bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron Isotope Variations in Coastal Seawater Determined by Multicollector ICP‐MS
Authors: Rouxel Olivier J. , Auro Maureen
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we applied a reliable technique for measuring Fe isotope variations in coastal seawater at nanomolar levels. Iron was directly pre‐concentrated from acidified seawater samples onto a nitrilotriacetic acid chelating resin and further purified using anion‐exchange resin. Sample recovery, determined using a standard addition method, was essentially quantitative. Iron was then determined using a high‐resolution multicollector ICP‐MS (Neptune) coupled to an ApexQ desolvation introduction system. The external precision for δ56Fe values was 0.11‰ (2s) when using total a Fe quantity between 25 and 100 ng. We initially applied this technique to measure the Fe isotope composition of dissolved Fe from several coastal environments in the north‐eastern United States and we observed a range of δ56Fe values between ‐0.9‰ and 0.1‰ relative to the IRMM‐14 reference material. Iron isotope compositions of several reference water materials for inter‐laboratory comparisons were also reported. Our results suggest that iron in coastal seawater, derived from benthic diagenesis and/or groundwater has negative Fe isotopic signatures that are distinct from other iron sources such as atmospheric deposition and rivers.
AGAINST THE CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY
Authors: Dalal Farhad
Published: September 2010

abstract  The paper enquires into the pertinence of the ‘diversity’ agenda for psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. It critically tracks how multiculturalism, anti‐racism and ‘diversity’ emerge from the philosophy of liberalism. Some of the contradictions and difficulties in each of these discourses are highlighted. The paper then argues that the various schools of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis tend to be intolerant of each other's world‐views and forms of practice. And finally, the paper takes up how three different strands within the profession might view, and so respond to the theme of diversity in the clinic.
THE TRANSFORMATIVE CONDITIONS OF PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC TRAINING: AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Davies James
Published: September 2010

abstract  The author uses an anthropological perspective to consider how certain social conditions of training institutes, through the stresses they evoke, render trainees susceptible to the instruction of seniors. And depending on that which seniors advocate –‘inclusive’ or ‘closed’ therapeutic adherence – trainees will be influenced in that direction as practitioners. In this sense the internalization of clinical perspectives is facilitated by certain exacting conditions of psychotherapeutic training which generate this anxiety. This argument exposes for those desiring clinical reform two sites at which it might be profitably directed: at the social conditions of the training institute which arouse susceptibilities, or else at the instruction, which, by capitalizing on such susceptibilities, inculcates particular clinical values and perspectives. He concludes that if changes are to be brought to such perspectives then it is the social conditions of the training institute that need to be altered.
Municipal shared service collaboration in the Alberta Capital Region: The case of recreation
Authors: LeSage Edward C. , McMillan Melville L. , Hepburn Neil
Published: September 2010

Abstract: This article examines the determinants of participation of Edmonton‐area municipalities in shared services arrangements for recreational and cultural services. Potential determinants emerge from the literature on inter‐municipal collaborative arrangements, but this analysis extends the empirical work on the determinants of participation to encompass small municipalities and to consider the appeal of potential partners. The major finding is that, in the Edmonton environment (and likely in many others), municipal population size is the critical determinant of participation, and participation is inversely related to population size.

Sommaire :
Le présent article examine les facteurs déterminants de la participation des municipalités de la région d'Edmonton dans les ententes relatives aux services partagés en ce qui concerne les services récréatifs et culturels. Les déterminants potentiels proviennent de la littérature sur les ententes de collaboration entre les municipalités. Cependant, l'analyse prolonge le travail empirique sur les facteurs déterminants de la participation pour y inclure les petites municipalités et pour tenir compte de l'appel à des partenaires potentiels. Le principal résultat est que, dans la région d'Edmonton (et vraisemblablement dans de nombreuses autres régions), la taille de la population municipale est le déterminant critique de la participation, et la participation est inversement proportionnelle à la taille de la population.
Association between metabolic syndrome and periodontal disease
Authors: Andriankaja OM , Sreenivasa S , Dunford R , DeNardin E
Published: September 2010

Background:  Metabolic syndrome has been suggested as a potential risk factor for periodontal disease. Data based on NHANES III, with 7431 subjects aged 20 years or older, were analysed to confirm the association between metabolic syndrome and periodontal disease, and identify which components of metabolic syndrome might play a role in this association.

Methods:  Clinical criteria for metabolic syndrome included: (1) abdominal obesity; (2) increased triglycerides; (3) decreased HDL cholesterol; (4) hypertension or current use of hypertension medication; and (5) high fasting plasma glucose. Periodontal disease was evaluated by probing pocket depth (PPD) and was defined as mean PPD ≥2.5 mm.

Results:  Women with two or more metabolic components had significantly increased odds of having periodontal disease as compared to those with no component [(two components, OR = 5.6 (95% CI: 2.2–14.4); three or more, OR = 4.7 (2.0–11.2)]. Using the definition of metabolic syndrome as having three to five metabolic components (reference group with <3 components), the adjusted odds ratios were 1.0 (0.7–1.6) for men and 2.1 (1.2–3.7) for women. Abdominal obesity was the largest contributory factor in both genders.

Conclusions:  While the association between metabolic syndrome and periodontal disease was particularly significant for women, abdominal obesity appeared to be the contributing metabolic factor for both genders.
Effects of different topical agents on enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets: an in vivo and in vitro study
Authors: Uysal T , Amasyali M , Koyuturk AE , Ozcan S
Published: September 2010

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo and in vitro effects of a casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP‐ACP) and fluoride containing topical agents in reducing enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets, and to compare this with a control group.

Methods:  Twenty‐one patients and 60 extracted premolars were divided into three groups: two experimental and one control. Tooth Mousse® (CPP‐ACP gel; GC‐Corp, Tokyo, Japan) and Fluoridin N5® (Fluoride gel; Voco‐GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany) were applied to tooth surfaces around orthodontic brackets in the experimental groups. Teeth were extracted after 60 days to evaluate the in vivo effects of the testing materials. For the in vitro experiment, samples were cycled for 14 days through a daily procedure of demineralization. All teeth were sectioned and evaluated by superficial microhardness analysis. An indentation was made from two positions (occlusal‐cervical) and one depth (10 μm).

Results:  Comparisons of occlusal and cervical microhardness scores for all specimens showed no statistically significant side differences. A multiple comparison test showed that the use of CPP‐ACP and fluoride containing topical gels were more significantly efficient than the control group (p <0.001). No significant differences were detected between CPP‐ACP and the fluoride groups against demineralization.

Conclusions:  In vivo and in vitro evaluations indicated that CPP‐ACP and fluoride containing agents successfully inhibited caries around orthodontic brackets.
Gingival status, crevicular fluid tissue‐type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐2 levels in pregnancy versus post‐partum
Authors: Buduneli N , Becerik S , Buduneli E , Baylas H , Kinnby B
Published: September 2010

Background:  This study was conducted to evaluate a possible link between periodontal status of pregnant women and the plasminogen activator system in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).

Methods:  GCF samples were obtained from four interproximal sites of anterior teeth in 43 women during the second trimester and also after delivery. Full mouth dental plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD) values were recorded at six sites/tooth in each subject. GCF levels of tissue type plasminogen activator (t‐PA) and its inhibitor, plasminogen activator‐inhibitor‐2 (PAI‐2) were determined by ELISA. Data comparisons between pregnancy and post‐partum were made by Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results:  The number of pockets with a PD >4 mm and total volume of GCF sampled were reduced significantly after delivery (p = 0.000 and p = 0.013, respectively). No significant differences were detected in GCF concentrations of t‐PA or PAI‐2 between pregnancy and post‐partum.

Conclusions:  Our results suggest that GCF t‐PA and PAI‐2 concentrations are not affected by pregnancy. Reductions in PD values and GCF volume following delivery indicate a resolution of oedema in gingival tissues, possibly related to hormonal changes due to the ending of pregnancy.
The Effectiveness of Internal Auditing: An Empirical Examination of its Determinants in Israeli Organisations
Authors: Cohen Aaron , Sayag Gabriel
Published: September 2010

Internal auditing (IA) has become an indispensable control mechanism in both public and private organisations. Yet very few academic studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of IA. The current exploratory study aims to build a conceptual understanding of the effectiveness of IA in organisations. Towards this end it develops a scale to measure the effectiveness of IA and a model of its determinants. One hundred and eight Israeli organisations that employ IA participated in the study (a 37% response rate). Data on the effectiveness of IA were collected from the organisations’ general managers and data on the determinants from their internal auditors. The findings reveal good psychometric properties for the scale developed in this study. The correlation and regression analyses show support from top management to be the main determinant of IA effectiveness, with some effect also found for the organisational independence of IA. The effect of the predictors was consistent between the public and private sectors. The research model explained a large amount of variance of IA effectiveness. The findings are discussed in terms of how they can help guide and encourage the continuation of research on this issue.
Analysts’ Perceptions of Intellectual Capital Information
Authors: Sakakibara Shigeki , Hansson Bo , Yosano Tadanori , Kozumi Hideo
Published: September 2010

This study is based on a survey of 324 financial analysts in Japan. The survey concerns analysts’ perceptions of intellectual capital (IC) information and its links to the evaluation of companies. The value relevance of and the access to IC‐related information reveals a large gap on many items. The analysis further shows that the lack of access to information hampers analysts’ use of IC in their evaluation of companies, particularly in their use of human capital measures. Attitudes towards more disclosure and standardisation are mainly driven by perceptions of what generates value in companies.
Structure and Level of Remuneration Across the Top Executive Team
Authors: Rankin Michaela
Published: September 2010

This paper details the level and structure of executive remuneration across the executive team from 2006 to 2009. Results indicate that the level and structure of executive pay varies across the executive team. There is a clear delineation between the level and structure of all components of pay for the CEO and Executive 1, and for other executives. Employees of finance firms receive higher levels of pay and greater proportions of bonus than do employees in other sectors. Pay structure in 2009 is different from other years in the study, indicating that the economic downturn of 2008 and 2009 has led to differences in executive pay.
The Use of Performance‐based Remuneration: High versus Low‐growth Firms
Authors: Walker Julie
Published: September 2010

This study analyses the CEO remuneration structure and level for 100 Australian‐listed entities. Consistent with expectations, it finds that high‐growth firms pay their CEOs a greater proportion of performance‐based pay, when equity‐based rewards only are considered. High‐growth firms also place greater reliance on market and/or non‐financial performance standards for the award of performance‐based pay. The extent to which performance‐based remuneration is used as a component of CEO pay is positively associated with firm size and growth options. Other potential determinants of performance‐based pay, such as financial performance, are not significantly associated with the use of performance‐based remuneration.
Generational Characteristics and Their Impact on Preference for Management Control Systems
Authors: Petroulas Emma , Brown David , Sundin Heidi
Published: September 2010

Research indicates that different macro‐socialisation results in systematic differences in generational characteristics, which may in turn result in different generational workplace preferences for management control systems (MCS). An exploratory study was undertaken of three generations (Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y) and their MCS preferences in a large Australian professional services firm. The results found that each generation exhibited different characteristics and these differences are linked to specific generational MCS preferences for goal setting, performance evaluation, administrative controls and incentives. These findings have implications for MCS design that attracts, motivates and retains employees, improves organisational performance, and manages intergenerational conflict.
Is the Current Accounting Treatment of Education and Training Costs Appropriate?
Authors: Frederickson James R. , Webster Elizabeth , Williamson Ian O.
Published: September 2010

This paper addresses the apparent disconnect between the economic consequences of firm‐sponsored education and training and the accounting and disclosure treatment of those costs. Research suggests that firm‐sponsored education and training enhances firm productivity and performance, yet accounting standards require firms to treat education and training costs as expenses. This study discusses not only the rationale for this accounting treatment, but also what firms and accounting standard setters can do to enhance the information provided to capital market participants about firm‐sponsored education and training.
Analysis of a deflating soap bubble
Authors: Jackson David P. , Sleyman Sarah
Published: September 2010

A soap bubble on the end of a cylindrical tube is seen to deflate as the higher pressure air inside the bubble escapes through a tube. We perform an experiment to measure the radius of the slowly deflating bubble and observe that the radius decreases to a minimum before quickly increasing. This behavior reflects the fact that the bubble ends up as a flat surface over the end of the tube. A theoretical analysis reproduces this behavior and compares favorably with the experimental data.
Analyzing force concept inventory with item response theory
Authors: Wang Jing , Bao Lei
Published: September 2010

Item response theory is a popular assessment method used in education. It rests on the assumption of a probability framework that relates students’ innate ability and their performance on test questions. Item response theory transforms students’ raw test scores into a scaled proficiency score, which can be used to compare results obtained with different test questions. The scaled score also addresses the issues of ceiling effects and guessing, which commonly exist in quantitative assessment. We used item response theory to analyze the force concept inventory (FCI). Our results show that item response theory can be useful for analyzing physics concept surveys such as the FCI and produces results about the individual questions and student performance that are beyond the capability of classical statistics. The theory yields detailed measurement parameters regarding the difficulty, discrimination features, and probability of correct guess for each of the FCI questions.
Field equations for massless bosons from a Dirac–Weinberg formalism
Authors: Davies Richard W. , Davies K. Thomas R. , Zory Peter , Nydick Daniel S.
Published: September 2010

Dirac’s first-order differential equation for relativistic spin 1/2 fermions can be extended to massless bosons using a formalism developed by Steven Weinberg. Weinberg’s theory is based heavily on details of the Lorentz and Poincaré groups and may not be accessible to the average reader. Although Weinberg’s theory was formulated over 40 years ago and his equations are easy to write down, few physicists seem to be familiar with them, and they are not discussed in standard quantum texts. In this paper we demonstrate the utility of his methods. Weinberg’s equations, which are valid for arbitrary spin, can be put in a form analogous to the Dirac equation for massless particles. Due to transversality conditions imposed on the theory so that it satisfies the second-order Klein–Gordon equation, we recast the theory in terms of a two-component Dirac–Pauli spinor. The theory is presented in some detail for j=1, corresponding to the photon and the vector Maxwell equations, and for j=2, corresponding to a graviton-like particle and a tensor version of Maxwell’s equations. These latter equations determine the polarization of gravitational waves in the weak field approximation. Our results correspond to those from the traceless-transverse gauge of general relativity.
Cosmic collaboration in an undergraduate astrophysics laboratory
Authors: Gunter Ramona , Spiczak Glenn , Madsen James
Published: September 2010

Lessons learned during the first offering of a lab component of an intermediate astrophysics course at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls are discussed. The course enrolled students from a variety of majors. Students worked in mixed-gender, mixed-major collaborative groups. They explored cosmic rays through hands-on, inquiry-based activities that took them from classic, fundamental discoveries to open-ended questions of their own design. We find that students divided their labor and brought the various parts of their research project together with little or no discussion regarding the various pieces and how they inform each other. Aspects of the lab design helped disrupt some typical gender dynamics in that men did not dominate group discussions. However, men did dominate the hands-on activities of the lab.
A close examination of the motion of an adiabatic piston
Authors: Gislason Eric A.
Published: September 2010

The adiabatic piston problem involves two ideal gases contained in a horizontal cylinder and separated by an insulated piston that moves without friction. Initially, the piston is held in place, and the pressures of the two gases are different. When the piston is released, it undergoes oscillations that are damped due to frictional effects caused by the gases, and its motion finally ceases. The final pressures of the two gases are equal, but the final temperatures are typically different. Approximate solutions are developed for the time dependence of the piston motion, the temperatures of the gases, and the entropy changes of the gases. These results are compared with exact solutions of the coupled differential equations derived by Crosignani et al. [“Approach to thermal equilibrium in a system with adiabatic constraints,” Am. J. Phys. 64, 610–613 (1996)].
A case-crossover study of occupational laceration injuries in pork processing: methods and preliminary findings
Authors: Lander Lina , Sorock Gary S , Stentz Terry L , Eisen Ellen A , Mittleman Murray , Hauser Russ , Perry Melissa J
Published: September 2010

Objectives

Meatpacking remains a hazardous and largely unexamined industry. Despite prevention efforts, laceration injuries, among others, remain high. We estimated the magnitude of associations between transient exposures such as equipment malfunction, performing an unusual work task, rushing, and occurrence of laceration injuries.

Methods

Injured workers were recruited from two pork-processing plants, one in Iowa and one in Nebraska. A telephone interview was conducted within 7 days of the injury, on average to collect information on fixed and transient exposures preceding the injury event. Case-crossover methodology was used to evaluate case and control data within the same subject, thus controlling for between-subject confounding. A Mantel–Haenszel estimator for person-time data was used to estimate the relative risks of injury and transient exposures of interest.

Results

Of the 362 workers with lacerations between April 2006 and October 2007, 153 (42%) were interviewed (74% male, 41% Hispanic). Forty-eight per cent were injured by a knife or a knife-like object such as scissors or a band saw. Other sources of lacerations included sharp edges and hooks. Tool sharpening was associated with the highest RR of laceration (RR 8.4, 95% CI 5.4 to 12.8) followed by slipping (RR 74.8, 95% CI 30.5 to 183.3), equipment malfunction (RR 3.8, 95% CI 2.8 to 5.3), and performing an unusual task (RR 3.7, 95% CI 2.6 to 5.2). Being tired, distracted, or rushing were not significant risk factors for a laceration.

Conclusions

Aspects of the physical environment and work practices appear to be significant risk factors for laceration injury in meatpacking. Personal risk factors were less significant in this study.
Occupational exposure to organic solvents and lymphoid neoplasms in men: results of a French case-control study
Authors: Orsi Laurent , Monnereau Alain , Dananche Brigitte , Berthou Christian , Fenaux Pierre , Marit Gerald , Soubeyran Pierre , Huguet Françoise , Milpied Noel , Leporrier Michel , Hemon Denis , Troussard Xavier , Clavel Jacqueline
Published: September 2010

Objectives

Investigating the role of occupational exposure to solvents in the occurrence of lymphoid neoplasms (LNs) in men.

Methods

The data were generated by a French hospital-based case-control study, conducted in six centres in 2000–2004. The cases were incident cases aged 18–75 years with a diagnosis of LN. During the same period, controls of the same age and gender as the cases were recruited in the same hospitals, mainly in the orthopaedic and rheumatological departments. Exposure to solvents was assessed using standardised occupational questionnaires and case-by-case expert assessment. Specific quantification of benzene exposure was attempted. The analyses included 491 male patients (244 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), 87 of Hodgkin's lymphoma, 104 of lymphoproliferative syndrome and 56 of multiple myeloma) and 456 male controls. Unconditional logistic regressions were used to estimate OR and 95% CI.

Results

Solvent exposure, all solvents considered together, was marginally associated with NHL (OR=1.4 (1.0 to 2.0) p=0.06), but not with other LNs. No association with the main chemical series of solvents was observed. There was no trend with the average intensity or frequency of exposure. Exposure to pure benzene was not significantly related to NHL (OR=3.4 (0.8 to 15.0)). The highest maximum intensities of benzene exposure were associated with diffuse large cell lymphoma (OR=2.1 (1.0 to 4.6)).

Conclusion

The results of the present study provide estimates compatible with the hypothesis that exposures to pure benzene and high benzene intensities may play a role in some NHL. There was no evidence for a role of other organic solvents in the occurrence of LN.
BAYESIAN NETWORK REASONING WITH UNCERTAIN EVIDENCES
Authors: PENG YUN , ZHANG SHENYONG , PAN RONG
Published: September 2010

This paper investigates the problem of belief update in Bayesian networks (BN) with uncertain evidence. Two types of uncertain evidences are identified: virtual evidence (reflecting the uncertainty one has about a reported observation) and soft evidence (reflecting the uncertainty of an event one observes). Each of the two types of evidence has its own characteristics and obeys a belief update rule that is different from hard evidence, and different from each other. The particular emphasis is on belief update with multiple uncertain evidences. Efficient algorithms for BN reasoning with consistent and inconsistent uncertain evidences are developed, and their convergences analyzed. These algorithms can be seen as combining the techniques of traditional BN reasoning, Pearl's virtual evidence method, Jeffrey's rule, and the iterative proportional fitting procedure.
ADEPTS: ADVANCED PEPTIDE DE NOVO SEQUENCING WITH A PAIR OF TANDEM MASS SPECTRA
Authors: HE LIN , MA BIN
Published: September 2010

De novo sequencing is an important task in proteomics to identify novel peptide sequences. Traditionally, only one MS/MS spectrum is used for the sequencing of a peptide; however, the use of multiple spectra of the same peptide with different types of fragmentation has the potential to significantly increase the accuracy and practicality of de novo sequencing. Research into the use of multiple spectra is in a nascent stage. We propose a general framework to combine the two different types of MS/MS data. Experiments demonstrate that our method significantly improves the de novo sequencing of existing software.
Deep structures and seismic stratigraphy of the Egyptian continental margin from multichannel seismic data
Authors: Caméra Laurent , Ribodetti Alessandra , Mascle Jean
Published: September 2010

Regional multichannel seismic reflection (MCS) profiles across the Egyptian continental slope, offshore the Nile delta, were recorded during the MEDISIS survey (conducted in 2002 on board the R/V
Nadir
). The results of this survey allow an interpretation of the overall structure and evolution of this passive continental margin. The MCS data were processed using an amplitude preserving pre-stack depth migration technique, which has the advantage of providing a quantitative, and geometrically correct, image of seismic horizons. Well-defined reflecting events allow the identification of three main seismic units. The upper unit (a 7 km thick) is interpreted as the post-rift sedimentary cover of the margin; it includes an undisturbed Middle Cretaceous to Upper Miocene sedimentary pile, covered by thick Messinian (latest Miocene) salt-rich layers and by Pliocene to Quaternary sediments, locally intensively deformed by gravity tectonics. The underlying intermediate acoustic unit (6 km thick on average) is interpreted as the Mesozoic syn-rift sedimentary cover of the margin; the end of the last rifting event is marked by a strong angular unconformity, tentatively of Aptian age. The lower unit may correspond to the thinned continental crust of Africa (12 km thick on average in the study area) and its pre-rift cover. Its base is identified by strong, discontinuous reflector packages about 23–25 km below sea floor, interpreted as indicative of the Moho.
Magnetic Catalysis of Chiral Symmetry Breaking: A Holographic Prospective
Authors: Filev Veselin , Rashkov Radoslav
Published: September 2010

We review a recent investigation of the effect of magnetic catalysis of mass generation in holographic Yang‐Mills theories. We aim at a self‐contained and pedagogical form of the review. We provide a brief field theory background and review the basics of holographic flavordynamics. The main part of the paper investigates the influence of external magnetic field to holographic gauge theories dual to the D3/D5‐ and D3/D7‐brane intersections. Among the observed phenomena are the spontaneous breaking of a global internal symmetry,
Zeeman splitting of the energy levels, and the existence of pseudo, Goldstone modes. An analytic derivation of the Gell‐Mann‐Oaks‐Renner relation for the D3/D7 set up is reviewed. In the D3/D5 case, the pseudo‐Goldstone modes satisfy nonrelativistic dispersion relation. The studies reviewed confirm the universal nature of the magnetic catalysis of mass generation.
Deformation, Vibration, Buckling of Continuum Nanotorus
Authors: Sun Bohua
Published: September 2010

A nanotorus is theoretically described as carbon nanotube bent into a torus (doughnut shape). Nanotori are predicted to have many unique properties, such as magnetic moments 1000 times larger than previously expected for certain specific radii. Its properties vary widely depending on radius of the torus and radius of the tube. Here, we developed a continuum model of nanotorus and obtained a closed form solutions for nanotorus deformation, vibration, and buckling and embedded in an elastic medium. The nanotorus is considered as a continuum model.
A Software-Defined Radio System for Intravehicular Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kong Xiangming , Zhang Deying , Ahmed Mohin
Published: September 2010

An intra-vehicular wireless sensor network is designed and implemented on a software-defined radio system. IUWB signal is chosen to carry the data packets. The MAC layer of the system follows the specification of the IEEE802.15.4 standard. The transceiver design, especially the receiver design, is detailed in the paper. The system design is validated through lab test setup.
Motion in Augmented Reality Games: An Engine for Creating Plausible Physical Interactions in Augmented Reality Games
Authors: Mac Namee Brian , Beaney David , Dong Qingqing
Published: September 2010

The next generation of Augmented Reality (AR) games will require real and virtual objects to coexistin motionin immersive game environments. This will require the illusion that real and virtual objects interact physically together in a plausible way. TheMotion in Augmented Reality Games(MARG) engine described in this paper has been developed to allow these kinds of game environments. The paper describes the design and implementation of the MARG engine and presents two proof-of-concept AR games that have been developed using it. Evaluations of these games have been performed and are presented to show that the MARG engine takes an important step in developing the next generation of motion-rich AR games.
Selective Th2 Upregulation by Crocus sativus: A Neutraceutical Spice
Authors: Bani Sarang , Pandey Anjali , Agnihotri Vijai K. , Pathania Vijaylata , Singh Bikram
Published: September 2010

The immunomodulatory activity of an Indian neutraceutical spice, saffron (Crocus sativus) was studied on Th1 and Th2 limbs of the immune system. Oral administration of alcoholic extract of Crocus sativus (ACS) at graded dose levels from 1.56–50 mg/kg p.o. potentiated the Th2 response of humoral immunity causing the significant increases in agglutinating antibody titre in mice at a dose of 6.25 mg/kg and an elevation of  CD19+ B cells and IL‐4 cytokine, a signature cytokine of Th2 pathway. Appreciable elevation in levels of IgG‐1 and IgM antibodies of the primary and secondary immune response was observed. However, ACS showed no appreciable expression of the Th1 cytokines IL‐2 (growth factor for  CD4+ T cells) and IFN‐γ (signature cytokine of Th1 response). A significant modulation of immune reactivity was observed in all the animal models used. This paper represents the selective upregulation of the Th2 response of the test material and suggests its use for subsequent selective Th2 immunomodulation.
Novel Insights in the Diagnosis of Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Alexandraki Krystallenia I. , Grossman Ashley B.
Published: September 2010

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) results from sustained pathologic hypercortisolism. Increased identification of cyclical CS and the similarities between the metabolic syndrome and mild CS has resulted in an increased prevalence of CS, necessitating more accurate diagnostic tests to screen and diagnose CS in its earliest stages. Many studies have examined the utility of resistance to steroid feedback by the dexamethasone suppression tests and increases in secretion assessing 24-hour urinary free cortisol; however, the most sensitive indicator is the loss of circadian rhythmicity. Therefore, midnight sleeping cortisol is undoubtedly an extremely sensitive indicator of CS but impractical for screening purposes. In this situation assessment late-night salivary cortisol (NSC) is being increasingly investigated as a simple and convenient outpatient procedure. Salivary cortisol has also been used in stimulation or suppression tests because of the detection of rapid changes in cortisol concentration. This paper discusses the effectiveness of SC as a putative accurate, stress-free, and non-invasive sampling procedure. Some studies have shown no difference between tests while others demonstrated a higher sensitivity of SC, while the combination of tests seems to increase their diagnostic value. However, the different assays used for SC estimation and the variable types of control groups in the published studies render a comparison of studies difficult. In conclusion, NSC measurement is increasingly being used as a first-line test for CS, but we recommend that local centres establish their own normative ranges, and there is still a place for the more traditional tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Mortality in Cushing’s Disease
Authors: Clayton R.N.
Published: September 2010

The causes of premature death in untreated Cushing’s syndrome are vascular disease (myocardial infarction/stroke), uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and complications and infections. Long-term mortality outcome studies on pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease (CD) are limited to six studies in the English language literature. This paper reviews these studies on CD, other causes of Cushing’s syndrome being excluded, because CD represents 80% of patients with the syndrome. The period covered by these studies (1970–1990) is when transsphenoidal surgery was well established as primary treatment for CD. Two studies were exclusively from surgical centres and are likely biased in favour of surgically resectable adenomas, so this needs to be borne in mind when interpreting their results. The criteria for remission of hypercortisolism and persistent disease were variable. The overall number of patients in each report is small, and the number of deaths even smaller by epidemiological standards giving very wide confidence intervals to the standardised mortality ratios (SMR). Moreover, follow-up time was relatively short (median 10–12 years) for a disease diagnosed in the patients’ late 30s. Notwithstanding the above limitations of retrospective studies, and potential for positive bias, the overall SMR of around 1.5 was not significantly different from the relevant normal population for those patients deemed in remission. However, SMR was significantly worse for those patients with persistent disease. Where it was possible to analyse contributing factors to mortality, the presence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, in addition to persistence of hypercortisolism, was shown to be significant. It remains possible that an overall SMR in ‘cured’ patients would be significant given a larger cohort, followed for longer, and with more deaths. What is clearly required is a multicentre prospective cohort study with >30 years’ follow-up to answer the question definitively and identify the contributing factors in detail in order to achieve optimum long-term outcome.
Age Differences in Genetic Knowledge, Health Literacy and Causal Beliefs for Health Conditions
Authors: Ashida S. , Goodman M. , Pandya C. , Koehly L.M. , Lachance C. , Stafford J. , Kaphingst K.A.
Published: September 2010

Objectives: This study examined the levels of genetic knowledge, health literacy and beliefs about causation of health conditions among individuals in different age groups. Methods: Individuals (n = 971) recruited through 8 community health centers in Suffolk County, New York, completed a one-time survey. Results: Levels of genetic knowledge were lower among individuals in older age groups (26–35, p = 0.011; 36–49, p = 0.002; 50 years and older, p<0.001) compared to those in the youngest age group (18–25). Participants in the oldest age group also had lower health literacy than those in the youngest group (p <0.001). Those in the oldest group were more likely to endorse genetic (OR = 1.87, p = 0.008) and less likely to endorse behavioral factors like diet, exercise and smoking (OR = 0.55, p = 0.010) as causes of a person’s body weight than those in the youngest group. Higher levels of genetic knowledge were associated with higher likelihood of behavioral attribution for body weight (OR = 1.25, p <0.001). Conclusions: Providing additional information that compensates for their lower genetic knowledge may help individuals in older age groups benefit from rapidly emerging genetic health information more fully. Increasing the levels of genetic knowledge about common complex diseases may help motivate individuals to engage in health promoting behaviors to maintain healthy weight through increases in behavioral causal attributions.
The Era of Antiaging Ophthalmology Comes of Age: Antiaging Approach for Dry Eye Treatment
Authors: Tsubota Kazuo , Kawashima Motoko , Inaba Takaaki , Dogru Murat , Ogawa Yoko , Nakamura Shigeru , Shinmura Ken , Higuchi Akihiro , Kawakita Tetsuya
Published: September 2010

Recent advances in the understanding of aging have paved a new way of thinking about intervening with the aging process. There is a global agreement in the scientific community that calorie restriction (CR) can actually extend the life span of various kinds of animals so that this has become a real intervention in aging. In addition to the CR theory, the free radical theory is another important hypothesis, which is believed to be involved in aging. According to this theory, we can manage the aging process by controlling calories or reactive oxygen species. In this paper, these two important aging theories, CR and free radical aging, are reviewed, and it is discussed how to apply these theories to the prevention and treatment of eye diseases. Finally, we share the preliminary results of our animal study on dry eye, and I report my personal experience as a dry eye patient, which has been alleviated by the antiaging approach.
Preferences regarding Genetic Research Results: Comparing Veterans and Nonveterans Responses
Authors: Arar N. , Seo J. , Lee S. , Abboud H.E. , Copeland L.A. , Noel P. , Parchman M.
Published: September 2010

Objective: Communicating genetic research results to participants presents ethical challenges. Our objectives were to examine participants’ preferences in receiving future genetic research results and to compare preferences reported by veteran and nonveterans participants. Methods: Secondary analysis was performed on data collected in 2000–2004 from 1,575 consent forms signed by Mexican-American participants enrolled in 2 genetic family studies (GFS) in San Antonio: The Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes (FIND) and the Extended FIND (EFIND). The consent forms for these studies contained multiple-choice questions to examine participants’ preferences about receiving their (1) clinical lab results and (2) future genetic research results. The FIND and EFIND databases had information on subjects’ demographic characteristics and some selected clinical variables. We identified veterans using the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA’s) centralized data repository. We compared veterans’ and nonveterans’ preferences using Student’s t test for continuous variables and χ2 test for discrete variables. A logistic regression analyzed subjects’ preference for receiving their research results, controlling for other socio-demographic and clinical variables. Results: The sample included 275 (18%) veterans and 1,247 (82%) nonveterans. Our results indicated a strong desire among the majority of participants 1,445 (95%) in getting their clinical lab research results. Likewise, 93% expressed interest in being informed about their future genetic results. There was no significant difference in veterans’ and nonveterans’ preference to disclosure of the research results (χ2 test; p > 0.05). Regression analysis showed no significant relationship (p = 0.449) between the outcome (receiving research results) and veterans’ responses after controlling for demographics and educational levels. Conclusion: Participants believed they would prefer receiving their genetic research results. Veterans are similar to nonveterans in their preferences. Offering genetic research results to participants should be based on well defined and structured plans to enhance interpretation of genetic data.
Medical Treatment in Cushing’s Syndrome: Dopamine Agonists and Cabergoline
Authors: Petrossians Patrick , Thonnard Anne-Sophie , Beckers Albert
Published: September 2010

Dopamine (DA) is a catecholamine with a wide range of functions and whose five subtype receptors are found in different organs where they exert a mainly inhibitory action. Since this action may also appear in a number of secretory tumors in various locations, DA agonists have elicited some interest as a medical treatment for hypercorticism. Non-iatrogenic Cushing’s syndromes are due in 70% of the cases to a pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing adenoma, and, less frequently, to an adrenal adenoma or an ectopic ACTH secretion by a neuroendocrine tumor. First-line treatment in Cushing’s syndrome consists of the surgical removal of the secreting tumor. However, surgery may not achieve a complete cure in a number of cases, hence emphasizing the potential benefit of a medical complementary treatment, which could also benefit patients as an alternative approach, either when waiting for, or when the patient is not eligible for surgery. Studies of corticotropic adenomas have shown that 80% of these tumors express D2 receptors. Clinical trials of DA agonists in Cushing’s disease have shown an inhibitory effect of these drugs with an inhibition of ACTH secretion and/or a decrease of tumor size. There are only a few cases of documented use of DA agonists in ectopic ACTH secretion, but when the tumor expresses DA receptors, DA agonists may represent a useful complementary treatment. DA receptors are also expressed in normal and tumoral adrenals, suggesting a potential use of DA agonists in Cushing’s syndrome secondary to adrenal tumors. However, clinical data regarding this specific situation are very scarce, maybe due to the relatively high rate of surgical cure of adrenal adenomas. In conclusion, DA agonists represent a potential preparatory or complementary treatment for endogenous Cushing’s syndrome, especially in Cushing’s disease. These compounds may be underused as suggested by the scarce number of publication and case reports in the literature. In the future, association of these drugs with somatostatin analogs may also prove beneficial.
Polihexanide for Wound Treatment – How It Began
Authors: Roth B. , Brill F.H.H.
Published: September 2010

The essential role of wound antiseptics was discovered in the 18th century. Since then, many different procedures and substances have been developed and used for this indication. In the 1980s, polihexanide was introduced by Prof. Willenegger in Switzerland. Today, consensus recommendations confirm the potential of this substance for wound treatment. Various polihexanide-containing wound care products are available and these are now also gaining in importance throughout Europe and throughout the world.
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Tolerability of a Solution Containing Propyl Betaine and Polihexanide for Wound Irrigation
Authors: Romanelli M. , Dini V. , Barbanera S. , Bertone M.S.
Published: September 2010

Wound cleansing represents a fundamental step in chronic wound management. Several investigations in recent years have led to a refinement of the wound cleansing protocol in order to obtain a better control of the bacterial burden during wound bed preparation and to avoid further cell and tissue damage. The aim of the present randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effects of a wound cleansing solution containing polihexanide and betaine in venous leg ulcers by means of clinical and instrumental assessment. A portable device was used on the wound bed to assess surface pH, which has been shown to be one of the most useful non-invasive biophysical parameters in order to correlate the level of bacterial burden in different types of chronic wounds. Baseline pH on the wound surface (median range) was initially 8.9, and after 4 weeks of cleansing treatment and moist wound dressing was reduced and stable at 7.0 in the group treated with active cleanser. The pH value was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in this group compared to the control group at the end of the study. The treatment with the solution containing polihexanide and betaine was well tolerated by the patients and was found useful in the absorption of wound odours.
hSNF5 Is Required for Human Papillomavirus E2-Driven Transcriptional Activation and DNA Replication
Authors: Cha Seho , Seo Taegun
Published: September 2010

Objective: To determine the participation of the SWI/SNF complex in the transcription and replication of human papillomavirus (HPV) E2 protein. Method: We checked the interaction between hSNF5 and HPV E2 through glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down and coimmunoprecipitation assays. The transcriptional activation of E2 was analyzed by reporter assay and the level of HPV DNA replication was determined by a transient DNA replication assay. Results: We demonstrated that hSNF5 binds to the HPV E2 protein in vivo and in vitro and activates E2-dependent viral transcription. SWI/SNF components enhanced E2-dependent viral transcription. The ATPase activity of BRG-1/hSNF2 was required for efficient E2-dependent transcriptional activation. Transient DNA replication assays showed that hSNF5 and BRG-1 enhance HPV-18 DNA replication in vivo. A dominant negative hSNF5 and a BRG-1 ATPase mutant each repressed E2-dependent viral transcription and E2-driven HPV DNA replication in vivo. The fact that the transcriptional activation function of HPV-18 E2 was defective in the SNF5 knockout strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae implies that the SWI/SNF complex is required for the transcriptional activation function of E2. Conclusion: These results suggest that the SWI/SNF complex is involved in HPV E2-driven transcription and DNA replication via interaction with E2.