bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Christian Doctrine and Free Church Ecclesiology: Recent Developments among Baptists in the Southern United States
Authors: Fiddes Paul
Published: May 2011

The main substance of this article is an extended review of a recent book by a Southern Baptist historical theologian, Malcolm Yarnell, entitled The Formation of Christian Doctrine, which aims to root the development of doctrine in a free-church ecclesiology. This review offers the opportunity to examine a spectrum of ecclesiologies that has recently emerged among Baptists in the Southern region of the United States of America. Four 'conservative' versions of ecclesiology are identified, which are named as 'Landmarkist', 'Reformed', 'Reformed-Ecumenical' and 'Conservative Localist'. Four 'moderate' versions are similarly identified, and named as 'Voluntarist', 'Catholic', 'Moderate Localist' and 'World-Baptist'. While these categories are not intended to be mutually exclusive, the typology is useful both in positioning Yarnell's particular thesis, and in making comparisons with recent Baptist ecclesiology in Great Britain, which has focussed on the concept of covenant. Yarnell's own appeal to covenant is unusual in Southern Baptist thinking, and means that he cannot be easily fitted into the typology suggested. Though he belongs most evidently to the group named here as 'Conservative Localists', and is overtly opposed to any concept of a visible, universal church except in an eschatological sense, it is suggested that his own arguments might be seen as tending towards a more 'universal' view of the reality of the church beyond its local manifestation. His own work thus offers the promise that present polarizations among Baptists in the southern United States might, in time, be overcome.
Can Pietism Change the World? Reconsidering Hegel's Tutelage of 'Faith'
Authors: Barnett William
Published: May 2011

The legacy of the ecclesial renewal movement known as Pietism is debated on questions of how it envisions the church's relation to the world. On the one hand, there are denominations today that invoke the legacy of Pietism as a resource in constructing a missional identity and a clear ethic of social engagement and transformation. On the other hand, there are critics, such as Karl Barth, who register Pietism as a phenomenon that fosters individualism rather than social-mindedness. Barth blames Pietism's inward concept of authority. This essay is an attempt to temper the claims of such critics through a close reading of the analysis of the 'faith' consciousness found in G.W.F. Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit. In contrast to Barth, Hegel offers a reading of Pietism's inward concept of authority as forming dissatisfied social agents, rather than atomistic individuals fundamentally alienated from one another. On Hegel's account, the Pietist experiences an essential or spiritual belonging to the actual social world, yet she is continually dissatisfied with the external actualization of this spiritual relationship. Thus, Hegel provides a way for Pietist traditions to conceptually integrate the emphasis on inward experience with a clear ethic of social participation and responsible engagement.
Systematic revision of the sibling species belonging to the Pristaulacus compressus group (Hymenoptera: Aulacidae)
Authors: Turrisi Giuseppe Fabrizio
Published: May 2011

The Pristaulacus compressus species group is revised and illustrated. It has a strictly western Palearctic range and includes four sibling species, two of which are newly described: P. rapuzzii Turrisi, sp.n. (Lebanon) and P. samai Turrisi, sp.n. (Syria). Besides external characters of the tagmata, especially the sculpturation and shape of the head and occipital carina, the taxonomic treatment of this species group takes into account new diagnostic features of the male genital capsule, including the general shape and the shape of the apex of the paramere, lamina volsellaris and penis valve. The previous key for identifi cation of the Palearctic species of Pristaulacus is modifi ed to include the two new species. A discussion on taxonomy, biogeography and host preference of the treated species is provided.
A Dumbbell Pattern in NGO Fundraising: The Case of World Vision
Authors: Yushan Xu , Junkui Han
Published: May 2011

This essay first classifies four patterns of fundraising according to the number of donors and the number of beneficiaries involved: one to one, one to many, many to one, and many to many, each with its own pros and cons. The case study reveals that the donors ‐ organization ‐ recipients structure of fundraising manifested by World Vision’s efforts resembles a “dumbbell”: on the outside ends, large numbers of donors and beneficiaries are effectively connected with one another by the organization in the middle. This pattern, which represents the successful accomplishment of the organization’s mission, offers valuable lessons in fundraising and grant disbursals to all NGOs in China.
Differing Impacts of Resolution Changes in Latitude and Longitude on the Midlatitudes in the LMDZ Atmospheric GCM
Authors: Guemas Virginie , Codron Francis
Published: May 2011

This article examines the sensitivity of the Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique Model with Zoom Capability (LMDZ), a gridpoint atmospheric GCM, to changes in the resolution in latitude and longitude, focusing on the midlatitudes. In a series of dynamical core experiments, increasing the resolution in latitude leads to a poleward shift of the jet, which also becomes less baroclinic, while the maximum eddy variance decreases. The distribution of the jet positions in time also becomes wider. On the contrary, when the resolution increases in longitude, the position and structure of the jet remain almost identical, except for a small equatorward shift tendency. An increase in eddy heat flux is compensated by a strengthening of the Ferrel cell. The source of these distinct behaviors is then explored in constrained experiments in which the zonal-mean zonal wind is constrained toward the same reference state while the resolution varies. While the low-level wave sources always increase with resolution in that case, there is also enhanced poleward propagation when increasing the resolution in longitude, preventing the jet shift. The diverse impacts on the midlatitude dynamics hold when using the full GCM in a realistic setting, either forced by observed SSTs or coupled to an ocean model.
Mesocyclone Evolution Associated with Varying Shear Profiles during the 24 June 2003 Tornado Outbreak
Authors: Schumacher Philip N. , Boustead Joshua M.
Published: May 2011

The morphology of mesocyclones associated with the regional tornado outbreak on 24 June 2003 is examined to illustrate the effects of changing vertical wind profiles. The large-scale environment supported deep moist convection, with forcing for ascent and convective instability. Postevent analysis indicated there were changes in the shear in space and time across a small geographical area. The event was separated into sectors based on both the synoptic setting and the differing shear profiles. Near the surface warm front, the vertical wind profile and mesocyclone evolution exhibited a classic appearance and produced significant tornadoes. In the warm sector, where no discernible surface boundaries were evident, classic supercells initially were favored but only produced short-lived tornadoes rated as F0 on the Fujita scale. The vertical wind profile changed as a low-level jet intensified after 0000 UTC 25 June. The majority of the vertical wind shear became located below 3 km. Meanwhile, mesocyclone elevation lowered and rotational velocity increased. As the dynamically induced low-level jet and an area of mixed-layer (ML) convective available potential energy (CAPE) became juxtaposed where the boundary layer was uncapped, strong low-level mesocyclones and 32 tornadoes developed in an area with no discernible surface boundaries. The event illustrates the need for warning meteorologists to monitor not only the amount of shear present, but also its distribution in the hodograph owing to its strong correspondence with mesocyclone morphology.
Unexpected High Winds in Northern New Jersey: A Downslope Windstorm in Modest Topography
Authors: Decker Steven G. , Robinson David A.
Published: May 2011

This study presents the first evidence for the occurrence of a downslope windstorm in New Jersey. During the early morning hours of 4 January 2009, an unanticipated strong wind event was observed. Despite a zone forecast calling for winds less than 4 m s−1 issued 4 h prior to the event, winds up to 23 m s−1 were reported at High Point, New Jersey (elevation 550 m), with gusts to 30 m s−1 in its immediate lee (elevation 311 m). These winds were highly localized; a nearby Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) station (Sussex, New Jersey, 12 km distant) reported calm winds between 0700 and 1000 UTC, just as the winds were peaking near High Point. High Point is the highest point in New Jersey, and is part of the quasi-two-dimensional Kittatinny Mountain extending from Pennsylvania into New York. This study tests the hypothesis that the topography of High Point, upon interacting with the local atmospheric stability and wind profiles, was sufficient to produce a downslope windstorm, thus causing these unusual winds. The results indicate that the presence of a sharp low-level temperature inversion in combination with a northwesterly low-level jet perpendicular to the ridge provided the key ingredients for the strong winds. Linear theory does not appear to explain the winds. Instead, prior studies incorporating nonlinearity predict a trapped lee wave or possibly a hydraulic jump, and model simulations suggest that High Point was indeed tall enough to generate such a wave along with rotors, although observations were not available to confirm this. Given sufficient model resolution, many aspects of this event were predictable. Similar windstorms have occurred before at High Point, but observations show that this event was the most amplified in recent years.
Safety and Feasibility of Transradial Approach for Coronary Bypass Graft Angiography and Intervention
Authors: Han Hongya , Zhou Yujie , Ma Hanying , Liu Yuyang , Shi Dongmei , Zhao Yingxin , Yan Zhenxian , Gao Fei , Liu Xiaoli , Yang Shiwei , Jia Dean , Shen Hua
Published: May 2011

The transradial approach (TRA) is commonly applied for coronary catheterization. However, there are few reports on the safety and feasibility of transradial catheterization in patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. We retrospectively evaluated 124 consecutive patients who underwent graft angiography and intervention via the transradial (TRA group, n = 68) or transfemoral approach (TFA group, n = 56). The baseline clinical characteristics between the 2 groups were similar except for prior myocardial infarction. No significant difference ( P > .05)was observed in procedure time, the success rate of puncture, angiography, and intervention procedure between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events during hospitalization. However, the vascular access site complications were significantly lower ( P = .021) and the duration of hospitalization was shorter ( P = .007) in the TRA group. The TRA for coronary bypass graft angiography and intervention was safe and feasible.
Conjunctive and Disjunctive Extensions of the Least Squares Distance Model of Cognitive Diagnosis
Authors: Dimitrov Dimiter M. , Atanasov Dimitar V.
Published: May 2011

Many models of cognitive diagnosis, including the least squares distance model (LSDM), work under the conjunctive assumption that a correct item response occurs when all latent attributes required by the item are correctly performed. This article proposes a disjunctive version of the LSDM under which the correct item response occurs when at least one attribute is correctly applied. Also, under both the conjunctive and disjunctive versions of the LSDM, this article demonstrates an approach to estimating the conditional probability that (a) a specific pattern of p attributes, (b) exactly p attributes, and (c) at least p attributes will be correctly performed across locations on the logit scale in the item response theory under the one-, two-, or three-parameter logistic model. Such information can be useful for interpretations and decisions based on a person’s performance on attributes that govern the correct responses on binary items under unidimensional item response theory calibrations for assessment in education, psychology, and other fields.
Differential Item Functioning Detection With Latent Classes
Authors: DeMars Christine E. , Lau Abigail
Published: May 2011

There is a long history of differential item functioning (DIF) detection methods for known, manifest grouping variables, such as sex or ethnicity. But if the experiences or cognitive processes leading to DIF are not perfectly correlated with the manifest groups, it would be more informative to uncover the latent groups underlying DIF. The use of item response theory (IRT) mixture models to detect latent groups and estimate the DIF caused by these latent groups has been explored/interpreted with real data sets, but the accuracy of model estimation has not been thoroughly explored. The purpose of this simulation research was to assess the accuracy of the recovery of classes, item parameters, and DIF effects in contexts where relatively small clusters of items showed DIF. Overall, the results from the study reveal that the use of IRT mixture models for latent DIF detection may be problematic. Class membership recovery was poor in all conditions tested. Discrimination parameters were estimated well for the invariant items, as well as for the DIF items when there was no group impact. But when there was group impact, discriminations for the DIF items were positively biased. When there was no group impact, DIF effect estimates tended to be positively biased. In general, having fewer items was associated with more biased estimates and larger standard errors.
Effect of Descriptive Information and Experience on Automation Reliance
Authors: Yuviler-Gavish Nirit , Gopher Daniel
Published: May 2011

Objective: The present research addresses the issue of reliance on decision support systems for the long term (DSSLT), which help users develop decision-making strategies and long-term planning. It is argued that providing information about a system’s future performance in an experiential manner, as compared with a descriptive manner, encourages users to increase their reliance level.

Background: Establishing appropriate reliance on DSSLT is contingent on the system developer’s ability to provide users with information about the system’s future performance.

Method: A sequence of three studies contrasts the effect on automation reliance of providing descriptive information versus experience for DSSLT with two different positive expected values of recommendations.

Results: Study 1 demonstrated that when automation reliance was determined solely on the basis of description, it was relatively low, but it increased significantly when a decision was made after experience with 50 training simulations. Participants were able to learn to increase their automation reliance levels when they encountered the same type of recommendation again. Study 2 showed that the absence of preliminary descriptive information did not affect the automation reliance levels obtained after experience. Study 3 demonstrated that participants were able to generalize their learning about increasing reliance levels to new recommendations.

Conclusion: Using experience rather than description to give users information about future performance in DSSLT can help increase automation reliance levels.

Applications: Implications for designing DSSLT and decision support systems in general are discussed.
Trustworthiness and IT Suspicion: An Evaluation of the Nomological Network
Authors: Lyons Joseph B. , Stokes Charlene K. , Eschleman Kevin J. , Alarcon Gene M. , Barelka Alex J.
Published: May 2011

Objective: The authors evaluated the validity of trust in automation and information technology (IT) suspicion by examining their factor structure and relationship with decision confidence.

Background: Research on trust has burgeoned, yet the dimensionality of trust remains elusive. Researchers suggest that trust is a unidimensional construct, whereas others believe it is multidimensional. Additionally, novel constructs, such as IT suspicion, have yet to be distinguished from trust in automation. Research is needed to examine the overlap between these constructs and to determine the dimensionality of trust in automation.

Method: Participants (N = 72) engaged in a computer-based convoy scenario involving an automated decision aid. The aid fused real-time sensor data and provided route recommendations to participants who selected a route based on (a) a map with historical enemy information, (b) sensor inputs, and (c) automation suggestions. Measures for trust in automation and IT suspicion were administered after individuals interacted with the automation.

Results: Results indicated three orthogonal factors: trust, distrust, and IT suspicion. Each variable was explored as a predictor of decision confidence. Distrust and trust evidenced unique influences on decision confidence, albeit at different times. Higher distrust related to less confidence, whereas trust related to greater confidence.

Conclusion: The current study found that trust in automation was best characterized by two orthogonal dimensions (trust and distrust). Both trust and distrust were found to be independent from IT suspicion, and both distrust and trust uniquely predicted decision confidence.

Application: Researchers may consider using separate measures for trust and distrust in future studies.
Individual Flexibility in the Workplace
Authors: Värlander Sara
Published: May 2011

During the past few decades, scholars have undertaken numerous studies to map various determinants of flexibility at various levels: organizational, group, and individual. However, limited attention has been paid to the role of context and spatiality in realizing individual flexibility. This article aims to fill this gap and seeks to inquire into links between flexibility and spatiality. More specifically, this article will explore how organizational spatial layouts affect individual flexibility as everyday work activities are undertaken in the production of services in two settings, namely, health care and financial services. The findings show that spatial layout is important to better understand and conceptualize individual and organizational flexibility. The findings also show how spatial layout affords various and unexpected outcomes and that layouts that unilaterally foster flexibility are difficult to achieve due to the polymorphous nature of flexibility.
Properties and interactions of poly(vinyl alcohol)-sago pith waste biocomposites
Authors: Wen Yee Toh , Tin Sin Lee , Rahman W.A.W.A. , Samad A.A.
Published: May 2011

In this study, blending of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and sago pith waste (SPW) was prepared by a one-step melt extrusion. The physico-mechanical, Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), moisture sorption, rheological, and thermal characterization were conducted. Incorporation of PVA in SPW improved the tensile modulus, whereas the tensile strength reduced. The FT-IR analysis has shown that SPW could be introduced into the PVA network via the formation of hydrogen bonds between the PVA and SPW clusters. The interaction between PVA and SPW macromolecules has shown that there is a noticeable improvement in the water sorption ability. The rheological properties revealed that the PVA/SPW composites exhibited shear-thinning behavior and the blend viscosities increased with the rise in SPW content because of its rigid structure. Thermal analysis revealed that >50 wt% of PVA could induce greater molecular interaction between the PVA and SPW.
A study aimed at minimizing delamination during drilling of CFRP composites
Authors: Gaitonde V.N. , Karnik S.R. , Rubio J. Campos , Correia A. Esteves , Abrão A.M. , Davim J. Paulo
Published: May 2011

The aim of this study is to present the methodology of Taguchi optimization technique for minimizing the delamination at the entrance of holes in high speed drilling of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs). The drilling process parameters evaluated are spindle speed, feed, and point angle. The experiments were performed as per Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal array using cemented carbide (K20) twist drills. The defects observed at the entrance of drilled holes of CFRP plates were measured and the delamination factor was computed for each trial of the orthogonal array. The analysis of means (ANOM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to determine the optimal process parameter levels and to analyze the effect of parameters on delamination factor. The confirmation tests with the optimal levels of parameters were carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of Taguchi design. The optimization results indicate that point angle is the most significant factor followed by feed and spindle speed. The results also highlight the importance of employing the higher speeds to minimize the delamination defects.
Red mud/polypropylene composite with mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Zhang Yihe , Zhang Anzhen , Zhen Zhichao , Lv Fengzhu , Chu Paul K. , Ji Junhui
Published: May 2011

Polypropylene (PP) based composites containing 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 50 wt% red mud are granulated by twin-screw extrusion and injection molding. Their mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus, impact strength, and thermal properties are determined. After filling with red mud, the flexural strength and modulus, thermal deformation temperature, and Vicat softening temperature increase, whereas the impact strength decreases with increasing red mud contents. The maximum tensile strength is observed from the PP doped with 15 wt% red mud. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to investigate the dispersion of red mud in the PP matrix.
TMJ Development and Growth Require Primary Cilia Function
Authors: Kinumatsu T. , Shibukawa Y. , Yasuda T. , Nagayama M. , Yamada S. , Serra R. , Pacifici M. , Koyama E.
Published: May 2011

Primary cilia regulate limb and axial skeletal formation and hedgehog signaling, but their roles in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) development are unknown. Thus, we created conditional mouse mutants deficient in ciliary transport protein Kif3a in cartilage. In post-natal wild-type mice, primary cilia were occasionally observed on the superior, inferior, or lateral side of condylar cells. Cilia were barely detectable in mutant chondrocytes but were evident in surrounding tissues, attesting to the specificity of chondrocyte Kif3a ablation. Mutant condyles from 3-month-old mice were narrow and flat along their antero-posterior and medio-lateral axes, were often fused with the articular disc, and displayed an irregular bony surface. The polymorphic layer in P15 mutants contained fewer Sox9-expressing chondroprogenitor cells because of reduced mitotic activity, and newly differentiated chondrocytes underwent precocious hypertrophic enlargement accompanied by early activation of Indian hedgehog (Ihh). Interestingly, there was excessive intramembranous ossification along the perichondrium, accompanied by local expression of the hedgehog receptor Patched-1 and up-regulation of Osterix and Collagen I. In summary, Kif3a and primary cilia are required for coordination of chondrocyte maturation, intramembranous bone formation, and chondrogenic condylar growth. Defects in these processes in Kif3a condylar cartilage are likely to reflect abnormal hedgehog signaling topography and dysfunction.
Are Political Obligations Content Independent?
Authors: Klosko George
Published: May 2011

Current scholars generally view political obligations as “content independent.” Citizens have moral reasons to obey the law because it is the law, rather than because of the content of different laws. However, this position is subject to criticism on both theoretical and practical grounds. The main consideration in favor of content independence, the so-called “self-image of the state,” does not actually support it. Properly understood, the state’s self-image is to comply with laws because of the underlying moral reasons that justify them, rather than because they are laws. Because content independence has played a central role in the widespread belief that a suitable theory of political obligation is not possible, rejecting it allows the possibility of a theory that establishes moral requirements for virtually all citizens to behave in accordance with virtually all laws, although these requirements are particular to different laws, and subjects are not required to obey them because they are laws.
Integration of Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics in Drug Development: Implications for Regulatory and Medical Decision Making in Pediatric Diseases
Authors: Piana Chiara , Surh Linda , Furst‐Recktenwald Sabine , Iolascon Achille , Jacqz‐Aigrain Evelyne M. , Jonker Ineke , Russo Roberta , van Schaik Ron H.N. , Wessels Judith , Della Pasqua Oscar E.
Published: May 2011

This article aims to provide an overview of the current situation regarding pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic (PG) studies in pediatrics, with a special focus on the role of PG data in the regulatory decision‐making process. Despite the gap in pharmacogenetic research due to the lack of translational studies in adults and children, several technologies exist in drug development and biomarkers validation, which could supply valuable information concerning labeling and dosing recommendations. If performed under strict good clinical practice quality criteria, such findings could be included in the submission package of new chemical entities and used as additional information for prescribers, supporting further evaluation and understanding of the efficacy and safety profile of new medicines. Even though regulatory authorities may be aware of the potential role of PG in medical practice and guidances are available about the integration of PG in drug development, most data obtained from PG studies are not used by prescribers. The challenge is to better understand whether PG markers can be used to assess potential differences in drug response during the clinical program, so PG data can be integrated into the regulatory decision‐making process, enabling the introduction of labeling information that promotes optimal dosing in the pediatric population.
Crossover Dose Escalation Study to Assess Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Single Doses of R1663, an Oral Factor Xa Inhibitor, in Healthy Male Volunteers
Authors: Schmitt Christophe , Pannier Anne , McIntyre Christine , Zandt Hagen , Ciorciaro Cornelia , Winters Katie , Pepper Tom
Published: May 2011

This study investigated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single oral doses of R1663, a factor Xa inhibitor, in healthy volunteers. It was a single‐blind, randomized, crossover, placebo‐controlled, dose escalation study in 33 healthy male volunteers aged 18 to 45 years. Each volunteer was dosed on 3 occasions with R1663 or placebo. Single oral doses of R1663 were safe and well tolerated. R1663 did not affect bleeding time. Pharmacodynamic effects (prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT]), parameters of thrombogram, and anti‐factor Xa activity) and plasma concentrations of R1663 were dose‐dependent and showed low to moderate (<40%) intersubject and intrasubject variability. Maximum factor Xa inhibition was achieved 3 hours post dose (time to maximum concentration of R1663): clotting times were prolonged up to 2.5‐fold, whereas endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak height were decreased by 48% and 85% from their baseline values, respectively. Pharmacodynamic parameters were strongly correlated to R1663 plasma concentrations, with IC50 values of 182 and 2680 ng/mL for peak height and ETP, respectively. Oral doses of R1663 up to 480 mg were well tolerated, with predictable pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. R1663 prolonged clotting times (PT, aPTT) and inhibited thrombin generation without increasing bleeding time.
Effect of Mild and Moderate Hepatic Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Carisbamate
Authors: Moore Kenneth , Zannikos Peter , Solanki Bhavna , Greenspan Andrew , Verhaeghe Tom , Brashear H. Robert
Published: May 2011

This open‐label, parallel‐group study was designed to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of carisbamate in participants with mild or moderate hepatic impairment versus those with normal hepatic function. Healthy (n = 10) and hepatic‐impaired (n = 20) participants received a single 200‐mg oral dose of carisbamate. Serial PK blood samples were collected up to 120 hours postdose. A modest increase in mean area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from 0 to infinity (AUC∞) was observed for the mild impairment group compared with the normal group (ratio of geometric means ∼116%), while mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) values were similar (ratio of geometric means ∼94%). The AUC∞ value for the moderate hepatic‐impaired group was approximately 207% that of the normal group, while there was a smaller increase in Cmax (∼118%) compared with the normal group. Mean half‐life (t1/2) values were prolonged in the moderate impairment group (21 hours) relative to the normal group (11 hours). There was a decrease in apparent clearance (CL/F) and an increase in AUC∞u (AUC∞ × % drug unbound). The percentage of carisbamate unbound to proteins did not change across the groups, suggesting the increases in AUC∞ were due to decreased intrinsic hepatic clearance. Carisbamate 200 mg was well tolerated.
Characterization of Local Vascular Effects of the Nitric Oxide Inhibitor NG‐Monomethyl‐L‐Arginine on Dorsal Hand Veins
Authors: Schindler Christoph , Leuschner Sven , Schwanebeck Uta , Kirch Wilhelm
Published: May 2011

Infusion of NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMMA; 6.4 μmol/min) into hand veins can cause a 20% increase in vein size in specific subjects. This study explored potential underlying mechanisms in healthy male participants. Ten healthy male participants received in phenylephrine (PE)‐preconstricted veins a dose‐response curve (DRC) to L‐NMMA (0.2–6.4 μmol/min) without and with coinfusion of the endothelium‐dependent dilator histamine, a DRC to L‐arginine with and without coinfusion of L‐NMMA, a DRC to NG‐monomethyl‐D‐arginine (D‐NMMA), and a DRC to L‐NMMA in prostaglandin F2α‐(PGF2α)–preconstricted veins. Participants were classified as L‐NMMA responders (R) and nonresponders (NR). Infusion of L‐NMMA resulted in a maximum venodilation of 38% ± 11% (R) versus 10% ± 5% (NR; P = .005). In PGF2α‐preconstricted veins, L‐NMMA caused venodilation to 26% ± 34% (NS) in responders. Results suggest that endothelial nitric oxide synthase‐mediated formation of nitric oxide (NO) from L‐NMMA in doses >3.2 μmol/min and continuous PE‐induced α‐adrenergic stimulation resulting in release of very small amounts of NO from L‐NMMA contribute to the observed L‐NMMA‐induced increase in vein size. Venous reactivity to L‐NMMA resulting in a phenotype as R or NR is most likely genetically predetermined, which requires further study.
Pharmacokinetics of the TRPV1 Antagonist ABT‐102 in Healthy Human Volunteers: Population Analysis of Data From 3 Phase 1 Trials
Authors: Othman Ahmed A. , Nothaft Wolfram , Awni Walid M. , Dutta Sandeep
Published: May 2011

ABT‐102 is a selective TRPV1 antagonist with robust efficacy in several preclinical models of pain. Three phase 1 studies evaluated ABT‐102 pharmacokinetics upon oral administration to healthy human volunteers: a single‐dose study (2, 6, 18, 30, and 40 mg) and a multiple‐dose study (2, 4, and 8 mg twice daily for 7 days) using a solution formulation and a multiple‐dose study (1, 2, and 4 mg twice daily for 7 days) using a solid‐dispersion formulation. These studies followed double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled designs. ABT‐102 exhibited dose‐ and time‐linear pharmacokinetics. ABT‐102 half‐life ranged from 7 to 11 hours, and steady state was achieved by day 5 of dosing. Population analysis of the pharmacokinetic data from the 3 studies was conducted. A 1‐compartment model with a transit compartment for absorption and first‐order elimination provided best fit to the data. The model included formulation‐dependent lag times and a bioavailability factor (Frel) for solution relative to solid dispersion. The population parameter estimates (95% bootstrap confidence intervals) were oral clearance, 16 (14–18) L/h; oral volume of distribution, 215 (192–237) L; transit rate constant, 1.4 (1.3–1.6) h−1; solid‐dispersion lag, 0.6 (0.5–0.8) h; solution lag, 0.3 (0.2–0.4) h; and solution Frel, 40% (35%–45%). Evaluation of ABT‐102 pharmacokinetic model indicated its robustness and adequacy.
Pharmacological Modulation of Peripheral T and B Lymphocytes by a Selective Sphingosine 1‐Phosphate Receptor‐1 Modulator
Authors: Moberly James B. , Rohatagi Shashank , Zahir Hamim , Hsu Ching , Noveck Robert J. , Truitt Kenneth E.
Published: May 2011

CS‐0777 is a selective sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor‐1 (S1P1) modulator under development for treatment of autoimmune conditions. A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single oral doses of CS‐0777 in escalating dose cohorts of healthy male participants (0.1, 0.3, 1.0, and 2.5 mg; 6 active, 2 placebo per cohort). Primary pharmacodynamic parameters were absolute lymphocyte counts and lymphocyte subsets (CD4 and CD8 T and B cells). CS‐0777 resulted in a pronounced, dose‐dependent decrease in absolute lymphocyte counts (mean percent decrease from baseline at 24 hours postdose: 7%, 26%, 52%, 79%, and 85%, for placebo and 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, and 2.5 mg, respectively). Dose‐related decreases of similar magnitude were observed for T and B cell subsets. Mean total white blood cell and neutrophil counts remained within normal ranges for all dose levels. CS‐0777 was well tolerated, and there were no serious or severe adverse events. Mild, asymptomatic bradycardia and transaminase elevations (<3‐fold upper limit of normal), similar to findings for other S1P receptor modulators, were observed at the highest dose level (2.5 mg). Therefore, CS‐0777 shows potent activity in humans and may hold potential for treatment of autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
Understanding Online Community Participation
Authors: Wang Hua , Chung Jae Eun , Park Namkee , McLaughlin Margaret L. , Fulk Janet
Published: May 2011

Online community participation has not been well understood from the perspective of technology adoption and use. Using a national sample of 537 online community participants in the United States and structural equation modeling, this study demonstrates that the technology acceptance model (TAM) can provide a useful foundation for theoretical explanation. By empirically testing the original TAM and comparing it with an alternative model, our results confirmed that perceived usefulness (PU) outweighs perceived ease of use (PEOU) in explaining actual use. Our final model further suggested a feedback loop between PU and PEOU, which significantly improved the model fit at both global and local levels. In addition, three exogenous variables (i.e., Internet self-efficacy, community environment, and intrinsic motivation) were proposed and validated. These findings have clear implications for the structure of the TAM as well as for its usefulness for the newly burgeoning practice of online community participation.
A Test of Moffitt’s Hypotheses of Delinquency Abstention
Authors: Barnes J.C. , Beaver Kevin M. , Piquero Alex R.
Published: May 2011

Criminologists have long noted that a small subset of the population will abstain from delinquent activity, even during adolescence, when such behavior is normative. Moffitt’s developmental taxonomy in particular hypothesizes that abstainers “skip” the maturity gap and are likely social isolates who do not associate with peers. The current study assesses this hypothesis by examining whether the maturity gap and peer associations are associated with abstention from delinquency. Findings are consistent with Moffitt’s hypotheses. Specifically, the maturity gap, the amount of time spent with peers, and the amount of contact with drug-using peers were significant predictors of abstention for males and females.
Revised heating degree days due to global warming for 15 major cities of South Korea
Authors: Cho Sung-Hwan , Kim Hyeong-Jung , Zaheeruddin M
Published: May 2011

Because of the rapid rise in ambient temperatures in urban cities due to global warming, this research study was conducted to revise the heating degree days (HDDs) for main cities of South Korea. Current HDDs used in the design of heating systems were established some 30 years ago. Therefore, there is a need to revisit and revise the HDDs used in Korea. The HDDs were computed at five different indoor set-point and unloaded temperatures. The validity of the methodology used for computing HDDs was ascertained by comparing the calculated HDDs with the published values. The impact of the length of time on total annual HDDs was examined. The results show that higher temperature trends due to global warming witnessed over the past decade in general decreased the HDDs. The impact was higher for warmer climate cities than the cold regions. The revised annual HDDs for 15 major cities of South Korea are presented in this paper.

Practical applications: The HDDs corrected for global warming effects for 15 major cities of South Korea presented in this article are useful for designers in estimating the impact on equipment size and energy consumption. Towards this end, several scenarios of global warming effects are presented by assuming several unloaded temperature levels. This is useful for the designers in examining the uncertainties in the estimation of energy consumption. The results published are also important for policy makers in South Korea to examine the need for revising the degree day database in light of the global warming trends.
Satisfying One’s Needs for Competence and Relatedness
Authors: Hofer Jan , Busch Holger
Published: May 2011

Considering the effect of implicit motives, the current study examined the link between well-being in important life domains, that is, job and relationship, and the satisfaction of needs as proposed by self-determination theory. Data on domain-specific well-being, satisfaction of needs for competence and relatedness, and the implicit achievement and affiliation motives were assessed from 259 German and Cameroonian participants. The achievement motive moderated the relation between competence and job satisfaction. Furthermore, the affiliation motive moderated the association between relatedness and relationship satisfaction. Satisfaction of the needs for competence and relatedness is linked to higher levels of job and relationship satisfaction, respectively, among individuals with strong implicit motives. Effects were found regardless of participants’ culture of origin. Findings indicate that implicit motives can be understood as weighting dispositions that affect how far experiences of competence and relatedness are linked with satisfaction in relevant life domains.
Selective Responses to Threat
Authors: Plant E. Ashby , Goplen Joanna , Kunstman Jonathan W.
Published: May 2011

Extensive work over the past decade has shown that race can bias perceptions and responses to threat. However, the previous work focused almost exclusively on responses to men and overlooked how gender and the interaction of race and gender influence decisions regarding use of force. In the current article, two studies examine the implications of gender (Study 1) and both race and gender (Study 2) for decisions to shoot criminal suspects on a computerized simulation. In Study 1, participants were biased away from shooting White female suspects compared to White male suspects. In Study 2, White participants showed a pronounced bias toward shooting Black men but a bias away from shooting Black women and White ingroup members, providing evidence of a behavioral threat-related response specific to outgroup men stereotypically associated with aggression. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Time Crawls When You’re Not Having Fun
Authors: O’Brien Edward H. , Anastasio Phyllis A. , Bushman Brad J.
Published: May 2011

All people have to complete dull tasks, but individuals who feel entitled may be more inclined to perceive them as a waste of their “precious” time, resulting in the perception that time drags. This hypothesis was confirmed in three studies. In Study 1, participants with higher trait entitlement (controlling for related variables) thought dull tasks took longer to complete; no link was found for fun tasks. In Study 2, participants exposed to entitled messages thought taking a dull survey was a greater waste of time and took longer to complete. In Study 3, participants subliminally exposed to entitled words thought dull tasks were less interesting, thought they took longer to complete, and walked away faster when leaving the laboratory. Like most resources, time is a resource valued more by entitled individuals. A time–entitlement link provides novel insight into mechanisms underlying self-focus and prosocial dynamics.
Emotion Management Ability
Authors: Kluemper Donald H. , DeGroot Timothy , Choi Sungwon
Published: May 2011

This article examines emotion management ability (EMA) as a theoretically relevant predictor of job performance. The authors argue that EMA predicts task performance, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and workplace deviance behavior. Moreover, to be practically meaningful, managing emotions should predict these important organizational outcomes after accounting for the effects of general mental ability and the Big Five personality traits. Two studies of job incumbents show that EMA consistently demonstrates incremental validity and is the strongest relative predictor of task performance, individually directed OCB, and individually directed and objectively measured deviance.
Global Gene Profiling of Spontaneous Hepatocellular Carcinoma in B6C3F1 Mice
Authors: Hoenerhoff Mark J. , Pandiri Arun R. , Lahousse Stephanie A. , Hong Hu-Hua , Ton Tai-Vu , Masinde Tiwanda , Auerbach Scott S. , Gerrish Kevin , Bushel Pierre R. , Shockley Keith R. , Peddada Shyamal D. , Sills Robert C.
Published: May 2011

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although the risk factors of human HCC are well known, the molecular pathogenesis of this disease is complex, and in general, treatment options remain poor. The use of rodent models to study human cancer has been extensively pursued, both through genetically engineered rodents and rodent models used in carcinogenicity and toxicology studies. In particular, the B6C3F1 mouse used in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) two-year bioassay has been used to evaluate the carcinogenic effects of environmental and occupational chemicals, and other compounds. The high incidence of spontaneous HCC in the B6C3F1 mouse has challenged its use as a model for chemically induced HCC in terms of relevance to the human disease. Using global gene expression profiling, we identify the dysregulation of several mediators similarly altered in human HCC, including re-expression of fetal oncogenes, upregulation of protooncogenes, downregulation of tumor suppressor genes, and abnormal expression of cell cycle mediators, growth factors, apoptosis regulators, and angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling factors. Although major differences in etiology and pathogenesis remain between human and mouse HCC, there are important similarities in global gene expression and molecular pathways dysregulated in mouse and human HCC. These data provide further support for the use of this model in hazard identification of compounds with potential human carcinogenicity risk, and may help in better understanding the mechanisms of tumorigenesis resulting from chemical exposure in the NTP two-year carcinogenicity bioassay.
Association between Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Deposits in the Semicircular Canals
Authors: Yoda Shigetoshi , Cureoglu Sebahattin , Yildirim‐Baylan Muzeyyen , Morita Norimasa , Fukushima Hisaki , Harada Tamotsu , Paparella Michael M.
Published: May 2011

Objective

To compare the prevalence of cupular and free‐floating deposits in the semicircular canals between temporal bones of type 1 diabetes mellitus patients and normal controls.

Study Design

Case‐control histopathologic human temporal bone study.

Setting

Otopathology laboratory in a tertiary academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Twenty‐eight temporal bones from 14 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 56 normal temporal bones from 28 age‐matched individuals were histopathologically examined. The cupula and lumina of the semicircular canals were examined for evidence of deposits.

Results

The prevalence of cupular and free‐floating deposits in the lateral and posterior semicircular canals was significantly higher in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients compared with normal temporal bones (lateral, cupular deposits, odds ratio [OR], 5.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43 to 21.02; free‐floating deposits, OR, 8.25; 95% CI, 2.42 to 27.85; posterior, cupular deposits, OR, 41.73; 95% CI, 5.96 to 275.50; free‐floating deposits, OR, 7.44; 95% CI, 1.91 to 28.53). The prevalence of these deposits was associated with the duration of disease rather than with aging.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that type 1 diabetes mellitus is associated with cupular and free‐floating deposits in the semicircular canals. The patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus with a longer duration of disease have an increased probability of suffering from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma with Intracranial Extension
Authors: Mattei Tobias Alecio , Nogueira Gustavo Fabiano , Ramina Ricardo
Published: May 2011

Objective

To provide a critical evaluation of the historical evolution of the surgical treatment of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) with intracranial extension.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Skull base multidisciplinary group at the Instituto de Neurologia de Curitiba, Brazil.

Subjects and Methods

From 1988 to 2000, the multidisciplinary skull base group surgically treated 67 adolescent boys with JNA, 20 of whom presented with intracranial extension. All patients presented involvement of the cavernous sinus, and 5 of them spread into the orbit. Before 2008, the authors combined microscopic‐endoscopic techniques. After this period, the surgical approach used was facial degloving, associated with purely endoscopic technique patients.

Results

Total tumor removal was achieved in 17 cases in the first surgery. In this series, the intracranial extension was extradural in all cases. There was only 1 case of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which was promptly identified and treated. There was no mortality or permanent morbidity.

Conclusion

Radical removal of large JNA may be difficult because of its extreme vascularity and extension to the cavernous sinus, orbit, middle and anterior fossa. Nevertheless, most of JNA with intracranial extension can be resected in the first operation with minimal morbidity through a facial degloving and further combination of expanded endoscopic endonasal approaches.