bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic Polyp Detection in Pillcam Colon 2 Capsule Images and Videos: Preliminary Feasibility Report
Authors: Figueiredo Pedro N. , Figueiredo Isabel N. , Prasath Surya , Tsai Richard
Published: May 2011

Background. The aim of this work is to present an automatic colorectal polyp detection scheme for capsule endoscopy. Methods. PillCam COLON2 capsule-based images and videos were used in our study. The database consists of full exam videos from five patients. The algorithm is based on the assumption that the polyps show up as a protrusion in the captured images and is expressed by means of a P-value, defined by geometrical features. Results. Seventeen PillCam COLON2 capsule videos are included, containing frames with polyps, flat lesions, diverticula, bubbles, and trash liquids. Polyps larger than 1 cm express a P-value higher than 2000, and 80% of the polyps show a P-value higher than 500. Diverticula, bubbles, trash liquids, and flat lesions were correctly interpreted by the algorithm as nonprotruding images. Conclusions. These preliminary results suggest that the proposed geometry-based polyp detection scheme works well, not only by allowing the detection of polyps but also by differentiating them from nonprotruding images found in the films.
Stress Analysis in Glass Artwork
Authors: Coelho João M. P. , Silva Catarina , Almeida Teresa
Published: May 2011

A simple method for determining the stress fields in transparent glass artwork pieces is presented. The proposed method is based on the principles of photoelasticity combining imaging and quantitative measures with an image processing algorithm. The main goal was to develop a methodology to help glass artists to determine the ability of their work to resist the thermal shocks by giving them a hazard map based on the stress map of the glass piece.
Applications of Different Weighting Schemes to Improve Pathway-Based Analysis
Authors: Ha Sook S. , Kim Inyoung , Wang Yue , Xuan Jianhua
Published: May 2011

Conventionally, pathway-based analysis assumes that genes in a pathway equally contribute to a biological function, thus assigning uniform weight to genes. However, this assumption has been proved incorrect, and applying uniform weight in the pathway analysis may not be an appropriate approach for the tasks like molecular classification of diseases, as genes in a functional group may have different predicting power. Hence, we propose to use different weights to genes in pathway-based analysis and devise four weighting schemes. We applied them in two existing pathway analysis methods using both real and simulated gene expression data for pathways. Among all schemes, random weighting scheme, which generates random weights and selects optimal weights minimizing an objective function, performs best in terms ofPvalue or error rate reduction. Weighting changes pathway scoring and brings up some new significant pathways, leading to the detection of disease-related genes that are missed under uniform weight.
A New Composite General Iterative Scheme for Nonexpansive Semigroups in Banach Spaces
Authors: Sunthrayuth Pongsakorn , Kumam Poom
Published: May 2011

We introduce a new general composite iterative scheme for finding a common fixed point
of nonexpansive semigroups in the framework of Banach spaces which admit a weakly continuous duality
mapping. A strong convergence theorem of the purposed iterative approximation method is established
under some certain control conditions. Our results improve and extend announced by many others.
Investigation of SSR Characteristics of Hybrid Series Compensated Power System with SSSC
Authors: Thirumalaivasan R. , Janaki M. , Prabhu Nagesh
Published: May 2011

The advent of series FACTS controllers, thyristor controlled series capacitor (TCSC) and static synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC) has made it possible not only for the fast control of power flow in a transmission line, but also for the mitigation of subsynchronous resonance (SSR) in the presence of fixed series capacitors. SSSC is an emerging controller and this paper presents SSR characteristics of a series compensated system with SSSC. The study system is adapted from IEEE first benchmark model (FBM). The active series compensation is provided by a three-level twenty four-pulse SSSC. The modeling and control details of a three level voltage source converter-(VSC)-based SSSC are discussed. The SSR characteristics of the combined system with constant reactive voltage control mode in SSSC has been investigated. It is shown that the constant reactive voltage control of SSSC has the effect of reducing the electrical resonance frequency, which detunes the SSR. The analysis of SSR with SSSC is carried out based on frequency domain method, eigenvalue analysis and transient simulation. While the eigenvalue and damping torque analysis are based on linearizing the D-Q model of SSSC, the transient simulation considers both D-Q and detailed three phase nonlinear system model using switching functions.
Combination of PI3K/mTOR Inhibitors: Antitumor Activity and Molecular Correlates
Authors: Mazzoletti Marco , Bortolin Francesca , Brunelli Laura , Pastorelli Roberta , Di Giandomenico Silvana , Erba Eugenio , Ubezio Paolo , Broggini Massimo
Published: May 2011

The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR pathway is a major target for cancer therapy. As a strategy to induce the maximal inhibition of this pathway in cancer cells, we combined allosteric mTOR inhibitors (rapamycin and RAD001) with a dual PI3K/mTOR kinase inhibitor (PI-103). Both in vitro and in vivo, the combination exhibited more activity than single agents in human ovarian and prostate cancer cells that harbor alterations in the pathway. At the molecular level, combined inhibition of mTOR prevented the rebound activation of Akt that is seen after treatment with rapamycin and its analogues and caused more sustained inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. Furthermore, the combination strongly inhibited the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR downstream proteins. In particular, it showed greater activity than the single agents in inhibiting the phosphorylation of 4EBP1, both in vitro and in vivo, resulting in selective inhibition of CAP-dependent translation. A proteomic approach was used to confirm the identification of c-Myc as the key regulator for the reduction in downstream proteins affected by the combined inhibition of mTOR. In conclusion, the combination of a catalytic and an allosteric inhibitor of mTOR shows greater activity, without a concomitant increase in toxicity, than either drug alone, and this may have therapeutic implications for inhibiting this pathway in the clinical setting. Cancer Res; 71(13); 4573–84. ©2011 AACR.
Curcumin Sensitizes Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells to Unfolded Protein Response–Induced Apoptosis by Blocking the Loss of Misfolded N-CoR Protein
Authors: Ng Angela Ping Ping , Chng Wee Joo , Khan Matiullah
Published: May 2011

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by accumulation of apoptosis-resistant immature promyelocytic cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. We have shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–associated degradation (ERAD) and protease-mediated degradation of misfolded nuclear receptor corepressor (N-CoR) confer resistance to unfolded protein response (UPR)-induced apoptosis in APL. These findings suggest that therapeutic inhibition of N-CoR misfolding or degradation may promote growth arrest in APL cells by sensitizing them to UPR-induced apoptosis. On the basis of this hypothesis, we tested the effects of several known protein conformation–modifying agents on the growth and survival of APL cells and identified curcumin, a natural component of turmeric, as a potent growth inhibitor of APL cells. Curcumin selectively inhibited the growth and promoted apoptosis in both primary and secondary leukemic cells derived from APL. The curcumin-induced apoptosis of APL cells was triggered by an amplification of ER stress, possibly from the accumulation of misfolded N-CoR protein in the ER. Curcumin promoted this net accumulation of aberrantly phosphorylated misfolded N-CoR protein by blocking its ERAD and protease-mediated degradation, which then led to the activation of UPR-induced apoptosis in APL cells. The activation of UPR by curcumin was manifested by phosphorylation of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2α), and upregulation of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and GADD34, the principal mediators of proapoptotic UPR. These findings identify the therapeutic potential of curcumin in APL and further establish the rationale of misfolded N-CoR protein as an attractive molecular target in APL. Mol Cancer Res; 9(7); 878–88. ©2011 AACR.
Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimated by the CKD-EPI Formula is a Powerful Predictor of In-Hospital Adverse Clinical Outcomes After an Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: AlFaleh Hussam F. , Alsuwaida Abdulkareem O. , Ullah Anhar , Hersi Ahmad , AlHabib Khalid F. , AlShahrani Ali , AlNemer Khalid , AlSaif Shukri , Taraben Amir , Ahmed Waqar H. , Balghith Mohammed A. , Kashour Tarek
Published: May 2011

The prognostic value of admission estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated by the new Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula for cardiovascular adverse outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was explored. Baseline eGFR was classified as no renal dysfunction (>90 mL/min per 1.73 m2), borderline (90-60.1 mL/min per 1.73 m2), moderate (60-30.1 mL/min per 1.73 m2), or severe (≤30 mL/min per 1.73 m2) renal dysfunction. Of the 5034 patients, 3415 (67.8%) had eGFR <90. Compared to patients with an eGFR ≥60 mL/min per 1.73 m2, patients with <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 were less likely to be treated with β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or statins, or to undergo percutaneous coronary interventions. Lower eGFR showed a stepwise association with significantly worse adverse in-hospital outcomes. The adjusted odds ratio of in-hospital death with an eGFR <30 mL/min per 1.73 m2 was 3.1 (95% confidence interval 1.1-8.4, P = .0324), compared with an eGFR >90 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated by the new CKD-EPI is an independent predictor of major adverse cardiac outcomes in patients with ACS.
Association of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Variant (G894T) With Coronary Artery Disease in Western Iran
Authors: Rahimi Zohreh , Nourozi-Rad Reza
Published: May 2011

There are conflicting reports about the association of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphism and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). To determine the frequency of eNOS G894T variant and to find the possible association between this polymorphism with CAD we studied 207 unrelated patients with total CAD (with and without diabetes) and 92 controls. The eNOS variants were detected by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The presence of GT + TT genotype was associated with 2.1-fold ( P = .006), 2.29-fold ( P = .006), and 1.93-fold ( P = .032) increased risk of CAD in total CAD, CAD with diabetes, and in CAD without diabetes patients, respectively. The presence of T allele of eNOS increased the risk of CAD 2.15-fold ( P = .001). The levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) tended to be higher in patients carrier for T allele compared to those with G allele. The results of present study revealed that eNOS G894T polymorphism is associated with increased risk of CAD in our population.
The Offenders’ Perspective on Prevention
Authors: Jacques Scott , Reynald Danielle M.
Published: May 2011

Law-abiding citizens are concerned with deterring and preventing crime. One strategy to accomplish this goal is to increase the costs and reduce the benefits that particular situations present to offenders. This form of crime control is known as situational crime prevention. Like law-abiding persons, offenders must concern themselves with being victimized. Differently, however, offenders must also worry about being detected and punished by formal agents. Thus, situational prevention from the offenders’ perspective is relatively complex, encompassing efforts to block not only opportunities for victimization but also for law enforcement. Building on the work of Clarke, the present study uses qualitative data from drug dealers to illustrate how and why offenders use situational strategies and techniques to evade their adversaries. The article concludes by discussing implications for future work.
The Effect of CYP3A4 Inhibition or Induction on the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Orally Administered Ruxolitinib (INCB018424 Phosphate) in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Shi Jack G. , Chen Xuejun , Emm Thomas , Scherle Peggy A. , McGee Ryan F. , Lo Yvonne , Landman Robert R. , McKeever Edward G. , Punwani Naresh G. , Williams William V. , Yeleswaram Swamy
Published: May 2011

Ruxolitinib, a selective Janus kinase (JAK) 1&2 inhibitor in development for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms, is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4. The effects of inhibition or induction of CYP3A4 on single oral dose ruxolitinib pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) were evaluated in healthy volunteers. Coadministration of ketoconazole (a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor) and erythromycin (a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor) increased total ruxolitinib plasma exposure (AUC0‐∞) by 91% and 27%, respectively, and ruxolitinib PD, as measured by the inhibition of interleukin (IL)–6‐stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation in whole blood, was generally consistent with the PK observed. Pretreatment with rifampin, a potent CYP3A4 inducer, decreased ruxolitinib AUC0‐∞ by 71% while resulting in only a 10% decrease in the overall PD activity. This apparent PK/PD discrepancy may be explained, in part, by an increase in the relative abundance of ruxolitinib active metabolites with the rifampin coadministration. The collective PK/PD data suggest that starting doses of ruxolitinib should be reduced by 50% if coadministered with a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, whereas adjustments in ruxolitinib starting doses may not be needed when coadministered with inducers or mild/moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4. All study doses of ruxolitinib were generally safe and well tolerated when given alone and in combination with ketoconazole, erythromycin, or rifampin.
Self-management of Type 1 Diabetes Across Adolescence
Authors: Keough Lori , Sullivan-Bolyai Susan , Crawford Sybil , Schilling Lynne , Dixon Jane
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in self-management behaviors (Collaboration with Parents, Diabetes Care Activities, Diabetes Problem Solving, Diabetes Communication, and Goals) between early, middle, and late adolescence. The role of regimen and gender as covariates in self-management behaviors was also examined.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis with a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. A sample of 504 participants ages 13 to 21 years from the Self-Management of Diabetes–Adolescent instrument development study were analyzed to determine self-management behaviors in early, middle, and late adolescence. This study was partially guided by the Self and Family Management Framework. This framework contains broad conceptual areas that are thought to pose a risk to or have a protective influence on self-management and family management behaviors and associated outcomes.

Results

Significant findings included a decline between early, middle, and late adolescence in the Collaboration with Parents scale as well as an increase between early and late adolescence on the Diabetes Problem Solving scale. Regimen was a significant covariate for Collaboration with Parents, Diabetes Care Activities, and Diabetes Problem Solving, and gender was a significant covariate for Diabetes Care Activities and Diabetes Communication.

Conclusions

Clinicians should consider the influence of adolescent stage and development on self-management when educating adolescents. Youth and their families should be educated to consider the implications that regimen will have on daily self-management when making treatment decisions. Furthermore, gender variations can necessitate different educational approaches to meet different needs. Future research should identify other variables that can influence self-management at different points across adolescence.
Superior Canal Dehiscence Effect on Hearing Thresholds
Authors: Attias Joseph , Nageris Ben I. , Shemesh Rafi , Shvero Jacob , Preis Michal
Published: May 2011

Objective

Superior semicircular dehiscence syndrome is associated with vestibular symptoms and an air–bone gap component in the audiogram, apparently caused by the creation of a pathological bony “third window” in the superior semicircular canal. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in auditory air‐ and bone‐conduction thresholds to low‐ and high‐frequency stimuli in an animal model of a bony fenestration facing the aerated mastoid cavity.

Study Design

Anatomic, audiological.

Setting

Tertiary university‐affiliated medical center.

Animals

A small hole was drilled in the bony apical portion of the superior semicircular canal facing the mastoid bulla/cavity, with preservation of the membranous labyrinth, in 5 adult‐size fat sand rats.

Main Outcome Measures

Auditory brain stem responses to clicks and 1‐kHz tone bursts delivered by air and bone conduction before surgery, after opening the bulla, and after fenestration.

Results

After fenestration, a significant air–bone gap was measured in response to clicks (mean ± standard deviation, 37 ± 5.8 dB) and bursts (mean ± standard deviation, 34 ± 14.5 dB). The gap was attributable solely to the significant deterioration in air‐conduction thresholds, in the absence of a significant change in bone conduction thresholds. The pattern of auditory brain response changes closely resembled that reported for middle ear dysfunction, namely, an increase in absolute latency of waves I, III, and V without significant alterations in interpeak latency differences.

Conclusions

Bony fenestration of the superior semicircular canal toward an aerated cavity in a rodent model mimics the auditory loss pattern of patients with superior semicircular dehiscence syndrome. The dehiscent membrane accounts for the auditory changes.
States’ Accountability and Progress in Serving Young Children With Disabilities
Authors: Kasprzak Christina , Hurth Joicey , Rooney Robin , Goode Susan E. , Danaher Joan C. , Whaley Kathy T. , Ringwalt Sharon S. , Cate Debbie
Published: May 2011

Since the 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), there has been a growing focus on improving the quality of programs for children with disabilities and measuring the results/outcomes of those programs. Across the country, IDEA Part C Programs for Infants and Toddlers and IDEA Part B, Section 619 Preschool Programs have been developing, implementing, and improving their accountability systems, and in spite of significant fiscal limitations, the states have produced meaningful data demonstrating both program improvement and positive outcomes for the children and families being served. This article uses trend data reported by the states over the past 4 years to provide a national picture of the progress they have made, the challenges they have faced, and the improvement strategies they have undertaken. The lessons they have learned are relevant to the broader early childhood community. A discussion about implications for the future is included.
Divergent Intentions to Use Antibiotic Guidelines
Authors: Cortoos Pieter-Jan , Schreurs Bert H. J. , Peetermans Willy E. , De Witte Karel , Laekeman Gert
Published: May 2011

Background. To improve physicians’ antimicrobial practice, it is important to identify barriers to and facilitators of guideline adherence and assess their relative importance. The theory of planned behavior permits such assessment and has been previously used for evaluating antibiotic use. According to this theory, guideline use is fueled by 3 factors: attitude, subjective norm (perceived social pressure regarding guidelines), and perceived behavioral control (PBC; perceived ability to follow the guideline). The authors aim to explore factors affecting guideline use in their hospital. Methods. Starting from their earlier observations, the authors constructed a questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior, with an additional measure of habit strength. After pilot testing, the survey was distributed among physicians in a major teaching hospital. Results. Of 393 contacted physicians, 195 completed questionnaires were received (50.5% corrected response rate). Using multivariate analysis, the overall intention toward using antibiotic guidelines was not very predictable (model R2 = .134). Habit strength (relative weight = .391) and PBC (relative weight = .354) were the principal significant predictors. A moderator effect of respondents’ position (staff member v. resident) was found, with staff members’ intention being significantly influenced only by habit strength and residents’ intention by PBC. Regarding previously identified barriers, education on antibiotics and guidelines was rated unsatisfactory. Conclusions. These divergent origins of influence on guideline adherence point to different approaches for improvement. As habits strongly influence staff members, methods that focus on changing habits (e.g., automated decision support systems) are possible interventions. As residents’ intention seems to be guided mainly by external influences and experienced control, this may make feedback, convenient guideline formats, and guideline familiarization more suitable.
Measuring Statistics Anxiety
Authors: Chiesi Francesca , Primi Caterina , Carmona José
Published: May 2011

The aim of the research was to test the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Vigil-Colet et al.’s Statistical Anxiety Scale (SAS), taking into account evidences based on (a) internal structure (factorial structure and cross-country invariance) and (b) relationships to other variables (the statistics anxiety’s nomological network). Consistent with the original Spanish version, the Italian version showed a three-factor structure, and results indicated a substantial equivalence of factor model parameters across countries. SAS results appeared to be inversely related to mathematical ability, self-efficacy, and attitudes toward statistics. The overall findings of the present study provide evidence for the validity and reliability of the SAS as a measure of statistics anxiety across the Italian and Spanish educational frameworks.
Measuring Readiness to Respond to Intervention in Students Attending Disciplinary Alternative Schools
Authors: Mitchell Angela D. , Booker Kimberly W. , Strain Jeffrey D.
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factor structure, internal consistency, and reliability of the Readiness to Respond to Intervention Scale (RRIS), which is designed to assess adolescents’ readiness to change. This measure is based on the Stage of Change Scale and assesses three stages of the Stage of Change Model (i.e., Precontemplation, Contemplation, and Action). The measure was administered to secondary students enrolled in disciplinary alternative schools. Factor analyses provided initial support for the use of the RRIS to assess respondents’ readiness to change. The internal consistency and reliability of the measure also supported its use. Additional results, from a series of MANOVAs, indicated that when compared to boys, girls were more likely to be in the Action stage, and Black and Hispanic students were more likely than White students to be in the Precontemplation stage. Implications for practice and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Gender Differences in Intended Escalatory Tendencies Among Marital Partners
Authors: Winstok Zeev , Straus Murray A.
Published: May 2011

This study addresses the intended escalatory tendency in eight hypothetical situations in which the provocator’s identity (partner or stranger, male or female) and the provocation form (verbal or physical aggression) were manipulated. The research question is “how does the identity of the provocator and the form of his or her provocation affect the participant’s intended escalation level, and does the gender of the participant affect differences in intended escalation level?” The research sample consisted of 208 Israeli couples. The main finding is that women’s intended response to their male partner is more escalatory than men’s intended response to their female partner. Results also show that women’s escalation is the most severe to partner provocation and the least severe to male strangers’ provocation. Men’s escalation is the most severe to provocation by male strangers and the least severe to their partner’s provocation. Findings indicate that men’s intention to escalate decreases as their partner’s provocation becomes more severe. The severity of provocation has little effect on women’s inten–tion to escalate. Such results are consistent with social role theory and sexual selection theory that maintain that status enhancement is more important for men than for women, and is more important for men than risk reduction is, whereas the opposite is true for women.
Posttraumatic Anger, Recalled Peritraumatic Emotions, and PTSD in Victims of Violent Crime
Authors: Kunst M. J. J. , Winkel F. W. , Bogaerts S.
Published: May 2011

A mixed cross-sectional and longitudinal design was employed to explore the association between posttraumatic anger and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; symptoms) in victims of civilian violence. It was speculated that this relationship is mainly due to concurrent recalled peritraumatic emotions. Such emotions may be interpreted to result from anger-rooted threat perceptions and to share similarities with posttraumatic intrusion symptoms. In addition, predictors of PTSD maintenance were investigated. Cross-sectional data indicated that posttraumatic anger and several indices of PTSD were highly interconnected. Recalled peritraumatic emotions partly accounted for the relation between posttraumatic anger and posttraumatic intrusions ( n = 177). Only posttraumatic intrusions were associated with PTSD symptom persistence at follow-up ( n = 56). Findings were discussed in light of study limitations and directions for future research.
The Sexual Assault of Undergraduate Women at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Authors: Krebs Christopher P. , Barrick Kelle , Lindquist Christine H. , Crosby Carmen M. , Boyd Chimi , Bogan Yolanda
Published: May 2011

Although research has shown that undergraduate women are at high risk for experiencing sexual assault, little research has been conducted with undergraduate women who are attending a historically Black college or university (HBCU). The purpose of this research is to document the prevalence of different types of sexual assault among undergraduate women at HBCUs and make comparisons to data collected from undergraduate women at non-HBCUs. Data on sexual assault victimization were collected from 3,951 undergraduate women at HBCUs using a cross-sectional, web-based survey. These data are compared to data collected from 5,446 undergraduate women at non-HBCUs using the same research methods. Findings indicate that approximately 9.7% of undergraduate women at HBCUs report experiencing a completed sexual assault since entering college. This rate is considerably lower than the comparable rate obtained from undergraduate women at non-HBCUs (13.7%). This difference seems to be associated with differences in alcohol-use frequency. Perhaps undergraduate women at HBCUs drink alcohol much less frequently and are thus less likely to be sexually assaulted when they are incapacitated and unable to provide consent. Alcohol use frequency, while controlling for other factors, seems to have an independent association with the likelihood of an undergraduate woman being sexually assaulted. Implications for the creation and delivery of sexual assault risk reduction and prevention policies and programs are discussed.
An Empirical Study of Confucianism
Authors: Xu Kaibin
Published: May 2011

Globalization has led to increased interest in leadership in indigenous cultures. The current study focused on developing a scale of faculty members’ perception of preferred academic leadership in Chinese universities. Seven factors were generated from the Confucian principles of leadership and were used to code and group items gathered through interviews. A survey consisting of 41 leadership items was administered to participants. Confirmatory factor analyses of three hypothesized models using LISREL 8.8 demonstrate that the survey is reliable with five confirmed factors—morality, nurturing, communicating/relating, fairness, and administrative competence. The findings suggest that the contemporary Chinese view of leadership is consistent with the Confucian philosophy of leadership.
Organization as Communication
Authors: Schoeneborn Dennis
Published: May 2011

This article introduces Luhmann’s theory of social systems as a prominent example of communication as constitutive of organization (CCO) thinking and argues that Luhmann’s perspective contributes to current conceptual debates on how communication constitutes organization. The theory of social systems highlights that organizations are fundamentally grounded in paradox because they are built on communicative events that are contingent by nature. Consequently, organizations are driven by the continuous need to deparadoxify their inherent contingency. In that respect, Luhmann’s approach fruitfully combines a processual, communicative conceptualization of organization with the notion of boundary and self-referentiality. Notwithstanding the merits of Luhmann’s approach, its accessibility tends to be limited due to the hermetic terminology that it employs and the fact that it neglects the role of material agency in the communicative construction of organizations.
History of Ideas in Management Communication Quarterly
Authors: Rooney David , McKenna Bernard , Barker James R.
Published: May 2011

For a quarter of a century, Management Communication Quarterly ( MCQ) has published research about communication in the context of work. This article charts the intellectual history of MCQ to trace its epistemic, theoretical, and identity changes. The authors consider how the journal’s published research has changed, why it has changed, and what its future direction should be. The article also considers MCQ as a place for a community of scholars and the journal’s identity as a member of that community. In providing this empirical study of MCQ’s history, it is hoped that organizational communication scholars can consider further questions about their research, their journals, and their communities within the research tradition.
Questions of Self-Interest, Agency, and the Rhetor
Authors: Edwards Lee
Published: May 2011

This article accepts the virtue of the rhetorical ideal and offers insights that can lead discourse from bias, distortion, and partisanship to come closer to that ideal in the service of society. Without self-interest and disagreement, rhetoric would not be needed, but can it achieve collaborative outcomes without the distortion of serving various interests set against one another in dysfunctional ways? As means for finding shared meaning, or pressing agreement that advances one interest against another, rhetoric can empower external communicators. The quality of discourse reflects on the character of those who speak for each organization among multiple voices and interests.
Public Relations Rhetoric: Criticism, Dialogue, and the Long Now
Authors: Kent Michael L.
Published: May 2011

This essay provides a response to the articles in this special issue by introducing the concepts of dialogue, groupthink, and long-term thinking. The philosophy of the Long Now Foundation (an organization devoted to sustainable development and long-term planning) is used as a frame for the essay because of its close fit with rhetoric and dialogue. The essay examines the contributions to the special issue and identifies similarities of thought and argument.
Diversity in the Post Affirmative Action Labor Market: A Proxy for Racial Progress?
Authors: Collins Sharon M.
Published: May 2011

This article explores how concepts of diversity fit into the problem of racial progress and workplace inequality. Diversity can be viewed functionally as part of an ongoing effort in Corporate America to resolve conflict and reduce racial inequality in job allocation. On the other hand, consistent with new institutional theory, diversity can be viewed as a rubric for a set of activities meant to signal corporate ‘good will’. In this case, the role it plays may forestall durable change in corporate cultures; as an organizing concept for human resource development diversity would be a tool that obscures underlying bias against racialized (i.e. black-oriented) private sector employment policies. I suggest that the concept of diversity is purposively fluid in organizations so that its meaning can shift to protect — rather than change — the racial status quo.
Geographic Variation
Authors: Henke Rachel Mosher , Marder William D. , Friedman Bernard S. , Wong Herbert S.
Published: May 2011

Efforts to characterize geographic variation in health care utilization and spending have focused on patterns observed with Medicare data. The authors analyzed the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project national all-payer data for inpatient stays to assess variation in hospitalizations by age groups and, consequently, to understand how utilization of the Medicare population may differ from the population of other payers. The authors found that the correlation between inpatient discharges and costs per capita for the Medicare-eligible population over 65 and younger age groups increased from moderate to strong with age. These findings suggest examining Medicare inpatient data alone may provide a useful but not comprehensive understanding how hospital utilization and costs vary for the total population.
The Economic Regulation of a European Hub Airport
Authors: Villard Philippe
Published: May 2011

This article examines the economic regulation of a hub European airport and the relationship system between actors involved in, or subjected to, this regulation. Studying the case of Aéroports de Paris, it is argued that airport economic regulation is produced by the strong conjunction of interests between the hub airport’s operator, the dominant airline, and public authorities. These three categories of actors form an “iron triangle” framing and shaping the terms of economic regulation to satisfy their interests, and the shift from a cost-plus to a price-cap regulation does not dramatically threaten the maintenance of the triangle. All other actors (nondominant, domestic airlines, and international air carriers) are excluded from the iron triangle even if they remain deeply affected by its decisions. Finally, this article calls for an analytical generalization of this theorization for semiprivatized European hub airports.
Special Assessments as a Value Capture Strategy for Public Transit Finance
Authors: Zhao Zhirong Jerry , Larson Kerstin
Published: May 2011

Applying a benefit principle, value capture strategies enable the public sector to harness the value created through infrastructure improvements and to use the funds to pay for such improvements. This article focuses on special assessments by which property owners located within a designated geographic area, or “special assessment district (SAD),” pay for special benefits accruing to their properties that are close to certain infrastructure improvement. The authors review the history of special assessments, the extent of use, and the mechanisms for funding public transportation especially transits. The authors then evaluate the applicability of special assessments in funding public transits on the basis of four criteria: efficiency, equity, sustainability, and feasibility. Finally, the authors discuss suitable conditions for special assessments and provide legal, administrative, and technical recommendations for their use in transportation finance.
A Comparative Analysis of Public- Private Partnership (PPP) Coordination Agencies in India
Authors: Mahalingam Ashwin , Devkar Ganesh A. , Kalidindi Satyanarayana N.
Published: May 2011

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) coordination agencies are often used to assist government agencies in structuring PPP arrangements. Very few studies have compared the performance of various coordination agencies to understand the characteristics that define an effective coordination agency. The authors study three coordination agencies that were involved in projects in the water and sanitation sector in India and observe their performance across five parameters: project structuring, commercial risk management, relational risk management, project handover, and extent of institutional strengthening. The authors find that agencies with administrative expertise in handling project structuring and bid process, coupled with PPP-specific expertise and an understanding of PPP risks, are a necessary but insufficient condition for project success. In conjunction, high involvement of the coordination agency through the lifecycle of the project or measures that enhance the capacity of government departments to understand and monitor PPPs are required to ensure that real benefits are delivered to stakeholders.
Field Study on the Impact of Indoor Air Quality on Broiler Production
Authors: Ge Zhang  , Yinping Zhang  , Kim Yoonshin , Kim Jungho , Li Liu  , Xiang Yu  , Xiaoguo Teng
Published: May 2011

The presented research investigated the impact of indoor air quality on the production of broilers. Three broiler houses of different air quality environments with different controlled ventilation rates and uses of super plasma ionizing (SPI) air purifiers were investigated. The broilers were fed with antibiotic or non-antibiotic feeds to determine if the air quality control could be sufficient to keep broilers healthy without using antibiotics. The weight gain, mortality rate and serum cholesterol level of broilers were monitored as the benefit indicators of air quality and antibiotics. The results showed a higher weight gain of the broilers in the broiler house with a higher ventilation rate. SPI air purifier could benefit the weight gains of the broilers, but was not always significant. The uses of higher ventilation rate, SPI air purifier and antibiotics could reduce the mortality rate of broilers. The impact of air quality on reducing the serum cholesterol level of broilers was not found in this research. The inference of this research was that ventilation could be an effective way to increase the broiler productivity, while an optimum setting of ventilation rate is essential to ensure the broilers and keepers are safe from any harmful effects. In the case that the ambient environment had been severely polluted, air purifiers would be indispensable to complement ventilation to reduce certain target pollutants.
Autoethnography, Ethics, and Making Your Baby Cry
Authors: Tamas Sophie
Published: May 2011

How do we evaluate and justify the effect of our autoethnographic work on others? The author uses the story of her daughters’ responses to her doctoral research on spousal abuse to open up difficult questions of harm versus benefit and intent versus impact. Although an ethic of care seems morally appealing, it may not adequately manage the risks and demands of writing from and about abuse. In such fields, empathy can be a dangerous liability. Rather than trying to find meaning in loss, such work may be better understood as a practice of survivance. This piece reflects on the complex relationships of power and vulnerability revealed at the intersection of love, trauma, testimony, and scholarship and their implications for ethical praxis.
[In]Subordination: Inmate Photography and Narrative Elicitation in a Youth Incarceration Facility
Authors: Arendt Jonathan
Published: May 2011

There is a growing urgency and social responsibility regarding the lives and experiences of incarcerated juveniles; the author utilizes a visual ethnographic methodology using participant photography in a prison facility in Louisiana to simultaneously invert the surveillance structure and add “layers of significance” (Pink, 2007) to the narrative process. The results, from the photographs and interviews with six incarcerated juvenile participants, highlight the degree to which a confining subordination dictates the lives of these kids while incarcerated as well as how the systemic, institutionalized oppression influences their understanding of their role as incarcerated juvenile while serving their sentence. The photographic images evoke responses regarding the rare physicality of encounters with security staff, the confining impact of their cells, the conception of juvenile jail and adult jail, and the facility’s surveillance apparatus.
Circulating microRNAs let-7a and miR-16 predict progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Zuo Zhuang , Calin George A. , de Paula Henrique M. , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Fernandez Michael H. , Shimizu Masayoshi , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Bueso-Ramos Carlos E.
Published: May 2011

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential biomarkers for cancer. We examined plasma levels of 2 miRNAs, let-7a and miR-16, in 50 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and 76 healthy persons using quantitative real-time PCR. Circulating levels of both miRNAs were similar among healthy controls but were significantly lower in MDS patients (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). The distributions of these 2 miRNA levels were bimodal in MDS patients, and these levels were significantly associated with their progression-free survival and overall survival (both P < .001 for let-7a; P < .001 and P = .001 for miR-16). This association persisted even after patients were stratified according to the International Prognostic Scoring System. Multivariate analysis revealed that let-7a level was a strong independent predictor for overall survival in this patient cohort. These findings suggest that let-7a and miR-16 plasma levels can serve as noninvasive prognostic markers in MDS patients.
SuiteMSA: visual tools for multiple sequence alignment comparison and molecular sequence simulation
Authors: Anderson Catherine L , Strope Cory L , Moriyama Etsuko N
Published: May 2011

Background

Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) plays a central role in nearly all bioinformatics and molecular evolutionary applications. MSA reconstruction is thus one of the most heavily scrutinized bioinformatics fields. Evaluating the quality of MSA reconstruction is often hindered by the lack of good reference MSAs. The use of sequence evolution simulation can provide such reference MSAs. Furthermore, none of the MSA viewing/editing programs currently available allows the user to make direct comparisons between two or more MSAs. Considering the importance of MSA quality in a wide range of research, it is desirable if MSA assessment can be performed more easily.

Results

We have developed SuiteMSA, a java-based application that provides unique MSA viewers. Users can directly compare multiple MSAs and evaluate where the MSAs agree (are consistent) or disagree (are inconsistent). Several alignment statistics are provided to assist such comparisons. SuiteMSA also includes a graphical phylogeny editor/viewer as well as a graphical user interface for a sequence evolution simulator that can be used to construct reference MSAs.

Conclusions

SuiteMSA provides researchers easy access to a sequence evolution simulator, reference alignments generated by the simulator, and a series of tools to evaluate the performance of the MSA reconstruction programs. It will help us improve the quality of MSAs, often the most important first steps of bioinformatics and other biological research.
Diagnostic performance of contrast enhanced CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT in suspicious recurrence of biliary tract cancer after curative resection
Authors: Lee Yun-Gyoo , Han Sae-Won , Oh Do-Youn , Chie Eui Kyu , Jang Jin-Young , Im Seock-Ah , Kim Tae-You , Kim Sun-Whe , Ha Sung Whan , Bang Yung-Jue
Published: May 2011

Background

Because of the late clinical presentation of biliary tract cancer (BTC), only 10% of patients are eligible for curative surgery. Even among those patients who have undergone curative surgery, most patients develop recurrent cancer. This study is to determine the clinical role of 18F-FDG PET/CT during post-operative surveillance of suspected recurrent BTC based on symptoms, laboratory findings and contrast-enhanced CT (ceCT) findings.

Methods

We consecutively enrolled 50 patients with BTC who underwent curative surgery. An 18F-FDG PET/CT was obtained for assessment of recurrence based on clinical suspicion during post-operative surveillance. The final confirmation of recurrence was determined pathologically or clinically. When a pathologic confirmation was impossible or inconclusive, a clinical confirmation was used by radiologic correlation with subsequent follow-up ceCT at a minimum of 3-month intervals. Diagnostic efficacy was evaluated by comparing the results of ceCT and 18F-FDG PET/CT with the final diagnosis.

Results

Among the 50 patients, 34(68%) were confirmed to have a recurrence. PET/CT showed higher sensitivity (88% vs. 76%, p = 0.16) and accuracy (82% vs. 66%, p = 0.11) for recurrence compared to ceCT, even though the difference was not significant. The positive (86% vs. 74%, p = 0.72) and negative predictive values for recurrence (73% vs. 47%, p = 0.55) were not significantly different between PET/CT and ceCT. However, an additional PET/CT on ceCT significantly improved the sensitivity than did a ceCT alone (94% [32/34] for PET/CT on ceCT vs. 76% [26/34] for ceCT alone, p = 0.03) without increasing the specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.

Conclusions

18F-FDG PET/CT alone is not more sensitive or specific than ceCT in the detection of recurrent BTC after curative surgery. These results do not reach statistical significance, probably due to the low number of patients. However, an additional 18F-FDG PET/CT on ceCT significantly improves the sensitivity of detecting recurrences.
A visible, targeted high-efficiency gene delivery and transfection strategy
Authors: Yuan Qiao-Ying , Huang Jing , Chu Bao-Cheng , Li Xing-Sheng , Si Liang-Yi
Published: May 2011

Background

To enhance myocardial angiogenic gene expression, a novel gene delivery strategy was tested. Direct intramyocardial injection of an angiogenic gene with microbubbles and insonation were applied in a dog animal model. Dogs received one of the four different treatments in conjunction with either the enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) gene or the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene: gene with microbubbles (MB) and ultrasound (US); gene with US; gene with MB; or the gene alone.

Results

Distribution of MB and the gene in the myocardium was visualized during the experiment. Compared with the EGFP gene group, an average 14.7-fold enhancement in gene expression was achieved in the EGFP+MB/US group (P < 0.01). Compared with the HGF gene group, an average 10.7-fold enhancement in gene expression was achieved in the HGF+MB/US group (P < 0.01). In addition, capillary density increased from 20.8 ± 3.4/mm2 in the HGF gene group to 146.7 ± 31.4/mm2 in HGF+MB/US group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Thus, direct intramyocardial injection of an angiogenic gene in conjunction with microbubbles plus insonation synergistically enhances angiogenesis. This method offers an observable gene delivery procedure with enhanced expression efficiency of the delivered gene.