bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heme oxygenase-1-dependent central cardiorespiratory adaptations to chronic hypoxia in mice
Authors: Sunderram Jagadeeshan , Semmlow John , Thakker-Varia Smita , Bhaumik Mantu , Hoang-Le Oanh , Neubauer Judith A.
Published: May 2009

Adaptations to chronic hypoxia (CH) could reflect cellular changes within the cardiorespiratory regions of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), the C1 region, and the pre-Bötzinger complex (pre-BötC). Previous studies have shown that the hypoxic chemosensitivity of these regions are heme oxygenase (HO) dependent and that CH induces HO-1. To determine the time course of HO-1 induction within these regions and explore its relevance to the respiratory and sympathetic responses during CH, the expression of HO-1 mRNA and protein in the RVLM and measures of respiration, sigh frequency, and sympathetic activity (spectral analysis of heart rate) were examined during 10 days of CH. Respiratory and sympathetic responses to acute hypoxia were obtained in chronically instrumented awake wild-type (WT) and HO-1 null mice. After 4 days of CH, there was a significant induction of HO-1 within the C1 region and pre-BötC. WT mice acclimated to CH by increasing peak diaphragm EMG after 10 days of CH but had no change in the respiratory response to acute hypoxia. There were no significant differences between WT and HO-1 null mice. In WT mice, hypoxic sigh frequency and hypoxic sensitivity of sympathetic activity initially declined before returning toward baseline after 5 days of CH, correlating with the induction of HO-1. In contrast, HO-1 null mice had a persistent decline in hypoxic sigh frequency and hypoxic sensitivity of sympathetic activity. We conclude that induction of HO-1 in these RVLM cardiorespiratory regions may be important for the hypoxic sensitivity of sighs and sympathetic activity during CH.
Cortisol-sensitive urea transport across the gill basolateral membrane of the gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta)
Authors: Rodela Tamara M. , Gilmour Kathleen M. , Walsh Patrick J. , McDonald M. Danielle
Published: May 2009

Gulf toadfish ( Opsanus beta) use a unique pulsatile urea excretion mechanism that allows urea to be voided in large pulses via the periodic insertion or activation of a branchial urea transporter. The precise cellular and subcellular location of the facilitated diffusion mechanism(s) remains unclear. An in vitro basolateral membrane vesicle (BLMV) preparation was used to test the hypothesis that urea movement across the gill basolateral membrane occurs through a cortisol-sensitive carrier-mediated mechanism. Toadfish BLMVs demonstrated two components of urea uptake: a linear element at high external urea concentrations, and a phloretin-sensitive saturable constituent ( Km= 0.24 mmol/l; Vmax= 6.95 μmol·mg protein−1·h−1) at low urea concentrations (<1 mmol/l). BLMV urea transport in toadfish was unaffected by in vitro treatment with ouabain, N-ethylmaleimide, or the absence of sodium, conditions that are known to inhibit sodium-coupled and proton-coupled urea transport in vertebrates. Transport kinetics were temperature sensitive with a Q10> 2, further suggestive of carrier-mediated processes. Our data provide evidence that a basolateral urea facilitated transporter accelerates the movement of urea between the plasma and gills to enable the pulsatile excretion of urea. Furthermore, in vivo infusion of cortisol caused a significant 4.3-fold reduction in BLMV urea transport capacity in lab-crowded fish, suggesting that cortisol inhibits the recruitment of urea transporters to the basolateral membrane, which may ultimately affect the size of the urea pulse event in gulf toadfish.
A comprehensive guide to the ROMK potassium channel: form and function in health and disease
Authors: Welling Paul A. , Ho Kevin
Published: May 2009

The discovery of the renal outer medullary K+channel (ROMK, Kir1.1), the founding member of the inward-rectifying K+channel (Kir) family, by Ho and Hebert in 1993 revolutionized our understanding of potassium channel biology and renal potassium handling. Because of the central role that ROMK plays in the regulation of salt and potassium homeostasis, considerable efforts have been invested in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here we provide a comprehensive guide to ROMK, spanning from the physiology in the kidney to the organization and regulation by intracellular factors to the structural basis of its function at the atomic level.
Characterization of D150E and G196D aquaporin-2 mutations responsible for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: importance of a mild phenotype
Authors: Guyon Cécile , Lussier Yoann , Bissonnette Pierre , Leduc-Nadeau Alexandre , Lonergan Michèle , Arthus Marie-Françoise , Perez Rafael Bedoya , Tiulpakov Anatoly , Lapointe Jean-Yves , Bichet Daniel G.
Published: May 2009

Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) is a water channel responsible for the final water reabsorption in renal collecting ducts. Alterations in AQP2 function induce nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), a condition characterized by severe polyuria and polydipsia. Three patients affected with severe NDI, who were compound heterozygous for the AQP2 mutations D150E and G196D, are presented here along with a mildly affected D150E homozygous patient from another family. Using Xenopus oocytes as an expression system, these two mutations (G196D and D150E) were compared with the wild-type protein (AQP2-wt) for functional activity (water flux analysis), protein maturation, and plasma membrane targeting. AQP2-wt induces a major increase in water permeability ( Pf= 47.4 ± 12.2 × 10−4cm/s) whereas D150E displays intermediate Pfvalues ( Pf= 12.5 ± 3.0 × 10−4cm/s) and G196D presents no specific water flux, similar to controls ( Pf= 2.1 ± 0.8 × 10−4cm/s and 2.2 ± 0.7 × 10−4cm/s, respectively). Western blot and immunocytochemical evaluations show protein targeting that parallels activity levels with AQP2-wt adequately targeted to the plasma membrane, partial targeting for D150E, and complete sequestration of G196D within intracellular compartments. When coinjecting AQP2-wt with mutants, no (AQP2-wt + D150E) or partial (AQP2-wt + G196D) reduction of water flux were observed compared with AQP2-wt alone, whereas complete loss of function was found when both mutants were coinjected. These results essentially recapitulate the clinical profiles of the family members, showing a typical dominant negative effect when G196D is coinjected with either AQP2-wt or D150E but not between AQP2-wt and D150E mutant.
Reactive oxygen species/oxidative stress contributes to progression of kidney fibrosis following transient ischemic injury in mice
Authors: Kim Jinu , Seok Young Mi , Jung Kyong-Jin , Park Kwon Moo
Published: May 2009

Recently, kidney fibrosis following transplantation has become recognized as a main contributor of chronic allograft nephropathy. In transplantation, transient ischemia is an inescapable event. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in ischemia and reperfusion (I/R)-induced acute kidney injury, as well as progression of fibrosis in various diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and ureteral obstruction. However, a role of ROS/oxidative stress in chronic kidney fibrosis following I/R injury remains to be defined. In this study, we investigated the involvement of ROS/oxidative stress in kidney fibrosis following kidney I/R in mice. Mice were subjected to 30 min of bilateral kidney ischemia followed by reperfusion on day 0 and then administered with either manganese (III) tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin (MnTMPyP, 5 mg/kg body wt ip), a cell permeable superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic, or 0.9% saline (vehicle) beginning at 48 h after I/R for 14 days. I/R significantly increased interstitial extension, collagen deposition, apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells, nitrotyrosine expression, hydrogen peroxide production, and lipid peroxidation and decreased copper-zinc SOD, manganese SOD, and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities in the kidneys 16 days after the procedure. MnTMPyP administration minimized these postischemic changes. In addition, MnTMPyP administration significantly attenuated the increases of α-smooth muscle actin, PCNA, S100A4, CD68, and heat shock protein 47 expression following I/R. We concluded that kidney fibrosis develops chronically following I/R injury, and this process is associated with the increase of ROS/oxidative stress.
Contrast Sensitivity of Cats and Humans in Scotopic and Mesopic Conditions
Authors: Kang Incheol , Reem Rachel E. , Kaczmarowski Amy L. , Malpeli Joseph G.
Published: May 2009

Human contrast sensitivity in low scotopic conditions is regulated according to the deVries–Rose law. Previous cat behavioral data, as well as cat and mice electrophysiological data, have not confirmed this relationship. To resolve this discrepancy at the behavioral level, we compared sensitivity in dim light for cats and humans in parallel experiments using the same visual stimuli and similar behavioral paradigms. Both species had to detect Gabor functions (SD = 1.5°, spatial frequencies from 0 to 4 cpd, temporal frequency 4 Hz) presented 8° to the right or left of a central fixation point over an 8 log-unit range of adaptation levels spanning scotopic vision and extending well into the mesopic range. Cats had 0.74 log unit greater absolute sensitivity than that of humans for spatial frequencies ≤1/8 cpd. Cats had better contrast sensitivity overall for spatial frequencies <1/2 cpd, whereas humans were more sensitive for spatial frequencies above this. However, most of the cat's sensitivity advantage for low spatial frequencies could be accounted for by the greater light-concentrating abilities of its optics. Contrast sensitivity to 4 cpd was poor or absent in the scotopic range for both species. For both, scotopic increment thresholds were proportional to the square root of retinal illuminance, in accordance with the deVries–Rose law. Overall, cat and human visual systems appear to operate under very similar constraints for rod vision, including the regulation of contrast sensitivity across adaptation levels. A companion paper compares sensitivity of neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus to these behavioral data.
Network Actions of Pentobarbital in the Rat Mesopontine Tegmentum on Sensory Inflow Through the Spinothalamic Tract
Authors: Namjoshi Dhananjay R. , McErlane Shelly A. , Taepavarapruk Niwat , Soja Peter J.
Published: May 2009

The recent discovery of a barbiturate-sensitive “general anesthesia switch” mechanism localized in the rat brain stem mesopontine tegmental anesthesia area (MPTA) has challenged the current view of the nonspecific actions of general anesthetic agents in the CNS. In this study we provide electrophysiological evidence that the antinociception, which accompanies the behavioral state resembling general anesthesia following pentobarbital (PB) microinjections into the MPTA of awake rats, could be accompanied by the attenuation of sensory transmission through the spinothalamic tract (STT). Following bilateral microinjections of PB into the MPTA spontaneous firing rate (SFR), antidromic firing index (FI), and sciatic (Sc) as well as sural (Su) nerve-evoked responses (ER) of identified lumbar STT neurons in the isoflurane-anesthetized rat were quantified using extracellular recording techniques. Microinjections of PB into the MPTA significantly suppressed the SFR (47%), magnitudes of Sc- (26%) and Su-ER (36%), and FI (41%) of STT neurons. Microinjections of PB-free vehicle control did not alter any of the above-cited electrophysiological parameters. The results from this study suggest that antinociception, which occurs during the anesthesia-like state following PB microinjections into the MPTA, may be due, in part, to (in)direct inhibition of STT neurons via switching mechanism(s) located in the MPTA. This study provides a provenance for investigating electrophysiologically the actions on STT neurons of other current agents used clinically to maintain the state of general anesthesia.
Spinal 5-HT7 Receptors Are Critical for Alternating Activity During Locomotion: In Vitro Neonatal and In Vivo Adult Studies Using 5-HT7 Receptor Knockout Mice
Authors: Liu Jun , Akay Turgay , Hedlund Peter B. , Pearson Keir G. , Jordan Larry M.
Published: May 2009

5-HT7 receptors have been implicated in the control of locomotion. Here we use 5-HT7 receptor knockout mice to rigorously test whether 5-HT acts at the 5-HT7 receptor to control locomotor-like activity in the neonatal mouse spinal cord in vitro and voluntary locomotion in adult mice. We found that 5-HT applied onto in vitro spinal cords of 5-HT7+/+ mice produced locomotor-like activity that was disrupted and subsequently blocked by the 5-HT7 receptor antagonist SB-269970. In spinal cords isolated from 5-HT7−/− mice, 5-HT produced either uncoordinated rhythmic activity or resulted in synchronous discharges of the ventral roots. SB-269970 had no effect on 5-HT-induced rhythmic activity in the 5-HT7−/− mice. In adult in vivo experiments, SB-269970 applied directly to the spinal cord consistently disrupted locomotion and produced prolonged-extension of the hindlimbs in 5-HT7+/+ but not 5-HT7−/− mice. Disrupted EMG activity produced by SB-269970 in vivo was similar to the uncoordinated rhythmic activity produced by the drug in vitro. Moreover, 5-HT7−/− mice displayed greater maximal extension at the hip and ankle joints than 5-HT7+/+ animals during voluntary locomotion. These results suggest that spinal 5-HT7 receptors are required for the production and coordination of 5-HT-induced locomotor-like activity in the neonatal mouse and are important for the coordination of voluntary locomotion in adult mice. We conclude that spinal 5-HT7 receptors are critical for alternating activity during locomotion.
Implementing a DVB-T/H Receiver on a Software-Defined Radio Platform
Authors: Jiang Yong , Xu Wen , Grassmann Cyprian
Published: May 2009

Digital multimedia broadcasting is available in more and more countries with various forms. One of the most successful forms is Digital Video Broadcasting for Terrestrial (DVB-T), which has been deployed in most countries of the world for years. In order to bring the digital multimedia broadcasting services to battery-powered handheld receivers in a mobile environment, Digital Video Broadcasting for Handheld (DVB-H) has been formally adopted by ETSI. More advanced and complex digital multimedia broadcasting systems are under development, for example, the next generation of DVB-T, a.k.a. DVB-T2. Current commercial DVB-T/H receivers are usually built upon dedicated application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). However, ASICs are not flexible for incoming evolved standards and less overall-area efficient since they cannot be efficiently reused and shared among different radio standards, when we integrate a DVB-T/H receiver into a mobile phone. This paper presents an example implementation of a DVB-T/H receiver on the prototype of Infineon Technologies' Software-Defined Radio (SDR) platform called MuSIC (Multiple SIMD Cores), which is a DSP-centered and accelerator-assisted architecture and aims at battery-powered mass-market handheld terminals.
Three-dimensional Garment Dressing Simulation
Authors: Yueqi Zhong  , Bugao Xu
Published: May 2009

The garment dressing simulation is a process which transforms multiple two-dimensional garment patterns into a three-dimensional configuration that follows the surface of the human body and enables visualization of the draping effect of the garment. The dimensional stability of a garment pattern is an important constraint that needs to be imposed to ensure the created garment has a size complying with the original design of the pattern. In this paper, we used a mass-spring system to simulate the physical properties of the fabric and adaptive sewing forces to wrap the pattern around the human model to form a virtual garment. Combined with the collision detection and response routine, the strain control for maintaining the pattern size was implemented with velocity adjustments.
A Geometric Model of Three-dimensional Integrated Cellular Woven Structures
Authors: Tian Wei  , Zhu Chengyan  , Wang Shanyuan
Published: May 2009

Three-dimensional (3D) integrated cellular woven structures are formed by binding layers of typical 3D woven structures together in the thickness direction with binding threads. According to the geometric pattern of the constituent yarn system in 3D integrated cellular woven structures, a general purpose geometric cell model was developed. The length and the orientation angle of the constituent yarns in each section within a unit cell were calculated with the purpose of predicting the volume fraction of the fiber and the hollow part. In order to verify the geometric model, 3D integrated cellular woven structure composites with six various binding parameters were selected and the volume fractions of each part in the composites were measured. Experimental results were in good agreement with the calculated results of the model. Further, the geometric model was employed to discuss the effects of the binding parameters on the volume fraction of the hollow part and the fiber content. The investigation showed that the volume fractions of the hollow part and the fiber content altered with the orientation angle of the warp.
Fast Penetration Resolving for Multi-layered Virtual Garment Dressing
Authors: Yueqi Zhong
Published: May 2009

Dressing up is often conducted in a layered manner. People would like various combinations of garments to be tried to reach maximum satisfaction. To simulate this behavior, we propose here a method for dressing up an avatar with multi-layered virtual garments. The intersection among layered garments was located via Axis Aligned Bounding Box (AABB) accelerated detection, and the penetrations among garment layers were rectified by forcing the intersected area in one party to move towards the correct side along the shape of the other party. The results of our simulation suggested this method to be an efficient and fast way of tackling multi-layered dressing.
A Topological Study of Textile Structures. Part II: Topological Invariants in Application to Textile Structures
Authors: Grishanov S. , Meshkov V. , Omelchenko A.
Published: May 2009

This paper is the second in the series on topological classification of textile structures. The classification problem can be resolved with the aid of invariants used in knot theory for classification of knots and links. Various numerical and polynomial invariants are considered in application to textile structures. A new Kauffman-type polynomial invariant is constructed for doubly-periodic textile structures. The values of the numerical and polynomial invariants are calculated for some simplest doubly-periodic interlaced structures and for some woven and knitted textiles.
The Structure of Compact Yarn
Authors: Hui Wu  , Meiyu Chen  , Wei Wang  , Kan Lai  , Buhu Ma
Published: May 2009

A novel method for reconstruction of yarn structure was developed for the investigation of the structure of compact yarn. The structure characteristics derived from two reconstructed yarns with the same specifications and constituent components presented considerable agreement with that of real yarn structure.
Characterization of Plasma-coated Wool Fabrics
Authors: Mossotti Raffaella , Lopardo Guiseppina , Innocenti Riccardo , Mazzuchetti Giorgio , Rombaldoni Fabio , Montarsolo Alessio , Vassallo Espedito
Published: May 2009

(Si : Ox : Cy : Hz) thin films were deposited on knitted wool fabrics by plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition using hexamethyldisiloxane as a monomer and argon and oxygen as feed gases in low-pressure equipment. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses confirmed the presence of the siloxane coating. The pilling tendency of treated samples was investigated for different deposition powers, ranging from 30 to 50 W. A reduction on pill formation was observed for all treated samples. A silicone-based wet chemical treatment was taken as the reference method for pilling reduction and plasma treatments were compared with it. The pilling grade of treated fabrics was also tested after washing and the results confirmed a good pilling behavior of plasma-treated fabrics. Changes were observed in the bursting resistance of plasma-treated wool samples compared with untreated ones, while no significant differences were found in the whiteness index.
Gay—Straight Alliances and School Experiences of Sexual Minority Youth
Authors: Walls N. Eugene , Kane Sarah B. , Wisneski Hope
Published: May 2009

Recent findings on the impact of gay—straight alliances (GSAs) on the school experiences of sexual minority youth have demonstrated that numerous positive outcomes are associated with attending schools that have such student organizations. Some research attributes the positive impact to shifts in campus climate resulting from recognition and legitimization of GSAs, whereas other research suggests the influence is primarily because of the increased social support that sexual minority youth experience. This study examines how GSAs affect sexual minority youth by comparing school experience variables of three discrete groups of sexual minority students: (a) those who attend schools without GSAs, (b) those who attend schools with GSAs but are not members, and (c) those who attend schools with GSAs of which they are members. Findings suggest that the presence of the GSA positively affects more school experiences than whether or not the sexual minority youth is an actual member of the group.
Destination Segmentation: A Recommended Two-Step Approach
Authors: Tkaczynski Aaron , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , Beaumont Narelle
Published: May 2009

Tourism segmentation studies have traditionally developed segmentation variables from secondary data or a review of the literature. Based on stakeholder theory, this study recommends a two-step approach to destination segmentation, incorporating the views of multiple stakeholders. This article details the recommended segmentation approach using one Australian destination. Step 1 involves understanding how multiple stakeholders viewed their market to identify relevant segmentation variables. Step 2 involves segmenting the destination based on the variables identified in step 1. When compared with segments currently used by the destination marketing organization, the segments derived from the two-step approach to segmentation capture more of the tourists visiting the area. Segmentation guides budgetary decision making, and the proposed two-step approach to segmentation may assist tourism destinations to maximize limited resources by targeting more of the types of tourists who are frequenting the destination.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)'s guide to growth in challenging economic times
Authors: Dickinson Jamie
Published: May 2009

In this article Jamie Dickinson outlines the seven strategic steps to delivering growth in a market downturn. This is a framework for CEOs to follow when times are hard, but they still need to deliver growth. It also applies to all managers who support the CEOs' ultimate objectives.
Competitive advantage and its conceptual development
Authors: Yolles Maurice
Published: May 2009

This article explores the competitive advantage of businesses. Current understanding of competitive advantage arises from the strategic management paradigm. However, the early theory that underpins this comes from optimising economic theory, the inadequacy of which led to the resource-based view. The next development came from knowledge management, which sees knowledge as a valuable strategic resource recognizing the need to look more inside the organization qualitatively. However, a new paradigm has arisen that couples knowledge processes with cybernetics. This recognizes that achieving competitive advantage requires that an organization's pathologies must be recognized and addressed.
Marketing of library and information products and services
Authors: Islam Md. Shariful , Islam Md. Nazmul
Published: May 2009

The article considers the concept of marketing in the light of library and information services and mentions the necessity of marketing techniques in library and information centres. It outlines the principles of information products/ services marketing and discusses the key steps of marketing for library and information centres. The article indicates the methods of applying marketing techniques to library and information centres and marketing difficulties to library and information services in developing countries are also discussed, with particular reference to those in Bangladesh.
The Internet and Democracy
Authors: Best Michael L. , Wade Keegan W.
Published: May 2009

In this study, we explore the global effect of the Internet on democracy over the period of 1992 to 2002 by observing the relationships between measures related to democracy and Internet prevalence. Our findings suggest that while Internet usage was not a very powerful predictor of democracy when examining full panel data from 1992 to 2002, it was a stronger predictor when we study data from just the years 2001 to 2002. We hypothesize that the jump in the ability of Internet penetration indicators to explain variation in democratization that occurred in 2000 suggests that the Internet may have only recently come into its own as a positive force for democratization. However, these results are not globally consistent, and we show that some regions do not enjoy a positive Internet/democracy correlation suggesting that the Internet can be used both as a tool for democratization as well as an instrument for authoritarianism.
Serum Biotinidase Activity in Children Treated With Valproic Acid and Carbamazepine
Authors: Castro-Gago Manuel , Gómez-Lado Carmen , Eirís-Puňal Jesús , Díaz-Mayo Isabel , Castiňeiras-Ramos Daisy E.
Published: May 2009

There is evidence that valproic acid causes a reduction of serum biotinidase enzyme activity. We determined the serum concentration of antiepileptic drugs, transaminases, γ-glutamyl transferase, ammonia, and biotinidase enzyme activity in 57 children treated with valproic acid, in 17 children treated with carbamazepine, and in 75 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. There were no significant differences in the serum biotinidase enzyme activity between the patients treated with valproic acid, the patients treated with carbamazepine, and the control group. Hyperammonemia was detected in 8 patients treated with valproic acid. Hair loss was observed in 3 female patients treated with valproic acid, and the alopecia disappeared with the oral administration of biotin (10 mg/ d) in 3 months. These results suggest that the treatment with valproic acid does not alter the serum biotinidase enzyme activity.
Meralgia Paresthetica in the Pediatric Population: A Propos of 2 Cases
Authors: Fernández-Mayoralas Daniel Martín , Fernández-Jaén Alberto , Jareño Nuria Muñoz , Pérez Beatriz Calleja , Fernández Pedro Moreno , Sola Antonio Guerrero
Published: May 2009

Meralgia paresthetica is a mononeuropathy affecting the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve that is extremely rare in children. Two adolescent females, aged 11 and 13 years, presented due to tingling and pain on the side of the thigh of 2 to 3 weeks duration. The general examination revealed mild obesity; the neurological examination of both patients is normal except for pain, hypo- or hyperesthesia on the side of the quadriceps. An electromyogram was performed in the first case that reveals decreased conduction velocity of the affected lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. The younger child was treated successfully with diet and topiramate; the second patient’s symptoms disappeared after initiating conservative measures. Meralgia paresthetica is probably underdiagnosed in the pediatric population. First-line treatment should be conservative, but topiramate may be useful for the treatment of meralgia paresthetica, although broader studies are needed to evaluate its true effectiveness in this pathological condition.
Design and Development of a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Mattress
Authors: Delvaux Andrew B. , Trombley Matthew T. , Rivet Chris J. , Dykla Joshua J. , Jensen Dennis , Smith Martyn R. , Gilbert Ryan J.
Published: May 2009

This study introduces the design and construction of a mattress insert to produce more effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The mattress insert deflates, making the mattress insert a rigid surface. Using a device that administers a constant compression depth onto a manikin, we were able to show that our mattress insert more effectively directed the compressive force to the manikin compared to the current practice of using a headboard on top of a mattress. The mattress insert produced a statistically significant increase in the compression efficiency when compared to the current practice of using the headboard (81% vs. 53%). Because the mattress insert starts deflating immediately after the vacuum is turned on, 1 person is needed to initiate chest compressions. Compression begins while the mattress deflates. Running compression tests at incremental time periods, we found that our design reaches and surpasses the compression efficiency when using a headboard in 10 seconds.
A Case of Kombucha Tea Toxicity
Authors: SungHee Kole Alison , Jones Heather D. , Christensen Russell , Gladstein Jay
Published: May 2009

Introduction: Kombucha ``mushroom'' tea is touted to have medicinal properties. Here, we present a case of hyperthermia, lactic acidosis, and acute renal failure within 15 hours of Kombucha tea ingestion. Case Presentation: A 22 year old male, newly diagnosed with HIV, became short of breath and febrile to 103.0F, within twelve hours of Kombucha tea ingestion. He subsequently became combative and confused, requiring sedation and intubation for airway control. Laboratories revealed a lactate of 12.9 mmol/L, and serum creatinine of 2.1 mg/dL. Discussion: Kombucha tea is black tea fermented in a yeast-bacteria medium. Several case reports exist of serious, and sometimes fatal, hepatic dysfunction and lactic acidosis within close proximity to ingestion. Conclusion: While Kombucha tea is considered a healthy elixir, the limited evidence currently available raises considerable concern that it may pose serious health risks. Consumption of this tea should be discouraged, as it may be associated with life-threatening lactic acidosis.
Simulation of Damage-features in a Lug Joint using Guided Waves
Authors: Soni Sunilkumar , Das Santanu , Chattopadhyay Aditi
Published: May 2009

A lug joint is one of the several `hotspots' in an aerospace structure which experiences fatigue damage. Several fatigue tests on lug joint samples prepared from 0.25 in plate of Aluminum (Al) 2024 T351 indicated a distinct failure pattern. All samples failed at the shoulders. Therefore, in the current study, different notch sizes are introduced at the shoulders and both experimental and modeled active health monitoring with piezoelectric transducers is performed. Simulations of the real time experiments are carried out using FE analysis. The crack geometry and piezoelectric transducer orientation in lug joint samples are kept same both in experiments and in simulation. Results presented illustrate the feasibility of guided waves in interrogating damage in lug joints. A comparison of sensor signals between experimental and simulated signals, in the time-frequency domain, show fairly good correlation. The frequency transform on the sensor signal data yield useful information for characterizing damage. Sensor sensitivity studies using a distance-based outlier technique are conducted to classify sensor data for different damage states. This information can be used in a number of applications including damage localization by reducing redundant sensors, and optimal sensor placement for SHM.
Changing Lanes or Stuck in the Middle: Why Are Anocracies More Prone to Civil Wars?
Authors: Regan Patrick M. , Bell Sam R.
Published: May 2009

Past research on regime type and civil war points to anocratic regimes as having a high probability of civil war onset. The specific characteristics of anocratic regimes that lead to their predisposition for civil war have been left unexplained. In this article, the authors examine how the transitional characteristics of anocracy explain the enhanced risk of civil war onset. The results point to three important conclusions. First, anocratic regimes are most likely to experience civil war in the first few years of their duration. Second, transitions into anocracy from democracy leave states at a higher risk of civil war. Third, the probability of civil war onset increases with the magnitude of a transition into anocracy.
The Graphic Novel: a “Cool” Format for Communicating to Generation Y
Authors: Short Jeremy C. , Reeves Terrie C.
Published: May 2009

The graphic novel provides an attractive medium to communicate business concepts with a number of characteristics that may aid student learning in a more effective manner than traditional textbooks. The authors provide an overview of the graphic novel format and use McLuhan’s research on “hot” versus “cool” media as a theoretical base that highlights how and why this format can be a useful tool to present management content relevant for the current generation of business students. The authors provide examples of how the graphic novel medium could be applied to business concepts and conclude with an agenda for future empirical research.
Practitioners’ Views About the Use of Business Email Within Organizational Settings: Implications for Developing Student Generic Competence
Authors: Zhu Yunxia , White Catherine
Published: May 2009

Although extensive research has been done on teaching emails and on the use of emails in organisations, little research exists about how to incorporate organizational practitioners’ views as the voices of the community of social practice. To remedy this pedagogical gap, this article uses a genre approach to discuss organizational practitioners’ views on the use of email in organizational settings. It also develops seven teaching and learning stages for situated learning and teaching in business communication based upon the presented study findings.
Higher Order Factors of Personality: Do They Exist?
Authors: Ashton Michael C. , Lee Kibeom , Goldberg Lewis R. , de Vries Reinout E.
Published: May 2009

Scales that measure the Big Five personality factors are often substantially intercorrelated. These correlations are sometimes interpreted as implying the existence of two higher order factors of personality. The authors show that correlations between measures of broad personality factors do not necessarily imply the existence of higher order factors and might instead be due to variables that represent same-signed blends of orthogonal factors. Therefore, the hypotheses of higher order factors and blended variables can only be tested with data on lower level personality variables that define the personality factors. The authors compared the higher order factor model and the blended variable model in three participant samples using the Big Five Aspect Scales, and found better fit for the latter model. In other analyses using the HEXACO Personality Inventory, they identified mutually uncorrelated markers of six personality factors. The authors conclude that correlations between personality factor scales can be explained without postulating any higher order dimensions of personality.
The acquisition of L3 English negation by bilingual (Spanish/Basque) learners in an institutional setting
Authors: Perales Susana , García Mayo María del Pilar , Liceras Juana M.
Published: May 2009

In this article we study the acquisition of sentential negation in English by bilingual (Spanish/Basque) learners in an institutional setting. The learners were divided into three groups according to the age at which they had begun to learn English (four, eight and eleven years respectively). At the time the oral interviews were held, they had all received a similar amount of instruction. The analysis is carried out in terms of the presence/absence of functional categories, the use of cognitive (not UG-driven) strategies, and the transfer of the order of the functional projections NegP and TP. We conclude that placement of the negative marker appears to be independent of the realization of tense and agreement features.
Gender in Russian—English code-switching
Authors: Chirsheva Galina
Published: May 2009

English code-switched nouns in Russian clauses are assigned gender according to two competing strategies — semantic analogy and form. The purpose of this article is to analyze how gender assignment is realized in Russian/English bilingual contexts. The data are represented by spontaneous speech of native Russian speakers, both adults and children, in the USA and Russia. Supporting data are obtained from a form, which asked respondents to add gender suffixes to Russian adjectives, determiners and verbs that agree with English nouns. Gender as part of Russian speakers' linguistic competence must be assigned even to nouns from a non-gender language, but this is done in a specific way: the prevailing strategy is to assign masculine as a default gender for the nouns ending in a consonant. Gender assignment system in bilingual Russian/English contexts presents a restricted version, with the phonological criterion being more significant than semantic analogy. The process of allotting code-switched nouns and borrowings to genders in Russian appears to have different degrees of vacillation.
Dilemmas of trustworthiness in preservice teacher action research
Authors: Phillips Donna Kalmbach , Carr Kevin
Published: May 2009

Can preservice teachers carry out trustworthy action research? We have found that action research can be a powerful experience for preservice teachers. Yet preservice teacher action research projects involve complexities unique to a preservice teacher's position as `guest', `student', `teacher', and `researcher'. In this article, we suggest criteria for trustworthy preservice teacher action research that embraces these complexities as sources of strength. We base our criteria upon analysis of action research projects produced by students in the teacher education program where we teach. We apply trustworthiness criteria from qualitative research (Arminio & Hultgren, 2002; Kincheloe, 2003; Lather, 1991; Reason & Bradbury, 2001; Richardson, 1997) to guide our analysis, but we interpret `trustworthiness' through the lens of preservice teacher context and experience. Our intent is to honor the voices of preservice teachers telling their own stories of becoming a teacher through action research.
Discovering what the people knew
Authors: Scott Shaunna L.
Published: May 2009

The Appalachian Land Ownership Study is recognized as a pioneering effort in the interdisciplinary field of participatory action research. This article analyzes this community-based study of land ownership and taxation in Appalachia to determine what lessons it offers a new generation of action researchers. It demonstrates both the practical difficulties in community-based research as well as the challenges to legitimation that may be launched from policy and social science audiences who embrace positivistic research methodologies and epistemologies. The article concludes with the lessons that the land study offers a new generation of researchers who wish to conduct socially relevant, participatory research. Despite the obstacles and disappointments associated with the Appalachian Land Ownership Study, this article concludes that it had long-lasting political, social, personal and scholarly impacts.
Reflecting on community/academic `collaboration'
Authors: Langan Debra , Morton Mavis
Published: May 2009

This article articulates many of the issues that feminist participatory action researchers confront in attempts to conduct collaborative research with community organizations and the state (see Brydon-Miller, McGuire, & McIntyre, 2004; Gatenby & Humphries, 2000; Reid, Tom, & Frisby, 2006; Sullivan, Bhuyan, Senturia, Shiu-Thornton, & Ciske, 2005). As recent PhD sociologists, the authors were hired as independent consultants by a provincial ministry 1 to evaluate an initiative to expand service provision to women who had experienced violence by their intimate partners.2 Our analysis of what transpired during this consultancy experience is grounded in our participant observation and a reflective process in which we have engaged, periodically, over the past 10 years. During that time we have articulated, and re-articulated our `story', both informally and formally, through solitary and collaborative writing and rewriting endeavors. Our immersion in this process has yielded ever-evolving understandings of this life experience, and the passage of time has allowed us to refine an analysis because of the distance in time between now and our involvement. We begin by outlining our understanding of feminist participatory action research (FPAR) that informed our work with the ministry, followed by our story of what happened and our sociological analysis of that story.
Participative research in a remote Australian Aboriginal setting
Authors: Kildea Sue , Barclay Lesley , Wardaguga Molly , Dawumal Margaret
Published: May 2009

This article describes the research process used to develop and evaluate an Internet-based resource aimed at improving access by health professionals to Australian Aboriginal cultural knowledge specific to pregnancy and childbirth. As a result of the research, women's stories from Maningrida were recorded and presented on the `Birthing Business in the Bush Website' which provided a platform for Aboriginal Australian women from Maningrida to present cultural and other information to maternity care practitioners. In particular, this article describes the development of the participatory action research combined with an Aboriginal research process, and how this was guided by the Aboriginal co-researchers and participants.
A Comparison of Metrics for Scoring Beginning Spelling
Authors: Ritchey Kristen D. , Coker David L. , McCraw Sara B.
Published: May 2009

The authors investigated four spelling scoring metrics: total words correct, correct letter sequences, correct sounds, and phonological coding scoring (developed by Tangel and Blachman) across two studies with children in kindergarten. The relationships between spelling scores and measures of reading, phonological awareness, and writing skills were studied. The scores from each metric were highly correlated. There were moderate to strong relationships between each spelling score and word reading, phonological awareness, letter name fluency, nonsense word fluency, and writing skills. Additionally, each spelling metric was sensitive to growth across 2-month intervals. The results suggest that these scoring metrics provide an equivalent index of spelling skill at a single assessment point and that phonological coding is most sensitive to growth over time.
The Bad News and the Good News
Authors: Padgett Margaret , Harland Lynn , Moser Steven B.
Published: May 2009

Research suggests that women who adopt alternative work arrangements may be viewed less favorably than women who work a regular schedule. This study examined whether those negative perceptions persist even after the woman returns to a regular schedule. One hundred twenty-five employed MBA students participated in an experimental study in which work schedule was manipulated. Participants reviewed a personnel file for a female employee who was either on a regular schedule or who had previously been on a reduced-workload schedule. They then completed a questionnaire assessing their perceptions of the target employee. Contrary to the authors' expectations, results revealed that the female employee who had previously been on an reduced workload schedule was actually viewed as having significantly greater advancement motivation and advancement capability than a female employee who had always used a regular schedule. She was also somewhat more likely to be recommended for a promotion.
Hotel Bankruptcies
Authors: Diener Jeffrey D.
Published: May 2009

The precipitous concurrent drop in real estate values and hotel revenues has raised the specter of bankruptcy for owners and lenders alike. Changes in the bankruptcy code (enacted after the last wave of hotel bankruptcies) have remodeled the landscape for those who are considering bankruptcy protection, particularly under Chapter 11 of the U.S. code. This article presents considerations for both lenders and owners, beginning with the realization that declaring bankruptcy under this chapter ironically requires considerable financial resources and will require substantial assistance from counsel. Owners may benefit from the fact that most hotels are complex enough that they do not qualify as single asset real estate. To the lenders' benefit, owner-debtors may not spend room revenues collected after a bankruptcy filing (without permission), since they are considered to be cash collateral. Perhaps of greatest interest to debtor-owners, their lenders, and management companies, the code permits debtor-owners to terminate an unfavorable management contract, with approval of the court, often without paying termination fees.
Mineralogical and chemical characterization of some vermiculites from the Mozambique Belt of Tanzania for agricultural use
Authors: Marwa E. M. M. , Hillier S. , Rice C. M. , Meharg A. A.
Published: May 2009

Vermiculite minerals are locally available in the Mozambique Belt of Tanzania but are not currently commercially exploited. In part this may be due to lack of any precise characterization. This study was carried out as a first step to assess the suitability of these vermiculites for crop production by characterization of their mineralogical and chemical compositions. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy combined with an energy-dispersive X-ray system were used to establish the mineralogy. Electron microprobe analysis and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry were used to study the chemical compositions and to identify any possible issues related to chemical composition that might affect their use if applied as soil conditioners. The samples were characterized as vermiculites and hydrobiotites with a wide variety of accessory minerals. Accessory minerals that might be of some concern are galena, fibrous amphiboles and sepiolite. The total levels of Ni in all vermiculites, and Cr in some, were also found to be high relative to common European standards and this might limit their potential as soil conditioners. It is clear that a field assessment of the bioavailability of various elements would be necessary before decisions relating to potential agricultural use could be made.
Allophane and imogolite: role in soil biogeochemical processes
Authors: Parfitt R. L.
Published: May 2009

The literature on the formation, structure and properties of allophane and imogolite is reviewed, with particular emphasis on the seminal contributions by Colin Farmer. Allophane and imogolite occur not only in volcanic-ash soils but also in other environments. The conditions required for the precipitation of allophane and imogolite are discussed. These include pH, availability of Al and Si, rainfall, leaching regime, and reactions with organic matter. Because of their excellent water storage and physical properties, allophanic soils can accumulate large amounts of biomass. In areas of high rainfall, these soils often occur under rain forest, and the soil organic matter derived from the forest biomass is stabilized by allophane and aluminium ions. Thus the turnover of soil organicmatter in allophanicsoils is slower than that in non-allophanicsoils. The organic matter appears to be derived from the microbial by-products of the plant material rather than from the plant material itself. The growth of young forests may be limited by nitrogen supply but growth of older forests tends to be P limited. Phosphorus is recycled through both inorganic and organic pathways, but it is also strongly sorbed by Al compounds including allophane. When crops are grown in allophanic soils, large amounts of labile P are required and, accordingly, these soils have to be managed to counteract the large P sorption capacity of allophane and other Al compounds, and to ensure an adequate supply of labile P. Because of their physical and chemical properties, allophanic soils are excellent filters of heavy metals and pathogens.