bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Störungen der Hirndurchblutung bei chronischen Alkoholikern in Abhängigkeit vom klinischen Bild
Authors: Heiss W.-D. , Küfferle B. , Demel Ilse
Published: February 2010

In 35 patients with chronic alcoholism of different severity (20 patients after delirium tremens, 9 chronic alcoholics with somatic symptoms and 6 alcoholics without somatic symptoms), cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured using xenon and a scintillation camera system. Compared to the flow parameters in a control group (17 patients without alcohol abuse and diseases of the central nervous system) CBF was decreased significantly in the alcoholics, and this decrease was dependent from the severity of the clinical syndrome and of the mental disfunction. Arteriosclerotic alterations and brain atrophy cannot explain sufficiently these flow decreases. For their pathogenesis reversible functional impairment of reticular structures in the periventricular grey matter and in the upper brain stem might be of importance.
Suicidal Behaviour. An Attempt to Modify the Environment
Authors: Lukianowicz N.
Published: February 2010

A study was undertaken of 76 male patients (following suicidal attempts) admitted in 1962 and 1963 to Holywell Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Antrim, Northern Ireland. Their age, psychiatric condition, personality, intelligence, civil state, social class, religion, etc., were reviewed and the findings were compared with the findings in: (a) 100 suicidal females treated in the same hospital for the same reason in the same 2 years; (b) a group of 45 suicidal males admitted to the same hospital in 1971, and (c) a group of 91 suicidal female subjects treated in Holywell in 1971. The aim of the inquiry was to find out: (a) whether there were any sex-linked differences between these groups; (b) whether there were any changes in methods used in suicidal attempts in the last decade, and (c) whether our hypothesis about gain-motivation in many suicidal attempts was correct. The results of the study showed that: (a) sex and all personal and social factors reviewed were of little significance in the incidence of suicidal attempts and in the methods employed in their execution; (b) in both 1971 groups there was a shift from violent to non-violent means, and (c) two-thirds of all patients, irrespective of sex, social class, religion, etc., not only claimed having tried to achieve some personal gains, but apparently did achieve them by their suicidal behaviour. This seems to support our hypothesis that in many cases suicidal behaviour is in fact an attempt to modify the environment to the patient’s benefit.
EEG-Untersuchungen im Längsschnitt bei der Entwöhnung von jugendlichen Polytoxikomanen
Authors: Wessely P. , Mamoli B. , Presslich O. , Zwischenberger J.
Published: February 2010

Serial EEG examinations (an average of three recordings in 14 weeks) are reported from adolescent inpatients (19 in number) who had been weaned of multiple drug abuse of an average duration of 2 years. At first examination seven had a normal EEG, 11 had a moderately abnormal EEG, and one had a markedly abnormal one. At final examination 13 had a normal EEG, five had a moderately abnormal EEG and three had definitely abnormal EEGs. The majority of the patients showed a decrease (significant at the 5 % level), others an increase in EEG abnormalities. The relationship between the EEG changes in the course of the series on the one hand and the previous drug abuses is discussed.
Enduring Effects of Modified ECT on the Cerebral Circulation in Man
Authors: Lovett Doust J.W. , Raschka L.B.
Published: February 2010

The response of the cerebral circulation to modified ECT was monitored by computer programmes in 18 psychotic patients using cerebral impedance plethysmography. Each patient was recorded daily prior to, during and following the course of ECT. Results indicated that ECT was accompanied after 2 h by a marked increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in depressed patients; the schizophrenics showed a decrease in CBF. Patients whose blood flow had improved tended to return to previous levels progressively during the first week.
Left Atrial Strain and Strain Rate in Patients With Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kuppahally Suman S. , Akoum Nazem , Burgon Nathan S. , Badger Troy J. , Kholmovski Eugene G. , Vijayakumar Sathya , Rao Swati N. , Blauer Joshua , Fish Eric N. , DiBella Edward V.R. , MacLeod Rob S. , McGann Christopher , Litwin Sheldon E. , Marrouche Nassir F.
Published: February 2010

Background—

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a progressive condition that begins with hemodynamic and/or structural changes in the left atrium (LA) and evolves through paroxysmal and persistent stages. Because of limitations with current noninvasive imaging techniques, the relationship between LA structure and function is not well understood.

Methods and Results—

Sixty-five patients (age, 61.2�14.2 years; 67% men) with paroxysmal (44%) or persistent (56%) AF underwent 3D delayed-enhancement MRI. Segmentation of the LA wall was performed and degree of enhancement (fibrosis) was determined using a semiautomated quantification algorithm. Two-dimensional echocardiography and longitudinal LA strain and strain rate during ventricular systole with velocity vector imaging were obtained. Mean fibrosis was 17.8�14.5%. Log-transformed fibrosis values correlated inversely with LA midlateral strain (
r
=−0.5,
P
=0.003) and strain rate (
r
=−0.4,
P
<0.005). Patients with persistent AF as compared with paroxysmal AF had more fibrosis (22�17% versus 14�9%,
P
=0.04) and lower midseptal (27�14% versus 38�16%,
P
=0.01) and midlateral (35�16% versus 45�14%
P
=0.03) strains. Multivariable stepwise regression showed that midlateral strain (
r
=−0.5,
P
=0.006) and strain rate (
r
=−0.4,
P
=0.01) inversely predicted the extent of fibrosis independent of other echocardiographic parameters and the rhythm during imaging.

Conclusions—

LA wall fibrosis by delayed-enhancement MRI is inversely related to LA strain and strain rate, and these are related to the AF burden. Echocardiographic assessment of LA structural and functional remodeling is quick and feasible and may be helpful in predicting outcomes in AF.
Transmural Flow Modulates Cell and Fluid Transport Functions of Lymphatic Endothelium
Authors: Miteva Dimana O. , Rutkowski Joseph M. , Dixon J. Brandon , Kilarski Witold , Shields Jacqueline D. , Swartz Melody A.
Published: February 2010

Rationale:

Lymphatic transport of peripheral interstitial fluid and dendritic cells (DCs) is important for both adaptive immunity and maintenance of tolerance to self-antigens. Lymphatic drainage can change rapidly and dramatically on tissue injury or inflammation, and therefore increased fluid flow may serve as an important early cue for inflammation; however, the effects of transmural flow on lymphatic function are unknown.

Objective:

Here we tested the hypothesis that lymph drainage regulates the fluid and cell transport functions of lymphatic endothelium.

Methods and Results:

Using in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrated that lymphatic endothelium is sensitive to low levels of transmural flow. Basal-to-luminal flow (0.1 and 1 μm/sec) increased lymphatic permeability, dextran transport, and aquaporin-2 expression, as well as DC transmigration into lymphatics. The latter was associated with increased lymphatic expression of the DC homing chemokine CCL21 and the adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and E-selectin. In addition, transmural flow induced delocalization and downregulation of vascular endothelial cadherin and PECAM-1 (platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1). Flow-enhanced DC transmigration could be reversed by blocking CCR7, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, or E-selectin. In an experimental model of lymphedema, where lymphatic drainage is greatly reduced or absent, lymphatic endothelial expression of CCL21 was nearly absent.

Conclusions:

These findings introduce transmural flow as an important regulator of lymphatic endothelial function and suggest that flow might serve as an early inflammatory signal for lymphatics, causing them to regulate transport functions to facilitate the delivery of soluble antigens and DCs to lymph nodes.
Extracellular K
+
Is a Prerequisite for the Function and Plasma Membrane Stability of HERG Channels
Authors: Massaeli Hamid , Guo Jun , Xu Jianmin , Zhang Shetuan
Published: February 2010

Rationale
:

The human ether-a-go-go–related gene (
HERG
) encodes the pore-forming subunits of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium channel (
I
Kr
) that is important for cardiac repolarization. Dysfunction of HERG causes long QT syndrome (LQTS) which can lead to sudden cardiac death. We previously showed that a reduction in extracellular K
+
concentration ([K
+
]
o
) prolongs QT intervals in intact rabbits, and decreases the cell surface density of
I
Kr
in rabbit ventricular myocytes and of the HERG channel expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells.

Objective
:

The goal of the present study was to gain insights into the mechanisms for low [K
+
]
o
induced reduction in HERG expression levels.

Methods and Results
:

Using patch clamp, Western blot and confocal imaging methods, we demonstrated that at low [K
+
]
o
, the HERG channel entered a novel nonconducting state. Furthermore, this novel functional state triggered rapid internalization and degradation of the cell surface HERG channels. Thus, our data demonstrated for the first time a direct link between a gating state and the plasma membrane stability of an ion channel, HERG. Using HERG-permeant cations and site-directed mutagenesis, we identified the sites in the channel which are involved in the K
+
o
dependence of HERG channels.

Conclusions
:

Extracellular K
+
is a prerequisite for HERG function and membrane stability.
A Generalized Discrete Event System (G-DEVS) Flattened Simulation Structure: Application to High-Level Architecture (HLA) Compliant Simulation of Workflow
Authors: Zacharewicz Gregory , Hamri Maâmar El-Amine , Frydman Claudia , Giambiasi Norbert
Published: February 2010

The objective of the paper is to specify a new flattened Generalized Discrete Event System simulation engine structure and the Workflow modeling and simulation environment embedding it. We express first the new flattened simulation structure and give the corresponding transformation functions. We analyze performance tests conducted on this new simulation structure to measure its efficiency. Then, having selected the essential concepts in the elaboration of the Workflow, we present a language of description to define the Workflow processes. Finally, we define a distributed Workflow Reference Model that interfaces components of the Workflow with respect to the High-Level Architecture standard. Today enterprises can take advantage of this platform in the context of networking where interoperability, flexibility, and efficiency are challenging concepts.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Liraglutide, a Once‐Daily Human Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 Analog, in Healthy Volunteers and Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes, and Comparison to Twice‐Daily Exenatide
Authors: Watson Estelle , Jonker Daniël M. , Jacobsen Lisbeth V. , Ingwersen Steen H.
Published: February 2010

The once‐daily human glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analog, liraglutide, was recently shown to provide improved glycemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared with exenatide. The aim of this work is to estimate the population pharmacokinetics of liraglutide and make a comparison to the pharmacokinetic profile of exenatide. Pharmacokinetic data from 5 published studies of subcutaneous and intravenous administration of liraglutide to healthy volunteers (HV) and subjects with T2D were used to develop a population pharmacokinetic model in NONMEM. Exenatide data came from a published study in T2D. Liraglutide pharmacokinetics were adequately described using a 1‐compartment model with sequential zero‐ and first‐order absorption. The pharmacokinetic profile of once‐daily liraglutide showed considerably smaller peak‐to‐trough fluctuations compared with twice‐daily exenatide. A small difference in the estimates of absorption parameters was found between HV and subjects with T2D but was not clinically relevant. It was concluded that pharmacokinetic profiles estimated by modeling showed that liraglutide has pharmacokinetic properties consistent with once‐daily dosing in humans and provides better pharmacokinetic coverage in comparison with twice‐daily exenatide. Furthermore, no clinically relevant differences were found in liraglutide pharmacokinetics between HV and subjects with T2D.
Efficacy and Safety of Ketoprofen Patch in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Kawai Shinichi , Uchida Eiji , Kondo Masakazu , Ohno Syuji , Obata Junichi , Nawata Yasushi , Sugimoto Kazunori , Oribe Motohiro , Nagaya Ikuo
Published: February 2010

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of ketoprofen patch compared with placebo in patients who had rheumatoid arthritis and persistent wrist pain. Patients (N = 676) who had achieved systemic disease control with a disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug and/or systemic corticosteroid, but still had persistent wrist pain, were randomized to a 2‐week course of once‐daily treatment with application of a 20‐mg ketoprofen patch or a placebo patch to the wrist. The primary efficacy end point was the percent change from baseline to the end of treatment in the intensity of wrist pain scored by each patient on a 100‐mm visual analog scale. The mean ± SD percent change on the pain intensity scale was significantly larger in patients treated with ketoprofen than in those receiving placebo (31.2% ± 30.3% [95% confidence interval: 28.0–34.4] vs 25.5% ± 31.2% [95% confidence interval: 22.1–28.8]; P = .020). However, the actual difference of the mean pain intensity scale between the 2 groups was small at the end of treatment. The frequency of adverse events was similar in both groups. The ketoprofen patch was more effective than placebo for relieving persistent local joint pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The patch was also safe and well tolerated during the 2‐week treatment period.
Hugo Chávez’s First Decade in Office
Authors: Ellner Steve
Published: February 2010

A balance sheet of the 10 years of Chavismo in power refutes both the opposition’s demonization of it and the rosy depiction of it in the official media. Viewed objectively, the Venezuelan experience coincides with the historical tendency for socialist nations to score high on the social front and show weakness with regard to the stimulation of production of consumer goods. While the Chávez government has incorporated massive numbers of the formerly marginalized into the decision-making process, diversified technological and commercial ties, and asserted greater national control in the economic sphere, it has failed to substantially boost production in spite of a windfall in oil revenue and has moved very slowly toward institutionalization. Judged by liberal standards, Venezuelan democracy is deficient on a number of counts, but in terms of the standards associated with radical democracy (emphasizing majority rule and the participation of the popular sectors of the population) it fares much better.
Peer victimization trajectories and their association with children’s affect in late elementary school
Authors: Biggs Bridget K. , Vernberg Eric , Little Todd D. , Dill Edward J. , Fonagy Peter , Twemlow Stuart W.
Published: February 2010

The current study examined peer victimization trajectories for 1528 children from third to fifth grade and the association of those trajectories to children’s positive and negative affect. On average, victimization was low to moderate and remained stable (self-report) or increased (peer-reports). In addition, five distinct trajectories were identified based on self-report: Low, Moderate, Increasing, Decreasing, and Chronic. Peer-reported victimization did not reveal distinct trajectories. Although the level of victimization was related to concurrent negative affect (self- and peer-reported victimization) and to positive affect (self-report victimization only), relations between change in victimization and change in affect were less consistent. Also, a chronic victimization trajectory was associated with greatest affective distress and a decreasing trajectory was associated with partial, but not full, recovery in terms of affect. Results largely support a chronic model of victimization’s effects in which victimization has compounding and enduring effects on adjustment. Intervention implications include the importance of including selective interventions for highly victimized youth with universal anti-bullying programs, assessing both past and current victimization, and including indicators of adjustment when evaluating anti-bullying interventions.
Socio-economic Differences in Heights of Adult Indian Women
Authors: Viswanathan Brinda , Sharma Viney
Published: February 2010

This study provides additional insights into the nature of variations in heights of adult Indian women based on the demographic and health survey data for the year 2005–06. Though contiguous regions show similar mean heights, the gap between geographic regions reduce once socio-economic differences are accounted for. While teenage child birth, wealth differences and caste affiliations are some of the key variables that explain the gaps in mean heights, better educational attainment reduces these gaps and has also contributed to temporal gains in heights.
Finding Needles in a Haystack: A Methodology for Identifying and Sampling Community-Based Youth Smoking Cessation Programs
Authors: Emery Sherry , Lee Jungwha , Curry Susan J. , Johnson Tim , Sporer Amy K. , Mermelstein Robin , Flay Brian , Warnecke Richard
Published: February 2010

Background: Surveys of community-based programs are difficult to conduct when there is virtually no information about the number or locations of the programs of interest. This article describes the methodology used by the Helping Young Smokers Quit (HYSQ) initiative to identify and profile community-based youth smoking cessation programs in the absence of a defined sample frame. Methods: We developed a two-stage sampling design, with counties as the first-stage probability sampling units. The second stage used snowball sampling to saturation, to identify individuals who administered youth smoking cessation programs across three economic sectors in each county. Multivariate analyses modeled the relationship between program screening, eligibility, and response rates and economic sector and stratification criteria. Cumulative logit models analyzed the relationship between the number of contacts in a county and the number of programs screened, eligible, or profiled in a county. Results: The snowball process yielded 9,983 unique and traceable contacts. Urban and high-income counties yielded significantly more screened program administrators; urban counties produced significantly more eligible programs, but there was no significant association between the county characteristics and program response rate. There is a positive relationship between the number of informants initially located and the number of programs screened, eligible, and profiled in a county. Discussion: Our strategy to identify youth tobacco cessation programs could be used to create a sample frame for other nonprofit organizations that are difficult to identify due to a lack of existing directories, lists, or other traditional sample frames.
Distribution of Borna Disease Virus Antigen and RNA in Tissues of Naturally Infected Bicolored White-Toothed Shrews, Crocidura leucodon, Supporting Their Role as Reservoir Host Species
Authors: Puorger M. E. , Hilbe M. , Müller J.-P. , Kolodziejek J. , Nowotny N. , Zlinszky K. , Ehrensperger F.
Published: February 2010

Borna disease is a severe viral-induced disorder of the central nervous system of horses, sheep, and a few other animal species, occurring in certain areas of central Europe. Pathogenesis and epidemiology of natural Borna disease virus (BDV) infections are still not fully understood; several unique epidemiologic features, however, point toward the existence of BDV reservoir populations other than the final hosts. In this study, 69 mice and 12 shrews were trapped and examined. The virus distribution was investigated in detail in 2 BDV-positive bicolored white-toothed shrews, Crocidura leucodon, by immunohistochemistry and TaqMan real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RT-PCR amplification products were sequenced, and the sequences were compared. These shrews had been collected in a BDV-endemic geographical region using live traps and did not show obvious clinical or pathological disease signs. BDV antigen and nucleic acid were identified in several organs, including the brain, mainly in nerve tissue and neurons, respectively, but also in parenchymal cells (eg, hepatocytes, Leydig cells) and epithelial cells, particularly of the respiratory and urogenital tract.
Hemophagocytic Histiocytic Sarcoma in a Japanese Black Cow
Authors: Matsuda K. , Nomoto H. , Kawamura Y. , Someya Y. , Koiwa M. , Taniyama H.
Published: February 2010

At necropsy, an 11-year-old Japanese Black cow with anemia, leukocytopenia, and progressive hind limb ataxia had marked diffuse splenomegaly and multiple masses in the thoracic vertebrae. Histologically, neoplastic erythrophagocytic histiocytes were in the splenic red pulp, vertebral masses, and blood vessels of the liver and lungs. The spinal cord was compressed by the vertebral masses. Clinicopathological, macroscopic, and histologic findings were consistent with hemophagocytic histiocytic sarcoma. Vertebral involvement with spinal cord compression and resultant hind limb ataxia is an unusual presentation for this tumor, which has been described mainly in dogs and cats.
Competition and International Equity Returns: Some Empirical Tests of “Turbulent Arbitrage”
Authors: Sarich John , Hecht Jason
Published: February 2010

The idea that capital flows accelerate and decelerate in response to differential rates of return on real investment is common to virtually all of economic theory. This paper examines the nature of this process, especially the relationship between returns in the stock market and returns on real investment. Shaikh (1998) makes the case that the rate of return on new physical (real) investment is the “required” rate of return for the stock market and that competitive forces produce a rough equalization between these two rates of return, what he terms “turbulent arbitrage.” In contrast to neoclassical theories of perfect competition, with its notions of perfect information and convergence to a uniform rate of return, the notion of “turbulent arbitrage” is a dynamic process that requires a tendency toward convergence as well as the constant differentiation of profit rates (Botwinick 1993). Data on rates of return at the country, industry, and firm level for Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States are analyzed and correlated with Shaikh’s “incremental rate of return on real investment” which, it is argued, is the target of the equalization process. Statistical and econometric tests based on time series methods and pooling techniques support the hypothesis that the rate of return on equity prices is linked to the incremental return on real investment. In addition, this association is examined for two industries—steel and retail trade—across these same four countries. Global and domestic equity markets are found to be significantly correlated with the incremental returns for the steel industry but not for the retail trade sector.

JEL classification: G15, F02, C33
A Tale of Two Thailands: A Minskyan Analysis of Growth in Different Regimes
Authors: Brennan David M.
Published: February 2010

This paper employs a Kaleckian/Minskyan analysis of profit flows to explain Thailand’s experiences of growth and crisis under different policy regimes. Specifically, the paper shows how profits were differently supported under the neoliberal policy regime of the day and a regime of less stable exchange rates and fiscal deficits. The analysis of the components of profit flows is helpful in explaining why capitalist economies oscillate between different types of monetary and fiscal interventions.

JEL classification: F41, E60, E12
The Rise of Knowledge in Dependency Theory: The Experience of India and Taiwan
Authors: Shie Vincent H. , Meer Craig D.
Published: February 2010

Dependency theorists have been mired in a theoretical impasse since the mid-1980s because they cannot explain the economic achievements of the newly industrializing countries. In the information technology industry, a key sector in the knowledge-based economy, the high-tech industrialization and performance of India and Taiwan are particularly noteworthy. Ironically, however, the rise of knowledge makes these countries more dependent technologically.

JEL classification: O34, O53
Democratizing the Classroom: Sequencing Discussions and Assignments to Promote Student Ownership of the Course
Authors: Schneider Geoffrey
Published: February 2010

This article explores a radical pedagogical method for democratizing the classroom that generates rich, engaged, student-led discussions. The approach is grounded in the notion that democratic participation in the classroom is a worthy goal of radical pedagogy, that students must be adequately prepared in order to take on greater responsibility in the classroom, and that greater learning occurs when students take a more active role in the learning process. Careful sequencing of discussions and assignments is used to turn over responsibility for the course to students gradually, without sacrificing the depth and sophistication that instructors want to achieve in the classroom. The result is a classroom in which all students participate and in which thoughtful, informed discussion and debate is the primary mode of engagement.

JEL classification: A22, B5
Effect of recirculation rate on methane production and SEBAR system performance using active stage digester
Authors: Tubtong Cheevanuch , Towprayoon Sirintornthep , Connor Michael Anthony , Chaiprasert Pawinee , Nopharatana Annop
Published: February 2010

A project was undertaken to examine the feasibility of treating organic wastes from Thai fruit and vegetable markets using the sequential batch anaerobic digester (SEBAR) approach. A key feature of the SEBAR system is the regular interchanging, or recirculation, of portions of leachate between each freshly filled digester and a support digester to which it is coupled until it is ready to operate independently. Leachate transfer from this support digester to the fresh waste digester provides additional alkalinity to help counteract the effects of early high acid release rates; it also helps build a balanced microbial population in the fresh waste digester. To optimize the leachate recirculation process, the effect of varying the quantities of leachate interchanged between freshly filled waste digesters and the still highly active support digesters to which they were coupled was studied. It was found that increasing the recirculation rate accelerated the onset of both waste degradation and methane production. The increasing of recirculation rate from 10% to 20% and 10% to 30% could reduce the SEBAR cycle period by approximately 7% and 22% without significant reduction in the amount of methane obtained from the systems. The methane yields were 0.0063, 0.0068 and 0.0077 l g—1 VS added in the NEW digester per day using leachate recirculation rates of 10%, 20% and 30%, respectively. This finding has potentially important practical and economic implications for those using the SEBAR system to add value to market waste.
Motivation recycling: pre-recycling case study in Minsk, Belarus
Authors: Miafodzyeva Sviatlana , Brandt Nils , Olsson Monika
Published: February 2010

Given the aim of motivating householders to behave in a recycling-friendly manner, there is a need to understand consumers’ recycling behaviour. This paper documents and analyses acceptability and awareness of a pre-recycling society, through a survey carried out in the region of Minsk, Belarus. The results show a large number of people have no strong awareness about separate collection of household waste for recycling. By analysing the pre-recycling behaviour of Minsk citizens and substantive comparison with literature studies of a more mature recycling society such as Sweden, we indicate common sociodemographic variables for both cases and determine that these sociodemographic characteristics will directly influence recycling behaviour in countries like Belarus. It is also noted that the lack of recycling habit cannot directly predict subsequent recycling behaviour on the stage of implementation the recycling system.
Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibrous Membranes Tailored for Acetylcholinesterase Immobilization
Authors: Stoilova Olya , Manolova Nevena , Gabrovska Katya , Marinov Ivaylo , Godjevargova Tzonka , Mita Damiano Gustavo , Rashkov Iliya
Published: February 2010

Nanofibrous polyacrylonitrile membranes (PANNFM) were obtained by electrospinning and then prepared for immobilizing acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Initially, the chemical modification of PANNFM with ethylenediamine produced reactive groups to overcome their inertness and hydrophobicity. The natural polymer, chitosan, was then tethered on the nanofibrous membranes to improve their biocompatibility. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cross-section SEM were used to determine morphological and porosity changes of the membranes. The immobilized AChE had greater relative activity as well as thermal and storage stability compared to the free enzyme. The bound AChE showed excellent reusability. Chitosan-modified PANNFM was shown to be a suitable strategy for facile immobilization of AChE to produce a promising system that effectively supports biocatalysts.
Health Impact Assessment (HIA) for Planners: What Tools Are Useful?
Authors: Forsyth Ann , Schively Slotterback Carissa , Krizek Kevin
Published: February 2010

Health impact assessments (HIAs) provide an attractive approach for those interested in injecting health issues into planning processes. While HIAs have been mainly employed outside the United States and led by professionals from the public health field, they hold promise for addressing the important dimension of human health in planning. This article describes the history of HIAs and their relationship to other analogous tools, reviews current theory and practice of HIAs, and discusses the role of HIAs in current planning initiatives. The authors suggest it is important to modify existing HIA tools so that they are perceived by planners as a useful supplement to current planning processes rather than a burdensome additional requirement. The authors close by discussing how HIAs present distinct advantages, providing a more specific focus on the important topic of human health and a further opportunity to more closely partner with potential allies from public health and related fields.
Prevalence and Neurodegenerative or Other Associations With Olfactory Impairment in an Older Community
Authors: Karpa Michael J. , Gopinath Bamini , Rochtchina Elena , Jie Jin Wang  , Cumming Robert G. , Sue Carolyn M. , Mitchell Paul
Published: February 2010

Objective: To determine the prevalence of olfactory impairment and its associations with neurodegenerative and other conditions in older adults. Method: 1,636 participants (≥60 years) enrolled in the Blue Mountains Eye Study (2002-2004) were analyzed. Olfaction was assessed by the San Diego Odor Identification Test and used to classify mild impairment (4 or 5), moderate impairment (≤3), or any impairment (<6). Results: Prevalent olfactory impairment was 27.0%. After multivariate adjustment, the likelihood increased twofold with each decade of life after 60 years and was higher in men than women. Olfactory impairment and body mass index (BMI) were inversely associated. Persons with Parkinson’s disease and cognitive impairment had an increased likelihood of mild and moderate olfactory impairment. Discussion: Over one in four older persons had olfactory impairment. The prevalence was higher in men, increased with age and decreasing BMI, and was higher among persons with Parkinson’s disease and cognitive impairment.
Basic Anthropometry and Health Status of Elderly: Findings of the Maracaibo Aging Study
Authors: Muñoz Angélica M. , Falque-Madrid Luis , Zambrano Raquel Ch. , Maestre Gladys E.
Published: February 2010

Objective: Determine basic anthropometry for elderly participants in a Venezuelan community and compare results for subgroups with different health status. Method: Standardized anthropometric, nutritional, neurological, neuropsychiatric, and cardiovascular assessments generated data on weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) by sex and age for the total sample, for normative groups without health problems that might impact anthropometry, and for reference groups with no major health problems. Centile curves of anthropometric measurements versus age are determined for women and men in the normative group. Results : Mean weight and height are significantly different between sexes, but not BMI. All three parameters show gradual declines with age. The mean 90% central interval for BMI in the normative and reference groups is 20-29 kg/m2. Conclusion: The anthropometric data for healthy elderly Venezuelans can be used in monitoring anthropometric changes and disease risk analysis for this population and possibly for other Latin American populations.
Do Mental Processes Share a Domain-General Resource?
Authors: Vergauwe Evie , Barrouillet Pierre , Camos Valérie
Published: February 2010

What determines success and failure in dual-task situations? Many theories propose that the extent to which two activities can be performed concurrently depends on the nature of the information involved in the activities. In particular, verbal and visuospatial activities are thought to be fueled by distinct resources, so that interference occurs between two verbal activities or two visuospatial activities, but little or no interference occurs between verbal and visuospatial activities. The current study examined trade-offs in four dual-task situations in which participants maintained verbal or visuospatial information while concurrently processing either verbal or visuospatial information. We manipulated the cognitive load of concurrent processing and assessed recall performance in each condition. Results revealed that both verbal and visuospatial recall performance decreased as a direct function of increasing cognitive load, regardless of the nature of the information concurrently processed. The observed trade-offs suggest strongly that verbal and visuospatial activities compete for a common domain-general pool of resources.
IgA nephropathy in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Horino T. , Takao T. , Terada Y.
Published: February 2010

Systemic lupus erythematosus is generally recognized to be a multisystem autoimmune disease with kidney involvement. However, the occurrence of other non-lupus glomerulopathies has been rarely reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. It is well known that lupus nephritis may switch over time to another class according to the World Health Organization classification. It seems likely that IgA nephropathy is a clinical characteristic of a particular subset of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. We report a 22-year-old Japanese man with recurrence of proteinuria. The renal flare occurred when he was without lupus clinical and serological activity, and renal remission was only obtained with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor blocker therapy. Although the incidence of IgA nephropathy is high in Japan, we believe that this is the first report of a Japanese patient in which lupus nephritis switched over time to IgA nephropathy.
Arterial and venous thrombosis is associated with different angiogenic cytokine patterns in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Smadja DM , Gaussem P. , Roncal C. , Fischer A-M. , Emmerich J. , Darnige L.
Published: February 2010

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is defined as a combination of antiphospholipid antibodies, arterial and/or venous thrombosis, and, in women, recurrent fetal loss. The mechanisms underlying this prothrombotic tendency are unclear. Here we determined plasma levels of the angiogenic growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF) and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) in 34 patients with APS (median age 40 years) compared with 180 healthy controls and with 80 age-matched deep-venous thrombosis patients in whom the diagnosis of APS had been excluded. All of the patients met updated APS criteria and two-thirds of them were triply positive for antiphospholipid antibodies (lupus anticoagulant, anti-β2-glycoprotein I and anti-cardiolipin antibodies). Angiogenic cytokines were quantified at least 6 months after an acute thrombotic event. VEGF levels were similar in the patients and controls, but were significantly higher in the patients with arterial thrombosis than in the patients with venous thrombosis. Plasma levels of SDF-1 and PlGF were significantly elevated in the patients, regardless of the arterial/venous nature of the thrombosis. Together, these results suggest that APS is associated with an angiogenic process, but that the angiogenic signal differs between patients with arterial and venous thrombosis. Lupus (2010) 19, 837—843.
Challenges for Institutional Theory
Authors: Suddaby Roy
Published: February 2010

This essay offers a critical summation of the use of neo-institutionalism to study organizations. While institutionalism has succeeded in becoming the dominant theory to study macro-organizational phenomena, there is a danger that the theory has been stretched far beyond its core purpose—to understand how organizational structures and processes acquire meaning and continuity beyond their technical goals. I discuss some possible reasons for this displacement and identify four nascent threads of research that hold strong potential for bringing institutional theory back to its core assumptions and objectives; categories, language, work, and aesthetics.
L-Cysteine Stimulates Hydrogen Sulfide Synthesis in Myocardium Associated With Attenuation of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Elsey David J. , Fowkes Robert C. , Baxter Gary F.
Published: February 2010

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2S) is a biological mediator produced by enzyme-regulated pathways from L-cysteine, which is a substrate for cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE). In myocardium, endogenously and exogenously administered H2S has been shown to protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury. We hypothesized that L-cysteine exerts its protective action through stimulation of H2S production. Rat isolated hearts were Langendorff-perfused and underwent 35-minute regional ischemia and 120-minute reperfusion. L-cysteine perfusion from 10 minutes before ischemia until 10 minutes after reperfusion limited infarct size in a concentration-dependent manner, maximal at 1 mmol/L (control 36.4% ± 2.4% vs L-cysteine 24.3% ± 3.4%, P < .05). This protective action was attenuated by the CSE inhibitor, DL-propargylglycine (PAG) 1 mmol/L (31.4 ± 5.9%, not significant vs control) but administration of the CSE cofactor pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) 50 μmol/L did not enhance the effect of L-cysteine. Ten minutes normoxic perfusion with L-cysteine 1 mmol/L caused a 3-fold increase in myocardial H2S concentration (0.64 ± 0.16 vs 2.01 ± 0.07 μmol/g protein, P < .01), an effect that was significantly attenuated by PAG (1.17 ± 0.15 μmol/g protein). These data provide evidence that exogenous L-cysteine administration limits ischemia-reperfusion injury through a mechanism that appears to be at least partially dependent on H2S synthesis.
Party Aggregation in India
Authors: Diwakar Rekha
Published: February 2010

Existing research on party aggregation focuses on the national level, relating it to changes in the federal distribution of powers. I argue that party aggregation also affects sub-national party systems, and therefore that study of party aggregation needs to extend beyond the national level. A comparative analysis reveals that party aggregation at the Indian sub-national (state) level does not respond uniformly to changes in the federal distribution of powers. While federal centralization has positive and significant effects on the number of parties in Indian states, the effects of federal decentralization are relatively less important. Furthermore, Indian states that are highly dependent on the national government have fewer parties and a higher degree of party aggregation. I conclude that existing analysis of party aggregation is simplistic, and that we need to develop a more comprehensive set of explanatory factors by which to study this phenomenon and to extend research in this area to the sub-national level.
Ankle—brachial index performance among internal medicine residents
Authors: Wyatt Matthew F , Stickrath Chad , Shah Alap , Smart Alexandra , Hunt James , Casserly Ivan P
Published: February 2010

The ankle—brachial index (ABI) is the standard test used in clinical practice to detect peripheral artery disease (PAD) and is a powerful predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. This study sought to measure the baseline knowledge of the ABI test among a sample of internal medicine residents and to examine the impact of an educational intervention on performance of the test. A total of 29 residents were asked to perform three tasks, with the performance of each task being assessed using a point-based scoring system: measure an ABI on a normal volunteer (15 points), calculate the ABI based on data from a hypothetical patient (3 points), and interpret a range of ABI values (6 points). A standardized educational intervention was then provided and post-education performance was assessed for each task using the same scoring system. At baseline, 4% of residents correctly measured the ABI, 10% correctly calculated the ABI, and 45% correctly interpreted the ABI. Baseline performance was unaffected by year of residency training. Following the educational intervention, 50% of residents correctly measured the ABI, 75% correctly calculated the ABI, and 88% correctly interpreted the ABI. The mean score for the tasks of ABI measurement, calculation and interpretation between baseline and post-education were 4.6 ± 3 and 13.9 ± 1.6 ( p < 0.0001), 1 ± 0.9 and 2.3 ± 1.2 ( p = 0.002), and 4.9 ± 1.6 and 5.9 ± 0.3 ( p = 0.008), respectively. In conclusion, baseline knowledge of the ABI test was poor among a sample of internal medicine residents. These results suggest that instruction regarding the ABI test is deficient in medical school and residency programs and requires action by those responsible for the education of medical students and residents.
Translation and short-term L2 vocabulary retention: Hindrance or help?
Authors: Hummel Kirsten M.
Published: February 2010

This study addresses the role that active translation may have in second language (L2) vocabulary learning. Some research suggests that translation might be an effective cognitive strategy for L2 vocabulary learning. Participants were 191 native French-speaking students enrolled in a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) program.The study compared results across three different tasks: (1) L1 to L2 translation; (2) L2 to L1 translation; and (3) a rote-copying task. Results indicated significant short-term lexical recall following all three conditions, with no difference between the two translation conditions. However, a significant advantage was found for the rote-copying condition compared to the two translation conditions.
Technology and journalism-as-labour: Historical perspectives
Authors: Örnebring Henrik
Published: February 2010

Technological determinism is common among journalists when reflecting on changes in their profession; several studies show that journalists ascribe great power and independent agency to technology. There are at least two reasons for the persistence of technological determinism as an explanatory factor among journalists vis-a-vis their own work: first, technology is a highly integrated and therefore very tangible part of the everyday working life of journalists; and second, the technological paradigm for explaining change in journalism has deep historical roots. It is argued that analysing journalism as labour presents a way to address both the integration of technology in the everyday working practices of journalists, and the history of the inter-relations between journalism and technology. It is further argued that journalism studies as a field has not paid much attention to journalism as labour.

This article is concerned with the second part of this programme for research, i.e. the historical analysis of journalism as labour. The framework of analysis is based on labour process theory, focusing on four themes in the history of journalism: (1) the importance of the separation of conception and execution of labour; (2) the increased differentiation of the labour process; (3) the use of technology to increase productivity; and (4) the deskilling of labour.
Fostering inclusivity through teaching and learning action research
Authors: Walsh Christine Ann , Rutherford Gayle E. , Sears Alexandra E.
Published: February 2010

In post-secondary curricula, the introduction of research paradigms that emphasize community inclusion and social action is increasingly valued by scholars. However, there is only a modest amount of scholarship regarding how the delivery of such material should be structured, or the challenges and/or successes with various course models. In this article the authors synthesize the existing literature on developing and implementing courses on alternative research paradigms, and use it to analyze the development and implementation of an innovative undergraduate course taught on community based research in the spring of 2007. Taught in the setting of a local homeless shelter, course learners included undergraduate students of social work and nursing, staff members from the homeless-serving agency, individuals from the homeless community, and the course instructors themselves. The authors present the challenges and successes of this particular course model in reference to the suggestions gleaned from academic scholarship, and make recommendations to those involved in teaching models of action research.
Youth Living With HIV and Problem Substance Use: Elevated Distress Is Associated With Nonadherence and Sexual Risk
Authors: Nugent Nicole R. , Brown Larry K. , Belzer Marvin , Harper Gary W. , Nachman Sharon , Naar-King Sylvie ,   Adolescent Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions
Published: February 2010

Purpose: To examine health risk behaviors in distressed youth living with HIV (YLH) with problem substance use. Methods: Assessed distress, antiretroviral (ARV) adherence, and unprotected sex in a racially and geographically diverse sample of 122 YLH. Results: A total of 87% of distressed YLH reported significantly more past-month ARV nonadherence (odds ratio [OR] = 7.15) and were more likely to have unprotected sex under the influence (OR = 5.14) than nondistressed youth. Conclusions: Distressed YLH with problem substance use may benefit from interventions to improve adherence and to decrease sexual risk, especially while under the influence of drugs.