bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Summed radiocarbon probability density functions cannot prove solar forcing of Central European lake-level changes
Authors: Bleicher Niels
Published: January 2013

It has been argued that Central European lake levels were driven by solar activity. This interpretation rests on the comparison of a score record of radiocarbon dates with the 14C residual curve. This score record is a variant of a cumulative probability density function (CPF). In this paper it is argued that this method is not valid because the shape of the CPF is determined by the calibration curve. This hypothesis is tested by a set of null models. An alternative interpretation is given according to which only few episodes of Holocene lake-level changes were climatically driven, while most of the time non-climatic factors were dominating. On a more general level some methodological issues of CPFs are discussed and exemplified by the comparison of dendrochronological results from archaeological settlements and a CPF created using radiocarbon dates from the same settlements.
Prognostic Factors for Return to Work After Low-Back Disc Herniation Surgery
Authors: Seyedmehdi Mohammad , Attarchi Mirsaeed , Ghaffari Mostafa , Mohammadi Saber , Darnahal Maryam , Sadeghi Zargham
Published: January 2013

Return to work (RTW) is an important outcome following disc herniation surgery. The present study aimed at determining factors that may affect early RTW after disc herniation surgery. Data were collected from 603 patients who underwent disc herniation surgery in an educational hospital via phone interviews during a 4-year period (2005-2009). Delayed RTW and failed RTW were associated with female gender, lower educational levels, longer hospitalization periods, greater BMI, biological age exceeding 40 years, employment in manual labor, lack of encouragement by the physician to RTW, being in pain at the time of the phone interview, having negative expectations about the outcome of surgery preoperatively, and low job satisfaction ( P < .05). Psychological and occupational factors have direct effects on RTW. Important factors include positive expectations about the outcome of surgery, encouragement by the physician to RTW, job characteristics, and job satisfaction. RTW can be accelerated by appropriate strategies and team work.
Evaluation of diagnostic assays for the serological detection of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae on samples of known or unknown exposure
Authors: Opriessnig Tanja , Hemann Michelle , Johnson John K. , Heinen Sheila , Giménez-Lirola Luis G. , O’Neill Kevin C. , Hoang Hai , Yoon Kyoung-Jin , Gottschalk Marcelo , Halbur Patrick G.
Published: January 2013

Accurate diagnosis of exposure to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is important for maintaining negative farms. In the present study, the ability of a dual-plate complement fixation (CF) assay and 3 commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs; quad-plate ELISA-1, single-plate ELISA-2, and single-plate ELISA-3) in detecting serological evidence of A. pleuropneumoniae exposure was compared using serum samples of experimentally infected or vaccinated pigs, or field samples from the United States. Forty-two pigs were divided into groups of 2 pigs and were inoculated with 1 of 15 A. pleuropneumoniae strains representing all known serovars of A. pleuropneumoniae, or with Actinobacillus suis, or were vaccinated with a bacterin containing A. pleuropneumoniae serovar 1, 3, 5, or 7. Serum samples collected at the day of inoculation or vaccination and 7, 14, 21, and 28 days later were used to compare the assays. On samples from experimentally infected pigs, the dual-plate CF assay, quad-plate ELISA-1, single-plate ELISA-2, and single-plate ELISA-3 had sensitivities of 0.46, 0.74, 0.13, and 0.13 and specificities of 0.90, 1.0, 1.0, and 1.0, respectively. Vaccinated pigs were identified only by the dual-plate CF assay and the quad-plate ELISA-1. In addition, 90 serum samples with unknown A. pleuropneumoniae exposure collected under field conditions were tested with all assays. The agreement of the 4 assays on field samples was slight to fair. While several assays are available for demonstration of A. pleuropneumoniae exposure, differences in assay targets complicate test choices. Decisions on which assay or combination of assays to use depend on the specific reasons for running the assays.
Pathologic and immunophenotypic characterization of 26 camelid malignant round cell tumors
Authors: Aboellail Tawfik A.
Published: January 2013

Lymphoma and/or leukemia was diagnosed in 26 camelids (20 alpacas and 6 llamas) out of 110 camelid neoplasia archived January 1995 through January 2012 at the Colorado State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories (CSU-VDL). Some of the tumors presented a diagnostic challenge because they could not be distinguished on the basis of gross or microscopic morphology. Immunohistochemistry using a T-cell marker (cluster of differentiation [CD]3), a B-cell marker (paired box protein [PAX]-5), a leukocyte integrin beta-2 marker (CD18), and a neuroendocrine marker (synaptophysin) was employed to help differentiate between lymphoma and other malignant round cell tumors. Alpaca lymphomas presented as either juvenile disseminated lymphoma in crias ≤2 years of age ( n = 8) or adult multicentric lymphoma and/or leukemia ( n = 12). Lymphomas in alpacas were of T-cell origin ( n = 13), non–B-cell, non–T-cell origin ( n = 4), B-cell origin ( n = 2), or myelogenous leukemia ( n = 1). Abdominal organs, predominantly the liver, were commonly involved in both the crias and adult alpacas. Lymphomas in llamas presented as either adult multicentric lymphoma of B-cell origin in animals younger than 7 years of age ( n = 2), or T-cell lymphoma ( n = 2), and non–B-cell, non–T-cell lymphoma ( n = 1) in animals 7 years of age or older. The thorax was commonly involved in llamas, with infiltration of neoplastic cells into hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes. A rare type of lymphoma diagnosed in the llamas was cutaneous, epitheliotrophic T-cell lymphoma ( n = 1).
Concomitant canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, canine parvoviral enteritis, canine infectious tracheobronchitis, and toxoplasmosis in a puppy
Authors: Headley Selwyn Arlington , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo , Fritzen Juliana Torres Tomazi , Garcia João Luis , Weissenböck Herbert , da Silva Ana Paula , Bodnar Livia , Okano Werner , Alfieri Alice Fernandes
Published: January 2013

The concomitant infections of Canine distemper virus (CDV), Canine adenovirus A types 1 (CAdV-1) and 2 (CAdV-2), Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), and Toxoplasma gondii are described in a 43-day-old mixed-breed puppy. Clinically, there were convulsions and blindness with spontaneous death; 14 siblings of this puppy, born to a 10-month-old dam, which was seropositive (titer: 1,024) for T. gondii, also died. Necropsy revealed unilateral corneal edema (blue eye), depletion of intestinal lymphoid tissue, non-collapsible lungs, congestion of meningeal vessels, and a pale area in the myocardium. Histopathology demonstrated necrotizing myocarditis associated with intralesional apicomplexan protozoa; necrotizing and chronic hepatitis associated with rare intranuclear inclusion bodies within hepatocytes; necrotizing bronchitis and bronchiolitis; interstitial pneumonia associated with eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies within epithelial cells; atrophy and fusion of intestinal villi with cryptal necrosis; and white matter demyelination of the cerebrum and cerebellum associated with intranuclear inclusion bodies within astrocytes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified the partial fragments (bp) of the CDV N gene (290 bp), CPV-2c VP2 capsid protein gene (583 bp), and CAdV-1 (508 bp) and CAdV-2 (1,030 bp) E gene from urine and tissue samples. The PCR assays demonstrated that the apicomplexan protozoa observed within several organs contained DNA specific for T. gondii; genotyping revealed T. gondii type III. The findings support the characterization of concomitant infections of CDV, CAdV-1, CAdV-2, CPV-2, and T. gondii in this puppy. Further, seroreactivity to T. gondii of the dam in association with the systemic disease observed in the puppy described herein is suggestive of congenital toxoplasmosis.
Investigation and evaluation of effect of dehydration on vibration characteristics of silver-electroded ionic polymer–metal composite actuator
Authors: Biswal Dillip K , Bandopadhya Dibakar , Dwivedy Santosha K
Published: January 2013

Theoretical and experimental investigation of dehydration loss of ionic polymer–metal composite actuator is important to evaluate the stability, accuracy, and effectiveness of actuation. An ionic polymer–metal composite actuator of silver electrode has been analyzed to demonstrate the effect of dehydration on vibration characteristics during actuation. Experiment is conducted in cantilever configuration under direct current potential, and the bending and vibration characteristics are measured by Laser Vibrometer. As dehydration occurs during the actuation process, these experimental data are used to establish empirical model for loss-factor in terms of input voltage and time using Cobb–Douglas production method. A correlation is also developed for tip deflection with applied voltage. For theoretical investigation, multimode approximation has been taken into consideration and extended Hamilton’s principle is applied for developing the governing equation of motion of the actuator. Few modes are taken into consideration, and the equations are solved numerically to obtain the transient and steady-state responses of the actuator. Theoretical steady-state results are compared and validated with the experimental results. Both theoretical and experimental results show the gradual reduction of tip displacement due to dehydration.
Response modification factor of steel frames utilizing shape memory alloys
Authors: Ghassemieh Mehdi , Kargarmoakhar Ramtin
Published: January 2013

Shape memory alloys are unique metallic alloys that have the ability to undergo large deformations while reverting back to their original undeformed shape, which provides recentering capabilities to the braced frame. In this article, the seismic response of steel braced frames employing shape memory alloy braces is evaluated. The research is carried out by investigating the overall behavior of the structural system as well as taking a close look at response of the system by examining the modification factors of the system. Static pushover analysis, incremental nonlinear dynamic analysis, and linear dynamic analysis are performed in order to investigate the overstrength, ductility, and response modification factors in the structural steel frames. The effects of building height, number of spans, and different types of bracings including diagonal X and Chevron are considered. Comparing the response modification factor of different system configurations indicates that the seismic response of Chevron bracing is preferable when compared with other types of bracings.
Development and Validation of the Career Competencies Indicator (CCI)
Authors: Francis-Smythe Jan , Haase Sandra , Thomas Erica , Steele Catherine
Published: January 2013

This article describes the development and validation of the Career Competencies Indicator (CCI); a 43-item measure to assess career competencies (CCs). Following an extensive literature review, a comprehensive item generation process involving consultation with subject matter experts, a pilot study and a factor analytic study on a large sample yielded a seven-factor structure; goal setting and career planning, self-knowledge, job performance, career-related skills, knowledge of (office) politics, career guidance and networking, and feedback seeking and self-presentation. Coefficient α reliabilities of the seven dimensions ranged from .93 to .81. Convergent validity was established by showing that all 7-CCs loaded substantially onto a single second-order factor representing the general CC construct. Discriminant validity was established by showing less than chance similarity between the 7-CCI subscales and the Big Five personality scales. The results also suggested criterion-related validity of the CCI, since CCs were found to jointly predict objective and subjective career success.
Engaging in Work Even When It Is Meaningless
Authors: Steger Michael F. , Littman-Ovadia Hadassah , Miller Michal , Menger Lauren , Rothmann Sebastiaan
Published: January 2013

The central aim of the present study was to assess the predictive value of affective disposition and meaningful work on employee engagement. Specifically, it was proposed that meaningful work moderates the relationship between affective disposition and engagement. Questionnaires were completed by 252 white-collar employees, working in a variety of organizations and jobs across Israel, recruited from community-based samples on a voluntary basis. As hypothesized, work engagement, affective disposition, and meaningful work were positively correlated. Additionally, a significant interaction between affective disposition and meaningful work was found. The relationship between affective disposition and work engagement was found to differ by the extent to which individuals perceived their work as meaningful. Specifically, when work was not perceived as meaningful, employees characterized by high scores on affective disposition were more strongly engaged compared to employees who were characterized by low scores on affective disposition. However, when work was perceived as meaningful, there was no difference in level of engagement found between those with high or low scores on affective disposition. The implications of these results are discussed.
Use of a closed system drug-transfer device eliminates surface contamination with antineoplastic agents
Authors: Clark Bernadette A , Sessink Paul JM
Published: January 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of a closed system drug-transfer device, EquaShield®, at reducing surface contamination with antineoplastic agents throughout an ambulatory cancer chemotherapy infusion center.

Methods

Surfaces throughout the cancer center were sampled three times. The first samples were obtained in June 2010 without prior cleaning to measure baseline levels of contamination of the current technique (Chemo Dispensing Pin, B. Braun Medical Inc.). The second samples were obtained in August 2010 after the implementation of the closed system drug-transfer device and cleaning to evaluate if the contamination was removed. The third samples were obtained in August 2011. Wipe samples were taken from five positions in the pharmacy and from five positions in the infusion suite. Wipe samples were also collected from two positions in office areas. Samples were analyzed for cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil.

Results

The results from the first two sets of samples showed contamination with cyclophosphamide on about half of the positions at all locations during both collection periods. However, levels of contamination were very low and mostly just above the detection limit of the analytical method. The highest level of contamination was found on the door and handle in the pharmacy. Contamination with 5-fluorouracil was only observed on the dispensing counter in the pharmacy during the second collection period. The results from the third and final collection period showed no contamination with cyclophosphamide or 5-fluorouracil in the pharmacy, the infusion suite or in offices of the cancer center.

Conclusion

Implementation of the closed system drug-transfer device for preparing and administering chemotherapy eliminated surface contamination with cytotoxic agents at the ambulatory cancer chemotherapy infusion center.
Muehrcke’s lines (Leukonychia striata) due to transretinoic acid therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Dasanu Constantin A , Ichim Thomas E , Alexandrescu Doru T
Published: January 2013

Transverse leukonychia ( Leukonychia striata or Muehrcke’s lines) has been described with the use of several drugs in oncology, mainly chemotherapeutic agents. This condition is thought to represent an abnormality of the vascular nail bed. As the diagnosis is clinical and the condition is self-limited, referral to other specialists is usually not required. We report the first case of transverse leukonychia related to the use of transretinoic acid for acute promyelocytic leukemia. Physician awareness of transverse leukonychia is important in order to reassure the patients and avoid unnecessary (and often not inexpensive) diagnostic work-up.
Characterization of rice starches extracted from Indian cultivars
Authors: Gani Adil , Wani SM , Masoodi FA , Salim Rehana
Published: January 2013

Physicochemical, morphological and pasting properties of starches isolated from four rice cultivars grown in India were studied. The amylose content ranged between 4.7 and 30.2% of starch, highest in K332 starch and lowest in SR1 starch. Swelling power, water solubility and water absorption capacity of starches increased with increase in temperature from 50 to 90 °C at 10 °C intervals. Highest swelling and water absorption was found in SR1 and lowest in K332 starches but reverse was observed in case of solubility that was highest for K332 and lowest for SR1 starch. The microstructure of starch granules from different rice cultivars showed the presence of mainly polyhedral granules having average size in the range of 4.0–5.2 µm. K332 showed the presence of smallest granules, whereas SR1 starch showed the presence of largest granules. X-ray diffraction pattern of rice starch from different cultivars showed typical A-type crystallinity. Pasting properties of starches differed significantly. Pasting temperature was highest for K332 and lowest for SR1, while peak viscosity was highest for aromatic rice and lowest for K448 starches. Higher setback was observed in K332 and lowest in SR1.
The private military industry and neoliberal imperialism: Mapping the terrain
Authors: Godfrey Richard , Brewis Jo , Grady Jo , Grocott Chris
Published: January 2013

Despite the international reach, and increasing global importance, of the free market provision of military and security services—which we label the Private Security Industry (PSI)—management and organization studies has yet to pay significant attention to this industry. Taking up Grey’s (2009) call for scholarship at the boundaries between security studies and organization studies and building on Banerjee’s (2008) treatment of the PSI as a key element in necrocapitalism, in this article we aim to trace the long history of the PSI and argue that it has re-emerged over the last two decades against, and as a result of, a very specific politico-economic backdrop. We then suggest that the PSI operates as a mechanism for neoliberal imperialism; demonstrate its substitution for and supplementing of the state; and count some of the costs of this privatization of war. Finally, we take seriously Hughes’s (2007) thesis of the growth of a new security-industrial complex, and of the intersecting elites who benefit from this phenomenon.
Between ‘isses’ and ‘oughts’: IR constructivism, Critical Theory, and the challenge of political philosophy
Authors: Weber Martin
Published: January 2013

The social theoretic turn inaugurated under the rise of constructivism in International Relations has, among other themes, created a much-enlarged space for treating norms as efficacious explanatory variables in analyses of world politics. In this article, I reconstruct mainstream constructivists’ inclinations toward what I argue are sociological accounts of norms, in which the question of the latter’s justification is comprehensively sidelined. I initially show how constructivists’ strategy of delineating their approaches from Critical Theory and post-structural analyses sustains social theoretic commitments, which compound this problem. In the second part of the article, I focus on Richard Price’s programmatic attempt to reconcile the constructivist achievements in empirical research on the efficacy of norms with normative theorizing. The idea of building a bridge from ‘isses’ to ‘oughts’ labors, as I demonstrate, from the outset under construction problems, which cannot be resolved on the premises from which Price seeks to operate. Concluding this part, I consider the possibility of supplementing Price’s account with consequentialist normative theory, and demonstrate that this would incur further problems for a normative theoretic framework for the study of world politics. In the final part, I outline key themes of Critical Theory with the aim of addressing some persistent misunderstandings about its scope, social theoretic outlook, and normative commitments. Linking back to the critical appraisal of mainstream constructivism’s norm-sociological commitments, I suggest that despite some important limitations of its own, Critical Theory is in a better position to address ‘isses’ and ‘oughts’ than constructivists’ readings of it would suggest.
Self-compassion and reactions to serious illness: The case of HIV
Authors: Brion John M , Leary Mark R , Drabkin Anya S
Published: January 2013

To test the hypothesis that self-compassion buffers people against the emotional impact of illness and is associated with medical adherence, 187 HIV-infected individuals completed a measure of self-compassion and answered questions about their emotional and behavioral reactions to living with HIV. Self-compassion was related to better adjustment, including lower stress, anxiety, and shame. Participants higher in self-compassion were more likely to disclose their HIV status to others and indicated that shame had less of an effect on their willingness to practice safe sex and seek medical care. In general, self-compassion was associated with notably more adaptive reactions to having HIV.
Source attribution and credibility of health and appearance exercise advertisements: Relationship with implicit and explicit attitudes and intentions
Authors: Berry Tanya R , Shields Chris
Published: January 2013

The relationship of attributed source (commercial or nonprofit) and credibility of exercise advertisements to explicit and implicit exercise-related attitudes and intentions was examined. Male and female participants ( N = 227) were randomly assigned to watch health or appearance-related advertisements and then completed an implicit attitudes task and questionnaires. Health advertisements and those attributed to a nonprofit source were rated more credible. Appearance condition participants who attributed the advertisement to a nonprofit source also rated the advertisement as more credible. Participants who rated a commercial advertisement as credible reported higher implicit instrumental attitudes. Implications for exercise promotion are discussed.
The freelance translation machine: Algorithmic culture and the invisible industry
Authors: Kushner Scott
Published: January 2013

Much of the work performed by the global translation industry is handled by freelance labor. This segment of the industry has seen a radical structural transformation that has accompanied a radical transformation in the media environment that supports its work. The emergence of online freelance translation marketplaces has married the logics of standardization, automation, and protocol to casual labor, motivated by incremental profit and lubricated by entrepreneurialism. Customs and practices native to contemporary internet culture generate a freelance translation machine made of equal parts flesh and silicon that manages skilled labor algorithmically. In parallel with the specific case of freelance translation practices, this article develops and deploys a notion of algorithmic culture that accounts for the integration of human cognition in computational processes. Consequently, the possibility emerges that users instrumentalize algorithms even as algorithms instrumentalize users.
Status, gender and geography: power negotiations in police research
Authors: Belur Jyoti
Published: January 2013

This article is a reflexive analysis of the impact of researcher characteristics such as gender, age, ethnicity and status on doing police research in conflict zones. The reported research explored perceptions of front-line police officers working in left wing extremism-affected areas in India. I suggest five working propositions that emerge from this work. First, power is necessarily negotiated between the interviewer and the interviewee throughout the interview process. Second, while researcher gender and age do influence the research process, it is proposed that status dominates power negotiations in hierarchical organisations. Third, working in conflict zones places many restrictions on the researcher and the research process, which impact research design and outcomes. Fourth, the microgeography of the interview site is relevant to how power negotiations are conducted. Finally, guidelines to resolve ethical dilemmas rarely provide solutions to tricky field research situations.
Disagreement and epistemic arguments for democracy
Authors: Ingham Sean
Published: January 2013

Recent accounts of epistemic democracy aim to show that in some qualified sense, democratic institutions have a tendency to produce reasonable outcomes. Epistemic democrats aim to offer such accounts without presupposing any narrow, controversial view of what the outcomes of democratic procedures should be, much as a good justification of a particular scientific research design does not presuppose the hypothesis that the research aims to test. The article considers whether this aim is achievable. It asks, in particular, whether accounts of epistemic democracy can be reconciled with the commonly held view that disagreement about which laws and policies should be enacted is a fundamental, permanent feature of democratic politics and imposes constraints on how we justify democratic procedures.
An algorithm to minimise the beam angle of compound parabolic concentrators with LED sources
Authors: Liu F , Chen L , Hu Y , Lin Q , Tang B
Published: January 2013

An algorithm is introduced to minimise the beam angle of compound parabolic concentrators (CPCs) with LED sources under the condition of a fixed exit aperture, as a big beam angle will cause large off-axis aberration and low efficiency for a projection system. According to the edge-ray principle and coordinates transform, the formula for the algorithm is derived with LED sources considered as extended sources. In this paper, an example is given to prove the algorithm. Not only the minimum beam angle but also the specific parameters of CPCs can be obtained by this algorithm.
Subjective preferences and colour quality metrics of LED light sources
Authors: Dangol R , Islam M , LiSc M Hyvärinen , Bhusal P , Puolakka M , Halonen L
Published: January 2013

To understand people's judgement of the naturalness of object colours and preference for the lit environment, lighting booth experiments were conducted. Seven different LED spectral power distributions, all at correlated colour temperatures of 2700 K, 4000 K and 6500 K, were simulated for high CIE colour rendering index (Ra), high colour quality scale (CQS) colour preference scale (Qp) keeping Ra = 80, high feeling of contrast index (FCI) keeping Ra = 80, high CQS relative gamut area scale (Qg) keeping Ra = 80, low FCI keeping Ra = 80, low Qp keeping Ra = 80, and for a mimic of a fluorescent lamp (FL) in terms of the closest possible value of the Ra, FCI and Qp to the reference FL. Other metrics such as the gamut area index (GAI), memory CRI, and nCRI were also considered in the analysis. Sixty observers evaluated 24 lighting situations. This paper deals with a comparison evaluation, where LED lighting was compared to FL lighting. It was found that Ra does not explain the subjective naturalness of objects and the subjective preference of the lit environment for the different light sources. The results also indicate that people's judgement of naturalness and overall preference were explained better when a reference-based metric (such as Qp) and an area or volume-based metric (such as Qg or GAI) were both considered while maintaining the light source chromaticity difference (Duv) value within the limit ± 0.0054.
Psychometric Properties of an HIV Knowledge Scale Administered With Populations at High Risk for HIV Infection
Authors: Oglesby Willie H. , Alemagno Sonia A.
Published: January 2013

HIV prevention programs targeting men who have sex with men, Blacks, and young adults commonly use measures of HIV knowledge as an important component of demonstrating overall program effectiveness. These scales, however, are rarely subjected to repeated analysis to confirm reliability and validity and the results of psychometric analysis rarely include subpopulation variations. In this study, we administered an adapted version of a previously validated HIV knowledge scale to participants of a large, city-wide HIV prevention program (n = 5,027) and performed psychometric analysis to determine if differences existed across populations. Analysis showed that the HIV knowledge scale performed poorly for men who have sex with men, but very well for transgenders. Results were similar for Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites, very poor for 30- to 39-year-olds, but very well for 60+ year olds. Findings underscore the need for further research on the measurement of HIV knowledge among high-risk populations and the importance of culturally appropriate survey items tailored to each population.
Measuring Time Use of Older Couples
Authors: Freedman Vicki A. , Stafford Frank , Schwarz Norbert , Conrad Frederick
Published: January 2013

Time diaries are a well-established method for providing population estimates of the amount of time and types of activities respondents carry out over the course of a full day. This article focuses on a computer-assisted telephone application developed to collect multiple, same-day 24-hour diaries from older couples who participated in the 2009 Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID). We present selected findings from developmental and field activities, highlighting methods for three diary enhancements: (1) implementation of a multiple, same-day diary design; (2) minimizing erroneous reporting of sequential activities as simultaneous; and (3) tailoring activity descriptors (or “follow-up” questions) that depend on a precoded activity value. A final section discusses limitations and implications for future time diary efforts.
Invited Reaction: Further Observations on the Relationship Between Work Engagement and Performance
Authors: Shuck Brad
Published: January 2013

The topic of engagement has developed into a current trend in emerging and explorative research within the field of Human Resource Development. The maturation and swiftness at which the construct is emerging is a testament to the serious research scholars are undertaking, as well as the popularity of the construct in practice throughout a myriad of organizations. This article is a reaction to the preceding article (Kim, Kolb, and Kim, 2013), which seeks to investigate the relation between work engagement and performance utilizing a review of empirical literature. This reaction considers the findings espoused by Kim et al (2013) and suggests further thematic observations on the reported conclusions. Several recommendations for research and practice are suggested for further consideration.
The Hazard of Truth: Perjury and Oath in Derrida’s Later Work
Authors: Barbour Charles
Published: January 2013

This article takes up the question of perjury and the oath in Derrida’s later work. It proposes that Derrida’s reflections on such theological concepts need to be understood, less as part of a “religious turn,” and more in the context of political and juridical theology, or the manner in which modern politics and law are haunted by theology. It shows how, for Derrida, every social relation is structured by an oath, or an implied promise to tell the truth, and a perjury, or a betrayal of that promise. It develops this argument through a consideration of Derrida’s engagements with Levinas and de Man.
Management of patients with vulvar cancer: a perspective review according to tumour stage
Authors: Woelber Linn , Trillsch Fabian , Kock Lilli , Grimm Donata , Petersen Cordula , Choschzick Matthias , Jaenicke Fritz , Mahner Sven
Published: January 2013

Treatment of patients with vulvar cancer is challenging for gynaecologic oncologists. Owing to the localization in a sensitive area, surgical radicality and the indication for adjuvant treatment have to be balanced with psychosocial aspects to treat patients adequately. Clinical management is therefore highly dependent on the tumour stage. For patients with early-stage disease (FIGO I–II) therapy mainly concentrates on surgery with resection of the primary tumour and staging of the groin lymph nodes. In intermediate-stage vulvar cancer (FIGO III), advanced disease is expressed by affected inguinofemoral lymph nodes bringing radical lymphadenectomy and adjuvant therapy as well as radiation or chemoradiation into the focus of treatment. For locally advanced or metastatic vulvar cancer (FIGO IV) neoadjuvant or definitive chemoradiation has to be considered besides surgery. Owing to the low incidence of the disease, the level of evidence for different treatment modalities is poor. This review therefore puts different recommendations of clinical management in context and highlights the need for future trials.
Microenvironmental protection of CML stem and progenitor cells from tyrosine kinase inhibitors through N-cadherin and Wnt–β-catenin signaling
Authors: Zhang Bin , Li Min , McDonald Tinisha , Holyoake Tessa L. , Moon Randall T. , Campana Dario , Shultz Leonard , Bhatia Ravi
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells preserve CML stem cells from elimination following tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. N-cadherin and Wnt signaling contribute to protection of CML stem cells by mesenchymal cells and may represent new treatment targets.
Genetic programs expressed in resting and IL-4 alternatively activated mouse and human macrophages: similarities and differences
Authors: Martinez Fernando O. , Helming Laura , Milde Ronny , Varin Audrey , Melgert Barbro N. , Draijer Christina , Thomas Benjamin , Fabbri Marco , Crawshaw Anjali , Ho Ling Pei , Ten Hacken Nick H. , Cobos Jiménez Viviana , Kootstra Neeltje A. , Hamann Jörg , Greaves David R. , Locati Massimo , Mantovani Alberto , Gordon Siamon
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Human and mouse macrophages share partially conserved gene and protein expression programs in the resting or M2 activated state. TGM2 is a novel M2 marker consistently induced in human and mouse M2 macrophages.
Polymorphic Sirpa is the genetic determinant for NOD-based mouse lines to achieve efficient human cell engraftment
Authors: Yamauchi Takuji , Takenaka Katsuto , Urata Shingo , Shima Takahiro , Kikushige Yoshikane , Tokuyama Takahito , Iwamoto Chika , Nishihara Mariko , Iwasaki Hiromi , Miyamoto Toshihiro , Honma Nakayuki , Nakao Miki , Matozaki Takashi , Akashi Koichi
Published: January 2013

Key Points

NOD-specific Sirpa polymorphism is the genetic determinant of highly efficient xenograft activity in NOD-based immunodeficient mouse models.
Selective inhibition of cell death in malignant vs normal B-cell precursors: implications for cAMP in development and treatment of BCP-ALL
Authors: Naderi Elin Hallan , Ugland Hege Katrin , Diep Phoi-Phoi , Josefsen Dag , Ruud Ellen , Naderi Soheil , Blomhoff Heidi Kiil
Published: January 2013

Key Points

cAMP inhibits p53 accumulation and cell death in BCP-ALL cells but not normal BCPs, providing a possible therapeutic window for intervention. Activation of the PGE2-cAMP-PKA axis might be exploited by leukemic cells to suppress oncogene- and treatment-induced p53 activation.
The CD300 molecules: an emerging family of regulators of the immune system
Authors: Borrego Francisco
Published: January 2013

The CD300 family of molecules modulates a broad and diverse array of immune cell processes via their paired activating and inhibitory receptor functions. The description that CD300 molecules are able to recognize lipids, such as extracellular ceramide, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylethanolamine, that are exposed on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane of dead and activated cells has opened a new field of research. Through their binding to lipids and other ligands, this family of receptors is poised to have a significant role in complex biological processes and in the host response to severe pathological conditions. Indeed, published data have demonstrated their participation in the pathogenesis of several disease states. Moreover, this family of receptors has great potential as targets for diagnosis and therapeutic purposes in infectious diseases, allergies, cancer, and other pathological situations. For instance, one member of the family, CD300a, has been studied as a possible biomarker. Here, a review is provided on the cellular distribution of the human and mouse families of receptors, the stimuli that regulate their expression, their ability to tune leukocyte function and immune responses, their signaling pathways, ligand recognition, and their clinical relevance.
Genetic elimination of the binding motif on fibrinogen for the S. aureus virulence factor ClfA improves host survival in septicemia
Authors: Flick Matthew J. , Du XinLi , Prasad Joni M. , Raghu Harini , Palumbo Joseph S. , Smeds Emanuel , Höök Magnus , Degen Jay L.
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Eliminating the binding motif on fibrinogen for ClfA, but not leukocyte integrin Mac-1, improves host survival in Staphylococcus aureus septicemia.
Gli3-mediated hedgehog inhibition in human pluripotent stem cells initiates and augments developmental programming of adult hematopoiesis
Authors: McIntyre Brendan A. S. , Ramos-Mejia Veronica , Rampalli Shravanti , Mechael Rami , Lee Jong-Hee , Alev Cantas , Sheng Guojun , Bhatia Mickie
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Transient inhibition of hedgehog signaling augments hematopoiesis in hPSC-derived EBs. Hedgehog inhibition initiates an advancement in the developmental state of hematopoietic cells derived from hPSCs.
The Peritraumatic Behavior Questionnaire: development and initial validation of a new measure for combat-related peritraumatic reactions
Authors: Agorastos Agorastos , Nash William P , Nunnink Sarah , Yurgil Kate A , Goldsmith Abigail , Litz Brett T , Johnson Heather , Lohr James B , Baker Dewleen G
Published: January 2013

Background

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most commonly observed stress-related conditions following combat exposure and its effective prevention is a high health-care priority. Reports of peritraumatic reactions have been shown to be highly associated with PTSD among combat exposed service members. However, existing instruments measuring peritraumatic symptoms were not specifically developed to assess combat-related peritraumatic stress and each demonstrates a different peritraumatic focus. We therefore developed the Peritraumatic Behavior Questionnaire (PBQ), a new military-specific rating scale focused upon the wide range of symptoms suggestive of combat-related peritraumatic distress in actively deployed Service Members. This study describes the development of the PBQ and reports on the psychometric properties of its self-rated version (PBQ-SR).

Methods

688 Marine infantry service members were retrospectively assessed by the PBQ-SR within the scope of the Marine Resiliency Study after their deployment to war zone. Participants have been additionally assessed by a variety of questionnaires, as well as clinical interviews both pre and post-deployment.

Results

The PBQ-SR demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity, as well as high correlation with trait dissociation prior to deployment. Component analysis suggested a latent bi-dimensional structure separating a peritraumatic emotional distress and physical awareness factor. The PBQ-SR total score showed high correlation to general anxiety, depression, poorer general health and posttraumatic symptoms after deployment and remained a significant predictor of PTSD severity, after controlling for those measures. The suggested screening cut-off score of 12 points demonstrated satisfactory predictive power.

Conclusions

This study confirms the ability of the PBQ-SR to unify the underlying peritraumatic symptom dimensions and reliably assess combat-related peritraumatic reaction as a general construct. The PBQ-SR demonstrated promise as a potential standard screening measure in military clinical practice, while It’s predictive power should be established in prospective studies.
Genetic evidence of regulatory gene variants of the STAT6, IL10R and FOXP3 locus as a susceptibility factor in uncomplicated malaria and parasitaemia in Congolese children
Authors: Koukouikila-Koussounda Felix , Ntoumi Francine , Ndounga Mathieu , Tong Hoang V , Abena Ange-Antoine , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P
Published: January 2013

Background

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of T cells that play an important role in modulating T effector responses during infectious challenges. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible associations between regulatory gene polymorphisms and the risk of uncomplicated malaria and the control of Plasmodium falciparum parasite density levels.

Methods

Twelve regulatory single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter regions of FOXP3 (ss270137548, rs11091253), IL10RA (rs56356146, rs7925112), IL10RB (rs8178433, rs8178435, rs999788), STAT6 (rs3024941, rs3024943, rs3024944) and TNFRSF18 (ss2080581728, rs3753344) were genotyped in a cohort of Congolese children. Studied subjects were followed up (passively) during one year. The children who experienced one or several clinical episodes were genotyped as “uncomplicated malaria” group (n=179) and those children who did not experience any episode were genotyped as “asymptomatic children” group (n=138).

Results

The prevalence of rs3024944CC genotype of STAT6 was significantly higher in the group of asymptomatic children compared to that of uncomplicated malaria (P=0.003). Similarly, the minor allele rs3024944C was more prevalent in the group of asymptomatic children (P=0.019). Two novel SNPs were observed including -163T/G (ss491228441) in IL10RA gene and -163C/T (ss491228440) in TNFRSF18 gene. The genotype ss491228441TT and the minor allele ss491228441G of the IL10RA were more frequent in the group of asymptomatic children (P=0.006 and P=0.007, respectively). The genotype rs11091253CT of the FOXP3 was associated with high parasite density levels. In addition, a new promoter IL10RA variant (ss491228441) contributes to shield against mild malaria.

Conclusion

The study indicated that the STAT6 promoter polymorphism rs3024944 was associated with uncomplicated malaria, whereas the FOXP3 promoter variant rs11091253 was associated with significant P. falciparum parasitaemia levels. These genetic data may contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms that regulate immune response to P. falciparum infections.
Sildenafil restores endothelial function in the apolipoprotein E knockout mouse
Authors: Balarini Camille M , Leal Marcos A , Gomes Isabele B S , Pereira Thiago M C , Gava Agata L , Meyrelles Silvana S , Vasquez Elisardo C
Published: January 2013

Background

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process of the arterial walls and is initiated by endothelial dysfunction accompanied by an imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). Sildenafil, a selective phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction, exerts its cardiovascular effects by enhancing the effects of NO. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of sildenafil on endothelial function and atherosclerosis progression in apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE−/−) mice.

Methods

ApoE−/− mice treated with sildenafil (Viagra®, 40 mg/kg/day, for 3 weeks, by oral gavage) were compared to the untreated apoE−/− and the wild-type (WT) mice.

Aortic rings were used to evaluate the relaxation responses to acetylcholine (ACh) in all of the groups. In a separate set of experiments, the roles of NO and ROS in the relaxation response to ACh were evaluated by incubating the aortic rings with L-NAME (NO synthase inhibitor) or apocynin (NADPH oxidase inhibitor). In addition, the atherosclerotic lesions were quantified and superoxide production was assessed.

Results

Sildenafil restored the vasodilator response to acetylcholine (ACh) in the aortic rings of the apoE−/− mice. Treatment with L-NAME abolished the vasodilator responses to ACh in all three groups of mice and revealed an augmented participation of NO in the endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the sildenafil-treated animals. The normalized endothelial function in sildenafil-treated apoE−/− mice was unaffected by apocynin highlighting the low levels of ROS production in these animals. Moreover, morphological analysis showed that sildenafil treatment caused approximately a 40% decrease in plaque deposition in the aorta.

Conclusion

This is the first study demonstrating the beneficial effects of chronic treatment with sildenafil on endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in a model of spontaneous hypercholesterolemia. These data indicate that the main mechanism of the beneficial effect of sildenafil on the endothelial function appears to involve an enhancement of the NO pathway along with a reduction in oxidative stress.
Neutralization sensitivity of HIV-1 subtype B’ clinical isolates from former plasma donors in China
Authors: OuYang Yabo , Sun Jianping , Huang Yang , Lu Lu , Xu Weisi , Hu Xintao , Hong Kunxue , Jiang Shibo , Shao Yiming , Ma Liying
Published: January 2013

Background

HIV-1 subtype B’ isolates have been predominantly circulating in China. Their intra- and inter-subtype neutralization sensitivity to autologous and heterologous plasmas has not been well studied.

Results

Twelve HIV-1 B’ clinical isolates obtained from patients were tested for their intra- and inter-subtype neutralization sensitivity to the neutralization antibodies in the plasmas from patients infected by HIV-1 B’ and CRF07_BC subtypes, respectively. We found that the plasmas from the HIV-1 B’-infected patients could potently neutralize heterologous viruses of subtype B’ with mean ID50 titer (1/x) of about 67, but they were not effective in neutralizing autologous viruses of subtype B’ with mean ID50 titer (1/x) of about 8. The plasmas from HIV-1 CRF07_BC-infected patients exhibited weak inter-subtype neutralization activity against subtype B’ viruses with ID50 titer (1/x) is about 22. The neutralization sensitivity of HIV-1 B’ isolates was inversely correlated with the neutralizing activity of plasmas from HIV-1 B’-infected patients (Spearman’s r = −0.657, P = 0.020), and with the number of potential N-glycosylation site (PNGS) in V1-V5 region (Spearman’s r = −0.493, P = 0.034), but positively correlated with the viral load (Spearman’s r = 0.629, P = 0.028). It had no correlation with the length of V1-V5 regions or the CD4+ T cell count. Virus AH259V has low intra-subtype neutralization sensitivity, it can be neutralized by 17b (IC50: 10μg/ml) and 447-52D (IC50: 1.6μg/ml), and the neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) in plasma AH259P are effective in neutralizing infection by the primary HIV-1 isolates with different subtypes with ID50 titers (1/x) in the range of 32–396.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the HIV-1 subtype B’ viruses may mutate under the immune pressure, thus becoming resistant to the autologous nAbs, possibly by changing the number of PNGS in the V1-V5 region of the viral gp120. Some of primary HIV-1 isolates are able to induce both intra- and inter-subtype cross-neutralizing antibody responses.