bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital effectiveness from administrative data: the Lombardy case
Authors: Giorgio Lovaglio Pietro
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is the discussion and the dissemination of initiatives promoted by the Lombardy region for the construction of benchmarking systems between regional health structures of care utilizing administrative archives.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on relative effectiveness (specific effect of care on patients) in a benchmarking framework, considering the dimension of sentinel outcomes. From Lombardy Hospital Discharge Cards proxies of sentinel outcomes are identified, defined as “context indicators” useful for a benchmarking analysis.

Findings

First, the authors present outcomes and covariates at different levels (patient and healthcare structure) extracted from the Lombardy Hospital Discharge Cards for a benchmarking analysis. Second, empirical results show a consistent quota of outcome variability between structures of care and weak agreement between estimated rankings for context indicators. Finally, a slicing approach is suggested in order to apply an equitable comparison among healthcare structures.

Practical implications

The paper provides regional stakeholders with practical implications regarding available strategies (outcomes, statistical methodology, risk adjustment) for consistent processes of evaluation, in a benchmarking framework, based on existing regional administrative data.

Originality/value

After having presented available information contained in regional archives for a benchmark analysis, empirical results were discussed about context indicators, presenting indications and strategies for a refinement of the approach. From a methodological point of view, the utilization of multilevel models (improving methodological strategies adopted by international agencies) in large administrative databases is proposed.
Service quality gaps analysis based on Fuzzy linguistic SERVQUAL with a case study in hospital out‐patient services
Authors: Hu Hsiu‐Yuan , Lee Yu‐Cheng , Yen Tieh‐Min
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This study seeks to propose a conceptual approach to assess the perceived service quality properly using Fuzzy logic. First, it aims to verify whether it is a better solution than the Likert scale. Second, it seeks to evaluate patients' feedback towards hospital service quality using Fuzzy linguistic analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The SERVQUAL questionnaire was developed according to the characteristics of each hospital's out‐patient service. Three regional hospitals in Hsin‐Chu, Taiwan were evaluated. After being completed and collected, first, the effectiveness of the Fuzzy linguistic scale and the Likert scale was compared. Second, gap values of each element were evaluated to find the core service quality attributes for continuous improvement. Finally, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to segment markets using certain service quality attributes and different demographic variables.

Findings

The result indicated that the Fuzzy linguistic scale is higher than the Likert scale in terms of reliability in the measurement. Moreover, through gap analysis and ANOVA, a better focus was achieved on the 8th, 10th, 14th, 21st and 3rd service quality attributes from the SERVQUAL measurement on which management should concentrate and which they should endeavor to work out. The 1st, 2nd, 14th and 16th items from the SERVQUAL measurement can be market segment factors, respectively.

Originality/value

The study successfully introduced Fuzzy linguistic analysis into the Gap theory and SERVQUAL measurements, and provided more internal consistency and stability than the Likert scale. After discussing the findings of the gap analysis and ANOVA, the organization could find the critical service quality attributes and create a value for improving or enhancing them.
Using DEA to investigate bank safety and soundness – which approach works best?
Authors: Tripe David
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate use of efficiency analysis as a technique for investigating bank safely and soundness.

Design/methodology/approach

Three different data envelopment analysis (DEA) models were applied to set of data for the major New Zealand banks over a ten‐quarter period – a CCR model, a profit efficiency model and a non‐oriented slacks‐based approach.

Findings

Most useful results are obtained using the slacks‐based approach.

Research limitations/implications

The period covered by the study was from late 2005 until early 2008, prior to the global financial crisis having major impacts on the New Zealand banking sector.

Practical implications

The study is of particular value in the New Zealand context where there has historically not been any bank deposit insurance, obliging depositors to make their own assessments of bank safety and soundness.

Originality/value

The paper makes a contribution to very small literature which uses efficiency analysis to explore bank safety and soundness. It also makes use of the slacks‐based DEA approach, which has not yet been widely used in the banking literature.
The impact on performance of IPO allocation reform
Authors: Jiang Fei , Leger Lawrence A.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the changes in initial public offering (IPO) underpricing and short‐run performance following a regulatory reform (No. 54 [2002] China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC)) of the method of allocating IPO shares in China.

Design/methodology/approach

On 20 May 2002, the CSRC announced that IPO subscription and allotment would be based on the market value of investors' tradable shareholdings. Before the regulatory change, this was determined by the amount of funds used for subscription. The reform was intended to increase participation by both smaller and institutional investors. Based on a sample of 209 IPOs in the Shanghai A‐share market during the period 2001‐2003, the paper employs an event study methodology to examine the impact of this IPO regulatory reform.

Findings

The paper finds that the overall (pre‐ and post‐reform) average abnormal initial return of 116.94 per cent is lower than in earlier studies of Chinese IPOs but higher than in other markets. Post‐reform underpricing decreases by 42.27 per cent compared to pre‐reform levels. In the post‐listing aftermarket a pre‐reform upward trend of cumulative abnormal returns was reversed to become downward post‐reform. The results suggest that the regulatory change has encouraged well‐informed investors, consistent with Information Cascades and Bandwagon hypotheses. It also appears that the reform improved market efficiency and secondary market liquidity.

Originality/value

The findings shed light on the relationship between IPO costs, IPO pricing, market liquidity and market microstructure. They also have important implications for issuers, underwriters and in particular for policy markers.
Profiling the jazz festival audience
Authors: Oakes Steve
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to provide a detailed profile of the jazz festival audience in terms of age, gender, degree qualifications, home ownership levels, newspaper readership, frequency of attending live jazz performances, interest in attending other festivals and CD purchase behaviour. In addition, it seeks to examine the cultural diversity of improvisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from patrons at the Cheltenham International Jazz Festival in order to establish the demographic profile of the jazz audience and distinguish between two broad categories of jazz fan (modern and hybrid). Hybrid jazz fans are categorised as those purchasing traditional/mainstream jazz CDs who may also purchase modern jazz CDs, thus distinguishing them from exclusively modern jazz fans who do not purchase traditional/mainstream jazz CDs.

Findings

Results identified a statistically significant difference between modern and hybrid jazz fans in terms of gender profile, newspaper readership, CD purchase behaviour, overall concert attendance and interest in attending a variety of other festivals.

Practical implications

Differences in purchase behaviour and festival preferences suggest likely differences between segments in terms of the potential demand for cross‐selling of other live entertainment services and related merchandise. Increased awareness of such differences creates the opportunity for more effectively targeted sponsorship.

Originality/value

The paper focuses upon the audience for an art form that has been relatively neglected by the management literature.
Festival management innovation and failure
Authors: Carlsen Jack , Andersson Tommy D. , Ali‐Knight Jane , Jaeger Kari , Taylor Ruth
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine the concepts, types and implications of festival innovation and failure.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of extant literature is undertaken and examples of innovation and failure in three festivals are used to demonstrate the simultaneity and co‐dependency of innovation and failure in the process of festival management.

Findings

It is apparent that many forms of program, market, service, organisational and financial innovation are available to festival managers. Many involve risk of failure due to the resource dependency theory postulated in the literature, as well as more pragmatic reasons including bad weather and managerial incompetence.

Practical  implications

Festival managers responses to the dual challenges of embracing innovation and avoiding failure will determine the future of festivals, so it is vital that knowledge is developed.

Originality/value

There is limited literature on festival management innovation and failure and limited information available to festival managers regarding the nature of festivals that facilitate innovation or failure. This paper makes an original contribution to these important issues in festival management.
Promouvoir la compréhension du patrimoine partagé (PUSH)
Authors: Ya’ari Elizabeth
Published: September 2010

Le Patrimoine partagé est à la base de l’établissement d’un consensus entre des idées et des lieux en conflit. Le Partenariat de l’Union éuropéenne pour la Paix a soutenu le projet Promoting the Understanding of Shared Heritage (Promouvoir la compréhension du patrimoine partagé– PUSH) : le projet avait pour objectif la mise en place d’un processus pour l’harmonisation des sites archéologique par une équipe pluridisciplinaire d’universitaire israéliens, jordaniens et palestiniens, et la conception de récits pouvant être reçus aussi bien par les communautés locales que régionales.
Aborder Montjuïc comme une part intégrante de l’héritage historique de Barcelone
Authors: Colomer Laia
Published: September 2010

Comme beaucoup de villes en Espagne, Barcelone a un important patrimoine médiéval d’origine juive – dont d’anciens sites funéraires. Et comme dans beaucoup de villes en Espagne, quand les autorités locales ont procédéà de l’archéologie préventive sur ce patrimoine archéologique partagé, elles se sont heurtées à l’opposition forte (et parfois agressive) de groupes juifs orthodoxes et ultra‐orthodoxes. L’argument avancé est l’incompatibilité apparente entre l’archéologie et la Halakha. Mais on peut supposer que l’épicentre du conflit est ailleurs : à la fois dans notre manière de répondre aux revendications religieuses au sein de sociétés laïcisées, et dans notre manière d’articuler les biens culturels communs du domaine public avec les sensibilités religieuses actuelles en Europe.
Conflit et consensus à Great Barrington : se souvenir de W. E. B. Du Bois
Authors: Paynter Robert , Glassberg David
Published: September 2010

W. E. B. Du Bois a été l’un des universitaires engagés les plus influents et les plus controversés du xxe siècle. Il a laissé aux générations futures, outre son ouvrage le plus connu, Les âmes du peuple noir, des étagères entières de travaux universitaires, de romans, de pièces de théâtre, de reconstitutions et d’essais qui ont ouvert des voies nouvelles. Néanmoins, on se souvient surtout de lui pour ses activités politiques, en tant que cofondateur de l’Association nationale pour l’avancement des gens de couleur, rédacteur en chef de son journal The Crisis et coorganisateur de congrès panafricains qui ont rendu possible la décolonisation de l’Afrique, entre autres réalisations. Cet homme exceptionnel est né en 1868 à Great Barrington (Massachusetts). On pourrait penser que sa communauté natale serait fière de l’avoir pour fils le plus célèbre dans le monde. Pourtant, en 1969, le projet de consacrer un parc à sa mémoire a rencontré l’opposition vociférante et menaçante de certains de ses membres. Le présent article décrit la signification du parc mémorial, les circonstances entourant la cérémonie de consécration controversée, et les activités menées depuis lors pour contrer l’opposition raciale et politique à Du Bois dans la ville où il est né.
Carbon monoxide uptake kinetics of arterial, venous and capillary blood during CO rebreathing
Authors: Garvican Laura A. , Burge Caroline M. , Cox Amanda J. , Clark Sally A. , Martin David T. , Gore Christopher J.
Published: September 2010

The uptake and distribution of CO throughout the circulatory system during two different methods of CO rebreathing (2 min ‘Schmidt’ and 40 min ‘Burge’ methods) were determined in nine healthy volunteers. Specifically, the impact of (i) differences in circulatory mixing time (tmix), (ii) CO diffusion to myoglobin (Mb) and (iii) CO wash‐out was assessed on calculated haemoglobin mass (Hbmass). Arterial (a), muscle venous (vm) and capillary samples (c) were obtained simultaneously at 0, 1, 2, 3.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 30 and 40 min for determination of carboxyhaemoglobin (HbCO). Carbon monoxide wash‐out was measured from expired air following rebreathing. The rate of CO diffusion to Mb was calculated using the change in HbCO after tmix, and the rate of CO wash‐out. In both methods, HbCOa and HbCOc followed a near‐identical time course, peaking within the first 2 min and decreasing thereafter. The HbCOvm increased slowly and was significantly lower at 1, 2 and 3.5 min in both methods (P < 0.01). The HbCOa peaked significantly higher in the Schmidt method (P= 0.03). Circulatory mixing had occurred by 10 min in most but not all subjects. The rate of CO wash‐out was 0.25 ± 0.13 ml min−1 in the Schmidt and 0.25 ± 0.16 ml min−1 in the Burge method. The rate of CO diffusion to Mb was 0.22 ± 0.11 and 0.16 ± 0.13 ml min−1 (P= 0.63) in Schmidt and Burge methods, respectively. Inhalation of a CO bolus during the Schmidt method results in faster HbCOa uptake but does not greatly shorten tmix or influence rates of CO wash‐out and flux to Mb. The calculated Hbmass depends substantially on the plateau level of HbCO; therefore, it is paramount to ensure HbCO is mixed completely prior to blood sampling, as well as accounting for potential within‐subject alterations of CO exhalation and CO flux to Mb.
Improved Method for Bacterial Cell Capture after Flow Cytometry Cell Sorting
Authors: Guillebault D. , Laghdass M. , Catala P. , Obernosterer I. , Lebaron P.
Published: September 2010

Fixed cells with different nucleic acid contents and scatter properties (low nucleic acid [LNA], high nucleic acid 1 [HNA1], and HNA2) were sorted by flow cytometry (FCM). For each sort, 10,000 cells were efficiently captured on poly-
l
-lysine-coated microplates, resulting in efficient and reproducible PCR amplification.
Biological Approach to Modeling of
Staphylococcus aureus
High-Hydrostatic-Pressure Inactivation Kinetics
Authors: Cebrián Guillermo , Michiels Chris W. , Mañas Pilar , Condón Santiago
Published: September 2010

Graphs for survival under high hydrostatic pressure (450 MPa; 25°C; citrate-phosphate buffer, pH 7.0) of stationary-growth-phase cells of eight
Staphylococcus aureus
strains were found to be nonlinear. The strains could be classified into two groups on the basis of the shoulder length. Some of them showed long shoulders of up to 20 min at 450 MPa, while others had shoulders of <3.5 min. All strains showed tails. No significant differences in the inactivation rate were found during the log-linear death phase among the eight strains. The entry into stationary growth phase resulted both in an increase in shoulder length and in a decrease in the inactivation rate. However, whereas shoulder length proved to depend on sigma B factor activity, the inactivation rate did not. Recovery in anaerobiosis decreased the inactivation rate but did not affect the shoulder length. Addition of the minimum noninhibitory concentration of sodium chloride to the recovery medium resulted in a decrease in shoulder length and in an increase in the inactivation rate for stationary-growth-phase cells. In the tail region, up to 90% of the population remained sensitive to sodium chloride.
Selection and Characterization of a Multivalent
Salmonella
Phage and Its Production in a Nonpathogenic
Escherichia coli
Strain
Authors: Santos S. B. , Fernandes E. , Carvalho C. M. , Sillankorva S. , Krylov V. N. , Pleteneva E. A. , Shaburova O. V. , Nicolau A. , Ferreira E. C. , Azeredo J.
Published: September 2010

We report the selection and amplification of the broad-host-range
Salmonella
phage phi PVP-SE1 in an alternative nonpathogenic host. The lytic spectrum and the phage DNA restriction profile were not modified upon replication in
Escherichia coli
Bl21, suggesting the possibility of producing this phage in a nonpathogenic host, contributing to the safety and easier approval of a product based on this
Salmonella
biocontrol agent.
Label-Free Bacterial Imaging with Deep-UV-Laser-Induced Native Fluorescence
Authors: Bhartia Rohit , Salas Everett C. , Hug William F. , Reid Ray D. , Lane Arthur L. , Edwards Katrina J. , Nealson Kenneth H.
Published: September 2010

We introduce a near-real-time optical imaging method that works via the detection of the intrinsic fluorescence of life forms upon excitation by deep-UV (DUV) illumination. A DUV (<250-nm) source enables the detection of microbes in their native state on natural materials, avoiding background autofluorescence and without the need for fluorescent dyes or tags. We demonstrate that DUV-laser-induced native fluorescence can detect bacteria on opaque surfaces at spatial scales ranging from tens of centimeters to micrometers and from communities to single cells. Given exposure times of 100 μs and low excitation intensities, this technique enables rapid imaging of bacterial communities and cells without irreversible sample alteration or destruction. We also demonstrate the first noninvasive detection of bacteria on
in situ
-incubated environmental experimental samples from the deep ocean (Lo'ihi Seamount), showing the use of DUV native fluorescence for
in situ
detection in the deep biosphere and other nutrient-limited environments.
Clonal Species
Trichoderma parareesei
sp. nov. Likely Resembles the Ancestor of the Cellulase Producer
Hypocrea jecorina
/
T. reesei
Authors: Atanasova Lea , Jaklitsch Walter M. , Komoń-Zelazowska Monika , Kubicek Christian P. , Druzhinina Irina S.
Published: September 2010

We have previously reported that the prominent industrial enzyme producer
Trichoderma reesei
(teleomorph
Hypocrea jecorina
; Hypocreales, Ascomycota, Dikarya) has a genetically isolated, sympatric sister species devoid of sexual reproduction and which is constituted by the majority of anamorphic strains previously attributed to
H. jecorina
/
T. reesei
. In this paper we present the formal taxonomic description of this new species,
T. parareesei
, complemented by multivariate phenotype profiling and molecular evolutionary examination. A phylogenetic analysis of relatively conserved loci, such as coding fragments of the RNA polymerase B subunit II (
rpb2
) and GH18 chitinase (
chi18
-
5
), showed that
T. parareesei
is genetically invariable and likely resembles the ancestor which gave raise to
H. jecorina
. This and the fact that at least one mating type gene of
T. parareesei
has previously been found to be essentially altered compared to the sequence of
H. jecorina
/
T. reesei
indicate that divergence probably occurred due to the impaired functionality of the mating system in the hypothetical ancestor of both species. In contrast, we show that the sexually reproducing and correspondingly more polymorphic
H. jecorina
/
T. reesei
is essentially evolutionarily derived. Phenotype microarray analyses performed at seven temperature regimens support our previous speculations that
T. parareesei
possesses a relatively high opportunistic potential, which probably ensured the survival of this species in ancient and sustainable environment such as tropical forests.
Enhancement of the Diversity of Polyoxins by a Thymine-7-Hydroxylase Homolog outside the Polyoxin Biosynthesis Gene Cluster
Authors: Zhao Changming , Huang Tingting , Chen Wenqing , Deng Zixin
Published: September 2010

Polyoxins consist of 14 structurally variable components which differentiate at three branch sites of the carbon skeleton. Open reading frame (ORF) SAV_4805 of
Streptomyces avermitilis
, showing similarity to thymine-7-hydroxylase, was proved to enhance the diversity of polyoxins at the C-5 site of the 1-(5′-amino-5′-deoxy-β-
d
-allofuranuronosyl) pyrimidine moiety.
Novel Rhamnosyltransferase Involved in Biosynthesis of Serovar 4-Specific Glycopeptidolipid from
Mycobacterium avium
Complex
Authors: Miyamoto Yuji , Mukai Tetsu , Naka Takashi , Fujiwara Nagatoshi , Maeda Yumi , Kai Masanori , Mizuno Seiko , Yano Ikuya , Makino Masahiko
Published: September 2010

Glycopeptidolipids (GPLs) are one of the major glycolipid components present on the surface of
Mycobacterium avium
complex (MAC) that belong to opportunistic pathogens distributed in the natural environment. The serovars of MAC, up to around 30 types, are defined by the variable oligosaccharide portions of the GPLs. Epidemiological studies show that serovar 4 is the most prevalent type, and the prognosis of pulmonary disease caused by serovar 4 is significantly worse than that caused by other serovars. However, little is known about the biosynthesis of serovar 4-specific GPL, particularly the formation of the oligosaccharide portion that determines the properties of serovar 4. To investigate the biosynthesis of serovar 4-specific GPL, we focused on one segment that included functionally unknown genes in the GPL biosynthetic gene cluster of a serovar 4 strain. In this segment, a putative hemolytic protein gene,
hlpA
, and its downstream gene were found to be responsible for the formation of the 4-
O
-methyl-rhamnose residue, which is unique to serovar 4-specific GPL. Moreover, functional characterization of the
hlpA
gene revealed that it encodes a rhamnosyltransferase that transfers a rhamnose residue via 1→4 linkage to a fucose residue of serovar 2-specific GPL, which is a key pathway leading to the synthesis of oligosaccharide of serovar 4-specific GPL. These findings may provide clues to understanding the biological role of serovar 4-specific GPL in MAC pathogenicity and may also provide new insights into glycosyltransferase, which generates structural and functional diversity of GPLs.
Characterization of a Two-Component Regulatory System That Regulates Succinate-Mediated Catabolite Repression in
Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Garcia Preston P. , Bringhurst Ryan M. , Arango Pinedo Catalina , Gage Daniel J.
Published: September 2010

When they are available,
Sinorhizobium meliloti
utilizes C
4
-dicarboxylic acids as preferred carbon sources for growth while suppressing the utilization of some secondary carbon sources such as α- and β-galactosides. The phenomenon of using succinate as the sole carbon source in the presence of secondary carbon sources is termed succinate-mediated catabolite repression (SMCR). Genetic screening identified the gene
sma0113
as needed for strong SMCR when
S. meliloti
was grown in succinate plus lactose, maltose, or raffinose.
sma0113
and the gene immediately downstream,
sma0114
, encode the proteins Sma0113, an HWE histidine kinase with five PAS domains, and Sma0114, a CheY-like response regulator lacking a DNA-binding domain.
sma0113
in-frame deletion mutants show a relief of catabolite repression compared to the wild type.
sma0114
in-frame deletion mutants overproduce polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), and this overproduction requires
sma0113
. Sma0113 may use its five PAS domains for redox level or energy state monitoring and use that information to regulate catabolite repression and related responses.
The Anti-Anti-Sigma Factor BldG Is Involved in Activation of the Stress Response Sigma Factor σ
H
in
Streptomyces coelicolor
A3(2)
Authors: Sevcikova Beatrica , Rezuchova Bronislava , Homerova Dagmar , Kormanec Jan
Published: September 2010

The alternative stress response sigma factor σ
H
has a role in regulation of the osmotic stress response and in morphological differentiation in
Streptomyces coelicolor
A3(2). Its gene,
sigH
, is located in an operon with the gene that encodes its anti-sigma factor UshX (PrsH). However, no gene with similarity to an anti-anti-sigma factor which may have a role in σ
H
activation by a “partner-switching” mechanism is located in the operon. By using a combination of several approaches, including pull-down and bacterial two-hybrid assays and visualization of the complex by native polyacrylamide electrophoresis, we demonstrated a direct interaction between UshX and the pleiotropic sporulation-specific anti-anti-sigma factor BldG. Osmotic induction of transcription of the
sigHp2
promoter that is specifically recognized by RNA polymerase containing σ
H
was absent in an
S. coelicolor bldG
mutant, indicating a role of BldG in σ
H
activation by a partner-switching-like mechanism.
Low-intensity aerobic interval training attenuates pathological left ventricular remodeling and mitochondrial dysfunction in aortic-banded miniature swine
Authors: Emter Craig A. , Baines Christopher P.
Published: September 2010

Cardiac hypertrophy in response to hypertension or myocardial infarction is a pathological indicator associated with heart failure (HF). A central component of the remodeling process is the loss of cardiomyocytes via cell death pathways regulated by the mitochondrion. Recent evidence has indicated that exercise training can attenuate or reverse pathological remodeling, creating a physiological phenotype. The purpose of this study was to examine left ventricular (LV) function, remodeling, and cardiomyocyte mitochondrial function in aortic-banded (AB) sedentary (HFSED; n = 6), AB exercise-trained (HFTR, n = 5), and control sedentary ( n = 5) male Yucatan miniature swine. LV hypertrophy was present in both AB groups before the start of training, as indicated by increases in LV end-diastolic volume, LV end-systolic volume (LVESV), and LV end-systolic dimension (LVESD). Exercise training (15 wk) prevented further increases in LVESV and LVESD ( P < 0.05). The heart weight-to-body weight ratio, LV + septum-to-body weight ratio, LV + septum-to-right ventricle ratio, and cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area were increased in both AB groups postmortem regardless of training status. Preservation of LV function after exercise training, as indicated by the maintenance of fractional shortening, ejection fraction, and mean wall shortening and increased stroke volume, was associated with an attenuation of the increased LV fibrosis (23%) and collagen (36%) observed in HFSED animals. LV mitochondrial dysfunction, as measured by Ca2+-induced mitochondrial permeability transition, was increased in HFSED ( P < 0.05) but not HFTR animals. In conclusion, low-intensity interval exercise training preserved LV function as exemplified by an attenuation of fibrosis, maintenance of a positive inotropic state, and inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunction, providing further evidence of the therapeutic potential of exercise in a clinical setting.
Role of LTB4in the pathogenesis of elastase-induced murine pulmonary emphysema
Authors: Shim Y. Michael , Paige Mikell , Hanna Halim , Kim Su H. , Burdick Marie D. , Strieter Robert M.
Published: September 2010

Exaggerated levels of the leukotriene B4(LTB4) frequently coexist at sites of inflammation and tissue remodeling. Therefore, we hypothesize that the LTB4pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neutrophilic inflammation that contributes to pulmonary emphysema. In this study, significant levels of LTB4were detected in human lung tissues with emphysema compared with lungs without emphysema (9,497 ± 2,839 vs. 4,142 ± 1,173 pg/ml, n = 9 vs. 10, P = 0.04). To further determine the biological role of LTB4in the pathogenesis of emphysema, we compared the lungs of wild-type (WT) and LTA4hydrolase−/− mice (LTB4deficient, LTA4H−/−) exposed to intranasal elastase or vehicle control. We found that intranasal elastase induced accumulation of LTB4in the lungs and caused progressively worsening emphysema between 14 and 28 days after elastase exposure in WT mice but not in LTA4H−/− mice. Premortem physiology documented increased lung compliance in elastase-exposed WT mice compared with elastase-exposed LTA4H−/− mice as measured by Flexivent (0.058 ± 0.005 vs. 0.041 ± 0.002 ml/cmH2O pressure). Postmortem morphometry documented increased total lung volume and alveolar sizes in elastase-exposed WT mice compared with elastase-exposed LTA4H−/− mice as measured by volume displacement and alveolar chord length assessment. Furthermore, elastase-exposed LTA4H−/− mice were found to have significantly delayed influx of the CD45highCD11bhighLy6Ghighleukocytes compatible with neutrophils compared with elastase-exposed WT mice. Mechanistic insights to these phenotypes were provided by demonstrating protection from elastase-induced murine emphysema with neutrophil depletion in the elastase-exposed WT mice and by demonstrating time-dependent modulation of cysteinyl leukotriene biosynthesis in the elastase-exposed LTA4H−/− mice compared with elastase-exposed WT mice. Together, these findings demonstrated that LTB4played an important role in promoting the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema associated with neutrophilic pulmonary inflammation.
Modulation of lung inflammation by the Epstein-Barr virus protein Zta
Authors: Guenther James F. , Cameron Jennifer E. , Nguyen Hong T. , Wang Yu , Sullivan Deborah E. , Shan Bin , Lasky Joseph A. , Flemington Erik K. , Morris Gilbert F.
Published: September 2010

Several studies have implicated gamma-herpesviruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), in the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The data presented here examine the possible role that EBV plays in the potentiation of this disease by evaluating the pulmonary response to expression of the EBV lytic transactivator protein Zta. Expression of Zta in the lungs of mice via adenovirus-mediated delivery (Adv-Zta) produced profibrogenic inflammation that appeared most pronounced by day 7 postexposure. Relative to mice exposed to control GFP-expressing adenovirus (Adv-GFP), mice exposed to Adv-Zta displayed evidence of lung injury and a large increase in inflammatory cells, predominantly neutrophils, recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Cytokine and mRNA profiling of the BAL fluid and cells recovered from Adv-Zta-treated mice revealed a Th2 and Th17 bias. mRNA profiles from Adv-Zta-infected lung epithelial cells revealed consistent induction of mRNAs encoding Th2 cytokines. Coexpression in transient assays of wild-type Zta, but not a DNA-binding-defective mutant Zta, activated expression of the IL-13 promoter in lung epithelial cells, and detection of IL-13 in Adv-Zta-treated mice correlated with expression of Zta. Induction of Th2 cytokines in Zta-expressing mice corresponded with alternative activation of macrophages. In cell culture and in mice, Zta repressed lung epithelial cell markers. Despite the profibrogenic character at day 7, the inflammation resolves by 28 days postexposure to Adv-Zta without evidence of fibrosis. These observations indicate that the EBV lytic transactivator protein Zta displays activity consistent with a pathogenic role in pulmonary fibrosis associated with herpesvirus infection.
Real-time Fluorescent Resonance Energy Transfer Analysis to Monitor Drug Resistance in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Tunceroglu Ahmet , Matsuda Michiyuki , Birge Raymond B.
Published: September 2010

Despite the initial effectiveness of oncogene-directed cancer therapeutics, acquired drug resistance remains the ultimate “Achilles' heel” for long-term durable remission in cancer patients. Acquisition of drug resistance is not more evident elsewhere than in the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, imatinib and dasatinib, for patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Hence, even though imatinib initially produces remission in the chronic phase, ultimately these therapeutics fail via the emergence of drug resistance, in which chronic myelogenous leukemia could inevitably progress to a terminal blast phase culminating in fatal outcome. Technically, it is challenging to predict the onset of drug resistance in a small number of oncogene-transformed cells, making the decision of when and how to employ second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or employ novel compounds that would be of benefit in treating drug-resistant Bcr-Abl mutants mainly retrospective. Here, we characterize a rapid and sensitive real-time fluorescent resonance energy transfer–based assay that is able to detect the in vivo activity of Bcr-Abl and its inhibition by small molecule compounds. Due to its real-time and in vivo nature, such an approach has the potential to monitor a drug-resistant phenotype, as well as to identify pharmaceutical agents that inhibit drug-resistant Bcr-Abl oncoproteins in vivo. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(11); 3065–73. ©2010 AACR.
The Effects of Coupling Agents on the Mechanical Properties of NBR-Clay Nanocomposites and its Conventional Composites
Authors: Ahmadi Seyed Javad , Mohaddespour Ahmad , Yudong Huang  , Ashoorzadeh Effat , Weijing He
Published: September 2010

Organoclay, precisely montmorillonite, is modified with octadecylamine and then its surface is individually treated by silane coupling agents, DB550, DB580, and DB619. The nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is mechanically mixed with organophilic clay via melt blending method. Characterizations of prepared hybrids based on NBR-organoclay treated by silane coupling agents are investigated on such aspects as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectra, mechanical properties, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The XRD result shows that layered silicates are intercalated by polymer chains. The nanocomposites with coupling agent DB580 or DB619 have superior mechanical properties in comparison with conventional composites and ordinary nanocomposites. Apart from a limited increase in tensile stress at small strains, the ultimate stress at rupture of the nanocomposites is much higher than that of microcomposites. It is presumed that these enhancements are attributed not only to the more uniform dispersion of nanoparticles of organoclay into the polymer matrix but also to the coupling agent bond or micro-adhesion between the NBR matrix and the organoclay.
The Piney Woods School: An Exploration of the Historically Black Boarding School Experience in Shaping Student Achievement, Cultural Esteem, and Collegiate Integration
Authors: Alexander-Snow Mia
Published: September 2010

This qualitative case study explores the cultural impact the Piney Woods School, a historically Black independent boarding school, had on the social and academic experiences of four of its graduates in attendance at two traditionally White universities. The article discusses the collegiate experiences of four students: Samantha, Ira, Tony, and Bobby. Though their individual collegiate experiences markedly differ from each other, their experiences reflect overall the historically Black boarding school experience as instrumental in shaping student achievement, cultural esteem, and sense of belonging. Studies that explore the secondary school experience, such as the historically Black boarding school, continue to provide other contexts in which to examine how school environment can negatively or positively influence African American students’ achievement in college, particularly at traditionally White colleges and universities.
Early College High Schools: Lessons Learned in the College Science Classroom
Authors: Alaie Adrienne
Published: September 2010

The Gates Foundation has given more than US$100 million to establish approximately 160 early college high schools (ECHSs) across the nation. The ECHS goal, to send traditionally low-performing students to college early and graduate them with 2 years of college credit, has been widely recognized for its constructive potential. However, not all EHCS students who participate have constructive experiences, and failing experiences have the potential to be educationally counterproductive by impairing future academic performance. Thus, it is important to examine instances of unsuccessful early college experiences, probing for lessons learned. This report documents one such unsuccessful experience of ECHS students in a large introductory biology course.
Increasing Social Engagement Among Lonely Individuals: The Role of Acceptance Cues and Promotion Motivations
Authors: Lucas Gale M. , Knowles Megan L. , Gardner Wendi L. , Molden Daniel C. , Jefferis Valerie E.
Published: September 2010

Lonely individuals typically fear negative evaluation and engage in overly cautious social behaviors that perpetuate their social isolation. Recent research has found analogous security-oriented (i.e., prevention-focused) responses following experiences highlighting concerns with social loss but differing growth-oriented (i.e., promotion-focused ) responses, such as attempts at social engagement, following experiences highlighting concerns with social gain. The present studies thus investigated whether fostering a promotion focus among lonely individuals through subtle primes of acceptance could reduce their self-protective social avoidance. This hypothesis was supported across four studies in which the links between primed acceptance and promotion-focused motivations were first established, and the impact of such primes on lonely individuals’ social thoughts, intentions, and behaviors were then tested. Implications of observed differences between effects of acceptance primes on lonely versus nonlonely individuals are discussed in terms of deficits versus satiation with feelings of belonging.
The use of subcutaneous scopolamine as a palliative treatment in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Pérez Laura Mónica , Farriols Cristina , Puente Victor , Planas Josep , Ruiz Inmaculada
Published: September 2010

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative, chronic and irreversible condition. Palliative medicine may play an important role in the care of patients with PD to maintain the quality of life. Scopolamine is a non-competitive antagonist at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which was used many years ago in the treatment for PD. To the best of our knowledge, there are no previously reported cases of the use of scopolamine for symptom relief at the end of life in patients with PD. The case reported here shows that treatment with a subcutaneous scopolamine was a useful alternative in a terminal cancer patient with severe tremors unable to take oral PD medication.
Language Measurement Equivalence of the Ethnic Identity Scale With Mexican American Early Adolescents
Authors: White Rebecca M. B. , Umaña-Taylor Adriana J. , Knight George P. , Zeiders Katharine H.
Published: September 2010

The current study considers methodological challenges in developmental research with linguistically diverse samples of young adolescents. By empirically examining the cross-language measurement equivalence of a measure assessing three components of ethnic identity development (i.e., exploration, resolution, and affirmation) among Mexican American adolescents, the study both assesses the cross-language measurement equivalence of a common measure of ethnic identity and provides an appropriate conceptual and analytical model for researchers needing to evaluate measurement scales translated into multiple languages. Participants are 678 Mexican-origin early adolescents and their mothers. Measures of exploration and resolution achieve the highest levels of equivalence across language versions. The measure of affirmation achieves high levels of equivalence. Results highlight potential ways to correct for any problems of nonequivalence across language versions of the affirmation measure. Suggestions are made for how researchers working with linguistically diverse samples can use the highlighted techniques to evaluate their own translated measures.
Early Adolescent Family Experiences and Perceived Social Support in Young Adulthood
Authors: Gayman Mathew D. , Turner R. Jay , Cislo Andrew M. , Eliassen A. Henry
Published: September 2010

Although the protective role of social support is well established in the health literature, antecedents of perceived social support are not well understood. Research on family experiential factors during early adolescence, an important psychosocial developmental period in the life course, represents a promising line of inquiry. Using a sample of young adults in Miami-Dade County, Florida ( N = 1,267) involving longitudinal data spanning 8 years, we evaluated the importance of early adolescent family experiences (socioeconomic status, family structure, family support, family pride, parent derogation) on perceived family and friend support in young adulthood. Results indicated that early family experiences, especially negative experiences, were associated with lower perceived family and friend support in young adulthood. Moreover, these associations were independent of early childhood-adolescent behavioral disorders (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct), psychological disorders (major depression, anxiety), substance use disorders, and lifetime social adversity. The importance of family experiences during early adolescence for later perceived social support is discussed.
Adolescent Hope as a Mediator Between Parent-Child Connectedness and Adolescent Outcomes
Authors: Padilla-Walker Laura M. , Hardy Sam A. , Christensen Katherine J.
Published: September 2010

This study examines adolescent hope as a mediator between connectedness to mother and father, and positive and negative child outcomes. Participants included 489 adolescents aged 9 to 14 years ( M = 11.29; SD = 1.01) and their parents from the Flourishing Families Project, and data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results suggested that hope mediated the relation between child-reported parent-child connectedness and adolescents’ prosocial behavior, school engagement, and internalizing behavior. Mother-and father-reported connectedness were not related to adolescent hope but were directly related to behavioral outcomes. This study highlights the importance of adolescents’ cognitive-motivational processes for both positive and negative outcomes and has important implications for prevention and intervention programs.
Capitalizing on Academic Success: Students’ Interactions With Friends as Predictors of School Adjustment
Authors: Rydell Altermatt Ellen
Published: September 2010

Although friends often share successes with one another, very little attention has been paid to these interactions. The current study examines the nature of middle school students’ interactions with friends following academic successes and the consequences of these interactions for students’ school adjustment. Participants were 293 fifth- through eighth-grade students. Grade-level differences emerged in students’ reports of their motives for sharing, friends’ responses to sharing, and students’ motives for not sharing. Sharing successes predicted tradeoffs for children’s school adjustment such that sharing predicted more positive school attitudes, but more negative perceptions of peer relationships over time. Children’s reports of their motives for sharing and friends’ responses to sharing also predicted changes in school adjustment over time. Implications of these findings for helping middle school students capitalize on academic successes via their interactions with friends are discussed.
Professor Brand Advocacy: Do Brand Relationships Matter?
Authors: Jillapalli Ravi K. , Wilcox James B.
Published: September 2010

The trend among students to advocate their professors online continues to generate interest within marketing academia. Brand advocacy in products and services has played a vital role in marketing. However, no known research to date has embraced the idea of brand advocacy in marketing education. This research builds on the recent human brand relationship literature and examines the mediating effects of attachment strength and relationship factors on professor brand advocacy. Survey data gathered from 228 marketing students and the empirical findings suggest that when professors are responsive to their students’ innate needs of relatedness and competence, students form strong attachments to the professors. Furthermore, strong students’ attachments to professors influence students’ trust and satisfaction in their professors. These trusting and satisfying relationships determine the willingness of the students to advocate the professor brands. The authors discuss the implications for marketing educators.
Dental Caries and Caries-Related Periodontitis in Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Sano T. , Matsuura T. , Ozaki K. , Narama I.
Published: September 2010

Diabetic patients are predisposed to periodontal disease as well as dental caries; however, there are contradictory reports about the possible association between dental caries and diabetes. Thus, the authors set out to determine whether diabetes affects onset of dental caries and periodontal disease and to clarify whether dental caries and periodontal disease are associated with each other in diabetic db/db mice. Oral tissue was examined from 68 male mice (diabetic db/db and nondiabetic db/+; aged 20, 30, 40, and 50 weeks) and 20 female mice ( db/db and db/+; aged 50 weeks). Macroscopically, caries were seen developing in the diabetic mice by 20 weeks of age. The number of teeth with dental lesions increased with age in the db/db mice at a significantly higher incidence than that of db/+ mice. Histologically, dental caries were detected in 30 of 120 molars in 17 of 20 db/db mice at 50 weeks of age and in 4 of 108 molars in 4 of 18 db/+ mice of the same age. The severity of dental caries in db/db mice was significantly higher than it was in db/+ mice. Dental caries were a primary change that led to bacterial gingivitis and pulpitis. These lesions spread to the dental root and periodontal connective tissue through the apical foramen. Apical periodontitis was more frequent and severe when occurring in close association with dental caries. In conclusion, there is a strong relationship between diabetes and dental caries, but in this model, it is highly probable that the onset of periodontal disease was a secondary change resulting from dental caries.
Uterine Lesions in 32 Female Miniature Pet Pigs
Authors: Ilha M. R. S. , Newman S. J. , van Amstel S. , Fecteau K. A. , Rohrbach B. W.
Published: September 2010

Thirty-two 4-month-old to 19-year-old female miniature pet pigs were spayed. Uterine lesions were present in all except 8 pigs. The 24 remaining pigs had diffuse cystic endometrial hyperplasia, of which 14 had smooth muscle tumors, including leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas, in the uterus or broad ligament. Nodular endometrial lesions—including adenocarcinomas, adenomas, and/or adenomyosis—were present in 10 pigs, 3 of which had concurrent smooth muscle tumors. Pyometra was present in 3 pigs. In uterine sections with cystic endometrial hyperplasia, adenomyosis, or adenomas, approximately 70% of epithelial nuclei expressed estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor immunohistochemically; in adenocarcinomas, expression was 20%. Regardless of malignancy, more than 50% of nuclei in smooth muscle tumors expressed estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor. Aging was associated with the development of uterine lesions in miniature pet pigs.