bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the Number of Patient Charts Necessary for a Reliable Assessment of Practicing Family Physicians’ Performance
Authors: Gagnon Robert , Jacques André , Billard Marc , Goulet François
Published: February 2010

In many countries, peer assessment programs based on the examination of patient charts are becoming a standard to assess physician’s clinical performance. Although data on validity of the process are acceptable, reliability issues need some improvement. This article addresses the rarely studied aspect of optimal number of patient charts for an acceptable reliable assessment. Fifteen patient charts for each of a group of 20 practicing physicians were independently reviewed by 4 professional peer assessors. Generalizability (G) and decision (D) studies were applied to the data. It appears that as few as 10 patient charts are sufficient for any assessor to obtain a G coefficient of 0.80. Results of the current study suggest the possibility of getting generalizable assessments by peer reviewer with minimal information. These results are not in accordance with the concept of case specificity in which it is claimed that performance on a case is a poor predictor of performance on a different case.
Why Liberals and Atheists Are More Intelligent
Authors: Kanazawa Satoshi
Published: February 2010

The origin of values and preferences is an unresolved theoretical question in behavioral and social sciences. The Savanna-IQ Interaction Hypothesis, derived from the Savanna Principle and a theory of the evolution of general intelligence, suggests that more intelligent individuals may be more likely to acquire and espouse evolutionarily novel values and preferences (such as liberalism and atheism and, for men, sexual exclusivity) than less intelligent individuals, but that general intelligence may have no effect on the acquisition and espousal of evolutionarily familiar values (for children, marriage, family, and friends). The analyses of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Study 1) and the General Social Surveys (Study 2) show that adolescent and adult intelligence significantly increases adult liberalism, atheism, and men’s (but not women’s) value on sexual exclusivity.
Playing and Protesting: Sport as a Vehicle for Social Change
Authors: Kaufman Peter , Wolff Eli A.
Published: February 2010

Despite the fact that athletic activism is nonnormative behavior, there is still a long, albeit small, tradition of individuals who use the playing field to advocate for political and social justice. This article examines such individuals who, while in their role as athletes, engage in social or political activism to foster progressive social change. Using data from 21 in-depth interviews conducted with athletes who have been involved in activism on a range of issues, we identify four embedded dimensions of sport that have strong implications for a progressive and activist political orientation. These dimensions are social consciousness, meritocracy, responsible citizenship, and interdependency. In conclusion, we make the case that sports can and should be a vehicle for progressive social change.
Two decades of research on possible selves and the ‘missing males’ problem in choral music
Authors: Freer Patrick K.
Published: February 2010

Music education researchers have a lengthy history of examining reasons why individuals seek participation in musical activities. Within that history, however, the concept of ‘possible selves’ (Markus & Nurius, 1986) has received little attention until recently. In the broadest terms, possible selves are a person’s impressions of what they might become, what they would like to become, and what they fear becoming. This view of self-concept moves beyond a simple collection of self-attributed traits to encompass the idea that individuals actively manage their choices and actions in order to promote desirable selves and inhibit less-desirable selves. The focus of this article is a systematic review of research and related literature concerning possible selves with specific attention to potential implications for the participation and persistence of adolescent boys in choral music education.
Control Yourself, or at Least Your Core Self
Authors: Austin Lisa M.
Published: February 2010

Contemporary privacy debates regarding new technologies often define privacy in terms of control over personal information such that the privacy “problem” is a lack of control and the privacy “solution” is increased control. This article questions the control-paradigm by pointing to its parallels with earlier debates in the philosophy of technology regarding technology that was out-of-control. What first-generation philosophers of technology understood was that at the root of the questioning of technology lay a need to question the modern self itself. Legal debates regarding privacy renew the importance of this question, for the control-paradigm perpetuates a view of the self as an individual with an inner core transparent to itself on solitary introspection and revealed to others through self-conscious acts of disclosure. Increasingly, this model fails to account for the challenges raised by new technologies and calls for rethinking.
What Propels Sexual Murderers: A Proposed Integrated Theory of Social Learning and Routine Activities Theories
Authors: Chan Heng Choon (Oliver) , Heide Kathleen M. , Beauregard Eric
Published: February 2010

Despite the great interest in the study of sexual homicide, little is known about the processes involved in an individual’s becoming motivated to sexually kill, deciding to sexually kill, and acting on that desire, intention, and opportunity. To date, no comprehensive model of sexual murdering from the offending perspective has been proposed in the criminological literature. This article incorporates the works of Akers and Cohen and Felson regarding their social learning theory and routine activities theory, respectively, to construct an integrated conceptual offending framework in sexual homicide. This integrated model produces a stronger and more comprehensive explanation of sexual murder than any single theory currently available.
Study on Atomic Oxygen Erosion Resistance for the Interface of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Wei Huige  , He Jinmei  , Huang Yudong  , Mao Lifei  , Cheng Zhaodong
Published: February 2010

This study proposes a method of improving the ability of atomic oxygen (AO) erosion resistance for the interface of carbon fiber/epoxy (CF/EP) composites by means of plating gold (Au) on CF surface. Tests of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicate that Au coating, with the thickness of about 50 nm is dense, uniform and complete, and has good adhesion to the CF substrate. Interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of single-fiber microcomposites made from CF and EP before and after AO exposure is measured by single-fiber pull-out instrument. The results show that the IFSS of the single-fiber microcomposites, which are protected by Au coating is hardly affected by AO for long time exposure of 8 h, in contrast to those which are not protected with Au coating, whose IFSS decreased dramatically for an AO exposure time of 2 h.
Assessing Students’ Emotional Competence in Higher Education: Development and Validation of the Widener Emotional Learning Scale
Authors: Ning Wang  , Young Thomas , Wilhite Stephen C. , Marczyk Geoffrey
Published: February 2010

This article reports the development and validation studies of the Widener Emotional Learning Scale (WELS), a self-report measure, for assessing students’ social and emotional competence in higher education. Conceptual specifications, item development, psychometric properties, and factor structure of the instrument are reported in the article. The resulting instrument consists of 33 items with 5 subscales: Awareness of Emotions in Self and Others, Tolerance of Difference or Conflict, Interpersonal Relationship Skills, Flexibility in Perspective-Taking and Behavior, and Self-Management Skills. A cross-validation study of the WELS with the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (Bar-On EQ-i) provides evidence that, although the WELS assesses some aspects of social and emotional competence also assessed by the Bar-On EQ-i, it makes a unique contribution in assessing flexibility in perspective taking and behavior. A cross-validation study of the WELS with the Mayer—Salovey—Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) indicates that, in general, the WELS assesses different aspects of emotional competence than the MSCEIT, in a manner that is consistent with the differences in the theoretical approaches underlying the two instruments.
Measurement Invariance and Latent Mean Differences of the Beck Depression Inventory II Across Gender Groups
Authors: Wu Pei-Chen
Published: February 2010

This study examined measurement invariance (i.e., configural invariance, metric invariance, scalar invariance) of the Chinese version of Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II-C) across college males and females and compared gender differences on depression at the latent factor mean level. Two samples composed of 402 male college students and 595 female college students were analyzed. Results found the evidences of partial scalar invariance of the BDI-II-C with five noninvariant items (i.e., Items 2, 3, 4, 7, and 10), providing empirical evidences of construct validity of the BDI-II-C for the purpose of making gender latent mean comparisons. Additionally, the findings revealed significant latent mean differences favoring females on the Negative Attitude factor but not on the Performance Difficulty and Somatic Element factors. These results were discussed in light of the benefits of using latent mean analyses associated with specific factors when comparing gender differences on depression.
A Longitudinal Examination of Career Expectations and Outcomes of Academically Talented Students 10 and 20 Years Post—High School Graduation
Authors: Perrone Kristin M. , Tschopp Molly K. , Snyder Erin R. , Boo Jenelle N. , Hyatt Claudine
Published: February 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine career expectations and outcomes for individuals who were identified as academically talented high school students. Data for this study were collected at two different time periods: 10 years and 20 years after participants’ high school graduation. A decade after graduation from high school, participants described how their careers were similar or different from their expectations and projected where they expected to be in their careers in 10 more years. Twenty years after high school graduation, participants reported on their careers and their reports were compared with their expectations from 10 years after graduation. The majority of participants were accurate in their career predictions.
The Impact of Environment on the Comprehension of Declarative Communication in Apes
Authors: Lyn Heidi , Russell Jamie L. , Hopkins William D.
Published: February 2010

A series of recent reports have questioned the ability of great apes to comprehend declarative communication and have suggested that this ability is biologically based and may have driven the evolution of human language. We tested three groups of differently reared chimpanzees and bonobos for their ability to understand declarative signals in an object-choice task. The scores of the two groups of apes that were reared in a sociolinguistically complex environment were significantly higher than the scores of the standard-reared group. The results further showed that bonobos did not outperform chimpanzees. Our results demonstrate that environmental factors, particularly access to a sociolinguistically rich environment, directly influence great apes’ ability to comprehend declarative signals and suggest that, contrary to recent claims, apes have the biological capacity to utilize purely informative communication.
Nicotine and its metabolites in amniotic fluid at birth - Assessment of prenatal tobacco smoke exposure
Authors: Köhler E. , Avenarius S. , Rabsilber A. , Gerloff C. , Jorch G.
Published: February 2010

Amniotic fluid was collected from 78 pregnant women at birth additionally with their urine prior to delivery as well as neonatal urine and meconium. The smoking markers, nicotine and its metabolites cotinine and trans-3′-hydroxycotinine (OH-cotinine), were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The self-reported smoking status during pregnancy determined by means of a questionnaire was verified by measurement of maternal urine. In all smokers, nicotine metabolites were detected in amniotic fluid and in 80% of them nicotine as well. However, the sum of the nicotine metabolites (Summet) was significantly lower (p < .001) in amniotic fluid (704 ± 464 nmol/L) than in meconium (921 ± 588 nmol/L), neonatal urine (1139 ± 813 nmol/L) and maternal urine (4496 ± 3535 nmol/L). Concentrations of nicotine metabolites in amniotic fluid correlated well (p < .001) with that in the other specimen types. After environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure, no nicotine or nicotine metabolites were detectable in amniotic fluid but only in maternal and neonatal urine. Analysis of amniotic fluid at birth lends itself to verifying smoking habits during pregnancy and clearly discriminating from ETS exposure, but it is not a suitable approach to differentiating between ETS exposure and non-exposure.
Redotex ingestions reported to Texas poison centers
Authors: Forrester Mathias B
Published: February 2010

Although the multi-component weight loss supplement Redotex is banned in the United States, the supplement can be obtained in Mexico. The intent of this report was to describe the pattern of Redotex calls received by a statewide poison center system. Cases were all Redotex calls received by Texas poison centers during 2000—2008. The distribution of total calls and those involving ingestion of the supplement were determined for selected demographic and clinical factors. Of 34 total Redotex calls received, 55.9% came from the 14 Texas counties that border Mexico. Of the 22 reported Redotex ingestions, 77.3% of the patients were female and 45.5% 20 years or more. Of the 17 ingestions involving no coingestants, 52.9% were already at or en route to a health care facility, 41.2% were managed on site, and 5.9% was referred to a health care facility. The final medical outcome was no effect in 23.5% cases, minor effect in 5.9%, moderate effect in 11.8%, not followed but minimal clinical effects possible in 47.1%, and unable to follow but judged to be potentially toxic in 11.8%. Most Redotex calls to the Texas poison center system originated from counties bordering Mexico.
Girls’ Education as Freedom?
Authors: Dutt Shushmita
Published: February 2010

This article examines the efforts being made by the government and others concerned about the education of adolescent girls left out of the formal educational system in India. The Alternate Learning Systems (ALS) has proved more useful and relevant than the regular government elementary school because there are transformatory inputs that help to shape the girls’ thinking, analytical skills and confidence. Yet, even this does not ensure that girls convert their educational resources into tangible gains. Searching for solutions, the article then examines the Capability Approach (CA) that conceptualizes education as enhancing individual capability. Girls would require support from an inclusive economic environment, enabling social attitudes and effective governance structures.

The article therefore urges that unless state and society proactively work to put these supports in place, girls will be unable to convert their knowledge and skills towards achieving a better quality of life.
Modelling Exchange Rate Returns Using Non-linear Models
Authors: Kumar Manish
Published: February 2010

Forecasting exchange rate movements is challenging, as they exhibit high volatility, complexity and noise. Most traditional models cannot forecast exchange rates, with significantly higher accuracy, than a random walk model. In this study, a non-linear model called artificial neural network (ANN) is used to forecast short-term (daily and weekly) movement of United States dollar (USD)/Japanese yen (JPY). ANN’s out-of-sample performance is benchmarked against the traditional Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model. Performance of both models is rigorously evaluated using three different penalty-based criteria: Directional Accuracy (DA), Correct Upward (CU) and Correct Downward (CD) trends and two non-penalty-based criteria: mean square error (MSE) and normalised mean square error (NMSE). Moreover, the robustness of the two models is tested for different sampling periods. Empirical results show that ANN per-forms better than ARIMA and delivered consistent results across all periods tested. This supports ANN’s robustness and also the fact that it can be used to formulate a strategy for trading in USD/JPY.
From an Intrateam to an Interteam Perspective of Effectiveness: The Role of Interdependence and Boundary Activities
Authors: Drach-Zahavy Anat , Somech Anit
Published: February 2010

The emergence of team-based organizations requires shifting the focus from intrateam to interteam activities in order to understand organizational functioning. This article develops a model of interteam boundary activity and proposes that boundary activity is contingent on interteam goal and task interdependence. In addition, the authors propose that team heterogeneity, interteam power relations, organizational culture, and external environment moderate the relationships between interteam interdependence configuration and boundary activity. The preferred boundary activity further determines whether higher team performance fully translates into higher organizational performance. The article concludes by considering the research and practice challenges implied by the proposed model.
An Effective Model for Continuing Education Training in Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Parrish Danielle E. , Rubin Allen
Published: February 2010

This study utilized a replicated one-group pretest-posttest design with 3 month follow-up to evaluate the impact of a one-day continuing education training on the evidence-based practice (EBP) process with community practitioners (N = 69). Outcome measures assessed the level of workshop participants’ familiarity with the EBP process, their attitudes toward the EBP process, their perceived feasibility of the EBP process, their intentions to engage in the EBP process, their self-reported engagement in the EBP process, and their knowledge about the EBP process. The results supported the effectiveness of this EBP training model, as there was significant change and moderate to strong effect sizes for each of the dependent variables over time in the desired direction.
Social Skills Training for Taiwanese Students at Risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Wu Chiu-yen , Lo Ya-yu , Hua Feng  , Yafen Lo
Published: February 2010

Two third-grade Taiwanese students at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders participated in a pull-out, small-group social skills training program developed to promote their skill acquisition and maintenance. Using a multiple baseline across skills design, the authors demonstrated that both participants made marked performance improvement in all three targeted social skills of on-task, appropriate conflict resolution, and cooperation during the intervention condition. Maintenance and follow-up data showed that both participants sustained their use of taught social skills in the training setting and their third-grade classroom, respectively. Social validity measures, including peer sociometric ratings and consumer satisfaction questionnaires and interviews, supported the positive effects of the social skills training program for both participants. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
TFE3 Expression in Tumors of the Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor (MiTF) Family
Authors: Dickson Brendan C. , Brooks John S. , Pasha Theresa L. , Zhang Paul J.
Published: February 2010

The DNA-binding factor TFE3 is closely related to microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MiTF) and is over-expressed in alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) and select renal cell carcinomas. Reports of TFE3 expression in PEComa prompted investigation into TFE3 expression among other members of the putative MiTF group of neoplasms. The authors examined cases of PEComa (n = 6), conventional angiomyolipoma (AML; n = 22), metastatic melanoma (n = 16), and clear cell sarcoma (CCS; n = 9) for TFE3 expression. Nuclear immunostaining was observed in 74% (39/53) of cases, as follows: 5/6 PEComas, 18/22 AMLs, 10/16 metastatic melanomas, and 6/9 CCSs. However, with the exception of PEComas, compared with ASPS controls, TFE3 staining was significantly less intense in the tumors examined. These results illustrate that TFE3 immunoreactivity is detectable in other members of the MiTF family of neoplasms. For this reason, such neoplasms warrant consideration in the differential diagnosis with nuclear TFE3 immunoreactivity, particularly when staining is focal and less intense.
A Model of Sustainable Living: Collective Identity in an Urban Ecovillage
Authors: Ergas Christina
Published: February 2010

Ecovillages are burgeoning communitarian phenomena in postindustrialized countries whose members push for ecologically sustainable change. The author situated a case study of an urban ecovillage in the social movement literatures on political opportunity structures and collective identity construction in an endeavor to bridge macro-structural movement and micro-identity construction theories. Using participant observation and interview data from ecovillagers, she answers three research questions to investigate how ecovillagers’ collective goals for sustainability are negotiated in the context of regulations and dominant consumer ideologies. Informed by literatures on collective identity, the author asked, “What are ecovillagers’ goals? What work do they do in their everyday lives to achieve these goals?” Additionally, to understand villagers’ interactions with political opportunity structures, she asked, “How do members negotiate actions within a larger political environment that both facilitates and constrains them?” From her data, she determined how ecovillagers conceptualize their collective identity and actions within the context of constraining institutions.
From Wimps to Wild Men: Bipolar Masculinity and the Paradoxical Performances of Tom Cruise
Authors: Peberdy Donna
Published: February 2010

This article examines the performative and paradoxical relationship between masculine opposites—hard and soft, hypermasculinity and hypomasculinity—as presented through the figures of the Wild Man and Wimp. Rather than shifting from hard to soft at different historical moments, as has been argued by scholars such as Susan Jeffords, Fred Pfeil, as well as poet and activist Robert Bly, the article suggests that masculinity is bipolar, simultaneously exhibiting hard and soft modes. Tom Cruise offers a particularly indicative example, moving between hard and soft, Wild Man and Wimp, both on-screen and offscreen. In Magnolia, Cruise’s movement from Frank T.J. Mackey’s manic misogyny to Jack’s emotional hysteria at his father’s bedside presents masculinity as a performance, extending past the cinematic stage to his televisual performances to Oprah, Jay Leno, and Matt Lauer. Cruise offers a clear example where movement too far in either direction can undermine the male ‘‘norm,’’ yet underscores the bipolar nature of masculinity.
‘Do you feel sorry for him?’: Gift relations in an HIV/AIDS on-line support forum
Authors: Bar-Lev Shirly
Published: February 2010

Sociologists have debated whether meaningful emotional relationships can be formed on-line. Drawing on Mauss’ concept of the gift, I explore how caregivers who participate in Hope, an on-line support forum dedicated to HIV/AIDS, incorporate moral percepts and understandings about ethics into their caregiving experiences. Their intense discussions on the essence of familial loyalties give rise to emotionally vibrant, empathic communities in which a socio-emotional economy is formulated. Can the Internet act as a moral space? How are concepts such as reciprocity, obligation, and commitment talked about and practiced in an on-line forum that exists in the ever present?
Medical technocracies in liver transplantation: Drawing boundaries in medical practices
Authors: Serra Helena
Published: February 2010

This article explores the ways in which the mastery of particular medical technologies plays a crucial role in drawing the boundaries between medical specialities, to form what we refer to as medical technocracies. It sets out, above all, to demonstrate how the frontiers between the different medical specialities act, on the one hand, as articulating mechanisms to be found in the division of medical work and, on the other hand, as barriers to the interaction of the various skills. Through a more searching study of the division of labour between surgeons and liver specialists (hepatologists) and surgeons and anaesthetics, we highlight the contrast between those two sets of relations.This illustrates the boundaries and articulation that exist between medical technocracies. The key theoretical guidelines are drawn from medical sociology and sociology of professions. The research methodology includes participant observation in a liver transplantation hospital unit and on site interviews. By using data gathered from physicians actually working in such areas where boundaries have been drawn between surgeons and anaesthesiologists and surgeons and liver specialists, we propose to understand how different medical skills are negotiated between the different groups and where the social arrangements are the result of processes of interaction between the different specialities, which are constantly being reorganized and redefined.
Review: Saxagliptin: a review
Authors: Evans Marc
Published: February 2010

Modulation of the effects of incretin hormones provides a novel mechanism of action for some of the newer therapies for patients with type 2 diabetes. The selective, reversible dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor saxagliptin has demonstrated robust improvements in glycaemic control, as monotherapy or as add-on therapy to metformin, sulphonylureas and thiazolidinediones, without significant change in body weight and while exhibiting a low risk of hypoglycaemia.
Review: Does hypoglycaemia cause cardiovascular events?
Authors: Graveling Alex J , Frier Brian M
Published: February 2010

Strict glycaemic control is strongly advocated in people with type 2 diabetes to prevent vascular disease. However, the outcomes of two large clinical trials have indicated the potential dangers of pursuing this policy in those at high risk of cardiovascular disease, with an excess of fatal vascular events being associated with a higher frequency of severe hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia secondary to insulin and sulphonylurea therapy is often associated with serious morbidity; anecdotal evidence has long implicated hypoglycaemia as a potential cause of myocardial ischaemia or a cardiac arrhythmia. Hypoglycaemia provokes sympatho-adrenal activation and counterregulatory hormone secretion, which exert pronounced cardiovascular effects. Although well tolerated in healthy people, the superimposition of these profound physiological effects on a diseased coronary vasculature and a dysfunctional cardiac conductive system may induce serious or even fatal cardiovascular events. These risks should influence therapeutic targets and the approach to diabetes management in people with diabetes with established vascular disease in whom exposure to severe hypoglycaemia could be dangerous.
International Randomized Clinical Trial, Stroke Inpatient Rehabilitation With Reinforcement of Walking Speed (SIRROWS), Improves Outcomes
Authors: Dobkin Bruce H. , Plummer-D'Amato Prudence , Elashoff Robert , Lee Jihey ,   the SIRROWS Group
Published: February 2010

Background. Feedback about performance may optimize motor relearning after stroke. Objectives . Develop an international collaboration to rapidly test the potential efficacy of daily verbal feedback about walking speed during inpatient rehabilitation after stroke, using a protocol that requires no research funds. Methods . This phase 2, single-blinded, multicenter trial randomized inpatients to either feedback about self-selected fast walking speed (daily reinforcement of speed, DRS) immediately after a single, daily 10-m walk or to no reinforcement of speed (NRS) after the walk, performed within the context of routine physical therapy. The primary outcome was velocity for a 15.2-m (50-foot) timed walk at discharge. Secondary outcomes were walking distance in 3 minutes, length of stay (LOS), and level of independence (Functional Ambulation Classification, FAC). Results. Within 18 months, 179 participants were randomized. The groups were balanced for age, gender, time from onset of stroke to entry, initial velocity, and level of walking-related disability. The walking speed at discharge for DRS (0.91 m/s) was greater ( P = .01) than that for NRS (0.72 m/s). No difference was found for LOS. LOS for both DRS and NRS was significantly shorter, however, for those who had mean walking speeds >0.4 m/s at entry. The DRS group did not have a higher proportion of FAC independent walkers ( P = .1) and did not walk longer distances ( P = .09). Conclusions. An Internet-based collaboration of 18 centers found that feedback about performance once a day produced gains in walking speed large enough to permit unlimited, slow community ambulation at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.
To Tweet, or Not to Tweet: Gender Differences and Potential Positive and Negative Health Outcomes of Adolescents’ Social Internet Use
Authors: Pujazon-Zazik Melissa , Park M. Jane
Published: February 2010

Adolescents and young adults are avid Internet users. Online social media, such as social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, MySpace), blogs, status updating sites (e.g., Twitter) and chat rooms, have become integral parts of adolescents’ and young adults’ lives. Adolescents are even beginning to enter the world of online dating with several websites dedicated to “teenage online dating.” This paper reviews recent peer-reviewed literature and national data on 1) adolescents use of online social media, 2) gender differences in online social media and 3) potential positive and negative health outcomes from adolescents’ online social media use. We also examine parental monitoring of adolescents’ online activities. Given that parental supervision is a key protective factor against adolescent risk-taking behavior, it is reasonable to hypothesize that unmonitored Internet use may place adolescents’ at significant risk, such as cyberbullying, unwanted exposure to pornography, and potentially revealing personal information to sexual predators.
Tibiotalar Nonunion Corrected by Hindfoot Arthrodesis
Authors: Giza Eric , Sarcon Annahita K. , Kreulen Christopher
Published: February 2010

A 65-year-old man without significant comorbidities was referred to the senior author (EG) 9 months after an ankle arthrodesis procedure with complaints of pain, swelling, and progressive hindfoot valgus. The patient had elected to have the index surgery because of severe ankle arthritis due to longstanding lateral ankle instability. Physical examination revealed a well-healed anterior, midline ankle incision with normal pulses and sensation. Painful, limited ankle and subtalar range of motion was noted along with 20 degrees of hindfoot valgus and subfibular impingement. Radiographs of the ankle revealed an attempted ankle fusion using a knee arthroplasty trabecular metal augment placed vertically at the tibiotalar joint. There were no screws or other hardware present to provide compression and stability of the fusion. A computed tomography scan showed a tibiotalar nonunion, erosion of the talar body, and severe tibiotalar and subtalar arthritis. Inflammatory markers were within normal range. Based on the findings of a failed fusion and progressive painful hindfoot deformity, it was determined that the patient would benefit from removal of the hardware and revision fusion surgery. Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) hindfoot fusion was planned because of the patient’s talar collapse and tibiotalar/ subtalar arthritis. The TTC procedure was performed with a retrograde intramedullary nail, femoral head allograft, and morselized fibular autograft enriched with platelet-rich plasma. The femoral head was used as a structural allograft to fill the large bone defect, prevent limb shortening, and assist in correction of the hindfoot deformity. Intraoperative findings revealed severe metallic synovitis of the ankle and subtalar joints, metal debris at the site of the trabecular implant, and segmental defects of the distal tibia and talus. Weight bearing was permitted after 16 weeks when evidence of successful ankle fusion was confirmed radiographically. At 24 months, the patient was pain free and ambulating without difficulty.
Exploring the Association between Israeli Legislators’ Physical Attractiveness and Their Television News Coverage
Authors: Tsfati Yariv , Markowitz Elfassi Dana , Waismel-Manor Israel
Published: February 2010

This study develops and tests the hypothesis that physically attractive politicians receive more news coverage. The physical attractiveness of Members of the 16th Israeli Knesset (MKs) was assessed by students abroad, who did not know they were evaluating Israeli politicians. The number of times each member appeared on national television news at the time of study was obtained and used as a measure of television news coverage. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that, over and above controls for a host of factors, the physical attractiveness of the MKs was associated with their coverage in television news.
Micro-computed tomography-based phenotypic approaches in embryology: procedural artifacts on assessments of embryonic craniofacial growth and development
Authors: Schmidt Eric J , Parsons Trish E , Jamniczky Heather A , Gitelman Julian , Trpkov Cvett , Boughner Julia C , Logan C Cairine , Sensen Christoph W , Hallgrímsson Benedikt
Published: February 2010

Background

Growing demand for three dimensional (3D) digital images of embryos for purposes of phenotypic assessment drives implementation of new histological and imaging techniques. Among these micro-computed tomography (μCT) has recently been utilized as an effective and practical method for generating images at resolutions permitting 3D quantitative analysis of gross morphological attributes of developing tissues and organs in embryonic mice. However, histological processing in preparation for μCT scanning induces changes in organ size and shape. Establishing normative expectations for experimentally induced changes in size and shape will be an important feature of 3D μCT-based phenotypic assessments, especially if quantifying differences in the values of those parameters between comparison sets of developing embryos is a primary aim. Toward that end, we assessed the nature and degree of morphological artifacts attending μCT scanning following use of common fixatives, using a two dimensional (2D) landmark geometric morphometric approach to track the accumulation of distortions affecting the embryonic head from the native, uterine state through to fixation and subsequent scanning.

Results

Bouin's fixation reduced average centroid sizes of embryonic mouse crania by approximately 30% and substantially altered the morphometric shape, as measured by the shift in Procrustes distance, from the unfixed state, after the data were normalized for naturally occurring shape variation. Subsequent μCT scanning produced negligible changes in size but did appear to reduce or even reverse fixation-induced random shape changes. Mixtures of paraformaldehyde + glutaraldehyde reduced average centroid sizes by 2-3%. Changes in craniofacial shape progressively increased post-fixation.

Conclusions

The degree to which artifacts are introduced in the generation of random craniofacial shape variation relates to the degree of specimen dehydration during the initial fixation. Fixation methods that better maintain original craniofacial dimensions at reduced levels of dehydration and tissue shrinkage lead to the progressive accumulation of random shape variation during handling and data acquisition. In general, to the degree that embryonic organ size and shape factor into μCT-based phenotypic assessments, procedurally induced artifacts associated with fixation and scanning will influence results. Experimental designs will need to address these significant effects, either by employing alternative methods that minimize artifacts in the region of focus or in the interpretation of statistical patterns.
Evolution of plant RNA polymerase IV/V genes: evidence of subneofunctionalization of duplicated NRPD2/NRPE2-like paralogs in Viola (Violaceae)
Authors: Marcussen Thomas , Oxelman Bengt , Skog Anna , Jakobsen Kjetill S
Published: February 2010

Background

DNA-dependent RNA polymerase IV and V (Pol IV and V) are multi-subunit enzymes occurring in plants. The origin of Pol V, specific to angiosperms, from Pol IV, which is present in all land plants, is linked to the duplication of the gene encoding the largest subunit and the subsequent subneofunctionalization of the two paralogs (NRPD1 and NRPE1). Additional duplication of the second-largest subunit, NRPD2/NRPE2, has happened independently in at least some eudicot lineages, but its paralogs are often subject to concerted evolution and gene death and little is known about their evolution nor their affinity with Pol IV and Pol V.

Results

We sequenced a ~1500 bp NRPD2/E2-like fragment from 18 Viola species, mostly paleopolyploids, and 6 non-Viola Violaceae species. Incongruence between the NRPD2/E2-like gene phylogeny and species phylogeny indicates a first duplication of NRPD2 relatively basally in Violaceae, with subsequent sorting of paralogs in the descendants, followed by a second duplication in the common ancestor of Viola and Allexis. In Viola, the mutation pattern suggested (sub-) neofunctionalization of the two NRPD2/E2-like paralogs, NRPD2/E2-a and NRPD2/E2-b. The d

N
/d

S
ratios indicated that a 54 bp region exerted strong positive selection for both paralogs immediately following duplication. This 54 bp region encodes a domain that is involved in the binding of the Nrpd2 subunit with other Pol IV/V subunits, and may be important for correct recognition of subunits specific to Pol IV and Pol V. Across all Viola taxa 73 NRPD2/E2-like sequences were obtained, of which 23 (32%) were putative pseudogenes - all occurring in polyploids. The NRPD2 duplication was conserved in all lineages except the diploid MELVIO clade, in which NRPD2/E2-b was lost, and its allopolyploid derivates from hybridization with the CHAM clade, section Viola and section Melanium, in which NRPD2/E2-a occurred in multiple copies while NRPD2/E2-b paralogs were either absent or pseudogenized.

Conclusions

Following the relatively recent split of Pol IV and Pol V, our data indicate that these two multi-subunit enzymes are still in the process of specialization and each acquiring fully subfunctionalized copies of their subunit genes. Even after specialization, the NRPD2/E2-like paralogs are prone to pseudogenization and gene conversion and NRPD2 and NRPE2 copy number is a highly dynamic process modulated by allopolyploidy and gene death.
Traditional agroecosystems as conservatories and incubators of cultivated plant varietal diversity: the case of fig (Ficus caricaL.) in Morocco
Authors: Achtak Hafid , Ater Mohammed , Oukabli Ahmed , Santoni Sylvain , Kjellberg Finn , Khadari Bouchaib
Published: February 2010

Background

Traditional agroecosystems are known to host both large crop species diversity and high within crop genetic diversity. In a context of global change, this diversity may be needed to feed the world. Are these agroecosystems museums (i.e. large core collections) or cradles of diversity? We investigated this question for a clonally propagated plant, fig (Ficus carica), within its native range, in Morocco, but as far away as possible from supposed centers of domestication.

Results

Fig varieties were locally numerous. They were found to be mainly highly local and corresponded to clones propagated vegetatively. Nevertheless these clones were often sufficiently old to have accumulated somatic mutations for selected traits (fig skin color) and at neutral loci (microsatellite markers). Further the pattern of spatial genetic structure was similar to the pattern expected in natural population for a mutation/drift/migration model at equilibrium, with homogeneous levels of local genetic diversity throughout Moroccan traditional agroecosystems.

Conclusions

We conclude that traditional agroecosystems constitue active incubators of varietal diversity even for clonally propagated crop species, and even when varieties correspond to clones that are often old. As only female fig is cultivated, wild fig and cultivated fig probably constitute a single evolutionary unit within these traditional agroecosystems. Core collections, however useful, are museums and hence cannot serve the same functions as traditional agroecosystems.
MicroRNA-21 inhibitor sensitizes human glioblastoma cells U251 (PTEN-mutant) and LN229 (PTEN-wild type) to taxol
Authors: Ren Yu , Zhou Xuan , Mei Mei , Yuan Xu-Bo , Han Lei , Wang Guang-Xiu , Jia Zhi-Fan , Xu Peng , Pu Pei-Yu , Kang Chun-Sheng
Published: February 2010

Background

Substantial data indicate that the oncogene microRNA 21 (miR-21) is significantly elevated in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and regulates multiple genes associated with cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasiveness. Thus, miR-21 can theoretically become a target to enhance the chemotherapeutic effect in cancer therapy. So far, the effect of downregulating miR-21 to enhance the chemotherapeutic effect to taxol has not been studied in human GBM.

Methods

Human glioblastoma U251 (PTEN-mutant) and LN229 (PTEN wild-type) cells were treated with taxol and the miR-21 inhibitor (in a poly (amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer), alone or in combination. The 50% inhibitory concentration and cell viability were determined by the MTT assay. The mechanism between the miR-21 inhibitor and the anticancer drug taxol was analyzed using the Zheng-Jun Jin method. Annexin V/PI staining was performed, and apoptosis and the cell cycle were evaluated by flow cytometry analysis. Expression of miR-21 was investigated by RT-PCR, and western blotting was performed to evaluate malignancy related protein alteration.

Results

IC(50) values were dramatically decreased in cells treated with miR-21 inhibitor combine with taxol, to a greater extent than those treated with taxol alone. Furthermore, the miR-21 inhibitor significantly enhanced apoptosis in both U251 cells and LN229 cells, and cell invasiveness was obviously weakened. Interestingly, the above data suggested that in both the PTEN mutant and the wild-type GBM cells, miR-21 blockage increased the chemosensitivity to taxol. It is worth noting that the miR-21 inhibitor additively interacted with taxol on U251cells and synergistically on LN229 cells. Thus, the miR-21 inhibitor might interrupt the activity of EGFR pathways, independently of PTEN status. Meanwhile, the expression of STAT3 and p-STAT3 decreased to relatively low levels after miR-21 inhibitor and taxol treatment. The data strongly suggested that a regulatory loop between miR-21 and STAT3 might provide an insight into the mechanism of modulating EGFR/STAT3 signaling.

Conclusions

Taken together, the miR-21 inhibitor could enhance the chemo-sensitivity of human glioblastoma cells to taxol. A combination of miR-21 inhibitor and taxol could be an effective therapeutic strategy for controlling the growth of GBM by inhibiting STAT3 expression and phosphorylation.
Anti-tetherin activities in Vpu-expressing primate lentiviruses
Authors: Yang Su Jung , Lopez Lisa A , Hauser Heiko , Exline Colin M , Haworth Kevin G , Cannon Paula M
Published: February 2010

Background

The anti-viral activity of the cellular restriction factor, BST-2/tetherin, was first observed as an ability to block the release of Vpu-minus HIV-1 from the surface of infected cells. However, tetherin restriction is also counteracted by primate lentiviruses that do not express a Vpu protein, where anti-tetherin functions are provided by either the Env protein (HIV-2, SIVtan) or the Nef protein (SIVsm/mac and SIVagm). Within the primate lentiviruses, Vpu is also present in the genomes of SIVcpz and certain SIVsyk viruses. We asked whether, in these viruses, anti-tetherin activity was always a property of Vpu, or if it had selectively evolved in HIV-1 to perform this function.

Results

We found that despite the close relatedness of HIV-1 and SIVcpz, the chimpanzee viruses use Nef instead of Vpu to counteract tetherin. Furthermore, SIVcpz Nef proteins had activity against chimpanzee but not human tetherin. This specificity mapped to a short sequence that is present in the cytoplasmic tail of primate but not human tetherins, and this also accounts for the specificity of SIVsm/mac Nef for primate but not human tetherins. In contrast, Vpu proteins from four diverse members of the SIVsyk lineage all displayed an anti-tetherin activity that was active against macaque tetherin. Interestingly, Vpu from a SIVgsn isolate was also found to have activity against human tetherin.

Conclusions

Primate lentiviruses show a high degree of flexibility in their use of anti-tetherin factors, indicating a strong selective pressure to counteract tetherin restriction. The identification of an activity against human tetherin in SIVgsn Vpu suggests that the presence of Vpu in the ancestral SIVmus/mon/gsn virus believed to have contributed the 3' half of the HIV-1 genome may have played a role in the evolution of viruses that could counteract human tetherin and infect humans.
Thermal stability and inactivation of hepatitis C virus grown in cell culture
Authors: Song Hongshuo , Li Jin , Shi Shuang , Yan Ling , Zhuang Hui , Li Kui
Published: February 2010

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne flavivirus that infects many millions of people worldwide. Relatively little is known, however, concerning the stability of HCV and reliable procedures for inactivating this virus.

Methods

In the current study, the thermostability of cell culture-derived HCV (HCVcc, JFH-1 strain) under different environmental temperatures (37°C, room temperature, and 4°C) and the ability of heat, UVC light irradiation, and aldehyde and detergent treatments to inactivate HCVcc were evaluated. The infectious titers of treated viral samples were determined by focus-forming unit (FFU) assay using an indirect immunofluorescence assay for HCV NS3 in hepatoma Huh7-25-CD81 cells highly permissive for HCVcc infection. MTT cytotoxicity assay was performed to determine the concentrations of aldehydes or detergents at which they were no longer cytotoxic.

Results

HCVcc in culture medium was found to survive 37°C and room temperature (RT, 25 ± 2°C) for 2 and 16 days, respectively, while the virus was relatively stable at 4°C without drastic loss of infectivity for at least 6 weeks. HCVcc in culture medium was sensitive to heat and could be inactivated in 8 and 4 min when incubated at 60°C and 65°C, respectively. However, at 56°C, 40 min were required to eliminate HCVcc infectivity. Addition of normal human serum to HCVcc did not significantly alter viral stability at RT or its susceptibility to heat. UVC light irradiation (wavelength = 253.7 nm) with an intensity of 450 μW/cm2 efficiently inactivated HCVcc within 2 min. Exposures to formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, ionic or nonionic detergents all destroyed HCVcc infectivity effectively, regardless of whether the treatments were conducted in the presence of cell culture medium or human serum.

Conclusions

The results provide quantitative evidence for the potential use of a variety of approaches for inactivating HCV. The ability of HCVcc to survive ambient temperatures warrants precautions in handling and disposing of objects and materials that may have been contaminated with HCV.