bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRUCTURE-PROPERTIES RELATION OF CO-DOPE BISMUTH LAYER-STRUCTURED Bi3.25La0.75(Ti1-xWx)3O12 CERAMICS
Authors: SIRIPRAPA PASINEE , WATCHARAPASORN ANUCHA , JIANSIRISOMBOON SUKANDA
Published: December 2009

In this work, fabrication and investigation of substituing high-valence W 6+ for Ti 4+ ion on B -site of La 3+-doped Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 or BLT structure to form Bi 3.25 La 0.75( Ti 1-x W x)3 O 12 or BLTW (when x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05 0.07, 0.09 and 0.10) ceramics were carried out. X-ray diffraction patterns of BLTW ceramics indicated orthorhombic structure with lattice distortion, especially with higher concentration of WO 3 dopant. An increase in WO 3 doping content reduced not only length and thickness of grain, but also density of the ceramics. Electrical conductivity was found to decrease, while dielectric constant increased with W 6+ doping. Ferroelectric properties were found to be improved with increasing WO 3 content and were optimized at x = 0.05.
The soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor NS-2028 reduces vascular endothelial growth factor-induced angiogenesis and permeability
Authors: Morbidelli Lucia , Pyriochou Anastasia , Filippi Sandra , Vasileiadis Ioannis , Roussos Charis , Zhou Zongmin , Loutrari Heleni , Waltenberger Johannes , Stössel Anne , Giannis Athanassios , Ziche Marina , Papapetropoulos Andreas
Published: December 2009

Nitric oxide (NO) is known to promote vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-stimulated permeability and angiogenesis. However, effector molecules that operate downstream of NO in this pathway remain poorly characterized. Herein, we determined the effect of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibition on VEGF responses in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of endothelial cells (EC) with VEGF stimulated eNOS phosphorylation and cGMP accumulation; pretreatment with the sGC inhibitor 4 H-8-bromo-1,2,4-oxadiazolo(3,4-d)benz(b)(1,4)oxazin-1-one (NS-2028) blunted cGMP levels without affecting VEGF-receptor phosphorylation. Incubation of cells with NS-2028 blocked the mitogenic effects of VEGF. In addition, cells in which sGC was inhibited exhibited no migration and sprouting in response to VEGF. To study the mechanisms through which NS-2028 inhibits EC migration, we determined the effects of alterations in cGMP levels on p38 MAPK. Initially, we observed that inhibition of sGC attenuated VEGF-stimulated activation of p38. In contrast, the addition of 8-Br-cGMP to EC stimulated p38 phosphorylation. The addition of cGMP elevating agents (BAY 41-2272, DETA NO and YC-1) enhanced EC migration. To test whether sGC also mediated the angiogenic effects of VEGF in vivo, we used the rabbit cornea assay. Animals receiving NS-2028 orally displayed a reduced angiogenic response to VEGF. As increased vascular permeability occurs prior to new blood vessel formation, we determined the effect of NS-2028 in vascular leakage. Using a modified Miles assay, we observed that NS-2028 attenuated VEGF-induced permeability. Overall, we provide evidence that sGC mediates the angiogenic and permeability-promoting activities of VEGF, indicating the significance of sGC as a downstream effector of VEGF-triggered responses.
Infusion of angiotensin-(1–7) reduces glomerulosclerosis through counteracting angiotensin II in experimental glomerulonephritis
Authors: Zhang Jiandong , Noble Nancy A. , Border Wayne A. , Huang Yufeng
Published: December 2009

Recent identification of a counterregulatory axis of the renin-angiotensin system, called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-angiotensin-(1–7) [ANG-(1–7)]-Mas receptor, may offer new targets for the treatment of renal fibrosis. We hypothesized that therapy with ANG-(1–7) would improve glomerulosclerosis through counteracting ANG II in experimental glomerulonephritis. Disease was induced in rats with the monoclonal anti-Thy-1 antibody, OX-7. Based on a three-dose pilot study, 576 μg·kg−1·day−1 ANG-(1–7) was continuously infused from day 1 using osmotic pumps. Measures of glomerulosclerosis include semiquantitative scoring of matrix proteins stained for periodic acid Schiff, collagen I, and fibronectin EDA+ (FN). ANG-(1–7) treatment reduced disease-induced increases in proteinuria by 75%, glomerular periodic acid Schiff staining by 48%, collagen I by 24%, and FN by 25%. The dramatic increases in transforming growth factor-β1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, FN, and collagen I mRNAs seen in disease control animals compared with normal rats were all significantly reduced by ANG-(1–7) administration ( P < 0.05). These observations support our hypothesis that ANG-(1–7) has therapeutic potential for reversing glomerulosclerosis. Several results suggest ANG-(1–7) acts by counteracting ANG II effects: 1) renin expression in ANG-(1–7)-treated rats was dramatically increased as it is with ANG II blockade therapy; and 2) in vitro data indicate that ANG II-induced increases in mesangial cell proliferation and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 overexpression are inhibited by ANG-(1–7) via its binding to a specific receptor known as Mas.
AP-2αInhibits c-MYC Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in HaCaT Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Yu Lei , Hitchler Michael J. , Sun Wenqing , Sarsour Ehab H. , Goswami Prabhat C. , Klingelhutz Aloysius J. , Domann Frederick E.
Published: December 2009

AP-2αand c-MYC are important transcription factors involved in multiple cellular processes. They each display the paradoxical capacities to stimulate both cell proliferation and apoptosis under different conditions. In the present study we found that over expression of c-MYC was associated with accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis in human keratinocytes, both of which were significantly inhibited by co-expression of AP-2. The effects of AP-2 on c-MYC were active at several levels. First, AP-2 and c-MYC were confirmed to interact at the protein level as previously described. In addition, forced expression of AP-2 significantly decreased steady state levels of c-MYC mRNA and protein. These findings suggested that AP-2 may have a direct effect on thec-mycgene. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that AP-2 proteins bound to a cluster of AP-2 binding sites located within a 2 kb upstream regulatory region ofc-mycThese results suggest that the negative regulation of AP-2 on c-MYC activity was achieved through binding of AP-2 protein to thec-mycgene. The effects of AP-2 on c-MYC induced ROS accumulation and apoptosis in epidermal keratinocytes are likely to play an important role in cell growth, differentiation and carcinogenesis of the skin.
Deficient Histone Acetylation in Acute Leukemia and the Correction by an Isothiocyanate
Authors: Xiao Liyun , Huang Yiqun , Zhen Ruiji , Chiao J.W. , Liu Delong , Ma Xudong
Published: December 2009

Objective: Since histone hypoacetylation due to excess histone deacetylases (HDACs) has been associated with transcriptional repression in leukemia, we aimed to determine deficient histone acetylation in patients with acute leukemia and the effect of its correction by an isothiocyanate. Methods: The acetylation status of histones H3 and H4 in cells from patients with untreated acute leukemia was determined by Western blot. Deficient histone acetylation was analyzed in relation to the disease state. Bone marrow cells from 10 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were cultured in phenylhexyl isothiocyanate (PHI) to evaluate correction of the deficiency. Results: Acetylation of histones H3 and H4 was virtually undetectable or significantly lower in acute leukemia. This deficiency was consistent among all the patients examined. Histone acetylation was up-regulated in the presence of PHI, revealing an excess of deacetylation activity in AML. PHI treatment induced apoptosis, indicating HDAC inhibition was able to correct the deficiency. Conclusions: Deficient histone acetylation may represent an aberration at the epigenetic level in acute leukemia. PHI might represent a target for correcting deficient acetylation, and potential epigenetic regulators for preventing the progression of leukemia.
Functional MRI in the Presurgical Evaluation of Patients with Brain Tumors: Characterization of the Statistical Threshold
Authors: Chang Connie Y. , Peck Kyung K. , Brennan Nicole M. , Hou Bob L. , Gutin Philip H. , Holodny Andrei I.
Published: December 2009

We investigated whether an optimal statistical threshold could be obtained in healthy controls and patients with brain tumors undergoing presurgical functional MRI assessment. The volumes of activation of the primary motor cortex (PMC) and the lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) were measured for the tumor and nontumor sides in 24 patients and 8 controls using four parameters; p values ranged between 10–2 and 10–31. The mean r value for first activation in the PMC was higher in controls than for both the tumor and nontumor sides in patients. The mean r value for ‘first activation in the noise area’ and ‘PMC and PFC ratio’ in controls was significantly different from the mean r value for the tumor and nontumor sides in patients (p < 0.05). The magnitude of the range of r values for the nontumor side was closer to the tumor side data than to the control data. It is imperative to evaluate functional MRI data with a wide range of statistical parameters, especially in the assessment of tumor patients.
No Effect of Parental Age on Risk of Multiple Sclerosis: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Ramagopalan Sreeram V. , Dyment David A. , Guimond Colleen , Yee Irene M. , Ebers George C. , Sadovnick A. Dessa
Published: December 2009

Background: Genetic and environmental factors have important roles in multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. A clear parent-of-origin effect has been shown in several populations. Advanced maternal age has been shown to be associated with adverse outcomes in offspring including chromosomal abnormalities. Advanced paternal age is associated with a number of adult onset disorders including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In a population-based Canadian cohort, we investigated whether there is any difference in parental age at birth for MS index cases compared to spouse controls. Methods: Using the longitudinal Canadian database, we identified 5,681 MS index cases and 1,249 spouse controls with complete information on parental dates of birth, thereby allowing a calculation of the maternal and paternal ages at the birth of their children (MS index cases and spouse controls). Results: No significant difference in maternal or paternal age at birth was found (average MS index case maternal age at birth = 27.3 years, average spouse control maternal age at birth = 27.0 years, p = 0.13; average MS index case paternal age at birth = 30.7 years, average spouse control paternal age at birth = 30.2 years, p = 0.37). Conclusions: Parental age at birth is not associated with susceptibility to MS.
Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Geriatric Depression in Subcortical Ischemic Vascular Disease
Authors: Bella R. , Pennisi G. , Cantone M. , Palermo F. , Pennisi M. , Lanza G. , Zappia M. , Paolucci S.
Published: December 2009

Background: Vascular damage of frontal-subcortical circuits involved in mood regulation and cognition might be the main contributor to the pathogenesis of late-life depression, and it is linked to poor response to treatment. Objective: To investigate the relationship between executive dysfunction and outcome of depressive symptoms among elderly patients with subcortical ischemic vascular disease. Methods: Ninety-two elderly patients with white matter lesions (WMLs) or lacunar infarcts (LAs) on brain MRI and depressive symptomatology were consecutively recruited. Depression was rated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Evaluation of executive functions by means of the Stroop color-word test was performed at entry of the study, and WMLs were categorized into mild, moderate or severe. Mood was reevaluated by means of HDRS after the 12th week of pharmacological treatment. Results: Psychomotor retardation, difficulties at work, apathy, and lack of insight were the predominant symptoms. Fifty-six patients (62.8%) had a neuroradiological picture of WMLs, while the remaining 33 (37.1%) had LAs. Executive dysfunctions significantly and independently predict poor outcome of depressive symptoms. Patients with the severest WMLs showed not only a greater executive dysfunction, but also a minor response to antidepressant treatment. Conclusion: This study supports the vascular depression hypothesis. WMLs are of crucial clinical relevance as they are linked with cognitive symptoms and poor antidepressant outcome.
Isolated Recurrent Pleuritis Revealing Familial Mediterranean Fever in Adulthood
Authors: Lega J.C. , Khouatra C. , Cottin V. , Cordier J.F.
Published: December 2009

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disease especially affecting populations of Mediterranean origin with an autosomal recessive inheritance. The cardinal manifestations consist of short febrile and painful attacks of peritonitis, arthritis and pleuritis developing during childhood. We report the case of a 26-year-old man of Tunisian descent who had febrile episodes of right-sided pleuritis without any extrathoracic complaints. Disappearance of attacks with one dose of colchicine (1 mg/day) strengthened the presumptive diagnosis of atypical FMF, which was further confirmed by genetic testing identifying the homozygous mutation M694I/M694I of the MEFV gene.
Erhebung zur Prävalenz von prä- und perimenstruellen Symptomen am weiblichen Personal eines Universitätsklinikums
Authors: Gaulrapp Kerstin , Backe Jael , Steck Thomas
Published: December 2009

Fragestellung: Ziel dieser retrospektiven Erhebung war die VerknÜpfung eines prÄmenstruellen Syndroms (PMS) oder Beschwerdebildes mit persÖnlichen und demographischen Daten. Methoden: Das gesamte weibliche Personal unseres UniversitÄtsklinikums (1535 Frauen) wurde um die AusfÜUung eines Fragebogens gebeten, der 29 somatische und psychische Symptome abfragte. 491 Antworten (32,7%) von Frauen mit regelmÄssiger Menstruation wurden ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Bei 7,7% wurde ein PMS (p = 0,0006) und bei 42,4% ein prÄmenstruelles Beschwerdebild (p = 0,021) diagnostiziert. Die Symptomatik wurde durch Alter (p = 0,0049), Einnahme oraler Kontrazeptiva (OC, p = 0,047), nicht aber durch Dauer der Einnahme sowie ParitÄt signifikant beeinflusst. Schlussfolgerungen: Das soziale Umfeld bestimmt wesentlich die prÄmenstruelle Symptomatik. Der gefundene signifikante positive Einfluss mancher OC auf Schweregrad und AusprÄgung des PMS kann therapeutisch genutzt werden.
Distribution and Development in Developing Countries: An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Dao Minh Quang
Published: December 2009

This paper examines the effect of income distribution on growth in developing countries. Based on data from the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program and the use of a sample of twenty-eight developing economies, this study finds that income distribution does not affect growth in these countries, unlike the results of previous studies conducted by Alesina and Rodrik (1991, 1994). Neither does this study find that the level of democracy in a country has a statistically significant impact on growth. Observations of findings show that the coefficient estimate of one independent variable does not have the anticipated sign due to the severe degree of multicollinearity among statistically significant explanatory variables. Regression results show that the total fertility rate, the initial level of per capita GDP, and the ratio of female to male literacy rate, taken together, linearly influence growth in developing economies. The least-squares estimation technique is applied in a multivariate linear regression. Data for all variables are from the 1978 World Development Report, the World in 2007, and the 1999, 2000, and 2007/08 Human Development Reports.
Current mental health and reconciliation sentiment of victims of the genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda
Authors: Mukashema Immaculée , Mullet Etienne
Published: December 2009

Two hundred and seven victims of the genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda were presented with the Rwandan version of the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ), and with reconciliation sentiment items. Using confirmatory factor analysis, the factor structure of the GHQ was examined. The three-factor structure suggested by some authors reasonably fitted the data but two factors—Anxiety and depression, and Loss of confidence—were extremely correlated. As a result, a reduced two-factor model was tested, and the fit of this model was found to be reasonable. As regards the anxiety, depression and loss of confidence factor, the level of mental health observed among victims was lower than the level of mental health observed among Europeans who were never directly exposed to violence. As regards the social dysfunction factor, however, no difference was evidenced. A positive association between mental health and reconciliation sentiment was observed.
Cognitive and social consequences of participation in social rites: Collective coping, social support, and post-traumatic growth in the victims of Guatemala genocide
Authors: Gasparre Anna , Bosco Serena , Bellelli Guglielmo
Published: December 2009

The collective emotion experienced by those who lived the same experience or meet in a rite to celebrate and remember it, produces effects on both the individual and the community. Our study explored the psychosocial effects, particularly those related to post-traumatic growth, that participating in different rituals had on the reactions of the victims of Guatemala Genocide; it also aimed at investigating the differentiated effects of participation in demonstrations on individual and interpersonal coping reactions. Fifty nine genocide survivors were enrolled from different Guatemala areas and administered measures of: participation in religious and commemoration rituals and in human rights movement, social sharing, intensity of basic emotions, impact of the event, coping, perceived benefits of sharing, and post-traumatic growth. Results revealed that participation in rituals was associated with: higher social support and sharing regarding traumatic events, coping through social support, altruistic behaviour, communal coping or engagement in political action and human rights social movements, whereas, at the same time, with less avoidant thoughts and reactions related to the traumatic event, supporting Durkheim's contention. Participation in rituals was also associated with posttraumatic growth, confirming that rituals reinforce positive beliefs about oneself, others and society. Finally, mediation analysis suggested that the effects of participating on post-traumatic growth and socio-emotional support were mediated by communal coping or engagement in social movements.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Estimated 10-Year Risk of Fatal Cardiovascular Events Using Various Equations in Greeks With Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Chimonas Theodoros , Athyros Vassilios G. , Ganotakis Emmanouel , Nicolaou Vassilios , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B. , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Elisaf Moses ,   Assessing the Treatment Effect in Metabolic Syndrome Without Perceptible diabeTes (ATTEMPT) Collaborative Group
Published: December 2009

We investigated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in 1501 Greeks (613 men and 888 women, aged 40-65 years) referred to outpatients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and without diabetes mellitus or CVD. The 10-year risk of fatal CVD events was calculated using European Society of Cardiology Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation (ESC SCORE), Hellenic-SCORE, and Framingham equations. Raised blood pressure (BP) and hypertriglyceridemia were more common in men (89.6% vs 84.2% and 86.8% vs 74.2%, respectively; P < .001). Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and abdominal obesity were more common in women (58.2% vs 66.2% and 85.8% vs 97.1%, respectively; P < .001). The 10-year risk of fatal CVD events using HellenicSCORE was higher in men (6.3% ± 4.3% vs 2.7% ± 2.1%; P < .001). European Society of Cardiology Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation and Framingham yielded similar results. The risk equations gave similar assessments in a European Mediterranean population except for HellenicSCORE that calculated more MetS women requiring risk modification. This might justify local risk engine evaluation in event-based studies. (Clinical-Trials.gov ID: NCT00416741).
Triple Dye Plus Rubbing Alcohol Versus Triple Dye Alone for Umbilical Cord Care
Authors: Suliman Alawia K. , Watts Heidi , Beiler Jessica , King Tonya S. , Khan Sana , Carnuccio MaryBeth , Paul Ian M.
Published: December 2009

Current practices for umbilical cord care vary across centers, but the evidence regarding these practices and their impact on cord separation, complications, and health care use are limited. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of triple dye alone (brilliant green, crystal violet, and proflavine hemisulfate) versus triple dye plus rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) twice daily on time to umbilical cord separation, complications, and health care use. For the 90 newborns who completed the study, there were no significant differences between treatment groups for time to cord separation, cord-related morbidities, or cord-related urgent care. Based on these study results, there does not appear to be significant benefit to the addition of twice daily applications of rubbing alcohol to neonatal umbilical cords following triple dye treatment after birth.
Through With the Flu: How Free Family and Caregiver Immunization Protects Sick Neonates
Authors: Burke Bryan L. , Nesmith Clare C. , Ott Rachel E. , Leigh Hedrick Madison
Published: December 2009

Newborns represent the pediatric population most at risk for influenza-related morbidity and mortality, especially premature newborns and those with chronic disease. Compounding this problem is the fact that influenza immunizations are ineffective until 6 months of age. This article describes a successful program that follows the “cocoon” theory of immunization. Free influenza vaccines were given in the nursery to all family members, caregivers, and others living in the homes of discharged infants. Planning and implementation steps are described, along with lessons learned during implementation. The response to the program exceeded expectations, with 185 contacts immunized. Future plans include the expansion of the current program to include the H1N1 influenza vaccine and the Tdap vaccine. The described vaccination effort encourages and substantiates the benefits of cocoon immunization in other nurseries across the nation.
When Friends Make You Blue: The Role of Friendship Contingent Self-Esteem in Predicting Self-Esteem and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Cambron M. Janelle , Acitelli Linda K. , Steinberg Lynne
Published: December 2009

This research examines the role of friendship contingent self-esteem (FCSE), or self-esteem that is dependent on the quality of one’s friendships, in predicting depressive symptoms. In Study 1, the authors developed a measure of FCSE. Both FCSE and others’ approval correlated with self-esteem and depressive symptoms, but when entered simultaneously in a regression equation, only FCSE significantly predicted self-esteem and depressive symptoms. Study 2 showed that dependency and close friendship competence predicted depressive symptoms only for those high in FCSE. In Study 3, a diary study, FCSE predicted self-esteem instability. Self-esteem instability, in turn, predicted depressive symptoms. Furthermore, a three-way interaction of rumination, FCSE, and the valence of the event predicted momentary self-esteem. Findings are discussed with regard to the importance of considering FCSE when investigating interpersonal risk for depression.
The Role of Need Satisfaction in Self-Concealment and Well-Being
Authors: Uysal Ahmet , Lee Lin Helen , Raymond Knee C.
Published: December 2009

The present research tests a model derived from self-determination theory to explain why self-concealment (the tendency to keep distressing personal information secret) is associated with negative well-being outcomes. Two studies tested a model in which self-concealment predicts the thwarting of basic needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which then results in negative psychological outcomes. Study 1 involved a cross-sectional design. Structural equation modeling analyses revealed that the model provided an acceptable fit to the data. Study 2 involved a multilevel design. Participants completed daily measures of self-concealment, need satisfaction, and well-being over 16 days. Results supported the proposed mediation model. Furthermore, the associations between daily self-concealment, daily need satisfaction, and daily well-being were independent of trait self-concealment. Overall, the findings suggest that concealing personal distressing information is detrimental to the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, which in turn predicts negative well-being.
Learning Visual Object Categories for Robot Affordance Prediction
Authors: Jie Sun  , Moore Joshua L. , Bobick Aaron , Rehg James M.
Published: December 2009

A fundamental requirement of any autonomous robot system is the ability to predict the affordances of its environment. The set of affordances define the actions that are available to the agent given the robot’s context. A standard approach to affordance learning is direct perception, which learns direct mappings from sensor measurements to affordance labels. For example, a robot designed for cross-country navigation could map stereo depth information and image features directly into predictions about the traversability of terrain regions. While this approach can succeed for a small number of affordances, it does not scale well as the number of affordances increases. In this paper, we show that visual object categories can be used as an intermediate representation that makes the affordance learning problem scalable. We develop a probabilistic graphical model which we call the Category—Affordance (CA) model, which describes the relationships between object categories, affordances, and appearance. This model casts visual object categorization as an intermediate inference step in affordance prediction. We describe several novel affordance learning and training strategies that are supported by our new model. Experimental results with indoor mobile robots evaluate these different strategies and demonstrate the advantages of the CA model in affordance learning, especially when learning from limited size data sets.
In Vivo Biocompatibility and Biodegradability of Dextrin-based Hydrogels
Authors: Moreira Susana , Gil Da Costa Rui M. , Guardão Luisa , Gärtner Fátima , Vilanova Manuel , Gama Miguel
Published: December 2009

The in vivo biocompatibility of dextrin hydrogels obtained by polymerization of dextrin-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (dextrin-HEMA) and dextrin-vinyl acrylate (dextrin-VA) are reported in this work. The histological analysis of subcutaneous implants of these hydrogels, featuring inflammatory and reabsorption events, were carried out over a 16-week period in mice. The dextrin-HEMA hydrogel was quickly and completely degraded and reabsorbed, whereas the dextrin-VA degradation occurred slowly and a thin fibrous capsule surrounded the nondegradable hydrogel. The dextrin-HEMA was degraded after 16 weeks with only mild inflammation and a few detectable foamy macrophages around the implant. These events were followed by complete resorption and no sign of capsule formation or fibrosis associated to the implants. The results indicate that the dextrin hydrogels are biocompatible because no toxicity on the tissues surrounding the implants was found. It may be speculated that a controlled degradation rate of the hydrogels may be obtained by grafting dextrin to HEMA and VA in different proportions.
Iron Concentrations in Breast Milk and Selected Maternal Factors of Human Milk Bank Donors
Authors: Mello-Neto Julio , Rondó Patrícia H. C. , Morgano Marcelo A. , Oshiiwa Marie , Santos Mariana L. , Oliveira Julicristie M.
Published: December 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between iron concentration in mature breast milk and characteristics of 136 donors of a Brazilian milk bank. Iron, vitamin A, zinc, and copper concentrations were assessed in human milk and maternal blood. Data were collected on maternal anthropometrics, obstetric, socioeconomic, demographic, and lifestyle factors. Iron, zinc, and copper in milk and zinc and copper in blood were detected by spectrophotometry. Vitamin A in milk and blood was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Hemoglobin was measured by electronic counting and serum iron and ferritin by colorimetry and chemoluminescence, respectively. Transferrin and ceruloplasmin were determined by nephelometry. According to multivariate linear regression analysis, iron in milk was positively associated with vitamin A in milk and with smoking but negatively associated with timing of breast milk donation ( P < .001). These results indicate that iron concentration in milk of Brazilian donors may be influenced by nutritional factors and smoking.
The Prophet and the Engineer Meet Under the Mango Tree: Leadership, Education, and Conflict in the Southern Philippines
Authors: Milligan Jeffrey Ayala
Published: December 2009

This essay represents an attempt to contribute to the growing body of literature on education in conflict and emergency situations by analyzing shifts in sources of authority and their influence on conceptions of leadership in the context of a decades-long armed conflict in the predominately Muslim regions of the southern Philippines. Interviews with school principals conducted in the conflict areas of Muslim Mindanao in two separate periods of field research, reveal a fluid pattern of strategic blending of authority sources in response to the conflict’s impact on social conditions. This data shows, I will argue, an evolution from patterns of leadership grounded in traditional and/or formal authority structures to a mode of leadership rooted in religious authority and aspirations of technological competence conceived as pragmatic prophetic leadership.
International Perspectives on the Politics of Education: Leadership & Identity in Multiple Contexts: An introduction to the Politics of Education Special Issue
Authors: Brooks Jeffrey S. , Maxcy Brendan D. , Nguyen Thu Suong Thi
Published: December 2009

This article is an introduction to a Special Issue of Educational Policy entitled, “International Perspectives on the Politics of Education: Leadership & Identity in Multiple Contexts.” The introduction summarizes key points from each article and suggests concepts and themes that link them to one another.
Religious Conversion to Islam and Its Influence on Workplace Relationships in American and Egyptian Schools: A Case Study
Authors: Brooks Melanie Carol
Published: December 2009

This single-subject case study explored one teacher’s religious conversion to Islam and her workplace relationships in the United States and Egypt. Key findings of the study suggested that social context of schools influenced workplace relationships. As a Muslim-American teacher working in the American public schools, she was uncomfortable revealing her Muslim identity. Teaching in an Islamic-American school, she was welcomed as a member of the community. In Egypt, she viewed the schools through an American lens and chose to outwardly disapprove of administrative decisions. Her Muslim identity had no bearing on her ability to gain acceptance; rather, it was her overconfidence and ego that harmed her workplace relationships. Although Amy failed to foster positive interpersonal relationships while teaching, she continued to pursue teaching, hoping for a better situation at another Egyptian private school.
Learning to be Political: New English Headteachers’ Roles
Authors: Crow Gary M. , Weindling Dick
Published: December 2009

The current focus on instructional leadership within a high stakes accountability environment has frequently ignored the political role of school leaders. This article examines the perceptions of a group of new English headteachers to determine the features of their political role and their process in learning this role. The investigation is part of a larger study of new headteacher socialization that used a qualitative design with multiple case studies. The study found that these new headteachers confronted internal political issues, such as weak teachers, staff conflicts, resistance to change, and conflicts with parents as well as external issues, such as those involving governmental entities, the press, and the union. In responding to these political issues, the headteachers used trial and error, mentors/role models, and information gathering. The article ends with a discussion of the sphere of political activity among school leaders and the tactics for learning how to think and act politically. Implications for leader preparation and future research are also identified and discussed.
Who Fits? A Dialog on the Politics of “Doing-Being” a Scholar
Authors: Tooms Autumn , English Fenwick
Published: December 2009

This chapter is based on heuristic research and phenomenology which honors the dialectic of personal narratives as a way to process and understand the politics of change centered on hegemony, discourse, and cultural plurality. This methodology utilizes personal narrative and dialog as way to consider the importance of reflecting on individual experiences, engaging in authentic dialog, and leadership within our profession. Fit, a definitive post structuralist framework that explains the convergence of politics and identity opens the discussion. This is followed by our personal narratives. Finally, through discourse analysis, we consider the themes in our narratives as they are relate to leadership, career politics, academe, and identity.
Shifting Scales of Education Politics in a Vernacular of Disruption and Dislocation
Authors: Mawhinney Hanne B.
Published: December 2009

Article comments on contributions to an issue of Educational Policy that focuses on glocal politics of education in multiple national and international arenas. Commentary offered considers the ways in which the set of articles in this issue of EP require readers to take scalar leaps across the semiotic landscape of the local into the global.The problematic of scale that undergirds considerations of the glocal is explored. Discussed are the contributions of the set of articles to highlighting the disruption and dislocation associated with contemporary examples of glocal phenomena in education politics. The possibility that `things fall apart’ under conditions of glocalization is contrasted with the hopefulness engendered by stances of vernacular cosmopolitanism. Implications for further research on the shifting scales of education politics discussed in the article focus on questions framing the democratic challenges of technological glocalization.
What Makes for Successful Speaker—Listener Technique? Two Case Studies
Authors: Wood Mary R.
Published: December 2009

This article reviews some of the controversy surrounding the use and effectiveness of active listening or the Speaker—Listener Technique (SL) in relational counseling. The purpose and function of SL is described and two case studies are presented to illustrate how SL operates in a therapeutic setting and how the outcomes can vary. These case studies help clarify the factors associated with the outcome of this technique and include relationship commitment, agreement on therapeutic goals, presence of Axis I disorders, and the ability to self-soothe. Additional benefits to using SL are listed and finally, suggestions for successful implementation of the technique and ideas for future research are offered.
Effects of Weighted Vests on the Engagement of Children With Developmental Delays and Autism
Authors: Reichow Brian , Barton Erin E. , Sewell Joanna Neely , Good Leslie , Wolery Mark
Published: December 2009

The use of weighted vests for children with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities is a common practice as part of sensory integration therapy programs. The purpose of the current investigation was to extend the research on the use of weighted vests for children with autism and developmental delays in a methodologically rigorous study. The study was conducted using an alternating treatment design.This allowed the comparison of three different conditions: weighted vest, vest with no weight (which served as a placebo), and no vest (which served as a baseline). The results showed no differentiation in engagement between conditions for any of the participants. Implications for practice and future research are provided.
Timing and Dose of Tissue Plasminogen Activator to Prevent Abscess Formation After Surgical Treatment of Secondary Peritonitis in the Rat
Authors: Buyne Otmar R. , van Goor Harry , Verweij Paul E. , Bleichrodt Robert P. , Hendriks Thijs
Published: December 2009

Early administration of fibrinolytics after surgical treatment of peritonitis in the rat reduces abscess formation. The current study investigates the effect of various treatment protocols using intraperitoneal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). Peritonitis was induced in rats and surgical debridement was performed after 1 hour. Animals were treated with rtPA at different time points. Abdominal fluid samples were taken at 24, 72, and 120 hours for cytokine measurements and cell counts. After 5 days the abdomen was inspected for abscesses. Early administration of rtPA significantly reduced the number of rats with abscesses and the abscess load per rat. Delayed treatment significantly reduced abscess load but not the incidence of abscesses. No meaningful differences in the local inflammatory response were found. rtPA was most effective when applied early and continued for 72 hours, although mortality increased after prolonged treatment. rtPA consistently reduces intra-abdominal abscess formation, and a clinical study seems warranted.
Components of Body Image in Gay Men with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Blashill Aaron J. , Vander Wal Jillon S.
Published: December 2009

The current study examined group differences in various components of body image within a group of gay men. Three groups of gay men were compared: AIDS diagnosed, HIV positive (without an AIDS diagnosis), and HIV negative. Participants were 254 men who responded to an online survey. Results revealed significant group differences on the components of illness orientation and fitness/health evaluation. These results indicated that participants in the AIDS and HIV positive groups reported more awareness of and vulnerability to illness compared with the HIV negative group. Furthermore, men in the AIDS group reported being less fit and in poorer health than HIV positive and HIV negative men. Surprisingly, there were no significant differences between groups on appearance evaluation, suggesting that previous reports of high levels of body dissatisfaction among men living with HIV/AIDS may be because of disproportionate rates of gay (or MSM) men affected by the disease.
Cut-Off Value for Self-Reported Abnormal Cold Sensitivity and Predictors for Abnormality and Severity in Hand Injuries
Authors: Carlsson I.K. , Nilsson J.Å. , Dahlin L.B.
Published: December 2009

Our aim was to identify a cut-off value for self-reported, abnormal cold sensitivity and to identify cold sensitivity predictors after hand injuries. The Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity (CISS) questionnaire and a VAS question concerning discomfort on exposure to cold were investigated in 94 normal people and 88 patients. A CISS score>50 was defined as abnormal cold sensitivity. Multiple injured digits, an increased number of injured vessels, complete nerve injury and replantation were variables associated with high VAS scores. Factors linked to both abnormality and worse CISS or VAS scores were: the presence of bone injury; a larger number of repaired vessels; the use of vascular grafts and a high Hand Injury Severity Score (HISS). The causes of abnormality and severity suggest a multifactorial aetiology with bony, vascular and neural components. A cut-off for abnormality is useful for descriptive, comparative and assessment purposes.
Hand and Wrist Malpractice Claims in the Netherlands: 1993-2008
Authors: Mahdavian Delavary B. , Cremers J.E.L. , Ritt M.J.P.F.
Published: December 2009

We analysed hand and wrist injury and disorder related liability claims in the Netherlands to identify causes and to contribute to the prevention of such claims. Data was collected from 743 hand and wrist claims filed between 1993 and 2007. Consultants were involved in 417 claims (56.1%). Treatment in the emergency department (ED) accounted for 64.9% of these 287 claims involved residents (59.5%). The majority of accepted claims in the ED included treatment by general surgeons (89.2%). The percentage of accepted claims was highest in the general surgery group (26.4%). Of accepted claims in the ED which involved a resident, 93.2% involved a general surgery resident. Better training and supervision is indicated. This paper supports hand injury treatment by adequately trained surgeons and preferably, where possible, by a trained hand surgeon.
Percutaneous retrograde screw fixation of non-displaced fractures of the scaphoid waist: an antirotation wire may not be necessary
Authors: Soubeyrand M. , Thomsen L. , Doursounian L. , Gagey O. , Nourissat G.
Published: December 2009

Some authors recommend using an antirotation wire when performing percutaneous screw fixation of acute non-displaced scaphoid waist fractures. The aim of this study of 21 cadaveric wrists was to assess the usefulness of such a wire in Herbert’s B2-type fractures. A B2-type fracture was created experimentally on each scaphoid. An antirotation wire was inserted in eight wrists. Retrograde percutaneous fixation using a double-threaded headless cannulated screw was performed on all wrists. Computed tomography was used to measure interfragmentary rotation. No interfragmentary rotation was noted in either group. Our study suggests that using an antirotation wire may be unnecessary when performing retrograde percutaneous screw fixation of isolated B2-type scaphoid fractures.
Institutional Change and the Financialisation of Pensions in Europe
Authors: Dixon Adam D. , Sorsa Ville-Pekka
Published: December 2009

Pension reform in European political economies has increased the institutional proximity of local pension arrangements and emerging retirement-income institutions with the prospects of global financial markets and conventional investment practice. Applying new institutional theory to case studies of pension reforms in Finland, Germany and France, we find that this increasing relational proximity is deeply embedded in existing institutional practices typical of each political economy, simultaneously supporting continuity and change. This suggests that the linearity inherent in debates over convergence and divergence in comparative capitalism needs to move to more multidimensional understandings of political–economic variety more sensitive to agency in order to grasp what is ultimately occurring as political economies transform and interact, particularly under conditions of financialisation.
Adaptive servoventilation in diastolic heart failure and Cheyne–Stokes respiration
Authors: Bitter T. , Westerheide N. , Faber L. , Hering D. , Prinz C. , Langer C. , Horstkotte D. , Oldenburg O.
Published: December 2009

A high prevalence of nocturnal Cheyne–Stokes respiration (CSR) has been documented in patients with heart failure with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (HFNEF). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of adaptive servoventilation (ASV) for treatment of CSR in these patients.

In 60 patients with HFNEF, defined according to current European Society of Cardiology guidelines, CSR was documented by polysomnography (apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) of >15 events·h−1). ASV treatment was offered to all patients; 21 initially rejected treatment, withdrew from treatment or presented noncompliant during follow-up (controls), whereas ongoing ASV therapy was initiated in 39 patients (ASV group). Echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and measurement of N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide were performed at baseline and follow-up (11.6±3 months).

ASV therapy led to a significant reduction in AHI, longest apnoea and hypopnoea length, maximum and mean oxygen desaturation by pulse oximetry, percentage of study time with an oxygen saturation of <90% and arousal index. In addition, significant positive effects could be confirmed on absolute and predicted peak oxygen consumption, oxygen consumption at the individual aerobic–anaerobic threshold, oxygen pulse, as well as left atrial size, and transmitral flow patterns (mean early diastolic lengthening velocity and the ratio of peak early Doppler mitral inflow velocity to this lengthening velocity).

ASV effectively attenuates CSR in patients with HFNEF and improves heart failure symptoms and cardiac function. Whether or not this is accompanied by an improved prognosis remains to be determined.
Of mice and men: comparative proteomics of bronchoalveolar fluid
Authors: Gharib S. A. , Nguyen E. , Altemeier W. A. , Shaffer S. A. , Doneanu C. E. , Goodlett D. R. , Schnapp L. M.
Published: December 2009

We hypothesised that comparing the protein mixture in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) between humans and mice may lead to mechanistic insights into common and divergent pathways that evolved in each species.

BALF from four humans and six mice was pooled separately and underwent identical shotgun proteomic analysis. Functional and network analysis was applied to identify overlapping and distinct pathways enriched in the BALF. Follow-up experiments using Western analysis in unpooled BALF samples were performed.

We identified 91 unique proteins in human and 117 unique proteins in mouse BALF samples. Functional analysis of the proteins revealed conservation of several key processes between the species, including defence response. Oxidative stress response, however, was selectively enriched only in mouse BALF. Differences in the expression of peroxiredoxin-1, a key member of the defence pathway against oxidative injury, were confirmed between normal human and mouse BALF and in models of lung injury.

A computational proteomics approach of mouse and human BALF confirms the conservation of immune and defence-mediated pathways while highlighting differences in response to oxidative stress. These observations suggest that the use of mice models to study human lung disorders should be undertaken with an appreciation of interspecies variability.
Reference ranges for interrupter resistance technique: the Asthma UK Initiative
Authors: Merkus P.J.F.M. , Stocks J. , Beydon N. , Lombardi E. , Jones M. , Mckenzie S.A. , Kivastik J. , Arets B.G.M. , Stanojevic S.
Published: December 2009

Measuring interrupter resistance (Rint) is an increasingly popular lung function technique and especially suitable for preschool children because it is simple, quick and requires only passive cooperation. A European Respiratory Society (ERS)/American Thoracic Society (ATS) Task Force recently published empirical recommendations related to procedures, limitations and interpretation of the technique. However, for valid interpretation, high-quality reference equations are required and these have been lacking. The aim of the present study was to collateRintdata from healthy children in order to produce more robust reference equations. A further aim was to examine the influence of methodological differences on predictedRintvalues.

Rintdata from healthy children were collected from published and unpublished sources. Reference equations for expiratory and inspiratoryRintwere developed using the LMS (lambda, mu, sigma) method.

Data from 1,090 children (51% males) aged 3–13 yrs were collated to construct sex-specific reference equations for expiratoryRintand data from 629 children (51% males) were collated for inspiratoryRint. Height was the best independent predictor of both expiratory and inspiratoryRint. Differences between centres were clinically irrelevant, and differences between ethnic groups could not be examined.

The availability of a large and generalisable sample and the use of modern statistical techniques enabled the development of more appropriate reference equations forRintin young children.