bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased apoB/apoA-I Ratio is Predictive of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Initially Healthy 58-Year-old Men during 8.9 Years of Follow-up
Authors: Johansson L. , Schmidt C.
Published: November 2008

The aim of the present study was to investigate, if increased levels of apoB/apoA-I ratios are associated with future peripheral arterial disease as measured by ankle-brachial index. Increased apoB/apoA-I levels are defined as 0.9, which has been suggested for men, and as 0.63, which has observed to be associated with plaques in the femoral artery. The study was performed in a cohort of initially clinically healthy 58-year-old men living in the city of Göteborg, Sweden. The group with an apoB/apoA-I ratio ≥0.9 had a significantly increased risk of having PAD during 8.9 years of follow-up than the group below that level (OR: 2.15 CI: 1.21 to 3.82, p < 0.01). When applying the lower apoB/apoA-I cut off, results showed that the group with a level >0.63 had more than a three-fold risk of future PAD compared to the group ≤0.63 (OR: 3.28 CI: 1.14 to 9.40, p < 0.05).
The Ruins of Yuanmingyuan
Authors: Lee Haiyan
Published: November 2008

Yuanmingyuan (Garden of Perfect Brightness), or the Old Summer Palace, was once a massive complex of gardens, pavilions, lakes, hills, and pleasure grounds. After it was looted and burnt down by Anglo-French troops in 1860, it commenced a long “afterlife” as a site of farmsteads, factories, school campuses, a bohemian colony, and a public park. This article explores the politics of spatial configuration and signification, or “the relations of proximity,” in the present-day Ruins Park by revisiting the debates of the 1990s surrounding restoration/development issues, the disquiet over the xiyanglou ruins in literary and visual representations, and a more recent environmental controversy that has brought a new political life to the park. Analytically, the author proposes to read the park as a heterotopia of multiple emplacements: ruinscape, gardenscape, Disneyscape, and civicscape. As such, the park is a spatial metaphor of contemporary China and a schooling ground for the art of socialist neoliberal citizenship.
Planned Parenthood?
Authors: Sassler Sharon , Miller Amanda , Favinger Sarah M.
Published: November 2008

Most research on nonmarital births focuses on disadvantaged populations. This study examined the childbearing expectations and experiences of a working-class sample, drawing on in-depth interviews with 30 cohabiting couples. Few couples in the sample were attempting to conceive; most desired to defer parenting. Three responses emerged to how a pregnancy would be resolved. The largest group would be dismayed but would bear the child. A smaller set indicated that it would terminate a pregnancy. The third group disagreed on the outcome. Relationship context and partner attributes were key factors in fertility decisions. Couples who believed that they had a future together were most likely to agree that they would have the child, though not necessarily preceded by marriage; they were the most consistent users of contraception. Couples of the second and third groups (termination, nonconcurrence) were less regular or less effective contraceptors. Results are discussed in light of public policy interest in reducing nonmarital births.
Determination of Critical Width of Multiple Delamination in Laminated Composite Plate Under Buckling Load
Authors: Zor Mehmet
Published: November 2008

In order to investigate the effects of multiple delaminations' width on the buckling loads of the simply supported woven steel-reinforced thermoplastic-laminated composite plates, having the strip and lateral delamination regions between each layers, 3-D finite elements models have been established. The critical delamination representing the maximum delamination sizes and tolerate value in a structure without decreasing compressive strength has been obtained from the evalution of the buckling analyses. There are four layers and two different delamination shapes, vertical and horizontal, in models. The orientation angles of the fibers have been choosen as [0°]4, [15°/-15°] s, [15°/-15°]2, [30°/-30°]s, [30°/-30°]2 , [45°]4 and [45°/-45°]s. Firstly, the harmony between theoretical and finite element solutions' results of the plate without delamination has been shown. Then, the buckling loads have been determined for each model having different delamination width. There is no important decrease in buckling loads until certain values of delamination width exactly. For the symmetrical and antisymmetrical cases the obtained results show that the changing ratios are the same for each angle. By comparing orientation angle, it can be said that the values and changing ratios of the buckling loads of high-value orientation angles are higher than the low values.
Studies on Rheological and Physical Properties of Metallic and Non-metallic Particulate Filled Epoxy Composites
Authors: Bhagyashekar M.S. , Rao Kavaitha , Rao R.M.V.G.K.
Published: November 2008

Studies were carried out on RT cure epoxy (LY556+HY951) composite system comprising of metallic and non-metallic fillers. The results of the studies carried out on the composites containing three distinctly different particulate fillers, representing metallic (Cu and Al), ceramic (SiC) and solid lubricant Gr materials showed that the viscosities of the composite formulations (slips) increased with increased filler loading for a given composite. The composite formulations containing Gr and SiC exhibited respectively the highest and lowest increments in their viscosities. Further, the densities of these composites increased with increased filler content, in the order of respective densities of the fillers used. Also, the hardness of the composites increased with the increased filler content, except for the Gr filled composites, which showed an opposite trend.
Evaluation of Time Dependent Behavior of a Wood Flour/High Density Polyethylene Composite
Authors: Dastoorian Foroogh , Tajvidi Mehdi , Ebrahimi Ghanbar
Published: November 2008

Short-term flexural creep and stress relaxation tests were conducted on a wood plastic composite containing 30% high density polyethylene (HDPE), 67% fir wood flour, 2% compatibilizer (MAPE), and 1% lubricant. In creep tests, applied stress levels ranged from 30 to 60% of measured flexural strength. The principle of time—stress superposition was applied to form a master curve extending for a maximum of 4 years. The horizontal shift factors conformed to an Arrhenius type equation. Stress relaxation tests were also carried out at strain levels ranging from 30 to 60% of the ultimate strain. The principle of time—strain superposition was applied to form a stress relaxation master curve that extended for 67 days. The horizontal shift factors also conformed to an Arrhenius type equation. The resulting master curves were compared with extrapolated creep and stress relaxation models. To determine whether time—stress superposition is valid for the studied composite material, creep shift factors were applied to stress relaxation data and vice versa. In both creep and stress relaxation tests, it was found that the application of superposition was verified. The results indicated that the studied composite material was rheologically simple, and a single horizontal shifting on time axis was adequate to predict the long term performance of the material.
Middle School Boys’ Perspectives on Social Relationships With Peers With Disabilities
Authors: Kalymon Kristen , Gettinger Maribeth , Hanley-Maxwell Cheryl
Published: November 2008

Factors that contribute to the development of positive peer relationships between middle-school students with and without disabilities are investigated. Eight typically developing, seventh-grade boys participate in semi-structured interviews to discern their perspectives of the personal benefits or challenges associated with having social relationships with classmates who have disabilities. Data coding reveal five themes that relate to the formation of positive peer relationships: (a) perceived similarity in interests and ability, (b) the role of the adolescent without disabilities in the relationship, (c) amount of time spent together, (d) peer reactions towards students with disabilities, and (e) adult behavior towards students with disabilities. A theory of congruence and mutuality in peer relationships emerges from the data analysis to explain middle school relationships between students with and without disabilities.
Thermomechanical Modeling of Functionally Graded Plates
Authors: Leetsch R. , Wallmersperger T. , Kröplin B.
Published: November 2008

In this contribution, the 3D thermomechanical behavior of functionally graded plates subjected to transverse thermal loads is investigated by means of a series of 2D finite plate elements. In the framework of the Unified Formulation developed by Carrera (2003), the governing equations for both the heat conduction problem and the resulting thermomechanical bending problem are derived within the principle of virtual work. The order of the axiomatically assumed thickness functions is explicitly chosen independently for the thermal and the mechanical problem, respectively. Upon introduction of the thickness functions, the problem is reduced to 2D and solved by means of the finite element method. The locally varying, effective material properties are approximated by mean field estimates, e.g., the Mori—Tanaka scheme. A numerical assessment of the developed models is given. In particular, the influence of the order of the assumed thickness functions is analyzed. It will be shown that higher order assumptions are mandatory for accurate results in comparison with 3D solutions available in the literature.
Investigating the Mechanisms Underlying Neuronal Death in Ischemia Using In Vitro Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation: Potential Involvement of Protein SUMOylation
Authors: Cimarosti Helena , Henley Jeremy M.
Published: November 2008

It is well established that brain ischemia can cause neuronal death via different signaling cascades. The relative importance and interrelationships between these pathways, however, remain poorly understood. Here is presented an overview of studies using oxygen-glucose deprivation of organotypic hippocampal slice cultures to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in ischemia. The culturing techniques, setup of the oxygen-glucose deprivation model, and analytical tools are reviewed. The authors focus on SUMOylation, a posttranslational protein modification that has recently been implicated in ischemia from whole animal studies as an example of how these powerful tools can be applied and could be of interest to investigate the molecular pathways underlying ischemic cell death. NEUROSCIENTIST
Toll Roads, Politics, and Public—Public Partnerships
Authors: Battaglio R. Paul , Khankarli Ghassan A.
Published: November 2008

Governments have increasingly relied on market mechanisms to improve the efficiency of public services. This is especially true when it comes to financing the nation's transportation infrastructure system, where enabling legislation at the federal and state level has gradually placed greater reliance on the private sector through collaborative endeavors such as public—private partnerships (P3s). This article examines the process and structure of such collaborative endeavors in the case of the toll road along Texas State Highway (SH) 121. Initially, the state transportation agency entered into an agreement with a private consortium but later withdrew support for the agreement in favor of a public—public partnership (PPuP) with the local toll road authority. State and local politicians withdrew support for the private consortium as public sentiment waned. The article concludes that citizen input and state and local politics have a significant impact on the process and structure used for implementing public—private partnerships.
An Argument for Routine Ultrasound Screening of the Thoracic Aorta in the Cardiac Surgery Population
Authors: Whitley William S. , Glas Kathryn E.
Published: November 2008

Stroke and neurological injury are among the most devastating and disabling complications associated with cardiac surgery. Transesophageal echocardiography and epiaortic ultrasound allow for sensitive, point-of-care diagnosis of thoracic aortic disease, which is especially common in patients with heart disease. Unlike other operative procedures, the manipulation of the ascending aorta is routine in cardiac surgery and often unavoidable. Dislodgement and embolization from the ascending and aortic arch atheromas have been clearly associated with manipulation during cardiac surgery. Epiaortic ultrasound and transesophageal echocardiography screening are more accurate and more accessible to the operative team than any other available modality to diagnose atherosclerosis of the aorta. The goal of this review is to review the rationale and scientific evidence that suggests that the routine use of ultrasound guidance in cardiac surgery may improve postoperative outcomes in this patient population.
Reasons for Policewomen's Assertive and Passive Reactions to Sexual Harassment
Authors: Chaiyavej Somvadee , Morash Merry
Published: November 2008

To understand how constructive responses could be encouraged and supported, research was conducted to show the reasons for female police officers' responses to sexual harassment. A survey was administered in small groups to 117 female officers from 5 law enforcement agencies in a Midwestern state. For the 106 who had experienced harassment in the last 2 years, perceiving sexual harassing behavior as a violation of organizational policy predicted seeing harassing acts as severe, which in turn predicted assertive reactions. A de-emphasis on individuality and not participating in organizational decision making were predictive of high concern about social reactions, which then predicted the use of passive responses to harassment.
Lactadherin and clearance of platelet-derived microvesicles
Authors: Dasgupta Swapan K. , Abdel-Monem Hanan , Niravath Polly , Le Anhquyen , Bellera Ricardo V. , Langlois Kimberly , Nagata Shigekazu , Rumbaut Rolando E. , Thiagarajan Perumal
Published: November 2008

The transbilayer movement of phosphatidylserine from the inner to the outer leaflet of the membrane bilayer during platelet activation is associated with the release of procoagulant phosphatidylserine-rich small membrane vesicles called platelet-derived microvesicles. We tested the effect of lactadherin, which promotes the phagocytosis of phosphatidylserine-expressing lymphocytes and red blood cells, in the clearance of platelet microvesicles. Platelet-derived microvesicles were labeled with BODIPY-maleimide and incubated with THP-1–derived macrophages. The extent of phagocytosis was quantified by flow cytometry. Lactadherin promoted phagocytosis in a concentration-dependent manner with a half-maximal effect at approximately 5 ng/mL. Lactadherin-deficient mice had increased number of platelet-derived microvesicles in their plasma compared with their wild-type littermates (950 ± 165 vs 4760 ± 650; P = .02) and generated 2-fold more thrombin. In addition, splenic macrophages from lactadherin-deficient mice showed decreased capacity to phagocytose platelet-derived microvesicles. In an in vivo model of light/dye-induced endothelial injury/thrombosis in the cremasteric venules, lactadherin-deficient mice had significantly shorter time for occlusion compared with their wild-type littermate controls (5.93 ± 0.43 minutes vs 9.80 ± 1.14 minutes;P = .01). These studies show that lactadherin mediates the clearance of phosphatidylserine-expressing platelet-derived microvesicles from the circulation and that a defective clearance can induce a hypercoagulable state.
Role of molecular mimicry of hepatitis C virus protein with platelet GPIIIa in hepatitis C–related immunologic thrombocytopenia
Authors: Zhang Wei , Nardi Michael A. , Borkowsky William , Li Zongdong , Karpatkin Simon
Published: November 2008

Patients with HIV-1 immune-related thrombocytopenia (HIV-1–ITP) have a unique Ab against platelet GPIIIa49-66 capable of inducing oxidative platelet fragmentation in the absence of complement. HIV-1–seropositive drug abusers are more prone to develop immune thrombocytopenia than non–drug abusers and have a higher coinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) than non–drug abusers (90% vs 30%). Molecular mimicry was sought by screening a phage peptide library with anti–GPIIIa49-66 antibody as bait for peptides sharing homology sequences with HCV. Several phage peptide clones had 70% homology with HCV protein. Sera from dually infected thrombocytopenic patients with HCV and HIV-ITP reacted strongly with 4 nonconserved peptides from HCV core envelope 1. Reactivity correlated inversely with platelet count (r2 = 0.7, P < .01). Ab raised against peptide PHC09 in GPIIIa−/− mice induced thrombocytopenia in wild-type mice. Affinity-purified IgG against PHC09 induced oxidative platelet fragmentation in vitro. Drug abusers dually infected with HCV and HIV-1 had a greater incidence and severity of thrombocytopenia as well as titer of anti–GPIIIa49-66/PHC09 Ab. NZB/W F1 mice injected with recombinant core envelope 1 developed Ab versus PHC09 and significantly decreased their platelet count (P < .001). Thus, HCV core envelope 1 can induce thrombocytopenia by molecular mimicry with GPIIIa49-66.
A New Role for Activin in Endometrial Repair after Menses
Authors: Kaitu'u-Lino Tu'uhevaha J. , Phillips David J. , Morison Naomi B. , Salamonsen Lois A.
Published: November 2008

Abnormal uterine bleeding can severely affect the quality of life for women. After menstruation, the endometrium must adequately repair to limit and stop bleeding. Abnormal uterine bleeding may result from incorrect or inadequate endometrial repair after menstruation. Previous studies have shown an important contribution of activin to skin wound healing, with severely delayed wound repair observed in animals transgenically induced to overexpress activin’s natural inhibitor, follistatin. Activin subunits have also been identified within human endometrium; however, their role in endometrial repair is unknown. We assessed the contribution of activin to endometrial repair after menses using a human in vitro cell wounding method and our well-characterized mouse model of endometrial breakdown and repair applied to mice overexpressing follistatin. Endometrial repair after menses is initiated with reepithelialization of the uterine surface. To mimic this repair, we utilized a human endometrial epithelial cell line (ECC-1) and demonstrated significant stimulation of wound closure after activin A administration, and attenuation of this response by addition of follistatin. Immunolocalization of activin subunits, βA and βB, in control endometrium from the mouse model demonstrated specific epithelial and stromal localization and some leukocyte staining (βA) around sites of endometrial repair, suggestive of a role for activin in this process. Follistatin-overexpressing animals had significantly higher circulating follistatin levels than wild-type littermates. There was a significant delay in endometrial repair after breakdown in follistatin transgenic animals compared with control animals. This study demonstrates for the first time a functional role for activin in endometrial repair after menses.
The Role of Interleukin-6 in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Fever by Mechanisms Independent of Prostaglandin E2
Authors: Nilsberth Camilla , Elander Louise , Hamzic Namik , Norell Maria , Lönn Johanna , Engström Linda , Blomqvist Anders
Published: November 2008

Fever has been shown to be elicited by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) binding to its receptors on thermoregulatory neurons in the anterior hypothalamus. The signals that trigger PGE2 production are thought to include proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6. However, although the presence of IL-6 is critical for fever, IL-6 by itself is not or only weakly pyrogenic. Here we examined the relationship between IL-6 and PGE2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fever. Immune-challenged IL-6 knockout mice did not produce fever, in contrast to wild-type mice, but the expression of the inducible PGE2-synthesizing enzymes, cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1, was similarly up-regulated in the hypothalamus of both genotypes, which also displayed similarly elevated PGE2 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. Nevertheless, both wild-type and knockout mice displayed a febrile response to graded concentrations of PGE2 injected into the lateral ventricle. There was no major genotype difference in the expression of IL-1β and TNFα or their receptors, and pretreatment of IL-6 knockout mice with soluble TNFα receptor ip or intracerebroventricularly or a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor ip did not abolish the LPS unresponsiveness. Hence, although IL-6 knockout mice have both an intact PGE2 synthesis and an intact fever-generating pathway downstream of PGE2, endogenously produced PGE2 is not sufficient to produce fever in the absence of IL-6. The findings suggest that IL-6 controls some factor(s) in the inflammatory cascade, which render(s) IL-6 knockout mice refractory to the pyrogenic action of PGE2, or that it is involved in the mechanisms that govern release of synthesized PGE2 onto its target neurons.
Monocarboxylate Transporter 8 in Neuronal Cell Growth
Authors: James S. R. , Franklyn J. A. , Reaves B. J. , Smith V. E. , Chan S. Y. , Barrett T. G. , Kilby M. D. , McCabe C. J.
Published: November 2008

Thyroid hormones are essential for the normal growth and development of the fetus, and even small alterations in maternal thyroid hormone status during early pregnancy may be associated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities in childhood. Mutations in the novel and specific thyroid hormone transporter monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) have been associated with severe neurodevelopmental impairment. However, the mechanism by which MCT8 influences neural development remains poorly defined. We have therefore investigated the effect of wild-type (WT) MCT8, and the previously reported L471P mutant, on the growth and function of human neuronal precursor NT2 cells as well as MCT8-null JEG-3 cells. HA-tagged WT MCT8 correctly localized to the plasma membrane in NT2 cells and increased T3 uptake in both cell types. In contrast, L471P MCT8 was largely retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and displayed no T3 transport activity. Transient overexpression of WT and mutant MCT8 proteins failed to induce endoplasmic reticular stress or apoptosis. However, MCT8 overexpression significantly repressed cell proliferation in each cell type in both the presence and absence of the active thyroid hormone T3 and in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, L471P MCT8 showed no such influence. Finally, small interfering RNA depletion of endogenous MCT8 resulted in increased cell survival and decreased T3 uptake. Given that T3 stimulated proliferation in embryonic neuronal NT2 cells, whereas MCT8 repressed cell growth, these data suggest an entirely novel role for MCT8 in addition to T3 transport, mediated through the modulation of cell proliferation in the developing brain.
Use of the quality function deployment methodology in the development of a novel training system for cricket
Authors: Justham L , West A A
Published: November 2008

The ‘quality function deployment’ (QFD) methodology, a quality system used in the planning, design, and manufacture of new products and services, has been adopted throughout the development of a novel training system for cricket. Four basic phases are contained within QFD, which are concerned with every stage of the development process, from the initial product design through to planning the production of the finalized system. The primary focus of the research presented within this paper has been the use of the ‘House of Quality’ (HoQ) product planning matrix, a tool based on the QFD approach, to understand the needs of the future system users (the ‘voice of the customer’ (VOC)), identify the technical characteristics required to fulfil the VOC, evaluate existing technologies, and manufacture a working prototype system. This prototype system has been tested extensively and has been shown to fulfil the needs of the future system users (‘customers’) more fully than those offered by the leading competitors. Further development of the prototype system is ongoing, with a view to expanding the system functionality and better fulfilling the needs of the future system users as identified in the VOC.
The effects of various infills, fibre structures, and shoe designs on generating rotational traction on an artificial surface
Authors: Villwock M R , Meyer E G , Powell J W , Fouty A J , Haut R C
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of infill material and fibre structure on the rotational traction associated with American football shoes on infill-based artificial surfaces. A mobile testing apparatus with a compliant ankle was used to apply rotations and measure the torque produced at the football shoe—surface interface. The mechanical surrogate was used to compare three infill materials in combination with three fibre structures, creating a total of nine unique surfaces. Infill material, fibre structure, and shoe design were all found to significantly affect rotational traction. The cryogenically processed styrene—butadiene rubber (SBR) infill yielded significantly higher peak torques than the ambient ground SBR and extruded thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) infills. An artificial surface with a nylon root zone yielded significantly lower peak torques than similar fibre surfaces without a nylon root zone. The size of infill particles and the presence of a nylon root zone may influence the compactness of the infill layer. These features may act to alter the amount of cleat contact with the infill, thereby influencing rotational traction. The amount of cleat contact with the surface may also be determined by the shoe design.
Is American Health Care Uniquely Inefficient?
Authors: Garber Alan M , Skinner Jonathan
Published: November 2008

The U.S. health system has been described as the most competitive, heterogeneous, inefficient, fragmented, and advanced system of care in the world. In this paper, we consider two questions: First, is the U.S. healthcare system productively efficient relative to other wealthy countries, in the sense of producing better health for a given bundle of hospital beds, physicians, nurses, and other factor inputs? Second, is the United States allocatively efficient relative to other countries, in the sense of providing highly valued care to consumers? For both questions, the answer is most likely no. Although no country can claim to have eliminated inefficiency, the United States has high administrative costs, fragmented care, and stands out with regard to heterogeneity in treatment because of race, income, and geography. The U.S. healthcare system is also more likely to pay for diagnostic tests, treatments, and other forms of care before effectiveness is established and with little consideration of the value they provide. A number of proposed reforms that are designed to ameliorate shortcomings of the U.S. healthcare system, such as quality improvement initiatives and coverage expansions, are unlikely by themselves to reduce expenditures. Addressing allocative inefficiency is a far more difficult task but central to controlling costs.
Are We Finally Winning the War on Cancer?
Authors: Cutler David M
Published: November 2008

President Nixon declared what came to be known as the “war on cancer” in 1971 in his State of the Union address. At first the war on cancer went poorly: despite a substantial increase in resources, age-adjusted cancer mortality increased by 8 percent between 1971 and 1990, twice the increase from 1950 through 1971. However, between 1990 and 2004, age-adjusted cancer mortality fell by 13 percent. This drop translates into an increase in life expectancy at birth of half a year—roughly a quarter of the two-year increase in life expectancy over this time period and a third of the increase in life expectancy at age 45. The decline brings cancer mortality to its lowest level in 60 years. In the war on cancer, optimism has replaced pessimism. In this paper, I evaluate the reasons for the reduction in cancer mortality. I highlight three factors as leading to improved survival. Most important is cancer screening: mammography for breast cancer and colonoscopy for colorectal cancer. These technologies have had the largest impact on survival, at relatively moderate cost. Second in importance are personal behaviors, especially the reduction in smoking. Tobacco-related mortality reduction is among the major factors associated with better health, likely at a cost worth paying. Third in importance, and more controversial, are treatment changes. Improvements in surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have contributed to improved survival for a number of cancers, but at high cost. The major challenge for cancer care in the future is likely to be the balancing act between what we are able to do and what it makes sense to pay for.
Organizational Fragmentation and Care Quality in the U.S. Healthcare System
Authors: Cebul Randall D , Rebitzer James B , Taylor Lowell J , Votruba Mark E
Published: November 2008

Many goods and services can be readily provided through a series of unconnected transactions, but in health care, close coordination over time and within care episodes improves both health outcomes and efficiency. Close coordination is problematic in the U.S. healthcare system because the financing and delivery of care is distributed across a variety of distinct and often competing entities, each with its own objectives, obligations, and capabilities. These fragmented organizational structures lead to disrupted relationships, poor information flows, and misaligned incentives that combine to degrade care quality and increase costs. We illustrate our argument with examples taken from the insurance and hospital industries, and discuss possible responses to the problems resulting from organizational fragmentation.
Inelastic compression increases venous ejection fraction more than elastic bandages in patients with superficial venous reflux
Authors: Mosti G , Mattaliano V , Partsch H
Published: November 2008

Aim

To investigate the influence of compression bandages, manufactured using materials with different elastic properties, on the impaired venous pumping function in patients with venous insufficiency.

Methods

Ejection volume (EV) and ejection fraction (EF) were measured using strain gauge plethysmography distal from the patella without and with elastic and inelastic compression bandages in a total of 30 patients with major venous reflux in the great saphenous vein. The interface pressure of the bandages was measured simultaneously in the medial gaiter area. Normal values of EV and EF were obtained from 15 healthy controls.

Results

Patients with venous insufficiency showed a statistically significant reduction of EV and EF compared to controls. Elastic bandages with an average pressure of 42 mm Hg in the supine position achieved a moderate increase of EV and a significant improvement of EF (p < .01), while inelastic bandages applied with comparable resting pressure (41 mm Hg) raised EV and EF into a normal range (p < .001). The improvement of the ejection fraction correlates well with the pressure differences between standing and lying (Static Stiffness Index) and between muscle systole and diastole during exercise (Pearson r = 0.69 and 0.74 respectively, p < .001). Elastic bandages applied with high stretch in order to achieve standing pressures comparable to those of inelastic bandages (>60 mm Hg) led only to a minor improvement of the venous pumping function.

Conclusions

Ejected volume and ejection fraction, which are severely reduced in venous insufficiency, can be increased by compression therapy. Inelastic compression is much more effective than elastic bandages, and is able to normalize venous pumping function. With elastic bandages EV and EF always remain below the normal range even when applied with high stretch producing a resting pressure that is barely tolerable.
Diagnosis and therapy in children with lymphoedema
Authors: Damstra R J , Mortimer P S
Published: November 2008

Introduction

Lymphoedema (LE) is a disorder characterized by persistent swelling caused by impaired lymphatic drainage because of various aetiologies, including lymphatic injury and congenital functional or anatomical defects.

Objective

Literature review and expert opinion about diagnosis and treatment of LE in children.

Results

LE is rare in children, with a prevalence of about 1.15/100,000 persons, 20 years old. The management of LE in children differs considerably from adults in terms of origin, co-morbidity and therapeutic approach. The objective of this presentation is to discuss practical issues related to clinically relevant information on the diagnosis, aetiology, work-up and treatment of LE in children. In contrast to adults, who usually experience secondary LE because of acquired lymphatic failure, most cases in children have a primary origin. The diagnosis can be made mainly on the basis of careful personal and family history, and physical examination. LE in children can be part of a syndrome if there are other concomitant phenotypic abnormalities and if a genetic defect is recognizable. Treatment of LE is mostly conservative utilizing decongestive LE therapy including compression therapy, directed exercises, massage and skincare. In the neonate, initial observation alone may be sufficient, as delayed lymphatic development and maturation can result in spontaneous improvement. The role of parents is crucial in providing the necessary input.

Conclusion

We present a review emphasizing a practical approach to treating a child with LE according to current publications and our own experience.
Funding the practice of learning: exploring the relationship between funders and grant recipients
Authors: Marsh Sheila , Cameron Marsaili , Dewar Steve , Hinds Kathryn
Published: November 2008

This article reviews the King’s Fund’s efforts to establish shared priorities for learning with grant applicants, to improve Londoners’ health through community-level projects. The Fund used partnership working for its Partners for Health grant programme, an innovative framework contrasting with the typical, more narrow and limited, model for funding relationships. The related focus on learning required robust evaluation plans from grant applicants, based on the ‘realistic evaluation’ approach. This shift to grant-aid relationships based on partnership and learning produced varied reactions, and raises far-reaching issues about the challenges presented by partnership that feed into broader debates about the place of partnership in public services.
A new family of locally compact 4-dimensional translation planes admitting a 7-dimensional collineation group
Authors: Ortleb Sigrun
Published: November 2008

The present paper contains the construction of a family of 4-dimensional translation planes with a 7-dimensional collineation group. The planes of this family do not appear in the comprehensive classification [Betten, J. Reine Angew. Math. 285: 126–148, 1976, Betten, Geometriae Dedicata 3: 405–440, 1974/75, Betten, Math. Z. 154: 125–141, 1977]. We furthermore determine the isomorphism types of the new planes.
Characterization of some subgraphs of point-collinearity graphs of building geometries II
Authors: Kasikova Anna
Published: November 2008

We give examples of characterizations of point shadows of apartments of buildings using Theorem 3.3 of [Kasikova, European J. Combin. 28: 1493–1529, 2007], and prove some properties of point-line truncations of J-Grassmann geometries of buildings, used in those examples, for all buildings and all choices of J.
Evo–devo of child growth II: human life history and transition between its phases
Authors: Hochberg Ze'ev
Published: November 2008

This review attempts to use evolutionary life-history theory in understanding child growth in a broad evolutionary perspective. It uses the data and theory of evolutionary predictive adaptive strategies for transition from one life-history phase to the next, and the inherent adaptive plasticity in the timing of such transitions. Humans evolved to withstand energy crises by decreasing their body size, and evolutionary short-term adaptations to energy crises utilize a plasticity that modifies the timing of transition from infancy into childhood, culminating in short stature at the time of an energy crisis. Transition to juvenility is part of a strategy of conversion from a period of total dependence on the family and tribe for provision and security to self-supply, and a degree of adaptive plasticity is provided and determines body composition. Transition to adolescence entails plasticity in adapting to energy resources, other environmental cues, and the social needs of the maturing adolescent to determine lifespan and the period of fecundity and fertility.

Conclusion

Life-history transitions are the times when the child adaptively responds to environmental cues in order to enhance growth–body composition–lifespan–fecundity schedules and behavioral strategies that yield the highest fitness in a given environment.
LYRM1, a novel gene promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of preadipocytes
Authors: Qiu Jie , Gao Chun-Lin , Zhang Min , Chen Rong-Hua , Chi Xia , Liu Feng , Zhang Chun-Mei , Ji Chen-Bo , Chen Xiao-Hui , Zhao Ya-Ping , Li Xiao-Nan , Tong Mei-Ling , Ni Yu-Hui , Guo Xi-Rong
Published: November 2008

Objective

To characterize a novel gene, Homo sapiens LYR motif containing 1 (LYRM1), that is highly expressed in omental adipose tissue of obese subjects.

Methods and results

RT-PCR and western blot analysis confirmed that both mRNA and protein levels of LYRM1 were higher in omental adipose tissue of obese subjects than in normal weight subjects. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that LYRM1 expression is widely distributed, with the highest levels of expression occurring in adipose tissue. A fusion protein of LYRM1 and green fluorescent protein as well as western blot analysis were used to identify the subcellular localization of LYRM1 in the nucleus. Based on Oil red O staining and the expression profile of specific differentiation markers, ectopic LYRM1 expression was not found to significantly affect adipogenesis. MTT assays and cell cycle analysis showed that LYRM1 promotes preadipocyte proliferation, and data from annexin V-FITC and caspase-3 activity assays further determined that LYRM1 can inhibit apoptosis of preadipocytes.

Conclusions

By increasing cell proliferation and lowering the rate of apoptosis, LYRM1 has the potential to modulate the size of the preadipocyte pool and influence adipose tissue homeostasis.
Skeletal muscle 11β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 activity is upregulated following elective abdominal surgery
Authors: Jang Christina , Obeyesekere Varuni R , Alford Frank P , Inder Warrick J
Published: November 2008

Objective

Cortisol has been traditionally implicated in the causation of peri-operative skeletal muscle (SkM) insulin resistance, but cortisol levels return to normal within 72 h of surgery. Tissue cortisol bioactivity may be prolonged by local upregulation of the enzyme 11βHSD1. We aimed to investigate the changes of SkM 11βHSD1 enzyme activity and mRNA expression, relative to plasma cortisol, insulin and glucose levels following elective abdominal surgery.

Patients and design

Eight non-diabetic subjects (two male, six female) underwent serial plasma hormone sampling and muscle biopsy of vastus lateralis at baseline and on day 5 following elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods

SkM 11βHSD1 and H6PDH mRNA levels were measured by quantitative RT-PCR and enzyme activity by % conversion of 3H cortisone to cortisol. Plasma glucose, insulin, free fatty acids (FFA), tumour necrosis factor-α and cortisol by standardised assays.

Results

Compared with baseline, SkM 11βHSD1 activity was significantly increased on day 5 after surgery (14.7±2.1 vs 20.4±3.2%, P=0.005). Neither 11βHSD1 nor H6PDH mRNA levels were altered after surgery. Plasma cortisol (P=0.027), FFA (P=0.01) and glucose (P=0.004) rose rapidly following surgery and had returned to baseline values by 24 h post-surgery. There was no significant change in plasma insulin.

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate an upregulation of SkM 11βHSD1 activity in response to a physiological stressor. Sustained activation of this enzyme may increase tissue cortisol bioactivity.
Acylation-stimulating protein increases and correlates with increased progesterone levels during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle
Authors: Saleh Jumana , Al-Khanbashi Manal , Al-Maarof Majida , Al-Lawati Mohsin , Rizvi Syed G , Cianflone Katherine
Published: November 2008

Objective

The menstrual cycle represents a continuous state of change in terms of female sex steroid environment. Progesterone is linked to increased fat storage while estrogen exerts anti-lipogenic effects. This study investigated variations in the potent lipogenic factor acylation-stimulating protein (ASP), and examined its association with hormonal and lipid profile alterations across the menstrual cycle.

Methods and design

Nineteen non-obese women with regular menstrual cycles were investigated in a longitudinal study during the follicular, ovulatory, and mid-luteal phases (ML) of the cycle. Fasting ASP, LH, FSH, progesterone, estradiol, insulin, lipid profile, and apoproteins were evaluated during different phases of the cycle.

Results

ASP levels changed significantly throughout the menstrual cycle (K-related Friedman test: P=0.013). Interestingly, these changes coincide with variations in progesterone levels across the cycle as no significant change in the ASP levels was seen across the follicular phases of the cycle, followed by a significant increase in the ovulatory phase, which continued to elevate toward the ML. The ASP levels correlated positively with the progesterone levels normally elevated in the ML. No significant correlation was seen between ASP and estrogen or any other measured female hormone. Multiple regression analysis including all measured parameters and body mass index showed that progesterone was the only significant predictor of the ASP levels.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that during the menstrual cycle of normal women, the ASP levels coincidentally fluctuate with the progesterone levels, possibly reflecting cooperation between them in fat storage enhancement.
Teaching at an Assisted Living Facility
Authors: Pruchnicki Alec , Janeski James , Mitchell Elsie , Fetten Elizabeth
Published: November 2008

The increase in assisted living facilities (ALFs) of various types has provided a new option for the delivery of clinical services to the elderly. For all these facilities, whether large or small, profit or nonprofit, primarily residential (the “social model”) or with significant nursing care (the “new” model), their sole mission is to provide an appropriate level of residential and clinical services to their residents. However, given the rise in the number and variety of these facilities, there may be other uses to which they can be put. Specifically, these facilities may make excellent sites for the education and training of health care personnel. Acute care hospitals and nursing homes primarily deliver clinical services, but both are common sites for the training of a variety of health care personnel, both professional and nonprofessional. This article examines the teaching programs at one ALF and explores some possibilities for the future.
Modeling of Tread Block Contact Mechanics Using Linear Viscoelastic Theory
Authors: Liu F. , Sutcliffe M. P. F. , Graham W. R.
Published: November 2008

In an effort to understand the dynamic hub forces on road vehicles, an advanced free-rolling tire-model is being developed in which the tread blocks and tire belt are modeled separately. This paper presents the interim results for the tread block modeling. The finite element code ABAQUS/Explicit is used to predict the contact forces on the tread blocks based on a linear viscoelastic material model. Special attention is paid to investigating the forces on the tread blocks during the impact and release motions. A pressure and slip-rate-dependent frictional law is applied in the analysis. A simplified numerical model is also proposed where the tread blocks are discretized into linear viscoelastic spring elements. The results from both models are validated via experiments in a high-speed rolling test rig and found to be in good agreement.
Post-Frac Analysis Based on Flowback Results Using Chemical Frac-Tracers
Authors: Asadi Mahmoud , Woodroof Robert A. , Dumas Jerry Donald
Published: November 2008

Chemical frac tracing is used to evaluate flowback and cleanup efficiencies. The technique utilizes a family of unique, environmentally-friendly, fracturing fluid compatible chemical tracers to quantify segment-by-segment recovery for individual fracturing treatments and stage-by-stage recovery for multi-stage fracturing treatments. These chemical tracers with their unique chemical characteristics are mixed at a known concentration into frac fluid stages as the frac fluid is pumped downhole. Upon flowback, samples are collected and analyzed for tracer concentration. With the use of the mass balance method the flowback efficiency for each stage is calculated. These precise flowback calculations yield a more accurate assessment of cleanup efficiency. This paper presents several case histories in which the technique was implemented. Results and fracture flowback prognoses are presented. The results are also used to assess post-frac performance as a function of flowback efficiency.

Introduction

Chemical Frac Tracers

Chemical frac tracers, CFT's, are used to precisely calculate flowback and hence flowback efficiency and to evaluate fracture cleanup. Various chemical tracers with unique chemical characteristics are mixed at a known concentration and injected according to a pre-determined design throughout the frac fluid stages, such as the pad and the propping laden fluid stages. The characteristics of these tracers are unique. They do not react with each other, the formation or the tubular. They do not degrade with temperature or time, do not self-concentrate, and do not react with frac fluids. These tracers are detectable at low concentrations of 50 ppt (parts per trillion). They are also environmentally safe to handle, pump downhole and dispose. They are soluble in water, and unlike polymers, do not concentrate upon leakoff.

Upon flowback, samples are collected and analyzed for tracer concentration. With the use of the mass balance method, flowback of each frac fluid stage is calculated, and hence flowback efficiency for each stage of frac fluid injected. The precise flowback calculation for each frac fluid stage yields the fracture cleanup efficiency. Chemical frac tracing can also be used as a means to understand vertical communication between zones. Under this scenario, one chemical tracer is injected into each zone. Each zone is flowed back individually after a period of shut-in allowing the flow of fluid within the formation. Samples are collected and analyzed for tracer concentrations. If zones are communicating vertically under static conditions, the tracer from one zone can flow into other zones and hence will be detected accordingly.