bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-Component Response Regulator DegU Controls the Expression of Bacilysin in Plant-Growth-Promoting Bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42
Authors: Mariappan Aruljothi , Makarewicz Oliwia , Chen Xiao-Hua , Borriss Rainer
Published: June 2012

The plant-growth-promoting-rhizobacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 possess an enormous potential to synthesize a wide range of antimicrobial, antiviral and nematocidal compounds. One of them, the dipeptide antibiotic bacilysin, is synthesized by FZB42 during exponential growth. Here, we have demonstrated that bacilysin is positively regulated by the two-component response regulator DegU at the transcriptional level. In addition, ScoC (Hpr), a transition state regulator, negatively controlled expression of the bacA gene, which is the first gene within the bacilysin operon. Both DegU and ScoC were bound directly at the bacA promoter region. Furthermore, a monocistronic gene located in close vicinity of the bac operon and essential for bacilysin production, ywfH, was also regulated by DegU. Transcription of the bac operon and of the ywfH gene in B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 was positively controlled by the DegU global regulator protein. The role of interactions within a ternary complex formed by the antagonistically acting regulators DegU and ScoC as well as the bacA promoter sequence remains to be elucidated.
Patients’ Experience of Psoriasis in the Genital Area
Authors: Meeuwis K.A.P. , van de Kerkhof P.C.M. , Massuger L.F.A.G. , de Hullu J.A. , van Rossum M.M.
Published: June 2012

Background: Psoriasis in the genital area is often neglected, although it bothers a substantial number of patients. Objective: To study both the role of the physician in the treatment of genital psoriasis and the symptom intensity of these lesions as experienced by the patients. Methods: A detailed self-administered questionnaire (containing items on the role of the physician and genital symptom intensity, range 0–10) was filled in by members of the Dutch Psoriasis Society. Results: Data of 277 patients with genital psoriasis were analyzed. A total of 45.8% did not discuss the presence of genital psoriasis with their physician, 25% believed that the physician paid sufficient attention to genital lesions, and 67.8% never applied treatment for genital lesions. Mean symptom intensity ranged from 2.4 to 5.1, all scores being significantly higher for women compared to men. Severe symptoms were present in up to 43.5% of patients. Of these patients, up to 38.1% did not discuss the symptoms with their physician. Conclusion: The consultation rate for genital lesions is low, while numerous patients report a significant burden of disease.
Prediction of Motor Function Outcome after Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using Fractional Anisotropy Calculated from Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Authors: Kuzu Yasutaka , Inoue Takashi , Kanbara Yoshiyuki , Nishimoto Hideaki , Fujiwara Shunro , Ogasawara Kuniaki , Ogawa Akira
Published: June 2012

Background: The efficacy of surgical evacuation in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains unclear for recovery of motor function. The relationship between improvement of motor function outcome and sequential change of fractional anisotropy (FA) values was investigated in patients with ICH, to explore whether motor function outcome can be predicted in the early phase. Indication of the surgical hematoma evacuation was also considered. Methods: This prospective study included 23 patients with ICH. All patients underwent diffusion tensor imaging to measure the FA value five times: within 3 days, day 14, day 30, day 60, and day 90 after the onset. The regions of interest were determined on the b = 0 step of the echo planar imaging scans in the bilateral cerebral peduncles and were automatically transferred onto the FA images. The FA value was then calculated for each patient. Patients were divided into good and poor recovery groups according to the motor function outcome on day 90. Results: The mean FA value of the poor recovery group gradually decreased until day 90, but remained unchanged in the good recovery group. The mean FA value on day 3 was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the good recovery group (0.745 ± 0.0073) than in the poor recovery group (0.682 ± 0.0090). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the FA value on day 3 could predict motor function outcome with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 77.8% at an FA value of 0.7 on day 3. Conclusion: The main finding of this study was that the FA values of the cerebral peduncle on the pathological side in patients with ICH on day 3 could predict the motor function outcome on day 90.
Chromosome Evolution in Bats as Revealed by FISH: The Ongoing Search for the Ancestral Chiropteran Karyotype
Authors: Volleth M. , Eick G.
Published: June 2012

Chiroptera, the second largest order of mammals, comprises more than 1,000 species in 18 highly morphologically diverse families. Chromosome painting with human probes has been applied to 10 bat species from 8 families. Except for the combination 10/12pq/22q, all syntenic segmental associations proposed for the mammalian ancestor have been found in Chiroptera. Bat-specific painting probes, established from 4 species of 3 families, have been used in whole chromosome painting experiments in 29 species from 8 families. The results show that the prevailing mode of chromosomal evolution in bats is Robertsonian translocation with a large number of convergent events. Given our present knowledge of chiropteran karyotypes, only a few elements of the ancestral chiropteran karyotype can be reconstructed with confidence.
Bone Mineralization in Rhythmic Gymnasts before Puberty: No Longitudinal Associations with Adipocytokine and Ghrelin Levels
Authors: Parm Anna-Liisa , Jürimäe Jaak , Saar Meeli , Pärna Kristel , Tillmann Vallo , Maasalu Katre , Neissaar Inga , Jürimäe Toivo
Published: June 2012

Aim: Relationships between change of bone mineral density (BMD) and baseline adipocytokine and ghrelin levels over 12 months in prepubertal rhythmic gymnasts (RG) and age-matched untrained controls (UC) were studied. Methods: Adipocytokine, ghrelin, body composition, BMD and bone age values were measured in RG (8.0 ± 0.6 years; n = 33) and UC (8.2 ± 0.6 years; n = 35). Results: Increases in BMD and body composition parameters were seen in both groups as a result of the 12-month study period. Adiponectin increased and ghrelin decreased in both groups, leptin increased only in UC. Measured bone age, body composition and hormone values did not predict increases in BMD values in RG. The variables that were associated with increases in whole-body (ΔWB) and femoral neck (ΔFN) BMD values were fat mass and fat-free mass together in UC. Ghrelin and adiponectin were the most important hormonal predictors of ΔWB BMD and ΔFN BMD values in UC, respectively. In RG, adiponectin and ghrelin levels did not predict increases in measured BMD values. Conclusion: Body composition parameters and hormone levels did not predict normal growth in measured BMD values as a result of the 12-month study period in RG. However, leptin together with specific body composition variables was associated with an increase in ΔWB BMD value in UC.
Chromosomal Axis Formation and Meiotic Progression in Chicken Oocytes: A Quantitative Analysis
Authors: del Priore L. , Pigozzi M.I.
Published: June 2012

The assembly and disassembly of the synaptonemal complexes (SCs) correlate with the progression of meiotic prophase I. Using immunostaining of the cohesin component SMC3, which is present in the axial elements of the SC, we characterized the synaptic process in chicken oocytes and quantified the frequency of the different prophase stages at hatching and at 3 different ages after hatching. The analysis provides detailed quantitative data regarding the meiotic stages in the chicken ovary showing that the maximum amount of pachytene oocytes is found around hatching and that oocytes reach the diplotene stage 5 days after entering into meiosis. We confirmed the asynchrony of the meiotic development in the female chicken gonad showing that the ovary has a composite population of cells at different stages from day 17 before hatching and for several days after hatching. The significance of these results is discussed in relationship to functional experimental procedures that involve avian oocytes.
Lack of Genetic Association of the UCHL1 Gene with Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease with Dementia
Authors: Shibata Nobuto , Motoi Yumiko , Tomiyama Hiroyuki , Ohnuma Tohru , Kuerban Bolati , Tomson Katrin , Komatsu Miwa , Hattori Nobutaka , Arai Heii
Published: June 2012

Background/Aims: Several candidate genes were suggested to modify the susceptibility to both Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Symptoms of dementia are found in approximately 30% of PD patients. Both apolipoprotein E (APO E) and ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase L1 (UCHL1) are neuropathogenic proteins for both diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms of both genes are associated with AD and PD with dementia (PDD). Methods: The APO E polymorphism and 5 common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the UCHL1 gene were analyzed using a case-control study design. Results: Although APO E4 affected the onset of AD, the 5 SNPs of the UCHL1 gene were not associated with risk for AD. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis of our Japanese data set showed that the SNPs of the UCHL1 gene are part of one LD block. Although one SNP, rs4861387, of the UCHL1 gene showed marginal association with PDD, we did not detect any association between the other SNPs and PDD. Conclusion: The common SNPs of UCHL1 are not major risk factors for AD. Since our analyses on PDD are preliminary, further genetic studies on APO E, UCHL1 and PD with and without dementia are needed.
Membrane Progesterone Receptors: Evidence for Neuroprotective, Neurosteroid Signaling and Neuroendocrine Functions in Neuronal Cells
Authors: Thomas Peter , Pang Yefei
Published: June 2012

Membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs) are novel G protein-coupled receptors belonging to the progestin and adipoQ receptor family (PAQR) that mediate a variety of rapid cell surface-initiated progesterone actions in the reproductive system involving activation of intracellular signaling pathways (i.e. nonclassical actions). The mPRs are highly expressed in the brain, but research on their neural functions has only been conducted in a single neuronal cell line, GT1–7 cells, which have negligible nuclear progesterone receptor (PR) expression. GT1–7 cells express mPRα and mPRβ on their plasma membranes which is associated with the presence of high-affinity, specific [3H]-progesterone receptor binding. The neurosteroid, allopregnanolone, is an effective ligand for recombinant mPRα with a relative binding affinity of 7.6% that of progesterone. Allopregnanolone acts as a potent mPR agonist on GT1–7 cells, mimicking the progesterone-induced decrease in cAMP accumulation and its antiapoptotic actions at low nanomolar concentrations. The decrease in cAMP levels is associated with rapid progesterone-induced downregulation of GnRH pulsatile secretion from perifused GT1–7 cells. The recent suggestion that mPRs are alkaline ceramidases and mediate sphingolipid signaling is not supported by empirical evidence that TNFα does not bind to mPRs overexpressed in human cells and that exogenous sphingomyelinase is ineffective in mimicking progestin actions through mPRs to induce meiotic maturation of fish oocytes. Taken together, these recent studies indicate that mPRs mediate neuroprotective effects of progesterone and allopregnanolone and are also the likely intermediaries in progesterone-induced inhibition of pulsatile GnRH secretion in GT1–7 cells.
Natural History of Postoperative Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Yong , Wang Cheng De , Su Zhi Peng , Chen Yun Xiang , Cai Lin , Zhuge Qi Chuan , Wu Zhe Bao
Published: June 2012

Objective: Previous studies attempting to define the natural history of postoperative nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (pNFPAs) were somewhat limited by selection bias and/or small numbers and/or lack of consistency among the study findings. The aim of this study was to scrutinize the literature in order to analyze the natural history of pNFPAs. Methods: Electronic database including MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched. The literature relating to the patients with pNFPAs without postoperative radiotherapy and pharmacotherapy was collected. Eligible studies reported on the rate of tumor recurrence, the tumor growth-free survival rate (TGFSR) at 5 and 10 years, and/or the residual tumor volume doubling time (TVDT). Results: 19 studies met the criteria. The pNFPAs were divided into two groups: the pooled recurrence rate of group I without detectable residual tumor (371 patients) was 12% (95% CI 6–19%), the TGFSR at 5 and 10 years were 96% (95% CI 89–99%) and 82% (95% CI 65–94%), respectively. The pooled recurrence rate of group II with residual tumor (600 patients) was 46% (95% CI 36–56%), the TGFSR at 5 and 10 years were 56% (95% CI 41–71%) and 40% (95% CI 27–53%), respectively. The mean TVDT was 3.4 years (95% CI 2.4–4.5 years). Conclusions: pNFPAs, with or without detectable residual tumor, need stratification of treatment and radiological/endocrinological follow-up strategy. According to the TVDT, residual tumor regrowth is very slow, which permits an extensive and safe follow-up program for most patients.
Circulating Adipocyte Fatty Acid-Binding Protein Levels and Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Eynatten Maximilian von , Breitling Lutz P. , Roos Marcel , Baumann Marcus , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Brenner Hermann
Published: June 2012

Objective—

Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) abundantly expressed in mature adipocytes and activated macrophages has dramatic effects on atherosclerosis in mice. Whether this pathophysiological role of A-FABP may also apply to atherosclerotic disease in humans is still unknown. This study investigated associations among serum A-FABP levels, cardiovascular risk factors, and long-term secondary cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcome in patients with coronary heart disease.

Methods and Results—

Serum A-FABP levels were measured in 1069 patients with prevalent coronary heart disease and a 10-year prospective follow-up was conducted (median, 119.5 [interquartile range, 74.1–120.6] months). During this period 204 patients (incidence, 24.0/1000 patient-years) experienced a secondary cardiovascular disease event (defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal cerebrovascular stroke). At baseline, circulating A-FABP was positively associated with a cluster of metabolic and inflammatory risk factors and independently predicted the presence of the metabolic syndrome (odds ratio per unit increase of natural log-transformed A-FABP, 2.95; 95% CI, 2.22–3.92,
P
<0.001). On long-term follow-up, subjects with high baseline A-FABP showed an increased risk for secondary cardiovascular disease events (hazard ratio per unit increase, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.18–1.95;
P
=0.001), which was attenuated after multivariable adjustment (hazard ratio 1.30; 95% CI, 0.98–1.73). In contrast, A-FABP remained significantly associated with cardiovascular death even after multivariable adjustment (hazard ratio, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.17–2.62,
P
=0.007).

Conclusion—

Circulating A-FABP levels are associated with long-term prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease and may represent an important pathophysiological mediator of atherosclerosis, which may point to a new target of treatment options.
From Skeleton to Cytoskeleton
Authors: Yuen Chi Yung , Wong Siu Ling , Lau Chi Wai , Tsang Suk-Ying , Xu Aimin , Zhu Zhiming , Ng Chi Fai , Yao Xiaoqiang , Kong Siu Kai , Lee Hung Kay , Huang Yu
Published: June 2012

Rationale:

The expression of osteocalcin is augmented in human atherosclerotic lesions. How osteocalcin triggers vascular pathogenesis and remodeling is unclear.

Objective:

To investigate whether osteocalcin promotes transformation of adventitial fibroblast to myofibroblasts and the molecular mechanism involved.

Methods and Results:

Immunohistochemistry indicated that osteocalcin was expressed in the neointima of renal arteries from diabetic patients. Western blotting and wound-healing assay showed that osteocalcin induced fibroblast transformation and migration, which were attenuated by blockers of the renin-angiotensin system and protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) neutralizing antibody, and antagonist and inhibitors of free radical production and cyclooxygenase-2. Small interfering RNA silencing of TLR4 and PKCδ abolished fibroblast transformation. Angiotensin II level in the conditioned medium from the osteocalcin-treated fibroblasts was found elevated using enzyme immunoassay. Culturing of fibroblasts in conditioned medium collected from differentiated osteoblasts promoted fibroblast transformation. The expression of fibronectin, TLR4, and cyclooxygenase-2 is augmented in human mesenteric arteries after 5-day in vitro exposure to osteocalcin.

Conclusions:

Osteocalcin transforms adventitial fibroblasts to myofibroblasts through stimulating angiotensin II release and subsequent activation of PKCδ/TLR4/reactive oxygen species/cyclooxygenase-2 signaling cascade. This study reveals that the skeletal hormone osteocalcin cross-talks with vascular system and contributes to vascular remodeling.
Development of a Clinical Prediction Rule for Risk Stratification of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Louzada Martha L. , Carrier Marc , Lazo-Langner Alejandro , Dao Vi , Kovacs Michael J. , Ramsay Timothy O. , Rodger Marc A. , Zhang Jerry , Lee Agnes Y.Y. , Meyer Guy , Wells Philip S.
Published: June 2012

Background—

Long-term low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is the current standard for treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients. Whether treatment strategies should vary according to individual risk of VTE recurrence remains unknown. We performed a retrospective cohort study and a validation study in patients with cancer-associated VTE to derive a clinical prediction rule that stratifies VTE recurrence risk.

Methods and Results—

The cohort study of 543 patients determined the model with the best classification performance included 4 independent predictors (sex, primary tumor site, stage, and prior VTE) with 100% sensitivity, a wide separation of recurrence rates, 98.1% negative predictive value, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.16. In this model, the score sum ranged between −3 and 3 score points. Patients with a score ≤0 had low risk (≤4.5%) for recurrence and patients with a score >1 had a high risk (≥19%) for VTE recurrence. Subsequently, we applied and validated the rule in an independent set of 819 patients from 2 randomized, controlled trials comparing low-molecular-weight heparin to coumarin treatment in cancer patients.

Conclusions—

By identifying VTE recurrence risk in cancer patients with VTE, we may be able to tailor treatment, improving clinical outcomes while minimizing costs.
Association Between Major Perioperative Hemorrhage and Stroke or Q-Wave Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kamel Hooman , Johnston S. Claiborne , Kirkham John C. , Turner Christopher G. , Kizer Jorge R. , Devereux Richard B. , Iadecola Costantino
Published: June 2012

Background—

Hemorrhage is associated with ischemic complications in cardiac patients. The nature of this relationship in surgical patients is unknown.

Methods and Results—

We examined the association between major perioperative hemorrhage and stroke or myocardial infarction among adults who underwent surgery from 2005 through 2009 at centers participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. We excluded patients with emergent, trauma-related, transplantation, cardiac, or neurological operations. Major hemorrhage was defined as bleeding necessitating transfusion of >4 U of packed red blood cells or whole blood. Stroke was defined as focal brain dysfunction lasting ≥24 hours from a vascular cause. A diagnosis of myocardial infarction required new ECG Q waves. Outcomes were assessed from surgery until 30 days afterward. Among 651 775 patients who underwent surgery, 5233 (0.80%) experienced major hemorrhage, 1575 (0.24%) developed Q-wave myocardial infarction, and 1321 (0.20%) suffered a stroke. In Cox proportional hazards analyses controlling for vascular risk factors, illness severity, and type of surgery, hemorrhage was independently associated with subsequent stroke (hazard ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.9–3.3) and subsequent Q-wave myocardial infarction (hazard ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.1–3.4). Interaction terms revealed no significant variation in these associations by age, sex, or type of surgery. Our results were robust across multiple sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions—

Major perioperative hemorrhage is associated with subsequent stroke and myocardial infarction in patients undergoing noncardiac, nonneurological surgery. This suggests the need for randomized trials to guide perioperative use of antiplatelet drugs, which affect the risk of both bleeding and vascular events.
Impact of Statin Use Before the Onset of Acute Myocardial Infarction on Coronary Plaque Morphology of the Culprit Lesion
Authors: Hikita Hiroyuki , Kuroda Shunsuke , Oosaka Yuki , Kawaguchi Naohiko , Nakashima Emiko , Sugiyama Tomoyo , Akiyama Daiki , Kamiishi Tetsuo , Kimura Shigeki , Takahashi Yoshihide , Kuwahara Taishi , Sato Akira , Takahashi Atsushi , Isobe Mitsuaki
Published: June 2012

Statins favorably stabilize coronary plaque. We evaluated the impact of statin use before the onset of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) on culprit lesion plaque morphology. Patients (n = 127) with AMI were divided into either a statin group (n = 31) or a nonstatin group (n = 96) based on statin use before the onset of AMI. Coronary plaque morphology of the culprit lesion was evaluated using intravascular ultrasound virtual histology (IVUS-VH) with radiofrequency data analysis before coronary intervention. The IVUS-VH identified 4 types of plaque components: fibrous, fibrofatty, dense calcium, and necrotic core. The IVUS-VH showed less percentage of necrotic area, greater percentage fibrous area, and greater percentage of fibrofatty area of the culprit lesion in the statin group. In conclusion, statin use before the onset of AMI might have effects on coronary plaque morphology of the AMI culprit lesion with less necrotic core and greater fibrous and fibrofatty component.
Finding Optimal Functioning in a Sexist World
Authors: Yoder Janice D.
Published: June 2012

Focusing in on a point of convergence among the three reactions generously shared regarding Yoder, Snell, and Tobias (2012), the author revisits our original interpretation of the configuration we labeled awakening feminism as well as its implications for counseling practice. Rather than regard awakening feminism as a distressful stage through which some college students may pass on the way to established feminism, the infusion of a social justice agenda into our very definition of optimal individual and collective functioning may call for the merger of a strong sense of justice entitlement (along with some personal entitlement)—as the hallmarks of awakening feminism—into established feminism. Because established feminism is associated with generally favorable individual, interpersonal, and collective outcomes, some college women may be able to not only (personally) withstand but also (politically) benefit from some moral outrage, thus finding optimal functioning in both personal well-being and a social justice agenda.
‘Suddenly I get into the zone’: Examining discontinuities and nonlinear changes in flow experiences at work
Authors: Ceja Lucia , Navarro Jose
Published: June 2012

Work-related flow is defined as a sudden and enjoyable merging of action and awareness that represents a peak experience in the daily lives of workers. Employees’ perceptions of challenge and skill and their subjective experiences in terms of enjoyment, interest and absorption were measured using the experience sampling method, yielding a total of 6981 observations from a sample of 60 employees. Linear and nonlinear approaches were applied in order to model both continuous and sudden changes. According to the R2, AICc and BIC indexes, the nonlinear dynamical systems model (i.e. cusp catastrophe model) fit the data better than the linear and logistic regression models. Likewise, the cusp catastrophe model appears to be especially powerful for modelling those cases of high levels of flow. Overall, flow represents a nonequilibrium condition that combines continuous and abrupt changes across time. Research and intervention efforts concerned with this process should focus on the variable of challenge, which, according to our study, appears to play a key role in the abrupt changes observed in work-related flow.
The Swazi Monarchy and the Poor Performance of the Swazi Anti-Corruption Agency, 2006–2009
Authors: Simelane Hamilton Sipho
Published: June 2012

One of the major problems that has faced African countries since political independence has been continued poverty that has affected the lives of the populations of the countries. While there are numerous issues behind African poverty, corruption has emerged as one of the critical drivers. To address the problem of corruption African governments have been forced to experiment with different strategies, one of which has been the establishment of anti-corruption agencies. Swaziland is one of the African countries that has a huge problem of corruption, and has responded with the formation of an anti-corruption agency. However, since its inception, the agency has failed to operate effectively and corruption has continued to rise. This paper highlights the problem of corruption in Swaziland and the steps taken to curb it. The paper shows that the legal framework and the agency created to combat corruption have failed to yield the desired results, and continues to provide a critical analysis of such failure. It argues that the main issue behind the failure of the agency is royal absolutism wherein the Swazi monarchy has not only become a location of corruption but also perpetuates the scourge through protecting some influential people engaged in corrupt activities.
Reputation and Cooperation in Defense
Authors: Hugh-Jones David , Zultan Ro’i
Published: June 2012

Surprisingly high levels of within-group cooperation are observed in conflict situations. Experiments confirm that external threats lead to higher cooperation. The psychological literature suggests proximate explanations in the form of group processes, but does not explain how these processes can evolve and persist. The authors provide an ultimate explanation, in which cooperation is a rational response to an external threat. In the model, groups vary in their willingness to help each other against external attackers. Attackers infer cooperativeness of groups from members' behavior under attack and may be deterred by a group that bands together against an initial attack. Then, even self-interested individuals may defend each other when threatened in order to deter future attacks. A group's reputation is a public good with a natural weakest-link structure. The model extends to cooperative and altruistic behavior in general.
Enacting Diversity in Dual Certification Programs
Authors: Pugach Marleen C. , Blanton Linda P.
Published: June 2012

This exploratory study, based on a content analysis of program descriptions, course syllabi, and related program documents, examined the curricula of three fully merged teacher education programs that were redesigned to better prepare teachers for the full range of diversity in their student populations. In these programs, graduates earn a general and special education elementary license simultaneously. Results suggest that attention to disability is more prevalent than attention to other social identity markers such as race, class, culture, or language.
Does Vowel Inventory Density Affect Vowel-to-Vowel Coarticulation?
Authors: Mok Peggy P.K.
Published: June 2012

This study tests the output constraints hypothesis that languages with a crowded phonemic vowel space would allow less vowel-to-vowel coarticulation than languages with a sparser vowel space to avoid perceptual confusion. Mandarin has fewer vowel phonemes than Cantonese, but their allophonic vowel spaces are similarly crowded. The hypothesis predicts that Mandarin would allow more coarticulation than Cantonese. Eight native speakers of Cantonese and of Beijing Mandarin were recorded saying the target sequences /pV11pV2pV3/ (V = /i a u/) in carrier phrases. F1 and F2 frequencies were measured at vowel edge and midpoint, and were normalized for analyses. The results show that Cantonese and Mandarin do not differ in degree of vowel-to-vowel coarticulation in either F1 or F2. In addition, unstressed vowels exhibit more coarticulation than stressed vowels. Carryover coarticulation exceeds anticipatory coarticulation in both F1 and F2. Unstressed vowels in the carryover position are the most susceptible to coarticulation. The results show that vowel inventory does not predict vowel-to-vowel coarticulation. Fundamental assumptions of the output constraints hypothesis are evaluated to explain its failure in predicting language-specific patterns of vowel-to-vowel coarticulation. The importance of syntagmatic relationships in coarticulation is also discussed.
Mobility, Social Capital and Sense of Community: What Value?
Authors: Stanley John , Stanley Janet , Hensher David
Published: June 2012

Recent research by the authors has shown that increasing trip making and improving a person’s social capital and sense of community is likely to reduce risks of social exclusion. That research has enabled values to be assigned to additional trip making, in the context of reducing risk of social exclusion. This paper extends that analysis to impute values to increasing a person’s sense of community and social capital. The social capital extension requires strong assumptions for the derivation of values, given the available data, but the valuation of sense of community is likely to be an important new support for policy measures intended to achieve this purpose.
The Edge of the Island: Cultural Ideology and Neighbourhood Identity at the Gentrification Frontier
Authors: Douglas Gordon C. C.
Published: June 2012

Building on recent ethnographic accounts that have drawn attention to the nuanced ideologies of contemporary gentrifiers, this article brings cultural considerations to bear on the geography of gentrification’s fringes. Through a case study of a neighbourhood at the gentrification frontier in Chicago, it examines the factors driving first-wave ‘pioneers’ into an area with little prior popular identity or interest. Conscious of the wider gentrification process, these individuals are essentially seeking (and creating) a particular time and place within it—they idealise the ‘edge’ itself. Yet while they are actively fleeing advanced gentrification, their actions pave the way for its further expansion. The study finds that gentrification’s borders are subjective and relative in the minds of the newcomers themselves, who frame the process in terms of their own ideologies. These sub-cultural ideals are central to understanding the expansion of the gentrification frontier today.
Strategic Depth or Hegemonic Depth? A Critical Realist Analysis of Turkey’s Position in the World System
Authors: Yalvaç Faruk
Published: June 2012

This paper is an attempt to provide a critical realist analysis of the concept of ‘strategic depth’ recently being used in analysing Turkish foreign policy. The article provides a criticism of the realist geopolitical thinking on which the concept of strategic depth is based using the insights of the critical realist philosophy of science. It takes the concept of ontological depth from critical realism and extends it to Gramsci’s analysis and develops the concept of hegemonic depth. Underlying the concept of hegemonic depth is the idea that geopolitical relations should be thought of in connection with the social structures that give rise to them. The article is intended as a contribution to a historical materialist analysis of Turkish foreign policy where a state-centric positivism dominates, as well as an attempt to develop a social theory of foreign policy based on critical realism.
Putting the ‘Classical’ in Neoclassical Realism: Neoclassical Realist Theories and US Expansion in the Post-Cold War
Authors: Onea Tudor
Published: June 2012

This paper tests the explanatory power of the main strands of neoclassical realism in accounting for US foreign policy after the Cold War. According to the emphasis they place on the relevance of structural versus non-structural variables in foreign policy making, three schools can be identified. The first school restricts the role of non-structural factors to accounting for anomalous behavior; the second school argues that non-structural variables should also be included in order to understand the policy’s timing and style, and, in times of security plenty, its content; while the third school contends that it is international structural factors, i.e. a state’s strategic interactions with other polities, that shape most foreign policy. Following the test of their forecasts versus the historical record, the third school emerges as providing the most accurate account and as the most promising avenue of research for neoclassical realism.
International Policing and International Relations
Authors: Greener B.K.
Published: June 2012

The idea of creating an international police force (IPF) was first mooted by Lord David Davies in the 1930s. In 1963 U Thant, Secretary General of the United Nations, then claimed that he had ‘no doubt that the world should eventually have an international police force’. Yet our international system has been and continues to be based on states, their sovereignty and a correlative ‘inside/outside’ distinction: a distinction which is resistant to this idea of some form of systematic international policing writ large. Instead of the establishment of an IPF, a new form of international policing has emerged through the unprecedented use of police abroad and the potential consolidation of more specific operational policing norms. This is a phenomenon that may not be as permanent nor as wide ranging as earlier conceptualisations that concerned themselves with a more structured management of interstate behaviour, but, nonetheless, it increases the possibilities for achieving an international order based on the rule of law.
Twenty Years of Institutional Liberalism
Authors: Keohane Robert O.
Published: June 2012

The world has now experienced what could be regarded as 20 years of Institutional Liberalism: the dominance of the view that cooperation in world politics can be enhanced through the construction and support of multilateral institutions based on liberal principles. E. H. Carr was famously skeptical of liberalism as he understood that tradition. This essay, prepared originally as the E. H. Carr Lecture at Aberystwyth University, interrogates Institutional Liberalism through a lens provided by Carr’s most famous book on international relations, The Twenty Years’ Crisis. It points out three trends since the 1990s that may be associated with Institutional Liberalism: increasing legalization; trends toward more legalism and moralism; and a decline in the coherence of some international regimes. Reviewing these trends in light of Realist critiques of liberalism, the essay rejects Realism as a good moral or practical guide to world politics, but reaffirms the value of the Realist view that institutions depend on structures of power and interests. Increases in legalization, legalism and moralism reflect a fusion of the social purpose of liberal democracies with their unprecedented geopolitical power since 1991. But declines in the coherence of international regimes reflect a greater divergence of interests, weighted by power. All international institutions are flawed and in some ways precarious, but strengthening them in ways that reflect legitimate social purposes remains a major challenge for our time.
More than a ‘humpty dumpty’ term: Strengthening the conceptualization of soft skills
Authors: Hurrell Scott A , Scholarios Dora , Thompson Paul
Published: June 2012

There is an ongoing sociological debate regarding which work activities can be considered ‘skilled’. In recent years, this debate has become increasingly controversial due to the growing prominence of so-called ‘soft skills’, especially when used in interactive service work. This article seeks to strengthen the conceptualization of soft skills, through case study investigation, to determine whether or not they are worthy of the ‘skilled’ label. An expanded notion of skill is supported, recognizing that in service contexts displaying employer-facilitated worker discretion and requirements for contextual knowledge in the use of soft skills, the term can indeed have real meaning.
Vocational training, employability and the post-2008 jobs crisis: Responses in the European Union
Authors: Heyes Jason
Published: June 2012

Vocational education and training measures have featured prominently in the responses of EU member states to the economic crisis that erupted in 2008. Existing training programmes have been expanded and new programmes introduced. In addition, employers and trade unions have negotiated new entitlements to education and training. This article explores the various training measures that have been adopted since the start of the crisis and compares countries with different types of training systems. Particular attention is paid to the UK, Ireland and Germany. The article also examines the role that training measures have played in governments’ active labour market programmes. While the European Commission has called for a ‘training-first’ approach to the unemployed, the article suggests that ‘work-first’ principles are becoming even more dominant.
Filling the gaps: Patterns of formal and informal participation
Authors: Townsend Keith , Wilkinson Adrian , Burgess John
Published: June 2012

Industrial relations scholarship has traditionally privileged union forms of employee participation. In more recent years there has been a shift to understand the role of participation in non-union firms. This article develops theory on employee participation through analysis of an Australian case study in the hotel sector. The authors find that formal participation mechanisms are useful and essential for both employees and managers, however formal participation leaves behind gaps which are partially filled with informal voice exchanges between employees and their managers.
Main Taste Effects on Swallowing Apnea Duration in Healthy Adults
Authors: Todd J. Tee , Butler Susan G. , Plonk Drew P. , Grace‐Martin Karen , Pelletier Cathy A.
Published: June 2012

Objective

This study examined swallowing apnea duration (SAD) and respiratory phase patterns as a function of taste, tastes combined with barium, age, and genetic taste group.

Study Design

Prospective group design.

Setting

University medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Eighty healthy adult women were identified as nontasters and supertasters and equally comprised 2 age groups: 18 to 35 years (n = 40) and 60+ years (n = 40). The KayPentax Swallowing Signals Lab was used to acquire SAD and respiratory phase patterns via nasal cannula during randomized 5‐mL swallows of water, 1.0 M sucrose (sweet), 1.0 M sodium chloride (salty), and 0.032 M caffeine (bitter) alone and mixed with barium. The SAD and respiratory patterns were analyzed in a linear mixed model and a binary logistic regression generalized estimating equation model, respectively.

Results

A significant main effect of age was found (P=. 007). Older women demonstrated longer SAD than younger women. There were no significant effects of taste or genetic taste group on SAD. There was a significant interaction between barium and supertaster status; SAD was shorter in supertasters when barium was included. There were no significant differences in respiratory patterns between age groups, genetic taste groups, or among taste stimuli.

Conclusion

Advanced age elicited longer SAD, a robust finding in repeated investigations from multiple laboratories. Main tastes did not affect SAD or respiratory phase patterns. Genetic taste group altered SAD when barium was combined with the taste. That is, taste + barium shortened SAD in supertasters. This finding may affect clinical management of dysphagia patients and warrants further investigation.
Does love mean never having to say you’re sorry? Associations between relationship satisfaction, perceived apology sincerity, and forgiveness
Authors: Schumann Karina
Published: June 2012

Most past research on apologies examines participants’ responses to imaginary transgressions or minor offenses against strangers. This research consequently neglects how the quality of pre-existing relationships might influence responses to apologies in everyday life. I examined whether relationship satisfaction moderated the association between apologies and forgiveness in romantic relationships by influencing perceptions of apology sincerity. Members of 60 married or cohabiting couples first assessed their relationship satisfaction. Participants then completed daily diaries, reporting transgressions by their partners, apologies by their partners, perceived apology sincerity, and willingness to forgive their partners. Apologies predicted forgiveness only for participants highly satisfied with their relationships. In addition, relationship satisfaction was positively associated with participants' ratings of the sincerity of the apologies, which in turn predicted forgiveness. The findings suggest that, relative to less satisfied individuals, highly satisfied individuals are more forgiving following apologies, because they regard their partners’ apologies as sincere expressions of remorse.
Revitalizing the production of nature thesis
Authors: Ekers Michael , Loftus Alex
Published: June 2012

This paper revisits the central ontological claim in the production of nature thesis, Neil Smith’s proposition that labour is at the heart of the mutual co-production of nature and society. Surveying Smith’s work and others, we argue that there is a danger of losing the embodied, historically and geographically specific practices that are so central to the making of natures. Turning to the work of Antonio Gramsci, we find crucial resources that enable a historicized and geographically contextualized understanding of the making of natures.
The impact of structural composite materials. Part 1: ballistic impact
Authors: Hazell Paul J , Appleby-Thomas Gareth J
Published: June 2012

Composite materials are increasingly being used in the design of structures that will be subjected to high-velocity impact during their lifetime. In this review we will look at the recent advances in our understanding of how rigid composite materials behave under high-velocity impact. In particular, this review will focus on rigid structural composites such as carbon fibre reinforced plastic and glass fibre reinforced plastic laminates and what we have learned with regards to how they respond under ballistic-loading conditions. We will focus on a velocity regime that includes impacts from explosively-driven fragments, ice particles and bullets. The hypervelocity-impact response and how these materials behave under one-dimensional shock loading will be studied in an accompanying review (Part II).
The Lateral Dorsal Cutaneous Branch of the Sural Nerve
Authors: Fansa Ashraf M. , Smyth Niall A. , Murawski Christopher D. , Kennedy John G.
Published: June 2012

Background:

Fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal are one of the most common forefoot injuries encountered by orthopaedic surgeons in sports medicine. The percutaneous surgical approach to Jones fracture fixation and corresponding anatomy has received little attention in the literature to date.

Purpose:

To describe in detail the location of the lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve (LDCN) and its branches relative to the base of the fifth metatarsal and to the standard lateral approach.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric foot specimens were used for this study. Specimens were dissected at the lateral aspect of the foot over the proximal fifth metatarsal, and the LDCN and its branches were identified. The distance of the LDCN to the superior border of the peroneus brevis tendon (PBT) was measured relative to standard reference points in all specimens, and the presence of an anastomotic branch was noted. A set of vertical and horizontal reference lines were also constructed to determine whether the LDCN or its branches would be compromised by a standard lateral approach.

Results:

The LDCN was superficial (ie, lateral) and inferior to the superior border of the PBT in all specimens and at all reference points. A bifurcation of the LDCN was present in 8 specimens, located an average of 18 mm posterior and 11 mm dorsal to the base of the fifth metatarsal. The dorsolateral branch and dorsomedial branch of the LDCN each intersected with the base of the fifth metatarsal horizontal line and vertical line, respectively, indicating potential compromise of the nerve with a standard lateral surgical approach.

Conclusion:

The standard lateral approach to the base of the fifth metatarsal carries a higher risk for surgical injury to the LDCN. A “high and inside” approach that remains superior to the superior border of the PBT is anatomically safe and may decrease the chance of intraoperative nerve injury and irritation postoperatively.
Publication of Sports Medicine–Related Randomized Controlled Trials Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov
Authors: Chahal Jaskarndip , Tomescu S. Sebastian , Ravi Bheeshma , Bach Bernard R. , Ogilvie-Harris Darrell , Mohamed Nizar N. , Gandhi Rajiv
Published: June 2012

Background:

There is increasing evidence that a significant proportion of randomized trials in medicine, and recently in orthopaedics, do not go on to publication.

Purpose:

The objectives of this study were (1) to determine publication rates of randomized controlled trials in sports medicine that have been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (CTG) and (2) to compare the registration summaries of randomized trials on CTG with final published manuscripts on pertinent methodological variables.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

Two independent investigators searched ClinicalTrials.gov for all closed and completed trials related to sports medicine until June 2009 using a text search strategy. The authors then searched for publications resulting from these registered trials in peer-reviewed journals that are indexed with MEDLINE and/or EMBASE as of February 2012 based on study authors and key words provided in the study protocol. Details of primary outcomes and secondary outcomes, study sponsors, and sample size were extracted and compared between registrations and publications.

Results:

Of 34 closed and completed trials registered on CTG, there were 20 resultant publications in peer-reviewed journals (58.8%). There was no significant relationship between source of funding and rate of publication ( P > .05). The authors found a discrepancy between the CTG registration summary and the manuscript in at least one methodological variable (primary/secondary outcomes, inclusion/exclusion criteria, sample size) in 16 of 20 (80.0%) articles and a discrepancy in the primary outcome in 8 of 20 (40.0%) published trials.

Conclusion:

Although registration of sports medicine trials in CTG does not consistently result in publication or disclosure of results at 32 months from the time of study completion, observed publication rates are higher than in other orthopaedic subspecialties. Changes are also frequently made to the final presentation of eligibility criteria and primary and secondary outcomes that are not reflected in the registered trial data.