bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Chromosomal Evolution in Sigmodon, Evidence from Whole Chromosome Paints
Authors: Swier V.J. , Bradley R.D. , Rens W. , Elder F.F.B. , Baker R.J.
Published: July 2009

Of the superfamily Muroidea (31 genera, 1578 species), the Sigmodontinae (74 genera, 377 species) is the second largest subfamily in number of species and represents a significant radiation of rodent biodiversity. Only 2 of the 74 genera are found in both North and South America (Sigmodon and Oryzomys) and the remainder are exclusively from South America. In recent molecular studies, the genus Sigmodon (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) has been considered sister to many other South American Sigmodontines [Steppan et al., 2004]. We examine the chromosomal evolution of 9 species of Sigmodon utilizing chromosomal paints isolated from S. hispidus, proposed to be similar to the ancestral karyotype [Elder, 1980]. Utilizing a phylogenetic hypothesis of a molecular phylogeny of Sigmodon [Henson and Bradley, 2009], we mapped shared chromosomal rearrangements of taxa on a molecular tree to estimate the evolutionary position of each rearrangement. For several species (S. hirsutus, S. leucotis, S. ochrognathus, S. peruanus, and S. toltecus), the karyotype accumulated few or no changes, but in three species (S. arizonae, S. fulviventer, and S. mascotensis) numerous karyotype rearrangements were observed. These rearrangements involved heterochromatic additions, centric fusions, tandem fusions, pericentric inversions, as well as the addition of interstitial DNA not identified by chromosome paints or C-banding. The hypothesis that the ancestral karyotype for this complex had a diploid number of 52, a fundamental number of 52, and a G-band pattern of which most, if not all are similar to that present in modern day S. hispidus fails to be rejected. This hypothesis remains viable as an explanation of chromosomal evolution in Sigmodontine rodents.
Structure, Genetic Mapping, and Function of the Cytochrome P450 3A37 Gene in the Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
Authors: Rawal S. , Mendoza K.M. , Reed K.M. , Coulombe, Jr. R.A.
Published: July 2009

Cytochromes P450 (P450 for protein; CYP for gene) are a superfamily of membrane-bound hemoproteins that oxidize a large number of endogenous and exogenous compounds. Through oxidation reactions, these enzymes are often responsible for the toxic and carcinogenic effects of natural food-borne toxicants, such as the mycotoxin aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that the extreme sensitivity of turkeys to AFB1 is in part explained by efficient hepatic P450-mediated epoxidation to the toxic and reactive metabolite the exo-AFB1-8,9-epoxide (AFBO). Using 3′-5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), we amplified CYP3A37 from turkey liver RNA, the E. coli-expressed protein which efficiently epoxidates AFB1. Turkey CYP3A37 has an ORF of 1512 bp, and the protein is predicted to be 504 amino acids with 97% homology to chicken CYP3A37. The turkey gene is organized into 13 exons and 12 introns. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the 11th intron was used to assign CYP3A37 to turkey linkage group 10 (corresponding to chicken chromosome 14, GGA14). Because of the important role of P450s in the extreme sensitivity of turkeys to the toxic effects of AFB1, this study will contribute to the identifying allelic variants of this important gene in poultry.
Cytogenetic Analysis of Populus trichocarpa – Ribosomal DNA, Telomere Repeat Sequence, and Marker-selected BACs
Authors: Islam-Faridi M.N. , Nelson C.D. , DiFazio S.P. , Gunter L.E. , Tuskan G.A.
Published: July 2009

The 18S-28S rDNA and 5S rDNA loci in Populus trichocarpa were localized using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Two 18S-28S rDNA sites and one 5S rDNA site were identified and located at the ends of 3 different chromosomes. FISH signals from the Arabidopsis-type telomere repeat sequence were observed at the distal ends of each chromosome. Six BAC clones selected from 2 linkage groups based on genome sequence assembly (LG-I and LG-VI) were localized on 2 chromosomes, as expected. BACs from LG-I hybridized to the longest chromosome in the complement. All BAC positions were found to be concordant with sequence assembly positions. BAC-FISH will be useful for delineating each of the Populus trichocarpa chromosomes and improving the sequence assembly of this model angiosperm tree species.
Colonization of Gardnerella vaginalis in Semen of Infertile Men: Prevalence, Influence on Sperm Characteristics, Relationship with Leukocyte Concentration and Clinical Significance
Authors: Andrade-Rocha Fernando Tadeu
Published: July 2009

Aims: To determine the prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis in semen from infertile men and their negative effects on semen quality. Results: Cultures were positive in 24/108 infertile men (22.2%) and negative in controls. Infected semen showed no significant difference compared with non-infected semen. On the other hand, infected and non-infected semen presented significant differences in vitality, rapid and total progressive motility, normal head and mid-piece defects (p < 0.01) and combined anomalies (p < 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively) in comparison with the control group. Infected semen also presented significant differences in severely amorphous (p = 0.02) and tapered sperm (p < 0.01). Bacteriospermia and cells with attached bacteria (clue cells morphotype) were remarkable features observed. Conclusion:G. vaginalis in semen is not associated with either abnormal sperm characteristics or inflammatory response in infected men.
Enhanced Activity of Inositol-1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors in Atrial Myocytes of Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Authors: Liang Xin , Xie Hong , Zhu Pei-Hong , Hu Jun , Zhao Qiang , Wang Chun-Sheng , Yang Cheng
Published: July 2009

The roles of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) in arrhythmia are not fully understood, especially in human beings. Recently, the reported upregulated expression of IP3Rs in atrial myocytes of atrial fibrillation (AF) subjects suggested that IP3Rs might be associated with AF. To directly understand the roles of IP3Rs in AF, we have investigated the IP3R-dependent Ca2+ events as well as the cross-talk between IP3Rs and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) in permeabilized atrial myocytes of AF and normal sinus rhythm (NSR) patients by Ca2+ imaging. In the presence of tetracaine, IP3R-dependent Ca2+ events in AF atrial myocytes showed increased frequency, delayed termination and broadened width, compared with NSR myocytes. Moreover, when RyRs were not inhibited, IP3 or adenophostin induced an outburst of RyR-dependent spontaneous Ca2+ sparks with the altered spatial-temporal characteristics. The activation of IP3Rs also enhanced Ca2+ waves. These effects on RyR-dependent Ca2+ signaling were significantly stronger in AF myocytes than in NSR cells and were completely blocked by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate. Thus, our results suggested not only an enhanced activity of IP3Rs but also an elevated cross-talk between IP3R- and RyR-mediated Ca2+ signaling in atrial myocytes of human AF patients, a reflection of altered function of IP3Rs in AF.
Flushing Profile of Extended-Release Niacin/Laropiprant at Initiation of Therapy in Asian Lipid Clinic Patients
Authors: Kush Debra , Hu Da-Yi , Ye Ping , Kim Hyo-Soo , Chen Erluo , Sirah Waheeda , McCrary Sisk Christine , Paolini John F. , Maccubbin Darbie
Published: July 2009

Objective: Niacin is underutilized due to flushing, which occurs in over 90% of niacin-treated patients. Laropiprant (LRPT) reduces flushing associated with niacin. This study compared flushing with a combination tablet of extended-release (ER) niacin (ERN)/LRPT to niacin ER (N-ER; without LRPT) during the first week of therapy among patients in Asia. Methods: Following a 1-week placebo run-in, 332 patients with dyslipidemia from China, Korea and Singapore were randomized to ERN/LRPT 1 g/20 mg, N-ER 1 g (given as Niaspan®) or placebo in a 2:2:1 ratio for 1 week. Patient-reported flushing severity was assessed using the Global Flushing Severity Score (GFSS; none/mild = 0–3; moderate = 4–6; severe = 7–9; extreme = 10). Results: Compared with N-ER, the ERN/LRPT group experienced significantly less flushing (p < 0.001), as measured by maximum GFSS categorized as none/mild, moderate, severe or extreme. Overall, 23.8% of patients in the ERN/LRPT group and 50.0% in the N-ER group (p < 0.001), versus 12.1% in the placebo group, had moderate or greater flushing (GFSS ≥4). Except for flushing, which occurred more frequently in the N-ER group, ERN/LRPT had a safety/tolerability profile similar to that of N-ER. Conclusion: ERN/LRPT produced significantly less flushing than N-ER during the initiation of therapy and was generally well tolerated in Asian patients with dyslipidemia.
A Dynamic Technique for the Treatment of Severe or Recurrent Blepharoptosis: Frontalis-Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Flap Shortening
Authors: Lai Chung-Sheng , Chang Kao-Ping , Lai Ching Hung , Huang Shu-Hung , Tsai Chih-Cheng , Lin Sin-Daw
Published: July 2009

Background: Severe or recurrent blepharoptosis remains a great challenge to most plastic surgeons. A variety of techniques have been developed according to the function of the levator palpebrae superioris and frontalis muscles. In this study, the frontalis-orbicularis oculi (FOO) muscle flap is designed as an entity to treat severe or recurrent blepharoptosis with satisfactory results. Methods: Between January 1997 and July 2007, FOO muscle flap shortening was applied to correct severe or recurrent blepharoptosis in 29 patients (38 eyelids), aged from 3 to 77 years. There were 11 males and 18 females, with bilateral ptosis in 9 patients. The follow-up period ranged from 10 to 52 months. Results: Twenty-four patients (82%) had good results, with the degree of ptosis less than 2 mm. The remaining 5 patients had fair results, and received readjustment in 2 cases. Conclusion: In our study, fresh cadaver dissection revealed that the frontalis muscle is connected and interdigitated very closely with the orbicularis oculi muscle. Based on the anatomic study and literature review, we suggest that the FOO muscle flap shortening is a good alternative to treat severe or recurrent blepharoptosis.
Elevated Erythropoietin in Vitreous of Patients with Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment and Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Wang Zhao-Yang , Shen Li-Jun , Zhao Ke-Ke , Song Zong-Ming , Qu Jia
Published: July 2009

Aim: Our purpose was to determine the vitreous erythropoietin (EPO) level in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods: The levels of EPO in vitreous were measured using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit from 64 patients, of whom 40 had RRD, 13 had PVR and 11 had idiopathic macular hole as control. Results: The mean levels of EPO in the RRD group (54.6 ± 7.3 mU/ml) and PVR group (104.1 ± 20.8 mU/ml) were significantly higher than that in the idiopathic macular hole control group (14.4 ± 3.6 mU/ml; p < 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively). The mean EPO level in PVR was higher than that in RRD, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.112). Conclusion: The vitreous EPO level was upregulated in eyes with RRD and PVR.
Severity of Coronary Artery Disease but Not Degree of Coronary Stenosis Is Correlated to Cerebrovascular Reactivity
Authors: Rosengarten B. , Grebe M. , Müller A. , Voss R.K. , Kaps M.
Published: July 2009

Background: A decade difference in peak incidences of coronary and cerebral ischemia assumes a protection of the brain vasculature. Therefore, we hypothesize that early indicators of cerebrovascular disease such as parameters of the neurovascular coupling show a higher correlation to coronary artery disease than morphologic parameters. Methods: Stenotic degree (%) of coronary arteries (RCA, LCA, LAD, RCX) was determined together with the Gensini score by angiography in 96 patients (80 men; 62 ± 10 years), which were grouped according to disease severity (sclerosis, 1-vessel disease (VD), 2-VD, 3-VD). Presence of internal carotid artery stenosis and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were established with duplex sonography. Resting and visually evoked hemodynamic responses were measured with transcranial Doppler ultrasound in both posterior cerebral arteries and expressed in terms of control system parameters. These were gain, natural frequency, attenuation, and rate time. Group differences and correlations between stenosis and parameters of vasoreactivity were tested. Results: Groups differed in stenotic degree of coronary arteries, Gensini score, LVEF, carotid artery stenosis, resting flow velocity, and evoked responses (gain, p < 0.005; attenuation, p < 0.05). Stenosis of each coronary artery and LVEF were correlated to carotid artery stenosis but no association was found to cerebrovascular parameters. Only severity of coronary artery disease and the Gensini score were associated with disturbed cerebrovascular reactivity. Carotid artery stenosis was associated with decreased cerebrovascular parameters (attenuation, p < 0.05; rate time, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Although atherosclerosis is a systemic disease our data support concepts of a heterogeneous distribution of the disease indicating protection of brain vessels.
Characteristics of Pellet Injuries to the Orbit
Authors: Kükner A. Şahap , Yilmaz Turgut , Çelebi Serdal , Karslioğlu Şafak , Alagöz Gürsoy , Serin Didem , Acar M. Akif , Özveren M. Faik
Published: July 2009

Purpose: To investigate the features of orbital injuries by pellets fired from the front. Design: Retrospective, 4 cases of pellet injuries. Methods: Five orbits of 4 patients who sustained pellet injuries received from the front were reviewed retrospectively. The course of injury and results were assessed. Radiological examinations were reviewed. The patients were evaluated between December 1996 and June 2004. Results: Five orbits of 4 patients sustained injuries caused by pellets fired from an anterior direction. The globe in the injured orbit was intact in 2 cases. Severe loss of vi- sion was also present in these 2 globes due to optic nerve involvement. Final visual acuity was down to no light perception in 4 eyes and limited to light perception in 1 eye. Conclusions: The prognosis of orbital pellet injuries is, unfortunately, poor. A pellet passing through the floor of the orbit often causes double perforation of the globe and, once in the orbital aperture, it travels towards the apex as a result of the conical shape of the orbit and lodges in the optic canal or its entrance, severely damaging the optic nerve. Surgery or other treatments are usually unsuccessful. Even if the globe is intact, vision is usually severely impaired.
Effect of Centrally Administered Losartan on Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers in Rats
Authors: Merai Ankitkumar Harshadrai , Asad Mohammed , Prasad V. Satya
Published: July 2009

The effect of centrally administered losartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist, on gastric acid secretion and gastric cytoprotection was studied using different models of gastric ulcers, such as acetic acid-induced chronic gastric ulcers, pylorus ligation, ethanol-induced and stress-induced acute gastric ulcers and cysteamine hydrochloride-induced duodenal ulcer. Losartan was administered intracerebroventrically (i.c.v.) at 2 different doses (125 and 250 μg/kg). Both doses of losartan increased the healing of acetic acid-induced chronic gastric ulcers. In pylorus-ligated rats, a significant reduction in free acidity, total acidity and ulcer index was observed with high dose (250 μg/kg, i.c.v.), while low dose (125 μg/kg, i.c.v.) produced reduction only in free acidity and ulcer index. Both doses also produced a significant antiulcer effect in ethanol-induced and stress-induced gastric ulcers. Losartan also reduced ulcer area in cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer. We conclude that AT1 receptor antagonism in the brain increases healing of gastric ulcers and reduces gastric acid secretion and increases gastric mucin content.
Successful Human Vascular Reconstructions with Long-Term Refrigerated Venous Homografts
Authors: Galambos B. , Oláh A. , Banga P. , Csönge L. , Almási J. , Acsády G.
Published: July 2009

Fresh autologous vein grafts are commonly used for infrainguinal vascular reconstructions with good results. Previously we have confirmed the high viability index of homografts even after long-term storage at 4°C in tissue culture medium. In this clinical study, we have evaluated the in vivo efficiency of this storage method in humans with major peripheral graft infections. Between April 2006 and November 2008, data from patients who underwent graft excision and venous allograft reconstruction were collected prospectively (5 men, 2 women, mean age 68 years). Six patients had acute ischemia at the time of allograft reconstruction, while 3 had experienced anastomosis rupture. Allograft reconstruction was performed as an emergency procedure in 3 cases. The observed parameters included patient survival, limb salvage, persistence or recurrence of infection and allograft patency. In the follow-up period reoperation, excision or thrombectomy was necessary in 3 cases. There were no perioperative deaths, early amputations, persistent or recurrent infections. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the efficacy of long-term 4°C storage of venous allografts for revascularization in cases with peripheral bypass graft infection. We suggest that this technique is a useful option for graft preservation and propose a wide-scale introduction.
The Association of Nocturnal Hypoxemia with Arterial Stiffness and Endothelial Dysfunction in Male Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Chung Seockhoon , Yoon In-Young , Lee Chul Hee , Kim Jeong-Whun
Published: July 2009

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with cardiovascular complications, and atherosclerosis is considered to mediate this association. Arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction are widely accepted as early markers of atherosclerosis. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of sleep apnea on arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. Methods: We enrolled 83 OSAS patients including 39 with mild to moderate degree (apnea hypopnea index, AHI ≧5, AHI <30) and 44 with severe degree sleep apnea (AHI ≧30) and 29 normal control subjects (AHI <5). After finishing polysomnography, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were measured using noninvasive devices. Results: In patients with severe degree of OSAS, cfPWV was significantly higher than mild to moderate degree of OSAS or normal control subjects. Also, the severe OSAS group showed lower FMD than the normal control group (all p < 0.01). The cfPWV was significantly correlated with FMD (r = –0.26, p < 0.01). Age (β = 0.33, p < 0.01) and percentage of time below 90% O2 saturation (β = 0.34, p < 0.01) were the significant variables to determine cfPWV (adjusted R2 = 21%, p < 0.01) in multivariate analysis, and the lowest O2 saturation was a significant determinant for FMD (β = 0.25, adjusted R2 = 6%, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Nocturnal hypoxemia may alter arterial elasticity and endothelial function in OSAS patients, and those impairments could increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
The Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Story
Authors: Collen D. , Lijnen H.R.
Published: July 2009

Milestones in the development of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) as a fibrin-specific thrombolytic agent include: purification of human t-PA from the culture fluid of the Bowes melanoma cell line, elucidation of the molecular basis of fibrin-specific plasminogen activation, first experimental animal models of thrombosis, first patient (renal allograft) treated with melanoma t-PA, pilot studies in patients with acute myocardial infarction, cloning and expression of recombinant t-PA providing sufficient amounts for large scale clinical use, and demonstration of its therapeutic benefit in large multicenter clinical trials.
Modeling Isomorphism on Policing Innovation
Authors: Burruss George W. , Giblin Matthew J.
Published: July 2009

Recent research on innovation diffusion points to a number of key factors that stimulate the need for change or facilitate the adoption of innovations. Empirical studies examining the process of innovation—that is, how ideas are spread—are less common and often lack a theoretical foundation. The present study uses institutional theory to develop a model of community-policing adoption in municipal law enforcement agencies. The fit of the institutional model is assessed using secondary data and structural equation modeling. The results show that centrist forces—including publications, the professionalization of law enforcement, and other law enforcement agencies—shape the organizational adoption of community-policing reforms. The implications of the research for communicating innovations are addressed.
A Thorough QTc Study to Assess the Effect of Sitagliptin, a DPP4 Inhibitor, on Ventricular Repolarization in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Bloomfield Daniel M. , Krishna Rajesh , Hreniuk David , Hickey Lisa , Ghosh Kalyan , Bergman Arthur J. , Miller Jutta , Gutierrez Maria J. , Stoltz Randall , Gottesdiener Keith M. , Herman Gary A. , Wagner John A.
Published: July 2009

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 4‐period crossover study was performed with a single oral dose of sitagliptin (100 mg, 800 mg), moxifloxacin (400 mg), and placebo in order to provide a rigorous assessment of the effect of sitagliptin on ventricular repolarization based on the ICH E14 guidance. The clinical dose of sitagliptin 100 mg was not associated with an increase in QTc interval, corrected using the Fridericia correction (QTcf), at any time point. The supratherapeutic 800‐mg dose of sitagliptin was generally well tolerated and was associated with minimal, clinically insignificant prolongation of the QTcf interval at concentrations approximately 11‐fold higher than maximal concentrations following the 100‐mg clinical dose. The PK/QTc model demonstrated a shallow relationship between the plasma concentration of sitagliptin and the placebo‐subtracted QTcf change from baseline, with a 0.59‐millisecond increase in QTc for every 1000‐nM increment in sitagliptin plasma concentration. The sensitivity of the assay to detect modest increases in QTc interval was established with the active control moxifloxacin. In conclusion, at clinically relevant concentrations, sitagliptin is not associated with clinically meaningful QTcf prolongation.
A Nutrition Support Service Web Application to Manage Patients Receiving Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Mirtallo Jay M. , Hawksworth Kim , Payne Brett
Published: July 2009

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a complex therapy that requires expertise and experience to avoid errors in prescribing and management. Because of care coordination issues, one medical center has developed and implemented a Web‐based application to manage PN patients. PN orders have already been programmed into the physician order entry system, but the nutrition support service (NSS) consult and daily PN management have been performed using paper forms. The Web system is developed for ease of use by clinicians and accessibility at any computer within the medical center. The database consists of 12 tables interrelated by the patient medical record number, admission number, or location. The NSS consult is the main table used to navigate to the other tables. Update of the laboratory and PN formula table must be done through the consult table. The system is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act guidelines, and has been developed so that the forms that are required to be placed in the patient's permanent record can be printed. Demographic information and laboratory data are automatically populated via a link to the medical center's medication management system. At present, there are 1393 patients in the database and 21,000 pages are viewed each month during daily PN management by clinicians. Data can be easily retrieved for management reports. Data elements can be exported directly from the database to worksheets. This function has been used for projects designed to improve the efficiency of this PN system.
Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition and Intraperitoneal Nutrition
Authors: Fuhrman M. Patricia
Published: July 2009

Intradialytic parenteral nutrition and intraperitoneal nutrition are methods to provide supplemental nutrition support to patients with chronic kidney disease (also referred to as end‐stage renal disease) while they are receiving dialytic therapy. There has been considerable controversy over indications and benefits of intradialytic parenteral nutrition and intraperitoneal nutrition. A major stumbling block had been problematic reimbursement for the therapy under Medicare. Medicare Part D has alleviated some of the reimbursement obstacles and has increased interest in reexamining the benefits and burdens of supplemental nutrition support therapies for patients receiving dialysis.
Relationship Between Recent Life Events, Social Supports, and Attitudes to Domestic Violence
Authors: Guoping Huang , Yalin Zhang , Yuping Cao , Momartin Shakeh , Ming Wei
Published: July 2009

The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between recent life events, attitudes to domestic violence (DV), and DV behaviors among perpetrators of DV in China. A total of 600 participants were assessed for recent life events, psychological functioning, social support, and attitudes to DV. Results demonstrated that recent negative life events (NLE) and attitudes to DV were predictive factors for DV among perpetrators of DV, after controlling for demographic variables, psychological functioning, and social supports. The findings suggest that recent life events are potential factors contributing to behaviors of DV. The importance of changes of negative attitudes to DV among perpetrators was highly emphasized. Intervention and prevention programs based on psychological functioning and social support in relation to perpetrators of DV may be useful to control DV in China.
The Relationship Between Battered Women’s Causal Attributions for Violence and Coping Efforts
Authors: Meyer Alicia , Wagner Barry , Dutton Mary Ann
Published: July 2009

This study investigates the relationship between battered women’s causal attributions for the violence they experience and their subsequent coping efforts. Causal attributions related to partner blame, excusing the violence, and the combination of partner blame and excusing the violence were regressed on six categories of coping strategies: placating, resistance, formal help source, informal help source, safety planning, and legal strategies. Of the 793 women approached outside of a battered women’s shelter and the district court, 406 women completed the baseline measure. It was found that women who hold their partners accountable for abuse are more likely than women who excuse the violence to utilize more overall coping strategies. Also, women who blame their partners for the abuse utilize both more active and more public coping efforts. After accounting for the effects of ethnicity, violence severity, and excusing the violence, the percentage of blame attributions endorsed predicted informal ( R 2 = .077, p = .001) and safety planning ( R2 = .054, p = .014) strategies. After controlling for ethnicity, violence severity, and blaming, the percentage of excuse attributions predicted placating ( R2 = .103, p = .016) strategies.
Maternal and Infant Characteristics Associated With Human Milk Feeding in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Sisk Paula M. , Lovelady Cheryl A. , Dillard Robert G. , Gruber Kenneth J. , O'Shea T. Michael
Published: July 2009

This study identified maternal and infant characteristics predicting human milk (HM) feeding in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants whose mothers (n = 184) participated in a study of lactation counseling and initiated milk expression. Data were collected prospectively, by maternal interview and medical record review. During hospitalization, 159 (86%) infants received at least 50% HM proportion of feedings in the first 2 weeks of life, and 114 (62%) received some HM until the day of hospital discharge. Analysis showed plan to breastfeed was the strongest predictor of initiation and duration of HM feeding. Greater than 12 years of education, respiratory distress syndrome, Apgar score >6, and female gender were significant predictors, and no perinatal hypertensive disorder, white race, and mechanical ventilation were marginal predictors of HM feeding. Women with a high-risk pregnancy should be provided education about the benefits of breastfeeding for infants who are likely to be born prematurely. J Hum Lact. 25(4):412-419.
Climate, cod and crops: coastal land use in the SW Barents Sea region during the past 2.5 ka
Authors: Sjögren Per
Published: July 2009

The SW coast of the Barents Sea is a historical transition zone between the traditional agrarian cultures of western Europe and Sami hunter-gatherers of northern Fennoscandia. It is today north of the climatic limit of cereal cultivation and the economy is primarily based on fisheries. The pollen content of two peat profiles from the outer coastal island Sørøya ( c. 70.5°N) were examined. Increased anthropogenic influence was seen in the pollen assemblages at 600—100 BC, AD 150—550, AD 1300—1550 and AD 1700—2000, as well as a general environmental shift around AD 950, probably towards a wetter climate and more open vegetation. The results largely confirm the general held view on agrarian expansion phases in North Norway. These different phases are discussed from a regional, historical, economic and environmental perspective. During the early Iron Age the arctic limit for agriculture is extended northward along the coast into the Barents Sea area, probably during periods of more favourable climate. From the late Middle Ages onwards the development towards an efficient market economy allowed better exploitation of the marine recourses, which reduced the dependence on climatically sensitive agrarian activities.
Holocene evolution of a wetland in the Lower Seine Valley, Marais Vernier, France
Authors: Frouin Millena , Durand Alain , Sebag David , Huault Marie-Françoise , Ogier Sylvie , Verrecchia Eric P. , Laignel Benoit
Published: July 2009

Estuaries like that of the Seine River in NW Europe developed in incised fluvial valleys after the last glacial maximum. Since the 1940s, several authors have studied the largest wetland of the Seine estuary, the Marais Vernier, to understand depositional environments during Holocene infilling. We reinterpret previous research based on new and published data (for example fill thickness and material source) to (1) describe facies and depositional environments; (2) reconstruct palaeoenvironmental evolution; (3) show the influence of local and global forcing on depositional environments. Before 7000—6000 cal. BC, terrestrial material was deposited because of catchment erosion related to changes in climate. Just before 7000—6000 cal. BC, estuarine material began to be deposited in low-lying areas in response to sea-level rise, while terrestrial material still settled at higher elevations. After this, but before 5850—5710 cal. BC, estuarine material areas began to accumulate at both high and low elevations. This marked a general flooding of the Marais Vernier, synchronous with that at the Seine estuary mouth. Soon after, peat accumulated over a wide area as a response to a local change in accommodation and a worldwide drop in sea level. A tidal channel developed to the west of the Marais Vernier, providing minerogenic material. After 1130—900 cal. BC, human influence becomes increasingly clear in the record. This record of regional change during the Holocene can serve as a reference for further studies in the area.
Land—sea linkage of Holocene paleoclimate on the Southern Bering Continental Shelf
Authors: Katsuki Kota , Khim Boo-Keun , Itaki Takuya , Harada Naomi , Sakai Hideo , Ikeda Tomonori , Takahashi Kozo , Okazaki Yusuki , Asahi Hirofumi
Published: July 2009

Detailed diatom records within surface and core sediments from the Southern Bering Continental Shelf (SBCS) reveal that the Holocene evolution of sea-ice distribution is associated with low pressure patterns. Holocene sea-ice distribution over the SBCS was mainly controlled by the location of the Aleutian Low. The corresponding paleoceanographic and paleoclimate conditions can be divided into three stages: (1) the early Holocene (before 7000 cal. yr BP) was characterized by extensive sea-ice distribution under two low-pressure cells, which covered the western Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska, respectively. (2) Between 3000 and 7000 cal. yr BP, the low-pressure system over the Gulf of Alaska became weak, causing total sea-ice mass over the SBCS to retreat. (3) In the past 3000 years, prevailing southwesterly winds over the SBCS due to the developing Aleutian Low have reduced further sea-ice cover on the SBCS. These paleoclimatic changes were probably a response to ENSO variation. The timings of water mass exchanges on the SBCS coincided with sea-level change along the Alaskan Peninsula. As a result, subsequent morphologic alterations have also influenced the paleoceanographic condition of the SBCS. The effect of the surface coastal water and bottom marine water on the SBCS intensified about 6000 cal. yr BP when sea level increased.
Holocene vegetational landscapes of NE Iberia: charcoal analysis from Cova de la Guineu, Barcelona, Spain
Authors: Allué Ethel , Vernet Jean-Louis , Cebrià Artur
Published: July 2009

This paper presents the anthracological results of Cova de la Guineu. This cave, which is located at the NE of the Iberian Peninsula, has provided charcoal samples from the early Neolithic to the Iberian period enabling the identification of different phases on the basis of flora assemblage interpretation. The results show how Mediterranean forests have been present since the early Holocene stages. At the early phases of the sequence the assemblage records dominant meso-screrophyllous taxa (deciduous Quercus, Taxus baccata), then thermophilous taxa (evergreen Quercus) spread, and finally a late phase of transformation dominated by thermophilous and heliophilous taxa (Mediterranean Pinus). The interpretation and discussion deals with the development and transformation of primary and secondary forests due to human disturbances and climatic variations. The anthracological record from Cova de la Guineu suggests that both elements were important and define the evolution of vegetation during the Holocene in the region.
Testing a cellular modelling approach to simulating late-Holocene sediment and water transfer from catchment to lake in the French Alps since 1826
Authors: Welsh K.E. , Dearing J.A. , Chiverrell R.C. , Coulthard T.J.
Published: July 2009

This paper describes the application of a hydrogeomorphological numerical model (CAESAR) to simulate, at hourly time steps, changes in the hydrological and sediment regime of the Petit lac d'Annecy catchment. The outputs of the model were validated in three ways. In the short term (~5 years), water discharge outputs were compared against observed instrumental data. Over the longer term, modelled sediment discharge (AD 1825—2005) was compared with proxies for detrital sediment influx (environmental magnetism) and accumulation rates discerned from a 210Pb chronology for the lake sediments. Finally, spatial validation of the modelled erosion and deposition of sediment was undertaken by comparison with a field and remotely sensed survey of catchment geomorphology. The results suggest that while minor perturbations in forest cover during the last 180 years have partially conditioned the response of the sediment system, the bulk of modelled sediment discharge and particularly the peaks in sediment discharge were controlled by flood duration and magnitude, which in turn is driven by precipitation (storms/floods) and snowmelt. Basin geometry and geomorphology of each sub-catchment (Ire and Tamie) were also important in producing differences in the modelled sediment discharge. In essence, these differences were a function of sediment accommodation space and the ability of each system to store and release sediments. Modelled sediment discharge and χpara (lake sediments) display similar histories, and thus are both interpreted as reflecting variations in detrital sediment supply. Intriguingly the style of modelled sediment discharge from the Ire, a confined mountain torrent, displays a greater similarity to and perhaps dominates the lake sediment record. These results provide partial validation of the CAESAR model and indicate that perhaps in the future it may be used as an exploratory and predictive tool in determining the impact of changes in climate, meteorology and land use on lake-catchment systems.
Nursing Simulation: A Review of the Past 40 Years
Authors: Nehring Wendy M. , Lashley Felissa R.
Published: July 2009

Simulation, in its many forms, has been a part of nursing education and practice for many years. The use of games, computer-assisted instruction, standardized patients, virtual reality, and low-fidelity to high-fidelity mannequins have appeared in the past 40 years, whereas anatomical models, partial task trainers, and role playing were used earlier. A historical examination of these many forms of simulation in nursing is presented, followed by a discussion of the roles of simulation in both nursing education and practice. A viewpoint concerning the future of simulation in nursing concludes this article.
Assessment in Simulation and Gaming
Authors: Chin Jeffrey , Dukes Richard , Gamson William
Published: July 2009

This article examines the state of assessment in simulation and gaming over the past 40 years. While assessment has come slowly to many disciplines, members of the simulation and gaming community have been assessing the educational effectiveness of their experiential activities for years, in part because of skepticism from more traditional quarters that gaming and simulation are appropriate techniques to use in the classroom. These past efforts to demonstrate educational value usually went by names other than “assessment.” This article reviews research published in this journal using the keyword “assessment” plus a sample of pre-1990 meta-studies on evidence of educational effectiveness. The authors conclude with a discussion of two games, one familiar (SIMSOC) and one new (GLOBAL JUSTICE GAME) that may assist the reader in thinking about assessment strategies and related issues that need to be considered, in particular the role of agency versus structure.
Enhancing Lean Manufacturing Learning Experience Through Hands-On Simulation
Authors: Elbadawi Isam , McWilliams Douglas L. , Tetteh Edem G.
Published: July 2009

Finding appropriate interactive exercises to increase students’ learning in technical topic courses is always challenging to educators. In this study, several paper plane hands-on simulation exercises were developed, used, and tested in a lean manufacturing course for beginning college students. A pretest and posttest was used to assess the effectiveness of students learning of lean manufacturing concepts by means of participating in the hands-on simulation exercises. Furthermore, the procedures used for an efficient integration of the hands-on simulation exercises into a teaching environment were evaluated. The results showed that students’ knowledge of lean manufacturing concepts increased significantly compared with lecture-based learning only.
Youthful bodies rebel
Authors: Hakak Yohai
Published: July 2009

One of the central aspects of the ideal model of the Haredi body is a hierarchical and dichotomous relation between the body as an aspect of the earthly reality, and the spiritual world. This dichotomy has also shaped the ‘division of labour’ between the Haredi and non-Haredi Jewish communities in Israel. The article examines the yeshiva students' responses to this ideal and hegemonic model. My claim is that as a result of a series of social processes, the notion of the ideal body is facing growing resistance and is being challenged by the students themselves. The students' resistance to the ideal male body is contributing to the destabilization of the traditional relations between the earthly and the spiritual and as a result, to the undermining of the ‘division of labour’ among the various parts of Israeli Jewish society.
Young parenthood in the Netherlands
Authors: Bois-Reymond Manuela Du
Published: July 2009

The article takes the perspective of parenthood as a complex transition process that young adults have to pass through and have to manage. Becoming and being a parent today is not a self-evident stage in the life course as it was for former generations, but involves the necessity and ability to develop and use networks and learn to find a balance between options and constraints. Starting from youth sociological theories about destandardized life courses in late modernity, the Dutch case is taken to illustrate new learning demands and desires of young parents, Dutch as well as non-Dutch. The ‘combination problem’ of work and care is different for Dutch and non-Dutch young parents. Political initiatives and new institutional facilities at the local level have developed, which are in-tended to activate the self-responsibility of young adults and parents. It is shown that the social welfare state of the Netherlands still provides fair living chances for the majority of young people and parents but that the tension between Dutch and non-Dutch groups is growing.
Young people and UK citizenship education
Authors: Brooks Rachel
Published: July 2009

A number of commentators have highlighted the potential of citizenship education to offer young people a radical critique of society. For example, Aapola et al. (2005) have argued that it can provide a forum for contesting gendered power relations and their differential effect on young men and women from different class and ethnic groups, and for exploring the ways in which constructions of masculinity and femininity are dynamic and related to the public/private divide. However, it has also been argued that the playing out of ‘active citizenship’ (a common component of many citizenship programmes in schools and colleges) in the lives of young women, frequently means taking responsibility for themselves economically, while at the same time taking care of others. Indeed, some have suggested that current conceptualizations of citizenship — particularly its ‘active’ variant — have served to further social control rather than promote any critical engagement with social structures. In engaging with this debate, this article explores the impact of young people's socially focussed extra-curricular activities, undertaken in a number of different sixth-form colleges across the UK. Based on a year-long study of five peer-driven groups (including an Amnesty International group, a peer support group and a students' union executive), it considers gendered patterns in the take-up of these activities. In addition, it explores the extent to which such pursuits encourage participants to take a critical stance towards the world around them, placing particular emphasis on the structure of gender relations.
Politics, radio and journalism in Australia
Authors: Turner Graeme
Published: July 2009

This article draws on a research project examining the influence of talkback radio on politics in Australia, which focuses on the manner in which talkback formats have displaced the more conventional news and current affairs formats once prominent on the AM band in order to discuss the consequences of this change. An important consideration here is the fact that radio journalism has given way to the talkback host or entertainer at precisely the time when the political influence of the talkback format has become most pronounced, and when the regulatory control of that influence has become least effective. The result is a form of entertainment that mimics the forms and practices of journalism but which performs quite different social and political functions.
The competing ideals of objectivity and dialogue in American journalism
Authors: Soffer Oren
Published: July 2009

Objectivity and dialogue are competing ideals in the practice of American journalism and in the way the press is analyzed and ethically evaluated. This article examines the relationship of these two ideals using tools from the dialogical philosophy of Martin Buber and Michael Bakhtin. I argue that 'objective' journalism is part of an atmosphere that observes, maps, gathers information, and objectifies social phenomenon while keeping an outsider position and avoiding entrance into dialogical relationships. Such a position demonstrates a monologue that speaks in the ostensibly factual voice of the real world. But as the belief in objectivity waned through the postmodern crisis, the dialogical perception — as a general theoretical and methodological array of thought — started to flourish in communication studies and journalistic practices. The undermining process of the modernist objective, message-driven model of communication encouraged the rise of scholarly perceptions and journalistic practices that 'privatized' the communication process into various dialogical sites. Online journalism, with its interactive technological potential, marks another peak in the dialogic potential.
A new sort of democracy?
Authors: Crawford Ewan
Published: July 2009

Concern about perceived citizen disengagement from traditional representative democracies has prompted an upsurge in interest in the idea of deliberative democracy in many western countries. In Scotland, the establishment of a new Parliament in 1999 offered the opportunity to create what leading politicians at the time said would be a new democracy — with much greater participation from those disillusioned with, or traditionally excluded from, the democratic process. This article examines the role of Scotland's daily quality press in helping to achieve that goal of a new democracy. In particular, it discusses the extent to which newspaper opinion columns contribute to an inclusive, rational debate about policy issues which are under the control of the Scottish Parliament. The findings suggest that the opinion pages in Scotland's two daily quality national newspapers offer only limited evidence for those who hoped the Scottish press would contribute to a new democratic culture, which could in turn act as an example for proponents of deliberative democracy elsewhere.
Infographics in the United Arab Emirates newspapers
Authors: Bekhit Elsayed
Published: July 2009

In recent years, the number of infographics in the United Arab Emirates1 (UAE) newspapers has generally increased. The newspapers publish different types of infographics, but not on a regular basis. This study examined 180 issues of six UAE newspapers, conducted a survey with 19 graphic journalists and interviewed their chief editors to explore the current uses of infographics, the factors affecting its use and graphic journalists' perceptions of infographics.

The study shows that the UAE newspapers still lag behind in the use of infographics and do not utilize all types of infographics. They mainly outsource services for infographics packages or illustration-based graphics. They do not have separate or specialized departments for infographics.2 They rarely combine infographics with news stories, especially on the front pages. Type-based graphics are more frequently used than charts and illustration-based graphics. The study shows a significant difference between the UAE English and Arabic newspapers in the type of infographics used and in its use on the front page. The graphic journalists see infographics as supplementary to the text and not an essential part of the newspaper's content.