bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Two Doses of Ropivacaine Hydrochloride for Lumbosacral Epidural Anaesthesia in Goats Undergoing Laparoscopy Assisted Embryo Transfer
Authors: Khajuria Anubhav , Fazili Mujeeb ur Rehman , Shah Riaz Ahmad , Khan Firdous Ahmad , Bhat Maajid Hassan , Yaqoob Syed Hilal , Naykoo Niyaz Ahmad , Ganai Nazir Ahmad
Published: September 2014

Goats (n=12) undergoing laparoscopy assisted embryo transfer were randomly allotted to two groups (I and II) and injected same volume of ropivacaine hydrochloride at 1.0 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg body weight, respectively, at the lumbosacral epidural space. The hind quarters of all the animals were lifted up for the first 3.0 minutes following injection. Immediately after induction the animals were restrained in dorsal recumbency in Trendelenburg position in a cradle. Laparoscopy was performed after achieving pneumoperitoneum using filtered room air. Regional analgesia and changes in physiological parameters were recorded. The mean induction time in animals of group I (n=6) was 12.666 ± 1.994 minutes. In these animals the analgesia extended up to the umbilical region and lasted for 60 minutes. Only two animals in group II were satisfactorily induced in 11.333 ± 2.333 minutes. In animals of group I, the time taken for regaining the full motor power was significantly long (405 ± 46.314 min) when compared to group II goats (95 ± 9.219 min). From this study it was concluded that ropivacaine did not produce adequate analgesia in most of the goats at 0.5 mg/kg. When used at 1.0 mg/kg, it produced satisfactory regional analgesia lasting for one hour but the prolonged motor loss precludes its use. Additional studies using ropivacaine hydrochloride at doses in between the two extremes used here may be undertaken before recommending it for lumbosacral anaesthesia in goats undergoing laparoscopy.
The Design of Compass/BeiDou Navigation Satellite Terminal for Migrant Bird Research
Authors: Li Yaohui , Shan Jingjing , Shao Zhenhai , Wang Quan
Published: September 2014

A terminal of Compass Navigation Satellite System (CNSS), which can not only support BeiDou‐1 and BeiDou‐2 but also support Global Positioning System (GPS), is designed to research the activities of the migrant birds, with our novel design of a multiband antenna. By a high‐density integration, this terminal is designed with a compact size and light weight. When the terminal is assembled to a whooper swan, its flying trace is recorded by the CNSS, which is in agreement with that of GPS. The flying route map based on the CNSS is useful to check the situation and habit of the migrant bird, which is important for animal protection and bird flu outbreak prediction.
Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles in Photosynthetic Plants
Authors: Prasad Ram
Published: September 2014

Nanobiotechnology is emerging as a field of applied biological science and nanotechnology. Synthesis of nanoparticles is done by various physical and chemical methods but the biological methods are relatively simple, cost-effective, nontoxic, and environmentally friendly methods. The present review focuses on the synthesis of nanoparticles with special emphasis on the use of plants parts for the synthesis process, its applications, and future prospectus.
Antibody against Granulin–Epithelin Precursor Sensitizes Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Chemotherapeutic Agents
Authors: Wong Nicholas C.L. , Cheung Phyllis F.Y. , Yip Chi Wai , Chan Kui Fat , Ng Irene Oi-Lin , Fan Sheung Tat , Cheung Siu Tim
Published: September 2014

Granulin–epithelin precursor (GEP) overexpression has been shown in many cancers with functional role on growth, and recently on regulating chemoresistance and cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. Here, we investigate the combined effect of GEP antibody and chemotherapeutic agent. Combination therapy was compared with monotherapy using hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vitro and orthotopic liver tumor models in vivo. CD133 and related hepatic CSC marker expressions were investigated by flow cytometry. Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects and signaling mechanisms were examined by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis. Secretory GEP levels in the serum and culture supernatant samples were measured by ELISA. We demonstrated that HCC cells that survived under chemotherapeutic agents showed upregulation of hepatic CSC markers CD133/GEP/ABCB5, and enhanced colony and spheroid formation abilities. Importantly, GEP antibody sensitized HCC cells to the apoptosis induced by chemotherapy for both HCC cell lines and the chemoresistant subpopulations, and counteracted the chemotherapy-induced GEP/ABCB5 expressions and Akt/Bcl-2 signaling. In human HCC orthotopic xenograft models, GEP antibody treatment alone was consistently capable of inhibiting the tumor growth. Notably, combination of GEP antibody with high dose of cisplatin resulted in the eradication of all established intrahepatic tumor in three weeks. This preclinical study demonstrated that GEP antibody sensitized HCC cells to apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic agents. Combination treatment with GEP antibody and chemotherapeutic agent has the potential to be an effective therapeutic regimen for GEP-expressing cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(12); 3001–12. ©2014 AACR.
Mutation-Specific RAS Oncogenicity Explains NRAS Codon 61 Selection in Melanoma
Authors: Burd Christin E. , Liu Wenjin , Huynh Minh V. , Waqas Meriam A. , Gillahan James E. , Clark Kelly S. , Fu Kailing , Martin Brit L. , Jeck William R. , Souroullas George P. , Darr David B. , Zedek Daniel C. , Miley Michael J. , Baguley Bruce C. , Campbell Sharon L. , Sharpless Norman E.
Published: September 2014

NRAS mutation at codons 12, 13, or 61 is associated with transformation; yet, in melanoma, such alterations are nearly exclusive to codon 61. Here, we compared the melanoma susceptibility of an NrasQ61R knock-in allele to similarly designed KrasG12D and NrasG12D alleles. With concomitant p16INK4a inactivation, KrasG12D or NrasQ61R expression efficiently promoted melanoma in vivo, whereas NrasG12D did not. In addition, NrasQ61R mutation potently cooperated with Lkb1/Stk11 loss to induce highly metastatic disease. Functional comparisons of NrasQ61R and NrasG12D revealed little difference in the ability of these proteins to engage PI3K or RAF. Instead, NrasQ61R showed enhanced nucleotide binding, decreased intrinsic GTPase activity, and increased stability when compared with NrasG12D. This work identifies a faithful model of human NRAS-mutant melanoma, and suggests that the increased melanomagenecity of NrasQ61R over NrasG12D is due to heightened abundance of the active, GTP-bound form rather than differences in the engagement of downstream effector pathways.

Significance: This work explains the curious predominance in human melanoma of mutations of codon 61 of NRAS over other oncogenic NRAS mutations. Using conditional “knock-in” mouse models, we show that physiologic expression of NRASQ61R, but not NRASG12D, drives melanoma formation. Cancer Discov; 4(12); 1418–29. ©2014 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1355
High Frequency of DUOX2 Mutations in Transient or Permanent Congenital Hypothyroidism with Eutopic Thyroid Glands
Authors: Jin Hye Young , Heo Sun-Hee , Kim Yoo-Mi , Kim Gu-Hwan , Choi Jin-Ho , Lee Beom-Hee , Yoo Han-Wook
Published: September 2014

Background/Aims: This study aimed to clarify the frequency, phenotypes, and molecular spectrum of DUOX2, TPO, TSHR, and TG mutations in patients with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) with enlarged or normal-sized eutopic thyroid glands. Methods: The study cohort included 43 subjects from 41 unrelated families who had CH with eutopic thyroid glands. Mutation analyses of DUOX2, TPO, and TSHR were performed. The functional capacities of novel missense variants of DUOX2 were verified by measuring H2O2 generation in vitro. Results: Of the 43 subjects, 23 (53.5%) had sequence variants in at least one gene. Twelve different DUOX2 variants, including seven novel variants, were identified in 20 subjects. A functional analysis of the DUOX2 variants revealed that most variants, other than p.G206V and p.H678R, caused a significant reduction in H2O2 generation. Therefore, 15 subjects harbored functionally deleterious DUOX2 variants. Of these, 5 subjects had transient CH, and 10 were found to have permanent CH. Sequence variants in TSHR were identified in 5 subjects. One of the 43 subjects (2.3%) had sequence variants in two different genes. Conclusions:DUOX2 variants are a relatively common cause of CH with normal-sized or enlarged eutopic thyroid glands. Variable phenotypes were associated with partial loss of the functional activity of DUOX2 variants.
Spatiotemporal Neurodynamics Underlying Internally and Externally Driven Temporal Prediction: A High Spatial Resolution ERP Study
Authors: Mento Giovanni , Tarantino Vincenza , Vallesi Antonino , Bisiacchi Patrizia Silvia
Published: September 2014

Temporal prediction (TP) is a flexible and dynamic cognitive ability. Depending on the internal or external nature of information exploited to generate TP, distinct cognitive and brain mechanisms are engaged with the same final goal of reducing uncertainty about the future. In this study, we investigated the specific brain mechanisms involved in internally and externally driven TP. To this end, we employed an experimental paradigm purposely designed to elicit and compare externally and internally driven TP and a combined approach based on the application of a distributed source reconstruction modeling on a high spatial resolution electrophysiological data array. Specific spatiotemporal ERP signatures were identified, with significant modulation of contingent negative variation and frontal late sustained positivity in external and internal TP contexts, respectively. These different electrophysiological patterns were supported by the engagement of distinct neural networks, including a left sensorimotor and a prefrontal circuit for externally and internally driven TP, respectively.
Judith 5:5-21 ou le récit d’Akhior: les mémoires dans la construction de l’identité narrative du peuple d’Israël
Authors: Gil Roger , Bons Eberhard
Published: September 2014

In the book of Judith, the Ammonite official Achior tries to dissuade Holofernes from engaging in war against the people of Israel. In fact, he is convinced that the God of Israel will protect his people. Achior’s description of these “mountain folk” is an example of how the identity of an entire people can be conceived. Like a single person’s identity, collective identity finds its roots in memory and, by consequence, within the various human memory systems. In particular, one can distinguish an episodic (“remembering” events or situations already experienced) and and a semantic (“knowing” about events, concepts, objects, ideas or facts) memory.

The present study attempts to describe how episodic and semantic memories contribute in constructing and narrating the identity of the people of Israel. Achior’s speech also allows for a distinction between two other facets of identity, as described by Paul Ricoeur: that of “sameness” (“idem” identity, based on uninterrupted continuity or permanence in time) and that of “selfhood” (“ipse” identity, based on self-constancy or self-maintenance). Thus, the narration of such a collective identity enables Achior to project himself into the future and to affirm that the God of Israel would protect his people against the Assyrian army.
Cult Centralization in the Samaritan Pentateuch and the Origins of Deuteronomy
Authors: Gallagher Edmon L.
Published: September 2014

Scholars have long understood the cult centralization formula of Deuteronomy (Deut. 12:5, etc.) to limit worship to Jerusalem, “the place which God will choose for his name to dwell.” The common theory posits that though the formula, and the book in which it was contained, was written long after Jerusalem had become the primary cultic site in Judah, it was framed with an imperfect tense verb in order to keep up the pretense of Mosaic authorship of Deuteronomy. However, the Samaritan Pentateuch has a perfect tense verb in this same formula in all twenty-one occurrences in Deuteronomy. Whereas scholars have typically seen this to be a strictly sectarian reading pointing to God’s prior choice of Gerizim as the holy site of the Samaritans, Adrian Schenker has recently argued persuasively for the priority of the Samaritan reading and that themt’s imperfect tense is, in fact, the sectarian alteration. This new way of understanding Deuteronomy’s centralization formula has ramifications for the origins of the book and its reception in Judah. This paper explores these issues, suggesting that the best way of understanding the authority that Deuteronomy gained in Judah is to combine Schenker’s argument about the centralization formula with E. Ulrich’s reconstruction of the text of Deut 27:4. This results in an original text of Deuteronomy that asserts that God had chosen the place for his name already at the time of Moses but did not yet identify the location. In turn, the argument presented here helps to explain the reception Deuteronomy enjoyed among both Judeans and Samaritans.
Bitter fruits of accumulation: The case of Caspar Georg Carl Reinwardt (1773–1854)
Authors: Weber Andreas
Published: September 2014

This essay analyses the career of the German chemist and government functionary Caspar Georg Carl Reinwardt (1773–1854) through the layered lens of governance and management. By conceptualizing governance as the historical result of the interaction between locally situated accumulation and management projects and the ‘metropolitan’ assessment of their value, it uses Reinwardt’s experiences to shed fresh light on the idiosyncrasies through which Europe and Southeast Asia were linked in the early nineteenth century. The discussion of three closely related episodes (the management of the botanical garden at Buitenzorg, the complexity of inquiries in the field and the failure of Reinwardt’s publication projects) exemplifies this point. Taken together, the essay problematizes simple center-periphery relationships by demonstrating that such global connections be understood through a comparison between ‘metropolitan’ and ‘colonial’ science. Rather it demonstrates the insights drawn from employing a framework that unites narratives of ‘imperial’ and ‘metropolitan’ histories of accumulation, and brings them under one analytical umbrella.
Navigating the online missiology classroom: Class design and resources for teaching missiology online
Authors: Danielson Robert A.
Published: September 2014

There is a growing need for missiologists to consider the unique ways in which the discipline affects the online teaching of missions. This area of education is rapidly growing and presents challenges that need to be addressed. Especially important is the need to consider the local context of students and the types of assignments developed to encourage learning in the field. An awareness of available resources and an understanding of the changing models of learning is also a vital foundation to developing productive and effective high-quality online educational experiences.
Differences in Diabetes Self-care Activities by Race/Ethnicity and Insulin Use
Authors: Johnson Pamela Jo , Ghildayal Neha , Rockwood Todd , Everson-Rose Susan A.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine differences in diabetes self-care activities by race/ethnicity and insulin use.

Methods

Data were from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for adults with diabetes. Outcomes included 5 diabetes self-care activities (blood glucose monitoring, foot checks, nonsmoking, physical activity, healthy eating) and 3 levels of diabetes self-care (high, moderate, low). Logistic regression models stratified by insulin use were used to estimate the odds of each self-care activity by race/ethnicity.

Results

Only 20% of adults had high levels of diabetes self-care, while 64% had moderate and 16% had low self-care. Racial/ethnic differences were apparent for every self-care activity among non–insulin users but only for glucose monitoring and foot checks among insulin users. Overall, American Indian / Alaska Natives had higher odds of glucose monitoring; blacks had higher odds of foot checks; and Hispanics had higher odds of not smoking compared with non-Hispanic Whites. Non-insulin-using American Indian / Alaska Natives had higher odds of foot checks, and non-insulin-using Hispanics had higher odds of fruit/vegetable consumption.

Conclusions

Participation in specific diabetes self-care behaviors differs by race/ethnicity and by insulin use. Yet, few adults with diabetes of any race/ethnicity engage in high levels of self-care. Findings suggest that culturally tailored messages about diabetes self-care may be needed, in addition to more effective population promotion of healthy lifestyles and risk reduction behaviors to improve diabetes control and overall health. Diabetes educators can be a catalyst for adopting a population approach to diabetes management, which requires addressing both prevention and management of diabetes for all patients.
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance
Authors: Kalelkar Rachana , Nwaeze Emeka T.
Published: September 2014

In recent times, there has been evidence of abnormal Directors and Officers liability (D&O) insurance purchase by the firms. Although D&O coverage is necessary to protect the directors and officers from the rising lawsuit risk, the motivation for carrying abnormal coverage is not clear. In this article, we examine the implications of providing excessive protection to the directors and officers on managerial behavior and firm performance. We use firm reporting and investment activity to examine managerial behavior and firm’s profitability to examine firm performance. For a sample of U.S. firms from 2004 to 2008, our results show that abnormal D&O insurance is positively associated with aggressive reporting, aggressive investment activity, and abnormal profit performance. Our results hold even after controlling for endogeneity and serial correlation in the data.
Disrupted Reproduction, Estrous Cycle, and Circadian Rhythms in Female Mice Deficient in Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
Authors: Loh D.H. , Kuljis D.A. , Azuma L. , Wu Y. , Truong D. , Wang H.B. , Colwell C.S.
Published: September 2014

The female reproductive cycle is gated by the circadian timing system and may be vulnerable to disruptions in the circadian system. Prior work suggests that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) are one pathway by which the circadian clock can influence the estrous cycle, but the impact of the loss of this peptide on reproduction has not been assessed. In the present study, we first examine the impact of the genetic loss of the neuropeptide VIP on the reproductive success of female mice. Significantly, mutant females produce about half the offspring of their wild-type sisters even when mated to the same males. We also find that VIP-deficient females exhibit a disrupted estrous cycle; that is, ovulation occurs less frequently and results in the release of fewer oocytes compared with controls. Circadian rhythms of wheel-running activity are disrupted in the female mutant mice, as is the spontaneous electrical activity of dorsal SCN neurons. On a molecular level, the VIP-deficient SCN tissue exhibits lower amplitude oscillations with altered phase relationships between the SCN and peripheral oscillators as measured by PER2-driven bioluminescence. The simplest explanation of our data is that the loss of VIP results in a weakened SCN oscillator, which reduces the synchronization of the female circadian system. These results clarify one of the mechanisms by which disruption of the circadian system reduces female reproductive success.
Is Social Jetlag Associated with an Adverse Endocrine, Behavioral, and Cardiovascular Risk Profile?
Authors: Rutters Femke , Lemmens Sofie G. , Adam Tanja C. , Bremmer Marijke A. , Elders Petra J. , Nijpels Giel , Dekker Jacqueline M.
Published: September 2014

Social jetlag represents the discrepancy between circadian and social clocks, which is measured as the difference in hours in midpoint of sleep between work days and free days. Previous studies have shown social jetlag to be associated with body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin levels, heart rate, depressive symptoms, smoking, mental distress and alcohol use. The objective of our current study was to investigate, in a group of 145 apparently healthy participants (67 men and 78 women, aged 18-55 years, BMI 18-35 kg/m2), the prevalence of social jetlag and its association with adverse endocrine, behavioral and cardiovascular risk profiles as measured in vivo. participants with ≥2 h social jetlag had higher 5-h cortisol levels, slept less during the week, were more often physically inactive and had an increased resting heart rate, compared with participants who had ≤1 h social jetlag. We therefore concluded that social jetlag is associated with an adverse endocrine, behavioral and cardiovascular risk profile in apparently healthy participants. These adverse profiles put healthy participants at risk for development of metabolic diseases and mental disorders, including diabetes and depression, in the near future.
Filling the Gap: Relationship Between the Serotonin-Transporter-Linked Polymorphic Region and Amygdala Activation
Authors: Bastiaansen Jojanneke A. , Servaas Michelle N. , Marsman Jan Bernard C. , Ormel Johan , Nolte Ilja M. , Riese Harriëtte , Aleman André
Published: September 2014

The alleged association between the serotonin-transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and amygdala activation forms a cornerstone of the common view that carrying the short allele of this polymorphism is a potential risk factor for affective disorders. The authors of a recent meta-analysis showed that this association is statistically significant (Hedges’s g = 0.35) but warned that estimates might be distorted because of publication bias. Here, we report a replication study of this relationship in 120 participants. We failed to find an association of 5-HTTLPR variation with amygdala activation during a widely used emotional-face-matching paradigm. Moreover, when we conducted a meta-analysis that included unpublished studies and data from the current study, the pooled meta-analytic effect size was no longer significant ( g = 0.20, p = .06). These findings cast doubt on previously reported substantial effects, suggesting that the 5-HTTLPR–amygdala association is either much smaller than previously thought, conditional on other factors, or nonexistent.
Antiphosphatidylserine antibodies as diagnostic indicators of antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Khogeer H , Alfattani A , Al Kaff M , Al shehri T , Khojah O , Owaidah T
Published: September 2014

Background

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune condition that is diagnosed by the presence of at least one of the clinical manifestations (thrombosis and/or pregnancy failure) and one of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) laboratory tests. The most relevant aPL are lupus anticoagulant (LA), anti-beta2 glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) and anticardiolipin (aCL). The clinical significance of other antibodies like anti-phosphatidylserine antibodies (aPS) is still under investigation.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of aPS antibodies, and to compare their utility to that of other aPL antibodies.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study consisting of 212 patients with suspected thrombosis, pregnancy failure, or unexplained, prolonged clotting time. Data on demography, clinical presentation and autoantibody levels were assessed. Descriptive analysis, accuracy analysis, sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and likelihood ratio were calculated for aPS in comparison to other aPL.

Results

The diagnostic value of aPS versus other aPL antibodies revealed the high specificity of aPS (87%), with 70% of aPS-positive patients being confirmed APS. When the aPS test was used as a single test, it was effective for detection of confirmed APS cases ( p < 0.01). Among 28 confirmed primary APS cases, 75% of patients were positive for aPS ( p < 0.003). Moreover, by using aPS we detected three additional confirmed APS cases and another three probable cases.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal a significant association between aPS and APS, especially when used to diagnosis clinical cases with other negative aPL tests. There is an independent association between aPS and primary APS. In addition, these results demonstrated the advantages of using aPS as a diagnostic test for APS.
Hospice Attitudes of Physicians and Nurses
Authors: Bakanic Von , Singleton Margaret , Dickinson George E.
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to gauge the attitudes of internal medicine (IM) physicians and hospice nurses on the hospice programs in a Southeastern US county. A postal survey sought views on the following issues: (1) the level of control that hospice affords dying patients; (2) health care professionals’ education and communication involving the dying process; (3) the hospice referral process; (4) characteristics of a “good death”; and (5) gender versus professional role regarding hospice attitudes. The data revealed that occupational role in hospice care has a more significant function in the development of cognitive attitudes than of gender regarding hospice programs and that professional education needs more emphasis on the study of end-of-life issues, as well as open communication between health care professionals and patients during the dying process. Physicians were less likely than nurses to agree that patient control was important. Additionally, what constitutes a good death was similar to previous studies.
Diagnostic Accuracy of 3.0 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Detection of Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Talus
Authors: Gatlin Coley C. , Matheny Lauren M. , Ho Charles P. , Johnson Nicholas S. , Clanton Thomas O.
Published: September 2014

Background:

Talar chondral defects can be a source of persistent ankle pain and disability. If untreated, there is an increased risk of osteoarthritis. The purpose of our study was to determine diagnostic accuracy of 3T MRI in detecting Outerbridge grades 3 and 4 articular cartilage lesions of the talus in a clinical setting, utilizing a standardized clinical MRI protocol.

Methods:

Patients who had a 3T ankle MRI and subsequent ankle surgery, by a single surgeon, were included in this study. MRI exams were performed 180 days or less before surgery. Seventy-nine ankles in 78 patients (mean age of 42.3 years) were included in this study. Mean body mass index was 26.3. A standard clinical MRI exam was performed on a 3T MRI scanner. Mean days from MRI to surgery was 39 days. All MRI exams were read and findings recorded by a musculoskeletal radiologist. Arthroscopic examination was performed by a single orthopaedic surgeon. Detailed arthroscopic findings and demographic data were collected prospectively and stored in a data registry. Of the 78 patients, 31 (39.2%) reported previous ankle surgery. Pain was the primary reason for seeking medical attention as reported by 95% of patients, followed by instability in 44% and loss of function with 42%.

Results:

Prevalence of Outerbridge grade 3 and 4 talar articular cartilage defects identified at arthroscopy was 17.7%. The 3T MRI demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.714, specificity of 0.738, positive predictive value of 0.370, and negative predictive value of 0.923.

Conclusion:

Sensitivity and specificity levels were acceptable for detection of grades 3 and 4 articular cartilage defects of the talar dome using 3T MRI. The high negative predictive value may be beneficial in preoperative planning. While these values are acceptable, a high index of suspicion should be maintained in the appropriate clinical setting.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, diagnostic study.
Using Feature Films to Teach Public Relations
Authors: Mak Angela Ka Ying , Hutton James G.
Published: September 2014

Teaching fundamental public relations courses to students from diverse backgrounds poses additional complexities in learning effectiveness. This exploratory study evaluated the effectiveness and identified the challenges of using films to teach public relations among nonmajor students. Results from an online survey and two focus groups found that the use of films to teach public relations concepts to nonmajors is an effective means of developing greater understanding and appreciation of concepts. A heuristic model was developed to help public relations educators to use this pedagogical technique on deciding how to teach public relations courses and concepts.
Why People Are in a Generally Good Mood
Authors: Diener Ed , Kanazawa Satoshi , Suh Eunkook M. , Oishi Shigehiro
Published: September 2014

Evidence shows that people feel mild positive moods when no strong emotional events are occurring, a phenomenon known as positive mood offset. We offer an evolutionary explanation of this characteristic, showing that it improves fertility, fecundity, and health, and abets other characteristics that were critical to reproductive success. We review research showing that positive mood offset is virtually universal in the nations of the world, even among people who live in extremely difficult circumstances. Positive moods increase the likelihood of the types of adaptive behaviors that likely characterized our Paleolithic ancestors, such as creativity, planning, mating, and sociality. Because of the ubiquity and apparent advantages of positive moods, it is a reasonable hypothesis that humans were selected for positivity offset in our evolutionary past. We outline additional evidence that is needed to help confirm that positive mood offset is an evolutionary adaptation in humans and we explore the research questions that the hypothesis generates.
Sensation Seeking, Message Sensation Value, and Destinations
Authors: Lu Allan Cheng Chieh , Chi Christina Geng-Qing , Lu Carol Yi Rong
Published: September 2014

This study investigated whether advertisements with different (high or low) message sensation value (MSV) had different impacts on consumers with different (high or low) sensation-seeking (SS) trait with regard to their destination image perceptions and behavioral intentions through a cross-cultural comparison. The results indicated that for U.S. samples, matched MSV and SS trait (low–low) had stronger influence on consumers’ destination image perceptions than mismatched MSV and SS trait (low–high); while for Chinese samples, matched MSV and SS trait (high–high) had stronger influence on consumers’ behavioral intentions and destination image perceptions than mismatched MSV and SS trait (high–low). In addition, culture was found to moderate the effect of MSV and SS trait on consumers’ destination image and behavioral intentions. Finally, destination image was found to be a significant predictor of behavioral intentions.
Temporary sympathectomy in chronic refractory angina: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Denby Christine , Groves David G , Eleuteri Antonio , Tsang Hoo kee , Leach Austin , Hammond Clare , Bridson John D , Fisher Michael , Elt Matthew , Laflin Robert , Fisher Anthony C
Published: September 2014

Background:

Temporary sympathectomy by injection of bupivacaine at the site of the left stellate ganglion is used in the management of refractory angina at several UK centres. Although patients frequently report significant reduction in symptoms, efficacy has not been established by double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial (RCT).

Objective:

To investigate the efficacy of the procedure for the first time by a double-blind RCT.

Methods:

Consecutive patients referred to the authors’ National Health Service (NHS) angina centre who were candidates for temporary sympathectomy were invited to participate in a trial. A total of 65 patients were randomised to receive either bupivacaine or saline injections. Identical syringes were prepared remotely, blinding patients and staff from randomisation. Cardiac autonomic function was measured 3 hours pre- and post-injection using new heart rate variability (HRV) analyses. Angina episodes were recorded contemporaneously by patients in study diaries in the 7-day periods pre- and post-injection.

Results:

In 51 patients suitable for analysis, no significant differences between the active and placebo groups were found in patient-recorded frequency or intensity of angina episodes pre- and post-injection. However, across both groups combined, a significant difference was found in the frequency of angina episodes pre- and post-injection.

Conclusion:

The reduction in frequency of angina episodes produced by this procedure may not be due to drug pharmacology. It may be a placebo response or due to the mechanical effects of the injection of fluid. There is a need for further work using a larger patient cohort considering both mechanical and psychological factors.
Organizational and Sociodemographic Determinants of Job Satisfaction in the Czech Republic
Authors: Franěk Marek , Mohelská Hana , Zubr Václav , Bachmann Pavel , Sokolová Marcela
Published: September 2014

This study examines the effect of personal and work-related factors on job satisfaction based on a sample from the Czech Republic. The study, which was based on a questionnaire survey of 1,776 respondents in organizations in the Czech Republic, proposed a number of hypotheses related to demographic and organizational variables and tests using ANOVA. Results of the data analysis revealed similarities to findings in Western countries, in which men show higher job satisfaction than women. Age does not seem to have a significant effect on job satisfaction. There is low job satisfaction in public/governmental organizations and among young people entering the job market. It is suggested that it is necessary to develop a human resources strategy for the public/governmental sector that will not only increase its social prestige but also increase positive feelings among its employees. The need to better prepare undergraduates for the demands of the job market is also discussed.
Gabapentin Reverses Central Hypersensitivity and Suppresses Medial Prefrontal Cortical Glucose Metabolism in Rats with Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Lin Hsiao-Chun , Huang Yu-Hsin , Chao Tzu-Hao Harry , Lin Wen-Ying , Sun Wei-Zen , Yen Chen-Tung
Published: September 2014

Background:

Gabapentin (GBP) is known to suppress neuropathic hypersensitivity of primary afferents and the spinal cord dorsal horn. However, its supra-spinal action sites are unclear. We identify the brain regions where GBP changes the brain glucose metabolic rate at the effective dose that alleviates mechanical allodynia using 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scanning.

Results:

Comparing the PET imaging data before and after the GBP treatment, the spared nerve injury-induced increases of glucose metabolism in the thalamus and cerebellar vermis were reversed, and a significant decrease occurred in glucose metabolism in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), including the anterior cingulate cortex. GBP treatment also reversed post-SNI connectivity increases between limbic cortices and thalamus.

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that GBP analgesic effect may be mediated by reversing central hypersensitivity, and suppressing mPFC, a crucial part of the cortical representation of pain, in the brain.
Standardized method for solubility and storage of capsaicin-based solutions for cough induction
Authors: Costanzo Michael T , Yost Richard A , Davenport Paul W
Published: September 2014

Background

Preparation of inhaled capsaicin solutions for cough induction varies greatly from one lab to another, which creates inconsistencies between tussigenic challenge results. The addition of Tween to these capsaicin solutions provides increased solubility and stability; however, the foul taste of Tween makes inhaling the solution for any prolonged period of time unpleasant. We sought to create a standard method for preparing soluble and stable capsaicin-based solutions (in 10% ethanol/water), without the addition of Tween.

Methods

Capsaicin solutions were created at concentrations ranging from 0 to 500 μM in a variety of solvent systems, with and without Tween. Samples were stored in four different environments (-20°C, 3°C, and room temperature, protected from light; and room temperature, exposed to light) to test stability. Detection of capsaicin was carried out by UV absorption. A Grubb’s test was performed on all data to remove statistical outliers.

Results

Similar capsaicin concentrations were seen for solutions prepared with or without Tween (Tween provided a slight increase in solubility), with neither solvent system providing complete solubility. Of the four environments tested, storing capsaicin solutions at 3°C while protected from light afforded the greatest stability, for a minimum of 30 weeks.

Conclusion

We recommend the use of a 10% ethanol/water solvent system without Tween in the preparation of capsaicin solutions for tussigenic challenges. While this solvent system does not provide complete solubility, we have detailed a method for capsaicin solution preparation that will account for this loss of solubility, while maintaining a solution that is Tween-free and safe for human inhalation.
The conserved LIM domain-containing focal adhesion protein ZYX-1 regulates synapse maintenance inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Luo Shuo , Schaefer Anneliese M. , Dour Scott , Nonet Michael L.
Published: September 2014

We describe the identification of zyxin as a regulator of synapse maintenance in mechanosensory neurons in C. elegans. zyx-1 mutants lacked PLM mechanosensory synapses as adult animals. However, most PLM synapses initially formed during development but were subsequently lost as the animals developed. Vertebrate zyxin regulates cytoskeletal responses to mechanical stress in culture. Our work provides in vivo evidence in support of such a role for zyxin. In particular, zyx-1 mutant synaptogenesis phenotypes were suppressed by disrupting locomotion of the mutant animals, suggesting that zyx-1 protects mechanosensory synapses from locomotion-induced forces. In cultured cells, zyxin is recruited to focal adhesions and stress fibers via C-terminal LIM domains and modulates cytoskeletal organization via the N-terminal domain. The synapse-stabilizing activity was mediated by a short isoform of ZYX-1 containing only the LIM domains. Consistent with this notion, PLM synaptogenesis was independent of α-actinin and ENA-VASP, both of which bind to the N-terminal domain of zyxin. Our results demonstrate that the LIM domain moiety of zyxin functions autonomously to mediate responses to mechanical stress and provide in vivo evidence for a role of zyxin in neuronal development.
Research Note—Industry-Specific Human Capital and Wages: Evidence from the Business Process Outsourcing Industry
Authors: Kim Keongtae , Mithas Sunil , Whitaker Jonathan , Roy Prasanto K.
Published: September 2014

Human capital is becoming more critical as the global economy becomes more information intensive and service intensive. Although information systems (IS) researchers have studied some dimensions of human capital, the role of industry-specific human capital has remained understudied. The information technology enabled business process outsourcing (BPO) industry provides an ideal setting to study returns to human capital, because jobs in this industry are standardized and many professionals in this new industry have come from other industries. We build on IS and economics literature to theorize returns to human capital in the BPO industry, and we test the theory using data for over 2,500 BPO professionals engaged in call center work and other nonvoice services (e.g., accounting, finance, human resources, etc.) in India during the 2006–2008 time period. We find higher returns to industry-specific human capital than to firm-specific and general human capital. We also find that junior-level professionals, whose jobs are relatively more standardized, have higher returns to industry-specific human capital than senior-level professionals. We discuss implications for further research and practice in the global economy where inter-industry transfers and migration of skills are becoming increasingly common.
Research Commentary—Using Income Accounting as the Theoretical Basis for Measuring IT Productivity
Authors: Kundisch Dennis O. , Mittal Neeraj , Nault Barrie R.
Published: September 2014

We use the under-recognized income accounting identity to provide an important theoretical basis for using the Cobb-Douglas production function in IT productivity analyses. Within the income accounting identity we partition capital into non-IT and IT capital and analytically derive an accounting identity (AI)-based Cobb-Douglas form that both nests the three-input Cobb-Douglas and provides additional terms based on wage rates and rates of return to non-IT and IT capital. To empirically confirm the theoretical derivation, we use a specially constructed data set from a subset of the U.S. manufacturing industry that involve elaborate calculations of rates of return—a data set that is infeasible to obtain for most productivity studies—to estimate the standard Cobb-Douglas and our AI-based form. We find that estimates from our AI-based form correspond with those of the Cobb-Douglas, and our AI-based form has significantly greater explanatory power. In addition, empirical estimation of both forms is relatively robust to the assumption of intertemporally stable input shares required to derive the AI-based form, although there may be limits. Thus, in the context of future research the Cobb-Douglas form and its application in IT productivity work have a theoretically and empirically supported basis in the accounting identity. A poor fit to data or unexpected coefficient estimates suggests problems with data quality or intertemporally unstable input shares. Our work also shows how some returns to IT that do not show up in output elasticities can be found in total factor productivity (TFP)—the novel ways inputs are combined to produce output. The critical insight for future research is that many unobservables that have been considered part of TFP can be manifested in rates of return to IT capital, non-IT capital, and labor—rates of return that are separated from TFP in our AI-based form. Finally, finding that the additional rates of return terms partially explain TFP confirms the need for future IT productivity researchers to incorporate time-varying TFP in their models.
A Study on Improving the Quality of Traditional Eoyukjang with Various Additives
Authors: Lee Dong-Hwa , Baik Moo-Yeol , Kim Hae-Kyung , Hahm Young-Tae , Kim Chang-Nam , Choi Sung-Won , Kim Byung-Yong
Published: September 2014

Eoyukjang is a special Korean soy paste mixed with various meats and fishes, increasing their nutritional value and adding specific flavor, and taste. ε-poly-L-lysine mixtures (EPM) 1.48%, Lactobacillus halophilus 0.5%, and red ginseng powder (RGP) 0.5% were added and stored at 25°C for 12 wk. The pH, viable cell count, DPPH radical scavenging activity, viscosity, pathogenic microorganisms, and sensory evaluation were measured during the storage periods. EPM did not influence the DPPH radical scavenging activity. However, the addition of EPM inhibited the growth of microorganisms and increased the shelf life. On the other hand, L. halophilus showed higher DPPH radical scavenging activity as well as enhanced shelf life. In the case of RGP, DPPH radical scavenging activity was similar to that of L. halophilus, whereas the sensory scores were highly estimated. Pathogenic microorganisms, such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli O157:H7, were not detected, and Eoyukjang was safe during the 12 wk storage period.
Characteristics of Wheat Bran Classified by Ultra-Fine Grinding and Air-Classification Systems
Authors: Lee Jae-Kang , Park Jin-A , Choi Yong-Hyun , Kim Young-Wha , Ryu Gi-Hyung
Published: September 2014

Using an air-classification system equipped with both ultra-fine grinding and air-classification, wheat bran was ground at a mill grinding speed of 3,800, 4,800, 5,800 rpm and a separator reverse wheel speed of 2,500, 3,000 and 3,500 rpm. Ground bran was air-classified with a reverse wheel speed of 200, 400 and 600 rpm. The effects of mill grinding, separation, and classification wheel speeds on the characteristics of air-classified bran were examined by a threelevel, three-factor full factorial experimental design and a response surface regression analysis. The highest value of the object variables was determined via canonical analysis. For the fraction ratio of classified bran products, both the fine and coarse fraction of brans were significantly affected by the mill grinding speed (p<0.01), separator reverse wheel speed (p<0.01), and air-classification reverse wheel speed (p<0.01). For average particle sizes of classified bran products, the fine fractions were significantly affected by only the air-classification reverse wheel speed (p<0.01), whereas the coarse fractions were affected by the mill grinding speed (p<0.01) and the separator reverse wheel speed (p<0.01). With regards to the total dietary fiber of classified bran products, the fine fraction products were affected by the mill grinding wheel speed (p<0.01) and the air-classification reverse wheel speed (p<0.01), while the coarse fraction products were affected by the mill grinding speed (p<0.01), separator reverse wheel speed (p<0.01) and the air-classification reverse wheel speed (p<0.01). The optimal conditions for the highest total dietary fiber content, lowest average particle size and highest classification ratio in wheat bran were a 5,500.3 rpm mill grinding speed, 2,500 rpm separator reverse wheel speed and a 600 rpm air-classification reverse wheel speed, in which the total dietary fiber content was estimated to be 39.52 g/100 g in coarse fraction.
Method Validation for 9 Types of Minerals in Infant and Adult Nutritional Formulas using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Hwang Jinbong , Namgung Bae , Oh Mira , Kim Soyoung , Shim You-Shin , Kim Se-na , Choi Youngmin , Nam Jin-sik
Published: September 2014

The analytical method for the determination of minerals (sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc) in both infant and adult nutritional formulas, using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, was validated in terms of precision, accuracy, and linearity. Certified reference material 1849a, purchased from national institute of standards & technology, was used for the infant and adult nutritional formula. All calibration curves exhibited strong correlation linearity (r2=0.9999) within the tested ranges. The recovery values of mineral compounds ranged from 90.35 to 110.63%, and the limit of detection and of quantification was less than 0.1005 mg/kg and 0.3351 mg/kg, respectively. The inter-day precision (n=12) values ranged from 1.19 to 18.19%, and intra-day precision (n=3) values ranged from 0.09 to 4.80%. Therefore, microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry were useful analytical methods for 9 types of minerals in food. The analytical methods verified in this study may be used to build up a food composition database for national health promotion.