bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Talking sexuality online – technical, methodological and ethical considerations of online research with sexual minority youth
Authors: Willis Paul
Published: June 2011

While Internet-based tools are gaining currency in social work teaching and practice, social work researchers are tapping into the development of computer-mediated methods for research with dispersed and hard-to-reach populations. This article is a reflective commentary about the opportunities and challenges of using computer-mediated methods in a qualitative inquiry about young people’s (18–26 years) experiences of negotiating lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer (LGBQ) identities in Australian workplaces. The research used two Internet-based methods of online interviews and web-based surveys to capture young people’s experiences of disclosing and discussing LGBQ identities in past and current work environments. In this commentary, I outline these methods and explore the technical, methodological and ethical challenges and tensions presented by using online tools in qualitative research. To conclude, I discuss wider applications of computer-mediated communication for social work.
Of Quant Jocks and Qual Outsiders: Doctoral student narratives on the quest for training in qualitative research
Authors: Benton Amy D. , Androff David K. , Barr Ben-David , Taylor Sarah
Published: June 2011

Conceivably all doctoral students experience a degree of uncertainty and anxiety while pursuing their degree, yet the decision to use qualitative methods in a dissertation can be fraught with additional burdens. These may include identifying supplementary coursework, locating supportive faculty, and frequently justifying methodological choices. This article seeks to illuminate the experiences of qualitatively oriented social work doctoral students in the United States as they negotiate these challenges. Personal narratives of four current and recent doctoral students who have incorporated qualitative methods into their education are presented and analyzed for common themes. The themes that emerge from these narratives include early exposure to qualitative methods and a commitment to methodological pluralism, as well as experiences with encountering biases, additional costs, and the challenges of translating the methodologies of other disciplines. Recommendations are presented to encourage dialogue about qualitative research in social work doctoral education.
An improved constitutive model to predict fatigue crack growth rate under constant-amplitude loading with single and multiple overload
Authors: Chen F L , Wang F , Cui W C
Published: June 2011

Fatigue crack growth under variable-amplitude loading is usually accompanied by the load interaction effect. One of the significant phenomena of load interaction effects is retardation induced by an overload or multiple overloads. To predict the fatigue crack growth rate under constant-amplitude loading with single and multiple overload, an improved constitutive model based on partial crack closure due to crack-tip plasticity is proposed in this paper. In this model, both the maximum stress intensity factor at crack opening level and the threshold value of effective stress intensity factor range are expressed as the explicit functions of stress ratio and the threshold stress intensity factor range when stress ratio is zero. It is assumed in the improved constitutive model that the crack closure level can rise due to a larger plastic zone resulting from the overload effect, and a modified coefficient based on the Wheeler model is introduced to correct the amount of the maximum stress intensity factor at crack opening level during the recovering period after an overload. By a cycle-by-cycle integration procedure, the fatigue crack growth rate under constant-amplitude loading with single and multiple overload is predicted quantitatively with this model. Comparison is made between the results of analytical predictions and experimental data and good agreements are found. This indicates that the proposed constitutive model is able to explain the load interaction effect under variable-amplitude loading.
A Critical Threshold of Rehabilitation Involving Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Is Required for Poststroke Recovery
Authors: MacLellan Crystal L. , Keough Michael B. , Granter-Button Shirley , Chernenko Garry A. , Butt Stephanie , Corbett Dale
Published: June 2011

Background. Enriched rehabilitation (ER; environmental enrichment plus skilled reaching) improves recovery after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in rats. Fundamental issues such as whether ER is effective in other models, optimal rehabilitation intensity, and underlying recovery mechanisms have not been fully assessed. Objective. The authors tested whether the efficacy of ER varies with ischemia model and assessed the importance of rehabilitation intensity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in recovery. Methods. Rats in experiment 1 received 8 weeks of ER or remained in standard housing. Functional outcome was assessed with the staircase and cylinder tasks. Surprisingly, ER provided no functional benefit in any model. In this experiment, ER was delivered during the light phase, whereas other studies delivered ER in the dark phase of the light cycle. It was hypothesized that in the light, rats engaged in less rehabilitation or alternatively that BDNF was lower. Experiment 2 tested these hypotheses. Following MCAo, rats received ER in either the light or dark phase of the light cycle. Functional outcome was assessed and BDNF levels were measured in the motor cortex and hippocampus. Results. Recovery was accompanied by increased BDNF. This occurred only in rats that received ER in the dark and these animals reached more than those in the light condition. Conclusions. Data suggest that there is a critical threshold of rehabilitation, below which recovery will not occur, and that BDNF mediates functional recovery. The use of intensive rehabilitation therapies for stroke patients is strongly supported.
Shaping clinical academic careers for nurses and allied health professionals: the role of the educator
Authors: Girot (Rosser) Elizabeth
Published: June 2011

This paper reports part of a larger qualitative study and focuses on exploring the educator role in shaping clinical academic careers for nurses and allied health professionals. Using a purposive sampling technique, 30 key participants from four universities were recruited with 7 or 8 from each institution. Individual interviews were undertaken between October 2005 and January 2007 and data were managed, analysed and coded thematically using the data analysis software NVivo. The findings illustrate participants’ commitment to sustain a positive research culture within their departments. They identify the need for a more systematic approach to target able students and introduce creative ideas to engage their interest in research and raise its profile as a viable career option. Whilst participants offer exemplars of flexible employment models to support those in clinical research, the study confirms the need for robust funding and effective marketing of new research roles to permit security for professionals’ long-term career prospects and mainstream such roles in the future. In conclusion, educationalists see themselves as having a key role working with practice colleagues to prepare and support the new clinical academic workforce to help them achieve their successful engagement.
Using concept mapping to describe sources of information for public health and school nursing practice
Authors: Miller Louise C. , Rosas Scott R. , Hall Katy
Published: June 2011

Concept-mapping methodology was used to construct a conceptual model of information access for public health and school nursing practice. Concept mapping is an integrated mixed-methods approach that combines familiar group processes with multivariate statistical analyses to represent a group’s understanding of a phenomenon. In this project, 36 public health and school nurses brainstormed 207 unique information sources that were collated and reduced to 57 sources to allow sorting of the statements. A subgroup of 25 public health ( n = 16) and school nurses ( n = 9) sorted and rated the 57 statements to generate an eight-cluster concept map. The two-dimensional concept map revealed a sophisticated multivariate framework of information access occurring within an intricate, interrelated network of human and data-driven sources that intersect with community and professionally focused systems. Clusters of information sources included those from community groups, healthcare providers, professional organisations, educational tools, state resources, online resources, surveillance data and government-based resources. Ratings of importance, credibility and usefulness by public health and school nurses revealed overall agreement; however, some important differences of specific sources were noted. More complex than previously described, the map represents sources, means of access and systems of health information available to community-based nurses that influence their practice.
Community-Based Participatory Research of Breastfeeding Disparities in African American Women
Authors: Ringel-Kulka Tamar , Jensen Elizabeth , McLaurin Sue , Woods Elizabeth , Kotch Jonathan B. , Labbok Miriam , Bowling J. Michael , Dardess Pamela , Baker Sharon
Published: June 2011

Objective: Lack of support for breastfeeding mothers has been consistently identified in the literature as a barrier for breastfeeding across racial and ethnic groups. Using a community-based participatory approach, academic and community-based partners conducted an iterative process to assess barriers, facilitators, and potential mediating interventions for breastfeeding in the African American community in Durham, North Carolina. Methods: Eight focus groups were conducted with African American mothers, fathers, and grandmothers. Researchers transcribed and coded each focus group and analyzed using ATLAS.ti 5.2. Patterns and themes that emerged informed the development of community stakeholder interviews; 41 interviews were conducted with community representatives. These findings informed the development of a support group pilot intervention. The pilot support groups were evaluated for increase in knowledge of attendees. Results: Focus group and community interviews indicate that African Americans may disproportionately experience inadequate support for breastfeeding. This lack of support was reported in the home, the workplace, among peers, and from health care providers. The pilot support groups resulted in increased knowledge of breastfeeding among group participants (odds ratio = 3.6; 95% confidence interval = 2.5-5.2). Conclusions: The findings from this research underscore the importance of a multilevel approach to breastfeeding support for African American women to address breastfeeding disparities.
Intravenous iron for the treatment of fatigue in nonanemic, premenopausal women with low serum ferritin concentration
Authors: Krayenbuehl Pierre-Alexandre , Battegay Edouard , Breymann Christian , Furrer Joerg , Schulthess Georg
Published: June 2011

This is the first study to investigate the efficacy of intravenous iron in treating fatigue in nonanemic patients with low serum ferritin concentration. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 90 premenopausal women presenting with fatigue, serum ferritin ≤ 50 ng/mL, and hemoglobin ≥ 120 g/L were randomized to receive either 800 mg of intravenous iron (III)–hydroxide sucrose or intravenous placebo. Fatigue and serum iron status were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks. Median fatigue at baseline was 4.5 (on a 0-10 scale). Fatigue decreased during the initial 6 weeks by 1.1 in the iron group compared with 0.7 in the placebo group (P = .07). Efficacy of iron was bound to depleted iron stores: In patients with baseline serum ferritin ≤ 15 ng/mL, fatigue decreased by 1.8 in the iron group compared with 0.4 in the placebo group (P = .005), and 82% of iron-treated compared with 47% of placebo-treated patients reported improved fatigue (P = .03). Drug-associated adverse events were observed in 21% of iron-treated patients and in 7% of placebo-treated patients (P = .05); none of these events was serious. Intravenous administration of iron improved fatigue in iron-deficient, nonanemic women with a good safety and tolerability profile. The efficacy of intravenous iron was bound to a serum ferritin concentration ≤ 15 ng/mL. This study was registered at the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Register (www.isrctn.org) as ISRCTN78430425.
The conjugative plasmid of a bean-nodulating Sinorhizobium fredii strain is assembled from sequences of two Rhizobium plasmids and the chromosome of a Sinorhizobiumstrain
Authors: Cervantes Laura , Bustos Patricia , Girard Lourdes , Santamaría Rosa Isela , Dávila Guillermo , Vinuesa Pablo , Romero David , Brom Susana
Published: June 2011

Background

Bean-nodulating Rhizobium etli originated in Mesoamerica, while soybean-nodulating Sinorhizobium fredii evolved in East Asia. S. fredii strains, such as GR64, have been isolated from bean nodules in Spain, suggesting the occurrence of conjugative transfer events between introduced and native strains. In R. etli CFN42, transfer of the symbiotic plasmid (pRet42d) requires cointegration with the endogenous self-transmissible plasmid pRet42a. Aiming at further understanding the generation of diversity among bean nodulating strains, we analyzed the plasmids of S. fredii GR64: pSfr64a and pSfr64b (symbiotic plasmid).

Results

The conjugative transfer of the plasmids of strain GR64 was analyzed. Plasmid pSfr64a was self-transmissible, and required for transfer of the symbiotic plasmid. We sequenced pSfr64a, finding 166 ORFs. pSfr64a showed three large segments of different evolutionary origins; the first one presented 38 ORFs that were highly similar to genes located on the chromosome of Sinorhizobium strain NGR234; the second one harbored 51 ORFs with highest similarity to genes from pRet42d, including the replication, but not the symbiosis genes. Accordingly, pSfr64a was incompatible with the R. etli CFN42 symbiotic plasmid, but did not contribute to symbiosis. The third segment contained 36 ORFs with highest similarity to genes localized on pRet42a, 20 of them involved in conjugative transfer. Plasmid pRet42a was unable to substitute pSfr64a for induction of pSym transfer, and its own transfer was significantly diminished in GR64 background. The symbiotic plasmid pSfr64b was found to differ from typical R. etli symbiotic plasmids.

Conclusions

S. fredii GR64 contains a chimeric transmissible plasmid, with segments from two R. etli plasmids and a S. fredii chromosome, and a symbiotic plasmid different from the one usually found in R. etli bv phaseoli. We infer that these plasmids originated through the transfer of a symbiotic-conjugative-plasmid cointegrate from R. etli to a S. fredii strain, and at least two recombination events among the R. etli plasmids and the S. fredii genome. As in R. etli CFN42, the S. fredii GR64 transmissible plasmid is required for the conjugative transfer of the symbiotic plasmid. In spite of the similarity in the conjugation related genes, the transfer process of these plasmids shows a host-specific behaviour.
Myofibrillogenesis regulator 1 (MR-1) is a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target for human ovarian cancer
Authors: Lu Renquan , Sun Min , Feng Jingjing , Gao Xiang , Guo Lin
Published: June 2011

Background

Myofibrillogenesis regulator 1 (MR-1) is overexpressed in human cancer cells and plays an essential role in cancer cell growth. However, the significance of MR-1 in human ovarian cancer has not yet been explored. The aim of this study was to examine whether MR-1 is a predictor of ovarian cancer and its value as a therapeutic target in ovarian cancer patients.

Methods

Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR were used to detect MR-1 mRNA levels in tissue samples from 26 ovarian cancer patients and 25 controls with benign ovarian disease. Anti-MR-1 polyclonal antibodies were prepared, tested by ELISA and western blotting, and then used for immunohistochemical analysis of the tissue samples. Adhesion and invasion of 292T cells was also examined after transfection of a pMX-MR-1 plasmid. Knockdown of MR-1 expression was achieved after stable transfection of SKOV3 cells with a short hairpin DNA pGPU6/GFP/Neo plasmid against the MR-1 gene. In addition, SKOV3 cells were treated with paclitaxel and carboplatin, and a potential role for MR-1 as a therapeutic target was evaluated.

Results

MR-1 was overexpressed in ovarian cancer tissues and SKOV3 cells. 293T cells overexpressed MR-1, and cellular spread and invasion were enhanced after transfection of the pMX-MR-1 plasmid, suggesting that MR-1 is critical for ovarian cancer cell growth. Knockdown of MR-1 expression inhibited cell adhesion and invasion, and treatment with anti-cancer drugs decreased its expression in cancer cells. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which MR-1 might serve as a novel biological marker and potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.

Conclusions

MR-1 may be a biomarker for diagnosis of ovarian cancer. It may also be useful for monitoring of the effects of anti-cancer therapies. Further studies are needed to clarify whether MR-1 is an early diagnostic marker for ovarian cancer and a possible therapeutic target.
Specific and sensitive quantitative RT-PCR of miRNAs with DNA primers
Authors: Balcells Ingrid , Cirera Susanna , Busk Peter K
Published: June 2011

Background

MicroRNAs are important regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and play an important role in many biological processes. Due to the important biological role it is of great interest to quantitatively determine their expression level in different biological settings.

Results

We describe a PCR method for quantification of microRNAs based on a single reverse transcription reaction for all microRNAs combined with real-time PCR with two, microRNA-specific DNA primers. Primer annealing temperatures were optimized by adding a DNA tail to the primers and could be designed with a success rate of 94%. The method was able to quantify synthetic templates over eight orders of magnitude and readily discriminated between microRNAs with single nucleotide differences. Importantly, PCR with DNA primers yielded significantly higher amplification efficiencies of biological samples than a similar method based on locked nucleic acids-spiked primers, which is in agreement with the observation that locked nucleic acid interferes with efficient amplification of short templates. The higher amplification efficiency of DNA primers translates into higher sensitivity and precision in microRNA quantification.

Conclusions

MiR-specific quantitative RT-PCR with DNA primers is a highly specific, sensitive and accurate method for microRNA quantification.
Integrating an internet-mediated walking program into family medicine clinical practice: a pilot feasibility study
Authors: Goodrich David E , Buis Lorraine R , Janney Adrienne W , Ditty Megan D , Krause Christine W , Zheng Kai , Sen Ananda , Strecher Victor J , Hess Michael L , Piette John D , Richardson Caroline R
Published: June 2011

Background

Regular participation in physical activity can prevent many chronic health conditions. Computerized self-management programs are effective clinical tools to support patient participation in physical activity. This pilot study sought to develop and evaluate an online interface for primary care providers to refer patients to an Internet-mediated walking program called Stepping Up to Health (SUH) and to monitor participant progress in the program.

Methods

In Phase I of the study, we recruited six pairs of physicians and medical assistants from two family practice clinics to assist with the design of a clinical interface. During Phase II, providers used the developed interface to refer patients to a six-week pilot intervention. Provider perspectives were assessed regarding the feasibility of integrating the program into routine care. Assessment tools included quantitative and qualitative data gathered from semi-structured interviews, surveys, and online usage logs.

Results

In Phase I, 13 providers used SUH and participated in two interviews. Providers emphasized the need for alerts flagging patients who were not doing well and the ability to review participant progress. Additionally, providers asked for summary views of data across all enrolled clinic patients as well as advertising materials for intervention recruitment. In response to this input, an interface was developed containing three pages: 1) a recruitment page, 2) a summary page, and 3) a detailed patient page. In Phase II, providers used the interface to refer 139 patients to SUH and 37 (27%) enrolled in the intervention. Providers rarely used the interface to monitor enrolled patients. Barriers to regular use of the intervention included lack of integration with the medical record system, competing priorities, patient disinterest, and physician unease with exercise referrals. Intention-to-treat analyses showed that patients increased walking by an average of 1493 steps/day from pre- to post-intervention (t = (36) = 4.13, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Providers successfully referred patients using the SUH provider interface, but were less willing to monitor patient compliance in the program. Patients who completed the program significantly increased their step counts. Future research is needed to test the effectiveness of integrating SUH with clinical information systems over a longer evaluation period.
Population dynamics, structure and behavior of Anopheles darlingi in a rural settlement in the Amazon rainforest of Acre, Brazil
Authors: Moutinho Paulo Rufalco , Gil Luis Herman Soares , Cruz Rafael Bastos , Ribolla Paulo Eduardo Martins
Published: June 2011

Background

Anopheles darlingi is the major vector of malaria in South America, and its behavior and distribution has epidemiological importance to biomedical research. In Brazil, An. darlingi is found in the northern area of the Amazon basin, where 99.5% of the disease is reported.

Methods

The study area, known as Ramal do Granada, is a rural settlement inside the Amazon basin in the state of Acre. Population variations and density have been analysed by species behaviour, and molecular analysis has been measured by ND4 mitochondrial gene sequencing.

Results

The results show higher density in collections near a recent settlement, suggesting that a high level of colonization decreases the vector presence. The biting activity showed higher activity at twilight and major numbers of mosquitos in the remaining hours of the night in months of high density. From a sample of 110 individual mosquitoes, 18 different haplotypes were presented with a diversity index of 0.895, which is higher than that found in other Anopheles studies.

Conclusions

An. darlingi depends on forested regions for their larval and adult survival. In months with higher population density, the presence of mosquitoes persisted in the second part of the night, increasing the vector capacity of the species. Despite the intra-population variation in the transition to rainy season, the seasonal distribution of haplotypes shows no change in the structure population of An. darlingi.
Phosphoproteomic analysis of apoptotic hematopoietic stem cells from hemoglobin E/β-thalassemia
Authors: Ponnikorn Saranyoo , Panichakul Tasanee , Sresanga Kitima , Wongborisuth Chokdee , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Hongeng Suradej , Tungpradabkul Sumalee
Published: June 2011

Background

Hemoglobin E/β-thalassemia is particularly common in Southeast Asia and has variable symptoms ranging from mild to severe anemia. Previous investigations demonstrated the remarkable symptoms of β-thalassemia in terms of the acceleration of apoptotic cell death. Ineffective erythropoiesis has been studied in human hematopoietic stem cells, however the distinct apoptotic mechanism was unclear.

Methods

The phosphoproteome of bone marrow HSCs/CD34+ cells from HbE/β-thalassemic patients was analyzed using IMAC phosphoprotein isolation followed by LC-MS/MS detection. Decyder MS software was used to quantitate differentially expressed proteins in 3 patients and 2 normal donors. The differentially expressed proteins from HSCs/CD34+ cells were compared with HbE/β-thalassemia and normal HSCs.

Results

A significant change in abundance of 229 phosphoproteins was demonstrated. Importantly, the analysis of the candidate proteins revealed a high abundance of proteins that are commonly found in apoptotic cells including cytochrome C, caspase 6 and apoptosis inducing factors. Moreover, in the HSCs patients a significant increase was observed in a specific type of phosphoserine/threonine binding protein, which is known to act as an important signal mediator for the regulation of cell survival and apoptosis in HbE/β-thalassemia.

Conclusions

Our study used a novel method to investigate proteins that influence a particular pathway in a given disease or physiological condition. Ultimately, phosphoproteome profiling in HbE/β-thalassemic stem cells is an effective method to further investigate the cell death mechanism of ineffective erythropoiesis in β-thalassemia. Our report provides a comprehensive phosphoproteome, an important resource for the study of ineffective erythropoiesis and developing therapies for HbE/β-thalassemia.
HPV types, HIV and invasive cervical carcinoma risk in Kampala, Uganda: a case-control study
Authors: Odida Michael , Sandin Sven , Mirembe Florence , Kleter Bernhard , Quint Wim , Weiderpass Elisabete
Published: June 2011

Background

While the association of human papillomavirus (HPV) with cervical cancer is well established, the influence of HIV on the risk of this disease in sub-Saharan Africa remains unclear. To assess the risk of invasive cervical carcinoma (ICC) associated with HIV and HPV types, a hospital-based case-control study was performed between September 2004 and December 2006 in Kampala, Uganda. Incident cases of histologically-confirmed ICC (N=316) and control women (N=314), who were visitors or care-takers of ICC cases in the hospital, were recruited. Blood samples were obtained for HIV serology and CD4 count, as well as cervical samples for HPV testing. HPV DNA detection and genotyping was performed using the SPF10/DEIA/LiPA25 technique which detects all mucosal HPV types by DEIA and identifies 25 HPV genotypes by LiPA version 1. Samples that tested positive but could not be genotyped were designated HPVX. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by logistic regression, adjusting for possible confounding factors.

Results

For both squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma of the cervix, statistically significantly increased ORs were found among women infected with HPV, in particular single HPV infections, infections with HPV16-related types and high-risk HPV types, in particular HPV16, 18 and 45. For other HPV types the ORs for both SCC and adenocarcinoma were not statistically significantly elevated. HIV infection and CD4 count were not associated with SCC or adenocarcinoma risk in our study population. Among women infected with high-risk HPV types, no association between HIV and SCC emerged. However, an inverse association with adenocarcinoma was observed, while decrease in CD4 count was not associated with ICC risk.

Conclusions

The ORs for SCC and adenocarcinoma were increased in women infected with HPV, in particular single HPV infections, infections with HPV16- and 18-related types, and high-risk HPV types, specifically HPV16, 18 and 45. HIV infection and CD4 count were not associated with SCC or adenocarcinoma risk, but among women infected with high-risk HPV types there was an inverse association between HIV infection and adenocarcinoma risk. These results suggest that HIV and CD4 count may have no role in the progression of cervical cancer.
Dexmedetomidine provides renoprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice
Authors: Gu Jianteng , Sun Pamela , Zhao Hailin , Watts Helena R , Sanders Robert D , Terrando Niccolo , Xia Peiyuan , Maze Mervyn , Ma Daqing
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Acute kidney injury following surgery incurs significant mortality with no proven preventative therapy. We investigated whether the α2 adrenoceptor agonist dexmedetomidine (Dex) provides protection against ischemia-reperfusion induced kidney injury in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

In vitro, a stabilised cell line of human kidney proximal tubular cells (HK2) was exposed to culture medium deprived of oxygen and glucose. Dex decreased HK2 cell death in a dose-dependent manner, an effect attenuated by the α2 adrenoceptor antagonist atipamezole, and likely transduced by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K-Akt) signaling. In vivo C57BL/6J mice received Dex (25 μg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) 30 minutes before or after either bilateral renal pedicle clamping for 25 minutes or right renal pedicle clamping for 40 minutes and left nephrectomy.

Results

Pre- or post-treatment with Dex provided cytoprotection, improved tubular architecture and function following renal ischemia. Consistent with this cytoprotection, dexmedetomidine reduced plasma high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB-1) elevation when given prior to or after kidney ischemia-reperfusion; pretreatment also decreased toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression in tubular cells. Dex treatment provided long-term functional renoprotection, and even increased survival following nephrectomy.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that Dex likely activates cell survival signal pAKT via α2 adrenoceptors to reduce cell death and HMGB1 release and subsequently inhibits TLR4 signaling to provide reno-protection.
Localization of mRNAs coding for mitochondrial proteins in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Gadir Noga , Haim-Vilmovsky Liora , Kraut-Cohen Judith , Gerst Jeffrey E.
Published: June 2011

Targeted mRNA localization is a likely determinant of localized protein synthesis. To investigate whether mRNAs encoding mitochondrial proteins (mMPs) localize to mitochondria and, thus, might confer localized protein synthesis and import, we visualized endogenously expressed mMPs in vivo for the first time. We determined the localization of 24 yeast mMPs encoding proteins of the mitochondrial matrix, outer and inner membrane, and intermembrane space and found that many mMPs colocalize with mitochondria in vivo. This supports earlier cell fractionation and microarray-based studies that proposed mMP association with the mitochondrial fraction. Interestingly, a number of mMPs showed a dependency on the mitochondrial Puf3 RNA-binding protein, as well as nonessential proteins of the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM) complex import machinery, for normal colocalization with mitochondria. We examined the specific determinants of ATP2 and OXA1 mRNA localization and found a mutual dependency on the 3′ UTR, Puf3, Tom7, and Tom70, but not Tom20, for localization. Tom6 may facilitate the localization of specific mRNAs as OXA1, but not ATP2, mRNA was mislocalized in tom6Δ cells. Interestingly, a substantial fraction of OXA1 and ATP2 RNA granules colocalized with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and a deletion in MDM10, which mediates mitochondria–ER tethering, resulted in a significant loss of OXA1 mRNA localization with ER. Finally, neither ATP2 nor OXA1 mRNA targeting was affected by a block in translation initiation, indicating that translation may not be essential for mRNA anchoring. Thus, endogenously expressed mRNAs are targeted to the mitochondria in vivo, and multiple factors contribute to mMP localization.
Activities of human RRP6 and structure of the human RRP6 catalytic domain
Authors: Januszyk Kurt , Liu Quansheng , Lima Christopher D.
Published: June 2011

The eukaryotic RNA exosome is a highly conserved multi-subunit complex that catalyzes degradation and processing of coding and noncoding RNA. A noncatalytic nine-subunit exosome core interacts with Rrp44 and Rrp6, two subunits that possess processive and distributive 3′-to-5′ exoribonuclease activity, respectively. While both Rrp6 and Rrp44 are responsible for RNA processing in budding yeast, Rrp6 may play a more prominent role in processing, as it has been demonstrated to be inhibited by stable RNA secondary structure in vitro and because the null allele in budding yeast leads to the buildup of specific structured RNA substrates. Human RRP6, otherwise known as PM/SCL-100 or EXOSC10, shares sequence similarity to budding yeast Rrp6 and is proposed to catalyze 3′-to-5′ exoribonuclease activity on a variety of nuclear transcripts including ribosomal RNA subunits, RNA that has been poly-adenylated by TRAMP, as well as other nuclear RNA transcripts destined for processing and/or destruction. To characterize human RRP6, we expressed the full-length enzyme as well as truncation mutants that retain catalytic activity, compared their activities to analogous constructs for Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rrp6, and determined the X-ray structure of a human construct containing the exoribonuclease and HRDC domains that retains catalytic activity. Structural data show that the human active site is more exposed when compared to the yeast structure, and biochemical data suggest that this feature may play a role in the ability of human RRP6 to productively engage and degrade structured RNA substrates more effectively than the analogous budding yeast enzyme.
Major role for mRNA binding and restructuring in sRNA recruitment by Hfq
Authors: Soper Toby J. , Doxzen Kevin , Woodson Sarah A.
Published: June 2011

Bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs) modulate gene expression by base-pairing with target mRNAs. Many sRNAs require the Sm-like RNA binding protein Hfq as a cofactor. Well-characterized interactions between DsrA sRNA and the rpoS mRNA leader were used to understand how Hfq stimulates sRNA pairing with target mRNAs. DsrA annealing stimulates expression of rpoS by disrupting a secondary structure in the rpoS leader, which otherwise prevents translation. Both RNAs bind Hfq with similar affinity but interact with opposite faces of the Hfq hexamer. Using mutations that block interactions between two of the three components, we demonstrate that Hfq binding to a functionally critical (AAN)4 motif in rpoS mRNA rescues DsrA binding to a hyperstable rpoS mutant. We also show that Hfq cannot stably bridge the RNAs. Persistent ternary complexes only form when the two RNAs are complementary. Thus, Hfq mainly acts by binding and restructuring the rpoS mRNA. However, Hfq binding to DsrA is needed for maximum annealing in vitro, indicating that transient interactions with both RNAs contribute to the regulatory mechanism.
Experienced vs. Described Uncertainty: Do We Need Two Prospect Theory Specifications?
Authors: Abdellaoui Mohammed , L'Haridon Olivier , Paraschiv Corina
Published: June 2011

This paper reports on the results of an experimental elicitation at the individual level of all prospect theory components (i.e., utility, loss aversion, and weighting functions) in two decision contexts: situations where alternatives are described as probability distributions and situations where the decision maker must experience unknown probability distributions through sampling before choice. For description-based decisions, our results are fully consistent with prospect theory's empirical findings under risk. Furthermore, no significant differences are detected across contexts as regards utility and loss aversion. Whereas decision weights exhibit similar qualitative properties across contexts typically found under prospect theory, our data suggest that, for gains at least, the subjective treatment of uncertainty in experience-based and description-based decisions is significantly different. More specifically, we observe a less pronounced overweighting of small probabilities and a more pronounced underweighting of moderate and high probabilities for experience-based decisions. On the contrary, for losses, no significant differences were observed in the evaluation of prospects across contexts.

This paper was accepted by George Wu, decision analysis.
Immobilisation of the knee and ankle and its impact on drivers’ braking times
Authors: Waton A. , Kakwani R. , Cooke N. J. , Litchfield D. , Kok D. , Middleton H. , Irwin L.
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of right leg restriction at the knee, ankle or both, on a driver’s braking times. Previous studies have not investigated the effects of knee restriction on braking performance. A total of 23 healthy drivers performed a series of emergency braking tests in a driving simulator in either an above-knee plaster cast, a below-knee cast, or in a knee brace with an increasing range of restriction. The study showed that total braking reaction time was significantly longer when wearing an above-knee plaster cast, a below-knee plaster cast or a knee brace fixed at 0°, compared with braking normally (p < 0.001). Increases in the time taken to move the foot from the accelerator to the brake accounted for some of the increase in the total braking reaction time. Unexpectedly, thinking time also increased with the level of restriction (p < 0.001). The increase in braking time with an above-knee plaster cast in this study would increase the stopping distance at 30 miles per hour by almost 3 m.

These results suggest that all patients wearing any lower-limb plaster cast or knee brace are significantly impaired in their ability to perform an emergency stop. We suggest changes to the legislation to prevent patients from driving with lower-limb plaster casts or knee braces.
Risk factors for symptomatic deep-vein thrombosis in patients after total ankle replacement who received routine chemical thromboprophylaxis
Authors: Barg A. , Henninger H. B. , Hintermann B.
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of post-operative symptomatic deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), as well as the risk factors for and location of DVT, in 665 patients (701 ankles) who underwent primary total ankle replacement. All patients received low-molecular-weight heparin prophylaxis. A total of 26 patients (3.9%, 26 ankles) had a symptomatic DVT, diagnosed by experienced radiologists using colour Doppler ultrasound. Most thrombi (22 patients, 84.6%) were localised distally in the operated limb. Using a logistic multiple regression model we identified obesity, a previous venous thromboembolic event and the absence of full post-operative weight-bearing as independent risk factors for developing a symptomatic DVT.

The incidence of symptomatic DVT after total ankle replacement and use of low-molecular-weight heparin is comparable with that in patients undergoing total knee or hip replacement.
A Systematic Review of the Empirical Literature Evaluating IRBs: What We Know and What We Still Need to Learn
Authors: Abbott Lura , Grady Christine
Published: June 2011

Institutional review boards (IRBs) are integral to the U.S. system of protection of human research participants. Evaluation of IRBs, although difficult, is essential. To date, no systematic review of IRB studies has been published. We conducted a systematic review of empirical studies of U.S. IRBs to determine what is known about the function of IRBs and to identify gaps in knowledge. A structured search in PubMed identified forty-three empirical studies evaluating U.S. IRBs. Studies were included if they reported an empirical investigation of the structure, process, outcomes, effectiveness, or variation of U.S. IRBs. The authors reviewed each study to extract information about study objectives, sample and methods, study results, and conclusions. Empirical evidence collected in forty-three published studies shows that for review of a wide range of types of research, U.S. IRBs differ in their application of the federal regulations, in the time they take to review studies, and in the decisions made. Existing studies show evidence of variation in multicenter review, inconsistent or ambiguous interpretation of the federal regulations, and inefficiencies in review. Despite recognition of a need to evaluate effectiveness of IRB review, no identified published study included an evaluation of IRB effectiveness. Multiple studies evaluating the structure, process, and outcome of IRB review in the United States have documented inconsistencies and inefficiencies. Efforts should be made to address these concerns. Additional research is needed to understand how IRBs accomplish their objectives, what issues they find important, what quality IRB review is, and how effective IRBs are at protecting human research participants.
Strengthening the Educational Value of Undergraduate Participation in Research as Part of a Psychology Department Subject Pool
Authors: Moyer Anne , Franklin Nancy
Published: June 2011

Participating in research must be an educational experience for students in order to ethically justify its inclusion as a requirement in college courses. Introductory Psychology students ( N = 280) completed a written class assignment describing their research participation as a means to enhance this educational mission. Approximately half of students spontaneously mentioned something positive about the significance of the research or what they learned, with the remainder providing neutral, mixed, or negative comments. Students could articulate clearly and knowledgeably about the research in which they had participated. Such an assignment is an effective means to foster an understanding of the science of psychology.
Relationships between Community-Based Processes for Research Ethics Review and Institution-Based IRBs: A National Study
Authors: Shore Nancy , Drew Elaine , Brazauskas Ruta , Seifer Sarena D.
Published: June 2011

Community groups are implementing research ethics review processes to determine whether and how research is conducted in their communities. We report on a survey of 109 of these community-based review processes about their relationships with institution-based research ethics boards (I-REBs). Ninety-two percent reported that studies they review were also reviewed by an I-REB. Over half characterized their relationship with I-REBs positively. Those with positive relationships were significantly more likely to communicate with the involved I-REBs. Challenges when working with I-REBs included delays, communication problems, and lack of I-REB understanding of community-based participatory research. Strengthening relationships between community-based review processes and I-REBs could ultimately enhance reviews of community-engaged research.
Misbehaviors of Front-Line Research Personnel and the Integrity of Community-Based Research
Authors: True Gala , Alexander Leslie B. , Richman Kenneth A.
Published: June 2011

There has been little empirical research into misconduct and misbehavior among community research workers who recruit and collect data in vulnerable and marginalized health populations and are also members of those same communities. We conducted qualitative interviews with community research workers and traditional research assistants to understand the context and consequences of misbehaviors that pose a threat to research ethics and data integrity. In our sample, more community research workers acknowledged engaging in research wrongdoing than did traditional research assistants. These behaviors were most prevalent among community research workers who were not well-integrated into the research team. We suggest best practices for investigators to promote an environment that supports research integrity in research projects that employ community research workers.
Individual Differences in the Enjoyment of Negative Emotion in Music: A Literature Review and Experiment
Authors: Garrido Sandra , Schubert Emery
Published: June 2011

Why do People Seek out Music that Makes Them cry? This paradox is a complex one that appears to have no single answer. Rather, numerous factors appear to be interacting in the diverse responses of individuals to music. The present study tested the hypothesis that individual differences in dissociation, absorption, fantasy proneness, empathy, and rumination would be related to the enjoyment of negative emotion in music. Fifty-nine participants completed a survey pertaining to this question. Results revealed statistically significant positive relationships between enjoyment of evoked negative emotion in response to music with both absorption and the recently reported construct of 'music empathy,' Factor analysis and a regression model confirmed these results, and the approach suggests that further study of individual differences will continue to provide new insights into some of the subtleties of the enjoyment of negative emotions in music.
Music is in the Muscle: How Embodied Cognition May Influence Music Preferences
Authors: Sedlmeier Peter , Weigelt Oliver , Walther Eva
Published: June 2011

Music is Intimately Connected with Body movements. Until recently, research has almost exclusively examined the impact of music on body movements. Yet findings on embodied cognition in other domains suggest that the influence might also work in the opposite direction: Real or imagined body movements during music listening may codetermine music preferences. We had participants listen to music and concurrently activate muscles whose innervation has been shown to be associated with "positive" and "negative" affect (activation vs. inhibition of smiling muscles, vertical vs. horizontal head movements, and arm flexion vs. arm extension). Activation of the positively associated muscle groups led to higher preference ratings for the music pieces than activation of the negatively associated ones. A first exploration of candidate explanations for the effect suggests that it is most likely due to conditioning processes. It is concluded that body movements, both real and imagined, may play an important role in the development of music preferences.
Modeling Pattern Importance in Chopin's Mazurkas
Authors: Collins Tom , Laney Robin , Willis Alistair , Garthwaite Paul H.
Published: June 2011

This study relates various quantifiable characteristics of a musical pattern to subjective assessments of a pattern's salience. Via score analysis and listening, twelve music undergraduates examined excerpts taken from Chopin's mazurkas. They were instructed to rate already discovered patterns, giving high ratings to patterns that they thought were noticeable and/or important. Each undergraduate rated thirty specified patterns and ninety patterns were examined in total. Twenty-nine quantifiable attributes (some novel but most proposed previously) were determined for each pattern, such as the number of notes a pattern contained. A model useful for relating participants' ratings to the attributes was determined using variable selection and cross-validation. Individual participants were much poorer than the model at predicting the consensus ratings of other participants. While the favored model contains only three variables, many variables were identified as having some predictive value if considered in isolation. Implications for music psychology, analysis, and information retrieval are discussed.
The Ambiguous Tactus: Tempo, Subdivision Benefit, And Three Listener Strategies
Authors: Martens Peter A.
Published: June 2011

the present study models listeners' tactus choices relative to the metric structure of fully musical excerpts using data from a tapping experiment. Viewed from the standpoint of metric structure, tactus was ambiguous between individuals and within excerpts, providing no evidence that this behavior has a global basis in tempo or in a subdivision benefit. Tactus was more consistent within individuals, however, when viewed as following from one of three basic strategies: (1) tapping with a subdivided pulse, (2) tapping with the fastest consistent pulse in the music (a pulse with no consistent subdivision), or (3) using a mixture of these two strategies based on inconsistent rhythmic activity at the musical surface. Music training correlated positively with the first of these strategies. Since individual listeners engage with musical meter in different ways, ambiguity of tactus should be an expected feature of any audience's response to metrical music.