bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Space Travels of the Wolfman: Phobia and its Worlds
Authors: Campbell Janet , Pile Steve
Published: January 2011

In this paper, we present a spatial reading of Freud's famous case study, ‘The Wolfman’ (1918). By reading the Wolfman and his phobias spatially, we want to show how psychoanalysis is not a linear story of personal development, but reveals instead the unconscious estates and competing places that our desires both travel in, but also get stuck and waylaid in. The unconscious ‘estates’ that the Wolfman travels through, constituting his phobias, is something we aim to illuminate. These worlds are not simply ‘many’, they are specific – but they nonetheless unfold in plural and non-linear ways. Phobias are the policemen of our desires keeping us safe and at home, within certain boundaries. And yet the Wolfman's phobias, his unconscious territories are arguably spaces that need opening up, not hypnotizing away. As Freud travels alongside the Wolfman through his worlds, he can never be sure where he is, where they are. And this is a good thing because if space travel in psychoanalysis is going to work, it has to be alive to the uncanny nature and the uncertain boundaries that constitute our desires. As a touchstone case study in psychoanalysis, the Wolfman's case points to the very uncertainty with which analysis must proceed. Psychoanalysis, in this view, is more about companionable travelling, without either a fixed point of origin or a predetermined destination, than about knowing where you have been, where you are and where you are going; more about creating a geography of possibilities than about determining which ones should or should not be taken.
Association between navicular bone fragmentation and shape in Belgian Warmblood horses
Authors: Claerhoudt S. , Pille F. , Vanderperren K. , Hauspie S. , Duchateau L. , Van der Vekens E. , Saunders J. H.
Published: January 2011

Objectives: To investigate whether in navicular bones (NB) from warmbloods, distal border fragmentation is associated with the shape of the proximal articular border or other radiological findings.

Methods: Radiographs of the front feet of 325 normal, subadult horses presented for admission as breeding stallions were reviewed.

Results: The proximal articular border of the total of 650 NB was classified as straight (n = 278), convex (n = 184), undulating (n = 147) or concave (n = 41). Distal border fragments were present in 57 NB (8.8%). They were significantly more prevalent in NB with a concave (9/41; 22%) or undulating (19/147; 13%) proximal articular border compared to NB with a straight (17/278; 6%) or convex shape (12/184; 7%). No other significant associations were found.

Clinical significance: Hypothetically, since a shape-fragment association was found and the distribution of biomechanical forces exerted on the navicular bone are assumed to be shape dependent, distal border fragments may be a result of unfavourable loading of the navicular region.
The efficacy of allogeneic mesenchymal precursor cells for the repair of an ovine tibial segmental defect
Authors: McGee M. , Stanley R. , Ruthenbeck G. , Papadimitrakis T. , Zannettino A. , Gronthos S. , Itescu S. , Field J. R.
Published: January 2011

Introduction: Synthetic void-fillers offer an alternative to autograft or allograft bone in the repair of segmental defects. However, the reparative process is delayed as only osteo-conductive elements are present. The inclusion of pluripotential cells may resolve this limitation, and the use of allogeneic tissue provides the opportunity for an off-the-shelf remedy. The current study evaluated the utilisation of mesenchymal precursor cells (MPC) for the repair of an ovine critical-size tibial segmental defect.

Methods: Twenty-four, mature female sheep underwent surgery for the creation of a 3 cm tibial diaphyseal defect. In one group of 12 sheep the scaffold was used alone, and in the second group the scaffold was seeded with MPC. The defect was stabilised using a locking intramedullary nail and allowed to heal over a nine-month-period. Outcome assessments of healing included radiology of callus formation, computed tomography, assessment of new-bone volume, mechanical attributes, and histological evaluation of linear bone apposition rate and tissue response.

Results: The MPC-treated group displayed a significantly greater level of callus formation and rate of bone apposition in the defect.

Discussion: The incorporation of allogeneic MPC to a synthetic void filler stimulated early repair of critical-size diaphyseal segmental defects and holds potential as an off-the-shelf therapy for augmenting bone regeneration.
Concentration of platelets and growth factors in canine autologous conditioned plasma
Authors: Stief M. , Gottschalk J. , Ionita J.-C. , Einspanier A. , Oechtering G. , Böttcher P.
Published: January 2011

Objectives: To report the concentration of blood cells and selected growth factors in canine autologous conditioned plasma (ACP).

Methods: The density of blood cells in whole blood (WB), ACP and standard plasma preparation (SP) of 10 healthy mature dogs was determined. In both ACP and SP, the concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), epidermal growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor-AA, platelet-derived growth factor-AB, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and transforming growth factor-β2 was measured using the ELISA technique. In another ten dogs, ACP was prepared using an ultra-soft spinning protocol, and again blood cell density was compared to that obtained in WB.

Results: The density of platelets in ACP was significantly higher than that in SP (p = 0.0002), but there was not any significant difference between ACP and WB, nor between WB and ACP prepared using softer centrifugations. Interestingly, only for IGF-1, PDGFBB, and TGF-β1 could reliable measurements be obtained, showing a significant increase in PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 concentrations in ACP compared to SP (p = 0.001, p = 0.0028). Regarding IGF-1 content, there was not any significant difference between ACP and SP.

Clinical significance: Canine ACP prepared according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, or by using a softer spin does not show the same specifications as human ACP, which shows a doubling in platelet count compared to WB. Even though canine ACP has a similar number of platelets per injected volume and consequently, probably the same amount of injected growth factors than WB, application of canine ACP would not be associated with the proinflammatory potential reported for WB, as it is almost free of erythrocytes and nucleated cells.
International Competitiveness in Hot Springs Tourism: An Application of the Analytical Hierarchy Process Approach
Authors: Lee Cheng-Fei , King Brian
Published: January 2011

This study provides an evaluation of the potential of Taiwan's hot springs tourism sector by proposing a model of competitiveness that has broad applicability to hot springs destinations. Using the analytic hierarchy process method to generate weightings for the various elements which
contribute to destination competitiveness, the study prioritizes aspects of hot springs tourism which would benefit from further development. A panel of experts commented on the relative competitiveness of hot springs tourism in Taiwan and Japan, and concluded that hot springs proprietors
need to reinforce their conservation efforts and engage in the sustainable use of hot springs and surrounding environments. They noted that governments should formulate and implement strategic destination planning and development to avoid a repetition of previous mistakes. The increasing Taiwanese
preoccupation with good health and longevity and Taiwan's rich endowment of high-grade natural hot springs produces a favorable environment development of the hot springs tourism sector. It also offers business opportunities to extend the appeal of hot springs tourism into health protection
and medical treatment. The article concludes that Taiwan's hot springs tourism sector has a promising future, but that concerted effort will be needed to match the product offerings of its competitors.
Whole-Family Research: Towards a Methodology in Tourism for Encompassing Generation, Gender, and Group Dynamic Perspectives
Authors: Schänzel Heike A.
Published: January 2011

Families traveling with children represent one of the largest markets for the tourism industry. Methodological approaches to family tourism research are underdeveloped as the study of families requires a more holistic and critical approach. This article addresses this shortcoming by
introducing whole-family research—a qualitative methodology used in family research that is inclusive of the group and individual perspectives of all family members. An application of this method to domestic family holidays in New Zealand is presented and associated methodological and
theoretical issues are examined. The discussion is conceptualized within the family holiday experience literature and recent developments in qualitative tourism research. It introduces a triangular family group perspective that is inclusive of sociality and three-dimensionality rather than
relying on one-dimensional (individual) or two-dimensional (dyadic or gendered) perspectives. An analytical framework that transcends the complexity and multidimensionality of the current whole-family study is presented. Methodological issues considered include access to families, diversity
of family forms, ethical considerations with children, inclusion of fathers, and projective techniques. Included are three examples from the findings to illustrate the merits of whole-family research: the perspectives of the fathers, children, and group dynamics. The potential of this research
methodology in exploring gender, generational, and group dynamic dimensions in tourism are highlighted.
Testing the Role of Authenticity in Cultural Tourism Consumption: A Case of Mauritius
Authors: Ramkissoon Haywantee , Uysal Muzaffer
Published: January 2011

Tourists' interests in traveling to natural and cultural heritage sites of different destinations in the quest for authenticity have fueled the growth of the cultural tourism industry in such economies. The purpose of the present study is to broaden the understanding of authenticity's
various interpretations in the cultural tourism consumption context. Data were collected at 10 selected cultural and natural heritage sites in the island of Mauritius. Structural equation modeling was employed on a total sample of 600 tourists after a pretest. Path analysis was used to examine
the effect of felt authenticity on tourists' intentions to consume cultural heritage attractions. Results indicated that the issue of authenticity is fundamental in destinations hosting unique natural and cultural resources increasingly sought by the modern traveler. The study enriches the
theoretical and practical contributions of felt authenticity as a determinant of tourists' intentions to consume cultural authenticity in small island destinations.
History and Tourism: Intertextual Representations of Florence
Authors: Staiff Russell
Published: January 2011

The act of worldmaking involves various and complex representations that “produce” places, cultures, institutions, individuals, and heritages. The subject has emerged as a strong concept in the recent conceptuality of Tourism Studies/Tourism Sciences. In this review article,
Staiff makes it clear that a lead heritage locale or tourist destination city like Florence (and visitors to Florence!) is (are) unavoidably ensnared in such practices. In this article, the reviewer explores the interrelationship between the various historical representations of the city,
and in particular, the myth of Renaissance Florence and the recent revisionist constructions of the 15th century. It suggests that a process of intertextuality is at work in both “tourist Florence,” as a place, and in the way the visitor makes sense of the city within networks
of meaning continually being created. Further, this review article explores the coincidence of Florence as a specular culture in the 15th century—one where everything is deemed to mirror everything else—and a tourist display culture in the 21st century and what this coincidence
reveals about the role of representation in the past and the role of representation and worldmaking in the present through the mediating agency and authority of tourism, and its collaborative inscriptive industries.
The Effect of Memorable Experience on Behavioral Intentions in Tourism: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Kim Jong-Hyeong , Ritchie J. R. Brent , Tung Vincent Wing Sun
Published: January 2011

This study develops and tests a model to investigate the effects of memorable tourism experiences on future behavioral intentions (e. g., revisiting). A structural equation modeling analysis reveals that the memorable experiential components of involvement, hedonism, and local culture
positively affect behavioral intention to revisit the same destination, repractice the same tourist activities, and generate positive word-of-mouth publicity. The research findings contribute to a better understanding of memorable tourism experiences and the experiential factors that enhance
positive behavioral intentions. The theoretical and managerial implications of the study results are discussed in detail.
Developing Tourism Clusters and Networks: Attitudes to Competition Along Australia's Murray River
Authors: Lade Clare
Published: January 2011

This article explores the importance and degree of network development within the tourism industry of four regional centers located along one of Australia's well-known river systems, the Murray River. Cluster theory serves as the broad theoretical orientation, with the attitudes towards
competitive behavior and the receptiveness to cluster development examined and reported in the article. The results gathered and analyzed imply that those regions which have fully adopted the clustering concept are inclined to be more successful also in terms of tourism expenditure and overnight
tourist visitation. Business clustering may be used as a means of stimulating local businesses to contribute to their own development and therefore raising the competitive advantage of a region, providing the correct local leadership and cooperation between sectors constituting the industry
exists.
A Study of the Effects of Leisure Time on China's Economic Growth: A Neoclassic Growth Model
Authors: Wei Xiang , Qu Hailin , Ma Emily
Published: January 2011

The aim of this study is to assess the effects of leisure time on China's long-run economic growth. Two compensation effects of leisure are introduced into the growth model to assess if leisure choice-set affects economic growth in the long term. Time series data covering 23 years (1981–
2003) are used in the study, and a neoclassic growth model is employed to analyze the data. The result shows a weak and negative relationship between leisure time and China's long-term economic growth.
The Pattern of International Tourist Arrivals And Revenue Estimates for Malaysia: 2002–2007
Authors: Jayaraman K. , Lin Soh Keng , Ismail Ishak , Ong Wooi Leng
Published: January 2011

This article discusses the applications and the results of the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) forecasting model to predict the international tourist arrivals into Malaysia using the monthly data from January 2002 through December 2007. Based on the arrivals and the
average length of stay, the revenue was computed and the time series forecast model was fitted to estimate the total revenue for the Malaysian tourism industry. International arrivals into Malaysia remained resilient and have been dominant by Asian visitors. The five Asian countries, namely
Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, and China, together accounted for 75.3% of the international tourist arrivals into Malaysia and contributed to 66.5%, of the Malaysian tourism revenue for the year 2007. The forecasting models were also fitted for tourists coming into Malaysia from these
five countries for future planning and managerial applications. It is worthwhile to mention that the forecasted arrivals and revenue for the year 2008 almost coincide with the actual Malaysian official tourism figures and the variation is negligible, which strengthens the validity and the
robustness of the fitted models.
Branding Authenticity
Authors: Chhabra Deepak
Published: January 2011

This article explores the link between authenticity expectations and tourist satisfaction at heritage sites using a consumption model of authenticity. The population in focus is a subset of Generation Y in the US. In doing so, it offers important perspectives on strategic brand management
for heritage sites so that proactive strategies can be formulated. The results show that authenticity has become an important performance indicator of heritage tourism. It enriches tourist experience and satisfaction and is a crucial measure to gauge marketing success.
Cancer Nutrition Rehabilitation Program: The Role of Social Work
Authors: Townsend Diane , Accurso–Massana C. , Lechman C. , Duder S. , Chasen M.
Published: January 2011

The Cancer Nutrition Rehabilitation (CNR) program at the McGill University Health Centre is an interdisciplinary 8-week treatment program offering patients information, education, treatment, and support in areas such as diet, exercise, and rehabilitation, plus resources to address their psychosocial needs. The program social worker helps the patient and the patient’s family to cope with the illness, to problem-solve, and to obtain needed resources. Here, we present a description of these patients—demographics, medical diagnoses, and psychosocial needs as assessed by the Person-in-Environment standardized instrument—derived from the socialwork files of the 75 patients referred to social work in the period February 2007–December 2008. The reason most frequently reported for referral to social work was assistance with psychosocial problems. For 41.3% of the sample, these problems were assessed as high severity, and almost half the patients in the sample (47.8%) were assessed as having inadequate coping ability. Patient age was the most important demographic variable. Although seniors (63–94 years of age) were the least likely to have high-severity psychosocial problems, they were the most likely to have inadequate coping ability. That finding suggests that the CNR social worker, in addition to dealing with the instrumental, practical needs of cancer patients, is in a unique position to respond to their emotional difficulties in coping with their illness, and that health care professionals need to pay particular attention to the coping ability of elderly patients.
Intensive Induction Chemotherapy without Methotrexate in Adult Patients with Localized Osteosarcoma: Results of the Institut Gustave-Roussy Phase II Trial
Authors: Assi Hazem , Missenard G. , Terrier P. , Le Pechoux C. , Bonvalot S. , Vanel D. , Meric J.B. , Tursz T. , LeCesne A.
Published: January 2011

Purpose: To improve outcomes in localized osteosarcoma and to reduce the duration of preoperative chemotherapy, we conducted a phase ii trial assessing the efficacy of an intensive protracted regimen without methotrexate (API-AI regimen) in adolescent and adult patients with newly diagnosed disease. Patients and Methods: Induction chemotherapy consisted of 2 cycles (4 courses) of doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 (days 1 and 15), cisplatin 100 mg/m2 (day 1), and ifosfamide 5 g/m2 (days 2 and 15). The primary endpoint was good histologic response [GHR (≤5% identifiable tumour cells)]. Results: From March 1993 to March 2000, 32 patients [median age: 21 years (range: 15–49 years)] were administered 126 induction courses. The median time between chemotherapy courses was 15 days (range: 12–32 days). All but 3 patients underwent conservative surgery. Toxicity was mainly hematologic, with febrile neutropenia occurring in 35% of patients and grades 3–4 thrombocytopenia in 35%. The GHR rate was 47%. The median follow-up was 64 months (range: 30–115 months). The 5-year event-free and overall survivals were 65% [95% confidence interval (CI): 48–79%] and 69% (95% CI: 50–83%) respectively. Two secondary hematologic malignancies occurred: 1 acute myelocytic leukemia (M5) in a poor responder with concomitant relapse, and 1 myelodysplastic syndrome in a patient achieving GHR. Conclusions: Despite hematologic toxicity, the results observed with the API-AI regimen compare favourably with those observed during previous induction chemotherapy containing methotrexate in adult patients and the pediatric population treated at our institution. These promising results have to be validated by an ongoing national multicentre trial coordinated by the French Sarcoma Group.
Re. Multimodality Breast Cancer Screening in Women with a Familial or Genetic Predisposition
Authors: Narod Steven A.
Published: January 2011

Earlier this year in Current Oncology, Trop and colleagues added new information to support the claim that screening with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for breast cancer is superior—in terms of sensitivity— to routine mammography [...]
Screening for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen before Chemotherapy: Current Practice and Opportunities for Improvement
Authors: Lee R. , Vu K. , Bell C.M. , Hicks Lisa K.
Published: January 2011

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a recognized complication of chemotherapy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all patients be screened for the HBV surface antigen (HBSAG) before chemotherapy. We sought to determine the frequency of hbsag testing before chemotherapy at our hospital and to increase the frequency of testing to more than 90% of patients starting chemotherapy. Methods: Using a retrospective electronic chart review, we identified the frequency of HBSAG testing for patients initiated on intravenous chemotherapy at out institution between March 2006 and March 2007. The frequency of left ventricular function testing in the subgroup of patients receiving potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy was identified as a comparator. An educational intervention was developed and delivered to the multidisciplinary oncology team. The frequency of HBSAG testing was determined post intervention. Qualitative interviews were conducted with the members of the oncology team to identify risk perception and barriers to testing. Results: Of 208 patients started on intravenous chemotherapy between March 2006 and March 2007, only 28 (14%) were tested for HBSAG. All 138 patients scheduled for cardiotoxic chemotherapy (100%) underwent left ventricular function testing. In the post-intervention phase, of 74 patients started on intravenous chemotherapy, 24 (31%) underwent HBSAG testing, with 1 patient testing positive. Conclusions: The frequency of testing for HBSAG before chemotherapy was very low at our institution. An educational intervention resulted in only a modest improvement. Potential barriers to routine screening include lack of awareness about existing guidelines, controversy about the evidence that supports HBSAG testing guidelines, and a perception by physicians that HBV reactivation does not occur with solid tumours.
Metastatic Carcinoid Presenting as a Breast Lesion
Authors: Geyer Holly L. , Viney J. , Karlin N.
Published: January 2011

Metastasis to the breast is a rare occurrence, constituting fewer than 2% of all breast tumours. Of all metastatic tumours in the breast, most arise from contralateral breast primaries. Other reported primary solid tumour sites include melanoma; lung, gastric, and renal cancers; and approximately 29 cases of carcinoid tumour. Ambiguous presentations and an absence of carcinoid syndrome features make accurate radiographic and histologic assessment of breast carcinoids challenging. Here, we report the case of a 52-year-old woman who presented with a mammographic abnormality in the left breast. Excisional biopsy revealed histopathology consistent with carcinoid. After an exhaustive work-up, carcinoid within the terminal ileum was ultimately identified, and the woman was diagnosed with metastatic breast carcinoid, an exceedingly rare entity. This paper describes the common mammographic, cytologic, and immunohistochemical features typical of metastatic breast carcinoid tumours, together with their common clinical features, prognosis, and treatment options.
Endometrioid Ovarian Carcinoma Benefits from Aromatase Inhibitors: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Pan Yi , Kao M. S.
Published: January 2011

Aromatase inhibitors have not been adequately assessed in treatment of ovarian cancer. The aromatase inhibitor letrozole (2.5 mg daily) was administered in 2 cases of advanced endometrioid ovarian cancer with positive estrogen receptor. Case 1: A 52-year-old woman with a grade 2–3, stage IIIC endometrioid ovarian cancer was optimally debulked and received 6 cycles of intravenous paclitaxel and intraperitoneal cisplatin–paclitaxel. Post chemotherapy, one of several biopsies showed residual disease during the second-look laparoscopy. This patient was treated with letrozole and remained disease-free during 30 months of follow-up. Case 2: A 47-year-old woman with a grade 3, stage IIIC endometrioid ovarian cancer was optimally debulked and treated with intravenous carboplatin–paclitaxel. After a 15-month remission, her first recurrent disease was treated with carboplatin–docetaxel. The second remission lasted only 11 months, after which the patient was treated with splenectomy and subsequent liposomal doxorubicin. Letrozole was administered after the chemotherapy. The patient had a 30-month remission before the next recurrence of her disease. Conclusions: Endometrioid ovarian carcinoma may benefit from aromatase inhibitors, especially when the tumour burden is low after primary chemotherapy or when the inhibitor is used as maintenance therapy between chemotherapies.
Re. Consent to External-Beam Radiotherapy
Authors: Benatar David
Published: January 2011

In this issue of Current Oncology, Carolyn Freeman and colleagues raise an important question about consent to external-beam radiotherapy. More specifically, they ask [...]
Terry Fox’s Legacy: A Case for Translational Research
Authors: Chasen Martin
Published: January 2011

In 1980, Terry Fox dipped his artificial leg into the cold Atlantic water in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to launch his run across Canada to support cancer research. [...]
Encouraging Data out of the 2010 Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology with Respect to Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hirsh Vera
Published: January 2011

Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. [...]
In This Issue of Current Oncology
Authors: McLean M.
Published: January 2011

This first issue of 2010 sees a gathering of momentum as Current Oncology transitions to hybrid-based publication. [...]
The intriguing modeling of cis–trans selectivity in ruthenium-catalyzed olefin metathesis
Authors: Bahri-Laleh Naeimeh , Credendino Raffaele , Cavallo Luigi
Published: January 2011

In this study we have investigated computationally the origin of the cis–trans selectivity in the Ru-catalyzed cross metathesis (CM) of a prototype monosubstituted olefin, i.e., propene. Our calculations suggest that the origin of the preferential formation of trans-olefins is in the product release step, which prevents the initially formed cis-olefin from escaping the metal, and returns it to the reaction pool until the trans-olefin is formed.
Chemokine Transcripts as Targets of the RNA-Binding Protein HuR in Human Airway Epithelium
Authors: Fan Jinshui , Ishmael Faoud T. , Fang Xi , Myers Allen , Cheadle Chris , Huang Shau-Ku , Atasoy Ulus , Gorospe Myriam , Stellato Cristiana
Published: January 2011

HuR is a regulator of mRNA turnover or translation of inflammatory genes through binding to adenylate-uridylate–rich elements and related motifs present in the 3′untranslated region (UTR) of mRNAs. We postulate that HuR critically regulates the epithelial response by associating with multiple ARE-bearing, functionally related inflammatory transcripts. We aimed to identify HuR targets in the human airway epithelial cell line BEAS-2B challenged with TNF-α plus IFN-γ, a strong stimulus for inflammatory epithelial responses. Ribonucleoprotein complexes from resting and cytokine-treated cells were immunoprecipitated using anti-HuR and isotype-control Ab, and eluted mRNAs were reverse-transcribed and hybridized to an inflammatory-focused gene array. The chemokines CCL2, CCL8, CXCL1, and CXCL2 ranked highest among 27 signaling and inflammatory genes significantly enriched in the HuR RNP-IP from stimulated cells over the control immunoprecipitation. Among these, 20 displayed published HuR binding motifs. Association of HuR with the four endogenous chemokine mRNAs was validated by single-gene ribonucleoprotein-immunoprecipitation and shown to be 3′UTR-dependent by biotin pull-down assay. Cytokine treatment increased mRNA stability only for CCL2 and CCL8, and transient silencing and overexpression of HuR affected only CCL2 and CCL8 expression in primary and transformed epithelial cells. Cytokine-induced CCL2 mRNA was predominantly cytoplasmic. Conversely, CXCL1 mRNA remained mostly nuclear and unaffected, as CXCL2, by changes in HuR levels. Increase in cytoplasmic HuR and HuR target expression partially relied on the inhibition of AMP-dependent kinase, a negative regulator of HuR nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. HuR-mediated regulation in airway epithelium appears broader than previously appreciated, coordinating numerous inflammatory genes through multiple posttranscriptional mechanisms.
Normative and Critical Criteria for Iliotibial Band and Iliopsoas Muscle Flexibility
Authors: Ferber Reed , Kendall Karen D. , McElroy Lindsay
Published: January 2011

Context:

The Ober and Thomas tests are subjective and involve a “negative” or “positive” assessment, making them difficult to apply within the paradigm of evidence-based medicine. No authors have combined the subjective clinical assessment with an objective measurement for these special tests.

Objective:

To compare the subjective assessment of iliotibial band and iliopsoas flexibility with the objective measurement of a digital inclinometer, to establish normative values, and to provide an evidence-based critical criterion for determining tissue tightness.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Clinical research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Three hundred recreational athletes (125 men, 175 women; 250 in injured group, 50 in control group).

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Iliotibial band and iliopsoas muscle flexibility were determined subjectively using the modified Ober and Thomas tests, respectively. Using a digital inclinometer, we objectively measured limb position. Interrater reliability for the subjective assessment was compared between 2 clinicians for a random sample of 100 injured participants, who were classified subjectively as either negative or positive for iliotibial band and iliopsoas tightness. Percentage of agreement indicated interrater reliability for the subjective assessment.

Results:

For iliotibial band flexibility, the average inclinometer angle was −24.59° ± 7.27°. A total of 432 limbs were subjectively assessed as negative (−27.13° ± 5.53°) and 168 as positive (−16.29° ± 6.87°). For iliopsoas flexibility, the average inclinometer angle was −10.60° ± 9.61°. A total of 392 limbs were subjectively assessed as negative (−15.51° ± 5.82°) and 208 as positive (0.34° ± 7.00°). The critical criteria for iliotibial band and iliopsoas flexibility were determined to be −23.16° and −9.69°, respectively. Between-clinicians agreement was very good, ranging from 95.0% to 97.6% for the Thomas and Ober tests, respectively.

Conclusions:

Subjective assessments and instrumented measurements were combined to establish normative values and critical criterions for tissue flexibility for the modified Ober and Thomas tests.
Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy in a Collegiate Lacrosse Player: A Case Report
Authors: Stiller-Ostrowski Jennifer L.
Published: January 2011

Objective:

To present the case of a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men's lacrosse athlete with fourth cranial nerve injury as the result of a minor traumatic blow.

Background:

The athlete was struck on the right side of his head during a lacrosse game. On-field evaluation revealed no cervical spine involvement or loss of consciousness. He complained of headache and dizziness, with delayed reports of visual disturbance. Sideline visual acuity and cranial nerve screenings appeared within normal limits. Consultation with the team physician indicated that immediate referral to the emergency department was unnecessary.

Differential Diagnosis:

Concussion, third cranial nerve palsy, fourth cranial nerve palsy.

Treatment:

The certified athletic trainer safely removed the athlete from the playing field and monitored him on the sideline. After being seen by the team physician, the patient was referred to a neurologist, ophthalmologist, and finally a neuro-ophthalmologist before a definitive diagnosis was made. The palsy did not necessitate surgical intervention, resolving with conservative treatment. The athlete was able to return to full athletic ability at his preinjury level by 8 months postinjury.

Uniqueness:

Superior oblique palsy as the result of fourth cranial nerve injury is the most frequent isolated cranial nerve palsy; however, these palsies are often underdiagnosed by health professionals. Such palsies are uncommon within the athletic realm, making timely diagnosis even less likely.

Conclusions:

Cranial nerve palsy may present very subtly in patients. Therefore, on-field health care providers should be aware of the descriptions and types of compensations that signal nerve injury.
Impact of parenting practices on parent-child relationships in children with specific learning disability
Authors: Karande S , Kuril S
Published: January 2011

Background:

Parents of children with specific learning disability (SpLD) undergo stress in coping up with their child's condition.

Aims:

To document the parenting practices of parents having a child with newly diagnosed SpLD and to analyze their impact on parent-child relationships.

Settings and Design:

Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study in our clinic.

Materials and Methods:

From May 2007 to January 2008, 150 parents (either mother or father) of children consecutively diagnosed as having SpLD were enrolled. Parenting practices and parent-child relationships were measured by the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire-Parent Form (APQ-PF) and the Parent Child Relationship Questionnaire (PCRQ), respectively.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Pearson correlation coefficients between subscales of APQ-PF and PCRQ were computed. Multiple regression analysis was carried out for statistical significance of the clinical and demographic variables. Results: Parents who were: (i) "involved" in parenting had a good "personal relationship and disciplinary warmth," (ii) practicing "positive parenting" had good "warmth, personal relationship and disciplinary warmth," (iii) "poorly supervising" their child's activities lacked "warmth and personal relationship," (iv) practicing "inconsistent discipline' had a higher "power assertion" and (v) practicing "corporal punishment" lacked "warmth" and had a higher "power assertion and possessiveness" in their relationships with their child. Parent being poorly educated or currently ill and child having all three types of SpLD present concomitantly or a sibling or a sibling with a chronic disability or being in class standard IX to XI were variables that independently predicted a poor parenting or parent-child relationship subscale score.

Conclusions:

The present study has identified parenting practices that need to be encouraged or excluded for improving parent-child relationships. Initiating these measures would help in the rehabilitation of children with SpLD.
The Predictors of Success for E-Learning in Higher Education Institutions (HEIS) in N-W.F.P, Pakistan
Authors: Kundi Ghulam Muhammad , Nawaz Allah , Khan Shadiullah
Published: January 2011

The interrelationships between different perceptions and attitudes of e-Learning users are widely researched, which reveals that whatever the perception and theory of a user about the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and e-Learning environment are, the same is reflected in his/her attitude towards using educational technologies for teaching and learning. The objective of this study was to measure the relationships between the indicators (perceptions about ICTs, educational technologies, development and use of e-Learning) and the Criterion variables (problems, satisfaction and prospects) among e-Learning users in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of N-W.F.P, Pakistan. The study found the existence of strong relationships in terms of indicators explaining the dependent variables. However, the impact is different from one variable to another. 81% of Problems, 57% of Satisfaction and 23% of Prospects are explained by the Indicators. Problems are significantly explained by all four indicators, while Satisfaction has been predicted by three of the indicators (excluding Perceptions). The study found that only two indicators (Perceptions about ICTs and Educational technologies) predict the Prospects, while Development and Use do not. The surprising finding is that Prospects are not defined by the ‘Existing Development and Use Practices’. Rather, their perceptions about ICTs and e-Learning tools strongly forecast the Prospects.
An Information Sub-System Model for the Utilization of the Receipt Printer as a Management Instrument in the Supermarket Sector in the State of Santa Catarina
Authors: Toledo Filho Jorge Ribeiro de , Elias Paulo Roberto
Published: January 2011

The supermarket sector in the State of Santa Catarina, as well as other sectors, has invested in technology and information systems. Public authorities make legal requirements about this sector which, at first, serve only as fiscal control, as in the case of the Receipt Printer-RP. This paper aims to demonstrate how the RP is used in the companies studied. It also aims to show the feasibility of the RP as a tool for management purposes, with results in reducing expenses, costs and tax charges, by means of specific reports. An information subsystem model will be considered as a management tool with the use of the RP. The methodology adopted was quantitative, with an exploratory and deductive study. The universe of this study is the supermarket sector in the State of Santa Catarina, using a sample chosen by the invoicing criterion. The database was formed by questionnaires sent to the sector and other information provided by public agencies, through the use of special data from the State Department of Finance, which is responsible for the control of RPs. Results indicate that it is possible to use the RP as a management instrument.
Questioning and Discursive Rationalization of Productive Processes in Organizations
Authors: Lima Clóvis Ricardo Montenegro de , Lima José Rodolfo Tenório , Moreira Fernanda Kempner
Published: January 2011

In this article, the academic questioning and rationalization of productive processes in organizations are discussed. The organizational dynamics in Luhmann’s theory of systems that emphasize the relationship of the system with its surroundings is also discussed. This theory allows for the analysis of organizations complexity, including their dynamics and processes.The concept of organizational autopoiesis is highlighted in this study. The discussion of quality improvement and innovation of production processes is based on pedagogical issues of the organizations. The possibilities of Habermas’ communicative action theory is discussed, especially in the form of discursive rationalization of complex organizational processes In conclusion, discursive rationalization may be important to build effective and integrated organizations through an ethical and sympathetic basis.
Comparative Analysis of Innovation Aspect Evidence in Construction and Multi-Sector Companies
Authors: Floriani Ricardo , Beuren Ilse Maria , Hein Nelson
Published: January 2011

The goal of this study is to make a comparative analysis of innovation aspect evidence among construction and multi-sector companies. Descriptive research was done through a content analysis of administration reports from 2005 to 2007. From the researched material, 14 aspects of innovations were extracted, which offer the basis to the content analysis. Two non-probability samples were developed, the first consisting of 22 multi-sector businesses, within 18 economic sectors, which comprises the companies in the comparison. Aspects of innovation found in this group of companies were compared to those stated in the reports of the administration of the 34 construction companies with open capital, which comprise the second sample. The survey results show that the evidence of innovation aspects are different in construction companies when compared to the administration reports of multi-sector business of 2005, 2006 and 2007. The construction companies state fewer innovation aspects in the administration reports than multisector companies in the analyzed period. The conclusion is that while construction companies can be considered fairly innovative, multi-sectorial companies present more innovations on average.
An overview of measurement comparisons from the INTEX-B/MILAGRO airborne field campaign
Authors: Kleb M. M. , Chen G. , Crawford J. H. , Flocke F. M. , Brown C. C.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. As part of the NASA's INTEX-B mission, the NASA DC-8 and NSF C-130 conducted three wing-tip to wing-tip comparison flights. The intercomparison flights sampled a variety of atmospheric conditions (polluted urban, non-polluted, marine boundary layer, clean and polluted free troposphere). These comparisons form a basis to establish data consistency, but also should also be viewed as a continuation of efforts aiming to better understand and reduce measurement differences as identified in earlier field intercomparison exercises. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of 140 intercomparisons of data collected as well as a record of the measurement consistency demonstrated during INTEX-B. It is the primary goal to provide necessary information for the future research to determine if the observations from different INTEX-B platforms/instrument are consistent within the PI reported uncertainties and used in integrated analysis. This paper may also contribute to the formulation strategy for future instrument developments. For interpretation and most effective use of these results, the reader is strongly urged to consult with the instrument principle investigator.
A coupled climate model simulation of Marine Isotope Stage 3 stadial climate
Authors: Brandefelt J. , Kjellström E. , Näslund J.-O. , Strandberg G. , Voelker A. H. L. , Wohlfarth B.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. We present a coupled global climate model (CGCM) simulation, integrated for 1500 years to quasi-equilibrium, of a stadial (cold period) within Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3). The simulated Greenland stadial 12 (GS12; ~44 ka BP) annual global mean surface temperature (Ts) is 5.5 °C higher than in the simulated recent past (RP) climate and 1.3 °C lower than in the simulated Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 21 ka BP) climate. The simulated GS12 climate is evaluated against proxy data of sea surface temperature (SST). Simulated SSTs fall within the uncertainty range of the proxy SSTs for 30–50% of the sites depending on season. Proxy SSTs are higher than simulated SSTs in the Central North Atlantic, in contrast to earlier simulations of MIS 3 stadial climate in which proxy SSTs were found to be lower than simulated SST. The annual global mean Ts only changes by 0.10 °C from model years 500–599 to the last century of the simulation, indicating that the climate system may be close to equilibrium already after 500 years of integration. However, significant regional differences between the last century of the simulation and model years 500–599, with a maximum of 8 °C in temperature and 65% in precipitation in Southeastern Greenland in boreal winter, exist. Further, the agreement between simulated and proxy SST is improved from model years 500–599 to the last century of the simulation. El-Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnections in mean sea level pressure (MSLP) are analysed for the last 300 years of the GS12, LGM and RP climate simulations. In agreement with an earlier study, we find that GS12 and LGM forcing and boundary conditions induce major modifications to ENSO teleconnections. However, significant differences in the teleconnection patterns are found between a 300-year time-slice starting after 195 model years and the last 300 years of the simulation. Thus we conclude that both the mean state and the variability of the simulated GS12 climate is dependent on the equilibration. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) slows down by 50% in the GS12 climate as compared to the RP climate. This slowdown is attained without freshwater forcing in the North Atlantic region, a method used in other studies to force an AMOC shutdown. The results presented here suggest that stadial climate, rather that interstadial climate, should be interpreted as a near-equilibrium MIS 3 climate, in contradiction to an earlier modelling study.
Meteorological and trace gas factors affecting the number concentration of atmospheric Aitken (Dp = 50 nm) particles in the continental boundary layer: parameterization using a multivariate mixed effects model
Authors: Mikkonen S. , Korhonen H. , Romakkaniemi S. , Smith J. N. , Joutsensaari J. , Lehtinen K. E. J. , Hamed A. , Breider T. J. , Birmili W. , Spindler G. , Plass-Duelmer C. , Facchini M. C. , Laaksonen A.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Measurements of aerosol size distribution and different gas and meteorological parameters, made in three polluted sites in Central and Southern Europe: Po Valley, Italy, Melpitz and Hohenpeissenberg in Germany, were analysed for this study to examine which of the meteorological and trace gas variables affect the number concentration of Aitken (Dp= 50 nm) particles. The aim of our study was to predict the number concentration of 50 nm particles by a combination of in-situ meteorological and gas phase parameters. The statistical model needs to describe, amongst others, the factors affecting the growth of newly formed aerosol particles (below 10 nm) to 50 nm size, but also sources of direct particle emissions in that size range. As the analysis method we used multivariate nonlinear mixed effects model. Hourly averages of gas and meteorological parameters measured at the stations were used as predictor variables; the best predictive model was attained with a combination of relative humidity, new particle formation event probability, temperature, condensation sink and concentrations of SO2, NO2 and ozone. The seasonal variation was also taken into account in the mixed model structure. Model simulations with the Global Model of Aerosol Processes (GLOMAP) indicate that the parameterization can be used as a part of a larger atmospheric model to predict the concentration of climatically active particles. As an additional benefit, the introduced model framework is, in theory, applicable for any kind of measured aerosol parameter.