bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preclinical Testing of Erlotinib in a Transgenic Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Mouse Model
Authors: Abraham Jinu , Nelon Laura D. , Kubicek Courtney B. , Kilcoyne Aoife , Hampton Sheila T. , Zarzabal Lee Ann , Giles Francis J. , Michalek Joel E. , Rubin Brian P. , Keller Charles
Published: April 2011

Rhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive childhood malignancy, accounting for more than 50% of all soft-tissue sarcomas in children. Even with extensive therapy, the survival rate among alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma patients with advanced disease is only 20%. The receptor tyrosine kinase Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) has been found to be expressed and activated in human rhabdomyosarcomas. In this study we have used a genetically engineered mouse model for alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) which faithfully recapitulates the human disease by activating the pathognomic Pax3:Fkhr fusion gene and inactivating p53 in the maturing myoblasts. We have demonstrated that tumors from our mouse model of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma express EGFR at both the mRNA and protein levels. We then tested the EGFR inhibitor, Erlotinib, for its efficacy in this mouse model of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Surprisingly, Erlotinib had no effect on tumor progression, yet mice treated with Erlotinib showed 10–20% loss of body weight. These results suggest that EGFR might not be ana priorimonotherapy target in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.
On Integer Numbers with Locally Smallest Order of Appearance in the Fibonacci Sequence
Authors: Marques Diego
Published: April 2011

Let Fn be the nth Fibonacci number. The order of appearance
z(n) of a natural number n is defined as the smallest natural number k such that n divides Fk. For instance, for all n = Fm ≥ 5, we have z(n − 1) > z(n) < z(n + 1). In this paper, we will construct infinitely many natural numbers satisfying the previous inequalities and which do not belong to the Fibonacci sequence.
Hysteresis Nonlinearity Identification Using New Preisach Model‐Based Artificial Neural Network Approach
Authors: Zakerzadeh Mohammad Reza , Firouzi Mohsen , Sayyaadi Hassan , Shouraki Saeed Bagheri
Published: April 2011

Preisach model is a well‐known hysteresis identification method in which the hysteresis is modeled by linear combination of hysteresis operators. Although Preisach model describes the main features of system with hysteresis behavior, due to its rigorous numerical nature, it
is not convenient to use in real‐time control applications. Here a novel neural network approach based on the Preisach model is addressed, provides accurate hysteresis
nonlinearity modeling in comparison with the classical Preisach model and can be used for many applications such as hysteresis nonlinearity control and identification in SMA and Piezo actuators and performance evaluation in some physical systems such as magnetic materials. To evaluate the proposed approach, an experimental apparatus consisting one‐dimensional flexible aluminum beam actuated with an SMA wire is used. It is shown that the proposed ANN‐based Preisach model can identify hysteresis nonlinearity more accurately than the classical one. It also has powerful ability to precisely predict the higher‐order hysteresis minor loops behavior even though only the first‐order reversal data are in use. It is also shown that to get the same precise results in the classical Preisach model, many more data should be used, and this directly increases the experimental cost.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a New Tetranuclear Nickel(II) Sulfato Complex Containing the Anionic Form of Di-2-Pyridyl Ketone Oxime
Authors: Moushi Eleni , Efthymiou Constantinos G. , Perlepes Spyros P. , Papatriantafyllopoulou Constantina
Published: April 2011

The preparation and crystal structure of a tetranuclear Ni(II) sulfato cluster containing the anion of di-2-pyridyl ketone oxime, (py)2CNO−, are reported. Treatment of NiSO4·6H2O with one equivalent of (py)2CNOH and one equivalent of NEt3 in MeOH leads to the compound [Ni4{(py)2CNO}4(SO4)2(MeOH)4] (1) in moderate yield. The metal ions are linked together by two 3.2111 and two 2.1110 (Harris notation) (py)2CNO− ligands, as well as two 2.1100 SO42− ions to create a rare metallacrown-type (12-MC-4) ring. Strong H-bond intermolecular interactions in 1 lead to the formation of a 1D chain along the axis. Characteristic IR bands are discussed in terms of the known structure of 1.
Relay Feedback Analysis for Double Integral Plants
Authors: Ye Zhen , Wang Qing-Guo , Lin Chong , Hang Chang Chieh , Barabanov Andrey E.
Published: April 2011

Double integral plants under relay feedback are studied. Complete results on the uniqueness of solutions, existence, and stability of the limit cycles are established using the point transformation method. Analytical expressions are also given for determining the amplitude and period of a limit cycle from the plant parameters.
Antinociceptive Activities and the Mechanisms of Anti‐Inflammation of Asiatic Acid in Mice
Authors: Huang Shyh-Shyun , Chiu Chuan-Sung , Chen Hsien-Jung , Hou Wen-Chi , Sheu Ming-Jyh , Lin Ying-Chih , Shie Pei-Hsin , Huang Guan-Jhong
Published: April 2011

Asiatic acid (AA), a pentacyclic triterpene compound in the medicinal plant Centella asiatica, was evaluated for antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory effects. Treatment of male ICR mice with AA significantly inhibited the numbers of acetic acid‐induced writhing responses and the formalin‐induced pain in the late phase. In the anti‐inflammatory test, AA decreased the paw edema at the 4th and 5th h after λ‐carrageenan (Carr) administration and increased the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the liver tissue. AA decreased the nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) levels on serum level at the 5th h after Carr injection. Western blotting revealed that AA decreased Carr‐induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX‐2), and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) expressions at the 5th h in the edema paw. An intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection treatment with AA also diminished neutrophil infiltration into sites of inflammation as did indomethacin (Indo). The anti‐inflammatory mechanisms of AA might be related to the decrease in the level of MDA, iNOS, COX‐2, and NF‐κB in the edema paw via increasing the activities of CAT, SOD, and GPx in the liver.
Hormonal Factors and Risks of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Bodelon Clara , Anderson Garnet L. , Rossing Mary Anne , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Ochs-Balcom Heather M. , Vaughan Thomas L.
Published: April 2011

The incidences of esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are higher in males than in females. We investigated whether female-related hormonal factors are associated with risks of these two types of esophageal cancer. We examined the association between use of hormone therapy (HT) and the risks of esophageal adenocarcinoma and SCC in postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trials and observational studies. Twenty-three esophageal adenocarcinoma and 34 esophageal SCC cases were confirmed among the 161,080 participants, after a median of 11.82 years of follow-up. Risk of esophageal SCC was lower among HT users (past users: HR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.06–1.10 in 2 cases; current users: HR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.18–0.94 in 9 cases). A decreased esophageal SCC risk was observed for current users of estrogen plus progestin (E+P) therapy (HR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07–0.86 in 3 cases) but not for current users of estrogen-only therapy (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.28–3.29 in 6 cases). No association was observed between the use of HT and the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. No other reproductive or hormonal factors were significantly associated with the risk of either SCC or adenocarcinoma. Current use of E+P therapy was found to be associated with a decreased risk of esophageal SCC, but no association was observed with esophageal adenocarcinoma. To provide more definitive evidence, a pooled analysis of all available studies or a much larger study would be needed. Cancer Prev Res; 4(6); 840–50. ©2011 AACR.
A 20-Year Incidence Trend (1989–2008) and Point Prevalence (March 20, 2009) of Multiple Sclerosis in Tehran, Iran: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Elhami Seyedeh-Robab , Mohammad Kazem , Sahraian Mohammad Ali , Eftekhar Hassan
Published: April 2011

Background: The frequency of multiple sclerosis (MS) is still undetermined in Tehran. We conducted this survey to assess the incidence trend and point prevalence of MS on March 20, 2009, in Tehran province, Iran. Methods: Data for patients with a definite diagnosis of MS were obtained from the Iranian MS Society (IMSS). The annual incidence rates were calculated based on year of diagnosis. The prevalence and annual incidence rates were standardized using the WHO (2000–2025) population as a standard. Results: We detected 8,026 definite MS cases that had been registered by the IMSS till the prevalence day. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates increased significantly from 0.68/100,000 in 1989 to 2.93/100,000 in 2008 with its peak (4.58) in 2005. On March 20, 2009, we identified 7,896 prevalent cases (5,888 females and 2,008 males) yielding an age-adjusted prevalence rate of 50.57/100,000 (females: 77.24 and males: 25.54). The female-to-male ratio was 3.11 (95% confidence interval: 2.95–3.27). The age-specific prevalence showed a peak in the group aged 35–39 years in females and in that of 40–44 years in males with a mean (±SD) age of 35.48 (±9.9) years for females and 36.98 (±10.5) years for males. Conclusion: Tehran is a high-risk area for MS disease, and the incidence has dramatically increased over the last 20 years.
Classification of Wounds at Risk and Their Antimicrobial Treatment with Polihexanide: A Practice-Oriented Expert Recommendation
Authors: Dissemond J. , Assadian O. , Gerber V. , Kingsley A. , Kramer A. , Leaper D.J. , Mosti G. , Piatkowski de Grzymala A. , Riepe G. , Risse A. , Romanelli M. , Strohal R. , Traber J. , Vasel-Biergans A. , Wild T. , Eberlein T.
Published: April 2011

Currently, there are no generally accepted definitions for wounds at risk of infection. In clinical practice, too many chronic wounds are regarded as being at risk of infection, and therefore many topical antimicrobials – in terms of frequency and duration of use – are applied to wounds. Based on expert discussion and current knowledge, a clinical assessment score was developed. The objective of this wounds at risk (W.A.R.) score is to allow decision-making on the indication for the use of antiseptics on the basis of polihexanide. The proposed clinical classification of W.A.R. shall facilitate the decision for wound antisepsis and allow an appropriate general treatment regimen with the focus on the prevention of wound infection. The W.A.R. score is based on a clinically oriented risk assessment using concrete patient circumstances. The indication for the use of antiseptics results from the addition of differently weighted risk causes, for which points are assigned. Antimicrobial treatment is justified in the case of 3 or more points.
CERTIFY: Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in patients with severe renal insufficiency
Authors: Schellong Sebastian , Haas Sylvia , Tebbe Ulrich , Gerlach Horst-Eberhard , Abletshauser Claudia , Sieder Christian , Melzer Nima , Bramlage Peter , Riess Hanno , Bauersachs Rupert
Published: April 2011

Patients with severe renal insufficiency (sRI) have been suggested to be at an increased risk of bleeding with low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH). We aimed at assessing the benefits and risks of certoparin in comparison to unfractionated heparin (UFH) in these patients. In this subgroup analysis of the CERTIFY trial, acutely ill, non-surgical patients ≥70 years received certoparin 3,000U aXa o.d. or UFH 5,000 IU t.i.d. One hundred eighty-nine patients had a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≤30 ml/min/1.73 m2, 3,050 patients served as controls. Patients with sRI had a mean age of 85.9 ± 6.6 years (controls 78.4 ± 6.0) and were treated for a mean of 9.3 ± 3.7 days (9.9 ± 4.3). Thromboembolic event rates were comparable (4.55 vs. 4.21%; OR1.08; 95%CI 0.5–2.37) but bleeding was increased in sRI (9.52 vs. 3.54%; OR2.87; 95%CI 1.70–4.83). The incidence of the combined end-point of proximal DVT, symptomatic non-fatal PE and VTE related death was 6.49% with certoparin and 2.60% with UFH (OR2.60; 95%CI 0.49–13.85). There was a decrease in total bleeding with certoparin (OR0.33; 95%CI 0.11–0.97), which was non-significant in patients with GFR >30 ml/min/1.73 m2. In two multivariable regression models certoparin and immobilisation <10 days were associated with less bleeding while a GFR ≤30 ml/ min/1.73 m2 was associated with increased bleeding. A total of 11.3% of certoparin- and 18.5% of UFH-treated patients experienced serious adverse events (14.8 in patients with a GFR ≤30 vs. 5.6% vs. >30 ml/ min/1.73 m2). In conclusion, certoparin 3,000U anti Xa o.d. was as efficacious as 5,000 IU UFH t.i.d. in patients with sRI but had a reduced risk of bleeding.
Peri-operative platelet function testing: The potential for reducing ischaemic and bleeding risks
Authors: Gurbel Paul A. , Mahla Elisabeth , Tantry Udaya S.
Published: April 2011

The pivotal role of platelet activation and reactivity during atherothrombotic event occurrence associated with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) or percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is well established. Numerous translational research studies have established a threshold level of platelet reactivity during dual antiplatelet therapy above which a higher risk for ischaemic event occurrence has been observed. The clinical validity of these threshold values in reducing ischemic event occurrence with modified P2Y12 receptor therapy is currently under investigation in large-scale clinical trials. The association between on-treatment platelet reactivity measured by an ex vivo assay and the occurrence of bleeding events is less established. Currently, there is limited evidence of an association between platelet inhibition and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)- related bleeding in patients on clopidogrel therapy indicating that preoperative platelet function monitoring may guide both the timing of elective CABG and the administration of blood products in patients needing surgery. However, in the absence of a large-scale prospective clinical trial, routine platelet function monitoring and modification of timing of surgery based on platelet function monitoring are currently not recommended.
Recent Advances on the Role of Cytokines in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ait-Oufella Hafid , Taleb Soraya , Mallat Ziad , Tedgui Alain
Published: April 2011

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall driven by innate and adaptive immune responses. Inflammation controls the development and the destabilization of arterial plaque. Cells involved in the atherosclerotic process secrete and are activated by soluble factors, known as cytokines. Important recent advances in the comprehension of the mechanisms of atherosclerosis have provided evidence for a dual role of cytokines: proinflammatory and T helper-1-related cytokines promote the development and progression of the disease, whereas antiinflammatory and regulatory T cell–related cytokines exert clear antiatherogenic activities. This review focuses on recent advances regarding the role of cytokines, with the exception of chemokines, in the development, progression, and complications of atherosclerosis.
Mechanisms of Resolution of Inflammation
Authors: Maskrey Benjamin H. , Megson Ian L. , Whitfield Phillip D. , Rossi Adriano G.
Published: April 2011

The inflammatory response is an integral part of the innate immune mechanism that is triggered in response to a real or perceived threat to tissue homeostasis, with a primary aim of neutralizing infectious agents and initiating repair to damaged tissue. By design, inflammation is a finite process that resolves as soon as the threat of infection abates and sufficient repair to the tissue is complete. Resolution of inflammation involves apoptosis and subsequent clearance of activated inflammatory cells – a tightly regulated event. Chronic inflammation is a characteristic feature in virtually all inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis, and it is becoming increasingly clear that derangement of the processes usually involved in resolution of inflammation is an underlying feature of chronic inflammatory conditions. This review will draw on evidence from a range of diseases in which dysregulated inflammation is important, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular disease.
Heat Shock Protein 60 and Immune Inflammatory Responses in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Grundtman Cecilia , Kreutmayer Simone B. , Almanzar Giovanni , Wick Marius C. , Wick Georg
Published: April 2011

Hallmarks of inflammation in various cardiovascular diseases, notably atherosclerosis, have been observed for a long time. However, evidence for an (auto)antigen-driven process at these sites of inflammation has come forward only recently. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have been identified as playing either immunologically mediated disease promoting or protective roles. HSP60 has been shown to trigger innate and adaptive immune responses that initiate the earliest still reversible inflammatory stage of atherosclerosis. HSP60 is structurally highly conserved and abundantly expressed by prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells under stressful conditions. Beneficial protective immunity to microbial HSP60 acquired by infection or vaccination and bona fide autoimmunity to biochemically altered autologous HSP60 is present in all humans. In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that classical atherosclerosis risk factors can act as endothelial stressors that provoke the simultaneous expression of adhesion molecules and of HSP60 in mitochondria, in cytoplasm, and on the cell surface, where it acts as a “danger signal” for cellular and humoral immune reactions. Hence, protective, preexisting anti-HSP60 immunity may have to be “paid for” by harmful (auto)immune cross-reactive attack on arterial endothelial cells maltreated by atherosclerosis risk factors. These experimentally and clinically proven findings are the basis for the autoimmune concept of atherosclerosis.
Depressive Symptoms and Cardiovascular Mortality in Older Black and White Adults
Authors: Lewis Tené T. , Guo Hongfei , Lunos Scott , Mendes de Leon Carlos F. , Skarupski Kimberly A. , Evans Denis A. , Everson-Rose Susan A.
Published: April 2011

Background—

An emerging body of research suggests that depressive symptoms may confer an “accelerated risk” for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in blacks compared with whites. Research in this area has been limited to cardiovascular risk factors and early markers; less is known about black-white differences in associations with important clinical end points.

Methods and Results—

The authors examined the association between depressive symptoms and overall CVD mortality, ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality, and stroke mortality in a sample of 6158 (62% black; 61% female) community-dwelling older adults. Cox proportional hazards models were used to model time-to-CVD, IHD, and stroke death over a 9- to 12-year follow-up. In race-stratified models adjusted for age and sex, elevated depressive symptoms were associated with CVD mortality in blacks (hazard ratio [HR], 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61 to 2.36;
P
<0.001) but were not significantly associated with CVD mortality in whites (HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.68;
P
=0.11; race by depressive symptoms interaction,
P
=0.03). Similar findings were observed for IHD mortality (black: HR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.49 to 2.64;
P
<0.001; white: HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.89;
P
=0.23) and stroke mortality (black: HR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.32 to 3.27;
P
=0.002; white: HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.69 to 2.52;
P
=0.40). Findings for total CVD mortality and IHD mortality were attenuated but remained significant after adjusting for standard risk factors. Findings for stroke were reduced to marginal significance.

Conclusions—

Elevated depressive symptoms were associated with multiple indicators of CVD mortality in older blacks but not in whites. Findings were not completely explained by standard risk factors. Efforts aimed at reducing depressive symptoms in blacks may ultimately prove beneficial for their cardiovascular health.
Center Variation in Hospital Costs for Patients Undergoing Congenital Heart Surgery
Authors: Pasquali Sara K. , Sun Jie-Lena , d'Almada Phil , Jaquiss Robert D.B. , Lodge Andrew J. , Miller Neal , Kemper Alex R. , Lannon Carole M. , Li Jennifer S.
Published: April 2011

Background—

Congenital heart disease consumes significant health care resources; however, there are limited data regarding factors affecting resource utilization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate variation between centers in total hospital costs for 4 congenital heart operations of varying complexity and associated factors.

Methods and Results—

The Premier Database was used to evaluate total cost in children undergoing isolated atrial septal defect (ASD) repair, ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair, tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair, or arterial switch operation (ASO) from 2001 to 2007. Mixed models were used to evaluate the impact of center on total hospital costs adjusting for patient and center characteristics and length of stay. A total of 2124 patients were included: 719 ASD (19 centers), 792 VSD (20 centers), 420 TOF (17 centers), and 193 ASO (13 centers). Total cost increased with complexity of operation from median $12 761 (ASD repair) to $55 430 (ASO). In multivariable analysis, models that accounted for center effects versus those that did not performed significantly better for all 4 surgeries (all
P
≤0.01). The proportion of total cost variation explained by center was 19% (ASD repair), 11% (VSD repair), 6% (TOF repair), and 3% (ASO). Higher-volume centers had significantly lower hospital costs for ASD and VSD repair but not for TOF repair and ASO.

Conclusions—

Total hospital costs varied significantly by center for all congenital heart surgeries evaluated, even after adjustment for patient and center characteristics and length of stay. Differences among centers were most prominent for lower complexity procedures.
Competence, Performance, and the Locality of Quantifier Raising: Evidence from 4-Year-Old Children
Authors: Syrett Kristen , Lidz Jeffrey
Published: April 2011

We revisit the purported locality constraint on Quantifier Raising (QR) by investigating children's and adults' interpretation of antecedent-contained-deletion (ACD) sentences, where the interpretation depends on the landing site targeted by QR out of an embedded clause. When ACD is embedded in a nonfinite clause, 4-year-old children and adults access both the embedded and the matrix interpretations. When ACD is embedded in a finite clause, and the matrix interpretation is generally believed to be ungrammatical, children and even some adults access both readings. These findings allow for the possibility that the source of QR's reputed locality constraint may instead be extragrammatical, and they provide insight into the development of the human sentence parser.
Beyond the Votes: A European Perspective on the Use of Public Relations to Legitimize Authority in Obama’s Campaign
Authors: Ordeix Enric , Ginesta Xavier
Published: April 2011

In political campaigns in Western society, there are many examples of public relations being behind opinion leaders in getting grassroots committed to a candidate; Obama’s campaign was one example. Grassroots communication has been a major public relations activity that has harnessed local community involvement (from nongovernmental organizations, social and cultural communities, companies, and individuals) in the United States as well as in Europe. Since the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign, third-party engagement is now considered a valid way to legitimize the authority of politicians all over the world. In this research, the authors point out that public opinion support, even outside the United States, can result in greater authority and greater acceptance of U.S. government policies.
On Store Design and Consumer Motivation
Authors: van Rompay Thomas J. L. , Tanja-Dijkstra Karin , Verhoeven Joost W. M. , van Es Annemiek F.
Published: April 2011

Research testifies to the influence of environmental factors in shopping environments. However, few studies examine effects of store design in interaction with shoppers’ motivations. The authors propose that task-oriented shoppers prefer stores that are spacious, whereas recreational shoppers enjoy and prefer the arousing properties of color. To provide controlled tests of these hypotheses, we created visual simulations of stores that varied by color (arousing red vs. less arousing blue) and layout (spacious vs. cluttered), and induced either task-oriented or recreational shopping motivations. Customers at a clothing store responded to one of these four store video displays. Results showed that motivations interact with environmental factors. Task-oriented shoppers preferred shopping in spacious stores, whereas recreational shoppers preferred high-arousing store environments. These findings suggest that store managers could increase arousal levels using ambient design elements, such as colored lights, when shoppers are likely recreationally oriented and provide spacious environments to appeal to task-oriented shoppers.
Where’s the Emotion? How Sport Psychology Can Inform Research on Emotion in Human Factors
Authors: Eccles David W. , Ward Paul , Woodman Tim , Janelle Christopher M. , Le Scanff Christine , Ehrlinger Joyce , Castanier Carole , Coombes Stephen A.
Published: April 2011

Objective: The aim of this study was to demonstrate how research on emotion in sport psychology might inform the field of human factors.

Background: Human factors historically has paid little attention to the role of emotion within the research on human-system relations. The theories, methods, and practices related to research on emotion within sport psychology might be informative for human factors because fundamentally, sport psychology and human factors are applied fields concerned with enhancing performance in complex, real-world domains.

Method: Reviews of three areas of theory and research on emotion in sport psychology are presented, and the relevancy of each area for human factors is proposed: (a) emotional preparation and regulation for performance, (b) an emotional trait explanation for risk taking in sport, and (c) the link between emotion and motor behavior. Finally, there are suggestions for how to continue cross-talk between human factors and sport psychology about research on emotion and related topics in the future.

Results: The relevance of theory and research on emotion in sport psychology for human factors is demonstrated.

Conclusion: The human factors field and, in particular, research on human-system relations may benefit from a consideration of theory and research on emotion in sport psychology.

Application: Theories, methods, and practices from sport psychology might be applied usefully to human factors.
We Fall Down: The African American Experience of Coping With the Homicide of a Loved One
Authors: Sharpe Tanya L. , Boyas Javier
Published: April 2011

Rates of homicide among African Americans are much higher than those of other racial or ethnic groups. Research has demonstrated that homicide can be psychologically debilitating for surviving family members. Yet, exploring the experiences of homicide victims’ surviving loved ones has received little attention. This study examined the coping strategies of African American survivors of homicide. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 8 African American family members (ages 18-82) of homicide victims. Survivors were recruited from the Massachusetts Office of Victim Services and from homicide survivor support, school, and community groups throughout the New England area. Interviews were conducted using open-ended questions derived from coping, support network, grief, and bereavement literatures. Results indicate that the primary coping strategies utilized by African American survivors of homicide victims are spiritual coping and meaning making, maintaining a connection to the deceased, collective coping and caring for others, and concealment. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
What Role do Safety Net Wage Adjustments Play in Alleviating Household Need?
Authors: Healy Joshua
Published: April 2011

The strength of the relationship between low wages and household needs has become an important measure of the effectiveness of Australia’s employment safety net. This paper reviews the recent treatment of the needs issue in safety net wage cases of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, and provides a statistical analysis of data from two nationwide household surveys. I develop a method of identifying low-wage earners in sectors with high award reliance, and use it to describe the characteristics of their households. The workers of interest are predominantly found in households near the middle of the income distribution, rather than at the bottom end, because they typically live with other, higher-paid workers. The minority living in single-income households are more likely to be below the median income and to experience financial stress. A safety net maintained partly on the basis of a ‘needs’ criterion should be especially focused on the circumstances and prospects of this single-income group.
Individualism, Collectivism, and the Case of Awards in Australia
Authors: Bray Mark , Macneil Johanna
Published: April 2011

This paper offers an alternative framework for characterizing individualism and collectivism. This framework is constructed in terms of three dimensions of the employment relationship — who makes the rules; who is covered by the rules; and who enforces the rules. The value of the framework is demonstrated by applying it to the analysis of awards in Australia, revealing fundamental changes in the individualist/ collectivist character of awards over the last 20 years.
Research Note: Workplace Child Care and Elder Care Programs and Employee Retention
Authors: Mann Sara L. , Cooke Gordon B. , Zeytinoglu Isik U.
Published: April 2011

Using Statistics Canada’s Workplace and Employee Survey (WES) data for 2003 and 2004, this research note addresses an important component of labour market retention by investigating whether the presence of workplace child care and elder care programs influences employees’ decision to quit. The key findings are as follows: (a) workplace elder care support is almost non-existent in Canada; (b) employees are more likely to remain with an organization that offers workplace child care support programs; and (c) those employees who actually use the workplace child care support are even more likely to stay with the organization. We suggest that future research should assess whether the particular support programs themselves ‘cause’ employees to stay, or whether there are other factors (within organizations offering these support programs) that account for the retention.
Cost of Adverse Drug Reactions in a South Indian Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Rajakannan Thiyagu , Mallayasamy Surulivelrajan , Guddattu Vasudeva , Kamath Asha , Vilakkthala Rajesh , Rao Padma G. M. , Bairy Laxminarayana K.
Published: April 2011

In India, very few reports on the cost of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are available. There is a need to study this aspect of health care in order to understand the economic burden imposed by ADRs. The aim of the current work was to study the costs associated with documented ADRs in a tertiary care teaching hospital. This study was conducted in medical wards of a south Indian tertiary care teaching hospital over a 6‐month period. The study protocol was assessed and approved by the institutional ethics committee. A total of 317 ADRs from 246 patients were identified during the study period. The present study used an intensive monitoring method to detect ADRs and assessed an incidence of 32.7% adverse reactions in the monitored group. The causality, severity, predictability, and preventability of the documented ADRs were assessed. The total cost to the hospital due to ADRs was found to be Rs. 1,567,397 (US$36 451). The average cost per patient hospitalized with an ADR was Rs. 4,945 (US$115). The cost per reaction was found to be higher in the Indian context, as the per capita annual expenditure on health in this country is around US$109.
In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of Renal Drug Transporters in the Disposition of Mesna and Dimesna
Authors: Cutler M. J. , Urquhart B. L. , Velenosi T. J. , Schwabedissen H. E. Meyer zu , Dresser G. K. , Leake B. F. , Tirona R. G. , Kim R. B. , Freeman D. J.
Published: April 2011

Mesna and its dimer, dimesna, are coadministered for mitigation of ifosfamide‐ and cisplatin‐induced toxicities, respectively. Dimesna is selectively reduced to mesna in the kidney, producing its protective effects. In vitro screens of uptake and efflux transporters revealed saturable uptake by renal organic anion transporters OAT1, OAT3, and OAT4. Efflux transporters breast cancer resistance protein; multidrug and toxin extrusion 1 (MATE1); multidrug resistance proteins MRP1, MRP2, MRP4, and MRP5; and P‐glycoprotein (Pgp) significantly reduced dimesna accumulation. Further investigation demonstrated that renal apical efflux transporters MATE1, MRP2, and Pgp were also capable of mesna efflux. Administration of OAT inhibitor probenecid to healthy subjects significantly increased combined mesna and dimesna plasma exposure (91% ± 34%) while decreasing the renal clearance due to net secretion (67.0% ± 12.7%) and steady‐state volume of distribution (45.2% ± 13.4%). Thus, the kidney represents a significant sink of total mesna, whereas function of renal drug transporters facilitates clearance in excess of glomerular filtration rate and likely the presence of active mesna in the urine. Loss of renal transporter function due to genetic variability or drug—drug interactions may decrease the efficacy of chemoprotectants, increasing the risk of ifosfamide‐ and cisplatin‐induced toxicities.
The Reliance on and Demand for Adjunct Faculty Members in America’s Rural, Suburban, and Urban Community Colleges
Authors: Charlier Hara D. , Williams Mitchell R.
Published: April 2011

Drawing on a survey of chief academic officers at 347 community colleges nationwide, this study examined the impact of institutional type (rural, suburban, urban) on reliance on and demand for adjunct faculty members. Findings indicated that rural institutions rely less on adjuncts, whereas both rural and urban institutions report high levels of unmet demand within specific disciplines.
Women’s Ski Jumping, the 2010 Olympic Games, and the Deafening Silence of Sex Segregation, Whiteness, and Wealth
Authors: Travers Ann
Published: April 2011

Citing section 15(1) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 15 women’s ski jumpers took the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) to court over the exclusion of a women’s ski jumping event. In this analysis of the initial court case and subsequent appeal, I demonstrate that Canadian (and western) citizenship was contested in this legal battle and that gendered, raced, and classed dimensions of citizenship were at play. To make this case, I draw on critical feminist and critical race theorizing on citizenship. From my analysis, three key silences emerge. These concern the underlying assumptions of sex segregation, whiteness, and class privilege.
Modified Hemi‐Lothrop Procedure for Supraorbital Frontal Sinus Access
Authors: Eloy Jean Anderson , Friedel Mark E. , Murray Kim P. , Liu James K.
Published: April 2011

Objective

The endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure (EMLP) is a relatively safe and efficacious advanced approach to access the frontal sinus for recalcitrant disease. There have been limited data specifically addressing those patients with advanced but unilaterally limited and supraorbitally based frontal sinus disease. In this study, the authors propose a modification of the EMLP technique, titled a modified hemi‐Lothrop procedure (MHLP), which would limit the dissection of the EMLP to removal of the frontal sinus floor of the unilaterally diseased frontal sinus, thereby sparing the mucosa and natural drainage pathways of the nondiseased contralateral frontal sinus.

Study Design and Setting

Cadaveric study at an academic medical center.

Methods

A cadaveric dissection with photodocumentation was performed to demonstrate the MHLP and to quantify the accessibility of this approach to far‐laterally based frontal sinus disease.

Results

The MHLP dissection was shown to provide adequate access to the most distal supraorbital and laterally based aspects of the frontal sinus. Using 3 cadavers, the authors demonstrated and documented the technique of MHLP to access lateral frontal sinus disease from the contralateral nasal cavity via a superior septectomy window.

Conclusion

The MHLP was demonstrated to be a feasible approach and alternative to more traditional endoscopic procedures in addressing unilateral frontal sinus disease. This modification may be useful in addressing difficult to access unilateral disease that may otherwise require more extensive resection. This demonstration helps define the accessibility of the lateral frontal sinus via an MHLP and begins to provide estimates of which patients may benefit from this approach.
Effects of plantar perception training on standing posture balance in the old old and the very old living in nursing facilities: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Morioka Shu , Fujita Hiroyuki , Hiyamizu Makoto , Maeoka Hiroshi , Matsuo Atsushi
Published: April 2011

Objective: To determine whether plantar perception training using a hardness discrimination task efficiently improves stabilization of standing posture balance in the old old as well as the very old.

Design: A randomized two-group parallel controlled trial.

Setting: Nursing homes.

Participants: Forty-six elderly persons 75 years of age or older living in nursing facilities were randomly assigned evenly to either an intervention or a control group.

Intervention: The intervention group was given a task to discriminate hardness differences while standing on foam rubber of different levels of hardness, while the control group was given the task to simply remain standing on foam rubber. The tasks were imposed for 10 successive days.

Outcome measures: Outcome assessment was made by determinations of centre-of-gravity sway in the standing position and the Functional Reach Test.

Results: Planter perception was significantly improved and centre-of-gravity sway in the standing position was also significantly reduced in the intervention group after the intervention. In the control group, however, there were no significant changes in perception or in sway ( P < 0.01) There was a significant difference in the Functional Reach Test values between the two groups: an increment of 12.3 ± 10.1 cm in the intervention group vs. 2.3 ± 5.8 cm in the control group ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion: These results suggested that plantar perception exercises might efficiently stabilize standing postural balance in the old old as well as the very old.
Risk factors for geriatric patient falls in rehabilitation hospital settings: a systematic review
Authors: Vieira Edgar Ramos , Freund-Heritage Rosalie , da Costa Bruno R
Published: April 2011

Objective: To review the literature to identify and synthesize the evidence on risk factors for patient falls in geriatric rehabilitation hospital settings.

Data sources: Eligible studies were systematically searched on 16 databases from inception to December 2010.

Review methods: The search strategies used a combination of terms for rehabilitation hospital patients, falls, risk factors and older adults. Cross-sectional, cohort, case-control studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in English that investigated risks for falls among patients ≥65 years of age in rehabilitation hospital settings were included. Studies that investigated fall risk assessment tools, but did not investigate risk factors themselves or did not report a measure of risk (e.g. odds ratio, relative risk) were excluded.

Results: A total of 2,824 references were identified; only eight articles concerning six studies met the inclusion criteria. In these, 1,924 geriatric rehabilitation patients were followed. The average age of the patients ranged from 77 to 83 years, the percentage of women ranged from 56% to 81%, and the percentage of fallers ranged from 15% to 54%. Two were case-control studies, two were RCTs and four were prospective cohort studies. Several intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for falls were identified.

Conclusion: Carpet flooring, vertigo, being an amputee, confusion, cognitive impairment, stroke, sleep disturbance, anticonvulsants, tranquilizers and antihypertensive medications, age between 71 and 80, previous falls, and need for transfer assistance are risk factors for geriatric patient falls in rehabilitation hospital settings.
Injection Techniques of Platelet-Rich Plasma into and around the Achilles Tendon a Cadaveric Study
Authors: Wiegerinck Johannes I. , Reilingh Mikel L. , de Jonge Milko C. , van Dijk C. Niek , Kerkhoffs Gino M.
Published: April 2011

Background

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are used to treat (Achilles) tendinopathies. Platelet-rich plasma has been injected at different locations, but the feasibility of PRP injections and the distribution after injection have not been studied.

Purpose

To evaluate ( 1 ) the feasibility of ultrasound-guided PRP injections into the Achilles tendon (AT) and in the area between the paratenon and the AT and ( 2 ) the distribution of PRP after injection into the AT and in the area between the paratenon and AT.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods

Fifteen cadaveric lower limbs were injected under ultrasound guidance with Indian blue–dyed PRP. Five injections were placed into the AT at the midportion level; 5 injections were located anterior between the paratenon and AT and 5 posterior between the paratenon and AT. The limbs were anatomically dissected and evaluated for the presence and distribution of PRP.

Results

All injections into the AT showed PRP infiltration in the AT as well as in the area between the paratenon and AT (median craniocaudal spread, 100 mm; range, 75-110 mm); 1 of 5 limbs showed PRP leakage into the Kager fat pad after AT injection. All anterior and posterior injections showed PRP infiltration in the area between the paratenon and AT (median, 100 mm; range, 75-150 mm). The AT was infiltrated with PRP after 3 of 10 paratenon injections.

Conclusion

The “AT” and “paratenon” injections under ultrasound guidance proved to be accurate. Injections into the AT showed distribution of PRP into the AT as well as in the area between the paratenon and AT. All injections between the paratenon and AT showed PRP distribution in that area, as well as in the Kager fat pad.

Clinical Relevance

Different PRP injection techniques were evaluated. This aids in the optimization of PRP injections in the treatment of midportion Achilles tendinopathy.
Sports Hernia
Authors: Minnich John M. , Hanks John B. , Muschaweck Ulrike , Brunt L. Michael , Diduch David R.
Published: April 2011

Groin injuries are a common occurrence in elite-level athletes. These injuries can cause significant pain and disability, leading to prolonged periods of inactivity and consternation among athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, and physicians alike. The differential diagnosis for groin pain is vast and spans multiple disciplines, including orthopaedics, general surgery, urology, gynecology, and neurology.

Sports hernias are one cause of chronic groin pain in athletes and are distinct entities from classic hernias. They are often caused by a deficient posterior wall of the inguinal canal, but may also involve concurrent injuries, such as conjoint and adductor tendinopathies and nerve entrapment. Understanding the complex lower abdominal, pelvic, and hip anatomy and pathophysiology of sports hernias is crucial to making an accurate diagnosis and providing appropriate treatment options. Newer, less invasive surgical repair techniques show promising early results in improving pain and decreasing recovery time.
Activities of Daily Living Are Associated With Older Adult Cognitive Status
Authors: Miller L. Stephen , Brown Courtney L. , Mitchell Meghan B. , Williamson Gail M.
Published: April 2011

We compared the extent to which subjective report of activities of daily living (ADLs) by caregivers and older adults were associated with objective measures of older adults’ cognition. In independent studies (Study 1 N = 238; Study 2 N = 295), bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses examined the association of caregiver and self-rated reports of older adult basic, instrumental, and total ADLs and older adult cognition. We examined the magnitude of the caregiver/self-report discrepancy and older adult cognition. In both studies, caregiver reports more accurately accounted for older adult cognitive differences. Older adult visuospatial/constructional deficits were uniquely related to caregiver basic ADL reports. Results indicate that caregiver reports of older adult ADLs are more reliable indicators of older adult cognition than self-reports, and this difference grows as older adult cognition decreases. Thus, older adult ADL assessment may be useful in providing information on potential cognitive decline.
Preparation and characterization of ternary copolyimide fibers via partly imidized method
Authors: Su Jian-Feng , Chen Liang , Tang Ting-Ting , Ren Chong-Bin , Wang Jian-Jun , Qin Chuan-Xiang , Dai Li-Xing
Published: April 2011

A series of copolyamic acid (PAA) were synthesized from various ratios of two diamines p-phenylene diamine and 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) via copolymerization with pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) in polar solvent dimethylacetamide. A mixture of acetic anhydride and triethylamine was used as the cyclizing agent and added to the PAA in order to chemically convert it into partly imidized PAA, which then was spun into fibers by dry-jet wet-spinning. Finally, polyimide (PI) fibers were prepared after the as-spun fibers had been heat-treated. The results indicated that the intrinsic viscosity of partly imidized PAA was higher than that of pure PAA. Moreover, when the partly imidized PAA was spun into a suitable composition coagulation bath, the as-spun fibers gained a circular and dense internal morphology. The tensile strength and initial modulus of the heat-treated PI fibers were better than those of the homo-PI PMDA-ODA fibers, respectively, and the thermal stability of the PI fibers was also enhanced.