bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of Removal Rate in Abrasive-Free Planarization of 4H-SiC Substrates Using Catalytic Platinum and Hydrofluoric Acid
Authors: Okamoto Takeshi , Sano Yasuhisa , Tachibana Kazuma , Pho Bui Van , Arima Kenta , Inagaki Kouji , Yagi Keita , Murata Junji , Sadakuni Shun , Asano Hiroya , Isohashi Ai , Yamauchi Kazuto
Published: March 2012

We used catalyst-referred etching, which is an abrasive-free planarization method, to produce an extremely smooth surface on a 4H-SiC substrate. However, the removal rate was lower than that obtained by chemical mechanical polishing, which is the planarization method generally used for SiC substrates. To improve the removal rate, we investigated its dependence on rotational velocity and processing pressure. We found that the removal rate increases in proportion to both rotational velocity and processing pressure. A lapped 4H-SiC substrate was planarized under conditions that achieved the highest removal rate of approximately 500 nm/h. A smooth surface with a root-mean square roughness of less than 0.1 nm was fabricated within 15 min. Because the surface, which was processed under conditions of high rotational velocity and high processing pressure, consisted of a step–terrace structure, it was well ordered up to the topmost surface.
Reconstructions on AlN Nonpolar Surfaces in the Presence of Hydrogen
Authors: Akiyama Toru , Saito Yasutaka , Nakamura Kohji , Ito Tomonori
Published: March 2012

Structures and stability of nonpolar AlN(11̄00) and (112̄0) surfaces under hydrogen rich conditions are theoretically investigated by performing total-energy calculations within the density functional theory. The calculated surface energies demonstrate that several hydrogen incorporated structures are favorable depending on the chemical potentials of constituting elements. However, H atoms desorb and the relaxed ideal surfaces are stabilized even under the metal–organic vapor-phase expitaxy growth. These results suggest that the growth processes on AlN nonpolar surfaces are quite different from those of polar surfaces.
Serpin B1 protects colonic epithelial cell via blockage of neutrophil elastase activity and its expression is enhanced in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Naito Yuji , Takagi Tomohisa , Mizushima Katsura , Hirai Yasuko , Hayashi Natsuko , Harusato Akihito , Inoue Ken , Fukumoto Kohei , Yamada Shinya , Handa Osamu , Ishikawa Takeshi , Yagi Nobuaki , Kokura Satoshi , Yoshikawa Toshikazu
Published: March 2012

Serpin B1 is a monocyte neutrophil elastase (NE) inhibitor and is one of the most efficient inhibitors of NE. In the present study, we investigated the role of serpin B1 in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis by using clinical samples and an experimental model. The colonic expression of serpin B1 was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot analysis, and immunohistological studies in both normal and inflamed mucosa from patients with ulcerative colitis. Serpin B1 mRNA expression was determined by real-time PCR in the mouse dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis model. Young adult mouse colonic epithelial (YAMC) cells were used to determine the role of serpin B1. Serpin B1 gene transfected YAMC cells were treated with H2O2to measure cell viability. The expression of NE was determined in YAMC cells treated with H2O2. NE-silenced YAMC cells were also treated with H2O2and then measured for viability. Upregulated expression of serpin B1 in colonic mucosa was confirmed from patients with active ulcerative colitis. Immunohistochemical studies showed that serpin B1 expression was localized not only in inflammatory infiltration cells but also in epithelial cells. Serpin B1 mRNA expression was also increased in colonic mucosa of mouse DSS-induced colitis. Serpin B1-transfected YAMC cells were resistant against the treatment of H2O2. H2O2treatment significantly induced NE in YAMC cells, and NE-silenced YAMC cells were also resistant against the treatment of H2O2. These results suggest that serpin B1 may be a novel marker of active ulcerative colitis and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.
Ret heterozygous mice have enhanced intestinal adaptation after massive small bowel resection
Authors: Hitch Meredith C. , Leinicke Jennifer A. , Wakeman Derek , Guo Jun , Erwin Chris R. , Rowland Kathryn J. , Merrick Ellen C. , Heuckeroth Robert O. , Warner Brad W.
Published: March 2012

Intestinal adaptation is an important compensatory response to massive small bowel resection (SBR) and occurs because of a proliferative stimulus to crypt enterocytes by poorly understood mechanisms. Recent studies suggest the enteric nervous system (ENS) influences enterocyte proliferation. We, therefore, sought to determine whether ENS dysfunction alters resection-induced adaptation responses. Ret+/− mice with abnormal ENS function and wild-type (WT) littermates underwent sham surgery or 50% SBR. After 7 days, ileal morphology, enterocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and selected signaling proteins were characterized. Crypt depth and villus height were equivalent at baseline in WT and Ret+/− mice. In contrast after SBR, Ret+/− mice had longer villi (Ret+/− 426.7 ± 46.0 μm vs. WT 306.5 ± 7.7 μm, P < 0.001) and deeper crypts (Ret+/− 119 ± 3.4 μm vs. WT 82.4 ± 3.1 μm, P < 0.001) than WT. Crypt enterocyte proliferation was higher in Ret+/− (48.8 ± 1.3%) than WT (39.9 ± 2.1%; P < 0.001) after resection, but apoptosis rates were similar. Remnant bowel of Ret+/− mice also had higher levels of glucagon-like peptide 2 (6.2-fold, P = 0.005) and amphiregulin (4.6-fold, P < 0.001) mRNA after SBR, but serum glucagon-like peptide 2 protein levels were equal in WT and Ret+/− mice, and there was no evidence of increased c-Fos nuclear localization in submucosal neurons. Western blot confirmed higher crypt epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein levels (1.44-fold; P < 0.001) and more phosphorylated EGFR (2-fold; P = 0.003) in Ret+/− than WT mice after SBR. These data suggest that Ret heterozygosity enhances intestinal adaptation after massive SBR, likely via enhanced EGFR signaling. Reducing Ret activity or altering ENS function may provide a novel strategy to enhance adaptation attenuating morbidity in patients with short bowel syndrome.
CREB critically regulates action potential shape and duration in the adult mouse ventricle
Authors: Schulte J. S. , Seidl M. D. , Nunes F. , Freese C. , Schneider M. , Schmitz W. , Müller F. U.
Published: March 2012

The cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) belongs to the CREB/cAMP response element binding modulator/activating transcription factor 1 family of cAMP-dependent transcription factors mediating a regulation of gene transcription in response to cAMP. Chronic stimulation of β-adrenergic receptors and the cAMP-dependent signal transduction pathway by elevated plasma catecholamines play a central role in the pathogenesis of heart failure. Ion channel remodeling, particularly a decreased transient outward current ( Ito), and subsequent action potential (AP) prolongation are hallmarks of the failing heart. Here, we studied the role of CREB for ion channel regulation in mice with a cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of CREB (CREB KO). APs of CREB KO cardiomyocytes were prolonged with increased AP duration at 50 and 70% repolarization and accompanied by a by 51% reduction of Ito peak amplitude as detected in voltage-clamp measurements. We observed a 29% reduction of Kcnd2/Kv4.2 mRNA in CREB KO cardiomyocytes mice while the other Ito-related channel subunits Kv4.3 and KChIP2 were not different between groups. Accordingly, Kv4.2 protein was reduced by 37% in CREB KO. However, we were not able to detect a direct regulation of Kv4.2 by CREB. The Ito-dependent AP prolongation went along with an increase of INa and a decrease of ICa,L associated with an upregulation of Scn8a/Nav1.6 and downregulation of Cacna1c/Cav1.2 mRNA in CREB KO cardiomyocytes. Our results from mice with cardiomyocyte-specific inactivation of CREB definitively indicate that CREB critically regulates the AP shape and duration in the mouse ventricle, which might have an impact on ion channel remodeling in situations of altered cAMP-dependent signaling like heart failure.
Repetitive hyperthermia attenuates progression of left ventricular hypertrophy and increases telomerase activity in hypertensive rats
Authors: Oyama Jun-ichi , Maeda Toyoki , Sasaki Makoto , Higuchi Yoshihiro , Node Koichi , Makino Naoki
Published: March 2012

We investigated the hypothesis that repetitive hyperthermia (RHT) attenuates the progression of cardiac hypertrophy and delays the transition from hypertensive cardiomyopathy to heart failure in Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) hypertensive rats. Six-week-old DS rats were divided into the following five groups: a normal-salt diet (0.4% NaCl) (NS group), a normal-salt diet plus RHT by daily immersion for 10 min in 40°C water (NS+RHT group), a high-salt diet (8% NaCl) (HS group), a high-salt diet (8% NaCl) plus RHT (HS+RHT group), and high-salt diet (8% NaCl) plus RHT with 17-DMAG (HSP90 inhibitor) administration (HS+RHT+17-DMAG group). All rats were killed at 10 wk. Cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis were noted in the HS group, whereas RHT attenuated salt-induced cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial and perivascular fibrosis, and blood pressure elevation. The phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and Akt were decreased in the HS group compared with the NS group, but these changes were not observed in the HS+RHT group. The levels of HSP60, 70, and 90 were elevated by RHT. Moreover, the increased levels of iNOS, nitrotyrosine, Toll-like receptor-4, BNP, PTX3, and TBARS in the HS group were inhibited by RHT. Telomeric DNA length, telomerase activity, and telomere reverse transcriptase (TERT) were reduced in the HS group; however, these changes were partially prevented by hyperthermia. In conclusion, RHT attenuates the development of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis and preserves telomerase, TERT activity and the length of telomere DNA in salt-induced hypertensive rats through activation of eNOS and induction of HSPs.
Cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms in rats with heart failure induced by pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Benoist David , Stones Rachel , Drinkhill Mark J. , Benson Alan P. , Yang Zhaokang , Cassan Cecile , Gilbert Stephen H. , Saint David A. , Cazorla Olivier , Steele Derek S. , Bernus Olivier , White Ed
Published: March 2012

Pulmonary hypertension provokes right heart failure and arrhythmias. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these arrhythmias is needed to facilitate new therapeutic approaches for the hypertensive, failing right ventricle (RV). The aim of our study was to identify the mechanisms generating arrhythmias in a model of RV failure induced by pulmonary hypertension. Rats were injected with monocrotaline to induce either RV hypertrophy or failure or with saline (control). ECGs were measured in conscious, unrestrained animals by telemetry. In isolated hearts, electrical activity was measured by optical mapping and myofiber orientation by diffusion tensor-MRI. Sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+ handling was studied in single myocytes. Compared with control animals, the T-wave of the ECG was prolonged and in three of seven heart failure animals, prominent T-wave alternans occurred. Discordant action potential (AP) alternans occurred in isolated failing hearts and Ca2+ transient alternans in failing myocytes. In failing hearts, AP duration and dispersion were increased; conduction velocity and AP restitution were steeper. The latter was intrinsic to failing single myocytes. Failing hearts had greater fiber angle disarray; this correlated with AP duration. Failing myocytes had reduced sarco(endo)plasmic reticular Ca2+-ATPase activity, increased sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+-release fraction, and increased Ca2+ spark leak. In hypertrophied hearts and myocytes, dysfunctional adaptation had begun, but alternans did not develop. We conclude that increased electrical and structural heterogeneity and dysfunctional sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+ handling increased the probability of alternans, a proarrhythmic predictor of sudden cardiac death. These mechanisms are potential therapeutic targets for the correction of arrhythmias in hypertensive, failing RVs.
Differential effects of mild therapeutic exercise during a period of inactivity on power generation in soleus type I single fibers with age
Authors: Kim Jong-Hee , Thompson LaDora V.
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of mild therapeutic exercise (treadmill) in preventing the inactivity-induced alterations in contractile properties (e.g., power, force, and velocity) of type I soleus single fibers in three different age groups. Young adult (5- to 12-mo-old), middle-aged (24- to 31-mo-old), and old (32- to 40-mo-old) F344BNF1 rats were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: weight-bearing control (CON), non-weight bearing (NWB), and NWB with exercise (NWBX). NWB rats were hindlimb suspended for 2 wk, representing inactivity. The NWBX rats were hindlimb suspended for 2 wk and received therapeutic exercise on a treadmill four times a day for 15 min each. Peak power and isometric maximal force were reduced following hindlimb suspension (HS) in all three age groups. HS decreased fiber diameter in young adult and old rats (−21 and −12%, respectively). Specific tension (isometric maximal force/cross-sectional area) was significantly reduced in both the middle-aged (−36%) and old (−23%) rats. The effects of the mild therapeutic exercise program on fiber diameter and contractile properties were age specific. Mild treadmill therapeutic exercise attenuated the HS-induced reduction in fiber diameter (+17%, 93% level of CON group) and peak power (μN·fiber length·s−1) (+46%, 63% level of CON group) in young adult rats. In the middle-aged animals, this exercise protocol improved peak power (+60%, 100% level of CON group) and normalized power (kN·m−2·fiber length·s−1) (+45%, 108% level of CON group). Interestingly, treadmill exercise resulted in a further reduction in shortening velocity (−42%, 67% level of CON group) and specific tension (−29%, 55% level of CON group) in the old animals. These results suggest that mild treadmill exercise is beneficial in attenuating and preventing inactivity-induced decline in peak power of type I soleus single fibers in young adult and middle-aged animals, respectively. However, this exercise program does not prevent the HS-induced decline in muscle function in the old animals.
Clinicopathological Features of Serrated Adenocarcinoma Defined by Mäkinen in Dukes’ B Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Shida Yosuke , Fujimori Takahiro , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Fujimori Yukari , Kimura Ryusuke , Ueda Hirofumi , Ichikawa Kazuhito , Tomita Shigeki , Nagata Hitoshi , Kubota Keiichi , Tsubaki Masahiro , Kato Hiroyuki , Yao Takashi , Sugai Tamotsu , Sugihara Kenichi , Ohkura Yasuo , Imura Johji
Published: March 2012

Objective: Serrated adenocarcinoma (SAC), proposed as a new pathologic type, arises predominantly in the right side of the colon and has a poorer prognosis than conventional colorectal carcinoma. The prognosis of colorectal carcinoma is variable in Dukes’ B, so the aim of this study was to determine whether or not SAC has a poor prognosis in Dukes’ B. Methods: The study group comprised 64 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal carcinoma. We undertook a statistical analysis of the association of SAC and non-SAC with sex, age, histologic type, depth of tumor, location of tumor, venous invasion and lymphatic invasion. Results: SACs were encountered in 17.5% of cases (n = 11). SAC had a less favorable 5-year survival than non-SAC (p = 0.0396 log-rank, Kaplan-Meier). The factors that achieved statistical significance in the univariate analysis were subsequently included in a multivariate analysis and we found that SAC was an independent factor (p = 0.027). Conclusions: SAC has a poor prognosis and is not affected by other factors confirming that SAC is an independently less favorable prognostic factor.
Inhibition of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection by Lactoferrin
Authors: Zheng Ying , Zhang Wenling , Ye Qiurong , Zhou Yanhong , Xiong Wei , He Wei , Deng Min , Zhou Ming , Guo Xiaofang , Chen Pan , Fan Songqing , Liu Xiaoping , Wang Zhen , Li Xiaoling , Ma Jian , Li Guiyuan
Published: March 2012

Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional glycoprotein that plays an important role in native immune defense against infections, including human herpetic viruses, such as cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. However, its anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, a γ-herpesvirus) function has not been reported in the literature. EBV is widespread in all human populations and is believed to be linked to tumorigenesis, such as lymphomas and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We previously reported that LF expressed a significantly lower level in NPC tissues and was a likely tumor suppressor. Since EBV infection is a major carcinogen of NPC development, we investigated the effect of LF on EBV infection and found that LF could protect human primary B lymphocytes and nasopharyngeal epithelial cells from EBV infection, but had no effect on EBV genome DNA replication. LF prevented EBV infection of primary B cells mediated by its direct binding to the EBV receptor (CD21) on the B-cell surface. Tissue array immunohistochemistry revealed that LF expression was significantly downregulated in NPC specimens, in which high EBV viral capsid antigen-IgA levels were observed. These data suggest that LF may inhibit EBV infection and that its downregulation could contribute to NPC development.
Off-Target Cannabinoid Effects Mediated by GPR55
Authors: Henstridge Christopher M.
Published: March 2012

Given the vast therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid system, the revelation of a novel cannabinoid-sensitive target was treated with great excitement. The orphan G-protein coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) was initially touted as a novel cannabinoid target in early industrial patent literature. Consequently, numerous studies have revealed GPR55 expression in a diverse array of cells and tissues, regulating various physiological and pathological processes. Although a confusing cannabinoid profile has prevented its classification as a cannabinoid receptor, the therapeutic potential of the receptor cannot be denied, with roles in cancer progression, bone resorption and analgesia. This commentary aims to summarize GPR55 expression data and speculate on potential therapeutic exploitation of this enigmatic orphan receptor.
In-Frame Deletion and Missense Mutations of the C-Terminal Helicase Domain of SMARCA2 in Three Patients with Nicolaides-Baraitser Syndrome
Authors: Wolff D. , Endele S. , Azzarello-Burri S. , Hoyer J. , Zweier M. , Schanze I. , Schmitt B. , Rauch A. , Reis A. , Zweier C.
Published: March 2012

Using high-resolution molecular karyotyping with SNP arrays to identify candidate genes for etiologically unexplained intellectual disability, we identified a 32-kb de novo in-frame deletion of the C-terminal helicase domain of the SMARCA2 gene in a patient with severe intellectual disability, epilepsy, sparse hair, prominent joints, and distinct facial anomalies. Sequencing of the gene in patients with a similar phenotype revealed de novo missense mutations in this domain in 2 further patients, pointing to a crucial role of the SMARCA2 C-terminal helicase domain. The clinical features observed in all 3 patients are typical of Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome, an only rarely reported syndrome with mainly moderate to severe intellectual disability. Notably, one of our patients with a p.Gly1132Asp mutation showed typical morphological features but an exceptional good development with borderline overall IQ and learning difficulties, thus expanding the phenotypic spectrum of Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome.
Whole-Brain Arterial Spin Labeling Perfusion MRI in Patients With Acute Stroke
Authors: Bokkers Reinoud P.H. , Hernandez Daymara A. , Merino José G. , Mirasol Raymond V. , van Osch Matthias J. , Hendrikse Jeroen , Warach Steven , Latour Lawrence L.
Published: March 2012

Background and Purpose—

Perfusion MRI can be used to identify patients with acute ischemic stroke who may benefit from reperfusion therapies. The risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, however, limits the use of contrast agents. Our objective was to evaluate the ability of arterial spin labeling (ASL), an alternative noninvasive perfusion technique, to detect perfusion deficits compared with dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion imaging.

Methods—

Consecutive patients referred for emergency assessment of suspected acute stroke within a 7-month period were imaged with both ASL and DSC perfusion MRI. Images were interpreted in a random order by 2 experts blinded to clinical information for image quality, presence of perfusion deficits, and diffusion–perfusion mismatches.

Results—

One hundred fifty-six patients were scanned with a median time of 5.6 hours (range, 3.0–17.7 hours) from last seen normal. Stroke diagnosis was clinically confirmed in 78 patients. ASL and DSC imaging were available in 64 of these patients. A perfusion deficit was detected with DSC in 39 of these patients; ASL detected 32 of these index perfusion deficits, missing 7 lesions. The median volume of the perfusion deficits as determined with DSC was smaller in patients who were evaluated as normal with ASL than in those with a deficit (median [interquartile range], 56 [10–116] versus 114 [41–225] mL;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

ASL can depict large perfusion deficits and perfusion–diffusion mismatches in correspondence with DSC. Our findings show that a fast 2½-minute ASL perfusion scan may be adequate for screening patients with acute stroke with contraindications to gadolinium-based contrast agents.
Statistical Analysis of the Primary Outcome in Acute Stroke Trials
Authors: Bath Philip M.W. , Lees Kennedy R. , Schellinger Peter D. , Altman Hernan , Bland Martin , Hogg Cheryl , Howard George , Saver Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2012

Common outcome scales in acute stroke trials are ordered categorical or pseudocontinuous in structure but most have been analyzed as binary measures. The use of fixed dichotomous analysis of ordered categorical outcomes after stroke (such as the modified Rankin Scale) is rarely the most statistically efficient approach and usually requires a larger sample size to demonstrate efficacy than other approaches. Preferred statistical approaches include sliding dichotomous, ordinal, or continuous analyses. Because there is no best approach that will work for all acute stroke trials, it is vital that studies are designed with a full understanding of the type of patients to be enrolled (in particular their case mix, which will be critically dependent on their age and severity), the potential mechanism by which the intervention works (ie, will it tend to move all patients somewhat, or some patients a lot, and is a common hazard present), a realistic assessment of the likely effect size, and therefore the necessary sample size, and an understanding of what the intervention will cost if implemented in clinical practice. If these approaches are followed, then the risk of missing useful treatment effects for acute stroke will diminish.
Language Models for Machine Translation: Original vs. Translated Texts
Authors: Lembersky Gennadi , Ordan Noam , Wintner Shuly
Published: March 2012

We investigate the differences between language models compiled from original target-language texts and those compiled from texts manually translated to the target language. Corroborating established observations of Translation Studies, we demonstrate that the latter are significantly better predictors of translated sentences than the former, and hence fit the reference set better. Furthermore, translated texts yield better language models for statistical machine translation than original texts.
LFG Generation by Grammar Specialization
Authors: Wedekind Jürgen , Kaplan Ronald M.
Published: March 2012

This article describes an approach to Lexical-Functional Grammar (LFG) generation that is based on the fact that the set of strings that an LFG grammar relates to a particular acyclic f-structure is a context-free language. We present an algorithm that produces for an arbitrary LFG grammar and an arbitrary acyclic input f-structure a context-free grammar describing exactly the set of strings that the given LFG grammar associates with that f-structure. The individual sentences are then available through a standard context-free generator operating on that grammar. The context-free grammar is constructed by specializing the context-free backbone of the LFG grammar for the given f-structure and serves as a compact representation of all generation results that the LFG grammar assigns to the input. This approach extends to other grammatical formalisms with explicit context-free backbones, such as PATR, and also to formalisms that permit a context-free skeleton to be extracted from richer specifications. It provides a general mathematical framework for understanding and improving the operation of a family of chart-based generation algorithms.
The Transformation of Psychoanalysis in America
Authors: Thompson Nellie L.
Published: March 2012

Part I reviews the role of the Emergency Committee on Relief and Immigration of the American Psychoanalytic Association, chaired by Lawrence Kubie and Bettina Warburg, members of the New York Psychoanalytic Society, in facilitating the immigration to the United States of scores of European analysts and candidates between 1938 and 1943. The challenges facing the committee are outlined in reports written by Kubie and Warburg. In particular, the intractable problem of how to integrate European lay analysts into the American Psychoanalytic Association was an ever present problem. Part II describes the impact emigré analysts had on the intellectual life of the New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, and considers how the psychoanalytic work of the emigrés was influenced by their move to America. The reminiscences of two emigré analysts, Peter Neubauer and Kurt R. Eissler, on their experience of coming to the United States close the paper.
‘Is your city pretty anyway?’ Perspectives on graffiti and the urban landscape
Authors: Rowe Michael , Hutton Fiona
Published: March 2012

Drawing on survey and focus group research completed in New Zealand in 2009 this article examines young peoples’ perspectives on graffiti and tagging. The results further demonstrate that graffiti writing is an activity invested with considerable cultural meaning by many of those engaged in it and that their understanding of graffiti is considerably at odds with prevailing political, media and policy discourse that sees it purely in terms of criminal damage and antisocial behaviour. While graffiti can be conceptualised as an alternative way of ‘reading’ urban space, the results of this study show that writers recognised that graffiti had damaging consequences and was inappropriate in some contexts. Graffiti was not simply nihilistic destructive behaviour but one in which perceptions of criminality were leavened by aesthetic judgements and the allure and excitement of potential local celebrity.
Quality of Master’s Education
Authors: Jackson Margo A. , Scheel Michael J.
Published: March 2012

The authors offer an analysis of current challenges and opportunities regarding the long-standing issue about the quality and status of master’s education relevant to training and practice in counseling psychology. Highlighted are historical context, controversies regarding licensure and accreditation (e.g., the 2009 Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs standard that bans counseling psychology faculty as core), and data on counseling master’s programs in departments affiliated with American Psychological Association–accredited doctoral programs in counseling psychology. In an effort to constructively address issues of concern, the authors propose recommendations to differentiate and integrate master’s education with doctoral training by emphasizing the unique contributions of counseling psychology. Their recommendations build on the core values and synergistic potential of counseling psychology foundations both in counseling (e.g., in educational applications and service to multicultural communities) and in professional psychology (e.g., in extending benchmark competencies for training and using scientific research to inform value-added outcomes for effectively serving public mental health needs).
The Impact of Intonation and Valence on Objective and Subjective Attention Capture by Auditory Alarms
Authors: Ljungberg Jessica K. , Parmentier Fabrice
Published: March 2012

Objective:

The objective was to study the involuntary capture of attention by spoken words varying in intonation and valence.

Background:

In studies of verbal alarms, the propensity of alarms to capture attention has been primarily assessed with the use of subjective ratings of their perceived urgency. Past studies suggest that such ratings vary with the alarms’ spoken urgency and content.

Method:

We measured attention capture by spoken words varying in valence (negative vs. neutral) and intonation (urgently vs. nonurgently spoken) through subjective ratings and behavioral measures. The key behavioral measure was the response latency to visual stimuli in the presence of spoken words breaking away from the periodical repetition of a tone.

Results:

The results showed that all words captured attention relative to a baseline standard tone but that this effect was partly counteracted by a relative speeding of responses for urgently compared with nonurgently spoken words. Word valence did not affect behavioral performance. Rating data showed that both intonation and valence increased significantly perceived urgency and attention grabbing without any interaction.

Conclusion:

The data suggest a congruency between subjective ratings and behavioral performance with respect to spoken intonation but not valence.

Application:

This study demonstrates the usefulness and feasibility of objective measures of attention capture to help design efficient alarm systems.
Constructing Mobile Places between ‘Leisure’ and ‘Transport’: A Case Study of Two Group Cycle Rides
Authors: Aldred Rachel , Jungnickel Katrina
Published: March 2012

This article contributes to a growing literature examining the sociological significance of mobile places, exploring mobile place-making through an analysis of the practice of weekend group leisure cycling. These rides represent a mobility practice where the main aim of participants may be ‘leisure’ but most infrastructure used is designated for ‘transport’. Using ethnographic methods, the article provides an analysis of rhythm, positioning and communication on two group rides, one from Hull into the East Yorkshire countryside and one in London. External (including motor traffic flow and route type) and internal (including group composition and experience) factors shape the relationship between the riders and their ride, and hence the mobile places that they co-create. The article argues that cyclists riding in groups create distinctively flexible social spaces. These group cycling practices variously challenge, mimic and adapt to the motorized orientation of much road space.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Gabapentin After Administration of Gabapentin Enacarbil
Authors: Lal Ritu , Sukbuntherng Juthamas , Luo Wendy , Tovera James , Lassauzet Marie Liesse , Cundy Kenneth C.
Published: March 2012

Gabapentin enacarbil (GEn) is an actively transported prodrug of gabapentin that provides sustained dose‐proportional exposure to gabapentin and predictable bioavailability. Gabapentin enacarbil is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe primary restless legs syndrome (RLS) in adults. Using plasma gabapentin concentration data obtained after administration of GEn in 12 phase 1 to 3 GEn studies in healthy adults or patients with RLS (dose range, 300‐2400 mg/d), a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model was developed by nonlinear mixed‐effect modeling using NONMEM. Data were similar in subjects with and without RLS. Population PK‐pharmacodynamic (PD) models were evaluated using gabapentin exposure and change from baseline in investigator‐ or patient‐rated Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI‐I) or International Restless Legs Scale (IRLS) total score. Potential PK‐PD models for sleep outcomes and safety parameters were also explored. The CGI‐I response increased with increasing GEn dose, whereas the IRLS total score was similar at all exposures tested. Early adverse events of dizziness or somnolence/sedation were more frequent for GEn 600 mg than higher doses; however, this is confounded by the fact that all subjects received the 600‐mg dose for 3 days prior to titration to higher dosages.
Exploring Racial Disparities in the Brief Jail Mental Health Screen
Authors: Prins Seth J. , Osher Fred C. , Steadman Henry J. , Robbins Pamela Clark , Case Brian
Published: March 2012

The authors analyzed validation data from the Brief Jail Mental Health Screen (BJMHS) to determine whether race predicted screening results and if such a prediction was driven by particular screen items. A total of 22,000 individuals entering five jails over two 8-month periods were screened. The authors constructed binary logistic regression models to assess the impact of race on screening positive and endorsing particular items. Blacks and Latinos had lower odds than Whites of screening positive. Blacks and Latinos had somewhat lower odds than Whites of endorsing two or more symptom items but had appreciably lower odds of endorsing items regarding prior mental health service utilization. Racial differences in BJMHS screening results likely reflect the reproduction of racial disparities rather than valid differences because results were driven by items reflecting known barriers in access to mental health services. Nonetheless, the instrument is likely to remain an improvement over typical jail screening procedures.
Statistical analysis on the effect of the molecular weight and testing rate on peel strength of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR 25)-based adhesives
Authors: Khan Imran , Poh BT
Published: March 2012

Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)-based adhesive was prepared using gum rosin and toluene as the tackifier and solvent, respectively. Peel strength of adhesive was determined using a Llyod adhesion tester operating at different rates of testing. Result shows that peel strength increases up to an optimum molecular weight of 6.5 × 104 of ENR 25. This observation is attributed to the combined effects of wettability and mechanical strength of rubber. Differential scanning calorimetry measurement confirms the miscibility of tackifier and ENR 25. Statistical analysis was used to further investigate the effect of molecular weight and testing rate on the peel adhesion of the adhesive.
Errorless Academic Compliance Training
Authors: Ducharme Joseph M. , Ng Olivia
Published: March 2012

Errorless academic compliance training is a graduated, noncoercive approach to treating oppositional behavior in children. In the present study, three teaching staff in a special education classroom were trained to conduct this intervention with three male students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. During baseline, staff delivered a range of academic and other classroom requests and recorded student compliance. A hierarchy of compliance probabilities was then calculated, ranging from Level 1 (requests yielding high levels of compliance) to Level 4 (those typically yielding noncompliance). At treatment initiation, teaching staff delivered high densities of Level 1 requests and provided reinforcement for compliance. Subsequent request levels were faded in over time, at a slow enough rate to ensure continued high compliance. By intervention end, all three students demonstrated substantially improved compliance to classroom requests that had commonly yielded noncompliance before intervention. Covariant improvement in on-task skills was also evident.
Regulatory Forum Opinion Piece: Obligatory Microscopic Examination of Intermediate Dose Groups in Non-Rodent Toxicity Studies—Is It Necessary?
Authors: Weddle Diann L. , Mahrt Charles R. , Schmidt Stephen P.
Published: March 2012

In non-rodent toxicity studies supporting pharmaceutical or chemical product registration, the value of histopathology evaluation of all tissues from all animals from all dose groups is an ongoing discussion topic among pathologists. This manuscript documents an examination of this topic through a retrospective review of internal nonclinical study data from non-rodent toxicity studies performed at three pharmaceutical companies (Abbott Laboratories, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer, Inc.) and an informal survey of the current practices within the toxicological pathology community. The retrospective review of 325 non-rodent studies in which all organs in all dose groups were examined revealed no evidence that risk assessment would have changed if only the control and high-dose animals and target organs only in intermediate dose groups had been examined. One study had target tissues in a lower-dose group that were not identified in the high-dose group; however, there was no impact on the overall study interpretation. The recently revised European Medicines Agency guideline regarding repeated-dose toxicity studies encourages the examination of all tissues at all dose levels in non-rodent studies. In conclusion, the evaluation of all tissues from all animals may not be justified as a routine practice; however, regulatory guidance with input from toxicologic pathologists will influence these policy decisions.
Identifying the Professional Development Needs of Public School Principals Based on the Interstate School Leader Licensure Consortium Standards
Authors: Spanneut Gene , Tobin Jim , Ayers Steve
Published: March 2012

The roles and responsibilities of principals are increasingly focused on instructional leadership. In many states, changes in the preparation and credentialing of future principals have been based on recognized leadership standards. Requirements for practicing principals to complete professional development aligned with such standards have also increased. This article presents the results of a preliminary study on principals’ self-identification of professional development needs based on the 2008 Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards and their preferences for professional development delivery methods to meet those needs.
Hemmed in: on the representation of imperial defeat
Authors: Smith Andrew
Published: March 2012

This essay considers the way in which instances of defeat have been discussed, represented and put to use in the context of the history of modern imperialism. It argues that the response to moments of defeat has often been crucial in justifying the further expansion of imperial control, as well as in mobilising popular sympathy in support of imperial action. What is appealed to, in such representations, is often not an idea of strategic or economic interest as such, but a less easily defined or contested idea of honour or valour. The long historical roots of this idea reveal, apart from anything else, just how far empire was the context for a rapprochement between a newer and an older elite.
Environmental literacy and the emerging roles of information professionals in developing economies
Authors: Abiolu Oluremi A. , Okere Oluchi O.
Published: March 2012

Environmental degradation has become a serious source of concern for contemporary society, giving rise to efforts in the way of advocacies, conferences and awareness campaigns at different levels. While information professionals in developing economies are positioned to contribute to environmental sustainability; they need to apply creativity and innovation to overcome issues like low literacy levels, poor infrastructures, political apathy of environmental information to achieve the intended goal of environmental literacy. New roles are evolving beyond mere provision of information; these include information professionals as change agents, educators, electronic experts and partners to other change agents. The paper argues that information professionals could be more relevant to the needs of sustainable environment by repositioning themselves in terms of their roles in their various communities. Some recommendations made in the paper include revitalizing public libraries, training in Information and Communication Technology skills and collaboration with interest groups.
Developing leadership competencies in librarians
Authors: Jordan Mary Wilkins
Published: March 2012

What makes a good director? How does a librarian know she has the competencies needed to be an effective manager-leader? How does the library board or community know what to look for in a director? What should the library profession look for in their rising managers? There are not clear answers to these questions right now. But development of a set of research-based competencies will give answers to these questions, and will give a foundation for other research-based ideas to be developed to assist manager-leaders in the library. The research objective for this study is to refine a set of competencies, identified from the literature, through the opinions of current public library directors. The development of manager/leaders in the library world is too important to be left to chance. Using a research-based set of competencies as a foundation should help in the development of training opportunities for librarians who wish to be successful in their positions as directors.
The Gov Doc Kids Group and free government information
Authors: Adamich Tom , Childers Martha , Davis Katy , Faria John H. , Satterfield Antoinette W.
Published: March 2012

Free government information fuels innovation among all the world's children and has the potential to enhance every aspect of their lives. The Gov Doc Kids Group, located in the United States, was formed to promote the use of government information to children, kindergarten through high school. Members of the Gov Doc Kids Group describe the formation of the group, international and country websites useful for children, and present tried-and-true, effective means of opening the doors of government information to children. The paper will explore ways the group utilizes the web to promote government information to children and provide an in-depth description of how a Government Documents Children’s Collection was formed. Although the examples discussed here are United States-centric projects, these ideas could flourish in almost any country.
Validity and Reliability of the Short Physical Performance Battery in Two Diverse Older Adult Populations in Quebec and Brazil
Authors: Freire Aline Nascimento , Guerra Ricardo Oliveira , Alvarado Beatriz , Guralnik Jack M. , Zunzunegui Maria Victoria
Published: March 2012

Objectives: To assess the validity and reliability of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in adults 65 to 74 years old, capable in all basic activities of daily living (ADL), in Quebec and Brazil. Methods: Participants were recruited in St. Bruno (Quebec) by local advertisements ( n = 60) and in Santa Cruz (Brazil) by random sampling ( n = 64). The SPPB includes tests of gait, balance, and lower-limb strength. Disability status was categorized as intact mobility, limited mobility, and difficulty in any of ADL. Results: There was a graded decrease in mean SPPB scores with increasing limitation of lower limbs, disability, and poor health. Using the test–retest reliability the authors evaluated the intraclass correlation coefficient, which was high in both samples: .89 (95% CI: 0.83, 0.93) in St. Bruno and .83 in Santa Cruz (95% CI: 0.73, 0.89). Discussion: This study provides evidence for the validity and reliability of SPPB in diverse populations.
Financing the resilient city
Authors: Brugmann Jeb
Published: March 2012

This paper presents a strategy for scaling climate change adaptation within urban areas. The strategy specifically focuses on the requirements for mobilizing large amounts of capital for adaptation and other urban risk reduction above and beyond the amounts that will likely be mobilized through new international adaptation funds. The paper, based on a report published by ICLEI–Local Governments for Sustainability,( 1 ) proposes a re-framing of the urban adaptation and disaster reduction challenge. The approach shifts the adaptation focus from risk reduction as a primary end in itself to a broader development focus on financing the performance of urban assets, areas and/or systems. This emphasis is elaborated through the concept of “resilience”, an urban design and investment metric that measures the ability of urban areas and their individual assets to perform for users and their investors under a wide range of conditions. The paper argues that such a performance-oriented approach provides a business logic that can attract conventional, private investment flows to climate and disaster risk reduction measures and thereby “mainstream” them.
Censorship challenges to books in Scottish public libraries
Authors: Taylor Kelly , McMenemy David
Published: March 2012

Censorship challenges to books in UK public libraries have received renewed attention recently. This study sought to establish the incidence of censorship challenges to books in Scottish public libraries in the years 2005–2009 and the actions taken in response to these challenges. It was found that eight local authorities in Scotland had received formal censorship challenges to books, with a total of 15 challenges throughout the country. The most common action taken in response to these challenges was for the book to be kept in stock in its original position with the rationale for this explained to the complainer, with the second most common action being taken to move the title to another section of the library. Two books were removed from the library in response to a censorship challenge. The largest numbers of challenges were made against books on the basis of sexual material.
European ancestry decreases the risk of early onset, severe lupus nephritis in a single center, multiethnic pediatric lupus inception cohort
Authors: Frankovich JD , Hsu JJ , Sandborg CI
Published: March 2012

Purpose: To determine whether pediatric SLE patients without European ancestry are at higher risk for development of severe lupus nephritis (ISN/RPS class III, IV or V). Methods: Ninety-eight of 101 patients with pediatric SLE (age <18 years at diagnosis) were enrolled. Race/ethnicity of four grandparents, socioeconomic status (SES) and language proficiency were collected. The primary outcome was time to development of severe lupus nephritis. Results: Based on patient report of four grandparent ancestry, 29% had at least one grandparent of European ancestry (14% had all four grandparents of European ancestry). Patients without European ancestry were 46% Hispanic, 47% Asian, and 3% African American. In the entire 98 patient cohort, 12% had ≥3 different ancestries. Patients without European ancestry had significantly lower SES levels and English proficiency. There was no significant difference between patients with or without European ancestry in duration of SLE, age of onset, and lag time between symptoms and diagnosis. Patients with at least one grandparent of European ancestry had a decreased risk of developing severe lupus nephritis, which remained significant after controlling for age, gender, SES and English proficiency (hazard ratio 0.4, 95% confidence interval 0.2–0.9). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that presence of at least one grandparent of European ancestry decreases the risk of severe lupus nephritis, a finding that is not explained by measurable socioeconomic differences and language barriers.