bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Statins on Skeletal Muscle Function
Authors: Parker Beth A. , Capizzi Jeffrey A. , Grimaldi Adam S. , Clarkson Priscilla M. , Cole Stephanie M. , Keadle Justin , Chipkin Stuart , Pescatello Linda S. , Simpson Kathleen , White C. Michael , Thompson Paul D.
Published: November 2012

Background—

Many clinicians believe that statins cause muscle pain, but this has not been observed in clinical trials, and the effect of statins on muscle performance has not been carefully studied.

Methods and Results—

The Effect of Statins on Skeletal Muscle Function and Performance (STOMP) study assessed symptoms and measured creatine kinase, exercise capacity, and muscle strength before and after atorvastatin 80 mg or placebo was administered for 6 months to 420 healthy, statin-naive subjects. No individual creatine kinase value exceeded 10 times normal, but average creatine kinase increased 20.8±141.1 U/L (
P
<0.0001) with atorvastatin. There were no significant changes in several measures of muscle strength or exercise capacity with atorvastatin, but more atorvastatin than placebo subjects developed myalgia (19 versus 10;
P
=0.05). Myalgic subjects on atorvastatin or placebo had decreased muscle strength in 5 of 14 and 4 of 14 variables, respectively (
P
=0.69).

Conclusions—

These results indicate that high-dose atorvastatin for 6 months does not decrease average muscle strength or exercise performance in healthy, previously untreated subjects. Nevertheless, this blinded, controlled trial confirms the undocumented impression that statins increase muscle complaints. Atorvastatin also increased average creatine kinase, suggesting that statins produce mild muscle injury even among asymptomatic subjects. This increase in creatine kinase should prompt studies examining the effects of more prolonged, high-dose statin treatment on muscular performance.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00609063.
Role of KCNQ Channels in Skeletal Muscle Arteries and Periadventitial Vascular Dysfunction
Authors: Zavaritskaya Olga , Zhuravleva Nadezda , Schleifenbaum Johanna , Gloe Torsten , Devermann Lena , Kluge Reinhart , Mladenov Mitko , Frey Manfred , Gagov Hristo , Fésüs Gabor , Gollasch Maik , Schubert Rudolf
Published: November 2012

KCNQ channels have been identified in arterial smooth muscle. However, their role in vasoregulation and chronic vascular diseases remains elusive. We tested the hypothesis that KCNQ channels contribute to periadventitial vasoregulation in peripheral skeletal muscle arteries by perivascular adipose tissue and that they represent novel targets to rescue periadventitial vascular dysfunction. Two models, spontaneously hypertensive rats and New Zealand obese mice, were studied using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the patch-clamp technique, membrane potential measurements, myography of isolated vessels, and blood pressure telemetry. In rat
Gracilis
muscle arteries, anticontractile effects of perivascular fat were inhibited by the KCNQ channel blockers XE991 and linopirdine but not by other selective K
+
channel inhibitors. Accordingly, XE991 and linopirdine blocked noninactivating K
+
currents in freshly isolated
Gracilis
artery smooth muscle cells. mRNAs of several KCNQ channel subtypes were detected in those arteries, with KCNQ4 channels being dominant. In spontaneously hypertensive rats, the anticontractile effect of perivascular fat in
Gracilis
muscle arteries was largely reduced compared with Wistar rats. However, the vasodilator effects of KCNQ channel openers and mRNA expression of KCNQ channels were normal. Furthermore, KCNQ channel openers restored the diminished anticontractile effects of perivascular fat in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Moreover, KCNQ channel openers reduced arterial blood pressure in both models of hypertension independent of ganglionic blockade. Thus, our data suggest that KCNQ channels play a pivotal role in periadventitial vasoregulation of peripheral skeletal muscle arteries, and KCNQ channel opening may be an effective mechanism to improve impaired periadventitial vasoregulation and associated hypertension.
Increased Proliferative Cells in the Medullary Thick Ascending Limb of the Loop of Henle in the Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rat
Authors: Yang Chun , Stingo Francesco C. , Ahn Kwang Woo , Liu Pengyuan , Vannucci Marina , Laud Purushottam W. , Skelton Meredith , O’Connor Paul , Kurth Terry , Ryan Robert P. , Moreno Carol , Tsaih Shirng-Wern , Patone Giannino , Hummel Oliver , Jacob Howard J. , Liang Mingyu , Cowley Allen W.
Published: November 2012

Studies of transcriptome profiles have provided new insights into mechanisms underlying the development of hypertension. Cell type heterogeneity in tissue samples, however, has been a significant hindrance in these studies. We performed a transcriptome analysis in medullary thick ascending limbs of the loop of Henle isolated from Dahl salt-sensitive rats. Genes differentially expressed between Dahl salt-sensitive rats and salt-insensitive consomic SS.13
BN
rats on either 0.4% or 7 days of 8.0% NaCl diet (n=4) were highly enriched for genes located on chromosome 13, the chromosome substituted in the SS.13
BN
rat. A pathway involving cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation was identified as one of the most highly ranked pathways based on differentially expressed genes and by a Bayesian model analysis. Immunofluorescent analysis indicated that just 1 week of a high-salt diet resulted in a severalfold increase in proliferative medullary thick ascending limb cells in both rat strains, and that Dahl salt-sensitive rats exhibited a significantly greater proportion of medullary thick ascending limb cells in a proliferative state than in SS.13
BN
rats (15.0±1.4% versus 10.1±0.6%; n=7–9;
P
<0.05). The total number of cells per medullary thick ascending limb section analyzed was not different between the 2 strains. The study revealed alterations in regulatory pathways in Dahl salt-sensitive rats in tissues highly enriched for a single cell type, leading to the unexpected finding of a greater increase in the number of proliferative medullary thick ascending limb cells in Dahl salt-sensitive rats on a high-salt diet.
A Fluid-Filled Soft Robot That Exhibits Spontaneous Switching Among Versatile Spatiotemporal Oscillatory Patterns Inspired by the True Slime Mold
Authors: Umedachi Takuya , Idei Ryo , Ito Kentaro , Ishiguro Akio
Published: November 2012

Behavioral diversity is an essential feature of living systems, enabling them to exhibit adaptive behavior in hostile and dynamically changing environments. However, traditional engineering approaches strive to avoid, or suppress, the behavioral diversity in artificial systems to achieve high performance in specific environments for given tasks. The goals of this research include understanding how living systems exhibit behavioral diversity and using these findings to build lifelike robots that exhibit truly adaptive behaviors. To this end, we have focused on one of the most primitive forms of intelligence concerning behavioral diversity, namely, a plasmodium of true slime mold. The plasmodium is a large amoeba-like unicellular organism that does not possess any nervous system or specialized organs. However, it exhibits versatile spatiotemporal oscillatory patterns and switches spontaneously between these. Inspired by the plasmodium, we built a mathematical model that exhibits versatile oscillatory patterns and spontaneously transitions between these patterns. This model demonstrates that, in contrast to coupled nonlinear oscillators with a well-designed complex diffusion network, physically interacting mechanosensory oscillators are capable of generating versatile oscillatory patterns without changing any parameters. Thus, the results are expected to shed new light on the design scheme for lifelike robots that exhibit amazingly versatile and adaptive behaviors.
Self-Organized Translational Wheeling Motion in Stochastic Self-Assembling Modules
Authors: Miyashita Shuhei , Nakajima Kohei , Nagy Zoltán , Pfeifer Rolf
Published: November 2012

Self-organization is a phenomenon found in biomolecular self-assembly by which proteins are spontaneously driven to assemble and attain various functionalities. This study reports on self-organized behavior in which distributed centimeter-sized modules stochastically aggregate and exhibit a translational wheeling motion. The system consists of two types of centimeter-sized water-floating modules: a triangular-shaped module that is equipped with a vibration motor and a permanent magnet (termed the active module), which can quasi-randomly rove around; and circular modules that are equipped with permanent magnets (termed passive modules). In its quasi-random movement in water, the active module picks up passive modules through magnetic attraction. The contacts between the modules induce a torque transfer from the active module to the passive modules. This results in rotational motion of the passive modules. As a consequence of the shape difference between the triangular module and the circular module, the passive modules rotate like wheels, being kept on the same edges as the active module. The motion of the active module is examined, as well as the characteristics and behavior of the self-organization process.
Modeling the Frictional Interaction in the Tendon-Pulley System of the Human Finger for Use in Robotics
Authors: Dermitzakis Konstantinos , Morales Marco Roberto , Schweizer Andreas
Published: November 2012

Physiological studies of the human finger indicate that friction in the tendon-pulley system accounts for a considerable fraction of the total output force (9–12%) in a high-load static posteccentric configuration. Such a phenomenon can be exploited for robotic and prosthetic applications, as it can result in (1) an increase of output force or (2) a reduction of energy consumption and actuator weight. In this study, a simple frictional, two-link, one-degree-of-freedom model of a human finger was created. The model is validated against in vitro human finger data, and its behavior is examined with respect to select physiological parameters. The results point to clear benefits of incorporating friction in tendon-driven robotic fingers for actuator mass and output force. If it is indeed the case that the majority of high-load hand grasps are posteccentric, there is a clear benefit of incorporating friction in tendon-driven prosthetic hand replacements.
Evaluation of Cardiac Auscultation Skills in Pediatric Residents
Authors: Kumar Komal , Thompson W. Reid
Published: November 2012

Auscultation skills are in decline, but few studies have shown which specific aspects are most difficult for trainees. We evaluated individual aspects of cardiac auscultation among pediatric residents using recorded heart sounds to determine which elements pose the most difficulty. Methods. Auscultation proficiency was assessed among 34 trainees following a pediatric cardiology rotation using an open-set format evaluation module, similar to the actual clinical auscultation description process. Results. Diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing normal from abnormal cases was 73%. Findings most commonly correctly identified included pathological systolic and diastolic murmurs and widely split second heart sounds. Those least likely to be identified included continuous murmurs and clicks. Accuracy was low for identifying specific diagnoses. Conclusions. Given time constraints for clinical skills teaching, this suggests that focusing on distinguishing normal from abnormal heart sounds and murmurs instead of making specific diagnoses may be a more realistic goal for pediatric resident auscultation training.
The Perils of Political Competition
Authors: Ceka Besir
Published: November 2012

This article explains the puzzling finding that postcommunist citizens living in countries with higher quality institutions have lower levels of political trust and participation. Why do political trust and participation not follow the quality of democratic institutions? I argue that in postcommunist Europe vibrant and robust political competition has stifled trust and, in turn, participation. Using multilevel data, I show that the polities that experienced vibrant political competition in their electoral arenas also witnessed the highest levels of disillusionment with political parties and, consequently, with the political system. Decades of monopolization of the electoral arena by communist parties left Eastern Europeans ill prepared to appreciate vigorous political competition, which, depending on its intensity, tended to depress trust in political parties as an institution and, consequently, stifled political participation.
Agenda-setting in the Common Security and Defence Policy: An institutionalist perspective
Authors: Dijkstra Hylke
Published: November 2012

The European Union (EU) has launched an impressive number of crisis management missions since its Common Security and Defence Policy became operational in 2003. This article analyses the agenda-setting phase of these civilian and military operations in order to explain why the EU has sent troops, policemen, judges, prosecutors and monitors across three continents. It presents an institutionalist perspective and argues that the former High Representative Javier Solana and his officials have been instrumental in putting various operations on the agenda. They have employed deliberate agenda-setting strategies, such as venue shopping, conflict expansion and issue framing, to further their bureaucratic interest of launching new missions. Solana and his officials had the ability to affect the agenda-setting process thanks to their pivotal position in policy making. This gave them with superior information on the state of play and an early mover advantage as well as strong international networks. The article provides empirical evidence from the crisis management missions in Aceh, Bosnia, Chad and Kosovo. It concludes with the changes to the Common Security and Defence Policy after the Treaty of Lisbon.
Informal counterterrorism arrangements in Europe: Beauty by variety or duplicity by abundance?
Authors: Bures Oldrich
Published: November 2012

Most existing analyses of counterterrorism cooperation among EU Member States have focused on the formal EU agencies and institutions, which may be regarded as direct vertical extensions of political and executive power in the EU Member States. When it comes to practical cooperation, however, it appears that national security agencies in Europe often prefer to utilize horizontal non-EU counterterrorism arrangements. Because of their flexibility and relative independence from national governments, as well as their ability to include a broader range of participants on equal footing, it is generally assumed that these informal arrangements are more suitable for achieving common goals than their more formal and hierarchical EU counterparts. This article argues that the informal non-EU arrangements also suffer from a number of distinct shortcomings. This, in turn, questions the wisdom of the post-9/11 response to terrorism by putting yet more formal EU bodies and/or informal arrangements on the already crowded map of security bodies in Europe.
Differentiation and trust: Prüm and the institutional design of EU internal security
Authors: Balzacq Thierry , Hadfield Amelia
Published: November 2012

One recent but major policy occurrence in Justice and Home Affairs – the Treaty of Prüm (2005) – has developed within the framework of differentiated integration, thus reopening the debate over the impact of flexibility on EU integration, what causes it, and whether it should be sought by Member States at all. Whatever the consensus, the debate itself demonstrates that the very idea of differentiated integration deserves a renewed attention today ultimately because it affects, in one way or another, the performance of the EU. This article presents a critical analysis of the practice of differentiation in Justice and Home Affairs, by examining its forms, principles and effects. It discusses the literature on the subject, emphasizing the complexity of flexible integration, but reaches different conclusions. Thus, in contrast to the dominant argument, we argue that differentiation is not necessarily about deepening and/or widening EU integration. It is also, and sometimes primarily, about power and interests, two major elements that feed mistrust among Member States. In fact, we demonstrate that mistrust can cause poor differentiation. Moreover, in the absence of trust among Member States, flexibility might contribute to sub-optimal policies. Based on past research and interviews, we substantiate our claim by investigating the driving factors, rationales and consequences of the Treaty of Prüm on the institutionalization of a EU area of Freedom, Security and Justice.
Explaining states’ burden-sharing behaviour within NATO
Authors: Oma Ida M
Published: November 2012

This article reviews the state of literature relevant to states’ burden-sharing behaviour within NATO. The purpose is two-fold: first, to delineate the different dependent variables and evaluate whether important questions have been left untreated, and, second, to assess strengths and weaknesses of the explanations that have been proffered. It is argued that while the system-level explanations capture major incentives to contribute, the domestic-level explanations are necessary in understanding specific decision-outcomes. The existing integrative models are superior to each explanation or level of analysis individually but tend to portrait domestic leaders as rather passive registers of international and domestic pressures. Empirically speaking, it is argued that more studies of contributions to distinct events, i.e. NATO operations, are needed, particularly focusing on cases of small states. The dependent variable of form of contributions is seemingly the least explored and may require incorporation of other theoretical arguments than utilized in existing works.
Naturalistic Distraction and Driving Safety in Older Drivers
Authors: Aksan Nazan , Dawson Jeffrey D. , Emerson Jamie L. , Yu Lixi , Uc Ergun Y. , Anderson Steven W. , Rizzo Matthew
Published: November 2012

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to quantify and compare performance of middle-aged and older drivers during a naturalistic distraction paradigm (visual search for roadside targets) and to predict older drivers’ performance given functioning in visual, motor, and cognitive domains.

Background:

Distracted driving can imperil healthy adults and may disproportionally affect the safety of older drivers with visual, motor, and cognitive decline.

Method:

A total of 203 drivers, 120 healthy older (61 men and 59 women, ages 65 years and older) and 83 middle-aged drivers (38 men and 45 women, ages 40 to 64 years), participated in an on-road test in an instrumented vehicle. Outcome measures included performance in roadside target identification (traffic signs and restaurants) and concurrent driver safety. Differences in visual, motor, and cognitive functioning served as predictors.

Results:

Older drivers identified fewer landmarks and drove slower but committed more safety errors than did middle-aged drivers. Greater familiarity with local roads benefited performance of middle-aged but not older drivers. Visual cognition predicted both traffic sign identification and safety errors, and executive function predicted traffic sign identification over and above vision.

Conclusion:

Older adults are susceptible to driving safety errors while distracted by common secondary visual search tasks that are inherent to driving. The findings underscore that age-related cognitive decline affects older drivers’ management of driving tasks at multiple levels and can help inform the design of on-road tests and interventions for older drivers.
Deficiency in Acellular Cementum and Periodontal Attachment in Bsp Null Mice
Authors: Foster B.L. , Soenjaya Y. , Nociti F.H. , Holm E. , Zerfas P.M. , Wimer H.F. , Holdsworth D.W. , Aubin J.E. , Hunter G.K. , Goldberg H.A. , Somerman M.J.
Published: November 2012

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is an extracellular matrix protein found in mineralized tissues of the skeleton and dentition. BSP is multifunctional, affecting cell attachment and signaling through an RGD integrin-binding region, and acting as a positive regulator for mineral precipitation by nucleating hydroxyapatite crystals. BSP is present in cementum, the hard tissue covering the tooth root that anchors periodontal ligament (PDL) attachment. To test our hypothesis that BSP plays an important role in cementogenesis, we analyzed tooth development in a Bsp null (-/-) mouse model. Developmental analysis by histology, histochemistry, and SEM revealed a significant reduction in acellular cementum formation on Bsp-/- mouse molar and incisor roots, and the cementum deposited appeared hypomineralized. Structural defects in cementum-PDL interfaces in Bsp-/- mice caused PDL detachment, likely contributing to the high incidence of incisor malocclusion. Loss of BSP caused progressively disorganized PDL and significantly increased epithelial down-growth with aging. Bsp-/- mice displayed extensive root and alveolar bone resorption, mediated by increased RANKL and the presence of osteoclasts. Results collected here suggest that BSP plays a non-redundant role in acellular cementum formation, likely involved in initiating mineralization on the root surface. Through its importance to cementum integrity, BSP is essential for periodontal function.
What Do Teaching Qualifications Mean in Urban Schools? A Mixed-Methods Study of Teacher Preparation and Qualification
Authors: Eckert Sarah Anne
Published: November 2012

The inequitable distribution of teachers in high-needs areas and the failure of teacher education programs have recently become focal points in the discussion of how to provide a quality education to all students. To address this concern, reformers have responded by mandating specific qualifications for teachers in all schools. These mandates have been established, however, without a real understanding of what these qualifications mean. This article adopts a mixed-methods approach to understanding what qualifications measure for novice teachers in urban districts in terms of teacher efficacy and one-year retention. Analysis of data from the Schools and Staffing Survey (2009-2010) and qualitative interviews reveal that qualifications do predict teacher efficacy, to an extent, yet they do not predict teacher retention. More research needs to be done to identify measurable qualifications that can actually predict what will happen in the first year of teaching.
Informality and the Development and Demolition of Urban Villages in the Chinese Peri-urban Area
Authors: Wu Fulong , Zhang Fangzhu , Webster Chris
Published: November 2012

The fate of Chinese urban villages ( chengzhongcun) has recently attracted both research and policy attention. Two important unaddressed questions are: what are the sources of informality in otherwise orderly Chinese cities; and, will village redevelopment policy eliminate informality in the Chinese city? Reflecting on the long-established study of informal settlements and recent research on informality, it is argued that the informality in China has been created by the dual urban–rural land market and land management system and by an underprovision of migrant housing. The redevelopment of chengzhongcun is an attempt to eliminate this informality and to create more governable spaces through formal land development; but since it fails to tackle the root demand for unregulated living and working space, village redevelopment only leads to the replication of informality in more remote rural villages, in other urban neighbourhoods and, to some extent, in the redeveloped neighbourhoods.
Suburban Diversity in Postwar America
Authors: Lassiter Matthew D. , Niedt Christopher
Published: November 2012

This essay introduces a special section in the Journal of Urban History that explores the concept of suburban diversity in the United States during the post-World War II decades. Recent scholarship has emphasized themes of suburban heterogeneity during the prewar and post-1970 periods, but the literature on postwar suburbia still revolves around the tropes of “white flight,” the urban–suburban divide, and the hegemonic middle-class cultural ideal. Through studies of community formation, the contributors to this forum examine the racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and political diversity of the postwar metropolitan landscape, with particular attention to the various meanings that suburbanites attached to their homes and neighborhoods. This introduction argues that making suburban diversity central, rather than exceptional, to the study of the postwar era requires scholarship that moves beyond the myth of white middle-class homogeneity and critically assesses the racialized binary of urban-suburban divergence. We propose a model of metropolitan diversity that highlights multiple dimensions of heterogeneity alongside the persistent patterns of neighborhood-level racial and class segregation in cities and suburbs alike.
Innovation Driven Economic Growth in Multiple Regions and Taxation
Authors: Batabyal Amitrajeet A. , Beladi Hamid
Published: November 2012

We provide the first theoretical analysis of the effects of alternate forms of taxation on economic growth in a dynamic model with multiple regions. The regions are heterogeneous, but, in each region, consumers have constant relative risk aversion preferences, there is no growth in the stock of human capital, and there are three kinds of manufacturing activities involving the production of blueprints for inputs or machines, the inputs or machines themselves, and a single consumption good. Our analysis generates four salient findings. First, we define the multiregion equilibrium. Second, we characterize the multiregion equilibrium and show that in this equilibrium, each region grows at a constant rate starting at time t = 0. Third, we show that except in knife-edge cases, output in each region grows at a different long-run rate. Finally, we determine the effects of asset, profit, and investment taxes on the economic growth rates of the regions under study.
Organisational age cultures: The interplay of chief executive officers age and attitudes toward younger and older employees
Authors: Zacher Hannes , Gielnik Michael M.
Published: November 2012

This article investigates the interactive effects of chief executive officer (CEO) age and CEO attitudes toward younger and older employees on organisational age cultures. Data was collected from 66 CEOs of small and medium-sized businesses and 274 employees. Results were consistent with expectations based on organisational culture and upper echelons theories. The relationship between CEO age and organisational age culture for younger employees was negative for CEOs with a less positive attitude toward younger employees and positive for those with a more positive attitude toward younger employees. The relationship between CEO age and organisational age culture for older employees was positive for CEOs with a more positive attitude toward older employees and non-significant for those with a less positive attitude toward older employees. The findings provide initial support for the existence of organisational age cultures, suggesting that these cultures can be predicted by the interplay of CEO age and age-related attitudes.
‘A great space of murmurings’
Authors: Philo Chris
Published: November 2012

Prompted by the 50th anniversary of the first publication of Foucault’s famous book commonly known in English as Madness and Civilization, this essay explores how the book has changed between versions, in the process losing what can be cast as both its phenomenological undertones and a ‘romanticism’ about the truths supposedly revealed by madness. Reasons for Foucault’s own disavowal of these elements are considered, and taken together – conjoining a critical biography of the book with attention to Foucault’s reactions to it – this essay fashions a mirror to hold up to certain currents within contemporary human geography. It is argued that the ‘romantic fantasy’ which permeates the original book, if not overwhelming it, has significant echoes in the ‘romantic gesture’ displayed by some present-day geographers. The older Foucault’s distancing from his earlier romanticism is hence instructive for scholars critiquing the recent history of human geography, but there may also be grounds for claiming that it would be mistaken to lose this romanticism, together with its phenomenological correlates, entirely.
Historical geography II
Authors: Offen Karl
Published: November 2012

In my second report discussing the state of historical geography, I review some of the ways historical geographers have made use of digital technologies and digital media. I also highlight how digital data, research, and presentation are affecting related humanities disciplines and inspiring their practitioners to engage more fully with geographic concepts of space, place, and cartography. I argue that information technologies and digital media can deepen the place of historical geography in the academy and in the public’s eye.
The implications of environmental epigenetics
Authors: Guthman Julie , Mansfield Becky
Published: November 2012

The emergent field of environmental epigenetics, which studies health effects of ‘xenobiotic’ chemicals, fundamentally challenges standard models of the biochemical pathways that shape bodies and human health. This article explores the implications of these discoveries for geographic knowledge in the nature-society and spatial traditions of human health, both of which have tended to black-box the material, biochemical body and treat the environment as an inert setting. Discoveries in epigenetics suggest that the environment is a biochemically active inducer of phenotypical development. In addition, understandings of the delayed temporality and intergenerational effects of epigenetic mechanisms challenge methodologies that privilege space.
Prioritizing Pharmaceutical Activities
Authors: Renet Sophie , Tanguay Cynthia , Hall Kevin , Bussières Jean-François
Published: November 2012

Objectives:

The primary objective was to examine the consistency of prioritization decisions made by pharmacy residents in a simulated environment where the available resources are constrained. Secondary objectives were to rank the factors that influenced their prioritization and to compare the residents’ results with those of Canadian pharmacy leaders.

Methods:

We have developed a prioritization exercise that aims at evaluating how pharmaceutical activities are prioritized. The simulation was conducted with hospital pharmacy residents in 2 Quebec universities in 2011.

Results:

Residents covered a similar number of activities in the prioritization simulation (mean 27 of 32). Teams tended to favor a broad range of services delivered less comprehensively. Participants ranked “perception of the favorable impact of the activity on health outcomes” higher than “conclusive evidence available to support the decisions.” The relative weight attributed per domain was similar between pharmacy residents and pharmacy leaders, but their ranking of factors that influenced their decisions was different.

Conclusions:

Pharmacy residents opted to provide a wide range of services, but at a low level of comprehensiveness. The high variation between each team’s coverage per activity in this simulation supports the observation that pharmacy residents do not agree on a core set of pharmaceutical activities that should be prioritized.
Patient Attitudes Toward Community Pharmacist Attire
Authors: Khanfar Nile M. , Zapantis Antonia , Alkhateeb Fadi M. , Clauson Kevin A. , Beckey Cherylyn
Published: November 2012

The white coat has symbolized professionalism, while representing provider–patient fiduciary relationship. Although well described in the literature for physicians, few studies examine the impact of pharmacist attire on patients’ opinions regarding professionalism and trust. Therefore, understanding patient perceptions regarding pharmacist’s attire and its influence on comfort, confidence, trust, and professionalism may provide guidance on ways to enhance the quality of the provider–patient relationship. A 43-item Likert-type questionnaire was administered to 347 adults in a community pharmacy setting to determine preferences about the pharmacist’s attire, accessories, and body art incorporating 8 photographs depicting a male pharmacist in various degrees of dress formality (ie, casual to professional). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarize and analyze the data. Survey respondents reported it was desirable/strongly desirable that pharmacists be dressed in a shirt and tie, dress shoes, white coat, and name tag (mean 4.21-4.72), whereas they should not be dressed in jeans, casual shoes, or have visible body art (mean 2.17-2.78). Over 86% of the respondents felt that a pharmacist with a white coat instilled feelings of comfort, confidence, trust, and professionalism. In a community pharmacy setting, a pharmacist wearing a white coat appears to be the mainstay in displaying professionalism and inspiring trust in adult patients.
Evaluation of Discontinuation of Atypical Antipsychotics Prescribed for ICU Delirium
Authors: Jasiak Karalea D. , Middleton Ellen A. , Camamo James M. , Erstad Brian L. , Snyder Linda S. , Huckleberry Yvonne C.
Published: November 2012

A number of trials suggest that short-term use of atypical antipsychotics may be useful in the treatment of delirium associated with critical illness. However, long-term use of such agents for this indication has not been studied and may be associated with risks of adverse effects as well as unnecessary health care costs. A retrospective study of prescribing patterns of atypical antipsychotics initiated for the treatment of intensive care unit (ICU) delirium was performed to identify whether these agents were being discontinued prior to or upon hospital discharge. Of the 59 patients who met inclusion criteria and survived to hospital discharge, 28 (47%) were continued on the atypical antipsychotic upon discharge from the medical ICU. For those continued on the agent, 20 patients (71.4%) were prescribed continued therapy as an outpatient. Inpatient costs for atypical antipsychotics during the 9-month study period were increased by approximately $888. Annual cost of the medication as outpatient therapy is assessed at approximately $45 107. Although short-term trials of atypical antipsychotics may be useful for ICU delirium, caution is advised regarding potential adverse effects and added health care costs when use is prolonged.
‘Ask a Woman’: Childbearing and Ezra's Transformation in 4 Ezra
Authors: de Long Kindalee Pfremmer
Published: November 2012

This article argues that the imagery of childbearing serves as a narrative motif in 4 Ezra. Language of fertility and birth appears regularly in Ezra's theodicy and his quest for knowledge. The angel uses childbearing metaphors to instruct Ezra about the coming transition of the ages: the signs of the end of the old age are dysfunctional birth and labor pains, while the fruitful new age will give birth according to a predetermined schedule. These numerous references to fecundity convey the theme of Ezra's movement toward understanding, leading him toward the pivotal moment when an actual childbearing woman appears before him. By joining in her lament for a precious son, Ezra shares the divine perspective of love, proving himself worthy of receiving esoteric wisdom.
Consequences of using biodiesel on the injection and air–fuel mixing processes in diesel engines
Authors: Salvador Francisco J , Ruiz Santiago , Salavert José , De la Morena Joaquín
Published: November 2012

A study of the injection process and spray behaviour was made for three different fuels. In particular, blends of rapeseed methyl ester and standard diesel fuel with 5% and 30% biodiesel were used for the current study, as well as pure rapeseed methyl ester. Hydraulic characterization of an eight-hole nozzle was carried out using these three fuels, in order to explore and analyse the influence of the fuel properties on the mass flow rate and the momentum flux at the nozzle exit. Additionally, spray visualization tests were performed in order to obtain information about the spray cone angle, which allows characterization of the air–fuel mixing process. Finally, a theoretical derivation was used to obtain further details of the microscopic characteristics of the spray and to compare the air–fuel mixing efficiencies for the different biodiesel blends.
Performance of regional identity in the implementation of European cross-border initiatives
Authors: Prokkola Eeva-Kaisa , Zimmerbauer Kaj , Jakola Fredriika
Published: November 2012

The European Union’s cross-border cooperation policy is regarded as a key instrument through which to promote regional cohesion, competitiveness and identity. This paper studies performances of regional identity within the framework of the EU’s INTERREG North cooperation, and especially in the Finnish/Swedish border area. The performativity approach shifts the focus from the question of whether regional identities are fixed or hybrid, and thick or thin, toward the question of how regional identities are manifested in border regions. The point of departure in the study, based on policy documents, fieldwork and interviews with local actors involved in the implementation of the INTERREG initiatives, is that spatial identity is not a feature that regions have but something that is actively performed. Performances of regional identity in this northern border region do not create continuous and parallel sets of practices. Instead, different kinds of directions and disjunctures emerge in and between different interest groups for which local, national and transnational all serve as important scales of coming-togetherness and differentiation.
Environmental Movements, Market-Based Approaches, and Neoliberalization
Authors: Konefal Jason
Published: November 2012

Market-based approaches have become a prominent strategy of environmental movement organizations. This article proposes that such approaches contribute to neoliberalization and its legitimation. Using a case study of the sustainable seafood movement and its use of market-based approaches, this article analyzes the ways that the movement’s consumer, restaurant, and retailer campaigns contribute to and legitimate neoliberalization. Specifically, in using market-based approaches, sustainable seafood organizations are contributing to and legitimating neoliberal notions of individualism, marketization, and the devolution of regulatory authority. Given such findings, I argue that the sustainable seafood movement is “in the market and for it.” As such, I suggest the movement’s transformative capacity may be limited, and in using market-based approaches it may be facilitating processes of capitalist accumulation that environmental sociologists have widely identified as antithetical to environmental sustainability.
Formation and relaxation of residual facesheet dent on foam-core sandwich structures by localized transverse loading
Authors: Minakuchi Shu , Uezono Takafumi , Takeda Nobuo
Published: November 2012

A residual facesheet dent on an indented or impacted foam-core sandwich structure significantly affects the residual mechanical properties and the detectability of the damage. However, previous studies have not sufficiently addressed residual dent formation during unloading and the subsequent relaxation. This study quantitatively clarifies the mechanism underlying the formation and the relaxation of a facesheet dent using a segment-wise modeling approach that was formulated for honeycomb sandwich structures in our previous study. We utilize fully backed foam-core sandwich beams under static indentation loading, focusing on the interaction between local deformation of the facesheet and crushing/stretching of the core. This study begins by evaluating the indentation response using quasi-static tests. The indentation behavior is then predicted by extending our previous model. The underlying mechanism of facesheet dent formation and relaxation is quantitatively discussed from the viewpoint of a reaction force from the core to the facesheet.
A preliminary investigation of cognitive function in rheumatoid arthritis patients on long-term methotrexate treatment
Authors: Meade Tanya , Cumming Steven , Hallab Lisa , Spencer David , Howe Graydon , Manolios Nicholas
Published: November 2012

Some studies suggest that cognitive function is impaired in rheumatoid arthritis patients. One possible influence may be commonly used rheumatoid arthritis treatment, methotrexate. This study examined cognitive function in long-term methotrexate users with rheumatoid arthritis and, using a 24-hour pre- and post-methotrexate dose administration, investigated whether there may be transient cognitive function changes. Rheumatoid arthritis patients ( n = 35) were assessed immediately before taking methotrexate and 24 hours later. Low and high methotrexate dose groups were then compared. Cognitive performance was unchanged across two assessment points and was within the normal range, although lower in high methotrexate dose group.
Social media and mobilization to offline demonstrations: Transcending participatory divides?
Authors: Enjolras Bernard , Steen-Johnsen Kari , Wollebæk Dag
Published: November 2012

This paper examines how the use of social media affects participation in offline demonstrations. Using individual web survey data from Norway, we ask whether social media usage serves to re-affirm or transcend socioeconomic divides in participation. In addition to data on demonstration participation in general, we also use the data on the Rose Marches that were organized after the 22/7 terror events as a critical case. Our results show that the type of participant mobilized via the social media is characterized by lower socioeconomic status and younger age than those mobilized via other channels. We also show that connections to information structures through social media exert a strong and independent effect on mobilization. Our findings thus appear to corroborate the mobilization thesis: social media represent an alternative structure alongside mainstream media and well-established political organizations and civil society that recruit in different ways and reach different segments of the population.
Mapping the landscape of Internet Studies: Text mining of social science journal articles 2000–2009
Authors: Peng Tai-Quan , Zhang Lun , Zhong Zhi-Jin , Zhu Jonathan JH
Published: November 2012

What does ‘Internet studies’ entail as a field of social science research? We aim to answer the question by mapping research themes, theorization, and methodology of Internet studies based on 27,000+ articles published in Social Sciences Citation Index and Arts & Humanities Citation Index journals over the last 10 years. In analyzing the articles, we adopt a ‘bottom-up’ approach – classifying keywords of the Internet studies without any a priori categorization – to identify the boundaries, major divisions, and basic elements of the field talis qualis. The research strategy results in a number of expected, as well as surprising, patterns and trends. Internet studies have evolved into a viable field that has witnessed a booming decade. The field is clustered around four primary research themes: e-Health, e-Business, e-Society, and Human–Technology Interactions. Two or three sub-themes with different research foci and methodologies emerge within each theme. The evolution of popular keywords in each sub-theme further shows that the field has become more concerned with intricate relationships between Internet use and specific behaviors/attitudes/effects; Internet usage patterns have increasingly attracted research attention; and network perspectives and approaches have become popular. Internet studies in the past decade have been modestly theorized. Established research methods (e.g., survey, experiment, and content analysis) still prevail in the Internet studies reviewed.
Karl Marx @ Internet Studies
Authors: Fuchs Christian , Dyer-Witheford Nick
Published: November 2012

The task of this paper is to point out the relevance of Karl Marx for Internet Studies. Marxian concepts that have been reflected implicitly or explicitly in Internet Studies include: (1) dialectics; (2) capitalism; (3) commodity/commodification; (4) surplus value, exploitation, alienation, class; (5) globalization; (6) ideology/ideology critique; (7) art and aesthetics; (8) class struggle; (9) commons; (10) public sphere; (11) communism. The paper provides a literature overview for showing that, and how, Marxian concepts have been used in Internet Studies. Internet Studies to a certain extent analyse the Internet, economy and society in Marxist-inspired studies terms, yet do not acknowledge the connection to Marx and thus seem superficial in their various approaches discussing capitalism, exploitation and domination. We argue that it is time to actively remember that Marx is the founding figure of Critical Studies and that Marxian analyses are crucial for understanding the contemporary role of the Internet and the media in society.
Who speaks for Muslims? The role of the press in the creation and reporting of Muslim public opinion polls in the aftermath of London bombings in July 2005
Authors: Sobolewska Maria , Ali Sundas
Published: November 2012

Muslim public opinion polls are mostly taken at face value as the direct and unbiased voice of British Muslims, but, as this article argues, most of the public opinion polls are commissioned by the media and suffer from similar framing effects to those seen in the general media coverage of Muslims. At a time of national crisis, following the London terrorist attacks in 2005, it has become especially clear that the media have been following their pre-existing narrative on Muslims rather than responding to public interest. We analyse all public opinion polls conducted in the 18 months following the 7 July attacks and all their broadsheet newspaper coverage to show that the media-framing effects influence both the creation of Muslim opinion polls and their reporting.
Dealing with a gendered economy: Female drug dealers and street capital
Authors: Grundetjern Heidi , Sandberg Sveinung
Published: November 2012

Early studies of female drug dealers suggest that women are marginalized, passive victims. In contrast, more recent studies describe women as skilful and competent dealers. In a Bourdieu-inspired theoretical framework of ‘street capital’, we suggest that the truth is somewhere in between. Female dealers can be successful, but they face more obstacles than men do. The illegal hard-drug economy is gendered and favours men. In this paper we discuss how female drug dealers develop particular strategies to prove they still belong in ‘the game’. Four such strategies are emphasized: desexualization, violent posture, emotional detachment and service-mindedness. These are common strategies for all drug dealers, but the gendered economy forces female dealers to be particularly careful about their business and self-presentation.
The characteristics and violence risk management of women arrested by the police for intimate partner violence
Authors: Storey Jennifer E. , Strand Susanne
Published: November 2012

Research and management efforts in the area of intimate partner violence (IPV) have primarily focused on male perpetrators and female victims, resulting in more limited knowledge of female IPV perpetrators and their male victims. In the current study the violence risk assessments of police officers were examined in order to outline the characteristics of female perpetrators of IPV and their male victims. In addition, the officers’ assessments of violence risk and proposed risk management strategies are presented. Results reveal some similarities between the female perpetrators and male victims and their more studied counterparts. However, differences appear to be present in the perceived violence risk posed by the perpetrators and the violence risk management strategies proposed to reduce that risk and protect the victim. The results suggest a need for further research in the area, particularly with respect to the violence risk assessment and management of female IPV perpetrators.