bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congenital Ataxia, Mental Retardation, and Dyskinesia Associated With a Novel CACNA1A Mutation
Authors: Blumkin Lubov , Michelson Marina , Leshinsky-Silver Esther , Kivity Sara , Lev Dorit , Lerman-Sagie Tally
Published: January 2010

The CACNA1A gene encodes the pore forming alpha-1A subunit of neuronal voltage-dependant P/Q-type Ca 2+ channels. Mutations in this gene result in clinical heterogeneity, and present with either chronic progressive symptoms, paroxysmal events, or both, with clinical overlap among the different phenotypes. The authors describe a seven year-old boy with mental retardation and congenital cerebellar ataxia that developed dyskinesia at the age of a few months, and recurrent episodes of coma following mild head trauma associated with motor and autonomic signs, from the second year of life. An extensive metabolic evaluation, interictal electroencephalography (EEG), and muscle biopsy were normal. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during one of these episodes revealed edema of the right hemisphere and cerebellar atrophy. Genetic testing revealed a R1350Q mutation in the CACNA1A gene. This is a novel de novo mutation.Congenital cerebellar ataxia can be a result of CACNA1A mutations, especially when associated with recurrent unexplained coma.
Morvan Syndrome Following B-cell Lymphoma
Authors: El-Bitar Mohamad K. , Muwakkit Samar A. , Abboud Miguel R. , Sawaya Raja A. , Boustany Rose-Mary
Published: January 2010

Morvan syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease named after the French physician Augustin Marie Morvan. It is characterized by multiple, irregular contractions of the long muscles, weakness, pruritus, hyperhidrosis, insomnia, and delirium. Here, we describe a 17-year-old young man, previously diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma, who presented with multiple asynchronous fasciculations of the long muscles of his lower extremities accompanied by numbness. The patient responded initially to pulse corticosteroids with diminution of the fasciculations. He achieved complete remission following 7 consecutive, monthly intravenous immunoglobulin injections. The present case is described in the context of the available literature.
Review of a Large Clinical Series: Structure, Process, and Outcome of all Intensive Care Units Within the Province of British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Dodek Peter M. , Keenan Sean P. , Norena Monica , Martin Claudio , Wong Hubert
Published: January 2010

Purpose: To describe the total and regional capacity for critical care in British Columbia (BC), Canada, and to describe regional variation in number of intensive care units (ICUs), size of ICUs, length of ICU stay, ICU occupancy, key processes of critical care, and hospital mortality for ICU patients in B.C. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we used retrospectively collected data from all patients admitted to an ICU in BC between April1, 1998, and March 31, 1999, and responses to a survey about organizational factors for all ICUs in BC that was done in 2001 and updated in 2008. Results: The number of ICU beds in each geographic region in BC is inversely related to the population density and population growth within those regions. In addition, the distribution of ICU beds does not match the distribution of specialized and high-risk clinical services. There is wide variation by geographic region and by size of ICU in physician and nurse staffing, physician model of care, availability and participation of respiratory therapists, and other support services in clinical care and in reported use of clinical practice guidelines. Conclusion: Variation and lack of availability of key processes for care of critically ill patients in this population identifies opportunities for knowledge translation and systematic improvement including regionalization of care.
Political Trust and Historical Legacy: The Effect of Varieties of Socialism
Authors: Dimitrova-Grajzl Valentina , Simon Eszter
Published: January 2010

This article, unlike the vast existing literature on political trust, focuses on trust in post-socialist countries and, more specifically, on trust of young people rather than on trust of general populations. Studying young people is important in the context of establishing democracy and the survival of democracy. The authors examine the continuous effect of socialism and stipulate that the legacy of the type of socialist regime is a major determinant of political trust in Central and Eastern European and former Soviet Union countries. Utilizing individual-level data from an institutional survey, the authors find that distinguishing between different types of socialism is instrumental in explaining political trust. Results on the former Yugoslavia, however, suggest that the effects of socialism might be temporarily overshadowed in the short run by drastic post-socialist events such as warfare. The findings have implications for policies aimed at fostering political trust in post-socialist countries and for discerning future patterns of political and social developments.
Effect of Early Skin-to-Skin Mother—Infant Contact During the First 3 Hours Following Birth on Exclusive Breastfeeding During the Maternity Hospital Stay
Authors: Bramson Leslie , Lee Jerry W. , Moore Elizabeth , Montgomery Susanne , Neish Christine , Bahjri Khaled , Melcher Carolyn Lopez
Published: January 2010

This was a nurse-driven, hospital-based, prospective cohort study of data collected in 19 hospitals in San Bernardino and Riverside counties by California Perinatal Services Network on all mothers (n = 21 842) who delivered a singleton infant (37-40 weeks gestation) between July 2005 through June 2006. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression showed that maternal infant-feeding method intention (measured prior to birth), sociodemographic characteristics, intrapartum variables, and early skin-to-skin mother—infant contact during the first 3 hours following birth (controlling for delivery hospital) were correlated with exclusive breastfeeding during the maternity hospitalization. Compared with mothers with no early skin-to-skin contact, exclusive breastfeeding was higher in mothers who experienced skin-to-skin contact for 1 to 15 minutes (odds ratio [OR] 1.376; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.189-1.593), 16 to 30 minutes (OR 1.665; 95% CI, 1.468-1.888), 31 to 59 minutes (OR 2.357; 95% CI, 2.061-2.695), and more than 1 hour (OR 3.145; 95% CI, 2.905-3.405). The results demonstrate a dose—response relationship between early skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding exclusivity.
An Exploratory Study of Social Purpose Business Models in the United States
Authors: Cooney Kate
Published: January 2010

A growing subset of nonprofit organizations in the United States are launching social purpose businesses (SPBs) that serve both as sources of additional revenues and locations for employment and job training for disadvantaged populations.This research note presents data from a study exploring SPB models for integrating business and social service technologies and organizational strategies for competing successfully in product and service markets while maintaining commitment to social goals. Data from a pilot study testing a survey instrument with a sample of 15 directors or managers of SPBs located in different regions of the United States show that slow growth, crosssubsidization, and diversification are key approaches to balancing commercial goals with social aims across a range of SPB organizational models. The relevance of these findings for future research on nonprofit social purpose enterprise is discussed.
Attention and Anxiety
Authors: Pacheco-Unguetti Antonia Pilar , Acosta Alberto , Callejas Alicia , Lupiáñez Juan
Published: January 2010

Anxiety modulates the functioning of attention. Although the existence of this relationship is clear, its nature is still poorly defined. Added are the facts that different types of anxiety—state or trait—may influence attention differently and that attention is not a unitary system. We studied the influence of such types of anxiety by means of a task that, using emotionally neutral information, assesses the efficiency of three attentional networks: orienting, alerting, and executive control. Results showed a double dissociation. Trait anxiety was related to deficiencies in the executive control network, but state anxiety was associated with an overfunctioning of the alerting and orienting networks.
Local or Global?
Authors: Flevaris Anastasia V. , Bentin Shlomo , Robertson Lynn C.
Published: January 2010

Contrary to the traditional view that shapes and their hierarchical level (local or global) are a priori integrated in perception, recent evidence suggests that the identity of a shape and its level are encoded independently, implying the need for shape-level binding to account for normal perception. What is the binding mechanism in this case? Using hierarchically arranged letter shapes, we obtained evidence that the left hemisphere has a preference for binding shapes to the local level, whereas the right hemisphere has a preference for binding shapes to the global level. More important, binding is modulated by attentional selection of higher or lower spatial frequencies. Attention to higher spatial frequencies facilitated subsequent binding by the left hemisphere of elements to the local level, whereas attention to lower spatial frequencies facilitated subsequent binding by the right hemisphere of elements to the global level.
The age and history of the French Mediterranean steppe revisited by soil wood charcoal analysis
Authors: Henry Frédéric , Talon Brigitte , Dutoit Thierry
Published: January 2010

In the Mediterranean basin, steppe vegetation is considered to be the result either of land clearing in the Neolithic or the result of harsh environmental conditions (shallow soils and/or Mediterranean drought). For the first time, a study was carried out in the French Mediterranean steppe area of the Crau in Southeastern France using soil wood charcoal analysis, a technique in which charcoals found in the soil are identified and dated. According to some authors, an original mixed oak and beech forest may have covered the plain and have been cleared in the Neolithic, or, in the view of other authors, the steppe vegetation may have existed in its present form since the Lateglacial period. A total of 14 soil samples and 23 C14 datings were performed. Our results show that no species of ancient forests dominated by Quercus pubescens and Fagus sylvatica or Q. ilex were present at the end of the Neolithic or during the Bronze Age. Only earlier successional species such as Pinus pinea/halepensis, Phillyrea angustifolia and Prunus sp. were burnt during these periods. The other charcoal identified from the Roman Empire, Middle Ages and Modern periods seem to be better correlated with pastoral settlements than natural secondary succession processes. These results obtained at a local scale confirm those already available from the western Mediterranean, which have shown that human impacts were the determining factors of the evolution of the Mediterranean vegetation during the Neolithic and Bronze age.
The historical dynamics of calcareous grasslands in the central and southern Franconian Jurassic mountains: a comparative pedoanthracological and pollen analytical study
Authors: Poschlod Peter , Baumann Andre
Published: January 2010

We present a thematic set on pedoanthracological research. In this paper a comparative analysis of soil wood charcoal from calcareous grasslands and pollen from an alluvial sediment profile has been carried out to reconstruct the history of calcareous grassland habitats in the Franconian Jura. Seven tree and shrub species (groups) were recorded from soil charcoal. Charcoal from Pinus dominated all spectra, indicating open forests or even less intensively grazed grasslands, which is supported by findings of remains of Juniperus and Ligustrum. Charcoals from Fagus, Quercus and Abies, indicating more closed forests, were comparatively rare. AMS radiocarbon datings assigned the charcoals to the period of the Roman Empire, the late Middle Ages and the early Modern Times correlating with the peaks of microcharcoals in the sediment profile. Juniperus pollen was used as indicator of calcareous grasslands. Plantago lanceolata, Galium type, Apiaceae, Ranunculaceae and Ballota/ Galeopsis pollen-types were significantly correlated with the occurrence of Juniperus and identified as further indicators. Pinus was selected as an indicator for open forests. Pollen of all indicator species occurred throughout the pollen profile starting in the Iron Age. The main peak of grassland indicator species pollen types was in the high Middle Ages. Maxima of Pinus pollen have been recorded in the periods of the Roman Empire and the late Middle Ages. We suggest extension maxima of less intensively grazed calcareous grasslands during the Roman Empire period and during the late Middle Ages and of intensively grazed grasslands in the high Middle Ages in the latter case correlated to intensive mining activities north of the study region. Increase in Pinus and the conversion of open into woody grasslands in the late Middle Ages/beginning of Modern Times was triggered by the abandonment of arable farming due to the decline of human population caused by pest diseases.
Pollen records from southern Taiwan: implications for East Asian summer monsoon variation during the Holocene
Authors: Lee Cheng-Yi , Liew Ping-Mei , Lee Teh-Quei
Published: January 2010

Pollen records from two cores retrieved from a valley basin in southern Taiwan show major changes in vegetation and climate occurring during the Holocene. Between 11 400 and 8200 cal. yr BP, the uplands surrounding this valley were dominated by the highland forest components of Maesa, Ardisia, Castanopsis, Cyclobalanopsis, Deutzia, Hydrangea, Ligustrum and Carpinus, which indicates the period was cooler than present. An increase in lowland forest components, such as Aglaia, Phoenix, Calamus, Glochidion and Schefflera , between 8200 and 4100 cal. yr BP, indicates a warmer period than present. It also marks the Holocene thermal optimum. The basin experienced cool climate conditions during the interval 4100 to 2100 cal. yr BP, evidenced by a decrease in lowland forest components. Finally, the climate became warm again from 2100 cal. yr BP, which is analogous to the climate conditions there today. We also identify four submillennial climate phases from pollen assemblages and swamp facies. Highland forest components increased in relative abundance, while the entire valley hosted a herb-dominant swamp, suggesting that the water-table was lower and the climate was cooler. We assert that the East Asian summer monsoon was weaker during these periods (10 600—10 300 cal. yr BP, 9400—8600 cal. yr BP, 7300—7000 cal. yr BP and 5700—5200 cal. yr BP).
Soil charcoal analysis: a reliable tool for spatially precise studies of past forest dynamics: a case study in the French southern Alps
Authors: Touflan Philippe , Talon Brigitte , Walsh Kevin
Published: January 2010

This paper presents and discusses the use of soil charcoal analysis (pedoanthracology) to reconstruct past forest dynamics in a larch forest of the upper Guil valley (French Alps, Queyras). We also discuss the role of anthropogenic fire in forest dynamics. The radiocarbon dates from this site demonstrate that arolla pine ( Pinus cembra) and larch were present in the area since 7566—7673 cal. BP and 5934—6123 cal. BP, respectively. The identification of a piece of charcoal to fir ( Abies alba) dated to 5734—5908 cal. BP suggests that this species was present at 1980 m a.s.l. since c. 6000 cal. BP and had a higher ecological tolerance than previously assumed. The cover of larch forests has increased since the second half of the Holocene because of anthropogenic practices (eg, clearing with fire, cattle grazing). However, today, owing to the abandonment of pastoral practices, the arolla pine has become dominant, which greatly modifies the forest structure and the landscape.
Protective effect of N-acetylcysteine on experimental chronic lead nephrotoxicity in immature female rats
Authors: Lin Wang  , Zhenyong Wang  , Jianzhu Liu
Published: January 2010

Oxidative stress plays a key role in lead (Pb)-induced nephrotoxicity. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a potent oxygen free radicals scavenger and a metal chelator. In the present study, female Sprague-Dawley rats received PbAc2 (300 mg/L, via drinking water) and/or NAC (100 mg/kg/day, by intraperitoneal injection) to investigate the protective effect of NAC on Pb-induced renal damage and oxidative stress as well as its mechanism of action. Renal toxicity was evaluated by measuring urinary excretion of total protein, β2-microglobulin, albumin and urinary enzyme markers of tubular necrosis, as well as serum urea nitrogen level. Activities of antioxidant enzymes, contents of glutathione and malondialdehyde in kidney were also measured. Renal cell damage was assessed by electron microscopy. Animals that received both Pb and NAC showed a better renal function than those receiving Pb alone. Lead-induced tubular lesions and mitochondrial damage were markedly reduced in rats that also received NAC. Also, NAC significantly reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation and markedly restored the enzymic and non-enzymatic antioxidants levels in kidney of Pb-treated rats. Moreover, NAC administration significantly increased urinary Pb excretion and decreased its level in the serum and kidney. In conclusion, NAC treatment prevents renal tubular damage induced by chronic Pb administration, most probably through its antioxidant properties and chelating ability.
Iridium alters immune balance between t helper 1 and t helper 2 responses
Authors: Iavicoli Ivo , Fontana Luca , Marinaccio Alessandro , Bergamaschi Antonio , Calabrese Edward J
Published: January 2010

The recent introduction of iridium (Ir) into the catalytic converter has resulted in an increase of Ir levels into the environment, especially ambient air and soil. These observations suggested the need to evaluate potential toxicity due to Ir exposure. Since Ir compounds have been previously shown to cause immune sensitization in humans, the effects of Ir via drinking water for 90 days was assessed in adult female Wistar rats with respect to selected immune parameters. The Ir exposure induced dose-dependent decrease (p < .01) in T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines and increase (p < .001) in a T helper 2 (Th2) cytokine. The findings show that the Ir exposure affects an immune imbalance with a skewing toward a Th2 bias, a risk factor for asthma.
Catechol cytotoxicity in vitro: Induction of glioblastoma cell death by apoptosis
Authors: de Oliveira DM , Pitanga BPS , Grangeiro MS , Lima RMF , Costa MFD , Costa SL , Clarêncio J. , El-Bachá RS
Published: January 2010

The exposure to benzene is a public health problem. Although the most well-known effect of benzene is hematopoietic toxicity, there is little information about the benzene and its metabolites effects on the central nervous system (CNS). This study examined the toxic effects of 1,2-dihydroxybenzene (catechol), a benzene metabolite, to human glioblastoma GL-15 cells. GL-15 cell cultures were used as a model to provide more information about the toxic effects of aromatic compounds to the CNS. Catechol induced time- and concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects. Morphological changes, such as the retraction of the cytoplasm and chromatin clumping, were seen in cells exposed to 200 μM catechol for 48 hours. In cells exposed to 600 μM catechol for 48 hours, 78.0% of them presented condensed nuclei, and the Comet assay showed DNA damage. The percentage of cells labeled with annexin V (apoptotic cells) was greater in the group exposed to catechol (20.7%) than in control cells (0.4%). Exposure to catechol at concentrations greater than 100 μM enhanced Bax levels, and a decrease in Bcl-2 level was observed after the exposure to 600 μM catechol for 48 hours. Furthermore, catechol depleted reduced glutathione. Hence, catechol induced cell death mainly by apoptosis.
Planning and implementation framework for a hybrid e-learning model
Authors: Huang Leelien Ken
Published: January 2010

E-learning and traditional classroom learning have been combined to deliver library and information science (LIS) education. However, the framework for planning and implementing a hybrid e-learning model is unclear in the literature. Using a routines-based perspective, e-learning opportunities were explored through identifying the internal difficulties of a part-time LIS postgraduate programme in Taiwan. External challenges were also examined. A practical implication of the findings is a planning and implementation framework for hybrid e-learning, namely ‘the Four Elements model’ and the ‘Structure-System-Process paradigm’, respectively. The former includes four core competencies: cost, service, quality and flexibility needed for LIS educators to formulate an action plan. The latter demonstrates how and what resources can be deployed to implement the action plan. With the framework, a part-time LIS postgraduate programme with limited e-learning courses is generally expected to develop a competitive advantage.
Group connotation in the analysis of the images in motion used in television departments
Authors: Caldera-Serrano Jorge
Published: January 2010

This paper describes a procedure to manage connotations, so that they may be identified in the document databases of television channels. The system is based on Ranganathan’s facets, as this is the best tool to describe actions — i.e. the units analysed in television — which enable the identification of the connoted information by introducing or specifying qualifiers. The procedure explains how to identify, not personal connotations, but any connotation that may be valid, useful and standard to a large collectiveness of individuals (journalists/information managers) at a specific time.
Adolescents With Life-Threatening Illnesses
Authors: Knapp Caprice , Quinn Gwendolyn P. , Murphy Devin , Brown Rebecca , Madden Vanessa
Published: January 2010

Adolescents have unique physical and psychosocial needs. Adolescents want to gain autonomy, yet they must still rely on their parents for support. These unique needs are further complicated by a life-threatening illness. Adolescents with life-threatening illnesses must rely on their parents, due to legal aspects of decision making, and they also face potential loss of peer interaction as they spend more time in hospitals and away from their friends. Adolescents may also be concerned with fertility, reproduction, and sexuality, issues that are often not addressed in palliative care programs. To meet the unique needs of adolescents, specific palliative care programs may need to be developed.
Kidney Flow and Function in Hypertension: Protective Effects of Pycnogenol in Hypertensive Participants—A Controlled Study
Authors: Cesarone Maria Rosaria , Belcaro Gianni , Stuard Stefano , Schönlau Frank , Di Renzo Andrea , Grossi Maria Giovanna , Dugall Mark , Cornelli Umberto , Cacchio Marisa , Gizzi Giuseppe , Pellegrini Luciano
Published: January 2010

This study evaluated the effects of Pycnogenol as an adjunct to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitor ramipril treatment of hypertensive patients presenting with early signs of renal function problems. One group of 26 patients was medicated with 10 mg ramipril per day only; a second group of 29 patients took Pycnogenol in addition to the ACE inhibitor over a period of 6 months. At trial end, a lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure was found in both groups, with a significant further reduction of diastolic pressure in the group given Pycnogenol in addition to ramipril. The major aim of this study was the investigation of kidney-protective effects of Pycnogenol. Urinary albumin decreased from 87 ± 23 to 64 ± 16 mg/d with ramipril only. Additional Pycnogenol lowered albumin significantly better from 91 ± 25 to 39 ± 13 mg/day (P < .05). In both groups, serum creatinine was lowered; however, only in the combination treatment group did the effect reached statistical significance. In both groups, CRP levels decreased from 2.1 to 1.8 with ramipril and from 2.2 to 1.1 with the ramipril—Pycnogenol combination; the latter reached statistical significance. Kidney cortical flow velocity was investigated by Doppler color duplex ultrasonography. Both systolic and diastolic flow velocities increased significantly after 6 months medication with ramipril. The addition of Pycnogenol to the regimen statistically significantly further enhanced kidney cortical flow velocities, by 8% for diastolic flow and 12% for systolic flow, relative to values found for the group taking ramipril only. The protective effects of Pycnogenol for initial kidney damage found in this study warrant further research with a larger number of patients and over a longer period of time.
Profiling Abusive Men Based on Women’s Self-Reports: Findings From a Sample of Urban Low-Income Minority Women
Authors: Panchanadeswaran Subadra , Ting Laura , Burke Jessica G. , O'Campo Patricia , McDonnell Karen A. , Gielen Andrea C.
Published: January 2010

Understanding abusive behaviors among nonclinical samples of men is important to help women in the community understand the risks they may face. The purpose of the current study is to identify abusive profiles and subgroups of non-treatment-seeking men using women’s self reports. Of the sample of 611 women, 43% reported current abuse; chronicity of psychological aggression was the highest. Cluster analysis results revealed three different types of abusers. Findings provided support for recognizing batterer heterogeneity, especially based on women’s reports. Recommendations for future research and the limitations of using batterer typologies are discussed.
Two Decades of Terror Management Theory: A Meta-Analysis of Mortality Salience Research
Authors: Burke Brian L. , Martens Andy , Faucher Erik H.
Published: January 2010

A meta-analysis was conducted on empirical trials investigating the mortality salience (MS) hypothesis of terror management theory (TMT). TMT postulates that investment in cultural worldviews and self-esteem serves to buffer the potential for death anxiety; the MS hypothesis states that, as a consequence, accessibility of death-related thought (MS) should instigate increased worldview and self-esteem defense and striving. Overall, 164 articles with 277 experiments were included. MS yielded moderate effects ( r = .35) on a range of worldview- and self-esteem-related dependent variables (DVs), with effects increased for experiments using (a) American participants, (b) college students, (c) a longer delay between MS and the DV, and (d) people-related attitudes as the DV. Gender and self-esteem may moderate MS effects differently than previously thought. Results are compared to other reviews and examined with regard to alternative explanations of TMT. Finally, suggestions for future research are offered.
Reconnecting With the Spirit of Workplace Ethnography
Authors: Zickar Michael J. , Carter Nathan T.
Published: January 2010

We chronicle the early history of organizational research in which ethnography was an important methodological tool used to study workers’ experiences. Early applied psychologists and management researchers were conversant with leading ethnographies and cited their work, occasionally even doing ethnography themselves. Although there is currently a vibrant niche of organizational researchers who use ethnography, the vast majority of organizational researchers have relied less on workplace ethnographies, citing them infrequently. We outline benefits of ethnography and explain reasons why organizational researchers should reconnect with the spirit of ethnography, even if practical constraints keep them from conducting ethnographical work themselves. In addition, we provide a list of recommended workplace ethnographies that have been cited most frequently by organizational researchers.
Structural-acoustic Design of a Multi-functional Sandwich Panel in an Automotive Context
Authors: Cameron Christopher J. , Wennhage Per , Göransson Peter , Rahmqvist Sven
Published: January 2010

This article deals with the design and weight optimization of a multi-functional vehicle body panel in an automotive context. An existing vehicle design has provided functional design requirements regarding static, dynamic, and acoustic behavior of the components of a car roof. A novel, multifunctional panel is proposed which integrates the component requirements present in a traditional roof system within a single module. The acoustic properties of two configurations of the novel panel are examined using numerical methods including advanced poro-elastic modeling tools compatible with Nastran, and compared with numerical results of a finite element model of the existing construction.
Functional SNPs in Genes Encoding the 5-HT2A Receptor Modify the Affinity and Potency of Several Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs
Authors: Davies Marilyn A. , Conley Yvette , Roth Bryan L.
Published: January 2010

Atypical antipsychotic drugs (AADs) are the standard treatment for both the acute and long-term management of schizophrenia and an augmentation to mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder (BD). Yet many individuals who take AADs do not fully respond to them, while others experience side effects that include weight gain and metabolic disorder. This in vitro pharmacogenetic study examined whether allelic variants in the 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT)2A receptor alter the in vitro pharmacology of six AADs (clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, ziprasidone, and aripiprazole). We selected 4 functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for investigation (Thr25Asn, Ile197Val, Ala447Val, and His452Tyr), conducted site-directed mutagenesis studies to induce variants into human HEK-293 cell lines, and screened allelic variants for their effects on 5-HT 2A receptors in the cell lines. We conducted numerous binding assays and fluorescence-based assay system (FLEX station) experiments using the six AADs. Our results indicated that three polymorphic 5-HT2A receptors (Ile197Val, Ala447Val, and His452Tyr) exhibited statistically significant, though modest, changes in atypical antipsychotic affinity. In addition, three polymorphic receptors (Thr25Asn, Ile197Val, and His452Try) altered AAD potency. Our findings support in vivo evidence that functional SNPs in genes encoding neuroreceptor drug targets could explain interindividual differences in AAD drug response and tolerability. We suggest that more in vivo pharmacogenetic studies of well-characterized patients who are prescribed AADs be indicated. Future pharmacogenetic studies of well-characterized patients will likely involve tagging SNPs and the use of haplotypes related to other genes encoding neuroreceptor drug targets.
Drinking from the waters of Lethe: A tale of organizational oblivion
Authors: Ciuk Sylwia , Kostera Monika
Published: January 2010

This article is a reflection on organizational oblivion, viewed as an archetypical antonym of learning. The consequences of this kind of forgetting for organizational identity construction are described as a narrative project. We refer to the image of Lethe, an archetype of forgetting, to depict how forgetting directly affects the process of identity narrative construction. In this perspective, drinking from the waters of Lethe implies not just the loss of knowledge or memories of how things are done, but the loss of identity so that the individuals do not know who they are anymore. In this context, forgetting disrupts organizational narrative which ceases to be a coherent story and results in organizational identity loss.
Talking about terror: Counterterrorist campaigns and the logic of representation
Authors: Chowdhury Arjun , Krebs Ronald R.
Published: January 2010

Counterterrorist state forces and terrorist insurgents compete to control not only territory and populations but language.The success of counterterrorism, therefore, hinges crucially on representational practices. Defeating terrorism in the long run requires both undermining the legitimacy of political violence and its purveyors and opening space for the pursuit of a less violent but still legitimate politics, and these are fundamentally rhetorical projects. Yet the literature has not shed much light on either the range of conceivable counterterrorist representational strategies or on states’ particular representational choices.This article presents and illustrates a typology of counterterrorist representational strategies. It argues that state leaders should ideally delegitimize the extremists’ means while politicizing some of their aspirations. Leaders often do not pursue this rhetorical path, however, due to the constraints imposed by existing understandings of terrorist organizations and especially by foundational discourses. These arguments are explored empirically through studies of the Indian, Spanish, and Turkish counterterrorist campaigns. The article concludes by extending the framework to clarify why the militarized rhetoric of the so-called ‘War on Terror’ is counterproductive.
Storying community: Re-imagining regional identities through public cultural activity
Authors: Bromley Roger
Published: January 2010

This article is designed to stimulate discussion around a number of related topics. Sceptical that governments, regional or otherwise, are capable of producing regional identities in any other but rhetorical or formulaic terms, it is argued that, in the past decade or so, a number of potentially popular and democratizing tendencies have developed in the wake of new media technologies, but also in different forms of public, community-based cultural activity. Drawing upon models of such activity like the 1993 Chicago Culture in Action project and other examples of a new genre of public art in Manchester and London, together with television-based initiatives, it will be shown how active communities, however tentative and provisional, can be brought into being through interests held in common. On the other hand, new social media are explored for their potential for producing ‘network communities’ in online and offline modes. One prominent and widespread example is digital storytelling, which, at local, regional, national and international levels, has recognized the power of the complex and multiple narratives that shape people’s lives and has harnessed these in ways that bring together narrative, technology and community-building as part of a development strategy, particularly for those alienated or otherwise excluded from access to media. Linked to the focus on digital storytelling will be a brief consideration of citizen media sites and initiatives as a means of possibly helping to open up, legitimate and construct regional identity in a multilayered fashion.
The glocalization of politics in television: Fiction or reality?
Authors: Wodak Ruth
Published: January 2010

This article investigates the ‘glocalization’ of the US TV popular drama series The West Wing, while focusing on one (in some ways) exceptional episode . Because politics is inherently linked to language, discourse and communication, I will take an approach from the perspective of critical discourse analysis (the discourse-historical approach), with a particular focus on elements of argumentation theory and rhetoric, and combine this with media studies. More specifically, I attempt to illustrate how a thorough understanding of the topoi operating within the complex dialogues and interactions helps to reveal the series’ (manifest and latent) political and didactic objectives, embedded in a longstanding tradition of conveying US American liberal values via films and TV.The episode analyzed in this article, Isaac and Ishmael (which was broadcast immediately after 9/11) is exceptional because it explicitly relates to salient real life events; its topical focus on the ‘war on terror’ shifts attention from US domestic politics to an issue that, according to US policy rhetoric, concerns the whole world. Thus, this episode links the debates taking place in one of the world’s most famous institutions, The White House, with those occurring in workplaces across the world: a truly ‘g/local’ moment. The interdisciplinary analysis allows insight into the intricate and complex discursive construction of new glocal narratives, particularly in times of political crisis, revealing which norms are projected and recontextualized both locally and globally, given the many translations of the series worldwide.
Legitimating inaction: Differing identity constructions of the Scots language
Authors: Unger Johann W.
Published: January 2010

The Scots language plays a key role in the political and cultural landscape of contemporary Scotland. From a discourse-historical perspective, this article explores how language ideologies about the Scots language are realized linguistically in a so-called ‘languages strategy’ drafted by the Scottish Executive, and in focus groups consisting of Scottish people. This article shows that although the decline of Scots is said to be a ‘tragedy’, focus group participants seem to reject the notion of Scots as a viable, contemporary language that can be used across a wide range of registers. The policy document also seems to construct Scots in very positive terms, but is shown to be unhelpful or potentially even damaging in the process of changing public attitudes to Scots.
Understanding Why Speech-Language Pathologists Rarely Pursue a PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Authors: Myotte Theodore , Hutchins Tiffany L. , Cannizzaro Michael S. , Belin Gayle
Published: January 2010

Masters-level speech-language pathologists in communication sciences and disorders ( n = 122) completed a survey soliciting their reasons for not pursuing doctoral study. Factor analysis revealed a four-factor solution including one reflecting a lack of interest in doctoral study (Factor 2) and one reflecting practical financial concerns (Factor 3). Not surprisingly, those who did (31%) and did not (69%) seriously consider a PhD differed on Factor 2 items in the expected direction. Descriptive analyses revealed that the top two reasons cited for not pursuing the doctoral degree (i.e., a preexisting high level of satisfaction with professional goals and masters degree) were the same for both groups. Beyond that, Factor 2 items dominated the top reasons among those who never considered a PhD, whereas Factor 3 items were the top reasons among those who did consider a PhD. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are considered.
Natural Orifice Proctectomy Using a Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgical Technique in a Porcine Model
Authors: Trunzo Joseph A. , Delaney Conor P.
Published: January 2010

Background. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has been used for several decades for excision of neoplastic lesions in the rectum. With the development of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) techniques, the authors describe a new method of proctectomy using a combination of TEM and NOTES principles. Methods. In a porcine model, a circumferential rectal sleeve resection was performed using TEM with flexible endoscopic assistance. The rectum was delivered through the anus, resected, and an end-to-end stapled anastomosis was performed. Results. The specimen was approximately 10 cm in length. No adjacent organ injuries or evidence of hemorrhage from the vascular pedicle or in the pelvis was observed at necropsy. Procedure time was 3 hours. Conclusion. This technique may increase the complexity of lesions accessible by TEM and may ultimately lead to the performance of total mesorectal excision using transanal techniques, reducing the morbidity of the abdominal approach.
Endoscopic-Assisted Closure of Persistent Gastrocutaneous Fistula With a Porcine Fistula Plug: Report of a New Technique
Authors: Wood James , Leong Stephen , McCarter Martin , Pearlman Nathan , Stiegmann Gregory , Gonzalez Ricardo J.
Published: January 2010

Persistent gastrocutaneous (GC) fistula is a rare but problematic complication of gastrostomy feeding tube removal. Several techniques for nonoperative fistula closure have been attempted with mixed results. None has proven both satisfactorily simple and consistently effective. The authors present a case of persistent GC fistula treated by a simple outpatient endoscopic-assisted procedure using a porcine anal fistula plug. The procedure requires only basic endoscopic skills, similar to percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement, and it involves minimal operative time and risk to the patient. This technique offers a potential solution to the troublesome problem of persistent GC fistula.
Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: A Controlled Study of Bipolar Inline Radiofrequency Ablation Device in Swine
Authors: Peng Yao  , Stanton Ray , Chua Terence C. , Wines Michael , Gunasegaram Aravin , Ladd Leigh A. , Morris David L.
Published: January 2010

Background: Bipolar inline radiofrequency ablation (ILRFA) is an effective way to control bleeding during parenchymal organ transection. This was investigated in a study of laparoscopic hand-assisted partial nephrectomy in swine. Methods: Nine Landrace pigs were divided between 2 groups; diathermy was employed in the control group for parenchymal transaction and ILRFA was applied in the experimental group through a hand-port and deployed into the resection plane. After complete coagulation, resection was performed using scissors. Results: The mean intraoperative blood loss was 32 ± 15 mL in the ILRFA group and 187 ± 69 mL in the control group: a 82.9% reduction ( P = .015). The mean blood loss per resection area was 2.53 ± 0.92 mL/cm2 in the ILRFA group compared with 17.31 ± 9.05 mL/cm 2 in controls; the reduction was 85.4% ( P = .005). Conclusions: ILRFA is effective in achieving reducing blood loss and provides a drier operative field for precise dissection.
Survey of State Public Health Department Resources for Men and Boys: Identification of an Inadvertent and Remediatable Service and Health Disparity
Authors: Williams Scott , Giorgianni Salvatore
Published: January 2010

State Public Health Departments (SPHDs) provide critical access to health outreach and services. Important strides have been made in these areas for broad ranges of populations; however, many men’s health advocates believe that services to achieve similar goals for men and boys have inadvertently declined creating an unintended, but remediatable, service and health disparity. In 2008, the Men’s Health Network completed a benchmarking survey of SPHDs to investigate the validity of concerns about this disparity, characterize the range and nature of existing SPHD resources for men and boys, and establish a survey methodology. Validated data were obtained from 49 states and Washington, D.C. Analysis indicates that there are few state resources dedicated to the health of men and boys, such resources are significantly less than for other populations, few states have population-specific information for men and boys, and most such information was subsumed in women’s health information sites. This study validates concerns that a health disparity has developed; highlights the need for better planning, resourcing, and outreach specific to men and boys; and indicates the imperative to perform a regular comprehensive environmental scan to guide policy.
How can we build skills to transform the healthcare system?
Authors: Bevan Helen
Published: January 2010

Across the world, healthcare organisations are implementing radical change strategies in the face of unprecedented financial challenge. In this context, a focus on building capacity and capability for improvement is a key strategy. Global analysis shows that the most common characteristic of healthcare organisations that deliver outstanding performance in cost and quality is a systematic approach to capability building for improvement. The paper looks at where to start in order to build improvement skills at every level of the healthcare system and empower frontline staff to make changes that will deliver results. The current situation of the English NHS is used to illustrate the points made. What will it take to skill up and mobilise the entire healthcare workforce, to create a mass movement of change agents, to sustain the energy for change for the longer term and deliver the transformational results in cost and quality that are sought for patients and populations?
Management of the Complicated Sports Concussion Patient
Authors: Kutcher Jeffrey S.
Published: January 2010

Context:

Whereas the majority of sports concussions are isolated self-limited events, some patients have more complicated presentations and management needs. This review presents a framework for the management of these complicated concussion patients.

Evidence Acquisition

A MEDLINE search for the years 1990 to 2009 was performed using the search terms concussion and athletic injuries. Secondary search terms included symptom, incidence, treatment, and risk factor. The Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy grading system was used for all clinical recommendations.

Results:

Patterns of complicated sports concussion presentations were identified from literature review, anecdote, and personal experience of the author and colleagues. All clinical recommendations carry a grade of C, unless otherwise noted.

Conclusion:

The sports medicine provider should be aware of certain patterns of complicated sports concussion presentations in order to use a patient-focused approach to management.
Heparanase-enhanced shedding of syndecan-1 by myeloma cells promotes endothelial invasion and angiogenesis
Authors: Purushothaman Anurag , Uyama Toru , Kobayashi Fumi , Yamada Shuhei , Sugahara Kazuyuki , Rapraeger Alan C. , Sanderson Ralph D.
Published: January 2010

Heparanase enhances shedding of syndecan-1 (CD138), and high levels of heparanase and shed syndecan-1 in the tumor microenvironment are associated with elevated angiogenesis and poor prognosis in myeloma and other cancers. To explore how the heparanase/syndecan-1 axis regulates angiogenesis, we used myeloma cells expressing either high or low levels of heparanase and examined their impact on endothelial cell invasion and angiogenesis. Medium conditioned by heparanase-high cells significantly stimulated endothelial invasion in vitro compared with medium from heparanase-low cells. The stimulatory activity was traced to elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and syndecan-1 in the medium. We discovered that the heparan sulfate chains of syndecan-1 captured VEGF and also attached the syndecan-1/VEGF complex to the extracellular matrix where it then stimulated endothelial invasion. In addition to its heparan sulfate chains, the core protein of syndecan-1 was also required because endothelial invasion was blocked by addition of synstatin, a peptide mimic of the integrin activating region present on the syndecan-1 core protein. These results reveal a novel mechanistic pathway driven by heparanase expression in myeloma cells whereby elevated levels of VEGF and shed syndecan-1 form matrix-anchored complexes that together activate integrin and VEGF receptors on adjacent endothelial cells thereby stimulating tumor angiogenesis.