bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of durometry in assessment of venous disease
Authors: Choh C T P , Wall M L , Brown M D , Nicolson A M , Simms M H
Published: March 2010

Objectives

Ulceration of the lower limbs is a common debilitating complication of chronic venous hypertension. Detection of preulcerative skin changes would allow for identification of high-risk patients; early active treatment may prevent ulcer formation.

Methods

Patients with isolated venous disease and volunteers attending outpatient clinics underwent assessment of their clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological (CEAP) classification. We employed an industrial durometer, an instrument that measures the hardness of metals and plastic, to assess skin induration. The durometer probe was rested perpendicular on their skin 15 cm above the medial malleolus in non-ulcerated tissue, with the patient and limb in recumbency. The average of four measurements was derived.

Results

In 107 people, 203 lower limbs (mean age 55.6 years) were assessed. A significant difference in durometry readings was demonstrated between patients with CEAP classes 0, 1 and 2, and those with classes 4, 5 and 6 ( P < 0.0005). There was statistically significant evidence that age and CEAP classification correlated with durometry ( P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Durometry is of potential value in the assessment and monitoring of preulcerative venous disease, and could help to identify high-risk patients. This would assist in the institution of timely and appropriate treatment.
Current prescribing patterns of elastic compression stockings post-deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Roche-Nagle G , Ward F , Barry M
Published: March 2010

Objectives

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) characterized by chronic pain, swelling and heaviness, and may result in ulceration. Elastic compression stockings (ECS) worn daily after DVT appear to reduce the incidence and severity of PTS. The aims of our study were to investigate practices and perceptions of DVT patients and physicians regarding the use of ECS after DVT.

Methods

Two surveys were conducted. The first was sent to 225 staff and trainee clinicians and the second was administered to 150 DVT patients.

Results

The results demonstrated that the majority of senior staff (75%) believed that ECS were effective in preventing PTS and in managing venous symptoms. However, this was in contrast with junior trainees (21%) ( P < 0.05). This resulted in only 63% of patients being prescribed ECS post-DVT. There was a lack of consensus as regards the optimal timing of initiation of ECS, duration of therapy and compression strength. Nearly all DVT patients who were prescribed ECS purchased them, 74% wore them daily, and most (61%) reported that ECS relieved swelling and symptoms. Physicians correctly predicted the main reasons for non-compliance, but misjudged the scale of patient compliance with ECS.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that there is a lack of consensus among doctors regarding ECS use after DVT and widespread education regarding the latest evidence of the benefit of ECS after DVT.
Renal transplantation after excision of the inferior vena cava for residual renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ahmad A , Modarai B , Saha P , Burnand K
Published: March 2010

A rare case is reported of a 47-year-old patient who had residual tumour left in the stump of his left renal vein and inferior vena cava (IVC) after a left nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma, having previously had a right nephrectomy for a non-malignant disease. He underwent delayed excision of the residual renal tumour after seven months with a prosthetic graft replacement of the IVC. Five years later he developed a graft infection caused by a graft-enteric duodenal fistula. The infected graft was excised and the duodenum closed. The patient has subsequently undergone a successful renal transplantation despite a lack of major venous outflow and remains alive and well eight years after initial removal of the tumour from the IVC.
The Effect of Strategic Alliance Knowledge Complementarity on New Product Innovativeness in China
Authors: Fang Eric (Er)
Published: March 2010

In emerging economies, firms use strategic alliances to access and learn from partners' knowledge and thus enhance their innovativeness, especially when the partners have complementary knowledge sets. However, differences in cultural and business practices, as well as a lack of trust between local and foreign firms, make it more difficult for both partners to absorb and integrate their complementary knowledge bases. In emerging economies, strategic alliances often are associated with weak legal and regulatory environments that make the integration of complementary knowledge sets challenging. Existing literature lacks a clear explanation of the effect of knowledge complementarity on new product innovativeness; in response, this article examines the moderating role of new product development process characteristics and external environmental factors. Among a sample of high-tech strategic alliances in China, new product development process interdependence and environmental dynamism positively moderate the effect of knowledge complementarity on new product innovativeness, whereas expropriation risks negatively moderate its effect.
Conservatively treated massive prolapsed discs: a 7-year follow-up
Authors: Benson RT , Tavares SP , Robertson SC , Sharp R , Marshall RW
Published: March 2010

INTRODUCTION

The natural history of a lumbar hernia of the nucleus pulposus (HNP) is not fully known and clear indications for operative intervention cannot be established from the literature. Several studies have shown that the largest discs appear to have the greatest tendency to resolve. The aim of this study was to investigate whether massive prolapsed discs can be safely managed conservatively once clinical improvement has occurred.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-seven patients were studied by clinical assessments and serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over 2 years. Patients had severe sciatica at first, but began to show clinical improvement despite the large disc hernia-tions. Clinical assessment included the Lasegue test and neurological appraisal. The Oswestry Disability Index was used to measure function and changes in function. Serial MRI studies allowed measurement of volume changes of the herniated disc material over a period of time.

RESULTS

Initial follow-up at an average of 23.2 months revealed that 83% had a complete and sustained recovery at the initial follow-up. Only four patients required a discectomy. The average Oswestry disability index improved from 58% to 15%. Volumetric analysis of serial MRI scans found an average reduction of 64% in disc size. There was a poor correlation between clinical improvement and the extent of disc resolution.

CONCLUSIONS

A massive disc herniation can pursue a favourable clinical course. If early progress is shown, the long-term prognosis is very good and even massive disc herniations can be treated conservatively.
Improving the quality of procedure-specific operation reports in orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Barritt Andrew W , Clark Laura , Cohen Adam MM , Hosangadi-Jayedev Naveen , Gibb Paul A
Published: March 2010

INTRODUCTION

The objectives of this study were to: (i) assess whether handwritten operation reports for hip hemi-arthroplasties adhere to The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSE) guidelines on surgical documentation; (ii) improve adherence to these guidelines with procedure-specific computerised operation reports; and (iii) improve the quality of documentation in surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-three parameters based on RCSE guidelines were used to score hip hemi-arthroplasty operation reports. The first audit cycle was performed retrospectively to assess 50 handwritten operation reports, and the second cycle prospectively to assess 30 new computerised procedure-specific operation reports produced for hip hemi-arthroplasties. Eighty patients undergoing hip hemi-arthroplasty in a department of orthopaedic surgery within a UK hospital between September 2007 and August 2008 formed the study cohort.

RESULTS

The main outcome measure was the average scores attained by handwritten versus computerised operation reports. Handwritten reports scored an average of 58.7%, rising significantly (P < 0.01) to 92.8% following the introduction of detailed, computerised proformas for the operation note. Adherence to each RCSE parameter was improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Computerised proformas reduce variability between different operation reports for the same procedure and increase their content in line with RCSE recommendations. The proformas also constitute a more robust means of operative documentation.
Over a thousand ambulatory hernia repairs in a primary care setting
Authors: Dhumale R , Tisdale J , Barwell N
Published: March 2010

INTRODUCTION

This paper outlines the development and feasibility of a dedicated ambulatory primary care hernia service and examines the outcomes achieved during the period 1 March 2005 to 31 December 2008.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective analysis of 1164 patients who underwent abdominal wall hernia repair at Probus Surgical Centre during the study period. The operations were carried out by two GPs with a special interest (GPwSI) and one retired surgeon. The techniques used were a Lichtenstein mesh repair or modified Shouldice repair for inguinal hernias and a primary sutured repair for ventral hernias. All procedures were performed as day-cases under local anaesthesia without sedation. All patients were reviewed routinely at 6 weeks. The primary outcomes of the study were recurrence and patient satisfaction levels, and complications such as infection, haematoma and chronic pain.

RESULTS

No patient required conversion to general anaesthesia. There were three (0.3%) recurrences. Complication rates were low and similar to those obtained in other specialist hernia units. More than 90% of patients were satisfied with the service and would recommend it to a friend.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine elective abdominal wall hernia repairs can be performed in a primary care setting, safely and with excellent outcomes.
Vertebral compression fractures – new clinical signs to aid diagnosis
Authors: Langdon James , Way Adam , Heaton Samuel , Bernard Jason , Molloy Sean
Published: March 2010

INTRODUCTION

Acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are common and usually managed conservatively. However, a significant number will remain symptomatic, causing significant pain with considerable associated morbidity and mortality. These fractures can be effectively treated with cement augmentation. However, it is impossible to distinguish between an acute and a chronic healed fracture on plain radiographs. The definitive investigation is a magnetic resonance scan. The aim of this paper is to describe and evaluate two new clinical signs to help in the diagnosis of symptomatic fractures. A prospective study of 83 patients with suspected acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures was carried out. All patients had a full clinical assessment, which included closed-fist percussion of their spine and asking the patient to lie supine on the examination couch. All patients had a MRI scan.

RESULTS

The closed-fist percussion sign had a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 90%. The supine sign had a sensitivi-’ of 81.25% and a specificity of 93.33%.

CONCLUSIONS

These tests will enable the practitioner to predict more accurately which patients have an acute fracture, guiding referral for further imaging.
Ureteric bupivicaine infusion for loin pain haematuria syndrome
Authors: Ahmed P , Acher P , Deane AM
Published: March 2010

INTRODUCTION

Loin pain haematuria syndrome is a common problem with complications including opiate dependence. Morbidity treatments include intra-ureteric capsaicin infusion, nephrectomy, autotransplantation and nephrolysis. We explored the use of flexible cystoscopic infusion of intra-ureteric bupivicaine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients presenting with chronic loin pain underwent urological and nephrological evaluation. Bupivicaine (0.5%, 20 ml) was infused via an intra-ureteric catheter under flexible cystoscopic guidance. Repeat infusions were offered if indicated.

RESULTS

Sixteen of 17 patients with 1-year follow-up responded and were satisfied. Twelve of these required repeat infusions (mean, 2.9 infusions). The procedures were well tolerated by all patients without adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-ureteric bupivicaine infusion has a place in the management of patients with chronic renal pain. It offers a minimally invasive alternative to other treatments. This procedure warrants further investigation within a randomised, controlled trial setting.
Confidence and conflicts of duty in surgery
Authors: Coggon John , Wheeler Robert
Published: March 2010

This paper offers an exploration of the right to confidentiality, considering the moral importance of private information. It is shown that the legitimate value that individuals derive from confidentiality stems from the public interest. It is re-assuring, therefore, that public interest arguments must be made to justify breaches of confidentiality. The General Medical Council&s guidance gives very high importance to duties to maintain confidences, but also rightly acknowledges that, at times, there are more important duties that must be met. Nevertheless, this potential conflict of obligations may place the surgeon in difficult clinical situations, and examples of these are described, together with suggestions for resolution.
A Study to Assess the Quality of Information in Referral Letters to the Orthodontic Department at Kingston Hospital, Surrey
Authors: Izadi Maryam , Gill Daljit S , Naini Farhad B
Published: March 2010

Aim

To assess the quality of information included in referral letters sent to the orthodontic department at Kingston Hospital, Surrey, UK.

Methods

Referral letters sent by both general dental practitioners (GDPs) and specialist orthodontists were analysed retrospectively in order to ascertain the percentage meeting the inclusion criteria as suggested by Mossey (2006) and the British Orthodontic Society (2008) for the quality of information included in an ideal orthodontic referral letter. Thirty-five consecutive letters sent between May and September 2005 and 206 letters sent in the same period in 2008 were collected by hand and analysed against the inclusion criteria. The numbers of referral letters received from GDPs, specialist orthodontists, and others sources were also determined.

Results

Most of the referrals sent in 2005 and 2008 included 40–50% of the referral inclusion points. This was despite an almost twofold increase in the number of referral letters received from specialist orthodontic practitioners in 2008. The majority of the letters, from both GDPs and specialists, did not include details of the oral hygiene or caries status of the patient, or an indication of their motivation towards treatment. None of the referral letters included a plaque score.

Conclusion

The main weaknesses in the quality of information provided in referral letters were that in more than 80% of the letters there was no mention of the patient's medical history and no comment on caries status, the standard of oral hygiene, patient motivation for treatment, or an Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need score. The quality of information included in referral letters sent to Kingston Hospital orthodontic department needs to be improved.
An Audit of Smoking Behaviours among Patients Attending two General Dental Practices in South Wales: An Awareness-Raising Exercise for the Dental Team and Patients
Authors: Richards Wayne , Higgs Gary
Published: March 2010

Aims

This audit aimed to quantify the number of smokers attending two general dental practices. It also aimed to establish the demographic characteristics of these smokers in terms of age, gender and deprivation status, and to raise the awareness of practice staff about smoking cessation.

Methods

Data were collected from consecutive patients (aged over 16 years) attending two general dental practices over a period of one month. The information collected included smoking status, number of cigarettes smoked, age, gender, and postcode. A deprivation score (derived from the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation [WIMD] for 2008) was appended to each patient record in order to provide a measure of deprivation based on the postcode of the patient. Staff at both practices were involved in the audit. Staff were given a brief pre- and post-audit questionnaire to test their knowledge on smoking cessation. The audit standard was that no more than 29% of patients should be smokers. Where relevant, data were statistically tested using the chi-square test.

Results

Five hundred and sixty-one patients provided data on their smoking habits. It was found that 159 (28.3%) were smokers, smoking on average 12 cigarettes per day. The average age of the sample was 46 years and 242 (43.1%) were male. Forty-eight per cent of the sample was shown to be resident in a postcode considered to be deprived. Older patients were more likely to be non-smokers ( P=0.0001). Following the final audit meeting, correct answers among staff for knowledge of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines regarding effective smoking-cessation practices improved from 6% to 71%.

Conclusion

The issue of smoking cessation has been highlighted for two dental teams. Whether the audit will result in the delivery of smoking-cessation procedures within the dental practice settings cannot be established. It is clear that the desired smoking-cessation behaviours can now be contemplated by the dental teams. Further monitoring is required to establish outcomes as a result of the actions of the teams.
An Audit of Patient Referrals to the Sedation Department of Newcastle Dental Hospital
Authors: Dentith Grace E , Wilson Katherine E , Dorman Matthew , Girdler Nicholas M
Published: March 2010

Aim

To audit the quality of external referral communications sent to the Department of Sedation at Newcastle Dental Hospital.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of a sample of 226 consecutive external referrals received by the sedation department of Newcastle Dental Hospital during May-July 2008. A data-collection form was used to record information provided in referrals relevant to the practice of sedation and the set standard was based on the recommendations of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN).

Results

Of the 226 referrals sampled, the majority (222; 98.2%) were from general dental practitioners. Seventy-six per cent were by letter and 24% by pro forma. Although of particular relevance to sedation referrals, a medical history was provided in only 59.0% of referrals and details of previous dental treatment in only 27.5%. The use of a pro forma significantly increased the provision of information compared to a letter in the following areas: patient's telephone number, patient's medication, doctor's name and doctor's address. Significantly less information was provided in the pro forma compared to the letters concerning the name of the referring practitioner and referring practitioner's telephone number. No difference was found between letter and pro forma referrals for medical history, treatment already attempted and reason for referral.

Conclusions

The findings indicate a need to improve the amount of information provided in referrals to the sedation department of Newcastle Dental Hospital in order to ensure appropriate allocation to sedation services. The quality of referrals may be improved by the distribution of referral guidelines, the use of electronic referral templates or changes to the current pro forma.
Small bowel obstruction due to herniation into an extra-anatomical arterial bypass tunnel: a first case report
Authors: Simms Jacqueline , El-Sakka Karim , Valenti Domenico , Tyrrell Mark , Schulte Klaus-Martin
Published: March 2010

Introduction

We highlight the importance of considering rarer causes of small bowel obstruction in patients presenting after extra-anatomical arterial bypass.

Case presentation

Our patient underwent a left common iliac-to-bifemoral bypass extra-anatomical graft for critical limb ischaemia. The patient developed mechanical small bowel obstruction on the 20th postoperative day. Emergency laparotomy revealed incarcerated, obstructed small bowel trapped in the graft tunnel. Recovery was satisfactory following small bowel resection.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, small bowel herniation into an arterial bypass graft tunnel, with successful treatment outcome, has not been reported to date.
Co-existing fractures of the proximal humerus and humeral shaft without shoulder dislocation – a rare injury
Authors: Srinivas S , Kasis A
Published: March 2010

Multiple fractures of the humerus are a rare injury and usually associated with high-energy trauma. We report an unusual injury with co-existing fractures of the proximal humerus and humeral shaft without shoulder dislocation. We discuss our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a 39-year-old man with co-existing fractures of proximal humerus and ipsilateral humeral shaft with radial nerve deficit. He was successfully managed with open reduction and fixation of the fractures. At follow-up 1 year after injury, he is back at work and has a good range of shoulder movements. The radial nerve injury is showing signs of recovery. In high-energy trauma to the shoulder, unusual fracture patterns with associated neurovascular deficits may be seen and this case report describes our experience with one such rare injury.
A Comparison of the British Crime Survey and Police Statistics for a Southern English County
Authors: Qureshi Faiza
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this research was to examine whether it was possible to use the British Crime Survey (BCS) data on Stop and Search for a southern English police force area (PFA) and to compare the findings from the BCS with those from police records. The local-level analysis of the BCS by PFA and recorded police statistics was an attempt to identify the similarities and differences, if any, between the two data sources. The research compares recorded police and BCS statistics for the same geographical police force area of a southern English county, for the period 2003 to 2006. The analysis looks at the number of stops and searches in each data source and presents a comparison of the ratio of persons arrested following a Stop and Search. The distribution of vehicle and pedestrian stops and searches in the two data sources is examined, as well as the demographic characteristics of suspects. The findings show that the BCS is a more accurate measure of stops than police statistics, although both data sources produced a similar pattern in the proportion of searches and arrests. The BCS showed that motor vehicle encounters were the most common form of contact, whereas police statistics showed that it was pedestrian encounters. However, a limited analysis was conducted using the BCS when the data were subdivided to consider age and ethnicity. Above all, the research has drawn attention to the gulf that exists between the two data sources.
Police—Parole Partnerships in Canada: A Review of a Promising Programme
Authors: Axford Marsha , Ruddell Rick
Published: March 2010

Funded by the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), the Integrated Police–Parole Initiative (IPPI) places police officers in CSC offices, where they support the activities of parole staff. First introduced in 2006–07, these officers work with high-risk offenders in their transition from the penitentiary to community, in order to increase public safety. Analyses of technical violations of conditional releases revealed that sites where these officers were deployed successfully reduced the number of parole violations. These promising results suggest that the IPPI has avoided the ‘community removal’ element of parole supervision that is evident in some North American jurisdictions, and promotes the safe reintegration of offenders into the community. Implications for public safety, as well as law enforcement and correctional partnerships are discussed. Note: these data were originally obtained as part of a CSC analysis of the IPPI, but the opinions expressed within this study do not necessarily reflect those of the CSC.
‘Do You Have Any Difficulties That I May Not Be Aware of?’ A Study of Autism Awareness and Understanding in the UK Police Service
Authors: Chown Nicholas (Nick)
Published: March 2010

The autism ‘triad of impairments' will often disadvantage those with autism when they come into contact with the Criminal Justice System (CJS) when compared with people without autism. Existing research suggests that people with developmental disabilities such as autism are between 4 and 10 times more likely to become victims of crime than those without such disabilities and may be 10 or more times as likely to be victims of sexual assault and robbery. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people with autism are the subject of discrimination in the CJS due to a general lack of awareness and understanding of autism and its implications in that environment.

This study seeks to assess the current understanding of autism awareness and understanding in the UK police service through the means of a questionnaire, and by comparing the results with an earlier study undertaken by researchers in the USA. The long-term aim is to improve responses by CJS personnel to those affected by autism.

Overall, as a broad generalisation, individual self-assessments of competency indicated that, currently, police officers are probably unable to deal appropriately with persons with autism. However, in many cases, self-assessments may exaggerate competence. The US study also found that police officers tended to perceive themselves as competent when they may not have been. Not one respondent in this study had received training from the police service fitting him/her to interact effectively with persons on the autism spectrum.
Comparing Promotion Aspirations among Female and Male Police Officers
Authors: Archbold Carol A. , Hassell Kimberly D. , Stichman Amy J.
Published: March 2010

This study compares the promotion aspirations of female and male police officers in a Midwestern police agency in the United States. Survey data revealed that female officers are less likely to pursue promotion compared with male officers. There were both similarities and differences found between the male and female officers in the factors that influenced each group's decision not to pursue promotion. This study is important because it reveals how the perceptions held by female and male police officers impact their decision not to pursue promotion. This is especially important for female police officers since there are currently so few women in administrative and supervisory roles.
Comparison between Gradient Gel Electrophoresis and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Estimating Coronary Heart Disease Risk Associated with LDL and HDL Particle Size
Authors: Arsenault Benoit J , Lemieux Isabelle , Després Jean-Pierre , Wareham Nicholas J , Stroes Erik SG , Kastelein John JP , Khaw Kay-Tee , Boekholdt S Matthijs
Published: March 2010

Background: Gradient gel electrophoresis (GGE) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are both widely accepted methods for measuring LDL and HDL particle size. However, whether or not GGE- or NMR-measured LDL or HDL particle size predicts coronary heart disease (CHD) risk to a similar extent is currently unknown.

Methods: We used GGE and NMR to measure LDL and HDL particle size in a nested case-control study of 1025 incident cases of CHD and 1915 controls from the EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition)-Norfolk study. The study sample included apparently healthy men and women age 45–79 years followed for an average of 6 years.

Results: Pearson correlation coefficients showed that the overall agreement between NMR and GGE was better for the measurement of HDL size (r = 0.78) than for LDL size (r = 0.47). The odds ratio for future CHD among participants in the bottom tertile of LDL size (smallest LDL particles) was 1.35 (95% CI, 1.12–1.63) for GGE and 1.74 (1.41–2.15) for NMR. For HDL size, these respective odds ratios were 1.41 (1.16–1.72) and 1.85 (1.47–2.32). After adjustment for potential confounders, the relationship between small LDL or HDL particles and CHD was no longer significant, irrespective of the method.

Conclusions: In this prospective population study, we found that the relationships between NMR-measured LDL and HDL sizes and CHD risk were slightly higher than those obtained with GGE.
Factors affecting soluble mesothelin related protein levels in an asbestos-exposed population
Authors: Park Eun-Kee , Thomas Paul S. , Creaney Jenette , Johnson Anthony R. , Robinson Bruce W. , Yates Deborah H.
Published: March 2010

Background: Soluble mesothelin-related protein (SMRP) is increased in the sera of patients with malignant mesothelioma (MM), and has been suggested as a diagnostic tool for MM in an asbestos exposed population. However, factors affecting SMRP concentrations in normal subjects and those with other asbestos related disorders have not been investigated in any large population based study.

Methods: Five hundred and thirty-eight subjects with a history of asbestos exposure were studied. Age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), serum creatinine and glucose, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and lung function were compared with SMRP concentrations.

Results: The mean age [± standard deviation (SD)] of participants was 66.9 (±10.1) years, and mean (±SD) serum SMRP concentration was 0.91 (±0.67) nmol/L. SMRP values were inversely associated with weight (Pearson r=–0.1254, p=0.0036), BMI (Pearson r=–0.1594, p=0.0002), blood glucose (Pearson r=–0.1515, p=0.0004), single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco) % predicted (Pearson r=–0.1847, p<0.0001), eGFR (Pearson r=–0.2835, p<0.0001) and single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity per unit alveolar volume (DLco/VA)% predicted (Pearson r=–0.1872, p<0.0001) but were positively associated with age (Pearson r=0.2315, p<0.0001) and creatinine (Pearson r=0.3833, p<0.0001).

Conclusions: This study has shown that demographic variables, physiological factors and lung function are associated with serum SMRP concentrations. Confounding factors should be considered when interpreting serum SMRP.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:869–74.
Effects of 6-bromoindirubin-3′-oxime on the maintenance of pluripotency of porcine embryonic germ cells in combination with stem cell factor, leukemia inhibitory factor and fibroblast growth factor
Authors: Wen Jiang , Liu Juan , Song Guangqi , Liu Limei , Tang Bo , Li Ziyi
Published: March 2010

6-Bromoindirubin-3′-oxime (BIO), which is one of the glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitors and a key regulator of numerous signaling pathways, was reported to be capable of maintaining the pluripotency of human and mouse embryonic stem cells. Presently, it is unknown whether BIO can influence the derivation of porcine embryonic germ (EG) cells. In this study, porcine primordial germ cells (PGCs) were isolated from gonads of 24- and 28-day embryos, and were then treated with BIO either individually or in combination with other cytokines (stem cell factor (SCF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF); abbreviated as ‘3F’), and the effects of the treatment on the proliferation ability of porcine PGCs at early stage were examined using 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (Brdu) immunostaining assay. After continuous culture, the effects on the efficiency of porcine undifferentiated EG cells in the third passage and differentiated EG cells from embryoid bodies were examined as well. The results obtained through the observation of the Brdu-labeled PGCs indicated that BIO in combination with 3F resulted in a significant increase in the mitosis index, and also indicated that the BIO in combination with 3F had a higher efficiency in promoting the formation of porcine EG colony derived from porcine day 24 PGCs than BIO used either individually or in combination with LIF. In addition, BIO in combination with 3F exhibited the apparent anti-differentiation activity by reversing the differentiated EG cells to the undifferentiated status. Our results demonstrate that BIO in combination with SCF, LIF, and FGF could significantly contribute to the establishment of a porcine EG cell colony and maintain the undifferentiated status.
Time-dependent deformation behavior of interfacial intermetallic compound layers in electronic solder joints
Authors: Song Jenn-Ming , Su Chien-Wei , Lai Yi-Shao , Chiu Ying-Ta
Published: March 2010

Using nanoindentation, this study develops the criteria to evaluate the creep performance of the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formed at the interface of microelectronic solder joints. Regardless of crystal structure and melting point, the creep stress exponent (X), one of the parameters determining creep resistance, is in good agreement with tendencies of the work-hardening exponent (n) and also the ratio of yield stress (Y) to Young's modulus (E), which reveals the ability against plastic deformation.
Microstructure development and piezoelectric properties of highly textured CuO-doped KNN by templated grain growth
Authors: Chang Yunfei , Poterala Stephen F. , Yang Zupei , Trolier-McKinstry Susan , Messing Gary L.
Published: March 2010

This paper demonstrates the production of 〈00l〉-oriented CuO-doped (K0.476Na0.524)NbO3 (KNN) piezoelectric ceramics with a polymorphic phase transition (PPT) temperature greater than 180 °C by templated grain growth (TGG) using high aspect ratio NaNbO3 template particles. A novel (to the KNN system) two-step sintering and annealing process combined with CuO doping is demonstrated to improve density and maximize texture quality (F00l = 99% and rocking curve FWHM = 6.9°) in textured KNN ceramics. The best electromechanical properties (kp ≈ 0.58, k31 ≈ 0.33, d33 ≈ 146 pC/N, To-t ≈ 183 °C, Tc ≈ 415 °C, εr = 202, and tan δ = 0.016) are achieved in 1 mol% CuO-doped KNN with F00l = 99% and a relative density of 96.3%. The values of d33, kp, and k31 are 70–90% higher than randomly oriented ceramics and are obtained without a significant reduction in the PPT temperature, resulting in stable piezoelectric performance over a wide temperature range (−50 to 180 °C). These results show that high-quality textured KNN can be obtained by TGG and that a reactive matrix is unnecessary.
Tuning cooperative vesicle templating and liquid crystal templating simply by varying silica source
Authors: Zhang Jun , Yu Meihua , Yuan Pei , Wang Hongning , Qian Kun , Tan Lei , Wang Yunhua , Yu Chengzhong
Published: March 2010

The cooperative self-assembly of organic–inorganic siliceous composite structures has been studied from the aspect of inorganic precursors. We reveal that the vesicular or mesostructured materials can be obtained selectively by just changing the silica sources in one templating system. For poly(ethylene oxide)-type block copolymers with either poly(propylene oxide) or poly(butylene oxide) as the hydrophobic moieties, when the other synthesis parameters are exactly the same, the use of tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) as a silica source gives rise to highly ordered mesostructures, while the use of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) leads to vesicles or foams. The attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) technique is used to monitor the silicate species derived from the hydrolysis and condensation of TMOS and TEOS as a function of the reaction time. On the basis of the ATR-FTIR results, we propose a “differentiating effect” at relatively high pH (4.7) to interpret the influence of different silica sources on the self-organized composite structures. For comparison, a “leveling effect” at relatively low pH (strong acidic conditions) is revealed to explain that both TMOS and TEOS lead to the same mesostructures. Our contribution provides a feasible and designable method to synthesize from conventional ordered mesostructures to novel vesicular structures, which are significant for their future practical applications.
Effect of glass composition on silver-incorporation into aluminoborosilicate glasses through a staining process
Authors: Suetsugu Tatsuya , Wakasugi Takashi , Kadono Kohei
Published: March 2010

To fabricate graded-index optical elements by silver staining, we investigated the behavior of ion incorporation in aluminoborosilicate glasses, in which the contents of Al2O3and Na2O were the same (in mol%). The amount of silver incorporated into the aluminoborosilicate glasses by the staining at 320 °C for 12 h was 5 to 10 times larger than that incorporated into the soda-lime silicate and borosilicate glasses. The diffusion depth of the incorporated silver ions was approximately 80 μm, which was also much deeper than that of the soda-lime silicate and borosilicate glasses. The coloration of the glasses was suppressed, particularly for the glass with the low content of Na2O. The concentration of the incorporated silver ions at the glass surface was 2 × 1021atom/cm3for the 37.5SiO2·25Al2O3·25Na2O·12.5B2O3glass, corresponding to the replacement of sodium ions (20%). The refractive indices near the stained surfaces increased by 0.04 to 0.06. These values were comparable with those of the soda-lime silicate and borosilicate glasses.
Enhancing the fatigue property of rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy by controlling {10-12} twinning-detwinning characteristics
Authors: Hong Seong-Gu , Park Sung Hyuk , Lee Chong Soo
Published: March 2010

An improvement of the fatigue resistance of rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy was attempted by reducing the tensile mean stress developed during fatigue deformation, which was achievable by tailoring the {10-12} twinning-detwinning characteristics of the material through the precompression process. The modification of the {10-12} twinning-detwinning characteristics made it possible to control the plastic deformation mechanisms activated during fatigue deformation so that the imposed tensile strain could be fully accommodated by detwinning alone, which led to a significant reduction of tensile flow stress, finally resulting in the reduction of mean stress.
Critical examination of growth rate for magnesium oxide (MgO) thin films deposited by molecular beam epitaxy with a molecular oxygen flux
Authors: Losego Mark D. , Craft H. Spalding , Paisley Elizabeth A. , Mita Seiji , Collazo Ramon , Sitar Zlatko , Maria Jon-Paul
Published: March 2010

The authors report a study of molecular beam deposition of MgO films on amorphous SiO2 and (0001) GaN surfaces over a large range of temperatures (25–400 °C) and molecular oxygen growth pressures (10−7–10−4 Torr). This study provides insight into the growth behavior of an oxide with volatile metal constituents. Unlike other materials containing volatile constituents (e.g., GaAs, PbTiO3), all components of MgO become volatile at normal epitaxial growth temperatures (≥250 °C). Consequently, defining which species is the adsorption controller becomes ambiguous. Different growth regimes are delineated by the critical substrate temperature for Mg re-evaporation and the Mg:O flux ratio. These regimes have impact on phase purity, quartz crystal microbalance calibration, and film microstructure. The universal decay in deposition rate above growth 10−5 Torr O2 is also considered. By introducing a third flux of inert argon gas, rate reduction is attributed to increased molecular scattering and not oxidation of the metal source.
Adhesion and interfacial fracture in drug-eluting stents
Authors: Meng Juan , Orana Argjenta , Tan Ting , Wolf Kurt , Rahbar Nima , Li Hannah , Papandreou George , Maryanoff Cynthia , Soboyejo Wole
Published: March 2010

This paper presents experimental and theoretical studies of the adhesion between the drug-eluting layer and a Parylene C primer layer in coatings present on a model drug-eluting stent. To quantify adhesion, Brazil nut sandwich specimens were prepared mimicking the layers of this coating. These samples were stressed to fracture, and the resulting initial cracks at the Parylene C/drug interface were used to measure the dependence of interfacial fracture energy of mode mixity. The mating fracture surfaces were then analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The interfacial energy release rates were obtained over a wide variety of mode mixities. Adhesion and fracture mechanics models were then used to estimate the mode mixity dependency of interfacial fracture toughness. Fracture toughness was found to be larger under higher mode mixity than that under lower mixity and the analytical model showed close agreement with experimental results.
Strain gradients and the strength of nanoporous gold
Authors: Dou Rui , Derby Brian
Published: March 2010

The very high strengths that have been reported for nanoporous gold may be related to strain gradients within the deforming porous microstructure. We present a mechanism-based model for the strength of nanoporous foams that is derived from conventional models for the deformation of macroscopic foams and now includes the influence of strain gradients. This model predicts that the strength of the ligaments within the nanoporous gold is proportional to the ligament diameter raised to the power −0.5. We have used the model to analyze experimental data for the strength of nanoporous gold and find excellent agreement with published data.
Thermoelectric properties and spark plasma sintering of doped YB22C2N
Authors: Berthebaud David , Nishimura Toshiyuki , Mori Takao
Published: March 2010

YB22C2N is one of a series of rare earth borocarbonitrides and is potentially the long awaited n-type counterpart to boron carbide. We conducted studies on YB22C2N spark plasma sintered with additions of YB4 and YB25C, including the investigations of the densification process and the thermoelectric properties of the material. We discovered that a small amount of dopants can lower the starting temperature of densification during spark plasma sintering (SPS). Variations of pressure and temperature during the sintering process are also found to have an effect. Electrical conductivity of the dense samples has increased due to insertion of metal borides and also because of the improvement of the relative density. At the same time, only a slight reduction was observed for the Seebeck coefficient leading to an important improvement of power factor. The highest density of more than 95% was achieved with 5 wt% of YB25(C) dopant.
Fatigue behavior of hot-extruded Mg–10Gd–3Y magnesium alloy
Authors: Liu Wen-Cai , Dong Jie , Zhang Ping , Jin Li , Peng Tao , Zhai Chun-Quan , Ding Wen-Jiang
Published: March 2010

In this study, the influence of T5 heat treatment on tensile and fatigue behavior of hot-extruded Mg–10Gd–3Y (wt%) magnesium alloy has been investigated. High cycle fatigue tests were carried out at a stress rate (R) of −1 and a frequency of 100 Hz using hour-glass-shaped round specimens with a gauge diameter of 5.8 mm. The results show that fatigue strength (at 107 cycles) of Mg–10Gd–3Y magnesium alloy increases from 150 to 165 MPa after T5 heat treatment, i.e., the improvement of 10% in fatigue strength has been achieved. However, the crack growth resistance is lowered by T5 heat treatment. Results of microstructure observation and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis suggest that the fatigue strength in the Mg–10Gd–3Y magnesium alloy is determined by the threshold stress of basal slip, which is induced by solid solution hardening and precipitation hardening.
Franck-Condon factors and observed band strength distribution in the vibrational structure of the Ag2 D-X band system
Authors: Antic-Jovanovic Ankica , Momcilovic Milos , Bojovic Vojislav , Khakoo Murtadha , Laher Russ
Published: March 2010

Potential curves for the X1?g+ and D1?u+ states of three diatomic silver isotopomers, 107Ag2, 107Ag109Ag and 109Ag2, were determined from the best available molecular constants by the Rydberg-Klein-Rees method. From these potentials, Franck-Condon factors and band-origin wave numbers were computed, and the reliability of the obtained values was verified by comparison with the observed band strength distribution and the measured band origin positions in a previously recorded D-X spectrum. The ratios of the Franck-Condon factors to those of corresponding isotopic bands were found to be very close to unity, revealing only a very small isotopic effect on the Franck Condon factors of Ag2 D-X bands. The isotopic shifts of the calculated band origins agree well with previously measured displacements of band heads.
International Diversification and Management Earnings Guidance: The Effects of Reg FD
Authors: Herrmann Don , Kang Tony , Kim Joung
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT: We examine the relation between the degree of international diversification and management earnings guidance. While more internationally diversified firms create a more complex information environment, providing an incentive to increase public disclosure, they also have higher costs of disclosure, resulting in disincentives to increase public disclosure. Management earnings guidance is measured in multiple ways, including likelihood, frequency, quality (i.e., point versus range versus open-ended versus qualitative forecasts), forecast error, and bias. We find that more internationally diversified firms issued more guidance prior to Reg FD, but they issue less earnings guidance and lower quality guidance post-Reg FD, when managers are required to make voluntary disclosure of information public. Regarding management forecast error, we document that management earnings forecasts of more internationally diversified firms became less accurate and more biased following the implementation of Reg FD. In summary, we provide evidence of a deterioration in management guidance for internationally diversified firms following Reg FD from the perspectives of likelihood, frequency, quality, accuracy, and bias.
The Effect of a Change in Analyst Composition on Analyst Forecast Accuracy: Evidence from U.S. Cross-Listings
Authors: Nowland John , Simon Andreas
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT: Prior research has shown improvements in analysts’ forecast accuracy around various events (e.g., new disclosure regulations or cross-listings), but these studies do not consider a change in the composition and ability of the analysts providing forecasts over time. By studying foreign firms cross-listing on U.S. stock exchanges, we find that analyst composition changes by more than 50 percent during the three-year period around cross-listing. We show that cross-listing is associated with a shift away from analysts who are less accurate forecasters and toward analysts who are more accurate forecasters. This shift in analyst composition accounts for a significant improvement, of 9.5 percent, in analyst forecast accuracy. In addition, we document that changes in both analyst ability and public information disclosure affect analyst forecast accuracy around cross-listing. Our results indicate that researchers should control for changes in analyst composition and ability when measuring the impact of specific events on analyst forecast accuracy.
An Evaluation of the Relative Importance of Parent-Only and Subsidiary Earnings in Japan: A Variance Decomposition Approach
Authors: Okuda Shin’ya , Shiiba Atsushi
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT: This paper investigates the relative importance of parent-only and subsidiary earnings in Japanese firms using a variance decomposition methodology. The findings generally indicate that subsidiary return on equity (ROE) news has a greater effect in driving current stock returns than parent-only ROE news. In addition, we show that as subsidiary companies’ performance becomes relatively important as an indicator of consolidated performance, the market pays greater attention to subsidiary ROE news. Finally, we show that the market does not pay greater attention to subsidiary earnings when consolidated earnings are negative. In that case, parent-only earnings become a good indicator of consolidated performance.