bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Publishing Pilot Intervention Work
Authors: Conn Vicki S. , Algase Donna L. , Rawl Susan M. , Zerwic Julie J. , Wyman Jean F.
Published: August 2010

Pilot intervention studies can be viewed as rehearsals for subsequent full-scale trials. They can help investigators fine-tune later larger studies as well as explore issues related to project management and budget. Pilot studies permit testing of sampling strategies, participant recruitment, intervention content, delivery methods, data collection, and analysis. They also allow researchers to experience the more practical aspects of implementing a study, such as determining the number of study staff members needed to handle recruitment and data collection or identifying special equipment needs. Because pilot study findings may be generalizable, publication is encouraged as long as the preliminary nature of the work is clearly indicated in both the abstract and the article. The present article provides an overview of the types of information that can be gleaned from pilot intervention studies that are suitable for publication.
Intervention Components Promoting Adherence to Strength Training Exercise in Breast Cancer Survivors With Bone Loss
Authors: McGuire Rita , Waltman Nancy , Zimmerman Lani
Published: August 2010

Numerous studies have reported that exercise is safe and beneficial for breast cancer survivors; however, long-term adherence to exercise programs is not easy to accomplish. This secondary analysis examined the demographic and clinical characteristics, adherence to exercise, and cognitive—behavioral intervention components data collected on 120 postmenopausal women with a history of breast cancer and bone loss who had been randomized to the exercise group in a 24-month study. Hierarchical regression was used to identify variables that predicted adherence to exercise. Mean adherence to exercises was 61.89%. Feedback and support were the most frequently used cognitive—behavioral intervention components. In hierarchical regression, predictors for adherence to exercise were feedback (β = .40, p < .001) and adherence to exercise in the previous time period (β = .31, p < .001). Participants receiving more frequent feedback had higher adherence to exercise.
A systematic review of arm activity measures for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Authors: Klingels K. , Jaspers E. , Van de Winckel A. , De Cock P. , Molenaers G. , Feys H.
Published: August 2010

Objective: To identify psychometrically sound and clinically feasible assessments of arm activities in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy for implementation in research and clinical practice.

Data sources: PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and reference lists of relevant articles were searched.

Review methods: A systematic search was performed based on the following inclusion criteria: (1) evaluative tools at the activity level according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; (2) previously used in studies including children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy aged 2-18 years; (3) at least one aspect of reliability and validity in children with cerebral palsy should be established. Descriptive information, psychometric properties and clinical utility were reviewed.

Results: Eighteen assessments were identified of which 11 met the inclusion criteria: eight functional tests and three questionnaires. Five functional tests were condition-specific, three were generic. All functional tests measure different aspects of activity, including unimanual capacity and performance during bimanual tasks. The questionnaires obtain information about the child’s abilities at home or school. The reliability and validity have been established, though further use in clinical trials is necessary to determine the responsiveness.

Conclusions: To obtain a complete view of what the child can do and what the child actually does, we advise a capacity-based test (Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function), a performance-based test (Assisting Hand Assessment) and a questionnaire (Abilhand-Kids). This will allow outcome differentiation and treatment guidance for the arm in children with cerebral palsy.
Long-term effects of an expanded cardiac rehabilitation programme after myocardial infarction or coronary artery bypass surgery: a five-year follow-up of a randomized controlled study
Authors: Plüss Catrine Edström , Billing Ewa , Held Claes , Henriksson Peter , Kiessling Anna , Karlsson Monica Rydell , Wallen Håkan N
Published: August 2010

Objective: To investigate the long-term effect of expanded cardiac rehabilitation on a composite end-point, consisting of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or readmission for cardiovascular disease, in patients with coronary artery disease.

Design: Single-centre prospective randomized controlled trial.

Setting: University hospital.

Subjects: Two hundred and twenty-four patients with acute myocardial infarction or undergoing coronary artery by-pass grafting.

Intervention: Patients were randomized to expanded cardiac rehabilitation (a one-year stress management programme, increased physical training, staying at a ‘patient hotel’ for five days after the event, and cooking sessions), or to standard cardiac rehabilitation.

Main measures: Data on cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, readmission for cardiovascular disease and days at hospital for cardiovascular reasons were obtained from national registries of the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare.

Results: The primary end-point occurred in 121 patients altogether (54%). The number of cardiovascular events were reduced in the expanded rehabilitation group compared with the standard cardiac rehabilitation (53 patients (47.7%) versus 68 patients (60.2%); hazard ratio 0.69; P =  0.049). This was mainly because of a reduction of myocardial infarctions in the expanded rehabilitation group. During the five years 12 patients (10.8%) versus 23 patients (20.3%); hazard ratio 0.47; P =  0.047 had a myocardial infarction. Days at hospital for cardiovascular reasons were significantly reduced in patients who received expanded cardiac rehabilitation (median 6 days) compared with standard cardiac rehabilitation (median 10 days; P =  0.02).

Conclusion: Expanded cardiac rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction or coronary artery bypass grafting reduces cardiovascular morbidity and days at hospital for cardiovascular reasons.
Biomechanical Measures during Landing and Postural Stability Predict Second Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Return to Sport
Authors: Paterno Mark V. , Schmitt Laura C. , Ford Kevin R. , Rauh Mitchell J. , Myer Gregory D. , Huang Bin , Hewett Timothy E.
Published: August 2010

Background

Athletes who return to sport participation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) have a higher risk of a second anterior cruciate ligament injury (either reinjury or contralateral injury) compared with non—anterior cruciate ligament— injured athletes.

Hypotheses

Prospective measures of neuromuscular control and postural stability after ACLR will predict relative increased risk for a second anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Study Design

Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Fifty-six athletes underwent a prospective biomechanical screening after ACLR using 3-dimensional motion analysis during a drop vertical jump maneuver and postural stability assessment before return to pivoting and cutting sports. After the initial test session, each subject was followed for 12 months for occurrence of a second anterior cruciate ligament injury. Lower extremity joint kinematics, kinetics, and postural stability were assessed and analyzed. Analysis of variance and logistic regression were used to identify predictors of a second anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Results

Thirteen athletes suffered a subsequent second anterior cruciate ligament injury. Transverse plane hip kinetics and frontal plane knee kinematics during landing, sagittal plane knee moments at landing, and deficits in postural stability predicted a second injury in this population (C statistic = 0.94) with excellent sensitivity (0.92) and specificity (0.88). Specific predictive parameters included an increase in total frontal plane (valgus) movement, greater asymmetry in internal knee extensor moment at initial contact, and a deficit in single-leg postural stability of the involved limb, as measured by the Biodex stability system. Hip rotation moment independently predicted second anterior cruciate ligament injury (C = 0.81) with high sensitivity (0.77) and specificity (0.81).

Conclusion

Altered neuromuscular control of the hip and knee during a dynamic landing task and postural stability deficits after ACLR are predictors of a second anterior cruciate ligament injury after an athlete is released to return to sport.
Demonstration of Uniform Cantilevered Beam Bending Vibration Using a Pair of Piezoelectric Actuators
Authors: Wereley Norman M. , Gang Wang  , Chaudhuri Anirban
Published: August 2010

Smart materials and structures are an emerging revolutionary technology requiring multidisciplinary training in the fields of aerospace, mechanical, and materials engineering. As such, it is important to educate undergraduate and graduate students in the fundamentals and applications of this technology. A curriculum was designed at the University of Maryland to introduce students to these materials. In addition to a general overview of smart materials and structures, a laboratory and lecture case study of a piezoelectric actuated beam was developed. Laboratory experiments were used to determine the bending modal frequencies and mode shapes of a cantilevered beam under actuation of piezoceramics. These tests were conducted in the Smart Structures Laboratory at the University of Maryland during regular lecture-length class times and using existing equipment. The results of the experiment were compared with exact and numerical solutions for the vibration frequencies of a uniform rectangular beam. The case study proved to be an excellent learning tool as shown by the lab data correlation and the positive student reviews.
Time Response Model of ER Fluids for Precision Control of Motors
Authors: Koyanagi Ken'Ichi , Terada Tomohiro
Published: August 2010

The improvement of control performance or new control demands of mechatronics devices using particle type electrorheological (ER) fluids requires further investigation of the response time of the fluids. Although the response time of particle type ER fluids is commonly reported to be approximately 5 ms, the formula structure of the delay remains unclear. The present study is an attempt to develop a functional damper (attenuators) that can control its own viscous characteristics in real time using an ER fluid as the working fluid. ER dampers are useful for accomplishing both high-precision positioning and high-speed movement of the motor. In order to realize such a functional damper that can be manipulated according to a situation or task, the modeling and control of ER fluids are necessary. The present article investigates the time delay effects of ER fluids and constructs an in-depth dynamic model of the fluid through a simulation and an experiment. The mathematical model has a dead time and first-order delay of the fluid and a high-voltage amplifier for the fluid.
Identification of Dynamic Vehicular Axle Loads: Demonstration by a Field Study
Authors: Deng L. , Cai C.S.
Published: August 2010

A new identification methodology for dynamic axle loads using the superposition principle and influence surface concept was proposed in the companion paper, in which the effects of various factors such as bridge inertia force, measurement station, vehicle speed, traveling route, number of vehicles, road surface condition, and noise level were investigated through numerical simulations. In this study the proposed methodology is applied to identify the axle loads of a test truck traveling across an existing bridge. The axle load time-histories are obtained and compared to the static axle loads of the test truck. The results show that the identified dynamic axle loads are fluctuating around their static counterparts. The dynamic impact factor and load amplification factor for the axle loads under different vehicle speeds and road surface conditions are also studied. Being able to identify the real dynamic axle loads, the methodology can be applied to improve the current bridge-weigh-in-motion techniques that usually require a smooth road surface and slow vehicle movement to minimize the dynamic effects. The developed methodology will also be useful in identifying real dynamic vehicle forces on bridges, which will provide more reliable live load information for site-specific bridge fatigue assessment and performance evaluation.
2009 H1N1 Pandemic Influenza: An Overview
Authors: Ryan Kenneth
Published: August 2010

Objective. To understand the pathophysiology of influenza A, how seasonal strains behave differently from pandemic strains of the virus, and to summarize published data on the global response to the virus focusing on illness in the critical care setting.
Customer-to-Customer Interactions: Broadening the Scope of Word of Mouth Research
Authors: Libai Barak , Bolton Ruth , Bügel Marnix S. , de Ruyter Ko , Götz Oliver , Risselada Hans , Stephen Andrew T.
Published: August 2010

The increasing emphasis on understanding the antecedents and consequences of customer-to-customer (C2C) interactions is one of the essential developments of customer management in recent years. This interest is driven much by new online environments that enable customers to be connected in numerous new ways and also supply researchers’ access to rich C2C data. These developments present an opportunity and a challenge for firms and researchers who need to identify the aspects of C2C research on which to focus, as well as develop research methods that take advantage of these new data. The aim here is to take a broad view of C2C interactions and their effects and to highlight areas of significant research interest in this domain. The authors look at four main areas: the different dimensions of C2C interactions; social system issues related to individuals and to online communities; C2C context issues including product, channel, relational and market characteristics; and the identification, modeling, and assessment of business outcomes of C2C interactions.
Consumer Cocreation in New Product Development
Authors: Hoyer Wayne D. , Chandy Rajesh , Dorotic Matilda , Krafft Manfred , Singh Siddharth S.
Published: August 2010

The area of consumer cocreation is in its infancy and many aspects are not well understood. In this article, we outline and discuss a conceptual framework that focuses on the degree of consumer cocreation in new product development (NPD). The authors examine (a) the major stimulators and impediments to this process, (b) the impact of cocreation at each stage of the NPD process, and (c) the various firm-related and consumer-related outcomes. A number of areas for future research are suggested.
Infant trauma
Authors: Quin Andrew J , Waldron Rebecca , Page Piers
Published: August 2010

Trauma forms the second largest cause of death in children under 1 year of age. Infants form a difficult cohort of patients; their range of development, differing physiology and inability to communicate or understand treatment makes them a challenge for any healthcare worker. Several factors compound this problem including a general lack of familiarity within non-specialised trauma services and the difficulty in studying infants as a cohort in academic research. This article aims to summarise the common problems encountered in dealing with infants in a trauma setting and specific differences in their management compared to other children or adults. Where possible it details current evidence most appropriate to the age group.
Directives: Entitlement and contingency in action
Authors: Craven Alexandra , Potter Jonathan
Published: August 2010

This article is focused on the nature of directives. It draws on Curl and Drew’s (2008) analysis of entitlement and contingency in request types and applies this to a corpus of directives that occur in UK family mealtimes involving parents and young children (three—eight-year-olds). While requests are built as contingent to varying degrees on the recipient’s willingness or ability to comply, directives embody no orientation to the recipient’s ability or desire to perform the relevant activity. This lack of orientation to ability or desire may be what makes them recognizable as directives. When examining directives in sequence the contingencies were successively reduced or managed during the delivery of the directive, thereby treating contingencies as a resource of the speaker rather than of the recipient. In a sense the entitlement claimed is ‘to tell’ rather than ‘to ask’. In sequences involving multiple/repeated directives, non-compliance led to upgraded (more entitled and less contingent) directives. The difference in the entitlement claimed, the response options available and the trajectory of multiple requests/directives suggests that participants orient to requests and directives as different actions, rather than more or less forceful formulations of the same.
Repetitional responses in frontotemporal dementia discourse: Asserting agency or demonstrating confusion?
Authors: Mikesell Lisa
Published: August 2010

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a young-onset neurodegenerative dementia that primarily affects social behaviors. This paper examines the use of repetitional responses in FTD discourse, finding that patients often use repeats to assert agency or epistemic authority (i.e. to claim rights to knowledge). For example, repetitional responses are often used by patients to exert some autonomy when their interlocutors display a belief about the patients’ lack of knowledge about basic functioning. FTD has been associated with echolalia, the meaningless use of repetition; however, this analysis shows that the use of repetitional responses in FTD discourse can be meaningful and thus suggests that, at least in early stages of the dementia, echolalia is not always an accurate characterization of FTD patients’ use of repetitional responses.
Renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphisms in children with Henoch—Schönlein purpura in West China
Authors: Desong Liu  , Fang Lu  , Songhui Zhai  , Liu Wei  , Shi Ma  , Xiuying Chen  , Liqun Dong  , Yannan Guo  , Jin Wu  , Zheng Wang
Published: August 2010

It has been suggested that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) gene polymorphism is involved in the pathogenesis of Henoch—Schönlein purpura (HSP) with conflicting reports. We therefore investigate the effect of RAS gene polymorphism on HSP susceptibility and severity in a Chinese cohort. The study included 142 children with HSP and 218 healthy controls that were genotyped for RAS gene polymorphisms. Significantly, differences of T174M-T and ACE-D frequency were found between HSP patients and controls ( palleo = .002, ORalleo = 2.001; palleo = .007, OR alleo = 1.533, respectively). We also found correlations between ACE-I/D and Agt T174M with multiple organ involvements, with significant differences in ACE-D in renal groups ( p < 0.05) and Agt T174M in non-renal ( pjoint = .002, pGI = .042). Furthermore, decreasing M235T-T and increasing ACE-D were found associated with serious renal complications ( p = .019, p = .016). Additionally, ACE-I/D and T174M were significantly associated with high clinical score patients, as opposed to low clinical score patients, when patients were scored depending on the severity of overall complications ( p = .045, p = .026). We suggest that RAS gene polymorphisms ( ACE-I/D, M235T or T174M) are significantly associated with susceptibility to HSP, organ involvement, and disease severity, which largely account for individual prognosis.
Experimental Study on Bending Property of 8-Shape 3D Composite
Authors: Liu J.H. , Pan R.R. , Gao W.D. , Jiang H.X. , Qian D.N.
Published: August 2010

The 8-shape 3D composites were fabricated by using 3D woven fabrics of glass fibers as the reinforcement and unsaturated polyester resin as the matrix with hand lay-up molding technique. In the fabric, two groups of binder yarns in warp direction, connecting top and bottom skins, form 8 shape. The four-point bending property was tested. The supporting methods, including warp- and weft-supporting, were analyzed according to the direction of 8 shape in fabrics in this study. Experimental results showed that the onset fractures of weft-supporting method were larger than that of warp-supporting method. Under the same displacement, the load increased with the addition of thickness for all supporting methods. Moreover, the selection of the supporting skins of 8-shape composite affected the testing results of the onset fracture and the Young’s modulus.
Inroads to Integrative Health Care: Registered Nurses’ Personal Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affects Professional Identity and Nursing Practice
Authors: Bertrand Sharon W.
Published: August 2010

Nurses are increasingly using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for relief of personal health issues. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore how nurses’ TCM experiences affect nurses’ professional identities and practices. Symbolic interaction is the research framework used. Mixed methods of coding facilitate data analysis. Sociological theories explain the findings. The study included 20 semistructured interviews of 10 practicing nurses and 10 faculty members in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. The data provide the basis for several new conclusions. Nursing subspecialty practice norms determine how TCM experience affects nurses’ professional identities and nursing practices. Mutable nursing careers enable nurses to incorporate TCM into their nursing ‘‘toolbox.’’ Among the significant findings from this study is that nurses try TCM and share that information with others, creating inroads for integration of TCM into Western medicine.
Unveiling the United States Acupuncture Workforce
Authors: Stumpf Steven H. , Hardy Mary L. , Kendall D.E. , Carr Clifford R.
Published: August 2010

Acupuncture was first legalized in Maryland in 1973. By the end of 2009, regulatory legislation had passed in all but six states. The growth of acupuncture is most commonly measured by its well-documented demand as a treatment modality and the rapid increase in the number of licensees. Much less documented is a puzzling stagnation in work opportunities and income. As many as half of all licensees, on graduation and licensure, may be unable to support themselves by working in their chosen profession. However, unlike other well-established complementary and alternative health professions, such as chiropractic and massage, acupuncture is conspicuously absent from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics occupations manual, with only a handful of secondary and incomplete studies available, which together provide an inexact picture of the workforce. In this article, the authors review seven reports that provide limited information including hours worked, income, and practice type. Although data from these published articles are not standard, it can be reasonably concluded from the available information that, over the past decade, 50% of the licensed acupuncture (LAc) workforce is working less than 30 hr weekly; 50% are earning less than $50,000 on average; and the number of LAcs working independently in practice, either in their own office or sharing one, has increased from approximately 75% to 90%. Suggestions are presented for conducting a much needed comprehensive analysis of the acupuncture workforce.
Role of Industries in the Care of Diabetic Foot
Authors: Ramachandran A. , Lakshmi S. , Arun Nanditha , Samith Shetty A. , Snehalatha C.
Published: August 2010

Diabetic foot disease is a dreaded complication causing severe economic and social burden, mental and physical agony, and severe morbidity and mortality. This complication is largely preventable if the risk factors such as peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease are detected early and appropriate measures are taken to control glycemia, foot pressure, and chances of foot injury. In the case of ulceration, proper microbial control, pressure offloading by debridement, and use of appropriate footwear are mandatory to save the foot. This article focuses on the need for preventive care for diabetic complications demonstrating potentially helpful roles for industry in India.
Association of IL-6, Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Function, and Depression in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Jehn Christian Friedrich , Kühnhardt Dagmar , Bartholomae Andrea , Pfeiffer Sebastian , Schmid Peter , Possinger Kurt , Flath Bernd Christian , Lüftner Diana
Published: August 2010

Background: Evidence suggests that cytokines (IL-6) and alteration of the hypothalamic—pituitary—adrenal (HPA) axis play a crucial role in the etiology of depression. Patients with cancer show elevated prevalence rates for depression. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the associations between these abnormalities and depression. Methods: Plasma concentrations of IL-6 and cortisol were measured in cancer patients with (N = 31) and without depression (N = 83). The relative diurnal variation of cortisol (cortisol VAR), expressed in percentage, was calculated. Results: There was a significant difference in median plasma concentration of IL-6 between the patients with depression and those without (18.7 vs 2.7 pg/mL; P < .001). Relative cortisol VAR was decreased in depressed patients as compared with patients without depression (11.72% vs 60.6%, P = .037). A positive correlation between the depressive symptoms and IL-6 concentration was found ( r = 0.469, P < .001). Negative correlations were found between cortisol VAR versus depressive symptoms and cortisol VAR versus IL-6 ( r = -0.6, P < .001 and r = -0.52, P < .001, respectively). IL-6 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0-1.2; P = .006) and cortisol VAR (OR = 1.3; 95%CI = 1.0-1.4; P = .02) are independently associated with depression. Conclusions: Depression in cancer is associated with increased plasma IL-6 concentrations and dysfunction of the HPA axis.
The Molecular Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine ZHENG Syndromes on Pancreatic Tumor Growth
Authors: Dai Hai-Yan , Peng Wang  , Feng Lan-Yun , Liu Lu-Ming , Meng Zhi-Qiang , Zhu Xiao-Yan , Kun Wang  , Hua Yong-Qiang , Mao Yi-Xiang , Chen Lian-Yu , Zhen Chen
Published: August 2010

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes ( ZHENG in Chinese) are the abstraction from the comprehensive analysis of clinical information gained by the four main diagnostic TCM methods: observation, listening, questioning, and pulse analyses. Proper TCM diagnosis is the most important principle to guide the prescribing of Chinese herbs. Objective: To evaluate the specific effect of TCM ZHENG on tumor growth and to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying ZHENG and tumor growth. Methods: The authors established subcutaneous tumor models of pancreatic cancer ZHENG syndromes of Damp heat ( Shi-Re) and Spleen deficiency ( Pi-Xu). Tissue samples of the subcutaneous transplanted tumors from each model were studied versus control tumors. CCR5 and CXCR4 proteins in these tissues were assayed by immunohistochemical staining. The expression of CCR5/CCL5/CCL4/CCL3 and CXCR4/SDF-1 mRNA was investigated by reverse transcriptase—polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). SDF-1, CCL4, CCL5, and CCL3, which are ligands of CXCR4 and CCR5, were examined by ELISA. Results: The study found that tumor models with different ZHENG were successfully established in each group; the tumor growth of Shi-Re group was slower than that of the control group. It was found that there was a significant difference in CCR5 mRNA expression levels among the Pi-Xu, Shi-Re, and control groups. The results of immunohistochemistry staining revealed that the positive rate of CCR5 protein in Shi-Re group, Pi-Xu group, and control group was 25.00%, 53.33%, 83.33%, respectively. The Shi-Re group expressed the lowest levels of CCL5 and CCL4. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that the existence of TCM ZHENG may influence the tumor growth in pancreatic cancer, which might be mediated by the expression of CCR5/CCL5/CCL4. This finding may lead to the development of TCM ZHENG as a prognostic indicator in pancreatic tumor growth.
Use of Chemoprotectants in Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy: The Challenges of Selecting an Appropriate Agent
Authors: Jena Gopabandhu , Vikram Ajit , Durga Nand Tripathi  , Ramarao Poduri
Published: August 2010

Chemoprotection refers to the protection from the toxicity of one chemical by the intervention of another. Conflicting preclinical and clinical reports make it difficult to either ignore or accept the use of chemoprotectants during cancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The selection of anticancer drugs depends on the type and stage of cancer development. However, very little attention has been paid to the selection of chemoprotectants.The answer to the use of chemoprotectants during cancer therapy lies in their appropriate selection in a case-specific and/or issue-specific manner. The need of the hour is to find better answers on the rationality of chemoprotectants selection during cancer therapy using cutting-edge science. In this commentary, we have presented few examples to justify our view-points.
The Unreal Enemy of America’s Army
Authors: Allen Robertson
Published: August 2010

This paper explores the characterizations of enemies in military-themed video games, with special attention given to the games Conflict: Desert Storm and America’s Army. I demonstrate how the public enemy of America’s Army is one not confined to any nationality, ethnicity, or political agenda. This marks a significant departure from games such as Conflict: Desert Storm. I argue that the production of this abstract enemy—what I call the ‘‘unreal enemy’’—is significantly shaped by a biopolitical system that intertwines the military and electronic entertainment industries. This arrangement delocalizes power, distributing it through a network of institutions and subjects. Throughout, I use ethnographic examples that explore how this abstract enemy has been constructed and juxtaposed against more concrete and personal figures, such as the America’s Army Real Heroes, individuals upheld as the embodiment of personal achievement in the U.S. Army. I conclude by asserting that the unreal enemy of America’s Army is, ultimately, an enemy that is not exclusive to a video game, but one that exists as an anonymous specter, ever present in the militarized American cultural imaginary.
Introduction: The Social Science Study of Video Games
Authors: Corliss Jonathan
Published: August 2010

This introduction is a short survey of social science literature on video games. It is not meant as a comprehensive review. Instead its goal is to present some of the themes and questions that prompted us to bring the articles in this issue together. The essay begins by outlining some of the recent contributions from the social sciences to video game studies—with a particular emphasis on distinct forms of video game interactivity—and concludes with suggestions for possible future directions for this research.
Customer Choice Modeling in Hospitality Services: A Review of Past Research and Discussion of Some New Applications
Authors: Verma Rohit
Published: August 2010

Customer choice modeling techniques have grown in sophistication and applicability, so that this methodology can be useful for assessing the services and amenities that are market drivers for customers of hospitality businesses. In essence, customer choice modeling is an experimental process that seeks to identify the key market drivers by comparing respondents’ choices among packages of products and services, known as choice sets. By comparing the ratings of various choice set packages, one can assess which features of a product or service are most critical to the purchase decision. Also helpful in customer choice modeling is analysis of existing purchase patterns, which can be collected from point-of-sale devices and web activity. However, valuable though it is, collected data are backward looking—telling what customers did, but not what they will do. In contrast, customer choice modeling can look forward to see what customers might like, provided the experiment is designed correctly.
On Being Influenced While Trying to Persuade
Authors: Prislin Radmila , Boyle Shanelle M. , Davenport Cory , Farley Ashley , Jacobs Elizabeth , Michalak John , Uehara Ken , Zandian Farsiar , Xu Yishan
Published: August 2010

In two studies, a persuader attempted to influence multiple targets (confederates) to take his or her position on an important social issue. As the persuader advocated his or her position, targets initially provided positive (negative) feedback that placed the persuader in the majority (minority). Subsequent feedback on the persuader’s continuing advocacy either kept initially established status stable or reversed it (majority ↔ minority). Initial status and its stability interacted to affect persuaders' certainty, which in turn affected persuaders' efficacy assessed by coding persuaders' videotaped nonverbal behavior and strength of advocacy, respectively (Study 1). Coding and an independent audience’s reactions to persuasive “blogs” created by persuaders whose initial status was kept (un)stable replicated the persuasive efficacy findings (Study 2). Thus, persuaders' ability to produce cogent messages is affected by the social context in which they operate.
A Turban Effect, Too: Selection Biases Against Women Wearing Muslim Headscarves
Authors: Unkelbach Christian , Schneider Hella , Gode Kai , Senft Miriam
Published: August 2010

Traditional Muslim headscarves are called hijabs. The authors show that hijabs and headscarves are closely associated with people’s mental representation of “typical” Muslim women in Germany. They then investigate the influence of wearing such hijabs on acceptance rates in a human resources selection procedure. In this paradigm, the authors demonstrate a selection bias against women wearing hijabs: Although factual information about academic achievements had the largest effect on participants' decisions, decisions on all achievement levels were biased against women wearing hijabs. This pattern was substantiated by participants' response latencies; women wearing hijabs were more quickly rejected and more slowly accepted compared to women not wearing hijabs. The authors discuss these results' implications for public referendums (e.g., in Switzerland, 2009) and policy making (e.g., in France, 2004; in Germany, 2005) regarding Islamic culture.
Meaning as Magnetic Force
Authors: Stillman Tyler F. , Lambert Nathaniel M. , Fincham Frank D. , Baumeister Roy F.
Published: August 2010

The authors report on data indicating that having a strong sense of meaning in life makes people more appealing social interactants. In Study 1, participants were videotaped while conversing with a friend, and the interactions were subsequently rated by independent evaluators. Participants who had reported a strong sense of meaning in life were rated as desirable friends. In Study 2, participants made 10-s videotaped introductions of themselves that were subsequently evaluated by independent raters. Those who reported a strong sense of meaning in life were rated as more likeable, better potential friends, and more desirable conversation partners. The effect of meaning in life was beyond that of several other variables, including self-esteem, happiness, extraversion, and agreeableness. Study 2 also found an interaction between physical attractiveness and meaning in life, with more meaning in life contributing to greater interpersonal appeal for those of low and average physical attractiveness.
When Choice Does Not Equal Freedom
Authors: Stephens Nicole M. , Fryberg Stephanie A. , Markus Hazel Rose
Published: August 2010

The psychological literature indicates that people prefer to choose for themselves, but this finding largely represents a middle-class American perspective. The three studies reported here test the hypothesis that, given the material and social demands of working-class contexts, a concern for others can be normative and take precedence over individual choice. Study 1 found that, compared to middle-class participants, working-class participants, who reported fewer choices at work, more often accepted a gift from an experimenter than asked to choose for themselves. In Study 2, working-class participants' descriptions of choice included fewer associations with freedom and more associations with negative affect and difficulty than middle-class participants. Finally, Study 3 found that, reflecting greater negative affect toward choice, working-class observers preferred a shirt that a confederate accepted from someone else, rather than chose for herself. Together, these studies reveal that focusing on and attending to others is often normative in working-class contexts.
αS1-casein, which is essential for efficient ER-to-Golgi casein transport, is also present in a tightly membrane-associated form
Authors: Le Parc Annabelle , Leonil Joëlle , Chanat Eric
Published: August 2010

Background

Caseins, the main milk proteins, aggregate in the secretory pathway of mammary epithelial cells into large supramolecular structures, casein micelles. The role of individual caseins in this process and the mesostructure of the casein micelle are poorly known.

Results

In this study, we investigate primary steps of casein micelle formation in rough endoplasmic reticulum-derived vesicles prepared from rat or goat mammary tissues. The majority of both αS1- and β-casein which are cysteine-containing casein was dimeric in the endoplasmic reticulum. Saponin permeabilisation of microsomal membranes in physico-chemical conditions believed to conserve casein interactions demonstrated that rat immature β-casein is weakly aggregated in the endoplasmic reticulum. In striking contrast, a large proportion of immature αS1-casein was recovered in permeabilised microsomes when incubated in conservative conditions. Furthermore, a substantial amount of αS1-casein remained associated with microsomal or post-ER membranes after saponin permeabilisation in non-conservative conditions or carbonate extraction at pH11, all in the presence of DTT. Finally, we show that protein dimerisation via disulfide bond is involved in the interaction of αS1-casein with membranes.

Conclusions

These experiments reveal for the first time the existence of a membrane-associated form of αS1-casein in the endoplasmic reticulum and in more distal compartments of the secretory pathway of mammary epithelial cells. Our data suggest that αS1-casein, which is required for efficient export of the other caseins from the endoplasmic reticulum, plays a key role in early steps of casein micelle biogenesis and casein transport in the secretory pathway.
Positional differences in the wound transcriptome of skin and oral mucosa
Authors: Chen Lin , Arbieva Zarema H , Guo Shujuan , Marucha Phillip T , Mustoe Thomas A , DiPietro Luisa A
Published: August 2010

Background

When compared to skin, oral mucosal wounds heal rapidly and with reduced scar formation. Recent studies suggest that intrinsic differences in inflammation, growth factor production, levels of stem cells, and cellular proliferation capacity may underlie the exceptional healing that occurs in oral mucosa. The current study was designed to compare the transcriptomes of oral mucosal and skin wounds in order to identify critical differences in the healing response at these two sites using an unbiased approach.

Results

Using microarray analysis, we explored the differences in gene expression in skin and oral mucosal wound healing in a murine model of paired equivalent sized wounds. Samples were examined from days 0 to 10 and spanned all stages of the wound healing process. Using unwounded matched tissue as a control, filtering identified 1,479 probe sets in skin wounds yet only 502 probe sets in mucosal wounds that were significantly differentially expressed over time. Clusters of genes that showed similar patterns of expression were also identified in each wound type. Analysis of functionally related gene expression demonstrated dramatically different reactions to injury between skin and mucosal wounds. To explore whether site-specific differences might be derived from intrinsic differences in cellular responses at each site, we compared the response of isolated epithelial cells from skin and oral mucosa to a defined in vitro stimulus. When cytokine levels were measured, epithelial cells from skin produced significantly higher amounts of proinflammatory cytokines than cells from oral mucosa.

Conclusions

The results provide the first detailed molecular profile of the site-specific differences in the genetic response to injury in mucosa and skin, and suggest the divergent reactions to injury may derive from intrinsic differences in the cellular responses at each site.
Cancer type-specific modulation of mitochondrial haplogroups in breast, colorectal and thyroid cancer
Authors: Fang Hezhi , Shen Lijun , Chen Tao , He Jing , Ding Zhinan , Wei Jia , Qu Jianchun , Chen Guorong , Lu Jianxin , Bai Yidong
Published: August 2010

Background

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups and single nucleotide polymorphisms (mtSNP) have been shown to play a role in various human conditions including aging and some neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic diseases and cancer.

Methods

To investigate whether mtDNA haplogroups contribute to the occurrence of cancer in a specific Chinese population, we have carried out a comprehensive case-control study of mtDNA from large cohorts of patients with three common cancer types, namely, colorectal cancer (n = 108), thyroid cancer (n = 100) and breast cancer (n = 104), in Wenzhou, a southern Chinese city in the Zhejiang Province.

Results

We found that patients with mtDNA haplogroup M exhibited an increased risk of breast cancer occurrence [OR = 1.77; 95% CI (1.03-3.07); P = 0.040], and that this risk was even more pronounced in a sub-haplogroup of M, D5 [OR = 3.11; 95%CI (1.07-9.06); p = 0.030]. In spite of this, in patients with breast cancer, haplogroup M was decreased in the metastatic group. On the other hand, our results also showed that haplogroup D4a was associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer [OR = 3.00; 95%CI (1.09-8.29); p = 0.028]. However, no significant correlation has been detected between any mtDNA haplogroups and colorectal cancer occurrence.

Conclusion

Our investigation indicates that mitochondrial haplogroups could have a tissue-specific, population-specific and stage-specific role in modulating cancer development.
Role of risk and protective factors in risky sexual behavior among high school students in Cambodia
Authors: Yi Siyan , Poudel Krishna C , Yasuoka Junko , Palmer Paula H , Yi Songky , Jimba Masamine
Published: August 2010

Background

In many developing countries, adolescents have become increasingly prone to engage in habitual risky sexual behavior such as early sexual initiation and unprotected sex. The objective of this study was to identify the operation of risk and protective factors in individual, family, peer, school, and community domains in predicting risky sexual behavior among male and female adolescents in Cambodia.

Methods

From October 2007 to January 2008, we collected data from 1,049 students aged 14 to 20 years. Risky sexual behavior was measured using a scale consisting of four items: sexual intercourse during the past three months, number of sex partners during the past three months, age at first experience of sexual intercourse, and use of condom in last sexual intercourse. The risk factors examined included substance use, depression, peer delinquency, family violence, and community violence. Studied protective factors included family support function, frequency of family dinner, and school attachment.

Results

Of the 1,049 students surveyed, 12.7% reported sexual intercourse during the past three months. Out of those sexually active students, 34.6% reported having two or more sex partners over the same period, and 52.6% did not use a condom during their last sexual intercourse. After controlling for other covariates, a higher likelihood of risky sexual behavior remained significantly associated among male participants with higher levels of substance use, higher levels of peer delinquency, and higher family income. In contrast, risky sexual behavior did not retain its associations with any of the measured protective factors among male participants. Among female participants, a higher likelihood of risky sexual behavior remained significantly associated with higher levels of substance use, higher levels of community-violence witnessing, and lower levels of family support.

Conclusions

The findings suggest the importance of considering gender-related differences in the effects of risk and protective factors when designing and implementing prevention programs. In interventions for both male and female adolescents, prevention of substance use and risky sexual behavior should be integrated. For boys, efforts should focus on the reduction of peer delinquency, while, for girls, improvement of family support should be emphasized.
Determinants of glycemic control in female diabetic patients: a study from Iran
Authors: Ghazanfari Zeinab , Niknami Shamsaddin , Ghofranipour Fazlollah , Larijani Bagher , Agha-Alinejad Hamid , Montazeri Ali
Published: August 2010

Background

Since microvascular and macrovascular complications are reduced through strict glycemic control, this study carried out to identify the factors that affect glycemic control.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was carried out to examine the role of demographic, anthropometric, clinical and other relevant characteristics in a sample of 103 female diabetic patients in Tehran, Iran. Personal interviews were conducted to collect data. Then blood sampling collected and the patients were divided into two outcome groups (controlled and uncontrolled diabetes). The groups were compared on the basis of their characteristics using both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

In all 103 patients were entered into the study. The mean age of patients was 46.38 (SD = 11.42) years. Overall, the mean value of HbA1c for the whole sample was 7.5 (SD = 2.35) and 56.3% had HbA1c ≥ 7%. The findings obtained from univariate analysis revealed that there were no significant differences between controlled and uncontrolled patients. However, in multivariate analysis the waist circumference was found to be a significant predictor of increased level of HbA1c (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1-1.08, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that increased level of HbA1c is associated with waist circumference that is a modifiable factor. It seems that physical activity might be a solution to overcome this health problem. A larger study to identify other factors also is recommended.