bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology transfer in Brazil: a study of contracts for the exploitation of patents registered by the Brazilian Patent Office, 2001—2006
Authors: de Cássia Rocha Amorim Rita , Gomes de Souza Cristina
Published: February 2011

The analysis of licensing contracts provides strategic information about technologies that have been actually commercialized. This paper presents aspects of technology transfer in Brazil based on data from contracts for the exploitation of patents (EP) registered by the Brazilian Patent Office (INPI) in the period 2000—2006. A total of 283 contracts were analyzed, covering 623 documents of industrial property (patents for invention, utility model and industrial design). Some findings of the study show that the contracts for EP correspond to 2.47 percent of all contracts of technology transfer registered; there is a significant number of contracts firmed between trans-national corporations and their subsidiaries; and there is strong regional inequality in this process of technology transfer that corresponds to the gap in technological development between different regions of Brazil. This work illustrates information that can be used by policy-makers, managers and developers of technology to identify strategies of companies and to subsidize national policies for technological development.
The Ghana Collection at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Library
Authors: Agyen-Gyasi K.
Published: February 2011

Special collections of academic libraries are of great historical and archival value and form the core of primary research in the humanities and social sciences. Their impact on university libraries has become so important because they provide researchers access to the nation’s and university’s heritage collections. The Ghana Collection at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Library is of great importance because of its historical and archival value. This paper discusses the patronage and usage of the collection. Data for the study were obtained from interviews and personal observation for a period of 9 months, and from official files. An assessment of the patronage of the collection showed that the materials are heavily used during January to April and September through December each year. Digitization of the collection is seen as a means of preserving the resources but also making the collection more accessible to scholars locally, nationally and worldwide. Challenges affecting the management of the collection are discussed and appropriate recommendations made to ensure maximum utilization of these unique and out-of-print materials.
Using decision support systems in Chinese enterprises: a study of managerial information behaviour
Authors: Yalan Yan  , Davison Robert M.
Published: February 2011

Decision making is a fundamental activity for managers; however, satisfying the information needs of Chinese managers for decision making remains a challenge. In recent years, academic research on the development and application of Decision Support Systems (DSS) in China has grown quickly, but relatively little is known about the adoption and use of DSS in Chinese enterprises. In this paper, we explore the information behaviour with respect to decision making, drawing on data obtained from qualitative interviews with 18 Chinese managers and a large scale survey of 296 managers. We find that DSS is not extensively used in Chinese enterprises. Most managers show little interest in or need for using formal DSS tools in their management decision making, instead choosing either to rely on existing Information Systems (IS) applications with similar functionality considered to be adequate for decision support or to eschew formal IS tools altogether, simply relying on their own mental faculties. We discuss the reasons for this non-extensive-use of DSS in the Chinese context and then make recommendations for how DSS could be effectively used by managers who are familiar with both principles of information management and the decision context so as to contribute to a firm’s long term success.
Footnotes in history?
Authors: Johnson Ian M.
Published: February 2011

Why are librarians so ignorant of the needs of researchers? Why do they ignore missing pages in books and missing issues in digital journal backfiles? Why are valuable documents not preserved in archives and libraries? Perhaps because librarians do so little research themselves? How can a stronger research culture, and more empathy for researchers in other disciplines be developed?
Multi-level spatial modeling for stochastic distributed robotic systems
Authors: Prorok Amanda , Correll Nikolaus , Martinoli Alcherio
Published: February 2011

We propose a combined spatial and non-spatial probabilistic modeling methodology motivated by an inspection task performed by a group of miniature robots. Our models explicitly consider spatiality and yield accurate predictions on system performance. An agent’s spatial distribution over time is modeled by the Fokker—Planck diffusion model and complements current non-spatial microscopic and macroscopic models that model the discrete state distribution of a distributed robotic system. We validate our models on a microscopic level based on sub-microscopic, embodied robot simulations as well as real robot experiments. Subsequently, using the validated microscopic models as our template, abstraction is raised to the level of macroscopic difference equations. We discuss the dependency of the modeling performance on the distance from the robot origin (drop-off location) and temporal convergence of the team distribution. Also, using an asymmetric setup, we show the necessity of spatial modeling methodologies for environments where the robotic platform underlies drift phenomena.
Anthropometric and Fitness Variables Associated With Bone Mineral Density and Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation in Ambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Chen Chia-ling , Ke Jyh-yuh , Lin Keh-chung , Wang Chao-jan , Wu Ching-yi , Liu Wen-yu
Published: February 2011

We investigated anthropometric and fitness variables associated with areal bone mineral densities and broadband ultrasound attenuation in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy. Thirty-four children with cerebral palsy, aged 4—12 years, and 33 normal development children were collected. There were significant differences in femoral bone densities and calcaneus broadband ultrasound attenuation, but not in lumbar bone densities, between cerebral palsy and normal groups. Regression analysis revealed that different anthropometric and fitness variables were linked to bone densities of different skeletal regions in children with cerebral palsy (adjusted r2 = .41—.67). Growth variables were mainly related to femoral and lumbar bone densities, while muscular endurance was mainly related to femoral and calcaneus bone densities. These findings suggest multiple complex variables can contribute to bone density variations among different skeleton areas in these children. These data can allow clinicians to identifying early these children at risk for low bone density.
Network Analysis: Applications for the Developing Brain
Authors: Chu-Shore Catherine J. , Kramer Mark A. , Bianchi Matt T. , Caviness Verne S. , Cash Sydney S.
Published: February 2011

Development of the human brain follows a complex trajectory of age-specific anatomical and physiological changes. The application of network analysis provides an illuminating perspective on the dynamic interregional and global properties of this intricate and complex system. Here, we provide a critical synopsis of methods of network analysis with a focus on developing brain networks. After discussing basic concepts and approaches to network analysis, we explore the primary events of anatomical cortical development from gestation through adolescence. Upon this framework, we describe early work revealing the evolution of age-specific functional brain networks in normal neurodevelopment. Finally, we review how these relationships can be altered in disease and perhaps even rectified with treatment. While this method of description and inquiry remains in early form, there is already substantial evidence that the application of network models and analysis to understanding normal and abnormal human neural development holds tremendous promise for future discovery.
Hoarding Behaviors in Children With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Testa Renée , Pantelis Christos , Fontenelle Leonardo F.
Published: February 2011

Our objective was to describe the prevalence, comorbidity, and neuropsychological profiles of children with hoarding and learning disabilities. From 61 children with learning disabilities, 16.4% exhibited hoarding as a major clinical issue. Although children with learning disabilities and hoarding displayed greater rates of obsessive-compulsive disorder (30%) as compared to those with learning disabilities without hoarding (5.9%), the majority of patients belonging to the former group did not display obsessive-compulsive disorder diagnosis. When learning disability patients with hoarding were compared to age-, sex-, and IQ-matched learning disability subjects without hoarding, hoarders exhibited a slower learning curve on word list-learning task. In conclusion, salient hoarding behaviors were found to be relatively common in a sample of children with learning disabilities and not necessarily associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, supporting its nosological independence. It is unclear whether underlying cognitive features may play a major role in the development of hoarding behaviors in children with learning disabilities.
Functional Disability in Adolescents With Orthostatic Intolerance and Chronic Pain
Authors: Kritzberger Chad J. , Antiel Ryan M. , Wallace Dustin P. , Zacharias Josiah D. , Brands Chad K. , Fischer Philip R. , Harbeck-Weber Cynthia
Published: February 2011

A retrospective review identified 99 adolescents (79% female) referred to a tertiary care center to evaluate the relationship between symptoms of orthostatic intolerance and chronic pain. Regression analysis indicated that functional disability was strongly associated with pain intensity (P < .001) and depression (P = .024). The association between functional disability and number of symptoms of orthostatic intolerance trended toward significance (P = .057). Meeting a threshold heart rate increment of 30 beats per minute on head-up tilt was not associated with functional disability (P = .188). Separate regression analysis of female patients showed similar results to the full sample but with a stronger relationship between depression and functional disability and a weaker relationship between heart increment and functional disability. In this sample of adolescents with symptoms of orthostatic intolerance and chronic pain, pain intensity and depression were associated with functional status, but postural tachycardia was not. Further research is needed to clarify potential gender differences.
Eye Tracking Unconscious Face-to-Face Confrontations
Authors: Terburg David , Hooiveld Nicole , Aarts Henk , Kenemans J. Leon , van Honk Jack
Published: February 2011

In primates, dominance/submission relationships are generally automatically and nonaggressively established in face-to-face confrontations. Researchers have argued that this process involves an explicit psychological stress-manipulation mechanism: Striding with a threatening expression, while keeping direct eye contact, outstresses rivals so that they submissively avert their gaze. In contrast, researchers have proposed a reflexive and implicit modulation of face-to-face confrontation in humans, on the basis of evidence that dominant and submissive individuals exhibit vigilant and avoidant responses, respectively, to facial anger in masked emotional Stroop tasks. However, these tasks do not provide an ecologically valid index of gaze behavior. Therefore, we directly measured gaze responses to masked angry, happy, and neutral facial expressions with a saccade-latency paradigm and found that increased dominance traits predict a more prolonged gaze to (or reluctance to avert gaze from) masked anger. Furthermore, greater non-dominance-related reward sensitivity predicts more persistent gaze to masked happiness. These results strongly suggest that implicit and reflexive mechanisms underlie dominant and submissive gaze behavior in face-to-face confrontations.
Third Parties, Violence, and Conflict Resolution
Authors: Levine Mark , Taylor Paul J. , Best Rachel
Published: February 2011

Although researchers know much about the causes of aggression, they know surprisingly little about how aggression leads to violence or how violence is controlled. To explore the microregulation of violence, we conducted a systematic behavioral analysis of footage from closed-circuit television surveillance of public spaces. Using 42 incidents involving 312 people, we compared aggressive incidents that ended in violence with those that did not. Behaviors of antagonists and third parties were coded as either escalating or conciliatory acts. Results showed that third parties were more likely to take conciliatory actions than to escalate violence and that this tendency increased as group size increased. This analysis revealed a pattern of third-party behaviors that prevent aggression from becoming violent and showed that conciliatory behaviors are more successful when carried out by multiple third parties than when carried out by one person. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of collective third-party dynamics in understanding conflict resolution.
Can natural or anthropogenic explanations of late-Holocene CO2 and CH4 increases be falsified?
Authors: Ruddiman W.F. , Kutzbach J.E. , Vavrus S.J.
Published: February 2011

Concentrations of CO2 and CH4 in the atmosphere rose slowly during the millennia prior to the industrial era. Opposing explanations for these increases have invoked natural and anthropogenic sources. Here we revisit this argument using new evidence to see whether either explanation can be falsified (disproven, in the sense proposed by German philosopher Karl Popper). Two lines of evidence suggest that natural explanations for the CH4 increase are falsified: (1) the absence of any sustained methane increase early in seven interglaciations prior to the Holocene; and (2) weakening emissions during the last 5000 years from the two largest global sources of CH4 – north tropical and boreal wetlands. Consistent with this interpretation, a new synthesis of archeological data from southern Asia reported in this issue indicates an exponential increase in CH4 emissions from expanding rice irrigation during the last 5000 years. Neither the anthropogenic nor the natural explanations for the CO2 increase can at this point be falsified. Previous studies that rejected the early anthropogenic hypothesis based on the small size of early farming populations ignored a rich array of archeological and historical evidence showing that early farmers used much more land per capita than those in the centuries just before the industrial era. Previous interpretations of very small terrestrial (anthropogenic and other) carbon emissions during the last 7000 years based on the δ13CO2 record failed to incorporate credible estimates of very large carbon burial in boreal peat lands during the late Holocene. Allowance for larger burial in peat deposits requires much greater emissions of anthropogenic carbon to balance the δ13CO2 budget. The prevalence of downward CO2 trends during equivalent intervals early in previous interglaciations poses a major problem for natural explanations of the late-Holocene CO2 increase.
Enhancing Latinas’ Participation in Research on Sexual Assault: Cultural Considerations in the Design and Implementation of Research in the Latino Community
Authors: Ahrens Courtney E. , Isas Libier , Viveros Monica
Published: February 2011

To provide a more complete picture of the prevalence, impact, and treatment of sexual assault among Latinas, researchers must begin to develop and employ culturally competent recruitment and data-collection procedures that can facilitate participation and disclosure. In this article, we sought to synthesize recommendations from research with Latino populations, community-based and participatory action research, and research on sexual assault to provide a list of suggestions for conducting culturally competent research about sexual assault with Latino populations. Innovative examples from our own focus group study with Latinas are provided throughout.
Longitudinal Tracking Methods in a Study of Adult Women Sexual Assault Survivors
Authors: Ullman Sarah E.
Published: February 2011

Standard methods of tracking participants longitudinally are discussed in the context of the experience of one research team studying the impact of sexual assault on victims over time. The researchers considered implementing standard tracking methods used in population-based studies to retain participants over time, but chose to adapt and modify such methods in an effort to build trust and rapport with sexual assault victims recruited from the community. Issues related to methodological decision making and implementation in longitudinal studies are discussed, including effects tracking methods might have on participants and the reality of studying and retaining participants from sensitive populations.
Comparing Sexual Assault Prevalence Estimates Obtained With Direct and Indirect Questioning Techniques
Authors: Krebs Christopher P. , Lindquist Christine H. , Warner Tara D. , Fisher Bonnie S. , Martin Sandra L. , Childers James M.
Published: February 2011

Concerns have been expressed about the validity of self-reported data on sexual assault, as victims might be reluctant to disclose what happened to them. In this study, using an anonymous, web-based survey, a sample of 5,446 undergraduate women were asked about their experiences with physically forced sexual assault using both direct and indirect questioning methods. The prevalence of physically forced sexual assault obtained via indirect questioning was slightly higher than, though not substantially or statistically different from, the estimate obtained via direct questioning. The results suggest that either direct questioning yields reasonably valid estimates of the prevalence of sexual assault or that the item count technique does not produce estimates that are any more valid.
Applying Experience Sampling Methods to Partner Violence Research: Safety and Feasibility in a 90-Day Study of Community Women
Authors: Sullivan Tami P. , Khondkaryan Enna , Dos Santos Nancy P. , Peters Erica N.
Published: February 2011

An experience sampling method (ESM) rarely has been applied in studies of intimate partner violence (IPV) despite the benefits to be gained. Because ESM approaches and women who experience IPV present unique challenges for data collection, an empirical question exists: Is it safe and feasible to apply ESM to community women who currently are experiencing IPV? A 90-day, design-driven feasibility study examined daily telephone data collection, daily paper diaries, and monthly retrospective semistructured interview methods among a community sample of 123 women currently experiencing IPV to study within-person relationships between IPV and substance use. Findings suggest that ESM is a promising method for collecting data among this population and can elucidate daily dynamics of victimization as well as associated behaviors and experiences. Lessons learned from the application of ESM to this population are also discussed.
Narrative Possibilities: Poor Women of Color and the Complexities of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Boonzaier Floretta A. , van Schalkwyk Samantha
Published: February 2011

This article shows how a narrative methodological approach is particularly suited to examining the dynamics of intimate partner violence, especially among poor women of color in South Africa. We show how a narrative approach allowed women to represent their experiences of violence according to their own frames of meaning, examining the complexities of abuse as it is informed by sociocultural factors of gender, poverty, and deprivation. In particular, we show how a narrative approach departs from other qualitative work by enabling women to construct particular forms of identity, thereby giving them agency in authoring their own stories of violence.
Control Variable Use and Reporting in Macro and Micro Management Research
Authors: Atinc Guclu , Simmering Marcia J. , Kroll Mark J.
Published: February 2011

This study explores the use of control variables in management research, as reflected in both macro and micro management studies published in four leading management journals. Based on a review of 812 empirical articles published from 2005 to 2009—a much larger sample than was employed by earlier studies of control variables—the authors make several important observations. One key finding is that, given it is not at all uncommon for the control variables included in studies to account for more variance than the main effects, it is surprising how infrequently adequate justification for inclusion is provided. In addition, even when justification is provided, often no expectation of the nature of the relationship between control and dependent variables is offered. The authors also make several recommendations for both authors and reviewers. The most important may be to avoid simple mimicry of others and think more deeply about the theoretical foundation for the control variables included in empirical studies.
Utilization of social science research
Authors: Cherney Adrian , McGee Tara Renae
Published: February 2011

Researchers, as well as decision-makers and practitioners, often wonder what becomes of the results of research in the social sciences. At present in Australia, we know very little on the subject. This article reports results from a survey of academic sociologists and criminologists about the utilization of their research. It tests an empirical model that derives its dependent and independent variables from prior studies on knowledge utilization, and defines research utilization as a six-stage cumulative process. Results indicate that while there are decreasing reported levels of research utilization across the stages by practitioners and professionals, academic sociologists and criminologists report their research is more often used conceptually. Variables that distinguished respondents who report high levels of utilization were investments in linkage and exchange mechanisms. The discussion is placed in a broader context related to measuring the impact of social research and the factors that inhibit and facilitate this process.
Doublet Electrical Stimulation Enhances Torque Production in People With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Chang Ya-Ju , Shields Richard K.
Published: February 2011

Background. Muscle fatigue prevents repetitive use of paralyzed muscle after spinal cord injury (SCI). Objective. This study compared the effects of hybrid patterns of muscle stimulation in individuals with acute and chronic SCI. Methods. Individuals with chronic (n = 11) or acute paralysis (n = 3) underwent soleus muscle activation with a constant (CT) or doublet (DT) stimulation train before and at various times after a fatigue protocol. Results. The chronically paralyzed soleus was highly fatigable with a fatigue index (FI) of 19% ± 6%, whereas the acutely paralyzed soleus was fatigue resistant (FI = 89% ± 8%). For the chronically paralyzed group, the DT protocol caused less than 5% improvement in peak and mean force relative to the CT protocol before fatigue; however, after fatigue the DT protocol caused an increase in peak and mean force (>10%), compared with the CT protocol ( P < .05). As the chronically paralyzed muscle developed low-frequency fatigue, the DT protocol became more effective than the CT protocol ( P < .05). The DT protocol increased the rate of torque development before fatigue (42% ± 78%), after fatigue (62% ± 52%), and during recovery (87% ± 54% to 101% ± 56%; P < .05). The acutely paralyzed group showed minimal change in peak and mean torque with the DT protocol. Conclusions. Chronic reduced activity is associated with muscle adaptations (slow to fast) that render the muscle more amenable to force enhancement through doublet train activation after fatigue. These findings are applicable to patients using neuromuscular stimulation.
Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy of Voluntary Grasping Versus Only Conventional Rehabilitation for Patients With Subacute Incomplete Tetraplegia
Authors: Popovic Milos R. , Kapadia Naaz , Zivanovic Vera , Furlan Julio C. , Craven B. Cathy , McGillivray Colleen
Published: February 2011

Background. Functional electrical stimulation therapy (FET) has a potential to improve voluntary grasping among individuals with tetraplegia secondary to traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Objective. This single-site, randomized controlled trial examined the efficacy of 40 hours of FET with conventional occupational therapy (COT) compared with COT alone to improve grasping. Methods. Twenty-four subjects with subacute traumatic incomplete SCI (C4-C7, AIS B-D) consented to participate in 40 hours of therapy over 8 weeks, beyond the conventional rehabilitation program. Subjects were randomized to receive FET + COT (n = 9) or COT (n = 12). The key outcomes were changes in Functional Independence Measure (FIM) self-care subscores, Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) self-care subscores, and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Hand Function Test (TRI-HFT) performed at baseline and follow-up. Results. At the end of the treatments, the change in mean FIM self-care subscore for the FET + COT group was 20.1 versus 10 ( P = .015) for the COT group. Subjects randomized to FET + COT also had greater improvements in the SCIM and TRI-HFT. No longer term follow-up was feasible. Conclusion. FET significantly reduced disability and improved voluntary grasping beyond the effects of considerable conventional upper extremity therapy in individuals with tetraplegia.
Professorial roles: a study of the professorial populations within nursing and midwifery, social work and allied health professions
Authors: Jackson Christine S. , Callinan Carol , Cowell Anthony
Published: February 2011

The professorial populations in nursing/midwifery, social work and allied health are relatively new in academia compared to longer established professions, such as medicine and dentistry. Less is known about the roles, career pathways, characteristics and career aspirations of the professoriate within these emerging professions. A survey was undertaken from sample populations in each of the three professorial groups in order to obtain qualitative and quantitative data on professorial roles and activities, career pathway information and support mechanisms for professorial positions. This paper discusses the findings of the survey that relate specifically to professorial roles and activities and whether the identified roles reflect the professorial activities proposed by the National Conference of University Professors (NCUP). Other aspects of this survey, including career pathways, findings relating to gender and support mechanisms, will form the basis of future papers.

The findings suggest that the professorial roles studied in this survey reflect those described by the NCUP. Professors of nursing, allied health professions and social work balance a wide range of roles and activities. Research, and related activities, as one would expect, constitute a substantial aspect of work activity, but many professors express frustration with an environment that requires a heterogeneous role profile combined with an unrealistically high workload in order to successfully pursue their research careers. The survey highlighted support networks as a critical success factor in terms of professorial career development. However, professors from across the disciplines commented on the lack of support (institutional and external) available to professors in both pre-professorial and professorial grades. Established and personal chair holders appear to have similar roles, with few statistically significant differences found between these two sub-populations.
S-shaped Appraisal–Emotion Relationships
Authors: Tong Eddie M. W. , Tay Kenneth L. H.
Published: February 2011

The current study tested the hypothesis that appraisals affect emotions in ogival (s-shaped) functions. Focusing on the appraisal of coping potential and emotions related to competence, the study found evidence in support of this hypothesis. In addition, the study also found evidence suggesting that the ogival effect of coping potential on competence emotions is stronger among high neuroticism individuals.
Evaluation of Beliefs About Hypertension in a General Population
Authors: McBane Sarah , Halstater Brian
Published: February 2011

Purpose: Hypertension affects millions of people in the United States, yet many do not reach their blood pressure goals. Existing data indicate that self-management skills improve chronic disease management. Beliefs and attitudes are an important component of self management. This pilot study was designed to evaluate the beliefs of the general public on hypertension. Methods: One hundred patients of Duke Family Medicine were verbally consented to receive a survey consisting of 16 true/false questions. Included subjects were 18 years and older and comfortable answering questions in English. The questions addressed self-management behaviors, definition, and complications of hypertension. Basic demographic data were collected. Descriptive statistics were performed on the data. Results: Of 120 patients screened, 100 met inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Demographic data indicated that surveyed subjects were similar to the general clinic population: 69% were women, 51% African American, and 55% age 45 years and older. A total of 79% of subjects answered 13 or more questions correctly. The 3 most commonly missed questions addressed fatality of hypertension, adverse effects of medications, and potential for curing hypertension. Conclusion: Hypertension is a prevalent issue affected by many factors. Beliefs of the general population, including the role of self-management, seem consistent with current medical knowledge. However, this study only evaluated beliefs not behaviors of patients. Further study is needed to elucidate patient-oriented factors that may limit control of hypertension.
Leadership Skills in the Cath Lab
Authors: Johnson Alnettia W.
Published: February 2011

This article outlines some basic leadership skills needed in the cath lab today from the perspective of a newly appointed cath lab supervisor. Whether you are interested in advancing or you are in management currently, the information provided in this article will help the reader better understand the complexities of the cath lab and how to juggle the many priorities necessary to be successful.
Anomalous Left Main Coronary Artery From Right Coronary Cusp
Authors: Szerlip Molly A. , Suryanarayana Prakash , Luft Ulrich C.
Published: February 2011

Anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery is a rare clinical entity that can present with symptoms across the clinical gamut, from asymptomatic to chest pain and possibly even sudden death. The clinical syndrome varies depending on the course of the aberrant left main. The anterior course where the artery runs between the aorta and the pulmonary artery can lead to compression of the left main, resulting in ischemia and possibly sudden death. In this article, the authors describe a case of a left main arising from the right coronary cusp that took a posterior course. There was a high-grade, proximal left anterior descending artery lesion that was treated with percutaneous intervention after defining the course of the aberrant left main.
IV Catheter Care and Maintenance Minimizes Catheter-Related Blood Stream Infection
Authors: Macklin Denise
Published: February 2011

The elimination of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) requires meticulous intravenous (IV) catheter care. There are three different types of needlefree connectors and one intraluminal protection device that require different care regimens, including the correct usage of disinfectants, flushing techniques, and clamping sequences. The nurse must be able to identify which connector is in use and select the appropriate care. This care must be followed not only in the inpatient unit by the bedside nurse but also in areas that are providing diagnostic procedures such as the cardiac cath lab. Since bacterial adhesion to the intraluminal catheter wall is the primary building block of a CR-BSI, which may not present until days after initial inoculation, preventing intraluminal fluid pathway contamination is paramount with every access. In addition, many institutions have more than one type of connector available. This complicates the provision of consistent safe care. Split septum, negative mechanical valves, positive pressure mechanical valves, and intraluminal protection devices have specific care and maintenance requirements. This article discusses the different connector types, why each requires special care, how intraluminal fluid pathway contamination can lead to CR-BSI, and how simple nursing care and maintenance practices of connector septum swabbing and catheter flushing by the cardiac cath nurse can help prevent this serious complication.
Evaluation of Nephropathy in Coronary Catheterization
Authors: Berger Barbara J.
Published: February 2011

Cath lab managers are involved in quality assurance and outcomes evaluation. One area of focus is contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). CIN is important because it is the third leading cause of hospital-associated renal insufficiency, and even when it is clinically reversible it is associated with increased hospitalization, cost, and mortality. Assessment of nonmodifiable risk factors, treatment of modifiable risk factors, and evaluation of laboratory biomarkers is essential as predictors of CIN and to long-term survival.
Management
Authors: Scharbach Daniel
Published: February 2011

A series of articles regarding management techniques.
The Implementation of the Disproportionate Minority Confinement/Contact (DMC) Mandate
Authors: Leiber Michael , Rodriguez Nancy
Published: February 2011

It has been over 20 years since Congress, as part of the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA), included the disproportionate minority confinement mandate later changed to disproportionate minority contact (DMC). The DMC mandate and the issue in general have received relatively scant attention with the exception of a few commentaries. In this article, we discuss the DMC mandate and the positions concerning the overall effectiveness of its implementation to achieve equal treatment for all youth in juvenile justice proceedings.
The Joint Effects of Offender Race/Ethnicity and Gender on Substantial Assistance Departures in Federal Courts
Authors: Spohn Cassia , Brennan Pauline K.
Published: February 2011

Research on the federal sentencing process has demonstrated that, the sentencing guidelines notwithstanding, outcomes are affected by legally irrelevant offender characteristics. Using data on offenders convicted of drug offenses in three U.S. district courts, we build on and extend this research. We examine the main and interactive effects of offender race/ethnicity and gender on the likelihood of receiving a downward departure for providing substantial assistance and on the magnitude of the sentence discount given to offenders who receive these departures. Our findings indicate the Black and Hispanic male offenders are treated more harshly than all other offenders. Our findings also indicate that there are no differences between female offenders of any race/ethnicity and White male offenders or between the three groups of female offenders. We suggest that prosecutors and judges use the discretion inherent in the substantial assistance departure to circumvent the guidelines and to fashion more appropriate sentences for sympathetic and salvageable offenders.
Differential Benefits?
Authors: Saporu Darlene F. , Patton Charles L. , Krivo Lauren J. , Peterson Ruth D.
Published: February 2011

This article investigates whether and how residential loans that accrue to neighborhoods in US urban areas vary in their influence on violent and property crime across distinct race–ethnic communities, and depend on neighborhood levels of socioeconomic disadvantage. Building on recent literature on residential loans and crime, and drawing on racial structure and social disorganization perspectives, we posit that non-White and more disadvantaged neighborhoods gain more “bang” (i.e., crime reduction) for the investment dollars that they accrue than White and less disadvantaged areas. Using data from the National Neighborhood Crime Study for over 8,000 neighborhoods across 87 US cities, our multilevel analyses of violent and property crime for four types of neighborhoods revealed support for these hypotheses. While all types of neighborhoods benefit from a larger influx of residential loans, the payoff for African American and Latino areas is considerably greater than for White communities, and this is especially true for reductions in violent crime. In addition, the more disadvantaged the community, the larger the negative association between lending and both violent and property crime.
T cells redirected against CD70 for the immunotherapy of CD70-positive malignancies
Authors: Shaffer Donald R. , Savoldo Barbara , Yi Zhongzhen , Chow Kevin K. H. , Kakarla Sunitha , Spencer David M. , Dotti Gianpietro , Wu Meng-Fen , Liu Hao , Kenney Shannon , Gottschalk Stephen
Published: February 2011

T-cell therapy with genetically modified T cells targeting CD19 or CD20 holds promise for the immunotherapy of hematologic malignancies. These targets, however, are only present on B cell–derived malignancies, and because they are broadly expressed in the hematopoietic system, their targeting may have unwanted consequences. To expand T-cell therapies to hematologic malignancies that are not B cell–derived, we determined whether T cells can be redirected to CD70, an antigen expressed by limited subsets of normal lymphocytes and dendritic cells, but aberrantly expressed by a broad range of hematologic malignancies and some solid tumors. To generate CD70-specific T cells, we constructed a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) consisting of the CD70 receptor (CD27) fused to the CD3-ζ chain. Stimulation of T cells expressing CD70-specific CARs resulted in CD27 costimulation and recognition of CD70-positive tumor cell lines and primary tumor cells, as shown by IFN-γ and IL-2 secretion and by tumor cell killing. Adoptively transferred CD70-specific T cells induced sustained regression of established murine xenografts. Therefore, CD70-specific T cells may be a promising immunotherapeutic approach for CD70-positive malignancies.
Interleukin-1 in the pathogenesis and treatment of inflammatory diseases
Authors: Dinarello Charles A.
Published: February 2011

More than any other cytokine family, the IL-1 family of ligands and receptors is primarily associated with acute and chronic inflammation. The cytosolic segment of each IL-1 receptor family member contains the Toll-IL-1-receptor domain. This domain is also present in each Toll-like receptor, the receptors that respond to microbial products and viruses. Since Toll-IL-1-receptor domains are functional for both receptor families, responses to the IL-1 family are fundamental to innate immunity. Of the 11 members of the IL-1 family, IL-1β has emerged as a therapeutic target for an expanding number of systemic and local inflammatory conditions called autoinflammatory diseases. For these, neutralization of IL-1β results in a rapid and sustained reduction in disease severity. Treatment for autoimmune diseases often includes immunosuppressive drugs whereas neutralization of IL-1β is mostly anti-inflammatory. Although some autoinflammatory diseases are due to gain-of-function mutations for caspase-1 activity, common diseases such as gout, type 2 diabetes, heart failure, recurrent pericarditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and smoldering myeloma also are responsive to IL-1β neutralization. This review summarizes acute and chronic inflammatory diseases that are treated by reducing IL-1β activity and proposes that disease severity is affected by the anti-inflammatory members of the IL-1 family of ligands and receptors.
Developmental differences in megakaryocytopoiesis are associated with up-regulated TPO signaling through mTOR and elevated GATA-1 levels in neonatal megakaryocytes
Authors: Liu Zhi-Jian , Italiano Joseph , Ferrer-Marin Francisca , Gutti Ravi , Bailey Matthew , Poterjoy Brandon , Rimsza Lisa , Sola-Visner Martha
Published: February 2011

Multiple observations support the existence of developmental differences in megakaryocytopoiesis. We have previously shown that neonatal megakaryocyte (MK) progenitors are hyperproliferative and give rise to MKs smaller and of lower ploidy than adult MKs. Based on these characteristics, neonatal MKs have been considered immature. The molecular mechanisms underlying these differences are unclear, but contribute to the pathogenesis of disorders of neonatal megakaryocytopoiesis. In the present study, we demonstrate that low-ploidy neonatal MKs, contrary to traditional belief, are more mature than adult low-ploidy MKs. These mature MKs are generated at a 10-fold higher rate than adult MKs, and result from a developmental uncoupling of proliferation, polyploidization, and terminal differentiation. This pattern is associated with up-regulated thrombopoietin (TPO) signaling through mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and elevated levels of full-length GATA-1 and its targets. Blocking of mTOR with rapamycin suppressed the maturation of neonatal MKs without affecting ploidy, in contrast to the synchronous inhibition of polyploidization and cytoplasmic maturation in adult MKs. We propose that these mechanisms allow fetuses/neonates to populate their rapidly expanding bone marrow and intravascular spaces while maintaining normal platelet counts, but also set the stage for disorders restricted to fetal/neonatal MK progenitors, including the Down syndrome–transient myeloproliferative disorder and the thrombocytopenia absent radius syndrome.
Development of an IL-15–autocrine CD8 T-cell leukemia in IL-15–transgenic mice requires the cis expression of IL-15Rα
Authors: Sato Noriko , Sabzevari Helen , Fu Song , Ju Wei , Petrus Michael N. , Bamford Richard N. , Waldmann Thomas A. , Tagaya Yutaka
Published: February 2011

IL-15 has growth-promoting effects on select lymphoid subsets, including natural killer (NK) cells, NK T cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), CD8 T cells, and γδ-T cells. Constitutive expression of murine IL-15 in IL-15–transgenic mice was reported to cause T-NK leukemia. We investigated whether IL-15 expression is sufficient for leukemic transformation using a human IL-15–transgenic (IL-15Tg) mouse model. We noted that 100% of the mice observed over a 2-year period (n > 150) developed fatal expansions of CD8 T cells with NK markers, and determined that these cells expressed IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα). The expression of IL-15Rα on CD8 T cells appears to be required for uncontrolled aggressive lymphoproliferation, because none of the IL-15Rα−/−–IL-15Tg mice that we followed for more than 2 years developed the fatal disease despite controlled expansion of CD8 T cells. In addition, in contrast to IL-15Tg mice, in which leukemia-like CD8 T cells expressed IL-15Rα persistently, acutely activated normal CD8 T cells only transiently expressed IL-15Rα. Inhibition of DNA methylation enabled sustained IL-15Rα expression induced by activation. We present a scenario for IL-15Tg mice in which CD8 T cells that acquire constitutive persistent IL-15Rα expression are at a selective advantage and become founder cells, outgrow other lymphocytes, and lead to the establishment of a leukemia-like condition.
Density enhanced phosphatase-1 down-regulates urokinase receptor surface expression in confluent endothelial cells
Authors: Brunner Patrick M. , Heier Patricia C. , Mihaly-Bison Judit , Priglinger Ute , Binder Bernd R. , Prager Gerald W.
Published: February 2011

VEGF165, the major angiogenic growth factor, is known to activate various steps in proangiogenic endothelial cell behavior, such as endothelial cell migration and invasion, or endothelial cell survival. Thereby, the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system has been shown to play an essential role not only by its proteolytic capacities, but also by induction of intracellular signal transduction. Therefore, expression of its cell surface receptor uPAR is thought to be an essential regulatory mechanism in angiogenesis. We found that uPAR expression on the surface of confluent endothelial cells was down-regulated compared with subconfluent proliferating endothelial cells. Regulation of uPAR expression was most probably affected by extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation, a downstream signaling event of the VEGF/VEGF-receptor system. Consistently, the receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase DEP-1 (density enhanced phosphatase-1/CD148), which is abundantly expressed in confluent endothelial cells, inhibited the VEGF-dependent activation of ERK1/2, leading to down-regulation of uPAR expression. Overexpression of active ERK1 rescued the DEP-1 effect on uPAR. That DEP-1 plays a biologic role in angiogenic endothelial cell behavior was demonstrated in endothelial cell migration, proliferation, and capillary-like tube formation assays in vitro.
PRE-1, a cis element sufficient to enhance cone- and rod- specific expression in differentiating zebrafish photoreceptors
Authors: Morrissey Maria E , Shelton Sara , Brockerhoff Susan E , Hurley James B , Kennedy Breandán N
Published: February 2011

Background

Appropriate transcriptional regulation is required for cone photoreceptor development and integrity. To date, only a few cis-regulatory elements that control cone photoreceptor-specific expression have been characterised. The alpha-subunit of cone transducin (TαC) is specifically expressed in cone photoreceptors and is required for colour vision. In order to better understand the molecular genetics controlling the initiation of cone photoreceptor-specific expression in vivo, we have utilised zebrafish to identify cis-regulatory elements in the upstream promoter region of the TαC gene.

Results

A 0.5 kb TαC promoter fragment is sufficient to direct cone-specific expression in transgenic larvae. Within this minimal promoter, we identify photoreceptor regulatory element-1 (PRE-1), a unique 41 bp sequence. PRE-1 specifically binds nuclear factors expressed in ocular tissue. PRE-1 is not required for cone-specific expression directed from a 2.5 kb TαC promoter. However, PRE-1-like sequences, with potential functional redundancy, are located in this 2.5 kb promoter. PRE-1-rho which has the highest sequence and structural homology to PRE-1 is located in the rhodopsin promoter. Surprisingly, PRE-1 and PRE-1-rho are functionally distinct. We demonstrate that PRE-1, but not PRE-1-rho, is sufficient to enhance expression from a heterologous UV cone promoter. PRE-1 is also sufficient to enhance expression from a heterologous rhodopsin promoter without altering its rod photoreceptor specificity. Finally, mutations in consensus E-box and Otx sites prevent PRE-1 from forming complexes with eye nuclear protein and enhancing photoreceptor expression.

Conclusions

PRE-1 is a novel cis-regulatory module that is sufficient to enhance the initiation of photoreceptor-specific gene expression in differentiating rod and cone photoreceptors.