bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data Supporting a New Physiological Role for Brain Apelin in the Regulation of Hypothalamic Oxytocin Neurons in Lactating Rats
Authors: Bodineau Laurence , Taveau Christopher , Lê Quan Sang Hong-Hanh , Osterstock Guillaume , Queguiner Isabelle , Moos Françoise , Frugière Alain , Llorens-Cortes Catherine
Published: July 2011

Apelin is a bioactive peptide identified as the endogenous ligand of the human orphan G protein-coupled receptor APJ in 1998. The present data show that apelin modulates the activity of magnocellular and parvocellular oxytocin (OXY) neurons in the lactating rat. A combination of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry demonstrated the presence of apelin receptor mRNA in hypothalamic OXY neurons. Double immunofluorescence labeling then revealed the colocalization of apelin with OXY in about 20% of the hypothalamic OXY-positive neurons. Intracerebroventricular apelin administration inhibited the activity of magnocellular and parvocellular OXY neurons, as shown by measuring the c-fos expression in OXY neurons or by direct electrophysiological measurements of the electrical activity of these neurons. This effect was correlated with a decrease in the amount of milk ejected. Thus, apelin inhibits the activity of OXY neurons through a direct action on apelin receptors expressed by these neurons in an autocrine and paracrine manner. In conclusion, these findings highlight the inhibitory role of apelin as an autocrine/paracrine peptide acting on OXY neurons during breastfeeding.
Approach to the Child with Fractures
Authors: Boyce Alison M. , Gafni Rachel I.
Published: July 2011

Evaluation of the child with fractures is challenging, as no clear guidelines exist to distinguish traumatic from pathological fractures. Although most fractures in childhood are benign, recurrent fractures may be associated with a wide variety of primary skeletal diseases as well as secondary causes, necessitating a careful history and physical exam to guide the evaluation. There is no “gold standard” for the evaluation and treatment of children with fractures and low bone mineral density (BMD); therefore, the diagnosis of osteoporosis in a pediatric patient should be made using a combination of clinical and radiographic features. Interpretation of bone densitometry in growing patients presents a unique set of challenges because areal BMD measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry depends on multiple dynamic variables. Interpretation of pediatric dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry should be based on Z-scores (sd scores compared to age, sex, and ethnicity-matched controls), using normative databases specific to the brand of densitometer and the patient population. Given the skeleton's ability to recover from low BMD through modeling and remodeling, optimizing management of underlying conditions leading to bone fragility is the initial step. Conservative measures including calcium and vitamin D supplementation and weight-bearing physical activity are important interventions that should not be overlooked. The use of bisphosphonates in children and adolescents is controversial due to lack of long-term efficacy and safety data and should be limited to clinical trials and compassionate therapy in children with significantly compromised quality of life. Close monitoring is required, and further study is necessary to assess their long-term safety and efficacy in children.
The Liberal War Thesis: Introducing the Ten Key Principles of Twenty-First-Century Biopolitical Warfare
Authors: Evans Brad
Published: July 2011

Countering the familiar peace narrative, it became increasingly common during the 1990s to question liberal war-making efforts. This led to the resurgence in “just war” theory, as the desire to save strangers became an increasingly violent pursuit. Although it has since been argued that the exceptional politics aligned with the U.S. war on terror has put this notion of humanitarian war into crisis, this essay argues for a more nuanced reading that moves beyond limited sovereign frames of reference. Not only has the history of the liberal encounter been marked by violence in a manner in which notions of right appear highly contingent, but aligned specifically to life-centric notions of progress, the biopolitical contours of liberal war show a remarkable capacity for adaptation, change, and innovation. Although liberal war therefore conditions the very possibility for liberal rule, it reveals a number of key principles that set it apart from conventional state-centric frames of reference. This essay maps out the ten key principles in order to gain purchase on twenty-first-century biopolitical warfare.
Total War as Environmental Terror: Linking Liberalism, Resilience, and the Bunker
Authors: Duffield Mark
Published: July 2011

Total war is usually understood as the blurring of erstwhile political distinctions among people, armies, and government. It is more than this, however. Total war is a modus operandi involving the destruction—from the cellular to the planetary—of an enemy's environmental lifeworld. Working through uncertainty and surprise, total war presents itself as environmental terror. Through the concept of resilience, this essay examines environmental terror in the practices of civil defense and how, when harnessed to liberal critiques of modernity, this terror has been generalized in the current all-hazard turn in national security. The uncertainty that lies at the heart of environmental terror calls forth the bunker as a site of defense and the strategization of power. In light of the bunker's military origins, this essay traces the spatial propagation of the bunker in the growing polarization between public and private urban space. Reflected in the gated communities, green zones, fortified aid compounds, shopping malls, and tourist enclaves of the global city, bunkers offer sites of elite refuge, private consumption, and a secure base from which power, in an uncertain and divided world, can be strategized without negotiation.
The Vulnerable Subject of Liberal War
Authors: Reid Julian
Published: July 2011

How we understand the nature of the subject of war has fundamental implications for how we understand the subject of the struggle against war. The subject of liberal war does not fight simply in order to destroy another subject but to produce subjects who will in turn reproduce the order for which such war is waged. This essay considers Judith Butler's claim that the wars waged by the United States produce a subject that conceives not only his or her own violence as righteous but his or her own destructibility as unthinkable. The U.S. desire for a condition of radical invulnerability is a symptom of the deeply embedded belief in security that has shaped modern discourses on subjectivity tout court. Rejecting this representation, this essay argues that the United States is not a subject that aspires to security but one that is convinced only of its radical vulnerability. Rather than accepting Butler's argument for vulnerability as an ontological foundation for resistance to war, we must grasp how the concept of vulnerability functions today within liberal regimes' strategies of subjectification. How can vulnerability be a sufficient condition on which to base a politics of contestation to the mechanisms of power through which human lives are framed today, when it is the first presupposition of liberalism, the tradition of thought and governance to which these mechanisms of power owe their origin? How can vulnerability be conceived as the foundation for a counterliberal theory of subjectivity, when it is the first presupposition of liberal biopolitics and its biologized subject?
The Child as Pornographer
Authors: Hanson Ellis
Published: July 2011

Law enforcement can no longer feasibly contain child pornography within its former borders, since the Internet and digital technology have made images simple to produce in private and even simpler to distribute globally in an instant with little concern for national borders, local laws, or the rights of the performers. Ironically, the largest producers of child pornography in the world may now be the children themselves, who are circulating digital images of one another, sometimes casually, sometimes for pay, that are legally actionable. Justin Berry, the subject of an ethically controversial New York Times exposé of child pornography and prostitution online, created his own porn site with his teenaged self as the main attraction. Once he was caught, however, he was able to enact a gothic and improbable melodrama of innocence seduced and betrayed by adult sexual predators online. The digital “child who knows” has generated a paradox of “erotic innocence” emblematic of the Internet itself as the blameless conduit for the mass obscenity of its users.
The inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) susceptibility genes NOD1 and NOD2 have conserved anti-bacterial roles in zebrafish
Authors: Oehlers Stefan H. , Flores Maria Vega , Hall Chris J. , Swift Simon , Crosier Kathryn E. , Crosier Philip S.
Published: July 2011

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in the form of Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), is a debilitating chronic immune disorder of the intestine. A complex etiology resulting from dysfunctional interactions between the intestinal immune system and its microflora, influenced by host genetic susceptibility, makes disease modeling challenging. Mutations in NOD2 have the highest disease-specific risk association for CD, and a related gene, NOD1, is associated with UC. NOD1 and NOD2 encode intracellular bacterial sensor proteins acting as innate immune triggers, and represent promising therapeutic targets. The zebrafish has the potential to aid in modeling genetic and environmental aspects of IBD pathogenesis. Here, we report the characterization of the Nod signaling components in the zebrafish larval intestine. The nod1 and nod2 genes are expressed in intestinal epithelial cells and neutrophils together with the Nod signaling pathway genes ripk2, a20, aamp, cd147, centaurin b1, erbin and grim-19. Using a zebrafish embryo Salmonella infection model, morpholino-mediated depletion of Nod1 or Nod2 reduced the ability of embryos to control systemic infection. Depletion of Nod1 or Nod2 decreased expression of dual oxidase in the intestinal epithelium and impaired the ability of larvae to reduce intracellular bacterial burden. This work highlights the potential use of zebrafish larvae in the study of components of IBD pathogenesis.
Fetal overgrowth in theCdkn1cmouse model of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
Authors: Tunster Simon J. , Van de Pette Mathew , John Rosalind M.
Published: July 2011

Mutations in the imprinted CDKN1C gene are associated with the childhood developmental disorder Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS). Multiple mouse models with deficiency of Cdkn1c recapitulate some aspects of BWS but do not exhibit overgrowth of the newborn, a cardinal feature of patients with BWS. In this study, we found that Cdkn1c mutants attained a 20% increase in weight during gestation but experienced a rapid reversal of this positive growth trajectory very late in gestation. We observed a marked effect on placental development concurrently with this loss of growth potential, with the appearance of large thrombotic lesions in the labyrinth zone. The trilaminar trophoblast layer that separates the maternal blood sinusoids from fetal capillaries was disordered with a loss of sinusoidal giant cells, suggesting a role for Cdkn1c in maintaining the integrity of the maternal-fetal interface. Furthermore, the overgrowth of mutant pups decreased in the face of increasing intrauterine competition, identifying a role for Cdkn1c in the allocation of the maternal resources via the placenta. This work explains one difficulty in precisely replicating BWS in this animal model: the differences in reproductive strategies between the multiparous mouse, in which intrauterine competition is high, and humans, in which singleton pregnancies are more common.
Thefeelgoodmutation in zebrafish dysregulates COPII-dependent secretion of select extracellular matrix proteins in skeletal morphogenesis
Authors: Melville David B. , Montero-Balaguer Mercedes , Levic Daniel S. , Bradley Kevin , Smith Jeffrey R. , Hatzopoulos Antonis K. , Knapik Ela W.
Published: July 2011

Craniofacial and skeletal dysmorphologies account for the majority of birth defects. A number of the disease phenotypes have been attributed to abnormal synthesis, maintenance and composition of extracellular matrix (ECM), yet the molecular and cellular mechanisms causing these ECM defects remain poorly understood. The zebrafish feelgood mutant manifests a severely malformed head skeleton and shortened body length due to defects in the maturation stage of chondrocyte development. In vivo analyses reveal a backlog of type II and type IV collagens in rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) similar to those found in coat protein II complex (COPII)-deficient cells. The feelgood mutation hinders collagen deposition in the ECM, but trafficking of small cargos and other large ECM proteins such as laminin to the extracellular space is unaffected. We demonstrate that the zebrafish feelgood mutation causes a single amino acid substitution within the DNA-binding domain of transcription factor Creb3l2. We show that Creb3l2 selectively regulates the expression of genes encoding distinct COPII proteins (sec23a, sec23b and sec24d) but find no evidence for its regulation of sec24c expression. Moreover, we did not detect activation of ER stress response genes despite intracellular accumulation of collagen and prominent skeletal defects. Promoter trans-activation assays show that the Creb3l2 feelgood variant is a hypomorphic allele that retains approximately 50% of its transcriptional activity. Transgenic rescue experiments of the feelgood phenotype restore craniofacial development, illustrating that a precise level of Creb3l2 transcriptional activity is essential for skeletogenesis. Our results indicate that Creb3l2 modulates the availability of COPII machinery in a tissue- and cargo-specific manner. These findings could lead to a better understanding of the etiology of human craniofacial and skeletal birth defects as well as adult-onset diseases that are linked to dysregulated ECM deposition, such as arthritis, fibrosis or osteoporosis.
Phospholipase Cζ binding to PtdIns(4,5)P2 requires the XY-linker region
Authors: Nomikos Michail , Elgmati Khalil , Theodoridou Maria , Calver Brian L. , Nounesis George , Swann Karl , Lai F. Anthony
Published: July 2011

Phospholipase C-zeta (PLCζ) is a strong candidate for the mammalian sperm-derived factor that triggers the Ca2+ oscillations required for egg activation at fertilization. PLCζ lacks a PH domain, which targets PLCδ1 to the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) substrate in the plasma membrane. Previous studies failed to detect PLCζ in the plasma membrane, hence the means of PLCζ binding to PtdIns(4,5)P2 is unclear. We find that the PLCζ XY linker, but not the C2 domain, exhibits robust binding to PtdIns(4,5)P2 or to liposomes containing near-physiological levels of PtdIns(4,5)P2. The role of positively charged residues within the XY linker was addressed by sequentially substituting alanines for three lysine residues, K374, K375 and K377. Microinjection of these mutants into mouse eggs enabled their Ca2+ oscillation-inducing activities to be compared with wild-type PLCζ. The XY-linker mutant proteins were purified and the in vitro PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis and binding properties were monitored. Successive reduction of net positive charge within the PLCζ XY linker significantly affects both in vivo Ca2+-oscillation-inducing activity and in vitro PtdIns(4,5)P2 interaction of mouse PLCζ. Our data suggest that positively charged residues within the XY linker play an important role in the PLCζ interaction with PtdIns(4,5)P2, a crucial step in generating the Ca2+ activation signal that is essential for fertilization in mammals.
A novel role for neural cell adhesion molecule in modulating insulin signaling and adipocyte differentiation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Yang Hai Jie , Xia Yin Yan , Wang Lei , Liu Rui , Goh Kim Jee , Ju Pei Jun , Feng Zhi Wei
Published: July 2011

Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) has recently been found on adult stem cells, but its biological significance remains largely unknown. In this study, we used bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from wild-type and NCAM knockout mice to investigate the role of NCAM in adipocyte differentiation. It was demonstrated that NCAM isoforms 180 and 140 but not NCAM-120 are expressed on almost all wild-type MSCs. Upon adipogenic induction, Ncam−/− MSCs exhibited a marked decrease in adipocyte differentiation compared with wild-type cells. The role of NCAM in adipocyte differentiation was also confirmed in NCAM-silenced preadipocyte 3T3-L1 cells, which also had a phenotype with reduced adipogenic potential. In addition, we found that Ncam−/− MSCs appeared to be insulin resistant, as shown by their impaired insulin signaling cascade, such as the activation of the insulin–IGF-1 receptor, PI3K–Akt and CREB pathways. The PI3K–Akt inhibitor, LY294002, completely blocked adipocyte differentiation of MSCs, unveiling that the reduced adipogenic potential of Ncam−/− MSCs is due to insulin resistance as a result of loss of NCAM function. Furthermore, insulin resistance of Ncam−/− MSCs was shown to be associated with induction of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), a key mediator of insulin resistance. Finally, we demonstrated that re-expression of NCAM-180, but not NCAM-140, inhibits induction of TNF-α and thereby improves insulin resistance and adipogenic potential of Ncam−/− MSCs. Our results suggest a novel role of NCAM in promoting insulin signaling and adipocyte differentiation of adult stem cells. These findings raise the possibility of using NCAM intervention to improve insulin resistance.
Comparison of total and intact aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen assays in patients with breast cancer with or without bone metastases
Authors: Marin Lauri , Koivula Marja-Kaisa , Jukkola-Vuorinen Arja , Leino Aila , Risteli Juha
Published: July 2011

Background

Aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) reflects bone formation. Two different antigens exist in human serum: intact PINP and a monomeric form. The intact PINP assay measures trimeric form and the total assay measures both forms. The structure and origin of the monomeric form is still unclear.

Methods

Automated intact and total PINP assays were compared in breast cancer patients with ( n = 60) or without bone metastases ( n = 226). In addition, cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) was measured from the same patients and compared with the concentration of PINP monomer (difference between intact and total PINP). Monomeric PINP was purified from human ascitic fluid and characterized by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).

Results

The correlations were good ( r > 0.948) between intact PINP and total P1NP in all patient groups. The correlation between the monomeric form and ICTP was lower in patients without bone metastases ( r = 0.507) than in patients with bone metastases ( r = 0.894). This indicates that the monomeric form reflects the degradation of type I collagen because bone metastases are osteolytic in nature. After several steps in the purification of the monomer form there was a single peak. Only the single band was visible in the SDS-PAGE gel. The alpha1-chain of intact PINP consists of 161 amino acids with a molecular weight of 14224.02. The purified monomer peptide in MALDI-TOF MS was smaller, 10576.41, and most likely cleaved after the arginine residue (amino acid number 120) with a trypsin-like protease.

Conclusions

Intact and total PINP assays give similar results in many conditions, but there are differences, for example in breast carcinoma, which should be recognized.
The Effect of a Concrete Plinth on Structure-Borne Sound Power Transmission: Theory and Numeric Simulations
Authors: Zu Fenglei , Mak C.M.
Published: July 2011

Concrete plinths are commonly used by engineers as a base for vibratory building services machines. However, it is not clear what effects they have on the structure-borne sound power transmission and the eigenfrequencies of floors. In this paper, the modal functions, eigenfrequencies, and mobility expression of a floor with a concrete plinth attached are deduced. The power transmissibility method is used to analyze the effect of a concrete plinth on the power transmissibility that is used to assess the performance of vibration isolation. It is found that the effect of a concrete plinth is mainly to decrease the eigenfrequencies of the floor, and changing the thickness of the concrete plinth has a greater effect on the eigenfrequencies of the floor and the power transmissibility than does changing the area of the concrete plinth. An estimated equation for power transmissibility is formulated.
Train Passengers Comfort with Regard to Whole-Body Vibration
Authors: Nassiri P. , Koohpaei A.R. , Zeraati H. , Shalkouhi P. Jafari
Published: July 2011

A case study was conducted to evaluate passengers' comfort on the Tehran-Andimeshk train in Iran. Hence, based on a=0.05, 91 passengers were selected. Whole-body vibration transmitted to the passengers was measured according to ISO 2631-1-1997. The crest factors in the the majority of wagons were below the 19 dB according to ISO 2631-1-1997 hence, the equal acceleration levels of the wagons were taken into consideration. The statistical relationships between 15 psychological and physiological disorders with age, gender, number of the trips and Aeq (equivalent acceleration level) were studied based on the questionnaires. The results revealed no statistical relationships between the health symptoms and age. Conversely, there was a significant statistical relationship between fatigue and gender. Also, sleeplessness and hearing disorders bother the passengers during the trips based on statistical analysis. Moreover, there were statistical relationships between studying with headache and nausea with eating. In addition, despite all 15 symptoms bothering the passengers during the trips, there was only a significant statistical relationship between Aeq (equivalent acceleration level) and anger. Hence, more factors must be taken into consideration to find the other reasons of passengers discomfort during the trips.
An Approach to an NVH Investigation of Vehicle Hydraulic Pumps
Authors: Lukić Jovanka
Published: July 2011

This work presents a method for analyzing the noise and vibration problems caused by hydraulic pumps in vehicles. This methodology is based on experimental research and coherent analysis of observed systems. Experimental investigations are conducted in order to determine dominant excitation of hydraulic systems. Vibrations and sound pressure levels of pumps were investigated with respect to the determination of the influences on pump NVH. Measurements were performed in different operating conditions. Pressure of oil in the hydraulic system was varied. A new method of assessment and determination of dominant NVH pump excitation is presented. Experimental results are used as input and output data for coherent analysis. Performed analyses of coherent functions showed dependence of pump velocity and sound pressure level especially in the low frequency region to 4.5 kHz. Results showed that the number of measuring channels can be reduced, especially in high frequency domain. Results can be used in experimental design.
Studies on the Characterization and Interaction of Indole with Fe2O3/Cr2O3 Using Spectroscopic Methods
Authors: Arora Avnish Kumar , Kamaluddin
Published: July 2011

The adsorption of indole onto chromium, iron and iron/chromium mixed oxides has been studied using UV–vis spectrophotometry, FT-IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with the aim of obtaining an in-depth understanding of the adsorption mechanism. The maximum extent of adsorption was observed in acidic medium (pH ∼ 4.0), the corresponding data being fitted by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Chromium oxide showed a higher adsorption affinity than the other metal/mixed metal oxides studied. The adsorption of indole onto the various metal oxides was also studied by SEM methods. FT-IR studies of indole, the metal oxides and the indole–metal oxide adduct showed that interaction occurred through attraction between the positively charged surface of the metal oxides and the negatively charged indole moieties. A dominating factor in the adsorption mechanism could be the π-electron system of the indole molecule. The results of the present study suggest that metal oxides could play an important role in the adsorption and removal of toxicological compounds possessing an indole ring system.
Impact of the Adsorption of Corynebacterium Diphtheriae Intermedius Bacteria on Enhancing the Separation Selectivity of Dolomite and Apatite
Authors: Elmahdy Ahmed M. , El-Mofty Salah E. , Abdel-Khalek Nagui A. , El-Midany Ayman A.
Published: July 2011

The surface modification of minerals by bacteria has recently been examined in an attempt to improve their separation selectivities. In this paper, a study of the effect of Corynebacterium diphtheriae intermedius (CDI) bacteria on the dolomite/apatite separation process is reported. Bacterial interaction with both minerals was investigated employing Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy together with measurements of the adsorption isotherm and the zeta potential. FT-IR methods were used to identify the functional groups on the surface of each mineral before and after the adsorption of bacteria, while the adsorption isotherm and the zeta potential were used to illustrate the type of adsorption process involved, i.e. physical versus chemical adsorption. The application of bioflotation processes to natural ores using CDI bacteria can lower the MgO content of the ores to less than 1%.
Modelling Adsorption Isotherms of Binary Mixtures of Carbon Dioxide, Methane and Nitrogen
Authors: Castro Martín , Martínez Alejandro , Gil-Villegas Alejandro
Published: July 2011

A molecular-based approach for modelling mixtures adsorbed onto solid surfaces using the Statistical Associating Fluid Theory for Potentials of Variable Range (SAFT-VR) for three- and two-dimensional systems is presented in this work. The theory is used to describe the adsorption of binary mixtures of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen onto dry activated carbon, describing the overall adsorption phase diagram reported for these systems even at high pressures.
Response of Various Vibration Parameters to the Condition Monitoring of Ball Bearing Used in Centrifugal Pumps
Authors: Utpat Abhay , Ingle R. B. , Nandgaonkar M.R.
Published: July 2011

Health monitoring of bearings is one of the important tasks in many industries. A number of techniques are used for bearing fault detection in which vibration based signal analysis is the most commonly used technique. The current work emphasizes the comparison of some of the parameters of vibration acceleration signal such as Peak to Peak amplitude, Peak Amplitude and RMS amplitude which are used in the detection of defects in bearings. These parameters are measured at various loads and speeds with simulated defect on bearing parts. The graphs plotted depicts that Peak to Peak amplitude gives better defect detectability whether it is on outer ring, inner ring or on the ball.
Impacts of Climate Change Agreements on British Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Hill Malcolm R. , Boocock J. Grahame , McAulay Laurie , Higginson Sarah L.
Published: July 2011

The pilot study described in this paper has investigated how UK Climate Change Agreements have affected the operations of British small and medium sized enterprises, using semi-structured interviews in a sample of companies. Results from the interviews show that the decision to sign a Climate Change Agreement was primarily economic, driven by the financial incentive of recouping up to 80 per cent of the Climate Change Levy. The procedures introduced to meet the Agreement's targets also assisted in coping with subsequent rising energy prices. Further discussions also revealed that trade associations played a positive role in providing information about opportunities provided by Climate Change Agreements and assistance in completion of the relevant documentation. The research also shows that the choice of relative, rather than absolute, targets has caused recent difficulties in view of lower production volumes during the economic downturn.
Lack of Consistency between Modeled and Observed Temperature Trends
Authors: Singer S Fred
Published: July 2011

The US Climate Change Science Program [CCSP, 2006] reported, and Douglass et al. [2007] and NIPCC [2008] confirmed, a “potentially serious inconsistency” between modeled and observed trends in tropical surface and tropospheric temperatures. However, Santer et al. [2008: hereafter “Santer”], though sharing several co-authors with CCSP [2006], offered “new observational estimates of [tropical] surface and tropospheric temperature trends”, concluding that “there is no longer a serious discrepancy between modelled and observed trends.” Santer's key graph [shown here as Fig. 5] misleadingly suggests an overlap between observations and modeled trends. His “new observational estimates” conflict with satellite data. His modeled trends are an artifact, merely reflecting chaotic and structural model uncertainties that had been overlooked. Thus the conclusion of “consistency” is not supportable and accordingly does not validate model-derived projections of dangerous anthropogenic global warming (AGW).
Imposed and Neglected Uncertainty in the Global Average Surface Air Temperature Index
Authors: Frank Patrick
Published: July 2011

The statistical error model commonly applied to monthly surface station temperatures assumes a physically incomplete climatology that forces deterministic temperature trends to be interpreted as measurement errors. Large artefactual uncertainties are thereby imposed onto the global average surface air temperature record. To illustrate this problem, representative monthly and annual uncertainties were calculated using air temperature data sets from globally distributed surface climate stations, yielding ±2.7 C and ±6.3 C, respectively. Further, the magnitude uncertainty in the 1961–1990 global air temperature annual anomaly normal, entirely neglected until now, is found to be ±0.17 C. After combining magnitude uncertainty with the previously reported ±0.46 C lower limit of measurement error, the 1856–2004 global surface air temperature anomaly with its 95% confidence interval is 0.8±0.98 C, Thus, the global average surface air temperature trend is statistically indistinguishable from 0 C. Regulatory policies aimed at influencing global surface air temperature are not empirically justifiable.
Competitive Engineering: Structural Climate Modifications to Enhance Youth Athletes' Competitive Experience
Authors: Burton Damon , Gillham Andrew D. , Hammermeister Jon
Published: July 2011

Competitive engineering (CE) is a structural-based approach to changing the competitive environment of youth sports to provide more nurturing competitive experiences. Thus, in youth sport, CE attempts to enhance a variety of psychosocial outcomes by making systematic changes to the competitive environment in which athletes perform. A working CE model is presented that employs four CE strategies (i.e., modifying structure, rules, facilities and equipment) to promote athlete engagement goals based on athlete-directed sandlot sport principles (i.e., increasing action and scoring, keeping scores close, enhancing personal involvement, and maintaining positive social relationships) in order to attain intrinsic motivation outcomes, particularly competence, autonomy, relatedness and Flow while promoting an autonomy supportive climate. Discussion focuses on how the CE model can best promote research and intervention to enhance competitive climates in order to promote better sport experiences for all youngsters.
More Cheers and Fewer Tears: Examining the Impact of Competitive Engineering on Scoring and Attrition in Youth Flag Football
Authors: Burton Damon , O'Connell Kelly , Gillham Andrew D. , Hammermeister Jon
Published: July 2011

Competitive engineering (CE) is a structurally-based competitive climate process designed to create more positive youth sport experiences. CE uses four implementation strategies (i.e., modifying sport structure, rules, facilities and equipment) in order to attain four athlete engagement goals (i.e., increase action and scoring, enhance personal involvement, keep scores close and maintain positive social relationships) designed to enhance intrinsic motivation outcomes. This exploratory study provided a preliminary test of CE by developing solutions to an existing attrition problem confronting a flag football league, with the specific purpose being to assess the effectiveness of a delayed-rush rule and a junior football equipment modification on scoring and attrition. Participants were 47 players who competed in a 3rd/4th grade flag football league and completed a short survey following the season. Results revealed scoring increased over 100% and attrition decreased by more than 50% compared to the previous season. Player survey data supported the rule and equipment modifications and their ability to minimize physicality and injury concerns and promote scoring opportunities.
Kinematic Variations Due to Changes in Pace during Men's and Women's 5 km Road Running
Authors: Hanley Brian , Smith Laura C. , Bissas Athanassios
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate variations in kinematic parameters in men's and women's 5 km road racing. Athletes often vary their pace and changes particularly tend to occur towards the end of a race due to fatigue and sprint finishes. Twenty competitive distance runners (10 male, 10 female) were videoed as they completed the English National 5 km championships. Three-dimensional kinematic data were analysed using motion analysis software (SIMI, Munich). Data were recorded at 950 m, 2,400 m and 3,850 m. Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant decreases in speed due to reduced step length and cadence in both men and women. These decreases predominantly occurred between the first two measurement points. The hip, knee, ankle and shoulder angles at both initial contact and toe-off did not change significantly, but there were significant reductions in the elbow angle for both men (at initial contact) and women (at toe-off).
Performance Evaluation of Swim Fins under Zero Translation Speed
Authors: Bardis Panagiotis , Mathioulakis Demetri S.
Published: July 2011

The aim of this study is the quantification of the efficiency of eight swim fins, measuring their thrust and transverse (vertical) force via a six-component piezoelectric balance, recording simultaneously their shape along the longitudinal axis. The fins were submerged in a water tank with zero free stream velocity, and were driven through a plunging and pitching mechanism. In the middle of half stroke the measured thrust varied for the examined fins between 11.3 N and 27.8 N and the corresponding vertical force between 55.8 N and 84.8 N. Fins with short, wide blades and stiff side rails proved to be more efficient than those with long, narrow blades of half the aspect ratio. Depending on the stiffness of the side rails and that of the fin blades, the performance of the low aspect ratio blades was very variable.
The Relationship between Personality Traits and Coachability in NCAA Divisions I and II Female Softball Athletes
Authors: Favor Judy K.
Published: July 2011

Coaches at all levels desire coachable athletes whose personalities are a good fit for their teams. Coachability is a complex construct that is not well understood in the sport science literature, but appears to be demonstrated through several behaviors. Costa and McCrae's Five Factor Model framework proposes that personality traits are inherent and predispose a person to behave in relatively stable ways. This study used survey methodology to investigate relationships between head college coaches' (n = 36) perceptions of coachability and 12 personality traits from the Agreeableness and Emotional Stability domains in NCAA Divisions I (n = 94) and II (n = 96) female softball athletes. Results indicated that coaches might glean the most useful insights regarding how coachable a female athlete might be by learning more about her personality in three specific areas: Anger, Immoderation, and Cooperation.
Understanding the Role of Objects in Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Authors: Nicolini Davide , Mengis Jeanne , Swan Jacky
Published: July 2011

In this paper we make a case for the use of multiple theoretical perspectives—theory on boundary objects, epistemic objects, cultural historical activity theory, and objects as infrastructure—to understand the role of objects in cross-disciplinary collaboration. A pluralist approach highlights that objects perform at least three types of work in this context: they motivate collaboration, they allow participants to work across different types of boundaries, and they constitute the fundamental infrastructure of the activity. Building on the results of an empirical study, we illustrate the insights that each theoretical lens affords into practices of collaboration and develop a novel analytical framework that organizes objects according to the active work they perform. Our framework can help shed new light on the phenomenon, especially with regard to the shifting status of objects and sources of conflict (and change) in collaboration. After discussing these novel insights, we outline directions for future research stemming from a pluralist approach. We conclude by noting the managerial implications of our findings.
Before Identity: The Emergence of New Organizational Forms
Authors: Fiol C. Marlene , Romanelli Elaine
Published: July 2011

The evolution of new organizational forms has attracted growing theoretical and empirical attention, but little research has considered the microsocial processes that promote the emergence of groups of quasi-similar organizations that sometimes evolve into new organizational forms. Drawing from social psychological and sociological theories of identity formation, we explain processes of individual identification and collective identity development that precede and promote the formation of similar clusters, which audiences can then recognize and distinguish from established organizational populations and other emerging similarity clusters.
The Core and Cosmopolitans: A Relational View of Innovation in User Communities
Authors: Dahlander Linus , Frederiksen Lars
Published: July 2011

Users often interact and help each other solve problems in communities, but few scholars have explored how these relationships provide opportunities to innovate. We analyze the extent to which people positioned within the core of a community as well as people that are cosmopolitans positioned across multiple external communities affect innovation. Using a multimethod approach, including a survey, a complete database of interactions in an online community, content coding of interactions and contributions, and 36 interviews, we specify the types of positions that have the strongest effect on innovation. Our study shows that dispositional explanations for user innovation should be complemented by a relational view that emphasizes how these communities differ from other organizations, the types of behaviors this enables, and the effects on innovation.
A Behavioral Theory of Market Expansion Based on the Opportunity Prospects Rule
Authors: Barreto Ilídio
Published: July 2011

What explains organizational search and choice when multiple opportunities are available to the decision makers? Drawing on the behavioral view of the firm, and on the attention-based view, this study proposes a theoretical model centered on the opportunity prospects rule to explain market expansion, defined as the extent (how many) and the selection (which) of multiple available opportunities that are actually pursued by competing firms. We test our model using longitudinal, fine-grained data on commercial banks undertaking more than 1,300 opportunity choices. The findings show that firms do use the opportunity prospects rule when exercising market expansion choices and that slack and performance feedback moderate the effects of opportunity prospects. This paper contributes to organizational decision-making research and to the behavioral view of the firm by showing the importance of considering an opportunity-driven approach, by demonstrating the relevance of simplifying rules to explain the search for the consequences of alternatives, by extending recent efforts to provide a more forward-looking perspective to model organization behavior, and by showing when slack and performance feedback moderate the effects on market expansion of the opportunity prospects rule.
Implementation of Weight-Based Antimicrobial Dosing for Surgical Site Infection Prophylaxis
Authors: Wagner Deborah , Nigg Andrea , Sturm Lisa , Sinwell Gail M. , Depestel Daryl D.
Published: July 2011

Surgical site infections (SSIs) increase morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Morbid obesity has been identified as an independent risk factor; it has been demonstrated that higher doses of antimicrobials are warranted to achieve adequate tissue concentrations. In 2008, the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) implemented weight-based dosing such that patients with a documented weight of ≥80 kg would receive a larger initial dose of antibiotic for surgical prophylaxis. This process included a pharmacy dose optimization program provided by an operating room pharmacy where pharmacists could automatically increase the dose based on weight if the initial order was noncompliant with institutional guidelines. The objectives of the study were to assess rates of compliance with the guidelines prior to and after implementation. This study was a retrospective evaluation of SSI prophylaxis dosing in obese patients prior to (April through June 2008) and after (September through November 2008) implementation of a dose optimization program. After implementation, there was a 29.7% increase in weight-based antibiotic surgical prophylaxis; pharmacy intervention accounted for 15% of the change. The implementation of a dose optimization program could prove to be cost-effective by ensuring patients receive the correct weight-based antibiotic and by perhaps reducing the incidence of SSIs.
Tech-Check-Tech Pilot in a Regional Public Psychiatric Inpatient Facility
Authors: McKee Jerry , Zimmerman Melinda
Published: July 2011

Purpose

A pilot project assessing the impact of utilizing well-trained, competency-assessed, certified pharmacy technicians (referred to as advanced practice pharmacy technicians or APPTs) to check unit dose medications prepared by other technicians is described. The pilot site, a regional inpatient public mental health facility, petitioned the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy for a waiver pursuant to Board Rule .2510 to conduct this pilot to compare the accuracy of APPTs to pharmacists in similar roles. Further, the pilot assessed clinical pharmacist time savings generated by improved personnel utilization and the subsequent redeployment by use of this time.

Four pharmacy technicians were trained and their competency assessed per the approved protocol. The project entailed 3 distinct components: (1) submitting the petition to the Board of Pharmacy and obtaining approval, (2) training pharmacy technicians and assessing their competency, and (3) incrementally implementing new work processes and project assessment. Clinical pharmacist time saved, in excess of 50 hours per month at full pilot implementation, was utilized in deploying increased patient-focused clinical services. The full pilot implementation was in place for 13 months, with a reported variance rate of 0.31 per month (95% CI, 0-0.77). Two variances were detected by nursing and corrected prior to reaching the patient (near misses). In 2 cases, the medication reached the patient; neither case led to patient harm. The mean number of pharmacist variances (near misses and reaching the patient) for the 12-month period immediately preceding the pilot implementation was 1.42 per month (95% CI, 0.95-1.88), while performing similar functions.

Conclusion

For this public inpatient psychiatric facility, the APPT variance rate was substantially lower than that for pharmacists in routine checking functions. This superior accuracy is consistent with other documented studies, however it is the first in a non-acute care setting, further demonstrating the potential for the utility of expanded technician roles.
Implementation of a Medication Therapy Management Program in a Hospital-Based Outpatient Pharmacy
Authors: Hall Deanne L. , Pater Karen S.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

To describe the integration of a medication therapy management (MTM) service in a hospital-based outpatient pharmacy, including adapting Medicare-based screening criteria to target a primarily non-Medicare population, integrating data into the medical center's electronic medical record, and designing a method to track identified drug-related problems (DRPs).

Methods

The hospital-based outpatient pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) established an MTM service to enhance patient medication safety. Identification criteria were developed in accordance with the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 and institutional practices: older than 65 years, more than 5 chronic medications, more than 3 chronic disease states, presence of diabetes, tobacco use, or possible adverse drug event (ADE). As this was a proof of concept pilot, both Medicare and non-Medicare patients were included. Additionally, an intervention tracking form was developed to use in conjunction with the medical center's electronic medical record.

Results

During an 18-month period, 319 patients met the criteria upon random screening. Sixty-eight patients enrolled in the MTM program, resulting in 234 patient visits. One hundred and seventy DRPs were identified, with 2.5 DRP per patient. The most common problems found were the need for additional drug therapy and nonadherence. The overall physician acceptance rate for recommendations was 69%.

Conclusion

MTM programs are adaptable to a hospital-based outpatient pharmacy utilizing Medicare-based screening criteria in a primarily non-Medicare population resulting in identification of DRPs.
Belimumab
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Levien Terri L. , Baker Danial E.
Published: July 2011

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available on-line. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service also receive access to a pharmacy bulletin board, The Formulary Information Exchange (The F.I.X.). All topics pertinent to clinical and hospital pharmacy are discussed on The F.I.X.

Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service or The F.I.X., call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The July 2011 monograph topics are on linagliptin, peginterferon alfa-2b, abiraterone acetate, vandetanib, and ibuprofen/famotidine. The DUE/MUE is on linagliptin.