bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students’ motivation in studying music: The Hong Kong context
Authors: Bo Wah Leung  , McPherson Gary E.
Published: December 2010

Studying music in schools has not been regarded to be important for Hong Kong students and parents. Similar to many other countries and regions, music is marginalized in the school curriculum. However, facing the 21st century, the Hong Kong government regards arts education to be an important contribution to the creative industries. The motivation of students in learning music thus becomes more critical. This article reports data drawn from an international study that examined students’ motivation to study music as compared to other school subjects across the school grades. A total of 4495 students from 23 primary and 20 secondary schools participated in a survey. Results indicate a significant decline in competence beliefs and values ( p < .001) and a significant increase in task difficulty for music and other school subjects across the school levels. Compared with Chinese, mathematics, visual arts and physical education (PE), music was ranked rather low in terms of competence beliefs and values, and task difficulty. In addition, there is a trend towards many secondary students learning instruments outside schools. Results may be attributed to a range of factors including a utilitarian view of education held by parents and students and the overall business-oriented atmosphere of the society, in that people focus on financial success rather than a holistic human development.
Students’ motivation to study music: The Mexican context
Authors: González-Moreno Patricia A.
Published: December 2010

This article reports the Mexican component of an international mapping exercise that examined students’ motivation to study music as compared to other school subjects, taking into consideration the particular context of each country. Based on an expectancy-value theoretical framework, questionnaires were used to examine students’ competence beliefs, values, and perceptions of task difficulty. A sample of 3613 students (grades 4—12) was drawn from three different school systems: state, federal and private. Mixed-design ANOVAs were used to examine students’ cumulative mean ratings of the motivational constructs, in order to determine differences across school levels and systems. Results of the study suggest students held low perceptions of the value of school music and low expectations for success in learning music across the three surveyed school systems and levels of schooling. However, students who were learning music showed more positive motivation not only in music but in all the other school subjects.
Students’ motivation to study music: Israel
Authors: Portowitz Adena , González-Moreno Patricia A. , Hendricks Karin S.
Published: December 2010

As a part of a larger international mapping exercise to examine students’ motivation to study music as compared to other school subjects, this article reports data drawn from a sample of 2257 Israeli students (primary to high school). Questionnaires were based on the expectancy-value theoretical framework by examining students’ perceptions of values, competence and task difficulty. Mixed-design ANOVAs were used to examine differences in students’ motivational beliefs across school levels, between music and non-music learners, and between girls and boys. Results of the analyses showed two major issues distinctive from the comparison of the eight-country analyses: (a) the lowest perceptions of task values and competence beliefs for any country among non-music learners in the upper level grades, and (b) a significant developmental increase in task difficulty for music as compared to other school subjects. In addition, the results of the Israeli data revealed that music learners attached higher values to music, art and science than non-music learners, and expressed significantly lower perceptions of difficulty for music, art and science than non-music learners. Furthermore, while music was one of the lowest-ranked subjects for in-school study, it was one of the highest-ranked subjects for out-of-school study. This suggests that music participation itself is not lacking in motivation or interest among students in Israel, but that the school system is not presently providing for the musical needs and interest of much of its youth population, in upper-level grades (middle and high school).
The circulation of discourse: The case of deprecating remarks on trash radio
Authors: Turbide Olivier , Vincent Diane , Laforest Marty
Published: December 2010

Because it is provocative and is based on the denigration of absent third parties, shock jock discourse stimulates reactions that go well beyond the initial circle of listeners. Trash radio supporters and detractors alike take up the hosts’ deprecating remarks, reinterpret them and put them back into circulation. As the repetitions multiply, interweaving private speech and public speech, a complex web of circulation forms, attesting to the contagiousness of the discourse and the influence of the radio hosts. In order to capture and explain this mechanism of propagation, we propose a model of analysis that combines elements of linguistic, discursive and pragmatic description. The model is illustrated by a case study. We are led to observe that the extent and rate of propagation of deprecating remarks inevitably affect the image of the person targeted and, more fundamentally, tend to make an aggressive mode of expression part of the natural speechscape.
It’s like mmm: Enactments with it’s like
Authors: Fox Barbara A. , Robles Jessica
Published: December 2010

This article explores the distribution and use of a relatively new grammatical format in English, it’s like + enactment. We propose that it’s like utterances are used to enact thoughts, feelings and attitudes which are internal and affect-laden assessments of a prior utterance or event, produced as assessments that anyone in the same situation might have had. As such they tend to occur within stories, typically during the closing of a story. The enactments are often ‘response cries’ (Goffman, 1978) such as oh, mm, wow, and man. Because of the highly indexical nature of this grammatical format, it represents a fascinating site for participants to work out a ‘world known in common’ (Goodwin, personal communication).
Outcomes of social work intervention in the context of evidence-based practice
Authors: Mullen Edward J , Shuluk Joseph
Published: December 2010

• Summary: This article explores the general outcomes of social work interventions as reported in journal review articles that have examined that question since 1990.

• Findings: There is now a large body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of a wide range of social work interventions with a wide range of social problems and populations. It is reasonable to conclude that approximately two-thirds of clients served by social workers benefit in measurable ways. These positive outcomes remain, even after controlling for publication and investigator bias. The reviews examined in this article also suggest that theoretical orientation does not account for differential outcomes, however, differential intervention outcomes have been found when contrasting alternate interventions and specifying target problem or condition.

• Applications: What are currently needed are studies and systematic reviews that contrast credible, alternative intervention options under highly specific conditions. Using comparative effectiveness strategies, specification of differential effectiveness should now be a focus of research to answer questions such as what intervention, under what circumstances, for what problem, under what conditions, in what population, has what effect and at what cost. Evidence-based practice will be strengthened and enriched to the extent such systematic reviews become available.

Additionally, findings are sufficiently encouraging to recommend that promising social work interventions with specific social problems and specific populations be more carefully studied with particular attention to questions of cost-effectiveness since few studies have used designs or measures that examine cost-effectiveness or cost—benefit questions.
Sustainability of collaborative care interventions in primary care settings
Authors: Palinkas Lawrence A , Ell Kathleen , Hansen Marissa , Cabassa Leopoldo , Wells Anjanette
Published: December 2010

• Summary: We assessed patient and provider barriers and facilitators to sustainability of a collaborative depression care model for depression treatment in predominantly Hispanic diabetes patients in safety net care clinics.

• Findings: Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with patients and providers at two community clinics participating in a randomized controlled effectiveness trial of the Multi-faceted Depression and Diabetes Program (MDDP), a socioculturally adapted collaborative care model. Analysis identified eight themes grouped into three categories: barriers, facilitators, and recommendations for program sustainability. Barriers included patient concerns about use of medication and provider concerns about use of psychotherapy, increased workload for clinic staff, delay in receiving outcomes data, and lack of resources to sustain the program. Facilitators included patient benefits such as improved clinical outcomes, quality of care received, access, and satisfaction; provider benefits such as increased awareness and reduced anxiety; and clinic benefits in the form of reduced costs of care. Recommendations included changes in communication patterns among providers, specific changes in procedures, changes in resources, and changes in clinic organizational culture.

• Applications: Sustainable adoption of collaborative depression care for underserved populations in safety net care systems by organizational decision-makers and providers requires: stable funding and qualified staff; technologies to facilitate provider access to easily applied treatment guidelines, information exchange between primary care physicians and depression care providers, and routine monitoring of patient depression symptoms and treatment adherence and satisfaction; and treatment consistent with patient preferences.
The quest for evidence-based practice: A view from the United States
Authors: Thyer Bruce A , Myers Laura L
Published: December 2010

• Summary: This article describes how a reliance upon social and behavioral science research is the feature distinguishing modern professional social work from prior non-professional efforts at providing social care. A number of formal efforts that attempted to more closely link science and practice are described, including the empirical clinical practice movement, the empirically supported treatments initiative, and, most recently, evidence-based practice (EBP).

• Findings: EBP is correctly seen as a process of inquiry intended to help practitioners and their clients make important decisions about the services the clients receive. EBP is a process, a verb, not a noun. There is no such thing as evidence-based practices, since in EBP one decides what services to provide by taking into account not only research evidence but also client preferences and values, situational circumstances, professional ethics, the practitioner’s existing skills, and available resources.

• Applications: From this perspective it is a misuse of the term EBP to refer to specific interventions or assessment methods as evidence-based. At best, interventions or techniques may be labeled as empirically supported or research-supported. The current status of EBP within American social work is seen as healthy and growing, although misconceptions regarding this process are common.
Bridging science and practice in child welfare and children’s mental health service systems through a two-decade research center trajectory
Authors: Landsverk John , Garland Ann , Rolls Reutz Jennifer , Davis Inger
Published: December 2010

• Summary: Over the past two decades, research on social work practice has experienced substantial growth in the United States, indicated by both the establishment of the Society for Social Work Research in 1994 and increased funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Recently, this growth has carried an increasing emphasis on research to establish the evidence base for social work practice and an emphasis on understanding dissemination and implementation of evidence-based interventions or practice models in usual care settings within service systems that have historic and professional linkages to the social work discipline, such as child welfare and mental health.

• Findings: This article illustrates this growth and emphases on evidence-based practice in the social work research areas, child abuse and neglect, child welfare and child mental health through the two-decade experience of a large-scale and multi-disciplinary research center in San Diego County, California, the Child and Adolescent Services Research Center (CASRC). Evidence for understanding and improving care in these two service systems served by social work practice has been developed through center studies of clinical epidemiology, mental health services, effectiveness of evidence-based interventions, and the dissemination and implementation of these interventions in usual care settings.

• Applications: This evolving research agenda was shown to be well linked to the NIH Roadmap initiative and highly competitive for NIH funding.
Representations of women’s active embodiment and men’s ritualized visibility in sport
Authors: Brace-Govan Jan
Published: December 2010

The embodied woman is central to much marketing communication imagery and, in contemporary discourses the physically active body is portrayed as the healthy role model in much social marketing. From a periodization of women’s access to physical activities, three significant shifts in perception and representation are proposed: the Restricted body, the Malleable body and the Viewed body. Women activists and advertisers connected the freedom to engage in physical activity with social freedoms. A closer examination of second wave feminism reveals the inadequacies of sex role theory, and the limitations of liberal feminist dualisms. In contemporary culture, the interconnected nature of media representations, marketing communications and postfeminism becomes evident. The mobilization of bias through ritualized visibility is introduced to explain the unabated valorization of hegemonic masculinity through images of men’s active embodiment. Further, it is asserted that the inequalities of the neo-liberal identity project are obscured by ‘new traditionalism’. The paper concludes that marketing’s theorization of women would benefit from further consumer research into both the portrayal of physically active women and their experience of active embodiment.
Packaging development: A conceptual framework for identifying new product opportunities
Authors: Simms Christopher , Trott Paul
Published: December 2010

Packaging plays a key role in product success, particularly in the fast moving consumer goods industry (Wansink and Huffman, 2001) and can affect consumers’ purchasing decisions at the point of sale (Sara, 1990). However, relatively little has been written about packaging in the marketing literature (Johnsson, 1998; Saghir, 2002; Rundh, 2005). The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical framework with which to examine how packaging contributes to marketing in general and new product development (NPD) in particular. The paper reviews the literature and develops a unique framework that can be used to evaluate more fully the needs of all parties that are relevant to the development of packaging, including members of the distribution channel. This framework aims to provide new insight into the creation of new product opportunities through packaging development in a more systematic way than has been evidenced in the past.
Customer assets and customer equity: Management and measurement issues
Authors: Persson Andreas , Ryals Lynette
Published: December 2010

In spite of the current focus on marketing accountability and the growing body of research into customer equity and customer lifetime value, the finance community has not shown any noticeable interest in these increasingly well established marketing metrics and, in fact, few companies have adopted them. There is a problem here: marketing has failed to find credibility in the very field it intends to address, which is the accountability of marketing and its contribution to shareholder value. A root cause of this failure is the prevailing confusion among marketing academics about the difference between customer assets and customer equity. In this paper, we argue for a clear distinction between the management of customer assets and the measurement of customer equity. We demonstrate the advantages for external stakeholders of including the drivers of and components of customer equity in management commentaries to financial reporting; and show how this could be done using a Customer Equity Scorecard.
Does the NCAA Coaching Carousel Hamper the Professional Prospects of College Football Recruits?
Authors: Hersch Philip L.
Published: December 2010

College football recruits choose their schools partly for the opportunity to play for a specific coach. It is not unusual for the coach who recruited the player to leave before the end of the player’s career. This article investigates whether these departures affect a player’s National Football League (NFL) draft prospects. Regression results indicate that, for players drafted, a coaching change drops the average draftee’s position nearly two thirds of a round, potentially costing the player hundreds of thousands of dollars in guaranteed money. This harmful effect holds regardless of why the coach left, such as being fired or accepting a new position elsewhere.
Hospice Care for Persons With Dementia: The Growth of Access in US Nursing Homes
Authors: Miller Susan C. , Lima Julie C. , Mitchell Susan L.
Published: December 2010

Background/Rationale: Persons with dementia often die in nursing homes (NHs); however, concerns exist about their low use of Medicare hospice. Methods: For 1999 through 2006 in all US states and DC we merged NH resident assessment data with Medicare claims and enrollment data to identify NH decedents with dementia and hospice use. We studied two groups, those with advanced dementia and those with mild-to-moderately severe dementia. Results: Across study years, 22.2% of all NH decedents had mild-to-moderately severe dementia and 19.6% had advanced dementia. In 1999, 14.5% of decedents with advanced and 13.2% with mild-to-moderately severe dementia accessed hospice, increasing to 42.5% and 37.9% respectively in 2006. Between 1999 and 2006, mean days of hospice stays increased from 46 to 118 for advanced dementia and from 39 to 79 for mild-to-moderately severe dementia. These mean length of stay differences resulted from a relatively lower proportion of short hospice stays (≤ 7 days) together with higher proportions of longer stays (≥ 181 days) among advanced versus mild-to-moderately severe dementia decedents. Hospice access and lengths of stay among US states varied widely. Conclusions: Over 40% of US NH decedents have mild-to-moderately severe or advanced dementia. For these NH decedents, access to and duration of Medicare hospice has increased. However, there is considerable variation in hospice use across US states.
Comparing Responses to Horticultural-Based and Traditional Activities in Dementia Care Programs
Authors: Jarrott Shannon E. , Gigliotti Christina M.
Published: December 2010

Engaging persons with dementia in meaningful activities supports well-being; however, care staff are challenged to implement age- and ability-appropriate activities in a group setting. We compared a randomly assigned treatment group, who received horticultural therapy-based (HT-based) programming to a comparison group, who engaged in traditional activities (TA) programming, on engagement and affect. Horticultural therapy-based programming was implemented twice weekly at 4 treatment sites for 6 weeks, while regular TA were observed at comparison sites. Results revealed no differences between groups on affective domains. Levels of adaptive behavior differed between the groups, with the treatment group demonstrating higher levels of active, passive, and other engagement and the comparison group demonstrating higher levels of self-engagement. Our results highlight the value of HT-based programs and the importance of simultaneously capturing participants’ affective and behavioral responses. Theoretical and practical considerations about the facilitation of and context in which the programming occurs are discussed.
Needs in Early Onset Dementia: A Qualitative Case From the NeedYD Study
Authors: Bakker Christian , de Vugt Marjolein E. , Vernooij-Dassen Myrra , van Vliet Deliane , Verhey Frans R. J. , Koopmans Raymond T. C. M.
Published: December 2010

Objectives: The aim was to explore the experiences of a caregiver of a patient with early onset dementia (EOD) and the needs of patient and caregiver. Methods: A single case study design was used to explore (1) unmet needs of patient and caregiver and (2) caregiver’s experiences of transitions in care and health care services. A qualitative analysis was used to examine the data. Results: This study shows that a patient with EOD and the caregiver were confronted with specific issues during the care process, namely (1) prolonged time to diagnosis, (2) a lack of fit between needs and services, (3) the strain of dedication to care versus the caregiver’s own future perspective, (4) the need for response of health care services to changing individual preferences. Conclusion: This study illustrates specific issues related to early onset dementia that require specialized EOD care such as the differential and changing needs of patients and caregivers.
Internet-Based Program for Dementia Caregivers
Authors: Lewis Marsha L. , Hobday John V. , Hepburn Kenneth W.
Published: December 2010

The overall goal of the Internet-Based Savvy Caregiver (IBSC) program was to develop and bring to market an Internet-based psycho-educational program designed to provide dementia caregivers the knowledge, skills, and outlook they need to undertake and succeed in the caregiving role they have assumed. The IBSC program’s concept is based on a face-to-face caregiver-training program and curriculum, the previously validated Savvy Caregiver Program (SCP). The project used an iterative design with expert and consumer input to develop the initial prototype. Forty-seven participants completed the IBSC program and follow-up questionnaire. Results of the formative evaluation showed that participants found the program educational, convenient, useful, and interesting. Participants endorsed feeling more confident in caregiving skills and communication with their family members. The evidence points to the feasibility of an Internet-based program to strengthen family caregivers’ confidence in caring for persons with dementia.
Physical and Psychological Effects of 6-Week Tactile Massage on Elderly Patients With Severe Dementia
Authors: Suzuki Mizue , Tatsumi Asami , Otsuka Toshiko , Kikuchi Keiko , Mizuta Akiko , Makino Kimiko , Kimoto Akie , Fujiwara Kiyoe , Abe Toshihiko , Nakagomi Toshihiro , Hayashi Tatsuya , Saruhara Takayuki
Published: December 2010

Tactile massage is a soft massage that improves physical relaxation and psychological well-being. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of a 6-week tactile massage on changes in physical and mental function, symptoms of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) among elderly patients with dementia. In addition, chromogranin A (CgA) levels as an index of stress examined the effects of tactile massage intervention. A tactile massage group consisting of elderly patients with dementia received tactile massage therapy a total of 30 times each for about 20 minutes between 16:00 and 17:00 hours. In the control group, the mean scores for ‘‘intellectual’’ and ‘‘emotional function’’ score decreased significantly after 6 weeks (P < .05); however, no change was observed in the tactile massage group. Both the ‘‘aggressiveness’’ score (P < .05) and CgA levels decreased significantly after 6 weeks in the tactile massage group. These results suggest that tactile massage reduces aggressiveness and stress level in patients with dementia.
Development and Validation of the Memory Orientation Screening Test (MOST™): A Better Screening Test for Dementia
Authors: Clionsky Mitchell I. , Clionsky Emilymarie
Published: December 2010

Objectives: Accurate, economical identification of cognitive impairment would increase dementia detection and improve care of older patients. Design: Analysis of archival neuropsychological data combined 3-word recall, time orientation, list memory, and clock drawing into the Memory Orientation Screening Test (MOST ™). The MOST was compared with Folstein Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Mini-Cog to detect dementia presence and severity, and convergence with standardized neuropsychological tests. Internal consistency, retest reliabilities, completion likelihood, and time costs were calculated. Results: The MOST was significantly more sensitive than MMSE or Mini-Cog, twice as accurate as MMSE for identifying mild dementia, better correlated with standardized memory tests, more reliable over time, and minimally related to depression. Conclusions: The MOST is routinely administered in less than 5 minutes by a medical assistant, more accurately identifies dementia and severity than current screening tests, and emulates longer memory testing, making it valuable for Annual Wellness Visits and many applied clinical settings.
Representing Strategic Communication and Influence in Stabilization Modeling
Authors: Warren Gemma , Rose Patrick
Published: December 2010

Effectively contesting the battle for perceptions to gain the consent of indigenous populations is central to success in stabilization operations. This article examines the current approach to modeling Strategic Communication and Influence in stabilization wargaming employed within the UK Ministry of Defence, found at present in the Peace Support Operations Model suite. It describes the options for enhancing the representation of Strategic Communication and Influence at the strategic, operational and tactical levels, blending human—in-the-loop and computer-based approaches, concluding with an assessment of the future challenges and opportunities in this field.
Megakaryocyte-matrix interaction within bone marrow: new roles for fibronectin and factor XIII-A
Authors: Malara Alessandro , Gruppi Cristian , Rebuzzini Paola , Visai Livia , Perotti Cesare , Moratti Remigio , Balduini Cesare , Tira Maria Enrica , Balduini Alessandra
Published: December 2010

The mechanisms by which megakaryocytes (MKs) differentiate and release platelets into the circulation are not well understood. However, growing evidence indicates that a complex regulatory mechanism involving MK-matrix interactions may contribute to the quiescent or permissive microenvironment related to platelet release within bone marrow. To address this hypothesis, in this study we demonstrate that human MKs express and synthesize cellular fibronectin (cFN) and transglutaminase factor XIII-A (FXIII-A). We proposed that these 2 molecules are involved in a new regulatory mechanism of MK-type I collagen interaction in the osteoblastic niche. In particular, we demonstrate that MK adhesion to type I collagen promotes MK spreading and inhibits pro-platelet formation through the release and relocation to the plasma membrane of cFN. This regulatory mechanism is dependent on the engagement of FN receptors at the MK plasma membrane and on transglutaminase FXIII-A activity. Consistently, the same mechanism regulated the assembly of plasma FN (pFN) by adherent MKs to type I collagen. In conclusion, our data extend the knowledge of the mechanisms that regulate MK-matrix interactions within the bone marrow environment and could serve as an important step for inquiring into the origins of diseases such as myelofibrosis and congenital thrombocytopenias that are still poorly understood.
A role for Blimp1 in the transcriptional network controlling natural killer cell maturation
Authors: Kallies Axel , Carotta Sebastian , Huntington Nicholas D. , Bernard Nicholas J. , Tarlinton David M. , Smyth Mark J. , Nutt Stephen L.
Published: December 2010

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes capable of immediate effector functions including cytokine production and cytotoxicity. Compared with B and T cells, the factors that control the peripheral maturation of NK cells are poorly understood. We show that Blimp1, a transcriptional repressor required for the differentiation of plasma cells and short-lived effector T cells, is expressed by NK cells throughout their development. Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is required for the early induction of Blimp1 in NK cells, with expression increasing in the most mature subsets of mouse and human NK cells. We show that Blimp1 is required for NK-cell maturation and homeostasis and for regulating their proliferative potential. It is also essential for high granzyme B expression, but not for most cytokine production and cytotoxicity. Surprisingly, interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) and B-cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6), 2 transcription factors crucial for the regulation of Blimp1 in B and T cells, are largely dispensable for Blimp1 expression in NK cells. T-bet deficiency, however, leads to attenuated Blimp1 expression. We have identified NK cells as the first hematopoietic cell type in which the IRF4-Blimp1-Bcl6 regulatory axis is not in operation, highlighting the distinct nature of the NK-cell gene-regulatory network.
Direct electrochemical analyses of human cytochromes b5 with a mutated heme pocket showed a good correlation between their midpoint and half wave potentials
Authors: Aono Tomomi , Sakamoto Yoichi , Miura Masahiro , Takeuchi Fusako , Hori Hiroshi , Tsubaki Motonari
Published: December 2010

Background

Cytochrome b
5 performs central roles in various biological electron transfer reactions, where difference in the redox potential of two reactant proteins provides the driving force. Redox potentials of cytochromes b
5 span a very wide range of ~400 mV, in which surface charge and hydrophobicity around the heme moiety are proposed to have crucial roles based on previous site-directed mutagenesis analyses.

Methods

Effects of mutations at conserved hydrophobic amino acid residues consisting of the heme pocket of cytochrome b
5 were analyzed by EPR and electrochemical methods. Cyclic voltammetry of the heme-binding domain of human cytochrome b
5 (HLMWb
5) and its site-directed mutants was conducted using a gold electrode pre-treated with β-mercarptopropionic acid by inclusion of positively-charged poly-L-lysine. On the other hand, static midpoint potentials were measured under a similar condition.

Results

Titration of HLMWb
5 with poly-L-lysine indicated that half-wave potential up-shifted to -19.5 mV when the concentration reached to form a complex. On the other hand, midpoint potentials of -3.2 and +16.5 mV were obtained for HLMWb
5 in the absence and presence of poly-L-lysine, respectively, by a spectroscopic electrochemical titration, suggesting that positive charges introduced by binding of poly-L-lysine around an exposed heme propionate resulted in a positive shift of the potential. Analyses on the five site-specific mutants showed a good correlation between the half-wave and the midpoint potentials, in which the former were 16~32 mV more negative than the latter, suggesting that both binding of poly-L-lysine and hydrophobicity around the heme moiety regulate the overall redox potentials.

Conclusions

Present study showed that simultaneous measurements of the midpoint and the half-wave potentials could be a good evaluating methodology for the analyses of static and dynamic redox properties of various hemoproteins including cytochrome b
5. The potentials might be modulated by a gross conformational change in the tertiary structure, by a slight change in the local structure, or by a change in the hydrophobicity around the heme moiety as found for the interaction with poly-L-lysine. Therefore, the system consisting of cytochrome b
5 and its partner proteins or peptides might be a good paradigm for studying the biological electron transfer reactions.
Regional characterization of energy metabolism in the brain of normal and MPTP-intoxicated mice using new markers of glucose and phosphate transport
Authors: Lagrue Emmanuelle , Abe Hiroyuki , Lavanya Madakasira , Touhami Jawida , Bodard Sylvie , Chalon Sylvie , Battini Jean-Luc , Sitbon Marc , Castelnau Pierre
Published: December 2010

The gibbon ape leukemia virus (GALV), the amphotropic murine leukemia virus (AMLV) and the human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) are retroviruses that specifically bind nutrient transporters with their envelope glycoproteins (Env) when entering host cells. Here, we used tagged ligands derived from GALV, AMLV, and HTLV Env to monitor the distribution of their cognate receptors, the inorganic phosphate transporters PiT1 and PiT2, and the glucose transporter GLUT1, respectively, in basal conditions and after acute energy deficiency. For this purpose, we monitored changes in the distribution of PiT1, PiT2 and GLUT1 in the cerebellum, the frontal cortex, the corpus callosum, the striatum and the substantia nigra (SN) of C57/BL6 mice after administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridinium (MPTP), a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor which induces neuronal degeneration in the striato-nigral network.

The PiT1 ligand stained oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum and showed a reticular pattern in the SN. The PiT2 ligand stained particularly the cerebellar Purkinje cells, while GLUT1 labelling was mainly observed throughout the cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellar gray matter. Interestingly, unlike GLUT1 and PiT2 distributions which did not appear to be modified by MPTP intoxication, PiT1 immunostaining seemed to be more extended in the SN. The plausible reasons for this change following acute energy stress are discussed.

These new ligands therefore constitute new metabolic markers which should help to unravel cellular adaptations to a wide variety of normal and pathologic conditions and to determine the role of specific nutrient transporters in tissue homeostasis.
Feasibility and impact of providing feedback to vaccinating medical clinics: evaluating a public health intervention
Authors: Brousseau Nicholas , Sauvageau Chantal , Ouakki Manale , Audet Diane , Kiely Marilou , Couture Colette , Paré Alain , Deceuninck Geneviève
Published: December 2010

Background

Vaccine coverage (VC) at a given age is a widely-used indicator for measuring the performance of vaccination programs. However, there is increasing data suggesting that measuring delays in administering vaccines complements the measure of VC. Providing feedback to vaccinators is recognized as an effective strategy for improving vaccine coverage, but its implementation has not been widely documented in Canada. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of providing personalized feedback to vaccinators and its impact on vaccination delays (VD).

Methods

In April and May 2008, a one-hour personalized feedback session was provided to health professionals in vaccinating medical clinics in the Quebec City region. VD for vaccines administered at two and twelve months of age were presented. Data from the regional vaccination registry were analysed for participating clinics. Two 12-month periods before and after the intervention were compared, namely from April 1st, 2007 to March 31st, 2008 and from June 1st, 2008 to May 31st, 2009.

Results

Ten medical clinics out of the twelve approached (83%), representing more than 2500 vaccinated children, participated in the project. Preparing and conducting the feedback involved 20 hours of work and expenses of $1000 per clinic. Based on a delay of one month, 94% of first doses of DTaP-Polio-Hib and 77% of meningococcal vaccine doses respected the vaccination schedule both before and after the intervention. Following the feedback, respect of the vaccination schedule increased for vaccines planned at 12 months for the four clinics that had modified their vaccination practices related to multiple injections (depending on the clinic, VD decreased by 24.4%, 32.0%, 40.2% and 44.6% respectively, p < 0.001 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

The present study shows that it is feasible to provide personalized feedback to vaccinating clinics. While it may have encouraged positive changes in practice concerning multiple injections, this intervention on its own did not impact vaccination delays of the clinics visited. It is possible that feedback integrated into other types of effective interventions and sustained over time may have more impact on VD.
Sports chiropractic management at the World Ice Hockey Championships
Authors: Julian Chris , Hoskins Wayne , Vitiello Andrew L
Published: December 2010

Background

Ice hockey is an international sport. Injuries occur in a full body fashion, to a number of tissues, commonly through body contact. There is a lack of literature documenting the scope of sports chiropractic practice. Thus, it was the aim to document the type, scope and severity of conditions presenting to, and the treatment provided by, the New Zealand team chiropractor acting as a primary health provider for the duration of the 2007 World Ice Hockey Championships.

Methods

All conditions presenting were recorded. Diagnosis was recorded along with clinical parameters of injury: injury type, severity, mechanism and whether referral or advanced imaging was required. All treatment provided was continuously recorded, including information on the number of treatments required and the reason, duration, type and location of treatment.

Results

Players presented for diagnosis of injury 50 times. Muscle (34%), joint (24%) and tendon injuries (18%) were most common. Players presented with a new injury 76% of the time. Most injuries had been present for less than one week (84%), with 53% occurring through a contact mechanism. Injuries were common at training and match locations. Only two injuries required the player to stop playing or training, both of which were referred for advanced imaging. During the study, 134 treatment consultations were rendered to 45 player injuries. Eighty per-cent of injuries were managed with four or less treatments. Three quarters of treatment was provided at training locations with treatment duration predominantly being between 11-15 minutes (71%) and 16-20 minutes (27%). Most treatment delivered was passive in nature (71%) although combination active and passive care was provided (27%). Treatment typically involved joint (81%) and soft tissue based therapies (81%) and was delivered in a full body manner.

Conclusions

This study documented the injury profile of ice hockey at an international level of competition. It documented the conditions presenting to a chiropractor for diagnosis and the treatment provided. Treatment was consistent with that recommended for chiropractic management of athletic injuries. This documentation of sports chiropractic scope of practice fills a void in the literature and assists in determining a role for sports chiropractors as primary health providers or in multidisciplinary sports management teams.
Severe H1N1 virus in pregnancy requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and lobectomy
Authors: McNamee K , Dawood F
Published: December 2010

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of H1N1 is crucial during pregnancy to prevent major morbidity and mortality as the virus poses an increased risk of severe illness in pregnant women. Currently, there is limited obstetric literature concerning pregnancy and the pandemic swine flu outbreak in the UK. Although there was a concerted effort to stockpile the HIN1 virus vaccinations, critical care adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is only available in one centre in the UK.
Gestational diabetes: emerging concepts in pathophysiology
Authors: Hodson Kenneth , Robson Stephen , Taylor Roy
Published: December 2010

Gestational diabetes affects 3 to 5% of pregnancies in the United Kingdom, contributing to significant maternal and fetal morbidity. Understanding the pathophysiology is important as it guides diagnostic screening and treatment. The insulin resistance of normal pregnancy facilitates provision of metabolic substrates to the fetus and is multifactorial in origin. Recent identification of hepatic and skeletal muscle lipid deposition in Type 2 diabetics, demonstrated by novel magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques, is likely to be the underlying cause of pathological insulin resistance. Similar mechanisms almost certainly underlie gestational diabetes, although further studies are required to prove this. Women who develop gestational diabetes have demonstrable insulin resistance prior to pregnancy that is part of a chronic process of lipid accumulation ultimately leading to type 2 diabetes later in life. The importance of lifestyle advice and dietary modification and the rationale behind the use of metformin are thus explained.
Phaeochromocytoma in pregnancy: timing of surgery, mode of delivery and magnesium
Authors: Morton Adam , Poad Dianne , Harms Peter , Lambley Jason
Published: December 2010

Phaeochromocytoma in pregnancy is rare. It is associated with high rates of fetal and maternal mortality especially in undiagnosed cases. There are no reliable data comparing outcomes regarding the timing of removal of tumour, or comparing outcomes between vaginal and caesarean delivery. Management should be individualized based upon consultation between the mother, obstetrician, anaesthetist, surgeon and physician. Magnesium infusion should be considered peripartum and/or at the timing of tumour resection.
Maternal cerebrovascular accidents in pregnancy: incidence and outcomes
Authors: Walsh Jennifer , Murphy Cliona , Murray Aoife , O'Laoide Risteard , McAuliffe Fionnuala M
Published: December 2010

Stroke occurring during pregnancy and the postnatal period is a rare but potentially catastrophic event. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and outcomes of pregnancies complicated by maternal stroke in a single centre. This is a prospective study of over 35,000 consecutive pregnancies over a four-year period at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin from 2004 to 2008; in addition we also retrospectively examined all cases of maternal mortality at our institution over a 50-year period from 1959 to 2009. We prospectively identified eight cases of strokes complicating pregnancy and the postnatal period giving an overall incidence of 22.34 per 100,000 pregnancies or 24.74 per 100,000 deliveries. There were no stroke-related mortalities during that time. Retrospective analysis of maternal mortality revealed 102 maternal deaths over a 50-year period, 19 (18.6%) of which were due to cerebrovascular accidents. In conclusion, strokes complicating pregnancy and the puerperium remain a rare event and though there appears to be evidence that the incidence is increasing, the associated maternal mortality appears to be falling.
Does exercise have a role in the management of gestational diabetes mellitus?
Authors: Groeller Herbert , Lowe Sandra , Worsley Anthony , Jenkins Arthur
Published: December 2010

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with a marked increase in the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Engaging in vigorous recreational physical activity prior to and during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of developing GDM. In contrast, evidence of a therapeutic effect from participation in a structured exercise training regimen, although promising, is limited and requires further more substantial investigation. This paper briefly reviews the pathophysiology of GDM, the evidence related to physical activity participation and exercise regimen intervention on GDM, and the clinical considerations required for prescribing exercise.
Understanding the Two Components of Risk Attitudes: An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Qiu Jianying , Steiger Eva-Maria
Published: December 2010

Cumulative prospect theory introduced the weighting of probabilities as an additional component to capture risk attitudes. However, this addition would be a less significant challenge to expected utility theory (EU) if utility curvature and probability weighting showed strong positive correlation. In that case the utility curvature in EU alone, although not properly describing risky behavior in general, would still capture most of the variance of individual risk aversion. This study provides experimental evidence that such a strong and positive correlation does not exist. Although most individuals exhibit concave utility and convex probability weighting, the two components show no strong positive correlation.

This paper was accepted by Peter Wakker, decision analysis.
Carbon Capture by Fossil Fuel Power Plants: An Economic Analysis
Authors: İşlegen Özge , Reichelstein Stefan
Published: December 2010

For fossil fuel power plants to be built in the future, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies offer the potential for significant reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. We examine the break-even value for CCS adoptions, that is, the critical value in the charge for CO2 emissions that would justify investment in CCS capabilities. Our analysis takes explicitly into account that the supply of electricity at the wholesale level (generation) is organized competitively in some U.S. jurisdictions, whereas in others a regulated utility provides integrated generation and distribution services. For either market structure, we find that emissions charges near $30 per tonne of CO2 would be the break-even value for adopting CCS capabilities at new coal-fired power plants. The corresponding break-even values for natural gas plants are substantially higher, near $60 per tonne. Our break-even estimates serve as a basis for projecting the change in electricity prices once carbon emissions become costly. CCS capabilities effectively put an upper bound on the increase in electricity prices resulting from carbon regulations, and we estimate this bound to be near 30% at the retail level for both coal and natural gas plants. In contrast to the competitive power supply scenario, however, these price increases materialize only gradually for a regulated utility. The delay in price adjustments reflects that for regulated firms the basis for setting product prices is historical cost, rather than current cost.

This paper was accepted by Gérard P. Cachon, accounting.