bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treading Fine Lines
Authors: Hardy Cynthia
Published: March 2013

This article reflects on the different ways in which the concept of power is treated in elite U.S. journals compared with European journals. Some observers have argued that critical researchers should not bother to try and publish their work in elite U.S. journals because of the compromises that have to be made in doing so. This essay argues that a “limited engagement” with these journals constitutes one way of trying to resist the power/knowledge relations that are so deeply embedded in them.
Trying to Get What You Want
Authors: Black Ryan C. , Schutte Rachel A. , Johnson Timothy R.
Published: March 2013

Riker famously theorized that political actors faced with suboptimal outcomes might be able to garner a more desirable one by adding issues to the agenda. To date, limited support for Riker’s theory of heresthetics exists, primarily consisting of case studies and anecdotal evidence. We offer a systematic analysis of heresthetical maneuvers in the context of Supreme Court decision making. We argue justices who oppose a potential case outcome may add alternative issues to the record in an effort to restructure the terms of debate. Data from justices’ behavior during oral argument support Riker’s theory.
Endomedullary Screw Fixation for First Metatarsophalangeal Arthrodesis
Authors: Migues Atilio , Calvi Juan , Sotelano Pablo , Carrasco Marina , Slullitel Gastón , Conti Leonardo
Published: March 2013

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results in a group of patients who underwent first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with an endomedullary screw fixation technique (MPA-E).

Methods:

Between 2003 and 2009, 101 metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis were performed in 76 patients. There were 64 women and 12 men with an average age of 68 years. The indication for surgery was osteoarthritis with severe pain and functional limitation. Patients were evaluated radiologically and with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scoring system (AOFAS) at an average follow-up of 32 months (range, 24-92 months).

Results:

The success rate was 93%, with an increase of the average preoperative AOFAS from 38.5 points to 85.5 points postoperatively ( P < .0001). The consolidation rate after radiological evaluation was 90.1%; there were 5 cases (5.0%) with asymptomatic nonunion and 5 cases (5.0%) with poor results because of symptomatic nonunion. Screw removal was needed in 4 feet (4.0%), and 2 feet (2.0%) had acute postoperative superficial infection. No implant cutout was observed.

Conclusion:

The MPA-E technique provided consistent and high functional outcomes. This valid and effective alternative should be considered as an option for hallux metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Effects of Pre- and Postconditioning on Arrhythmogenesis in the In Vivo Rat Model
Authors: Kolettis Theofilos M. , Vilaeti Agapi D. , Tsalikakis Dimitrios G. , Zoga Anastasia , Valenti Mesele , Tzallas Alexandros T. , Papalois Apostolos , Iliodromitis Efstathios K.
Published: March 2013

The antiarrhythmic potential of postconditioning in in vivo models remains poorly defined. We compared the effects of pre- and postconditioning on ventricular arrhythmogenesis against controls with and without reperfusion. Wistar rats (n = 40, 269 ± 3 g) subjected to ischemia (30 minutes)–reperfusion (24 hours) were assigned to the following groups: (1) preconditioning (2 cycles), (2) postconditioning (6 cycles), or (3) no intervention and were compared with (4) nonreperfused infarcts and (5) sham-operated animals. Infarct size was measured, and arrhythmogenesis was evaluated with continuous telemetric electrocardiographic recording, heart rate variability indices, and monophasic action potentials (MAPs). During a 24-hour observation period, no differences in mortality were observed. Reperfusion decreased infarct size and ameliorated sympathetic activation during the late reperfusion phase. Preconditioning decreased infarct size by a further 35% ( P = .0017), but only a marginal decrease (by 18%, P = .075) was noted after postconditioning. Preconditioning decreased arrhythmias during ischemia and early reperfusion, whereas postconditioning almost abolished them during the entire reperfusion period. No differences were noted in MAPs or in the magnitude of sympathetic activation between the 2 interventions. Compared to postconditioning, preconditioning affords more powerful cytoprotection, but both interventions exert antiarrhythmic actions. In the latter, these are mainly evident during the ischemic phase and continue during early reperfusion. Postconditioning markedly decreases reperfusion arrhythmias during a prolonged observation period. The mechanisms underlying the antiarrhythmic effects of pre- and postconditioning are likely different but remain elusive.
Aspirin Increases Nitric Oxide Formation in Chronic Stable Coronary Disease
Authors: Hetzel Scott , DeMets David , Schneider Ricky , Borzak Steven , Schneider Wendy , Serebruany Victor , Schröder Henning , Hennekens Charles H.
Published: March 2013

Introduction:

There are no published randomized data on secondary prevention in humans about whether aspirin affects nitric oxide (NO) formation. In patients with chronic stable coronary disease, we tested whether aspirin at clinically relevant doses increases NO formation.

Materials and Methods:

In a randomized, double-blind trial, 37 patients from 2 cardiology office practices were assigned to daily doses of 81, 162.5, 325, 650, or 1300 aspirin for 12 weeks. Primary prespecified outcome measures were changes in heme oxygenase (HO-1), a downstream target of NO formation, and asymmetrical dimethyl arginine (ADMA), a competitive inhibitor of NO synthase.

Results:

There were no significant differences for HO-1 or ADMA between any of the clinically relevant doses of aspirin tested, so all were combined. For HO-1, there was a significant increase (10.29 ± 2.44, P < .001) from baseline (15.37 ± 1.85) to week 12 (25.66 ± 1.57). The mean ratio (MR) of week 12 to baseline for HO-1 was significantly higher than 1.0 (1.67, confidence interval [CI] from 1.60 to 1.74, P < .001). For ADMA, there was a significant decrease (−0.24 ± 0.11, P < .001) from baseline (0.78 ± 0.08) to week 12 (0.54 ± 0.07). The MR of week 12 to baseline for ADMA was significantly lower than 1.0 (0.69, CI from 0.66 to 0.73, P < .001).

Conclusions:

In patients with chronic stable coronary disease, all clinically relevant daily doses of aspirin tested, from 81 to 1300 mg, produce similar and statistically significant increases in HO-1 and decreases in ADMA. These are the first randomized data on secondary prevention patients. These data support the hypothesis that aspirin has additional beneficial effects mediated through NO formation. Further research, including direct randomized comparisons on atherosclerosis using noninvasive techniques as well as on occlusive vascular disease events, is necessary.
Direct and Indirect Measures of Sexual Maturity Preferences Differentiate Subtypes of Child Sexual Abusers
Authors: Schmidt Alexander F. , Gykiere Kim , Vanhoeck Kris , Mann Ruth E. , Banse Rainer
Published: March 2013

To aid risk assessment, management, and treatment planning it is essential to assess child sexual abusers’ deviant sexual interests (DSI) and preferences (DSP) for sex with children. However, measurement of DSI/DSP is fraught with psychometric problems. In consequence, research interest has shifted to latency-based indirect measures as a measurement approach to complement self-report and physiological assessment. Utilizing the Explicit and Implicit Sexual Interest Profile (EISIP)—a multimethod approach consisting of self-report, viewing time, and Implicit Association Test (IAT) DSI/DSP measures—we replicated phallometric DSI/DSP differences between child sexual abuser subgroups in a sample of intrafamilial, extrafamilial, and child pornography offenders. DSI/DSP was associated with recidivism risk, offense-behavioral measures of pedophilic interest, and sexual fantasizing. It also negatively correlated with antisociality. Distinguishing between child sexual abuser subtypes and being related to recidivism risk, the EISIP is a useful tool for sexual offender assessments.
How thick do consumers’ want their meat and how thick do they get it? The case of deep-fried breaded beef
Authors: Ferraris Daniela C , Libertino Luciano M , Rodríguez Graciela L , Hough Guillermo E
Published: March 2013

The main objective was to estimate the optimum thickness of meat from a consumers' perspective. Breaded beef (known as “milanesa” in Spanish speaking countries and as “schnitzels” in Austria) is a food product prepared with a slice of meat that is dipped in beaten egg to then be covered in bread crumbs; thus prepared it is fried. This product was used as a case study. Breaded beef was evaluated in three different stages: raw slice of meat, appearance of meat after frying, and during mastication. Breaded beef prepared with meat of varying thicknesses were presented to consumers who evaluated if the thicknesses were too thin, ok or too thick. Survival analysis statistics were used to estimate the optimum thicknesses. Results for each stage were: raw slice of meat = 6.7 ± 0.2 mm, appearance of the cut fried breaded beef = 8.4 ± 0.3 mm and during mastication = 7.6 ± 0.3 mm. The average thickness of the meat cut by butchers for breaded beef was 5.9 mm, not too far from the optimum. However, the average thickness of the meat in the breaded beef ready for frying sold by the same butchers 3.7 mm, clearly thinner than the optimum.
Do Tax and Expenditure Limits Hinder the Condition of Public Infrastructure? The Case of the Nation’s System of Bridges
Authors: Deller Steven C. , Amiel Lindsay N. , Stallmann Judith I. , Maher Craig S.
Published: March 2013

Tax and expenditure limitations (TELs) imposed on state and local governments is a popular policy approach to limit the growth in government. At the same time these limits may hinder the ability of state and local governments to provide services and make investments in public infrastructure. We test the relationship between state-level TEL restrictiveness and the United State’s network of highway bridges. We generally find that more restrictive TELs have a weak negative impact on the percentage of bridges deemed structurally deficient but a positive impact on the percentage of bridges deemed functionally obsolete. The states with the most restrictive TELs, those that restrict both revenues and expenditures, tend to have a smaller share of their bridges that are either structurally deficient of functionally obsolete.
Social Interest in High-Functioning Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Fletcher-Watson Sue , Leekam Susan R. , Findlay John M.
Published: March 2013

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are principally characterized by impairments in social functioning. Experimental investigation often is conducted using methods measuring social attention, social cognition, and social communication. In this study, we instead measured interest in social information, making a distinction between basic-level person-centered social information such as physical attributes of people (“human” information) and high-level social information such as hypotheses about mental states, emotion, and relationships (“social” information). Based on content analysis of verbal descriptions of color images, 31 young adults (4 women), aged 17 to 25 years with ASD, and 35 typically developing young adults (8 women), aged 17 to 31 years, devoted similar proportions of their descriptions to human and social topics. Results are interpreted in the context of current calls for more ecologically valid methodology and in relation to other assessments of social processing in ASD.
Men’s Modesty, Religion, and the State
Authors: Morin Karen M.
Published: March 2013

This article examines religious practices in the United States, which govern modesty and other dress norms for men. I focus both on the spaces within which they most collide with regulatory regimes of the state and the legal implications of these norms, particularly for observant Muslim men. Undergirding the research are those “gender equality” claims made by many religious adherents, that men are required to maintain proper modesty norms just as are women. Also undergirding the research is the extensive anti-Islam bias in American culture today. The spaces within which men’s religiously proscribed dress and grooming norms are most at issue—indicated by First Amendment legal challenges to rights of religious practice—are primarily those state-controlled, total institutions Goffman describes, such as in the military and prisons. The implications of gendered modesty norms are important, as state control over religious expression in prisons, for example, is much more difficult to contest than in other spaces, although this depends entirely on who is doing the contesting and within which religious context. In American society today — and particularly within the context of growing Islamaphobia following the 9/11 attacks — the implications are greatest for those men practicing “prison Islam.”
Integrated modelling of alexithymia: Psychological predictors and method of response functions
Authors: Malkina-Pykh Irina G
Published: March 2013

The objective of this study was to construct the integrated model of alexithymia (ALEX) based on the method of response function approach that allows to predict the impact of the subjects’ psychological variables on the actual level of alexithymia. Extraversion, neuroticism, autonomy, locus of control and hostility were selected as the appropriate predictors of the alexithymia level. Evaluation of ALEX model’s parameters and its validation was provided on a wide set of experimental data ( N = 224). ALEX model predicts the level of alexithymia satisfactorily and allows obtaining the partial response functions of its psychological predictors.
The Health Hazards of Marriage. A cohort study of work related disability within 12,500 Norwegian couples – the HUNT Study
Authors: Vie Gunnhild Åberge , Krokstad Steinar , Johnsen Roar , Bjørngaard Johan Håkon
Published: March 2013

Aims: Work disability and sickness absence increase following partner’s retirement, which similarities in spouses’ health could explain. We therefore studied the risk of work disability within couples, taking account of baseline health, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors. Methods: A cohort of 12,511 couples from the HUNT Study (aged 20–67 years in HUNT2, 1995–1997) was linked to national registries, identifying all new cases of disability pension up until December 2007. Data were analysed with discrete time multilevel logistic regression and Cox regression models. Partners’ disability pension was included as a time-varying covariate. Follow-up time was split to examine the association dependent of time. Analyses were adjusted for age only, adjusted for health, and for lifestyle and education along with health. Results: About 15% of an individual’s propensity to receive a disability pension could be attributed couple similarity. There was an increased risk of work disability following the spouse’s disability retirement [HR (hazard ratio) 1.43 (95% confidence interval 1.20–1.71) for men, HR 1.49 (95% confidence interval 1.28–1.74) for women]. The association was somewhat attenuated after adjustments for health, lifestyle and education. Conclusion: There was a substantial clustering of disability pensions within couples, which cannot be explained by similarities in health, lifestyle and education. This suggests partners influence each other’s work ability. From a clinical perspective, the family situation needs to be taken into account when addressing health promotion and work participation.
The influences of childhood and adult socioeconomic position on body mass index: A longitudinal Swedish cohort study
Authors: Al-Emrani Faisal , Stafström Martin , Östergren Per-Olof
Published: March 2013

Background: Low socioeconomic position (SEP) in adulthood has been associated with overweight and obesity in high-income countries. However, little is known about the contribution of childhood SEP to weight change. Using a Swedish general population sample, this study aimed to examine the association between five-year weight gain among adults and socioeconomic position in childhood and adulthood. Methods: The data was drawn from the Scania Public Health Cohort and included 4244 individuals (1816 males and 2428 females) between the ages of 29 and 60 years, stratified by sex and age (29–39 and 40–60 years). General linear and logistic regression models were used to analyse the data. Results: Adult SEP was inversely correlated to BMI at baseline in males and older females. Childhood SEP showed no clear pattern regarding current BMI or the risk of being overweight at baseline, either in males or females. However, BMI increase between baseline and follow-up was greater in the highest adult SEP groups than in lowest ones for both males and females, although with a weaker trend among females. High childhood SEP was associated with a greater BMI increase in older males, but the pattern was the opposite in older females. Conclusions: Adult as well as childhood SEP influences weight gains, but differently among males and females and in different age groups. The findings suggest two waves of socioeconomic weight gain patterns in the Swedish population: one across generations and another contemporary one.
Freezing–thawing durability of fly ash concrete composites containing silica fume and polypropylene fiber
Authors: Zhang Peng , Li Qing-Fu
Published: March 2013

A parametric experimental study has been conducted to investigate the combined effect of fly ash, silica fume and polypropylene fiber on freezing–thawing durability of concrete composite. Four fly ash contents, four silica fume contents and five different fiber volume fractions were used. Results reveal that the addition of fly ash has lowered the freezing–thawing durability of concrete composite containing fly ash and that the freezing–thawing durability is decreasing gradually with the increase of fly ash content. It is evident that the addition of silica fume and polypropylene fiber can greatly improve the freezing–thawing durability of the concrete composite containing fly ash and the freezing–thawing durability is enhanced as the silica fume content and the fiber volume fraction increases gradually, with the fiber volume fraction below 0.08%. However, the freezing–thawing durability of concrete composite begins to decline after the fiber volume dosage exceeds 0.08%.
Cultivating the media activist: How critical media literacy and critical service learning can reform journalism education
Authors: Clark Lynn Schofield
Published: March 2013

The task of journalism education has been defined in relation to both the professional needs of the journalism industry and the need to educate well-informed citizens. A key part of journalism education involves introducing students to what Deuze (2005) terms the professional ideology of journalism, which includes commitments to public service, commitments to impartiality or objectivity, and a belief in the ideal of journalistic autonomy. Deuze has argued that this professional ideology has shifted in response to multiculturalism and new media. This article therefore sets out to explore the implications of these changes for journalism education and for the formation of the worldview of student journalists. The article considers a case study of a project involving critical service learning in an introductory class for journalism students. The article proposes that media activism, public journalism, and critical service learning may be drawn upon in journalism education as resources in the formation of an emergent journalistic worldview. Exploring student responses to this project through a framework of Youth Participatory Action Research, the article argues that such efforts can help journalism educators to achieve the pedagogical goal of enabling students to critique existing arrangements of power and develop a globally sensitive perspective while producing news stories across media platforms that reflect a deep appreciation for learning about and understanding the diverse communities they serve.
A legacy of the swine flu global pandemic: Journalists, expert sources, and conflicts of interest
Authors: Holland Kate , Sweet Melissa , Blood R Warwick , Fogarty Andrea
Published: March 2013

This article investigates the extent to which Australian journalists considered the potential conflicts of interest of expert sources during their reporting of the 2009 H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic. The study found that asking about conflicts of interest was not a routine practice for most, though various indirect methods of ascertaining such information were discussed. Journalists’ views and practices in relation to conflicts of interest were shaped by factors related to the story, their sources, audiences, the medium, and personal beliefs. The article elaborates on these findings with reference to key areas of debate relating to conflicts of interest, and considers the extent to which they are products of the context of an emerging infectious disease or characteristic of health reporting more broadly. We conclude that a legacy of the pandemic in Australia appears to be heightened journalistic sensitivity to the conflicts of interest of experts and policy advisors, especially in relation to large-scale public health issues.
A framework for the analysis of the social processes in the adoption of disabled children
Authors: Bunt Sarah
Published: March 2013

There is a dearth of literature on the adoption of disabled children within the UK, and that which has been published is somewhat dated and often characterised by largely empiricist approach, which is perhaps surprising in view of the fact that the study of adult disability has benefited so greatly from an understanding of the social processes involved. Cousins (2009), for example, has suggested that disabled children are profoundly disadvantaged in the adoption process by the negativity associated with the social construction of disability.

Findings

This article seeks to develop a framework that provides a theoretically informed and multidimensional approach to the understanding of the adoption of disabled children. It does so by drawing on Layder's delineation of different levels of analysis. This entails examining wider macro features that influence adoption processes, right through to the micro interactions between adopters and adoption agencies. The article also applies Bourdieu's concept of the habitus to assist in our understanding of how individual agents internalise the messages around them, which can influence and mediate their actions in adoption.

Application

This framework indicates that adoption outcomes for disabled children can only be understood within wider social processes, which can affect not only individual adoptions themselves, but also the practice of adoption generally. This has implications for both research and practice, for if, on the one hand, it provides a more comprehensive framework for the conduct of research, and it also potentially enables practice to be informed by wider considerations other than those occurring in the immediate context of the adoption.
Cultural negotiation: Moving beyond a cycle of misunderstanding in early childhood settings
Authors: De Gioia Katey
Published: March 2013

Developing partnerships with families is critical in childcare services. However, families and early childhood educators bring to settings different cultural backgrounds, experiences and expectations of their role and the role of the childcare service. These differences can impact the family–educator partnership. This article examines some issues that arise when there is a disparity in understanding of expectations, which can result when educators are attempting to provide continuity of care-giving practices and families are hesitant about sharing their home practices. This study explores communication processes and expectations of continuity of care between home and early childhood setting. A social constructivism approach using qualitative methods of data gathering explored family and educator perceptions of continuity between home and setting. A cycle of misunderstanding is explained that ascribes characteristics of possible family educators’ responses as a result of a poor understanding between roles. The discussion draws together the need to ascertain processes for negotiating with families and exploring practices that support the building of partnerships between families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and educators in childcare settings.
From Realism to Reality
Authors: Borchard Gregory A. , Mullen Lawrence J. , Bates Stephen
Published: March 2013

This monograph focuses on a selection of images displayed to audiences during the American Civil War era, based in two categories—illustrations and photographs. Illustrations include lithographs and handcrafted interpretations of events. Photographs include the mechanically based processes of the era that featured chemically captured images, or remnants of actual events. The chronological scope of this work is between the war’s outbreak in 1861 and its close in 1865. Using theoretical approaches generally applied by the social sciences, we interpret the content of images and place them in context with the origins of photography. We also compare both the common and dissimilar features of illustrated and photographic images from the era.
Differences Among Latino Students in Precollege Multicultural Exposure and the Transition Into an Elite Institution
Authors: Lopez J. Derek
Published: March 2013

This study examined the within-group differences in adjustment to college among Latino college students. Surveys measured participants for degree of precollege multicultural exposure, current concerns, minority student stress, social resources, and sociocultural orientation. The findings suggested that the transition into a predominately White, highly selective institution was different for Latino students based upon multicultural exposure in their high school context.
An Investigation of the Impact of Academicians as Directors
Authors: Atinc Guclu , Kroll Mark , Walters Bruce
Published: March 2013

In this study, we investigated the impact of academicians as board members on firm outcomes. Based on popular theories of corporate governance, we contend that firms with academicians as directors would have more vigilance on their boards, would perform better based on accounting measures, and would be perceived as more valuable based on a market measure. Using a matched-pair design, our results showed that firms with academician directors do not have more vigilance on their boards and do not differ based on their accounting performance. However, they are perceived to be more valuable, which signifies the possible positive impact of academicians on one of the organizational outcomes. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Body Weight and Nutrition Consequences of Alcohol Consumption in Young Adults
Authors: Koenings Mallory M.
Published: March 2013

Alcohol consumption is described in terms of both quantity and frequency of alcohol use. This article describes present knowledge of alcohol use in young adults, complex factors that influence alcohol use and binge drinking, nutrition and body weight consequences of alcohol use, and interventions that may decrease alcohol use. Young adults have the highest prevalence of infrequent, high-quantity alcohol consumption in any age group, placing them at an increased risk for weight gain, overweight, and obesity. Lifestyle medicine practitioners can have a positive impact by sharing 4 key recommendations about alcohol use: (a) alcohol provides calories but no essential nutrients;(b)if alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation—up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men;(c) moderate-level alcohol consumption is associated with the lowest risk of obesity (d) moderate-level alcohol consumption, when consumed in a binge-drinking pattern, is not protective against obesity.
The Domesday dataset
Authors: Reddington Joseph
Published: March 2013

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices provide the ability for many people with disabilities to make themselves understood. For the large proportion of users with an intellectual disability, these devices may be their only means of communication. Estimates of the number of AAC devices in use are vague and lack transparency. This prevents researchers from answering key questions like ‘How many people per 1000 are using electronic AAC?’ and ‘On average, how much money would fund a person’s AAC use for 12 months?’. This work presents the ‘Domesday dataset’, which allows researchers to answer research, policy, and prevalence questions on the landscape of AAC use within the United Kingdom. This dataset was constructed by making several hundred Freedom of Information requests. These requests asked public bodies who purchase AAC devices in the United Kingdom to supply details of every AAC purchase since 2006 including make, model, and year of purchase.
The interplay between deployment and optimal maintenance intervals for complex multi-component systems
Authors: Tinga Tiedo , Janssen Rene
Published: March 2013

Instead of performing maintenance at fixed intervals, the operational efficiency of assets can be improved significantly by taking into account the variations in usage and operating environment of the asset. In that way, the traditional static maintenance policy is replaced by a dynamic maintenance policy. In the present work, this concept is demonstrated by modeling the failure behavior of a rather complex multi-component system, i.e. a navy frigate. For this system, several non-identical subsystems are included. Some of the systems are unique on board, while others have been made redundant, which means that the criticality of the subsystems to the mission capability of the frigate varies. Moreover, the variation in deployment of the frigate in terms of mission types and operating environments is translated into various usage profiles for the subsystems. Simulations are then performed to obtain the optimal maintenance policy in terms of interval length and preventive maintenance threshold, given certain requirements for the deployability of the frigate in a certain period. Moreover, the sensitivity of the results for different subsystem initial service life times and variations in usage profile are investigated. The results show a clear dependence of the optimal interval on the mission program of the frigate and the subsystem failure behavior.
A simulation study of the Japanese bō
Authors: Dong Chensong , Saley Mohammed , Davies Ian J
Published: March 2013

This study examined the mechanical behaviour of the Japanese bō during simulated attack and defence manoeuvres with the aid of finite element analysis. The bō properties varied were handgrip location along the bō shaft and shaft diameter. It was found that an optimal attacking response could be achieved for the following factors: (1) the striking point on the attacking bō, (2) the holding point on the attacking bō, and (3) the diameter of the attacking bō. In addition, the defending response was optimal when defending with an attacking stance. Optimal bimanual grip locations were identified to be in agreement with common practices exhibited by karate practitioners. It was also found that bō geometric construction properties substantially modified the mechanical response. Further empirical testing is needed to verify the finite element analysis findings.
The Psychosocial Experiences of Obese Insulin-Resistant Children With Successful Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Blanton Priscilla W. , Chavez Juliann M.
Published: March 2013

Professionals in child and adolescent nutrition have noted the marked lack of success when treating childhood obesity and preventing the negative effects it has for children’s well-being. This article reports the findings of a qualitative study that used the phenomenological approach. Initial recruitment was based on referrals for nutritional interventions from a pediatric endocrinology practice; follow-up visits were monitored through medical record review to assess outcomes over a 3- to 4-year period. Ten children aged 11 to 16 years were interviewed based on the positive clinical outcomes that they had achieved over the past 18 to 24 months. Phenomenological guidelines were followed for data collection and analysis. The primary themes that emerged from the interviews were ( a) support in the context of their families, ( b) encouragement through friendships, ( c) dealing with teasing and bullying, and ( d) understanding self and developing resilience. Description of these themes using the voices and experiences of the participants are offered. Implications of the findings are offered for enhancing rapport when working with children and families in clinical settings.
Sunbed Use, Attitudes, and Knowledge After the Under-18s Ban
Authors: Lee Siang Ing , Macherianakis Alexis , Roberts Lesley Martine
Published: March 2013

Background: Sunbed use in childhood increases risk of melanoma. The under-18s sunbed ban was introduced in England, April 2011. Impact on use has not been investigated since. This cross-sectional study estimates the prevalence of under-18s’ use in Sandwell after the commercial ban and identifies factors associated with use/intention. Methods: Adolescents aged 15 to 17 years in schools were surveyed using self-completed anonymous questionnaires. Data collected include demographics, sunbed use, tanning attitudes, knowledge of risks and ban awareness. All Sandwell schools were approached; adolescents available on the survey days were included. Results: Five out of 22 schools participated, 407 adolescents responded (95.1%). Twenty participants (5.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.4-8.0) had used sunbeds, of who 16 reported use in commercial settings. After exclusion of one school cohort with atypical use (possibly associated with beauty vocational course and European migrants), the prevalence of use was 1.7% (95% CI = 0.7-3.9, n = 5). Less than half of all were aware of the ban (48.2%; 95% CI = 43.2-53.3). Users/potential users were less aware of associated risks. Being female, having family/friends who use sunbeds increased use/intention 2- to 4-fold. Conclusion: Strategies targeting parents, stricter enforcement, and greater publicity of the ban are needed. Further research exploring the possible association between certain vocational courses, migrants, and sunbed use is required.
“Muslim is the New Black”
Authors: Earle Rod , Phillips Coretta
Published: March 2013

Drawing from a recent qualitative study of identity, ethnicity, and social relations in two English prisons, the authors reflect on Stuart Hall’s formulation of a new ethnicities paradigm. Using a vignette case study and the comments of a range of prisoners, they consider how persistent patterns of racism are reproduced and challenged in the prison and beyond. British and penal historical and cultural contexts are provided to facilitate an empirically informed discussion of plural and evolving racisms, new ethnicities, and Islamophobia. An argument is presented that suggests a thinly theorized understanding of ethnicity is assuming the status of a falsely benign orthodoxy, one that shrouds the familiar and painful injuries of racism.
Ontogenetic regulation of leukocyte recruitment in mouse yolk sac vessels
Authors: Sperandio Markus , Quackenbush Elizabeth J. , Sushkova Natalia , Altstätter Johannes , Nussbaum Claudia , Schmid Stephan , Pruenster Monika , Kurz Angela , Margraf Andreas , Steppner Alina , Schweiger Natalie , Borsig Lubor , Boros Ildiko , Krajewski Nele , Genzel-Boroviczeny Orsolya , Jeschke Udo , Frommhold David , von Andrian Ulrich H.
Published: March 2013

Key Points

Leukocyte recruitment is ontogentically regulated during fetal life. A new intravital imaging model of leukocyte recruitment has been established in the mouse.
Ex vivo expanded human cord blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells induce lung growth and alveolarization in injured newborn lungs
Authors: Mao Quanfu , Chu Sharon , Ghanta Sailaja , Padbury James F , De Paepe Monique E
Published: March 2013

Background

We investigated the capacity of expanded cord blood-derived CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells to undergo respiratory epithelial differentiation ex vivo, and to engraft and attenuate alveolar disruption in injured newborn murine lungs in vivo.

Methods

Respiratory epithelial differentiation was studied in CD34+ cells expanded in the presence of growth factors and cytokines (“basic” medium), in one group supplemented with dexamethasone (“DEX”). Expanded or freshly isolated CD34+ cells were inoculated intranasally in newborn mice with apoptosis-induced lung injury. Pulmonary engraftment, lung growth and alveolarization were studied at 8 weeks post-inoculation.

Results

SP-C mRNA expression was seen in 2/7 CD34+ cell isolates expanded in basic media and in 6/7 isolates expanded in DEX, associated with cytoplasmic SP-C immunoreactivity and ultrastructural features suggestive of type II cell-like differentiation. Administration of expanding CD34+ cells was associated with increased lung growth and, in animals treated with DEX-exposed cells, enhanced alveolar septation. Freshly isolated CD34+ cells had no effect of lung growth or remodeling. Lungs of animals treated with expanded CD34+ cells contained intraalveolar aggregates of replicating alu-FISH-positive mononuclear cells, whereas epithelial engraftment was extremely rare.

Conclusion

Expanded cord blood CD34+ cells can induce lung growth and alveolarization in injured newborn lungs. These growth-promoting effects may be linked to paracrine or immunomodulatory effects of persistent cord blood-derived mononuclear cells, as expanded cells showed limited respiratory epithelial transdifferentiation.
Claudins play a role in normal and tumor cell motility
Authors: Webb Patricia G , Spillman Monique A , Baumgartner Heidi K
Published: March 2013

Background

Claudins are key integral proteins of the tight junction. Although they play an essential role in controlling paracellular diffusion in epithelia, increasing evidence supports a role for these proteins in non-barrier forming activities. To elucidate a potential function for claudins outside of their traditional role in tight junctions, subcellular localization of claudin-4 was determined in normal mammary epithelial cells as well as breast and ovarian cancer cell lines and the effects of a claudin mimic peptide on cell motility were determined.

Results

Immunofluorescence revealed that claudin-4 was localized along cellular projections. Using a fluorescent peptide that mimics a conserved sequence in the second extracellular loop of a set of claudin subtypes, that includes claudin-4, exposure of this loop to the extracellular environment was confirmed in non-polarized cells. This peptide inhibited cell motility when normal mammary epithelial cells as well as breast and ovarian tumor cells were subjected to a wound healing assay. Knockdown of claudin-4 also inhibited cell motility and the mimic peptide had no effect on motility in the claudin-4 knockdown cells. This effect on motility was seen when cells were grown on collagen, but not when cells were grown on non-physiological cell adhesive or fibronectin.

Conclusion

The second extracellular loop of claudins is able to interact with the extracellular environment to promote normal and tumor cell motility when it is not associated with tight junction structures.
The genome and transcriptome of perennial ryegrass mitochondria
Authors: Islam Md Shofiqul , Studer Bruno , Byrne Stephen L , Farrell Jacqueline D , Panitz Frank , Bendixen Christian , Møller Ian Max , Asp Torben
Published: March 2013

Background

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is one of the most important forage and turf grass species of temperate regions worldwide. Its mitochondrial genome is inherited maternally and contains genes that can influence traits of agricultural importance. Moreover, the DNA sequence of mitochondrial genomes has been established and compared for a large number of species in order to characterize evolutionary relationships. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the organization of the mitochondrial genome and how it varies between and within species. Here, we report the first de novo assembly and annotation of the complete mitochondrial genome from perennial ryegrass.

Results

Intact mitochondria from perennial ryegrass leaves were isolated and used for mtDNA extraction. The mitochondrial genome was sequenced to a 167-fold coverage using the Roche 454 GS-FLX Titanium platform, and assembled into a circular master molecule of 678,580 bp. A total of 34 proteins, 14 tRNAs and 3 rRNAs are encoded by the mitochondrial genome, giving a total gene space of 48,723 bp (7.2%). Moreover, we identified 149 open reading frames larger than 300 bp and covering 67,410 bp (9.93%), 250 SSRs, 29 tandem repeats, 5 pairs of large repeats, and 96 pairs of short inverted repeats. The genes encoding subunits of the respiratory complexes – nad1 to nad9, cob, cox1 to cox3 and atp1 to atp9 – all showed high expression levels both in absolute numbers and after normalization.

Conclusions

The circular master molecule of the mitochondrial genome from perennial ryegrass presented here constitutes an important tool for future attempts to compare mitochondrial genomes within and between grass species. Our results also demonstrate that mitochondria of perennial ryegrass contain genes crucial for energy production that are well conserved in the mitochondrial genome of monocotyledonous species. The expression analysis gave us first insights into the transcriptome of these mitochondrial genes in perennial ryegrass.
Dynamic cardiac dyssynchrony is strongly associated with 2-year dialysis adequacy in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Huang Ching-Hui , Chang Chia-Chu , Chang Tzu-Lan , Chang Yu-Jun
Published: March 2013

Background

Left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony is associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Our aim was to determine the associations of LV dynamic dyssynchrony with peritoneal solute clearance in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Our primary objective was to determine the association between dynamic LV dyssynchrony and CAPD clearance at 2 years. Secondary objectives were to identify the factors influencing dynamic dyssynchrony, and to examine the association between dialysis adequacy and echocardiography-assessed LV outcomes.

Methods

Fifty CAPD patients and 13 healthy volunteers underwent three-dimensional (3D) dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). The main endpoint was systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI). Secondary endpoints, including NT-proBNP, troponin I, Kt/V, and biochemical parameters, were measured before stress echocardiography, and Kt/V was measured again 2 years later. All values are expressed as medians and interquartile ranges (IQR).

Results

NT-proBNP (3872 [808–11779] vs. 4.99 [4.99–36.83] pg/mL, P < 0.001), and log NT-proBNP (3.587 [2.896–4.071] vs. 0.698 [0.698–1.540], P < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in the CAPD group than in the control group. Real-time 3D DSE showed that the systolic dyssynchrony index was significantly different between the two groups at the peak dobutamine stage (1.11% [0.76–1.64%] vs. 0.66% [0.50–1.02%], P = 0.004), but not at resting (1.30% [0.89–1.74%] vs. 1.22 % [0.72–1.68%], P = 0.358).The subgroup of patients in the CAPD group with greater improvements in dialysis adequacy had lower baseline dynamic SDI and more favorable echocardiographic findings at 2 years. Dialysis adequacy decreased significantly at 2 year in patients with higher, but not in those with lower dynamic SDI at baseline. In multivariate linear regression analysis, log NT-proBNP and SDI at the peak dobutamine dose were significantly associated with Kt/V and weekly creatinine clearance at 2 years, while log NT-proBNP was significant associated with SDI at the peak dobutamine stage. Female CAPD patients group had more pronounced dynamic LV dyssynchrony compared with male patients.

Conclusions

Dynamic systolic dyssynchrony was strongly associated with future dialysis adequacy in CAPD patients. Log NT-proBNP was the important predictor of dynamic dyssynchrony. Our study confirmed the concept that cardiac dysfunction has an impact on dialysis adequacy.
HP1γ expression is elevated in prostate cancer and is superior to Gleason score as a predictor of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Slezak Jon , Truong Matthew , Huang Wei , Jarrard David
Published: March 2013

Background

Aberrant chromatin structure in cancer cells results from altered proteins involved in its packaging. Heterochromatin protein 1 gamma (HP1γ) is a non-histone heterochromatic protein that functions to maintain chromatin stability and is important in embryonic development. Given an interest in the role developmental genes play in cancer, we investigated HP1γ expression in prostate cancer (PCa) and its prognostic associations.

Methods

Tissue microarrays consisting of benign (N = 96), localized cancer (N = 146), metastatic PCa (N = 44), and HGPIN (N = 50) were immunoflourescently stained for HP1γ and Ki-67. Using a novel, automated quantitative imaging system, VECTRA™, epithelial staining in both the nucleus and cytoplasm was quantified and compared against clinicopathologic variables.

Results

HP1γ is significantly elevated in HGPIN (80%), localized PCa (76%), and metastatic PCa (98%) compared to benign tissues from both the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments (P< 0.0001). Increased nuclear and total HP1γ expression was associated with Gleason score (P= 0.02 andP= 0.04 respectively). Given known binding to the C-terminus of Ki-67, a co-expression analysis was performed that revealed a correlation between nuclear and cytoplasmic HP1γ and Ki-67 (Pearson Coefficient 0.321 and 0.562 respectively,P< 0.0001). Cox survival analysis demonstrated that cytoplasmic HP1γ expression was an independent prognostic marker and out-performed pathological Gleason score for predicting PSA-recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

Conclusions

In this first detailed analysis of HP1γ expression in cancer, VECTRA™ demonstrates compartmentalized and total HP1γ protein expression is increased in PCa and that expression correlates with clinical outcomes better than Gleason score. Given the critical role HP1γ plays in chromatin organization and gene expression, it represents a novel prognostic and therapeutic target.