bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Serum Concentration of Uric Acid and Insulin Secretion among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Robles-Cervantes J. A. , Ramos-Zavala M. G. , González-Ortiz M. , Martínez-Abundis E. , Valencia-Sandoval C. , Torres-Chávez A. , Espinel-Bermúdez C. , Santiago-Hernández N. J. , Hernández-González S. O.
Published: December 2011

To determine the relationship between serum concentrations of uric acid and insulin secretion with hyperglycaemic clamp technique among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) without hyperuricemia, we carried out a cross-sectional study on 45 patients of both gender. We observed correlation between uric acid with male genderr=0.710(P=0.001). Also correlation between uric acid and total insulin secretion was positiver=0.295(P=0.049). As well as a positive correlation adjusted for body mass index was demonstrated for the first, second, and total phases of insulin secretion, respectively,r=0.438(P=0.022),r=0.433(P=0.022), andr=0.439(P=0.024). Serum concentration of uric acid showed a positive relationship with the total phase of insulin secretion; even in states prior to hyperuricemia, uric acid can play an important role in the function of the beta cell in patients with DM2.
Induction of Protective Genes Leads to Islet Survival and Function
Authors: Wang Hongjun , Ferran Christiane , Attanasio Chiara , Calise Fulvio , Otterbein Leo E.
Published: December 2011

Islet transplantation is the most valid approach to the treatment of type 1 diabetes. However, the function of transplanted islets is often compromised since a large number ofβcells undergo apoptosis induced by stress and the immune rejection response elicited by the recipient after transplantation. Conventional treatment for islet transplantation is to administer immunosuppressive drugs to the recipient to suppress the immune rejection response mounted against transplanted islets. Induction of protective genes in the recipient (e.g., heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), A20/tumor necrosis factor alpha inducible protein3 (tnfaip3), biliverdin reductase (BVR), Bcl2, and others) or administration of one or more of the products of HO-1 to the donor, the islets themselves, and/or the recipient offers an alternative or synergistic approach to improve islet graft survival and function. In this perspective, we summarize studies describing the protective effects of these genes on islet survival and function in rodent allogeneic and xenogeneic transplantation models and the prevention of onset of diabetes, with emphasis on HO-1, A20, and BVR. Such approaches are also appealing to islet autotransplantation in patients with chronic pancreatitis after total pancreatectomy, a procedure that currently only leads to 1/3 of transplanted patients being diabetes-free.
Friction of Polymers Sliding on Smooth Surfaces
Authors: Quaglini Virginio , Dubini Paolo
Published: December 2011

Friction plots of polymers sliding on smooth metal surfaces are generally characterized by two regions of distinct dependency on the normal load, with low sensitivity at low stress levels followed by a sharp change in the rate of decrease of friction with increasing pressure at levels above the plastic flow limit of the polymer. A simplified model is proposed to describe this behavior which accounts for the effect of the normal load on the growth of the real contact area and the shear stress at the interface between the polymer and the mating surface. The model has a wide generality when expressed in terms of dimensionless variables, allowing to rationalize the friction behavior of different polymers within a single framework.
Asymptotic Behaviors of a Delayed Nonautonomous Predator‐Prey System Governed by Difference Equations
Authors: Liu Lili , Liu Zhijun
Published: December 2011

Based on a predator‐prey differential system with continuously distributed delays, we derive a corresponding difference version by using the method of a discretization technique. A good understanding of permanence of system and global attractivity of positive solutions of system is gained. An example and its numerical simulations are presented to substantiate our theoretical results.
Fast Optimal Replica Placement with Exhaustive Search Using Dynamically Reconfigurable Processor
Authors: Takeshita Hidetoshi , Shimizu Sho , Ishikawa Hiroyuki , Watanabe Akifumi , Arakawa Yutaka , Yamanaka Naoaki , Shiba Kosuke
Published: December 2011

This paper proposes a new replica placement algorithm that expands the exhaustive search limit with reasonable calculation time. It combines a new type of parallel data-flow processor with an architecture tuned for fast calculation. The replica placement problem is to find a replica-server set satisfying service constraints in a content delivery network (CDN). It is derived from the set cover problem which is known to be NP-hard. It is impractical to use exhaustive search to obtain optimal replica placement in large-scale networks, because calculation time increases with the number of combinations. To reduce calculation time, heuristic algorithms have been proposed, but it is known that no heuristic algorithm is assured of finding the optimal solution. The proposed algorithm suits parallel processing and pipeline execution and is implemented on DAPDNA-2, a dynamically reconfigurable processor. Experiments show that the proposed algorithm expands the exhaustive search limit by the factor of 18.8 compared to the conventional algorithm search limit running on a Neumann-type processor.
Strategic Improvements for Gross Anatomy Web-Based Teaching
Authors: Marker David R. , Juluru Krishna , Long Chris , Magid Donna
Published: December 2011

Current generations of graduate students have been immersed in technology from their early school years and have high expectations regarding digital resources. To better meet the expectations of Gross Anatomy students at our institution, electronic radiology teaching files for first-year coursework were organized into a web site. The web site was custom designed to provide material that directly correlated to the Gross Anatomy dissection and lectures. Quick links provided sets of images grouped by anatomic location. Additionally, Lab and Study Companions provided specific material for the students to review prior to and after lectures and gross dissections. Student opinions of this education resource were compared to student opinions of the prior year’s digital teaching files. The new content was ranked as more user friendly (3.1 points versus 2.3 points) and more useful for learning anatomy (3.3 points versus 2.6 points). Many students reported that using the web portal was critical in helping them to better understand relationships of anatomical structures. These findings suggest that a well-organized web portal can provide a user-friendly, valuable educational resource for medical students who are studying Gross Anatomy.
Theorizing the Implications of Gender Order for Sustainable Forest Management
Authors: Varghese Jeji , Reed Maureen G.
Published: December 2011

Sustainable forest management is intended to draw attention to social, economic, and ecological dimensions. The social dimension, in particular, is intended to advance the effectiveness of institutions in accurately reflecting social values. Research demonstrates that while women bring distinctive interests and values to forest management issues, their nominal and effective participation is restricted by a gender order that marginalizes their interests and potential contributions. The purpose of this paper is to explain how gender order affects the attainment of sustainable forest management. We develop a theoretical discussion to explain how women's involvement in three different models for engagement—expert-based, stakeholder-based, and civic engagement—might be advanced or constrained. By conducting a meta-analysis of previous research conducted in Canada and internationally, we show how, in all three models, both nominal and effective participation of women is constrained by several factors including rules of entry, divisions of labour, social norms and perceptions and rules of practice, personal endowments and attributes, as well as organizational cultures. Regardless of the model for engagement, these factors are part of a masculine gender order that prevails in forestry and restricts opportunities for inclusive and sustainable forest management.
ER Stress and Apoptosis: A New Mechanism for Retinal Cell Death
Authors: Jing Guangjun , Wang Joshua J. , Zhang Sarah X.
Published: December 2011

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the primary subcellular organelle where proteins are synthesized and folded. When the homeostasis of the ER is disturbed, unfolded or misfolded proteins accumulate in the ER lumen, resulting in ER stress. In response to ER stress, cells activate a set of tightly controlled regulatory programs, known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), to restore the normal function of the ER. However, if ER stress is sustained and the adaptive UPR fails to eliminate unfolded/misfolded proteins, apoptosis will occur to remove the stressed cells. In recent years, a large body of studies has shown that ER stress-induced apoptosis is implicated in numerous human diseases, such as diabetes and neurogenerative diseases. Moreover, emerging evidence supports a role of ER stress in retinal apoptosis and cell death in blinding disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. In the present review, we summarize recent progress on ER stress and apoptosis in retinal diseases, focusing on various proapoptotic and antiapoptotic pathways that are activated by the UPR, and discuss how these pathways contribute to ER stress-induced apoptosis in retinal cells.
A Pharmacologic Inhibitor of the Protease Taspase1 Effectively Inhibits Breast and Brain Tumor Growth
Authors: Chen David Y. , Lee Yishan , Van Tine Brian A. , Searleman Adam C. , Westergard Todd D. , Liu Han , Tu Ho-Chou , Takeda Shugaku , Dong Yiyu , Piwnica-Worms David R. , Oh Kyoung J. , Korsmeyer Stanley J. , Hermone Ann , Gussio Richard , Shoemaker Robert H. , Cheng Emily H.-Y. , Hsieh James J.-D.
Published: December 2011

The threonine endopeptidase Taspase1 has a critical role in cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. In this study, we developed and evaluated small molecule inhibitors of Taspase1 as a new candidate class of therapeutic modalities. Genetic deletion of Taspase1 in the mouse produced no overt deficiencies, suggesting the possibility of a wide therapeutic index for use of Taspase1 inhibitors in cancers. We defined the peptidyl motifs recognized by Taspase1 and conducted a cell-based dual-fluorescent proteolytic screen of the National Cancer Institute diversity library to identify Taspase1 inhibitors (TASPIN). On the basis of secondary and tertiary screens the 4-[(4-arsonophenyl)methyl]phenyl] arsonic acid NSC48300 was determined to be the most specific active compound. Structure–activity relationship studies indicated a crucial role for the arsenic acid moiety in mediating Taspase1 inhibition. Additional fluorescence resonance energy transfer–based kinetic analysis characterized NSC48300 as a reversible, noncompetitive inhibitor of Taspase1 (Ki = 4.22 μmol/L). In the MMTV-neu mouse model of breast cancer and the U251 xenograft model of brain cancer, NSC48300 produced effective tumor growth inhibition. Our results offer an initial preclinical proof-of-concept to develop TASPINs for cancer therapy. Cancer Res; 72(3); 736–46. ©2011 AACR.
Mitotic Checkpoints and Chromosome Instability Are Strong Predictors of Clinical Outcome in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Lagarde Pauline , Pérot Gaëlle , Kauffmann Audrey , Brulard Céline , Dapremont Valérie , Hostein Isabelle , Neuville Agnès , Wozniak Agnieszka , Sciot Raf , Schöffski Patrick , Aurias Alain , Coindre Jean-Michel , Debiec-Rychter Maria , Chibon Frédéric
Published: December 2011

Purpose: The importance of KIT and PDGFRA mutations in the oncogenesis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) is well established, but the genetic basis of GIST metastasis is poorly understood. We recently published a 67 gene expression prognostic signature related to genome complexity (CINSARC for Complexity INdex in SARComas) and asked whether it could predict outcome in GISTs.

Experimental Design: We carried out genome and expression profiling on 67 primary untreated GISTs.

Results: We show and validate here that it can predict metastasis in a new data set of 67 primary untreated GISTs. The gene whose expression was most strongly associated with metastasis was AURKA, but the AURKA locus was not amplified. Instead, we identified deletion of the p16 (CDKN2A) and retinoblastoma (RB1) genes as likely causal events leading to increased AURKA and CINSARC gene expression, to chromosome rearrangement, and ultimately to metastasis. On the basis of these findings, we established a Genomic Index that integrates the number and type of DNA copy number alterations. This index is a strong prognostic factor in GISTs. We show that CINSARC class, AURKA expression, and Genomic Index all outperform the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) grading system in determining the prognosis of patients with GISTs. Interestingly, these signatures can identify poor prognosis patients in the group classified as intermediate-risk by the AFIP classification.

Conclusions: We propose that a high Genomic Index determined by comparative genomic hybridization from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples could be used to identify AFIP intermediate-risk patients who would benefit from imatinib therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 18(3); 826–38. ©2011 AACR.
The 2-Nitroimidazole EF5 Is a Biomarker for Oxidoreductases That Activate the Bioreductive Prodrug CEN-209 under Hypoxia
Authors: Wang Jingli , Foehrenbacher Annika , Su Jiechuang , Patel Rita , Hay Michael P. , Hicks Kevin O. , Wilson William R.
Published: December 2011

Purpose: Benzotriazine-N-oxide bioreductive prodrugs such as tirapazamine and its improved analogue CEN-209 (SN30000) have potential for exploiting hypoxia in tumors. Here, we test the hypothesis that the 2-nitroimidazole EF5, in clinical development for both immunohistochemical and positron emission tomography imaging of hypoxia, can detect not only hypoxia but also the one-electron reductases required for activation of these hypoxia-targeted prodrugs.

Experimental Design: Aerobic and hypoxic covalent binding of [14C]-EF5 was determined in human tumor cell lines, including lines with overexpression of NADPH:cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CYPOR), and reductive metabolism of tirapazamine and CEN-209 by mass spectrometry. DNA damage response was measured by γH2AX formation. Bioreductive metabolism was modulated in HCT116 tumor xenografts by overexpression of CYPOR and breathing of hyperbaric oxygen or 10% oxygen.

Results: Overexpression of CYPOR induced similar 2- to 4-fold increases in EF5 binding and metabolic reduction of tirapazamine and CEN-209 in SiHa and HCT116 cell lines, and similar enhancement of γH2AX formation. EF5 binding and metabolic reduction of the prodrugs were highly correlated in a panel of 14 hypoxic tumor cell lines. In HCT116 xenografts, CYPOR overexpression also significantly increased EF5 binding and CEN-209 reduction, and modification of tumor hypoxia caused similar changes to the bioreductive activation of both agents, resulting in a strong correlation between EF5 binding and CEN209-induced DNA damage (R2 = 0.68, P < 0.0001) at the individual tumor level.

Conclusions: EF5 binding is a promising stratification biomarker for benzotriazine-N-oxide bioreductive prodrugs because of its potential for interrogating reductase activity as well as hypoxia in individual tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 18(6); 1684–95. ©2011 AACR.
Dietary Fat and Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women According to Ethnicity and Hormone Receptor Status: The Multiethnic Cohort Study
Authors: Park Song-Yi , Kolonel Laurence N. , Henderson Brian E. , Wilkens Lynne R.
Published: December 2011

Dietary fat has been widely studied as a risk factor for breast cancer, with little consistency in results. The Multiethnic Cohort Study (MEC) provides an opportunity to assess this relationship for possible heterogeneity across different racial/ethnic groups, as well as by stratification on several other variables associated with risk. Therefore, we investigated the associations between dietary fat, overall and by type, and breast cancer risk among 85,089 postmenopausal women who entered the MEC by completing a comprehensive dietary questionnaire in 1993 to 1996. During a mean follow-up of 12 years, 3,885 incident invasive breast cancer cases were identified. The multivariate HR [95% confidence interval (CI)] for the highest versus lowest quintile of intake was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.85–1.05) for total fat and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.83–1.04) for saturated fat. Other specific types of dietary fat, including individual fatty acids, were not related to risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. We found no heterogeneity in these null findings across the five ethnic groups. Furthermore, we found no evidence that the association between dietary fat and postmenopausal breast cancer risk differed by estrogen/progesterone receptor status, tumor stage, body mass index, hormone replacement therapy use, follow-up period, family history of breast cancer, and smoking status at baseline. In conclusion, this comprehensive prospective analysis in the MEC does not support a role of adult intake of dietary fat in the etiology of postmenopausal breast cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 5(2); 216–28. ©2011 AACR.
Simultaneous Impairment of Intracranial and Peripheral Artery Vasoreactivity in CADASIL Patients
Authors: Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Mizuno Toshiki , Okuyama Chio , Nagakane Yoshinari , Watanabe-Hosomi Akiko , Kondo Masaki , Kuriyama Nagato , Tokuda Takahiko , Matsushima Shigenori , Nishimura Tsunehiko , Nakagawa Masanori
Published: December 2011

Background: Reduced cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) is an important step in the pathogenesis of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). The present study utilized quantitative single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with the autoradiographic (ARG) method and reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT) to assess vasoreactivity in intracranial arteries and in peripheral arteries in patients with CADASIL. Methods: Quantitative SPECT studies were conducted in eight patients with CADASIL, while RH-PAT analysis was conducted in eight CADASIL patients and in eight age-matched normal subjects. Quantitative SPECT studies with the ARG method were performed at baseline and after administration of acetazolamide. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) values were measured using stereotactic extraction estimation (SEE) methods. The rCBF of CADASIL patients was averaged in the bilateral frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes as well as in the limbic system, cerebellar hemisphere, whole cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. The CVR index from acetazolamide stress of intracranial arteries was calculated in each area. Vasoreactivity of peripheral arteries was estimated by the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) measured with a PAT device before and after interruption of arterial flow. Results: Average RHI after post-deflation was lower in CADASIL patients than in normal subjects. RHI correlated significantly with CVR in all brain areas in CADASIL patients. Conclusions: Vasoreactivity is reduced in peripheral arteries and in intracranial arteries in patients with CADASIL.
Blood Pressure Variability after Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Stroke Does Not Predict Intracerebral Hemorrhage but Poor Outcome
Authors: Kellert Lars , Sykora Marek , Gumbinger Christoph , Herrmann Oliver , Ringleb Peter A.
Published: December 2011

Background: The relevance of blood pressure variability (BPV) in the development of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute stroke still remains uncertain. Methods: 427 consecutive patients treated with IVT in the years 2007–2009 were studied. Blood pressure (BP) values were analyzed from admission to follow-up imaging scan and described as mean, maximum, minimum, standard deviation (SD), difference between maximum and minimum, successive variation (SV) and maximum SV. ICH was categorized based on radiologic criteria and symptomatic ICH (sICH) was defined as ICH plus worsening of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale by ≧4 points or leading to death. Three-month outcome was described by means of the modified Rankin Scale. Results: We observed any ICH in 51 (11.9%) and sICH in 10 (2.3%) patients. Systolic and diastolic BP profiles, including mean, maximum, minimum, SD, difference between maximum and minimum, SV and maximum SV, did not differ between ICH-negative, ICH-positive and sICH patients. In univariate analysis, high systolic BPV was associated with sICH (p = 0.03). A logistic regression model to predict ICH only found early CT findings (OR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.47–5.11, p < 0.01) as independently associated with ICH. Poor 3-month outcome was independently predicted by age (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.94–0.97, p < 0.001), NIHSS on admission (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.80–0.87, p < 0.001), ICH (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.13–0.66, p < 0.01) and high systolic BPV (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.05–2.69, p < 0.05). Conclusions: We demonstrate that high BPV in patients receiving IVT leads to poor outcome but does not increase the risk of ICH/sICH.
Rewiring-Induced Chaos in Pulse-Coupled Neural Networks
Authors: Kanamaru Takashi , Aihara Kazuyuki
Published: December 2011

The dependence of the dynamics of pulse-coupled neural networks on random rewiring of excitatory and inhibitory connections is examined. When both excitatory and inhibitory connections are rewired, periodic synchronization emerges with a Hopf-like bifurcation and a subsequent period-doubling bifurcation; chaotic synchronization is also observed. When only excitatory connections are rewired, periodic synchronization emerges with a saddle node–like bifurcation, and chaotic synchronization is also observed. This result suggests that randomness in the system does not necessarily contaminate the system, and sometimes it even introduces rich dynamics to the system such as chaos.
General Academic Difficulties and Reading and Writing Difficulties among Asian ESL Postgraduate Students in TESOL at an Australian University
Authors: Phakiti Aek , Li Lulu
Published: December 2011

This article reports on an empirical study that examines general academic difficulties, and academic reading and writing difficulties among Asian ESL (English as a Second Language) international postgraduate students who are completing a Master’s Degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at an Australian university. The data were collected through the use of a Likert-scale questionnaire from 51 students and a follow-up, semi-structured interview technique with 11 participants who took part in the questionnaire survey. It was found that: (1) students reported different types of academic difficulties including reading and writing such as synthesizing information and academic writing; (2) there were strong associations among general academic difficulties, academic reading and writing difficulties; and (3) factors such as academic English proficiency, self-regulation, motivation, self-efficacy, former learning experience and academic adjustment had an impact on their academic difficulties. This article will articulate the implications for second language teacher education research and future research.
The Bottom-up Move within Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development: A Pedagogical Application for Teaching Agreement in Spanish as a Foreign Language
Authors: Escandón Arturo , Sanz Montserrat
Published: December 2011

This paper presents the findings of a longitudinal study in which two instructional methods to teach agreement features to first-year university students specializing in Spanish in Japan are compared. On the one hand, the control group was exposed to the traditional top-down teaching of agreement paradigms and were instructed to practice them through pattern repetition. On the other, a bottom-up move informed by Vygotsky and Gal’perin’s theories of conceptual formation was induced in the experimental group by using schemata and verbalization during the task of using agreement features. The data suggest that (a) the material expression of conceptual relationships (e.g. through schemata) and (b) the verbal rendition of rules or conceptual connections, and (c) the overall framing of the task as a bottom-up move actually helped acquirers in their mastery of gender and number agreement. The results of the intervention also support Kim and Kellogg (2006) and Centeno-Cortés and Jiménez Jiménez’s (2004) paradoxical view that L1 conceptual elaboration and organization aimed at solving L2 language tasks plays an important role in L2 acquisition. The data seem to indicate that there is room for encouraging learners’ hypothesis-making in the L1 under certain conditions, such as the kind of guided induction designed for this research and the one advanced by Herron and Tomasello (1992), and Tomasello and Herron’s (1988a, 1988b). L2 native instructors who dismiss or suppress acquirers’ talk in their L1 in their communication classes should assess if that talk is part of an important process of hypothesis-making or verbalization of language rules or not and act accordingly. L1 exchanges linked to hypothesis-making or task organization seem to foster L2 development and therefore should not be treated like a waste of time by ‘Communication’ instructors. In sum, the bottom-up move within Vygotsky’s ZPD is suggested as a feasible, although more elaborate intervention, as the findings on the intervention suggest.
Drug Burden Index, Physical Function, and Adverse Outcomes in Older Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Lowry Estelle , Woodman Richard J. , Soiza Roy L. , Hilmer Sarah N. , Mangoni Arduino A.
Published: December 2011

The Drug Burden Index (DBI) is associated with poorer physical function in stable, community‐dwelling, older people. The authors speculated that a higher DBI is associated with reduced physical function (Barthel Index, primary outcome) and predicts adverse outcomes (length of stay, in‐hospital mortality, secondary outcomes) in frail, acutely ill, older hospitalized patients. Clinical and demographic characteristics, Barthel Index, DBI, and full medication exposure were recorded on admission in 362 consecutive patients (84 ± 7 years old) admitted to 2 acute geriatric units between February 1, 2010, and June 30, 2010. A unit increase in DBI was associated with a 29% reduction in the odds of being in a higher Barthel Index quartile than a lower quartile (odds ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.91; P = .007). The Barthel Index components mostly affected were bathing (P < .001), grooming (P < .001), dressing (P = .001), bladder function (P < .001), transfers (P = .001), mobility (P < .001), and stairs (P < .001). A higher DBI independently predicted length of stay (hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.42; P = .005) but not in‐hospital mortality (hazard ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.72–1.90; P = .52). Higher DBI scores on admission are independently associated with lower scores of the Barthel Index and predict length of stay among older hospitalized patients. The DBI may be useful in the acute setting to improve risk stratification.
Efficacy and Safety of Vernakalant in Recent‐Onset Atrial Fibrillation After the European Medicines Agency Approval: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Buccelletti Francesco , Iacomini Paolo , Botta Gianfranco , Marsiliani Davide , Carroccia Annarita , Silveri Nicolò Gentiloni , Franceschi Francesco
Published: December 2011

Vernakalant is an emergent antiarrhythmic drug that, in preclinical studies, has demonstrated high efficacy in restoring sinus rhythm and safety in patients with rapid recent‐onset atrial fibrillation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vernakalant for cardioversion of recent‐onset atrial fibrillation. PubMed, EMBASE, Clinical Trials Registry, and European Medicines Agency public reports were searched for randomized clinical trials, until May 2011, of vernakalant compared with controls (placebo/other antiarrhythmic drug) in enrolled patients with high ventricular rate atrial fibrillation. Five randomized trials that met inclusion criteria enrolled a total of 1099 patients. Among these, 810 had recent‐onset atrial fibrillation. When compared with controls (placebo/other oral antiarrhythmic drugs), vernakalant was associated with a significant increase in cardioversion within 90 minutes from drug infusion (relative risk, 8.4; 95% confidence interval, 4.4–16.3; P < .00001). Compared with controls, vernakalant was not associated with a significant difference in serious adverse events (relative risk, 0.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.6–1.4; P = .64). The authors conclude that compared with controls, vernakalant is effective and safe for rapidly converting recent‐onset atrial fibrillation. Questions remain surrounding safety because 1 unpublished trial was discontinued for this reason. Further cost‐effective analysis and comparison with other antiarrhythmic agents, such as class I antiarrhythmic agents, should be investigated, especially in the emergency department.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Valproic Acid in Pediatric Patients With Epilepsy: Considerations for Dosing Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients
Authors: Williams Jason H. , Jayaraman Bhuvaneswari , Swoboda Kathryn J. , Barrett Jeffrey S.
Published: December 2011

Valproic acid (VPA) dosing strategies used in recent clinical trials in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have utilized a paradigm of monitoring trough levels to estimate drug exposure with subsequent dose titration. The validity of this approach remains uncertain and could be improved by understanding sources of pharmacokinetic variability. A population pharmacokinetic analysis of VPA in pediatric patients with epilepsy was recently performed. The pooled data set included 52 subjects with epilepsy, ages 1 to 17 years, who received intravenous and/or various oral formulations. The data was best fit by a 2‐compartment model; inclusion of age and weight reduced intersubject variability for clearance (41%), central volume (70%), and peripheral volume (42%) over the base model. The final model for clearance and volume parameters was clearance = 0.854 · (weight/70)0,75; central volume of distribution = 10.3 · (weight/70)1,0 · (age/8.5)−0.267; peripheral volume of distribution = 4.08 · (weight/70)1,0; and intercompartmental clearance = 5.34 · (weight/70)0,75. Application of the model to data from a clinical trial in SMA patients suggests altered kinetics, perhaps based on underlying physiologic differences such as alterations in lean body mass. Future studies in SMA should incorporate modeling and simulation techniques to support individualized dosing and further assess if additional patient‐specific factors necessitate alternative dosing strategies.
Special Considerations for Managing Food Allergies
Authors: Hays Tiffani , Kerner John A.
Published: December 2011

When caring for patients with severe, multiple food allergies, special considerations are necessary for achieving the best quality of care. The most important consideration is to confirm all food allergies so that the patient does not unnecessarily restrict foods. Retest or challenge any foods with a questionable diagnosis. Second, because strict allergen avoidance remains the appropriate treatment for food allergy, provide the patient and family with adequate education about allergen avoidance and include plans for reintroduction of foods during follow‐up care. Following a strict allergen avoidance diet often places the patient at nutrition risk. Another consideration includes conducting a complete nutrition assessment and monitoring for nutrient deficiencies on an ongoing basis. Food substitutions and hypoallergenic formulas and supplements are often required to meet the patient's needs. Last, consider evaluating medication ingredients as causes of persistent symptoms in extremely sensitive food allergic patients. Including the above considerations will result in food allergic patients enjoying the safest variety of foods and reaching their full growth potential.
Multimedia Approach to Preoperative Adenotonsillectomy Counseling
Authors: Adams Mary Theresa , Chen Brian , Makowski Renee , Bevans Scott , Boseley Mark
Published: December 2011

Objective

The primary objective was to compare retention of knowledge of surgical risks in parents of children having an adenotonsillectomy who received a preoperative handout or watched a video, in addition to standard counseling. A secondary objective was to determine whether time from counseling to day of surgery affects risk retention.

Study Design

Prospective randomized control study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

The study, conducted March 2010 through April 2011, included participants who had children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. The preoperative and postoperative test scores of those undergoing verbal counseling, counseling with handout, or counseling with video were compared.

Results

Forty‐five participants were tasked to identify 9 risks of adenotonsillectomy. Preoperatively, participants identified an average of 6.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.2‐7.3) in the counseling group, 7.3 (95% CI, 6.4‐8.3) in the counseling and handout group, and 6.6 (95% CI, 5.9‐7.3) in the counseling and video group (P =. 32). Postoperatively, participants identified an average of 5.8 (95% CI, 4.9‐6.7) in the counseling group, 6.5 (95% CI, 5.3‐7.6) in the counseling and handout group, and 5.2 (95% CI, 4.1‐6.3) in the counseling and video group (P =. 19). Time between preoperative counseling and day of surgery was inversely correlated with postoperative score (β −.34, P =. 02).

Conclusion

Participants were not able to identify all of the risks associated with adenotonsillectomy. There was no difference in identification of risks associated with adenotonsillectomy among different modalities of counseling. Participants retained more information when there was less time between the preoperative counseling and day of surgery.
Servitization within manufacturing operations: an exploration of the impact on facilities practices
Authors: Baines T S , Lightfoot H W , Smart P
Published: December 2011

Servitization is a growing area of interest amongst practitioners, policymakers, and academics, and much is still to be learnt about its adoption in practice. This paper makes a contribution to this debate by identifying the key facilities practices that successful servitizing manufacturers appear to be deploying, and the underlying rationale behind their configuration. Although these are preliminary findings from a longer-term research programme, this short communication seeks to highlight the implications for manufacturing professionals and organizations who are considering the servitization of their operations.
Formulation and heuristic algorithm for flow time minimization in a simple assembly line
Authors: Bahalke U , Dolatkhahi K , Dehghani H , Jahani E , Yazdanparast V , Hajihosseini H
Published: December 2011

Assembly lines are special flow-line production systems which are of great importance in industrial mass production. Since the flow time of a product in most industrial foundries dealing with heating products is important because of its cost, the present paper introduces the effect of task deterioration into the total flow time of a product in each production cycle of an assembly line. Task deterioration means that a task processed later consumes more time than the same task when it is processed earlier. This issue is considered in a simple assembly line balancing (SALB) problem, where the aim is to find an optimal schedule of tasks in the workstations so as to minimize total flow time of a product considering the desired cycle time. For this aim a mathematical model is proposed and, according to complexity of the considered problem, a heuristic algorithm is introduced to minimize the flow time objective function which is named as FTALB. Finally, several well-known examples are solved and comparisons are done with the popular genetic algorithm and tabu search meta-heuristics. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed FTALB heuristic algorithm in terms of both the quality of the solutions and the computational time, which is almost zero in all scales of instances.
Optimal load path input in tube hydroforming machines
Authors: Ngaile G , Welch G
Published: December 2011

Tube hydroforming (THF) is a metal-forming process in which a tube is plastically deformed to conform to the die cavity by injecting a pressurized fluid inside the tube. To ensure that enough material is supplied to the die cavity, the tube ends are usually pushed towards the die cavity to feed the material. To successfully hydroform a part, good coordination between fluid pressure and material feed is necessary. This pressure–material displacement relationship is known as a load path. The load path is specific to a part, and it is entered in a THF machine as pressure versus time and displacement versus time input variables. A methodology of decomposing the pressure–displacement loading path as a time variable to obtain pressure–time and displacement–time variants that are optimal for the THF machine system is presented. The THF experiments for double T-shaped parts are carried out to demonstrate that using different pressure–time and displacement–time variants can result in a significant increase in the maximum power required by the THF machine actuators.
Virtual Issues in Traditional Texts: How Introductory Public Relations Textbooks Address Internet Technology Issues
Authors: Boynton Lois A. , Imfeld Cassandra
Published: December 2011

This study explores how textbooks for undergraduate, introductory public relations courses address Internet and Web technologies. It also examines the topics and skills that commonly used textbooks address, and explores challenges associated with staying current in a changing environment. Findings reveal that textbooks still focus on the “new” aspect of Internet and Web technology, emphasizing terms rather than practical applications. Although some good examples of Web technology are provided, up to one-third of the Web addresses listed are not in working order. This paper also recommends how educators and publishers might address the challenge of information obsolescence in textbooks.
Internationalization of a College Newspaper: The Case of Ke Alaka'i
Authors: Chen Chiung Hwang
Published: December 2011

Ke Alaka'i, the student newspaper at the Brigham Young University-Hawaii, has embarked on an experiment in cross-cultural communication. It is attempting to transition from an American-oriented student newspaper into one that reflects the wide diversity of the audience on campus. Practical problems and intercultural/philosophical difficulties have accompanied the transition. Of most immediate concern is the problem of agreeing on what news is. This essay highlights possibilities and problems involved with questioning traditional definitions of news in training future journalists. Specifically, it examines the tension between increasing the multicultural emphasis of the newspaper and sustaining operations in the newsroom.
Scholarship Rates of Women within AEJMC Divisions, Interest Groups, and Commissions (1994–2003)
Authors: Applegate Edd , Bodle John V.
Published: December 2011

This study considers refereed scholarship and levels of inclusion by gender within and among AEJMC's divisions, interest groups, and commissions. It is a census of all blindly reviewed research accepted to AEJMC conventions from 1994 to 2003. Women are authoring convention research at rates (42.9%) comparable to their percentage of membership in AEJMC (40%). Women author a majority of the convention scholarship on public relations and magazines; little on media management and economics, international, or communication theory and methodology.
Civic Usability in Internet Journalism Classes
Authors: Mendelson Andrew L. , Coleman Renita , Kurpius David D.
Published: December 2011

As online journalism takes on a larger role in informing the electorate about issues of importance, an understanding of how citizens interact with online journalistic content may be as important as what the content is. If a citizen is not able to find or use the information necessary to make decisions about community issues, the information is worthless. The capability to find and use online information is what the concept of usability is about. This paper presents a case study of how usability can be integrated experientially into an online journalism course. This process helps students better connect the needs of the citizens to the design and content of a Web site by seeing directly the basis for many usability standards.
Exploring Assorted Beliefs, Doubts, and Legends regarding Quantitative Teaching Evaluations
Authors: Salmon Charles T. , Smith Sandi W. , Lee Byoungkwan , Miller Vernon D.
Published: December 2011

In spite of fairly universal condemnation, quantitative teaching evaluations are commonly used to assess teaching effectiveness and, by extension, as a basis for administrative decisions regarding promotion, tenure, and annual raises. Nevertheless, considerable anecdotal evidence suggests that structural factors—often beyond the control of the instructor—influence student ratings of professors and classes. In an attempt to determine the relative influence of structural factors on teaching evaluations in the field of communications, this paper reports the analysis of more than 6,000 student ratings across three mass communication-related departments at a “large Midwestern university.” Using confirmatory factor analysis, this study finds that structural factors account for approximately 10% of the variance, and that three factors in particular are consistent predictors of student ratings across five subscales assessing the overall quality of the classroom experience for students.
Integration of Advertising and Public Relations Curricula: A 2005 Status Report of Educator Perceptions
Authors: Larsen Phyllis V. , Len-Ríos María E.
Published: December 2011

The communication environment has changed significantly during the last two decades. While many advertising and public relations professionals embrace a more integrated approach to communication, it is not clear how educators are responding. This study explores the current status of curriculum integration from the perspective of the educator. The most striking findings are (1) a strong association between educator attitudes toward integration and the current level of integration at their institutions, and (2) the similarity of perception between advertising and public relations educators about what skills are most important to teach students.
Learning inside and outside the Classroom: Civic Journalism and the Freedom of Information Act
Authors: Simon James , Sapp David Alan
Published: December 2011

This case study in civic journalism focuses on an advanced reporting project in which undergraduate student journalists examined compliance with their state's Freedom of Information Act. A combination of traditional journalism instruction and civic education appeared to produce favorable learning outcomes. The student journalists reported changes in their attitudes toward the press and the FOI law. They also predicted that their attitude change will carry over to other courses and to their careers in journalism. The study explores how a combined pedagogical approach can produce complex learning outcomes to the benefit of student journalists
A More Perfect Union's Jack: A Visual Representation of the Journalistic Mission within the American Democratic Experiment
Authors: Lewis Timothy R.
Published: December 2011

Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences indicates that students who rely on their spatial intelligence need a visual model to comprehend new material. Teachers tapping a student's spatial intelligence should link new ideas to a visual image. This paper argues a child's game piece—a toy jack—can be used to illustrate the complex interaction of the press and the governing process in the United States, despite the contradictory elements found in both.
The Urban News Project: Examining the Impact of Community-focused Reporting on Student Perceptions of Journalism and Community
Authors: Hatcher John A.
Published: December 2011

This study explores how a community-focused approach to “doing journalism” may be a useful way to encourage college students to engage in public life regardless of their interest in journalism as a career. Findings suggest that one such project at a Midwest university challenged students' preconceived notions about the community they visited and took them out of their comfort zones. It also resulted in some powerful journalism.
Common Acceptance Rate Calculation Methods in Communication Journals: Developing Best Practices
Authors: Perry Stephen D. , Michalski Lindsey
Published: December 2011

Acceptance rates of journals can influence faculty tenure and promotion decisions as well as perception of journal quality and intention to submit manuscripts to a given journal. Variation exists in how acceptance rates are calculated across journals and editors, with different methods resulting in potentially misleading comparisons. Because differing calculation methods potentially affect tenure decisions, a normative standard should be developed. A survey of editors is used to reveal commonly practiced calculation methods. Two formulas are articulated for future use: (1) the Submission Acceptance Rate formula and (2) the Final Decision Acceptance Rate formula.
An Englishman Reflects: You may be Working too Hard, Your Students a Bit too Little
Authors: Hopkinson Tom
Published: December 2011

A visitor to the United States from England here presents uncommon thoughts about our educational way of life—surely, to his hosts' advantage. Mr. Hopkinson, fellow in press studies at the Center for Academic Services, the University of Sussex, is prepared to draw from America those superior aspects of journalism training that could be adapted to the prevailing systems of his own country and its continental neighbors.
In Junior Colleges: Some Mix Editing, History, Reporting in 3-Credit Class
Authors: Barfoot Fred A.
Published: December 2011

This is the last of a two-part series based on a study of 113 Middle Atlantic junior colleges. The first part appeared in the fall 1971 issue. In it the writer pointed out that most junior college journalism programs are run by English departments and that there is little correlation between size of program and size of college.
Goss Formula May Handicap Reporter if Misapplied
Authors: Jackson Kenneth M.
Published: December 2011

In its Summer 1971 issue, Journalism Educator pointed out that helpful guidelines for interviewing—when contrasted with abundance of formulas for putting information into story form—were “scanty.” An Autumn 1973 Journalism Quarterly article called interviewing “a sorely neglected area of concern.” In the article below, Kenneth M. Jackson analyzes strengths and limitations of the GOSS interview formula developed by the editor of JE as a supplement to the traditional five W's and H to help reporters ask effective questions.
Limited Progress Seen in Minority J-Training, Hiring
Authors: Wilson Clint C.
Published: December 2011

The author is a recognized authority and spokesman in the promotion of greater educational and professional opportunities for minorities in journalism. He has been identified with minority recruitment efforts in the media and in journalism education in the Los Angeles area for several years.