bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of preoperative prednisolone on clinical postoperative symptoms after surgical extractions of mandibular third molars
Authors: Kang S‐H , Choi Y‐S , Byun I‐Y , Kim M‐K
Published: December 2010

Background:  This study compared postoperative symptoms in patients treated preoperatively with a single dose of ≤20 mg oral steroid during third molar surgery.

Methods:  A total of 450 patients were categorized randomly into three groups containing 150 patients each. Patients were in their second or third decade and had no specific medical history and findings involving infections of the mandibular third molar area. Two groups received preoperative steroids orally one hour before the operation; one group received 10 mg prednisolone and the other received 20 mg. No steroids were administered to the control group. Patients were asked to report by questionnaire any changes in postoperative symptoms, such as pain, facial oedema, or gastrointestinal disorders, and in masticatory disorders, trismus, or swallowing discomfort. They reported daily from days 1 to 6 post‐extraction by evaluating their experience over the preceding 24 hours.

Results:  A single preoperative oral administration of ≤20 mg prednisolone had no significant effect on postoperative symptoms of pain, facial oedema, or gastrointestinal upset, or on masticatory symptoms, trismus, or swallowing discomfort in mandibular third molar surgery.

Conclusions:  A single oral dose of ≤20 mg prednisolone before third molar extraction may not be helpful for the relief of postoperative symptoms.
Integrated Bayesian Hierarchical Choice Modeling to Capture Heterogeneous Consumer Preferences in Engineering Design
Authors: Hoyle Christopher , Chen Wei , Wang Nanxin , Koppelman Frank S.
Published: December 2010

Choice models play a critical role in enterprise-driven design by providing a link between engineering design attributes and customer preferences. However, existing approaches do not sufficiently capture heterogeneous consumer preferences nor address the needs of complex design artifacts, which typically consist of many subsystems and components. An integrated Bayesian hierarchical choice modeling (IBHCM) approach is developed in this work, which provides an integrated solution procedure and a highly flexible choice modeling approach for complex system design. The hierarchical choice modeling framework utilizes multiple model levels corresponding to the complex system hierarchy to create a link between qualitative attributes considered by consumers when selecting a product and quantitative attributes used for engineering design. To capture heterogeneous and stochastic consumer preferences, the mixed logit choice model is used to predict consumer system-level choices, and the random-effects ordered logit model is used to model consumer evaluations of system and subsystem level design features. In the proposed approach, both systematic and random consumer heterogeneity are explicitly considered, the ability to combine multiple sources of data for model estimation and updating is provided using the Bayesian estimation methodology, and an integrated estimation procedure is introduced to mitigate error propagated throughout the model hierarchy. The new modeling approach is validated using several metrics and validation techniques for behavior models. The benefits of the IBHCM method are demonstrated in the design of an automobile occupant package.
Lipid Signaling and Homeostasis: PA- Is Better than PA-H, But What About Those PIPs?
Authors: Ktistakis Nicholas T.
Published: December 2010

Phosphatidic acid links changes in pH triggered by glucose metabolism to phospholipid biogenesis in yeast.
Novel Biocatalytic Polymer-Based Antimicrobial Coatings as Potential Ureteral Biomaterial: Preparation andIn VitroPerformance Evaluation
Authors: Dave Rachna N. , Joshi Hiren M. , Venugopalan Vayalam P.
Published: December 2010

Catheters and other indwelling devices placed inside human body are prone to bacterial infection, causing serious risk to patients. Infections associated with implants are difficult to resolve, and hence the prevention of bacterial colonization of such surfaces is quite appropriate. In this context, the development of novel antimicrobial biomaterials is currently gaining momentum. We describe here the preparation and antibacterial properties of an enzyme-embedded polycaprolactone (PCL)-based coating, coimpregnated with the antibiotic gentamicin sulfate (GS). The enzyme uses PCL itself as substrate; as a result, the antibiotic gets released at a rate controlled by the degradation of the PCL base.In vitrodrug release studies demonstrated sustained release of GS from the PCL film throughout its lifetime. By modulating the enzyme concentration in the PCL film, we were able to vary the lifetime of the coating from 33 h to 16 days. In the end, the polymer is completely degraded, delivering the entire load of the antibiotic. The polymer exhibited antibacterial properties against three test isolates:Escherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andStaphylococcus aureus. Foley urinary catheters coated with the modified polymer exhibited sustainedin vitrorelease of GS over a 60-h period. The results suggest that the antibiotic-plus-enzyme-loaded polymer can be used as tunable self-degrading antimicrobial biomaterial coating on catheters.
Alkylated Porphyrins Have Broad Antiviral Activity against Hepadnaviruses, Flaviviruses, Filoviruses, and Arenaviruses
Authors: Guo Haitao , Pan Xiaoben , Mao Richeng , Zhang Xianchao , Wang Lijuan , Lu Xuanyong , Chang Jinhong , Guo Ju-Tao , Passic Shendra , Krebs Fred C. , Wigdahl Brian , Warren Travis K. , Retterer Cary J. , Bavari Sina , Xu Xiaodong , Cuconati Andrea , Block Timothy M.
Published: December 2010

We screened ∼2,200 compounds known to be safe in people for the ability to reduce the amount of virion-associated hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the culture medium of producer cells. These efforts led to the discovery of an alkylated porphyrin, chlorophyllide, as the compound that achieved the greatest reduction in signal. Here we report that chlorophyllide directly and quantitatively disrupted HBV virions at micromolar concentrations, resulting in the loss of all detectable virion DNA, without detectably affecting cell viability or intracellular viral gene products. Chemophores of chlorophyllide were also tested. Chlorin e6, a metal-free chlorophyllide-like molecule, showed the strongest antiviral activity against HBV as well as profound antiviral effects on other enveloped viruses, such as hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), dengue virus (DENV), Marburg virus (MARV), Tacaribe virus (TCRV), and Junin viruses (JUNV). Remarkably, chlorin e6 inactivated DENV at subnanomolar-level concentrations. However, the compound had no antiviral effect against encephalomyocarditis virus and adenovirus, suggesting that chlorin e6 may be less active or inactive against nonenveloped viruses. Although other porphyrin derivatives have been previously reported to possess antiviral activity, this is the first analysis of the biochemical impact of chlorophyllide and chlorin e6 against HBV and of the dramatic anti-infectivity impact upon DENV. The possible application of this family of compounds as antiviral agents, as microbicides and systemic virus neutralizing agents, is discussed.
Quaternized Chitosan Inhibits
icaA
Transcription and Biofilm Formation by
Staphylococcus
on a Titanium Surface
Authors: Peng Zhao-Xiang , Tu Bing , Shen Yang , Du Lin , Wang Ling , Guo Sheng-Rong , Tang Ting-Ting
Published: December 2010

Our previous study (Z. X. Peng et al., Carbohydr. Polym.
81:
275-283, 2010) demonstrated that water-soluble quaternary ammonium salts, which are produced by the reaction of chitosan with glycidyl trimethylammonium chloride, provide chitosan derivatives with enhanced antibacterial ability. Because biofilm formation is believed to comprise the key step in the development of orthopedic implant-related infections, we further evaluated the efficacy of hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) with different degrees of substitution (DS; referred to as HACC 6%, 18%, and 44%) in preventing biofilm formation on a titanium surface. We used a tissue culture plate method to quantify the biomass of
Staphylococcus epidermidis
and
Staphylococcus aureus
biofilms and found that HACC, especially HACC 18% and 44%, significantly inhibited biofilm formation compared to the untreated control, even at concentrations far below their MICs (
P
< 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy showed that inhibition of biofilm formation on titanium increased dramatically with increased DS and HACC concentrations. Confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that growth of a preexisting biofilm on titanium was inhibited by concentrations of HACC 18% and 44% below their minimum biofilm eradication concentrations. We also demonstrated that HACC inhibited the expression of
icaA
, which mediates the production of extracellular polysaccharides, both in new biofilms and in preexisting biofilms on titanium. Our results indicate that HACC may serve as a new antibacterial agent to inhibit biofilm formation and prevent orthopedic implant-related infections.
Contrasting Effects of Acidic pH on the Extracellular and Intracellular Activities of the Anti-Gram-Positive Fluoroquinolones Moxifloxacin and Delafloxacin againstStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Lemaire Sandrine , Tulkens Paul M. , Van Bambeke Françoise
Published: December 2010

In contrast to currently marketed fluoroquinolones, which are zwitterionic, delafloxacin is an investigational fluoroquinolone with an anionic character that is highly active against Gram-positive bacteria. We have examined the effect of acidic pH on its accumulation inStaphylococcus aureusand in human THP-1 cells, in parallel with its activity against extracellular and intracellularS. aureus. Moxifloxacin was used as a comparator. Delafloxacin showed MICs 3 to 5 log2dilutions lower than those of moxifloxacin for a collection of 35 strains with relevant resistance mechanisms and also proved to be 10-fold more potent against intracellularS. aureusATCC 25923. In medium at pH 5.5, this difference was further enhanced, with the MIC decreasing by 5 log2dilutions. In infected cells incubated in acidic medium, the relative potency was 10-fold higher than that at neutral pH and the maximal relative efficacy reached a bactericidal effect at 24 h. These results can be explained by a 10-fold increase in delafloxacin accumulation in both bacteria and cells at acidic pH, making delafloxacin one of the most efficient drugs tested in this model. Opposite effects were seen for moxifloxacin with respect to both activity and accumulation. As reported for zwitterionic fluoroquinolones, delafloxacin was found associated with the soluble fraction in homogenates of eukaryotic cells. Taken together, these properties may confer to delafloxacin an advantage for the eradication ofS. aureusin acidic environments, including intracellular infections.
Identification of High-Affinity PB1-Derived Peptides with Enhanced Affinity to the PA Protein of Influenza A Virus Polymerase
Authors: Wunderlich Kerstin , Juozapaitis Mindaugas , Ranadheera Charlene , Kessler Ulrich , Martin Arnold , Eisel Jessica , Beutling Ulrike , Frank Ronald , Schwemmle Martin
Published: December 2010

The influenza A virus polymerase complex, consisting of the subunits PB1, PB2, and PA, represents a promising target for the development of new antiviral drugs. We have previously demonstrated the feasibility of targeting the protein-protein interaction domain between PA and PB1 using peptides derived from the extreme N terminus of PB1 (amino acids [aa] 1 to 15), comprising the PA-binding domain of PB1. To increase the binding affinity of these peptides, we performed a systematic structure-affinity relationship analysis. Alanine and aspartic acid scans revealed that almost all amino acids in the core binding region (aa 5 to 11) are indispensable for PA binding. Using a library of immobilized peptides representing all possible single amino acid substitutions, we were able to identify amino acid positions outside the core PA-binding region (aa 1, 3, 12, 14, and 15) that are variable and can be replaced by affinity-enhancing residues. Surface plasmon resonance binding studies revealed that combination of several affinity-enhancing mutations led to an additive effect. Thus, the feasibility to enhance the PA-binding affinity presents an intriguing possibility to increase antiviral activity of the PB1-derived peptide and one step forward in the development of an antiviral drug against influenza A viruses.
Three Protein Cocktails Mediate Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Responses Indistinguishable from That Elicited by Purified Protein Derivative in the Guinea Pig Model ofMycobacterium tuberculosisInfection
Authors: Yang Hongliang , Troudt JoLynn , Grover Ajay , Arnett Kimberly , Lucas Megan , Cho Yun Sang , Bielefeldt-Ohmann Helle , Taylor Jennifer , Izzo Angelo , Dobos Karen M.
Published: December 2010

Purified protein derivative (PPD) is a widely used reagent for the diagnosis ofMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection. Recently, the molecular composition of PPD was defined, with hundreds of mycobacterial protein representatives making up PPD. Which, if any, of these specific products drive the potency of PPD remains in question. In this study, two proteins (DnaK and GroEL2) previously identified as dominant proteins in PPD were tested for the capacity to induce delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses in H37Rv-infected or BCG-vaccinated guinea pigs. These two proteins were used in pull-down assays to identify interacting PPD products. Six proteins were identified as interacting partners with DnaK and GroEL2, i.e., Rv0009, Rv0475, Rv0569, Rv0685, Rv2626c, and Rv2632c. These six proteins were tested alone and in combination with DnaK and GroEL2 for the capacity to induce a DTH response in the guinea pig model. From these studies, two cocktails, DnaK/GroEL2/Rv0009 and DnaK/GroEL2/Rv0685, were found to induce DTH responses in H37Rv-infected or BCG-vaccinated guinea pigs that were indistinguishable from DTH responses driven by a PPD injection. The mechanism by which DTH responses were induced was elucidated by histologic examination, analysis of activated CD4+/CD8+T cells, and cytokine mRNA expression at the site of the DTH response. PPD and the protein cocktails tested induced strong DTH responses in H37Rv-infected guinea pigs. Ex vivo phenotyping of T cells at the DTH site indicated that this response is mediated by activated CD4+and CD8+T cells, with increases in gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor alpha, but not interleukin-10, at the site of the DTH response. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the PPD response can be mimicked at the molecular level with defined protein cocktails. The use of this defined product will allow a more thorough understanding of the DTH response and may provide a platform for more rapid and sensitive second-generation skin test reagents for the diagnosis ofM. tuberculosisinfection.
Lameness in UK dairy cows: a review of the current status
Authors: Archer Simon , Bell Nick , Huxley Jon
Published: December 2010

Lameness in dairy cattle has been reported as a concern for welfare and economic reasons for over 20 years. This concern has been expressed from across the industry and has prompted the launch of a number of initiatives to address the problem. This article reviews the current status of lameness in dairy cows in the UK, outlines the current understanding of the condition and its impacts on welfare and productivity, and highlights areas where evidence is still lacking.
Youth suicide: an insight into previous hospitalisation for injury and sociodemographic conditions from a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Zambon Francesco , Laflamme Lucie , Spolaore Paolo , Visentin Cristiana , Hasselberg Marie
Published: December 2010

Background

This study investigates the degree to which a previous hospitalisation for injury of any intent is a risk of subsequent youth suicide and whether this association is influenced by family socioeconomic status or economic stress.

Methods

A nationwide register-based cohort study was conducted covering all Swedish subjects born between January 1977 and December 1991 (N=1 616 342, male/female ratio=1.05). The cohort subjects were followed-up from January 1998 to December 2003, when aged 7–26 years. Poisson regression and the likelihood ratio test (95% CI) were used to assess the age-adjusted effect of hospitalisation for injuries of various intent on youth suicide and its effect once adjusted for family sociodemographic and social circumstances.

Results

Each set of exposures was associated independently and significantly with suicide mortality. Being hospitalised for self-inflicted injuries or injuries of undetermined intent was associated with a risk of suicide 36 to 47 times, respectively, that of subjects never hospitalised in the period under study (95% CI 28.36 to 45.58 and 26.67 to 83.87 for self-inflicted injuries and for events of undetermined intent, respectively; overall p<0.01). Similarly, previous events of unintentional injury markedly increased the risk of suicide (RR 3.08; 95% CI 2.26 to 4.19). These effects were solid and not substantially altered after adjustment for family demographic and socioeconomic circumstances.

Conclusion

A strong association exists between previous hospitalisation for injury of any intent and youth suicide. The association is robust and unaltered by family socioeconomic circumstances.
New Strategies in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: Understanding Tumor Biology and Developing Novel Therapies
Authors: Dunleavy Kieron , Piekarz Richard L. , Zain Jasmine , Janik John E. , Wilson Wyndham H. , O'Connor Owen A. , Bates Susan E.
Published: December 2010

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) constitute a group of heterogeneous diseases that are uncommon, representing, in Western countries, only approximately 10% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. They are typically associated with a poor prognosis compared with their B-cell counterparts and are much less well understood with respect to tumor biology, owing to their rarity and biologic heterogeneity, and to the fact that characteristic cytogenetic abnormalities are few compared with B-cell lymphomas. Although the outcome for patients with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), particularly anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)–positive ALCL, is good, other types of PTCLs are associated with a poor prognosis, even with aggressive anthracycline-based chemotherapy. In this respect, there is a need for new approaches in these diseases, and this review focuses on and explores recent experience with novel therapies in PTCL. Clin Cancer Res; 16(23); 5608–17. ©2010 AACR.
Dietary Curcumin Attenuates Glioma Growth in a Syngeneic Mouse Model by Inhibition of the JAK1,2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Weissenberger Jakob , Priester Maike , Bernreuther Christian , Rakel Stefanie , Glatzel Markus , Seifert Volker , Kögel Donat
Published: December 2010

Purpose: Glioblastomas are the most common and most deadly primary brain tumors. Here, we evaluated the chemotherapeutic effect of the natural polyphenol curcumin on glioma cells in vitro and in vivo using an immunocompetent orthotopic mouse model.

Experimental Design: Curcumin's effects on proliferation, cell cycle, migration, invasion, JAK/STAT3 signaling, STAT3 target gene expression, and STAT3C rescue experiments were determined in murine glioma cell lines in vitro. Therapeutic effects of curcumin in vivo were evaluated in tumor-bearing mice fed a Western-type diet fortified with curcumin (0.05%, w/w) and in control animals. Tumor growth patterns and survival were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, morphometric analyses, and Kaplan–Meier plots.

Results: In vitro, curcumin inhibited JAK1,2/STAT3 tyrosine-phosphorylation in a dose-dependent fashion in murine glioma cell lines. Real-time RT-PCR revealed that curcumin downregulated transcription of the STAT3 target genes c-Myc, MMP-9, Snail, and Twist, and of the proliferation marker Ki67. Curcumin dose-dependently suppressed cell proliferation by inducing a G2/M phase arrest. In wound healing and Matrigel invasion assays, curcumin treatment resulted in a dose-dependent attenuation of the glioma cells' migratory and invasive behavior, which could be rescued by constitutively active STAT3C. In vivo, curcumin intake reduced the growth and midline crossing of intracranially implanted tumors and proliferation of tumor cells ensuing in significant long-term survival compared with control diet.

Conclusion: This preclinical study shows that curcumin is capable of suppressing malignant glioma growth in vitro and in vivo. Our data suggest that the pharmacologically safe agent curcumin holds promise for clinical application in glioma therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 16(23); 5781–95. ©2010 AACR.
Liver Regeneration in Surgical Animal Models – A Historical Perspective and Clinical Implications
Authors: Mortensen K.E. , Revhaug A.
Published: December 2010

Methods/Aims: Despite improved preoperative evaluation, surgical techniques and perioperative intensive care, some patients still experience postoperative liver failure in part due to insufficient regeneration. The aim of this review is to give the reader a historical synopsis of the major trends in animal research on liver regeneration from the early experiments in 1877 up to modern investigation. A major focus is placed on the translational value of experimental surgery. Methods: A systematic review of the English literature published in Medline was undertaken with the search words ‘pig, porcine, dog, canine, liver regeneration, experimental’. Results: The evolution of the various models tentatively explaining the process of liver regeneration is described. Conclusions: We conclude by emphasizing the importance of large-animal surgical research on liver regeneration as it offers a more integrated, systemic biological understanding of this complex process. Furthermore, in our opinion, a closer collaboration between the hepatologist, liver surgeon/transplant surgeon and the laboratory scientist may advance clinically relevant research in liver regeneration.
Effect of Short-Term Low-Protein Diet Supplemented with Keto Acids on Hyperphosphatemia in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Li Haiming , Long Quan , Shao Chunhai , Fan Hong , Yuan Li , Huang Bihong , Gu Yong , Lin Shanyan , Hao Chuanming , Chen Jing
Published: December 2010

Aim: To evaluate the effects of short-term restriction of dietary protein intake (DPI) supplemented with keto acids on hyperphosphatemia in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods: Forty MHD patients with uncontrolled hyperphosphatemia were randomized to either low DPI with keto acid-supplemented (sLP) or normal DPI (NP) group for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the sLP group was shifted to NP for another 8 weeks. Low-protein diet (LPD) was individualized with total caloric intake 30–35 kcal/kg/day, protein intake of 0.8 g/kg/day and phosphate intake of 500 mg/day. Keto acids were supplied in a dosage of 12 pills per day. Calcium phosphorous metabolism index and nutritional index (serum albumin, total protein, somatometric measurements, 3-day diaries and Mini-Nutritional Assessment score) were recorded. C-reactive protein, CO2 combining power and Kt/V were measured to evaluate the inflammation, metabolic acidosis and dialysis adequacy, respectively. Results: Serum phosphorus level and calcium-phosphate product were significantly decreased at the end of the first 8 weeks in the sLP group compared to the basal value and the NP group (p < 0.001). No difference was observed in C-reactive protein, Kt/V and nutritional index, while CO2 combining power was significantly higher at week 8 in the sLP group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Short-term restriction of DPI supplemented with keto acids could decrease hyperphosphatemia and calcium-phosphate product, while keeping stable nutritional status among MHD patients.
Levothyroxine Treatment in Pediatric Benign Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Corrias Andrea , Mussa Alessandro , Wasniewska Malgorzata , Segni Maria , Cassio Alessandra , Salerno Mariacarolina , Gastaldi Roberto , Vigone Maria Cristina , Bal Milva , Matarazzo Patrizia , Weber Giovanna , De Luca Filippo
Published: December 2010

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy in benign thyroid nodules in pediatrics. Methods: Data from 78 euthyroid children and adolescents with benign thyroid nodules were retrospectively collected. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: levothyroxine treated (n = 36) and nontreated (n = 42), and the clinical, laboratory and sonographic features of the 2 groups were compared. Nodules were considered benign according to histology, fine-needle aspiration biopsy or by features suggestive for benignity. The groups were followed up for 2.4 ± 1.3 years, and treated patients received a mean dose of levothyroxine of 1.69 ± 0.66 µg/kg/day. Results: Patients in the treated and nontreated groups were comparable for age, sex and follow-up. A reduction in nodule diameter from 2.24 ± 0.94 to 1.86 ± 1.17 cm (p = 0.039) was observed in treated patients, whereas the nodule diameter increased from 1.66 ± 0.86 to 1.78 ± 0.91 cm in nontreated patients (p = 0.024). In the treatment group, 11 patients (30.6%) had a reduction greater than 50% and significantly decreased palpable nodules (p < 0.001). A nonsignificant reduction in reported symptoms was observed, too. The change in nodule size was directly correlated with thyroid-stimulating hormone levels (r = 0.640, p < 0.001) and inversely with levothyroxine dose (r = –0.389, p = 0.009). In nontreated subjects, both palpable nodules and symptoms increased. Conclusion: This study supports levothyroxine treatment effectiveness in shrinking benign nodules.
Antithrombotic properties of pravastatin reducing intra-thrombus fibrin deposition under high shear blood flow conditions
Authors: Hamada Masaaki , Matsui Hideto , Mizuno Tomohiro , Shida Yasuaki , Doi Masaaki , Fukushima Hidetada , Nishio Kenji , Yoshioka Akira , Shima Midori , Sugimoto Mitsuhiko
Published: December 2010

In addition to lowering cholesterol, the 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) have a range of pleiotropic effects that help reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. We sought to understand the molecular mechanisms by which statins could exert anti-platelet actions under physiologic whole blood flow conditions. Using an in vitroperfusion chamber system, we examined the anti-platelet effects of pravastatin under whole blood flow conditions with high or low shear rates. We determined that pravastatin significantly suppressed platelet activation-dependent procoagulant activity, decreasing P-selectin membrane expression, tissue factor accumulation, and thrombin binding within platelet thrombi generated on a von Willebrand factor-surface under high shear rate conditions. These effects resulted in reductions of intra-thrombus fibrin deposition. These antithrombotic properties of pravastatin, which were comparable to those of atorvastatin, could be abrogated by mevalonate. Our experimental approach revealed a novel mechanism mediating the anti-platelet action of statins. Shear rate-dependent antithrombotic activity may explain the favourable effect of pravastatin on the reduction in cardiovascular events that typically occur in vivounder whole blood flow conditions with high shear rates.
The Gaussian Approach to Adaptive Covariance Inflation and Its Implementation with the Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter
Authors: Miyoshi Takemasa
Published: December 2010

In ensemble Kalman filters, the underestimation of forecast error variance due to limited ensemble size and other sources of imperfection is commonly treated by empirical covariance inflation. To avoid manual optimization of multiplicative inflation parameters, previous studies proposed adaptive inflation approaches using observations. Anderson applied Bayesian estimation theory to the probability density function of inflation parameters. Alternatively, Li et al. used the innovation statistics of Desroziers et al. and applied a Kalman filter analysis update to the inflation parameters based on the Gaussian assumption. In this study, Li et al.’s Gaussian approach is advanced to include the variance of the estimated inflation as derived from the central limit theorem. It is shown that the Gaussian approach is an accurate approximation of Anderson’s general Bayesian approach. An advanced implementation of the Gaussian approach with the local ensemble transform Kalman filter is proposed, where the adaptive inflation parameters are computed simultaneously with the ensemble transform matrix at each grid point. The spatially and temporally varying adaptive inflation technique is implemented with the Lorenz 40-variable model and a low-resolution atmospheric general circulation model; numerical experiments show promising results both with and without model errors.
Do Principal Preparation Programs Influence Student Achievement Through the Building of Teacher-Team Qualifications by the Principal? An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Fuller Ed , Young Michelle , Baker Bruce D.
Published: December 2010

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study is to explore how the characteristics of the principal preparation programs of newly hired elementary school principals might influence school achievement through the development of well-qualified teams of teachers by the school. Of primary interest is whether elementary school principals from preparation programs with certain types of characteristics are more or less likely to build teams of well-qualified teachers who, in turn, positively affect overall student achievement. A secondary purpose is to establish a relationship between the overall school-level qualifications of teams of teachers and school-level student achievement on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) to underscore the importance of the first relationship. Research Design: This quantitative study utilizes ordinary least squares regression to analyze seven extracts of data from the Texas Education Agency, merged together to create a data set that matched teachers, principals, school characteristics, and student achievement to individual schools. First, the authors establish the relationship between school-level teacher-team quality and school-level student outcomes on the TAKS. Second, they examine the relationship between principal preparation program characteristics and the measures of teacher-team quality after controlling for principal characteristics, school characteristics, and student achievement. Furthermore, because the authors hypothesize that principals cannot quickly alter the quality of teams of teachers in schools, they examine school achievement and teacher-team quality over four years.
Iraqi refugees in Jordan: Lessons for practice with refugees globally
Authors: Al-Qdah Talal , Lacroix Marie
Published: December 2010

This article presents findings of a survey conducted by social workers working with Iraqi refugees at CDC-Sweileh, a community organization in Amman, Jordan. The study identified key problem areas requiring immediate intervention on the part of social workers. We raise issues for working with refugees in protracted situations, and questions for future research.
Robberies in Chicago: A Block-Level Analysis of the Influence of Crime Generators, Crime Attractors, and Offender Anchor Points
Authors: Bernasco Wim , Block Richard
Published: December 2010

The effects of crime generators, crime attractors, and offender anchor points on the distribution of street robberies across the nearly 25,000 census blocks of Chicago are examined. The analysis includes a wide array of activities and facilities that are expected to attract criminals and generate crime. These include a variety of legal and illegal businesses and infrastructural accessibility facilitators. In addition to these crime attractors and generators, the role of the presence of motivated offenders’ anchor points, as measured by offenders’ residence and gang activity, is assessed. The analysis also includes crime attractors, crime generators, and offender anchor points in adjacent census blocks. The findings demonstrate the strength of the effects of crime generators and attractors and offender anchor points on the frequency of street robbery at the census block level.
Arguing from the Evidence
Authors: Thomasson Brian A.
Published: December 2010

In Kitzmiller v. Dover (2005), the only U.S. federal case on teaching Intelligent Design in public schools, the plaintiffs used the same argument as in the creation-science trials of the 1980s: Intelligent Design is religion, not science, because it invokes the supernatural; thus teaching it violates the Constitution. Although the plaintiffs won, this strategy is unwise because it is based on problematic definitions of religion and science, leads to multiple truths in society, and is unlikely to succeed before the present right-leaning Supreme Court. I suggest discarding past approaches in favor of arguing solely from the evidence for evolution.
Imitation Improves Language Comprehension
Authors: Adank Patti , Hagoort Peter , Bekkering Harold
Published: December 2010

Humans imitate each other during social interaction. This imitative behavior streamlines social interaction and aids in learning to replicate actions. However, the effect of imitation on action comprehension is unclear. This study investigated whether vocal imitation of an unfamiliar accent improved spoken-language comprehension. Following a pretraining accent comprehension test, participants were assigned to one of six groups. The baseline group received no training, but participants in the other five groups listened to accented sentences, listened to and repeated accented sentences in their own accent, listened to and transcribed accented sentences, listened to and imitated accented sentences, or listened to and imitated accented sentences without being able to hear their own vocalizations. Posttraining measures showed that accent comprehension was most improved for participants who imitated the speaker’s accent. These results show that imitation may aid in streamlining interaction by improving spoken-language comprehension under adverse listening conditions.
From stack-firing to pyromania: medico-legal concepts of insane arson in British, US and European contexts, c.1800-1913. Part 2
Authors: Andrews Jonathan
Published: December 2010

The second part of this paper1 explores deepening doubts about pyromania as a special insanity, British debates post-1890, and pyromania’s supplanting with the broader diagnostic category of insane incendiarism. It assesses the conceptual importance of revenge and morbid-motivations for arson, and the relationship of Victorian and Edwardian concepts of arson to more modern psychiatric research. The main objective is to ascertain the extent to which Victorian and Edwardian medico-psychologists and medical legists arrived at meaningful and workable definitions of criminal insanity linked to arson. It concludes by emphasizing the limitations, contentiousness and inconsistencies in the use of technical terms such as ‘pyromania’, contrasted with the qualified success of authorities in arriving at more viable and broadly acceptable explanations of insane firesetting.
Chronological constraints on a Holocene landslide in an intermontane basin of the southern Apennines, Italy: Morphological evolution and palaeoclimate implications
Authors: Gioia Dario , Di Leo Paola , Giano Salvatore Ivo , Schiattarella Marcello
Published: December 2010

In this work a detailed geomorphological study aimed to reconstruct the Holocene evolution of a slope largely affected by landsliding is presented. The study area is located in the lower valley of the Tanagro River, flowing in the Auletta basin, a Pliocene to Quaternary tectonic depression located along the elongation axis of southern Apennines. In order to investigate the relationships between landscape evolution and triggering factors, and to better constrain the Holocene palaeoclimate scenario in which the mass movements occurred, geomorphological data have been integrated with those deriving by the stratigraphic, chronological, and minero-geochemical analyses of the deposits genetically related to the landslide events. The investigated landslide shows a complex style of activity, with compound rotational and translational slide in the upper part of the slope evolving into flow in the lower part. The chronological evolution of the landslide activity has been constrained through radiocarbon dating of palustrine deposits, genetically related to the landslide, and of interbedded paleosols. On the basis of the presented data, the main landslide event can be placed at the beginning of the Holocene and it is followed by a period of scarse landslide activity, as demonstrated by the sedimentation of palustrine deposits within an endorheic pond. As the small basin was created by a counterslope rotation related to the main landslide phenomenon, its deposits post-date the age of the landslide. The geomorphological features related to the main gravitative event are strongly modified by reactivations occurred at the beginnings of Sub-Boreal period, which represent, in southern Europe, the warmest and wettest stage of the Holocene. As confirmed by mineralogical and geochemical data, intense and/or prolonged precipitation might have played a major role as triggering factor in reactivating the slope movement.
India in the World Economy
Authors: Aggarwal Raj
Published: December 2010

As the size and importance of its economy increases, India is becoming more integrated with the world economy. The process of deregulation and the economic reforms started in the early 1990s seem irreversible and continue to accelerate. In recent decades, transactions costs in India have been declining, especially as India deregulates its business environment. Consequently, Indian businesses are moving away from being widely diversified and vertically integrated business groups and are becoming focused, efficient, and often larger firms. In addition to the resulting corporate restructuring and increased domestic M&A, many Indian firms are investing overseas and becoming nascent multinationals. These changes mean that the global integration of the Indian economy will continue to increase.
The Impact of Monetary Regimes on International Trade
Authors: Angkinand Apanard Penny , Wihlborg Clas
Published: December 2010

We extend much research that has been devoted to the effects of the European Monetary Union (EMU) on international trade by introducing monetary regime variables in bilateral export equations with the objective of capturing the effects on trade of changes in monetary regimes relative to the pure EMU effects. To make the analysis relevant from an Asian perspective trade effects of the EU’s internal markets are also separated from EMU effects. To identify these different effects we include three groups of countries in our sample: EMU countries which are also members of the EU, EU countries outside the EMU and non-EU countries. The last control group consists of either non-EU industrial countries or non-EU industrial plus emerging market countries.

Asian experiences with inflation targeting are discussed and compared to the empirical results we obtain for trade effects of monetary regimes. Even if deeper monetary integration leads to greater trade expansion, it involves political complexity. The choice of an appropriate monetary regime can be a relatively simple unilateral tool for expanding trade.
Markets Globalisation by Firms from Emerging Markets and Small Countries
Authors: Agmon Tamir
Published: December 2010

This article focuses on the role of governments and companies from emerging markets and small countries in the process of market integration. The process of market integration has begun after World War II. At the beginning of the period market integration was the outcome of the way that large companies in the developed countries increase their value via international business activities. Not surprisingly most of the research was based on models of industrial organisation. The world has changed and market integration has become a two-way street where firms and governments from emerging markets and small countries are as active as the developed countries MNEs and their governments. In this article the basic international trade model is used to gain insights of the new world of international business and market integration. In particular, a dynamic model of changing factor intensity and of creating local specific competitive and comparative advantages for firms and governments from emerging markets is presented and discussed.
Education and Family in Conflict
Authors: Lee Jihye
Published: December 2010

In recent years, the demands of high-quality education have become a source of problems in South Korea, forming a new type of separated family. When the parents send their children to foreign countries for advanced education, the fathers, the wives, and children are separated for a significantly long period of time. Usually, the fathers, called Seagull Dads ( Kim, 2008 ), are in charge of financial support and considered suffering the most. As a result, the opportunity of the advance education for children transforms into a crisis for the entire family.
SOPHE at Sixty:The Best Is Yet to Come
Authors: Meier Kathryn S.
Published: December 2010

Sixty years ago, on October 22, 1949, a small group of dedicated health educators made a commitment to innovation by founding what was then known as the Society of Public Health Educators. Since that time, our organization has consistently met the definition of innovation with the introduction of new ideas, methods, and devices. This presentation celebrates highlights of SOPHE’s past 60 years and explores the challenges facing our organization. It also presents the definition of the Element—the intersection of talent and passion, the point at which people are most inspired and achieve at the highest levels—as a framework for developing our talents for the future.
Natalizumab restores evoked potential abnormalities in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Meuth Sven G , Bittner Stefan , Seiler Carola , Göbel Kerstin , Wiendl Heinz
Published: December 2010

Background and Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of natalizumab on functional parameters assessed by evoked potentials (visual [VEP], somatosensory [SEP] and motor evoked potentials [MEP]) in a cohort study in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients.

Methods: EP data of 44 patients examined 12 months prior to natalizumab treatment, at the timepoint of treatment initiation and 1 year later were compared. Sum scores (VEP, MEP, SEP) were evaluated and correlated with the Expanded Disability Status Scale.

Results: Improvement of the VEP sum score was found in 33% of natalizumab-treated patients but only in 9% of the same patients prior to treatment ( p = 0.041). A comparable situation was found for SEP (improvement: 32% versus 5%; worsening: 11% versus 37%; p = 0.027). For MEP no significant differences were seen (improvement: 10% versus 18%; worsening: 5% versus 29%; p = 0.60). EP recordings (VEP = SEP > MEP) have the capacity to demonstrate treatment effects of natalizumab on a functional level.

Conclusions: Natalizumab therapy increases the percentage of patients showing stable or even ameliorated electrophysiological parameters in the investigated functional systems.
A patient with established primary progressive multiple sclerosis transitions to ‘secondary’ relapsing–remitting disease course following a fulminant demyelinating episode
Authors: Tutuncu Melih , Demirci Nuri O , Özer Feriha , Saip Sabahattin , Kantarci Orhun H , Siva Aksel
Published: December 2010

Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) are clinically and immunopathogenetically distinct phenotypes of inflammatory demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system. Progression following RRMS is well described as secondary progressive MS. We report a patient with unexpected transition from long established PPMS to clinically and radiologically active RRMS after an ADEM-like fulminant demyelinating episode despite an immunosuppressive treatment preceding relapses. We note clearly accelerated brain atrophy after the RRMS course ensues. The unique disease course in this patient illustrates the dissociation of the biology and disability impact of relapses and progression.
The evaluation of a cooperating physical education teachers programme (COPET)
Authors: Belton Sarahjane , Woods Catherine , Dunning Carol , Meegan Sarah
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of a cooperating physical education (PE) teachers programme from a cooperating teacher’s perspective. Teaching practice is acknowledged as one of the most important areas of undergraduate teacher preparation. As part of a new undergraduate PE teacher education (PETE) programme, a cooperating PE teachers programme (COPET) was designed in an effort to maximize the learning opportunities for student teachers when on placement. The programme was piloted with a cohort of 26 cooperating teachers supervising 28 student teachers. Following a two-week teaching practice placement, three focus group interviews were held with 11 cooperating teachers to evaluate the effectiveness of the COPET programme. Findings indicate the cooperating teachers found the COPET programme very useful in defining their role on teaching practice. This paper presents the findings of the evaluation, and addresses some of the issues and challenges surrounding sustainability of the programme.
Self-efficacy as a Potential Moderator of the Effects of Framed Health Messages
Authors: Werrij Marieke Q. , Ruiter Robert A.C. , Van 'T Riet Jonathan , De Vries Hein
Published: December 2010

This study focuses on self-efficacy as a potential moderator of the effects of gain- and loss-framed health messages. Undergraduate students ( N = 124) received a gain- or loss-framed message about consuming ecological meat. The data revealed that for participants high in self-efficacy, the gain-framed message resulted in consuming more ecological meat than the loss-framed message. Moreover it was found that — within the gain-frame condition — participants low in self-efficacy scored higher on measures of defensive processing than participants high in self-efficacy. This study provides further evidence for the role of self-efficacy as a potential moderator of the effects of framed health messages.
Romantic Partners, Weight Status, and Weight Concerns
Authors: Markey Charlotte , Markey Patrick
Published: December 2010

In this study, romantic partners’ weight status and weight concerns were examined using the Actor—Partner Interdependence Model. One hundred and four heterosexual couples’ ( N = 208 participants) weight and height were assessed by researchers to compute body mass index and participants’ weight concerns were assessed. As expected, results indicated that participants’ weight concerns were associated with their weight status. Further, men and women who were relatively heavy and who had relatively thin romantic partners were most likely to express weight concerns. These findings extend our understanding of romantic partners’ relevance to individuals’ weight management and weight concerns.