bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A formal interpretation of the displacement current and the instantaneous formulation of Maxwell’s equations
Authors: Heras José A.
Published: March 2011

Maxwell’s displacement current has been the subject of controversy for more than a century. Questions on whether the displacement current represents a true current like the conduction current and whether it produces a magnetic field have recently been discussed in the literature. Similar interpretations for the Faraday induction current have also been controversial. These basic questions are answered by considering the relation between the displacement and conduction currents as well as the relation between the Faraday induction and conduction currents. It is pointed out that the displacement current contributes to the magnetic field and that the induction current contributes to the electric field. However, the displacement and induction currents cannot be considered to be on the same basis as the conduction current because they are nonlocal. Both relations are used to implement an instantaneous formulation of Maxwell’s equations with local and nonlocal sources.
The vibrating inhomogeneous string
Authors: Rawitscher George , Liss Jakob
Published: March 2011

We solve the integral equation that describes an oscillating inhomogeneous string by using a spectral expansion method in terms of Chebyshev polynomials. The result is compared with the solution of the corresponding differential equation, obtained by an expansion into a set of sine-wave functions. The accuracy of the two methods is determined by comparison with an iterative method, which allows a precision of one part in 1011. This iterative method is based on a method introduced by Hartree and is implemented by using the spectral expansion procedures.
The Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-Ph.D. Bridge Program: Recognizing, enlisting, and cultivating unrealized or unrecognized potential in underrepresented minority students
Authors: Stassun Keivan G. , Sturm Susan , Holley-Bockelmann Kelly , Burger Arnold , Ernst David J. , Webb Donna
Published: March 2011

The Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-Ph.D. Bridge Program is a model for substantially increasing the number of underrepresented minority students earning doctoral degrees in the physical sciences. The program presently leads the nation in master’s degrees in physics for African-Americans, and is one of the top ten producers of physics master’s degrees among all U.S. citizens. The program is on pace to become the nation’s top producer of underrepresented minority Ph.Ds. in physics, astronomy, and materials science. We summarize the main features of the program, including two of its core strategies: Partnering a minority-serving institution and a major research university through collaborative research, and using the master’s degree as a pathway to the Ph.D. We discuss our methods for recognizing and selecting for unrealized potential in students during the admissions process, and for cultivating this potential to develop successful scientists and leaders.
LRP6 Mediates cAMP Generation by G Protein–Coupled Receptors Through Regulating the Membrane Targeting of Gα
s
Authors: Wan Mei , Li Jun , Herbst Katie , Zhang Jin , Yu Bing , Wu Xiangwei , Qiu Tao , Lei Weiqi , Lindvall Charlotta , Williams Bart O. , Ma Hairong , Zhang Fengjie , Cao Xu
Published: March 2011

The receptor LRP6 associates with Gα
s
to promote cAMP signaling by various GPCRs.
Inflamed About Retinoic Acid
Authors: Adler Elizabeth M.
Published: March 2011

In the presence of interleukin-15, retinoic acid appears to promote an intestinal inflammatory response.
Feeling the Heat
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: March 2011

The light sensor rhodopsin appears to function also in temperature sensation in the fruit fly.
Bacterial-Host Exploitation
Authors: Hurtley Stella M.
Published: March 2011

A virulence factor secreted by
Listeria monocytogenes
induces expression of interferon-stimulated genes.
Metabolic Lags
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: March 2011

Circadian control of liver metabolism is mediated by cycles of recruitment of the histone deacetylase HDAC3.
Tissues Simply
Authors: Zahn Laura M.
Published: March 2011

An epithelium in
Dictyostelium discoideum
suggests convergence between multicellular animals and slime molds.
Molecular Basis of Macrolide, Triamilide, and Lincosamide Resistance in Pasteurella multocida from Bovine Respiratory Disease
Authors: Kadlec Kristina , Brenner Michael Geovana , Sweeney Michael T. , Brzuszkiewicz Elzbieta , Liesegang Heiko , Daniel Rolf , Watts Jeffrey L. , Schwarz Stefan
Published: March 2011

The mechanism of macrolide-triamilide resistance in
Pasteurella multocida
has been unknown. During whole-genome sequencing of a multiresistant bovine
P. multocida
isolate, three new resistance genes, the rRNA methylase gene
erm
(42), the macrolide transporter gene
msr
(E), and the macrolide phosphotransferase gene
mph
(E), were detected. The three genes were PCR amplified, cloned into suitable plasmid vectors, and shown to confer either macrolide-lincosamide resistance [
erm
(42)] or macrolide-triamilide resistance [
msr
(E)-
mph
(E)] in macrolide-susceptible
Escherichia coli
and
P. multocida
hosts.
Replicative Fitness Costs of Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor Drug Resistance Mutations on HIV Subtype C
Authors: Armstrong Kimberly L. , Lee Tun-Hou , Essex M.
Published: March 2011

Single-dose nevirapine (NVP) is quite effective in preventing transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from mother to child; however, many women develop resistance to NVP in this setting. Comparing outcomes of clinical studies reveals an increased amount of resistance in subtype C relative to that in other subtypes. This study investigates how nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) drug resistance mutations of subtype C affect replication capacity. The 103N, 106A, 106M, 181C, 188C, 188L, and 190A drug resistance mutations were placed in a reverse transcriptase (RT) that matches the consensus subtype C sequence as well as the HXB2 RT, as a subtype B reference. The replicative fitness of each mutant was compared with that of the wild type in a head-to-head competition assay. The 106A mutant of subtype C would not grow in the competition assay, making it the weakest virus tested. The effect of the 106M mutation was weaker than those of the 181C and 188C mutations in the consensus C RT, but in subtype B, this difference was not seen. To see if the 106A mutation in a different subtype C background would have a different replicative profile, the same NNRTI resistance mutations were added to the MJ4 RT, a reference subtype C molecular clone. In the context of MJ4 RT, the 106A mutant was not the only mutant that showed poor replicative fitness; the 106M, 188C, and 190A mutants also failed to replicate. These results suggest that NNRTIs may be a cost-effective alternative for salvage therapy if deleterious mutations are present in a subtype C setting.
Pharmacokinetic Profiles of Ceftazidime after Intravenous Administration in Patients Undergoing Automated Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Kim Kiwon , Hwang Young-Hwan , Ro Han , Oh Yun Kyu , Kim Min-gul , Yu Kyung-Sang , Shin Kwang-Hee , Jang In-Jin , Shin Sang Goo , Ahn Curie , Oh Kook-Hwan
Published: March 2011

The pharmacokinetics (PK) of ceftazidime after intravenous (i.v.) administration during automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and their dependence on peritoneal membrane transport are the targets of the present study. Eleven patients receiving a single i.v. dose of ceftazidime (15 mg/kg of body weight) (seven males, median [interquatile] age, 59 [36 to 62]) were recruited. Serum and dialysate samples were collected at the beginning, middle, and end of each of the five dwells during a 24-h period, with dwells 1, 2, and 3 using an automated cycler (designated on-cycler) and dwells 4 and 5 being manual exchanges (designated off-cycler), together with urine collection during the same period. Population PK analysis was employed to estimate the PK parameters. Peritoneal equilibration tests were performed for all patients, and correlations between peritoneal clearance (CL
PD
) for ceftazidime and dialysate-to-plasma ratios for creatinine (D/P
cr
) were obtained using the Spearman's product correlation coefficient (ρ). Ceftazidime renal clearance (CL
renal
) was 0.052 ml/min/kg, and CL
PD
was 0.063 ± 0.050 ml/min/kg. CL
PD
for on- and off-cycler were 0.071 and 0.058 ml/min/kg (
P
= 0.164), respectively. A significant correlation between CL
PD
and D/P
cr
was observed, with one outlier excluded, suggesting that CL
PD
for ceftazidime during APD is dependent upon the peritoneal small-solute transport rate. A model prediction yielded adequate serum and dialysate concentrations of ceftazidime throughout a 24-h period for sensitive organisms (MIC, 8 μg/ml) by either i.v. (at 15 mg/kg) or intraperitoneal (i.p.; at 20 mg/kg) administration during off-cycler dwells. The present study suggests that the i.v. administration of ceftazidime at 15 mg/kg or i.p. administration of ceftazidime at 20 mg/kg during a long dwell every 24 h can be recommended for treating systemic or intraperitoneal infections of APD patients.
Sesame Oil Prevents Acute Kidney Injury Induced by the Synergistic Action of Aminoglycoside and Iodinated Contrast in Rats
Authors: Hsu Dur-Zong , Li Ya-Hui , Chu Pei-Yi , Periasamy Srinivasan , Liu Ming-Yie
Published: March 2011

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of sesame oil on acute kidney injury induced by the synergistic action of aminoglycoside and iodinated contrast in rats. Acute kidney injury was induced by a 5-day course of daily gentamicin injections (100 mg/kg of body weight, subcutaneously) and then iodinated contrast (4 ml/kg, intravenously) in male specific-pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats. Sesame oil (0.5 ml/kg, orally) was given 1 h before iodinated contrast. Renal function and oxidative stress were assessed 6 h after iodinated contrast injection. Renal function was evaluated by measuring serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. Renal oxidative stress was assessed by determining renal lipid peroxidation, myeloperoxidase, hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion, nitrite/nitrate, and inducible nitric oxide synthase levels. Sesame oil significantly prevented the rise of serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. Furthermore, there was a parallel inhibition of the rise in levels of expression of renal lipid peroxidation, myeloperoxidase, hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion, nitrite/nitrate, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in rats with gentamicin-plus-iodinated contrast-induced acute kidney injury. We conclude that sesame oil may attenuate aminoglycoside-plus-iodinated contrast-induced acute kidney injury by inhibiting renal oxidative stress in rats.
Distribution of Antiseptic Resistance Genes
qacA, qacB
, and
smr
in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated in Toronto, Canada, from 2005 to 2009
Authors: Longtin Jean , Seah Christine , Siebert Krystal , McGeer Allison , Simor Andrew , Longtin Yves , Low Donald E. , Melano Roberto G.
Published: March 2011

Decreased susceptibility to chlorhexidine gluconate (CHDN) in methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is associated with the
qacA
,
qacB
, and
smr
genes, encoding efflux pumps. A total of 334 MRSA isolates were collected from two Canadian intensive care units between 2005 and 2009. We identified the
qacAB
genes in 7 strains (2%; 2
qacA
genes and 5
qacB
genes) and the
smr
gene in 23 (7%) strains. CHDN minimal bactericidal concentrations were slightly higher for strains harboring
smr
genes.
Mechanism of Resistance to GS-9148 Conferred by the Q151L Mutation in HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase
Authors: Scarth Brian J. , White Kirsten L. , Chen James M. , Lansdon Eric B. , Swaminathan S. , Miller Michael D. , Götte Matthias
Published: March 2011

GS-9148 is an investigational phosphonate nucleotide analogue inhibitor of reverse transcriptase (RT) (NtRTI) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). This compound is an adenosine derivative with a 2′,3′-dihydrofuran ring structure that contains a 2′-fluoro group. The resistance profile of GS-9148 is unique in that the inhibitor can select for the very rare Q151L mutation in HIV-1 RT as a pathway to resistance. Q151L is not stably selected by any of the approved nucleoside or nucleotide analogues; however, it may be a transient intermediate that leads to the related Q151M mutation, which confers resistance to multiple compounds that belong to this class of RT inhibitors. Here, we employed pre-steady-state kinetics to study the impact of Q151L on substrate and inhibitor binding and the catalytic rate of incorporation. Most importantly, we found that the Q151L mutant is unable to incorporate GS-9148 under single-turnover conditions. Interference experiments showed that the presence of GS-9148–diphosphate, i.e., the active form of the inhibitor, does not reduce the efficiency of incorporation for the natural counterpart. We therefore conclude that Q151L severely compromises binding of GS-9148–diphosphate to RT. This effect is highly specific, since we also demonstrate that another NtRTI, tenofovir, is incorporated with selectivity similar to that seen with wild-type RT. Incorporation assays with other related compounds and models based on the RT/DNA/GS-9148–diphosphate crystal structure suggest that the 2′-fluoro group of GS-9148 may cause steric hindrance with the side chain of the Q151L mutant.
Activity of Carbapenems Combined with Clavulanate against Murine Tuberculosis
Authors: Veziris Nicolas , Truffot Chantal , Mainardi Jean-Luc , Jarlier Vincent
Published: March 2011

Although beta-lactam antibiotics are not considered as antituberculous drugs, it has been recently shown that the combination of carbapenems and clavulanate is bactericidal
in vitro
. We evaluated in a murine model of tuberculosis the activity of carbapenems alone and combined with clavulanate against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Swiss mice infected intravenously with 3 × 10
5
M. tuberculosis
H37Rv were treated for 4 weeks with clavulanate alone or imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem alone or combined with clavulanate, whereas a positive control group was treated with isoniazid, and a negative control group was held without treatment. The combination of imipenem or meropenem plus clavulanate significantly improved survival. Among groups of mice with 100% survival, only isoniazid reduced lung CFU counts; the carbapenem-clavulanate combinations did not prevent bacterial growth. Although less active than isoniazid, the combinations of imipenem or meropenem plus clavulanate improved the survival of mice infected with
M. tuberculosis
and should be further evaluated.
Regulation of Virulence by the RevR Response Regulator in Clostridium perfringens
Authors: Hiscox Thomas J. , Chakravorty Anjana , Choo Jocelyn M. , Ohtani Kaori , Shimizu Tohru , Cheung Jackie K. , Rood Julian I.
Published: March 2011

Clostridium perfringens
causes clostridial myonecrosis or gas gangrene and produces several extracellular hydrolytic enzymes and toxins, many of which are regulated by the VirSR signal transduction system. The
revR
gene encodes a putative orphan response regulator that has similarity to the YycF (WalR), VicR, PhoB, and PhoP proteins from other Gram-positive bacteria. RevR appears to be a classical response regulator, with an N-terminal receiver domain and a C-terminal domain with a putative winged helix-turn-helix DNA binding region. To determine its functional role, a
revR
mutant was constructed by allelic exchange and compared to the wild type by microarray analysis. The results showed that more than 100 genes were differentially expressed in the mutant, including several genes involved in cell wall metabolism. The
revR
mutant had an altered cellular morphology; unlike the short rods observed with the wild type, the mutant cells formed long filaments. These changes were reversed upon complementation with a plasmid that carried the wild-type
revR
gene. Several genes encoding extracellular hydrolytic enzymes (sialidase, hyaluronidase, and α-clostripain) were differentially expressed in the
revR
mutant. Quantitative enzyme assays confirmed that these changes led to altered enzyme activity and that complementation restored the wild-type phenotype. Most importantly, the
revR
mutant was attenuated for virulence in the mouse myonecrosis model compared to the wild type and the complemented strains. These results provide evidence that RevR regulates virulence in
C. perfringens
; it is the first response regulator other than VirR to be shown to regulate virulence in this important pathogen.
Is There a Difference between the Effects of Single and Triple Indirect Moxibustion Stimulations on Skin Temperature Changes of the Posterior Trunk Surface?
Authors: Mori Hidetoshi , Kuge Hiroshi , Tanaka Tim Hideaki , Taniwaki Eiichi , Ohsawa Hideo
Published: March 2011

Objectives

To determine whether any difference exists in responses to indirect moxibustion (IM) relative to thermal stimulation duration.

Methods

In experiment 1, 9 subjects attended two experimental sessions consisting of single stimulation with IM or triple stimulation with IM, using a crossover design. A K-type thermocouple temperature probe was fixed on the skin surface at the GV14 acupuncture point. IM stimulation was administered to the top of the probe in order to measure the temperature curve. In addition, each subject evaluated his or her subjective feeling of heat on a visual analogue scale after each stimulation. Experiment 2 was conducted on 42 participants, divided into three groups according to the envelope allocation method: single stimulation with IM (n=20), triple stimulation with IM (n=11) and a control group (n=11). A thermograph was used to obtain the skin temperature on the posterior trunk of the participant. To analyse skin temperature, four arbitrary frames (the scapular, interscapular, lumbar and vertebral regions) were made on the posterior trunk.

Result

In experiment 1, no significant difference in maximum temperature was found in IM and subjective feeling of heat intensity between single and triple stimulation with IM. In experiment 2, increases in skin temperature occurred on the posterior trunk, but no differences in skin temperature occurred between the groups receiving single and triple stimulation with IM.

Conclusion

No difference exists in the skin temperature response to moxibustion between the single and triple stimulation with IM.
AN ELEMENTARY SET FOR EMBEDDED BOUQUET GRAPHS WITH TWO CYCLES
Authors: HUH YOUNGSIK
Published: March 2011

A projection of the bouquet graph B with two cycles is said to be trivial if only trivial embeddings are obtained from the projection. In this paper a finite set of nontrivial embeddings of B is shown to be minimal among those which produce all nontrivial projections of B.
Application of K-Medoids with Kd-Tree for Software Fault Prediction
Authors: Bishnu P. S. , Bhattacherjee V.
Published: March 2011

Software fault prediction area is subject to problems like non availability of fault data which makes the application of supervised techniques difficult. In such cases unsupervised approaches like clustering are helpful. In this paper, K-Medoids clustering approach has been applied for software fault prediction. To overcome the inherent computational complexity of KMedoids algorithm a data structure called Kd-Tree has been used to identify data agents in the datasets. Partitioning Around Medoids is applied on these data agents and this results in a set of medoids. All the remaining data points are assigned to the nearest medoids thus obtained to get the final clusters. Software fault prediction error analysis results show that our approach outperforms all unsupervised approaches in the case of one given real dataset and gives best values for the evaluation parameters. For other real datasets, our results are comparable to other techniques. Performance evaluation of our technique with other techniques has been done. Results show that our technique reduces the total number of distance calculations drastically since the number of data agents is much less than the number of data points.
Sintering Behavior of Magnesium-Substituted Fluorapatite Powders Prepared by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Nasr S. , Bouzouita K.
Published: March 2011

Magnesium-substituted fluorapatite powders were synthesized by hydrothermal method, and their sintering behavior was investigated by dilatometry in the temperature range 25–1100°C. Analysis of the obtained powders by X-ray diffraction and31P NMR spectroscopy showed that the powders consisted of a single apatite phase and no amorphous phase has been formed. Compared to pure fluorapatite, the shrinkage of the substituted samples occurred in two steps and the temperature at which the sintering rate was maximum is lower. In addition, the shrinkage was interrupted by an expansion of the samples due to the formation of a liquid phase. The latter phase led to the crystallization of needle-crystals by a dissolution-diffusion-reprecipitation process.
A Novel Animal Model of Hippocampal Cognitive Deficits, Slow Neurodegeneration, and Neuroregeneration
Authors: Spanswick Simon C. , Lehmann Hugo , Sutherland Robert J.
Published: March 2011

Long‐term adrenalectomy (ADX) results in an extensive and specific loss of dentate gyrus granule cells in the hippocampus of adult rats. This loss of granule cells extends over a period of weeks to months and ultimately results in cognitive deficits revealed in a number of tasks that depend on intact hippocampal function. The gradual nature of ADX‐induced cell death and the ensuing deficits in cognition resemble in some important respects a variety of pathological conditions in humans. Here, we characterize behavioural and cellular processes, including adult neurogenesis, in the rat ADX model. We also provide experimental evidence for a neurogenic treatment strategy by which the lost hippocampal cells may be replaced, with the goal of functional recovery in mind.
Hematuria after Orthopedic Tuina: A Case Report and Brief Review of Literature
Authors: Ying Xiao-Ming , Wang Peng , Yao Ben-Shun , Gu Hai-Yang , Xu Quan-Zhen
Published: March 2011

We present a case of a 24‐year‐old man who presented hematuria after the orthopedic tuina, which has not been recorded previously in the literature. We review complications of tuina in the literature too.
On Self-Timed Circuits in Real-Time Systems
Authors: Ferringer Markus
Published: March 2011

While asynchronous logic has many potential advantages compared to traditional synchronous designs, one of the major drawbacks is its unpredictability with respect to temporal behavior. Having no high-precision oscillator, a self-timed circuit's execution speed is heavily dependent on temperature and supply voltage. Small fluctuations of these parameters already result in noticeable changes of the design's throughput and performance. Without further provisions this jitter makes the use of asynchronous logic hardly feasible for real-time applications. We investigate the temporal characteristics of self-timed circuits regarding their usage in real-time systems, especially the Time-Triggered Protocol. We propose a simple timing model and elaborate a self-adapting circuit which shall derive a suitable notion of time for both bit transmission and protocol execution. We further introduce and analyze our jitter compensation concept, which is a threefold mechanism to keep the asynchronous circuit's notion of time tightly synchronized to the remaining communication participants. To demonstrate the robustness of our solution, we perform different tests and investigate their impact on jitter and frequency stability.
Upregulation of the 5-Lipoxygenase Pathway in Human Aortic Valves Correlates With Severity of Stenosis and Leads to Leukotriene-Induced Effects on Valvular Myofibroblasts
Authors: Nagy Edit , Andersson Daniel C. , Caidahl Kenneth , Eriksson Maria J. , Eriksson Per , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Hansson Göran K. , Bäck Magnus
Published: March 2011

Background—

The development of aortic valve stenosis is not only associated with calcification and extracellular matrix remodeling, but also with inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine the role of proinflammatory signaling through the leukotriene (LT) pathway in aortic stenosis.

Methods and Results—

After macroscopic dissection of surgically removed human aortic valves, RNA was extracted from 311 preparations derived from 68 patients to differentiate normal, thickened, and calcified areas from each cusp. Subsequently, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to correlate gene expression patterns with preoperative echocardiographic parameters. The messenger RNA levels of the LT-forming enzyme 5-lipoxygenase increased 1.6- and 2.2-fold in thickened and calcified tissue, respectively, compared with normal areas of the same valves. In thickened tissues, messenger RNA levels for 5-lipoxygenase (
r
=−0.35;
P
=0.03), its activating protein (5-lipoxygenase activating protein;
r
=−0.39;
P
=0.02), and LTA
4
hydrolase (
r
=−0.48;
P
=0.01) correlated inversely with the velocity–time integral ratio. In addition, leukotriene A
4
hydrolase transcripts correlated inversely with aortic valve area, indexed for body surface area (
r
=−0.52;
P
=0.007). Immunohistochemical stainings revealed LT receptor expression on valvular myofibroblasts. In primary cultures of human myofibroblasts derived from stenotic aortic valves, Leukotriene C
4
(LTC
4
) increased intracellular calcium, enhanced reactive oxygen species production, reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential, and led to morphological cell cytoplasm changes and calcification.

Conclusions—

The upregulation of the LT pathway in human aortic valve stenosis and its correlation with clinical stenosis severity, taken together with the potentially detrimental LT-induced effects on valvular myofibroblasts, suggests one possible role of inflammation in the development of aortic stenosis.
Protease-Resistant Stromal Cell–Derived Factor-1 for the Treatment of Experimental Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Segers Vincent F.M. , Revin Vyacheslav , Wu Weitao , Qiu Helen , Yan Zheng , Lee Richard T. , Sandrasagra Anthony
Published: March 2011

Background—

Peripheral artery disease is a potentially incapacitating disease for which pharmacological options are limited. Stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is a chemokine that attracts endothelial progenitor cells and promotes angiogenesis. Therapeutic use of SDF-1 in hindlimb ischemia may be challenged by proteolytic degradation. We hypothesized that protease-resistant variants of SDF-1 can increase blood flow in an experimental model of hindlimb ischemia.

Methods and Results—

We screened a peptide library for mutations in SDF-1 that provide resistance to matrix metalloproteinase cleavage. Recombinant SDF-1 proteins carrying the mutations were designed, expressed, and purified, and activity of mutant proteins was tested with receptor activation assays and in vivo Matrigel plug assays. SSDF-1(S4V), which is resistant to both dipeptidylpeptidase IV/CD26 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 cleavage, was active in vitro and induced angiogenesis in vivo. We then designed and purified fusion proteins of SSDF-1 and SSDF-1(S4V) with the sequence of self-assembling peptide nanofibers for incorporation into nanofibers. In a blinded and randomized hindlimb ischemia mouse study, SSDF-1(S4V) delivery by nanofibers improved blood flow as measured by laser Doppler from 23.1±1.9% (untreated control) to 55.1±5.7% 6 weeks after surgery (
P
<0.001). Nanofibers alone or SSDF-1 delivered by nanofibers did not improve blood flow. Furthermore, SSDF-1(S4V) delivered by nanofibers increased formation of new arterioles. In vitro, SSDF-1(S4V) attracts smooth muscle cells but does not induce mitosis.

Conclusions—

SDF-1 engineered to be resistant to dipeptidylpeptidase IV/CD26 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 cleavage and delivered by nanofibers improves blood flow in a model of peripheral artery disease.
Dietary Intake of Participants With Peripheral Artery Disease and Claudication
Authors: Gardner Andrew W. , Bright Brianna C. , Ort Kelly A. , Montgomery Polly S.
Published: March 2011

We compared the dietary intake of participants with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and claudication with diet recommendations of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and dietary reference intake values recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences. Forty-six participants consumed a mean macronutrient composition of 17% protein, 51% carbohydrate, and 30% fat. Compared to the NCEP and IOM recommendations, few participants met the recommended daily intake for sodium (0%), vitamin E (0%), folate (13%), saturated fat (20%), fiber (26%), and cholesterol (39%). Participants with PAD and claudication have poor nutrition, with diets particularly high in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol, and low in fiber, vitamin E, and folate intakes. Participants should be encouraged to reduce consumption of dietary fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium and to increase fiber and vitamin intakes to meet recommendations of the NCEP and IOM.
Media-driven Men and Media-critical Women? An Empirical Study of Gender and MPs’ Relationships with the Media in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Aalberg Toril , Strömbäck Jesper
Published: March 2011

This study is an investigation of how members of the Norwegian and the Swedish parliaments relate to and perceive their relationships with the media. Based on surveys conducted among members of the Norwegian Storting and the Swedish Riksdag, we find that male MPs have more frequent and somewhat less formal relationships with media and journalists compared with female MPs. The results also suggest that male MPs have adapted to the media and their logic more than female MPs. Female MPs also appear to be more critical towards the requirements imposed on politicians who want to get media exposure, compared with male MPs. Analysis reveals that gender differences are smaller among Swedish than Norwegian MPs.
“Physical Activity as a Luxury”
Authors: Im Eun-Ok , Ko Young , Hwang Hyenam , Yoo Kyung Hee , Chee Wonshik , Stuifbergen Alexa , Walker Lorraine , Brown Adama , McPeek Chelsea , Chee Eunice
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this study was to explore African American midlife women’s attitudes toward physical activity. Using a feminist perspective, a 6-month online forum was conducted with 21 African American midlife women recruited on the Internet. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: (a) culturally acceptable body, (b) missed opportunity to learn, (c) physical activity as a luxury, and (d) want to do by myself. The women had positive body images regardless of their actual weight. The women considered physical activity “a luxury” in their busy lives and thought that they had already missed opportunities to learn. The women wanted to participate in physical activities alone because of their bad childhood experiences and hesitance to go out in public with sweaty, messy hair. The findings suggested that unique programs that promote physical activity should be developed that consider the women’s ethnic-specific attitudes.
A Model of Caregiving Through the End of Life
Authors: Penrod Janice , Hupcey Judith E. , Shipley Peggy Z. , Loeb Susan J. , Baney Brenda
Published: March 2011

Informal family caregivers provide significant contributions to end-of-life (EOL) care. A theoretical model of the phases and transitions of EOL caregiving was explicated using grounded theory methods to explore the experiences of 46 family caregivers of adults suffering a variety of life-limiting conditions. The derived model describes four phases of caregiving spanning prediagnosis through bereavement. Phases are demarcated by key transitions experienced when the illness progression manifestly challenges the established “steady state” achieved by the caregiver. The basic social process was defined as “seeking normal” as caregivers sought reliable patterns of everyday life while meeting the demands of caregiving. Understanding the progression of EOL caregiving enables clinicians to better support family caregivers as both coproviders and corecipients of care.
Socio-cultural factors and entrepreneurial activity
Authors: Thornton Patricia H. , Ribeiro-Soriano Domingo , Urbano David
Published: March 2011

Scholars who study entrepreneurship have lent great value by exploring the factors that explain how entrepreneurs create new businesses and thus, how societies and economies grow and prosper. Although there has considerable research based on psychological and economic approaches to entrepreneurship, the influence of socio-cultural factors on enterprise development remains under studied. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to integrate, from a theoretical perspective, the socio-cultural factors and entrepreneurial activity. In this sense, the article points out that the institutional approach could be an apt framework to develop future research analyzing the socio-cultural factors that influence the decisions to create new businesses. Also, a brief overview of the content of each of the papers included in this special issue is presented.
Independent static balance training contributes to increased stability and functional capacity in community-dwelling elderly people: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jacobson Bert H , Thompson Brennan , Wallace Tia , Brown Lynn , Rial Christina
Published: March 2011

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of independently conducted static balance exercises within a fall-safe environment in elderly participants engaging in independent training.

Design: Randomized two-group parallel controlled study.

Setting: Retirement center, community dwelling.

Subjects: Subjects, 25 male and female volunteers (aged 82.6 ± 6.1 years; weight 69.9 ± 97 kg; height 165 ± 6.9 cm; body mass index (BMI) 25.6 ± 2.6) residing in independent living facilities were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group.

Intervention: The experimental group engaged in standing, static balancing, and mild leg exercise 12 minutes per session, three times per week for 12 weeks. Exercises were done independent of spotters within a rigid frame consisting of tethers connected to the subject so that he or she could not fall. The control group were given literature on prevention of falls.

Main outcome measures: Functional ability and balance was assessed using the following tests: 30-second chair stand test, 8-foot up and go test, Berg Balance Scale, and a step-up test.

Results: Comparison by repeated-measures ANOVA of the performance before and after the 12-week intervention yielded significant (P < 0.01) improvement for the experimental group over the control group in the 30-second chair test repetitions, in the 8-foot up and go test, in the balance assessment and in the leg function assessments.

Conclusion: Standing, static balance exercises conducted independently without safety supervision led to improvements in balance, functional ability, and leg functioning in frail elderly people.
The Decision Making Control Instrument to Assess Voluntary Consent
Authors: Miller Victoria A. , Ittenbach Richard F. , Harris Diana , Reynolds William W. , Beauchamp Tom L. , Luce Mary Frances , Nelson Robert M.
Published: March 2011

Background. The decision to participate in a research intervention or to undergo medical treatment should be both informed and voluntary. Objective. The aim of the present study was to develop an instrument to measure the perceived voluntariness of parents making decisions for their seriously ill children. Methods. A total of 219 parents completed questionnaires within 10 days of making such a decision at a large, urban tertiary care hospital for children. Parents were presented with an experimental form of the Decision Making Control Instrument (DMCI), a measure of the perception of voluntariness. Data obtained from the 28-item form were analyzed using a combination of both exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic techniques. Results. The 28 items were reduced to 9 items representing 3 oblique dimensions: Self-Control, Absence of Control, and Others’ Control. The hypothesis that the 3-factor covariance structure of our model was consistent with that of the data was supported. Internal consistency for the scale as a whole was high (0.83); internal consistency for the subscales ranged from 0.68 to 0.87. DMCI scores were associated with measures of affect, trust, and decision self-efficacy, supporting the construct validity of the new instrument. Conclusion. The DMCI is an important new tool that can be used to inform our understanding of the voluntariness of treatment and research decisions in medical settings.
A fingerprint method for variability and robustness analysis of stochastically controlled cellular actuator arrays
Authors: MacNair David L , Ueda Jun
Published: March 2011

In this paper we present a ‘fingerprint method’ for modeling and subsequently characterizing stochastically controlled actuator arrays. The actuator arrays are built from small actuator cells with structural elasticity. These cells are controlled using a bistable stochastic process wherein all cells are given a common input probability (control) value which they use to determine whether to actuate or relax. Arranging the cells in different networks gives different actuator array properties, which must be found before the actuator arrays can be applied to manipulators. The fingerprint method is used to describe and automatically generate every possible stochastic actuator array topology for a given number of cells, and to calculate actuator array properties such as: travel, required actuator strength/displacement, force range, force variance, and robustness for any array topology. The properties of several illustrative examples are shown and a discussion covers the importance of the properties, and trends between actuator array layouts and their properties. Finally, results from a validation experiment using a stochastically controlled solenoid array are presented.
The Role of the Emergency Pharmacist in Trauma Resuscitation
Authors: Scarponcini Thomas R. , Edwards Christopher J. , Rudis Maria I. , Jasiak Karalea D. , Hays Daniel P.
Published: March 2011

The clinical pharmacist in the emergency department is now commonly incorporated as a member of the emergency department trauma team. As such, the emergency pharmacist needs to have detailed knowledge of the pharmacotherapy of resuscitation and be able to apply the skills needed to function as a valuable member of this team. In addition to the traditional skills of the discipline of clinical pharmacy, the emergency pharmacist must be familiar with the intricacies of treating life-threatening injuries in an emergent setting and be able to anticipate the direction of the patient’s care. The ability to provide valuable pharmacological interventions throughout the resuscitation and stabilization process requires familiarity with the process of resuscitation, including rapid sequence induction, analgesia and sedation, seizure prophylaxis, appropriate antibiotic and tetanus prophylaxis, intracranial pressure control, hemodynamic stabilization, and any other specific drug therapy that the clinical situation demands. This article discusses the aforementioned pharmacotherapeutic topics and describes the role of the Emergency Pharmacist on the ED trauma team.
Mapping the informal science education landscape: An exploratory study
Authors: Falk John H. , Randol Scott , Dierking Lynn D.
Published: March 2011

This study investigated the informal science education (ISE) field to determine whether it currently functions as an effective community of practice. Research questions included: How do professionals describe and self-identify their practice, including what missions, goals and motivating factors influence their professional work? What challenges do they face and how are these resolved? Is participation in ISE activities perceived as core or peripheral to their work? Open-ended interviews were conducted with high-level representatives of 17 different ISE sub-communities; results were analyzed qualitatively. Findings showed this broad assortment of ISE sub-communities as not currently functioning as a cohesive community of practice. Although examples of shared practice and ways of talking were found, evidence of widespread, active relationship-building over time and coalescence around issues of common concern were absent. A current “map” of the ISE community is proposed and thoughts about how this map could alter in the future are suggested.
The rules of engagement: Power and interaction in dialogue events
Authors: Davies Sarah R.
Published: March 2011

This article reflects on the “dialogic turn,” focusing on one analytical framework for understanding the wide range of processes that fall under the rubric of engagement. The notion of power-in-interaction is explored using a case study of informal dialogue, the Dana Centre, London. Using this framework I argue that we can understand public engagement events as hallmarked by conflict, but that this conflict emerges not in differing assessments of the value of different forms of knowledge but around the very form of a dialogue event; similarly, I suggest that the content of talk indicates that imposed hierarchies are continually re-negotiated. In concluding I reflect on some implications of using power in the analysis of engagement.
Revitalising the political: Development Control and Agonism in Planning Practice
Authors: McClymont Katie
Published: March 2011

This article argues for a new way of valuing development control planning practices in a democratic society: as agonistic political engagement. Using Chantal Mouffe’s conception of the political, it counters claims that collaborative and consensus seeking approaches are of higher value than conflicts over site-specific development. In this, the idea of true consensus is an impossibility as some viewpoint has to be excluded from any agreement. Moreover, for democracy to exist, legitimate arenas for the expression of different opinions are needed, without resolution and agreement being the endpoint of discussion. Examples are drawn from discussion in a public inquiry on how meanings assigned to planning policy and the built environment can be part of this agonistic debate. They form the elements building up contradictory arguments about what is ‘appropriate’ or ‘good’ for a specific place. The mechanisms of development control provide a legitimate forum for these arguments to be articulated, without consensus or agreement as the ultimate goal.
Blood pressure variations and low blood pressure values at home after hospital discharge in older hypertensives
Authors: Astengo Marco , Bonetto Martina , Isaia Gianluca , Comba Monica , Fonte Gianfranco , Bo Mario
Published: March 2011

Background: Blood pressure (BP) variations occurring after hospital discharge in a population of older hypertensives have not been previously investigated.

Design: elderly (≥65 years) hypertensives admitted to the geriatric acute ward of a university-teaching hospital were enrolled in this prospective observational study.

Methods: Exclusion criteria were terminal illness, discharge to institution, and changes in antihypertensive regimen. BP was recorded in the emergency room, at ward admission, daily during hospital stay, and at discharge. Home self blood pressure measurement was performed after discharge.

Results: The study population included 106 patients. There was a significant decrease in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) throughout the study time points. SBP and DBP decreased after discharge (from 135.1 ± 15.0 to 131.5 ± 16.1 mmHg and from 77.2 ± 8.4 to 71.6 ± 8.7 mmHg, respectively), the difference being significant only for DBP ( p = 0.000). We further observed higher prevalence of critically low BP values (SBP <120 mmHg and DBP <70 mmHg) at home (23.6% and 48.1%, respectively) compared to discharge (8.5% and 9.4%, p = 0.006 and p = 0.000, respectively).

Conclusions: We observed a decrease in BP values, and particularly DBP values, after hospital discharge, in a sample of older hypertensives. Critically low BP values were observed at home in a high proportion of subjects, suggesting wise use of antihypertensive therapy at discharge and early monitoring of BP values at home.
Four out of ten patients are not taking statins regularly during the 12 months after an acute coronary event
Authors: Thornley Simon , Marshall Roger , Chan Wing Cheuk , Kerr Andrew , Harrison Jeff , Jackson Gary , Crengle Sue , Wright Craig , Wells Sue , Jackson Rod
Published: March 2011

Background: In New Zealand, a setting in which national guidelines recommend statins for all patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and cost barriers are low, patterns of use of these drugs are unknown. We investigated dispensing rates after hospital discharge for acute CHD event.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: Drug dispensing, hospital diagnosis, and mortality records were linked by unique identifier for all New Zealanders aged 35–84 years after discharge following acute CHD event in 2007. We defined the statin dispensing ratio (SDR) as the proportion of days that 15,506 patients aged 35–84 years were dispensed such agents during the 12 months post discharge. An SDR ≥0.8 (80% or more days covered) was considered optimal.

Results: Overall, 59% of the cohort had an SDR ≥0.8. Of patients dispensed statins in the 3 months before admission ( n = 5506), almost all (99%; 5466) continued treatment during follow up and 82% had an SDR ≥0.8. In contrast, for patients not dispensed statins before admission ( n = 8014), only two–thirds started statins during follow up and only 44% had an SDR ≥0.8. Of all patients with low statin dispensing (SDR <0.8), about one–quarter were not dispensed any lipid-lowering drugs, one-quarter received alternative lipid-lowering drugs, one-quarter stopped statins, and the remaining quarter were intermittent statin users.

Conclusion: In a setting with few barriers to statin treatment, about 40% of patients had suboptimal statin dispensing during the year after hospital treatment for CHD. This study has identified four significant categories of suboptimal adherence that could inform quality improvement programmes.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation overcomes the adverse prognostic impact of CD20 expression in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Bachanova Veronika , Sandhu Karamjeet , Yohe Sophia , Cao Qing , Burke Michael J. , Verneris Michael R. , Weisdorf Daniel
Published: March 2011

CD20 expression is associated with early recurrence and inferior survival in precursor-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients treated with chemotherapy. Whether CD20 influences outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is unknown. We analyzed CD20 expression on blasts at diagnosis in 157 patients who underwent allo-HSCT in the first complete remission (57%) or the second complete remission (43%). Of 125 evaluable patients, 71 were ≥ 20 years of age. CD20 expression was observed in 58 patients (46%; 52% of children, 39% of adults). There was no association between age, Ph+ status, white blood cell count at diagnosis, and CD20 positivity. After allo-HSCT, disease-free survival at 5 years was 48% for all patients, 55% (95% confidence interval 40%-67%) for CD20+ patients, and 43% (95% confidence interval 30%-54%) for CD20− patients (P = .15). Relapse did not differ between the groups. These results can serve as a reference to evaluate incorporation of anti-CD20 therapeutics to HSCT for the CD20+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia subset. Clinical trial numbers for www.clinicaltrials.gov are NCT00365287, NCT00305682, and NCT00303719.