bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interlaminar fracture toughness of woven E-glass fabric composites
Authors: Blake Steven P , Berube Keith A , Lopez-Anido Roberto A
Published: October 2011

Composite materials fabricated using woven fabrics are characterized for fracture toughness. Crack propagation behavior in woven fabric composites is investigated with respect to the periodic pattern produced as a result of the weave structure. Additionally, experimental methods for determining fracture toughness are investigated for woven fabric composites and a numerical technique to detect crack onset is proposed. Fracture characterization methods for mode I, mode II, and mixed-mode are investigated. A case study encompassing DCB, ENF, and three MMB test configurations is presented for a typical marine-grade E-glass fiber reinforced composite with a toughened vinyl ester resin matrix. The aim of this article is to investigate the fracture behavior of a heavy woven fabric composite. The most important outcomes of this study are a numerical technique to detect crack initiation and a discussion of the fracture behavior of woven fabric composites.
Relationships between mechanical and transport properties for fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Kim Byoungil , Lee Jung-Youn
Published: October 2011

This study investigated the mechanical and transport properties of the important factors of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) for the design of durable concrete structures. The fibers that are commonly used in industry, such as 1% steel, 0.5% polypropylene (PP), and 0.75% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers, were evaluated. The addition of PP, PVA, and steel fibers, as they have been known, had little or no effect on compressive and tensile strengths but significantly affected postcracking behaviors and the critical transport mechanisms. The change of the permeable pores seems to depend on the material property of fibers between the fiber and the matrix interface. Among the fiber types used in this study, hook end steel fibers showed the best performance for both the mechanical and transport properties. Generally, as the permeable pore spaces increased, the strength as well as the resistance of transport properties also decreased. However, the effect of the permeable voids on the transport properties was much greater than that of the compressive strength. When the transport properties obtained are employed for the design of durable FRC, major properties such as the permeable voids and absorption by capillary action are important factors to be considered first for resisting movement of harmful substances into concrete.
Honor Bound
Authors: Uskul Ayse K. , Cross Susan E. , Sunbay Zeynep , Gercek-Swing Berna , Ataca Bilge
Published: October 2011

The authors tested the hypotheses that Turkish and (Northern) American cultures afford different honor-relevant situations and different responses to these situations. In Study 1, the authors found that honor-attacking situations generated by American participants focused more on the individual than did situations generated by Turkish participants, whereas situations generated by Turkish participants focused more on close others and involved more references to an audience than did situations generated by American participants. Moreover, the situations most frequently generated by both groups tended to also differ in nature. In Study 2, new participants evaluated these situations for their impact on the self, close others, and acquaintances’ feelings about their family. Turkish participants tended to evaluate situations as having greater impact on all targets than did American participants. Turkish participants also evaluated all situations to have a similar impact on their own feelings and close others’ feelings about themselves, whereas Americans evaluated the situations to have more extreme impact on their own feelings than on the feelings of close others. Situations generated by Turkish participants were evaluated to have stronger impact on all targets.
Users’ perceptions of the relative costs and benefits of 2D and 3D visual displays in discrete-event simulation
Authors: Akpan Ikpe Justice , Brooks Roger J
Published: October 2011

The use of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) visual displays for discrete-event simulation (DES) has become very popular within the simulation community in recent years. This paper presents results from surveys of users of 3D and 2D simulation applications regarding their views of the impact, benefits and drawbacks of 3D displays. The results indicate that 3D displays can often be more effective than 2D displays in communication, verification and validation, and experimentation. This can lead to a better project outcome with an improved understanding of the real system and a better solution for the decision maker. The main drawback is the additional cost, time and complexity of building the model. Potential implications for modeling in general are the importance of being able to relate the model to the real system and of involving the decision maker in the modeling process.
Explaining the Process of Resistance to Persuasion
Authors: Jenkins Mikayla , Dragojevic Marko
Published: October 2011

Two experiments are conducted to test a politeness theory-derived process model of resistance to persuasion. Experiment 1 demonstrates that messages with more forceful language, compared to messages with less forceful language, produce an overall threat to face (i.e., negative and positive face). A second experiment was conducted to replicate the findings of Experiment 1 and to extend the process model by testing the hypothesis that controlling language produces a threat to face because of the meta-communicative content (i.e., unsubstantiated claim of relative power) implied by the language selected by the source. Overall, the data provide support for a politeness theory based understanding of resistance to persuasion.
Young Adults’ Autobiographical Memories of Frightening News Stories Seen During Childhood
Authors: Riddle Karyn
Published: October 2011

This study explored long-term memories for childhood exposure to disturbing televised news reports in order to uncover possible mechanisms through which children experience the emotion of fear. In an online survey, 328 undergraduates at a Midwestern university were questioned about their long-term memories for a disturbing news report seen during childhood. Results revealed that 50% of participants could remember a specific news event that frightened them during childhood, a majority of which were seen accidentally. Participants were most likely to remember news stories about terrorist attacks, murders, and kidnappings. They were more frightened when news events were rated as personally relevant, when they continued to think about the news event after it had ended, and when the news events elicited feelings of shock and surprise.
Corporatism, crisis and contention in Sweden and Korea during the 1990s
Authors: Vandenberg Andrew , Hundt David
Published: October 2011

Debate has long surrounded corporatism’s depictions of power and the state, and the rise of neoliberalism has raised even more doubts about corporatism as an analytical construct. Faltering growth and rising unemployment in Sweden and Korea after financial crises in the 1990s seemed to confirm neoliberal expectations that all varieties of corporatism (state/authoritarian and societal/democratic) are doomed to decline, and that corporatism will converge on liberalism. Closer examination of the 1990s crises suggests that Swedish and Korean institutions have transformed rather than collapsed. Corporatist institutions have been transformed by ideas about networks and governance, interaction between national and international institutions and shifting alliances among export-oriented and competition-shielded employers, private and public sector unions and citizen networks. This article argues that the ‘dynamics of contention’ can explain how these new ideas and alliances transformed regimes in Sweden and Korea and as such constitute an alternative to corporatism as an analytical construct.
Immunohistochemical Identification of Kidney Nephron Segments in the Dog, Rat, Mouse, and Cynomolgus Monkey
Authors: Bauchet Anne-Laure , Masson Regis , Guffroy Magali , Slaoui Mohamed
Published: October 2011

Kidney is a major target organ in preclinical studies. In recent years, intense research has been undertaken to characterize novel renal toxicity biomarkers. In this context, we studied nephron segment specific antibodies against aquaporin-1 (AQP-1), α-glutathione-S-transferase (alpha-GST), Tamm-Horsfall protein (TH), calbindin-D28K (CalD), and aquaporin-2 (AQP-2), using an immunoperoxidase method on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded kidney tissues of dogs, rats, mice, and Cynomolgus monkeys. AQP-1 was specific for proximal tubules and thin descending limbs of Henle’s loops and AQP-2 for connecting and collecting ducts in dogs, rats, mice, and Cynomolgus monkeys. Alpha-GST stained the straight part of proximal tubules in dogs and proximal convoluted tubule and straight part of proximal tubules in rats. TH was specific for thick ascending limbs of Henle’s loops in mice, rats, dogs, and Cynomolgus monkeys and stained additionally scattered cells in cortical connecting/collecting ducts of dogs. CalD was found in distal convoluted tubules and cortical connecting and collecting ducts of dogs, rats, and mice and in distal convoluted tubules, connecting ducts, and cortical and medullary collecting ducts of Cynomolgus monkey. This panel of antibodies may be a helpful tool to identify renal tubules by light microscopy in preclinical studies and to validate new biomarkers of renal toxicity.
David Storey’s optimism and chance perspective: A case of the Emperor’s new clothes?
Authors: Westhead Paul , Wright Mike
Published: October 2011

David Storey offers a novel theory to explain temporal variations in novel firm development. The article challenges this approach; it is suggested that it does not take account of important developments in recent entrepreneurship research. The themes of human capital, entrepreneurial learning, entrepreneurial prior experience, attitudes and networks and networking to illustrate ‘one-way bets’, which can shape temporal firm growth, are critically evaluated. With reference to these themes, the article seeks to stimulate additional research attention with regard to several emerging relationships that are ignored or partially discussed, relating to diversity of the entrepreneur, venture and external environmental contexts.
Pediatric perfusion in Japan: 2010 practice survey
Authors: Itoh H , Sano S , Pouard P
Published: October 2011

We report here Japan’s first pediatric perfusion survey. It covers practices from January 2007 through December 2009. Of the 70 congenital heart centers contacted, 53 (76%) completed the survey. They reported performing 3,379 pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures in 2009, 3,408 in 2008, and 3,358 in 2007.Twenty-eight percent of all centers used CPB circuits with a priming volume between 151-200 ml. All centers used pre-bypass ultrafiltration and only 6% used retrograde autologous priming. A biomaterial-coated circuit was used by 78% of the centers, a roller pump as the arterial pump by 91%, vacuum-assisted venous drainage by 39%, dilutional ultrafiltration by 48%, and modified ultrafiltration at the end of the procedure by 30%. A regional oxygen saturation monitor was used by 69% of the centers and high flow (150-200 ml/kg/min) management with alpha-stat blood gas control was standard during moderate to normothermic CPBs. Crystalloid cardioplegia solution was used as myocardial protection by 56% of the centers, electronic recording of monitoring data by 51%. The centers performed 98 pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation procedures in 2007, 109 in 2008, and 119 in 2009; 58% of the centers used a centrifugal pump. This survey provides a description of the current practice in Japan. Future surveys will identify trends and rate of change in practice.
Effects of comprehensive geriatric assessment and targeted intervention on mobility in persons aged 75 years and over: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lihavainen Katri , Sipilä Sarianna , Rantanen Taina , Kauppinen Markku , Sulkava Raimo , Hartikainen Sirpa
Published: October 2011

Objective: To assess the effect of a comprehensive geriatric assessment and individually tailored intervention on mobility in older people. In addition, the effectiveness of the geriatric intervention was evaluated among a subgroup of persons with musculoskeletal pain.

Design: Three-year geriatric development project with randomized assignment to intervention and control group.

Setting: Research centre, community and assisted living facilities.

Participants: Seven hundred and eighty-one Finnish persons aged 75–98 years were assigned to an intervention ( n = 404) or control ( n = 377) group.

Intervention: A comprehensive geriatric assessment with a multifactorial intervention lasting two years. The intervention included individualized referrals, recommendations, physical activity counselling and supervised resistance training.

Measurements: Perceived limitation in walking 400m was gathered annually during the intervention and at the one-year post-intervention follow-up.

Results: The proportion of persons with mobility limitation at the beginning, at the two-year intervention and at the one-year post-intervention follow-up was 16%, 15%, 12% and 14%, respectively, in the intervention group. In the control group, the corresponding proportions were 19%, 18%, 23% and 26%. The treatment effect was significant at the end of the two-year intervention (odds ratio 0.82, 95% confidence interval 0.70–0.96, P = 0.013), and at the one-year post-intervention follow-up (0.84, 0.75–0.94, P = 0.002). The parallel positive effect of the intervention on mobility was even greater among persons with musculoskeletal pain.

Conclusion: The comprehensive geriatric assessment and individually tailored multifactorial intervention had a positive effect on mobility, underlining their importance in health promotion and disability prevention in older people.
What is the role of specialist palliative care in an acute hospital setting? A qualitative study exploring views of patients and carers
Authors: Yang Grace M , Ewing Gail , Booth Sara
Published: October 2011

Background:

Since the medical specialty of palliative medicine was recognized in 1988, the role of hospital specialist palliative care services has been developing, extending to patients who have a life-limiting illness but are not in the terminal phase.

Aim:

This qualitative study aims to explore patient and carer perspectives of the role of palliative care in the acute hospital setting, with patients not imminently dying.

Design:

Semi-structured interviews with 12 patients and 10 carers. Data were analysed using framework analysis.

Setting/participants:

Patients recruited were adults who had palliative care input for symptom control or psychological support and were discharged either to general ward care or to home. The family member/friend designated as their carer was also approached to take part.

Results:

All patients in this study were treated in an acute hospital, described as a bewildering and pressured environment of care. Initial perceptions of palliative care were varied, some interpreting referral as an indication that they were approaching the end of life. However, after palliative care input, patients and carers developed an understanding of their role which they saw as three-fold: physical symptom control, psychological support and a reliable liaison. The theme of cross-cutting interviews was that the palliative care team made time for patients, giving them a sense of value and worth. Feeling their care was a priority and being listened to made palliative care input effective.

Conclusions:

These findings will aid continuing development and evaluation of palliative care teams, in the domains of effectiveness as well as patient experience.
Twelve months of nightly zolpidem does not lead to rebound insomnia or withdrawal symptoms: a prospective placebo-controlled study
Authors: Roehrs Timothy A , Randall S , Harris E , Maan R , Roth T
Published: October 2011

Rebound insomnia, worsened sleep when discontinuing use of a hypnotic, is reported in some short-term studies. No study has prospectively assessed, using patient reports or nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG), the likelihood of rebound insomnia with chronic hypnotic use. The objectives of this study was to assess in primary insomniacs the likelihood of experiencing rebound insomnia and a withdrawal syndrome on repeated placebo substitutions over 12 months of nightly zolpidem use. A group of 33 primary insomniacs, without psychiatric disorders or drug and alcohol abuse, 32–65 years old, 15 men and 18 women, were randomized to take zolpidem 10 mg (n = 17) or placebo (n = 16) nightly for 12 months. In probes during months 1, 4, and 12, placebo was substituted for 7 consecutive nights in both the zolpidem and placebo groups. NPSGs were collected and Tyrer Bezodiazepine Withdrawal Symptom Questionnaires were completed on the first two discontinuation nights. Rebound insomnia was not observed on the first two and the seventh discontinuation nights and its likelihood did not increase over the 12 months of nightly zolpidem use. Some individuals did show rebound insomnia, approximately 30–40% of participants, but the percentage of ‘rebounders’ did not differ between the placebo and zolpidem groups and did not increase across 12 months. No clinically significant withdrawal symptoms on the Tyrer were observed on the discontinuation nights over the 12 months of nightly use. Chronic nightly hypnotic use at therapeutic doses by primary insomniacs does not lead to rebound insomnia or withdrawal symptoms.
State Patty’s Day
Authors: Lefkowitz Eva S. , Patrick Megan E. , Morgan Nicole R. , Bezemer Denille H. , Vasilenko Sara A.
Published: October 2011

College student alcohol consumption is a major concern, and is known to increase during the celebration of special events. This study examined a student-constructed holiday, State Patty’s Day, at a university with a dominant drinking culture using three sources of data—coded data from Facebook groups, daily web surveys from first-year students ( N = 227, 51% male, age 18 to 20; 27.3% Hispanic/Latino; of non-Hispanic/Latino, 26.9% of sample European American/White, 19.4% Asian American/Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 15.9% African American/Black, 10.6% more than one race), and criminal offense data from police records. Results indicated that messages about State Patty’s Day on Facebook focused on drinking and social aspects of the holiday, such as the social context of drinking, a sense of belonging to a larger community, and the social norms of drinking. These messages were rarely about consequences and rarely negative. On State Patty’s Day, 51% of students consumed alcohol, compared to 29% across other sampled weekend days. Students consumed more drinks ( M = 8.2 [ SD = 5.3] drinks per State Patty’s Day drinker) and were more likely to engage in heavy drinking on State Patty’s Day, after controlling for gender, drinking motives, and weekend, demonstrating the event-specific spike in heavy drinking associated with this holiday. The impact of this student-constructed holiday went beyond individual drinking behavior; alcohol-specific and other crime also peaked on State Patty’s Day and the day after. Event-specific prevention strategies may be particularly important in addressing these spontaneous, quickly-constructed, and dynamic events.
When Is Violence Planned?
Authors: Felson Richard B. , Massoglia Michael
Published: October 2011

We examine what types of violent offenses tend to be planned using self-report data from a nationally representative sample of state and federal inmates. We find mixed support for the idea that predatory offenses are more likely to be planned than dispute-related offenses. As expected, robbery offenders are much more likely to report that they planned their crime ahead of time than homicide and physical assault offenders. However, sexual assault offenders are no more likely to report planning than homicide offenders. We also find mixed support for the idea that domestic violence—the supposed crime of passion—is less likely to be planned than violent offenses involving strangers. Finally, we find substantial demographic variation depending on type of crime. Robberies involving offenders of lower socioeconomic status and homicides and assaults involving African American offenders and victims are less likely to involve planning.
The Role of Chinese Face in the Perpetration of Dating Partner Violence
Authors: Chan Ko Ling
Published: October 2011

This study explored the associations between the perpetration of partner violence and two types of face orientation—protective and acquisitive—in Chinese societies. Data from a convenience sample of 3,388 university students from Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing were analyzed. The participants completed the Protective and Acquisitive Face Orientation (PAFO) Scale Short Form and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) to measure their face orientations and experience of perpetrating violence against their dating partner. Acquisitive face orientation (AFO) was positively associated with the self-reported perpetration of physical and psychological partner violence. No significant associations were found between protective face orientation (PFO) and partner violence perpetration. Gender differences were found across all types of dating violence. City of residence, age, and SES were also associated with partner violence in specific ways. The findings gave insights on the possible mechanisms between partner violence and the concept of face to be explored in future research.
Examining the Relationship Between Childhood Animal Cruelty Motives and Recurrent Adult Violent Crimes Toward Humans
Authors: Overton Joshua C. , Hensley Christopher , Tallichet Suzanne E.
Published: October 2011

Few researchers have studied the predictive ability of childhood animal cruelty motives as they are associated with later recurrent violence toward humans. Based on a sample of 180 inmates at one medium- and one maximum-security prison in a Southern state, the present study examines the relationship among several retrospectively identified motives (fun, out of anger, hate for the animal, and imitation) for childhood animal cruelty and the later commission of violent crimes (murder, rape, assault, and robbery) against humans. Almost two thirds of the inmates reported engaging in childhood animal cruelty for fun, whereas almost one fourth reported being motivated either out of anger or imitation. Only one fifth of the respondents reported they had committed acts of animal cruelty because they hated the animal. Regression analyses revealed that recurrent animal cruelty was the only statistically significant variable in the model. Respondents who had committed recurrent childhood animal cruelty were more likely to have had committed recurrent adult violence toward humans. None of the motives for committing childhood animal cruelty had any effect on later violence against humans.
Is PAR a Good Investment? Understanding the Costs and Benefits of Teacher Peer Assistance and Review Programs
Authors: Papay John P. , Johnson Susan Moore
Published: October 2011

Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) is a local labor–management initiative designed to improve teacher quality. In PAR, expert “consulting teachers” mentor, support, and evaluate novice and underperforming veteran teachers. Evaluations under PAR can lead to dismissals. The authors examine the costs and benefits of PAR, both financial and organizational. Although PAR is an expensive reform, costing US$3,000 to US$10,000 per teacher served, it affords the district a range of financial savings and organizational benefits that offset program costs. The authors argue that limiting the scope of an educational cost-benefit study to only quantifiable elements artificially constrains understanding what a reform actually requires and offers.
Experimental and numerical study of vortex gripper with a diversion body
Authors: Wu Q , Ye Q , Meng G X
Published: October 2011

This article introduces a new vortex gripper with a diversion body. Vortex gripper, as a pneumatic non-contact handling device, can generate lifting force to hold a workpiece without any contact. In order to predict the characteristics of this new vortex gripper, including pressure distribution on the upper surface of the workpiece, lifting force, supporting stiffness, and flowrate, a computational fluid dynamics study has been carried out. In the vortex cup, air swirling flow is a complex turbulent one; so Reynolds stress model (RSM) was used to describe internal air swirling flow. In addition, an experiment was carried out to study the characteristics of the vortex gripper. When compared with the experimental results, the reliability of numerical simulation results by RSM was verified. The vortex gripper with a diversion body could generate greater lifting force when compared with those designed by Xin et al. with the same air consumption. Therefore, the efficiency of the vortex gripper is improved.
A preliminary dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-based finite element model for assessing osteoporotic hip fracture risk
Authors: Luo Y , Ferdous Z , Leslie W D
Published: October 2011

To more accurately assess osteoporotic hip fracture risk in a specific patient, a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-based finite element model was constructed from the patient’s femur DXA image. The outermost contour of the femur bone segmented from the DXA image was used to generate a finite element mesh. Bone mechanical properties, such as Young’s modulus, are correlated with areal bone mineral density (BMD) captured in the DXA image. A quasi-static loading condition representing a sideway fall was applied to the finite element model. Three fracture risk indices were introduced and expressed as ratios of internal forces caused by impact forces occurring in sideway fall to bone ultimate cross-section strength at the three critical locations, i.e. the femoral neck, the intertrochanteric region, and the subtrochanteric region. The proposed finite element modelling procedure was validated against six representative clinical cases extracted from the Manitoba BMD database, where initial and follow-up DXA images have been taken to monitor longitudinal variation of areal BMD in individual patients. It was found from the clinical validation that variations in the proposed fracture risk indices have the same trends as those indicated by the conventional areal BMD and T-score. In addition, by the three proposed fracture risk indices it is possible to further identify the specific fracture location. It was also found that for the same subject, the variations in the three fracture risk indices have quite different magnitudes, with intertrochanteric region the largest and subtrochanteric region the smallest, which is probably owing to the different content of trabecular and cortical bones in the three regions. With further development, it is promising that the proposed DXA-based finite element model will be a useful tool for accurate assessment of osteoporosis development and for treatment monitoring.
Kinematic modelling of a robotic gait device for early rehabilitation of walking
Authors: Fang J , Gollee H , Galen S , Allan D B , Conway B A , Vuckovic A
Published: October 2011

Rehabilitation of walking is an essential element in the treatment of incomplete spinal cord injured (SCI) patients. During the early post injury period, patients find it challenging to practice upright walking. Simulating stepping movements in a supine posture may be easier and promote earlier rehabilitation. A robotic orthotic device for early intervention in spinal cord injury that does not require the patient to be in an upright posture has been modelled. The model comprises a two-bar mechanical system that is configured and powered to provide limb kinematics that approximate normal overground walking. The modelling work has been based on gait analysis performed on healthy subjects walking at 50 per cent, 75 per cent, and 100 per cent of normal cadence. Simulated angles of hip, knee, and ankle joints show a comparable range of motion (ROM) to the experimental walking data measured in healthy subjects. The model provides operating parameters for a prospective recumbent gait orthosis that could be used in early walking rehabilitation of incomplete SCI patients.
The Right Side? Under Time Pressure, Approach Motivation Leads to Right-Oriented Bias
Authors: Roskes Marieke , Sligte Daniel , Shalvi Shaul , De Dreu Carsten K. W.
Published: October 2011

Approach motivation, a focus on achieving positive outcomes, is related to relative left-hemispheric brain activation, which translates to a variety of right-oriented behavioral biases. In two studies, we found that approach-motivated individuals display a right-oriented bias, but only when they are forced to act quickly. In a task in which they had to divide lines into two equal parts, approach-motivated individuals bisected the line at a point farther to the right than avoidance-motivated individuals did, but only when they worked under high time pressure. In our analysis of all Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup penalty shoot-outs, we found that goalkeepers were two times more likely to dive to the right than to the left when their team was behind, a situation that we conjecture induces approach motivation. Because penalty takers shot toward the two sides of the goal equally often, the goalkeepers’ right-oriented bias was dysfunctional, allowing more goals to be scored. Directional biases may facilitate group coordination but prove maladaptive in individual settings and interpersonal competition.
Effects of Event Valence on Long-Term Memory for Two Baseball Championship Games
Authors: Breslin Carolyn W. , Safer Martin A.
Published: October 2011

We investigated how event valence affected accuracy and vividness of long-term memory for two comparable public events. In 2008, 1,563 fans answered questions about objective details concerning two decisive baseball championship games between the Yankees (2003 winners) and the Red Sox (2004 winners). Both between- and within-groups analyses indicated that fans remembered the game their team won significantly more accurately than the game their team lost. Fans also reported more vividness and more rehearsal for the game their team won. We conclude that individuals rehearse positive events more than comparable negative events, and that this additional rehearsal increases both vividness and accuracy of memories about positive events. Our results differ from those of prior studies involving memories for negative events that may have been unavoidably rehearsed; such rehearsal may have kept those memories from fading. Long-term memory for an event is determined not only by the valence of the event, but also by experiences after the event.
Vitamin D receptor gene BsmI polymorphism B allele, but not BB genotype, is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus in a Han Chinese population
Authors: Luo X-Y , Yang M-H , Wu F-X , Wu L-J , Chen L , Tang Z , Liu N-T , Zeng X-F , Guan J-L , Yuan G-H
Published: October 2011

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene is a candidate gene for susceptibility to autoimmune disorders. Association studies of VDR polymorphisms and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have often produced conflicting results in different ethnic backgrounds. The aim of this study is to test the association between VDR gene BsmI polymorphism and the genetic susceptibility to SLE in a Han Chinese population.

Three hundred and thirty-seven patients with SLE and 239 healthy controls were genotyped for the VDR gene BsmI polymorphism (rs1544410) by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in this study, after which the relationship between BsmI polymorphisms and the mRNA expression of VDR, as well as clinical manifestations in patients with SLE, was evaluated.

It was found that the frequency of B allele was significantly increased in SLE relative to the control group (χ2 = 4.681, p = 0.031), although the distribution of VDR BsmI polymorphism genotype frequencies did not differ significantly between patients and controls (χ2 = 4.098, p = 0.129). Moreover, VDR B allele was found to be associated with lupus nephritis ( p = 0.027) and also with production of anti-nucleosome antibodies ( p = 0.037). The mRNA of VDR was markedly down-regulated in patients with VDR B allele compared with that in patients without B allele ( p = 0.016).

Our results indicate a possible role of genetic factors (the VDR B allele) in influencing disease susceptibility in Han Chinese patients. Also, VDR B allele is associated with the development of nephritis and the down-regulation of VDR mRNA expression in SLE.
Primary antiphospholipid syndrome: morphofunctional penile abnormalities with normal sperm analysis
Authors: Rabelo-Júnior CN , Freire de Carvalho J , Lopes Gallinaro A , Bonfá E , Cocuzza M , Saito O , Silva CA
Published: October 2011

Objective: To perform a global gonadal and sexual functions assessment in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 male PAPS patients and 20 healthy controls. They were assessed by demographic data, clinical features, systematic urological examination, sexual function, testicular ultrasound, seminal parameters according to the World Health Organization (WHO), seminal sperm antibodies, and hormone profile, including follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), morning total testosterone, and thyroid hormones. Results: The median of current age and age of spermarche were similar in PAPS patients and controls (37.5 vs. 32.4 years, p = 0.270, and 13.1 vs. 12.85 years, p = 0.224, respectively), with a higher frequency of erectile dysfunction in the former group (25% vs. 0%, p = 0.044). Further analysis of PAPS patients with and without previous arterial thrombosis demonstrated that the median penis circumference was significantly lower in PAPS with arterial thrombosis than in PAPS without this complication (8.1 [6–10] vs. 10.2 [10–11] cm, p = 0.007). In addition, the median penis circumference was significantly lower in PAPS patients with erectile dysfunction than in patients without this complication (7.5 [6–9.5] vs. 9.5 [7.5–11] cm, p = 0.039). Regarding seminal analysis, the median sperm concentration, sperm motility, and normal sperm forms by WHO guidelines were comparable in PAPS patients and controls (141.5 [33–575] vs. 120.06 [34.5–329] × 106/ml, p = 0.65; 61.29 [25–80] vs. 65.42 [43–82]%, p = 0.4; 21.12 [10–42.5] vs. 23.95 [10–45]%, p = 0.45, respectively), and none of them had oligo/azoospermia. No differences were observed between PAPS patients and controls regarding the frequency of antisperm antibodies, testicular volume by ultrasound, or hormone profile (FSH, LH, morning total testosterone, and thyroid hormone) ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: Normal testicular function has been identified in PAPS patients, in spite of morphofunctional penile abnormalities. Previous arterial thrombosis may underlie penile anthropometry alteration.
Fatigue, muscle strength and vitamin D status in women with systemic lupus erythematosus compared with healthy controls
Authors: Stockton KA , Kandiah DA , Paratz JD , Bennell KL
Published: October 2011

Recent studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aims of this study were to evaluate proximal muscle strength, fatigue and vitamin D levels in women with SLE compared with healthy controls and to investigate relationships between these factors in a cohort of women with SLE. Forty-five women (24 SLE, 21 healthy controls) participated. Primary outcome measures were the fatigue severity scale (FSS), isometric muscle strength of dominant limbs using hand held dynamometry, two functional tests – the 30-second chair stand test and the 1-kg arm lift test, with vitamin D status measured using 25(OH)D. Overall 25(OH)D levels were 68.4 (22.4) nmol/L with no difference between SLE and control groups. There was a statistically and clinically significant difference in fatigue, 1-kg arm lift, 30-second sit to stand, knee extension, hip flexion, hip abduction, shoulder flexion and grip strength in the SLE group compared with the control group ( p < 0.05). In the SLE group FSS was moderately correlated with both functional measures (1-kg arm lift r = −0.42, 30-second chair stand r = −0.44, p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant correlation between dynamometry measures and fatigue was evident. There was no association between fatigue and 25(OH)D level ( r = −0.12). In summary, women with SLE were weaker and demonstrated reduced physical function and higher fatigue levels than healthy controls. Fatigue was related to physical function but not vitamin D status or maximal isometric strength in vitamin D replete individuals with SLE.
Comprehending Disclosure: Must Patients Understand the Risks they Run?
Authors: Williams Kevin
Published: October 2011

It is well known that competent patients must be told about the risks of proposed medical procedures. This paper argues that recent professional guidelines and the law of negligence now take matters further by requiring doctors to take reasonable steps in an attempt to ensure that patients understand the risks they are being invited to run, so facilitating meaningful choices and the opportunity to give a properly informed consent.
Substantive Equality in South African Health Care: The Limits of Law
Authors: Ngwena Charles
Published: October 2011

The article considers the scope and limits of law as an instrument for facilitating equitable access to health care in South Africa. The focus is on exploring the extent to which the notion of substantive equality in access to health care services that is implicitly guaranteed by the Constitution and supported by current health care reforms, is realisable for patients seeking treatment. The article highlights the gap between the idea of substantive equality in the Constitution and the resources at the disposal of the health care sector and the country as a whole. It is submitted that though formal equality in access to health care services has been realised, substantive equality is currently unattainable, if it is attainable at all, on account of entrenched structural inequality, general poverty and a high burden of disease.
Regulating Surrogacy—A Contravention of Human Rights?
Authors: Ramsey Joanne
Published: October 2011

On the 2nd of October 2000, The Human Rights Act 1998 came into full force, signalling the incorporation of The European Convention on Human Rights into U.K. law. Areas of law believed to be inconsistent with the Convention may now be challenged in both The European Court of Human Rights and domestic courts. This article considers whether existing laws on the regulation of access to infertility services, in particular surrogacy, will be deemed incompatible with the ECHR. Human rights as enshrined within Articles 8 and 12 will be examined in light of recent suggestions that there may arise legal challenges by those who have had access to reproductive services restricted or denied. It will be shown that, although existing and potential future controls may arguably infringe these rights, it is nevertheless unlikely that they will be held to be in contravention of The Human Rights Act 1998.
“Wrongful Life” a la Francaise
Authors: Callus Thérèse
Published: October 2011

A recent decision of the French supreme court has recognised what has been termed in the common law system, a “wrongful life” action. Intentionally provocative, the decision shows how the desire for equitable or “corrective” justice poses a threat not only to established legal principles on civil liability, but also to the ethical framework in which both the medical and legal professions must operate.
A Time to Regulate? Possible Implications of European Human Rights Law on Abortion in Northern Ireland
Authors: Irvine W. Nigel
Published: October 2011

Since the introduction of the Abortion Act 1967 the legality and status of abortion in Northern Ireland, being excluded from the provisions of the 1967 Act, has remained shrouded in uncertainty. In light of the introduction of the Human Rights Act 1998, this article will explore whether this inconsistency in the UK is in breach of the provisions laid down in Articles 8 and 14. It will be shown that while compelling arguments can be built under these provisions, perhaps the most persuasive arguments in favour of law reform are the inequities that the current legal regime has perpetuated.
The Chabot Case: Analysis and Account of Dutch Perspectives
Authors: Cohen-Almagori Raphael
Published: October 2011

The aims of this essay are twofold: to point out the main problems of the Chabot precedent and to report the findings of a fieldwork in the Netherlands during which some experts were asked to voice an opinion regarding the psychiatrist's conduct and the legal precedent. During the summer of 1999, twenty-eight interviews with some of the leading authorities on the euthanasia policy were conducted in the Netherlands. Multiple reasons were mentioned to either condone or condemn Chabot's practice.
Duty of Care in Immunisation Against Biological Warfare Agents
Authors: Gibson T.M.
Published: October 2011

In peacetime, the Crown owes a duty of care to members of the Armed Forces to provide adequate medical support. This includes the provision of safe and effective vaccines. A Serviceman who considers himself harmed by immunisation against biological warfare (BW) agents would have access to legal action in the tort of negligence. However, the outcome would be uncertain because of the absence of clear precedent in respect of the Crown's duty of care in the period of transition between peace and war and the statutory right of the Government to bar proceedings against the Crown for alleged negligence during time of war. Moreover, no claimant has yet succeeded in any common law action in the United Kingdom for vaccine damage because of the difficulty of proving causation. The Serviceman would not be covered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation (Overseas) Scheme. Likewise, he would not be eligible for payment under the Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1979 unless the Act was amended. The Serviceman would therefore have to rely on the current pension system that is accessible, relatively generous and, until recently, independent of the Ministry of Defence.
Undue Influence in the Context of Medical Treatment
Authors: Pattinson Shaun D.
Published: October 2011

It is argued that the application of the doctrine of undue influence to patient's decisions in the context of medical treatment is ripe for development. The doctrine is capable of providing much needed protection for vulnerable patients if developed along lines suggested by its use in other contexts. Unfortunately, the Court of Appeal has recently missed an opportunity to develop the law in this way and it may be some time before another suitable opportunity is presented to the courts.
Omnis definitio periculosa est: on the Definition of the Term “Embryo” in the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act 1990
Authors: Callus Thérèse
Published: October 2011

In adopting a purposive interpretation of the definition of the term “embryo” in the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act 1990, the Court of Appeal judgement in R (on the application of B. Quintavalle on behalf of Pro-Life Alliance) v. Secretary of State for Health effectively stifled democratic debate on the development of therapeutic cloning techniques. Instead of being evidence of the flexibility of the statute to adapt to the rapid evolution of scientific techniques, the judgment bears witness to a certain dependence of the law on scientific criteria and moreover, raises the question of legitimate judicial function. Indeed, judges should not be seen to be deciding questions of social choice that should ultimately be decided through the democratic process. Although the purposive approach may be objectively justified, it is suggested that the appeal judges erred in their appreciation of the very purpose of the 1990 Act. It is argued that the Parliamentary debates in 1990 illustrate that the purpose of the 1990 Act does not go beyond the area of procreation and embryo research in this context. Consequently, it is claimed that no economy should have been made on a full democratic debate. By preventing such a debate, the Court of Appeal appears to admit that the law has become servile to the scientific, political and a fortiori economic, interests at stake.
Some Implications of the Human Rights Act 1998 for the Medical Treatment of Children
Authors: Hagger Lynn
Published: October 2011

Although the Gillick decision was hailed as an important step in the furtherance of respect for children's autonomy, subsequent judgments seemed to undermine this important principle. While it would be difficult to criticise the outcomes of some of the key cases, the reasoning by which these were achieved is rather more contentious. There have been some interesting discussions suggesting more constructive approaches but there is still a great deal of anecdotal evidence indicating that conservative assessments of children's ability to be involved in decisions about their medical treatment remain the norm. The new Department of Health consent forms should help to create a climate where assessment of a child's competence will become more sophisticated. This paper will argue that the Human Rights Act 1998 offers another opportunity to reassess more traditional approaches to children's capacity; indeed, this could be put more strongly: if we fail to assess children's competence properly, there could be violations, inter alia, of the right not to be subject to inhuman and degrading treatment under Article 3 in extreme circumstances and the right to private and family life enshrined in Article 8. Clearly, it is not always practicable to carry out assessments rigorously and some health professionals may feel they do not have the expertise to do this, but some basic criteria could assist here; courts are not likely to expect more than a demonstration that best endeavours have been employed in reasoned decision-making. Additionally, other privacy rights may have implications for the medical decision-making process as it affects children and their carers particularly where conflict arises. Disputes may also ensue from the right to manifest religion and other beliefs”,’ under the Act. This paper will explore how such challenges to those responsible for the medical treatment of children may fare.
Informed Consent in China: Status Quo and its Future
Authors: Dai Qingkang
Published: October 2011

Informed consent is one of the fundamental rights of a patient. However it used to be ignored in mainland China and was neither academically discussed nor a matter of practical concern until recent years. Paternalism was dominant in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine which was intensely influenced by Confucianism. The historic medical paternalism was reinforced under communism and the planned economy due to the communist beliefs. But it has been frequently challenged in recent years with patients' awakening awareness of rights and the advent of rights-defending litigation culture in the course of the transformation to market economy. Nevertheless, the current Chinese laws lag behind this patients' awakening awareness and litigation culture. The resulting deficiency in Chinese laws governing medical relations has created dilemmas and chaos in the resolution of medical disputes. In conclusion, the author appeals for the amendment of Chinese law and tries to point out how it should be amended.