bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating public art in the North of England: Logic models, frameworks and emerging impact
Authors: Usher David , Strange Ian
Published: May 2011

Public art has increasingly become associated with wider processes of regeneration and place shaping. It is increasingly part of the landscape of regions and cities across the UK which are competing for bigger, better and more iconic trophies to enhance identity on the international stage. In an evidence based policy environment, evaluation has a key role to play though there are pitfalls for the unwary. An evaluation of the Northern Way’s ‘Welcome to the North’ public art programme, undertaken by the authors, revealed that the management information normally associated with evaluation processes was in short supply. This reflected a number of factors including the uncontained audience which views public art, its outcomes and impacts being time lagged and a reluctance amongst the cultural community to be subject to scrutiny. There are good grounds for concern. Public investment in art is controversial and public perception can be mercurial. The paper outlines the evaluation process which developed logic models to understand the ‘theories of change’ through which the programme was designed to influence downstream impacts. This approach helped not only to identify how the programme worked but also the timescale in which, for example, increased visitor spend or changing resident perceptions might feed into house sale volumes in a given local economy. One key finding is the need to allow sufficient lapsed time for outcomes and impacts to become evident.
What do business rates measure?
Authors: Williams Dominic
Published: May 2011

In the context of proposals to re-localize business rates, the article considers whether using business rates as a measure of economic activity would give rise to distortions caused by valuation methodology, liability to pay or by more general differences between property values and economic activity. Over the long term, property values have shown negative growth in real terms whereas GDP has grown around 2.5 percent p.a. Moreover, this overall difference in performance masks major distortions and differences between types of property, types of occupier and locations. It also distorts the relationship between business rates and GVA. This poses some big questions for the re-localization of local government finance but even more important questions for local economic development.
Preliminary evidence of anxiolytic effects of the CRF1 receptor antagonist R317573 in the 7.5% CO2 proof-of-concept experimental model of human anxiety
Authors: Bailey Jayne E , Papadopoulos Andreas , Diaper Alison , Phillips Suzanne , Schmidt ME , van der Ark P , Dourish Colin T , Dawson Gerard R , Nutt David J
Published: May 2011

We have validated the use of prolonged inhalation of 7.5% carbon dioxide (CO2) as a human model of anxiety and have shown that drugs from two prototypical classes of anxiolytics, benzodiazepines and a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, attenuate CO2-induced symptoms ( Bailey et al., 2007a ). Preclinical evidence suggests that drugs acting at the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system may be useful for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and other stress-related disorders ( Valdez, 2006 ), hence we have now examined the effects of a CRF1 receptor antagonist in the 7.5% CO2 model. In a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, study in 32 healthy participants we examined the effects of 7 days of treatment with the CRF1 receptor antagonist, R317573, at a dose that shows a favourable safety profile and is comparable with those effective in preclinical models (40 mg). On day 8, eight of the placebo-treated group received lorazepam (LZP) 2 mg as a positive control. All participants underwent 20 min inhalation of 7.5% CO2-enriched air. Subjective reports of peak gas effects were assessed using visual analogue scales and questionnaires. The mean age of participants was 26 years, and 13 were male. The peak effects of CO2 were expressed as a difference from baseline scores obtained while breathing air alone. Compared with placebo (PLAC), both drug groups showed a decrease in all subjective symptoms, total score on the panic symptom inventory (CRF 11 [2.6], PLAC 16.4 [3.1], LZP 2.9 [3.0]) and a generalized anxiety disorder symptom scale (CRF 2.2 [1.5], PLAC 8.2 [2.2], LZP 1.1 [1.5]). We have shown that a drug that acts to inhibit the CRF1 receptor shows efficacy in the 7.5% CO2 model of anxiety in healthy participants.
A compositional framework for programming stochastically interacting robots
Authors: Napp Nils , Klavins Eric
Published: May 2011

Large collections of simple, interacting robots can be difficult to program due to issues of concurrency and intermittent, probabilistic failures. Here, we present Guarded Command Programming with Rates , a formal framework for programming such multi-robot systems. Within this framework, we model robot behavior as a stochastic process and express concurrency and program composition using simple operations. In particular, we show how composition and other operations on programs can be used to specify increasingly complex behaviors of multi-robot systems and how stochasticity can be used to create programs that can tolerate failure of individual robots. Finally, we demonstrate our approach by encoding algorithms for routing parts in an abstract model of the Stochastic Factory Floor testbed (Galloway et al. 2010).
Imagining the music: Methods for assessing musical imagery ability
Authors: Clark Terry , Williamon Aaron
Published: May 2011

Timing profiles of live and imagined performances were compared with the aim of creating a context-specific measure of musicians’ imagery ability. Thirty-two advanced musicians completed imagery use and vividness surveys, and then gave two live and two mental performances of a two-minute musical excerpt, tapping along with the beat of the mental performances. Profiles of inter-beat-intervals for each performance were generated; correlations were calculated within and between the two performance conditions and then compared with results from the surveys. All participants achieved a significant correlation between the timing profiles within the live condition, while less than 70% did so within the mental condition and between the two conditions. Significant correlations emerged between the imagery vividness measures and results from the live condition, and self-reported time spent employing imagery significantly correlated with results from the live and mental conditions. This suggests that mental chronometry can offer an indication of imagery ability, warranting further research to facilitate more accurate interpretations of results and refinement of testing procedures.
Inside the collaborative inter-arts improvisatory process: Tertiary music students’ perspectives
Authors: Blom Diana
Published: May 2011

While research has explored aspects of inter-arts collaboration at professional and primary level, there is little on inter-arts collaboration in the tertiary environment. This article explores aspects of the learning of tertiary music students undertaking a short-term collaborative inter-arts improvisation project with dance and theater peers, focusing on how and what learning occurs within the inter-arts collaborative improvisatory environment and the role of the individual in collaboration. Collaboration occurred most commonly through a homogeneous style within a complementary or co-equal approach. A rationale and structural elements, time, space and resources were important and learning occurred through different styles of dialogue – verbal, especially ‘cumulative’ in style, music and movement. The literature and the study’s findings noted several stages in the transformation of existing knowledge and of the individual through collaborative activities, and the majority of responses were in the first levels. This information could serve as a guide for teachers of tertiary collaborative inter-arts improvisation for the type of planning needed in relation to student levels, structure, time, project design, space and resources, and the learning likely to occur.
Quantitative Analysis of the Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Ulnar Footprint and Its Relationship to the Ulnar Sublime Tubercle
Authors: Farrow Lutul D. , Mahoney Andrew J. , Stefancin John J. , Taljanovic Mihra S. , Sheppard Joseph E. , Schickendantz Mark S.
Published: May 2011

Background: The medial ulnar collateral ligament is the major soft tissue restraint to valgus displacement of the elbow. Currently, little has been published regarding the medial ulnar collateral ligament’s ulnar footprint.

Hypothesis: The medial ulnar collateral ligament has a long attachment onto the ulna and the anatomy of the footprint is consistent.

Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods: The authors studied the morphologic characteristics of the ulnar footprint of the medial ulnar collateral ligament in 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens, 100 osseous specimens, and with 3-dimensional computed tomography in an additional 10 osseous specimens. They measured the length of the anterior band’s ulnar attachment and the entire ligament length. They also measured the length of the osseous ridge, which extends distally from the sublime tubercle in both osseous specimens and on computed tomography.

Results: The mean length of the medial ulnar collateral ligament was 53.9 mm and the mean length of the ulnar soft tissue footprint was 29.2 mm. The authors identified an osseous ridge that extended distally from the sublime tubercle to just medial to the ulnar insertion of the brachialis muscle tendon. This osseous ridge was present in all osseous and fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens. The mean length of this osseous ridge was 24.5 mm.

Conclusion: The medial ulnar collateral ligament has a long attachment along the proximal ulna. The ligament attaches to a previously undescribed ridge of bone located on the medial aspect of the proximal ulna, the medial ulnar collateral ligament ridge. This ridge is present in all skeletal specimens.

Clinical Relevance: Injuries to the medial ulnar collateral ligament are common. Published success rates after reconstruction of the medial ulnar collateral ligament are highly variable. The present study illustrates how current reconstruction techniques fail to fully restore the true anatomy of the native ligament. Further studies are needed to investigate this issue.
Influence of N-acetylcysteine against dimethylnitrosamine induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Priya Sathish , Vijayalakshmi Paramasivan , Vivekanandan Palani , Karthikeyan Sivanesan
Published: May 2011

This study evaluates the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar albino rats. A single intraperitoneal dose of DMN (5 mg/kg b.w.) caused a significant increase in the levels of the serum marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT)) and a subsequent decrease in AST, ALT, ALP and increase in LDH and γ-GT in the liver tissue indicating hepatocellular damage. Elevation in the status of lipid peroxidation, fall in the activities of the enzymic (superoxide dismutase, catalase) and non-enzymic antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E) in the liver tissue further confirms oxidative stress and hepatocellular damage induced on DMN administration. Oral administration of NAC (50 mg/kg b.w.) for 7 days significantly prevented the above alterations in the status of the marker enzymes of hepatotoxicity and antioxidant parameters and restored them towards normalcy, which was further substantiated by the histopathological studies of the liver tissue. These results suggest that NAC offers hepatoprotection by ameliorating DMN-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity and this protective effect was attributed to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.
Behavior Therapy for Tics in Children: Acute and Long-Term Effects on Psychiatric and Psychosocial Functioning
Authors: Woods Douglas W. , Piacentini John C. , Scahill Lawrence , Peterson Alan L. , Wilhelm Sabine , Chang Susanna , Deckersbach Thilo , McGuire Joseph , Specht Matt , Conelea Christine A. , Rozenman Michelle , Dzuria James , Liu Haibei , Levi-Pearl Sue , Walkup John T.
Published: May 2011

Children (n = 126) ages 9 to 17 years with chronic tic or Tourette disorder were randomly assigned to receive either behavior therapy or a control treatment over 10 weeks. This study examined acute effects of behavior therapy on secondary psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial functioning and long-term effects on these measures for behavior therapy responders only. Baseline and end point assessments conducted by a masked independent evaluator assessed several secondary psychiatric symptoms and measures of psychosocial functioning. Responders to behavior therapy at the end of the acute phase were reassessed at 3-month and 6-month follow-up. Children in the behavior therapy and control conditions did not differentially improve on secondary psychiatric or psychosocial outcome measures at the end of the acute phase. At 6-month posttreatment, positive response to behavior therapy was associated with decreased anxiety, disruptive behavior, and family strain and improved social functioning. Behavior therapy is a tic-specific treatment for children with tic disorders.
Treatment of Pediatric Status Migrainosus
Authors: Legault Geneviève , Eisman Harley , Shevell Michael I.
Published: May 2011

The impact of treatment given upon discharge on the “bounce back” rate was ascertained in children presenting at the emergency department for treatment of status migrainosus. All children ages 8 to 17 years old presenting to an emergency department in 2008 who were treated for status migrainosus and discharged home were included. Of the total of 187 patients, 21 patients (11.2%) bounced back. Treatment given was not associated with the bounce back rate. The only factors reaching significance were the presence of a migraine equivalent in 28.6% of patients who bounced back as compared with only 6.7% in patients without recurrence ( P = .006); brain imaging study in the emergency department (52.4% vs 16.9%, P = .001); and an arranged physician follow-up (66.6% vs 36.3%, P = .01). The results appear to suggest that no current treatment given to children presenting to the emergency department with status migrainosus seems to alter the immediate recurrence rate.
Effectiveness of 3-Aminopropyl-Triethoxy-Silane as a Coupling Agent for Phosphate Glass Fiber-Reinforced Poly(caprolactone)-based Composites for Fracture Fixation Devices
Authors: Khan R.A. , Parsons A.J. , Jones I.A. , Walker G.S. , Rudd C.D.
Published: May 2011

Silane (3-Aminopropyl-triethoxy-silane) solutions with differing concentrations (0—10 wt%) were prepared from an aqueous ethanol solution (90% ethanol + 10% deionized water, by volume). Phosphate glass fibers were immersed in these silane solutions for time periods between 15 and 120 min. It was found that the silane treatment yielded fiber mass gains and it was noted that shorter immersion times resulted in higher mass additions. The largest gain in mass was observed for 10 wt% silane treatment and 15 min immersion time, with the fibers gaining 4.1 wt%. Subsequent XPS confirmed the presence of silane at the surface of the fibers. Poly(caprolactone)-based unidirectional composites were made by compression molding. The tensile and the bending properties of the silane composites improved significantly. Composites made with fibers treated with 10 wt% silane had 47% higher tensile strength and 86% higher tensile modulus than those of the untreated fiber-based composite control specimens. The bending properties also proved superior to the control composite (52% higher bending strength and 79% higher bending modulus). Degradation tests of the composites were carried out in deionised water at 37°C and found that silane-based composites retained higher tensile and bending properties than their untreated counterparts.
Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch—Polypropylene Composites: Effect of Adding ENGAGETM 7467
Authors: Ibrahim N.A. , Hashim N. , Rahman M.Z.A. , Yunus W.M.Z.W.
Published: May 2011

Composites of polypropylene and oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) were prepared by melt blending using ENGAGETM 7467 (polyolefin elastomer) as an impact modifier. ENGAGETM 7467 is a polyolefin elastomer. The mechanical properties and morphology of composites have been studied. Tensile tests showed that addition of ENGAGETM 7467 improved the elasticity of the composite, thus reducing the stiffness of the composites but no significant changes on tensile strength. The impact strength was also improved with the addition of ENGAGETM 7467, but no significant effect on flexural test was observed. This result indicates that the ENGAGETM 7467 forms a flexible interphase around the OPEFB particles, giving the composites better impact strength for both notched and unnotched samples without degrading the fiber and matrix interaction. The ENGAGETM 7467 composites characterized using Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy showed that there is no shifting of peaks, indicating that the addition of ENGAGETM 7467 does not affect the interaction between matrix and filler.
Thermo-mechanical, Degradation, and Interfacial Properties of Jute Fiber-reinforced PET-based Composite
Authors: Huq T. , Khan A. , Akter T. , Noor N. , Dey K. , Sarker B. , Saha M. , Khan R.A.
Published: May 2011

Jute fiber-reinforced polyethylene terephthalate (PET) matrix composite was prepared by compression molding. Tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus (TM), elongation at break (Eb%), bending strength (BS), bending modulus (BM), impact strength (IS), and hardness of the composites (50% fiber by weight) were found to be 56 MPa, 1950 MPa, 5%, 73 MPa, 3620 MPa, 24 kJ/m2, and 97 Shore-A, respectively. After 6 weeks of soil degradation, composites lost 28.5% and 24.6% of their original TS and BS, respectively. Interfacial characterization was performed by scanning electron microscope.
When Categories Collide
Authors: Evans Karla K. , Horowitz Todd S. , Wolfe Jeremy M.
Published: May 2011

Experiments have shown that people can rapidly determine if categories such as “animal” or “beach” are present in scenes that are presented for only a few milliseconds. Typically, observers in these experiments report on one prespecified category. For the first time, we show that observers can rapidly extract information about multiple categories. Moreover, we demonstrate task-dependent interactions between accumulating information about different categories in a scene. This interaction can be constructive or destructive, depending on whether the presence of one category can be taken as evidence for or against the presence of the other.
Integration Without Awareness
Authors: Mudrik Liad , Breska Assaf , Lamy Dominique , Deouell Leon Y.
Published: May 2011

Human conscious awareness is commonly seen as the climax of evolution. However, what function—if any—it serves in human behavior is still debated. One of the leading suggestions is that the cardinal function of conscious awareness is to integrate numerous inputs—including the multitude of features and objects in a complex scene—across different levels of analysis into a unified, coherent, and meaningful perceptual experience. Here we demonstrate, however, that integration of objects with their background scenes can be achieved without awareness of either. We used a binocular rivalry technique known as continuous flash suppression to induce perceptual suppression in a group of human observers. Complex scenes that included incongruent objects escaped perceptual suppression faster than normal scenes did. We conclude that visual awareness is not needed for object-background integration or for processing the likelihood of an object to appear within a given semantic context, but may be needed for dealing with novel situations.
Inorganic mercury exposure in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) alters the expression of toll-like receptor 4 and activates inflammatory pathways in the liver in a sex-specific manner
Authors: Assefa S , Curtis JT , Sethi S , Davis RL , Chen Y , Kaul R
Published: May 2011

Environmental exposure to mercury can cause a number of adverse effects in humans including the disruption of endocrine function that may result in sex-specific effects. The present study was designed to characterize sex-specific effects of chronic inorganic mercury exposure on toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 and inflammatory signaling in the liver of prairie voles ( Microtus ochrogaster). Following 10 weeks of exposure to mercury via drinking water, effects on protein expression levels of TLR2 and TLR4 and the downstream p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa (NF-κB) signaling pathways were assessed. Using immunoblot analysis, we found that mercury exposure significantly enhanced the expression of TLR4 and activated p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways in vole livers. This is the first report indicating that TLR4 may serve as a sensor for chronic mercury exposure in the liver. Further, compared to females, mercury-treated male voles exhibited significant increases in activated p38 MAPK and a greater extent of liver damage. Together, these findings establish sex-specific liver immunomodulation and cellular signaling following chronic inorganic mercury exposure. Furthermore, this study also supports the use of voles as biomarkers of environmental mercury contamination and offers a promising in vivo tool to test various therapeutic strategies for mercury detoxification.
An Efficient Finite Shell Element for the Static Response of Piezoelectric Laminates
Authors: Vidal Philippe , D'Ottavio Michele , Ben Thaïer Mehdi , Polit Olivier
Published: May 2011

This study presents a novel finite element (FE) for shell structures including piezoelectric actuators and sensors. Based on a conventional 8-node shell formulation and the classical displacement-based variational formulation, the present element has an enriched description of the transverse kinematics in order to consistently retain the full three-dimensional (3D) piezoelectric coupling. Furthermore, a layer-wise description of the electric degrees of freedom permits to account for embedded piezoelectric actuators and sensors. The robustness of the FE is enhanced by referring to an established technique that avoids transverse shear locking and membrane locking. Numerical results are given which validate the present implementation and highlight the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed formulation. Additionally, some new reference solutions for the static behavior of piezoelectric shells are provided by means of 3D FE computations with a commercial software.
Optimization and Dynamic Modeling of Galfenol Unimorphs
Authors: Liang Shu  , Dapino Marcelo J. , Evans Phillip G. , Dingfang Chen  , Quanguo Lu
Published: May 2011

Design and modeling of a bi-laminate, Galfenol-driven composite beam is presented in which the elasticity of the adhesive layer is considered. The optimal thickness ratio necessary to maximize the tip deflection is found by minimization of the internal energy of the beam. Model simulations show that use of a substrate material with high modulus leads to larger tip deflections. Stainless steel was therefore utilized as substrate in the experiments. In order to reduce eddy currents, a laminated silicon steel frame was employed to magnetize the beam. A dynamic model is proposed by coupling the structural dynamics of the beam and adhesive layer with the magnetostriction generated by the Galfenol layer. The latter is described with a linear piezomagnetic law with uniform magnetic field distribution along the length of the beam. Galerkin discretization combined with Newmark numerical integration are employed to approximate the dynamic response of the beam. The model is shown to describe both the transient and steady-state response of the composite beam tip displacement under harmonic excitation between 10 and 320 Hz. The RMS error between model and data range between 1.44% at 10 Hz and 6.34% at 320 Hz, when the same set of model parameters (optimized at quasistatic frequency) is utilized.
Origin and Evolution of Policy Simulation: A Personal Journey
Authors: Duke Richard D.
Published: May 2011

The past half-century has seen remarkable growth in the use and acceptance of simulation games for policy intervention. This article provides one observer’s perspective on the evolution of the discipline: literature, theory, and practice. The creation and growth of ISAGA are also referenced. Early computer simulations failed at prediction due to limitations of theory, data, and technology. Their lack of transparency limited their value for expository purposes. Through time, a design methodology has emerged to guide the creation of simulation games to improve communication in complex policy decision environments. These instruments are not intended to be predictive; rather, their primary objective is to help a group achieve consensus through the multilogue mode of communication. Several simulation/games are outlined to illustrate the progression of the discipline.
Reflections on Mandated Reporting and Challenges in the Therapeutic Relationship: A Case Study With Systemic Implications
Authors: Bean Heather , Softas-Nall Lia , Mahoney Michael
Published: May 2011

The impact of legally mandated reporting of child abuse on the therapeutic relationship is discussed through a case study of a 13-year-old girl dating an 18-year-old boy. The challenges for the counselor navigating the legal and ethical requirements surrounding mandated reporting are explored in a systemic context. Suggestions for anticipating possible emotional responses of clients to mandated reporting are also offered as well as implications for family counselors.
The Relationship of Knowledge, Health Value and Health Self-efficacy with Men’s Intentions to Receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
Authors: Petrovic Katja , Burney Sue , Fletcher Jane
Published: May 2011

The aim of the present study was to determine whether it was possible to predict Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intentions an Australian male sample. One hundred and twenty one males aged 18 to 26 ( M = 22.3, SD = 2.06), completed an online survey assessing HPV-related knowledge, health beliefs and health self-efficacy. HPV knowledge and health self-efficacy were significant independent predictors of vaccine acceptance. A moderating effect was found between HPV knowledge and health self-efficacy. It was concluded that the results of previous research into the predictors of HPV vaccination intentions can largely be applied to an Australian male population.
Beyond gatekeeping: J-blogging in China
Authors: Haiqing Yu
Published: May 2011

This essay contributes to the continuing debates on the changing horizons of journalism in the era of Web 2.0 by examining blogging as a deliberative practice among Chinese professional journalists, who, as gatekeepers of the mainstream news media, nevertheless go beyond gatekeeping by watching the ‘gate’, poking the ‘gate,’ and mocking the ‘gate’ through blogging. I argue that j-blogging represents an experiment of amateur journalism by professional journalists in the blogosphere. The creativity in gate-watching, gate-poking and gate-mocking is situated in the feedback loop of blogosphere and mediasphere in general. J-bloggers are essential to the mediated loop that is in itself a liminal zone, where ideas, visions, emotions and beliefs can be tested. J-blogging forms a crucial link in the formation of the mediated loop and transformation of the liminal zone, upon which the viability of Chinese public sphere depends.
Adiponectin and cardiovascular risk profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: parameters associated with adiponectin complex distribution
Authors: Hamilton Mark P , Gore M. Odette , Ayers Colby R , Xinyu Wu  , McGuire Darren K , Scherer Philipp E
Published: May 2011

Aims: Plasma levels of the adipokine adiponectin are accepted as excellent correlates to metabolic health. Here, we aim to characterise associations between circulating plasma adiponectin complexes and baseline parameters in a population of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Methods: We measured levels of high molecular weight (HMW), low molecular weight (LMW) and trimeric adiponectin.

Results: The study population comprised 53 subjects, mean age 57 years, 36% non-white and 44% women, with an average body mass index (BMI) of 34 and duration of DM of 8.5 years. There was an established history of cardiovascular disease in 36% of the patients. BMI was inversely associated with the proportion of HMW adiponectin compared with LMW and trimeric adiponectin. Longer duration of DM correlated with an increased proportion of trimeric adiponectin.

Conclusions: Patients with elevated BMI, longer history of diabetes and cardiovascular disease have lower levels of the higher order adiponectin complex. In addition, we have measured for the first time levels of trimeric adiponectin in a diabetic population using high resolution fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) analysis and identified trimeric adiponectin as a promising new biomarker for cardiovascular disease with a stronger correlative relationship to cardiovascular disease than HMW adiponectin.
Therapeutic Intervention in a Case of Ataxic Dysarthria Associated With a History of Amateur Boxing
Authors: McMicken Betty L. , Ostergren Jennifer A. , Vento-Wilson Margaret
Published: May 2011

The goals of this study were to (a) describe the presenting features of ataxic dysarthria present in a participant with a long history of amateur boxing, (b) describe a novel application of behavioral principles in the treatment of this participant, and (c) discuss implications in the treatment of ataxic dysarthria secondary to boxing. The participant was a 36-year-old male with ataxic dysarthria associated with a 15-year history of amateur boxing. Perceptual intelligibility, perceptual severity, communication attitudes, and communication effectiveness were evaluated. As a result of treatment, the participant eliminated the ataxic characteristics of his speech within structured tasks. Speech patterns were controlled through loudness practice and a gradual increase in utterance length and complexity. This study offers speech-language pathologists an introduction to the topic of amateur boxing and associated neurologic consequences as well as a description of the use of behavioral principles in the treatment of ataxic dysarthria.
Understanding Whole Systems Change in Health Care: The Case of Nurse Practitioners in Canada
Authors: Edwards Nancy , Rowan Margo , Marck Patricia , Grinspun Doris
Published: May 2011

Nurse practitioners (NPs) were introduced into the Canadian health system almost half a century ago. Despite early evidence of their effectiveness, it took decades to establish a substantial critical mass of NPs. Using the NP as a case study exemplar, we adopted a whole system change perspective to understand what else besides evidence was needed to ensure the success of desirable health systems innovations. We identified elements of whole systems change to analyze literature on the NP movement in terms of leverages, blockages, and system dynamics. Results suggest that evidence was only one of many factors shaping the uptake of NP services as part of larger, ongoing, adaptive whole systems change. The changes required to integrate the NP role within the health system reflect a socio-ecological perspective that may be used to understand sustainable health systems innovation and improvement.
An Organizational and Task Perspective Model Aimed at Enhancing Teachers’ Professional Development and Occupational Expertise
Authors: Evers Arnoud T. , Kreijns Karel , Van der Heijden Béatrice I. J. M. , Gerrichhauzen John T. G.
Published: May 2011

Currently, many countries, including the Netherlands, are “plagued” by severe, both quantitative and qualitative, teacher shortages that are even expected to increase in the years to come. Teachers’ occupational development, therefore, has become an important issue on the research agenda of the respective countries. It is essential to develop more thorough insights that enable human resource management (HRM) and human resource development (HRD) professionals in schools to take strategic decisions in developing teachers’ professional development (TPD) and occupational expertise (OE). The aim of these strategic decisions is to cope effectively with shortages in this occupational sector. In this contribution, we propose a model that focuses on the influence of organizational and task factors on TPD which, in turn, is assumed to enhance OE. We will thoroughly discuss the so-called TPD & OE model, and its implications for research and HRD practice.
Technical Analysis of Scores on the Self-Efficacy Self-Report Scale
Authors: Erford Bradley T. , Schein Hallie , Duncan Kelly
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary analysis of reliability and validity of scores on the Self-Efficacy Self-Report Scale, which was designed to assess general self-efficacy in students aged 10 to 17 years. Confirmatory factor analysis on cross-validated samples was conducted revealing a marginal fit of the data to the 19-item unidimensional scale. Studies of internal consistency and test–retest reliability revealed adequate levels of total scale consistency. Criterion-related validity estimates were moderate to strong. Norms and a test protocol are provided to encourage free use of the scale for student assessment and research purposes.
Global Mindset: A Construct Clarification and Framework
Authors: Story Joana S.P. , Barbuto John E.
Published: May 2011

Global mindset has been proposed to be the only unique characteristic of effective global leadership. This article proposes a framework of global mindset that combines cultural intelligence and global business orientation. In addition, relationships are proposed between global mindset and individual outcomes such as trust, leader—member exchange relationship quality, and organizational commitment. Variables such as complexity of global role and leader distance are also proposed to moderate the relationship between a global leader’s global mindset and outcome variables. The authors also discuss the impact of the proposed relationships and discuss directions for future research.
The Politics, Fashions, and Conventions of Research Methods
Authors: Bergman Manfred Max
Published: May 2011

The results of an empirical study of any set of phenomena, whether investigating structures, processes, or combinations thereof, are influenced by the theoretical framework as well as the research methods employed. This text examines the influence of research methods on how phenomena under investigation are conceptualized, defined, measured, and interpreted. It will be argued that qualitative, quantitative, and, by extension, mixed methods research influence how phenomena are studies, and how these methods are concurrently subject to politics, fashions, and conventions. Inconsistent and impoverished research may be the consequence, particularly for mixed methods research.
Beneficial effects of angiotensin (1–7) in diabetic rats with cardiomyopathy
Authors: Singh Kulwinder , Singh Tajinder , Sharma P. L.
Published: May 2011

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effect of angiotensin (1–7), a Mas receptor agonist, and A-779, a Mas receptor antagonist, in rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC).

Methods: Rats treated with a single injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), developed DC after 8 weeks. The extent of DC was assessed by measuring the left ventricular weight/body weight (LVW/BW) ratio, absolute LVW, left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), maximum change in left ventricular pressure over time (dp/dtmax), minimum change in left ventricular pressure over time (dp/dtmin), left ventricular (LV) protein content, LV collagen content, lipid profile, and serum nitrite/nitrate concentration. Test drug treatment was given from week 4 to week 8.

Results: Angiotensin (1–7) treatment attenuated DC by significantly increasing LVDP, dp/dtmax, dp/dtmin, serum nitrite/nitrate concentration and significantly decreasing the LVW/BW ratio and LV collagen content. For the first time, this study has documented that endogenous angiotensin (1–7) regulates lipid profile in rats, and that treatment with angiotensin (1–7) significantly attenuates diabetes-induced changes in lipid profile. However, LV protein content and absolute LVW remain unaffected after treatment.

Conclusion: Angiotensin (1–7) significantly attenuates DC in rats because of vasodilatory, antiproliferative and anifibrotic properties but also because of a significant decrease in dyslipidemia, the major culprit for cardiac dysfunctions in diabetes.
Growing Evidence for Human Health Benefits of Boron
Authors: Nielsen Forrest H. , Meacham Susan L.
Published: May 2011

Growing evidence from a variety of experimental models shows that boron is a bioactive and beneficial (perhaps essential) element for humans. Reported beneficial actions of boron include arthritis alleviation or risk reduction, bone growth and maintenance, central nervous system function, cancer risk reduction, hormone facilitation, and immune response, inflammation, and oxidative stress modulation. The diverse effects of boron indicate that it influences the formation and/or activity of an entity that is involved in many biochemical processes. Formation of boroesters with the ribose moiety of compounds involved in numerous reactions, such as S-adenosylmethionine and oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) might be the reason for boron bioactivity. Both animal and human data suggest that boron intakes should be >1.0 mg/d. Many people consume less than this amount. Thus, a low boron intake should be considered a health concern, which can be prevented by diets rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and pulses.
Structural basis of thrombin-mediated factor V activation: the Glu666-Glu672 sequence is critical for processing at the heavy chain–B domain junction
Authors: Corral-Rodríguez María Ángeles , Bock Paul E. , Hernández-Carvajal Erick , Gutiérrez-Gallego Ricardo , Fuentes-Prior Pablo
Published: May 2011

Thrombin-catalyzed activation of coagulation factor V (FV) is an essential positive feedback reaction within the blood clotting system. Efficient processing at the N- (Arg709-Ser710) and C-terminal activation cleavage sites (Arg1545-Ser1546) requires initial substrate interactions with 2 clusters of positively charged residues on the proteinase surface, exosites I and II. We addressed the mechanism of activation of human factor V (FV) using peptides that cover the entire acidic regions preceding these cleavage sites, FV (657-709)/ (FVa2) and FV(1481-1545)/(FVa3). FVa2 appears to interact mostly with exosite I, while both exosites are involved in interactions with the C-terminal linker. The 1.7-Å crystal structure of irreversibly inhibited thrombin bound to FVa2 unambiguously reveals docking of FV residues Glu666-Glu672 to exosite I. These findings were confirmed in a second, medium-resolution structure of FVa2 bound to the benzamidine-inhibited proteinase. Our results suggest that the acidic A2-B domain linker is involved in major interactions with thrombin during cofactor activation, with its more N-terminal hirudin-like sequence playing a critical role. Modeling experiments indicate that FVa2, and likely also FVa3, wrap around thrombin in productive thrombin·FV complexes that cover a large surface of the activator to engage the active site.
Activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (Hif-1α) delays inflammation resolution by reducing neutrophil apoptosis and reverse migration in a zebrafish inflammation model
Authors: Elks Philip M. , van Eeden Fredericus J. , Dixon Giles , Wang Xingang , Reyes-Aldasoro Constantino Carlos , Ingham Philip W. , Whyte Moira K. B. , Walmsley Sarah R. , Renshaw Stephen A.
Published: May 2011

The oxygen-sensing transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) plays a critical role in the regulation of myeloid cell function. The mechanisms of regulation are not well understood, nor are the phenotypic consequences of HIF modulation in the context of neutrophilic inflammation. Species conservation across higher metazoans enables the use of the genetically tractable and transparent zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo to study in vivo resolution of the inflammatory response. Using both a pharmacologic approach known to lead to stabilization of HIF-1α, and selective genetic manipulation of zebrafish HIF-1α homologs, we sought to determine the roles of HIF-1α in inflammation resolution. Both approaches reveal that activated Hif-1α delays resolution of inflammation after tail transection in zebrafish larvae. This delay can be replicated by neutrophil-specific Hif activation and is a consequence of both reduced neutrophil apoptosis and increased retention of neutrophils at the site of tissue injury. Hif-activated neutrophils continue to patrol the injury site during the resolution phase, when neutrophils would normally migrate away. Site-directed mutagenesis of Hif in vivo reveals that hydroxylation of Hif-1α by prolyl hydroxylases critically regulates the Hif pathway in zebrafish neutrophils. Our data demonstrate that Hif-1α regulates neutrophil function in complex ways during inflammation resolution in vivo.
Barriers to mucosal transmission of immunodeficiency viruses
Authors: Keele Brandon F. , Estes Jacob D.
Published: May 2011

Lentiviruses such as HIV have a daunting challenge in gaining access to a new host predominantly through the penile, rectal, or vaginal/cervical mucosal tissue after sexual exposure. Multiple mechanisms have evolved to help prevent such infections, including anatomical barriers, innate inhibitors, and adaptive immune responses. For lentiviruses, it appears that in naive or even conventionally vaccinated hosts, typical adaptive immune responses are generally too little and too late to prevent infection. Nevertheless, a combination of anatomical barriers and innate immune responses may limit transmission, especially in patients without predisposing conditions such as mucosal lesions or preexisting sexually transmitted infections. Furthermore, when infection does occur, most often the primary viremia of the acute infection can be traced back genetically to a single founder virus. Unfortunately, even a single virion can establish an infection that will ultimately lead to the demise of the host. This review seeks to describe the biology of and barriers to establishment of systemic, disseminated productive infection with HIV after sexual exposure and to discuss the possible mechanisms leading to infection by a single viral variant. Understanding the initial events of infection, before systemic spread, could provide insights into strategies for reducing acquisition or ameliorating clinical outcome.
Enhanced pharmacokinetic properties of a glycoPEGylated recombinant factor IX: a first human dose trial in patients with hemophilia B
Authors: Negrier Claude , Knobe Karin , Tiede Andreas , Giangrande Paul , Møss Judi
Published: May 2011

Replacement therapy with factor IX (FIX) concentrates is the recommended treatment for patients with hemophilia B, an X-linked bleeding disorder occurring in 1:25 000 male births. N9-GP is a recombinant FIX molecule with a prolonged half-life which is obtained by site-directed glycoPEGylation where a 40-kDa polyethylene glycol molecule is attached to the activation peptide of FIX. This first human dose trial in patients with hemophilia B investigated the safety and pharmacokinetic properties of a single IV dose of N9-GP. Sixteen previously treated patients received one dose of their previous FIX product followed by one dose of N9-GP at the same dose level (25, 50, or 100 U/kg). None of the patients developed inhibitors. One patient developed transient hypersensitivity symptoms during administration of N9-GP and was excluded from pharmacokinetic analyses. In the remaining 15 patients, N9-GP was well-tolerated. The half-life was 93 hours, which was 5 times higher than the patient's previous product. The incremental recovery of N9-GP was 94% and 20% higher compared with recombinant and plasma-derived products, respectively. These results indicate that N9-GP has the potential to reduce dosing frequency while providing effective treatment of bleeding episodes with a single dose. The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00956345.
The characterization of a new set of EST-derived simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers as a resource for the genetic analysis of Phaseolus vulgaris
Authors: Garcia Robertha AV , Rangel Priscila N , Brondani Claudio , Martins Wellington S , Melo Leonardo C , Carneiro Monalisa S , Borba Tereza CO , Brondani Rosana PV
Published: May 2011

Background

Over recent years, a growing effort has been made to develop microsatellite markers for the genomic analysis of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) to broaden the knowledge of the molecular genetic basis of this species. The availability of large sets of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in public databases has given rise to an expedient approach for the identification of SSRs (Simple Sequence Repeats), specifically EST-derived SSRs. In the present work, a battery of new microsatellite markers was obtained from a search of the Phaseolus vulgaris EST database. The diversity, degree of transferability and polymorphism of these markers were tested.

Results

From 9,583 valid ESTs, 4,764 had microsatellite motifs, from which 377 were used to design primers, and 302 (80.11%) showed good amplification quality. To analyze transferability, a group of 167 SSRs were tested, and the results showed that they were 82% transferable across at least one species. The highest amplification rates were observed between the species from the Phaseolus (63.7%), Vigna (25.9%), Glycine (19.8%), Medicago (10.2%), Dipterix (6%) and Arachis (1.8%) genera. The average PIC (Polymorphism Information Content) varied from 0.53 for genomic SSRs to 0.47 for EST-SSRs, and the average number of alleles per locus was 4 and 3, respectively. Among the 315 newly tested SSRs in the BJ (BAT93 X Jalo EEP558) population, 24% (76) were polymorphic. The integration of these segregant loci into a framework map composed of 123 previously obtained SSR markers yielded a total of 199 segregant loci, of which 182 (91.5%) were mapped to 14 linkage groups, resulting in a map length of 1,157 cM.

Conclusions

A total of 302 newly developed EST-SSR markers, showing good amplification quality, are available for the genetic analysis of Phaseolus vulgaris. These markers showed satisfactory rates of transferability, especially between species that have great economic and genomic values. Their diversity was comparable to genomic SSRs, and they were incorporated in the common bean reference genetic map, which constitutes an important contribution to and advance in Phaseolus vulgaris genomic research.