bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA and Other Strands: The Making of a Human Geneticist
Authors: Rosenberg Leon E.
Published: January 2014

This article—a mini-memoir—focuses on the first half of my half-century-long career as a human geneticist: its accidental beginnings; its early bad and then good fortunes at the National Institutes of Health; its serendipitous successes and career-making scientific productivity at Yale; and its incalculable fortuity in the form of the large number of talented and resourceful mentors, colleagues, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and technicians who worked with me. These years acted as a launchpad for positions of visibility and leadership that followed them. My personal odyssey, which began in Madison, Wisconsin, and meandered with no fixed plan to New York, Bethesda, New Haven, and Princeton, has offered me life views as a human and medical geneticist that are panoramic, splendid, and indelible. I doubt that many people have been as fortunate as I have been in the professional life I have lived—and continue to live.
Talent Management: Conceptual Approaches and Practical Challenges
Authors: Cappelli Peter , Keller JR
Published: January 2014

The challenges associated with managing talent in modern labor markets are a constant source of discussion among academics and practitioners, but the literature on the subject is sparse and has grown somewhat haphazardly. We provide an overview of the literature on talent management—a body of work that spans multiple disciplines—as well as a clear statement as to what defines talent management. The new themes in contemporary talent management focus on (a) the challenge of open labor markets, including issues of retention as well as the general challenge of managing uncertainty, (b) new models for moving employees across jobs within the same organization, and (c) strategic jobs for which investments in talent likely show the greatest return. We review the conceptual and practical literature on these topics, outline the evolution of talent management over time, and present new topics for future research.
Employee Voice and Silence
Authors: Morrison Elizabeth W.
Published: January 2014

When employees voluntarily communicate suggestions, concerns, information about problems, or work-related opinions to someone in a higher organizational position, they are engaging in upward voice. When they withhold such input, they are displaying silence and depriving their organization of potentially useful information. In this article, I review the current state of knowledge about the factors and motivational processes that affect whether employees engage in upward voice or remain silent when they have concerns or relevant information to share. I also review the research findings on the organizational and individual effects of employee voice and silence. After presenting an integrated model of antecedents and outcomes, I offer some potentially fruitful questions for future research.
Biological Diversity and Public Health
Authors: Bernstein Aaron S.
Published: January 2014

In the wake of a species extinction event unprecedented in human history, how the variety, distribution, and abundance of life on earth may influence health has gained credence as a worthy subject for research and study at schools of public health and for consideration among policy makers. This article reviews a few of the principal ways in which health depends on biodiversity, including the discovery of new medicines, biomedical research, the provision of food, and the distribution and spread of infections. It also examines how changes in biological diversity underlie much of the global burden of disease and how a more thorough understanding of life on earth and its relationships has the potential to greatly alleviate and prevent human suffering.
Community Health Workers in Low-, Middle-, and High-Income Countries: An Overview of Their History, Recent Evolution, and Current Effectiveness
Authors: Perry Henry B. , Zulliger Rose , Rogers Michael M.
Published: January 2014

Over the past half-century, community health workers (CHWs) have been a growing force for extending health care and improving the health of populations. Following their introduction in the 1970s, many large-scale CHW programs declined during the 1980s, but CHW programs throughout the world more recently have seen marked growth. Research and evaluations conducted predominantly during the past two decades offer compelling evidence that CHWs are critical for helping health systems achieve their potential, regardless of a country's level of development. In low-income countries, CHWs can make major improvements in health priority areas, including reducing childhood undernutrition, improving maternal and child health, expanding access to family-planning services, and contributing to the control of HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis infections. In many middle-income countries, most notably Brazil, CHWs are key members of the health team and essential for the provision of primary health care and health promotion. In the United States, evidence indicates that CHWs can contribute to reducing the disease burden by participating in the management of hypertension, in the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors, in diabetes control, in the management of HIV infection, and in cancer screening, particularly with hard-to-reach subpopulations. This review highlights the history of CHW programs around the world and their growing importance in achieving health for all.
Nature and Health
Authors: Hartig Terry , Mitchell Richard , de Vries Sjerp , Frumkin Howard
Published: January 2014

Urbanization, resource exploitation, and lifestyle changes have diminished possibilities for human contact with nature in many societies. Concern about the loss has helped motivate research on the health benefits of contact with nature. Reviewing that research here, we focus on nature as represented by aspects of the physical environment relevant to planning, design, and policy measures that serve broad segments of urbanized societies. We discuss difficulties in defining “nature” and reasons for the current expansion of the research field, and we assess available reviews. We then consider research on pathways between nature and health involving air quality, physical activity, social cohesion, and stress reduction. Finally, we discuss methodological issues and priorities for future research. The extant research does describe an array of benefits of contact with nature, and evidence regarding some benefits is strong; however, some findings indicate caution is needed in applying beliefs about those benefits, and substantial gaps in knowledge remain. [ Erratum ]
Evaluation of Systems-Oriented Public Health Interventions: Alternative Research Designs
Authors: Sanson-Fisher Robert W. , D'Este Catherine A. , Carey Mariko L. , Noble Natasha , Paul Christine L.
Published: January 2014

The need to provide sound evidence of the costs and benefits of real-world public health interventions has driven advances in the development and analysis of designs other than the controlled trial in which individuals are randomized to an experimental condition. Attention to methodological quality is of critical importance to ensure that any evaluation can accurately answer three fundamental questions: (a) Has a change occurred, (b) did the change occur as a result of the intervention, and (c) is the degree of change significant? A range of alternatives to the individual randomized controlled trial (RCT) can be used for evaluating such interventions, including the cluster RCT, stepped wedge design, interrupted time series, multiple baseline, and controlled prepost designs. The key features and complexities associated with each of these designs are explored.
Peer Support in Health Care and Prevention: Cultural, Organizational, and Dissemination Issues
Authors: Fisher Edwin B. , Coufal Muchieh Maggy , Parada Humberto , Robinette Jennifer B. , Tang Patrick Y. , Urlaub Diana M. , Castillo Claudia , Guzman-Corrales Laura M. , Hino Sayaka , Hunter Jaimie , Katz Ariana W. , Symes Yael R. , Worley Heidi P. , Xu Cuirong
Published: January 2014

As reviewed in the article by Perry and colleagues (2014) in this volume, ample evidence has documented the contributions of peer support (PS) to health, health care, and prevention. Building on that foundation, this article discusses characteristics, contexts, and dissemination of PS, including (a) fundamental aspects of the social support that is often central to it; (b) cultural influences and ways PS can be tailored to specific groups; (c) key features of PS and the importance of ongoing support and backup of peer supporters and other factors related to its success; (d) directions in which PS can be expanded beyond prevention and chronic disease management, such as in mental health or interventions to prevent rehospitalization; (e) other opportunities through the US Affordable Care Act, such as through patient-centered medical homes and chronic health homes; and (f) organizational and policy issues that will govern its dissemination. All these demonstrate the extent to which PS needs to reflect its contexts—intended audience, health problems, organizational and cultural settings—and, thus, the importance of dissemination policies that lead to flexible response to contexts rather than constraint by overly prescriptive guidelines.
Improving Adolescent Health Policy: Incorporating a Framework for Assessing State-Level Policies
Authors: Brindis Claire D. , Moore Kristin
Published: January 2014

Many US policies that affect health are made at the state, not the federal, level. Identifying state-level policies and data to analyze how different policies affect outcomes may help policy makers ascertain the usefulness of their public policies and funding decisions in improving the health of adolescent populations. A framework for describing and assessing the role of federal and state policies on adolescent health and well-being is proposed; an example of how the framework might be applied to the issue of teen childbearing is included. Such a framework can also help inform analyses of whether and how state and federal policies contribute to the variation across states in meeting adolescent health needs. A database on state policies, contextual variables, and health outcomes data can further enable researchers and policy makers to examine how these factors are associated with behaviors they aim to impact.
HAVCR/KIM-1 Activates the IL-6/STAT-3 Pathway in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and Determines Tumor Progression and Patient Outcome
Authors: Cuadros Thaïs , Trilla Enric , Sarró Eduard , Vilà Maya R. , Vilardell Jordi , de Torres Inés , Salcedo Mayte , López-Hellin Joan , Sánchez Alex , Ramón y Cajal Santiago , Itarte Emilio , Morote Juan , Meseguer Anna
Published: January 2014

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the third most prevalent urological cancer, claims more than 100,000 lives/year worldwide. The clear cell variant (ccRCC) is the most common and aggressive subtype of this disease. While commonly asymptomatic, more than 30% of ccRCC are diagnosed when already metastatic, resulting in a 95% mortality rate. Notably, nearly one-third of organ-confined cancers treated by nephrectomy develop metastasis during follow-up care. At present, diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to screen, diagnose, and monitor renal cancers are clearly needed. The gene encoding the cell surface molecule HAVCR1/KIM-1 is a suggested susceptibility gene for ccRCC and ectodomain shedding of this molecule may be a predictive biomarker of tumor progression. Microarray analysis of 769-P ccRCC-derived cells where HAVCR/KIM-1 levels have been upregulated or silenced revealed relevant HAVCR/KIM-1–related targets, some of which were further analyzed in a cohort of 98 ccRCC patients with 100 month follow-up. We found that HAVCR/KIM-1 activates the IL-6/STAT-3/HIF-1A axis in ccRCC-derived cell lines, which depends on HAVCR/KIM-1 shedding. Moreover, we found that pSTAT-3 S727 levels represented an independent prognostic factor for ccRCC patients. Our results suggest that HAVCR/KIM-1 upregulation in tumors might represent a novel mechanism to activate tumor growth and angiogenesis and that pSTAT-3 S727 is an independent prognostic factor for ccRCC. Cancer Res; 74(5); 1416–28. ©2014 AACR.
The Transcriptional Regulatory Network of Proneural Glioma Determines the Genetic Alterations Selected during Tumor Progression
Authors: Sonabend Adam M. , Bansal Mukesh , Guarnieri Paolo , Lei Liang , Amendolara Benjamin , Soderquist Craig , Leung Richard , Yun Jonathan , Kennedy Benjamin , Sisti Julia , Bruce Samuel , Bruce Rachel , Shakya Reena , Ludwig Thomas , Rosenfeld Steven , Sims Peter A. , Bruce Jeffrey N. , Califano Andrea , Canoll Peter
Published: January 2014

Proneural glioblastoma is defined by an expression pattern resembling that of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and carries a distinctive set of genetic alterations. Whether there is a functional relationship between the proneural phenotype and the associated genetic alterations is unknown. To evaluate this possible relationship, we performed a longitudinal molecular characterization of tumor progression in a mouse model of proneural glioma. In this setting, the tumors acquired remarkably consistent genetic deletions at late stages of progression, similar to those deleted in human proneural glioblastoma. Further investigations revealed that p53 is a master regulator of the transcriptional network underlying the proneural phenotype. This p53-centric transcriptional network and its associated phenotype were observed at both the early and late stages of progression, and preceded the proneural-specific deletions. Remarkably, deletion of p53 at the time of tumor initiation obviated the acquisition of later deletions, establishing a link between the proneural transcriptional network and the subtype-specific deletions selected during glioma progression. Cancer Res; 74(5); 1440–51. ©2014 AACR.
Combinatorial Immunotherapy of Polyinosinic–Polycytidylic Acid and Blockade of Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Induce Effective CD8 T-cell Responses against Established Tumors
Authors: Nagato Toshihiro , Lee Young-Ran , Harabuchi Yasuaki , Celis Esteban
Published: January 2014

Purpose: Epitope-based cancer vaccines capable of inducing CD8 T-cell responses to tumor-associated antigens (TAA) expressed by tumor cells have been considered as attractive alternatives for the treatment of some types of cancer. However, reliable TAAs have not been identified for most malignant diseases, limiting the development of epitope-based vaccines. Herein, we report that the combinatorial therapy of polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid (poly-IC) and antiprogrammed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibody (mAb) can be implemented with good results for tumors where no known TAAs have been identified.

Experimental Design: Three cancer mouse models (melanoma, lung, and colon) were used to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and examine the immunologic mechanisms of the poly-IC/anti–PD-L1 mAb therapy.

Results: The combined administration of poly-IC and anti–PD-L1 mAb into tumor-bearing mice generated potent immune responses resulting in the complete eradication or remarkable reduction of tumor growth. In some instances, the poly-IC/anti–PD-L1 mAb therapy induced long-lasting protection against tumor rechallenges. The results indicate that CD8 T cells but not CD4 T cells or NK cells mediated the therapeutic efficacy of this combinatorial therapy. Experiments using genetically deficient mice indicate that the therapeutic efficacy of this combinatorial therapy depended in part by the participation of type-I IFN, whereas IFN-γ did not seem to play a major role.

Conclusions: The overall results suggest that immunotherapy consisting of the combination of poly-IC/anti–PD-L1 mAb could be a promising new approach for treating patients with cancer, especially those instances where no reliable TAAs are available as a therapeutic vaccine. Clin Cancer Res; 20(5); 1223–34. ©2014 AACR.
Kinesin Family Deregulation Coordinated by Bromodomain Protein ANCCA and Histone Methyltransferase MLL for Breast Cancer Cell Growth, Survival, and Tamoxifen Resistance
Authors: Zou June X. , Duan Zhijian , Wang Junjian , Sokolov Alex , Xu Jianzhen , Chen Christopher Z. , Li Jian Jian , Chen Hong-Wu
Published: January 2014

Kinesins are a superfamily of motor proteins and often deregulated in different cancers. However, the mechanism of their deregulation has been poorly understood. Through examining kinesin gene family expression in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells, we found that estrogen stimulation of cancer cell proliferation involves a concerted regulation of specific kinesins. Estrogen strongly induces expression of 19 kinesin genes such as Kif4A/4B, Kif5A/5B, Kif10, Kif11, Kif15, Kif18A/18B, Kif20A/20B, Kif21, Kif23, Kif24, Kif25, and KifC1, whereas suppresses the expression of seven others, including Kif1A, Kif1C, Kif7, and KifC3. Interestingly, the bromodomain protein ANCCA/ATAD2, previously shown to be an estrogen-induced chromatin regulator, plays a crucial role in the up- and downregulation of kinesins by estrogen. Its overexpression drives estrogen-independent upregulation of specific kinesins. Mechanistically, ANCCA (AAA nuclear coregulator cancer associated) mediates E2-dependent recruitment of E2F and MLL1 histone methyltransferase at kinesin gene promoters for gene activation–associated H3K4me3 methylation. Importantly, elevated levels of Kif4A, Kif15, Kif20A, and Kif23 correlate with that of ANCCA in the tumors and with poor relapse-free survival of patients with ER-positive breast cancer. Their knockdown strongly impeded proliferation and induced apoptosis of both tamoxifen-sensitive and resistant cancer cells. Together, the study reveals ANCCA as a key mediator of kinesin family deregulation in breast cancer and the crucial role of multiple kinesins in growth and survival of the tumor cells.

Implications: These findings support the development of novel inhibitors of cancer-associated kinesins and their regulator ANCCA for effective treatment of cancers including tamoxifen-resistant breast cancers. Mol Cancer Res; 12(4); 539–49. ©2014 AACR.
Angiotensin 1–7 Ameliorates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy and Diastolic Dysfunction in
db/db
Mice by Reducing Lipotoxicity and Inflammation
Authors: Mori Jun , Patel Vaibhav B. , Abo Alrob Osama , Basu Ratnadeep , Altamimi Tariq , DesAulniers Jessica , Wagg Cory S. , Kassiri Zamaneh , Lopaschuk Gary D. , Oudit Gavin Y.
Published: January 2014

Background—

The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang 1–7)/MasR (Mas receptor) axis are emerging as a key pathway that can modulate the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. We studied the effects of Ang 1–7 on diabetic cardiomyopathy in
db/db
diabetic mice to elucidate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of action.

Methods and Results—

Ang 1–7 was administered to 5-month-old male
db/db
mice for 28 days via implanted micro-osmotic pumps. Ang 1–7 treatment ameliorated myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis with normalization of diastolic dysfunction assessed by pressure–volume loop analysis and echocardiography. The functional improvement by Ang 1–7 was accompanied by a reduction in myocardial lipid accumulation and systemic fat mass and inflammation and increased insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose oxidation. Increased myocardial protein kinase C levels and loss of phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 were prevented by Ang 1–7. Furthermore, Ang 1–7 treatment decreased cardiac triacylglycerol and ceramide levels in
db/db
mice, concomitantly with an increase in myocardial adipose triglyceride lipase expression. Changes in adipose triglyceride lipase expression correlated with increased SIRT1 (silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1) levels and deacetylation of FOXO1 (forkhead box O1).

Conclusions—

We identified a novel beneficial effect of Ang 1–7 on diabetic cardiomyopathy that involved a reduction in cardiac hypertrophy and lipotoxicity, adipose inflammation, and an upregulation of adipose triglyceride lipase. Ang 1–7 completely rescued the diastolic dysfunction in the
db/db
model. Ang 1–7 represents a promising therapy for diabetic cardiomyopathy associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The Effect of Salsalate Therapy on Endothelial Function in a Broad Range of Subjects
Authors: Nohria Anju , Kinlay Scott , Buck J. Stewart , Redline Whitney , Copeland‐Halperin Robert , Kim Sora , Beckman Joshua A.
Published: January 2014

Background

Inflammation is fundamental to the development of atherosclerosis. We examined the effect of anti‐inflammatory doses of salicylate on endothelium‐dependent vasodilation, a biomarker of cardiovascular risk, in a broad range of subjects.

Methods and Results

We performed a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover trial evaluating the effects of 4 weeks of high‐dose salsalate (disalicylate) therapy on endothelium‐dependent flow‐mediated and endothelium‐independent vasodilation. Fifty‐eight subjects, including 17 with metabolic syndrome, 13 with atherosclerosis, and 28 healthy controls, were studied. Among all subjects,
endothelium‐dependent flow‐mediated vasodilation
decreased after salsalate compared with placebo therapy (
P
=0.01), whereas nitroglycerin‐mediated, endothelium‐independent vasodilation was unchanged (
P
=0.97).
Endothelium‐dependent flow‐mediated vasodilation
after salsalate therapy was impaired compared with placebo therapy in subjects with therapeutic salicylate levels (n=31,
P
<0.02) but not in subjects with subtherapeutic levels (
P
>0.2).

Conclusions

Salsalate therapy, particularly when therapeutic salicylate levels are achieved, impairs endothelium‐dependent vasodilation in a broad range of subjects. These data raise concern about the possible deleterious effects of anti‐inflammatory doses of salsalate on cardiovascular risk.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique Identifiers: NCT00760019 and NCT00762827.
Ultrastructural Characterization of the Implant Interface Response to Loading
Authors: Zhang X. , Duyck J. , Vandamme K. , Naert I. , Carmeliet G.
Published: January 2014

Dynamic loading can affect the bone surrounding implants. For ultrastructural exploration of the peri-implant tissue response to dynamic loading, titanium implants were installed in rat tibiae, in which one implant was loaded while the contralateral served as the unloaded control. The loaded implants received stimulation either within 24 hrs after implantation (immediate loading) or after a 28-day healing period (delayed loading) for 4, 7, 14, 21, or 28 days. The samples were processed for histology and gene expression quantification. Compared with the unloaded control, bone-to-implant contact increased significantly by immediate loading for 28 days ( p < .05), but not in case of delayed loading. No effect of loading was observed on the bone formation in the implant thread areas, on the blood vessel area, and on endosteal callus formation. Loading during healing (immediate) for 7 days induced, relative to the unloaded control, a 2.3-fold increase of Runx2 in peri-implant cortical bone ( p < .01) without a change in the RANKL/Opg ratio. Loading after healing (delayed) for 7 days up-regulated Runx2 (4.3-fold, p < .01) as well as Opg (22.3-fold, p < .05) compared with the unloaded control, resulting in a significantly decreased RANKL/Opg ratio. These results indicate a stimulating effect of dynamic loading on implant osseointegration when applied during the healing phase. In addition, gene expression analyses revealed molecular adaptations favoring bone formation and, at the same time, affecting bone remodeling.
Effects of Interpretive Guiding Outcomes on Tourist Satisfaction and Behavioral Intention
Authors: Huang Songshan (Sam) , Weiler Betty , Assaker Guy
Published: January 2014

This study examined the effects of both cognitive and affective tour guide interpretation outcomes on tourist satisfaction and behavioral intention in a heritage tourism context. Data were collected via a survey of 282 inbound mainland Chinese tourists to Sovereign Hill, Ballarat, a heritage tourism site in Victoria, Australia. A hierarchical structural model was constructed based on a comprehensive literature review of tour guiding, interpretation, and tourist satisfaction and was tested applying partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results show that cognitive interpretation outcome has a greater impact on tourist satisfaction and sustaining visitor arrivals than affective interpretation outcome, whereas satisfaction with the guided tour experience directly affects behavioral intention and largely mediates the effect of cognitive interpretation outcome on behavioral intention. The study offers both theoretical insights in relation to interpretation and tourist satisfaction and practical implications for interpretive tour guiding.
Use of Piggyback Electrolytes for Patients Receiving Individually Prescribed vs Premixed Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Busch Rebecca A. , Curtis Caitlin S. , Leverson Glen E. , Kudsk Kenneth A.
Published: January 2014

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is available as individualized prescriptions frequently prepared with an automated compounding device or as commercially prepared premixed solutions. Our institution exclusively used individualized PN until an amino acid shortage forced a temporary switch to premixed solutions. In general, premixed solutions contain lower electrolyte levels than individualized formulations prescribed for patients with normal organ function. We aimed to quantify supplemental intravenous piggyback (IVPB) electrolyte use in adult patients receiving individualized and premixed PN and to quantify any effect on difference in the cost of therapy. Methods: We compared use of supplemental IVPB electrolytes administered to patients receiving PN during consecutive periods prior to and during the amino acid shortage. Electrolyte IVPBs tabulated were potassium chloride, 10 and 20 mEq; magnesium sulfate, 2 g and 4 g; potassium phosphate, 7.5 and 15 mmol; and sodium phosphate, 7.5 and 15 mmol IVPB. Results: There was no statistical difference in the number of PN formulations administered per day during each period (14.7 ± 3.9 vs 14.0 ± 2.6, individualized vs premixed, respectively). Total IVPB electrolytes prescribed per day increased significantly from the individualized PN period to the premixed PN period (7.03 ± 3.8 vs 13.8 ± 6.8; P < .0001). The additional IVPB electrolyte supplementation required in patients receiving premixed PN was associated with an additional $11,855.74 cost per 30 days of therapy compared with those who received individualized PN. Conclusion: Inpatient use of premixed PN results in a significant increase in IVPB electrolyte supplementation and cost compared with individualized PN use.
Of Scapegoats and Signals
Authors: Gangloff K. Ashley , Connelly Brian L. , Shook Christopher L.
Published: January 2014

If an organization’s management is caught in the act of misconduct, it may call for a changing of the guard. Surprisingly, though, there is little empirical evidence examining the presumed benefits of executive turnover in the aftermath of wrongdoing. In this study, we explore investor reactions to CEO turnover following financial misrepresentation. We theorize and find that firms can be successful at managing investor reactions to organizational misconduct by either scapegoating or signaling change, but middle-ground approaches that do not commit to one or the other are less successful. We test our ideas in a firm-level event study of market reactions to CEO successions following a material financial statement restatement. We discuss the results, which generally support our predictions, and their implications for development of the scapegoating and signaling literatures and research on both executive succession and restoring corrupt organizations.
A randomized, double-blind study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single-pill combination of telmisartan 80 mg/amlodipine 5 mg versus amlodipine 5 mg in hypertensive Asian patients
Authors: Zhu Dingliang , Gao Pingjin , Holtbruegge Werner , Huang Chenglei
Published: January 2014

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and safety of telmisartan 80 mg/amlodipine 5 mg (T80/A5) single-pill combination versus A5 in patients with essential hypertension not adequately controlled on A5 monotherapy.

Methods

Asian patients ≥18 years old, with inadequately controlled blood pressure (BP) at enrolment, who failed to achieve a seated diastolic BP (DBP) goal (≥90 mmHg) following 6-weeks’ open-label A5 treatment, were randomly allocated 1 : 1 to 8 weeks’ double-blind treatment with T80/A5 single-pill combination or A5.

Results

A total of 324 patients entered the double-blind treatment phase. The adjusted mean ± SE reduction in seated trough DBP from baseline to week 8 was significantly greater with T80/A5 (12.4 ± 1.0 mmHg) than A5 (10.2 ± 0.9 mmHg [primary endpoint, n = 314]). Results were similar in the subset of 262 Chinese patients. Treatment-related adverse events were 1.9% with T80/A5 and 2.4% with A5.

Conclusions

In Asian patients with hypertension, T80/A5 single-pill combination provided improved BP reduction after 8 weeks’ treatment compared with A5 monotherapy. Both treatments were well tolerated.
Development of an experimental model to study trigeminal nerve-mediated vasodilation on the human forehead
Authors: Ibrahimi K , Vermeersch S , Danser AHJ , Villalón CM , van den Meiracker AH , de Hoon J , MaassenVanDenBrink A
Published: January 2014

Background

During migraine, trigeminal sensory nerve terminals release calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), inducing nociception and vasodilation. Applied on the skin, capsaicin activates the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel and releases CGRP from sensory nerve terminals, thus increasing dermal blood flow (DBF). Using capsaicin application and electrical stimulation of the forehead skin, a trigeminal nerve-innervated dermatome, we aimed to develop a model to measure trigeminal nerve-mediated vasodilation in humans.

Methods

Using laser Doppler imaging, forehead DBF responses to application of capsaicin (0.06 mg/ml and 6.0 mg/ml) and saline, with and without iontophoresis, were studied in healthy subjects. The within-subject coefficient of variation (WCV) of repeated DBF measurements was calculated to assess reproducibility.

Results

Maximal DBF responses to 6.0 mg/ml capsaicin with and without iontophoresis did not differ (Emax 459 ± 32 and 424 ± 32 arbitrary units (a.u.), WCV 6 ± 4%). In contrast, DBF responses to 0.06 mg/ml capsaicin were significantly larger with than without iontophoresis (Emax 307 ± 60 versus 187 ± 21 a.u., WCV 21 ± 13%). Saline with iontophoresis significantly increased DBF (Emax: 245 ± 26 a.u, WCV 11 ± 8%), while saline application without iontophoresis did not affect DBF.

Conclusion

Topical application of capsaicin and electrical stimulation induce reproducible forehead DBF increases and therefore are suitable to study trigeminal nerve-mediated vasodilation in humans.
Chirp stimulation: H-response short and dynamic
Authors: Gantenbein Andreas R , Sandor Peter S , Goadsby Peter J , Kaube Holger
Published: January 2014

Background

Migraine patients have an increased photic-driving response. This ‘H-response’ (HR) has potential diagnostic value but it is time consuming.

Aim

The aim of the study was to establish a fast and standardized test for the study of migraine biology and treatment.

Methods

We studied 11 migraine patients and 11 matched control participants. We used stroboscope flashes with a ‘chirp’-like linear frequency-increase from 10 to 40 Hz. EEG was recorded from occipital electrodes. Power spectral density was calculated for the stimulus response and corrected for baseline. An HR-estimator was calculated as the average power between 18 and 26 Hz in the stimulation-frequency window.

Results

There was a significant difference for single ( p < 0.05) and for 10 averaged recordings ( p < 0.01) between migraineurs and controls, and a high inter-test reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94).

Conclusion

Chirp-like stimulation to study the H-response is reliable and efficient and might therefore have a potential for acute interventional studies in migraine research.
Promoting Community Wellbeing: The Case for Lifelong Learning for Older Adults
Authors: Merriam Sharan B. , Kee Youngwha
Published: January 2014

Community wellbeing is a function of many factors working in concert to promote an optimal quality of life for all members of a community. It is argued here that the promotion of lifelong learning among older adults can significantly contribute to community wellbeing. The aging society is a worldwide phenomenon presenting both opportunities and challenges to community wellbeing. Research suggests that the more active, healthier, and educated older adults are, the less drain they are on family and community resources and services. At the same time, active and healthy elders contribute to community wellbeing through their accumulated life experience, expertise, and service. The relationship between lifelong learning and community wellbeing is argued from a social capital perspective. This framework contends that formal, nonformal, and informal learning activities of older adults promote an active and engaged lifestyle that helps create and preserve community. Issues of access and opportunity are also addressed.
Transforming Schools Through Minority Males’ Participation
Authors: Gómez Aitor , Munte Ariadna , Sorde Teresa
Published: January 2014

Violent and racist behaviors are transforming schools into highly controversial sites. A key factor in this phenomenon, though not the only one, is the continued dominance of hegemonic masculinity. While researchers have considered a myriad of strategies to prevent violence, including community involvement, few have focused on the value of having male community members engage in the schools, especially males from minority backgrounds. Drawing from two longitudinal case studies conducted in elementary schools, this article explores the effects of such participation. The authors report on two major benefits: a reduction in the prevalence of cultural stereotypes related to males, and the development of spaces where bullying and other violence can be prevented.
Workplace Violence: An Extensive Issue for Nurses in Pakistan—
Authors: Shahzad Asif , Malik R. K.
Published: January 2014

The objective of the present study was to examine the incidences of violence during nurses’ careers and their impacts on their work life in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The current article highlights workplace violence toward nurses as a serious issue in Pakistan, which is almost an unexplored area as data are scarce. Individual interviews were conducted, applying a qualitative approach for getting the in-depth knowledge about the subject. Grounded theory method was used for data analysis and NVIVO-10 was used for information processing. Majority of the nurses experienced violence in the previous 6 months of their career. Nurses also confirmed that verbal abuse was witnessed and although experienced frequently, they did not report it, as they believed that reporting was useless and no action would be taken. Most nurses reported that due to violence, they experience stress, low work performance, low job satisfaction, high absenteeism, and high turnover intentions. The results illustrated a clear trend of an increasing number of violence incidents toward nurses. The findings of the present study possibly will assist hospital administration to manage and reduce violence at workplace.
The interlaminar shear strength and impact performance of polytetrafluoroethylene fiber-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate composites filled with silicon dioxide
Authors: Zhang Jianguo
Published: January 2014

The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composites enhanced by filled silicon dioxide (SiO2) is studied. The PMMA blends were prepared by combining the techniques of high-speed mechanical stirring. Experimental results showed that ILSS and impact properties of PMMA composites were improved. The largest improvement in ILSS and impact strength were obtained with 7 vol % loading of SiO2. ILSS and impact strength were improved by 15 and 50%, respectively, compared with the composite without SiO2. The fracture and surface morphologies of the composite specimens were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. This PTFE fiber-reinforced composite can be applied to bioengineering and fabrics.
Preparation and characterization of polypropylene composites with nonmetallic materials recycled from printed circuit boards
Authors: Xu Baofeng , Lin Zhidan , Xian Jiaming , Huo Zhanpeng , Cao Ling , Wang Yujing , Gaosun Wenbing , Mai Kancheng , Wang Yuhai
Published: January 2014

After separation of metals from printed circuit boards (PCBs), they are sent to recycling process; however, significant amounts of useless nonmetallic particles are also included. Recycling useful materials from used PCBs is a major challenging problem that must be solved in China renewable resource industries through harmless and feasible processes. In this article, a novel β-polypropylene (PP)/nonmetals composite was prepared and evaluated. The nonmetallic particles were treated with calcium pimelate (PA, a β-nucleating agent for PP) and then compounded with PP through melt blending method. The results show that when cooling and crystallizing from the melt, β-PP are formed because of the surface effects of PA. This observation is assumed as the source of good rigidity and toughness of prepared PP composites. In the composite containing 10 wt % nonmetallic particles treated with 5 wt % PA, the content of β-PP was found to be larger than 90% and the impact strength and flexural modulus of PP composite increased by 205.3 and 61.8%, respectively, compared with those of neat PP. Although the addition of PA-modified nonmetals slightly increased the tensile strength of PP, considering all factors, the optimal mass ratio of PP/nonmetals/PA composites to reach optimum mechanical properties was observed as 100/10/0.5. Thus, the application of treated nonmetals to prepare nonmetals/β-PP composites provides a promising way to recycle PCBs waste and produce useful PP composites.
Reuse of leather shavings as a reinforcing filler for poly (vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Liu Yuansen , Wang Qi , Li Li
Published: January 2014

Leather shavings, the by-products of leather industry, are usually treated by the landfill, which probably makes them hazardous to the human health and the environment due to the oxidation of the containing chromium (Cr) (III) to toxic Cr (VI). Therefore, efficient and environment-friendly reusing of leather shavings is not only of great interest but is also a huge challenge. This article reported a reuse method of leather shavings by combing two novel technologies, that is, the solid state shear milling (S3M) to mechanochemically pulverize and activate leather shavings, and the thermal processing of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to make them filled with PVA. The related mechanism, the structure, and properties of the obtained composites were investigated. The results showed that S3M method could efficiently pulverize and activate leather shavings through very strong shearing and compressing forces, promoting the formation of more hydrogen bonds and the chelation in the interfaces between PVA and leather shavings, and consequently enhancing their compatibility. In this way, PVA/leather shaving composites with pretty good performances, for example, better mechanical properties, thermal stability, and water resistance as compared with neat PVA, were obtained. This is a convenient, cost-efficient, and environment-friendly technology to recycle hazardous chrome-containing leather shavings.
Study on the Framework of e-Government Services Capability
Authors: Hu Guangwei , Pan Wenwen , Lin Hui , Kang Kyeong , Best Michael L.
Published: January 2014

Enhancement of the effectiveness and efficiency of e-government services (EGS) is critical to better meeting the increasing public demands for services. One of the better solutions to meet such demands is improving the government’s EGS capability (EGSC). However, few studies discuss the issues. The purpose of this study was to employ capability management perspectives to develop theoretical linkages and path relationships among the components of EGSC. Comprehensive validation was further conducted through path analysis (PA) using structural equation modeling methods based on the data collected from 102 cities of the 26 provinces in Mainland China. The study unveiled the structure of EGSC, and PA results provided government policy makers or information technology managers insight into enhancing EGSC through the improvement of the components’ performance.
Chartering New Waters
Authors: Prusinski Ellen L. , Ruddy Anne-Maree , Plucker Jonathan A. , Cierniak Katherine A.
Published: January 2014

As the first mayor in the United States to possess independent charter school authorizing authority, Mayor Bart Peterson oversaw the establishment and expansion of Indianapolis’s ambitious charter school initiative. In 2007, Democratic Mayor Peterson’s oversight of the initiative came to an end when he was unexpectedly defeated by Republican Gregory Ballard in the mayoral election. Despite this significant change in leadership, the transition between mayors and political parties was accomplished with minimal disruption to the operation of the charter school office, as well as to the schools themselves. Through the use of in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, this study investigates how the transition between administrations was undertaken to ensure continuity for Indianapolis mayor-sponsored charter schools and offers best practices for mayoral transitions. In addition, this study reveals that to provide continuity for charter schools, policies that insulate schools from political change must be developed and charter schools must be viewed apolitically.
Older People’s Perception of Anemia in Rural Southwest Uganda
Authors: Mugisha Joseph O. , Kuper Hannah , Seeley Janet
Published: January 2014

Objective: To describe older people’s perceptions of anemia in a rural Ugandan population. Method: Quantitative and qualitative data on anemia were collected from participants aged ≥50 years from January 2012 to January 2013 using questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were collected from 1,455 participants. Qualitative data were collected from 10 people who were purposively selected. Data were analyzed using STATA software and thematic content analysis. Results: 33.8% men and 17.4% women had anemia. Older people perceived themselves to be anemic because of symptoms and beliefs about causes. Those with anemia were more likely to perceive that they had anemia (18.4% vs. 10.2%, p < .001). Poor diet, diseases, poor living conditions, and over work were mentioned as causes of anemia. Use of traditional methods for treating anemia was common. Discussion: Anemia prevention and control programs in Uganda should target older people and correct misconceptions about the causes and treatment of anemia.
Modeling Secondary Health Conditions in Adults Aging With Physical Disability
Authors: Molton Ivan R. , Terrill Alexandra L. , Smith Amanda E. , Yorkston Kathryn M. , Alschuler Kevin N. , Ehde Dawn M. , Jensen Mark P.
Published: January 2014

Objectives: To test a conceptual model of secondary health conditions, age, and function in persons aging with long-term physical disabilities. Methods: Surveys were collected from 1,862 adults with spinal cord injury, neuromuscular disease, multiple sclerosis, or post-polio syndrome. Structural equation modeling was used to build a model describing relationships among physical and psychosocial secondary health conditions, pain, functional impairments, chronic medical conditions, and age. Results: In total, 12 individual symptom or function domains (latent factors) were identified, grouped into 5 broader factors. Increasing age was associated with greater rates of physical and health problems and poorer function, and showed curvilinear relationships with pain and psychosocial difficulties. Discussion: These data support a biopsychosocial model of secondary health conditions in adults aging with physical disability and suggest a five-factor approach for conceptualizing secondary conditions and their impact. Results also emphasize the importance of age in symptom severity and impact.
Healthier by Precommitment
Authors: Schwartz Janet , Mochon Daniel , Wyper Lauren , Maroba Josiase , Patel Deepak , Ariely Dan
Published: January 2014

We tested a voluntary self-control commitment device to help grocery shoppers make healthier food purchases. Participants, who were already enrolled in a large-scale incentive program that discounts the price of eligible groceries by 25%, were offered the chance to put their discount on the line. Agreeing households pledged that they would increase their purchases of healthy food by 5 percentage points above their household baseline for each of 6 months. If they reached that goal, their discount was awarded as usual; otherwise, their discount was forfeited for that month. Thirty-six percent of households that were offered the binding commitment agreed; they subsequently showed an average 3.5-percentage-point increase in healthy grocery items purchased in each of the 6 months; households that declined the commitment and control-group households that were given a hypothetical option to precommit did not show such an increase. These results suggest that self-aware consumers will seize opportunities to create restrictive choice environments for themselves, even at some risk of financial loss.
Inhibition Drives Early Feature-Based Attention
Authors: Moher Jeff , Lakshmanan Balaji M. , Egeth Howard E. , Ewen Joshua B.
Published: January 2014

Attention can modulate processing of visual input according to task-relevant features, even as early as approximately 100 ms after stimulus presentation. In the present study, event-related potential and behavioral data revealed that inhibition of distractor features, rather than activation of target features, is the primary driver of early feature-based selection in human observers. This discovery of inhibition consistent with task goals during early visual processing suggests that inhibition plays a much larger role at an earlier stage of target selection than previously recognized. It also highlights the importance of understanding the role of inhibition (in addition to activation) in attention.
Feeling Better
Authors: Yau Jeffrey M. , Celnik Pablo , Hsiao Steven S. , Desmond John E.
Published: January 2014

People perceive spatial form and temporal frequency through touch. Although distinct somatosensory neurons represent spatial and temporal information, these neural populations are intermixed throughout the somatosensory system. Here, we show that spatial and temporal touch can be dissociated and separately enhanced via cortical pathways that are normally associated with vision and audition. In Experiments 1 and 2, we found that anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over visual cortex, but not auditory cortex, enhances tactile perception of spatial orientation. In Experiments 3 and 4, we found that anodal tDCS over auditory cortex, but not visual cortex, enhances tactile perception of temporal frequency. This double dissociation reveals separate cortical pathways that selectively support spatial and temporal channels. These results bolster the emerging view that sensory areas process multiple modalities and suggest that supramodal domains may be more fundamental to cortical organization.