bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial colonization of stimulation electrode wires in patients undergoing temporary sacral nerve stimulation
Authors: Dudding T. , Vaizey C.
Published: April 2009

Objective  In patients undergoing sacral nerve stimulation (SNS), a temporary percutaneous stimulation wire is often used to assess the clinical response to therapy prior to chronic stimulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of bacterial colonization of screening wires and risk of clinical infection in patients undergoing prolonged temporary SNS screening.

Method  Data were collected prospectively on a consecutive series of patients undergoing temporary SNS for bowel dysfunction. Procedures were performed using a standardized percutaneous technique with a single shot of either co‐amoxyclav 1.2 g or cefuroxime 1.5 g given intravenously on induction. Adherent polyurethane dressings were applied to secure the wire. At the end of the screening period the wire and dressings were removed, the skin entry site was cleaned using an alcohol wipe and the wire removed via an aseptic technique. The distal tip of the wire was then cut and sent for culture.

Results  Thirteen wires were removed at a median of 21 (range 16–29) days following insertion. There were no signs of local or systemic infection. Seven of the thirteen wires (54%) were found to have deep bacterial colonization. The commonest organisms isolated were staphylococcus species. There was no correlation between the length of time the lead had been implanted and the incidence of bacterial colonization.

Conclusion  Bacterial colonization of the temporary stimulation wire is common but appears to be associated with a low risk of clinical infection. A single peri‐operative dose of antibiotics does not appear to prevent colonization.
Management of obstetric anal sphincter injuries – a role for the colorectal surgeon
Authors: McNicol F. J. , Bruce C. A. , Chaudhri S. , Francombe J. , Kozman E. , Taylor B. A. , Tighe M. J.
Published: April 2009

Aim  To determine if surgical repair of third and fourth degree obstetric perineal tears by an experienced colorectal surgeon produces satisfactory functional results in the short and long term.

Method  Consecutive deliveries were studied prospectively over a 32‐month period. All patients with suspected third or fourth degree tears were referred to the colorectal team. Following confirmation of the injury, patients underwent surgical repair using a standard overlapped technique according to an established protocol. The patients were reviewed 2 months later. Long‐term continence was determined, by postal and telephone follow up, after a minimum of 3 years.

Results  Fifty‐nine sphincter injuries were identified and repaired by the colorectal team. Two months following repair 51 (86%) of patients had normal continence, four (7%) had urgency, and five (8%) had occasional incontinence of flatus. All patients with any degree of incontinence underwent endoanal ultrasound at which no sphincter defects were noted, and all improved symptomatically following pelvic floor physiotherapy. Long‐term follow up data was obtained in 45 women. Thirty‐nine (87%) had normal continence scores, 11 (24%) described urgency, but only three (7%) were often incontinent of liquid stool. Seven (15%) were occasionally incontinent of flatus.

Conclusion  Excellent short and long‐term functional results were obtained in the repair of third and fourth degree tears when performed by experienced colorectal surgeons. Since the protocol was established, obstetricians in North Cheshire have adopted the double overlapped technique, and now manage the majority of these injuries themselves.
Selecting patients with faecal incontinence for anal sphincter surgery: the influence of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Chaudhary B. N. , Chadwick M. , Roe A. M.
Published: April 2009

Aim  This was a prospective study to determine the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in patients with faecal incontinence and to investigate the association of IBS positivity with sphincter dysfunction.

Method  Patients with faecal incontinence were referred for physiological assessment and further management. Those with an acute obstetric injury, rectal prolapse or previous anorectal surgery were excluded. One hundred and seventy‐seven women were studied. Symptom questionnaires were used prospectively to identify IBS positivity using Rome 11 criteria and the Cleveland Clinic incontinence score.

Results  The prevalence of IBS was 44%. IBS patients had higher incontinence scores than non‐IBS patients (11.0 vs 9.0, P < 0.01). A normal or high maximum resting anal pressure in an incontinent woman increased the chance of her having IBS by a factor of 2.6.

Conclusion  The prevalence of IBS positivity in patients presenting with faecal incontinence was high. A normal or high anal resting pressure and a high incontinence score should raise the suspicion of IBS.
Translating science into clinical practice: focus on vildagliptin in combination with metformin
Authors: Barnett A. H.
Published: April 2009

Vildagliptin is a potent and selective oral dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor that improves glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by increasing both α‐ and β‐cell responsiveness to glucose. The efficacy, tolerability and safety of the combination of vildagliptin and metformin in the treatment of T2DM have been established in numerous trials in the extensive vildagliptin clinical programme. As add‐on therapy in patients with inadequate glycaemic control on metformin, vildagliptin produces clinically significant reductions in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose, is well tolerated, and is associated with absence of weight gain and minimal risk of hypoglycaemia. Compared with thiazolidinedione add‐on treatment, vildagliptin is associated with similar significant reductions in HbA1c without the weight gain seen with the former. Compared with sulfonylurea add‐on treatment, vildagliptin is associated with similar efficacy in controlling glycaemia but absence of weight gain and a markedly lower risk of hypoglycaemia. In drug‐naïve patients, single‐tablet combinations of vildagliptin/metformin 50/500 and 50/1000 mg bid produced significantly greater reductions in HbA1c than monotherapy with either agent and were well tolerated, with no weight gain and minimal risk of hypoglycaemia. The combination of vildagliptin and metformin poses numerous advantages in the treatment of T2DM.
Mechanisms of glucose intolerance in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Mohan K. , Miller H. , Dyce P. , Grainger R. , Hughes R. , Vora J. , Ledson M. , Walshaw M.
Published: April 2009

Aims  Although cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes (CFRD), a poor prognostic factor in cystic fibrosis (CF), is characterized by insulinopenia, the role of insulin resistance is unclear. Using a prospective study design, we measured insulin resistance, pancreatic β‐cell function and correlated glycaemic status with clinical parameters.

Methods  Oral glucose tolerance test was performed in 60 stable adult CF patients. Insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function were measured using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA2), Stumvoll and oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS) indices.

Results  Forty‐two (70%) had normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 10 (17%) impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and eight (13%) CFRD. There was no difference in insulin sensitivity among the three groups (HOMA2: NGT 280, IGT 250, CFRD 339, P = 0.42; Stumvoll: NGT 0.128, IGT 0.126, CFRD 0.129, P = 0.76; and OGIS: NGT 515, IGT 472, CFRD 472, P = 0.12). Pancreatic β‐cell function (CFRD 50% vs. NGT 67%; P < 0.05) and first‐phase insulin secretion were reduced in CFRD (250 vs. NGT 509; P = 0.004). First‐phase insulin secretion was inversely correlated with 1‐h (r = −0.74; P < 0.0001) and 2‐h glucose levels (r = −0.34; P < 0.05). There was no difference in body mass index or poor lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s: CFRD 54% vs. NGT 65%; P = 0.43). However, there were more hospital admissions in the CFRD group (three vs. NGT one per patient per year; P < 0.05).

Conclusions  CFRD is characterized by qualitative and quantitative defects in insulin secretion, but not insulin resistance, and is associated with increased hospital admissions for pulmonary exacerbations.
Single nucleotide polymorphism discovery in barley using autoSNPdb
Authors: Duran Chris , Appleby Nikki , Vardy Megan , Imelfort Michael , Edwards David , Batley Jacqueline
Published: April 2009

Molecular markers are used to provide the link between genotype and phenotype, for the production of molecular genetic maps and to assess genetic diversity within and between related species. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most abundant molecular genetic marker. SNPs can be identified in silico, but care must be taken to ensure that the identified SNPs reflect true genetic variation and are not a result of errors associated with DNA sequencing. The SNP detection method autoSNP has been developed to identify SNPs from sequence data for any species. Confidence in the predicted SNPs is based on sequence redundancy, and haplotype co‐segregation scores are calculated for a further independent measure of confidence. We have extended the autoSNP method to produce autoSNPdb, which integrates SNP and gene annotation information with a graphical viewer. We have applied this software to public barley expressed sequences, and the resulting database is available over the Internet. SNPs can be viewed and searched by sequence, functional annotation or predicted synteny with a reference genome, in this case rice. The correlation between SNPs and barley cultivar, expressed tissue type and development stage has been collated for ease of exploration. An average of one SNP per 240 bp was identified, with SNPs more prevalent in the 5′ regions and simple sequence repeat (SSR) flanking sequences. Overall, autoSNPdb can provide a wealth of genetic polymorphism information for any species for which sequence data are available.
A high‐throughput assay for rapid and simultaneous analysis of perfect markers for important quality and agronomic traits in rice using multiplexed MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Masouleh Ardashir K. , Waters Daniel L. E. , Reinke Russel F. , Henry Robert J.
Published: April 2009

The application of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in plant breeding involves the analysis of a large number of samples, and therefore requires rapid, inexpensive and highly automated multiplex methods to genotype the sequence variants. We have optimized a high‐throughput multiplexed SNP assay for eight polymorphisms which explain two agronomic and three grain quality traits in rice. Gene fragments coding for the agronomic traits plant height (semi‐dwarf, sd‐1) and blast disease resistance (Pi‐ta) and the quality traits amylose content (waxy), gelatinization temperature (alk) and fragrance (fgr) were amplified in a multiplex polymerase chain reaction. A single base extension reaction carried out at the polymorphism responsible for each of these phenotypes within these genes generated extension products which were quantified by a matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight system. The assay detects both SNPs and indels and is co‐dominant, simultaneously detecting both homozygous and heterozygous samples in a multiplex system. This assay analyses eight functional polymorphisms in one 5 µL reaction, demonstrating the high‐throughput and cost‐effective capability of this system. At this conservative level of multiplexing, 3072 assays can be performed in a single 384‐well microtitre plate, allowing the rapid production of valuable information for selection in rice breeding.
Creating Illusions of Past Encounter Through Brief Exposure
Authors: Brown Alan S. , Marsh Elizabeth J.
Published: April 2009

Titchener (1928) suggested that briefly glancing at a scene could make it appear strangely familiar when it was fully processed moments later. The closest laboratory demonstration used words as stimuli, and showed that briefly glancing at a to-be-judged word increased the subject's belief that it had been presented in an earlier study list ( Jacoby & Whitehouse, 1989 ). We evaluated whether a hasty glance could elicit a false belief in a prior encounter, from a time and place outside of the experiment. This goal precluded using word stimuli, so we had subjects evaluate unfamiliar symbols. Each symbol was preceded by a brief exposure to an identical symbol, a different symbol, or no symbol. A brief glance at an identical symbol increased attributions to preexperimental experience, relative to a glance at a different symbol or no symbol, providing a possible mechanism for common illusions of false recognition.
“Really? She Blicked the Baby?”
Authors: Yuan Sylvia , Fisher Cynthia
Published: April 2009

Children use syntax to guide verb learning. We asked whether the syntactic structure in which a novel verb occurs is meaningful to children even without a concurrent scene from which to infer the verb's semantic content. In two experiments, 2-year-olds observed dialogues in which interlocutors used a new verb in transitive (“Jane blicked the baby!”) or intransitive (“Jane blicked!”) sentences. The children later heard the verb in isolation (“Find blicking!”) while watching a one-participant event and a two-participant event presented side by side. Children who had heard transitive dialogues looked reliably longer at the two-participant event than did those who had heard intransitive dialogues. This effect persisted even when children were tested on a different day, but disappeared when no novel verb accompanied the test events ( Experiment 2 ). Thus, 2-year-olds gather useful combinatorial information about a novel verb simply from hearing it in sentences, and later retrieve that information to guide interpretation of the verb.
Ethics and Public Good in a Transforming State: A Study of Estonian Civil Servants
Authors: Lagerspetz Mikko , Rikmann Erle
Published: April 2009

After Estonia's systemic change and restored independence in 1991, Estonian civil servants must re‐conceptualise their relationships with other spheres of society and with what they see as the ‘Public Good’. They are involved in the adoption and creation of new value judgments, professional identities and views of ethical and unethical conduct. This article presents an empirical examination of these processes. Carried out from June 2005 to January 2006, it makes use of group interviews (N = 58) and a national e‐mail questionnaire (N = 960) of civil servants. According to the results, the officially adopted Civil Service Code of Ethics is seldom relied upon. The idea of civil service as a vocation, preference for self‐regulating measures, suspicion towards external control and avoidance of media publicity are indicative of the respondents' view of the overall role of civil service in society. The paternalist attitude inherent in this discourse is considered in this article to be in line with the specific functions of a state still completing its systemic transformation.
Split‐ticket Voting in Times of Sub‐national Government Reorganisation: Evidence from Denmark
Authors: Elklit Jørgen , Kjaer Ulrik
Published: April 2009

Local government amalgamations may have unintended consequences on electoral behaviour. Using the most recent local elections in Denmark as its case, this article demonstrates that inter‐level split‐ticket voting between three levels (national, regional and local) decreased slightly from 2001 to 2005 – that is, simultaneously with the implementation of a major reform, where many municipalities and all the counties were amalgamated. These amalgamations affect the level of split voting through a process where the local party system operates as an intervening variable: the larger municipalities have a more nationalised local party system, which leads to fewer voters being vote splitters by necessity. The analyses combine general electoral statistics with large voter surveys and benefit from the quasi‐experimental setting offered by the fact that not all municipalities were amalgamated.
Research Productivity in Business Economics: The Case of Marketing
Authors: Diamantopoulos Adamantios , Wagner Udo
Published: April 2009

The German Economic Review (GER) recently published a paper by Fabel, Hein and Hofmeister about research productivity in Austrian, German and Swiss universities. The authors derive the rankings of institutions and subject areas by analyzing an impressive and comprehensive dataset, which captures the research output of business administration departments. While these rankings might hold at an aggregate level, they lack face validity at a subject-specific level. This lack of validity is demonstrated in the case of marketing by analyzing the research output of the top-ranked institutions in top-ranked journals. A number of proposals to overcome these kinds of problems are provided.
Concomitant Use of Anticholinergics with Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors in Medicaid Recipients with Dementia and Residing in Nursing Homes
Authors: Modi Ankita , Weiner Michael , Craig Bruce A. , Sands Laura P. , Rosenman Marc B. , Thomas Joseph
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the extent of concomitant use of anticholinergic and cholinesterase inhibitor medications in Medicaid recipients with dementia residing in nursing homes.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional survey of medical claims data.

SETTING: Indiana Medicaid claims for 2004.

PARTICIPANTS: Indiana Medicaid recipients continuously eligible for Medicaid in 2004 aged 65 and older with dementia who were residing in nursing homes and taking cholinesterase inhibitors.

MEASUREMENTS: Rates of concomitant anticholinergic and cholinesterase inhibitor use, number of days residents experienced concomitant use, and concomitant use according to therapeutic class and level of anticholinergic activity were determined.

RESULTS: A large proportion (46.7%) of 3,251 Medicaid beneficiaries living in nursing homes and taking cholinesterase inhibitors received anticholinergics concomitantly. Anticholinergics designated as Level 3, or having markedly anticholinergic adverse effects, accounted for most of the concomitant anticholinergic use. More than half (58.1%) of the individuals with concomitant anticholinergic use had 100 or more days of such use.

CONCLUSION: Nearly half of Indiana Medicaid recipients with dementia residing in nursing homes who were taking cholinesterase inhibitors in 2004 were using anticholinergics concomitantly. Patterns of concomitant use in the population examined may assist practitioners in reviewing their prescribing decisions for this vulnerable population.
A Comparison of Retention Characteristics in Prefabricated and Custom‐Cast Dental Attachments
Authors: Fu Chin‐Chuan , Hsu Yung‐Tsung
Published: April 2009

Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the retention characteristics of attachments fabricated by machine milling or by custom casting. In addition, the retention of reduced dimension attachments was also evaluated.

Materials and Methods: Three types of ERA matrices, one prefabricated and two cast, were used. Ten specimens were made for each type, and white nylon patrices were transferred to denture bases. Tests were performed at a crosshead speed of 0.2 in/min with an Instron machine. The dislodging force at baseline, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and subsequently after every 500 pulls up to 2500 pulls were measured. ANOVA and Student's t‐test were used to analyze the measurements.

Results: All three groups showed no difference at the baseline, but the cast groups showed greater variation within group. The prefabricated group showed higher retention after 200 pulls. Decreased‐dimension attachments have no significant difference when compared to the cast regular dimension group after 400 pulls.

Conclusion: The prefabricated attachments had superior retention than the cast groups over time. Reduced dimension did not reduce the retention when compared to the cast group.
Racial Diversity, Representative Bureaucracy, and Equity in Multiracial School Districts*
Authors: Rocha Rene R. , Hawes Daniel P.
Published: April 2009

Objective.This study examines the conditions under which minorities will face policy inequity within the educational system. It turns to the theory of representative bureaucracy as one possible explanation, and extends the literature by considering whether African‐American students benefit from the presence of Latinos on teaching faculties and vice versa. This study also tests competing theories of how racial context influences minority educational policy outcomes.

Methods.This study combines original survey data with data gathered by the U.S. Census to predict levels of academic grouping in U.S. school districts as reported by the Office of Civil Rights.

Results.Minority teachers lower levels of discrimination among all minority students, not just co‐ethnics. Moreover, minority teachers do so consistently and with a substantive impact that occasionally rivals that of co‐ethnic teachers. The findings also suggest that greater levels of racial/ethnic diversity within a district are associated with lower levels of discrimination.

Conclusion.Theories of race relations must move beyond black‐Anglo or Latino‐Anglo relations to consider how multiple racial/ethnic groups interact, and how such interactions affect the lives of minority groups differently.
Representative Reporters? Examining Journalists' Ideology in Context*
Authors: Cooper Christopher A. , Johnson Martin
Published: April 2009

Objective. We investigate the ideological orientations of U.S. statehouse journalists, asking whether reporters hold similar political ideologies to their audiences, and under what conditions reporter ideology diverges from audience ideology.

Methods. We use an original survey of statehouse journalists, and employ both traditional OLS regressions and a heteroskedastic regression.

Results. We find that reporters tend to reflect the political leanings of their audiences. Considering reporters in the context of the states they serve, we find that journalists who are racially and economically dissimilar from their constituents have less representative political predispositions than journalists who have characteristics similar to their readers.

Conclusions. In the case of statehouse reporters, descriptive representation leads to substantive representation.
Phenotypic Bias and Ethnic Identity in Filipino Americans*
Authors: Kiang Lisa , Takeuchi David T.
Published: April 2009

Objective. Links between phenotypes (skin tone, physical features) and a range of outcomes (income, physical health, psychological distress) were examined. Ethnic identity was examined as a protective moderator of phenotypic bias.

Method. Data were from a community sample of 2,092 Filipino adults in San Francisco and Honolulu.

Results. After controlling for age, nativity, marital status, and education, darker skin was associated with lower income and lower physical health for females and males. For females, more ethnic features were associated with lower income. For males, darker skin was related to lower psychological distress. One interaction was found such that females with more ethnic features exhibited lower distress; however, ethnic identity moderated distress levels of those with less ethnic features.

Conclusions. Phenotypic bias appears prevalent in Filipino Americans though specific effects vary by gender and skin color versus physical features. Discussion centers on the social importance of appearance and potential strengths gained from ethnic identification.
Assessing Vaccine Effects in Repeated Low‐Dose Challenge Experiments
Authors: Hudgens Michael G. , Gilbert Peter B.
Published: April 2009

SummaryEvaluation of HIV vaccine candidates in nonhuman primates (NHPs) is a critical step toward developing a successful vaccine to control the HIV pandemic. Historically, HIV vaccine regimens have been tested in NHPs by administering a single high dose of the challenge virus. More recently, evaluation of candidate HIV vaccines has entailed repeated low‐dose challenges, which more closely mimic typical exposure in natural transmission settings. In this article, we consider evaluation of the type and magnitude of vaccine efficacy from such experiments. Based on the principal stratification framework, we also address evaluation of potential immunological surrogate endpoints for infection.
Structural Nested Mean Models for Assessing Time‐Varying Effect Moderation
Authors: Almirall Daniel , Ten Have Thomas , Murphy Susan A.
Published: April 2009

Summary This article considers the problem of assessing causal effect moderation in longitudinal settings in which treatment (or exposure) is time varying and so are the covariates said to moderate its effect. Intermediate causal effects that describe time‐varying causal effects of treatment conditional on past covariate history are introduced and considered as part of Robins' structural nested mean model. Two estimators of the intermediate causal effects, and their standard errors, are presented and discussed: The first is a proposed two‐stage regression estimator. The second is Robins' G‐estimator. The results of a small simulation study that begins to shed light on the small versus large sample performance of the estimators, and on the bias–variance trade‐off between the two estimators are presented. The methodology is illustrated using longitudinal data from a depression study.
Improved Logrank‐Type Tests for Survival Data Using Adaptive Weights
Authors: Yang Song , Prentice Ross
Published: April 2009

SummaryFor testing for treatment effects with time‐to‐event data, the logrank test is the most popular choice and has some optimality properties under proportional hazards alternatives. It may also be combined with other tests when a range of nonproportional alternatives are entertained. We introduce some versatile tests that use adaptively weighted logrank statistics. The adaptive weights utilize the hazard ratio obtained by fitting the model ofYang and Prentice(2005, Biometrika 92, 1–17). Extensive numerical studies have been performed under proportional and nonproportional alternatives, with a wide range of hazard ratios patterns. These studies show that these new tests typically improve the tests they are designed to modify. In particular, the adaptively weighted logrank test maintains optimality at the proportional alternatives, while improving the power over a wide range of nonproportional alternatives. The new tests are illustrated in several real data examples.
Uncovering a Latent Multinomial: Analysis of Mark–Recapture Data with Misidentification
Authors: Link William A. , Yoshizaki Jun , Bailey Larissa L. , Pollock Kenneth H.
Published: April 2009

SummaryNatural tags based on DNA fingerprints or natural features of animals are now becoming very widely used in wildlife population biology. However, classic capture–recapture models do not allow for misidentification of animals which is a potentially very serious problem with natural tags. Statistical analysis of misidentification processes is extremely difficult using traditional likelihood methods but is easily handled using Bayesian methods. We present a general framework for Bayesian analysis of categorical data arising from a latent multinomial distribution. Although our work is motivated by a specific model for misidentification in closed population capture–recapture analyses, with crucial assumptions which may not always be appropriate, the methods we develop extend naturally to a variety of other models with similar structure. Suppose that observed frequencies f are a known linear transformation f=A′x of a latent multinomial variable x with cell probability vector π=π(θ). Given that full conditional distributions [θ | x] can be sampled, implementation of Gibbs sampling requires only that we can sample from the full conditional distribution [x | f,θ], which is made possible by knowledge of the null space ofA′. We illustrate the approach using two data sets with individual misidentification, one simulated, the other summarizing recapture data for salamanders based on natural marks.
The Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Pandemic: Part I. Increased Cardiovascular Disease Risk and the Importance of Atherogenic Dyslipidemia in Persons With the Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ginsberg Henry N. , MacCallum Paul R.
Published: April 2009

Both the metabolic syndrome (MS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) confer an increased risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD). As MS and T2DM become more prevalent, there will be an associated rise in the number of individuals with or at risk for CVD and its related disorders. One major underlying cause of CVD in patients with MS or T2DM is a characteristic form of atherogenic dyslipidemia. This article reviews the evidence that demonstrates that individuals with MS or T2DM are at increased risk for CVD and highlights atherogenic dyslipidemia as an important risk factor for the development of CVD in these individuals. In an accompanying article, current pharmacotherapies available for the management of atherogenic dyslipidemia in individuals with MS or T2DM are discussed.
« Un chef est un requin qui voyage par terre » : fonctions et statuts des armatures de projectile en dent de Carcharhinus leucas et aiguillon caudal de raie dans l’Arabie des VIe‐IIIe millénaires av. notre ère
Authors: Charpentier Vincent , Méry Sophie , Fortini Eleonora , Pellé Et Eric
Published: April 2009

During the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age, many teeth of large sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) and stingray spines were transformed into projectile points in south‐eastern Arabia. These points were probably used for fishing. Deriving from dangerous and/or toxic animals, shark teeth and stingray spines were certainly markers of prestige.
Hemodialysis Versus Peritoneal Dialysis: A Case Control Study of Survival in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5
Authors: Maier Alexandra , Stocks Franziska , Pommer Wolfgang , Zidek Walter , Tepel Martin , Scholze Alexandra
Published: April 2009

It is still controversial whether the mode of dialysis or preexisting comorbidities may influence the prognosis of patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5. Therefore, we performed a prospective case control study to evaluate whether the mode of dialysis may influence outcome. We found 25 cases on peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment and 75 age and sex‐matched controls on hemodialysis (HD) treatment for more than 3 months. Analysis was by intention‐to‐treat. During the follow up of 58 months, 6 out of 25 patients (24%) died in the PD group, whereas in the HD group 26 out of 75 patients (35%) died (relative risk 0.69 [95% CI 0.32 to 1.49]; P = 0.46). Survival was not significantly different between the groups as indicated by Mantel‐Cox log‐rank test (hazard ratio 0.52 [95% CI 0.25 to 1.10]; P = 0.11). Multiple variable regression showed that age and diabetes mellitus, but not mode of dialysis, predicted death in patients with chronic kidney disease. It is concluded that age and comorbidities but not mode of dialysis are important to predict survival in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5.
Implementation Theory Revisited . . . Again: Lessons from the State Children's Health Insurance Program
Authors: MCGRATH ROBERT J.
Published: April 2009

This article examines the implementation of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in three states: Massachusetts, Georgia, and Ohio. It examines the effectiveness of four theoretical driving forces in explaining implementation using a multiple case study analysis. Data were compiled using legislative histories, key informant interviews, public record, and media content analysis and were analyzed using a triangulation of sources. Findings suggest that the driving forces as conceptualized in the literature are only partially helpful when examining the implementation of federal redistributive health policy in these states. A pursuit of rationality approach was the most explanatory of the driving forces followed by an organizational‐policy fit when there was limited capacity to implement new policy. Overall, implementation was found to be more related to state‐level capacity and the state's previous programmatic experiences. Policy innovation was more likely to occur when capacity was high and where goals agreement drove the process.
Single‐Molecule Approach to Understanding Multivalent Binding Kinetics
Authors: Sulchek Todd , Friddle Raymond , Ratto Timothy , Albrecht Huguette , DeNardo Sally , Noy Aleksandr
Published: April 2009

Multivalency results from the simultaneous binding of multiple ligands with multiple receptors. Understanding the effect of multivalency on binding kinetics in molecular and cellular systems may aid the development of new types of therapeutics or countermeasures to pathogen infection. Here, we describe a method using single‐molecule dynamic force spectroscopy to determine the binding strength of antibody–protein complexes as a function of binding valency in a direct and simple measurement. We used the atomic force microscope to measure the force required to rupture a single complex formed by the MUC1 protein, a cancer indicator, and therapeutic antibodies that target MUC1. We will show that nanomechanical polymer tethers can be used in a new manner to count the number of biological bonds formed. Mechanical work will disrupt these bonds and can be used to quantify the overall kinetics. This ability to form, count, and dissociate biological bonds with nanomechanical forces provides a powerful method to study the physical laws governing the interactions of biological molecules.
Thermal Design and Turbidity Sensor for Autonomous Bacterial Growth Measurements in Spaceflight
Authors: Van Benthem Roel , Krooneman Janneke , De Grave Wubbo , Hammenga‐Dorenbos Hilma
Published: April 2009

For application of biological air filters in manned spacecraft, research on bacterial growth is carried out under microgravity conditions. For the BIOFILTER experiment, flown in 2005 on FOTON M2, eight turbidity sensors to measure the growth rate of the bacterium Xanthobacter autotrophicus GJ10 were used. Also thermal management provisions were implemented to control the internal temperature. The design and performance of the BIOFILTER equipment as well as results of the biological ground reference experiments performed in 2006 are discussed. High‐performance thermal (vacuum) insulation (λ= 0.7 mW/mK) and phase change material were implemented, keeping the BIOFILTER internal temperature below 16°C during the 4‐day integration period between transport and launch. After launch, in microgravity, the growth of X. autotrophicus GJ10 was successfully triggered by a temperature increase by using an internal heater to 26°C. Although the operation of the sensor electronics was not fully satisfying, the bacterial growth was measured with the sensors, revealing growth rates between 0.046 and 0.077 h−1 in microgravity, that is, approximately 1.5–2.5 times slower than routinely measured on Earth under optimal laboratory conditions. For the ground‐reference experiments the equipment box, containing the eight sensors, was placed on a random positioning machine performing random rotations at 0.5°/min (settling compensation) and 90°/min (microgravity simulation) while the environment was controlled, accurately repeating the BIOFILTER internal temperature profile. Despite the rotation speed differences, growth rates of 0.115 h−1 were confirmed by both the ground reference experiments. Biological interpretation of the measurements is, however, compromised owing to poor mixing and other unknown physical and biological phenomena that need to be addressed for further space experiments using these kinds of systems.
Ba(Zn1/3Ta2/3)O3 Ceramics for Microwave and Millimeter‐wave Applications
Authors: Alexandru H. V. , Ioachim A. , Toacsan M. I. , Nedelcu L. , Banciu M. G. , Berbecaru C. , Voicu G. , Jinga S. , Andronescu E.
Published: April 2009

The Ba(Zn1/3Ta2/3)O3 (BZT) ceramic samples were prepared by solid‐state reaction and sintered in the range 1550–1650°C for 2 h. Several methods—X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)—were used for structural and morphological characterization. The unit cell distortion and the presence of the secondary phase content were studied by XRD. A long‐range order with a 2:1 ratio of Ta and Zn cations on the octahedral positions of the perovskite structure was noticed with the increase of the sintering temperature. SEM investigations revealed polyhedral well‐faceted grains and large grain size distribution. The dielectric properties in the microwave range were measured at room temperature and at 1 kHz on a large temperature interval (±150°C). The dielectric parameters were correlated with morphological and structural properties. Ceramic samples were annealed at 1410°C for 30 h to improve the microwave properties. The dielectric constant of BZT samples measured at 6 GHz and at 1 kHz was between 27 and 28 on the whole temperature range, that is, typical values for BZT material. The temperature coefficient of the resonance frequency at 6 GHz exhibits positive values less than 6 ppm/°C.
Fluid Dynamical Analysis of a Particle with Large Vapor Transport in Poiseuille Flow
Authors: Asavatesanupap Channarong , Sadhal S. S.
Published: April 2009

The fluid dynamics of a particle with vapor transport in the presence of gaseous Poiseuille flow is examined in detail for low translational Reynolds number. Poiseuille flow is used to represent an undisturbed steady flow in a cylindrical tube. The particle has a dominant radial field of condensation, evaporation, sublimation, or other form of gasification, with a corresponding radial Reynolds number of order unity. An analysis is carried out by using the perturbation method in which the purely radial flow is used as the leading order, and Poiseuille flow together with particle translation is a perturbation of higher order. Whereas the leading order motion may be described by potential flow, the higher order involves nonlinear interaction of viscous and inertial forces. With the perturbation process bringing about linearization of this interaction, an Oseen‐like solution is obtained. However, with the dominant radial flow being strongly diminishing in the far field, a regular perturbation (instead of singular) is sufficient for the perturbed flow description. Presently, the axisymmetric case of a particle along the centerline of the cylinder is considered. The asymmetric case of the off‐center particle is also under examination. The results show that the drag components decrease as the radial Reynolds number increases. The influence of the paraboloidal component of Poiseuille flow is a slight increase in the pressure drag as the ratio of the particle size and the tube radius (a/R0) increases for moderate values of the radial Reynolds number (ReR < 5). For higher values of ReR, the pressure drag decreases with increasing (a/R0). The viscous drag, on the other hand, consistently decreases as the ratio (a/R0) increases.
Bubble Motion through a Generalized Power‐Law Fluid Flowing in a Vertical Tube
Authors: Mukundakrishnan Karthik , Eckmann David M. , Ayyaswamy P. S.
Published: April 2009

Intravascular gas embolism may occur with decompression in space flight, as well as during cardiac and vascular surgery. Intravascular bubbles may be deposited into any end organ, such as the heart or the brain. Surface interactions between the bubble and the endothelial cells lining the vasculature result in serious impairment of blood flow and can lead to heart attack, stroke, or even death. To develop effective therapeutic strategies, there is a need for understanding the dynamics of bubble motion through blood and its interaction with the vessel wall through which it moves. Toward this goal, we numerically investigate the axisymmetric motion of a bubble moving through a vertical circular tube in a shear‐thinning generalized power‐law fluid, using a front‐tracking method. The formulation is characterized by the inlet Reynolds number, capillary number, Weber number, and Froude number. The flow dynamics and the associated wall shear stresses are documented for a combination of two different inlet flow conditions (inlet Reynolds numbers) and three different effective bubble radii (ratio of the undeformed bubble radii to the tube radii). The results of the non‐Newtonian model are then compared with that of the model assuming a Newtonian blood viscosity. Specifically, for an almost occluding bubble (effective bubble radius = 0.9), the wall shear stress and the bubble residence time are compared for both Newtonian and non‐Newtonian cases. Results show that at low shear rates, for a given pressure gradient the residence time for a non‐Newtonian flow is higher than that for a Newtonian flow.
Effect of Suspended Particles on the Drying Process of a Carrier‐Fluid Droplet Sitting on a Solid Surface
Authors: Kochiya Kazunori , Ueno Ichiro
Published: April 2009

We focus on an evaporation process of a volatile droplet on a temperature‐controlled solid substrate. The process is strongly affected by suspending tiny particles inside the droplet, resulting in a well‐known phenomenon called the “coffee stain problem.” The target systems in this study are (1) the water‐hydrophilic particle and (2) the water‐ethanol mixture–hydrophilic particle. Spatio‐temporal particle motion in the induced flow in the evaporation process is visualized by applying three‐dimensional particle tracking velocimetry. The correlation between the particle behavior in the evaporation process and the morphological pattern of the droplet after dryout is also discussed.
AVGWLF‐Based Estimation of Nonpoint Source Nitrogen Loads Generated Within Long Island Sound Subwatersheds1
Authors: Georgas Nickitas , Rangarajan Srinivasan , Farley Kevin J. , Jagupilla Sarath Chandra K.
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  The Generalized Watershed Loading Functions (GWLF) model and its ArcView interface (AVGWLF) were used to estimate and examine the components of the total nitrogen (TN) nonpoint source (NPS) load generated within New York and Connecticut (CT) watersheds surrounding Long Island Sound (LIS, the Sound). The majority of data used as model inputs were generally available from online sources, and the work involved an overall calibration to streamflow and TN data in accordance with generic guidelines recommended in the GWLF manual. The GWLF model performance for three calibration and two validation watersheds in CT was compared with results of a detailed model, Hydrological Simulation Program in Fortran, developed in a previous study. The results of the application illustrate the usefulness of the relatively simpler, less parameter‐intensive GWLF model in performing exploratory loading analysis in preparation for adaptive nutrient management in the LIS watersheds. The presented methodology is valuable for identification of priority watersheds for NPS pollution reduction and also for planning‐level evaluation of best management practices to achieve the desired reductions. It is estimated that ground‐water base flow may be the largest pathway for NPS TN to the Sound, contributing about 54% of the total NPS TN load, a finding with significant implications for LIS total maximum daily load reduction scenarios. In addition to ground water, septic systems are estimated to contribute about 17% of the total load, with the remaining TN load being mostly runoff from urban (17%), agricultural (5%), and low impact (e.g., forest) areas (6%).
Development of microsatellite markers for the dwarf bamboo species Sasa cernua and Sasa kurilensis (Poaceae) in northern Japan
Authors: KITAMURA KEIKO , SAITOH TOMOYUKI , MATSUO AYUMI , SUYAMA YOSHIHISA
Published: April 2009

Ten polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated from the dwarf bamboo species Sasa cernua and Sasa kurilensis. The applicability of these markers was confirmed by genotyping of open‐pollinated seeds and leaf samples from natural populations. Genotypes of seeds from each culm shared at least one allele from the maternal parent without contradiction. All 10 loci were polymorphic in S. cernua with 2–15 alleles (average HE = 0.532). Eight loci were polymorphic in S. kurilensis with 2–10 alleles (average HE = 0.532). These markers will be useful in detailing the extent of clonal and sexual reproduction in these species.
Partner‐Specific Adaptation in Dialog
Authors: Brennan Susan E. , Hanna Joy E.
Published: April 2009

No one denies that people adapt what they say and how they interpret what is said to them, depending on their interactive partners. What is controversial is when and how they do so. Several psycholinguistics research programs have found what appear to be failures to adapt to partners in the early moments of processing and have used this evidence to argue for modularity in the language processing architecture, claiming that the system cannot take into account a partner’s distinct needs or knowledge early in processing. We review the evidence for both early and delayed partner‐specific adaptations, and we identify some challenges and difficulties with interpreting this evidence. We then discuss new analyses from a previously published referential communication experiment (Metzing & Brennan, 2003) demonstrating that partner‐specific effects need not occur late in processing. In contrast to Pickering and Garrod (2004) and Keysar, Barr, and Horton (1998b), we conclude that there is no good evidence that early processing has to be be “egocentric,”“dumb,” or encapsulated from social knowledge or common ground, but that under some circumstances, such as when one partner has made an attribution about another’s knowledge or needs, processing can be nimble enough to adapt quite early to a perspective different from one’s own.
Joint Action, Interactive Alignment, and Dialog
Authors: Garrod Simon , Pickering Martin J.
Published: April 2009

Dialog is a joint action at different levels. At the highest level, the goal of interlocutors is to align their mental representations. This emerges from joint activity at lower levels, both concerned with linguistic decisions (e.g., choice of words) and nonlinguistic processes (e.g., alignment of posture or speech rate). Because of the high‐level goal, the interlocutors are particularly concerned with close coupling at these lower levels. As we illustrate with examples, this means that imitation and entrainment are particularly pronounced during interactive communication. We then argue that the mechanisms underlying such processes involve covert imitation of interlocutors’ communicative behavior, leading to emulation of their expected behavior. In other words, communication provides a very good example of predictive emulation, in a way that leads to successful joint activity.
Conversation and Coordinative Structures
Authors: Shockley Kevin , Richardson Daniel C. , Dale Rick
Published: April 2009

People coordinate body postures and gaze patterns during conversation. We review literature showing that (1) action embodies cognition, (2) postural coordination emerges spontaneously when two people converse, (3) gaze patterns influence postural coordination, (4) gaze coordination is a function of common ground knowledge and visual information that conversants believe they share, and (5) gaze coordination is causally related to mutual understanding. We then consider how coordination, generally, can be understood as temporarily coupled neuromuscular components that function as a collective unit known as a coordinative structure in the motor control literature. We speculate that the coordination of gaze and body sway found in conversation may be understood as a cross‐person coordinative structure that embodies the goals of the joint action system.