bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The moderating effect of tenure in person—environment fit: A field study in educational organizations
Authors: Ostroff Cheri , Rothausen Teresa J.
Published: August 2011

This study investigated the role of employee tenure in the relationship between person and environment factors whereby person factors were represented by personal orientations of teachers and environment factors by organizational climates in schools. Questionnaires assessing personal orientations and tenure were completed by 597 employees from 29 organizations. Climate scores were assessed based on the perceptions of a separate sample of 581 employees from the same organizations. Consistent with Schneider's ASA framework, results suggest that tenure moderates the relationship between person and environment; teachers with longer tenure generally fit the school better than their colleagues with shorter tenure. The effects were stronger at the aggregate group level than at the individual level. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Work values: An integrative framework and illustrative application to organizational socialization
Authors: Dose Jennifer J.
Published: August 2011

This article examines the work values and ethics literatures with the goal of integrating these diverse and independent research streams. The vocational behaviour literature and the management and organizational behaviour literature on work values, the Protestant Work Ethic construct, and business ethics theory are first reviewed and discussed, demonstrating how insights from these diverse research areas can inform each other. I propose a comprehensive definition of work values and a structural framework that reflects the central elements of the construct and reduces confusion over its conceptual boundaries. The framework consists of a two‐by‐two dimensional structure, with one continuum ranging from personal to social consensus‐type values, and the other axis corresponding to moral versus preference values. The contents of each resulting quadrant and the relationships between quadrants are examined. Implications of this proposed structure for organizational socialization are discussed to illustrate its potential application.
The effect of one partner's job characteristics on the other partner's distress: A serendipitous, but naturalistic, experiment
Authors: Morrison David L. , Clements Rachel
Published: August 2011

Studies investigating the transference of stress have shown that occupational stressors are transmitted from the job incumbent to a cohabiting partner, affecting not only his/her physical and psychological health but life expectancy as well. These studies remain limited in that they are based on simple bivariate correlations and hence are open to the criticism that: (i) causality has not been demonstrated; (ii) the observed correlations may be due to uncontrolled confounding influences. This study aims to overcome these limitations by using a longitudinal design where job characteristics ‘naturally’, but predictably, fluctuate to identify the causal relationship between one partner's job and the other partner's distress. The sample comprised 82 Navy couples (54 sea‐based and 28 shore‐based personnel). The job stressors under investigation included the deployment of the seagoing partner and his perceptions of job characteristics (role ambiguity, conflict and work overload). Both the impact on partner well‐being of objective and subjective perceptions of job characteristics were included in the present study. The results showed that the well‐being of the partners who remain at home fluctuates as a function of deployment status and the mariners' perceptions of their job characteristics. It is concluded that the seagoing partners' job characteristics do have a causal influence on the well‐being of their partners.
Relation of work–family conflict to health outcomes: A four‐year longitudinal study of employed parents
Authors: Frone Michael R. , Russell Marcia , Cooper M. Lynne
Published: August 2011

Cross‐sectional research provides consistent evidence that work–family conflict is positively associated with a host of adverse health‐related outcomes. The authors extend past research by examining the longitudinal relations of work → family and family → work conflict to self‐report (depressive symptomatology, physical health, and heavy alcohol use) and objective cardiovascular (incidence of hypertension) health outcomes. Survey data were obtained from a random community sample of 267 employed parents during 1989 (baseline) and 1993 (follow‐up). Ordinary least squares and logistic regression analyses revealed that family → work conflict was longitudinally related to elevated levels of depression and poor physical health, and to the incidence of hypertension. In contrast, work → family conflict was longitudinally related to elevated levels of heavy alcohol consumption.
Active coping and need for control as moderators of the job demand–control model: Effects on burnout
Authors: De Rijk Angelique E. , Blanc Pascale M. Le , Schaufeli Wilmar B. , De Jonge Jan
Published: August 2011

Empirical research on Karasek's job demand–control (JD‐C) model has often failed to demonstrate the predicted interaction effect of high job demands and low job control on measures of strain. It has been suggested that the conceptualization of the control dimension as well as the neglect of workers' individual characteristics in the JD‐C model may be responsible for its relative lack of empirical support. In the current study among 367 Dutch nurses from 18 intensive care units, a more focused measure of control was used. In addition, two individual characteristics (i.e. active coping and need for control) were included as potential moderators in the JD‐C model. The demand‐control interaction effect as predicted by the JD‐C model could not be demonstrated. However, active coping turned out to moderate the interaction between job demands and job control. A misfit between level of control and individual coping style intensified the stress‐enhancing effect of job demands. Further research on the extension of the JD‐C model with personal characteristics is recommended.
Relative importance of referents on pay satisfaction: A review and test of a new policy‐capturing approach
Authors: Law Kenneth S. , Wong Chi‐Sum
Published: August 2011

Two approaches for estimating the relative importance of various referents in affecting pay satisfaction are reviewed. The first approach uses the most frequently reported referents by the respondents as the most important referents. The logic of this approach is questioned because frequency of using a referent is different from his/her relative importance. The second approach uses a policy‐capturing method by which respondents are asked to evaluate their pay satisfaction when compared to various referents. The respondents' overall pay satisfaction is then regressed on these evaluations. This approach may have the problem of the common method effect (i.e. the problem of common method variances between predictors and criterion) and the dominance effect (i.e. higher measurement errors for referents with narrower pay ranges). An alternative policy‐capturing approach that minimizes these two limitations is suggested. Data from a sample of 106 bank clerks show that the use of the above three approaches can result in three different conclusions. Because some important methodological limitations are avoided in this new policy‐capturing approach, and given the reasonable results derived from it, we conclude that this new approach should be considered for future research on pay referent selection.
A longitudinal study of the job perception–job satisfaction relationship: A test of the three alternative specifications
Authors: Wong Chi‐Sum , Hui Chun , Law Kenneth S.
Published: August 2011

Although past job design research has demonstrated that job perception and job satisfaction are related, there is considerable debate on the causal direction of this relationship. Three alternative specifications of the causal direction can be deduced from three different theories: (1) job perception is the cause (deduced from the job characteristics model); (2) job satisfaction is the cause (deduced from social information‐processing theory); and (3) the two constructs are reciprocally related (deduced from cognitive social learning theory). Past studies have not provided a comparative test of these three alternative specifications. Thus, the causal relationship between these two constructs remains nebulous. A longitudinal design was employed to examine the relationship between job perception and the different components of job satisfaction (i.e. overall, intrinsic and extrinsic) with data collected over a two‐year time span. Structural equation modelling was conducted to investigate the cross‐lagged relationships between job perception and job satisfaction. Results indicated that job perception was reciprocally related to overall and intrinsic job satisfaction. Implications for job design research and practices are discussed.
Behavioural plasticity and mental health outcomes for long‐term unemployed attending occupational training programmes
Authors: Creed P. A. , Hicks R. E. , Machin M. A.
Published: August 2011

This paper reports on immediate and delayed mental health outcomes for a group of long‐term unemployed individuals who attended occupational skills/personal development training courses. Results for participants were compared with a waiting‐list control group. Outcomes investigated were well‐being (depression, psychological distress, self‐esteem, life‐satisfaction, guilt, anger, helplessness), attitude to work (employment expectations, employment commitment, employment value) and life‐situation (social support, financial strain, use of community resources). Immediate benefits were identified for five of the well‐being and one attitude‐to‐work variables. Few gains persisted at follow‐up. Behavioural plasticity effects for well‐being and attitude‐to‐work variables were identified by comparing outcomes for participants who had lower scores prior to the course with participants who reported higher scores at that time.
The effects of work control and job demands on employee adjustment and work performance
Authors: Sargent Leisa D. , Terry Deborah J.
Published: August 2011

The present study examined the effects of work control and job demands on employee adjustment and work performance using a multidimensional measure of work control (assessing levels of task control, decision control and work scheduling control). It was proposed that the negative effects of job demands and employee adjustment would be moderated by high levels of task control. It was also proposed that there would be evidence of main effects of both job demands and work control (particularly task‐related levels of control) on employee adjustment. To test these predictions, a study of 135 university employees holding administrative positions was undertaken. Methodological improvements over previous research included the use of both self‐reported adjustment measures and supervisor ratings of work performance as outcome variables, and the assessment of the predictor and outcome measures at different points in time (self‐reported adjustment was assessed at both Times 1 and 2). The results revealed some support for the proposal that the effects of job demands would be buffered by high levels of task control, but not more peripheral aspects of work control. There were also significant main effects of task control on job satisfaction.
On the Development of a Low Cost Pyrheliometer
Authors: Gnos Michael , Greska Brenton , Krothapalli Anjaneyulu
Published: August 2011

A low cost pyrheliometer, based on a thermoelectric sensor, was developed at the Energy and Sustainability Center at the Florida State University. In addition, an inexpensive double-axis tracking device, capable of autonomous operation, enables the pyrheliometer to operate as a stand-alone system. Widely available off-the-shelf components were used and compromises in accuracy and time responsiveness were made in order to keep the cost low. The obtained data was compared with an Eppley Normal Incidence Pyrheliometer (NIP) using model ST-1 solar tracker. Steady state values of irradiance were measured with an accuracy better than ±2%. Transient measurements are time delayed by a thermal lag of about 2 min, which leads to a high error for instantaneous measured values. However, the integrated irradiance over the course of any given day yields irradiation values with accuracy better than ±2%, even on days when the sun and clouds quickly alternate. Based on a manufacturing cost analysis, the prototype pyrheliometer system is anticipated to cost an order of magnitude less than commercially available products if mass-produced.
Uncertainties in Modeled Direct Irradiance Around the Sahara as Affected by Aerosols: Are Current Datasets of Bankable Quality?
Authors: Gueymard Christian A.
Published: August 2011

The design, energy output, and cost effectiveness of solar projects using concentrators critically depend on the resource in direct normal irradiance (DNI). Many modeled DNI datasets now exist, and a recent preliminary study has shown some areas of serious disagreement in Europe. So far, no rigorous performance assessment has been undertaken for other parts of the world. The present contribution focuses on North Africa and bordering regions, which have great solar potential for power plants based on thermal or photovoltaic concentration systems. The mean monthly and annual performance of eight different modeled datasets providing DNI is analyzed here, with respect to measured radiation data at 14 sites, which are used as “ground-truth”. Relatively good results are generally obtained for sites in southern Europe. Serious problems, however, are found at various sites in North Africa or the Middle East. Most of these problems appear linked to inadequate aerosol optical depth data used by the models, and to the dust storms from the Sahara that regularly, and strongly, modify the aerosol regime. A method that can potentially correct these problems, or allow for model benchmarking based on a reference aerosol database, is proposed. The bankability of current datasets is questioned.
In vivo MR acoustic radiation force imaging in the porcine liver
Authors: Holbrook Andrew B. , Ghanouni Pejman , Santos Juan M. , Medan Yoav , Butts Pauly Kim
Published: August 2011

Purpose:

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in the abdomen can be sensitive to acoustic aberrations that can exist in the beam path of a single sonication. Having an accurate method to quickly visualize the transducer focus without damaging tissue could assist with executing the treatment plan accurately and predicting these changes and obstacles. By identifying these obstacles, MR acoustic radiation force imaging (MR‐ARFI) provides a reliable method for visualizing the transducer focus quickly without damaging tissue and allows accurate execution of the treatment plan.

Methods:

MR‐ARFI was used to view the HIFU focus, using a gated spin echo flyback readout‐segmented echo‐planar imaging sequence. HIFU spots in a phantom and in the livers of five live pigs under general anesthesia were created with a 550 kHz extracorporeal phased array transducer initially localized with a phase‐dithered MR‐tracking sequence to locate microcoils embedded in the transducer. MR‐ARFI spots were visualized, observing the change of focal displacement and ease of steering. Finally, MR‐ARFI was implemented as the principle liver HIFU calibration system, and MR‐ARFI measurements of the focal location relative to the thermal ablation location in breath‐hold and breathing experiments were performed.

Results:

Measuring focal displacement with MR‐ARFI was achieved in the phantom andin vivo liver. In one in vivo experiment, where MR‐ARFI images were acquired repeatedly at the same location with different powers, the displacement had a linear relationship with power [y = 0.04x + 0.83 μm (R2 = 0.96)]. In another experiment, the displacement images depicted the electronic steering of the focus inside the liver. With the new calibration system, the target focal location before thermal ablation was successfully verified. The entire calibration protocol delivered 20.2 J of energy to the animal (compared to greater than 800 J for a test thermal ablation). ARFI displacement maps were compared with thermal ablations during seven breath‐hold ablations. The error was 0.83 ± 0.38 mm in the S/I direction and 0.99 ± 0.45 mm in the L/R direction. For six spots in breathing ablations, the mean error in the nonrespiration direction was 1.02 ± 0.89 mm.

Conclusions:

MR‐ARFI has the potential to improve free‐breathing plan execution accuracy compared to current calibration and acoustic beam adjustment practices. Gating the acquisition allows for visualization of the focal spot over the course of respiratory motion, while also being insensitive to motion effects that can complicate a thermal test spot. That MR‐ARFI measures a mechanical property at the focus also makes it insensitive to high perfusion, of particular importance to highly perfused organs such as the liver.
Discovery and Preclinical Validation of Drug Indications Using Compendia of Public Gene Expression Data
Authors: Sirota Marina , Dudley Joel T. , Kim Jeewon , Chiang Annie P. , Morgan Alex A. , Sweet-Cordero Alejandro , Sage Julien , Butte Atul J.
Published: August 2011

A systematic computational method predicts new uses for existing drugs by integrating public gene expression signatures of drugs and diseases.
The Emergence of Genome-Based Drug Repositioning
Authors: Lussier Yves A. , Chen James L.
Published: August 2011

Genome-wide methods of mRNA signature analyses permit the high-throughput evaluation of medications for drug repurposing.
Stem Cell–Mediated Transfer of a Human Artificial Chromosome Ameliorates Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Tedesco Francesco Saverio , Hoshiya Hidetoshi , D’Antona Giuseppe , Gerli Mattia F. M. , Messina Graziella , Antonini Stefania , Tonlorenzi Rossana , Benedetti Sara , Berghella Libera , Torrente Yvan , Kazuki Yasuhiro , Bottinelli Roberto , Oshimura Mitsuo , Cossu Giulio
Published: August 2011

Combining gene delivery using a human artificial chromosome with stem cell transplantation ameliorates muscular dystrophy in a mouse model.
Biomedical Innovation: A Risky Business at Risk
Authors: Stack Richard S. , Harrington Robert A.
Published: August 2011

Biomedical innovation needs a new regulatory framework that better balances the benefits and risks to the public of pioneering products.
Computational Repositioning of the Anticonvulsant Topiramate for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Dudley Joel T. , Sirota Marina , Shenoy Mohan , Pai Reetesh K. , Roedder Silke , Chiang Annie P. , Morgan Alex A. , Sarwal Minnie M. , Pasricha Pankaj Jay , Butte Atul J.
Published: August 2011

Computationally predicted repositioning of an anticonvulsant for inflammatory bowel disease is confirmed experimentally.
Evaluating Preclinical Efficacy
Authors: Atkinson Mark A.
Published: August 2011

Translation of modern type 1 diabetes treatments from mouse to humans depends on implementation of therapeutic efficacy standards.
Healing Achilles’ Heel
Authors: Skelly Christopher L.
Published: August 2011

Self-assembling filamentous peptide nanofibers promote therapeutic angiogenesis.
How do women feel about their cervical cytology samples being used for research?: Table 1
Authors: Coope Caroline , Rose Karen , Glasier Anna , Stephenson Judith
Published: August 2011

Background and methodology

The introduction of liquid-based cytology (LBC) for cervical screening in the UK has enabled research into human papillomavirus as an adjunct to screening and provides potential opportunities for population-based research into women's health. The authors explored women's views on the use of remnant LBC samples for sexual and reproductive health research. A pilot study was conducted to assess the acceptability of collecting and storing remnant LBC specimens for future use in sexual and reproductive health research. Women attending a clinic for their routine smear test were recruited to the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subsample of the women to explore acceptability issues.

Results

Of women invited to participate (n=369), 86% (n=316) consented to the storage and use of their remnant sample for research. Of these, 96% (n=304) consented to their sample being linked to reproductive health records. Women interviewed (n=23) were happy with the research process although unclear about what future research might be conducted on their specimen and what health records would be accessed.

Discussion and conclusion

As research becomes technically and ethically more complex the challenge remains to find the right balance between providing sufficient relevant information to ensure informed consent and allay participant's fears, while guarding against the inclusion of excessive detail. The introduction of LBC for cervical screening across the UK brings a new opportunity to integrate research studies within a national cervical screening programme. Our study suggests this is acceptable to women.
A systematic review of longitudinal population-based studies on the predictors of smoking cessation in adolescent and young adult smokers
Authors: Cengelli Semanur , O'Loughlin Jennifer , Lauzon Beatrice , Cornuz Jacques
Published: August 2011

Objective

To describe the determinants of self-initiated smoking cessation of duration of at least 6 months as identified in longitudinal population-based studies of adolescent and young adult smokers.

Methods

A systematic search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases using smoking, tobacco, cessation, quit and stop as keywords was performed. Limits included articles related to humans, in English, published between January 1984 and August 2010, and study population aged 10–29 years. A total of 4502 titles and 871 abstracts were reviewed independently by 2 and 3 reviewers, respectively. Nine articles were retained for data abstraction. Data on study location, timeframe, duration of follow-up, number of data collection points, sample size, age/grade of participants, number of quitters, smoking status at baseline, definition of cessation, covariates and analytic method were abstracted from each article. The number of studies that reported a statistically significant association between each determinant investigated and cessation were tabulated, from among all studies that assessed the determinant.

Results

Despite heterogeneity in methods across studies, five factors robustly predicted quitting across studies in which the factor was investigated: not having friends who smoke, not having intentions to smoke in the future, resisting peer pressure to smoke, being older at first use of cigarette and having negative beliefs about smoking.

Conclusions

The literature on longitudinal predictors of cessation in adolescent and young adult smokers is not well developed. Cessation interventions for this population will remain less than optimally effective until there is a solid evidence base on which to develop interventions.
Continuous monitoring of pop hole usage by commercially housed free‐range hens throughout the production cycle
Authors: Richards G. J. , Wilkins L. J. , Knowles T. G. , Booth F. , Toscano M. J. , Nicol C. J. , Brown S. N.
Published: August 2011

Free‐range laying hens are able to move between the indoor house and range through exits termed pop holes. The aim of this study was to examine the proportion of the flock that used the pop holes and to identify patterns of movement throughout the flock cycle. Four flocks of free‐range hens each of 1500 birds were studied. Ten per cent of each flock were tagged with RFID (radio‐frequency identification) transponders and their pop hole activity studied throughout the production cycle. Within two weeks of tagging at 25, 35, 45, 55 and 65 weeks of age, approximately 80 per cent of the tagged birds were seen in the pop holes and 50 per cent of the tagged birds were seen on 80 per cent of the days available to them after tagging. Within the flock, subpopulations of birds could be identified: those that never ventured to the pop holes (approximately 8 per cent), those that used the pop holes very infrequently (approximately 8 per cent), those that sat in the pop holes (approximately 4 per cent), and those that used the pop holes frequently (approximately 80 per cent). There was an effect of age of the birds, time of day and daily mean temperature on pop hole usage. Additional factors affecting activity on particular days were wind speed, rainfall and hours of sunshine. The findings show that a significant proportion of the flock accesses the pop holes on a regular basis with only a very small proportion preferring to stay in the house.
Mn Valence Determination for Lanthanum Strontium Manganite Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathodes
Authors: Shih Shao-Ju , Sharghi-Moshtaghin Reza , De Guire Mark R. , Goettler Richard , Xing Zhengliang , Liu Zhien , Heuer Arthur H.
Published: August 2011

Lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM) is widely used in cathodes of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) because of its long-term stability and performance at higher operating temperatures (850–900°C). The conductivity of LSM depends on the Mn valence, which in turn depends on the level of strontium doping, the ratio of (La+Sr) to Mn, and the operating environment of the cell (temperature and atmosphere). Consequently, determining Mn valences is a key issue in understanding the relationship between conductivity and operating conditions. Although the defect chemistry of LSM has been investigated extensively, this study is the first that compares new measurements of Mn valence from two direct, independent techniques: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Furthermore, we have examined surfaces and interfaces of LSM in cathode-symmetric SOFCs, and XPS results from surfaces in LSM exposed to a range of atmospheres and temperatures.
Apelin and the proopiomelanocortin system: a new regulatory pathway of hypothalamic α-MSH release
Authors: Reaux-Le Goazigo Annabelle , Bodineau Laurence , De Mota Nadia , Jeandel Lydie , Chartrel Nicolas , Knauf Claude , Raad Carine , Valet Philippe , Llorens-Cortes Catherine
Published: August 2011

Neuronal networks originating in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Arc) play a fundamental role in controlling energy balance. In the Arc, neuropeptide Y (NPY)-producing neurons stimulate food intake, whereas neurons releasing the proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptide α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) strongly decrease food intake. There is growing evidence to suggest that apelin and its receptor may play a role in the central control of food intake, and both are concentrated in the Arc. We investigated the presence of apelin and its receptor in Arc NPY- and POMC-containing neurons and the effects of apelin on α-MSH release in the hypothalamus. We showed, by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, that apelin-immunoreactive (IR) neuronal cell bodies were distributed throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the Arc and that apelin was strongly colocalized with POMC, but weakly colocalized with NPY. However, there were numerous NPY-IR nerve fibers close to the apelin-IR neuronal cell bodies. By combining in situ hybridization with immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated the presence of apelin receptor mRNA in Arc POMC neurons. Moreover, using a perifusion technique for hypothalamic explants, we demonstrated that apelin-17 (K17F) increased α-MSH release, suggesting that apelin released somato-dendritically or axonally from POMC neurons may stimulate α-MSH release in an autocrine manner. Consistent with these data, hypothalamic apelin levels were found to be higher in obese db/db mice and fa/fa Zucker rats than in wild-type animals. These findings support the hypothesis that central apelin is involved in regulating body weight and feeding behavior through the direct stimulation of α-MSH release.
Task goals influence online corrections and adaptation of reaching movements
Authors: Schlerf John E. , Ivry Richard B.
Published: August 2011

Everyday movements often have multiple solutions. Many of these solutions arise from biomechanical redundancies. Often, however, the goal does not require a unique movement. To examine how people exploit task-related redundancy, we observed as participants produced three-dimensional (3-D) reaching movements, moving to one of two rectangular targets that were diagonally oriented in the frontal ( x, y) plane. On most trials, the movement was perturbed by a vertical, velocity-dependent force. Since participants were free to move in 3-D space, online corrections could involve movement along the perturbed, vertical dimension, as well as the nonperturbed, horizontal dimension. If the motor system exploits task redundancies, then corrections along the horizontal dimension should depend on the orientation of the target. Consistent with this prediction, participants modified both the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the trajectory over the course of learning, and the horizontal component was sensitive to the orientation of the target. Furthermore, participants produced online corrections with a horizontal component that brought the hand closer to the target. These results suggest that we not only correct for mismatches between expected and experienced forces but also exploit task-specific redundancies to efficiently improve performance.
Behavioral training restores temporal processing in auditory cortex of long-deaf cats
Authors: Vollmer Maike , Beitel Ralph E.
Published: August 2011

Temporal auditory processing is poor in prelingually hearing-impaired patients fitted with cochlear prostheses as adults. In an animal model of prelingual long-term deafness, we investigated the effects of behavioral training on temporal processing in the adult primary auditory cortex (AI). Neuronal responses to pulse trains of increasing frequencies were recorded in three groups of neonatally deafened cats that received a cochlear prosthesis after >3 yr of deafness: 1) acutely implanted animals that received no electric stimulation before study, 2) animals that received chronic-passive stimulation for several weeks to months before study, and 3) animals that received chronic-passive stimulation and additional behavioral training (signal detection). A fourth group of normal adult cats that was deafened acutely and implanted served as controls. The neuronal temporal response parameters of interest included the stimulus rate that evoked the maximum number of phase-locked spikes [best repetition rate (BRR)], the stimulus rate that produced 50% of the spike count at BRR (cutoff rate), the peak-response latency, and the first spike latency and timing-jitter. All long-deaf animals demonstrated a severe reduction in spiral ganglion cell density (mean, <6% of normal). Long-term deafness resulted in a significantly reduced temporal following capacity and spike-timing precision of cortical neurons in all parameters tested. Neurons in deaf animals that received only chronic-passive stimulation showed a gain in BRR but otherwise were similar to deaf cats that received no stimulation. In contrast, training with behaviorally relevant stimulation significantly enhanced all temporal processing parameters to normal levels with the exception of minimum latencies. These results demonstrate the high efficacy of learning-based remodeling of fundamental timing properties in cortical processing even in the adult, long-deaf auditory system, suggesting rehabilitative strategies for patients with long-term hearing loss.
Integrated genomic approaches to identification of candidate genes underlying metabolic and cardiovascular phenotypes in the spontaneously hypertensive rat
Authors: Morrissey Catherine , Grieve Ian C. , Heinig Matthias , Atanur Santosh , Petretto Enrico , Pravenec Michal , Hubner Norbert , Aitman Timothy J.
Published: August 2011

The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) is a widely used rodent model of hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Previously we identified thousands of cis-regulated expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) across multiple tissues using a panel of rat recombinant inbred (RI) strains derived from Brown Norway and SHR progenitors. These cis-eQTLs represent potential susceptibility loci underlying physiological and pathophysiological traits manifested in SHR. We have prioritized 60 cis-eQTLs and confirmed differential expression between the parental strains by quantitative PCR in 43 (72%) of the eQTL transcripts. Quantitative trait transcript (QTT) analysis in the RI strains showed highly significant correlation between cis-eQTL transcript abundance and clinically relevant traits such as systolic blood pressure and blood glucose, with the physical location of a subset of the cis-eQTLs colocalizing with “physiological” QTLs (pQTLs) for these same traits. These colocalizing correlated cis-eQTLs (c3-eQTLs) are highly attractive as primary susceptibility loci for the colocalizing pQTLs. Furthermore, sequence analysis of the c3-eQTL genes identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are predicted to affect transcription factor binding affinity, splicing and protein function. These SNPs, which potentially alter transcript abundance and stability, represent strong candidate factors underlying not just eQTL expression phenotypes, but also the correlated metabolic and physiological traits. In conclusion, by integration of genomic sequence, eQTL and QTT datasets we have identified several genes that are strong positional candidates for pathophysiological traits observed in the SHR strain. These findings provide a basis for the functional testing and ultimate elucidation of the molecular basis of these metabolic and cardiovascular phenotypes.
F-Ratio Test and Hypothesis Weighting: A Methodology to Optimize Feature Vector Size
Authors: Dünki R. M. , Dressel M.
Published: August 2011

Reducing a feature vector to an optimized dimensionality is a common problem in biomedical signal analysis. This analysis retrieves the characteristics of the time series and its associated measures with an adequate methodology followed by an appropriate statistical assessment of these measures (e.g., spectral power or fractal dimension). As a step towards such a statistical assessment, we present a data resampling approach. The techniques allow estimating σ2(F), that is, the variance of an F-value from variance analysis. Three test statistics are derived from the so-called F-ratio σ2(F)/F2. A Bayesian formalism assigns weights to hypotheses and their corresponding measures considered (hypothesis weighting). This leads to complete, partial, or noninclusion of these measures into an optimized feature vector. We thus distinguished the EEG of healthy probands from the EEG of patients diagnosed as schizophrenic. A reliable discriminance performance of 81% based on Taken's χ, α-, and δ-power was found.
A Wideband Channel Model for Intravehicular Nomadic Systems
Authors: Bellens François , Quitin François , Dricot Jean-Michel , Horlin François , Benlarbi-Delaï Aziz , De Doncker Philippe
Published: August 2011

The increase in electronic entertainment equipments within vehicles has rendered the idea of replacing the wired links with intra-vehicle personal area networks. Ultra-wideband (UWB) seems an appropriate candidate technology to meet the required data rates for interconnecting such devices. In particular, the multiband OFDM (MB-OFDM) is able to provide very high transfer rates (up to 480 MBps) over relatively short distances and low transmit power. In order to evaluate the performances of UWB systems within vehicles, a reliable channel model is needed. In this paper, a nomadic system where a base station placed in the center of the dashboard wants to communicate with fixed devices placed at the rear seat is investigated. A single-input single-output (SISO) channel model for intra-vehicular communication (IVC) systems is proposed, based on reverberation chamber theory. The model is based on measurements conducted in real traffic conditions, with a varying number of passengers in the car. Temporal variations of the wireless channels are also characterized and parametrized. The proposed model is validated by comparing model-independent statistics with the measurements.
Efficient Probabilistic and Geometric Anatomical Mapping Using Particle Mesh Approximation on GPUs
Authors: Ha Linh , Prastawa Marcel , Gerig Guido , Gilmore John H. , Silva Cláudio T. , Joshi Sarang
Published: August 2011

Deformable image registration in the presence of considerable contrast differences and large size and shape changes presents significant research challenges. First, it requires a robust registration framework that does not depend on intensity measurements and can handle large nonlinear shape variations. Second, it involves the expensive computation of nonlinear deformations with high degrees of freedom. Often it takes a significant amount of computation time and thus becomes infeasible for practical purposes. In this paper, we present a solution based on two key ideas: a new registration method that generates a mapping between anatomies represented as a multicompartment model of class posterior images and geometries and an implementation of the algorithm using particle mesh approximation on Graphical Processing Units (GPUs) to fulfill the computational requirements. We show results on the registrations of neonatal to 2-year old infant MRIs. Quantitative validation demonstrates that our proposed method generates registrations that better maintain the consistency of anatomical structures over time and provides transformations that better preserve structures undergoing large deformations than transformations obtained by standard intensity-only registration. We also achieve the speedup of three orders of magnitudes compared to a CPU reference implementation, making it possible to use the technique in time-critical applications.
Nonhuman Primate Models Used to Study Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Caused byChlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Bell Jason D. , Bergin Ingrid L. , Schmidt Kelsey , Zochowski Melissa K. , Aronoff David M. , Patton Dorothy L.
Published: August 2011

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a global health concern that is associated with significant morbidity and is a major cause of infertility. Throughout history animals have been used for anatomical studies and later as models of human disease. In particular, nonhuman primates (NHPs) have permitted investigations of human disease in a biologically, physiologically, and anatomically similar system. The use of NHPs as human PID models has led to a greater understanding of the primary microorganisms that cause disease (e.g.,Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorroheae), the pathogenesis of infection and its complications, and the treatment of people with PID. This paper explores historical and contemporary aspects of NHP modeling of chlamydial PID, with an emphasis on advantages and limitations of this approach and future directions for this research.
A New Candidate Supporting Drug, Rikkunshito, for the QOL in Advanced Esophageal Cancer Patients with Chemotherapy Using Docetaxel/5-FU/CDDP
Authors: Seike Junichi , Sawada Toru , Kawakita Naoya , Yamamoto Yota , Yuasa Yasuhiro , Yamai Hiromichi , Takachi Hirokazu , Yoshida Takahiro , Tangoku Akira
Published: August 2011

Purpose. Docetaxel/5-FU/CDDP (DFP) therapy is a useful treatment for advanced esophageal cancer. However, adverse reactions such as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) interfere often with continuation of the chemotherapy. We investigated the efficacy of rikkunshito (TJ-43) on CINV.Methods. Nineteen patients who were going to undergo DFP therapy were enrolled. They were assigned to the following two groups: a TJ-43-treated group and -nontreated group. The following parameters were compared between the 2 groups: (1) the frequency of symptoms occurred, (2) vomiting, nausea, and anorexia score, and (3) QOL score.Results. The incidence of symptoms was lower in the TJ-43-treated group than that in the control group. The nausea score of the TJ-43-treated group was significantly lower than that of the control group. In the QOL score, the mood score and the ADL score decreased significantly in the control group.Conclusion. We recommend TJ-43 administration in patients undergoing DFP chemotherapy.
Distribution and Abundance of Archaea in South China Sea Sponge Holoxea sp. and the Presence of Ammonia‐Oxidizing Archaea in Sponge Cells
Authors: Liu Fang , Han Minqi , Zhang Fengli , Zhang Baohua , Li Zhiyong
Published: August 2011

Compared with bacterial symbionts, little is known about archaea in sponges especially about their spatial distribution and abundance. Understanding the distribution and abundance of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea will help greatly in elucidating the potential function of symbionts in nitrogen cycling in sponges. In this study, gene libraries of 16S rRNA gene and ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (amoA) genes and quantitative real‐time PCR were used to study the spatial distribution and abundance of archaea in the South China Sea sponge Holoxea sp. As a result, Holoxea sp. specific AOA, mainly group C1a (marine group I: Crenarchaeota) were identified. The presence of ammonia‐oxidizing crenarchaea was observed for the first time within sponge cells. This study suggested a close relationship between sponge host and its archaeal symbionts as well as the archaeal potential contribution to sponge host in the ammonia‐oxidizing process of nitrification.
Low- and High-Tech Approaches to ControlPlasmodiumParasite Transmission byAnophelesMosquitoes
Authors: Cirimotich Chris M. , Clayton April M. , Dimopoulos George
Published: August 2011

Current efforts have proven inadequate to stop the transmission ofPlasmodiumparasites, and hence the spread of malaria, byAnophelesmosquitoes. Therefore, a novel arsenal of strategies for inhibitingPlasmodiuminfection of mosquitoes is urgently needed. In this paper, we summarize research on two approaches to malaria control, a low-tech strategy based on parasite inhibition by the mosquito's natural microflora, and a high-tech strategy using genetic modification of mosquitoes that renders them resistant to infection and discuss advantages and disadvantages for both approaches.
Dynamic Analysis of Wind Turbine Blades Using Radial Basis Functions
Authors: Hsu Ming-Hung
Published: August 2011

Wind turbine blades play important roles in wind energy generation. The dynamic problems associated with
wind turbine blades are formulated using radial basis functions. The radial basis function procedure is used to transform partial differential
equations, which represent the dynamic behavior of wind turbine blades, into a discrete eigenvalue problem. Numerical results demonstrate that
rotational speed significantly impacts the first frequency of a wind turbine blade. Moreover, the pitch angle does not markedly affect wind turbine
blade frequencies. This work examines the radial basis functions for dynamic problems of wind turbine blade.
Comments on Skin Effect in Solitary Solid Tubular Conductor
Authors: Coufal Oldřich
Published: August 2011

J. C. Maxwell derived formulae for the calculation of current density and current in a cylindrical conductor supplied with variable current. In the 1950s
K. Simonyi published a method for calculating current density in a cylindrical conductor made up of two conductors, cylindrical and tubular, of different
resistivities. The present paper proves that Simonyi′s result is incorrect. The main attention is devoted to the method of calculating current density in a
tubular conductor made up of tubular conductors of different resistivities.
Hepatoprotective and Antioxidative Activities ofCornus officinalisagainst Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Lee Nam-Hun , Seo Chang-Seob , Lee Ho-young , Jung Da-Young , Lee Jun-Kyung , Lee Jin-Ah , Song Kye Yong , Shin Hyeun-kyoo , Lee Mee-Young , Seo Young Bae , Kim Hokyoung , Ha Hyekyung
Published: August 2011

The fruit ofCornus officinalisSieb. et Zucc. is commonly prescribed in Asian countries as a tonic formula. In this study, the hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extracts of the fruit ofC. officinalis(ECO) was investigated in a mouse model of acetaminophen- (APAP-) induced liver injury. Pretreatment of mice with ECO (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg for 7 days) significantly prevented the APAP (200 mg/kg) induced hepatic damage as indicated by the serum marker enzymes (AST, ALT, and LDH). Parallel to these changes, ECO treatment also prevented APAP-induced oxidative stress in the mice liver by inhibiting lipid peroxidation (MDA) and restoring the levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and HO-1) and glutathione. Liver injury and collagen accumulation were assessed using histological studies by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Our results indicate that ECO can prevent hepatic injuries associated with APAP-induced hepatotoxicity by preventing or alleviating oxidative stress.
Development of a Hypoxia Gene Expression Classifier with Predictive Impact for Hypoxic Modification of Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Toustrup Kasper , Sørensen Brita Singers , Nordsmark Marianne , Busk Morten , Wiuf Carsten , Alsner Jan , Overgaard Jens
Published: August 2011

Hypoxia, a common feature of the microenvironment in solid tumors, is associated with resistance to radiotherapy, reduced therapeutic response, and a poorer clinical outcome. In head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), the negative effect of hypoxia on radiotherapy can be counteracted via addition of hypoxic modification to the radiotherapy. To predict which patients harbor hypoxic tumors and would therefore benefit from hypoxic modification, clinically applicable methods for pretherapeutic hypoxic evaluation and categorization are needed. In this study, we developed a hypoxia classifier based on gene expression. Through study of xenograft tumors from human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, we verified the in vivo relevance of previously identified in vitro derived hypoxia-induced genes. We then evaluated a training set of 58 hypoxia-evaluated HNSCCs to generate a gene expression classifier containing 15 genes. This 15-gene hypoxia classifier was validated in 323 patients with HNSCC randomized for hypoxic modification or placebo in combination with radiotherapy. Tumors categorized as hypoxic on the basis of the classifier were associated with a significantly poorer clinical outcome than nonhypoxic tumors. This outcome was improved and equalized to the nonhypoxic tumors by addition of hypoxic modification. Thus, findings show that the classifier attained both prognostic and predictive impact, and its pretherapeutic use may provide a method to identify those patients who will benefit from hypoxic modification of radiotherapy. Cancer Res; 71(17); 5923–31. ©2011 AACR.