bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Pleasure Reading on Japanese University EFL Learners’ Reading Rates
Authors: Beglar David , Hunt Alan , Kite Yuriko
Published: May 2011

Few second‐language (L2) reading studies have examined the relationship between reading large amounts of text and fluency, and those studies that have tend to be problematic in terms of their designs and/or analyses. In order to address this lack of empirical L2 reading fluency research, this study investigates the effects of a 1‐year pleasure reading program on the reading rate development of first‐year Japanese university students (N = 97). The reading rates and reading comprehension of an Intensive Reading Group and three Pleasure Reading Groups were measured at the beginning and end of the academic year. All Pleasure Reading Groups made greater gains than the Intensive Reading Group, and the two Pleasure Reading Groups that read the most made greater reading rate gains than the Pleasure Reading Group that read the least. Reading one book every 2 weeks or more was the most effective means for promoting reading rate gains for the majority of learners. An additional finding was that reading comprehension was consistently high on both the pretest and posttest; thus, the increased reading rates did not come at the expense of passage comprehension. A final finding was that reading simplified rather than unsimplified texts resulted in greater reading rate gains.
Improving the assessment of tias
Authors: Mohr J. P. , Sciarra Daniel
Published: May 2011

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Neoliberalization of the Developmental State: Tokyo's Bottom‐Up Politics and State Rescaling in Japan
Authors: TSUKAMOTO TAKASHI
Published: May 2011

In order to pursue the contradictory goals of effective economic development and equal spatial distribution, the Japanese Developmental State (JDS) under the Liberal Democratic Party tried to strike a balance between concentrated growth in Tokyo and redistribution to the rest of Japan. However, in recent years government leaders have been de‐emphasizing the balance and introducing state devolution and market‐based policy choices. Meanwhile, mixing such neoliberalism‐style measures with government activism, state leaders have endorsed redevelopment in Tokyo. These political developments exhibit marked resemblance to the neoliberal glocalization observed in Western Europe. Nevertheless, Japan's neoliberalization displays fundamental differences from that of Western experiences. This study investigates how Japan's recent neoliberalization has come to take shape. Findings indicate that Tokyo had an important effect on Japan's state rescaling, not by functioning as Japan's economic engine in the global economy, but by playing the political and symbolic center of the JDS. It indicates the persistence of the JDS's ideology and Tokyo's special position therein. Neoliberalism is now treated as a ‘solution’ to what is considered the cause of Japan's prolonged economic problems, but its introduction relied on the strength of the JDS's deep‐seated values.

Pour atteindre les buts contradictoires d'un essor économique performant et d'une répartition spatiale uniforme, ‘l'État développeur’ japonais mis en place par le parti libéral démocrate a tenté d'équilibrer une croissance concentrée à Tokyo et une redistribution au reste du Japon. Cependant, ces dernières années, les dirigeants gouvernementaux ont peu à peu levé cette priorité d'équilibre, à travers un État décentralisé et des choix de politiques publiques répondant au marché. Parallèlement, mêlant mesures néolibérales de ce type et activisme gouvernemental, les dirigeants de l'État ont avalisé le redéveloppement de Tokyo. Ces évolutions politiques montrent une nette ressemblance avec la ‘glocalisation’ néolibérale observée en Europe de l'Ouest. Toutefois, la néolibéralisation du Japon présente des différences fondamentales comparée aux expériences occidentales. Cette étude examine comment la récente néolibéralisation nippone a fini par prendre forme. Il en ressort que Tokyo a influé sur le redimensionnement de l'État japonais, non pas comme moteur économique national au sein de l'économie mondialisée, mais comme pôle politique et symbolique de l'État développeur. L'idéologie de cette démarche demeure donc et Tokyo y occupe une place spéciale. Le néolibéralisme est désormais traité comme une ‘solution’à ce qui est estiméêtre la cause des problèmes économiques persistants du Japon, mais sa mise en place a reposé sur la solidité des valeurs profondément ancrées de l'État développeur japonais.
Fractures in Meta‐Narratives of Development: An Interpretive Institutionalist Account of Land Use Development in the Boston City‐Region
Authors: GIBBS DAVID , KRUEGER ROB
Published: May 2011

This article explores economy‐environment relations in urban areas through a focus upon the reorientation of development in the Boston city‐region in Massachusetts around a vision of smart growth. The article draws upon the evolving tradition of critical economy‐environment research from a broadly regulationist perspective. However, to date research has tended to mask the politics and mediations of the development agenda by actors locked in struggle to shape their social, economic and environmental landscapes. It is argued that reducing institutions to their stylized forms ignores the real politics associated with institutional formation and outcome. A more fruitful approach, we suggest, is to draw upon recent work on institutions and institutional change. In particular the article utilizes a decentered institutional analysis put forth by political scientists Mark Bevir and Rod Rhodes and investigates empirical data from secondary sources and interviews in the Boston city‐region with reference to Bevir and Rhodes' three concepts of dilemmas, traditions and beliefs.

Cet article explore les relations entre économie et environnement dans les zones urbaines à travers le cas de la région métropolitaine de Boston (Massachusetts) dont le développement a été réorienté autour d’une perspective de croissance intelligente. L’article s’appuie sur la tradition évolutive des analyses critiques des rapports économie‐environnement selon un axe globalement régulationniste. Toutefois, les études à ce jour ont eu tendance à masquer la politique et les médiations du programme de développement par des acteurs prisonniers de luttes pour façonner leurs propres paysages social, économique et environnemental. Ramener les institutions à leur forme schématique néglige la politique réelle associée à la configuration institutionnelle et à ses conséquences. Une approche plus fructueuse devrait tirer parti des travaux récents sur les institutions et le changement institutionnel. En exploitant notamment l’analyse institutionnelle décentrée des politistes Mark Bevir et Rod Rhodes, l’article examine les données empiriques issues de sources secondaires ou d’entretiens dans la région métropolitaine de Boston, à la lumière des trois concepts élaborés par les deux scientifiques : dilemmes, traditions et croyances.
Phosphorylation of Ser45 and Ser59 of αB‐crystallin and p38/extracellular regulated kinase activity determine αB‐crystallin‐mediated protection of rat brain astrocytes from C2‐ceramide‐ and staurosporine‐induced cell death
Authors: Li Rongyu , Reiser Georg
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 354–364.

We previously demonstrated that αB‐crystallin and protease‐activated receptor (PAR) are involved in protection of astrocytes against C2‐ceramide‐ and staurosporine‐induced cell death [Li et al. (2009) J. Neurochem.110, 1433–1444]. Here, we further investigated the mechanism of cytoprotection by αB‐crystallin. Our current data revealed that after down‐regulation of αB‐crystallin by siRNA, cell death caused by C2‐ceramide and staurosporine is increased. Furthermore, we investigated the mechanism of cytoprotection of astrocytes by intracellular αB‐crystallin. Application of specific inhibitors of p38 and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) abrogates the protection of astrocytes by over‐expression of αB‐crystallin. Thus, p38 and ERK contribute to protective processes by αB‐crystallin. To reveal the molecular mechanism of αB‐crystallin‐mediated cytoprotection, we mimicked phosphorylation or unphosphorylation of αB‐crystallin. In these experiments, we found that the phosphorylation of αB‐crystallin at Ser45 and Ser59 is required for protection. Ser19 phosphorylation of αB‐crystallin does not contribute to protection. Moreover, we detected that PAR‐2 activation increases the phosphorylation level of αB‐crystallin at Ser59, but does not affect the expression level of αB‐crystallin. Thus, endogenous αB‐crystallin has protective capacity employing a mechanism, which involves regulation of the phosphorylation status of αB‐crystallin and p38 and ERK activity. Moreover, we report that PAR‐2 activation evokes the phosphorylation of αB‐crystallin to increase astrocytes survival.
Cellular senescence increases expression of bacterial ligands in the lungs and is positively correlated with increased susceptibility to pneumococcal pneumonia
Authors: Shivshankar Pooja , Boyd Angela R. , Le Saux Claude J. , Yeh I‐Tien , Orihuela Carlos J.
Published: May 2011

Cellular senescence is an age‐associated phenomenon that promotes tumor invasiveness owing to the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, proteases, and growth factors. Herein we demonstrate that cellular senescence also potentially increases susceptibility to bacterial pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus), the leading cause of infectious death in the elderly. Aged mice had increased lung inflammation as determined by cytokine analysis and histopathology of lung sections. Immunoblotting for p16, pRb, and mH2A showed that elderly humans and aged mice had increased levels of these senescence markers in their lungs vs. young controls. Keratin 10 (K10), laminin receptor (LR), and platelet‐activating factor receptor (PAFr), host proteins known to be co‐opted for bacterial adhesion, were also increased. Aged mice were found to be highly susceptible to pneumococcal challenge in a PsrP, the pneumococcal adhesin that binds K10, dependent manner. In vitro senescent A549 lung epithelial cells had elevated K10 and LR protein levels and were up to 5‐fold more permissive for bacterial adhesion. Additionally, exposure of normal cells to conditioned media from senescent cells doubled PAFr levels and pneumococcal adherence. Genotoxic stress induced by bleomycin and oxidative stress enhanced susceptibility of young mice to pneumonia and was positively correlated with enhanced p16, inflammation, and LR levels. These findings suggest that cellular senescence facilitates bacterial adhesion to cells in the lungs and provides an additional molecular mechanism for the increased incidence of community‐acquired pneumonia in the elderly. This study is the first to suggest a second negative consequence for the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype.
DLP1‐dependent mitochondrial fragmentation mediates 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium toxicity in neurons: implications for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Wang Xinglong , Su Bo , Liu Wanhong , He Xiaohua , Gao Yuan , Castellani Rudy J. , Perry George , Smith Mark A. , Zhu Xiongwei
Published: May 2011

Selective degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be modeled by the administration of the neurotoxin 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+). Because abnormal mitochondrial dynamics are increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of PD, in this study, we investigated the effect of MPP+ on mitochondrial dynamics and assessed temporal and causal relationship with other toxic effects induced by MPP+ in neuronal cells. In SH‐SY5Y cells, MPP+ causes a rapid increase in mitochondrial fragmentation followed by a second wave of increase in mitochondrial fragmentation, along with increased DLP1 expression and mitochondrial translocation. Genetic inactivation of DLP1 completely blocks MPP+‐induced mitochondrial fragmentation. Notably, this approach partially rescues MPP+‐induced decline in ATP levels and ATP/ADP ratio and increased [Ca2+]i and almost completely prevents increased reactive oxygen species production, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, enhanced autophagy and cell death, suggesting that mitochondria fragmentation is an upstream event that mediates MPP+‐induced toxicity. On the other hand, thiol antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine or glutamate receptor antagonist D‐AP5 also partially alleviates MPP+‐induced mitochondrial fragmentation, suggesting a vicious spiral of events contributes to MPP+‐induced toxicity. We further validated our findings in primary rat midbrain dopaminergic neurons that 0.5 μm MPP+ induced mitochondrial fragmentation only in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐positive dopaminergic neurons in a similar pattern to that in SH‐SY5Y cells but had no effects on these mitochondrial parameters in TH‐negative neurons. Overall, these findings suggest that DLP1‐dependent mitochondrial fragmentation plays a crucial role in mediating MPP+‐induced mitochondria abnormalities and cellular dysfunction and may represent a novel therapeutic target for PD.
Understanding the Manifestation of Entrepreneurial Orientation in the Nonprofit Context
Authors: Morris Michael H. , Webb Justin W. , Franklin Rebecca J.
Published: May 2011

The nonprofit sector serves an increasingly important entrepreneurial role in the economy. Scholars have taken an interest in entrepreneurship in nonprofits and have drawn upon entrepreneurial orientation (EO) as a methodological tool to advance knowledge in this domain. However, the nonprofit context differs from the for–profit context for which the EO scale was developed, particularly with regard to motivations, processes, and outcomes. We propose a new approach for capturing the manifestation of EO in the nonprofit context. A typology is presented to highlight the multiple facets of EO in the nonprofit context. We conclude with implications for scholars and practitioners.
Human Capital and Search–Based Discovery: A Study of High–Tech Entrepreneurship
Authors: Marvel Matthew R.
Published: May 2011

What types of knowledge and experience enable those who have the desire to start a venture find an appropriate opportunity? To respond to this question, a human capital perspective is used with a sample of 166 founders of new technology ventures in university incubators. General human capital is assessed using experience depth and formal education. Specific human capital is measured using prior start–up experience as well as Shane's knowledge framework of markets, customer problems, and ways to serve markets. Findings reveal key aspects of human capital vital to explaining search–based discovery. Implications for research and entrepreneurship education are drawn.
Why Do Family Firms Strive for Nonfinancial Goals? An Organizational Identity Perspective
Authors: Zellweger Thomas M. , Nason Robert S. , Nordqvist Mattias , Brush Candida G.
Published: May 2011

This paper develops an organizational identity–based rationale for why family firms strive for nonfinancial goals. We show that the visibility of the family in the firm, the transgenerational sustainability intentions of the family, and the capability of the firm for self–enhancement of the family positively influence the importance of identity fit between family and firm as well as the family's concern for corporate reputation. We suggest that the concern for corporate reputation leads the family to pursue nonfinancial goals to the benefit of nonfamily stakeholders. We also discuss reinforcing feedback loops in these processes.
Exploring Entrepreneurial Cognition in Franchisees: A Knowledge–Structure Approach
Authors: Seawright Kristie W. , Smith Isaac H. , Mitchell Ronald K. , McClendon Richard
Published: May 2011

Franchisees participate in new business creation uniquely, because, in many respects, the development of their ventures is under the direction of franchisors. In this study, using entrepreneurial scripts, we compare the extent to which franchisee venturing is similar to and/or distinct from individual–based entrepreneurship in nonfranchise new ventures. We therefore examined the entrepreneurial scripts of individuals in a purposeful sample of 54 franchisees compared to two counterpart groups: 54 independent entrepreneurs and 94 managers (neither franchisee nor entrepreneur). Using MANCOVA and follow–up tests we find that franchisees are less like entrepreneurs and more similar to nonentrepreneur managers.
In‐Plane Compression Response of Extruded Aluminum 6061‐T6 Corrugated Core Sandwich Columns
Authors: Biagi Russell , Lim Jae Yong , Bart‐Smith Hilary
Published: May 2011

The compression response of extruded aluminum 6061‐T6 corrugated core sandwich columns is investigated. Analytical equations that predict the collapse load are used to generate failure mechanism maps. From these maps dominant failure mechanisms can be identified as a function of various geometric parameters and material properties. Experimental testing and numerical simulations are performed to test the fidelity of the analytical predictions. Fabrication of the sandwich panels involves extrusion of an aluminum billet through a specially designed die. To create longer columns the extruded panels are joined together using friction stir welding (FSW). Studies of the thermo‐mechanically affected zone (TMAZ) show that the hardness within these regions drops by approximately 50%. This significantly influences the observed failure load and failure mechanism and hence heat treatment post welding is required to ensure uniformity of properties. Good agreement is achieved between the predictions and experiment. Lastly, optimal designs are calculated based on the analytical analysis and results compared with hat‐stiffened and truss core sandwich columns.
Low Temperature Sintering and Microwave Dielectric Properties of B2O3‐added LiAlSiO4 Ceramics
Authors: Kweon Sang‐Hyo , Joung Mi‐Ri , Kim Jin‐Seong , Kim Bo‐Yun , Nahm Sahn , Paik Jong‐Hoo , Kim Young‐Sik , Sung Tae‐Hyun
Published: May 2011

The sintering temperature of the LiAlSiO4(LAS) ceramics, which exhibited the microwave dielectric properties of εr = 4.8, Q × f = 36 000GHz, and τf=8.0 ppm/°C, decreased below 960°C when B2O3 was added. The B2O3‐related liquid phase was formed and assisted the densification of the LAS ceramics at low temperatures. The average grain size of the specimen sintered at 950°C increased with the addition of B2O3 but decreased when B2O3 exceeded 12.0 mol%, probably due to the presence of a large amount of liquid phase. The LAS ceramics containing 12.0 mol% of B2O3 sintered at 950°C exhibited the excellent microwave dielectric properties of εr = 5.3, Q×f = 212 000GHz and τf =‐7.7 ppm/°C.
Skin surface electrical potential as an indicator of skin condition: observation of surfactant‐induced dry skin and middle‐aged skin
Authors: Kawai Eriko , Kumazawa Noriyuki , Ozawa Koichiro , Denda Mitsuhiro
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  We previously reported that skin surface electrical potential might be a good parameter of skin pathophysiology. To examine the potential availability of skin surface electrical potential measurement for diagnostic purposes, we measured the change of the potential in surfactant‐induced dry skin and we compared the values of the potential in volunteers of different age groups. We also measured trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL) in the same groups. The skin surface electrical potential was significantly increased after sodium dodecyl sulphate treatment, and the alteration was much more marked than that of TEWL. Further, a significant difference in skin surface electrical potential was observed between young‐ and middle‐aged volunteers, although there was no significant difference in TEWL between the two groups. These results suggest that skin surface electrical potential may be a good indicator of the pathophysiological state of the living layer of epidermis.
Dental care and treatment needs of elderly in nursing homes in Saarland: perceptions of the homes managers
Authors: Rabbo Mohammad Abed , Mitov Gergo , Gebhart Florian , Pospiech Peter
Published: May 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00409.x
 
Dental care and treatment needs of elderly in nursing homes in Saarland: perceptions of the homes managers

Objective:  To investigate nursing home managers’ perceptions and attitudes towards oral health care and access to dental services for aged care facility residents.

Method:  Questionnaires containing 28 closed‐ended questions were mailed to all 114 nursing homes in Saarland, Germany. Descriptive statistics were calculated for response items.

Results:  Facility response rate was 39%. None of the nursing homes in this study offered systematic dental health care. Initial dental screening was carried out only in one facility. In 81%, dental examinations only took place if required. Although stationary dental equipment was available only in one home, dental treatment was carried out in 71% of the cases by a dentist in the nursing home. Eighty‐four per cent of the homes’ managements rated the state of the dentition of the inhabitants as satisfying. Over half of the managers indicated satisfaction with the know‐how of their nursing staff concerning oral hygiene procedures. The most significant barriers to provision of dental care in the facilities according to their managers were staff shortage, lack of interest of the inhabitants and financial concerns.

Conclusions:  The results of this study showed an urgent need for estimating a programme for systematic dental care for institutionalised elder people in the federal state of Saarland.
Is Europe prepared to meet the oral health needs of older people?
Authors: Kossioni Anastassia E.
Published: May 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00445.x
 
Is Europe prepared to meet the oral health needs of older people?

Objective:  To discuss the preparedness of the social and health care systems and the health workforce in Europe to manage the increasing general and oral health care needs of older adults.

Background and discussion:  There are large inequalities across European countries and regions in the demographic, socioeconomic and health status of the elderly. The ageing of the population and the economic crisis put at risk the existing social and health care systems and are expected to further widen the existing inequalities. Despite the increase in funding for the general health care, public funding for dental care has reduced, limiting the access for the disadvantaged elderly. Dental care is isolated from health care policies and funding. At the same time there is a significant shortage of adequately trained personnel in the care of the elderly and a shortage of training opportunities particularly at a postgraduate and continuing education level.

Conclusion:  Immediate action is needed and appropriate strategies need to be implemented. Oral health prevention, delivery policies and funding should be integrated within the general health care system. Clinical protocols and guidelines need to be developed on the oral care of the elderly. Interdisciplinary training in the care of the elderly needs to be implemented for all health care workers (dentists, physicians, nurses, health care aids, social workers) at all education levels to enhance comprehensive care.
Oral health of the elderly living in residential homes in Slovenia
Authors: Petelin Milan , Cotič Jasna , Perkič Katja , Pavlič Alenka
Published: May 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00497.x
 
Oral health of the elderly living in residential homes in Slovenia

Objectives:  To evaluate oral health status of the elderly, living in eight randomly selected residential homes for senior citizens across the country.

Background:  The percentage of the elderly is growing worldwide. With ageing, risks of various oral diseases, including dental caries and periodontal disease, are growing.

Methods:  Altogether 296 elderly people (88 men, 208 women) of average age 79.89 ± 7.4 years were questioned about their medical condition and oral health practice and examined orally. Evaluation of clinical examination was carried out by DMFT, plaque index (Silness and Löe, 1964) and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Need (CPITN).

Results:  Of 296 participants, 106 (35.8%) were edentulous, 95 (32.1%) had one to nine teeth and 95 persons (32.1%) had 10 or more teeth. The average number of teeth in an individual was small: 6.76 ± 7.47. The average number of teeth with caries lesions was 3.59 ± 4.70, filled teeth 1.94 ± 3.63 and teeth without caries or fillings 1.19 ± 2.41. The average DMFT value was 30.75. In 69.5% of participants, dental plaque was visible with the naked eye. Of 171 subjects, in whom CPITN index was appraised, 81.9% would need oral hygiene education, 56.7% would need scaling and root planning and 21.6% would need periodontal surgical treatment.

Conclusions:  The results of this study indicate poor oral health of the elderly living in residential homes situated in different towns in Slovenia. It is of utmost importance to highlight the necessity of improving oral health care of this population.
Structural basis of p63α SAM domain mutants involved in AEC syndrome
Authors: Sathyamurthy Aruna , Freund Stefan M. V. , Johnson Christopher M. , Allen Mark D. , Bycroft Mark
Published: May 2011

p63 is a member of the p53 tumour suppressor family that includes p73. The p63 gene encodes a protein comprising an N‐terminal transactivation domain, a DNA binding domain and an oligomerization domain, but varies in the organization of the C‐terminus as a result of complex alternative splicing. p63α contains a C‐terminal sterile α motif (SAM) domain that is thought to function as a protein–protein interaction domain. Several missense and heterozygous frame shift mutations, encoded within exon 13 and 14 of the p63 gene, have been identified in the p63α SAM domain in patients suffering from ankyloblepharon–ectodermal dysplasia–clefting syndrome. Here we report the solution and high resolution crystal structures of the p63α SAM domain and investigate the effect of several mutations (L553F/V, C562G/W, G569V, Q575L and I576T) on the stability of the domain. The possible effects of other mutations are also discussed.

Database 
 Coordinates are available in the Protein Data Bank database under the accession numbers 2Y9U and 2Y9T.
Positive Outcomes of High Hemoglobin Target in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Not on Dialysis: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Akizawa Tadao , Gejyo Fumitake , Nishi Shinichi , Iino Yasuhiko , Watanabe Yuzou , Suzuki Masashi , Saito Akira , Akiba Takashi , Hirakata Hideki , Fukuhara Shunichi , Morita Satoshi , Hiroe Michiaki , Hada Yoshiyuki , Suzuki Makoto , Akaishi Makoto , Iwasaki Manabu , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu ,   KRN321 STUDY Group
Published: May 2011

Correcting anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to higher hemoglobin (Hb) levels may be associated with increased risk. No optimal target for Hb has been established. This controlled study examined 321 patients with CKD who were not on dialysis, had a Hb level of <10 g/dL, and a serum creatinine of 2.0 to 6.0 mg/dL. They were randomized into two target Hb groups: 161 to high Hb (11.0–13.0 g/dL) to receive darbepoetin alfa and low Hb to 160 (9.0–11.0 g/dL) to receive recombinant erythropoietin. The study lasted 48 weeks. Of 154 and 153 patients with adverse events, cardiovascular adverse events developed in 42 and 51 patients in the high and low Hb groups, respectively, with no significant difference in the incidence. All quality of life scores improved in the high Hb group and vitality improved significantly more with high Hb (P = 0.025). The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) remained stable in the low Hb group, but there was a significant decrease in LVMI in the high group (P < 0.001). There were no safety concerns with targeting a higher Hb level during the 48 weeks of this study. Patients with a higher Hb target had comparatively better outcomes with respect to quality of life and LVMI.
Influence of Antiplatelet Medications on Bleeding Events in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Daimon Shoichiro , Terai Hidenobu
Published: May 2011

Although antiplatelet medication is used in various situations, including for the prevention of ischemic and thrombotic complications, long‐term antiplatelet therapy in hemodialysis patients who are at high risk of bleeding may result in a harmful bleeding tendency. We investigated bleeding events that required the cessation of the use of heparin for hemodialysis in all the hemodialysis patients treated in our clinic. This analysis revealed 111 patients, of whom 52 had been treated with antiplatelet agents (female/male, 15/37; age, 70.4 ± 11.3 years; number of days of hemodialysis treatment in our clinic, 1073 ± 696 [31–2144] days; diabetes mellitus [DM]/non‐DM, 29/23), and 59 had not been treated with them (female/male, 17/42; age, 66.7 ± 14.0 years; number of days of hemodialysis treatment in our clinic, 917 ± 605 [26–2102] days; DM/non‐DM, 21/38). During treatment in our clinic, 21 of the 52 patients undergoing antiplatelet therapy experienced a bleeding event (gastrointestinal bleeding 16, brain stem hemorrhage 2, others 3), while 7 of the 59 patients not receiving them had a bleeding event (gastrointestinal bleeding 7) (P < 0.001). Of note, diabetic patients on antiplatelet therapy had the highest incidence of bleeding events (13 of 29 patients; 44.8%), followed by non‐diabetic patients on antiplatelet therapy (7 of 23 patients; 30.4%), diabetic patients not receiving antiplatelets (3 of 21 patients; 14.3%), and finally non‐diabetic patients not on antiplatelets (4 of 38 patients; 10.5%). Among the patients on antiplatelet therapy, no correlations were apparent between bleeding events and the duration of such therapy or the number of agents. In conclusion, antiplatelet medications can induce bleeding events more frequently in hemodialysis patients, especially in those with DM, than in non‐hemodialysis patients, and such agents should be given only under prudent consideration of the associated risks and benefits.
Outcomes of Salvage Procedures for Occluded Autogenous Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Kim Hyang Kyoung , Kwon Tae‐Won , Cho Yong‐Pil , Moon Ki‐Myung
Published: May 2011

The outcomes of surgical and endovascular treatments for thrombosed access fistulas are variable and provide no definitive indications for treatment choice. We purposed to review our experience in treating thrombosed radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and to evaluate the outcome of procedures, including proximal neo‐anastomosis (NEO), replacement of the stenosed segment with a polytetrafluoroethylene graft (GI), patch angioplasty (PA), and endovascular procedures (such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty [PTA]). A total of 117 occluded radiocephalic AVFs were treated by surgery or an endovascular procedure from January 2002 to December 2007. We evaluated the rates of initial success, re‐thrombosis, the post‐interventional five‐year patency rate, and temporary catheter requirement. Forty‐five patients (38.5%) underwent NEO, 32 patients (27.4%) GI, 10 patients (8.5%) PA, and 30 patients (25.6%) PTA. The overall initial procedural success rate was 98.3% (surgery 98.9% and PTA 96.7%), and the post‐interventional patency rates at five years were 92.2% (97.1% for NEO, 82.7% for GI, 90.0% for PA, and 96.7% for PTA). Twenty‐four patients (20.5%) required a temporary catheter during healing of the functioning segment after treatment: four patients for NEO, 18 patients for GI, two patients for PA, and no patients for PTA (P < 0.001). Both surgery and endovascular treatment gave high rates of initial success and low re‐thrombosis rates as salvage treatments for occlusion of radiocephalic AVFs, if treatments were selected according to the length, and location of the stenosis to be corrected. When stenosis of a long segment is suspected, endovascular treatment should be attempted first in order to maintain the functional segment and thereby avoid use of a temporary catheter.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Thiazolidinone Derivatives as Antimicrobial and Anti‐viral Agents
Authors: Ravichandran Veerasamy , Jain Abhishek , Kumar Krishnan S. , Rajak Harish , Agrawal Ram K.
Published: May 2011

A series of 1,3‐thiazolidin‐4‐one derivatives were prepared by the reaction of respective aromatic amine, aromatic aldehyde, and thioglycolic acid in dry benzene/toluene. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, 1HNMR, and mass spectra. The newly synthesized final compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, and anti‐viral activities. Preliminary results indicated that some of the compounds demonstrated antibacterial activity in the range of 7–13 μg/mL, antifungal activity in the range of 13–17 μg/mL, comparable with the standard drugs, ciprofloxacin and fluconazole. Structure–activity relationship studies revealed that the nature of the substituents at the 2 and 3 positions of the thiazolidinone nucleus had a significant impact on the in vitro antimicrobial and anti‐viral activity of these classes of agents.
Comparison of clinical features and outcomes of medically attended influenza A and influenza B in a defined population over four seasons: 2004–2005 through 2007–2008
Authors: Irving Stephanie A. , Patel Darshan C. , Kieke Burney A. , Donahue James G. , Vandermause Mary F. , Shay David K. , Belongia Edward A.
Published: May 2011

Please cite this paper as: Irving et al. (2012) Comparison of clinical features and outcomes of medically attended influenza A and influenza B in a defined population over four seasons: 2004–2005 through 2007–2008. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(1), 37–43.

Background  There are few prospectively collected data comparing illnesses caused by different subtypes of influenza. We compared the clinical presentation and outcomes of subjects with primarily outpatient‐attended influenza A and B infections during four consecutive influenza seasons (2004–2005 through 2007–2008).

Methods  Patients were prospectively enrolled and tested for influenza following an encounter for acute respiratory illness. Influenza infections were confirmed by culture or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; subtype was determined for a sample of influenza A isolates each season. Clinical characteristics of influenza A and B infections were compared across and within individual seasons.

Results  We identified 901 cases of influenza A and 284 cases of influenza B; 98% of cases were identified through an outpatient medical encounter. Thirty‐six percent of patients with each strain had received seasonal influenza vaccine prior to illness onset. There were no consistent differences in symptoms associated with influenza A and B. Influenza A infection was associated with earlier care seeking compared with influenza B during the 2005–2006 and 2007–2008 seasons, when H3N2 was the dominant type A virus, and in a combined analysis that included all seasons. Twenty‐six (2·2%) of 1185 cases were diagnosed with radiographically confirmed pneumonia, and 59 (5%) of 1185 patients were hospitalized within 30 days of illness onset.

Conclusions  Over four influenza seasons, aside from shorter intervals from illness onset to clinical encounter for infections with the A(H3N2) subtype, clinical symptoms and outcomes were similar for patients with predominantly outpatient‐attended influenza A and B infections.
Lindernia kinmenensis sp. nov. (Scrophulariaceae) from Kinmen (Taiwan)
Authors: Liang Yi‐Shou , Chen Chih‐Hsiung , Tsai Jinn‐Lai
Published: May 2011

Lindernia kinmenensis Y. S. Liang, C. H. Chen, & C. L. Tasi sp. nov. from Kinmen (Taiwan) is described. The new species belongs to section Torenioides and is most similar to L. crustacea. It differs from the latter by the following characters: calyx pubescent between the ridges (vs pubescent on ridges), with (2)3(4) bristles on the ridge near the apex of the calyx‐lobes (vs without such bristles), corolla shorter, 6–8 mm long (vs 7–11 mm long) and pale purple (vs purple or blue), posterior theca with obtuse (vs acute) apex. This species is usually found in sandy wetlands. A line drawing, colour photos and SEM micrographs of pollen and seed as aids for identification are provided.
Panisea panchaseensis sp. nov. (Orchidaceae) from central Nepal
Authors: Subedi Abishkar , Chaudhary Ram P. , Vermeulen Jaap J. , Gravendeel Barbara
Published: May 2011

Panisea panchaseensis Subedi sp. nov. (Orchidaceae) is described as a new species from Nepal. The distinguishing characters, a description, detailed illustrations and photographs are provided. The species is genetically compared to P. tricallosa, and a diagnostic key based on the morphology to all species of Panisea is provided.
Intravenous Administration of Docetaxel to Cats with Cancer
Authors: Shiu K.B. , McCartan L. , Kubicek L. , Vail D.M.
Published: May 2011

Background: The safety of IV administration of docetaxel to cats with cancer has not been reported.

Objectives: Document adverse effects of IV administration of docetaxel to cats.

Animals: Twenty‐one client‐owned cats with any confirmed malignancy.

Methods: Cats received up to 5 docetaxel treatments, administered IV every 3 weeks. The initial dosage was 1.0 mg/kg, and dosages were increased by increments of 0.25 mg/kg in cohorts of 3 cats. Adverse events were determined by a CBC at days 7 and 21, serum chemistry and urine specific gravity at day 21, and medical histories provided by the owners.

Results: Cats received docetaxel dosages ranging from 1.0 to 2.5 mg/kg, for a median of 2 treatments. Dose‐limiting toxicoses included fever, neutropenia, and vomiting, seen in 2 of the 4 cats treated at 2.5 mg/kg. Hypersensitivity reactions were infrequent (4 of the 21 cats) and mild. The maximum tolerated dosage was 2.25 mg/kg.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Docetaxel can be administered IV to cats with a low incidence of adverse effects.
Fungal sinusitis resulting in suspected trigeminal neuropathy as a cause of headshaking in five horses
Authors: Fiske‐Jackson A. R. , Pollock P. J. , Witte T. H. , Woolford L. , Perkins J. D.
Published: May 2011

Primary fungal sinusitis was identified in 5 horses displaying signs of headshaking. All 5 horses had fungal plaques adhered to the infraorbital canal (IOC). Headshaking signs were exhibited by 3 horses prior to treatment and 2 horses after treatment. Standing computed tomography (CT) identified erosion of the IOC in the 2 cases in which it was performed. Fungal culture and PCR identified 3 species of fungi, Rhizomucor pusillus, Scedosporium apiospermum and Aspergillus nidulans which have not previously been described as a cause of sinusitis in horses. Surgical debridement followed by topical antifungal therapy was used in all 5 horses. Recurrence of the fungal plaques in 4 horses necessitated further treatment. The headshaking signs and nasal discharge resolved in 3 horses allowing a return to their previous use. Two horses developed persistent headshaking signs despite multiple treatments. Primary fungal sinusitis should be considered as a cause of headshaking signs in horses, due to a suspected trigeminal neuropathy. Computed tomography is valuable in identifying erosion of the IOC which is not identified with conventional radiography. Three out of the 5 cases were treated successfully but permanent resolution of the fungal infection is difficult to achieve once the bone overlying the infraorbital nerve has been eroded.
Self‐inflicted lingual trauma secondary to inferior alveolar nerve block in 3 horses
Authors: Caldwell F. J. , Easley K. J.
Published: May 2011

Exodontia is the typical treatment recommended in severe cases of dental disease where alternative treatment techniques fail to salvage the affected tooth. Exodontias are frequently performed in the standing horse with the benefit of sedation and regional anaesthesia in order to avoid the risks and expense of general anaesthesia. The inferior alveolar nerve block is commonly utilised when extracting diseased mandibular dentition. Because of the close anatomical relationship of the lingual and inferior alveolar nerves both may be desensitised following anaesthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve. Desensitisation of the tongue may result in horses traumatising it during mastication before sensation returns. This report describes 3 horses that sustained self‐inflicted lingual trauma following inferior alveolar nerve blocks performed for standing oral surgical procedures.
Laryngeal neuroendocrine tumour in a horse
Authors: Koenig J. , Silveira A. , Chalmers H. , Buenviaje G. , Lillie B. N.
Published: May 2011

A 13‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare was presented to the Ontario Veterinary College Teaching Hospital with chronic progressive respiratory noise and exercise intolerance. Severe respiratory stridor associated with a laryngeal mass was seen on upper airway endoscopy. Ultrasonography revealed an intra‐cartilagenous mass and allowed for a guided biopsy. Histological analysis of the mass characterised a neuroendocrine tumour and the mare was subjected to euthanasia due to the poor prognosis. Ultrasound examination was paramount in making the diagnosis and facilitating the biopsy. To our knowledge, neuroendocrine tumours have not previously been reported in the equine larynx.
Intralesional 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) for the treatment of eyelid squamous cell carcinoma in 5 horses
Authors: Pucket J. D. , Gilmour M. A.
Published: May 2011

Eyelid squamous cell carcinoma in equine patients often presents a therapeutic challenge to practitioners due to the generally large area affected upon presentation. Surgical excision can be curative if wide enough margins are achieved, but this is not often attainable without enucleation. Other alternatives have been examined including cryotherapy, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, intralesional chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy. Intralesional chemotherapy using cisplatin, mitomycin‐C and bleomycin have been shown to be successful in treating eyelid squamous cell carcinomas but may be prohibitive to some owners due to the cost of therapy. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case series to illustrate the effectiveness of intralesional 5‐fluoruracil in treating large equine eyelid squamous cell carcinomas. Macroscopic reduction in the size of the affected areas was noted in each case together with regression of clinical signs associated with the mass. This, coupled with the relative inexpensive nature of the procedure, makes this technique an attractive therapy for either primary treatment of eyelid squamous cell carcinoma or as a cytoreductive technique prior to surgical excision.
Inferences about character and motive influence intentionality attributions about side effects
Authors: Hughes Jamie S. , Trafimow David
Published: May 2011

In two studies, we predicted and found that inferences about motive and character influence intentionality attributions about foreseeable consequences of action (i.e., side effects). First, we show that inferences about intentionality are greater for good side effects than bad side effects when a target person's character is described positively. In Study 2, we manipulated information about a target person and found that inferences about intentionality were greater when side effects were consistent with a target person's character and motives. Overall, our data cast doubt on the generality of the side‐effect effect. We discuss our findings and their implications for future research on intentionality and social perception.
Central efferent pathways for cold‐defensive and febrile shivering
Authors: Nakamura Kazuhiro , Morrison Shaun F.
Published: May 2011

Non‐technical summary  Shivering is an involuntary somatic motor response that occurs in skeletal muscles to produce heat during exposure to cold environments or during the development of fever. This study describes the brain circuitry mechanism that produces shivering. The reception of either cutaneous cool‐sensory signals or pyrogenic signals by neurons in the preoptic area, a thermoregulatory and febrile centre, leads to activation of descending excitatory signalling through hypothalamic and medullary sites to drive shivering. Intriguingly, this central command pathway for shivering parallels that for sympathetically regulated non‐shivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. The present results promote our understanding of the brain mechanisms for thermal homeostasis that orchestrate the regulation of the somatic and autonomic motor systems to meet the critical demand for regulation of the body and brain temperatures.
Glancing angle deposition of Ge nanorod arrays on Si patterned substrates
Authors: Khare C. , Fechner R. , Bauer J. , Weise M. , Rauschenbach B.
Published: May 2011

A periodic arrangement of Ge nanorods on a Si(111) substrate was realized by glancing angle deposition (GLAD) onto honeycomb-like arranged Au hillocks formed using a self-assembled monolayer of polystyrene nanospheres as an evaporation mask. Additionally, a honeycomb-like arrangement of Au dots was used as an etch mask in a reactive ion beam etching process for pattern transfer procedure. Resulting honeycomb patterns consisting of Si hillocks within the Si(111) substrates were utilized to deposit Ge nanorods. Effective morphological variations in shape and dimension of GLAD-grown nanorods on honeycomb-like patterned substrates with both Au dot and Si dot arrays are strongly influenced by interseed distances, seed heights, and consequently shadowing lengths. For a large pattern period, it was observed that the usual triangular shape of the nanorod changed to a hexagonal shape as an effect of additional particle flux that reached the growing nanorod from the direction of second and third-nearest neighbors due to inadequate shadowing lengths and increased interseed condensation.
Indocyanine Green Enables Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Lipid-Rich, Inflamed Atherosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Vinegoni Claudio , Botnaru Ion , Aikawa Elena , Calfon Marcella A. , Iwamoto Yoshiko , Folco Eduardo J. , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Weissleder Ralph , Libby Peter , Jaffer Farouc A.
Published: May 2011

Indocyanine green, a clinically approved near-infrared fluorescence imaging agent, rapidly targets atheromas for in vivo detection of lipid-rich, inflammatory plaques.
Boosting Brain Uptake of a Therapeutic Antibody by Reducing Its Affinity for a Transcytosis Target
Authors: Yu Y. Joy , Zhang Yin , Kenrick Margaret , Hoyte Kwame , Luk Wilman , Lu Yanmei , Atwal Jasvinder , Elliott J. Michael , Prabhu Saileta , Watts Ryan J. , Dennis Mark S.
Published: May 2011

Brain uptake of a therapeutic bispecific antibody by receptor-mediated transcytosis is enhanced by reducing the antibody’s affinity for the transferrin receptor.
Quality Versus Quantity: Assessing Individual Research Performance
Authors: Sahel José-Alain
Published: May 2011

Bibliometrics could potentially improve objective evaluation of individual researchers, if qualitative measurements are included.
A Therapeutic Antibody Targeting BACE1 Inhibits Amyloid-β Production in Vivo
Authors: Atwal Jasvinder K. , Chen Yongmei , Chiu Cecilia , Mortensen Deborah L. , Meilandt William J. , Liu Yichin , Heise Christopher E. , Hoyte Kwame , Luk Wilman , Lu Yanmei , Peng Kun , Wu Ping , Rouge Lionel , Zhang Yingnan , Lazarus Robert A. , Scearce-Levie Kimberly , Wang Weiru , Wu Yan , Tessier-Lavigne Marc , Watts Ryan J.
Published: May 2011

A human antibody inhibits BACE1 activity and Aβ peptide production in cultured neurons and in the central nervous system of mouse and monkey.
Therapeutic Antibodies for Brain Disorders
Authors: Paul Steven M.
Published: May 2011

A bispecific human monoclonal antibody targeting the transferrin receptor and an enzyme implicated in Alzheimer's disease enters the brain through receptor-mediated transcytosis.