bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Uncoupling and Perivascular Adipose Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Contribute to Vascular Dysfunction in a Rodent Model of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Marchesi Chiara , Ebrahimian Talin , Angulo Orlando , Paradis Pierre , Schiffrin Ernesto L.
Published: October 2009

The metabolic syndrome represents a constellation of cardiovascular risk factors that promote the development of cardiovascular disease. Oxidative stress is a mediator of endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling. We investigated vascular dysfunction in the metabolic syndrome and the oxidant mechanisms involved. New Zealand obese (NZO) mice with metabolic syndrome and New Zealand black control mice were studied. NZO mice showed insulin resistance and increased visceral fat and blood pressure compared with New Zealand black mice. Mesenteric resistance arteries from NZO mice exhibited increased media:lumen ratio and media cross-sectional area, demonstrating hypertrophic vascular remodeling. Endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine, assessed by pressurized myography, was impaired in NZO mice, not affected by
N
G
-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester, inhibitor of endothelial NO synthase, and improved by the antioxidant Tempol, suggesting reduced NO bioavailability and increased oxidative stress. Dimer:monomer ratio of endothelial NO synthase was decreased in NZO mice compared with New Zealand black mice, suggesting endothelial NO synthase uncoupling. Furthermore, vascular superoxide and peroxynitrite production was increased, as well as adhesion molecule expression. Perivascular adipose tissue of NZO mice showed increased superoxide production and NADPH oxidase activity, as well as adipocyte hypertrophy, associated with inflammatory Mac-3–positive cell infiltration. Vasoconstriction to norepinephrine decreased in the presence of perivascular adipose tissue in New Zealand black mice but was unaffected by perivascular adipose tissue in NZO mice, suggesting loss of perivascular adipose tissue anticontractile properties. Our data suggest that this rodent model of metabolic syndrome is associated with perivascular adipose inflammation and oxidative stress, hypertrophic resistance artery remodeling, and endothelial dysfunction, the latter a result of decreased NO and enhanced superoxide generated by uncoupled endothelial NO synthase.
Preservation of Intracellular Renin Expression Is Insufficient to Compensate for Genetic Loss of Secreted Renin
Authors: Xu Di , Borges Giulianna R. , Grobe Justin L. , Pelham Christopher J. , Yang Baoli , Sigmund Curt D.
Published: October 2009

The primary product of the renin gene is preprorenin. A signal peptide sorts renin to the secretory pathway in juxtaglomerular cells where it is released into the circulation to initiate the renin-angiotensin system cascade. In the brain, transcription of renin occurs from an alternative promoter encoding an mRNA starting with a new first exon (exon 1b). Exon 1b initiating transcripts skip over the classical first exon (exon 1a) containing the initiation codon for preprorenin. Exon 1b transcripts are predicted to use a highly conserved initiation codon within exon 2, producing renin, which should remain intracellular, because it lacks the signal peptide. To evaluate the roles of secreted and intracellular renin, we took advantage of the organization of the renin locus to generate a secreted renin (sRen)-specific knockout, which preserves intracellular renin expression. Expression of sRen mRNA was ablated in the brain and kidney, whereas intracellular renin mRNA expression was preserved in fetal and adult brains. We noted a developmental shift from the expression of sRen mRNA in the fetal brain to intracellular renin mRNA in the adult brain. Homozygous sRen knockout mice exhibited very poor survival at weaning. The survivors exhibited renal lesions, low hematocrit, an inability to generate a concentrated urine, decreased arterial pressure, and impaired aortic contraction. These results suggest that preservation of intracellular renin expression in the brain is not sufficient to compensate for a loss of sRen, and sRen plays a pivotal role in renal development and function, survival, and the regulation of arterial pressure.
Telmisartan-Induced Inhibition of Vascular Cell Proliferation Beyond Angiotensin Receptor Blockade and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Activation
Authors: Yamamoto Koichi , Ohishi Mitsuru , Ho Christopher , Kurtz Theodore W. , Rakugi Hiromi
Published: October 2009

We investigated the ability of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blockers with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ agonist activity (telmisartan and irbesartan) and AT1 receptor blockers devoid of PPARγ agonist activity (eprosartan and valsartan) to inhibit vascular cell proliferation studied in the absence of angiotensin II stimulation. Telmisartan and, to a lesser extent, irbesartan inhibited proliferation of human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells in a dose-dependent fashion, whereas eprosartan and valsartan did not. To investigate the role of PPARγ in the antiproliferative effects of telmisartan, we studied genetically engineered NIH3T3 cells that express PPARγ. Pioglitazone inhibited proliferation of NIH3T3 cells expressing PPARγ but had little effect on control NIH3T3 cells that lack PPARγ. In contrast, telmisartan inhibited proliferation equally in NIH3T3 with and without PPARγ. Valsartan failed to inhibit proliferation of either cell line. In addition, telmisartan inhibited proliferation equally in aortic smooth muscle cells derived from mice with targeted knockout of PPARγ in the smooth muscle and from control mice, whereas valsartan had no effect on cell proliferation. Telmisartan, but not valsartan, reduced phosphorylation of AKT but not extracellular signal–regulated kinase otherwise induced by exposure to serum of quiescent human smooth muscle cells, quiescent mice smooth muscle cells lacking PPARγ, or quiescent Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells lacking the AT1 receptor. In summary, the antiproliferative effects of telmisartan in the absence of exogenously supplemented angiotensin II involve more than just AT1 receptor blockade and do not require activation of PPARγ. It might be postulated that inhibition of AKT activation is a mechanism mediating the antiproliferative effects of telmisartan, including in cells lacking AT1 receptors or PPARγ.
Homogenization and Trend Analysis of Canadian Near-Surface Wind Speeds
Authors: Wan Hui , Wang Xiaolan L. , Swail Val R.
Published: October 2009

Near-surface wind speeds recorded at 117 stations in Canada for the period from 1953 to 2006 were analyzed in this study. First, metadata and a logarithmic wind profile were used to adjust hourly wind speeds measured at nonstandard anemometer heights to the standard 10-m level. Monthly mean near-surface wind speed series were then derived and subjected to a statistical homogeneity test, with homogeneous monthly mean geostrophic wind (geowind) speed series being used as reference series. Homogenized monthly mean near-surface wind speed series were obtained by adjusting all significant mean shifts, using the results of the statistical test and modeling along with all available metadata, and were used to assess the long-term trends.

This study shows that station relocation and anemometer height change are the main causes for discontinuities in the near-surface wind speed series, followed by instrumentation problems or changes, and observing environment changes. It also shows that the effects of artificial mean shifts on the results of trend analysis are remarkable, and that the homogenized near-surface wind speed series show good spatial consistency of trends, which are in agreement with long-term trends estimated from independent datasets, such as surface winds in the United States and cyclone activity indices and ocean wave heights in the region. These indicate success in the homogenization of the wind data. During the period analyzed, the homogenized near-surface wind speed series show significant decreases throughout western Canada and most parts of southern Canada (except the Maritimes) in all seasons, with significant increases in the central Canadian Arctic in all seasons and in the Maritimes in spring and autumn.
Relative Short-Range Forecast Impact from Aircraft, Profiler, Radiosonde, VAD, GPS-PW, METAR, and Mesonet Observations via the RUC Hourly Assimilation Cycle
Authors: Benjamin Stanley G. , Jamison Brian D. , Moninger William R. , Sahm Susan R. , Schwartz Barry E. , Schlatter Thomas W.
Published: October 2009

An assessment is presented on the relative forecast impact on the performance of a numerical weather prediction model from eight different observation data types: aircraft, profiler, radiosonde, velocity azimuth display (VAD), GPS-derived precipitable water, aviation routine weather report (METAR; surface), surface mesonet, and satellite-based atmospheric motion vectors. A series of observation sensitivity experiments was conducted using the Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) model/assimilation system in which various data sources were denied to assess the relative importance of the different data types for short-range (3–12 h) wind, temperature, and relative humidity forecasts at different vertical levels and near the surface. These experiments were conducted for two 10-day periods, one in November–December 2006 and one in August 2007. These experiments show positive short-range forecast impacts from most of the contributors to the heterogeneous observing system over the RUC domain. In particular, aircraft observations had the largest overall impact for forecasts initialized 3–6 h before 0000 or 1200 UTC, considered over the full depth (1000–100 hPa), followed by radiosonde observations, even though the latter are available only every 12 h. Profiler data (including at a hypothetical 8-km depth), GPS-precipitable water estimates, and surface observations also led to significant improvements in short-range forecast skill.
How We See Them Versus How They See Themselves
Authors: Lucea Rafael
Published: October 2009

The present study complements current firm—nongovernment organization (NGO) literature by emphasizing the influence of managerial cognition on organizational behavior. In particular, I find that NGOs confront or seek to collaborate with other NGOs or with firms to appear as legitimate actors before selected third parties and as a way to access various sources of funds. By contrast, firm managers interacting with these NGOs are fundamentally concerned with achieving social stability so that their organizations can operate undisturbed. These different goals give rise to considerably dissimilar mental representations of the same reality—representations that subsequently inform strategic action by both types of actors.
The Psychiatric Profession: an Expertise Under Siege?
Authors: De Waal Hugo , Malik Amit , Bhugra Dinesh
Published: October 2009

Background: Psychiatry along with other medical disciplines has been under siege in the UK and the USA for a number of years and for a number of reasons. These have varied from various medical scandals and funding changes to political imperatives and public expectations. Changes in the knowledge base have added yet another dimension to this debate.

Material: The subject is explored using historical figures and their writings and an overview of historic views on the psychiatry profession.

Discussion: The demise of the psychiatrist as an expert and the profession of psychiatry as an expertise can be related to both real and perceived factors. Unlike, for instance, the language used by cardio-thoracic surgeons, the language used in and for professional communications in pyschiatry has become very similar to that used in lay discourses on psychological and relationship matters in the general population — partly as a result of the Freudian project successfully insinuating itself into ‘common knowledge’ and partly as the influence of media grows across the globe. This language has been misappropriated by a wide variety of non-experts, who then speak and interpret it as if they are specialists and any challenge from professionals is seen as self-protection and heresy. As psychiatrists, we do not use technology in a persuasive way as other branches of medicine tend to and this takes away a powerful symbolic conveying ‘expertise’. Increased consumerism adds yet another dimension to this discourse.

Conclusions: The patient is definitely the expert on how their illness affects their life, but it is the psychiatrist who is the expert on the illness rather than simply focusing on disease. It is time for the profession loudly to proclaim itself for what it is and what it can and cannot do.
Does Political Empowerment Matter? African American and White Employment Allocation in Municipal Private Jobs
Authors: Wu Chung-li
Published: October 2009

This study examines the impact of political empowerment on employment opportunities in the private sector for African Americans. It is hypothesized that African Americans’ success in capturing local elective office leads to an increase in their employment in the private sector; therefore the biracial (Black-White) differences in employment allocation in the private work force should tend to decrease. The research employs multivariate regressions to evaluate five explanations for biracial dissimilarity in employment in 240 primary metropolitan statistical areas. The findings reveal that the effects of empowerment are considerably less of an influence than expected on improving African Americans’ employment. Viewed in this light, African Americans have been overly optimistic about how political power can improve economic conditions.
Analysis of the Mechanical Properties in Short Carbon Fiber-toughened ZrB2—SiC Ultra-high Temperature Ceramic
Authors: Feiyu Yang  , Xinghong Zhang  , Jiecai Han  , Shanyi Diu
Published: October 2009

ZrB2—20 vol.% SiC ceramics with additional 20 vol.% short carbon fibers were developed to promote graceful failure using hot-pressing technique. The influence of short carbon fiber on the strength, and modulus of composite was analyzed and estimated using a modified rule of mixtures. The calculation results showed that a little decrease in flexural strength from 502 to 445 MPa and elastic modulus from 414 to 322 GPa was due to the lower elastic modulus of short carbon fiber. An apparent increase in fracture toughness from 2.0 to 6.56 MPa m1/2 was obtained with the addition of short carbon fiber. And the fracture toughness was analyzed and calculated based on the toughening mechanisms of crack deflection, fiber pullout, and crack bridging. Calculated results were in good agreement with experimental results.
Compressive Response of Concrete Confined with Steel Spirals and FRP Composites
Authors: Lee J.-Y. , Yi C.-K. , Jeong H.-S. , Kim S.-W. , Kim J.-K.
Published: October 2009

This article presents the results of an experimental and analytical study on the behavior of concrete cylinders externally wrapped with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and internally reinforced with steel spirals. The experimental work was carried out by testing twenty-four 150 × 300 mm 2 concrete cylinders subjected to pure compression with various confinement ratios and types of confining material. The test results show that the compressive response of concrete confined with both FRP and steel spirals cannot be predicted by summing the individual confinement effects obtained from FRP and steel spirals. This is largely attributable to differences in the inherent material properties of FRP and steel. A new empirical model to predict the axial stress-strain behavior of concrete confined with FRP and steel spirals is proposed. Comparisons between experimental results and theoretic predictions show agreement.
Fracture Strength Distribution in E-Glass Fiber Using Acoustic Emission
Authors: Amir Refahi Oskouei  , Ahmadi Mehdi
Published: October 2009

The strength of unidirectional composites is essentially dependent on the mechanical behavior of their reinforcement. The variability in mechanical properties of glass fibers has been studied using bundles of about 1400 filaments. This article proposes an experimental study on the fiber fracture strength distributions during tensile test by using acoustic emission (AE) in order to verify individual filament failures. AE monitoring of a bundle of E-glass fibers provides a convenient and relatively quick method to obtain the Weibull parameters of strength distribution. Results show that AE can be used as an effective tool to recognize the failure strength distribution as well as flaw population of fibers.
Analysis of the Film-stacking Processing Parameters for PLLA/Flax Fiber Biocomposites
Authors: Ouagne P. , Bizet L. , Baley C. , Bréard J.
Published: October 2009

Nowadays, the market demand for environmentally friendly materials is rapidly increasing. Biodegradable fibers and biodegradable polymers, mainly extracted from renewable resources, are expected to be a major contribution to the production of new industrial high performance biodegradable composites, partially solving the problem of waste management. At the end of its lifetime, a structural biodegradable composite can be crushed and recycled through a controlled industrial composting process. Bodros et al. [1] showed that biodegradable L-polylactide acid (PLLA)/flax fibers mat composites exhibiting specific tensile properties equivalent to glass fiber polyester composites can be manufactured by an un-optimized film-stacking process. In our study, the process has been investigated more extensively. Indeed, the compaction of flax mats requires a higher load than for glass mats of similar areal weight. The transverse permeability of flax mats has also been shown to be lower than for glass mats. In both cases, this is due to a higher degree of entanglement of the flax fibers within the mat. However, the range of permeability and compressibility values of the flax mats are well within the values that allow a good through-the-thickness impregnation. Flax fibers cannot sustain long exposures at the impregnation temperature of the mats by PLLA resin. Through-the-thickness impregnation of flax mats processes such as film stacking are more suitable than in-plane impregnation processes such as resin transfer molding because the flow of resin is limited on short distances and allows short times of impregnation.
Transforming From Cocoon to Butterfly: The Potential Role of the Body in the Process of Posttraumatic Growth
Authors: Hefferon Kate , Grealy Madeleine , Mutrie Nanette
Published: October 2009

The diagnosis of cancer has the potential to elicit positive change (posttraumatic growth [PTG]) through the experience of trauma and adversity. However, psychology and clinical practices and most recently positive psychology have been criticized for their indifference toward the influence of the body on positive psychological functioning. The aim of this study was to broaden the understanding of PTG, including its process and outcomes, using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Ten female breast cancer survivors, from an already existing study, participated in an individual, open-ended interview. These were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for themes that reflected the women’s experience of growing from adversity. The role of the body was found to be a vital component to the process and outcomes of PTG and was deconstructed into three smaller themes: fear of new body, negative effects of chemotherapy on the body (fatigue, loss of desire), and reconnection with body (cocoon to butterfly, listening to body, body as a barometer/monitoring). In addition, the analysis revealed how these 10 women perceived the body as an integral component to their self-identity and how this affected their achievement of PTG. Future research should begin to acknowledge and conduct further study into the neglected role of the body as a contributor or determinant of the PTG process.
Identifying Preschool Children at Risk of Later Reading Difficulties: Evaluation of Two Emergent Literacy Screening Tools
Authors: Wilson Shauna B. , Lonigan Christopher J.
Published: October 2009

Emergent literacy skills are predictive of children’s early reading success, and literacy achievement in early schooling declines more rapidly for children who are below-average readers. It is therefore important for teachers to identify accurately children at risk for later reading difficulty so children can be exposed to effective emergent literacy interventions. In this study, 176 preschoolers were administered two screening tools, the Revised Get Ready to Read! (GRTR-R) and the Individual Growth and Development Indicators (IGDIs), and a diagnostic measure at two time points. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that, at optimal cut scores, GRTR-R provided more accurate classification of children’s overall emergent literacy skills than did IGDIs. However, neither measure was particularly good at classifying specific emergent literacy skills.
Accommodations and Item-Level Analyses Using Mixture Differential Item Functioning Models
Authors: Scarpati Stanley E. , Wells Craig S. , Lewis Christine , Jirka Stephen
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study was to use differential item functioning (DIF) and latent mixture model analyses to explore factors that explain performance differences on a large-scale mathematics assessment between examinees allowed to use a calculator or who were afforded item presentation accommodations versus those who did not receive the same accommodations. Data from a state accountability assessment of mathematics for students in Grade 8 were analyzed. More than 73,000 students participated, of which 12,268 were students with disabilities (SWD) receiving test accommodations. DIF analyses detected performance differences between examinees without accommodations and those who used a calculator or those where the item presentation was altered. Latent performance class analyses revealed that performance differences were associated with item difficulty and abilty in addition to accommodation status. Results support validity studies that use mixture models that can consider context variables related to item type, academic skills, and accommodations.
The Effects of Super Absorbent Fibers on the Washing, Dry Cleaning and Drying Behavior of Knitted Fabrics
Authors: Beskisiz Emre , Ucar Nuray , Demir Ali
Published: October 2009

In this study, water absorption and drying properties of knitted fabrics produced by 100 % polyester staple fibers (PET) yarn, blend of 80 % PET, 20 % super absorbent fibers (SAF) yarn and covered 80—20 % PET-SAF blend yarn, which the surface of the 80—20 % PET-SAF blend yarn has been covered by a monofilament polyester were experimentally examined. The effect of SAF, covering yarn, washing and drying treatment and dry cleaning treatment on the water absorption of the fabrics was analyzed. It was seen that knitted fabric with 80—20 % PET-SAF blend yarn and covered blend yarn always had higher water absorption value and longer drying time than knitted fabric with 100 % PET. However, knitted fabric with covered blend yarn had less water absorption than the fabric with blend yarn. Water absorption values of fabrics did not change too much during repeated water absorption tests. The absorption properties of the fabrics containing SAF decreased dramatically after washing and drying treatment. However, after repeated dry cleaning treatment, there was still considerably high water absorption capacity on the fabric containing SAF with regard to the fabric with 100 % PET.
Absorptive Capacity and Social Capital in Regional Innovation Systems: The Case of the Lahti Region in Finland
Authors: Kallio Anne , Harmaakorpi Vesa , Pihkala Timo
Published: October 2009

The recent theories of innovation suggest that there is great potential for innovation in the structural holes and weak links of the innovation system. Higher absorptive capacity enables an easier crossing over of structural holes in the innovation system, aided by social capital that is located in the social relationships of actors. However, the level of human and social interaction in regional innovation systems has been largely neglected as a research topic. Empirical research on a sample in the Lahti region in Finland suggested three forms of social capital: organisational bonding social capital, regional bridging social capital and personal creative social capital. Further analysis revealed three groups of actors’ interaction behaviour: Missionaries, House Mice and the Passive Resistance.
How Diverse Are US Suburbs?
Authors: Hall Matthew , Lee Barrett
Published: October 2009

American suburbs are popularly perceived as demographically homogeneous compared with central cities. Social scientists have long challenged this perception; indeed, some cite recent evidence on suburban diversity to assert that the suburb—city distinction has become irrelevant. Here, several conceptual, methodological and theoretical improvements are introduced to improve the adjudication of claims about the extent and nature of suburban diversity. The analysis examines patterns and potential antecedents of population composition at both the suburban ring and place levels for 65 large US metropolitan areas. It is shown that rings and their constituent places are much more diverse than traditionally imagined. However, important differences still exist between suburbs and central cities on specific dimensions. It is also found that suburban diversity varies with metropolitan population size and suburban size, density, dominance and distance from the central city.
Direct and Relational Bullying Among Children and Adolescents: Coping and Psychological Adjustment
Authors: Hampel Petra , Manhal Simone , Hayer Tobias
Published: October 2009

Previous research highlighted that pupils actively involved in bullying and victimization are prone to develop diverse psychological problems. The overall aim of our study was to investigate effects of different forms of bullying and victimization on coping with interpersonal stressors and psychological adjustment among children and adolescents. Moreover, the additional contribution of coping in the prediction of effects of direct and relational bullying on psychological adjustment was examined. Four hundred and nine 6th to 9th graders (aged 10—16 years) completed self-report measures, which assessed experiences with bullying and victimization, coping strategies and psychological problems. All forms of victimization were characterized by an increased maladaptive coping as well as heightened emotional and behavioural problems with the most unfavourable pattern among pupils confronted with direct as well as relational victimization. Direct aggressors only and pupils bullying others directionally and relationally showed enhanced externalizing problems. Regression analyses indicated that the adverse effects of direct and, to a lesser degree, relational bullying and victimization on psychological adjustment were primarily enhanced by maladaptive coping among girls and boys. By applying preventive interventions, which are tailored to special needs of the groups actively involved in bullying and victimization, the risk for the development of psychological problems may be effectively diminished.
Validation of a Portuguese Version of the Children’s Hope Scale
Authors: Marques Susana C. , Pais-Ribeiro J.L. , Lopez Shane J.
Published: October 2009

The article describes the development of the Portuguese version of the Children’s Hope Scale and the examination of its psychometric properties. A sample of 367 Portuguese students completed the Portuguese-language versions of the Children’s Hope Scale (CHS; Snyder et al., 1997), Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale (SLSS; Huebner, 1991), Global Self-Worth Sub-scale (Harter, 1985) and Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5; Berwick et al., 1991). The first step included translation, back-translation, inspection for lexical equivalence and content validity and cognitive debriefing. Reliability (internal consistency and stability), factor structure and criterion-related validity were investigated. The validation process of the Portuguese CHS version shows psychometric properties similar to the English language CHS, suggesting that it measures the same construct in the same way. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Student and School Factors Affecting Mathematics Achievement
Authors: Shin Jongho , Lee Hyunjoo , Kim Yongnam
Published: October 2009

The purpose of the study was to comparatively investigate student- and school-level factors affecting mathematics achievement of Korean, Japanese and American students. For international comparisons, the PISA 2003 data were analysed by using the Hierarchical Linear Modeling method. The variables of competitive-learning preference, instrumental motivation and mathematics interest were used as student-level predictors on mathematics achievement. The variables of student-teacher relationship and school disciplinary climate were also used as school-level variables. The results of the study showed that different patterns of the relations between student- and school-level predictors and mathematics achievement were present among the three countries. Specifically, the predictor of competitive-learning preference was significant on mathematics achievement in Korea and Japan, but not in the US. For Korean and Japanese students, unexpectedly, mathematics interest was a stronger predictor than was instrumental motivation; in contrast, the pattern was the reverse for American students. For school-level predictors, school disciplinary climate was a significant predictor on the achievement differences in all three countries; however, the variable of student-teacher relationship turned out to be significant only in Japan. Implications of the results are discussed from the comparative perspectives of cultures and educational contexts of the three countries.
Educational Psychology in New Zealand
Authors: Jimerson Shane R. , Annan Jean , Skokut Mary , Renshaw Tyler L.
Published: October 2009

The International School Psychology Survey (ISPS) was used to gather information about New Zealand educational psychologists’ characteristics, training, roles, activities, preferences, research interests and the challenges they experienced in their work. The results of this survey were considered in relation to the social and cultural context of educational psychology practice in New Zealand and were compared with the findings from ISPS surveys in other countries. The composition of the New Zealand educational psychology community resembled that found in previous surveys of school psychologists in other countries in terms of gender and level of qualifications. The educational psychologists indicated, as in most countries surveyed previously, that the greatest proportion of their work involved consultation with students, teachers and families. One point of difference between results of the New Zealand survey and previous ISPS studies was the predominance of contextual information over standardized measures in assessment.
Synchronization of transport and supply in beach-dune interaction
Authors: Houser Chris
Published: October 2009

This review considers the role of nearshore processes and morphological change as a flexible and dynamic constraint on the supply and transport of sediment between beach and dune. It is argued that the lack of information in this regard remains a central barrier to the development of a theory of beach-dune interaction that can be translated across scales and between field sites. Existing beach-dune models do not consider how and when sediment gets transferred to the backshore where it becomes available for transport by wind. Rather, existing models largely ascribe regional variations in dune morphology to fixed constraints on beach slope and sediment budget, without explicit recognition of processes involved. Recent (process-scale) transport studies have shown that the transfer of sediment is both spatially variable and temporally intermittent as a result of transport limitations across the beachface. While these studies have identified varied controls on sediment transport and exchange, there remains a limited capacity to predict the evolution of beach-dune systems, largely because the beachface tends to be viewed as a static transport surface without regard to supply or to the changing limits to transport. Following storm erosion, dune recovery first requires that the beach recovers through the onshore migration and welding of nearshore bars, followed by accretion in the backshore to create a supply of sediment for transport by the wind. The dependence of dune recovery on the synchronization of transport events with the recovery of sediment supply in the backshore creates a strong asymmetry in dune recovery that makes barrier island susceptible to widespread erosion and breaching if a change in the frequency or grouping of storm events is capable of resetting the bar system (offshore) before the next extreme storm.
Glenohumeral, Scapular, and Thoracic Angles at Maximum Shoulder External Rotation in Throwing
Authors: Miyashita Koji , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Koshida Sentaro , Urabe Yukio
Published: October 2009

Background

Because a majority of throwing injuries occur near the maximum external rotation (MER) of the throwing shoulder, sports medicine practitioners and researchers have paid special attention to the shoulder kinematics at the MER in throwing. However, little is known about the individual kinematics of the glenohumeral, scapulothoracic, and thoracic joints at the MER.

Purpose

To demonstrate the glenohumeral, scapulothoracic, and thoracic joint movements and their contribution to the MER in throwing for baseball players.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods

We collected throwing motion data for 20 collegiate baseball players by using 3 high-speed cameras and established 3-dimensional coordinates of each landmark with a direct linear translation method. We then obtained the MER of the shoulder complex, the external rotation angle of the glenohumeral joint, the posterior tipping angle of the scapula, and the thoracic extension angles at the MER in throwing.

Results

The mean (± standard deviation) value of the MER was 144.2° ± 11.0°. The mean (± standard deviation) values of the glenohumeral external rotation, the scapular posterior tipping, and the thoracic extension angles at the MER were 105.7° ± 15.5°, 23.5° ± 13.9°, and 8.9° ± 7.3°, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that not only the glenohumeral joint movement but also the scapular and thoracic movements make major contributions to the MER angle.

Clinical Relevance

To better understand the pathomechanics of the shoulder complex in throwing, we need to take into account the individual contributions of the glenohumeral, scapulothoracic, and thoracic extension movements to the MER.
Arsenic trioxide inhibits the growth of human lung cancer cell lines via cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis at both normoxia and hypoxia
Authors: Ge-ping Qu , Qing-Yu Xiu , Bing Li , Yong-an Liu , Ling-Zhen Zhang
Published: October 2009

Arsenic trioxide (As 2O3) has been established to be an effective agent for treating acute promyleocytic leukemia. Laboratory data suggest that As2O 3 induces apoptosis of several solid tumor cells including lung cancer cells. Regions of tissue hypoxia often arise in aggressive solid tumors, and hypoxic tumors exhibit augmented invasiveness and metastatic ability in several malignancies. Furthermore, hypoxia may impair the treatment efficiency; therefore, we studied the cytotoxic effect of As2O3 on human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines A549 and A549/R (resistant to vincristine, adriamycin and mitomycin etc.) grown under normoxic and hypoxic (1% oxygen) conditions. At both normoxia and hypoxia, 5, 10 and 15 µM As2O3 induced evident growth inhibition and apoptosis in A549 cells as well as A549/R cells after 48 hours of exposure. In contrast, the conventional chemotherapeutic drug vincristine showed lowered efficiency in hypoxic A549 cells. As2O3 induced G2/M cell cycle arrest in both normoxic and hypoxic A549 cells. As2O3 significantly decreased the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of Cyclin B1 and survivin and the protein levels of Cyclin B1, phospho-CDC2 (Thr 161) and survivin in both normoxic and hypoxic A549 cells. Together, our findings indicated that As2O3 significantly inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer cells via G2/M cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis at both normoxia and hypoxia, and the induction of apoptosis was associated with down regulation of survivin.
Metabolism of ethanol to acetaldehyde and increased susceptibility to oxidative stress could play a role in the ovarian tissue cell injury promoted by alcohol drinking
Authors: Faut Mónica , Rodríguez de Castro Carmen , Bietto Florencia M , Castro José A , Castro Gerardo D
Published: October 2009

It is known that drinking alcohol can lead to reproductive problems in women. In this study, we analyzed the possibility that part of those effects were mediated through alterations of ovarian function related to ethanol oxidation to acetaldehyde occurring in situ. Biotransformation in the rat ovary cytosolic fraction was partially inhibited by allopurinol, suggesting the participation of xanthine oxidoreductase in the process. Microsomal pathway was of enzymatic nature, requiring nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase (NADPH), sensitive to oxygen and significantly inhibited by sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, 4-methylpyrazole and diphenyleneiodonium. Aldehyde dehydrogenase activity was detected by histochemistry in the ovarian tissue, in the strome surrounding the follicle while no alcohol dehydrogenase was detected. However, biochemical determination of alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activities in rat ovarian tissue revealed the presence of some activity of both enzymes but significantly lower than those found in the liver. By repetitive exposure of animals to ethanol, the microsomal metabolism to acetaldehyde was increased but not in the case of the cytosolic fraction. In these animals, t-butylhydroperoxyde-promoted chemiluminiscence was increased in comparison to control, revealing an increased susceptibility to oxidative stress due to alcohol drinking. Ultrastructure of ovarian tissue from rats exposed chronically to alcohol revealed alterations at the level of the granulosa; theca interna and pellucida zones. In the secondary follicle, alterations consisted of marked condensation of chromatin attached to the nuclear inner membrane. Intense dilatation of the outer perinuclear space could be observed. There was a marked dilatation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum accompanied of significant detachment of ribosomes from their membranes. Mitochondria appeared swollen. In the zona pellucida, most of the cell processes from oocyte and corona radiata cells were absent or broken totally or in part. Results suggest that in the rat ovary, metabolism of ethanol to acetaldehyde may play a role in alcohol effects on female reproductive function.
Parachlorella beyerinckii accelerates lead excretion in mice
Authors: Uchikawa Takuya , Ueno Takeyuki , Hasegawa Takashi , Maruyama Isao , Kumamoto Shoichiro , Ando Yotaro
Published: October 2009

The effect of Parachlorella beyerinckii CK-5, previously identified as Chlorella vulgaris, on gastrointestinal absorption of lead was investigated in mice. Female ICR mice aged 7 weeks were orally administered lead acetate solution at doses of 20 mg and 40 mg of lead per mouse, with or without 100 mg of P. beyerinckii powder (BP). The mice were bred for 24 hours. The amount of lead excreted in feces within 24 hours, and the lead levels of the blood, liver and kidney were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The percentage of total fecal excretion in mice administered BP increased by 27.7% in 20 mg lead administered mice and 17.2% in 40 mg lead administered mice in comparison to control mice, respectively. On the other hand, the lead levels of the blood, liver and kidney of BPadministered mice at 24 hours after lead administration were 48-63% lower as compared with those of control mice. The lead adsorption ability of BP and the pepsin non-digestive residue of BP (dBP) were investigated in vitro. One hundred mg of BP and dBP could adsorb 10.6 mg and 6.0 mg of lead in a 20 mg per 10 mL of lead solution, respectively. The lead absorption abilities of BP and dBP were considered to contribute to the prevention of gastrointestinal absorption of lead and the promotion of the excretion of lead. These results suggested that BP treatment might be useful in animals and humans exposed to lead.
Effects of methomyl on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in rat erythrocytes: In vitro studies
Authors: Mansour Sameeh A , Mossa Abdel-Tawab H , Heikal Tarek M
Published: October 2009

Erythrocytes are a convenient model to understand the membrane oxidative damage induced by various xenobiotic pro-oxidants. This study was designed to investigate the possibility of methomyl (Lannate® 90% SP), S-methyl N-(methylcarbamoyloxy) thioacetimidate, to induce oxidative stress response in rat erythrocytes in vitro. Erythrocytes were incubated for 4 hours at 37°C with different concentrations (0.0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mM) of methomyl. The results showed that methomyl decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities and increased level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) as well as the percentage of haemolysis. The response occurred in a concentration-dependent manner. The study suggested that methomyl has the capability to induce oxidative damage as evidenced by increasing LPO and perturbations in various antioxidant enzymes.
Long-Term Miglustat Therapy in Children With Niemann-Pick Disease Type C
Authors: Patterson Marc C. , Vecchio Darleen , Jacklin Elizabeth , Abel Larry , Chadha-Boreham Harbajan , Luzy Cecile , Giorgino Ruben , Wraith James E.
Published: October 2009

Niemann-Pick disease type C is a rare, genetic disease associated with impaired intracellular lipid trafficking and progressive neurological symptoms. Miglustat slowed disease progression in a 12-month randomized trial in juveniles and adults with Niemann-Pick disease type C, and in a parallel, noncontrolled study in affected children. Here, the authors report the open-label extension to the pediatric study. Patients aged 4 to 12 years received open-label miglustat (dose adjusted for body surface area) for an initial 12 months, during a further 12-month extension, and a long-term, continued extension phase. Efficacy assessments included horizontal saccadic eye movement, swallowing, and ambulation. Ten children completed 24 months’ treatment. Horizontal saccadic eye movement, ambulation, and swallowing were stabilized at 24 months. Analysis of key parameters of disease progression showed disease stability in 8 of 10 patients (80%). Miglustat stabilized neurological disease progression in pediatric patients with Niemann-Pick disease type C, with comparable safety and tolerability to that observed in adults and juveniles.
Feeding Problems in Children With Neonatal Arterial Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Barkat-Masih Monica , Saha Chandan , Hamby Deborah K. , Ofner Susan , Golomb Meredith R.
Published: October 2009

Feeding disorders and the association of neonatal feeding disorders with other outcomes were assessed in a cohort of 84 children with neonatal arterial ischemic stroke at a tertiary children’s hospital. Both χ2 tests and Fisher’s exact test were used to test associations. Forty-one of 84 children (48.8%) had feeding difficulties. Infarcted vascular territory (unilateral vs bilateral, P = .24) and neonatal seizures (P = .39) were not associated with feeding problems. Children with at least 1 perinatal comorbidity (P = .002, odds ratio = 4.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.65-11.03) and specifically respiratory problems (P = .004, odds ratio = 3.85; 95% confidence interval: 1.49-9.93) were significantly more likely to have feeding problems. Neonatal feeding problems were predictive of feeding problems at 12 to 24 months of age (P = .026, odds ratio = 3.33; 95% confidence interval: 1.12-9.90) but did not predict speech delay (P = .97) or cerebral palsy (P = .70). Feeding problems are important sequelae of neonatal stroke, but neonatal feeding problems in this group do not predict speech delay or cerebral palsy.
Modern Knowledge Management and Computer-based Technology
Authors: Jain Sheenu
Published: October 2009

This article makes the case that modern knowledge management (KM) is inseparable from a consideration of technology. While recognizing that there are many non-technological facets to knowledge management research and practice, it takes issue with the perspective proposed by some that knowledge management has little or nothing to do with technology. Similarly, the perspective that equates knowledge management with information management is challenged. The research involves an analysis of the contrasting perspectives to show that each has blind spots that obscure a clear vision of the relationship between computer-based technology and knowledge management. The KM perspective introduced here neither dismisses technology nor identifies with it. From this perspective, this paper develops the contention that modern KM has been tremendously enriched by advances in computer-based technology (CBT), discussing several specific examples. Moreover, this article concludes that CBT needs to be grounded in a clear, deep consideration of knowledge management. Moreover, several implications for business computing systems researchers are outlined. The new perspective offers students and practitioners a middle-ground between two extremes for framing their understanding and observation of KM and CBT phenomena. The article furnishes a fresh, inclusive conception of the relationship between KM and CBT.
Innovation in Organizations
Authors: Dasgupta Meeta , Gupta R.K.
Published: October 2009

This article reviews the role of organizational learning and knowledge management in innovation. An extensive review of past literature hints that knowledge, although a very strategic resource, is not easy to manage. Explicit knowledge can be stored in databases or documents but implicit knowledge resides in peoples’, brains. It is the management of this knowledge which poses a bigger challenge for most organizations. Past research mentions that implicit knowledge can be managed indirectly by managing various factors which contribute to an organization's culture, structure, technology, and leadership. A preliminary model has been proposed highlighting the role of organizational learning and knowledge management in innovation. The model high-lights the importance of a flexible and adaptive organization structure, a culture of trust and knowledge sharing, a strong technological network and a committed leadership to promote knowledge development and learning in the organization which is a prerequisite for innovation and creation of new knowledge. The article in addition to providing a detailed narrative of literature highlighting the importance of the various factors identified in the model, also gives practical implications and directions for future research in the area.
Differences in Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Hepatitis B Infection and Vaccination Between Adolescents in Juvenile Detention Centers and in Schools in South Korea
Authors: Lee Ok , Hae Ok Lee  , Kim Susie , Young Woo Kang  , Moo Sik Lee  , Su Jeong Han  , Moon Sook Shim  , Nam Yeong Yang
Published: October 2009

This study explored the level of knowledge and attitudes toward hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and vaccination of adolescents in juvenile detention facilities and in schools in South Korea. A cross-sectional comparison design with a convenient sampling method was used. Participants in the study were 301 delinquent and 410 school adolescents. The results showed that knowledge of HBV infection among juvenile detention adolescents was significantly lower but there was no difference between groups in attitudes toward infection and vaccination.