bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Centering with Random Effects: An Alternative to the Fixed Effects Model for Studying Time-Varying Treatments in School Settings
Authors: Raudenbush Stephen W.
Published: October 2009

Fixed effects models are often useful in longitudinal studies when the goal is to assess the impact of teacher or school characteristics on student learning. In this article, I introduce an alternative procedure: adaptive centering with random effects. I show that this procedure can replicate the fixed effects analysis while offering several comparative advantages: the incorporation into standard errors of multiple levels of clustering; the modeling of heterogeneity of treatment effects; the estimation of effects of treatments at multiple levels; and computational simplicity. After illustrating these ideas in a simple setting, the article formulates a general linear model with adaptive centering and random effects and derives efficient estimates and standard errors. The results apply to studies that have an arbitrary number of nested and cross-classified factors such as time, students, classrooms, schools, districts, or states.
Assumptions of Value-Added Models for Estimating School Effects
Authors: Reardon Sean F. , Raudenbush Stephen W.
Published: October 2009

The ability of school (or teacher) value-added models to provide unbiased estimates of school (or teacher) effects rests on a set of assumptions. In this article, we identify six assumptions that are required so that the estimands of such models are well defined and the models are able to recover the desired parameters from observable data. These assumptions are (1) manipulability, (2) no interference between units, (3) interval scale metric, (4) homogeneity of effects, (5) strongly ignorable assignment, and (6) functional form. We discuss the plausibility of these assumptions and the consequences of their violation. In particular, because the consequences of violations of the last three assumptions have not been assessed in prior literature, we conduct a set of simulation analyses to investigate the extent to which plausible violations of them alter inferences from value-added models. We find that modest violations of these assumptions degrade the quality of value-added estimates but that models that explicitly account for heterogeneity of school effects are less affected by violations of the other assumptions.
The Intertemporal Variability of Teacher Effect Estimates
Authors: McCaffrey Daniel F. , Sass Tim R. , Lockwood J. R. , Mihaly Kata
Published: October 2009

The utility of value-added estimates of teachers' effects on student test scores depends on whether they can distinguish between high- and low-productivity teachers and predict future teacher performance. This article studies the year-to-year variability in value-added measures for elementary and middle school mathematics teachers from five large Florida school districts. We find year-to-year correlations in value-added measures in the range of 0.2–0.5 for elementary school and 0.3–0.7 for middle school teachers. Much of the variation in measured teacher performance (roughly 30–60 percent) is due to sampling error from “noise” in student test scores. Persistent teacher effects account for about 50 percent of the variation not due to noise for elementary teachers and about 70 percent for middle school teachers. The remaining variance is due to teacher-level time-varying factors, but little of it is explained by observed teacher characteristics. Averaging estimates from two years greatly improves their ability to predict future performance.
The Fragmentation of Global Governance Architectures: A Framework for Analysis
Authors: Biermann Frank , Pattberg Philipp , van Asselt Harro , Zelli Fariborz
Published: October 2009

Most research on global governance has focused either on theoretical accounts of the overall phenomenon or on empirical studies of distinct institutions that serve to solve particular governance challenges. In this article we analyze instead “governance architectures,” defined as the overarching system of public and private institutions, principles, norms, regulations, decision-making procedures and organizations that are valid or active in a given issue area of world politics. We focus on one aspect that is turning into a major source of concern for scholars and policy-makers alike: the “fragmentation” of governance architectures in important policy domains. The article offers a typology of different degrees of fragmentation, which we describe as synergistic, cooperative, and conflictive fragmentation. We then systematically assess alternative hypotheses over the relative advantages and disadvantages of different degrees of fragmentation. We argue that moderate degrees of fragmentation may entail both significant costs and benefits, while higher degrees of fragmentation are likely to decrease the overall performance of a governance architecture. The article concludes with policy options on how high degrees of fragmentation could be reduced. Fragmentation is prevalent in particular in the current governance of climate change, which we have hence chosen as illustration for our discussion.
On the Modern and the Nonmodern in Deliberative Environmental Democracy
Authors: Hobson Kersty
Published: October 2009

The “deliberative turn” in green political theory and applied environmental decision-making is now well-established. However, questions remain about the applicability of its concepts and methods to non-Western or “nonmodern” contexts, to use a term from Gupte and Barlett's 2007 article in this journal that is the stimulus to this article. In such places the societal pre-conditions of modernity deemed theoretically necessary for “authentic deliberation” to occur are mostly absent. Yet, authentic deliberation does take place, prompting questions about the geographical and cultural bias of the deliberative environmental democratic project. This article takes up such questions, arguing that in deliberative theory modernity is more than a bias, which is highlighted when the nonmodern is counted in. Instead, in its noun-form modernity suggests a particular type of deliberating subject, replete with specific capacities and knowledge, which the nonmodern is, in true binary fashion, deemed to lack. This article draws on qualitative data from deliberative workshops in northern New Mexico, USA, to argue that such categorizations do not hold up to empirical or conceptual scrutiny, particularly in light of Bruno Latour's work on modernity and the Modern. Thus, this article argues that deliberative environmental democracy research should therefore be recast as an ethnographic and context-based project, and explores how such a project could be carried out.
Performing Symbolic Politics and International Environmental Regulation: Tracing and Theorizing a Causal Mechanism beyond Regime Theory
Authors: Blatter Joachim
Published: October 2009

This article demonstrates the empirical relevance and elaborates the theoretical foundation of a “polity-centered” causal mechanism of international environmental regulation which has been only superficially touched upon in international environmental regime theory and which challenges the policy-centrism of this field of research. Motorboat regulations on Lake Constance demonstrate the limits of established approaches in regime theory in explaining the strict regulations of this early regime. Rationalist explanatory approaches are not convincing since there are no helpful structural constellations and no functional need. According to normative-cognitive approaches, the institutional density and differentiation that exists in the transboundary Lake Constance region makes an “advocacy coalition” approach better suited than an “epistemic community” approach. Yet, even this perspective cannot explain the international breakthroughs towards strong regulations. To fill the remaining gap, it is necessary to account for the symbolic value of water in representing emerging transnational identities and institutions. Polity-centered coalitions of political leaders around the lake “performed” innovative regulations in a highly symbolic policy field in order to gain attention and recognition for their institutionalization of the idea of a “Euregio Bodensee.” The article ends by demonstrating the empirical relevance of this causal mechanism beyond Lake Constance and discusses the theoretical consequences in the field of transnational water governance.
Effect of Finite Thickness and Free Edges on Stresses in Plain Weave Composites
Authors: Owens Brian C. , Whitcomb John D. , Varghese Julian
Published: October 2009

Many years ago, free edge effects were studied extensively, perhaps excessively, for ordinary tape laminate composites. Various techniques were used to show that the free edge effects extended only a short distance from the free edge and that stacking sequence had a significant impact on interlaminar stresses, which could cause premature failure. In contrast, the analytical study of woven composites has focused on periodic analysis of unit cells. Since such analyses assume an infinite array of unit cells, free edge effects were not considered. This article investigates the significance of traction free surfaces on stresses in woven composites. Effects due to both free edge and free lateral surfaces (due to finite thickness) were investigated. The significance of the free edge effect was found to be sensitive to the waviness of the plain weave mat. Also, the stress distribution is quite different for finite and infinitely thick stacks of woven mats.
Regulation of Trigeminal Respiratory Motor Activity in the Brainstem
Authors: Koizumi H. , Nomura K. , Yokota Y. , Enomoto A. , Yamanishi T. , Iida S. , Ishihama K. , Kogo M.
Published: October 2009

The trigeminal motor system participates in the control of respiration as well as suckling and mastication. However, the central mechanism underlying respiratory activity in trigeminal motoneurons is not well-understood. In this study, we aimed to elucidate brainstem circuitry for rhythm generation and signal transmission of trigeminal respiratory activity in in vitro neonatal rat brainstem-spinal cord preparations. We further examined the role of midline-crossing trigeminal interneurons in the bilateral synchronization of respiratory and suckling activity in trigeminal motor nerves. The results of brainstem-sectioning experiments indicated that respiratory rhythms were generated in the medulla and ipsilaterally transmitted to trigeminal motoneurons in the pons. We conclude that the trigeminal motor system, as well as the hypoglossal and phrenic motor system, is regulated by medullary respiratory networks, and that pontine interactions between bilateral trigeminal interneurons are not critical for the generation or synchronization of trigeminal respiratory activity, but are crucial for trigeminal suckling activity.
Mineralized Tissue Formation by BMP2-transfected Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Yang X. , van der Kraan P.M. , Bian Z. , Fan M. , Walboomers X.F. , Jansen J.A.
Published: October 2009

Previously, in vitro differentiation of odontoblasts was shown for dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) transfected with bone morphogenetic protein-2 ( Bmp2). For this study, we hypothesized that such cells also show potential for mineralized tissue formation in vivo. DPSCs were transfected with Bmp2 and seeded onto a ceramic scaffold. These complexes were cultured in medium without dexamethasone, and thereafter placed subcutaneously in nude mice for 1, 4, and 12 weeks. Samples were evaluated by histology and real-time PCR for osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein, dentin sialophosphoprotein, and dentin matrix protein 1. Results indicated that only the transfected DPSCs showed obvious mineralized tissue generation, and 12 weeks of implantation gave the highest percentage of mineralized tissue formation (33 ± 7.3% of implant pore area). Real-time PCR confirmed these results. In conclusion, Bmp2-transfected DPSCs effectively show mineralized tissue formation upon ectopic implantation.
Diversity of Endodontic Microbiota Revisited
Authors: Siqueira J.F. , Rôças I.N.
Published: October 2009

Although fungi, archaea, and viruses contribute to the microbial diversity in endodontic infections, bacteria are the most common micro-organisms occurring in these infections. Datasets from culture and molecular studies, integrated here for the first time, showed that over 460 unique bacterial taxa belonging to 100 genera and 9 phyla have been identified in different types of endodontic infections. The phyla with the highest species richness were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria. Diversity varies significantly according to the type of infection. Overall, more taxa have been disclosed by molecular studies than by culture. Many cultivable and as-yet-uncultivated phylotypes have emerged as candidate pathogens based on detection in several studies and/or high prevalence. Now that a comprehensive inventory of the endodontic microbial taxa has been established, future research should focus on the association with different disease conditions, functional roles in the community, and susceptibility to antimicrobial treatment procedures.
Osterix Enhances BMSC-associated Osseointegration of Implants
Authors: Xu B. , Zhang J. , Brewer E. , Tu Q. , Yu L. , Tang J. , Krebsbach P. , Wieland M. , Chen J.
Published: October 2009

Cellular and molecular events in osseointegration at the dental implant surface remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) participate in this process, and that osterix (Osx) promotes implant osseointegration. To prove this hypothesis, we tracked double-labeled BMSCs in implantation sites created in nude mice transplanted with these cells. We also inserted implants into the femurs of our established transgenic mice after local administration of viruses encoding Osx, to determine the osteogenic effects of Osx. Immunohistochemical results demonstrated that BMSCs can recruit from peripheral circulation and participate in wound healing and osseointegration after implantation. Microcomputed tomography (microCT) analysis revealed an increased bone density at the bone-to-implant interface in the Osx group, and histomorphometric analysis indicated an elevated level of bone-to-implant contact in the Osx group. We concluded that exogenous BMSCs participate in the osseointegration after implantation, and that Osx overexpression accelerates osseointegration.
Influence of Genetic Background on Fluoride Metabolism in Mice
Authors: Carvalho J.G. , Leite A.L. , Yan D. , Everett E.T. , Whitford G.M. , Buzalaf M.A.R.
Published: October 2009

A/J and 129P3/J mouse strains have different susceptibilities to dental fluorosis, due to their genetic backgrounds. This study tested whether these differences are due to variations in water intake and/or F metabolism. A/J (susceptible to dental fluorosis) and 129P3/J mice (resistant) received drinking water containing 0, 10, or 50 ppm F. Weekly F intake, excretion and retention, and terminal plasma and femur F levels were determined. Dental fluorosis was evaluated clinically and by quantitative fluorescence (QF). Data were tested by two-way ANOVA. Although F intakes by the strains were similar, excretion by A/J mice was significantly higher due to greater urinary F excretion, which resulted in lower plasma and femur F levels. Compared with 129P3/J mice given 50 ppm F, significantly higher QF scores were recorded for A/J mice. In conclusion, these strains differ with respect to several features of F metabolism, and amelogenesis in the 129P3/J strain seems to be unaffected by high F exposure.
Fam83h is Associated with Intracellular Vesicles and ADHCAI
Authors: Ding Y. , Estrella M.R.P. , Hu Y.Y. , Chan H.L. , Zhang H.D. , Kim J.-W. , Simmer J.P. , Hu J.C.-C.
Published: October 2009

Defects in FAM83H on human chromosome 8q24.3 cause autosomal-dominant hypocalcified amelogenesis imperfecta (ADHCAI). FAM83H does not encode a recognizable signal peptide, so we predicted that the Fam83h protein functions within the cell. We tested this hypothesis by constitutively expressing mouse Fam83h with green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to its C-terminus in HEK293 and HeLa cell lines. Green fluorescent signal from the Fam83h-GFP fusion protein was associated with perinuclear vesicles, usually in the vicinity of the Golgi apparatus. No signal was observed within the nucleus. In addition, we identified FAM83H nonsense mutations in Hispanic (C1330C>T; p.Q444X) and Caucasian (c.1192C>T; p.Q398X) families with ADHCAI. We conclude that Fam83h localizes in the intracellular environment, is associated with vesicles, and plays an important role in dental enamel formation. FAM83H is the first gene involved in the etiology of amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) that does not encode a secreted protein.
Kinetic Studies of Adsorption of Madder on Wool Using Various Models
Authors: Farizadeh K. , Yazdanshenas M.E. , Montazer M. , Malek R.M.A. , Rashidi A.
Published: October 2009

In this research, the kinetics of adsorption of madder on scoured wool and mordanted wool with aluminum sulfate was studied. First the madder solution was prepared and the main compounds, alizarin, purpurin and quinizarin (1, 4 dihydroxyanthraquinone) of madder were identified by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The values of CIELAB of samples dyed with madder at different temperatures and times were measured and the results confirmed that the adsorption of madder on wool is an exothermic process. The kinetic study of adsorption of madder on scoured wool and mordanted wool fiber was fitted by pseudo first order, pseudo second order, Elovich and intra-particle diffusion models at different temperatures. The results show that the kinetic study of adsorption of madder on scoured wool and mordanted fiber was fitted by the pseudo second order model. The activation energy and adsorption kinetic of the dyes extracted from madder on scoured wool and mordanted wool were also determined by the pseudo second order model. The results indicated that increase in temperature leads to a decrease in dye adsorption on both scoured and mordanted wool fibers. The HPLC analysis of dye effluent for scoured wool confirms that decrease in dyeing temperature leads to a decrease in remaining dye compounds in the effluent.
Investigation into the Tensile Properties of Stitched and Unstitched Woven Aramid/Vinyl Ester Composites
Authors: Karahan Mehmet , Ulcay Yusuf , Eren Recep , Karahan Nevin , Kaynak Gökay
Published: October 2009

In this study, the influence of stitch bonding on the tensile strength and tensile modulus in plain woven Twaron T-750/vinyl ester composites in the direction of thickness was examined. The effect of stitch density was investigated in longitudinal (warp) and transverse (weft) directions as a parameter. The space (opening) geometry and the deformation caused by the stitching process around stitch points were investigated. The stitching tension, stitch thread type and diameter were kept constant throughout the study. An increase in the tensile strength was observed for low stitching densities while there was no change in the tensile strength for medium stitching densities. A decrease in the tensile strength was observed for high stitching densities. It is especially noted that the tensile strength, which is on the transversal direction perpendicular to stitch direction, decreased with stitching density and tensile deformations initiated much earlier in this direction. It was understood that fiber deviations and resin rich areas were much more effective on these decreases compared with fiber deformation.
Advances in Topographic Characterization of Textile Materials
Authors: Calvimontes Alfredo , Dutschk Victoria , Stamm Manfred
Published: October 2009

All textile materials, having periodic surfaces, show horizontal and vertical repetitive unities. For this reason, different length scales have to be taken into account by interpreting topographic data measured. In this study, a topographical characterization method for textile materials at different length scales is presented and justified. The topographical study of textile materials using different length scales permits us to characterize the surfaces considering their specific morphologies due to the type of weave, yarn and filament/ fibers separately. The use of a scale concept to characterize textile surfaces seems to be a new skill that helps to correlate textile parameters, topography, and topographical changes with interface phenomena such as spreading, wetting, capillary penetration, and soil release.
Collaborating or co-existing: a survey of attitudes of medical oncologists toward specialist palliative care
Authors: Ward Alicia M , Agar Meera , Koczwara Bogda
Published: October 2009

Patients with advanced cancer often have complex care needs requiring collaboration between medical oncology and palliative care providers. Little is known about how effective and acceptable such collaboration is to medical oncologists. Attitudes of Australian medical oncologists toward collaboration with specialist palliative care services were investigated using a Web-based survey. Descriptive statistics and attitude indices were calculated and a thematic content analysis performed. One hundred and fifteen respondents (78 medical oncologists, 37 trainees) completed the survey (response rate 30.3%). Positive attitudes toward specialist palliative care involvement were expressed with most respondents preferring concurrent rather than sequential models of care (94.8%, n = 109). Reported barriers to collaboration included reluctance for referral by patients (minor 60.9%, n = 70; major 8.7%, n = 10) or families (minor 67%, n = 77; major 7%, n = 8), a lack of inpatient beds (minor 27%, n = 31; major 34.8%, n = 40) and inadequate resources for specialist palliative care to take some referrals (minor 30.4%, n = 35; major 30.4%, n = 35). There was no difference in attitude indices for those who had completed a palliative care rotation during their training (33%, n = 38) and those who had not. Suggestions for improvement in collaboration focused around four areas — improved resources, improved multidisciplinary links, mutual respect and understanding, and consistency in service provision. This study is the first to specifically investigate the views of Australian medical oncologists toward collaboration with specialist palliative care. While positive attitudes have been expressed, identified barriers to collaboration need attention.
Predictive factors for responding to sertraline treatment: views from plasma catecholamine metabolites and serotonin transporter polymorphism
Authors: Umene-Nakano Wakako , Yoshimura Reiji , Ueda Nobuhisa , Suzuki Akihito , Ikenouchi-Sugita Atsuko , Hori Hikaru , Otani Koichi , Nakamura Jun
Published: October 2009

In the present study, we investigated the effects of sertraline on plasma levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), homovanillic acid (HVA), and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in 59 depressed patients treated with sertraline. We also examined the relationship between the dynamics of the catecholamine metabolites, BDNF, serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) gene polymorphism (long and short alleles), and the clinical response to sertraline. The extent of clinical improvement was evaluated using the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (Ham-D) before and 8 weeks after treatment with sertraline. Responders were defined as showing at least a 50% decrease in the Ham-D score. Baseline plasma HVA levels of responders to sertraline treatment were significantly lower than those of non-responders (p = 0.02). In addition, a positive correlation was identified between changes in plasma HVA levels and the rate of response to sertraline treatment (p = 0.001). A trend toward higher baseline serum BDNF levels was found in responders compared with non-responders (p = 0.095). In addition, serum BDNF levels were slightly increased (not significant) in responders (p = 0.058), but not in non-responders. Responders had a higher short-allele genotype frequency in the 5-HTTLPR for the promoter region than did non-responders (p = 0.037). These results suggest that pre-treatment plasma HVA levels and the 5-HTTLPR genotype for the promoter might be associated with a response to sertraline.
The cannabinoid CB1 receptor is involved in the anxiolytic, sedative and amnesic actions of benzodiazepines
Authors: García-Gutiérrez María S , Manzanares Jorge
Published: October 2009

Previous studies in our laboratory showed that cannabinoid CB1 receptor knockout mice (CB1-/-) presented increased anxiety-like behaviours that did not respond to the anxiolytic actions of benzodiazepines. These results suggest that the pharmacological effects of benzodiazepines may involve the participation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of alprazolam and the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 on behavioural assays (light—dark box test, neurological severity score and step-down inhibitory avoidance test) and on the functional activity of the CB1 receptor (WIN-55,212-stimulated [35S] guanosine triphosphate (GTP) γ binding autoradiography).

The administration of alprazolam (40 μg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) decreased anxiety-like behaviours in the light—dark box test and significantly reduced WIN-55,212-stimulated [35S]GTPγ binding autoradiography in the amygdala and in the CA1 field of the hippocampus, but was without effects on CA2, CA3 and the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. The administration of AM251 (3 mg/kg, i.p.) blocked the anxiolytic action of alprazolam (40 μg/kg, i.p.), significantly reduced the sedative (ataxia, neurological severity score in the 0.5 cm bar) and the amnesic actions (short time term memory (1 h after electric shock)) of alprazolam (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.).

Taken together, these findings revealed that cannabinoid CB1 receptor plays a pivotal role in the pharmacological actions of benzodiazepines. Furthermore, these results suggest that blockade of cannabinoid CB1 receptors may be useful in the treatment of patients with problems related to the consumption of benzodiazepines. Further clinical trials are needed to test this hypothesis.
Two histamine H2receptor antagonists, zolantidine and cimetidine, modulate nociception in cholestatic rats
Authors: Hasanein Parisa
Published: October 2009

Cholestasis is associated with analgesia. The histamine H2receptors control pain perception. The involvement of histamine H2receptors on modulation of nociception in a model of elevated endogenous opioid tone, cholestasis, was investigated in this study using zolantidine and cimetidine as two H2receptor antagonists and dimaprit as a selective H2receptor agonist. Cholestasis was induced by ligation of the main bile duct using two ligatures and transsection of the duct at the midpoint between them. A significant increase in tail-flick latencies was observed in cholestatic rats compared to non-cholestatic rats. Administration of zolantidine (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) and cimetidine (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) in the cholestatic group significantly increased tail-flick latencies while dimaprit (10 and 20 mg/kg) injection in the cholestatic group decreased tail-flick latencies compared to the saline treated cholestatic group. Antinociception produced by injection of zolantidine and cimetidine in cholestatic rats was attenuated by co-administration of naloxone. Drug injection in non-cholestatic rats did not alter tail-flick latencies compared to the saline treated rats at any of the doses. At the doses used here, none of the drugs impaired motor coordination as revealed by the rota rod test. These data show that the histamine H2receptor system may be involved in the regulation of nociception during cholestasis. According to the hypothesis that increasing the nociception threshold in cholestasis may lead to a decrease in the perception of pruritus, the provision of the drugs that increase the threshold to nocicieption may be a novel approach to the treatment of cholestatic pruritus.
Pentagastrin-induced hemoconcentration in healthy volunteers and patients with panic disorder: effect of pretreatment with ethinyl estradiol
Authors: Le Melledo Jean Michel , Perez-Parada Jorge , Morrow Jarret , Bellavance Francois , Lara Nathalie , Jahandar Farideh , Granger Robert , Tait Glendon , McManus Karen
Published: October 2009

Panic disorder has been associated with both an increased risk of coronary events as well as an increased risk of stroke. Hemoconcentration, with both a decrease in plasma volume and an increase in plasma viscosity, is a possible contributor to the risk of acute ischemic events. Our objectives were to demonstrate the process of hemoconcentration in response to induced panic symptoms and to assess the effect of pretreatment with ethinyl estradiol on panic-induced hemoconcentration. Fifteen male patients with panic disorder and 10 male healthy volunteers were included in a double-blind cross-over placebo-controlled design consisting of two injections of pentagastrin following randomized pretreatment with placebo and ethinyl estradiol. Plasma levels of hematocrit and hemoglobin were assessed at baseline and post-injections, and used to calculate an indirect estimation of the change in plasma volume. Pentagastrin-induced panic symptoms were associated with a mean decrease in plasma volume of 4.8% in the placebo pretreatment condition. Pretreatment with ethinyl estradiol attenuated this effect. The acute hemoconcentration observed in relation to pentagastrin-induced panic symptoms may be relevant to the increased risk of stroke and acute coronary events found in patients with panic disorder.
Dimensions of Trust: The Tensions and Challenges in Provider—Interpreter Trust
Authors: Hsieh Elaine , Ju Hyejung , Kong Haiying
Published: October 2009

In this study we examined the challenges to providers’ and interpreters’ collaboration in bilingual health care. We conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups with 26 medical interpreters (speaking 17 languages) and 32 providers (from four specialties) in the United States to provide an empirically based framework of provider—interpreter trust. Constant comparative analysis was used for data analysis. We identified four dimensions of trust, theoretical constructs that can strengthen or compromise provider—interpreter trust: interpreter competence, shared goals, professional boundaries, and established patterns of collaboration. In this article we describe how these dimensions highlight tensions and challenges that are unique in provider—interpreter relationships. We conclude with practical guidelines that can enhance provider—interpreter trust, and propose future research directions in bilingual health care.
Effects of Acute Hypervolemic Fluid Infusion of Hydroxyethyl Starch and Gelatin on Hemostasis and Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Jin Shan-Liang , Yu Bu-Wei
Published: October 2009

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute hypervolemic fluid infusion (AHFI) of 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 or 4% succinylated gelatin (GEL) on hemostasis and the possible mechanisms.

Methods: Thirty-six gastric cancer patients were randomized to receive AHFI of either HES, GEL or lactated Ringer’s (RL) solution at the rate of 30 mL·kg-1·h -1 from 20 minutes before to 40 minutes after induction of general anesthesia.

Results: Group HES and GEL had significantly prolonged PT and aPTT, decreased VIII:C and vWF immediately after AHFI. Statistically prolonged reaction time and coagulation time, and decreased growth angle were seen immediately after HES infusion. Maximum amplitude decreased significantly in group HES and GEL immediately after and 4 hours after AHFI.

Conclusion: Gelatin reduced clot quality associated with derangements of fibrin polymerization and HES 130/0.4 delayed initiation of sufficient thrombin generation to convert fibrinogen to fibrin and impaired platelet function.
Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of a Vasodilatory and Antiplatelet Agent, Limaprost Alfadex, in the Healthy Korean Volunteers
Authors: Park Yoo-Sin , Park Jin-Hee , Kim Shin-Hee , Lee Min-Ho , Lee Yun-Sik , Yang Seok-Chul , Kang Ju-Seop
Published: October 2009

Limaprost, a prostaglandin E1 analogue, with a strong vasodilatory and antiplatelet activity has been used to release from the symptoms of thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), which is more prevalent in Korea and Japan, and lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS). In spite of many uses of limaprost, the pharmacokinetics (PK) of it has not been studied in the Korean population. Therefore, a preliminary PK study was designed at a clinical oral dosage of 30-μg limaprost in 5 healthy Korean volunteers. Blood samples were obtained at 14 consecutive time points for 12 hours after dosing and analyzed by liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (LC-ESI/MS/ MS) at a very low detection limit of 0.5 pg/mL of limaprost in human plasma with considerably short run time (18 minutes). Pharmacokinetic characteristics resulted in ‘‘time for maximal concentrations (Tmax 0.5 hour),’’ ‘‘elimination half-life (T1/2 1.64 hours),’’ ‘‘maximal concentration (Cmax 13.37 pg/mL),’’ ‘‘area under the curve (AUC12 hours 18.60 pg · h/mL),’’ ‘‘AUC extrapolated to infinity (AUCinfinity 22.98 pg · h/mL),’’ ‘‘extrapolation (AUCinfinity — 12 hours/AUCinfinity 0.15%),’’ ‘‘elimination rate constant (ke 0.68 h—1),’’ ‘‘systemic clearance (CL 1.77 L/h),’’ and ‘‘mean residence time (MRT 1.74 hours).’’ These results showed that orally administered 30-μg limaprost was rapidly and highly absorbed, and it was considerably eliminated fast from the blood stream in the healthy Korean volunteers.
Hyperhomocysteinemia and C677T MTHFR Genotype in Patients With Retinal Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Sottilotta Gianluca , Siboni Simona Maria , Latella Caterina , Oriana Vincenzo , Romeo Ermelinda , Santoro Rita , Consonni Dario , Trapani Lombardo Vincenzo
Published: October 2009

Introduction: Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with the risk of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. Several studies have suggested that hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) may predispose to retinal vein thrombosis (RVT) development. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between Hcy, C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype, and RVT in patients compared with controls.

Materials and Methods: We evaluated the Hcy plasma level of 3114 consecutive participants in 2 Italian centers during a 2-year period. Hyperhomocysteinemia was found in 99 patients and 136 healthy participants. Of the 99 patients, 20 had RVT with a high prevalence of HHcy in the RVT subgroup (20.2%). This result suggested a possible relationship between HHcy and RVT development. We investigated 105 consecutive patients with recent diagnosis of RVT, and we compared them with 226 healthy controls to evaluate whether HHcy may be a risk factor for RVT.

Results: the prevalence of HHcy was higher in patients compared with controls (34.3% vs 14.2%; P < .001). The MTHFR C677T genotype was found in 69 of 105 (65.7%) patients with RVT (heterozygosity: 40 of 105 and homozygosity: 29 of 105). The control group showed the presence of MTHFR C677T genotype in 169 of 226 participants (74.8%; heterozygosity: 100 of 226 and homozygosity: 69 of 226) without difference between the 2 groups (P = .08).

Conclusion: our study suggests that HHcy is a possible risk factor for RVT development, while no association was found between RVT and the C677T MTHFR genotype.
Is There Any Correlation Between The Elevated Plasma Levels and Gene Variations of Factor VIII in Turkish Thrombosis Patients?
Authors: Ay Mustafa , Dolek Bilgen , Erdem Gunhan , Devecioglu Omer , Gozukirmizi Nermin
Published: October 2009

We investigated factor VIII (FVIII) gene mutations in 20 thrombosis patients with high level of FVIII and 20 control healthy participants. Blood samples were used for the determination of FVIII levels using static timing analyze (STA) kits. Informed consent forms were collected from all participants. Factor VIII level was 237 ± 46 IU/dL in patients group; however, it was 122 ± 38 IU/dL in healthy control participants. Isolated genomic DNAs were screened using 37 pairs of primers covering promoter region and 26 exons of FVIII gene. Single-strand conformation analysis (SSCA) technique was performed for polymorphism/mutation analyses. We observed polymorph patterns in exon 6, exon 13, exon 14F, exon 19, and exon 25 regions. However, we found no evidence of an association between observed single nucleotide polymorphisms and high thrombosis levels. In conclusion, observed exons polymorphisms do not seem to be associated with a venous thromboembolism.
Anticoagulant Therapy for Acute Venous Thromboembolism: What We Think We Know and What the Data Show for the Timing of Recurrent Events
Authors: Stein Paul D. , Hull Russell D. , Matta Fadi , Yaekoub Abdo Y.
Published: October 2009

Although heparin is administered to prevent early recurrences of venous thromboembolism (VTE) by preventing new thrombi, allowing old thrombi to attach to venous walls, and covering warfarin until it is therapeutic, heparin largely prevents late recurrences of VTE (after 5 days). The dreaded early occurrence of pulmonary embolism (PE) (on or before day 5) while waiting for the vitamin K antagonist to become antithrombotic did not occur among patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT), who received acencoumarol alone. Fewer total recurrences resulted if a therapeutic level of heparin was reached within the first 24 hours of treatment of DVT. Fewer total recurrences also resulted if heparin was consistently maintained at therapeutic levels. A recurrent VTE within 5 days, however, occurred infrequently in those in whom heparin was not given, or therapeutic levels were delayed or not maintained. The incidence of early recurrent VTE was not lower in those who received adequate heparin than in those who did not, although the data are sparse. The true incidence of early recurrent VTE is uncertain due to the broad confidence intervals for the observed frequency of early recurrent events. Later recurrences are the norm and may be reduced by early treatment with adequate heparin.
Celiac disease, Behçet, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in siblings of a patient with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yamout Bassem , Usta Jinan , Itani Salam , Yaghi Shadi
Published: October 2009

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of uncertain etiology. Many genetic and environmental risk factors have been associated with this disease including certain human leukocyte antigen haplotypes, Epstein-Barr virus infection, and vitamin D deficiency. We report a 30-year-old woman with MS, the product of consanguineous marriage, and three siblings with three different autoimmune diseases: idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, celiac disease, and Behçet’s disease.
Serum uric acid, plasma glucose and diabetes
Authors: Hairong Nan  , Zengchang Pang  , Shaojie Wang  , Weiguo Gao  , Lei Zhang  , Jie Ren  , Feng Ning  , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Qing Qiao
Published: October 2009

The objective of this study was to investigate the association of serum UA with either FPG or 2hPG levels among Chinese adults in Qingdao, China. A population-based survey for diabetes was performed in 2006 in Qingdao. The survey included 1,490 men and 2,325 women aged 35—74 years who had data stored as required for the current data analysis. The association of mean UA with plasma glucose was tested using a linear regression model. Serum UA concentration raised with increasing FPG levels up to FPG of 7.0 mmol/l, but significantly decreased thereafter with further increase in FPG levels. The multivariate adjusted β coefficient between FPG and UA in individuals with newly diagnosed diabetes was —0.20 for men and —0.27 for women (p<0.01 for both). A declining trend for the UA concentration was also observed at 2hPG of 10 mmol/l or higher in both genders. Fasting serum UA levels was higher in the pre-diabetic population but lower in people with diabetes than in normoglycaemic people. UA may serve as a potential biomarker of deterioration in glucose metabolism, but its clinical implication need to be further studied.
Increased Transcutaneous Oxygen Tension in the Skin Dorsum Over the Foot in Patients With Diabetic Foot Disease in Response to the Topical Use of an Emulsion of Hyperoxygenated Fatty Acids
Authors: Lázaro-Martínez J.L. , Sánchez-Ríos J.P. , García-Morales E. , Cecilia-Matilla A. , Segovia-Gómez T.
Published: October 2009

The aim of this study was to examine changes in the skin over the feet of patients with diabetic foot syndrome after local application of a product containing hyperoxygenated fatty acids (HOFAs) by measuring transcutaneous oxygen. In 64 patients, transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPo2) was measured on days 0, 7, 30, 60, and 90 of the study. Foot skin dryness, shedding, and skin color were also assessed using a clinical score. The patients were grouped on the basis of initial levels of transcutaneous oxygen; group 1 comprised patients with TcPo 2 >30 mm Hg and group 2 comprised patients with TcPo2 <30 mm Hg on the skin over the dorsum of the feet. Increases in local oxygenation values were observed at a local level in group 2 patients after 30 days of treatment. Skin trophism showed clinical improvement in all patients and these observations may be attributed to improved local microcirculation.
Clubbing Masculinities and Crime: A Qualitative Study of Philadelphia Nightclub Scenes
Authors: Anderson Tammy , Daly Kevin , Rapp Laura
Published: October 2009

The purpose of our article is to explore the relationship between masculinities and crime within the hip-hop (HH) and electronic dance music (EDM) nightclub scenes in Philadelphia. Given extant theory and research showing gender is a situated performance,the social context of the nightclub setting offers an important opportunity to contribute to the ever-growing masculinities and crime literature because it is an understudied setting populated by atypical offenders. Direct observation of 33 club events and interviews with 24 male clubbers yielded three important patterns: (a) Men with consistently high masculinities (hypermasculine types) reported the most frequent involvement in nightclub crime, (b) men with consistently low masculinity scores reported the least involvement, and (c) men with variable masculinity scores put on a more hypermasculine identity while clubbing, leading them to engage in nightclub crime. Contextual factors, such as excessive alcohol use, heightened sexuality, competitiveness, and commercialism, explain this more nuanced relationship between masculinity and crime.
Bourdieu’s Reflexive Sociology as a Theoretical Basis for Mixed Methods Research
Authors: Fries Christopher J.
Published: October 2009

Although mixing quantitative and qualitative methods is increasingly popular, there is insufficient theoretical rationale for doing so. Foremost among the legacy left to the social and behavioral sciences by French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu stands his emphasis on methodological reflexivity. Reflexive sociology as elaborated by Bourdieu is a self-referential methodology of social research, which turns methods of constructing the research object back on themselves so as to produce more accurate understanding of the social world. Using the sociology of alternative medicine as an illustration, this article casts Bourdieu’s reflexive sociology as a theoretical basis for mixed methods research that can offer insights into the interplay of structure and agency in human behavior.
Designing, Teaching, and Evaluating Two Complementary Mixed Methods Research Courses
Authors: Christ Thomas W.
Published: October 2009

Teaching mixed methods research is difficult. This longitudinal explanatory study examined how two classes were designed, taught, and evaluated. Curriculum, Research, and Teaching (EDCS-606) and Mixed Methods Research (EDCS-780) used a research proposal generation process to highlight the importance of the purpose, research question and methodology relationship following eight interactive features: (a) problem/focus of the study; (b) intended audience; (c) the role of the researcher; (d) theory, (e) exploratory, explanatory, confirmatory, and/or critical design; (f) how the project is ‘‘bound’’; (g) sampling; and (h) validity/ credibility issues. Advanced organizers and concept maps were included in the introductory and advanced research classes to support students. Analysis of the case studies revealed the curricula and strategies markedly improved student dissertation and thesis proposals.
Human Factors in Injury Control
Authors: Porter Bryan E. , Bliss James P. , Sleet David A.
Published: October 2009

A person’s interaction with the environment represents a system for research and focus. Human factors is a discipline dedicated to studying this system. The authors provide a summary of how the field human factors informs and enhances injury control programs. They introduce perception, cognition, and environmental design components that should be considered; review automation and workload issues; and discuss best practice recommendations for increasing safe product use as well. Finally, the authors offer lessons learned from human factors approaches to safety at large and suggest future areas of study. Specifically, they note that investigating behavioral adaptation is important to extend intervention effects. They also note that human factors approaches have been used extensively in occupational and transportation areas but can be applied to other areas of injury control that are worth exploring.
Childhood abuse and psychosis; a critical review of the literature
Authors: Manning Claire , Stickley Theodore
Published: October 2009

Childhood trauma has long been recognised as a potential cause for a range of affective mental health problems arising in adulthood. Only in recent years has the association between childhood abuse and psychosis begun to be investigated. This paper provides a critical review of the literature addressing the relationship between childhood abuse and psychosis. Implications for practitioners are discussed, including practice, policy, treatment and child protection issues. A significant proportion of people develop psychosis in adulthood following all types of childhood abuse, including people diagnosed with schizophrenia, major depressive disorders, dissociative identity disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Evidence suggests the possibility of a causal relationship between childhood abuse and psychosis in adulthood. Mental health nurses are ideally placed to offer help, care and support to those individuals who experience psychosis by acknowledging and listening to their life events, including experiences of childhood abuse.