bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation analysis for evacuation under congested traffic scenarios: a case study
Authors: Duanmu Jun , Taaffe Kevin M , Chowdhury Mashrur , Robinson R Michael
Published: August 2012

In this paper a new simulation modeling approach to support evacuation traffic management is introduced and a case study is presented. Traditional traffic simulation models neglect some real-life factors that need to be considered in an evacuation, such as the effect of road information and active control measures to manage traffic flow while vehicles are competing to find the best or preferred route. A passive equilibrium-seeking modeling approach may not be suitable for evacuation trip analysis due to limited route capacity and likely severe congestion during an evacuation. This paper introduces a new updated cell transmission model using discrete-event simulation, which can review and analyze the preferred path of evacuation traffic from multiple starting locations (or originations) to multiple destinations. Using this approach, case studies are conducted based on the user equilibrium principle, since it represents a natural behavior in an evacuation process. This research also demonstrates that, with the help of the cell transmission simulation model, an active traffic control mechanism can be evaluated. This study found that active traffic control measures are capable of decreasing total travel time during an evacuation by thousands of vehicle hours. Incorporating behavior consideration into the evacuation planning can help form a more accurate and realistic analysis of an evacuation plan.
A novel parallelization technique for DEVS simulation of continuous and hybrid systems
Authors: Bergero Federico , Kofman Ernesto , Cellier François
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we introduce a novel parallelization technique for Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) simulation of continuous and hybrid systems. Here, like in most parallel discrete event simulation methodologies, the models are first split into several sub-models which are then concurrently simulated on different processors. In order to avoid the cost of the global synchronization of all processes, the simulation time of each sub-model is locally synchronized in a real-time fashion with a scaled version of physical time, which implicitly synchronizes all sub-models. The new methodology, coined Scaled Real-Time Synchronization (SRTS), does not ensure a perfect synchronization in its implementation. However, under certain conditions, the synchronization error introduced only provokes bounded numerical errors in the simulation results. SRTS uses the same physical time-scaling parameter throughout the entire simulation. We also developed an adaptive version of the methodology (Adaptive-SRTS) where this parameter automatically evolves during the simulation according to the workload. We implemented the SRTS and Adaptive-SRTS techniques in PowerDEVS, a DEVS simulation tool, under a real-time operating system called the Real-Time Application Interface. We tested their performance by simulating three large-scale models, obtaining in all cases a considerable speedup.
Collective Action Dilemmas in Condominium Management
Authors: Chu Fang-Ni , Chang Chin-Oh , Sing Tien Foo
Published: August 2012

Condominium residents are reluctant to join the management committees (MCs) and contribute to the management of local public goods because of free-riding problems. In studying a sample of condominiums in Taipei, it is found that some degree of outsourcing to third party managers (TPMs) is necessary when the scale of local public goods increases. However, higher management fees paid to TPMs are not directly related to higher utilities derived by the residents in the use of local public goods. When self-selectivity in the outsourcing decision is controlled, the results show that the efficiency in the provision of local public goods increases with the effort levels of the MC members. The MC members who adopt a hands-off approach by fully delegating the management responsibilities to TPMs deliver lower pay-offs in the provision of public goods.
Intra-Military Divisions and Democratization in South Korea
Authors: Kim Insoo
Published: August 2012

This paper investigates how a highly politicized system of military reshuffling under the authoritarian military regime contributed to the transition to democracy in South Korea in the 1980s. Through an analysis of individual data on 2,666 Korean Military Academy (KMA) graduates, this study shows that promotion policies favored a small group of KMA graduates, called the Hana faction, who were preferentially treated in military promotions and recruited into the military leadership. These biased promotion procedures undermined the cohesion within the military as the marginalized non-Hana faction graduates became increasingly resistant to the subordination of their Hana faction superiors. This disintegration of military cohesion ultimately reduced the regime’s capacity to block the transition to democracy.
Translating the Research in Insulin Injection Technique
Authors: Saltiel-Berzin Rita , Cypress Marjorie , Gibney Michael
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Glucose variability leading to suboptimal glycemic control is common among people using injection therapies. Advanced technology and new studies have identified important issues related to injection technique: needle length and gauge, body mass index, skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness, adequate resuspension of cloudy insulins, leakage, choice of injection site and rotation, pinching a skinfold, and lipohypertrophy. All these issues can affect pain and bruising, insulin absorption, and blood glucose levels. The purpose of this article is to review current and past research regarding insulin injection therapy and to provide practical, translational information regarding injection technique, teaching/learning techniques specific to insulin administration, and implications for diabetes self-management education and support.

Conclusion

International injection recommendations for patients with diabetes have recently been published and have identified specific recommendations for health care professionals. This article provides an evidence-based translational and practical review of the research regarding injection technique and teaching/learning theory. Diabetes educators need to reevaluate how they provide instruction for the administration of insulin and other injectable medications. Research regarding skin and subcutaneous thickness reveals that shorter needles may be appropriate for the majority of patients regardless of body mass index. Periodic reassessment of injection technique, including suspension of cloudy insulins and inspection of injection sites for lipohypertrophy, is a critical aspect of the role of the diabetes educator. An injection checklist is provided as a guide for diabetes educators.
Hitting the Road to Adulthood
Authors: Bleidorn Wiebke
Published: August 2012

Previous research suggests that normative life transitions have the potential to trigger personality maturation. But what exactly happens during such a transitional stage? The present study examined personality trait changes in a sample of 910 German high school students during their transition from school to adult life. Despite the short observation period of three semiannual measurements, growth curve analyses revealed significant mean-level changes in personality traits. These changes occurred primarily in a positive direction, were strongest for the trait of conscientiousness, and most pronounced in those students who were directly confronted with this transitional experience. Bivariate growth curve models indicated that individual differences in personality change were substantially associated with changes in students’ investments into achievement behavior. Supporting socioanalytic perspectives on personality development, these findings can be discussed with respect to process approaches to personality change assuming that consistent behavioral changes might lead to personality change in a bottom-up fashion.
Patients’ Preferences and Priorities Regarding Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: Dolan James G. , Boohaker Emily , Allison Jeroan , Imperiale Thomas F.
Published: August 2012

Background. US colorectal cancer screening guidelines for people at average risk for colorectal cancer endorse multiple screening options and recommend that screening decisions reflect individual patient preferences. Methods. The authors used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to ascertain decision priorities of people at average risk for colorectal cancer attending primary care practices in Rochester, New York; Birmingham, Alabama; and Indianapolis, Indiana. The analysis included 4 decision criteria, 3 subcriteria, and 10 options. Results. Four hundred eighty-four people completed the study; 66% were female, 49% were African American, 9% had low literacy skills, and 27% had low numeracy skills. Overall, preventing cancer was given the highest priority (mean priority 55%), followed by avoiding screening test side effects (mean priority 17%), minimizing false-positive test results (mean priority 15%), and the combined priority of screening frequency, test preparation, and the test procedure(s) (mean priority 14%). Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed 6 distinct priority groupings containing multiple instances of decision priorities that differed from the average value by a factor of 4 or more. More than 90% of the study participants fully understood the concepts involved, 79% met AHP analysis quality standards, and 88% were willing to use similar methods to help make important health care decisions. Conclusion. These results highlight the need to facilitate incorporation of patient preferences into colorectal cancer screening decisions. The large number of study participants able and willing to perform the complex AHP analysis used for this study suggests that the AHP is a useful tool for identifying the patient-specific priorities needed to ensure that screening decisions appropriately reflect individual patient preferences.
Alteration in E-Cadherin/β-Catenin Expression in Canine Melanotic Tumors
Authors: Han J.-I. , Kim Y. , Kim D.-Y. , Na K.-J.
Published: August 2012

β-Catenin, encoded by the ctnnb1 gene, plays a critical role in intercellular adhesion, and its altered expression has been implicated in tumor progression in humans and animals. The aims of this study were to examine the alterations in β-catenin expression in canine melanoma as well as the causes of these changes (eg, E-cadherin or exon 3 mutations) and to compare identified changes between skin and oral melanomas. Forty-two primary canine skin and oral melanoma tissue samples were used in the study. The expression levels of ctnnb1 and the levels of E-cadherin/β-catenin complex in the tissues were determined by semiquantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The mutational status of β-catenin exon 3 was examined by DNA sequencing. RT-PCR revealed higher levels of ctnnb1 expression in oral melanoma tissues compared with normal melanocytes, irrespective of sex or histopathological appearance of the tissue (ie, amelanotic vs melanotic). Immunohistochemistry revealed simultaneous loss of membrane E-cadherin/β-catenin complex and cytoplasmic accumulation of both proteins in 37 cases (84%). Intranuclear β-catenin was also detected in all tissues with reduced membrane β-catenin expression. In mutational analyses, one amelanotic oral melanoma showed 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); however, after protein translation, all the SNPs were silent mutations. The present study demonstrates that dysregulation of E-cadherin/β-catenin complexes is involved in both types of canine melanotic tumors and that the disruption of E-cadherin/β-catenin complexes and increased β-catenin may induce tumor progression and malignancy.
Failed Healing of Rotator Cuff Repair Correlates With Altered Collagenase and Gelatinase in Supraspinatus and Subscapularis Tendons
Authors: Robertson Catherine M. , Chen Christopher T. , Shindle Michael K. , Cordasco Frank A. , Rodeo Scott A. , Warren Russell F.
Published: August 2012

Background:

Despite improvements in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair technique and technology, a significant rate of failed tendon healing persists. Improving the biology of rotator cuff repairs may be an important focus to decrease this failure rate. The objective of this study was to determine the mRNA biomarkers and histological characteristics of repaired rotator cuffs that healed or developed persistent defects as determined by postoperative ultrasound.

Hypothesis:

Increased synovial inflammation and tendon degeneration at the time of surgery are correlated with the failed healing of rotator cuff tendons.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Biopsy specimens from the subscapularis tendon, supraspinatus tendon, glenohumeral synovium, and subacromial bursa of 35 patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were taken at the time of surgery. Expression of proinflammatory cytokines, tissue remodeling genes, and angiogenesis factors was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Histological characteristics of the affected tissue were also assessed. Postoperative (>6 months) ultrasound was used to evaluate the healing of the rotator cuff. General linear modeling with selected mRNA biomarkers was used to predict rotator cuff healing.

Results:

Thirty patients completed all analyses, of which 7 patients (23%) had failed healing of the rotator cuff. No differences in demographic data were found between the defect and healed groups. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder scores collected at baseline and follow-up showed improvement in both groups, but there was no significant difference between groups. Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) and MMP-9 was found in the supraspinatus tendon in the defect group versus the healed group ( P = .006 and .02, respectively). Similar upregulation of MMP-9 was also found in the subscapularis tendon of the defect group ( P = .001), which was consistent with the loss of collagen organization as determined by histological examination. From a general linear model, the upregulation of MMP-1 and MMP-9 was highly correlated with failed healing of the rotator cuff ( R2 = .656).

Conclusion:

The upregulation of tissue remodeling genes in the torn rotator cuff at the time of surgery provides a snapshot of the biological environment surrounding the torn rotator cuff that is closely related to the healing of repaired rotator cuffs.
Changing Planning Education in Africa
Authors: Watson Vanessa , Odendaal Nancy
Published: August 2012

Planning laws, planning governance systems, and even planning curricula in Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa were strongly shaped by the colonial history of the subcontinent, and much of this imprint remains today. Yet demands on planners and planning systems have changed dramatically as African cities battle to cope with rapid growth, inequality, informality and environmental degradation. This article considers the issue of changing planning education in this region. It documents the efforts of the Association of African Planning Schools to forge a program of action on necessary new directions and themes for planning education in a context where adherence to older approaches remains strong.
Evolution of Urban Design Plans in the United States and Canada
Authors: Linovski Orly , Loukaitou-Sideris Anastasia
Published: August 2012

Urban design plans offer a window into the values of the urban design profession, but we have little knowledge of how they have changed over time, and the implications for design practice. The study provides a critical evaluation of the vision, methods, and content of urban design plans in large North American cities and a comparison with earlier generations of plans. Contemporary plans display fewer types of methods, less analytical rigor, and less emphasis on participatory practices than previous generations of plans. They reveal a greater focus on sustainability, but less concern about diversity, equity, and economic development.
The Knafo Chronicles
Authors: Lavie Smadar
Published: August 2012

In summer 2003, Vicky Knafo marched 125 miles from her desolate development town to the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem to protest welfare cuts for Israel’s single mothers. Single mothers from all parts of Israel joined her. Most of the mothers were Mizrahim—Jews with origins in the Arab and Muslim World. They constitute 50% of Israel’s citizenry. But like the 20% Palestinian Israeli citizens, they are treated as a racinated minority by the ruling 30% Ashkenazim (European Jews of Yiddish-speaking origins). This article consists of diary fragments recording the author's participation in the protest as a single welfare mother, ethnographer, and Mizrahi feminist.
What Makes Protégés Take Mentors’ Advice in Formal Mentoring Relationships?
Authors: Son SuJin , Kim Do-Yeong
Published: August 2012

This study examines the factors affecting a protégé’s willingness to take a mentor’s advice. The sample for this study consisted of 183 protégés from two different South Korean organizations who were part of formal mentoring programs. We found protégé commitment to be the principal factor that predisposes a protégé to take advice from mentors and protégé-perceived relationship quality as the antecedent of protégé commitment. In particular, protégé commitment was identified as a full mediator between relationship quality and willingness to take mentor’s advice. In addition, a protégé’s trust in a mentor was regarded as a partial mediator between protégé-perceived relationship quality and protégé commitment. The theoretical and managerial implications of our findings are also discussed herein.
Prediction of two-phase flow through a safety relief valve
Authors: Elmayyah Wael , Dempster William
Published: August 2012

Safety relief valves are necessary elements in any pressurised system. The flow inside the safety relief valve shows a number of interesting, yet complicated, features especially when a two-phase flow is involved. Consequently, developing an efficient and accurate means for predicting the safety relief valve performance and understanding the flow physics is a demanding objective. In this article, the ability of a two-phase mixture model to predict the critical flows of air and water through a safety valve is examined. An industrial refrigeration safety relief valve of ¼” inlet bore size has been tested experimentally over a pressure range of 6–15 barg and air mass qualities from 0.23 to 1 when discharging to near atmospheric conditions for a range of valve lift positions. A two-dimensional mixture model consisting of mixture mass, momentum and energy equations, combined with a liquid mass equation and the standard k-e turbulence model for mixture turbulent transport has been used to predict the two-phase flows though the valve. The mixture model results have been compared with the homogenous equilibrium model and the homogenous non-equilibrium model adopted by the ISO standard. It has been shown that the mixture model can be used satisfactorily to predict the mass flows for the above conditions. Overall, the accuracy of the two-phase air mass flow for given inlet liquid flow rates can be predicted to within 15%.
Completing the Implicit Association Test Reduces Positive Intergroup Interaction Behavior
Authors: Vorauer Jacquie D.
Published: August 2012

It is frequently suggested that increasing awareness of intergroup bias and limited control over biased responses can improve intergroup interaction behavior. Some uses of the Implicit Association Test (IAT) epitomize this approach to improving intergroup relations. However, if completing the IAT enhances caution and inhibition, reduces self-efficacy, or primes categorical thinking, the test may instead have negative effects. Two experiments demonstrated that when White individuals completed a race-relevant IAT prior to an intergroup interaction (as compared with when they did not), their interaction partner left the exchange feeling less positively regarded. No such effect was evident when White individuals completed a race-irrelevant IAT (Study 1) or an explicit prejudice measure (Study 2) before the exchange, or when their interaction partner was White (Study 1). Mediation analyses (Study 2) suggested that White participants who completed the IAT communicated less positive regard because they adopted a cautious approach to the interaction, limiting their self-disclosure.
Combating Automatic Autobiographical Associations
Authors: Hu Xiaoqing , Rosenfeld J. Peter , Bodenhausen Galen V.
Published: August 2012

One of the most heavily debated questions in implicit social cognition is the extent to which implicit measures can be voluntarily controlled. The experiment reported here is the first to employ a novel strategy for intentionally controlling performance in the autobiographical Implicit Association Test (aIAT). Specifically, when explicitly instructed to do so, participants were able to speed up their responses in the incongruent blocks of the aIAT and thus influence the outcome of the test. This effect was larger when the experimental instruction was followed by practice in speeding responses than when the instruction was given alone. A process-dissociation analysis suggested that the effect was due to reductions in the ability of participants’ automatic associations to influence responses when instructions to speed up were provided. This experiment provides new insight into the potential for strategic control in the performance of implicit measures and into the interplay between automatic and controlled processes underlying performance on implicit measures.
Uses of Multivariate Analytical Techniques in Online and Blended Business Education
Authors: Arbaugh J. B. , Hwang Alvin
Published: August 2012

Seeking to assess the analytical rigor of empirical research in management education, this article reviews the use of multivariate statistical techniques in 85 studies of online and blended management education over the past decade and compares them with prescriptions offered by both the organization studies and educational research communities. Although there is variation in the degree to which the techniques have been appropriately used, they appear to have been adopted more quickly than is typically the case in organizational studies research. Recommendations that emerge from the review include greater consideration of moderating effects, particularly those that have been considered historically to be “control” variables, and reduced dependence on exploratory factor analysis techniques for data reduction except when examining conceptual frameworks composed of constructs borrowed from disparate fields. It is the authors’ hope that this review motivates further consideration of appropriate uses of these techniques in other areas of management education research.
Navigating the Evidence-Based Practice Maze
Authors: Mazzotti Valerie L. , Rowe Dawn R. , Test David W.
Published: August 2012

Factors such as the standards-based education movement, mandated participation in statewide testing, and inclusion have forced an increased focus on improving outcomes for students with disabilities. There are many determinants of postschool success for students with disabilities; however, teachers primarily have control over only one, teaching practices and programs. As a result, it is important that teachers choose and implement practices that have proven successful for secondary students with disabilities. This article guides teachers through the process of navigating the evidence-based practice maze to identify evidence-based practices and programs for secondary students with disabilities. Particularly, it addresses the need to (a) follow a research-based framework (i.e., Kohler’s Taxonomy), (b) use practices with the best available research evidence to support effectiveness, and (c) use data-based decision making to guide use of evidence-based practices.
Human Macrophage Regulation Via Interaction With Cardiac Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Adutler-Lieber Shimrit , Ben-Mordechai Tammar , Naftali-Shani Nili , Asher Elad , Loberman Dan , Raanani Ehud , Leor Jonathan
Published: August 2012

Background:

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) improve tissue repair but their mechanism of action is not fully understood. We aimed to test the hypothesis that MSCs may act via macrophages, and that specifically, human cardiac adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AT-MSCs) can polarize human macrophages into a reparative, anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotype.

Methods and Results:

We isolated and grew AT-MSCs from human cardiac adipose tissue obtained during cardiac surgery. Macrophages were grown from CD14+ monocytes from healthy donor blood and then cocultured with AT-MSCs, with and without transwell membrane, for 1 to 14 days. In response to AT-MSCs, macrophages acquired a star-shaped morphology, typical of alternatively activated phenotype (M2), and increased the expression of M2 markers CD206+, CD163+, and CD16+ by 1.5- and 9-fold. Significantly, AT-MSCs modified macrophage cytokine secretion and increased the secretion of anti-inflammatory and angiogenic cytokines: interleukin (IL)-10 (9-fold) and vascular endothelial growth factors (3-fold). Moreover, AT-MSCs decreased macrophage secretion of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1α (2-fold), tumor necrosis factor α (1.5-fold), IL-17 (3-fold), and interferon gamma (2-fold). Remarkably, the interaction between AT-MSCs and macrophages was bidirectional and macrophages enhanced AT-MSC secretion of typical M2 inducers IL-4 and IL-13. Notably, AT-MSCs decreased macrophage phagocytic capacity. Finally, IL-6 mediates the M2 polarization effect of AT-MSCs on macrophages, by increasing M2-associated cytokines, IL-10 and IL-13.

Conclusions:

Human cardiac AT-MSCs can polarize human macrophages into anti-inflammatory phenotype. Our findings suggest a new mechanism of action of AT-MSCs that could be relevant to the pathogenesis and treatment of myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and various cardiovascular diseases.
Effect of Novel Limited-Spectrum MMP Inhibitor XL784 in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Ennis Terri , Jin Jianping , Bartlett Sarah , Arif Batool , Grapperhaus Kathy , Curci John A.
Published: August 2012

Background:

Inhibiting the growth of small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is a clinically valuable goal and fills an important therapeutic void. Based on studies in animals and humans, inhibition of the activity of elastolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has the potential to slow AAA expansion and limit morbidity and the need for surgery. Previous attempts to make use of the synthetic MMP inhibitors in the treatment of chronic conditions have been limited by intolerable side effects. The limited-spectrum synthetic MMP inhibitor, XL784, was well tolerated and devoid of side-effects associated with other nonspecific MMP inhibitors in phase I studies. We hypothesized that clinically relevant doses of XL784 would be effective at inhibiting aneurysm development in a mouse model.

Methods:

The 14-day elastase-perfusion model of AAA in mice was used. An initial screening study of XL784 (50 [n = 17], 125 [n = 17], and 250 mg/kg [n = 18]) administered via gavage daily until harvest. Controls received diluent alone (n = 18) or doxycycline in drinking water (n = 19). Aortic diameter was measured pre-perfusion (ADpre) and at harvest (ADhar). A second study used XL784 (250 [n = 9]; 375 [n = 9], and 500 mg/kg [n = 14]) and diluent alone (n = 9) administered via gavage. The percentage dilatation [%ΔAD = [(ADhar − ADpre)/ADpre] ×100] was calculated and elastin and inflammatory content was scored.

Results:

All mice tolerated the treatments similarly. Control mice all developed aneurysms with a mean %ΔAD of 158.5% ± 4.3%. Treatment with all doses of XL784 and doxycycline were effective in inhibiting aortic dilatation. There was a clear dose–response relationship between XL784 and reductions in aortic dilatation at harvest (50 mg/kg 140.4% ± 3.2%; 125 mg/kg 129.3% ±5.1%; 250 mg/kg 119.2% ± 3.5%; all Ps < .01 compared to control). This continued with the higher doses (375 mg/kg 88.6% ± 4.4%; 500 mg/kg 76.0% ± 3.5%). The highest 2 doses of XL784 tested were more effective than doxycycline (112.2% ± 2.0%, P < .05) in inhibiting maximal dilatation of the aorta after elastase perfusion.
Teaching White Papers Through Client Projects
Authors: Willerton Russell
Published: August 2012

White papers are increasingly prevalent in business and professional settings. Although textbook resources for white paper assignments are limited, a white paper assignment completed for a community client can provide a learning experience that students enjoy and that strengthens ties between the university and the community. This article describes a way to approach the white paper assignment in a communications-focused course and identifies resources to support white paper assignments.
‘Trade policy, not morals or health policy’: The US Trade Representative, tobacco companies and market liberalization in Thailand
Authors: MacKenzie Ross , Collin Jeff
Published: August 2012

The enforced opening of Thailand’s cigarette market to imports in 1990 has become a cause celebre in debates about the social and health impacts of trade agreements. At the instigation of leading US-based cigarette manufacturers, the US Trade Representative (USTR) threatened trade sanctions against Thailand to compel the government to liberalize its domestic cigarette market. Thailand’s challenge to the USTR led to referral to General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) arbitration. While GATT ruled in favour of the USTR on market access, it also found that Thailand could subsequently enact non-discriminatory tobacco control regulation without contravening the GATT agreement. This article contributes to existing literature via its analysis of tobacco industry documents that highlight not only USTR responsiveness to lobbying from tobacco corporations, raising concerns about the drivers of globalization and the limited protection afforded to public health concerns in trade agreements. Significantly, the documents also indicate that USTR support of the tobacco industry was not unconditional, being subject to wider pressures of global trade negotiations. Such qualification notwithstanding, however, ongoing governmental willingness to advance the international interests of tobacco corporations remains a concern from a public health perspective, particularly given the failure of the US to ratify the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Training Memory Self-efficacy in the Chronic Stage After Stroke
Authors: Aben Laurien , Heijenbrok-Kal Majanka H. , van Loon Ellen M. P. , Groet Erny , Ponds Rudolf W. H. M. , Busschbach Jan J. V. , Ribbers Gerard M.
Published: August 2012

Background. Stroke patients with a low memory self-efficacy (MSE) report more memory complaints than patients with a high MSE. Objective. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a memory-training program on MSE in the chronic phase after stroke and to identify which patients benefit most from the MSE training program. Methods. In a randomized controlled trial, the effectiveness of the MSE training program (experimental group) was compared with a peer support program (control group) in chronic stroke patients. The primary outcome was MSE, measured using the Metamemory-In-Adulthood Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included depression, quality of life, and objective verbal memory capacity. Changes in outcomes over the intervention period were compared between both groups. Demographic and clinical variables were studied as potential predictors of MSE outcome in the experimental group. Results. In total, 153 patients were included: mean age = 58 years (standard deviation [SD] = 9.7), 54.9% male, and mean of 54 months (SD = 37) after stroke. Of these, 77 were assigned to the training and 76 to the control group. Improvement of MSE ( B = 0.40; P = .019) was significantly greater in the training than in the control group. No significant differences were found for the secondary outcomes. An increase in MSE after training was predicted by a younger age ( B = −0.033; P = .006) and a better memory capacity ( B = 0.043; P = .009), adjusted for baseline MSE. Conclusions. MSE can be improved by the MSE training program for stroke patients. Younger patients and patients with a better memory capacity benefit most from the MSE training program (Dutch Trial Register: NTR-TC 1656).
‘Advertorials’: A genre-based analysis of an emerging hybridized genre
Authors: Zhou Sijing
Published: August 2012

Genre analysis has been applied to a sizable body of linguistic studies on various text types. However, little attention has been paid to advertorials as an emerging hybridized genre. To identify the generic and linguistic characteristics of advertorials, and therefore to classify advertorials into an appropriate genre, this study carries out a comprehensive genre analysis of advertorials based on Bhatia’s (1993) seven-step genre analysis methodology. A corpus of 55 advertorials was collected from four English-language magazines and two English-language newspapers, from which a sub-corpus of 12 samples was further selected for a thorough examination of linguistic characteristics. Attempting to gain a comprehensive view of generic features of advertorials, this study makes a critical comparison of advertorials with three inextricably related genres: advertisements, news stories and editorials. Linguistic evidence sufficiently demonstrates that advertorials share fundamental generic and linguistic natures with advertisements and proposes classifying advertorials as a sub-genre of advertisements.
Ethnographic discourse analysis: Conversion to Islam ceremony
Authors: Zainal Ariff Tun Nur Afizah
Published: August 2012

Previous studies have revealed the importance of studying spoken professional–client/outsider interaction, especially the Q&A session, in various professional settings. However, most of the studies are located in non-religious professional settings. This article presents research in a particular religious professional setting, daee/propagator of Islam–client/outsider interaction. The research aims to study the daees’ spoken discourse when interacting face to face with their clients/the outsiders. This particular article focuses on the analysis and discussion of the daees/propagators of Islam’s spoken discourse strategies when interacting with non-Muslim individuals/potential converts who seek conversion to Islam in a communicative event called the Conversion to Islam Ceremony at a da’wah/Islamic propagation center in Malaysia. Ethnographic discourse analysis is employed to examine the daees/propagators of Islam’s spoken discourse strategies in managing and maintaining involvement when interacting with their client during the Q&A session of the event. The analysis reveals that the daees, in order to propagate Islam, engage politeness strategies, topic management strategies, code-switching and humor.
Gaze work in political media interviews
Authors: Ekström Mats
Published: August 2012

This article analyses the orientation of gaze as a significant communicative resource in televised political interviews. The study explores how interviewees use their gaze, in coordination with talk, in receiving and answering adversarial questions. It is guided by conversation analysis (CA), Goffman’s work on gaze in interaction, and the approach on embodied actions developed primarily by Goodwin. Gaze is described as a flexible recipient and speaker resource available for stance-taking, the downgrading and upgrading of actions, and the claiming of the floor. The study is based on taped and transcribed data from two formats of election campaign interviews on Swedish television, including 350 question and response sequences.
Journalism and public relations: A tale of two discourses
Authors: Sissons Helen
Published: August 2012

Van Dijk (1991) argues that it is from news that the majority of people obtain most of their social and political knowledge. Therefore, it should concern us that current research evidence suggests that the discourse of public relations is growing in influence over the discourse of journalism to an extent that journalists are relinquishing their agenda-setting function (Davies, 2008; Moloney, 2006). Using the concepts of intertextuality and genre, the form and content of examples of public relations material and the news stories which resulted from them are discussed. Erjavec’s (2005) method of comparative analysis is employed to examine the texts as well as discuss the discourse processes. Fairclough’s (1995) argument that texts are a set of options is used to show that the options journalists are choosing are not necessarily based on the accepted rules of news values (Galtung and Ruge, 1965).
When Receiving Help Hurts
Authors: Crockett Erin E. , Neff Lisa A.
Published: August 2012

Wives are considered more effective support providers than are husbands. As support promotes healthy physiological functioning, husbands should derive greater health benefits from spousal support than do wives. Yet, a growing literature indicates that men are relatively insulated from the physiological consequences of marital interactions, suggesting that men may not reap the benefits that support can provide. To examine gender differences in physiological responses to spousal support, couples completed a 6-day diary task that assessed daily support exchanges and diurnal cortisol slopes. On days of greater spousal support, wives exhibited steeper cortisol slopes, whereas husbands exhibited flattened cortisol slopes. Furthermore, for husbands, the association between daily support and cortisol was moderated by problem-solving efficacy; the less efficacious husbands perceived their problem-solving abilities, the flatter their cortisol slopes on high support days. All results held controlling for daily stress and marital satisfaction. Thus, support may incur costs for husbands’ health.
Autophagic degradation of the BCR-ABL oncoprotein and generation of antileukemic responses by arsenic trioxide
Authors: Goussetis Dennis J. , Gounaris Elias , Wu Edward J. , Vakana Eliza , Sharma Bhumika , Bogyo Matthew , Altman Jessica K. , Platanias Leonidas C.
Published: August 2012

We provide evidence that arsenic trioxide (As2O3) targets the BCR-ABL oncoprotein via a novel mechanism involving p62/SQSTM1-mediated localization of the oncoprotein to the autolysosomes and subsequent degradation mediated by the protease cathepsin B. Our studies demonstrate that inhibitors of autophagy or cathepsin B activity and/or molecular targeting of p62/SQSTM1, Atg7, or cathepsin B result in partial reversal of the suppressive effects of AS2O3 on BCR-ABL expressing leukemic progenitors, including primitive leukemic precursors from chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients. Altogether, these findings indicate that autophagic degradation of BCR-ABL is critical for the induction of the antileukemic effects of As2O3 and raise the potential for future therapeutic approaches to target BCR-ABL expressing cells by modulating elements of the autophagic machinery to promote BCR-ABL degradation.
How I treat relapsed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Locatelli Franco , Schrappe Martin , Bernardo Maria Ester , Rutella Sergio
Published: August 2012

The most common cause of treatment failure in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains relapse, occurring in ∼ 15%-20% of patients. Survival of relapsed patients can be predicted by site of relapse, length of first complete remission, and immunophenotype of relapsed ALL. BM and early relapse (< 30 months from diagnosis), as well as T-ALL, are associated with worse prognosis than isolated extramedullary or late relapse (> 30 months from diagnosis). In addition, persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD) at the end of induction or consolidation therapy predicts poor outcome because children with detectable MRD are more likely to relapse than those in molecular remission, even after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We offer hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to any child with high-risk features because these patients are virtually incurable with chemotherapy alone. By contrast, we treat children with first late BM relapse of B-cell precursor ALL and good clearance of MRD with a chemotherapy approach. We use both systemic and local treatment for extramedullary relapse, mainly represented by radiotherapy and, in case of testicular involvement, by orchiectomy. Innovative approaches, including new agents or strategies of immunotherapy, are under investigation in trials enrolling patients with resistant or more advanced disease.
Enabling dynamic network analysis through visualization in TVNViewer
Authors: Curtis Ross E , Xiang Jing , Parikh Ankur , Kinnaird Peter , Xing Eric P
Published: August 2012

Background

Many biological processes are context-dependent or temporally specific. As a result, relationships between molecular constituents evolve across time and environments. While cutting-edge machine learning techniques can recover these networks, exploring and interpreting the rewiring behavior is challenging. Information visualization shines in this type of exploratory analysis, motivating the development ofTVNViewer (http://sailing.cs.cmu.edu/tvnviewer), a visualization tool for dynamic network analysis.

Results

In this paper, we demonstrate visualization techniques for dynamic network analysis by using TVNViewer to analyze yeast cell cycle and breast cancer progression datasets.

Conclusions

TVNViewer is a powerful new visualization tool for the analysis of biological networks that change across time or space.
Molecular evolution of psbA gene in ferns: unraveling selective pressure and co-evolutionary pattern
Authors: Sen Lin , Fares Mario A , Su Ying-Juan , Wang Ting
Published: August 2012

Background

The photosynthetic oxygen-evolving photo system II (PS II) produces almost the entire oxygen in the atmosphere. This unique biochemical system comprises a functional core complex that is encoded by psbA and other genes. Unraveling the evolutionary dynamics of this gene is of particular interest owing to its direct role in oxygen production. psbA underwent gene duplication in leptosporangiates, in which both copies have been preserved since. Because gene duplication is often followed by the non-fictionalization of one of the copies and its subsequent erosion, preservation of both psbA copies pinpoint functional or regulatory specialization events. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular evolution of psbA among fern lineages.

Results

We sequenced psbA , which encodes D1 protein in the core complex of PSII, in 20 species representing 8 orders of extant ferns; then we searched for selection and convolution signatures in psbA across the 11 fern orders. Collectively, our results indicate that: (1) selective constraints among D1 protein relaxed after the duplication in 4 leptosporangiate orders; (2) a handful positively selected codons were detected within species of single copy psbA, but none in duplicated ones; (3) a few sites among D1 protein were involved in co-evolution process which may intimate significant functional/structural communications between them.

Conclusions

The strong competition between ferns and angiosperms for light may have been the main cause for a continuous fixation of adaptive amino acid changes in psbA , in particular after its duplication. Alternatively, a single psbA copy may have undergone bursts of adaptive changes at the molecular level to overcome angiosperms competition. The strong signature of positive Darwinian selection in a major part of D1 protein is testament to this. At the same time, species own two psbA copies hardly have positive selection signals among the D1 protein coding sequences. In this study, eleven co-evolving sites have been detected via different molecules, which may be more important than others.
A novel mutation causing nephronophthisis in the Lewis polycystic kidney rat localises to a conserved RCC1 domain in Nek8
Authors: McCooke John K , Appels Rudi , Barrero Roberto A , Ding Alice , Ozimek-Kulik Justyna E , Bellgard Mathew I , Morahan Grant , Phillips Jacqueline K
Published: August 2012

Background

Nephronophthisis (NPHP) as a cause of cystic kidney disease is the most common genetic cause of progressive renal failure in children and young adults. NPHP is characterized by abnormal and/or loss of function of proteins associated with primary cilia. Previously, we characterized an autosomal recessive phenotype of cystic kidney disease in the Lewis Polycystic Kidney (LPK) rat.

Results

In this study, quantitative trait locus analysis was used to define a ~1.6Mbp region on rat chromosome 10q25 harbouring thelpkmutation. Targeted genome capture and next-generation sequencing of this region identified a non-synonymous mutation R650C in the NIMA (never in mitosis gene a)- related kinase 8 (Nek8) gene. This is a novel Nek8 mutation that occurs within the regulator of chromosome condensation 1 (RCC1)-like region of the protein. Specifically, the R650C substitution is located within a G[QRC]LG repeat motif of the predicted seven bladed beta-propeller structure of the RCC1 domain. The ratNek8gene is located in a region syntenic to portions of human chromosome 17 and mouse 11. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed abnormally long cilia on LPK kidney epithelial cells, and fluorescence immunohistochemistry for Nek8 protein revealed altered cilia localisation.

Conclusions

When assessed relative to otherNek8NPHP mutations, our results indicate the whole propeller structure of the RCC1 domain is important, as the different mutations cause comparable phenotypes. This study establishes the LPK rat as a novel model system for NPHP and further consolidates the link between cystic kidney disease and cilia proteins.
Convergent and divergent evolution of genomic imprinting in the marsupial Monodelphis domestica
Authors: Das Radhika , Anderson Nathan , Koran MaryEllen I , Weidman Jennifer R , Mikkelsen Tarjei S , Kamal Michael , Murphy Susan K , Linblad-Toh Kerstin , Greally John M , Jirtle Randy L
Published: August 2012

Background

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon resulting in parent-of-origin specific monoallelic gene expression. It is postulated to have evolved in placental mammals to modulate intrauterine resource allocation to the offspring. In this study, we determined the imprint status of metatherian orthologues of eutherian imprinted genes.

Results

L3MBTL and HTR2A were shown to be imprinted in Monodelphis domestica (the gray short-tailed opossum). MEST expressed a monoallelic and a biallelic transcript, as in eutherians. In contrast, IMPACT, COPG2, and PLAGL1 were not imprinted in the opossum. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) involved in regulating imprinting in eutherians were not found at any of the new imprinted loci in the opossum. Interestingly, a novel DMR was identified in intron 11 of the imprinted IGF2R gene, but this was not conserved in eutherians. The promoter regions of the imprinted genes in the opossum were enriched for the activating histone modification H3 Lysine 4 dimethylation.

Conclusions

The phenomenon of genomic imprinting is conserved in Therians, but the marked difference in the number and location of imprinted genes and DMRs between metatherians and eutherians indicates that imprinting is not fully conserved between the two Therian infra-classes. The identification of a novel DMR at a non-conserved location as well as the first demonstration of histone modifications at imprinted loci in the opossum suggest that genomic imprinting may have evolved in a common ancestor of these two Therian infra-classes with subsequent divergence of regulatory mechanisms in the two lineages.