: Taylor S.Caroline , Norma Caroline
Published: September 2011

We introduce the term symbolic protest to identify and analyze a key motivator for the reporting decisions of victims of sexual violence. We contend that reporting sexual assault crime to police is an important expression of “symbolic protest” at a criminal justice system that does not generally serve women’s interests. Women show great courage and self-sacrifice in reporting sexual assault crime, and we identify three major factors that motivate them to do so, namely, (a) the need to have sexual assault recognized as a crime, (b) a desire to raise community awareness of sexual assault, and (c) a desire to protect other women and girls.
Marine traffic risk modelling – an innovative approach and a case study
Authors: Montewka J , Krata P , Goerlandt F , Mazaheri A , Kujala P
Published: September 2011

This paper presents a model to analyse the risk of two common marine accidents: collision and grounding. Attention is focused on oil tankers since they pose the highest environmental risks. A case study in selected areas of the Gulf of Finland in ice-free conditions is presented. The model utilizes a formula for risk calculation that considers both the probability of an unwanted event and its consequences. The model can be decomposed into a block representation in which blocks for the probability of a collision, probability of a grounding event, and the consequences of an accident are linked. The probability of vessel colliding is assessed in terms of a minimum-distance-to-collision-based model. The model defines the collision zone using a mathematical ship motion model and considers the traffic flow to be a non-homogeneous process. Calculations are performed using data for traffic flows in the Gulf of Finland with particular attention being paid to the crossing of the channel used by scheduled ferries between Helsinki and Tallinn, and the main shipping channel. For the assessment of a grounding probability, a new approach is proposed, which utilizes a gravity-like model, where a ship and navigational obstructions are perceived as interacting objects and their repulsion is modelled by a formulation inspired by gravitational force. The considered situation in this case is the movement of oil tankers in the approach channel to an oil terminal at Sköldvik, near Helsinki. The consequences of an accident are expressed in monetary terms, and concern the costs of cleaning up an oil spill, based on the statistics of compensation levels claimed from the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund.
Bioreactor optimization of tissue engineered rabbit flexor tendons in vivo
Authors: Thorfinn J. , Angelidis I. K. , Gigliello L. , Pham H. M. , Lindsey D. , Chang J.
Published: September 2011

Tissue-engineered rabbit flexor tendons reseeded with cells are stronger in vitro after culture in a bioreactor. It is not known whether this effect persists in vivo. Tenocytes from New Zealand white rabbits were seeded onto rabbit rear paw flexor tendons that were deprived of cells and exposed to cyclic strain in a bioreactor. Reseeded constructs that were kept unloaded in a medium for 5 days were used as controls. The tendons were implanted to bridge a zone II defect in the rabbit. After explantation 4 weeks later, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elastic modulus (EM) were determined. Tendon constructs that were exposed to cyclic strain had significantly improved UTS and EM. Histology showed that cellularity was increased in the bioreactor tendons.
Compliance with guidelines in the treatment of asthma exacerbations in primary care
Authors: Flor-Escriche Xavier , Rodríguez-Mas Montserrat , Espiau Maria , Castán-Enseñat Xavier , Vigatà-Reig Josep M. , Poblet-Cortés Roser , Miravitlles Marc
Published: September 2011

Objective: To describe the approach to asthma exacerbations in a primary care centre in comparison with current guidelines and to ascertain the resolution of the episodes.

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed in asthmatic patients over 14 years old who were consulting for asthma exacerbations in a primary care centre during a 6-month period. The treatment given and the resolution obtained were evaluated.

Results: One hundred and twenty-three asthma exacerbations were registered, corresponding to 96 patients. A total of 74% were mild exacerbations, 24.4% moderate and 1.6% severe. The severity of asthma correlated directly with the severity of exacerbations. The frequency of resolution was 98.4%, with an average duration of medical attention of 30 min (SD 16.5). According to guidelines, 60.2% of the mild exacerbations were well treated, as were 26.7% of the moderate exacerbations and none of the severe episodes. Peak expiratory flow was measured in 54.5% of patients. In 82 cases (66.6%) salbutamol was given with a large-volume spacer chamber. Treatment after discharge was correct in 27.3% of the mild and 23.3% of the moderate exacerbations. A total of 23 (23.9%) patients presented more than one exacerbation during the study period.

Conclusions: Most exacerbations seen in primary care are mild. Administration of salbutamol was sufficient for the resolution of these exacerbations. However, treatment after discharge was not compliant with guidelines in most cases. The primary care team was able to resolve most of the asthma exacerbations.
Environmental Perception, Management, and Competitive Opportunity in Spanish Hotels
Authors: Dolores López-Gamero María , Claver-Cortés Enrique , Francisco Molina-Azorín José
Published: September 2011

Seeking to fill the gap on research regarding the hospitality industry in relation to the environment, this article examines the environmental peculiarities of the tourism industry. Applying a single framework, the article analyzes the antecedents of organizations’ perceptions of the environment by combining two theoretical approaches: institutional theory and the resource-based view. The study uses a structural equation model to analyze the data from 239 hotels in Spain. The findings show that a number of external factors (i.e., environmental regulation, stakeholders, and uncertainty) and internal factors (i.e., resources and capabilities) have different effects on managerial perceptions of the environment as a competitive opportunity. The study demonstrates that the attitude and perceptions of managers appear to be essential factors for investment in preventive environmental technologies. Among other findings, the study found that managers respond favorably to voluntary norms, rather than environmental legislation; stakeholder pressure seems to have a negative effect on managers’ perceptions of the competitive opportunity inherent in sustainability; and the availability of complementary resources encourages managers’ perceptions of sustainability as a competitive opportunity. These perceptions are behind the adoption of an environmental management scheme with a stronger focus on prevention strategies. The perception of this competitive advantage means that a manager is more likely to develop a proactive environmental management approach.
Multiple HLA class I and II associations in classical Hodgkin lymphoma and EBV status defined subgroups
Authors: Huang Xin , Kushekhar Kushi , Nolte Ilja , Kooistra Wierd , Visser Lydia , Bouwman Ilby , Kouprie Niels , Veenstra Rianne , van Imhoff Gustaaf , Olver Bianca , Houlston Richard S. , Poppema Sibrand , Diepstra Arjan , Hepkema Bouke , van den Berg Anke
Published: September 2011

The pathogenesis of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) involves environmental and genetic factors. To explore the role of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, we performed a case-control genotyping study in 338 Dutch cHL patients and more than 5000 controls using a PCR-based sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe hybridization approach. HLA-A68 and HLA-DR11 (5) were significantly increased in the cHL patient population compared with the controls. Three class II associations were observed in the EBV− cHL population with an increase of HLA-DR15 (2) and a decrease of HLA-DR4 and HLA-DR7. Allele frequencies of HLA-A1, HLA-B37, and HLA-DR10 were significantly increased in the EBV+ cHL population; these alleles are in strong linkage disequilibrium and form a common haplotype in whites. The allele frequency of HLA-A2 was significantly decreased in the EBV+ cHL population. Sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe analysis revealed significant differences between EBV+ and EBV− cHL patients for 19 probes that discriminate between HLA-A*01 and HLA-A*02. In conclusion, the HLA-A1 and HLA-A2 antigens and not specific single nucleotide variants shared by multiple alleles are responsible for the association with EBV+ cHL. Furthermore, several new protective and predisposing HLA class I and II associations for the EBV+, the EBV−, and the entire cHL population were identified.
EZH2 mutational status predicts poor survival in myelofibrosis
Authors: Guglielmelli Paola , Biamonte Flavia , Score Joannah , Hidalgo-Curtis Claire , Cervantes Francisco , Maffioli Margherita , Fanelli Tiziana , Ernst Thomas , Winkelman Nils , Jones Amy V. , Zoi Katerina , Reiter Andreas , Duncombe Andrew , Villani Laura , Bosi Alberto , Barosi Giovanni , Cross Nicholas C. P. , Vannucchi Alessandro M.
Published: September 2011

We genotyped 370 subjects with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and 148 with postpolycythemia vera/postessential thrombocythemia (PPV/PET) MF for mutations of EZH2. Mutational status at diagnosis was correlated with hematologic parameters, clinical manifestations, and outcome. A total of 25 different EZH2 mutations were detected in 5.9% of PMF, 1.2% of PPV-MF, and 9.4% of PET-MF patients; most were exonic heterozygous missense changes. EZH2 mutation coexisted with JAK2V617F or ASXL1 mutation in 12 of 29 (41.4%) and 6 of 27 (22.2%) evaluated patients; TET2 and CBL mutations were found in 2 and 1 patients, respectively. EZH2-mutated PMF patients had significantly higher leukocyte counts, blast-cell counts, and larger spleens at diagnosis, and most of them (52.6%) were in the high-risk International Prognostic Score System (IPSS) category. After a median follow-up of 39 months, 128 patients (25.9%) died, 81 (63.3%) because of leukemia. Leukemia-free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly reduced in EZH2-mutated PMF patients (P = .028 and P < .001, respectively); no such impact was seen for PPV/PET-MF patients, possibly due to the low number of mutated cases. In multivariate analysis, survival of PMF patients was predicted by IPSS high-risk category, a < 25% JAK2V617F allele burden, and EZH2 mutation status. We conclude that EZH2 mutations are independently associated with shorter survival in patients with PMF.
Detection of Pulmonary tuberculosis: comparing MR imaging with HRCT
Authors: Busi Rizzi Elisa , Schinina' Vincenzo , Cristofaro Massimo , Goletti Delia , Palmieri Fabrizio , Bevilacqua Nazario , Lauria Francesco N , Girardi Enrico , Bibbolino Corrado
Published: September 2011

Background

Computer Tomography (CT) is considered the gold standard for assessing the morphological changes of lung parenchyma. Although novel CT techniques have substantially decreased the radiation dose, radiation exposure is still high. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been established as a radiation- free alternative to CT for several lung diseases, but its role in infectious diseases still needs to be explored further. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to compare MRI with high resolution CT (HRCT) for assessing pulmonary tuberculosis.

Methods

50 patients with culture-proven pulmonary tuberculosis underwent chest HRCT as the standard of reference and were evaluated by MRI within 24 h after HRCT. Altogether we performed 60 CT and MRI examinations, because 10 patients were also examined by CT and MRI at follow- up. Pulmonary abnormalities, their characteristics, location and distribution were analyzed by two readers who were blinded to the HRCT results.

Results

Artifacts did not interfere with the diagnostic value of MRI. Both HRCT and MRI correctly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis and identified pulmonary abnormalities in all patients. There were no significant differences between the two techniques in terms of identifying the location and distribution of the lung lesions, though the higher resolution of MRI did allow for better identification of parenchymal dishomogeneity, caseosis, and pleural or nodal involvement.

Conclusion

Technical developments and the refinement of pulse sequences have improved the quality and speed of MRI. Our data indicate that in terms of identifying lung lesions in non-AIDS patients with non- miliary pulmonary tuberculosis, MRI achieves diagnostic performances comparable to those obtained by HRCT but with better and more rapid identification of pulmonary tissue abnormalities due to the excellent contrast resolution.
Reliable likelihood ratios for statistical model-based voice activity detector with low false-alarm rate
Authors: Kim Younggwan , Suh Youngjoo , Kim Hoirin
Published: September 2011

The role of the statistical model-based voice activity detector (SMVAD) is to detect speech regions from input signals using the statistical models of noise and noisy speech. The decision rule of SMVAD is based on the likelihood ratio test (LRT). The LRT-based decision rule may cause detection errors because of statistical properties of noise and speech signals. In this article, we first analyze the reasons why the detection errors occur and then propose two modified decision rules using reliable likelihood ratios (LRs). We also propose an effective weighting scheme considering spectral characteristics of noise and speech signals. In the experiments proposed in this study, with almost no additional computations, the proposed methods show significant performance improvement in various noise conditions. Experimental results also show that the proposed weighting scheme provides additional performance improvement over the two proposed SMVADs.
Computational modelling elucidates the mechanism of ciliary regulation in health and disease
Authors: Kotov Nikolay V , Bates Declan G , Gizatullina Antonina N , Gilaziev Bulat , Khairullin Rustem N , Chen Michael ZQ , Drozdov Ignat , Umezawa Yoshinori , Hundhausen Christian , Aleksandrov Alexey , Yan Xing-gang , Spurgeon Sarah K , Smales C Mark , Valeyev Najl V
Published: September 2011

Background

Ciliary dysfunction leads to a number of human pathologies, including primary ciliary dyskinesia, nephronophthisis, situs inversus pathology or infertility. The mechanism of cilia beating regulation is complex and despite extensive experimental characterization remains poorly understood. We develop a detailed systems model for calcium, membrane potential and cyclic nucleotide-dependent ciliary motility regulation.

Results

The model describes the intimate relationship between calcium and potassium ionic concentrations inside and outside of cilia with membrane voltage and, for the first time, describes a novel type of ciliary excitability which plays the major role in ciliary movement regulation. Our model describes a mechanism that allows ciliary excitation to be robust over a wide physiological range of extracellular ionic concentrations. The model predicts the existence of several dynamic modes of ciliary regulation, such as the generation of intraciliary Ca2+ spike with amplitude proportional to the degree of membrane depolarization, the ability to maintain stable oscillations, monostable multivibrator regimes, all of which are initiated by variability in ionic concentrations that translate into altered membrane voltage.

Conclusions

Computational investigation of the model offers several new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of ciliary pathologies. According to our analysis, the reported dynamic regulatory modes can be a physiological reaction to alterations in the extracellular environment. However, modification of the dynamic modes, as a result of genetic mutations or environmental conditions, can cause a life threatening pathology.
Chemistry of Tetrasulfur Including Mysterious Rectangular S4 Metal Complexes
Authors: Isobe Kiyoshi
Published: September 2011

Of eleven possible isomers for neutral S4, rectangular S4 has been proposed theoretically as one of the most stable forms. There has, however, been no consensus as to the S4 ground-state geometric structure despite much effort over recent years, because of the lack of direct structural information from experimental work due to lack of preparation in a pure state. The principal question is whether the ground-state geometry is rectangular D2h or open planar C2v. Our group found first rectangular S4 in coordination compounds of Rh and Ir tetranuclear complexes as a ligand and disclosed mysterious rectangular S4 by X-ray analysis and theoretical studies. Here, the newly developed chemistry of rectangular S4 complexes together with the related tetrasulfur species is introduced both from experimental and theoretical view points. In addition, more accurate argument of the principal question mentioned above is also described using results obtained from recent high-level theoretical calculations.
Type 2 diabetes, bariatric surgery and the risk of subsequent gestational diabetes
Authors: Steven S , Woodcock S , Small P K , Taylor R
Published: September 2011

Women with pre-existing abnormal glucose regulation are certain to develop gestational diabetes in pregnancy and pre-gestational type 2 diabetes will become more difficult to control. However, an increasing number of women with type 2 diabetes have had bariatric surgery. In this group, the effect of pregnancy on glucose metabolism is unknown. We report two women with type 2 diabetes who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery with normalization of plasma glucose levels. During subsequent pregnancy, maternal blood glucose levels remained completely normal throughout. This is remarkable given the predisposition to abnormal glucose tolerance and the ongoing obesity, in the face of the insulin resistance of pregnancy. Women with prior type 2 diabetes reversed by gastric bypass surgery are not at high risk for gestational diabetes.
Benders Decomposition for the Hop-Constrained Survivable Network Design Problem
Authors: Botton Quentin , Fortz Bernard , Gouveia Luis , Poss Michael
Published: September 2011

Given a graph with nonnegative edge weights and node pairs Q, we study the problem of constructing a minimum weight set of edges so that the induced subgraph contains at least K edge-disjoint paths containing at most L edges between each pair in Q. Using the layered representation introduced by Gouveia [Gouveia, L. 1998. Using variable redefinition for computing lower bounds for minimum spanning and Steiner trees with hop constraints. INFORMS J. Comput. 10(2) 180–188], we present a formulation for the problem valid for any K, L ≥ 1. We use a Benders decomposition method to efficiently handle the large number of variables and constraints. We show that our Benders cuts contain constraints used in previous studies to formulate the problem for L = 2, 3, 4, as well as new inequalities when L ≥ 5. Whereas some recent works on Benders decomposition study the impact of the normalization constraint in the dual subproblem, we focus here on when to generate the Benders cuts. We present a thorough computational study of various branch-and-cut algorithms on a large set of instances including the real-based instances from SNDlib. Our best branch-and-cut algorithm combined with an efficient heuristic is able to solve the instances significantly faster than CPLEX 12 on the extended formulation.
The Cross-Purposes of Cross-Posting: Boundary Reshaping Behavior in Online Discussion Communities
Authors: Butler Brian S. , Wang Xiaoqing
Published: September 2011

Increasingly, online discussion communities are used to support activities ranging from software development to political campaigns. An important feature of an online discussion community is its content boundaries, which are individual perceptions of what materials and discussions are part of the community and what are not, and how that community is related to others within a larger system. Yet in spite of its importance, many community infrastructures allow individual participants to reshape content boundaries by simultaneously associating their contributions with multiple online discussion communities. This reshaping behavior is a controversial aspect of the creation and management of many types of online discussion communities. On one hand, many communities explicitly discourage boundary reshaping behaviors in their frequently asked questions or terms-of-use document. On the other hand, community infrastructures continue to allow such reshaping behaviors. To explain this controversy, we theorize how the extent of boundary reshaping in an online discussion community has simultaneously positive and negative effects on its member dynamics and responsiveness. We test predictions about the conflicting effects of reshaping behaviors with 60 months of longitudinal data from 140 USENET newsgroups, focusing on cross-posting activities as a form of reshaping behavior. Empirical results are consistent with the proposed hypotheses that reshaping behaviors within a discussion community affect member dynamics and community responsiveness in both positive and negative ways. Taken together, the findings highlight the boundary-related design challenges faced by managers seeking to support ongoing activity within online discussion communities.
Purified Anthocyanin Supplementation Improves Endothelial Function via NO-cGMP Activation in Hypercholesterolemic Individuals
Authors: Zhu Yanna , Xia Min , Yang Yan , Liu Fengqiong , Li Zhongxia , Hao Yuantao , Mi Mantian , Jin Tianru , Ling Wenhua
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND

Anthocyanins have been shown to improve endothelial function in animal models. However, whether these compounds have similar beneficial effects in humans is largely unknown.

METHODS

In a short-term crossover study, 12 hypercholesterolemic individuals were given oral anthocyanins (320 mg) isolated from berries or placebo. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was assessed before and after the intervention. In a long-term intervention trial (12 weeks), 150 hypercholesterolemic individuals were given anthocyanins (320 mg/day, n = 75) or placebo (n = 75), after which we measured FMD, plasma cGMP, and other serum biomarkers. Another short-term intervention was conducted in the presence of NO-cGMP inhibitors in 6 people and in a rat aortic ring model (n = 8).

RESULTS

Significant increases of FMD from 8.3% (0.6%) at baseline to 11.0% (0.8%) at 1 h and 10.1% (0.9%) at 2 h were observed after short-term anthocyanin consumption, concomitantly with increases of plasma anthocyanin concentrations (P < 0.05). In the study participants who received long-term anthocyanin intervention, compared with the control group, we observed significant increases in the FMD (28.4% vs 2.2%), cGMP (12.6% vs −1.2%), and HDL-cholesterol concentrations, but decreases in the serum soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 and LDL cholesterol concentrations (P < 0.05). The changes in the cGMP and HDL cholesterol concentrations positively correlated with FMD in the anthocyanin group (P < 0.05). In the presence of NO-cGMP inhibitors, the effects of anthocyanin on endothelial function were abolished in human participants and in a rat aortic ring model.

CONCLUSIONS

Anthocyanin supplementation improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in hypercholesterolemic individuals. This effect involves activation of the NO-cGMP signaling pathway, improvements in the serum lipid profile, and decreased inflammation.
Art in the Land
Authors: Schmidt Alex
Published: September 2011

This article examines the significance of a growing trend in Southern Californian art, tour art that invites viewers to move through the landscape in unusual ways and perceive their surroundings in new ways. Examples of this trend include the work of the Center for Land Use Interpretation, the LA Urban Rangers, and Kim Stringfellow’s Jackrabbit Homestead project.
Innovation in Multi-Invention Contexts: Mapping Solutions to Technological and Intellectual Property Complexity
Authors: Somaya Deepak , Teece David , Wakeman Simon
Published: September 2011

“We pried off the top of an IBM laptop, and the keyboard as well, and then we glued a bunch of little map fags to every single technological component in the computer that we had licensed from other companies. After a couple of hours, we had 150 of these little fags sticking out from almost every square inch of that laptop.”1
State of art in heart transplantation
Authors: Spinarova L.
Published: September 2011

Heart transplantation (HTX) has become an accepted treatment for selected patients with end-stage heart failure. There are two transplant centres in the Czech Republic, Prague since 1984 and Brno since 1992, in which more than 1000 heart transplantations were performed. Pharmacotherapy after heart transplantation includes the problems of immunosuppression and interactions of immunosuppressant drugs and their adverse effects. The main task for future is to find better immunosuppression with less side effects, to replace invasive bioptic examination of rejection and to find alternatives to clasical transplantation: xenotransplantation, stem cell transplantation or development of new ventricle assisst devices.
New therapeutic approaches for polymyositis and dermatomyositis
Authors: Dankó Katalin , Vincze Melinda
Published: September 2011

Inflammatory myopathies are chronic, immune-mediated diseases characterized with progressive proximal muscle weakness. They encompass a variety of syndromes with protean manifestations. The aims of therapy are to increase muscle strength, prevent the development of contractures, and to manage the systemic manifestations of the disease. This is a complex treatment which requires routine and wide knowledge. The most important task is to recognize the disease and guide the patient to immunologic center. Although the first line of therapy continues to include corticosteroids, there are a multitude of agents available for treating patients with myositis. There are several different immunosuppressive agents which may be applied alone or in combination with each other, as well as an increasing number of novel and exciting biologic agents targeting molecules participating in the pathogenesis of inflammatory myopathy. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation in the remission period may significantly improve the functional outcome of patients with these disorders. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1552–1559.
Precarização social do trabalho e resistências para a (re) conquista dos direitos dos trabalhadores na França
Authors: Thebaud-Mony Annie
Published: September 2011

Este artigo apresenta, inicialmente, algumas grandes etapas históricas da conquista dos direitos de trabalhadores na França, sublinhando o que levou a um real reconhecimento oficial dos direitos em matéria de luta para a melhoria das condições de trabalho. No decorrer dos anos 1970, quando a "flexibilidade" se tornou a palavra de ordem da reestruturação das empresas, duas leis questionam a proibição da intermediação de mão de obra, instaurando um processo estrutural de precarização do trabalho e do emprego, que alterou não somente a segurança econômica dos assalariados como o conjunto dos direitos associados ao contrato de trabalho. Esse processo desmonta, em grande parte, o direito à saúde dos trabalhadores nos locais de trabalho, a exemplo dos cânceres profissionais, como revela pesquisa permanente realizada em uma região parisiense, junto a pacientes acometidos de câncer. Novas redes de resistência, no mais das vezes internacionais e constituídas numa base cidadã, organizam-se, entretanto, em torno dos desafios de saúde, tal como é tratado na conclusão.
The effects of topology and task complexity on digital‐speech‐desktop interface design and evaluation
Authors: Chang Wen‐Te , Chen Chien‐Hsiung
Published: September 2011

Abstract— This study investigated user task performance in terms of three interface proposals (linear, hierarchical, and network type) and task complexities (single‐layered, double‐layered, and triple‐layered). Forty‐two participants (all male), aged 19–23 years, were recruited for the experiment. The results generated from this study reveal that the different degrees of task complexity interacted with the topological structures of the user interfaces. No difference was found among the three topological structures in the single‐layered task. A linear structure resulted in better user performance than network or hierarchical structures in the double‐layered task, while in the triple‐layered task both network and hierarchical structures resulted in better user performance than a linear topological structure. This study provides an example of the application of topological structures in interface design and evaluation. From a practical perspective, the results imply the necessity of alternative or parallel control systems (linear and hybrid topologies) so that the user can shift between structures according to task complexity.
Health Education for People with Macular Degeneration: Learning Experiences and the Effect on Daily Occupations
Authors: Eklund Kajsa , Ivanoff Synneve Dahlin
Published: September 2011

Background. Discovering New Ways, a program for people with macular degeneration, was developed based on a health education model incorporating occupation. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the participants' learning experience in the program and the significance for their daily occupations. Method. Within an experimental design format, a content analysis was performed. Ninety-two people with macular degeneration were interviewed 1 and 16 months after the intervention. Results. Participants in the individual intervention program stated that they mastered occupational tasks as a result of the provision of assistive devices. Participants in the health education program stated that the problem-solving toolbox provided them with hope and confidence to master daily occupations. The participants' experience of learning within the health education program has provided important feedback regarding the structure of the health education model and its learning process. Practice Implications. The health education model may be seen as a model to design early interventions for individuals with health conditions which can impact occupational performance.
Lifeworld Perspectives Utilizing Assistive Devices: Individuals, Lived Experience following a Stroke
Authors: Pettersson Ingvor , Appelros Peter , Ahlström Gerd
Published: September 2011

Background. In lifeworld research, the individual's experience of meaning is of primary importance. Purpose. This paper explores how individuals post stroke who have a disability, described their personal meaning and lived experiences associated with the use of assistive devices. Methods. A hermeneutic-phenomenological research approach was used. A conversational interview was conducted with 22 post-stroke individuals regarding their daily experiences utilizing assistive devices. Results. The results showed a dual experience regarding the use of assistive devices, which is often complex and contradictory. The devices were viewed as a prerequisite for well-being and independence but at the same time, the devices gave rise to negative feelings because of the restrictions implied by their use. These dual experiences were explored in relation to the lived body, space, relations to others, and time. Practice Implications. The results of this study will facilitate occupational therapists understanding of an individual's experiences utilizing assistive devices and their need for support with this process.
Psychosocial Aspects of Scuba Diving for People with Physical Disabilities: An Occupational Science Perspective
Authors: Carin-Levy Gail , Jones Derek
Published: September 2011

Purpose. This project investigated the psychosocial benefits of scuba diving for individuals with acquired physical impairments. Method. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 3 volunteers recruited from a diving club specializing in training people with disabilities to dive. Qualitative methods were used to analyze the data in order to identify the themes recurring in the interviews. Results. The respondents indicated that diving is a challenging, enjoyable activity that enhances their quality of life through enriched social experiences and improved self-concept. Furthermore, subjects stressed that carrying out the activity in a buoyant environment allowed them to feel weightless, thus free from their impairments and equal to non-disabled divers. Implications. The study highlighted the need to carry out further research in this field in order to gain better insight into the impact of scuba diving on the quality of life of people with physical impairments.
Successful Participation: The Lived Experience among Children with Disabilities
Authors: Heah Tom , Case Tara , McGuire Brianna , Law Mary
Published: September 2011

Background. Children with disabilities are at risk for limited daily occupational participation. This paper presents a phenomenological study describing the meaning of participation in activities outside of school to children with physical and neurological disabilities and their parents. Methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight children and their parents. Results. Nine themes, organized under three categories, describe what successful participation means, and the personal and environmental supports and barriers to participation. Successful participation is defined in terms of being with others and being able to perform tasks independently. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that children with physical and neurological disabilities enjoy the same activities as those children without these disabilities. Activities allowing children to experience enjoyment have the best chance of ensuring children's participation. The role of the parent in providing opportunities for participation, and the importance of environmental and personal resources are particularly important. Finally, implications for occupational therapy and research are discussed.
Reflections on… a Disability Methodology for the Client-Centred Practice of Occupational Therapy Research
Authors: Hammell Karen Whalley
Published: September 2011

Background. Occupational therapists' stated commitments to client-centred practice and to enabling participation in the occupations of daily life are not universally reflected in either the practice or the occupation of occupational therapy research. Nor have the profession's researchers generally engaged with those critiques of their endeavours that have been articulated by disability theorists. Purpose. Because no guidelines exist for the client-centred practice of occupational therapy research this paper draws from the work of disability theorists to sketch a disability methodology: a specific philosophical, political and ethical approach to developing knowledge that is fundamentally concerned with realigning power within the research relationship and throughout the research process. Practice implications. The proposed disability methodology attempts to align the practice of occupational therapy research with the client-centred philosophy underpinning occupational therapy practice and aspires to enable clients' meaningful participation in the occupation of research.
Somatosensory Stimulation Interventions for Children with Autism: Literature Review and Clinical Considerations
Authors: Hodgetts Sandra , Hodgetts William
Published: September 2011

Background. There is considerable evidence that children with autism experience sensory dysfunction, which can affect their ability to participate in functional activities. Occupational therapists frequently recommend somatosensory stimulation interventions to mitigate sensory dysfunction and improve a child's ability to function. Purpose. This paper examines the rationale and evidence supporting somatosensory stimulation interventions for children with autism. Method. A comprehensive review of the literature specific to somatosensory stimulation was conducted, resulting in six published studies that addressed interventions feasible within a child's daily routine. Discussion. Although research related to somatosensory stimulation interventions is becoming more rigorous, empirical support remains limited; therefore, when these interventions are implemented, they should be systematically evaluated. Practice Implications. To help occupational therapists recommend interventions with confidence, strategies are provided to (1) utilise best practices to intervene in an area in which evidence is limited, and (2) help expand the evidence base through clinical research.
Humanities — To Be or Not To Be, That Is the Question
Authors: Classen Albrecht
Published: September 2011

Let us carry some proverbial owls to Athens or coals to Newcastle, that is, revisit issues that have been discussed and examined by so many different voices in the past and the present. However, those issues by themselves are so powerful and important, so urgent and difficult that we must never tire of examining them always anew because they pertain centrally to our own human existence and prove to be the defining factors for our survival as a species. Why do we need the humanities as an academic discipline in the university, or in our educational system at large? What role do the humanities play both inside and outside the academy? Most universities in this world somehow acknowledge the importance of languages, literatures, music, art history, philosophy, religion, and education. But when it comes to basic financial issues, the humanities tend to be the first victims of budget cuts, if we disregard specifically liberal arts colleges that focus on the humanities above all or exclusively. [...]
Isolation and Characterization of Sixteen Polymorphic Microsatellite Loci in the Golden Apple Snail Pomacea canaliculata
Authors: Chen Lian , Xu Haigen , Li Hong , Wu Jun , Ding Hui , Liu Yan
Published: September 2011

We report the characterization of 16 polymorphic microsatellite markers in the golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata, a pest registered in the list of “100 of the world’s worst invasive alien species”. The fast isolation by AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) of sequences containing repeats (FIASCO) method was used to isolate microsatellite loci, and polymorphism was explored with 29 individuals collected in an invasive region from China. These primers showed a number of alleles per locus ranging from three to 13. The ranges of observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.310–0.966 and 0.523–0.898, respectively. These microsatellite markers described here will be useful for population genetic studies of P. canaliculata.
Effect of Host Genotype on Symbiont Titer in the Aphid—Buchnera Symbiosis
Authors: Vogel Kevin J. , Moran Nancy A.
Published: September 2011

Obligate nutritional symbioses require balance between the energetic needs of the host and the symbiont. The resident symbiont population size within a host may have major impacts on host fitness, as both host and symbiont consume and supply metabolites in a shared metabolite pool. Given the massive genome degradation that is a hallmark of bacterial endosymbionts of insects, it is unclear at what level these populations are regulated, and how regulation varies among hosts within natural populations. We measured the titer of the endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola from different clones of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, and found significant variation in titer, measured as Buchnera genomes per aphid genome, among aphid clones. Additionally, we found that titer can change with the age of the host, and that the number of bacteriocytes within an aphid is one factor likely controlling Buchnera titer. Buchnera titer measurements in clones from a sexual cross indicate that the symbiont genotype is not responsible for variation in titer and that this phenotype is likely non-heritable across sexual reproduction. Symbiont titer is more variable among lab-produced F1 aphid clones than among field-collected ones, suggesting that intermediate titer is favored in natural populations. Potentially, a low heritability of titer during the sexual phase may generate clones with extreme and maladaptive titers each season.