bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacopa monnieriPhytochemicals Mediated Synthesis of Platinum Nanoparticles and Its Neurorescue Effect on 1-Methyl 4-Phenyl 1,2,3,6 Tetrahydropyridine-Induced Experimental Parkinsonism in Zebrafish
Authors: Nellore Jayshree , Pauline Cynthia , Amarnath Kanchana
Published: March 2013

Current discovery demonstrates the rapid formation of platinum nanoparticles using leaf extract of a neurobeneficial plant,Bacopa monnieri(BmE). The nanoparticles (BmE-PtNPs) were stabilized and then coated with varied phytochemicals present within the leaf extract. These nanoparticles demonstrated the same activity of Complex I, as that of oxidizing NADH to NAD+using a spectrophotometric method. This suggests that BmE-PtNPs are a potential medicinal substance for oxidative stress mediated disease with suppressed mitochondrial complex I, namely, Parkinson's disease (PD). Hence, the neuroprotective potentials of the phytochemical coated nanoparticle were explored in 1-methyl 4-phenyl 1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine- (MPTP-)induced experimental Parkinsonism in zebrafish model. BmE-PtNPs pretreatment significantly reversed toxic effects of MPTP by increasing the levels of dopamine, its metabolites, GSH and activities of GPx, catalase, SOD and complex I, and reducing levels of MDA along with enhanced locomotor activity. Taken together, these findings suggest that BmE-PtNPs have protective effect in MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in this model of Parkinson's disease via their dual functions as mitochondrial complex I and antioxidant activity.
Tuberculous and Non-Tuberculous Granulomatous Lymphadenitis in Patients Receiving ImatinibMesylate (Glivec) for Metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Agaimy Abbas , Brueckl Valeska , Schmidt Daniela , Krieg Stephanie , Ullrich Evelyn , Meidenbauer Norbert
Published: March 2013

Background: Imatinib mesylate (IM) is the standard treatment for BCR-ABL-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and is the first-line adjuvant and palliative treatment for metastatic and inoperable gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). IM is not known to be associated with an increased risk for development of granulomatous diseases. Methods: We describe our experience with 2 patients (42 and 62 years of age) who developed granulomatous disease during IM treatment for metastatic GIST. Results: Mean duration of IM treatment was 12 (range 8-16) months. Enlarged lymph nodes with increased metabolism on FDG-PET-CT examination were detected and resected. Affected sites were supraclavicular (1) and subcarinal/mediastinal (1) lymph nodes. Histological examination revealed caseating and non-caseating granulomas suggestive of tuberculosis and sarcoidosis, respectively. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected by PCR in lymph nodes of 1 patient who was then successfully treated by anti-tuberculous agents. The other patient had negative sputum test for acid-fast bacilli and PCR-DNA-analysis was negative for M. tuberculosis and other mycobacteria. He received no anti-tuberculous therapy and had no evidence of progressive lymphadenopathy or new lung lesions during follow-up. Conclusion: Our observations underline the necessity to obtain biopsy material from enlarged or metabolically active lymph nodes developing during IM treatment for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these rare complications. Follow-up without treatment is safe for patients without detectable microorganisms by sputum examination and PCR.
MicroRNA29
Authors: Dawson Kristin , Wakili Reza , Ördög Balázs , Clauss Sebastian , Chen Yu , Iwasaki Yuki , Voigt Niels , Qi Xiao Yan , Sinner Moritz F. , Dobrev Dobromir , Kääb Stefan , Nattel Stanley
Published: March 2013

Background—

Congestive heart failure (CHF) causes atrial fibrotic remodeling, a substrate for atrial fibrillation (AF) maintenance. MicroRNA29 (miR29) targets extracellular matrix proteins. In the present study, we examined miR29b changes in patients with AF and/or CHF and in a CHF-related AF animal model and assessed its potential role in controlling atrial fibrous tissue production.

Methods and Results—

Control dogs were compared with dogs subjected to ventricular tachypacing for 24 hours, 1 week, or 2 weeks to induce CHF. Atrial miR29b expression decreased within 24 hours in both whole atrial tissue and atrial fibroblasts (−87% and −92% versus control, respectively;
p
<0.001 for both) and remained decreased throughout the time course. Expression of miR29b extracellular matrix target genes collagen-1A1 (COL1A1), collagen-3A1 (COL3A1), and fibrillin increased significantly in CHF fibroblasts. Lentivirus-mediated miR29b knockdown in canine atrial fibroblasts (−68%;
p
<0.01) enhanced COL1A1, COL3A1, and fibrillin mRNA expression by 28% (
p
<0.01), 19% (
p
<0.05), and 20% (
p
<0.05), respectively, versus empty virus–infected fibroblasts and increased COL1A1 protein expression by 90% (
p
<0.05). In contrast, 3-fold overexpression of miR29b decreased COL1A1, COL3A1, and fibrillin mRNA by 65%, 62%, and 61% (all
p
<0.001), respectively, versus scrambled control and decreased COL1A1 protein by 60% (
p
<0.05). MiR29b plasma levels were decreased in patients with CHF or AF (by 53% and 54%, respectively; both
p
<0.001) and were further decreased in patients with both AF and CHF (by 84%;
p
<0.001). MiR29b expression was also reduced in the atria of chronic AF patients (by 54% versus sinus rhythm;
p
<0.05). Adenoassociated viral–mediated knockdown of miR29b in mice significantly increased atrial COL1A1 mRNA expression and cardiac tissue collagen content.

Conclusions—

MiR29 likely plays a role in atrial fibrotic remodeling and may have value as a biomarker and/or therapeutic target.
Endothelial Lipase Modulates Pressure Overload–Induced Heart Failure Through Alternative Pathway for Fatty Acid Uptake
Authors: Nakajima Hideto , Ishida Tatsuro , Satomi-Kobayashi Seimi , Mori Kenta , Hara Tetsuya , Sasaki Naoto , Yasuda Tomoyuki , Toh Ryuji , Tanaka Hidekazu , Kawai Hiroya , Hirata Ken-ichi
Published: March 2013

Lipoprotein lipase has been considered as the only enzyme capable of generating lipid-derived fatty acids for cardiac energy. Endothelial lipase is another member of the triglyceride lipase family and hydrolyzes high-density lipoproteins. Although endothelial lipase is expressed in the heart, its function remains unclear. We assessed the role of endothelial lipase in the genesis of heart failure. Pressure overload–induced cardiac hypertrophy was generated in endothelial lipase
−/−
and wild-type mice by ascending aortic banding. Endothelial lipase expression in cardiac tissues was markedly elevated in the early phase of cardiac hypertrophy in wild-type mice, whereas lipoprotein lipase expression was significantly reduced. Endothelial lipase
−/−
mice showed more severe systolic dysfunction with left-ventricular dilatation compared with wild-type mice in response to pressure overload. The expression of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation–related genes, such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 and medium-chain acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase, was significantly lower in the heart of endothelial lipase
−/−
mice than in wild-type mice. Also, endothelial lipase
−/−
mice had lower myocardial adenosine triphosphate levels than wild-type mice after aortic banding. In cultured cardiomyocytes, endothelial lipase was upregulated by inflammatory stimuli, whereas lipoprotein lipase was downregulated. Endothelial lipase–overexpression in cardiomyocytes resulted in an upregulation of fatty acid oxidation–related enzymes and intracellular adenosine triphosphate accumulation in the presence of high-density lipoprotein. Endothelial lipase may act as an alternative candidate to provide fatty acids to the heart and regulate cardiac function. This effect seemed relevant particularly in the diseased heart, where lipoprotein lipase action is downregulated.
New Guinea Onthophagus: taxonomy of ten small, unicolored new species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)
Authors: KRIKKEN J. , HUIJBREGTS J.
Published: March 2013

The taxonomy of small, unicolor brown to black Papuasian species of the genus Onthophagus Latreille, 1802 is discussed. Two multi-species groups are defined in the nominotypical subgenus Onthophagus, one with broad and one with narrow dorsal eye foramina (O. acerus and O. kokodentatus groups, respectively). Twelve species are listed, keyed, and diagnosed. Ten of these are new species from Papua New Guinea (PNG) and West New Guinea (WNG, Indonesia), here described in the Onthophagus acerus group: O. aceroides (WNG), O. baiyericus (PNG), O. bituberoculus (WNG), O. daymanus (PNG), O. kokocellosus (PNG), O. kokopygus (PNG); in the Onthophagus kokodentatus group: O. dissidentatus (PNG), O. kokodentatus (PNG), O. kukali (PNG); and an ungrouped new species: Onthophagus ofianus (PNG). Two previously named species, O. acer Gillet, 1930 and O. mimikanus Balthasar, 1969, are briefly diagnosed and discussed.
Review of the bamboo-feeding species of genus Scaphoideus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from China, with description of one new species
Authors: YANG LIN , CHEN XIANG-SHENG , LI ZI-ZHONG
Published: March 2013

The bamboo-feeding species of genus Scaphoideus Uhler (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from China are re-viewed to include 7 species: S. conicaplateus Li & Dai, 2004 (China: Guizhou), S. fanjingensis Li & Dai, 2004 (China: Guizhou), S. festivus Matsumura, 1902 (China: Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Hunan, Beijing, Hebei, Henan, Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan and Taiwan; India; Sri Lanka; Japan; Korea), S. kumamotonis Mat-sumura, 1914 (China: Guizhou, Yunnan, Tibet, Sichuan, Zhejiang and Henan; Japan), S. nigrigenatus Li, 1990 (China: Guizhou, Sichuan and Hubei), S. nigrivalveus Li & Wang, 2005 (China: Guizhou and Hubei) and S. yaanensis sp. nov. (China: Sichuan). All seven species are re-illustrated and photographed. The new species is described. A key to the bam-boo-feeding species of Scaphoideus is also provided.
A review of the anglerfish genus Chaunax (Lophiiformes: Chaunacidae) from New Zealand and adjacent waters, with descriptions of four new species
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING , ROBERTS CLIVE D. , STEWART ANDREW L.
Published: March 2013

Species of the anglerfish genus Chaunax Lowe, 1846 from the New Zealand region are taxonomically reviewed with six species recognized and described: Chaunax penicillatus McCulloch; C. nudiventer Ho & Shao, a new record for New Zealand; and four species new to science. Chaunax flavomaculatus sp. nov. distinguished by having its skin covered with a mix of numerous bifurcated and simple spinules, large yellow spots on dorsal surface of fresh specimens, and brownish coloured escal cirri; Chaunax mulleus sp. nov. by having a uniformly pink body with a deep red colour on ventral surfaces of the outer pectoral-fin and pelvic-fin, and lower part of caudal fin; Chaunax reticulatus sp. nov. by having cirri on the dorsal surface of head, and a pale reticulate colour pattern on a greyish background dorsally; and Chaunax russatus sp. nov. by its very wide illicial trough that is usually as wide or wider than the diameter of the pupil, and uniformly deep red body colour with creamy white to fuzzy greyish spots or patches on its dorsal surface. A key to species recognized from the study area is given.
A new species of Andean poison frog, Andinobates (Anura: Dendrobatidae), from the northwestern Andes of Colombia
Authors: AMÉZQUITA ADOLFO , MÁRQUEZ ROBERTO , MEDINA RICARDO , MEJÍA-VARGAS DANIEL , KAHN TED R. , SUÁREZ GUSTAVO , MAZARIEGOS LUIS
Published: March 2013

The poison frogs of the Colombian Andes, Pacific lowlands and Panamahave been recently recognized as a new, monophyletic and well-supported genus: Andinobates. The species richness and distribution within Andinobates remain poorly understood due to the paucity of geographic, genetic and phenotypic data. Here we use a combination of molecular, bioacoustic and morphometric evidence to describe a new species of Andean poison frog: Andinobates cassidyhornae sp. nov. from the high elevation cloud forests of the Colombian Cordillera Occidental, in the northwestern Andes. The new species is associated to the bombetes group and characterized by a unique combination of ventral and dorsal color patterns. Data on 1119 bp from two mitochondrial markers allowed us to reject the null hypotheses that A. cassidyhornae sp. nov. is part of the phenotypically similar and geographically less distant species: A. opisthomelas, A. virolinensis or A. bombetes. The best available phylogenetic trees and the genetic distance to other Andinobates species further support this decision. Altogether, the advertisement call parameters unambiguously separated A. cassidyhornae sp. nov. calls from the calls of the three closest species. The new species adds to a poorly known and highly endangered genus of poison frogs that requires further studies and urgent conservation measures.
Chewing lice of genus Myrsidea (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) from Turdidae (Passeriformes) of Costa Rica, with descriptions of seven new species
Authors: KOUNEK FILIP , SYCHRA OLDRICH , CAPEK MIROSLAV , LITERAK IVAN
Published: March 2013

A total of 166 individuals from 10 bird species belonging to the family Turdidae were examined for chewing lice in Costa Ricaduring 2004, 2009 and 2010. A total of 12 species of the louse genus Myrsidea were collected from 54 birds, including four previously named, seven new undescribed species, and one identified as Myrsidea sp. Names, descriptions and illustrations are given for the seven new species of Myrsidea. They and their type hosts are: Myrsidea assimilis sp. nov. ex Turdus assimilis (Cabanis, 1850), M. cerrodelamuertensis sp. nov. ex Catharus gracilirostris (Salvin, 1865), M. hrabaki sp. nov. ex Myadestes melanops (Salvin, 1865), M. obsoleti sp. nov. ex Turdus obsoletus (Lawrence, 1862), M. quinchoi sp. nov. ex Catharus frantzii (Cabanis, 1861), M. tapanti sp. nov. ex Catharus fuscater (Lafresnaye, 1845), and M. tapetapersi sp. nov. ex Turdus nigrescens (Cabanis, 1861). Records of four named and one unidentified species of Myrsidea from other Costa Rican thrushes are also given and discussed.
Descriptions of the final instar larvae of seven Chinese Chlorogomphidae species, with taxonomic notes on adults (Odonata: Anisoptera)
Authors: ZHANG HAOMIAO , TONG XIAOLI
Published: March 2013

The larvae of seven species of Chlorogomphidae from South Chinaare described based on reared larvae, i.e. Chlorogomphus kitawakii Karube, C. nasutus nasutus Needham, C. papilio Ris, C. shanicus Wilson, C. usudai Ishida, C. yokoii Karube and Chloropetalia soarer Wilson. The adult female of C. kitawakii is first described. Biological information on Chlorogomphidae is provided and a diagnosis of the family proposed.
Redescription of Parapercis macrophthalma (Pietschmann, 1911) and description of a new species of Parapercis (Pisces: Pinguipedidae) from Taiwan
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING , JOHNSON JEFFREY W.
Published: March 2013

Parapercis macrophthalma is confirmed as a valid species and redescribed on the basis of the holotype and other specimens collected from the type locality, Taiwan, and Japan. It is morphologically similar to P. muronis Tanaka, 1918, but differs in having five vertical transverse bars that extend well below the lateral line versus five oblique transverse bars, with the third to fifth bars ending on or above the lateral line. A new species is also described on the basis of a specimen collected from southwestern Taiwan. It is distinct in having numerous pores interconnected by canals on the head, forming 10 vertical or oblique rows on the cheek and opercular apparatus, predorsal scales extending to the level of the posterior margin of the eye, four dorsal-fin spines, six oblique bars laterally on the body, and a combination of other characters. A key to species of Parapercis with narrow transverse bars on the upper body is provided.
The WxChallenge: Forecasting Competition, Educational Tool, and Agent of Cultural Change
Authors: Illston Bradley G. , Basara Jeffrey B. , Weiss Christopher , Voss Mike
Published: March 2013

The WxChallenge, a project developed at the University of Oklahoma, brings a state-of-the-art, fun, and exciting forecast contest to participants at colleges and universities across North America. The challenge is to forecast the maximum and minimum temperatures, precipitation, and maximum wind speeds for select locations across the United States over a 24-h prediction period. The WxChallenge is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, as well as higher-education faculty, staff, and alumni. Through the use of World Wide Web interfaces accessible by personal computers, tablet computer, and smartphones, the WxChallenge provides a state-of-the-art portal to aid participants in submitting forecasts and alleviate many of the administrative issues (e.g., tracking and scoring) faced by local managers and professors.

Since its inception in 2006, 110 universities have participated in the contest and it has been utilized as part of the curricula for 140 classroom courses at various institutions. The inherently challenging nature of the WxChallenge has encouraged its adoption as an educational tool. As its popularity has grown, professors have seen the utility of the Wx-Challenge as a teaching aid and it has become an instructional resource of many meteorological classes at institutions for higher learning. In addition to evidence of educational impacts, the competition has already begun to leave a cultural and social mark on the meteorological learning experience.
The social life of the brain: Neuroscience in society
Authors: Pickersgill Martyn
Published: March 2013

Neuroscience is viewed by a range of actors and institutions as a powerful means of creating new knowledge about our selves and societies. This article documents the shifts in expertise and identities potentially being propelled by neuroscientific research. It details the framing and effects of neuroscience within several social domains, including education and mental health, discussing some of the intellectual and professional projects it has animated therein (such as neuroethics). The analysis attends to the cultural logics by which the brain is sometimes made salient in society; simultaneously, it points towards some of parameters of the territory within which the social life of the brain plays out. Instances of societal resistance and agnosticism are discussed, which may render problematic sociological research on neuroscience in society that assumes the universal import of neuroscientific knowledge (as either an object of celebration or critique). This article concludes with reflections on how sociotechnical novelty is produced and ascribed, and the implications of this.
Acculturative Stress or Resilience? A Longitudinal Multilevel Analysis of Sojourners’ Stress and Self-Esteem
Authors: Geeraert Nicolas , Demoulin Stéphanie
Published: March 2013

Intercultural contact may lead to temporary phases of acculturative stress but is also associated with personal growth. While this topic has been well studied, we argue that there has been a lack of systematic investigation in the form of panel data studies. The present article examines the temporal pattern of stress and self-esteem, with measures for sojourners and controls prior to, during, and post intercultural contact. The sojourner sample consisted of a group of Belgian adolescents who took part in a 1 year intercultural exchange program. Sojourners reported lower levels of stress and higher levels of self-esteem during the sojourn compared to pre-departure levels and controls. These findings were explained in terms of personal growth and acculturative resilience. Subsequent analyses also investigated whether stress and self-esteem could be predicted by intrapersonal (i.e., homesickness), interpersonal (i.e., social support), intergroup (i.e., identity, prejudice), and cultural distance measures. Stress was indeed associated with intrapersonal, interpersonal, and intergroup measures, but not with cultural distance. Self-esteem was associated with intrapersonal and intergroup predictors.
Engagement in Risky Sexual Behavior
Authors: Kerpelman Jennifer L. , McElwain Alyssa D. , Pittman Joe F. , Adler-Baeder Francesca M.
Published: March 2013

The current study examined associations among parenting practices, adolescents’ self-esteem and dating identity exploration, and adolescents’ sexual behaviors. Participants were 680 African American and European American sexually experienced adolescents attending public high schools in the southeast. Results indicated that risky sexual behavior was associated positively with parental psychological control, and negatively with self-esteem and dating identity exploration. Parental support positively predicted self-esteem and dating identity exploration; psychological control also showed a positive association with dating identity exploration. Contrary to expectation, neither self-esteem nor dating identity exploration mediated associations between parenting and risky sexual behavior; moderation tests showed few differences. However, dating identity exploration showed potential to serve as a protective factor for higher risk groups (i.e., males, African Americans), and psychological control appeared particularly detrimental for older adolescents. Finally, youth from stepfamilies showed associations among the variables that differed from youth living in single-parent and two-parent biological/adoptive families.
Discovering gupta-Vrindavan: Finding selves and places in the storied landscape
Authors: Sarbadhikary Sukanya
Published: March 2013

This article seeks to be a contribution to the recent bourgeoning of studies in the anthropology of (sacred) spaces, places and landscapes. Ethnographically, it deals with the social topography of Navadvip and Mayapur, vaishnava pilgrimage places in the Nadia district of West Bengal. It analyses the contemporary articulations of the experience and making of a contrasted and consecrated landscape, and its potential in embodying differentiated community identities. It describes the various public faces of Bengal-Vaishnava groups and argues in favour of the inherent relationships between devotional self-experiences and the emotional landscape which is inhabited and constituted simultaneously. It details the cultural geography of Navadvip and Mayapur as embodied in the layout of different temples and ashrams, and the circulating stories establishing their significance. The stories sometimes hunt out lost sites, sometimes legitimise existing ones and, at other times, override all such concerns over specific sites in favour of a passionate engagement with the entire landscape. In every instance among the plural modes of ‘dwelling’ in the mnemonic-fabled sacred space, the vaishnava groups claim to discover the essence of the landscape and thereby assert their multiform practices of self-experiences as authentic representations of the sect. In the end, the article also contrasts the inhabitants’ landscapes and devotional self-experiences with that of the traveller and throws up new questions in the anthropological understandings of places, landscapes, journeys and devotion.
Promoting Active Learning
Authors: Strangfeld Jennifer A.
Published: March 2013

Scholarship on teaching undergraduates increasingly emphasizes the benefits of providing students with an active role in their education whereby instructors are more aptly described as facilitators of knowledge rather than merely providers of it. Additionally, recommendations from the American Sociological Association aimed specifically at the undergraduate sociology curriculum argue that students must engage as practitioners of sociology at each level of their program development. In short, undergraduates should do sociology—not just read or write sociology. Applying this recommendation to teaching statistics, I suggest organizing a course around a student-led research project in which students generate the topics, questions, and data that are then used to complete a substantive research paper. Students are given the opportunity to be actively engaged in all stages of the research and data-gathering process. Students also present their work in student roundtables, further legitimating their important contributions as researchers.
Picture My Gender(s)
Authors: Sargent Carey , Corse Sarah M.
Published: March 2013

We present an exercise on “doing gender” that uses digital media to create an opportunity for interactive learning. Students create photo essays on gender performances in everyday life and then present their photo essays to their peers. This exercise allows undergraduates to engage in “real-life” learning regarding the socially constructed and performative nature of gender. In discussing each other’s images in class, students confront both the ubiquity of gender performances and understand how they produce, receive, and police performances. We present the assignment and grading rubric in detail, describe examples of photo essays ranging from unsuccessful to excellent, and detail student learning and assessments of the assignment.
Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Goyal Deepak
Published: March 2013

Background:

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is a routine procedure for patellar instability. The majority of the techniques require hardware fixation or a bony procedure at the patella. However, most of the complications described in the literature can be attributed to patellar fixation. The “superficial quad technique” uses the superficial slip of the quadriceps tendon as the graft material, which provides a better anatomic match to the native MPFL.

Hypothesis:

The superficial quad technique provides anatomic patellar fixation without a bony procedure and without patellar complications.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The study included 32 patients (10 male, 22 female; mean age, 25 years) who underwent MPFL reconstruction using the superficial quad technique and who were followed for a mean duration of 38 months. Objective assessment was performed and Kujala scores were obtained preoperatively and at the time of final follow-up.

Results:

There were no patellar complications, including redislocation, in the present study. The mean Kujala score improved to 91.25 (range, 73-100) from a preoperative score of 49.31 (range, 23-62).

Conclusion:

The results were comparable with those of other studies in the literature that used hamstring grafts, but without associated patellar complications. The superficial quad technique uses graft material that is a better anatomic match to the native MPFL. It provides anatomic patellar fixation without a bony procedure.
Assessment of Early Tibiofemoral Joint Space Width Changes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and Reconstruction
Authors: Tourville Timothy W. , Johnson Robert J. , Slauterbeck James R. , Naud Shelly , Beynnon Bruce D.
Published: March 2013

Background:

Progression of primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) is often quantified by measuring structural alterations of the joint such as those in tibiofemoral joint space width (JSW) over time. Limited information is available regarding changes that occur during the onset and progression of posttraumatic OA (PTOA) that are often associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Furthermore, there is a paucity of information regarding JSW changes in healthy patients, making JSW interpretation challenging during early PTOA progression.

Purpose:

To evaluate tibiofemoral JSW after ACL injury, ACL reconstruction, and rehabilitation compared with healthy, matched controls.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 39 ACL-injured patients and 32 matched controls were evaluated. Injured patients were assessed at presurgical baseline and after ACL reconstruction (mean follow-up, 46 months), as were controls. Bilateral, standing, fluoroscopy-assisted, and posterior-anterior metatarsal-phalangeal view knee radiographs were obtained at each visit and JSW was measured.

Results:

The JSW differences between knees in control patients were not significantly different and did not change over time. Baseline JSW differences in the ACL group were significantly different than in controls. Three patients (7.9% of total) had an increased JSW difference, and 1 patient (2.6%) had a decreased medial JSW difference. In the lateral compartment, 6 patients (15.8%) had a decreased JSW difference. At follow-up, 2 patients in the ACL group (5%) had a decreased medial JSW difference, and 3 (7.9%) had a significantly increased difference in relation to controls. Lateral compartment analyses revealed 7 (18.4%) patients with a significantly decreased JSW difference and no patients with an increased difference compared with controls.

Conclusion:

One third of ACL-injured knees underwent significant JSW change soon after injury; consequently, evaluation of within-knee JSW changes over time in ACL-injured patients may not be appropriate with a study based on case-control analysis. The JSWs in the healthy knee of ACL-injured patients do not change over time, allowing this knee to be used as a control for the injured knee. This is important when evaluating the earliest stages of PTOA after ACL injury, when patients are asymptomatic and intervention may be most beneficial.
Should I Stay or Should I go?
Authors: Leip Leslie A. , Stinchcomb Jeanne B.
Published: March 2013

Research on turnover in the correctional workplace has predominately focused on investigating the relationship between job satisfaction and turnover intent among prison staff. In an effort to broaden that level of inquiry to encompass the jail workforce, this study analyzes data from a national survey of 1,924 line-level jail staff to assess the impact of both work-related variables and personal characteristics on the intention of employees to resign. Although not randomly generated, respondents represent 46 states and are generally reflective of what is known about composition of the national line officer jail workforce in terms of demographics. Descriptive results indicate that the majority of jail officers are satisfied with their jobs and have no intention of quitting. Further logistic regression modeling confirms related literature indicating that the most influential variables are dynamic factors such as job satisfaction and work environment, rather than the static variables associated with individual employee characteristics, such as gender, age, or race. Since the environmental variables investigated are amenable to change, it would appear that, with greater insights into these dynamic precursors of thoughts about quitting, jail administrators can develop strategic initiatives targeted toward proactively reducing the fiscal cost and intangible impact of voluntary turnover.
Analysis of solid waste from ships and modeling of its generation on the river Danube in Serbia
Authors: Presburger Ulniković Vladanka , Vukić Marija , Milutinović-Nikolić Aleksandra
Published: March 2013

This study focuses on the issues related to the waste management in river ports in general and, particularly, in ports on the river Danube’s flow through Serbia. The ports of Apatin, Bezdan, Backa Palanka, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Smederevo, Veliko Gradiste, Prahovo and Kladovo were analyzed. The input data (number of watercrafts, passengers and crew members) were obtained from harbor authorities for the period 2005–2009. The quantities of solid waste generated on both cruise and cargo ships are considered in this article. As there is no strategy for waste treatment in the ports in Serbia, these data are extremely valuable for further design of equipment for waste treatment and collection. Trends in data were analyzed and regression models were used to predict the waste quantities in each port in next 3 years. The obtained trends could be utilized as the basis for the calculation of the equipment capacities for waste selection, collection, storage and treatment. The results presented in this study establish the need for an organized management system for this type of waste, as well as suggest where the terminals for collection, storage and treatment of solid waste from ships should be located.
Hydraulic conductivity of compacted zeolites
Authors: Ören A Hakan , Özdamar Tugğçe
Published: March 2013

Hydraulic conductivities of compacted zeolites were investigated as a function of compaction water content and zeolite particle size. Initially, the compaction characteristics of zeolites were determined. The compaction test results showed that maximum dry unit weight (γdmax) of fine zeolite was greater than that of granular zeolites. The γdmax of compacted zeolites was between 1.01 and 1.17 Mg m−3 and optimum water content (wopt) was between 38% and 53%. Regardless of zeolite particle size, compacted zeolites had low γdmax and high wopt when compared with compacted natural soils. Then, hydraulic conductivity tests were run on compacted zeolites. The hydraulic conductivity values were within the range of 2.0 × 10−3 cm s−1 to 1.1 × 10−7 cm s−1. Hydraulic conductivity of all compacted zeolites decreased almost 50 times as the water content increased. It is noteworthy that hydraulic conductivity of compacted zeolite was strongly dependent on the zeolite particle size. The hydraulic conductivity decreased almost three orders of magnitude up to 39% fine content; then, it remained almost unchanged beyond 39%. Only one report was found in the literature on the hydraulic conductivity of compacted zeolite, which is in agreement with the findings of this study.
Just Say No to Intensive Care Unit Starvation
Authors: Spear Shawn , Sim Vasiliy , Moore Frederick A. , Todd S. Rob
Published: March 2013

Background: In 2009, the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)/American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) published “Guidelines for the Provision and Assessment of Nutrition Support Therapy in the Adult Critically Ill Patient.” To improve our surgery residents’ understanding of intensive care unit (ICU) nutrition, we developed a nutrition education program based on these guidelines. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess its effectiveness. We hypothesized that our nutrition education program would improve our residents’ knowledge of ICU nutrition. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational pilot study performed in the surgical ICU of an academic medical center. Based on the SCCM/A.S.P.E.N. nutrition guidelines, we developed a nutrition education program (lectures covering selected guidelines and interactive case studies). Pre‐ and posttesting were performed to assess short‐term comprehension. Long‐term retention was assessed 3 months after the initial education program. The primary outcome measure was the change in ICU nutrition knowledge. Significance was set at P < .05. Results: Over 12 months, 8 surgery residents completed the nutrition education program. Their mean age was 27.8 ± 1.2 years, and 50% were male. The mean test scores were as follows: pretest, 45% ± 9%; posttest, 81% ± 5%; and 3‐month test, 65% ± 8%. The differences between the pretest and both posttest scores were significant (P < .01). Conclusion: Residents have little understanding of ICU nutrition. This is confirmed by the pretest results of the current study. Our nutrition education program improved both short‐term and long‐term ICU nutrition knowledge of our surgery residents. Future studies should evaluate the effect such education has on the clinical outcomes of ICU patients.
Evaluation of Check In/Check Out for Students With Internalizing Behavior Problems
Authors: Hunter Katherine K. , Chenier Jeffrey S. , Gresham Frank M.
Published: March 2013

Internalizing behaviors are directed inward toward the child and are frequently overlooked in classrooms compared with externalizing behaviors. When internalizing behaviors are identified, cognitive-behavioral interventions (CBIs) are typically the intervention of choice; however, CBIs are time-consuming and require considerable skill and experience for successful implementation. An efficient and time-effective targeted intervention for children with internalizing behavior problems is needed. Check In/Check Out (CICO) has been shown to be an effective targeted intervention for children with externalizing behavior problems, but this intervention has not been implemented directly targeting children with internalizing behavior patterns. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate CICO as a targeted intervention for children with internalizing behavior problems. Four elementary school students with internalizing behavior problems received a CICO intervention. Results showed that ratings of prosocial replacement behaviors increased as a result of the CICO intervention, and students’ levels of internalizing behaviors decreased.
Reflection and transmission of plane waves at surfaces carrying material properties and embedded in second-gradient materials
Authors: Placidi Luca , Rosi Giuseppe , Giorgio Ivan , Madeo Angela
Published: March 2013

In this paper reflection and transmission of compression and shear waves at structured interfaces between second-gradient continua is investigated. Two semi-infinite spaces filled with the same second-gradient material are connected through an interface which is assumed to have its own material properties (mass density, elasticity and inertia). Using a variational principle, general balance equations are deduced for the bulk system, as well as jump duality conditions for the considered structured interfaces. The obtained equations include the effect of surface inertial and elastic properties on the motion of the overall system. In the first part of the paper general 3D equations accounting for all surface deformation modes (including bending) are introduced. The application to wave propagation presented in the second part of the paper, on the other hand, is based on a simplified 1D version of these equations, which we call “axial symmetric” case.
Video Self-Modeling on an iPad to Teach Functional Math Skills to Adolescents With Autism and Intellectual Disability
Authors: Burton Cami E. , Anderson Darlene H. , Prater Mary Anne , Dyches Tina T.
Published: March 2013

Researchers suggest that video-based interventions can provide increased opportunity for students with disabilities to acquire important academic and functional skills; however, little research exists regarding video-based interventions on the academic skills of students with autism and intellectual disability. We used a multiple-baseline-across-participants design to investigate the effects of video self-modeling (VSM) on the mathematics skill acquisition of adolescents with autism. Four adolescent male students viewed videos of themselves on an iPad solving mathematical problems to estimate the amount of money used to pay for a given item and the amount to receive in change. Findings support a functional relationship between VSM and performance on math skills for each participant. Subsequently, the VSM was systematically faded during maintenance sessions, with little deterioration of skill. Follow-up data probes were interpreted to conclude that student characteristics may affect retention of skill. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
The Plasma Concentration of Copper and Prevalence of Depression Were Positively Correlated in Shift Nurses
Authors: Chang Mei-Yu , Tseng Chin-Ho , Chiou Ya-Ling
Published: March 2013

Several studies have reported the prevalence of depression in shift nurses to be 15%, and in some cases it may even be as high as 23%. Depression is a major cause of poor sleep quality and can impede efforts to overcome the chronic fatigue that commonly affects shift nurses. Adverse mental health issues have been confirmed in shift nurses, but few studies have investigated the underlying cause of poor mental health in different shift-nurse populations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of serum trace element levels to mental health and the tendency toward depression in shift nurses. We collected blood samples from 90 shift nurses (day, evening, and night shift) who worked in intensive care units and asked them to complete a general data questionnaire as well as the Chinese version of the Beck Depression Inventory, second edition. The night-shift nurses showed mild-to-moderate depression levels, which were significantly higher than those of the control group and other shift nurses. Night-shift nurses also had higher levels of plasma copper, ferritin, interleukin (IL)-6, and alanine aminotransferase ( p < .05) than the control group and other nurses. Elevated concentrations of ferritin and IL-6 are considered important markers for the onset of depression. The results of this study suggest that plasma copper concentrations in nurses should be monitored.
Social justice interrupted? Values, pedagogy, and purpose of business school academics
Authors: Fotaki Marianna , Prasad Ajnesh
Published: March 2013

This commentary results from a 2-day Critical Management Studies workshop at the Academy of Management that we organized in the summer of 2010, entitled “Whose business? Business, ethics, and society in critical management studies”. It summarizes ideas presented by a variety of scholars who were actively grappling with questions and challenges of contemporary management education, specifically with its role in bringing about social change while introducing Madeline Toubiana’s article, “Business pedagogy for social justice?” by way of example. Extending from the insights emerging from in this article, we briefly discuss the importance of reflecting on the values of social justice that we hold as business school academics, in order to begin to imagine the possibilities of the classroom as an arena in which we can inspire social change. We argue that academics ought to be reflexive about the values of social justice that they espouse, and that they ought to vigorously and substantively integrate these values into management education, such as through their infusion into curricula. Returning to Paulo Friere’s (1970) idea of “conscientization,” we propose that business school academics should use the classroom as a forum in which to develop what Friere calls “critical understanding.” In sum, these two points present discursive sources of agency to move toward redressing the systems of institutional constraints, which are currently thwarting business school academics engagement with social justice as identified in Toubiana’s article.
Anti-JC virus antibody prevalence in a multinational multiple sclerosis cohort
Authors: Olsson Tomas , Achiron Anat , Alfredsson Lars , Berger Thomas , Brassat David , Chan Andrew , Comi Giancarlo , Eraksoy Mefkure , Hegen Harald , Hillert Jan , Jensen Poul Erik Hyldgaard , Moiola Lucia , Myhr Kjell-Morten , Oturai Annette , Schippling Sven , Siva Aksel , Sorensen Per Soelberg , Trampe Anne-Kathrin , Weber Thomas , Potts James , Plavina Tatiana , Paes Dominic , Subramanyam Meena , Wiendl Heinz , Dib Hussein , Üren Deniz , Hemmer Bernhard , Buck Dorothea
Published: March 2013

JC virus (JCV) is an opportunistic virus known to cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Anti-JC virus (Anti-JCV) antibody prevalence in a large, geographically diverse, multi-national multiple sclerosis (MS) cohort was compared in a cross-sectional study. Overall, anti-JCV antibody prevalence was 57.6%. Anti-JCV antibody prevalence in MS patients ranged from approximately 47% to 68% across these countries: Norway, 47.4%; Denmark, 52.6%; Israel, 56.6%; France, 57.6%; Italy, 58.3%; Sweden, 59.0%; Germany, 59.1%; Austria, 66.7% and Turkey, 67.7%. Prevalence increased with age (from 49.5% in patients < 30 years of age to 66.5% in patients ≥ 60 years of age; p < 0.0001 comparing all age categories), was lower in females than in males (55.8% versus 61.9%; p < 0.0001) and was not affected by prior immunosuppressant or natalizumab use.
A new computerised cognitive test for the detection of information processing speed impairment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ruet Aurélie , Deloire Mathilde SA , Charré-Morin Julie , Hamel Delphine , Brochet Bruno
Published: March 2013

Background:

Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) primarily applies to information processing speed (IPS).

Objective:

To evaluate psychometric properties of a new digit/symbol substitution test in healthy subjects and patients with MS, and assess its ability to detect IPS impairment in patients with MS.

Methods:

A sample of MS patients, 60 relapsing–remitting (RRMS) and 41 primary progressive MS (PPMS), and 415 healthy controls (HCs) underwent an IPS battery, including assessment of reaction times of subtests of the Test of Attentional Performance battery and a newly developed in-house digit/symbol substitution task, the Computerised Speed Cognitive Test (CSCT). The CSCT was additionally evaluated in a second cohort of 31 RRMS and 12 progressive MS patients, for comparison with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT).

Results:

The CSCT had good reliability in both HCs and patients with MS. It showed a weak practice effect at the 6-month time point. This test had good ecological validity in MS patients. There was a strong correlation between the CSCT with the SDMT and with other IPS tests in patients with MS. The CSCT had the best sensitivity for predicting IPS impairment and was one of the most accurate tests among the IPS battery.

Conclusion:

The CSCT appeared as a good candidate for detecting IPS impairment in MS patients.
Do political parties matter for turnout? Number of parties, electoral rules and local elections in Brazil and Bolivia
Authors: Boulding Carew , Brown David S
Published: March 2013

Does the number of political parties influence voter turnout in developing democracies? Some scholars argue that large party systems facilitate matching voter preferences with a specific party, increasing turnout. Others argue multiparty systems produce too many alternatives, decreasing turnout. In developing democracies, there is debate over whether these institutions matter at all. We argue that party systems do matter for turnout in developing countries, but the relationship between turnout and the number of political parties is conditional on the electoral formula. Under proportional representation systems, large numbers of parties increase turnout. Under winner take all systems, large numbers of parties depress turnout. Since electoral rules also influence the number of parties, we use an innovative sub-national research design, taking advantage of local variation in the number of parties that is largely unrelated to the electoral system. Specifically, we test these relationships by analysing turnout data at the municipal level in Brazil and Bolivia, countries with very different electoral rules. Overall, we find evidence that party systems influence turnout, but in different ways depending on the election rules.