bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of System xc−Activity and Expression in Astrocytes by Interleukin‐1β
Authors: Jackman Nicole A. , Uliasz Tracy F. , Hewett James A. , Hewett Sandra J.
Published: July 2010

We recently demonstrated that interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) increases system xc− (cystine/glutamate antiporter) activity in mixed cortical cell cultures, resulting in an increase in hypoxic neuronal injury when glutamate clearance is impaired. Herein, we demonstrate that neurons, astrocytes, and microglia all express system xc− subunits (xCT, 4F2hc, RBAT) and are capable of cystine import. However, IL‐1β stimulation increases mRNA for xCT—the light chain that confers substrate specificity—in astrocytes only; an effect blocked by the transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D. Additionally, only astrocytes show an increase in cystine uptake following IL‐1β exposure; an effect associated with a change in xCT protein. The increase in cystine uptake that follows IL‐1β is lacking in astrocytes derived from mice harboring a mutation in Slc7a11 (sut gene), which encodes for xCT, and in wild‐type astrocytes treated with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. IL‐1β does not regulate the light chain of the amino acid transporter, LAT2, or the expression and function of astrocytic excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs), demonstrating some target selectivity. Finally, the enhanced neuronal vulnerability to hypoxia that followed IL‐1β treatment in our mixed culture system was not observed in chimeric cultures consisting of wild‐type neurons plated on top of sut astrocytes. Nor was it observed in wild‐type cultures treated with a system xc− inhibitor or an NMDA receptor antagonist. Overall, our data demonstrate that IL‐1β selectively regulates system xc− activity in astrocytes and that this change is specifically responsible for the deleterious, excitotoxic effects of IL‐1β found under hypoxic conditions. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of iconic gestures on foreign language word learning and its neural substrate
Authors: Macedonia Manuela , Müller Karsten , Friederici Angela D.
Published: July 2010

Vocabulary acquisition represents a major challenge in foreign language learning. Research has demonstrated that gestures accompanying speech have an impact on memory for verbal information in the speakers' mother tongue and, as recently shown, also in foreign language learning. However, the neural basis of this effect remains unclear. In a within‐subjects design, we compared learning of novel words coupled with iconic and meaningless gestures. Iconic gestures helped learners to significantly better retain the verbal material over time. After the training, participants' brain activity was registered by means of fMRI while performing a word recognition task. Brain activations to words learned with iconic and with meaningless gestures were contrasted. We found activity in the premotor cortices for words encoded with iconic gestures. In contrast, words encoded with meaningless gestures elicited a network associated with cognitive control. These findings suggest that memory performance for newly learned words is not driven by the motor component as such, but by the motor image that matches an underlying representation of the word's semantics. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum decoy receptor 3 level: A predictive marker for nodal metastasis and survival among oral cavity cancer patients
Authors: Tu Hsi‐Feng , Liu Chung‐Ji , Liu Shyun‐Yeu , Chen Yu‐Ping , Yu En‐Hao , Lin Shu‐Chun , Chang Kuo‐Wei
Published: July 2010

Background.

Validating markers for prediction of nodal metastasis could be beneficial in treatment of oral cavity cancer. Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), locus on 20q13, functions as a death decoy inhibiting apoptosis mediated by the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family.

Methods.

This study analyzed the serum level of DcR3 in relationship to the clinical parameters of oral cavity cancer patients together with detection of DcR3 genomic copy number in primary and recurrent tumors.

Results.

Elevated serum DcR3 was associated with nodal metastasis and worse prognosis. Gain ofDcR3copy number was detected in 17% of primary tumor tissue but not found in healthy areca chewers. Tissue from recurrent tumors showed more frequentDcR3copy number alteration (48%) than the paired primary tumor tissue.

Conclusions.

Serum DcR3 level is a predictor for the nodal metastasis and survival among oral cavity cancer patients and theDcR3copy number alteration could underlie oral carcinogenesis progression. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
When R&D spending is not enough: The critical role of culture when you really want to innovate
Authors: Wang Sheng , Guidice Rebecca M. , Tansky Judith W. , Wang Zhong‐Ming
Published: July 2010

Organizations invest substantial resources in research and development (R&D) to increase long‐term performance. Despite these investments, contextual contingencies can impact innovation. Our findings show that Chinese manufacturers with cultures emphasizing innovation and teamwork more effectively use financial resources in the innovation process. Findings also demonstrate that the impact of education on innovation is greater with low stability and high teamwork and innovation orientations. Results also indicate that a culture emphasizing outcomes and stability leads to lower levels of innovation irrespective of financial and human resources invested. Finally, we found a negative curvilinear interaction between R&D spending and outcome orientation on innovation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Boosting corporate entrepreneurship through HRM practices: Evidence from German SMEs
Authors: Schmelter Ralf , Mauer René , Börsch Christiane , Brettel Malte
Published: July 2010

Corporate entrepreneurship (CE) is highly important for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) to remain competitive. It is difficult for these organizations, however, to choose relevant SME management practices to induce CE. The goal of this study is to determine which human resource management (HRM) practices promote CE in SMEs. We examined the interrelationships between specific HRM practices (staff selection, staff development and training, staff rewards, specialist assignments) and CE dimensions (innovativeness, risk propensity, proactiveness, new business venturing, and self‐renewal). To that end, we analyzed empirical data from a cross‐sectional dataset of 214 knowledge‐intensive German SMEs. The results provided empirical evidence for the strong impact of staff selection, staff development, and training as well as staff rewards on CE. We contribute to current CE/HRM research, which is generally rather qualitative, by identifying specific productive approaches that SMEs can use to increase entrepreneurial activity through HRM practices and by discussing the positive impacts that such activity can produce. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is internationalization associated with investments in HRM? A study of entrepreneurial firms in emerging markets
Authors: Khavul Susanna , Benson George S. , Datta Deepak K.
Published: July 2010

This study investigates how internationalization is associated with investing in HRM within entrepreneurial firms from emerging markets. Using a sample of 171 firms from India, China, and South Africa, we show that when firms internationalize either into more economically developed countries or into countries with stronger employment regulations, they also invest more in HRM practices. Moreover, firms led by CEOs with general management experience and those more concerned with meeting international standards invest more in HRM practices. Finally, HRM investments are also greater in entrepreneurial firms characterized by extensive international partnerships. Overall, our findings suggest that internationalization by entrepreneurial firms in emerging markets is associated with developing HRM practices. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Individual and contextual correlates of managers' attitudes toward depressed employees
Authors: Martin Angela
Published: July 2010

Managers' attitudes toward depressed employees play an important role in effectively managing depression in the workplace. The present study pilot tested a survey measure of managers' attitudes toward depressed employees (n=225). Exploratory factor analysis showed evidence of cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions in the measure of attitudes. Regression analyses examined relationships between the measure and a range of proposed individual and contextual correlates. Results showed that more negative attitudes toward depressed employees were endorsed by managers who reported a more internal locus of control, higher levels of stress, less familiarity with depression, and greater reticence to seek help. Managers who perceived their organizations to have unsupportive depression disclosure norms reported higher levels of stigma, and those whose organizations had a clear mental health strategy reported lower levels of stigma. The findings have important implications for developing human resource management strategies that deal with the increasing incidence and impact of depression in the workplace. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A missing link in the transfer problem? Examining how trainers learn about training transfer
Authors: Hutchins Holly M. , Burke Lisa A. , Berthelsen Alice May
Published: July 2010

This study describes and reports the methods training professionals use to learn about training transfer. Specifically, this study focused on trainers' use and perceived utility of the literature (research and practitioner‐based) to develop their knowledge of how to support training transfer in their organization. Consistent with extant research conducted on human resource professionals, our survey results suggest that training professionals seek knowledge mostly through informal learning (e.g., job experiences, discussions with internal and external training professionals, books, searching the Web), but they prefer to learn about training transfer in discussions with external trainers and academics. As a follow‐up to the survey, our interview results indicate that trainers select learning methods based on source quality, motivation, and accessibility, but these differed based on which learning methods were chosen. Ideas to guide future human resource researchers are presented within the framework of information‐seeking theory. This paper concludes by discussing practical implications for increasing trainer competencies that support training transfer in organizations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Swimming against the tide: Outward staffing flows from multinational subsidiaries
Authors: Collings David G. , McDonnell Anthony , Gunnigle Patrick , Lavelle Jonathan
Published: July 2010

Studying the flows of parent country nationals in multinational enterprises (MNEs) to subsidiary operations has a relatively long tradition. Studying flows of subsidiary employees to other subsidiaries, as third country nationals, and to the corporate headquarters, as inpatriates, however, has empirically much less pedigree. Drawing on a large‐scale empirical study of MNEs in Ireland, this paper provides a benchmark of outward flows of international assignees from the Irish subsidiaries of foreign‐owned MNEs to both corporate headquarters and other worldwide operations. Building on insights from the resource‐based view and neo‐institutional theory, we develop and test a theoretical model to explain outward staffing flows. The results show that almost half of all MNEs use some form of outward staffing flows from their Irish operations. Although the impact of specific variables in explaining inter‐organization variation differs between the utilization of inpatriate and third country national assignments, overall we find that a number of headquarters, subsidiary, structural, and human resource systems factors emerge as strong predictors of outward staffing flows. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Firm reputation, recruitment web sites, and attracting applicants
Authors: Williamson Ian O. , King James E. , Lepak David , Sarma Archana
Published: July 2010

Despite rapid growth in using Web sites to recruit applicants, little theoretical or empirical research has examined how firm attributes influence the effectiveness of recruitment Web sites. We developed and tested a model that examines the relationships among the firm's reputation as an employer, the attributes of the firm's Web site, and applicant attraction using data on business students' reactions to the recruitment Web sites of 144 firms. Results indicated that the amount of company and job attribute information provided on a recruitment Web site, the Web site's vividness, and the firm's reputation as an employer have a three‐way interactive effect on prospective applicants' perceptions of the recruiting organization. As such, certain Web site attributes were more effective for firms with poor reputations and others for those with a good reputation. The implications of these results for recruitment research and for firms using Web sites as recruitment tools are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Domain decomposition‐based structural condensation of large protein structures for understanding their conformational dynamics
Authors: Kim Jae In , Na Sungsoo , Eom Kilho
Published: July 2010

Normal mode analysis (NMA) with coarse‐grained model, such as elastic network model (ENM), has allowed the quantitative understanding of protein dynamics. As the protein size is increased, there emerges the expensive computational process to find the dynamically important low‐frequency normal modes due to diagonalization of massive Hessian matrix. In this study, we have provided the domain decomposition‐based structural condensation method that enables the efficient computations on low‐frequency motions. Specifically, our coarse‐graining method is established by coupling between model condensation (MC; Eom et al., J Comput Chem 2007, 28, 1400) and component mode synthesis (Kim et al., J Chem Theor Comput 2009, 5, 1931). A protein structure is first decomposed into substructural units, and then each substructural unit is coarse‐grained by MC. Once the NMA is implemented to coarse‐grained substructural units, normal modes and natural frequencies for each coarse‐grained substructural unit are assembled by using geometric constraints to provide the normal modes and natural frequencies for whole protein structure. It is shown that our coarse‐graining method enhances the computational efficiency for analysis of large protein complexes. It is clearly suggested that our coarse‐graining method provides the B‐factors of 100 large proteins, quantitatively comparable with those obtained from original NMA, with computational efficiency. Moreover, the collective behaviors and/or the correlated motions for model proteins are well delineated by our suggested coarse‐grained models, quantitatively comparable with those computed from original NMA. It is implied that our coarse‐grained method enables the computationally efficient studies on conformational dynamics of large protein complex. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Long‐range interaction for dimers of atmospheric interest: dispersion, induction and electrostatic contributions for O2O2, N2N2and O2N2
Authors: Bartolomei Massimiliano , Carmona‐Novillo Estela , Hernández Marta I. , Campos‐Martínez José , Hernández‐Lamoneda Ramón
Published: July 2010

Electric multipole moments, static dipole polarizabilities, and dynamic dipole, quadrupole, and mixed dipole‐octupole polarizabilities of molecular oxygen and nitrogen in their ground electronic states have been obtained by means of high level multiconfigurationalab initiocalculations. From these properties, we have obtained electrostatic, dispersion, and induction coefficients for the long‐range interactions of the O2O2, N2N2, and O2N2dimers. Our data is a comprehensive and consistent set that for N2N2shows a very good agreement with previous accurate calculations, whereas for quantities involving open‐shell O2represents a considerable improvement over previous estimations. Moreover, the long‐range interaction is analyzed and compared for the different interacting partners. It is found that theC8dispersion interaction plays a nonnegligible role and that the induction component is only important for a detailed description of the highest order anisotropy terms in the spherical harmonics expansion of the long‐range potential. It is also found that the total long‐range interaction is quite similar in O2O2and O2N2, and that differences with N2N2are mainly because of the important role of the electrostatic interaction in that dimer. Comparison with high level supermolecular calculations indicates that the present long‐range potentials are accurate for intermolecular distances larger than about 15 bohr. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Fast RPLC analysis of pharmaceutical compounds at intermediate temperatures by using a conventional instrument
Authors: Gotta Javier , Grisales Jaiver Osorio , Reta Mario R. , Castells Cecilia B.
Published: July 2010

Recent developments in HPLC methods have focused on various strategies in order to increase the speed of analysis. One area of impressive growing is column technology. Today, analytical methods that propose the use of short columns packed with sub‐2 μm particles installed in ultra high‐pressure LC instruments are not uncommon. Another strategy consisted of heating thermally resistant columns to temperatures well above of 100°C in order to reduce eluent viscosities and, therefore, column backpressure. We discuss experimental conditions for achieving high‐throughput analysis using standard instruments with a few simple modifications. The chromatographic performance of two particulated and a silica‐based monolithic column operated at moderate temperatures and flow rates are compared. The monolithic column proved to be stable over several thousands column volumes at 60°C. More important, its resistance to mass transfer at this temperature was significantly reduced. Very fast separations of two different mixtures of pharmaceutical compounds, anti‐inflammatory drugs and β‐blockers, were achieved with the three columns at 60°C by using ACN/buffer at 5 mL/min. Excellent peak shapes of basic solutes and quite reasonable resolutions were achieved in very short analysis times with columns operated at temperatures moderately higher than the usual room temperature.
In‐situ‐Synthetized Silver/Epoxy Nanocomposites: Electrical Characterization by Means of Dielectric Spectroscopy
Authors: Vescovo Lorenzo , Sangermano Marco , Scarazzini Riccardo , Kortaberria Galder , Mondragon Inaki
Published: July 2010

In situ synthesis of silver/epoxy nanocomposites was achieved by UV‐induced polymerization through a simultaneous photoinduced electron transfer and cationic polymerization processes. The FESEM morphological investigation showed a uniform dispersion of silver nanoparticles within the polymeric matrix having narrow size distribution between 15 and 20 nm. The evolution of dielectric properties with frequency and NP content seem to indicate that the nanocomposites of this study remain below the percolation threshold. The dielectric spectroscopy results are in good agreement with the morphological investigation, which showed the absence of NPs percolative network.

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Chemical shift assignment and conformational analysis of monoalkylated acylguanidines
Authors: Kleinmaier Roland , Gschwind Ruth M.
Published: July 2010

Monoalkylated acylguanidines are important functional groups in many biologically active compounds and additionally applied in coordination chemistry. Yet a straightforward assignment of the individual NH chemical shifts and the acylguanidine conformations is still missing. Therefore, in this study, NMR spectroscopic approaches for the chemical and especially the conformational assignment of protonated monoalkylated acylguanidines are presented. While NOESY and 3JH, H scalar couplings cannot be applied successfully for the assignment of acylguanidines, 4JH, H scalar couplings in 1H,1H COSY spectra allow for an unambiguous chemical shift and conformational assignment. It is shown that these 4JH, H long‐range couplings between individual acylguanidinium NH resonances are observed solely across all‐trans (w) pathways. Already one cis orientation in the magnetisation transfer pathway leads to signal intensities below the actual detection limit and significantly lower than cross‐peaks from 2JNH, NH couplings or chemical exchange. However, it should be noted that also in the case of conformational exchange being fast on the NMR time scale, averaged cross‐peaks from all‐trans 4JH, H scalar couplings are detected, which may lead at first glance to an incomplete or even wrong conformational analysis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H‐HRMAS NMR study of smoked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Castejón David , Villa Palmira , Calvo Marta M. , Santa‐María Guillermo , Herraiz Marta , Herrera Antonio
Published: July 2010

High‐resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) NMR spectroscopic data of smoked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were fully assigned by combination of one‐ and two‐dimensional‐HRMAS experiments. Complete representative spectra, obtained after few minutes of analysis time, revealed a large number of minor and major compounds in the sample. The methodology is limited by the low sensitivity of NMR, and therefore HRMAS only enables the determination of the most relevant components. These were fatty acids (FAs), carbohydrates, nucleoside derivatives, osmolytes, amino acids, dipeptides and organic acids. For the first time, spectra were resolved sufficiently to allow semiquantitative determination in intact muscle of the highly polyunsaturated FA 22:6 ω‐3. Additionally, the feasibility of 1H‐HRMAS NMR metabolite profiling was tested to identify some bioactive compounds during storage. This profiling was carried out by the non‐destructive and direct analysis (i.e. without requiring sample preparation and multiple step procedures) of intact salmon muscle. The proposed procedure can be applied to a large number of samples with high throughput due to the short time of analysis and quick evaluation of the data. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety of nerve conduction studies in patients with peripheral intravenous lines
Authors: Mellion Michelle L. , Buxton Alfred E. , Iyer Venkat , Almahameed Soufian , Lorvidhaya Peem , Gilchrist James M.
Published: July 2010

Nerve conduction studies (NCS) may be deferred because of a perceived risk of cardiac arrhythmia in the presence of same‐limb peripheral intravenous lines. Patients with implanted pacemakers or defibrillators provide a model in whom this risk can be assessed. Twenty patients, seven with pacemakers and 13 with defibrillators, had peripheral intravenous lines placed during routine care and underwent NCS in the same limb. NCS were performed with the intravenous line clamped and then with saline open to gravity. The implanted cardiac device was interrogated before and after the study. During NCS the surface electrocardiogram and intracardiac electrograms were monitored continuously. Electrical impulses generated during routine NCS were never detected by the sensing amplifiers of the pacemakers/defibrillators and did not affect the programmed settings or interfere with pacing of the device. Routine NCS are safe in patients with same‐limb peripheral intravenous lines, even with saline open to gravity. Muscle Nerve 42:189–191, 2010
Attitudes and beliefs of occupational therapists participating in a cultural competency workshop
Authors: Steed Robin
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to increase understanding of the subjective experience of 13 white, female occupational therapists in Louisiana as they participated in a 6‐hour workshop on cultural competency. The study employed a mixed method design using qualitative data, obtained from structured reflection questions, and quantitative data, obtained from two objective outcome measures. Three themes emerged from the qualitative data regarding the participants' conflicting attitudes towards African American clients. Therapists believed that: (1) healthcare disparities are not due to racial discrimination; (2) therapists should listen to and educate African American clients; and (3) racial bias and stress contribute to health issues in African American clients. Results from the two outcome measures, the Racial Argument Scale and the Racial Attitude Implicit Association Test, indicate that overall, the study participants held significantly negative attitudes towards African Americans which was not ameliorated by the intervention.

The small convenience sample in this study precludes generalization to a broader population, and further investigation into the attitudes of healthcare professionals in Louisiana is needed. Future instructional interventions should take into account the participants' developmental stage of cultural competence. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria proteome differences disclose functional specializations in skeletal muscle
Authors: Ferreira Rita , Vitorino Rui , Alves Renato M. P. , Appell Hans Joachim , Powers Scott K. , Duarte José Alberto , Amado Francisco
Published: July 2010

Skeletal muscle is a highly specialized tissue that contains two distinct mitochondria subpopulations, the subsarcolemmal (SS) and the intermyofibrillar (IMF) mitochondria. Although it is established that these mitochondrial subpopulations differ functionally in several ways, limited information exists about the proteomic differences underlying these functional differences. Therefore, the objective of this study was to biochemically characterize the SS and IMF mitochondria isolated from rat red gastrocnemius skeletal muscle. We separated the two mitochondrial subpopulations from skeletal muscle using a refined method that provides an excellent division of these unique mitochondrial subpopulations. Using proteomics of mitochondria and its subfractions (intermembrane space, matrix and inner membrane), a total of 325 distinct proteins were identified, most of which belong to the functional clusters of oxidative phosphorylation, metabolism and signal transduction. Although more gel spots were observed in SS mitochondria, 38 of the identified proteins were differentially expressed between the SS and IMF subpopulations. Compared to the SS mitochondrial, IMF mitochondria expressed a higher level of proteins associated with oxidative phosphorylation. This observation, coupled with the finding of a higher respiratory chain complex activity in IMF mitochondria, suggests a specialization of IMF mitochondria toward energy production for contractile activity.
Fabrication and Characterisation of Amine‐Rich Organic Thin Films: Focus on Stability
Authors: Ruiz Juan‐Carlos , St‐Georges‐Robillard Amélie , Thérésy Charles , Lerouge Sophie , Wertheimer Michael R.
Published: July 2010

Thin films, rich in primary amines (CNH2), were deposited from nitrogen (N2) or ammonia (NH3) and ethylene (C2H4) with different gas mixture ratios, R, using three different methods: atmospheric‐pressure‐ or low‐pressure plasma polymerisation (PP), and vacuum‐ultraviolet photo‐polymerisation. They are designated H‐plasma‐polymerised ethylene (PPE):N, L‐PPE:N and ultraviolet‐polyethylene (UV‐PE):N, respectively. Of interest in cell‐culture and tissue engineering, all three coating‐types were examined with regard to stability in air and solubility in water, compared with other deposits in the literature that were obtained from single precursors such as allylamine (AA) or n‐heptylamine (HA), PP‐AA and PP‐HA, respectively. The three types of deposits, prepared using comparable R values, were characterised by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy and found to vary significantly among themselves in regard to their [N]‐ and [NH2] concentrations, and their chemical stabilities during long‐term exposures to air or aqueous solvents. UV‐PE:N and L‐PPE:N films were found to compare very favourably with their best PP‐AA and PP‐HA counterparts; we conclude that the additional important fabrication parameter (the gas mixture ratio, R) is a major asset for preparing stable NH2‐rich organic coatings with optimal properties.

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Effects of Relaxed Modulus on the Structure Integrity of NEPE Propellant Grains during High Temperature Aging
Authors: Sui Xin , Wang Ningfei , Wan Qian , Bi Shihua
Published: July 2010

The nitrate ester plasticized polyether (NEPE) propellants were accelerated aged at 65, 70, and 75 °C, respectively. The dynamic mechanical properties of NEPE propellants were determined with the dynamic mechanical analysis method. The strength limit of NEPE propellants was tested by the uniaxial tension test. The relaxed modulus and strength limit both decreased. By calculating the structural integrity of NEPE grain, the effects of modulus changes on the structure integrity were analyzed. The results provide a reference for the life prediction of solid rocket motor containing an NEPE propellant.
Towards automatic computer‐aided knee surgery by innovative methods for processing the femur surface model
Authors: Cerveri Pietro , Marchente Mario , Bartels Ward , Corten Kristoff , Simon Jean‐Pierre , Manzotti Alfonso
Published: July 2010

Background

The femoral shaft (FDA) and transepicondylar (TA), anterior–posterior (WL) and posterior condylar (PCL) axes are fundamental quantities in planning knee arthroplasty surgery. As an alternative to the TA, we introduce the anatomical flexion axis (AFA). Obtaining such axes from image data without any manual supervision remains a practical objective. We propose a novel method that automatically computes the axes of the distal femur by processing the femur mesh surface.

Methods

Surface data were processed by exploiting specific geometric, anatomical and functional properties. Robust ellipse fitting of the two‐dimensional (2D) condylar profiles was utilized to determine the AFA alternative to the TA. The repeatability of the method was tested upon 20 femur surfaces reconstructed from CT scans taken on cadavers.

Results

At the highest surface resolutions, the relative median error in the direction of the FDA, AFA, PCL, WL and TA was < 0.50°, 1.20°, 1.0°, 1.30° and 1.50°, respectively. As expected, at the lowest surface resolution, the repeatability decreased to 1.20°, 2.70°, 3.30°, 3.0° and 4.70°, respectively. The computed directions of the FDA, PCL, WL and TA were in agreement (0.60°, 1.55°, 1.90°, 2.40°) with the corresponding reference parameters manually identified in the original CT images by medical experts and with the literature.

Conclusions

The proposed method proved that: (a) the AFA can be robustly computed by a geometrical analysis of the posterior profiles of the two condyles and can be considered a useful alternative to the TA; (b) higher surface resolutions leads to higher repeatability of all computed quantities; (c) the TA is less repeatable than the other axes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytomegalovirus seroconversion rates and risk factors: implications for congenital CMV
Authors: Hyde Terri B. , Schmid D. Scott , Cannon Michael J.
Published: July 2010

Congenital CMV infection is caused by in utero mother‐to‐fetus transmission and is a leading cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities. The highest risk of disability is to children born to women who have a primary infection during pregnancy, which can be detected by measuring seroconversion. We reviewed studies that reported rates of CMV seroconversion in different populations. Among pregnant women, annual seroconversion rates typically ranged from 1 to 7% (summary annual rate = 2.3%, 95% CI = 2.1–2.4%). Healthcare workers, including those caring for infants and children, had seroconversion rates similar to pregnant women (summary annual rate = 2.3%, 95% CI = 1.9–2.9%). Among day‐care providers, seroconversion rates ranged from 0 to 12.5% (summary annual rate = 8.5%, 95% CI = 6.1–11.6%). Parents whose child was not shedding CMV were much less likely to seroconvert (summary annual rate = 2.1%, 95% CI = 0.3–6.8%) than were parents who had a child shedding CMV (summary annual rate = 24%, 95% CI = 18–30%). Nevertheless, over the course of a year, most parents exposed to a CMV‐shedding child do not become infected. Other groups with elevated risk included families with a CMV‐shedding member, female minority adolescents and women attending sexually transmitted disease clinics. The relatively low rate of CMV seroconversion in most populations is encouraging for behavioural interventions and for vaccine strategies attempting to prevent infection during pregnancy. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a fish‐based index of biotic integrity (FIBI) for monitoring riverine ecosystems in the Lake Victoria drainage Basin, Kenya
Authors: Raburu P. O. , Masese F. O.
Published: July 2010

The long term monitoring of aquatic ecosystems based on chemical analysis is expensive resulting in a lack of time series data for management purposes thus necessitating the need for new cost effective methodologies. This study developed a fish‐based index of biotic integrity (FIBI) for monitoring environmental conditions in riverine ecosystems within the Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya. The fish fauna in the basin is poorly studied, less diverse and ecologically specialized than the temperate fauna that provided the origins of the Index of Biotic Integrity. Fish samples were collected by electrofishing from 24 sites during baseflow periods in February, March and July 2004. Validation data were collected from 7 sites with varying levels of degradation. Fish samples were identified, counted and grouped into different trophic groups, relative tolerance to pollution, habitat guild and whether exotic or native to riverine environment. Thirty‐three candidate metrics were evaluated for responsiveness to habitat quality and twelve were selected for inclusion in the final index. The index classified 6 of the 7 validation sites according to their levels of degradation. As a bioassessment tool, the index was useful in laying the basis for long‐term monitoring of rivers in the Lake Victoria drainage basin. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visualizing and assessing discrimination in the logistic regression model
Authors: Royston Patrick , Altman Douglas G.
Published: July 2010

Logistic regression models are widely used in medicine for predicting patient outcome (prognosis) and constructing diagnostic tests (diagnosis). Multivariable logistic models yield an (approximately) continuous risk score, a transformation of which gives the estimated event probability for an individual. A key aspect of model performance is discrimination, that is, the model's ability to distinguish between patients who have (or will have) an event of interest and those who do not (or will not). Graphical aids are important in understanding a logistic model. The receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve is familiar, but not necessarily easy to interpret. We advocate a simple graphic that provides further insight into discrimination, namely a histogram or dot plot of the risk score in the outcome groups. The most popular performance measure for the logistic model is the c‐index, numerically equivalent to the area under the ROC curve. We discuss the comparative merits of the c‐index and the (standardized) mean difference in risk score between the outcome groups. The latter statistic, sometimes known generically as the effect size, has been computed in slightly different ways by several different authors, including Glass, Cohen and Hedges. An alternative measure is the overlap between the distributions in the outcome groups, defined as the area under the minimum of the two density functions. The larger the overlap, the weaker the discrimination. Under certain assumptions about the distribution of the risk score, the c‐index, effect size and overlap are functionally related. We illustrate the ideas with simulated and real data sets. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
General job performance of first‐line supervisors: the role of conscientiousness in determining its effects on subordinate exhaustion
Authors: Perry Sara Jansen , Rubino Cristina , Witt L. A.
Published: July 2010

In an integrated test of the job demands–resources model and trait activation theory, we predicted that the general job performance of employees who also hold supervisory roles may act as a demand to subordinates, depending on levels of subordinate conscientiousness. In a sample of 313 customer service call centre employees, we found that high‐conscientiousness individuals were more likely to experience emotional exhaustion, and low‐conscientiousness individuals were less likely as the general job performance of their supervisor improved. The results were curvilinear, such that high‐conscientiousness individuals' exhaustion levelled off with very high supervisor performance (two standard deviations above the mean), and low‐conscientiousness individuals' exhaustion levelled off as supervisor performance improved from moderate to high. These findings suggest high‐conscientiousness employees may efficiently handle demands presented by a low‐performing coworker who is their boss, but when performance expectations are high (i.e. high‐performing boss), these achievement‐oriented employees may direct their resources (i.e. energy and time) towards performance‐related efforts at the expense of their well‐being. Conversely, low‐conscientiousness employees suffer when paired with a low‐performing boss, but benefit from a supervisor who demonstrates at least moderate job performance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of morphologically dominant follicles is associated with fewer metabolic disturbances in amenorrheic women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Lujan M. E. , Kepley A. L. , Chizen D. R. , Lehotay D. C. , Pierson R. A.
Published: July 2010

Objectives

To determine if amenorrheic women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) demonstrate ultrasonographically detectable changes in follicle population.

Methods

Sixteen women with PCOS reporting the absence of menses for more than 3 months were enrolled in the study. Subjects had a physical examination, fasting blood tests and two transvaginal ultrasound scans spaced 1 month apart. In cases where evidence of a morphologically dominant follicle (≥ 10 mm in diameter) occurred, subsequent ultrasound scans were performed to determine the fate of the dominant follicle. Differences in total follicle population, maximum follicle diameter and clinical, hormonal and metabolic features were determined.

Results

Forty‐four percent of subjects showed changes in follicle population of 6–10 follicles and 37% showed changes in follicle population of > 10. Maximum follicle diameters ranged between 5.4 and 33.0 mm. Four subjects demonstrated follicle diameters ≥ 10 mm. Of those who developed dominant follicles, two subjects ovulated, one subject developed a persistent anovulatory follicle and the dominant follicle regressed in the remaining subject. Diagnostic criteria for PCOS were similar among women that did or did not develop dominant follicles (menstrual cycle length, P = 0.880; hirsutism score, P = 0.809; free androgen index, P = 0.991; total follicle count, P = 0.199). However, lower glycosylated hemoglobin (P = 0.047) and insulin levels (P = 0.049) and better insulin sensitivity (P = 0.048) were noted in women who attained dominant follicles.

Conclusion

Amenorrheic women with PCOS demonstrate changes in follicle population that are consistent with active follicle growth and regression despite prolonged periods of anovulation. Morphologic selection occurs in amenorrheic women and attainment of dominant follicles is associated with improved metabolic status. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of nano‐size SiO2 additive on the thermal behavior of cyanoacrylate nanocomposite
Authors: Yaghmaei Amir , Torbati Mehrdad Kashefi , Zebarjad Seyyed Mojtaba
Published: July 2010

Nowadays, solvent‐free, one‐part cyanoacrylate adhesive is widely used in medicine and dentistry. According to a literature survey done by the authors, there are few papers concentrated on the role of nano‐sized particles on the thermal behavior of cyanoacrylate glue. Thus the main goal of the current research focused on clarifying the role of nano‐sized SiO2 on the thermal behavior of cyanoacrylate. Thermal behavior of all materials including cyanoacrylate and its nanocomposites was studied by using Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) methods. The results of DSC analysis showed that an increase in the amount of nano‐sized SiO2 results in decreases in the duration of cyanoacrylate curing, energy release during polymerization, and incubation time of polymerization. Furthermore, the results of TGA tests illustrated that the weight loss of cyanoacrylate strongly depends on the contents of both caffeine and SiO2. In fact, an increase in nano‐sized SiO2 content increases the degradation temperature of cyanoacrylate. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Current Outcomes of Simultaneous Carotid Endarterectomy and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in North America
Authors: Prasad Sunil M. , Li Shuang , Rankin J. Scott , O’Brien Sean M. , Gammie James S. , Puskas John D. , Shahian David M. , Chedrawy Edgar G. , Massad Malek G.
Published: July 2010

Objective

Management of patients with concomitant carotid and coronary artery disease has been controversial. Divergent strategies have been employed, including simultaneous carotid endarterectomy and coronary bypass (SCC) versus various staged procedures. Although no strict comparison group is available, this study defines current outcomes of SCC, compared qualitatively to two reference categories.

Methods

Utilizing the STS database from 2003 to 2007, patients who had SCC were compared with patients with cerebrovascular disease who had coronary bypass (CABG) with prior carotid endarterectomy (CEA), and those with carotid Doppler stenosis >75% and no carotid intervention. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for differences in baseline characteristics and operative mortality (OM), and a composite of neurological complications (NC) was assessed.

Results

Of 745,769 patients who underwent isolated CABG with/without CEA, 108,212 (14 %) had cerebrovascular disease. Of this group, 5,732 (5%) underwent SCC. The SCC group had more males and lower preoperative risk factors. After statistical adjustment for all baseline differences, SCC had clinically and statistically higher OM and NC compared with any of the reference groups, with 20–40% higher event risk.

Conclusions

Although no quantitative control group exists for comparison, SCC as recently performed in North America has a high risk compared with any of the reference groups. Suboptimal results associated with the SCC strategy suggest a need for quality improvement and research on the optimal management of patients with simultaneous carotid and coronary disease.
Sugar intake and dental decay: results from a national survey of children in Scotland
Authors: Masson Lindsey F. , Blackburn Alison , Sheehy Christine , Craig Leone C. A. , Macdiarmid Jennie I. , Holmes Bridget A. , McNeill Geraldine
Published: July 2010

The aim of this analysis was to investigate the strength of the association between sugar intake and treatment for dental decay in children in Scotland, and the impact of tooth brushing frequency on this association. The Survey of Sugar Intake among Children in Scotland was carried out in 2006 in those aged 3–17 years. Diet was assessed using the Scottish Collaborative Group FFQ, and interviews were carried out by trained fieldworkers who asked about dental health. A total of 1700 interviews were carried out, and 1512 FFQ were returned. Of the children, 56 % had received treatment for decay (fillings or teeth removed due to decay). Intake of non-milk extrinsic sugars (NMES), but not total sugar, increased the risk of having had treatment for decay: adjusted OR 1·84 (95 % CI 1·28, 2·64) for the highest ( ≥ 20·0 % food energy)v. lowest ( ≤ 14·8 % food energy) tertile of NMES intake. This raised risk remained in children who reported brushing their teeth at least twice a day. Compared with children who reported brushing their teeth at least twice a day and were in the lowest tertile of NMES intake, children who reported brushing their teeth once a day or less and were in the highest tertile of NMES intake were over three times more likely to have received treatment for decay (adjusted OR 3·39, 95 % CI 1·97, 5·82). In order to improve dental health in children in Scotland, dental health strategies must continue to stress the importance of both reduced NMES intake and good oral hygiene.
Class, Culture, and State: An Analysis of Interest Representation by Two Turkish Business Associations
Authors: Buğra Ayşe
Published: July 2010

This article presents a comparative analysis of the social role of two voluntary associations of Turkish businessmen: TUSIAD (The Association of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen) and MUSIAD (The Association of Independent Industrialists and Businessmen). These associations are approached both as mechanisms of interest representation and as agents of two different class strategies. Hence, the article highlights two types of organizational activities that accompany interest articulation and representation: first, the activities which seek to bind the “bearers of interest” or “members of class” into coherent communities, and second, those aimed at the promotion of particular macro-level social projects.
Feigning Weakness
Authors: Slantchev Branislav L.
Published: July 2010

In typical crisis bargaining models, strong actors must convince the opponent that they are not bluffing and the only way to do so is through costly signaling. However, in a war, strong actors can benefit from tactical surprise when their opponent mistakenly believes that they are weak. This creates contradictory incentives during the pre-war crisis: actors want to persuade the opponent of their strength to gain a better deal but, should war break out, they would rather have the opponent believe they are weak. I present an ultimatum crisis bargaining model that incorporates this dilemma and show that a strong actor may feign weakness during the bargaining phase. This implies that (1) absence of a costly signal is not an unambiguous revelation of weakness, (2) the problem of uncertainty is worse because the only actor with incentives to overcome it may be unwilling to do so, and (3) because of the difficulty with concealing resolve, democracies might be seriously disadvantaged in a crisis.
Transgovernmental Networks and Domestic Policy Convergence: Evidence from Insider Trading Regulation
Authors: Bach David , Newman Abraham L.
Published: July 2010

Cross-border cooperation among domestic regulators and public officials has become a defining feature of global governance. While a number of studies have tracked the emergence and institutionalization of such transgovernmental networks, less is known about their effect on domestic policy. This study explores this link for the important case of insider-trading regulation in original data for 116 countries between 1977 and 2006. It offers quantitative evidence that transgovernmental cooperation is related to domestic policy convergence but that the relationship is more complex than often assumed. Direct ties to powerful regulators increases a jurisdiction's likelihood of adopting internationally promoted policies such as insider-trading rules. Separately, membership in the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), a forum designed to diffuse best practices among regulators, increases a jurisdiction's likelihood of subsequently enforcing newly adopted policies. The findings in this study suggest that different network components are associated with distinct aspects of domestic policy convergence. The results are directly relevant for current public policy debates about the reregulation of global financial markets as transgovernmental networks among domestic regulators have assumed a critical role.