bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of IT competences in gaining value from e-business: An SME case study
Authors: Ashurst Colin , Cragg Paul , Herring Pauline
Published: March 2011

Many SMEs have been slow to exploit the potential of e-business. However, it can be difficult for any firm to gain value from e-business, and particularly so for SMEs that may lack important information technology (IT) competences. The study focused on one SME which had undertaken a series of e-business initiatives over a period of 10 years. The analysis revealed that the firm used e-business in two different ways: e-business for innovation, and e-business for integrating business processes. Four IT competences were found to be particularly important to the firm’s developments: IT leadership, business systems thinking, architecture planning, and making technology work. The study provides a detailed understanding of how the firm used e-business to gain value and how its IT competences influenced its e-business developments. The study also shows that a lack of competence in some areas inhibited the firm’s e-business developments.
Decision Modeling of Disagreements
Authors: Lehmann Harold P. , Dambita Nkossi , Buchanan George R. , Casella James F. ,   for the ITP Decision Group of the TMH Pediatric Subcommittee
Published: March 2011

Purpose. To identify core disagreements between pediatric hematologists who would treat children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) on initial presentation (“Treaters”) and those who would treat by observation (“Observers”), to determine whether each group’s preferred stance was consistent with each individual’s detailed perceptions, and to identify key variables in each stance. Methods. A decision model was constructed in collaboration with experts, and a detailed questionnaire was presented to a nationally representative committee of 25 pediatric hematologists. A full decision tree was specified for each respondent. Results. Nineteen (76%) experts responded; based on preference for initial treatment, 9 were Treaters and 10 Observers. Of the 30 probability/effectiveness variables, 8—almost all concerning treatment effectiveness—had at least one statistically-significant difference between the 2 groups regarding low, best, or high estimates. To convince Observers that treatment is effective would take a clinical trial with between 39 000 and 87 000 participants; to convince Treaters that treatment is not effective enough, between 97 000 and 114 000 participants. Observers’ calculated numbers needed to treat (NNTs) of about 150 000 are more consistent ( P = 0.0023) with their elicited maximum NTTs of about 500. Conclusion. Physicians not specifically trained provided enough data to specify complete individual decision models. From the estimates provided, no practical clinical trial could convince hematologists who would treat children on initial presentation with ITP just to simply observe them or could convince those who would just observe to instead treat with available agents. Perceived burdens could be better characterized, perhaps by including parental perceptions and preferences.
Macroscopic modeling of stochastic deployment policies with time delays for robot ensembles
Authors: Mather T William , Ani Hsieh M.
Published: March 2011

We consider the dynamic assignment and reassignment of a homogeneous robot ensemble to multiple spatially located tasks with deterministic or near-deterministic task execution times. Similar to Halasz et al. and Berman et al., we consider the development of agent-level, i.e. microscopic, stochastic control policies through the analysis of an appropriate macroscopic analytical model that describes the dynamics of the ensemble. Specifically, we present an approach to better approximate the effects of deterministic microscopic time delays at the macroscopic level based on Padé approximants. We present, analyze, and compare the frequency response of our approach to that presented by Berman et al. using different agent-based simulations.
Long-term Evaluation of Posterior Lateral Meniscus Root Tears Left In Situ at the Time of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Shelbourne K. Donald , Roberson Troy A. , Gray Tinker
Published: March 2011

Background: The long-term radiographic and subjective results of patients with posterior lateral meniscus root tears left in situ at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has not been reported.

Hypothesis: The authors hypothesized that patients who had posterior lateral meniscus root tears left in situ would have statistically significantly lower subjective scores and greater joint-space narrowing as compared with a control group.

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: Thirty-three patients who had isolated posterior lateral meniscus root tear and >5 years objective and subjective follow-up were evaluated and compared with a matched control group without meniscal tears based on sex, chronicity of tear, age, and follow-up time. Patients were evaluated subjectively and objectively using the International Knee Documentation Committee criteria.

Results: The mean objective follow-up time was 10.6 ± 4.5 years. The mean subjective total score was 84.6 ± 14 in the study group versus 90.5 ± 13 in the control group ( P = .09). Radiographs showed lateral joint-space narrowing rated as normal in 19, mild in 10, moderate in 3, and severe in 1 versus the control group, which was normal in 28 and mild in 5 patients. The measured amount of lateral joint-space narrowing compared with the other knee was 1.0 ± 1.6 mm in the study group versus 0 ± 1.1 mm in the controls on 45° flexed posteroanterior radiographs ( P < .006).

Conclusion: At a mean of 10 years’ follow-up of posterior lateral meniscus root tears left in situ, mild lateral joint-space narrowing was measured without significant differences in subjective or objective scores compared with controls. This study provides a baseline that can be used to compare the results of procedures used to treat these tears in other manners.
The effect of exogenous melamine on rat hippocampal neurons
Authors: Yan Wang  , Fei Liu  , Yuejiao Wei  , Daicheng Liu
Published: March 2011

Rat hippocampal neurons in culture medium were exposed to different concentrations of melamine. By examining the morphology of cells detected with acridine orange staining, different changes of fluorescences of Ca2+ observed with Fluo3, and caspase-3 activity assayed with optical density by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit, we found the effect of melamine on hippocampal neurons. Pathologic changes happened in hippocampal neurons, and there seemed to be insoluble metabolites in most of the cells with 312 µg/mL melamine stimulated for 12 hours. Then, we tested the Ca2+ fluorescences of the cells above. The free intracellular Ca2+ concentrations were measured using the fluorescent dye Fluo3. The average fluorescence of Ca2+ in hippocampal neurons stimulated by 312 µg/mL melamine (55.43 ± 3.54) was higher than the normal ones (6.94 ± 0.14). Besides, caspase-3 activity of hippocampal neurons after being challenged with melamine was higher than that of normal ones in the mass. From the above conclusions, melamine did induce damnification to hippocampal neurons, probably in the way of inducing cells to undergo apoptotic processes and disrupting the homeostasis of Ca 2+. Our experimental results disproved some viewpoints that not melamine alone, but melamine and cyanuric acid in combination could cause damage in toxicological studies and provided compelling evidence that low levels of melamine exposure may also represent a health risk to nerves, in opposition to the idea that damage of melamine and cyanuric acid in combination were limited to the kidneys.
Evaluation of the nasal mucociliary transport rate by rhinoscintigraphy in marble workshop workers
Authors: Dostbil Zeki , Polat Cahit , Karakus Askeri , Bakir Salih , Yuce Salim
Published: March 2011

Marble workers are occupationally exposed to intense environmental marble dust in their workplace. We aimed to investigate the effect of occupational marble dust exposure on nasal mucociliary transport rate (NMTR). Seventeen marble workers and 18 healthy controls were studied. In all subjects, NMTRs were measured by 99mTc-MAA rhinoscintigraphy. NMTRs of workers and control groups were compared by statistically. Mean NMTR was found as 9 ± 1.8 mm/min in marble workers whereas mean NMTR of healthy controls was 9.6 ± 2.2 mm/min. There was no statistically significant difference between NMTRs of workers and control groups (p > 0.05). This study has shown that occupationally exposured marble dusts may not cause functional impairment on NMTR in marble workshop workers.
Toxicity of eight metals to Malaysian freshwater midge larvae Chironomus javanus (Diptera, Chironomidae)
Authors: Shuhaimi-Othman Mohammad , Yakub Nadzifah , Umirah Nur Shahirul , Abas Ahmad
Published: March 2011

Fourth instars larvae of freshwater midge Chironomus javanus (Diptera, Chironomidae) were exposed for a 4-day period in laboratory conditions to a range of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), aluminium (Al) and manganese (Mn) concentrations. Mortality was assessed and median lethal concentrations (LC50) were calculated. LC50 increased with the decrease in mean exposure times, for all metals. LC50s for 96 hours for Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb, Ni, Fe, Al and Mn were 0.17, 0.06, 5.57, 0.72, 5.32, 0.62, 1.43 and 5.27 mg/L, respectively. Metals bioconcentration in C. javanus increases with exposure to increasing concentrations and Cd was the most toxic to C. javanus, followed by Cu, Fe, Pb, Al, Mn, Zn and Ni (Cd > Cu > Fe > Pb > Al > Mn > Zn > Ni). Comparison of LC50 values for metals for this species with those for other freshwater midges reveals that C. javanus is equally or more sensitive to metals than most other tested dipteran.
The influence of hydrocarbon composition and exposure conditions on jet fuel-induced immunotoxicity
Authors: Hilgaertner Jianhua W , He Xianghui , Camacho Daniel , Badowski Michael , Witten Mark , Harris David T
Published: March 2011

Chronic jet fuel exposure could be detrimental to the health and well-being of exposed personnel, adversely affect their work performance and predispose these individuals to increased incidences of infectious disease, cancer and autoimmune disorders. Short-term (7 day) JP-8 jet fuel exposure has been shown to cause lung injury and immune dysfunction. Physiological alterations can be influenced not only by jet fuel exposure concentration (absolute amount), but also are dependent on the type of exposure (aerosol versus vapor) and the composition of the jet fuel (hydrocarbon composition). In the current study, these variables were examined with relation to effects of jet fuel exposure on immune function. It was discovered that real-time, in-line monitoring of jet fuel exposure resulted in aerosol exposure concentrations that were approximately one-eighth the concentration of previously reported exposure systems. Further, the effects of a synthetic jet fuel designed to eliminate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were also examined. Both of these changes in exposure reduced but did not eliminate the deleterious effects on the immune system of exposed mice.
Improvement in carbofuran degradation by different Fenton’s reagent dosing processes
Authors: Ma Ying-Shih
Published: March 2011

Attempts were made in this study to examine the efficiency of Fenton’s reagent with different dosing processes and H2O2 and Fe2+ concentrations for the treatment of carbofuran wastewater. Carbofuran degradation, total organic carbon (TOC) removal and H2O2 consumption were determined during the experiments. Increases in H2O2 and Fe2+ concentrations led to an increase in the degradation of carbofuran. Almost 100% of carbofuran could be degraded at pH 3, 120 mg L-1 H2O2, 24 mg L-1 Fe2+ and 30 minutes reaction time; removals of TOC were among 48.8%–53.3% under different dosing processes. A continuous dosing process was beneficial to improve the removal of TOC by Fenton’s reagent. Rate constants of carbofuran degradation could be calculated by the first-order kinetics; increase in the Fenton’s reagent generally increased the rate constants. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis found five degradation products by hydroxyl radicals attack. Thus, this study might offer an effective dosing way for carbofuran wastewater treatment by Fenton’s reagent.
Career Education Programming in Three Diverse High Schools
Authors: Ali Saba Rasheed , Yang Ling-Yan , Button Christopher J. , McCoy Thomasin T. H.
Published: March 2011

From a critical psychology perspective, Prilleltensky and Nelson advocate for research that has explicit focus on social change and can allow for full participation and empowerment of those under study. The current article describes the collaborative development, implementation, and evaluation of a career education program within three ethnically and economically diverse rural high schools. Using case study methodology, the authors examined the effects of the “A Future in Iowa Career Education” (FICE) program using three different sources of data (pre–post test results, student evaluations, and focus groups). Context-specific results indicated the program was associated with increases in self-efficacy and career aspirations and had practical strengths and weaknesses. Results are discussed in terms of current literature and practical implications are provided.
Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Emergency Department
Authors: Acquisto Nicole M. , Baker Stephanie N.
Published: March 2011

The practice of antimicrobial stewardship can be defined as optimizing clinical outcomes while minimizing the consequences of antimicrobial therapy such as resistance and superinfection. Antimicrobial stewardship can be difficult to transition to the emergency department (ED) since the traditional activities include the evaluation of broad-spectrum antimicrobial regimens at 72 and 96 hours and intravenous to oral medication conversion. The emergency medicine clinical pharmacist (EPh) has the knowledge and clinical assessment skills to manage an antimicrobial stewardship program focused on culture follow-up for patients discharged from the ED. This paper summarizes the experiences of developing an EPh-managed antimicrobial stewardship and culture follow-up program in the ED from 2 separate institutions. Specifically, the focus is on the steps for establishing an EPh-managed antimicrobial stewardship program, a description of the culture follow-up process, managing the culture data and cultures that require emergent notification and review, medical/legal concerns, and barriers to implementation. Outcomes data available from institutions with similar ED based antimicrobial stewardship programs are also discussed.
‘The dangers of this atmosphere’: a Quaker connection in the Tavistock Clinic’s development
Authors: Kraemer Sebastian
Published: March 2011

During the Second World War, through innovations in officer selection and group therapy, the army psychiatrists John Rickman and Wilfred Bion changed our understanding of leadership. They showed how soldiers under stress could develop real authority through their attentiveness to each other. From contrasting experiences 25 years earlier each had seen how people in groups are moved by elemental forces that undermine judgement and thought. This article arose from my experiences as a trainee at the Tavistock Clinic, where the method of reflective work discussion, giving individuals seated in a circle the choice to speak or to remain silent, seemed similar to a Quaker meeting. Many decades later I found that this association had a basis in fact. Among other influences on Bion — a childhood in India, distinguished service in the First World War, and a surgical apprenticeship with Wilfred Trotter — there is a little-acknowledged Quaker source, in John Rickman, for Bion’s radical work in the army that led to new methods of training and organizational consultancy in the postwar Tavistock.
Under Threat of Social Exclusion, Females Exclude More Than Males
Authors: Benenson Joyce F. , Markovits Henry , Thompson Melissa Emery , Wrangham Richard W.
Published: March 2011

Theoretical analyses and studies with children suggest that females are more likely than males to respond to threats of social exclusion with exclusion. Here we present a series of studies using a modified version of a computerized competitive game that participants play against two fictitious opponents. In previous studies, females and males have typically made identical strategy choices when playing this game. We show that when players are told that the two fictitious opponents may form an exclusionary alliance against them, females modify their competitive strategies by forming more preventive exclusionary alliances than males do. These results support the idea that adult females are more likely than males to form preventive exclusionary alliances when faced with a social threat. The results further suggest that females and males compete in different ways.
Found in translation: Decoding local understandings of genetics and heredity in a Yup’ik Eskimo community
Authors: West Kathleen M. , Hopkins Scarlett E. , Hopper Kim J. , Mohatt Gerald V. , Boyer Bert B.
Published: March 2011

The Center for Alaska Native Health Research is a community-based participatory research center that conducts studies involving genetic research with Yup’ik Eskimo community members in Southwest Alaska, where Yup’ik remains the first language for most residents. Cultural equivalents are needed to communicate results of these studies among all partners and members of the participating communities, since many scientific terms have no direct translation in Yup’ik. To inform that effort, we examined local understandings of genetics and heredity in one community. Here, we report results from back-translated Yup’ik interviews, and identify working genetic concepts shared by participants from interviews and focus groups. We suggest issues involved in, and some potential steps toward, developing a concise, scientifically accurate and culturally relevant term for “genetics” and other health concepts.
The Development of the Stages of Recovery Scale for Persons With Persistent Mental Illness
Authors: Song Li-Yu , Hsu Su-Ting
Published: March 2011

This study aimed to develop a scale which could be used as a valid way to show the evidence of recovery-oriented services. A 51-item scale was developed to assess both the component processes and outcomes of recovery. A sample of 471 participants administered the questionnaire. The factor analysis yielded a 45-item scale with six subscales, including three components of process and three outcomes. The construct validity was confirmed. Each subscale has very good internal consistency (α = .80—.95), and the 3—5 weeks test—retest reliability was .72. The scale could significantly differentiate the rehabilitation sample and the better functioning sample. The results indicated four stages of recovery. The external construct validity was also ensured. The results supported the psychometric property of the Stages of Recovery Scale (SRS). It could be utilized for both assessment and evaluation to document the evidence of a recovery-oriented program, collectively or individually.
Reflections on Building and Teaching an Undergraduate Strategic Management Course in a Blended Format
Authors: Ross Douglas N. , Rosenbloom Al
Published: March 2011

This article is a personal reflection on the challenges, frustrations, and rewards of transforming a traditional face-to-face strategic management course into a blended format. The article describes both the discovery process that leads to a significantly redesigned course and the distillation of that experience into six core questions that can guide other faculty members interested in developing their own blended course. The article stresses the importance of fully integrating face-to-face learning with online activities—and vice versa— so that the entire course forms a seamless, integrated learning environment. Examples of how to completely integrate classroom and online learning are provided. The article also uses Mezirow’s transformative learning framework to better understand the changes occurring within the authors during the course redesign process.
Protocols for Teaching Students How to Search for, Discover, and Evaluate Innovations
Authors: Norton William I. , Hale Dena H.
Published: March 2011

The authors introduce and develop protocols to guide aspiring entrepreneurs’ behaviors in searching for and discovering innovative ideas that may have commercial potential. Systematic search has emerged as a theory-based, prescriptive framework to guide innovative behavior. Grounded in Fiet’s theory of search and discovery, this article provides teaching protocols that provide proven methods for guiding individuals to effectively search for and discover product and process innovations. In a series of six, structured, modular sessions, individuals are taught to search for and discover ideas with the potential to generate wealth in domains where they possess prior, domain-specific knowledge. Moreover, a framework is introduced that permits a viability assessment of all discoveries.
Using Leadered Groups in Organizational Behavior and Management Survey Courses
Authors: André Rae
Published: March 2011

In organizational behavior and management survey courses, students are likely to maximize certain career-appropriate knowledge when their classroom groups are leadered rather than leaderless. Using leadered groups facilitates the learning of the professional and managerial skills associated with formal leadership while reducing some problematic learning that can occur in leaderless groups. This article presents a pedagogical design that meets the logistical and content challenges of giving every student the opportunity to lead a group during the class term, to observe other student leaders, to receive feedback on formal leadership skills, and, in addition, to reflect on groups and group process in general. The author argues that teachers and researchers should reexamine the frequent assumption that leaderless groups are the most effective experiential method for teaching the practice of management.
Existence and non-existence for the full thermomechanical Souza-Auricchio model of shape memory wires
Authors: Krejčí Pavel , Stefanelli Ulisse
Published: March 2011

We provide an existence theory for the full thermomechanical quasi-static evolution of a shape memory wire described by the Souza—Auricchio constitutive model. The analysis requires some mild restriction on the choice of the thermomechanical coupling term in the expression on the free energy of the material. This restriction slightly deviates from the original Souza—Auricchio modeling frame, while still being compatible with real situations. We additionally show that, by imposing no such restriction, the original Souza—Auricchio model is ill-posed.
A 30-Day Preclinical Safety Evaluation Study of Recombinant Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in Female Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Cai Yongming , Chen Zhengmin , Zhang Zongpeng , Zhang Longsheng , Li Ming , Liu Changxiao
Published: March 2011

The objective of this study was to identify potential target organs for toxicity of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) in female rhesus monkeys and to establish a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL). In all, 24 female rhesus monkeys (Chinese origin, weighing 3.4-5.2 kg, approximately 5 years of age) received repeated subcutaneous (sc) r-hFSH at doses of 10, 60, and 300 IU/kg per d or vehicle once daily for 30 days followed by a 15-day recovery period. Endometrial hyperplasia and dermal edema in the external genitals were found in some animals at 300 IU/kg per d. Pharmacologic-related multiple cystic follicles were found in all r-hFSH-treated groups. A weak, anti-FSH antibody response was detected at the end of treatment in animals administered 60 and 300 IU/kg per d. These results indicate that the primary effects of r-hFSH in female rhesus monkeys were related to its pharmacological activity on the reproductive system. The NOAEL was considered to be 60 IU/kg per d.
Hospitality and Tourism Research Rankings by Author, University, and Country Using Six Major Journals
Authors: Park Kwangmin , Phillips WooMi Jo , Canter Deborah D. , Abbott JéAnna
Published: March 2011

This study reports productivity of authors, universities, and countries using research contributions to top hospitality and tourism journals. Since the new millennium, hospitality and tourism research has seen tremendous expansion and diversification. To understand hospitality and tourism research in the first decade of the new millennium, this study examined articles published in the six most commonly cited hospitality and tourism journals: Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, International Journal of Hospitality Management, Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, Tourism Management, Annals of Tourism Research, and Journal of Travel Research. To provide more insight, this study classified and analyzed articles from the selected journals into various research agendas. A total of 2,834 research articles in these journals from 2000 to 2009 revealed the 50 most prolific authors and universities and the 20 countries of residence of these authors and institutions in the field of hospitality and tourism. In addition, overall productivity rankings for 100 hospitality and tourism authors and universities and 30 countries are presented. The results of this study provide valuable and detailed information for academic stakeholders such as current and prospect graduate students, faculty, and academic administrators.
Update on heart failure
Authors: Szwejkowski Benjamin R , Rekhraj Sushma , Elder Douglas Hj , Struthers Allan D
Published: March 2011

Heart failure is common in patients with diabetes and about half of all patients with the syndrome of heart failure have preserved ejection fraction. The combination of heart failure and diabetes is an ominous sign and requires aggressive treatment. Heart failure treatments have improved the morbidity and mortality associated with heart failure dramatically over the past 20—30 years. We now review the basis for current medical therapies looking back over the important landmark trials which have led to the routine use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, aldosterone antagonists and others, concentrating particularly on the best therapies for patients with diabetes. Device therapy is also becoming more widespread and the recommendations are reviewed also. There are newer treatments emerging, such as fish oils and ivabradine, which may alter heart failure management in the future.
Taking children seriously: An alternative agenda for research?
Authors: Brooker Liz
Published: March 2011

Recent developments in early childhood research in the UK suggest there is a good deal of current knowledge as to ‘what works’ in early education, including what helps to narrow the gap between more and less advantaged pupils. A broad consensus now exists in many parts of the English-speaking world as to the forms of provision, including curriculum and pedagogy, environment and ethos, which are most likely to support children’s well-being and their development. This consensus is described as evidence-based because the findings from very large studies have informed policy and practice, and have been widely disseminated. This article summarizes some aspects of the current consensus — on learning through play, respecting diversity, listening to children — and asks some critical questions about the implementation of these principles in practice. Through examining some small examples of interactions in day care and classrooms, it asks whether current confidence about the nature of good practice has prevented researchers from asking difficult questions and challenging orthodoxies. It suggests some topics which might inform the agenda of future research, ensuring that rather than resting on their laurels, researchers attempt to listen carefully to children and families and take both them and their culture seriously.
Sanctions, situations, and agency in control theories of crime
Authors: Gottfredson Michael R.
Published: March 2011

Control theory remains a prominent explanation for crime and delinquency, generating a considerable body of empirical studies and frequent theoretical discussion. Although much of this scholarship lends support to the perspective, important issues have been raised as the perspective is extended, modified, and refined; among these are that the theory places too much emphasis on compulsion and too little on choice in the causation of crime, that it neglects the role of morality in decisions about crime, and that the theory needs to be reconciled with results of research about criminal deterrence. This paper considers each of these issues. A framework is presented to describe essential elements of all control theories and finds no inconsistency between some types of control theory and evidence about situational effects, evidence of moral elements of decision-making, and the lack of severity effects in the deterrence literature for the criminal law.
Worlds tied together? Online and non-domestic routine activities and their impact on digital and traditional threat victimization
Authors: van Wilsem Johan
Published: March 2011

The article compares risk factors between threat victimization by digital and traditional modes (e.g. email or chat room versus letter or face-to-face). Until now, empirical tests of routine activity theory have applied a segregated approach in such cases, linking computer activities to cybercrime victimization and outdoor activities to traditional victimization. However, an integrated approach suggests that social interactions between people in the physical and digital world are connected. Thus, exposure to conflict-prone situations and eventual escalation of the conflict by a threat can occur in separate domains. Routine activities online can therefore result in traditional threat victimization and, conversely, outdoor activities can result in digital threat victimization. Results from victimization survey data from a sample of the Dutch general population (N = 6896) offer support for these hypotheses. The findings suggest that routine activity theory needs to be tested in new ways in contemporary digitalized societies.
Organizational factors, environmental climate, and job satisfaction among police in Slovenia
Authors: Nalla Mahesh K. , Rydberg Jason , Meško Gorazd
Published: March 2011

In this paper we examine the extent to which organizational culture, police enforcement strategies, and occupational role influence the job satisfaction of police officers in Slovenia. More specifically, we ask if these factors shape perceptions of satisfaction among police officers working in different departments and to what extent they differ among various occupational groups within the same organization. These groups include law enforcement officers, police investigators, and state border officers. Using data from a sample of 995 Slovenian police officers, our analyses suggest that officer demographic characteristics alone do little to explain variation in job satisfaction, whereas the introduction of organizational and environmental factors such as opportunities to innovate, perceptions of citizen cooperation, and job challenges vastly improve the models. Similarities and differences between the occupational groups are discussed, along with implications for policy and future research.
Community service in Greece: Sentencing practices, the role of the prosecution service and local authorities
Authors: Anagnostaki Maria
Published: March 2011

Community service was introduced in Greece in the early 1990s, with the expectation of relieving the problem of prison overcrowding. The measure became operational in 1997, although the professional body responsible for its implementation — the Probation Service for Adults — was created in 2006. This research explores how the measure is applied at both the sentencing and the implementation stage. Findings suggest that, although the measure has been used sparingly, there are serious legislative and structural shortcomings that need to be addressed in order to protect the rights of offenders as well as the credibility and legitimacy of the measure.
Cardiovascular risk assessment in hypertensive patients with tests recommended by the European Guidelines on Hypertension
Authors: Gómez-Marcos Manuel A , González-Elena Luis J , Recio-Rodríguez José I , Rodríguez-Sánchez Emiliano , Magallón-Botaya Rosa , Muñoz-Moreno Maria Fe , Patino-Alonso Maria C , García-Ortiz Luis
Published: March 2011

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of the diagnostic tests recommended by the European Society of Hypertension/Cardiology Guidelines (ESH-ESC 2007) in hypertensive patients classified as being at low or moderate risk, analyzing the change to high risk classification and the characteristics associated with such change.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was made in 391 patients aged between 30 and 80 years recently diagnosed with arterial hypertension in the Primary Care setting. The criteria of the 2007 ESH-ESC Guidelines were followed for the evaluation of risk factors, subclinical organ damage, cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk. In addition to the routine tests, echocardiography, carotid ultrasound, albumin/creatinine ratio, estimated glomerular filtration rate, ankle-brachial index, pulse wave velocity and retinography were used. We established four levels of testing performed for risk classification.

Results: Using the routine tests to evaluate risk (level 1), 218 (55.8%) patients were classified as being at high risk. Of the 173 patients classified as presenting low or moderate risk, the ankle-brachial index, albumin/creatinine ratio and glomerular filtration rate were determined (level 2), and 18 patients (10.4%) were classified as being at high risk. With echocardiography and carotid ultrasound (level 3), another 16 patients (10%) were raised to high risk. Finally, with pulse wave velocity and retinography (level 4), 10 additional patients (5%) were classified as presenting high risk. Patients with increased blood pressure, advanced age and women showed a 4.28-fold (95%CI: 2.01–9.16), 3.54-fold (95%CI: 1.61–7.77) and 1.36-fold (95%CI: 0.62–3.00) higher probability of being reclassified to high cardiovascular risk, respectively.

Conclusions: With the non-routine tests, 25.4% of the low or moderate risk patients were reclassified as presenting high risk.
Cleavage of the CD11b extracellular domain by the leukocyte serprocidins is critical for neutrophil detachment during chemotaxis
Authors: Zen Ke , Guo Ya-Lan , Li Li-Min , Bian Zhen , Zhang Chen-Yu , Liu Yuan
Published: March 2011

The β2-integrin CD11b/CD18 mediates the firm adhesion of neutrophils (PMNs) to epithelial monolayers, a key step in PMN transepithelial migration. To complete the transmigration process, adherent PMNs must detach from epithelial monolayer surfaces to move forward. The mechanism that governs the detachment of adherent PMNs, however, is not clear. Here, we present evidence that cleavage of the CD11b extracellular domain containing the ligand-binding I-domain by 3 structural and functional related serine proteases (elastase, proteinase-3 and cathepsin G) serves as a novel mechanism for PMN detachment after the initial cell adhesion. Kinetic studies showed that the cleavage of CD11b is positively correlated with PMN detachment and subsequent transmigration. Moreover, the results demonstrated that elastase, proteinase-3 and cathepsin G all cleaved the purified, functionally active form of CD11b in a pattern similar to the CD11b shedding that occurs during PMN transmigration. Their cleavage sites on purified CD11b were located at 761Thr-Ala762 (elastase/proteinase-3) and 760Phe-Thr761 (cathepsin G), respectively. CD11b cleavage and PMN detachment and chemotaxis, were impaired in elastase/cathepsin G–deficient Beige mice; this defect could be restored by the addition of extracellular elastase. By illustrating CD11b shedding by elastase, proteinase-3 and cathepsin G as a novel mechanism for PMN detachment, our study provides novel therapeutic targets for controlling inflammation.
Epithelial adhesion molecules can inhibit HIV-1–specific CD8+ T-cell functions
Authors: Streeck Hendrik , Kwon Douglas S. , Pyo Augustine , Flanders Michael , Chevalier Mathieu F. , Law Kenneth , Jülg Boris , Trocha Kasper , Jolin Jonathan S. , Anahtar Melis N. , Lian Jeff , Toth Ildiko , Brumme Zabrina , Chang J. Judy , Caron Tyler , Rodig Scott J. , Milner Danny A. , Piechoka-Trocha Alicja , Kaufmann Daniel E. , Walker Bruce D. , Altfeld Marcus
Published: March 2011

Under persistent antigenic stimulation, virus-specific CD8+ T cells become increasingly dysfunctional and up-regulate several inhibitory molecules such as killer lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1). Here, we demonstrate that HIV-1 antigen-specific T cells from subjects with chronic-progressive HIV-1 infection have significantly elevated KLRG1 expression (P < .001); show abnormal distribution of E-cadherin, the natural ligand of KLRG1, in the intestinal mucosa; and have elevated levels of systemic soluble E-cadherin (sE-cadherin) that significantly correlate with HIV-1 viral load (R = 0.7, P = .004). We furthermore demonstrate that in the presence of sE-cadherin, KLRG1hi HIV-1–specific CD8+ T cells are impaired in their ability to respond by cytokine secretion on antigenic stimulation (P = .002) and to inhibit viral replication (P = .03) in vitro. Thus, these data suggest a critical mechanism by which the disruption of the intestinal epithelium associated with HIV-1 leads to increased systemic levels of sE-cadherin, which inhibits the effector functions of KLRG1hi-expressing HIV-1–specific CD8+ T cells systemically.
Microarrays and RNA-Seq identify molecular mechanisms driving the end of nephron production
Authors: Brunskill Eric W , Lai Hsiao L , Jamison D Curtis , Potter S Steven , Patterson Larry T
Published: March 2011

Background

The production of nephrons suddenly ends in mice shortly after birth when the remaining cells of the multi-potent progenitor mesenchyme begin to differentiate into nephrons. We exploited this terminal wave of nephron production using both microarrays and RNA-Seq to serially evaluate gene transcript levels in the progenitors. This strategy allowed us to define the changing gene expression states following induction and the onset of differentiation after birth.

Results

Microarray and RNA-Seq studies of the progenitors detected a change in the expression profiles of several classes of genes early after birth. One functional class, a class of genes associated with cellular proliferation, was activated. Analysis of proliferation with a nucleotide analog demonstrated in vivo that entry into the S-phase of the cell cycle preceded increases in transcript levels of genetic markers of differentiation. Microarrays and RNA-Seq also detected the onset of expression of markers of differentiation within the population of progenitors prior to detectable Six2 repression. Validation by in situ hybridization demonstrated that the markers were expressed in a subset of Six2 expressing progenitors. Finally, the studies identified a third set of genes that provide indirect evidence of an altered cellular microenvironment of the multi-potential progenitors after birth.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that Six2 expression is not sufficient to suppress activation of genes associated with growth and differentiation of nephrons. They also better define the sequence of events after induction and suggest mechanisms contributing to the rapid end of nephron production after birth in mice.
Sensing and adhesion are adaptive functions in the plant pathogenic xanthomonads
Authors: Mhedbi-Hajri Nadia , Darrasse Armelle , Pigné Sandrine , Durand Karine , Fouteau Stéphanie , Barbe Valérie , Manceau Charles , Lemaire Christophe , Jacques Marie-Agnès
Published: March 2011

Background

Bacterial plant pathogens belonging to theXanthomonasgenus are tightly adapted to their host plants and are not known to colonise other environments. The host range of each strain is usually restricted to a few host plant species. Bacterial strains responsible for the same type of symptoms on the same host range cluster in a pathovar. The phyllosphere is a highly stressful environment, but it provides a selective habitat and a source of substrates for these bacteria. Xanthomonads colonise host phylloplane before entering leaf tissues and engaging in an invasive pathogenic phase. Hence, these bacteria are likely to have evolved strategies to adapt to life in this environment. We hypothesised that determinants responsible for bacterial host adaptation are expressed starting from the establishment of chemotactic attraction and adhesion on host tissue.

Results

We established the distribution of 70 genes coding sensors and adhesins in a large collection of xanthomonad strains. These 173 strains belong to different pathovars ofXanthomonasspp and display different host ranges. Candidate genes are involved in chemotactic attraction (25 genes), chemical environment sensing (35 genes), and adhesion (10 genes). Our study revealed that candidate gene repertoires comprised core and variable gene suites that likely have distinct roles in host adaptation. Most pathovars were characterized by unique repertoires of candidate genes, highlighting a correspondence between pathovar clustering and repertoires of sensors and adhesins. To further challenge our hypothesis, we tested for molecular signatures of selection on candidate genes extracted from sequenced genomes of strains belonging to different pathovars. We found strong evidence of adaptive divergence acting on most candidate genes.

Conclusions

These data provide insight into the potential role played by sensors and adhesins in the adaptation of xanthomonads to their host plants. The correspondence between repertoires of sensor and adhesin genes and pathovars and the rapid evolution of sensors and adhesins shows that, for plant pathogenic xanthomonads, events leading to host specificity may occur as early as chemotactic attraction by host and adhesion to tissues.
Spin-orbit interaction induced anisotropic property in interacting quantum wires
Authors: Cheng Fang , Zhou Guanghui , Chang Kai
Published: March 2011

We investigate theoretically the ground state and transport property of electrons in interacting quantum wires (QWs) oriented along different crystallographic directions in (001) and (110) planes in the presence of the Rashba spin-orbit interaction (RSOI) and Dresselhaus SOI (DSOI). The electron ground state can cross over different phases, e.g., spin density wave, charge density wave, singlet superconductivity, and metamagnetism, by changing the strengths of the SOIs and the crystallographic orientation of the QW. The interplay between the SOIs and Coulomb interaction leads to the anisotropic dc transport property of QW which provides us a possible way to detect the strengths of the RSOI and DSOI.

PACS numbers: 73.63.Nm, 71.10.Pm, 73.23.-b, 71.70.Ej
Graphene on ferromagnetic surfaces and its functionalization with water and ammonia
Authors: Böttcher Stefan , Weser Martin , Dedkov Yuriy S , Horn Karsten , Voloshina Elena N , Paulus Beate
Published: March 2011

In this article, an angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and density-functional theory (DFT) investigations of water and ammonia adsorption on graphene/Ni(111) are presented. The results of adsorption on graphene/Ni(111) obtained in this study reveal the existence of interface states, originating from the strong hybridization of the graphene π and spin-polarized Ni 3d valence band states. ARPES and XAS data of the H2O (NH3)/graphene/Ni(111) system give an information regarding the kind of interaction between the adsorbed molecules and the graphene on Ni(111). The presented experimental data are compared with the results obtained in the framework of the DFT approach.
Effects of a selectively bred novelty-seeking phenotype on the motivation to take cocaine in male and female rats
Authors: Cummings Jennifer A , Gowl Brooke A , Westenbroek Christel , Clinton Sarah M , Akil Huda , Becker Jill B
Published: March 2011

Background

Gender and enhanced novelty reactivity can predispose certain individuals to drug abuse. Previous research in male and female rats selectively bred for high or low locomotor reactivity to novelty found that bred High Responders (bHRs) acquire cocaine self-administration more rapidly than bred Low Responders (bLRs) and that bHR females in particular self-administered more cocaine than the other groups. The experiments presented here aimed to determine whether an individual's sex and behavioral phenotype interact to affect motivation to take cocaine.

Methods

We examined motivation for taking cocaine in two experiments using a range of doses on a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of responding in bHR or bLR males and females. Additionally, we included a measure of continuing to respond in the absence of reinforcement, a feature of addiction that has been recently incorporated into tests of animal models on the basis of the criteria for substance use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Statistical analyses were performed using PASW Statistics 18.0 software. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance followed by a Bonferroni correction post hoc test when applicable.

Results

We found sex differences as well as effects of novelty reactivity on the motivation to self-administer cocaine. Specifically, females demonstrated higher breaking points on the PR schedule compared with males, regardless of phenotype, and bHR males and females exhibited higher motivation than bLR animals at a number of the doses studied.

Conclusions

An individual's sex continues to be a predisposing factor with respect to drug abuse liability and can be compounded by additional individual differences such as reactivity to novelty.
Cost Implications of the Rapid Adoption of Newer Technologies for Treating Prostate Cancer
Authors: Nguyen Paul L. , Gu Xiangmei , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Choueiri Toni K. , Choi Wesley W. , Lei Yin , Hoffman Karen E. , Hu Jim C.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and laparoscopic or robotic minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MIRP) are costlier alternatives to three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) and open radical prostatectomy for treating prostate cancer. We assessed temporal trends in their utilization and their impact on national health care spending.

Methods

Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare linked data, we determined treatment patterns for 45,636 men age ≥ 65 years who received definitive surgery or radiation for localized prostate cancer diagnosed from 2002 to 2005. Costs attributable to prostate cancer care were the difference in Medicare payments in the year after versus the year before diagnosis.

Results

Patients received surgery (26%), external RT (38%), or brachytherapy with or without RT (36%). Among surgical patients, MIRP utilization increased substantially (1.5% among 2002 diagnoses v 28.7% among 2005 diagnoses, P < .001). For RT, IMRT utilization increased substantially (28.7% v 81.7%; P < .001) and for men receiving brachytherapy, supplemental IMRT increased significantly (8.5% v 31.1%; P < .001). The mean incremental cost of IMRT versus 3D-CRT was $10,986 (in 2008 dollars); of brachytherapy plus IMRT versus brachytherapy plus 3D-CRT was $10,789; of MIRP versus open RP was $293. Extrapolating these figures to the total US population results in excess spending of $282 million for IMRT, $59 million for brachytherapy plus IMRT, and $4 million for MIRP, compared to less costly alternatives for men diagnosed in 2005.

Conclusion

Costlier prostate cancer therapies were rapidly and widely adopted, resulting in additional national spending of more than $350 million among men diagnosed in 2005 and suggesting the need for comparative effectiveness research to weigh their costs against their benefits.