bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the Interactive Systems Framework in Understanding the Relation Between General Program Capacity and Implementation in Afterschool Settings
Authors: Halgunseth Linda C. , Carmack Chakema , Childs Sharon S. , Caldwell Linda , Craig Amanda , Smith Emilie Phillips
Published: March 2012

The present study uses the Interactive Systems Framework (ISF) to understand how general capacity influences the implementation of prevention programs in afterschool settings. Eight afterschool sites received the Good Behavior Game (GBG) intervention, a program designed to foster supportive behavioral management and positive youth behavior. In line with the Prevention Support System component of ISF, the intervention afterschool staff were trained and received weekly on‐site support from coaches in implementing the GBG. It was found that GBG implementation scores were greatest in afterschool programs that rated high on both organizational‐ and community‐levels of general capacity; high scores on only one level of general capacity resulted in lower implementation scores. Thus, afterschool sites that were more organized, maintained adequate facilities, and developed strong linkages to individuals or organizations in the community scored highest in implementation fidelity and quality. This study highlights the importance of considering interactions among multiple levels of general capacity in efforts to promote evidence‐based practices in afterschool settings. Caution should be taken in generalizing findings due to the small sample in this study.

Special Issue: Advances in Bridging Research and Practice Using the Interactive System Framework for Dissemination and Implementation; Guest Editors: Abraham Wandersman, Paul Flaspohler, Catherine A. Lesesne, Richard Puddy; Action Editor: Emilie Phillips Smith
Changes in Callosal Motor Fiber Integrity after Subcortical Stroke of the Pyramidal Tract
Authors: Radlinska Basia A , Blunk Yasmin , Leppert Ilana R , Minuk Jeffrey , Pike G Bruce , Thiel Alexander
Published: March 2012

In the healthy brain, there are close correlations between task-related activation of the primary motor cortex (M1), the magnitude of interhemispheric inhibition, and microstructural properties of transcallosal fiber tracts. After subcortical stroke affecting the pyramidal tract (PT), an abnormal pattern of bilateral activity develops in M1. With this prospective longitudinal study, we aimed to determine whether a morphological correlate of poststroke disinhibition could be measured within 20 days and 6 months of PT stroke. Using diffusion tensor imaging with tractography, we delineated transcallosal motor fibers (CMF) in nine PT stroke patients, six patients with subcortical infarct not affecting the PT (NonPT) and six transient ischemic attack patients. We compared changes in CMF fractional anisotropy ratios (rFA) with rFA in a distinct bundle of callosal occipital fibers (COF). At the initial time point, there were no significant differences in rFA between groups and fiber bundles. At follow-up, PT-group rFACMF was significantly lower than PT-group rFACOF and NonPT-group rFACMF. PT-group rFACMF decreased over time and correlated with rFA of the PT (rFAPT) retrograde to the infarct at 6 months. Our data suggest a progressive degenerative transsynaptic effect of PT stroke on CMF, which could be a morphological correlate of transcallosal disinhibition.
X-ray–optical cross-correlator for gas-phase experiments at the Linac Coherent Light Source free-electron laser
Authors: Schorb S. , Gorkhover T. , Cryan J. P. , Glownia J. M. , Bionta M. R. , Coffee R. N. , Erk B. , Boll R. , Schmidt C. , Rolles D. , Rudenko A. , Rouzee A. , Swiggers M. , Carron S. , Castagna J.-C. , Bozek J. D. , Messerschmidt M. , Schlotter W. F. , Bostedt C.
Published: March 2012

X-ray–optical pump–probe experiments at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) have so far been limited to a time resolution of 280 fs fwhm due to timing jitter between the accelerator-based free-electron laser (FEL) and optical lasers. We have implemented a single-shot cross-correlator for femtosecond x-ray and infrared pulses. A reference experiment relying only on the pulse arrival time information from the cross-correlator shows a time resolution better than 50 fs fwhm (22 fs rms) and also yields a direct measurement of the maximal x-ray pulse length. The improved time resolution enables ultrafast pump–probe experiments with x-ray pulses from LCLS and other FEL sources.
Evidence for different origins of the magnetic field effect on current and electroluminescence in organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Buchschuster Andreas , Schmidt Tobias D. , Brütting Wolfgang
Published: March 2012

An external magnetic field can change the current through an organic light-emitting diode and the luminance it emits. Existing models predict that both phenomena have the same behaviour and, therefore, a common origin; however, there are indications that they are not completely linked. As a direct proof, we measured the magnetic field effect in multilayer organic light-emitting diodes using Alq3 as emission layer. After successively adding blocking layers, we found a decrease of the magnetic field effect on the current, whereas the effect on the luminance remained at the same level. Thus, both effects can be separated from each other.
Photoconversion of Spiropyran to Merocyanine in a Monolayer Observed Using Nanosecond Pump-Probe Brewster Angle Reflectometry
Authors: Siebenhofer Bernhard , Gorelik Sergey , Sadovoy Anton V. , Lear Martin J. , Song Hong Yan , Nowak Christoph , Hobley Jonathan
Published: March 2012

A new apparatus for nanosecond-time-resolved Brewster angle reflectometry is described that can be used to measure transient angle-resolved reflectivity changes in thin films and monolayers in a single pulsed laser shot. In order to achieve this, a cylindrical lens is placed in the probe beam path replacing the goniometer that is usually used for angular scanning in other systems. Using two synchronized nanosecond pulsed lasers in pump-probe configuration it is possible to measure the kinetics of photoinduced conformational changes by altering the delay between pump and probe pulses. The system was used to observe nanosecond time-resolved photodynamics in a spiropyran monolayer at the air-water interface. After UV excitation the spiropyran converted to its merocyanine form in two stages. The first stage occurred with a timescale close to the instrument time resolution (tens of nanoseconds) whereas the second stage occurred over a few hundred nanoseconds.
How do antigenically varying pathogens avoid cross-reactive responses to invariant antigens?
Authors: Johnson Philip L. F. , Kochin Beth F. , Ahmed Rafi , Antia Rustom
Published: March 2012

Pathogens such as trypanosomes and malaria use antigenic variation to evade immune responses and prolong the duration of infections. As pathogens typically express more than one antigen, even relatively rare conserved antigens might be expected to trigger cross-reactive immune responses capable of clearing the infection. We use simple mathematical models that explicitly consider the dynamic interplay between the replicating pathogen, immune responses to different antigens and immune exhaustion to explore how pathogens can escape the responses to both variable and invariant (conserved) antigens. Our results suggest two hypotheses. In the first, limited quantities of invariant antigens on each pathogen may lead to saturation in killing by cross-reactive responses. In the second, antigenic variation of the dominant antigens prolongs the duration of infection sufficiently to allow for exhaustion of the cross-reactive responses to subdominant, invariant epitopes prior to their being able to control the infection. These hypotheses make distinct predictions: the former predicts that cross-reactive responses will always be ineffective while the latter predicts that appropriately timed treatment could, by preventing exhaustion, lead to the generation of long-lasting protective cross-reactive immunity and thus act similarly to a vaccine.
Effect of multidisciplinary pre‐dialysis education in advanced chronic kidney disease: Propensity score matched cohort analysis
Authors: CHO EUN JIN , PARK HAYNE CHO , YOON HYUN BAE , JU KYUNG DON , KIM HWAJUNG , OH YUN KYU , YANG JAESEOK , HWANG YOUNG‐HWAN , AHN CURIE , OH KOOK‐HWAN
Published: March 2012

Aim:  The mortality and morbidity of end‐stage renal failure patients remains high despite recent advances in pre‐dialysis care. Previous studies suggesting a positive effect of pre‐dialysis education were limited by unmatched comparisons between the recipients and non‐recipients of education. The present study aimed to clarify the roles of the multidisciplinary pre‐dialysis education (MPE) in chronic kidney disease patients.

Methods:  We performed a retrospective single centre study, enrolling 1218 consecutive pre‐dialysis chronic kidney disease patients, between July 2007 and Feb 2008 and followed them up to 30 months. By using propensity score matching, we matched 149 recipient‐ and non‐recipient pairs from 1218 patients. The incidences of renal replacement therapy, mortality, cardiovascular event and infection were compared between recipients and non‐recipients of MPE.

Results:  Renal replacement therapy was initiated in 62 and 64 patients in the recipients and non‐recipients, respectively (P > 0.05). The MPE reduced unplanned urgent dialysis (8.7% vs 24.2%, P < 0.001) and shortened hospital days (2.16 vs 5.05 days/patient per year). MPE recipients had a better metabolic status at the time of initiating renal replacement therapy. Although no significant survival advantage from MPE was exhibited, MPE recipients had lower incidence of cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.08 to 0.78; P = 0.017), and a tendency toward a lower infection rate (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.17 to 1.11; P = 0.083).

Conclusion:  MPE was associated with better clinical outcomes in terms of urgent dialysis, cardiovascular events and infection.
The neurotoxicity of intrathecal lidocaine is enhanced in postpartum compared to virgin rats
Authors: Xu Fei , Zhang Bingxi , Li Tianzuo
Published: March 2012

During the perinatal period, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs may be altered. Data about the neurotoxicity of intrathecal local anesthetics in the peripartum period are lacking. So we hypothesized that the neurotoxicity of intrathecal lidocaine during perinatal period may be changed. Therefore, we designed the present study to determine whether the neurotoxicity of intrathecal lidocaine in postpartum rats would be different from that in nonpregnant, virgin rats. Postpartum and nonpregnant rats randomly received an intrathecal infusion of lidocaine 50 mg/mL in saline, lidocaine 20 mg/mL in saline, or saline for 1 h at a rate of 1 μL/min. Four days after drug infusion, the rats were assessed for persistent impairment of sensory and motor function (MF) using the tail‐flick (TF) test, paw pressure test, and MF score. Spinal cords and nerve roots were obtained for light and electron microscopic examinations, and the injury scores were compared between groups. The TF latencies and the mean nerve injury scores of the postpartum group were significantly higher than those of nonpregnant group. Lidocaine induced a dose‐dependent impairment in TF latencies and nerve injury scores. There was no significant interaction between postpartum and the drug. Our results suggest that the neurotoxicity of intrathecal lidocaine is enhanced in rats during the early postpartum period compared with nonpregnant, virgin rats.
Myrtenal ameliorates diethylnitrosamine‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis through the activation of tumor suppressor protein p53 and regulation of lysosomal and mitochondrial enzymes
Authors: Lingaiah Hari Babu , Natarajan Nandakumar , Thamaraiselvan Rengarajan , Srinivasan Perumal , Periyasamy Balasubramanian Maruthaiveeran
Published: March 2012

Myrtenal is a novel class of compound belongs to monoterpenes found predominantly in mint, pepper, etc., and it was shown to have excellent pharmacological activities against many diseases among which cancer is imperative. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary malignancy of the hepatocytes, which rapidly leads to death in short periods. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible therapeutic efficiency of myrtenal against diethylnitrosamine‐induced experimental hepatocarcinogenesis by analyzing the key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, lysosomal and mitochondrial TCA cycle enzymes, and also the possible role of tumor suppressor protein p53, and scanning electron microscopic studies. The results revealed that myrtenal significantly ameliorated the altered enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, lysosomal and mitochondrial enzymes, and interestingly the tumor suppressor protein p53 was found to be significantly accumulated in myrtenal‐treated animals, which inevitably confirms that myrtenal has a prominent role in preventing the liver cancer during treatment. Furthermore, the antineoplastic property was well evidenced by the mRNA expression of p53 protein by the reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analysis. The observed anticancer property of myrtenal may be due to the involvement and expression of p53 and influence in the mitochondrial and lysosomal membrane integrity and also interference in the gluconeogenesis process of cancer cells. Our results suggest that myrtenal is very efficient and useful compound in the treatment of liver cancer in future.
Effect of Alfacalcidol Therapy on the Survival of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ogawa Mariko , Ogawa Tetsuya , Inoue Tomoko , Otsuka Kuniaki , Nitta Kosaku
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between alfacalcidol therapy and the outcomes of chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. We collected demographic and clinical baseline data from 190 prevalent HD patients in a regional Japanese cohort. A 5‐year survival analysis was performed according to whether the patients were receiving calcitriol analog therapy. Alfacalcidol therapy at a mean dose of 5.2 ± 1.8 µg/week was performed in 89 (46.8%) of the 190 patients. We recorded 38 deaths during the follow‐up period, including 19 deaths from cardiovascular events. A Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that the alfacalcidol users had a significantly lower rate of all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality than the non‐users. According to a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, in addition to the use of alfacalcidol (HR=0.347 [0.155–0.714]; P = 0.0035), serum CRP levels (HR= 1.746 [1.184–2.442]; P = 0.0071) and non‐HDL‐cholesterol levels (HR=1.012 [1.001–1.022]; P = 0.0267) were identified as independent predictors of all‐cause mortality, and the presence of diabetes mellitus (HR=3.720 [1.182–12.398]; P = 0.0246) was identified as an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality. These findings suggest that low‐dose alfacalcidol therapy provides a survival advantage to chronic HD patients.
Clinical assessment and postrelease monitoring of 11 mass stranded dolphins on Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Authors: Sampson Kate , Merigo Constance , Lagueux Kerry , Rice James , Cooper Robert , Weber III E. Scott , Kass Philip , Mandelman John , Innis Charles
Published: March 2012

Abstract

The health, postrelease movements, and behavior of mass stranded Atlantic white‐sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) and short‐beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, were evaluated. Health was assessed through physical examination and blood analysis. Eleven dolphins (eight white‐sided dolphins and three common dolphins) were relocated, outfitted with satellite transmitters, and released during seven mass stranding events. Five transmitters recorded only location, and six also included a time‐depth recorder. Transmission duration ranged from 8 h to 218 d, with a mean of 117 d (median = 118 d, SD = 82 d), after release. All dolphins demonstrated extensive movement throughout the Gulf of Maine. The distribution of tagged dolphins was considered normal based on comparisons with published data for these species. Excluding the dolphin that transmitted for only 8 h, mean minimum speeds for individual dolphins ranged from 3.4 to 6.6 km/h; overall mean for all dolphins was 5.4 km/h (SD = 0.9 km/h). The five dolphins with time‐depth recorders had mean dive depths of 8.6–40.3 m and mean dive durations of 46–296 s. Hematologic and biochemical data revealed only minor abnormalities. Data suggest that at least 10 of the 11 dolphins were likely successfully reintroduced into the wild.
Oral health trends in Maryland
Authors: Vargas Clemencia M. , Casper Jane S. , Altema‐Johnson Daphene , Kolasny Catherine R.
Published: March 2012

Objectives: This paper describes the trends in oral health in Maryland over the past decade.

Methods: Data were compiled from several surveillance systems and then summarized to assess the trends in oral health in Maryland over the past ten years.

Results: The percentage of Maryland children with dental sealants increased from 33.8 to 42.8 percent; the percentage of children that have had a dental visit increased from 18.9 to 47.5 percent; and the percentage of children that received “dental treatment” increased from 8.4 to 22.4 percent.

Conclusions: Maryland has made considerable progress in improving the oral health care for children covered by Medicaid. The availability of affordable oral health care for new mothers, adults, and elderly persons is a problem that goes beyond the Maryland boundaries. Following national trends, edentulism and deaths due to oral cancer have declined.
Learning and retention of emergency first aid skills in a violent, developing South African township
Authors: Sun Jared H , Wallis Lee A
Published: March 2012

Community members in developing areas can effectively learn first responder training, and skill decay afterwards is not continuous. It is critical that training be done in the trainees' primary language, even if they speak other languages fluently. Making first responder training obligatory for employees and students may be an effective way to generate first responders.
Evaluation of clinically significant adverse events in patients discharged from a tertiary-care emergency department in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Lee-Min , How Chorng-Kuang , Yang Ming-Chin , Su Syi , Chern Chii-Hwa
Published: March 2012

Objective

To investigate the reasons for the occurrence of clinically significant adverse events (CSAEs) in emergency department-discharged patients through emergency physicians' (EPs) subjective reasoning and senior EPs' objective evaluation.

Design

This was a combined prospective follow-up and retrospective review of cases of consecutive adult non-traumatic patients who presented to a tertiary-care emergency department in Taiwan between 1 September 2005 and 31 July 2006. Data were extracted from ‘on-duty EPs' subjective reasoning for discharging patients with CSAEs (study group) and without CSAEs (control group)’ and ‘objective evaluation of CSAEs by senior EPs, using clinical evidences such as recording history, physical examinations, laboratory/radiological examinations and observation of inadequacies in the basic management process (such as recording history, physical examinations, laboratory/radiological examinations and observation) as the guide’. Subjective reasons for discharging patients’ improvement of symptoms, and the certainty of safety of the discharge were compared in the two groups using χ2statistics or t test.

Results

Of the 20 512 discharged cases, there were 1370 return visits (6.7%, 95% CI 6.3% to 7%) and 165 CSAEs due to physicians' factors (0.82%, 95% CI 0.75% to 0.95%). In comparisons between the study group and the control group, only some components of discharge reasoning showed a significant difference (p<0.001). Inadequacies in the basic management process were the main cause of CSAEs (164/165).

Conclusion

The authors recommended that EP follow-up of the basic management processes (including history record, physical examination, laboratory and radiological examinations, clinical symptoms/signs and treatment) using clinical evidence as a guideline should be made mandatory.
SOME CONSIDERATIONS ON DISCRETE QUANTUM GRAVITY
Authors: GABRIELE GIONTI S. J.
Published: March 2012

Recent results in Local Regge Calculus are confronted with Spin-Foam Formalism. Introducing Barrett–Crane Quantization in Local Regge Calculus makes it possible to associate a unique Spin jh with an hinge h, fulfilling one of the requirements of Spin-Foam definition. It is shown that inter-twiner terms of Spin-Foam can follow from the closure constraint in Local Regge Calculus.
Chronic high-carbohydrate, high-fat feeding in rats induces reversible metabolic, cardiovascular, and liver changes
Authors: Poudyal Hemant , Panchal Sunil K. , Ward Leigh C. , Waanders Jennifer , Brown Lindsay
Published: March 2012

Age-related physiological changes develop at the same time as the increase in metabolic syndrome in humans after young adulthood. There is a paucity of data in models mimicking chronic diet-induced changes in human middle age and interventions to reverse these changes. This study measured the changes during chronic consumption of a high-carbohydrate (as cornstarch), low-fat (C) diet and a high-carbohydrate (as fructose and sucrose), high-fat (H) diet in rats for 32 wk. C diet feeding induced changes without metabolic syndrome, such as disproportionate increases in total body lean and fat mass, reduced bone mineral content, cardiovascular remodeling with increased systolic blood pressure, left ventricular and arterial stiffness, and increased plasma markers of liver injury. H diet feeding induced visceral adiposity with reduced lean mass, increased lipid infiltration in the skeletal muscle, impaired glucose and insulin tolerance, cardiovascular remodeling, hepatic steatosis, and increased infiltration of inflammatory cells in the heart and the liver. Chia seed supplementation for 24 wk attenuated most structural and functional modifications induced by age or H diet, including increased whole body lean mass and lipid redistribution from the abdominal area, and normalized the chronic low-grade inflammation induced by H diet feeding; these effects may be mediated by increased metabolism of anti-inflammatory n-3 fatty acids from chia seed. These results suggest that chronic H diet feeding for 32 wk mimics the diet-induced cardiovascular and metabolic changes in middle age and that chia seed may serve as an alternative dietary strategy in the management of these changes.
Derivation of Neural Progenitors and Retinal Pigment Epithelium from Common Marmoset and Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Torrez Laughing Bear , Perez Yukie , Yang Jing , zur Nieden Nicole Isolde , Klassen Henry , Liew Chee Gee
Published: March 2012

Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) derived from mammalian species are valuable tools for modeling human disease, including retinal degenerative eye diseases that result in visual loss. Restoration of vision has focused on transplantation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) to the retina. Here we used transgenic common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and human pluripotent stem cells carrying the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) reporter as a model system for retinal differentiation. Using suspension and subsequent adherent differentiation cultures, we observed spontaneousin vitrodifferentiation that included NPCs and cells with pigment granules characteristic of differentiated RPE. Retinal cells derived from human and common marmoset pluripotent stem cells provide potentially unlimited cell sources for testing safety and immune compatibility following autologous or allogeneic transplantation using nonhuman primates in early translational applications.
Comparative Performance Evaluation of TCP Variants in WiMAX (and WLANs) Network Configurations
Authors: Tsiknas Konstantinos , Stamatelos George
Published: March 2012

An important application for the IEEE 802.16 technology (also called WiMAX) is to provide high-speed access to the Internet where the transmission control protocol (TCP) is the core transport protocol. In this paper we study through extensive simulation scenarios the performance characteristics of five representative TCP schemes, namely, TCP New Reno, Vegas, Veno, Westwood, and BIC, in WiMAX (and WLANs) networks, under the conditions of correlated wireless errors, asymmetric end-to-end capabilities, and link congestion. The target is to evaluate how the above conditions would affect the TCP congestion control and suggest the best schemes to be employed in WiMAX networks.
Sensitive Spectrophotometric Determination of Atenolol in Pharmaceutical Formulations Using Bromate-Bromide Mixture as an Eco-Friendly Brominating Agent
Authors: Prashanth Kudige N. , Basavaiah Kanakapura
Published: March 2012

Three simple and sensitive spectrophotometric methods are proposed for the determination of atenolol (ATN) in bulk drug and tablets. The methods are based on the bromination of ATN by the bromine generatedin situby the action of the acid on the bromate–bromide mixture followed by the determination of unreacted bromine by reacting with a fixed amount of either meta-cresol purple (MCP) and measuring the absorbance at 540 nm (method A) and 445 nm (method B) or erioglaucine (EGC) and measuring the absorbance at 630 nm (method C). Beer's law is valid within the concentration ranges of 1.0–20.0, 2.0–40.0 and 1.0–8.0 μg/mL for method A, method B and method C, respectively. The calculated molar absorptivities were found to be 1.20×104, 4.51×103and3.46×104  L/mol⋅cmfor method A, method B and method C, respectively. Sandell’s sensitivity values, correlation coefficients, limits of detection and quantification are also reported. Recovery results were statistically compared with those of a reference method by applying Student’st- andF-test. The novelty of the present study is the measurement of two different colors using MCP, that is, red-pink color of MCP in acid medium at 540 nm and yellowish-orange color of brominated MCP at 445 nm.
Effect of Nanodisperse Carbon Fillers and Isocyanate Chain Extender on Structure and Properties of Poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Agabekov Vladimir , Golubovich Vera , Pesetskii Stepan
Published: March 2012

The effect of diisocyanate chain extender (CE) on the mechanical, rheological, and relaxation properties, as well as on molecular weight and crystallizability, of starting poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and its composites containing carbon nanomaterials (CNM) such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and commercial carbon (CC) has been studied. The composites were compounded in molten PET using twin‐screw extruder (screw diameter 35 mm; L/D = 40). To improve the distribution of CNM in the polymeric matrix (before introduction into the melt), they were blended with PET powder and subjected to an ultrasonic treatment in methylene chloride. The salient features of the materials structure were estimated based on DSC and relaxation spectrometry (dynamic mechanical analysis) data. It has been found that CNM additives partly suppress the PET‐chain extension reactions which take place during interaction between macromolecular end groups and CE. Besides, both CNT and CC favour crystallizability of the modified PET owing to nucleation of the crystallization process. The influence of CNT appears to be more effective than that of CC. Enhancements in true mechanical strength and deformability of PET/CE/CNM composites, as against PET/CE materials, were found to be most clearly exhibited by the CNT‐containing composites.
Withdrawal from Morphine Reduces Cell-Mediated Immunity against Herpes Simplex Virus Generated by Natural Immunization
Authors: Jamali Abbas , Soleimanjahi Hoorieh , Moin Mostafa , Mahdavi Mehdi , Hashemi Hamidreza , Sabahi Farzaneh , Hassan Zuhair M. , Bamdad Taravat
Published: March 2012

In a previous study, the authors have shown that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein B DNA vaccine but not live vaccine (non-virulent KOS strain) failed to induce protective immunity against acute HSV-1 challenge in morphine-dependent mice. The present study reports the effect of morphine withdrawal on protective immunity induced by live HSV-1 immunization. BALB/c mice were vaccinated with KOS strain as a live vaccine. Three weeks later, they were exposed to morphine for 14 days. On day 14, withdrawal was induced by administration of normal saline instead of morphine. One day later, immune responses against HSV-1 were assessed by measuring cytotoxicity, lymphocyte proliferation and interferon-γ production. Protection against HSV-1 was assessed by measuring the mortality rate after acute HSV-1 challenge. The results showed that withdrawal from morphine reduces protective immunity against acute HSV-1 challenge. These findings raise the possibility that withdrawal from morphine may increase the susceptibility of drug addicts to infectious diseases.
Early Administration of Low-Dose Aspirin for the Prevention of Preterm and Term Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Roberge Stéphanie , Villa Pia , Nicolaides Kypros , Giguère Yves , Vainio Merja , Bakthi Abdelouahab , Ebrashy Alaa , Bujold Emmanuel
Published: March 2012

Objective: To compare the effect of early administration of aspirin on the risk of preterm and term preeclampsia. Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were performed. Women who were randomized to low-dose aspirin or placebo/no treatment at or before 16 weeks of gestation were included. The outcomes of interest were preterm preeclampsia (delivery <37 weeks) and term preeclampsia. Pooled relative risks (RR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Results: The search identified 7,941 citations but only five trials on a combined total of 556 women fulfilled the inclusion criteria. When compared to controls, aspirin initiated ≤16 weeks of gestation was associated with a major reduction of the risk of preterm preeclampsia (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.04–0.33) but had no significant effect on term preeclampsia (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.42–2.33). Conclusion: Low-dose aspirin administrated at or before 16 weeks of gestation reduces the risk of preterm but not term preeclampsia.
Adolescent Substance Use and Aggression
Authors: Doran Neal , Luczak Susan E. , Bekman Nicole , Koutsenok Igor , Brown Sandra A.
Published: March 2012

Substance use disorders (SUDs) in youth are strongly associated with aggression, delinquency, and involvement with the juvenile justice and mental health systems. This article reviews the relationship between aggression and SUDs and discusses evidence-based approaches to assessment and intervention, with a focus on youth in secure settings. While evidence indicates etiological overlap, SUDs also confer risk for aggression and delinquent behavior. SUDs and aggression are each influenced by executive functions that develop as youth transition toward adult roles. Additionally, the effects of substance use on the adolescent brain impair neurocognitive function and increase the risk for aggression and further substance use. In terms of assessment, it is important to identify function and form of aggression in order to understand motives and associations with substance use and to select appropriate interventions. Evidence-based screening and assessment of aggression, substance involvement, and related domains is also critical. In terms of treatment, youth with SUDs tend to be underserved, particularly when they are also involved with the juvenile justice system. Multiple modes of evidence-based treatment for substance use are available. Approaches that address risk factors common to SUDs and aggression across multiple domains (e.g., family therapies) have been found to be most effective but may be difficult to adapt for use in secure settings. Individual therapy approaches also have empirical support and may generally be more practical in secure settings.
Research and Practice in Adolescent Firesetting
Authors: MacKay Sherri , Feldberg Alan , Ward Ashley K. , Marton Peter
Published: March 2012

Firesetting by juveniles results in billions of dollars of property loss, thousands of burn injuries, and hundreds of deaths each year. A review that specifically focuses on adolescents’ role in this devastating and costly behavior is not available. To address this gap, the current article reviews the past 30+ years of literature on adolescent firesetters, examining topics such as models of firesetting behavior, risk factors and correlates of adolescent firesetting, diagnostic issues, assessment tools and approaches, and current interventions. The article concludes with a discussion of goals for the field, including the development of relevant criteria for pathological firesetting.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
Authors: Reiss Steven
Published: March 2012

Psychologists have posited two types of motivation theories. Dualistic theories divide motivation into two types: intrinsic and extrinsic. Multifaceted theories, in contrast, recognize a number of genetically distinct motives. Intrinsic-extrinsic dualism fails on at least three counts: construct validity, measurement reliability, and experimental control. Many researchers have thus moved beyond the study of intrinsic-extrinsic motivation and validated multifaceted theories. When teaching students about the multifaceted nature of motivation, teachers can take several steps to improve their students’ understanding of this understudied area of psychology
Remote acculturation: The “Americanization” of Jamaican Islanders
Authors: Ferguson Gail M. , Bornstein Marc H.
Published: March 2012

Twenty-first century globalization forces of technology and trade transport cultures across territorial borders. Cultural exchange now occurs in the absence of first-hand continuous contact that accompanies population migration. We propose and test a modern type of acculturation— remote acculturation—associated with indirect and/or intermittent contact between geographically separate groups. Our findings uncover indicators of remote acculturation in behavior, identity, family values, intergenerational discrepancies, and parent–adolescent conflict among families from one culture (Jamaican Islanders) to a geographically separate culture (European American) that emulate traditional acculturation of emigrants from the same ethnic group (Jamaican Immigrants) now settled in that foreign nation (United States of America).
Are we there yet?
Authors: Patel Raj
Published: March 2012

There is widespread acknowledgement that the vocational education system in Britain needs to be much more effective. Its attractiveness and quality impacts on business, young people and communities alike. Many attempts have been made at reform, with a continuously changing institutional and funding landscape being one of the major consequences. The latest of the reforms is the Wolf Review, which concludes that vocational education is failing thousands of young people because it is not leading to university or a job. Despite being wide ranging in its scope, with some positive proposals, the proposed improvements to vocational education will generate mixed results unless other real challenges, such as the focus on quantity rather than quality, a voluntary approach to skills investment by employers and competition based largely on price, are tackled.
Bioelectric effect of a chitosan bioelectret membrane on bone regeneration in rabbit cranial defects
Authors: Wang Yanying , Shi Rui , Gong Ping , Li Jidong , Li Juan , Ao Danting , Wang Ping , Yang Yang , Man Yi , Qu Yili
Published: March 2012

In this study, the effects of a chitosan bioelectret membrane on bone regeneration in a rabbit cranial defect model were examined. The bioelectret was fabricated by film casting and polarized by grid-controlled corona charging (−1 kV). In vitro, the equivalence surface charge density of the bioelectret gradually reduced under both wet and dry conditions. In vivo, two rectangular transosseous defects of 8 mm × 10 mm were created symmetrically on each rabbit cranial bone. The defects were treated with the bioelectret membrane, with unpolarized membrane, and no membrane, respectively. The rabbits were killed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively, and specimens were examined by micro-computed tomography and histological analysis. The bioelectret membrane recipients had a significantly higher volume of newly formed bone and greater rate of material degradation than the unpolarized membrane. Furthermore, the bioelectret membrane induced new bone formation not only around the host bone but also in the center of the defects. The chitosan bioelectret membrane application has an apparent potential in guided bone regeneration applications.
New polyelectrolyte complex of chitosan: Preparation, characterization, and application as a biocontrol agent carrier
Authors: Gicheva Gospodinka , Paneva Dilyana , Manolova Nevena , Naydenov Mladen , Rashkov Iliya
Published: March 2012

In this study, a novel water-insoluble polyelectrolyte complex between chitosan and poly(acrylic acid- co-maleic acid) was prepared and characterized. The chitosan used (M̅v = 23,000–60,000 g/mol) formed water-insoluble polyelectrolyte complexes at pH 2.2–4.8 and water-soluble chitosan oligomers (M̅v = 2,700 g/mol) at pH 2.2–7.4. The polyelectrolyte complexes formed were used in the preparation of novel carriers for a Trichoderma spp. biocontrol agent. Three types of beads were prepared: noncross-linked chitosan beads, coated with a chitosan/poly(acrylic acid- co-maleic acid) polyelectrolyte complex; genipin-cross-linked chitosan beads; and cross-linked chitosan beads, coated with a chitosan/poly(acrylic acid- co-maleic acid) polyelectrolyte complex. Trichoderma viride was immobilized either in the bulk or in the surface layer of the beads. The microbiological tests confirmed that T. viride immobilized in either mode maintained viability and the capacity to develop and to inhibit the growth of the pathogenic soil microorganisms, Alternaria and Fusarium.
Aerodynamics of Urban Maglev vehicles
Authors: Britcher Colin P , Wells John M , Renaud Benoit , Buvat Thibaut
Published: March 2012

Some aerodynamic issues affecting low-speed Urban Maglev vehicles are studied, focusing primarily on the effect of ambient winds on levitation electromagnet loads. Aerodynamic characteristics of a representative vehicle are estimated by means of wind tunnel tests of a 1/12th scale model. The wind environment influencing the existing Maglev guideway at Old Dominion University are established from historical data. It is shown that ambient winds, particularly crosswinds, can pose significant challenges, including substantial redistribution of levitation forces among vehicle electromagnets. The development of large lateral forces, particularly at the forward electromagnet stations, may also be of concern.
Social technologies: Cross-disciplinary reflections on technologies in and from the social sciences
Authors: Derksen Maarten , Vikkelsø Signe , Beaulieu Anne
Published: March 2012

In this introduction, we explore the relevance to critical psychology of the ideas about technology that have come from science and technology studies (STS), which we argue allow a new look at a classic theme in critical approaches in psychology. Rather than seeing psychical and social reality as objective realities, critical psychologists have approached them as the products of historically situated practices, intimately tied up with the circumstances of their production. We suggest that this metaphor of production can be developed in new ways by investigating tools, methods, and phenomena within psychology through the optic of STS. At the same time, STS may also gain from turning to psychology, since it has predominantly focused on the natural sciences and may be inspired to adjust its analytical approach to people and technology through this encounter. We position the notion of social technology both in relation to assumed distinctions between the natural and the social world and in relation to critiques of these assumptions. With the concept of social technology, we argue for investigating the instruments of psychology and social science with equal attention to the way so-called “technical” and “human” elements work together, and sometimes fail, to constitute particular effects.
Expressing Emotions in Stressful Contexts
Authors: Stanton Annette L. , Low Carissa A.
Published: March 2012

Historically, research has suggested that coping with stress by expressing emotions is maladaptive. With improved conceptualization and assessment of stressor-related emotional expression, more recent research has revealed that emotional expression can promote well-being in individuals who are under stress. Characteristics of stressors, individuals, social contexts, and the emotional expressions themselves determine whether emotionally expressive coping is beneficial. Identifying who benefits from emotional expression in which contexts and how the positive effects of emotionally expressive coping accrue can inform theories of coping and emotion and further the development of interventions for populations undergoing stress.
Developing Cognitive Control
Authors: Munakata Yuko , Snyder Hannah R. , Chatham Christopher H.
Published: March 2012

The ability to flexibly break out of routine behaviors develops gradually and is essential for success in life. In this article, we discuss three key developmental transitions toward more flexible behavior. First, children develop an increasing ability to overcome habits by engaging cognitive control in response to environmental signals. Second, children shift from recruiting cognitive control reactively, as needed in the moment, to recruiting cognitive control proactively, in preparation for needing it. Third, children shift from relying on environmental signals for engaging cognitive control to becoming more self-directed. All three transitions can be understood in terms of the development of increasingly active and abstract goal representations in the prefrontal cortex.
Understanding the Physical-Symptom Experience
Authors: Suls Jerry , Howren M. Bryant
Published: March 2012

Individuals tend to believe that the somatic sensations they are currently experiencing or have experienced accurately reflect their physical functioning; however, the experience of somatic symptoms is also affected by psychological and social factors. For two decades, the dominant perspective has been that the general tendency to experience negative emotions—negative affectivity (NA; also known as neuroticism or negative emotionality)—inflates physical-symptom reporting because persons high in NA are more likely to notice somatic changes and to label even minor or benign somatic changes as signs of illness. We review recent research suggesting that two components of NA—anxiety and depression, which are associated with distinctive cognitive-affective biases related to attention/encoding and recall, respectively—are more critical for the cognitive processing of somatic changes than is global NA per se. Specifically, anxiety is responsible for elevated reports of momentary symptoms, whereas depression is related to exaggerated recall of past symptoms. Understanding the distinctive roles of anxiety and depression in the experience of physical symptoms has implications for researchers and practitioners in the fields of personality, clinical science, health psychology, psychiatry, cognitive and affective neuroscience, and medicine.
Effectiveness of micro- and macro-level intervention at times of economic crisis
Authors: Makaros Ayelet , Itzhaky Haya
Published: March 2012

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The aim of the study was to examine perceptions of micro- and macro-level role effectiveness and the factors that contribute to those perceptions among social workers in rural communities that are undergoing an economic crisis. We also examined the correlations between these perceptions and various components of social workers’ role behavior, as well as social workers’ sense of empowerment and personal characteristics. This was a quantitative study, which was conducted among a sample of 149 social workers in Israel.

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The contribution of components of role behavior to enhancing social workers’ levels of perceived role effectiveness was highest, whereas sense of empowerment and personal variables contributed less. Moreover, information gathering contributed to perceptions of effectiveness at both the micro- and macro-levels, whereas guidance and community roles contributed to perceived effectiveness only at the macro-level.

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The contribution of the study lies in the identification of social workers’ roles at times of economic crisis. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of investing in empowerment of social workers. We believe the results can be generalized to other communities in crisis.
The challenge of X
Authors: Shaw Ian Graham Ronald
Published: March 2012

In this commentary Ian Shaw reflects on the alternative of X in Karatani’s thought, linking it politically to the Leninist question of ‘what is to be done?’ and philosophically to Alain Badiou’s theory of the ‘event’.
Pediatric Gastrointestinal Tumors
Authors: Falcone Mary E.
Published: March 2012

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors or GISTs belong to a category of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors that can have benign or malignant potential. These tumors were formerly identified as gastrointestinal (GI) leiomyomas, leiomyoblastomas, or leiomyosarcomas. GISTs account for approximately 80% of GI mesenchymal tumors and 3% of all childhood tumors. Pediatric GISTs occur in patients younger than 18 years and are extremely rare. In the United States, pediatric GISTs have been reported in the literature less than 100 times. In addition, much research has failed to distinguish between benign and malignant mesenchymal tumors. This makes it extremely difficult for medical professionals to develop any type of expertise because few see more than one or two of these cases in a career, and of those cases, many never differentiate between the two. This case study involves a young patient who had been diagnosed with pediatric GIST. This report details the initial sonographic findings and the follow-up studies that had initially suggested a pediatric GIST of malignant potential but, upon further outside consultation, suggested a benign pediatric GIST.
Effects of fatty acid activation on photosynthetic production of fatty acid-based biofuels in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Gao Qianqian , Wang Weihua , Zhao Hui , Lu Xuefeng
Published: March 2012

Background

Direct conversion of solar energy and carbon dioxide to drop in fuel molecules in a single biological system can be achieved from fatty acid-based biofuels such as fatty alcohols and alkanes. These molecules have similar properties to fossil fuels but can be produced by photosynthetic cyanobacteria.

Results

Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 mutant strains containing either overexpression or deletion of the slr1609 gene, which encodes an acyl-ACP synthetase (AAS), have been constructed. The complete segregation and deletion in all mutant strains was confirmed by PCR analysis. Blocking fatty acid activation by deleting slr1609 gene in wild-type Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 led to a doubling of the amount of free fatty acids and a decrease of alkane production by up to 90 percent. Overexpression of slr1609 gene in the wild-type Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 had no effect on the production of either free fatty acids or alkanes. Overexpression or deletion of slr1609 gene in the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 mutant strain with the capability of making fatty alcohols by genetically introducing fatty acyl-CoA reductase respectively enhanced or reduced fatty alcohol production by 60 percent.

Conclusions

Fatty acid activation functionalized by the slr1609 gene is metabolically crucial for biosynthesis of fatty acid derivatives in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. It is necessary but not sufficient for efficient production of alkanes. Fatty alcohol production can be significantly improved by the overexpression of slr1609 gene.