bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting renal functional outcomes after surgery for renal cortical tumours: a multifactorial analysis
Authors: Barlow LaMont J. , Korets Ruslan , Laudano Melissa , Benson Mitchell , McKiernan James
Published: December 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To examine the functional outcomes after radical (RN) and partial nephrectomy (PN) stratified by variables before and after surgery, using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as nephrectomy is the standard treatment for localized renal tumours, but the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases after surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed patients treated with PN or RN for renal cancer at one institution from 1988 to 2008. Chronic renal function before and after surgery was measured using the eGFR computed using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. Four outcomes were measured: (i) presence of new‐onset renal insufficiency (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m2); (ii) the percentage change in eGFR; (iii) the change in CKD stage; and (iv) the presence of CKD upstaging. Regression models were used to determine the effect of surgical procedure (RN vs PN), access technique (open vs laparoscopic) and several preoperative characteristics on functional outcomes.

RESULTS

In all, 276 patients met the inclusion criteria (174 RN and 102 PN) of whom 209 had a preoperative eGFR of >60 mL/min/1.73m2. After ≥3 months from surgery, 108/209 (52%) patients developed new‐onset eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73m2. On multivariate analysis, preoperative CKD stage (P < 0.001) and procedure (P= 0.001) were both independent predictors of all four functional outcomes measured. Also, hypertension was an independent predictor of CKD upstaging (P= 0.02). Surgical access technique was not an independent predictor of any of the renal functional outcomes measured.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing renal surgery have a high rate of new‐onset CKD afterward. After controlling for preoperative risk factors, patients undergoing RN are at greater risk of a decline in renal function. However, surgical access technique was not a significant predictor for renal impairment.
Pecking Order Behavior in Emerging Markets*
Authors: Seifert Bruce , Gonenc Halit
Published: December 2009

This paper examines the validity of the pecking order hypothesis in 23 emerging market countries. Emerging market countries would appear to be an ideal setting for the pecking order hypothesis to hold because of the presence of strong asymmetric information issues and agency costs. We observe, however, little support for the pecking order hypothesis as the primary financing theory for all emerging market firms. Firms in these countries finance their deficit mainly with equity, the opposite of what would be expected under this hypothesis. However, we do find support for the pecking order for firms in emerging market countries that suffer the most from either asymmetric information issues and/or agency costs. Our findings are consistent with the idea that the environment the firm operates in influences the financial decisions the firm makes.
The Impact of the Asian Financial Crisis on Conservatism and Timeliness of Earnings: Evidence from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand
Authors: Vichitsarawong Thanyaluk , Eng Li Li , Meek Gary K.
Published: December 2009

This paper examines conservatism and timeliness of earnings in the period surrounding the 1997 Asian financial crisis in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Prior research suggests that managers tended to be more aggressive in reporting good news and delayed recognition of bad news during the financial crisis (less conservative and less timely in financial reporting). After the crisis, these four countries implemented corporate governance measures to stabilize their financial systems and improve regulation and supervision (that should improve conservatism and timeliness). We examine and find that conservatism and timeliness of earnings during the crisis period are low, but improved in the post‐crisis period. More importantly, conservatism and timeliness in the post‐crisis period is even greater than in the pre‐crisis period. We measure conservatism using Basu's model and the accumulation of non‐operating accruals suggested by Givoly and Hayn. The findings from both measures are consistent with an increase in conservatism after the crisis period. Overall, the results indicate that corporate governance reforms in these four countries had a positive impact on conservatism and timeliness of earnings.
Large differences in levodopa dose requirement in Parkinson’s disease: men use higher doses than women
Authors: Nyholm D. , Karlsson E. , Lundberg M. , Askmark H.
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose:  The characteristics of levodopa dosing are not well described in the literature. The aims were to investigate the use of levodopa in a nationwide Swedish survey and to study the characteristics of low‐dose and high‐dose patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in a university hospital.

Methods:  Patients with ≥ 1 and ≥ 2 purchases of levodopa during 2007 were selected from the prescribed drug register. Daily levodopa doses were estimated. Records of 504 patients with PD who visited the neurology clinic at Uppsala University Hospital during 2006–2007 were examined to select a low‐dose group (≤ 400 mg levodopa daily, n = 21) and a high‐dose group (≥ 1200 mg daily, n = 26) with at least 5 years of PD duration.

Results:  In total, 33 534 levodopa users with ≥ 1 levodopa purchase were found. Daily levodopa dose range was large; median daily dose was 465 mg for men and 395 mg for women (P < 0.0001). Almost half (46%) of the patients used < 400 mg levodopa daily. Significantly, more men were treated with doses ≥ 1200 mg daily. Dose and age correlated negatively (P < 0.0001). Patients with high dose at 5 years PD duration continuously increased their dosage the following years, whereas low‐dose patients did not. The occurrence of dyskinesias was about the same in both groups despite the large difference in levodopa dose.

Conclusions:  We conclude that the levodopa requirement in PD ranges considerably, and that men use higher levodopa dose than women. Levodopa requirement is constant during the progression of the disease in low‐dose patients but increases in high‐dose patients.
A Fuller Account: The Role of ‘Fittingness’ in Thomas Aquinas' Development of the Doctrine of the Atonement
Authors: JOHNSON ADAM
Published: December 2009

This article draws attention to Thomas Aquinas' under‐appreciated development of the doctrine of the atonement. I argue that Thomas' pursuit of the ‘fittingness’ of the passion yields an exceptional grasp of the multiplicity of effects accomplished by Christ's death. To defend this thesis, I explore the methodology underlying Thomas' approach to the atonement, contrasting it with that of Anselm. I then follow the implications of Thomas' methodology in his stance toward the diverse atonement theories of his day. In conclusion, I briefly note the significance of Thomas' method and conclusions for contemporary debates concerning the efficacy of Christ's passion.
Causes, Challenges and Prospects of Brain Drain: The Case of Eritrea
Authors: Tessema Mussie
Published: December 2009

While there is little doubt that highly skilled workers in many Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are scarce, it is also true that many highly trained professionals have left LDCs to go and work in the developed world. The latter, known as the “brain drain,” or simply human capital flight, is not at all a new phenomenon; it has only become more pronounced in recent years. This paper delves into the causes, challenges, and prospects of the phenomenon of the “brain drain” in LDCs, by taking Eritrea as a case study. In so doing, it demonstrates that deteriorating economic conditions, lack of good governance and political instability are the root causes of the “brain drain” in LDCs such as Eritrea. The paper also highlights the impact of the “brain drain”, and suggests some of the measures that may be put in place by governments of LDCs in order to redress the situation.
The redistributive effect of public and private social programmes: A cross‐country empirical analysis
Authors: Goudswaard Kees , Caminada Koen
Published: December 2009

A function of many national social protection systems is to substantially redistribute income. However, the size and nature of social protection programmes are changing. In a number of countries there has been a shift from public towards private social protection arrangements, with the latter substituting for, or complementing, public programmes. Developing earlier work, this present article analyses the redistributive impact on income of public versus private social protection programmes. Using recent data from the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development, we find a strong positive relationship between public social expenditures and income redistribution across countries. For private social expenditures, we find a weak, but statistically significant, negative relationship with the level of redistribution. In countries where a larger share of total social expenditure is accorded to private arrangements there is less income redistribution. We conclude that the choice between the relative weight of public and private provision of social protection affects the redistributive impact of the welfare state.
Social security coverage extension: A review of recent evidence
Authors: Van Ginneken Wouter
Published: December 2009

This article reports the findings of 13 studies undertaken as part of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) project on “Examining the existing knowledge on coverage extension”. It reviews recent evidence that highlights how cash benefits and health‐care coverage, financed on the basis of contributions or tax revenue or both, can be extended and maintained in low‐, middle‐ and high‐income countries. The article also highlights a number of priority areas and issues for coverage extension, including realizing improved protection for informal‐economy and migrant workers.
Health care as a social security benefit: Institutional approaches to extending coverage
Authors: Ron Aviva
Published: December 2009

Reaching universal health‐care coverage requires an appropriate mix of compulsory contributory social insurance schemes, with mechanisms to include the informal‐economy population, and tax‐based social assistance for those whose incomes preclude their own contributions. This article urges a reversal of the trend that favours the separate development of social health insurance by separate health authorities and makes the case for the extension of health‐care coverage using existing formal‐sector social security schemes, not least because they have the necessary political backing and institutional structures. The article reviews reasons for the slow pace of coverage extension to date, and stresses the added value of incorporating health care as a social security benefit while also acknowledging the importance of retaining linkages between statutory and well‐regulated community‐based or micro health‐insurance schemes.
Non‐ablative 1550‐nm erbium‐glass and ablative 10 600‐nm carbon dioxide fractional lasers for acne scars: a randomized split‐face study with blinded response evaluation
Authors: Cho SB , Lee SJ , Cho S , Oh SH , Chung WS , Kang JM , Kim YK , Kim DH
Published: December 2009

Background  Non‐ablative 1550‐nm erbium‐doped fractional photothermolysis systems (FPS) and 10 600‐nm carbon dioxide fractional laser systems (CO2 FS) have been effectively used to treat scars.

Objective  We compared the efficacy and safety of single‐session treatments of FPS and CO2 FS for acne scars through a randomized, split‐face, evaluator‐blinded study.

Methods  Eight patients with acne scars were enrolled in this study. Half of each subject’s face was treated with FPS and the other half was treated with CO2 FS. We used a quartile grading scale for evaluations.

Results  At 3 months after the treatment, the mean grade of improvement based on clinical assessment was 2.0 ± 0.5 for FPS and 2.5 ± 0.8 for CO2 FS. On each side treated by FPS and CO2 FS, the mean duration of post‐therapy crusting and scaling was 2.3 and 7.4 days respectively and that of post‐therapy erythema was 7.5 and 11.5 days respectively. The mean VAS pain score was 3.9 ± 2.0 with the FPS and 7.0 ± 2.0 with the CO2 FS.

Conclusion  We demonstrated the efficacy and safety of single‐session acne scar treatment using FPS and CO2 FS in East Asian patients. We believe that our study could be used as an essential reference when choosing laser modalities for scar treatment.
Nanomolar vitamin E α‐tocotrienol inhibits glutamate‐induced activation of phospholipase A2 and causes neuroprotection
Authors: Khanna Savita , Parinandi Narasimham L. , Kotha Sainath R. , Roy Sashwati , Rink Cameron , Bibus Douglas , Sen Chandan K.
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1249–1260.

Our previous works have elucidated that the 12‐lipoxygenase pathway is directly implicated in glutamate‐induced neural cell death, and that such that toxicity is prevented by nM concentrations of the natural vitamin E α‐tocotrienol (TCT). In the current study we tested the hypothesis that phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity is sensitive to glutamate and mobilizes arachidonic acid (AA), a substrate for 12‐lipoxygenase. Furthermore, we examined whether TCT regulates glutamate‐inducible PLA2 activity in neural cells. Glutamate challenge induced the release of [3H]AA from HT4 neural cells. Such response was attenuated by calcium chelators (EGTA and BAPTA), cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2)‐specific inhibitor (AACOCF3) as well as TCT at 250 nM. Glutamate also caused the elevation of free polyunsaturated fatty acid (AA and docosahexaenoic acid) levels and disappearance of phospholipid‐esterified AA in neural cells. Furthermore, glutamate induced a time‐dependent translocation and enhanced serine phosphorylation of cPLA2 in the cells. These effects of glutamate on fatty acid levels and on cPLA2 were significantly attenuated by nM TCT. The observations that AACOCF3, transient knock‐down of cPLA2 as well as TCT significantly protected against the glutamate‐induced death of neural cells implicate cPLA2 as a TCT‐sensitive mediator of glutamate induced neural cell death. This work presents first evidence recognizing glutamate‐induced changes in cPLA2 as a novel mechanism responsible for neuroprotection observed in response to nanomolar concentrations of TCT.
Nicotine self‐administration diminishes stress‐induced norepinephrine secretion but augments adrenergic‐responsiveness in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and enhances adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone release
Authors: Yu Guoliang , Sharp Burt M.
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1327–1337.

Chronic nicotine self‐administration augments the thalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) responses to stress. Altered neuropeptide expression within corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) contributes to this enhanced HPA response to stress. Herein, we determined the role of norepinephrine, a primary regulator of CRF neurons, in the responses to footshock during nicotine self‐administration. On day 12–15 of self‐administration, microdialysis showed nicotine reduced PVN norepinephrine release by footshock (< 50% of saline). Yet, the reduction in footshock‐induced adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone secretion because of intra‐PVN prazosin (α1 adrenergic antagonist) was significantly greater in rats self‐administering nicotine (2‐fold) than saline. Additionally, PVN phenylephrine (α1 agonist) stimulated adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone release to a similar extent in unstressed rats self‐administering nicotine or saline. Nicotine self‐administration also decreased footshock‐induced c‐Fos expression in the nucleus of the solitary tract‐A2/C2 catecholaminergic neurons that project to the PVN. Therefore, footshock‐induced nucleus of the solitary tract activation and PVN norepinephrine input are both attenuated by nicotine self‐administration, yet PVN CRF neurons are more responsive to α1 stimulation, but only during stress. This plasticity in noradrenergic regulation of PVN CRF neurons provides a new mechanism contributing to the HPA sensitization to stress by nicotine self‐administration and smoking.
Welfare‐Reducing Mergers in Differentiated Oligopolies with Free Entry*
Authors: ERKAL NISVAN , PICCININ DANIEL
Published: December 2009

Antitrust authorities regard the possibility of post‐merger entry and merger‐generated efficiencies as two factors that may counteract the negative effects of horizontal mergers. This article shows that in differentiated oligopolies with linear demand, all entry‐inducing mergers harm consumer welfare. This is because if there is entry following a merger, it implies that the merger‐generated efficiencies were not sufficiently large. Mergers which induce exit, owing to sufficiently high cost savings, always improve consumer welfare.
The Effects of Foreign Price Uncertainty on Australian Production and Trade*
Authors: APPELBAUM ELIE , WOODLAND ALAN D.
Published: December 2009

This article provides an empirical analysis of the impact of uncertain international prices on Australia's production sector and international trade. We model the movement of traded goods prices via a generalised autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model and embed this within an expected utility maximising model of the production sector. The empirical results are consistent with expected utility maximisation and the hypothesis of risk neutrality is soundly rejected. Estimates of the effects of changes in expected prices and volatility of traded goods prices upon production decisions and the return to capital are discussed. The conclusion is that price uncertainty matters for the Australian production sector.
Curse and Boon: Natural Resources and Long‐Run Growth in Currently Rich Economies*
Authors: GREASLEY DAVID , MADSEN JAKOB B.
Published: December 2009

Sceptics of the resource curse hypothesis highlight that many currently rich countries, including the United States of America initially had abundant natural resources. Using new 16‐country post‐1870 annual data and controlling for international spill‐over in knowledge, we demonstrate a robust negative land resource‐productivity trade‐off among major Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development economies. However, we find that abundance in mineral resources positively influenced productivity. Using insights from the new economic geography we argue that productivity‐augmenting knowledge‐related agglomeration effects are natural resource‐specific and favoured mineral‐rich countries.
Evaluation of the Mirasol platelet reduction technology system against Babesia microti in apheresis platelets and plasma
Authors: Tonnetti Laura , Proctor Melanie C. , Reddy Heather L , Goodrich Raymond P. , Leiby David A.
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Babesia microti is an intraerythrocytic parasite, transmitted naturally to humans by infected ixodid ticks, that causes babesiosis. In recent years, B. microti has been identified as a growing public health concern that has also emerged as a critical blood safety issue in the absence of appropriate interventions to reduce transmission by blood transfusion. Thus, we evaluated the ability of the Mirasol pathogen reduction technology (PRT; CaridianBCT), which uses riboflavin (RB) and ultraviolet (UV) light, to diminish the presence of B. microti in apheresis plasma and platelets (PLTs).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Apheresis plasma and PLT units were spiked with B. microti‐infected hamster blood and subsequently treated using the Mirasol PRT system. Control and experimental samples were collected at different stages during the treatment process and injected into hamsters to detect the presence of viable parasites. Four weeks postinoculation, hamster blood was tested for B. microti infection by blood smear and real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis.

RESULTS: None of the blood smears from animals injected with samples from PRT‐treated plasma or PLT units were positive by microscopy, while all the non–PRT‐treated plasma and PLT units were demonstrably parasitemic. Parasite load reduction in hamsters ranged between 4 and 5 log in all PRT‐treated units compared to untreated controls.

CONCLUSION: The data indicate that the use of RB and UV light efficiently reduces the presence of viable B. microti in apheresis plasma and PLT products, thereby reducing the risk of transfusion‐transmitted Babesia potentially associated with these products. Based on this observed “proof of principle,” future studies will determine the efficacy of the Mirasol PRT in whole blood.
Radial Artery Access as an Emerging Factor for Decreasing Mortality in Cardiovascular Interventions
Authors: CEVIK CIHAN , IZGI CEMIL , NUGENT KENNETH
Published: December 2009

Transradial access for coronary interventions provides increased patient comfort, fewer access site complications, and reduced hospital stay and costs. However, the potential benefits favoring transradial access may be even more than these apparent advantages. Major bleeding after coronary interventions is an important factor contributing to mortality rates and can be dramatically reduced with the selection of the radial artery as the access site. Recent evidence suggests that the decrease in bleeding complications with transradial access may translate into a short‐ and long‐term decrease in mortality in patients undergoing elective or urgent coronary interventions. In the era of complex coronary interventions with use of multiple antiplatelet and antithrombotic treatment regimens, the simple choice of transradial access for increasing patient comfort and decreasing bleeding complications and mortality is promising. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:95–99)
Assessment of Body Weight Status and Macronutrient Consumption Patterns of Preschool Children
Authors: Templeton Susan B. , Marlette Martha A. , Panemangalore Myna
Published: December 2009

This study was conducted to assess the food and macronutrient consumption patterns of Head Start preschool children and their body weight status. Three data collections were conducted over 15 months with 125 children attending either morning (AM) or afternoon (PM) sessions. Sample portions from Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), and Snack (S) were photographed and weighed; individual student’s plates were photographed and plate waste was both photographed and weighed; consumption and nutrient content for each meal/child/day was calculated using Nutritionist Pro v. 14.0. Over half of the subjects (52%) were female; 50% were Caucasian, 22% were African American, 10% were Hispanic, and 18% were Other, primarily of mixed race. The mean age was 5 months, average height and weight were 107.9 cm and 19.3 kg, respectively; the mean BMI was 16.5 kg/m2. Most (58%) of the children were Normal weight status, 19% were Overweight, and 18% were Obese; 20% of the males were Obese compared to 16% of females. Energy (kcal) and protein (g) offered was: B = 219 and 9; L = 353 and 17; S = 126 and 3; amounts consumed were B = 136 and 5; AM‐L = 239 and 12; PM‐L = 192 and 9; and S = 110 and 3. AM and PM children obtained only 22% and 18% of their daily energy requirement, respectively, while protein intakes were 2–3 times higher than the recommended one‐third RDA. Children in the AM session had significantly higher nutrient intakes than those in the PM session. Children preferred energy‐dense and familiar foods; acceptance rates for fresh fruit (33%–42%), raw vegetables (22%–29%), and cooked vegetables (15%–34%) were low. Food consumption patterns may be regulated by familiar foods and home food preferences. Preschool programs need to offer nutritionally balanced, palatable, and attractive meals and learning activities focused on increasing students’ acceptance of unfamiliar foods, especially fruits and vegetables.
Family Education Perspectives: Implications for Family Educators’ Professional Practice and Research
Authors: Thomas Ruth , Lien Luyi
Published: December 2009

Three family education perspectives, preservation, improvement, and attunement, are presented as lenses through which family educators view, conduct, and critique their professional practice. Each perspective is discussed in terms of its orientation and underlying values, assumptions about the world and human beings, human goals, professional practices, roles of educators and learners and their power relations, and consequences. Examples of family education that reflect each perspective are described, as are types and examples of disciplined inquiry. Conclusions and recommendations for family educators and researchers are provided.
Exploring Fundamental Concepts for Home Economics and Family and Consumer Sciences Practice Using A Philosophy of Home Economics by Fusa Sekiguchi
Authors: Vincenti Virginia B.
Published: December 2009

This article explores fundamental concepts in Sekiguchi’s 2004 English translation of A Philosophy of Home Economics and their similarity to the critical science conceptualization of family and consumer sciences in the United States. Like Brown and Paolucci’s landmark 1979 Definition of Home Economics, Sekiguchi’s book draws from many scholars from different disciplines and countries. She builds on existential philosophy, but goes beyond it through the work of German philosopher and educator Otto Friedrich Bollnow (1903–1991), who was influential in the human science movement in German education partly because of his book, translated in 2008 as Human Space, one of the most comprehensive studies of space as we experience it. His work is said to lie within and between existentialism and phenomenology, dwelling on the home as the primary world of human existence and the center of security and protection from the larger world. Sekiguchi and her colleagues worked 10 years to develop their conceptualization of the principles of the profession, which the authors of this article encourage family and consumer sciences professionals to discuss.
Mapping Scholarship of Teaching Using a Multidimensional Model
Authors: Burgess Brigitte
Published: December 2009

This article applies the multidimensional model of scholarship of teaching (K. Trigwell, E. Martin, J. Benjamin, & M. Prossoer, 2000) to selected components from a term project used in a junior‐level promotion and retail analysis course to show how teachers can use the model to map levels of scholarship of teaching across four dimensions: informed, reflection, communication and conceptual. The project components included project objectives and student learning outcomes, combination master and promotional calendar, journal of contributions, peer evaluation, teacher evaluation, and written analysis. Mapping scholarship of teaching provides information to teachers regarding current levels of scholarship of teaching, areas where improvements are possible and the ability to see progress over time. The mapping process is applicable to a variety of courses and situations such as development and revision of courses, lectures, assignments, and projects.
Exploring Relationships Between Transnationalism and Housing and Health Risks of Rural Latino Immigrant Families
Authors: Greder Kimberly , Sano Yoshie , Cook Christine C. , Garasky Steven , Ortiz Lizmelia , Ontai Lenna
Published: December 2009

Interviews with 78 rural low‐income Latino immigrant mothers in three states (CA, OR, and IA) explored relationships between transnationalism and health and housing risks. Transnational activity based on language spoken at home, nature, and frequency of contact with family and friends in, and the extent and frequency of travel to the country of origin, was conceptualized as a continuum from high to low. Low transnational families lived in the United States twice as long and were more knowledgeable about community resources than high transnational families. Modest relationships between transnationalism and housing and health risks were identified. Thus, health and housing risk indicators may be present in low‐income, rural Latino immigrant families regardless of their degree of transnationalism. Future studies are needed to further explore these relationships.
Graduate Research Completed in Family and Consumer Sciences During 2008
Authors: Dodor Bernice , Pickard Mary J.
Published: December 2009

Contacts were made with 50 individuals at 35 colleges and universities during the spring of 2009 to gather information on the graduate research completed in Family and Consumer Sciences units during 2008. Nineteen institutions reported a total of 329 graduate research titles. During that same time, 2020 master’s degrees and 377 doctor’s degrees were granted in Family and Consumer Sciences according to data available from the National Center for Education Statistics.
Associations of physical activity with muscular fitness in adolescents
Authors: Martínez‐Gómez D. , Welk G. J. , Puertollano M. A. , del‐Campo J. , Moya J. M. , Marcos A. , Veiga O. L. ,   AFINOS Study Group
Published: December 2009

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between objectively assessed physical activity (PA) and muscular fitness (MF) in adolescents, and to determine whether only resistance training exercise is associated with the increase of MF. A sample of 211 Spanish adolescents (105 girls) wore the ActiGraph monitor for 7 days. Participants also completed a fitness evaluation including three MF tests (handgrip strength, a 60‐s abdominal test and a standing broad jump), a cardiorespiratory fitness assessment and anthropometric measures. A standardized MF score was computed using the three muscular tests. Adolescent participation in resistance training was self‐reported. Linear regression showed that only vigorous PA was significantly (P=0.041) and positively (β=0.133) associated with MF after adjustment by gender, age, pubertal status, BMI, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Significant differences in MF were found between youth in the lowest and upper tertiles of vigorous PA. Moreover, adolescents who were involved in resistance training had significantly higher MF scores compared with youth in low and medium tertiles of vigorous PA, but no significant differences were found when compared with non‐lifters from the highest tertile of vigorous PA (P=0.356). These findings suggest that vigorous activity may be associated with indicators of MF in adolescents.
Differences in scapular and humeral head position between swimmers and non‐swimmers
Authors: McKenna L. , Straker L. , Smith A. , Cunningham J.
Published: December 2009

The aims of this study were to determine differences between swimmers/non‐swimmers, males/females and dominant/non‐dominant sides for scapular and humeral head position, while accounting for size, and to determine the relationship between scapular and humeral head position. 46 teenage swimmers (30 females) and 43 non‐swimmers (28 females) were measured. The distances between (a) medial spine of the scapula and T3/4 (Superior Kibler), (b) inferior scapula and T7/8 (Inferior Kibler) and (c) anterior acromion and anterior humeral head were recorded while teenagers stood with their hands‐on hips. There was no main effect difference between swimmers and non‐swimmers for scapular or humeral head position. There were interactions for swim status/dominance (Superior Kibler; P=0.005, Inferior Kibler; P<0.001) and swim status/gender (Superior Kibler; P=0.027). The humeral head was significantly further from the acromion on the dominant side (adjusted mean difference=1.4 mm, P=0.004). Little relationship between scapular and humeral head position was evident. Clinicians should be aware that swim status, in combination with gender or dominance may affect scapular position but does not affect humeral head position. Where swimming had an effect, it minimized differences between genders and sides. The small dominance effect on the humeral head position is unlikely to be clinically detectable.
Stress‐related hormonal and psychological changes to official youth Taekwondo competitions
Authors: Chiodo S. , Tessitore A. , Cortis C. , Cibelli G. , Lupo C. , Ammendolia A. , De Rosas M. , Capranica L.
Published: December 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an official Taekwondo competition on the heart rate (HR), salivary α‐amylase (sA‐A), salivary free cortisol (sC), and Profile of Mood States (POMS) in 10 young male (14±0 years) and six female (13±1 years) athletes. POMS and hormones were measured 15 min before and directly after the competition. During the recovery phase (30 and 90 min), sA‐A and sC were also measured. HR measured during the competition was expressed as a percentage of individual's maximal heart rate (%HRmax) to evaluate the intensity of exercise. During the competition, athletes spent 65% of the time working at HR>90% of individuals HRmax. A significant increase (P<0.0001) in sA‐A (115%) was observed at the end of the match. At 30 min of recovery, sA‐A returned to the pre‐competition level. The peak sC values were observed at 30 min of recovery (P<0.001), returning to the pre‐competition level at 90 min of recovery. A gender difference (P=0.01) emerged only for sC, although a similar trend was observed for female and male athletes. Significantly higher post‐match scores emerged for Anger‐hostility (pre: 6.1±1.1, post: 11.2±1.9; P=0.03) and Depression‐dejection (pre: 4.5±0.5, post: 10.2±1.9; P=0.006), whereas the reverse picture was observed for Vigour‐activity (pre: 23.2±1.2, post: 16.3±1.7; P=0.0006). Taekwondo competition results in temporary changes in the stress‐related parameters measured in this study. The present findings suggest that this experimental paradigm can represent a useful model for further research on the effects of various stressors (i.e., training and competition) in Taekwondo athletes of different levels (i.e., novice, international).
Recording injuries among World Cup skiers and snowboarders: a methodological study
Authors: Flørenes T. W. , Nordsletten L. , Heir S. , Bahr R.
Published: December 2009

No long‐term injury surveillance programs exist for competitive skiing or snowboarding. The objective of this study was, therefore, to compare different methods to record injuries among World Cup athletes in alpine, freestyle, and cross‐country skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping and Nordic combined. Information regarding injuries sustained during the 2006–2007 winter season was recorded through three separate and independent systems: prospective injury reports by technical delegates (TD) from the International Ski Federation, prospective medical team registration by selected teams, and retrospective athlete interviews at the end of the season. A total of 100 unique injuries to 602 World Cup athletes were identified from any of the three recording methods. Of these, 91% were registered through the athlete interviews, 47% by the medical team registration and 27% by the TD reports. Only 20 injuries (20%) were captured by all three methods. A total of 64 time‐loss injuries were registered. The interviews captured 60 (94%), the medical team registration 39 (61%), and the TD reports 23 (36%) time‐loss injuries, while 18 (28%) were registered by all three systems. Retrospective interviews with athletes/coaches regarding injuries during the last 6 months gave the most complete picture of injuries to World Cup skiers and snowboarders.
From Organizational Citizenship Behaviour to Team Performance: The Mediation of Group Cohesion and Collective Efficacy
Authors: Lin Cheng-Chen (Timothy) , Peng Tai-Kuang (T. K.)
Published: December 2009

What is the relationship between individual members' organizational citizenship behaviours (OCB) and team-level performance? Using a social cognitive perspective, the current study proposes that the relationship is mediated by a team's cohesion and collective efficacy. We collected data at two points in time from three sources with a sample of 462 salespersons representing 62 teams (62 branches) of a financial institute in Taiwan. The results support the theoretical argument that OCB positively influences organizational performance. Furthermore, group cohesion and collective efficacy fully mediated the direct effects of OCB towards individuals and the organization on team performance. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Comparison of functional properties of two fungal antifreeze proteins from Antarctomyces psychrotrophicus and Typhula ishikariensis
Authors: Xiao Nan , Suzuki Keita , Nishimiya Yoshiyuki , Kondo Hidemasa , Miura Ai , Tsuda Sakae , Hoshino Tamotsu
Published: December 2009

Antifreeze proteins are structurally diverse polypeptides that have thermal hysteresis activity and have been discovered in many cold‐adapted organisms. Of these, fungal antifreeze protein has been purified and partially characterized only in a species of psychrophilic basidiomycete, Typhula ishikariensis. Here we report a new fungal antifreeze protein from another psychrophile, Antarctomyces psychrotrophicus. We examined its biochemical properties and thermal hysteresis activity, and compared them with those of the T. ishikariensis antifreeze protein. The antifreeze protein from A. psychrotrophicus was purified and identified as an extracellular protein of approximately 28 kDa, which halved in size following digestion with glycosidase. The A. psychrotrophicus antifreeze protein generated bipyramidal ice crystals and exhibited thermal hysteresis activity (for example thermal hysteresis = 0.42 °C for a 0.48 mm solution) similar to that of fish antifreeze proteins, while a unique rugged pattern was created on the facets of the ice bipyramid. The thermal hysteresis activity of the A. psychrotrophicus antifreeze protein was maximized under alkaline conditions, while that of the T. ishikariensis antifreeze protein was greatest under acidic conditions. The T. ishikariensis antifreeze protein exhibited a bursting ice growth normal to the c‐axis of the ice crystal and high thermal hysteresis activity (approximately 2 °C), as in the case of insect hyperactive antifreeze proteins. From these results, we speculate that the A. psychrotrophicus antifreeze protein is very different from the T. ishikariensis antifreeze protein, and that these two psychrophiles have evolved from different genes.
Tipping point for Afghanistan?
Authors: Carter Stephen
Published: December 2009

The compromised elections in Afghanistan created a crisis that threatened to derail the international effort, particularly through their stark impact on Western public opinion. They have also produced a shift in policy that Stephen Carter argues could just prove a tipping point of another kind – but only if it can be followed through
Three big British ideas for Afghanistan
Authors: Lindley‐French Julian
Published: December 2009

Afghanistan still poses a real threat to the UK but this is not the moment to cut and run. New – big – thinking is required if Britain is to help break out of the current cycle of doom and defeatism that is afflicting too much of the Coalition effort, says Julian Lindley‐French
Where now for European social democracy?
Authors: Browne Matt , Halpin John , Teixeira Ruy
Published: December 2009

Talk of the death of social democracy in Europe is premature at the very least, sayMatt Browne, John Halpin and Ruy Teixeira, but a new, modern progressivism is now needed
How Does Short‐Term Low‐Dose Simvastatin Influence Serum Prohepcidin Levels in Patients With End‐Stage Renal Disease? A Pilot Study
Authors: Li Xiang‐Yang , Chang Ju‐Ping , Su Zhuo‐Wa , Li Jiu‐Hong , Peng Bo‐Shen , Zhu Sheng‐Lang , Cai An‐Ji , Zhang Jun , Jiang Ying
Published: December 2009

Anemia is a common clinical problem in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Despite adequate erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent (ESA) supplementation, some ESRD patients still have suboptimal hemoglobin levels, and iron deficiency and inflammation are recognized as the two most common causes. Hepcidin, a newly discovered key regulator of iron homeostasis, is found to be accumulated in ESRD. As it controls iron uptake and release, better reflecting real‐time iron demand and availability, hepcidin might become a target in the management of iron deficiency and ESA resistance in dialysis patients. For their pleiotropic functions apart from lipid‐modulation, statins are also used as anti‐inflammatory or immune‐modulating agents. In this study, we applied simvastatin for the purpose of influencing serum prohepcidin level in a group of maintenance hemodialysis patients. Thirty‐three ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis were enrolled and assigned to experimental and hemodialysis control groups according to their lipid profile. Nineteen healthy adults were chosen as a normal control group. The subjects in the experimental group took 20 mg simvastatin orally per night for eight weeks, and those in the hemodialysis control group took no statins or any other lipid‐modulating drugs. Before and after the experiment, the serum prohepcidin concentrations, plasma IL‐6, and serum C‐reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, hemoglobin, albumin, total cholesterol, glycerinate, and LDL and HDL cholesterol levels were determined. Of the 33 hemodialysis patients, the serum prohepcidin concentration was (175.8 ± 52.9) ng/mL, significantly higher than that in the normal control group (149.5 ± 24.2) ng/mL (P = 0.048). In the experimental group, the serum prohepcidin level was (156.7 ± 51.9) ng/mL before treatment, and (190.6 ± 49.6) ng/mL after eight weeks (P = 0.127). In the hemodialysis control group, the serum prohepcidin level was (190.6 ± 49.6) ng/mL at the beginning, and (193.5 ± 36.0) ng/mL after eight weeks (P = 0.728). In the experimental group, after taking simvastatin for eight weeks the serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels had lowered by 18.6% (P = 0.004) and 55.1% (P = 0.007), respectively. The plasma IL‐6, serum CRP, ferritin, hemoglobin, albumin, and LDL and HDL cholesterol levels in both the hemodialysis group remained unchanged. According to our preliminary study, eight weeks of 20 mg simvastatin did not significantly change the serum prohepcidin, high‐sensitive CRP, or IL‐6 concentrations in the group of maintenance hemodialysis patients.
In Vitro Studies on the Antioxidant and Protective Effect of 2‐Substituted ‐8‐Hydroxyquinoline Derivatives Against H2O2‐Induced Oxidative Stress in BMSCs
Authors: Wang Ting‐Ting , Zeng Gong‐Chang , Li Xi‐Can , Zeng He‐Ping
Published: December 2009

Novel 2‐vinyl‐8‐hydroxyquinoline derivatives as potential antioxidants and regulators of H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are first reported. The antiradical properties and the reducing power of these compounds were assessed using 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and auto‐oxidation of pyrogallol method, respectively. The activity against lipid peroxidation was determined using ammonium thiocyanate method. The results revealed that introduction of electron‐donating groups at 2nd position decreased the antioxidant activities of 8‐hydroxyquinoline derivatives. In addition, compound 4, the structure of which is similar to melatonin, exhibited superior antioxidant activities in scavenging DPPH free radical, ˙O2 free radical, and anti‐LPO activities. Except for compounds 7, 12, and 15, the other compounds exhibited a stimulatory effect on MSCs growth. Using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), we also investigated the protective efficacy of 2‐vinyl‐8‐hydroxyquinoline derivatives against oxidative stress‐induced cell death of MSCs. Cell viability assayed by MTT method indicated that exposure of MSCs cultures to hydrogen peroxide resulted in a concentration‐dependent decrease in cell viability, and compounds 4 and 5 at given concentration (2.62 × 10−3 m) could protect MSCs against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in bone mesenchymal stem cell (BMSCs).
Structural Findings of 2‐Phenylindole‐3‐Carbaldehyde Derivatives for Antimitotic Activity by FA‐sMLR QSAR Analysis
Authors: Halder Amit K. , Adhikari Nilanjan , Jha Tarun
Published: December 2009

Antimitotic agents prevent the mitosis process of cell cycle and are generally used for the treatment of cancer with good clinical success. QSAR analysis was performed on 33 reported 2‐phenylindole‐3‐carbaldehyde derivatives to find out the structural requirements of these compounds for higher antimitotic activity. The dataset was divided into test set and training set by k‐MCA. Factor analysis‐stepwise multiple linear regression (FA‐sMLR) method was used to develop statistically significant QSAR equations. QSAR analysis showed importance of topological indices like RTSA indices, structural information content indices, Balaban‐type index from van der Waals weighted distance matrixJhetv,rotatable bond fractionRBF,and Lovasz–Pelikan indexLP1on biological activity. The study also shows significance of electrostatic potential charges of different atoms as well as principal moment of inertia alongYaxis and number of nitrogen atoms toward antimitotic activity of these compounds.
Folding Studies of pH‐Dependent Collagen Peptides
Authors: Lee Jeeyeon , Chmielewski Jean
Published: December 2009

Synthetic collagen model peptides containing carboxylate‐modified hydroxyproline residues (PE) have been shown to form a collagen triple helix at low pH (1). Based on the fact that PE‐containing peptides unfold on demand by altering the pH, we investigated the folding kinetics of a series of these collagen‐based peptides. Refolding data indicated that the introduction of PE residues within a peptide affects the stability and refolding of the collagen peptides through electrostatic interactions and steric hindrance. Moreover, the specific placement of the PE residues within the collagen peptides allowed for selective testing for possible nucleation sites at the termini or the center of the peptides. Specifically, the data demonstrated that collagen peptides may nucleate from either terminally or internally located repeating sequences of Pro‐Hyp‐Gly. These studies indicate that the PE residue may play a useful role as a tool for studying the folding mechanism of synthetic collagen peptides.
Operational experiences with structured plastic media filters: 10 years on
Authors: Pearce P. , Jarvis S.
Published: December 2009

The performance of 10 cross flow structured plastic media trickling filter plants is discussed. The sites are arranged in a number of configurations with the plastic media filters operating as sole secondary process units, in parallel with other process units or in double filtration configuration. Data for 2003 and 2004 show that the plants are performing well. Data are presented for the plastic media filter stream where it is available. Two operational problems are discussed; overgrazing of nitrifying biofilms by excessive populations of snails and loss of nitrification performance in cold weather, particularly on smaller sites. Overgrazing by snails, identified as Lymnaea peregra has been controlled on one site by the annual treatment of an isolated filter with high ammoniacal nitrogen strength sludge dewatering liquors. On a second site suffering a similar problem the plastic media filter duty was changed from single filtration to being the primary filters in a double filtration system with existing stone media filters used for secondary filters. Loss of nitrification performance has been associated with excessive heat loss on some sites. Filters built as tower structures, with typically 4–5 m media depth allow easy control of airflow via restriction of the engineered ventilation openings at the base of the filter. This has been found to have a direct impact on the degree of cooling. However, airflow control on plastic media retrofitted into wide shallow stone media filter shells with 1.6–2 m media depth is more difficult. These structures offer less opportunity for control of airflow and associated heat losses.