bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions between autonomic cardiovascular regulation and cortical activity: A CNV study
Authors: Duschek Stefan , Wörsching Jana , Reyes Del Paso Gustavo A.
Published: January 2013

The study investigated interactions between autonomic cardiovascular regulation and cortical activity. In 54 healthy subjects, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) were assessed at resting conditions. As an EEG indicator of cortical excitability, the contingent negative variation (CNV) was induced using a constant foreperiod reaction time task. At bivariate level, only RSA showed a moderate positive correlation with the CNV recorded at frontal electrodes. However, when common variance of BRS and RSA was controlled for in multiple regression analysis, an inverse association between BRS and the frontal CNV also arose. The inverse association between BRS and the CNV is discussed as reflecting bottom‐up modulation of cortical excitability by baroreceptor afferents. The positive correlation between RSA and the CNV may relate to the interplay between prefrontal processing and cardiac vagal tone.
Modelling the interseismic deformation of a thrust system: seismogenic potential of the Southern Alps
Authors: Barba Salvatore , Finocchio Debora , Sikdar Elena , Burrato Pierfrancesco
Published: January 2013

This article focuses on the Montello thrust system in the Eastern Southern Alps as a potential seismogenic source. This system is of particular interest because of its lack of historical seismicity. Nevertheless, the system is undergoing active deformation.

We developed a finite‐element model using visco‐elasto‐plastic rheology. The free parameters of the model (essentially, the locking status of the three thrusts included in the study), were constrained by matching the observed horizontal GPS and vertical levelling data.

We show that the amount of interseismic fault locking, and thus the seismic potential, is not necessarily associated with the fastest‐slipping faults. More specifically, the locked Bassano thrust has a greater seismic potential than the freely slipping Montello thrust. The findings suggest that faults with subtle evidence of Quaternary activity should be carefully considered when creating seismic hazard maps.
Pemphigus vulgaris in a Welsh pony stallion: case report and demonstration of antidesmoglein autoantibodies
Authors: Winfield Laramie D. , White Stephen D. , Affolter Verena K. , Renier Anna C. , Dawson Dominic , Olivry Thierry , Outerbridge Catherine A. , Wang Yu Hsuan , Iyori Keita , Nishifuji Koji
Published: January 2013

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe the clinical, histological and immunological findings of an equine case of pemphigus vulgaris, including the demonstration of antidesmoglein (anti‐Dsg) autoantibodies.

Case report

The diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris was confirmed in a 9‐year‐old Welsh pony stallion with both direct and indirect immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation studies, the latter identifying circulating anti‐Dsg3 IgG. Treatment with immunosuppressive medications was initiated. Lesions were seen in the perineal area, sheath, mane, tail, eyelids, coronary bands and mucosa of the mouth and oesophagus. Initial corticosteroid treatment improved the clinical signs, but the onset of laminitis necessitated a reduction in dosage, which was associated with a recurrence of lesions and development of oral ulcers. A corneal ulcer developed after 60 days of treatment. Despite treatment with azathioprine, gold salts and dapsone, the disease progressed and the pony was euthanized. Postmortem examination showed additional lesions of the cardia of the stomach.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Pemphigus vulgaris is rarely diagnosed in equids. We describe a case that was substantiated by the demonstration of anti‐Dsg3 IgG. Response to treatment was poor, with the best response to high doses of prednisolone. Equine pemphigus vulgaris is likely to carry a poor prognosis and if there is no response to treatment, humane euthanasia is warranted.
Complete Genome Sequences of Classical Swine Fever Virus Isolates Belonging to a New Subgenotype, 2.1c, from Hunan Province, China
Authors: Jiang Da-Liang , Liu Guo-Hua , Gong Wen-Jie , Li Run-cheng , Hu Yun-Fei , Tu Changchun , Yu Xing-Long
Published: January 2013

Two isolates of a new classical swine fever virus (CSFV) subgenotype, 2.1c (HNLY-2011 and HNSD-2012), were recently isolated from pigs in Hunan Province, China. The most significant difference in the amino acid sequences of the polyproteins from subgenotypes 2.1a and 2.1b is an SPA → TPV amino acid substitution at positions 777 and 779 in the E2 protein.
A case of symptomatic Rathke's cyst
Authors: Naik Vismay Dinesh , Thakore Nilay Rajendra
Published: January 2013

Rathke's cleft cyst is a benign growth found on the pituitary gland in the brain, specifically a fluid-filled cyst in the posterior portion of the anterior pituitary gland. It occurs when the Rathke's pouch does not develop properly, and ranges in size from 2 to 40 mm in diameter. Asymptomatic cysts are common, detected during autopsies of 2–26% of individuals who have died of unrelated causes. Symptomatic cysts are rare and only approximately 150 cases have been reported. Females are twice as likely as males to have a cyst. Symptomatic cysts can trigger visual disturbances, pituitary dysfunction and headaches. Here we present a case of a 40-year-old female patient who presented with complains of visual disturbances, headache and amenorrhoea. On investigations, MRI of brain revealed findings suggestive of Rathke's cleft cyst.
Huge gallstone complicating laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Banigo Adonye
Published: January 2013

Gallstone disease is common in the western world and is most often diagnosed on ultrasound scanning. This case is of a 57-year-old woman with a history of biliary colic who was admitted as a day case for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This was converted to open because of the technical difficulty related to a huge gallstone in the gallbladder measuring 60 mm×30 mm×35 mm, the largest we have seen. Review of her ultrasound scan showed this large stone present at the time. Several factors are known to increase the risk of conversion to open, and these patients require a longer in-hospital stay postoperatively. Prior knowledge of these factors may advocate preoperative admission to a unit with inpatient beds available, not a day case unit. This will help save costs involved in ambulance transfers of day case patients to inpatient units and support the efficient use of our elective and emergency services.
Safety performance evaluation of taekwondo headgear
Authors: O'Sullivan David M , Fife Gabriel P , Pieter Willy , Shin Insik
Published: January 2013

Background

With over 20 years of taekwondo concussion research highlighting the high incidence of injury, previous studies recommend an investigation of headgear impact attenuation performance.

Objective

To examine impact attenuation differences between the anterior, posterior and sides of selected taekwondo headgear brands.

Design

Between-groups.

Setting

Biomechanics laboratory.

Methods

Five different commercially available taekwondo headgear were selected for impact testing. A 50th percentile Hybrid II Dummy Crash Test head and neck was fitted with the selected helmet and was bolted to a 25 kg steel torso-like structure. Each headgear model was impacted eight times to the anterior, posterior and sides by a 6.75 kg bowling ball at three heights to produce 52.25, 85 and 144 J strikes.

Main outcome measurements

Resultant head linear acceleration.

Results

Two-way (Helmet×Location) mixed analysis of variance with repeated measures on the second factor was performed to determine the differences between headgear by location of impact. There was a two-way (Helmet×Location) interaction for acceleration (η2=0.368).

Conclusions

Taekwondo headgear manufacturers and sport governing bodies must consider improving the design of especially anterior helmet properties.
Atrial fibrillation in acute pulmonary embolism: prognostic considerations
Authors: Barra Sérgio Nuno Craveiro , Paiva Luís Vilardouro , Providência Rui , Fernandes Andreia , Leitão Marques António
Published: January 2013

Aims

Although it is accepted that atrial fibrillation (AF) may be both the contributing factor and the consequence of pulmonary embolism (PE), data on the prognostic role of AF in patients with acute venous thromboembolism are scarce. Our aim was to study whether AF had a prognostic role in patients with acute PE.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study involving 270 patients admitted for acute PE. Collected data: past medical history, analytic/gasometric parameters, admission ECG and echocardiogram, thoracic CT angiography. Patients followed for 6 months. An analysis was performed in order to clarify whether history of AF, irrespective of its timing, helps predict intrahospital, 1-month and 6-month all-cause mortality.

Results

Patients with history of AF, irrespective of its timing (n=57, 21.4%), had higher intrahospital (22.8% vs 13.1%, p=0.052, OR 2.07, 95% CI 0.98 to 4.35), 1-month (35.1% vs 16.9%, p=0.001, OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.61 to 6.21) and 6-month (45.6% vs 17.4%, p<0.001, OR 4.67, 95% CI 2.37 to 9.21) death rates. The prognostic power of AF was independent of age, NT-proBNP values, renal function and admission blood pressure and heart rate and additive to mortality prediction ability of simplified PESI (AF: p=0.021, OR 2.31, CI 95% 1.13 to 4.69; simplified PESI: p=0.002, OR 1.47, CI 95% 1.15 to 1.89). The presence of AF at admission added prognostic value to previous history of AF in terms of 1-month and 6-month all-cause mortality prediction, although it did not increase risk for intrahospital mortality.

Conclusions

The presence of AF, irrespective of its timing, may independently predict mortality in patients with acute PE. These data should be tested and validated in prospective studies using larger cohorts.
Primary production, food web structure, and fish yields in constructed and natural wetlands in the floodplain of an African river
Authors: Jackson Andrew T. , Adite Alphonse , Roach Katherine A. , Winemiller Kirk O.
Published: January 2013

In the Ouémé River, Africa, whedo (artificial pond) aquaculture on the floodplain is an important method of fishery production. We surveyed fishes in whedos and adjacent main-channel and floodplain habitats during the receding-water period (December 2010 – January 2011) and analyzed carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios of fish and primary producer tissue samples to investigate food web structure. We also measured instream respiration, net primary production, algal biomass (chlorophyll a), and nutrient concentrations in the habitats. Floodplain habitats were more nutrient-rich than the river channel, and whedos were net heterotrophic (net primary production < 0). Phytomicrobenthos and C3 macrophytes accounted for a large fraction of fish biomass in whedos and the natural floodplain depression, while the river channel was mainly supported by seston and C3 macrophytes. Whedo food webs were dominated by piscivorous fishes and had fewer trophic transfers compared with the food web of the river channel. Our results suggest that control of aquatic macrophyte growth in whedos may yield greater algal production and consumer biomass, including harvestable fish stocks.
VALUING THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
Authors: KRUPNICK ALAN , McLAUGHLIN DAVID
Published: January 2013

Climate change is already having impacts on terrestrial ecosystem services and such impacts are only expected to broaden and worsen as greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) continue at their historic levels. To set appropriate policies for reducing GHG emissions, economists recommend the use of cost-benefit analysis. To perform such analyses, the predominant approach has been to use integrated assessment models. There is a need for more targeted valuation studies to serve as further evidence about the willingness to pay (WTP) to reduce climate change. The purpose of this brief paper is to sample and classify the literature valuing terrestrial ecosystem services and make some judgments about its usefulness to benefits analysis associated with climate change mitigation. With an emphasis on nonuse values, this paper focuses on stated preference studies.

We find that with the pervasiveness of the effects of global warming on all types of natural and human systems, and given the interconnectedness of those systems, it seems too reductionist to focus on valuation of changes to specific resources or systems, in this case terrestrial ecosystems. That is, the value of slowing climate change needs to be estimated from a holistic perspective. To do so, the only possible way to go is with the top-down studies, recognizing that these studies can never provide the detail and the preciseness of commodity definition that is desirable in, say, natural resource damage assessments. However we must ask ourselves as a society if we are willing to trade off precision for comprehensiveness and breadth.

The vast literature simply valuing ecosystem services is not largely motivated or directly applicable to climate change. And use of these studies in benefits transfers therefore involves huge assumptions and, even then, there will be gaps in geographic coverage. There are an increasing number of ecosystem valuation studies motivated by climate change that have the right scale and type of commodities being valued. Yet, such studies are invariably place-based and draw relatively tight, rather than porous boundaries between the ecosystem of interest and its linkages to other systems. Thus, one will not be able to easily aggregate such studies, properly account for overlaps and gaps and eventually come out with a cost of carbon. However, examining such studies one at a time and drawing insights out of them may both inform the design of information treatments for the studies and lead to a more qualitative/judgmental basis for settling on a "cost of carbon" number.
FOREST CARBON ECONOMICS: WHAT WE KNOW, WHAT WE DO NOT AND WHETHER IT MATTERS
Authors: RICHARDSON NATHAN , MACAULEY MOLLY
Published: January 2013

They are an important economic resource, and a source of food products, recreation, species habitat, and watershed protection, among many other services. Forests also may store large quantities of carbon. The threat of climate change therefore provides new impetus for forest management, in the form of forest carbon sequestration (FCS). FCS appears to be a relatively cheap way of reducing carbon in the atmosphere, relative to alternatives such as fuel switching. But FCS is not without problems. Economists' estimates of the cost-effectiveness of FCS are highly variable. Verification is difficult. And policy design is complex — not only because of the characteristics of forests themselves, but because of the limitations of current U.S. policy. Existing regulatory tools — predominantly the Clean Air Act — are largely incompatible in providing incentives for FCS. This paper explores the current state of FCS knowledge, including its policy context, and identifies an agenda for future research.
Phytosauria
Authors: Stocker Michelle R. , Butler Richard J.
Published: January 2013

Phytosauria is a nearly cosmopolitan clade of large, quadrupedal, carnivorous archosauriforms. They are known unambiguously from Late Triassic deposits, although the clade’s ghost lineage extends at least to the late Early Triassic. Their nares are uniquely located close to the orbits rather than anteriorly in the rostrum as in modern crocodylians, and the rostrum is formed by elongated premaxillae bearing many teeth. Phytosaurs have roughly triangular, ornamented paramedian osteoderms, rounder appendicular osteoderms, and a unique ‘gular shield’ assembled from multiple, irregular osteoderms under the throat. Phytosaurs are reconstructed as semi-aquatic because of their general similarity to modern crocodylians and common preservation in fluvial and shallow-marine deposits. Currently, over thirty species are recognized. New specimens continue to be collected, some representing new taxa. The taxonomic status of other named taxa is uncertain and requires re-investigation. Since their discovery, phytosaurs have been used as biostratigraphic and biochronological index taxa for correlating Late Triassic sediments worldwide. Recent systematic and taxonomic revisions cast doubt on some of those correlations. Our understanding of the evolution of Phytosauria is far from complete. With reevaluation of well-known specimens, rigorous and comparative morphological descriptions, and robust phylogenetic hypotheses of ingroup relationships, studies of phytosaurs can address larger palaeobiological questions.
Quantum Control over Single Spins in Diamond
Authors: Dobrovitski V.V. , Fuchs G.D. , Falk A.L. , Santori C. , Awschalom D.D.
Published: January 2013

Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond have recently emerged as a unique platform for fundamental studies in quantum information and nanoscience. The special properties of these impurity centers allow robust, room-temperature operation of solid-state qubits and have enabled several remarkable demonstrations in quantum information processing and precision nanoscale sensing. This article reviews the recent advances in magnetic and optical manipulation of the NV center’s quantum spin and their importance for prospective applications. We discuss how quantum control of individual centers can be harnessed for the protection of NV-center spin coherence, for multiqubit quantum operations in the presence of decoherence, and for high-fidelity initialization and readout. We also discuss the progress in resonant optical control, which has led to interfaces between spin and photonic qubits and may lead to spin networks based on diamond photonics. Many of these recently developed diamond-based technologies constitute critical components for the future leap toward practical multiqubit devices.
Epidemiological Study of Adult-Onset Myasthenia Gravis in the Area of Belgrade (Serbia) in the Period 1979–2008
Authors: Lavrnic D. , Basta I. , Rakocevic-Stojanovic V. , Stevic Z. , Peric S. , Nikolic A. , Marjanovic I. , Pekmezovic T.
Published: January 2013

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and incidence of adult-onset myasthenia gravis (MG) in the Belgrade population from 1979 to 2008. Methods: Data on the number of MG patients and their basic demographic and clinical characteristics were collected from hospital records (1979–1992) and the Belgrade MG Registry (1993–2008). Incidence and prevalence were standardized by the direct method (using the world standard population). A time-trend analysis of MG incidence was performed using a linear regression model. Results: During the study period 562 cases (316 women, 246 men) were registered. On December 31st, 2008, the standardized prevalence (according to the world standard population) was 188.3/1,000,000 (women: 237.8/1,000,000; men: 139.4/1,000,000). The average annual standardized incidence rate was 13.3/1,000,000 (women: 14.1/1,000,000; men: 12.2/1,000,000). The incidence rates tended to increase significantly in both sexes during the study period (y = 3.299 + 14.363x, p = 0.002). Age-specific incidence rates for women demonstrated a bimodal pattern, with the first peak in the 20- to 29-year age group and the second one in the ≥70-year group. For both genders, an increase in age-specific incidence rates was registered for all age groups, although this was significant (p = 0.001) only for an MG onset of ≥60 years of age. Conclusions: The study confirms an increase in the incidence of MG in the area of Belgrade during the study period, especially for those with MG onset after 60 years of age.
The Prevalence, Impact and Economic Implications of Atrial Fibrillation in Stroke: What Progress Has Been Made?
Authors: Andrew Nadine E. , Thrift Amanda G. , Cadilhac Dominique A.
Published: January 2013

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for stroke, especially in the elderly. Increased life expectancies mean that AF-related stroke is a growing global public health concern. Improvements in the detection, treatment and prevention of the consequences of AF have occurred in recent years. However, the extent to which these improvements have impacted on the prevalence of AF, the risk of AF-related stroke and subsequent economic costs are unknown. This review provides a contemporary assessment of the epidemiological data on AF-related stroke aimed at assessing the effectiveness of primary prevention strategies and associated economic implications with reductions in stroke incidence. A systematic review of the literature was performed. Appropriately designed studies were identified and retrieved. Evidence on changes in the prevalence of AF, the risk of stroke associated with AF and the excess cost of AF-related stroke over the last 30 years was summarised. The results provide evidence that the age-adjusted prevalence of AF and the relative risk of stroke associated with AF has remained relatively constant. Unless action is taken to improve detection of AF and reduce its consequences, a considerable increase in the social and economic burden associated with AF-related stroke is likely.
Indoxyl Sulfate Enhances p53-TGF-β1-Smad3 Pathway in Proximal Tubular Cells
Authors: Shimizu Hidehisa , Yisireyili Maimaiti , Nishijima Fuyuhiko , Niwa Toshimitsu
Published: January 2013

Background/Aim: Indoxyl sulfate-induced activation of nuclear factor (NF)-ĸB promotes transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in human proximal tubular cells (HK-2 cells). The present study aimed to elucidate the cross talk among indoxyl sulfate, p53 and TGF-β1-Smad3 signaling in proximal tubular cells. Methods: The effects of indoxyl sulfate on the expression of TGF-β1, Smad3, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were determined using HK-2 cells. As for in vivo experiments the following animals were used: Dahl salt-resistant normotensive rats (DN) and indoxyl sulfate-administered Dahl salt-resistant normotensive rats (DN+IS). Results: Both indoxyl sulfate and nutlin-3, a specific p53 inducer, stimulated TGF-β1 expression, which was suppressed by pifithrin-α, p-nitro, a p53 inhibitor. Further, indoxyl sulfate stimulated TGF-β1-induced expression of α-SMA by enhancing Smad3 expression and TGF-β1-induced Smad3 phosphorylation. Indoxyl sulfate induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). U0126, an inhibitor of ERK pathway, prevented indoxyl sulfate-induced upregulation of Smad3 expression. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that TGF-β1 and Smad3 were localized in renal tubular cells, and that indoxyl sulfate increased the TGF-β1 and Smad3-positive area in the kidney. Conclusion: Indoxyl sulfate stimulates p53-induced TGF-β1 expression and TGF-β1-induced α-SMA expression in proximal tubular cells. Indoxyl sulfate-induced Smad3 accelerates TGF-β1-induced α-SMA expression through ERK activation. Thus, indoxyl sulfate enhances p53-TGF-β1-Smad3 pathway in proximal tubular cells.
Pathogenicity and damage potential of five species of plant-parasitic nematodes on plantain (Musa spp., AAB genome) cv. Agbagba
Authors: Coyne Danny L. , Omowumi Adewuyi , Rotifa Idowu , Afolami Steven O.
Published: January 2013

The pathogenicity of five plant-parasitic nematode species, Radopholus similis, Pratylenchus coffeae, Helicotylenchus multicinctus, Hoplolaimus pararobustus and Meloidogyne spp., commonly recorded from banana and plantain in West and Central Africa, was assessed on plantain (Musa spp., AAB genome) cv. Agbagba in Nigeria. The pest status of H. pararobustus was demonstrated for the first time in addition to H. multicinctus, while the importance of P. coffeae and R. similis was further confirmed. In addition, the study further demonstrated the contribution of nematodes to weakened pseudostems (stems) and stem snapping during periods of low water availability, in the absence of weevil damage. Through a series of experiments, the nematode damage potential was evaluated in 20 l pots, 70 l microplots (halved oil drums) and a field experiment over four crop cycles. In pots only a combination of four species (without H. pararobustus) led to greater root necrosis than the non-inoculated control, while R. similis reduced root mass. In microplots most crop growth parameters were similar across treatments, except root necrosis, which was higher for all nematode treatments than on control plants and more severe on P. coffeae roots than for other nematode species. In the field trial heavy storms disrupted data collection. Plant stem snapping, however, was greater for all nematode treatments compared with controls. Nematode damage indices such as feeder root health and root necrosis were higher in all nematode treatments and consistently so for R. similis and P. coffeae over the first two cropping cycles. Mean bunch weight of harvested plants was lower for all nematode treatments than controls; between 33.3% and 50.8%, even for first cycle mother plants, and consistently lower across crop cycles.
A Hierarchical Modular Architecture for Embodied Cognition
Authors: Ballard Dana H. , Kit Dmitry , Rothkopf Constantin A. , Sullivan Brian
Published: January 2013

Cognition can appear complex owing to the fact that the brain is capable of an enormous repertoire of behaviors. However, this complexity can be greatly reduced when constraints of time and space are taken into account. The brain is constrained by the body to limit its goal-directed behaviors to just a few independent tasks over the scale of 1–2 min, and can pursue only a very small number of independent agendas. These limitations have been characterized from a number of different vantage points such as attention, working memory and dual task performance. It may be possible that the disparate perspectives of all these methodologies can be unified if behaviors can be seen as modular and hierarchically organized. From this vantage point, cognition can be seen as having a central problem of scheduling behaviors to achieve short term goals. Thus dual-task paradigms can be seen as studying the concurrent management of simultaneous, competing agendas. Attention can be seen as focusing on the decision as to whether to interrupt the current agenda or persevere. Working memory can be seen as the bookkeeping necessary to manage the state of the current active agenda items.
Fever Literacy and Fever Phobia
Authors: Wallenstein Matthew B. , Schroeder Alan R. , Hole Michael K. , Ryan Christina , Fijalkowski Natalia , Alvarez Elysia , Carmichael Suzan L.
Published: January 2013

Objective. To identify the percentage of parents who define the threshold for fever between 38.0°C and 38.3°C, which has not been reported previously, and to describe parental attitudes toward fever and antipyretic use. Study Design. Thirteen-question survey study of caregivers. Results. Overall, 81% of participants defined the threshold for fever as <38.0°C, 0% correctly defined fever between 38.0°C and 38.3°C, and 19% defined fever as >38.3°C. Twenty percent of children brought to clinic for a chief complaint of fever were never truly febrile. Ninety-three percent of participants believed that high fever can cause brain damage. For a comfortable-appearing child with fever, 89% of caregivers reported that they would give antipyretics and 86% would schedule a clinic visit. Conclusion. Our finding that 0% of parents correctly defined fever is both surprising and unsettling, and it should inform future discussions of fever between parents and clinicians.
Designing Devices With the Task in Mind
Authors: Wiseman Sarah , Cox Anna L. , Brumby Duncan P.
Published: January 2013

Objective:

We studied the patterns of digits and numbers used when programming infusion pumps with the aim of informing the design of number entry interfaces.

Background:

Number entry systems on medical devices are designed with little thought given to the numbers that will be entered. In other fields, text and number entry interfaces are designed specifically for the task that they will be used for. Doing so allows for faster and more accurate interaction.

Method:

In Study 1, logs were taken from infusion pumps used in a hospital. Information about the numbers being typed was extracted. For Study 2, three common number entry interfaces were evaluated in light of these results to determine which were best suited to the task of programming infusions.

Results:

There are clear patterns in the numbers being used in hospitals. The digit 0 is used far more frequently than any other digit. The numbers 1,000, 100, and 50 are used in nearly half of all infusions. Study 2 demonstrates that interfaces are not optimized for entering such data.

Conclusion:

Changes could be made to the design of the number entry interface on infusion pumps, leading to a reduction in the number of key presses necessary to program a device. We offer a set of four heuristics to guide the design of number entry interfaces on infusion devices.

Application:

Improving the design of the number entry interface of medical devices, such as infusion pumps, would lead to improved efficiency and a reduction in the likelihood of errors.
Energy performance optimization for Army installations
Authors: Zhivov Alexander , Liesen Richard J , Richter Stephan , Jank Reinhard , Underwood David M , Neth Dieter , Woody Alfred , Björk Curt
Published: January 2013

Buildings contribute to a large fraction of energy usage worldwide. In the United States alone, buildings consume about 40% of total energy expenditure, including 71% of electricity and 54% of natural gas. 1 The Army alone spends more than US $1 billion for building-related energy expenses. The 2005 Energy Policy Act 2 requires that Federal facilities be built to achieve at least a 30% energy savings over the 2004 International Energy Code or ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004, as appropriate, and that energy efficient designs must be life-cycle cost effective. According to the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA 2007), 3 new buildings and buildings undergoing major renovations shall be designed to reduce consumption of energy generated off-site or on-site using fossil fuels, as compared with such energy consumption by a similar building in fiscal year 2003 (FY03) as measured by Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) or Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) data from the Energy Information Agency, by 55% in 2010, 80% by 2020, and 100% by 2030. Current US research efforts focus on renewable energy sources and single-building energy efficiency, and pay little attention to integration and minimization of energy use in building communities, i.e. Army installations and university campuses. There is no over arching ‘power delivery/energy storage/demand’ architecture and methodology to accomplish this. This article describes the Net Zero fossil fuel-based energy optimization process and illustrates it with an example based on the results of study conducted for a cluster of buildings at Fort Irwin, CA. Application of the energy optimization process to new construction and major retrofit project shows17–20 that use of high performance building envelope (improved insulation and air tightness), advanced lighting strategies, and efficient HVAC systems results in significant energy savings (site and source) in Army buildings in all climates. When buildings built or retrofitted with a high performance building envelope, using advanced lighting systems and highly efficient ‘low exergy’ HVAC systems, reach a theoretical energy use minimum, the largest percentage of the remaining energy use in the building will be related to its ‘mission’: lighting, plug loads, and domestic hot water usage. Additional savings may be achieved with measures related to improved efficiency of power generation supplied to the building (co- and tri-generation) and use of energy supplied from renewable energy sources. The integrated energy solution recommended here demonstrates that vastly improved energy efficiency and GHG reduction are feasible in the context of a normal scale development using proven approaches from the USA and elsewhere. Moreover, the optimization process can be applied to new construction and major renovation of buildings and building clusters projects developed for low energy communities.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist rosiglitazone reduces secondary damage in experimental spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Xigong , Du Junhua , Xu Sanzhong , Lin Xiangjin , Ling Zhiheng
Published: January 2013

Objective

To investigate the neuroprotective effects of rosiglitazone in a rat traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) model.

Methods

Adult Sprague–Dawley rats ( n = 12/group) underwent laminectomy (sham), SCI, SCI and rosiglitazone treatment (2 mg/kg twice daily for 7 days), or SCI and saline injection (vehicle). SCI was induced via dural application of an aneurysm clip. Spinal cord apoptosis and levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-1β, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the apoptosis-associated proteins B-cell leukaemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) were examined 24 h after SCI. Locomotor function was evaluated 3, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days after SCI.

Results

At 24 h after SCI, apoptosis and TNFα, IL-1β and MPO concentrations were significantly lower in the rosiglitazone group than in the vehicle and SCI groups. SCI resulted in an increase in Bax and a decrease in Bcl-2, which was reversed by rosiglitazone treatment. Rats in the rosiglitazone group had significantly better functional recovery than those in the vehicle and SCI groups.

Conclusion

Rosiglitazone signiﬁcantly improved functional recovery, probably via attenuation of the local inflammatory reaction and reduced apoptosis.
N-acetyltransferase 1 polymorphism and bladder cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies
Authors: Wu Ke , Wang Xianding , Xie Zhiyuan , Liu Zhihong , Lu Yiping
Published: January 2013

Objective

This meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the association between an N-acetyltransferase 1 ( NAT1) gene polymorphism and bladder cancer risk.

Methods

PubMed® and EMBASE databases were searched to identify studies that examined the effect of the NAT1*10 allele on the risk of bladder cancer.

Results

Eleven case–control studies, which included 3311 bladder cancer cases and 3906 control subjects, met the inclusion criteria. The pooled analyses based on all studies showed that there was no significant difference in the NAT1*10 allele between bladder cancer cases and controls (odds ratios [OR] 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81, 1.10). When stratifying for race, the results were similar among Caucasians (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.81, 1.12) and Asians (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.48, 1.56). No statistical association was found between the NAT1*10 allele and bladder cancer risk upon stratification for smoking status and study design.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests that there was no association between the NAT1*10 allele and bladder cancer risk. Further research should focus on other potentially functional genetic polymorphisms.
Shadow Transnationalism
Authors: Sandoval Gerardo Francisco
Published: January 2013

Informal transnational networks support unauthorized communities, in what I call Shadow Transnationalism. I trace the intertwined fortunes of Postville, Iowa, and El Rosario, Guatemala. I identify shadow network flows through employment recruitment networks, lending networks, remittance transfers, and smuggling networks. I further investigate efforts of transnationalism from “below” scholars by building on the idea of a “shadow place.” I then analyze the transnational networks that are supported by employers, the state, and immigrants, and that create exploitative transnational spaces dependent on unauthorized communities. The study offers planners a better understanding of the vulnerability, risks, and interdependence of shadow transnational networks.
Smart Growth and Housing Affordability
Authors: Addison Carey , Zhang Sumei , Coomes Bradley
Published: January 2013

This bibliography focuses on the dynamic relationships between housing affordability for the low- and moderate-income (LMI) population and smart growth management and planning practices. Smart growth advocates generally seek to promote greater housing affordability and diversity. However, compact development, a goal of smart growth, curbs land development and poses significant challenges to promoting affordability. Housing markets can be affected by smart growth-related planning practices, ranging from growth management policies to various urban design tools such as transit-oriented development and urban infill. The review concludes by emphasizing several important social, administrative, and economic issues facing a successful integration of smart growth and affordable housing goals, and discusses possible solutions for maintaining affordability.
Profiles of Sibling Bullying
Authors: Skinner Jessica A. , Kowalski Robin M.
Published: January 2013

Considerable research has been done on childhood bullying, including its antecedents and consequences. Yet, with all of the attention on bullying, particularly school bullying, sibling bullying has been vastly overlooked. Sibling bullying is a type of violence prevalent in the lives of most children, but little is known about the phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to profile sibling bullying by examining prevalence rates, the extent to which siblings perceive sibling bullying to be normative, and victim–perpetrator differences in perceptions of sibling bullying. Twenty-seven sibling pairs who wrote stories about personal experiences of sibling bullying and victimization completed questionnaires about these experiences and responded to their sibling partners’ stories. Of the siblings surveyed, 78% reported being bullied by their sibling and 85% reported bullying their sibling during their childhood. This is far greater than published statistics on peer bullying. Not surprisingly, victims viewed sibling bullying more negatively than perpetrators. Sadly, there was a norm of acceptance of sibling bullying among most of the sibling pairs. Practical implications are discussed.
Careerist Orientation and Organizational Citizenship Behavior in Expatriates and Non-Expatriates
Authors: Adams John W. , Srivastava Abhishek , Herriot Peter , Patterson Fiona
Published: January 2013

This study had three objectives. First, we examined the relationship between careerist orientation and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Second, we investigated the mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationship between careerist orientation and OCB. Third, we examined whether expatriate employees (those sent abroad on full-time company assignment) differed from non-expatriate employees in the strength of the relationship between careerist orientation and OCB. The expatriate sample consisted of 232 U.S. expatriates working in United Kingdom and the non-expatriate sample consisted of 210 full-time employees working in various organizations in the United States. We used hierarchical regression analyses to test the hypotheses. Careerist orientation adversely affected OCB because of lower life satisfaction that the employees experienced. Expatriate employees with a high careerist orientation exhibited lower level of OCB than non-expatriates with a high careerist orientation.
Nurse Presence Enhanced Through Equus
Authors: Walsh Kathleen M. , Blakeney Barbara A.
Published: January 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was for nurses to experience equine-assisted learning and for them to describe their being in the moment with their horse. The aims of the study were to assist clinicians in recognizing their ability and skill at being present—that is, calm and centered—as they engage with horses and to determine if interaction with horses is a valid representation in recognizing presence in the participants. Design: Descriptive phenomenology was used to explore this lived experience. Findings: Five themes emerged: The Experienced Novice, Present in the Moment, Discovery of Self, Team Building, and Leadership. Conclusions: Equine-assisted learning can be a meaningful venue for nurses to self-discover their ability to be present.
Promises, Premises . . . An Alternative View on the Effects of the Shane and Venkataraman 2000 AMR Note
Authors: Arend Richard J.
Published: January 2013

In this article, we provide a contrasting view to that of the original authors about the impact of their Research Note on the promise of entrepreneurship (ENT) research. We draw on citations in the top general business journals to assess where, how, and why the Note was referenced. This leads to a consideration of issues related to citation “quality” and the various types of “impact” that can exist. In light of such issues related to the Note, and in light of the present state of legitimacy of the field, we argue that the Note may have in fact had a negative impact, specifically on theory development unique to ENT. We conclude with directions for moving forward in fulfilling the promise of the ENT field.
Content Analysis of the Journal of Career Assessment
Authors: Whiston Susan C. , Rose Ciemone S. , Peterson John M. , Nguyen Chi P.
Published: January 2013

A review of the content of the Journal of Career Assessment was conducted from the journal’s inception (i.e., 1993) through 2011. A total of 545 articles were analyzed for this content analysis. The content analysis was based on content, characteristics of empirical studies, and authorship. In terms of content, the major areas were career assessment, theoretically based articles, and issues related to special populations. Strengths of empirical studies included large sample sizes and ethnically diverse samples, whereas limitations concerned an over reliance on college student participants and not reporting information regarding race or ethnicity of the sample. The content analysis concludes with a list of the 15 most productive scholars who have published in the journal.
Development and Initial Validation of the Willingness to Compromise Scale
Authors: Wee Serena
Published: January 2013

This study introduced an individual difference construct of willingness to compromise and examined its implications for understanding and predicting career-related decisions in work settings. In Study 1 ( N = 53), critical incidents of career decisions were analyzed to identify commonalities across different types of career-related compromises. In Study 2 ( N = 171), an initial 17-item scale was developed and revised. In Study 3 ( N = 201), the convergent and criterion-related validity of the scale was examined in relation to specific personality traits, regret, dealing with uncertainty, career adaptability, and a situational dilemma task. Willingness to compromise was negatively related to neuroticism, and positively related to dealing with uncertainty, openness to experience, and career adaptability; it also predicted responses to the situational dilemma task. Results provided support for the reliability and validity of the scale.
Uncovering the hidden voice: can Grounded Theory capture the views of a minority group?
Authors: Ryan Jane
Published: January 2013

Reflecting on a research project that focussed on male student nurses, this article explores how far the philosophy and procedural steps of Grounded Theory enable a hidden voice to be heard. Developing a theory about the minority voice captures concepts underpinning pedagogic voicing. Males are a minority in nursing and hence project a smaller but representational voice to articulate their views on learning. Data obtained from two types of interviews are used to illustrate the analysis performed through the chosen analytical framework. The general message is not to take any analytical strategy at face value but to comprehend how the process produces a theory grounded from the data. This article discusses whether Grounded Theory is best considered as an analytical strategy and not a method using elements of Charmaz’s approach and how the strategic steps preserved the voice of the male nursing student.
Navigating ethical moments when researching substance misuse with parents and their children
Authors: Holland Sally , Williams Annie , Forrester Donald
Published: January 2013

This article explores the relationship between ethical procedures and ethics in practice in a research project with parents and children from 27 families who had received a social intervention based on their substance misuse and concerns about the protection of their children. We draw on the ‘ethics of care’ to argue that ethical practices are relational, interactive, responsive and, at times, reciprocal. While ethical regulation provides an important opportunity to anticipate ethical issues and build safeguards for participants and researcher, the regulatory process tends to focus on the ethical actions of the researcher rather than the researched. In this article, we demonstrate how ethical decisions were made through, by or alongside participants, drawing on examples of access, consent, protection from harm and negotiating the presence of others in interviews.
A cross-level process theory of trust development in interorganizational relationships
Authors: Schilke Oliver , Cook Karen S
Published: January 2013

Most research on trust in interorganizational relationships focuses on a single level of analysis, typically the individual or organizational level, and treats trust as a fairly static phenomenon. To stimulate more cross-level research, we propose a theoretical model that explains how trust in interorganizational relationships is related across various levels of analysis. At the same time, our model emphasizes the dynamic aspect of trust by examining how trust develops throughout consecutive relationship stages. Drawing from several programs of research, we identify the mechanisms that drive the progression of trust across levels as the interorganizational relationship unfolds. Starting with the boundary spanner as the key individual at the beginning of a new collaboration, we specify how trust gradually becomes part of the fabric of organizational action. By integrating micro and macro approaches over time, the proposed model contributes to a better understanding of how trust evolves in interorganizational relationships.
Immediate Effects of Lumbopelvic Manipulation and Lateral Gluteal Kinesio Taping on Unilateral Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Authors: Miller Joseph , Westrick Richard , Diebal Angela , Marks Christopher , Gerber J. Parry
Published: January 2013

Objectives:

To determine the immediate effects of Kinesio taping directed to the hip and manipulation directed to the lumbopelvic region in individuals with unilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Background:

PFPS affects up to 25% of the general population. Despite the high prevalence, this condition is not clearly understood, as evidenced by the numerous proposed causes and recommended treatments. Notwithstanding, recent evidence suggests that treatments directed at the hip or spine may lead to beneficial results.

Methods:

A convenience sample of 18 participants (12 men and 6 women, 19.5 ± 1.15 years old) with unilateral PFPS was recruited. Participants were randomized by sex to 1 of 3 groups: Kinesio taping, manipulation, and control taping. The main outcome measures included the Y-balance test, squatting range of motion (ROM), and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale.

Results:

Compared with the lumbopelvic manipulation and control groups, those in the Kinesio taping group performed significantly better on the Y-balance test ( F = 5.59, P = 0.02) and with squatting ROM ( F = 3.93, P = 0.04). The Kinesio taping and lumbopelvic groups were also significantly better than the control (sham) group with double-leg squatting ROM performance 3 days later.

Conclusion:

Kinesio taping may facilitate gluteus medius activation and improve postural stability and a double-leg squat.

Clinical Relevance:

The improvement in affected limb reach and double-leg squatting ROM highlights the potential for Kinesio taping to improve gluteus medius activation. Lumbopelvic manipulation may also immediately improve rehabilitation programs for PFPS.