bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Industry’s colonization of psychiatry: Ethical and practical implications of financial conflicts of interest in the DSM-5
Authors: Cosgrove Lisa , Wheeler Emily E
Published: February 2013

The revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), scheduled for publication in May 2013 by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), has created a firestorm of controversy because of questions about undue industry influence. Specifically, concerns have been raised about financial conflicts of interest between DSM-5 panel members and the pharmaceutical industry. The authors argue that current approaches to the management of these relationships, particularly transparency of them, are insufficient solutions to the problem of industry’s capture of organized psychiatry. The conceptual framework of institutional corruption is used to understand psychiatry’s dependence on the pharmaceutical industry and to identify the epistemic assumptions that ground the DSM’s biopsychiatric discourse. APA’s rationale for including premenstrual dysphoric disorder in the DSM-5 as a Mood Disorder is reviewed and discussed.
The geographic distribution of United States public libraries: An analysis of locations and service areas
Authors: Donnelly Francis P.
Published: February 2013

This article explores the geography of public libraries in the United States. The distribution of libraries is examined using maps and spatial statistics to analyze spatial patterns. Methods for delineating and studying library service areas used in previous LIS research are modified and applied using geographic information systems to study variations in library accessibility by state and by socio-economic group at the national level. A history of library development is situated within the broader economic and demographic history of the US to provide insight to contemporary patterns, and Louis Round Wilson’s Geography of Reading is used as a focal point for studying historical trends. Findings show that while national library coverage is extensive, the percentage of the population that lives in a library’s geographic service area varies considerably by region and state, with Southern and Western states having lower values than Northeastern and Midwestern states.
Science to the people! (and experimental politics): Searching for the roots of participatory discourse in science and technology in the 1970s in France
Authors: Quet Mathieu
Published: February 2013

The current conception of political participation in governmental institutions is deeply marked by the notions of deliberation and precaution. This normative conception of participatory politics neglects, backgrounds or disqualifies other participatory practices, in so far as they are not connected to deliberation and precaution. However, participation has not always been defined in such a restricted way: the current conception of participation is a product of the 1980s and 1990s. In this paper, the meaning ascribed to the notion of participation in the 1970s in France is explored through the study of discourses produced in three fields: the Science Policy Division of the OECD, the French radical science movement, and the emerging STS academic field. As is shown, some of the bases of the current notion of participation originate in the 1970s. Nevertheless, it is argued that in these years, the notion of participation has more to do with experimentation than with deliberation and precaution. Therefore, the conception of participation in the 1970s differs greatly from the current one. Methodologically, this paper combines tools offered by the social history of science and the French school of discourse analysis.
ICT production and labour productivity in the Italian regions
Authors: Iammarino Simona , Jona-Lasinio Cecilia
Published: February 2013

The requirements of the knowledge-based economy and the contribution of information and communication technology (ICT) to socio-economic change have had a significant impact upon regional economic performance in the European Union. So far, however, the literature on the implications of the ICT paradigm for labour productivity growth has largely neglected the (sub-national) regional dimension. By using experimental micro-data, this paper first provides a picture of the regional contributions to labour productivity growth in Italy in the period 2001–2005. Second, it explores the relationship between ICT production and regional labour productivity in the same reference period. In line with previous studies at the country level, our findings highlight a strongly positive relationship between ICT production and regional labour productivity growth, at the same time suggesting a complementary relationship between ICT production and diffusion in explaining interregional differences in productivity performances.
Learning Orientation and Performance Orientation: Scale Development and Its Relationship with Performance
Authors: Jha Sumi , Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar
Published: February 2013

Education has become an important factor determining the progress of individual human beings and human society. Education provides knowledge and develops the skills and abilities to perform various socio-economic tasks. Learning is an important part of education. Learning orientation (LO) and performance orientation (PO) have an impact on acquiring knowledge and its subsequent application for performing tasks. This research is based on a structured survey questionnaire personally administered to 220 graduate engineering students in India. To develop a scale for learning orientation and performance orientation, exploratory factor analysis and the appropriate reliability and validity tests were conducted. The relationship between learning orientation and performance orientation on performance was studied using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Respondents were grouped into high and low PO and LO groups and their performance was analyzed for inter-group differences. The group differences were not significant.
Price Discovery Process in Nifty Spot and Futures Markets
Authors: Choudhary Kapil , Bajaj Sushil
Published: February 2013

This article investigates the role of price discovery in the Indian stock market by taking into consideration 41 individual securities and Nifty. The present article reports a study based on the daily adjusted closing price of spot and futures for the time period between June 2000 and August 2010 (index) and from November 2001 to August 2010 (individual stocks). To analyze the price discovery role, Engle and Granger’s Residual Based approach, Johansen’s cointegration test and VECM (Vector Error Correction Model) are used. The results depict that futures price series leads the spot price series in case of Nifty and 21 stocks, and 20 stocks’ future price series is led by spot price series. As far as causality is concerned, 14 stocks show feedback causality, 21 stocks including Nifty show unilateral causality and 7 stocks show absence of causality. This study also finds that both the markets, i.e., futures and spot, play an important price-discovery role, implying that futures (spot) prices may contain useful information about spot (futures) prices.
Internetization Management as a Facilitator for Managing Innovation in High-Technology Smaller Firms
Authors: Abouzeedan Adli , Klofsten Magnus , Hedner Thomas
Published: February 2013

Managing innovation in smaller firms imposes challenges of a specific nature. Such challenges include scarcity of resources for R&D and innovation activities, complexity of scientific fields, coordinating innovation activities with operational functions of the firm and availability of access to up-to-date scientific excellence. A question of importance should be raised as to how one can use the recent development in information and communication technologies (ICTs) to meet these challenges and to facilitate innovation activities in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially high-technology smaller firms (HTSFs), as these use innovation as their major competitive edge. In this conceptual article we propose using a newly introduced management paradigm, namely, internetization management to achieve the said. In the article we discuss the different challenges of innovation in HTSFs and how these challenges can be met by adopting the internetization management paradigm. The article sheds light on the need for a coupling between management and innovation studies in relation to SMEs while taking into consideration the e-globalized nature of the modern economy. It addresses in a more particular way HTSFs’ need for that coupling.
“KYDS”: an innovative service addressing the health needs of youth and families in an Australian community
Authors: Citer David , Carlson Kym , McClellan Danni , McGaw Pam , Walter Sophie , Bennett David , Walter Garry
Published: February 2013

Objective:

To describe the evolution of KYDS Youth Development Service (“KYDS”), a pioneering youth service in Sydney, Australia, its range of programs and the challenges that it has faced.

Conclusions:

KYDS emerged in the context of the escalating presentation of mental health and other problems affecting young people, and the desire of a local community to provide a service for its youth. The service has expanded since opening in 2005 and now includes, among other elements, therapy for referred clients, parent educational forums, and group programs such as a young women’s program and a program for teenagers with parents affected by mental illness. The challenges for the service include financial pressures, service expansion, and how to best complement other services in the public and private sector.
Transition from Student to Teacher–Student Teaching
Authors: Draves Tami J.
Published: February 2013

Student teaching is the capstone experience of undergraduate music teacher preparation, and in-service and preservice music teachers consider it the most valuable part of preservice teacher education. Researchers have examined student teachers’ skills, pedagogical content knowledge, and reflective practice. Other topics have included the student teaching triad members (cooperating teacher, university supervisor, student teacher), teacher identity, and preparedness for teaching. A current review of the research literature on music student teaching not only provides a summary of extant research but also reveals existing gaps in the scholarship and therefore direction for further inquiry. With those aims in mind, this article examines selected music education scholarship in the area of student teaching with particular emphasis on two areas of contemporary research literature: student teachers’ knowledge and development and the people and placements in student teaching.
Verbal Instructions and Conducting Gestures
Authors: Napoles Jessica
Published: February 2013

This study sought to examine the relative effectiveness of two forms of communication: verbal instructions and conducting gestures. High school choral students ( N = 44) performed “Music Alone Shall Live” in a variety of ways (with and without word stress, and with varied articulations), while watching a video recording of a conductor and reading verbal instructions. Experienced choral teachers ( N = 30) listened and rated the articulation and word stress of the students on a 7-point Likert-type scale. Results indicated that (a) experienced teachers perceived more staccato articulation and word stress when singers responded to verbal instructions (vs. conducting gestures) and (b) experienced teachers perceived more staccato and word stress in performances when verbal instructions and conducting gestures were congruent, compared with when these messages were incongruent.
Cultural Values, Self-Disclosure, and Conflict Tactics as Predictors of Marital Satisfaction Among Singaporean Husbands and Wives
Authors: Quek Karen Mui-Teng , Fitzpatrick Jacki
Published: February 2013

In the present study, we examined the relationship between marital satisfaction and cultural value orientations (e.g., collectivism–individualism), self-disclosure, and conflict tactics (e.g., exit and loyalty) among Singaporean couples. A total of 160 individuals (80 husbands and 80 wives) participated in this study. The results indicated that self-disclosure and exit conflict tactics were strong predictors of couples’ marital satisfaction. Collectivism which has a significant association with loyalty conflict tactics impacts husbands’ satisfaction. In contrast, neither collectivism nor individualism was related to wives’ satisfaction. Implications for future study and clinical practice were discussed.
The Experience of Taiwanese Women Achieving Post-Infertility Pregnancy Through Assisted Reproductive Treatment
Authors: Lin Yii-nii , Tsai Yung-chieh , Lai Pi-hui
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of pregnancy of women in Taiwan after undergoing at least three cycles of assisted reproductive technology (ART) over a period exceeding 3 years. Fifteen previously infertile female patients diagnosed with primary infertility participated in this study within 1 year of delivering a baby. Participants were between the ages of 31 and 44 with an average age of 39.41. They had been married an average of 11.33 years and had undergone an average of 5.25 years of infertility treatment. A phenomenological qualitative method with in-depth interviews was employed for the collection of data. Our findings reveal that the safety and health of the fetus is the primary concern of previously infertile pregnant mothers. Other concerns include physical/physiological changes, psychosocial reactions, the transition of identity during pregnancy, insights gained through pregnancy and labor, and the impact of Taiwanese society on the pregnancy. The post-infertility pregnant women in this study endured a great deal to conceive through ART, safeguarded the health of their fetus, and managed their reactions. Practitioners of couple and family counseling should offer assistance to post-infertility pregnant women through psychological counseling and consultation to help them deal with their biopsychosocial reactions and identity transition.
Underlying Factor Structure of Schein’s Career Anchor Model
Authors: Barclay W. Brent , Chapman Jared R. , Brown Bruce L.
Published: February 2013

More than 20 years after Edgar H. Schein introduced career anchor theory (1977), Daniel Feldman and Mark Bolino critiqued both the theory and the methods Schein used to describe career anchors. They propose that understanding the underlying factor structure of the Career Orientations Inventory (COI) will give insight into the relationships between multiple career anchors. These relationships describe which career anchors are complementary (i.e., having congruous characteristics) or mutually inconsistent (i.e., having oppositional characteristics) and enable a study of the degree to which those relationships have an impact upon career outcomes. This study examined how well each of the four models of career anchor relationships, found in the career anchor literature, describe mutually inconsistent relationships found within data from seven empirical career anchor studies. The mutually inconsistent career anchor pairs suggested by Feldman and Bolino were not found to have stronger negative correlations with one another than those proposed by the other three models. Also, the mutually inconsistent pairs proposed by Feldman and Bolino were not found to have on the whole a better fit from confirmatory factor analysis than those proposed by the other three models. Instead, Schein’s proposed model of mutual inconsistency was the best fit, albeit, a weak fit. Weaknesses were also found in the two-dimensional octagonal models proposed by Feldman and Bolino, by Chapman, and by Bristow. The data do not support a two-dimensional model. An additional finding was that the relationship between the anchors actually fits an orthogonal model better than either the complementary or mutually inconsistent representations proposed by each of the four models. Continued research opportunities are available for those interested in studying career anchor theory.
Correction of Multiplanar Deformity of the Second Toe With Metatarsophalangeal Release and Extensor Brevis Reconstruction
Authors: Ellis Scott J. , Young Elizabeth , Endo Yoshimi , Do Huong , Deland Jonathan T.
Published: February 2013

Background:

Surgical treatment of multiplanar (varus and dorsal angulation) second toe deformities due to degenerative instability can lead to recurrence, stiffness, and pain. The goal of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes associated with a new technique using an extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) tendon reconstruction to correct such deviation of the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint.

Methods:

Ten patients (10 female, 0 male) with 11 operated second toes having undergone correction with a reconstruction using the EDB tendon were assessed at an average of 18.5 months (range, 12-34) after surgery. The technique was indicated when MTP and medial partial plantar plate release alone were not sufficient to correct multiplanar deformity. Radiographic parameters (AP and lateral metatarsal-proximal phalanx angles), physical exam (MTP joint range of motion), and subjective outcomes (the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score [FAOS]) were assessed. A toe-specific survey captured more detailed subjective information, including patient satisfaction.

Results:

Preoperatively, the average MTP joint angle was 4.5 degrees in the varus direction, which changed to 14.2 degrees in the valgus direction postoperatively. On exam, the average MTP joint range of motion was 60.9 ± 11.6 degrees dorsiflexion and 11.1 ± 2.5 degrees plantarflexion. Postoperative FAOS scores demonstrated an average of 89.9 ± 9.8 for the symptoms domain. In all, 9 of 11 patients were either highly satisfied or moderately satisfied (none dissatisfied).

Conclusion:

With the stated limitations, the EDB tendon reconstruction technique described in conjunction with collateral ligament and partial plantar plate release provided powerful correction. Minimal release of the medial plantar plate and not overtightening the reconstruction are recommended to avoid shifting the toe in the opposite direction.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective study.
Ilizarov External Frame Technique for Pirogoff Amputations With Ankle Disarticulation and Tibiocalcaneal Fusion
Authors: Gessmann Jan , Citak Mustafa , Fehmer Tobias , Schildhauer Thomas Armin , Seybold Dominik
Published: February 2013

Background:

The high rates of wound failure, persisting infection, and nonunion of the tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis are the main reasons why the Pirogoff ankle disarticulation is rarely used for limb salvage. Use of the Ilizarov external frame has increased our fusion rate. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with the use of the Ilizarov external frame as a technique for Pirogoff amputations with ankle disarticulation and tibiocalcaneal fusion.

Methods:

Twenty-four patients (median age, 57.4 years; range, 29-76 years) underwent a Pirogoff amputation with Ilizarov external frame use between January 2004 and June 2011. The most common indications were gangrene with uncontrollable infection due to Charcot arthropathy or chronic osteomyelitis. Four patients had sustained crush injuries of the foot. All patients were clinically and radiographically followed for a minimum of 12 months. Additionally, 15 patients were evaluated using the Taniguchi rating scale for Pirogoff amputations after a mean follow-up of 44.9 months (range, 12-86 months).

Results:

In 21 patients (87.5%), a well-healed Pirogoff stump was achieved after a mean external fixation time of 18.1 weeks (range, 12.7-26.6 weeks). Impaired vascular perfusion was found to be the limiting factor for successful wound healing and an overall successful Pirogoff amputation. According to the Taniguchi scale, 67% of the patients achieved good or excellent functional results. Fair (27%) and poor (6%) results were observed only in the diabetic patients.

Conclusion:

Using the Ilizarov external frame allowed safe fixation and a high success rate, even in neuropathic feet. The frame allowed for immediate weight-bearing and soft tissue control; however, frame-associated complications were common and could result in revision surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Open Ankle Arthrodeses via an Anterior Approach
Authors: Gordon David , Zicker Robyn , Cullen Nicholas , Singh Dishan
Published: February 2013

Background:

In open ankle arthrodesis, debate remains as to which surgical approach and fixation devices should be used. The purpose of this study was to identify union, complication, and patient satisfaction rates of ankle fusions performed at our institution, using the plane between extensor hallucis longus and tibialis anterior with medial tibiotalar screw internal fixation.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of all isolated primary fusions between 2005 and 2009. Eighty-two ankles were identified in 73 patients. All patient records were reviewed, and 57 patients (65 ankles) attended for clinical evaluation and scoring. Age range at surgery was 18 to 75 years (mean, 56.1 years); 8 patients were smokers. Diagnoses were trauma in 52 patients (63%), osteoarthritis in 17, rheumatoid arthritis in 7, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in 3, congenital talipes equinovarus in 2, and talar avascular necrosis in 1. Follow-up range was 7 months to 8.3 years (mean, 4 years).

Results:

Time to union ranged from 8 to 39 weeks (mean, 13.3) with a union rate of 100%. The AOFAS range was 12 to 93 (mean, 70). Eighty percent were “very satisfied” or “satisfied.” Major complication rate was 14.6%: 7 malalignments; 3 wound problems; 2 complex regional pain syndrome; and 2 delayed unions, both smokers.

Conclusions:

An excellent union rate, high patient satisfaction, and low complication rate were achieved with this technique. Varus malalignment and persistent pain resulted in dissatisfaction. Many patients remained highly active, and bilaterally fused patients functioned as well as unilateral ones.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Measurement Malaise in Strategic Management Studies
Authors: Dalton Dan R. , Aguinis Herman
Published: February 2013

We adopt a construct validity lens to provide a critical reexamination of established corporate governance research. In particular, we focus on the body of work relying on the theoretical bases of agency theory and involving boards of directors’ independence, CEO duality, equity holdings, and their relationships to corporate financial performance. We offer a five-step protocol involving the following components: (1) establishing the base rate for the phenomenon in question, (2) evaluating the extent to which the dependent variables are germane, (3) evaluating the extent to which the independent variables are germane, (4) determining whether explanatory power is improved as a consequence of improved measurement, and (5) concluding whether previously established estimates should be revised. We implemented the proposed protocol and used alternative measures that reduce threats to construct validity. Results yielded substantially higher estimates of relationships in corporate governance research. Future research can adopt the proposed protocol to understand whether a similar improvement in explanatory power could be achieved in other research domains.
Nebulized lidocaine blunts airway hyper-responsiveness in experimental feline asthma
Authors: Nafe Laura A , Guntur Vamsi P , Dodam John R , Lee-Fowler Tekla M , Cohn Leah A , Reinero Carol R
Published: February 2013

Nebulized lidocaine may be a corticosteroid-sparing drug in human asthmatics, reducing airway resistance and peripheral blood eosinophilia. We hypothesized that inhaled lidocaine would be safe in healthy and experimentally asthmatic cats, diminishing airflow limitation and eosinophilic airway inflammation in the latter population. Healthy (n = 5) and experimentally asthmatic (n = 9) research cats were administered 2 weeks of nebulized lidocaine (2 mg/kg q8h) or placebo (saline) followed by a 2-week washout and crossover to the alternate treatment. Cats were anesthetized to measure the response to inhaled methacholine (MCh) after each treatment. Placebo and doubling doses of methacholine (0.0625–32.0000 mg/ml) were delivered and results were expressed as the concentration of MCh increasing baseline airway resistance by 200% (EC200Raw). Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed after each treatment and eosinophil numbers quantified. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) % eosinophils and EC200Raw within groups after each treatment were compared using a paired t-test ( P <0.05 significant). No adverse effects were noted. In healthy cats, lidocaine did not significantly alter BALF eosinophilia or the EC200Raw. There was no difference in %BALF eosinophils in asthmatic cats treated with lidocaine (36±10%) or placebo (33 ± 6%). However, lidocaine increased the EC200Raw compared with placebo 10 ± 2 versus 5 ± 1 mg/ml; P = 0.043). Chronic nebulized lidocaine was well-tolerated in all cats, and lidocaine did not induce airway inflammation or airway hyper-responsiveness in healthy cats. Lidocaine decreased airway response to MCh in asthmatic cats without reducing airway eosinophilia, making it unsuitable for monotherapy. However, lidocaine may serve as a novel adjunctive therapy in feline asthmatics with beneficial effects on airflow obstruction.
Representing the language of the ‘other’: African American Vernacular English in ethnography
Authors: Brown Tamara Mose , Casanova Erynn Masi de
Published: February 2013

Ethnography is often described as the translation of culture, yet there has been little discussion of actual linguistic translation in ethnography. Many ethnographers engage in research across divides of language that require them to make decisions about how to represent the language of their informants. The privileging of academic Standard English creates dilemmas for ethnographers whose subjects speak stigmatized languages. Based on an analysis of 32 book-length ethnographies about African Americans (reviewed in the American Journal of Sociology between 1999 and 2009), this article answers the questions of how ethnographers typically deal with language difference in their texts, particularly when research takes place across dialects of the same language, and why language matters in the production of ethnographic texts.
The implementation of relationship marketing by independent Egyptian hotels
Authors: Essawy Mohamed
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study is to assess the implementation of relationship marketing by independent Egyptian hotels and to determine the organisational and environmental factors affecting its implementation. The study consisted of two phases: a telephone interview and an email survey. Telephone interviews were conducted for the purpose of identifying hotels that are familiar with and/or implementing some sort of relationship marketing. Information generated from the interviews contributed to the selection of 86 hotels for the email survey. Findings revealed that hotel size in terms of the number of employees, financial resources allocated for relationship marketing, business expertise (the period of time the hotel is in the business) and customer pressure are the dominating factors affecting the implementation of relationship marketing. The study provides evidence on the relatively under researched area of independent Egyptian hotels. Appropriate consideration of these factors will help hotels to improve the effectiveness of relationship marketing. Future research should focus on further factors influencing the implementation of relationship marketing and address the customer’s perspective.
Language distance and international acquisitions
Authors: Vidal-Suárez Marta , López-Duarte Cristina
Published: February 2013

This paper analyzes the role language distance plays on the choice between greenfield investments and acquisitions when investing abroad. Based on transaction cost theory, the paper focuses on the impact of language distance on ex ante and ex post costs in international acquisition processes. In order to empirically test our predictions, a database of foreign direct investments made by listed Spanish firms was used. Empirical results point towards a tendency to avoid acquisitions as investment mode in international contexts characterized by high language distance.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Improves Swallowing Function in Stroke Patients
Authors: Shigematsu Takashi , Fujishima Ichiro , Ohno Kikuo
Published: February 2013

Background. Poststroke dysphagia can persist, leading to many complications. Objective. We investigated whether noninvasive brain stimulation to the pharyngeal motor cortex combined with intensive swallowing therapy can improve dysphagia. Methods. A total of 20 patients who had dysphagia for at least 1 month after stroke were randomly assigned to receive 10 sessions lasting 20 minutes each of either 1-mA anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or a sham procedure to the ipsilesional pharyngeal motor cortex, along with simultaneous conventional swallowing therapies. We evaluated swallowing function with the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) before, immediately after, and 1 month after the last session. Results. Anodal tDCS resulted in an improvement of 1.4 points in DOSS ( P = .006) immediately after the last session and 2.8 points ( P = .004) 1 month after the last session. The sham tDCS group improved 0.5 points ( P = .059) after the last session and 1.2 points ( P = .026) 1 month after the final session. The improvements in the anodal tDCS group were significantly greater than those in the sham tDCS group ( P = .029 after the last session, and P = .007 1 month after the last session). Conclusions. Anodal tDCS to the ipsilesional hemisphere and simultaneous peripheral sensorimotor activities significantly improved swallowing function as assessed by the DOSS.
Neuronal Restoration Following Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kahle Michael P. , Bix Gregory J.
Published: February 2013

Neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons, occurs throughout life in the subventricular zone and produces immature neurons that migrate tangentially through the rostral migratory stream to the olfactory bulb. This migration is tightly regulated by both structural and chemical influences. Interestingly, brain insults such as ischemic stroke increase neurogenesis and redirect neuroblast migration to the injury site. This injury-redirected neurogenesis and migration is coupled with angiogenic vasculature and is influenced by many of the factors that positively and negatively affect migration under developmental or normal adult conditions. Additionally, cytokines and chemokines such as stromal cell-derived factor-1 strongly influence neuronal migration poststroke. However, neuronal repopulation or brain regeneration is extremely limited. This limitation may potentially be due to the hostile poststroke microenvironment including the formation of the physical and chemical barriers of glial scar. Furthermore, interspecies differences in poststroke neurogenesis between rodents and humans complicate the translation of experimental results to humans. Despite these challenges, many drugs and other potential therapies have recently been evaluated for potential neurogenic properties poststroke. Improved understanding of poststroke neurorepair may lead to new and more effective neurorestorative therapies.
The Role of Psychological Capital in Perception of Safety Climate Among Air Traffic Controllers
Authors: Bergheim Kjersti , Eid Jarle , Hystad Sigurd William , Nielsen Morten Birkeland , Mearns Kathryn , Larsson Gerry , Luthans Brett
Published: February 2013

Previous research has shown that psychological capital (PsyCap) is associated with desired employee behavioral and performance outcomes. Extending previous research, we examine, in two studies, if the PsyCap of Norwegian air traffic controllers is related to their perceptions of safety climate. Based on bootstrapping procedures, results from Study 1 ( N = 77) and Study 2 ( N = 38) revealed that PsyCap was positively correlated with safety climate. In Study 1, PsyCap explained 31% of the variance in safety climate. Controlling for mediating effects of positive and negative emotions in Study 2, PsyCap explained 15.5% of the variance. These results provide first-time empirical evidence linking PsyCap to safety climate in safety critical organizations.
The Interaction Between Exercise, Appetite, and Food Intake
Authors: King Neil Anthony , Horner Katy , Hills Andrew Peter , Byrne Nuala Mary , Wood Rachel Elise , Bryant Eleanor , Caudwell Phillipa , Finlayson Graham , Gibbons Catherine , Hopkins Mark , Martins Catia , Blundell John Edward
Published: February 2013

Exercise could indirectly affect body weight by exerting changes on various components of appetite control, including nutrient and taste preferences, meal size and frequency, and the drive to eat. This review summarizes the evidence on how exercise affects appetite and eating behavior and in particular answers the question, “Does exercise induce an increase in food intake to compensate for the increase in energy expenditure?” Evidence will be presented to demonstrate that there is no automatic increase in food intake in response to acute exercise and that the response to repeated exercise is variable. The review will also identify areas of further study required to explain the variability. One limitation with studies that assess the efficacy of exercise as a method of weight control is that only mean data are presented—the individual variability tends to be overlooked. Recent evidence highlights the importance of characterizing the individual variability by demonstrating exercise-induced changes in appetite. Individuals who experience lower than theoretically predicted reductions in body weight can be characterized by hedonic (eg, pleasure) and homeostatic (eg, hunger) features.
A Sample of Gifted and Talented Educators’ Attitudes About Academic Acceleration
Authors: Siegle Del , Wilson Hope E. , Little Catherine A.
Published: February 2013

Despite extensive research supporting its use, including the 2004 publication of A Nation Deceived, acceleration is an underutilized strategy for meeting the academic needs of gifted and talented students. Parents’ and educators’ attitudes and beliefs about acceleration influence the extent to which it is implemented in schools. This study investigated gifted and talented educators’ attitudes toward acceleration using a 7-point rating scale measuring concerns about acceleration, beliefs about acceleration, and support for specific acceleration strategies. Data indicated there were no differences in attitudes among teachers from rural, suburban, or urban school districts. Overall, the least popular acceleration strategies were also the easiest to implement, but caused the greatest change in students’ environments (i.e., grade-skipping and early entrance to kindergarten). As expected, the educators were most troubled by social issues and least concerned about academic issues related to acceleration.
When the Big Fish Turns Small
Authors: Dai David Yun , Rinn Anne N. , Tan Xiaoyuan
Published: February 2013

The purposes of this study were to (a) examine the presence and prevalence of the big-fish-little-pond effect (BFLPE) in summer programs for the gifted, (b) identify group and individual difference variables that help predict those who are more susceptible to the BFLPE, and (c) put the possible BFLPE on academic self-concept in a larger context of self-concept stability and change during adolescence. Longitudinal data were gathered from adolescents participating in a summer program for the gifted over a 3-year period. The results indicate no prevalent patterns of declines in academic self-concepts after participating in summer programs, though suspected cases of BFLPE can be identified, and there was evidence pointing to the moderation of the BFLPE by gender and self-esteem. Longitudinal patterns of self-concept stability and change also show no consistent pattern of long-term effects on self-concept. Implications of these findings are discussed that highlight developmental, social, and individual conditions under which the BFLPE may exert itself and conditions under which it may be mitigated.
Deletion of pic results in decreased virulence for a clinical isolate of Shigella flexneri2a from China
Authors: Zhang Junqi , Qian Lisheng , Wu Yang , Cai Xia , Li Xueping , Cheng Xunjia , Qu Di
Published: February 2013

Background

Shigella is a major pathogen responsible for bacillary dysentery, a severe form of shigellosis. Severity of the disease depends on the virulence of the infecting strain. Shigella pathogenicity is a multi-gene phenomenon, involving the participation of genes on an unstable large virulence plasmid and chromosomal pathogenicity islands.

Results

A multiplex PCR (mPCR) assay was developed to detect S. flexneri 2a from rural regions of Zhengding (Hebei Province, China). We isolated and tested 86 strains using our mPCR assay, which targeted the ipaH, ial and set1B genes. A clinical strain of S. flexneri 2a 51 (SF51) containing ipaH and ial, but lacking set1B was found. The virulence of this strain was found to be markedly decreased. Further testing showed that the SF51 strain lacked pic. To investigate the role of pic in S. flexneri 2a infections, a pic knockout mutant (SF301-∆ pic) and two complementation strains, SF301-∆ pic/pPic and SF51/pPic, were created. Differences in virulence for SF51, SF301-∆ pic, SF301-∆ pic/pPic, SF51/pPic and S. flexneri 2a 301 (SF301) were compared. Compared with SF301, both SF51 and SF301-∆ pic exhibited lower levels of Hela cell invasion and resulted in reduced keratoconjunctivitis, with low levels of tissue damage seen in murine eye sections. The virulence of SF301-∆ pic and SF51 was partially recovered in vitro and in vivo through the addition of a complementary pic gene.

Conclusions

The pic gene appears to be involved in an increase in pathogenicity of S. flexneri 2a. This gene assists with bacterial invasion into host cells and alters inflammatory reactions.
Vitamin B6 deficiency and diseases in elderly people – a study in nursing homes
Authors: Kjeldby Ida K , Fosnes Gunvor S , Ligaarden Solveig C , Farup Per G
Published: February 2013

Background

Vitamin deficiency is a cause of health related problems in elderly people. The aims were to study associations between vitamin B6 (B6) and diseases (primarily functional gastrointestinal disorders) in elderly people in nursing homes, the prevalence of B6 deficiency and factors associated with B6 deficiency.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included residents in nursing homes. Demographics, nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment, MNA® ), physical activity, activity of daily living (Katz Index), dietary habits, use of drugs, and psychiatric and somatic diseases were recorded. A blood sample was collected for haematological and biochemical screening, including B6 (p-PLP); p-PLP values < 20 nmol/l indicates B6 deficiency. The results are given as mean (SD).

Results

Sixty-one residents (men/women: 22/39) with an age of 85.3 (6.8) years and BMI 25.7 (4.5) kg/m2 were included. Malnutrition and risk of malnutrition were present in 11.5% and 61% respectively. Dietary intake of B6 (mg/day) in men and women were 1.60 (0.30) and 1.18 (0.31) (recommended 1.6 and 1.2 respectively), and 14 (23%) used B6 supplements. Median p-PLP was 20.7 (range <4.0-175.8), 30 subjects (49%) had B6 deficiency. B6 deficiency was associated with old age, low s-alanine aminotransferase and s-albumin, elevated s-homocysteine and inactivity (p-values 0.01-0.03). There were no clinically significant associations between B6 deficiency and somatic or psychiatric disorders, and B6 deficiency was not observed in subjects given B6 supplements.

Conclusions

Half of the residents had vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin supplement was effective prophylaxis for deficiency and should be recommended to all elderly people in nursing homes.
A case-control study of physical activity patterns and risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction
Authors: Gong Jian , Campos Hannia , Fiecas Joseph Mark A , McGarvey Stephen T , Goldberg Robert , Richardson Caroline , Baylin Ana
Published: February 2013

Background

The interactive effects of different types of physical activity on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk have not been fully considered in previous studies. We aimed to identify physical activity patterns that take into account combinations of physical activities and examine the association between derived physical activity patterns and risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

We examined the relationship between physical activity patterns, identified by principal component analysis (PCA), and AMI risk in a case-control study of myocardial infarction in Costa Rica (N=4172), 1994-2004. The component scores derived from PCA and total METS were used in natural cubic spline models to assess the association between physical activity and AMI risk.

Results

Four physical activity patterns were retained from PCA that were characterized as the rest/sleep, agricultural job, light indoor activity, and manual labor job patterns. The light indoor activity and rest/sleep patterns showed an inverse linear relation (P for linearity=0.001) and a U-shaped association (P for non-linearity=0.03) with AMI risk, respectively. There was an inverse association between total activity-related energy expenditure and AMI risk but it reached a plateau at high levels of physical activity (P for non-linearity=0.01).

Conclusions

These data suggest that a light indoor activity pattern is associated with reduced AMI risk. PCA provides a new approach to investigate the relationship between physical activity and CVD risk.
Targeted inhibition of heat shock protein 90 disrupts multiple oncogenic signaling pathways, thus inducing cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death in human urinary bladder cancer cell lines
Authors: Karkoulis Panagiotis K , Stravopodis Dimitrios J , Konstantakou Eumorphia G , Voutsinas Gerassimos E
Published: February 2013

Background

Geldanamycin (GA) can be considered a relatively new component with a promising mode of action against human malignancies. It specifically targets heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and interferes with its function as a molecular chaperone.

Methods

In this study, we have investigated the effects of geldanamycin on the regulation of Hsp90-dependent oncogenic signaling pathways directly implicated in cell cycle progression, survival and motility of human urinary bladder cancer cells. In order to assess the biological outcome of Hsp90 inhibition on RT4 (grade I) and T24 (grade III) human urinary bladder cancer cell lines, we applied MTT assay, FACS analysis, Western blotting, semi-quantitative (sq) RT-PCR, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), immunofluorescence and scratch-wound assay.

Results

We have herein demonstrated that, upon geldanamycin treatment, bladder cancer cells are prominently arrested in the G1 phase of cell cycle and eventually undergo programmed cell death via combined activation of apoptosis and autophagy. Furthermore, geldanamycin administration proved to induce prominent downregulation of several Hsp90 protein clients and downstream effectors, such as membrane receptors (IGF-IR and c-Met), protein kinases (Akt, IKKα, IKKβ and Erk1/2) and transcription factors (FOXOs and NF-κΒ), therefore resulting in the impairment of proliferative -oncogenic- signaling and reduction of cell motility.

Conclusions

In toto, we have evinced the dose-dependent and cell line-specific actions of geldanamycin on cell cycle progression, survival and motility of human bladder cancer cells, due to downregulation of critical Hsp90 clients and subsequent disruption of signaling -oncogenic- integrity.
Impact of extruded flaxseed meal supplemented diet on growth performance, oxidative stability and quality of broiler meat and meat products
Authors: Anjum Faqir Muhammad , Haider Muhammad Faizan , Khan Muhammad Issa , Sohaib Muhammad , Arshad Muhammad Sajid
Published: February 2013

This study was intended to explore the effect of extruded flaxseed meal supplemented diet on broiler growth performance, oxidative stability and organoleptic characteristics of broiler meat and meat products. 120 (day old) broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 12 experimental groups and fed on diets containing extruded flaxseed meal at 0, 5, 10 and 15%. The supplementation of extruded flaxseed in the diet decreases the body weight gain, feed intake and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) values of broilers. The antioxidant enzymes were strongly influenced by different levels of extruded flaxseed supplementation among treatments. The TBARS assay revealed that maximum malondialdehyde were produced in T3 containing highest extruded flaxseed level (15%) and minimum malondialdehyde were produced in T0 treatment having no extruded flaxseed. The TBARS values ranged from 0.850-2.106 and 0.460-1.052 in leg and breast met respectively. The Free radical scavenging activity varied significantly and DPPH values of breast meat ranged from 20.70% to 39.09% and in leg meat 23.53% to 43.09% respectively. The sensory acceptability of broiler meat nuggets was decreased with the increase in the level of flaxseeds due to the lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which generated off flavors and bad odors. Feeding extruded flaxseed to chicken through feed strongly inflated the quality and functional properties, fatty acid contents and reduced the oxidative stability of broiler meat and meat products. The present study concludes that up to 10% of flaxseed meal may be used in broiler diet to enhance the omega 3 fatty acids content in the broiler meat.
Hirsutanol A, a novel sesquiterpene compound from fungus Chondrostereum sp., induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth through mitochondrial-independent ROS production: Hirsutanol A inhibits tumor growth through ROS production
Authors: Yang Fen , Chen Wen-Dan , Deng Rong , Zhang Hui , Tang Jun , Wu Ke-Wei , Li Dan-Dan , Feng Gong-Kan , Lan Wen-Jian , Li Hou-Jin , Zhu Xiao-Feng
Published: February 2013

Background

Hirsutanol A is a novel sesquiterpene compound purified from fungus Chondrostereum sp. in Sarcophyton tortuosum. Our previous studies had demonstrated that hirsutanol A exhibited potent cytotoxic effect on many kinds of cancer cell lines. In the current study, the antitumor activity of hirsutanol A and its molecular mechanisms were investigated.

Methods

Hirsutanol A induced growth inhibition and apoptotic cell death of human colon cancer SW620 cells and human breast cancer MDA-MB-231cells were determined using MTT assay and flow cytometry assay, respectively. The effect of hirsutanol A on intrinsic ROS level and change in mitochondrial membrane potential (△ψm) of different cell lines were also measured by flow cytometry assay. The function of JNK was compromised by JNK siRNA or JNK inhibitor SP600125. The expression of cytochrome c, p-JNK, p-c-Jun after treatment with hirsutanol A were detected by Western blot analysis. Finally, the in vivo anti-tumor effect of hirsutanol A was examined in human cancer cell SW620 xenograft model.

Results

The results showed that hirsutanol A significantly induced apoptosis, mitochondrial-independent increase of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) level, change of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c in human cancer cells. Preventing increase of ROS level using the potent antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) markedly decreased hirsutanol A-induced apoptosis. In addition, JNK signaling pathway was activated by hirsutanol A through elevating ROS level. Blockade of JNK signaling pathway by JNK specific inhibitor SP600125 enhanced apoptosis and hirsutanol A-induced ROS accumulation. Also, hirsutanol A exhibited antitumor activity in human cancer cell SW620 xenograft model.

Conclusion

These data suggested that hirsutanol A inhibited tumor growth through triggering ROS production and apoptosis.