bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thiazolidinedione use in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: with and without heart failure
Authors: Seong Jong‐Mi , Choi Nam‐Kyong , Jung Sun‐Young , Chang Yoosoo , Kim Ye‐Jee , Lee Joongyub , Park Byung‐Joo
Published: February 2011

Purpose

To compare the prescribing patterns of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes with and without heart failure (HF).

Methods

The national health insurance claims database from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA), Korea was used. Elderly patients with type 2 diabetes taking at least one hypoglycemic agent were studied between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006. Patients were grouped according to the presence of HF. The proportion of patients receiving TZDs were compared between the two groups, and stratified by their diabetes medication regimen (monotherapy and combination therapy). The difference in the patterns of TZD prescribed was studied across all health care levels including: primary, secondary, and tertiary care facilities.

Results

Among 357 855 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, 24 746 patients had HF. TZDs were prescribed to 10.4% of the patients with HF and 8.8% of the patients without HF (p < 0.01). In the combination therapy group, the proportion of patients receiving TZDs was 17.9% and 14.4% in patients with and without HF, respectively (p < 0.01). In the primary care setting, the proportion of TZD prescriptions in patients with HF was 5.6% and it was 4.6% in patients without HF (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

TZDs were frequently prescribed to patients with HF, even though the TZDs were contraindicated in patients with HF. Health care professionals should consider alternative therapies for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, they should carefully monitor the impact of TZD use in patients with HF. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety of non‐therapeutic levetiracetam ingestions—a poison center based study
Authors: Bodmer Michael , Monte Andrew. A. , Kokko Jamie , Yin Shan
Published: February 2011

Background

Very limited data is available regarding the safety of levetiracetam in cases of unintentional or intentional ingestions.

Methods

All cases of single agent ingestions of levetiracetam, excluding adverse drug reactions (ADRs), reported to 61 American poison control centers during 2000–2009 were identified. Demographics, dose, symptoms, and medical outcome were abstracted from each case record.

Results

A total of 222 cases of single agent levetiracetam ingestions were reported during the study period. Median age was 14.0 years (IQR: 2.0 years, 39.0 years) and 51.8% were female. In 207 of 222 cases (93.2%) medical outcome was known. No deaths were reported and only 1 (0.5%) case resulted in a major outcome and 3 (1.4%) cases resulted in moderate outcomes. Minor, minimal, or no effects were reported in 198 (89.2%) cases. In 27 (12.2%) cases, ingestion was intentional and in 192 (86.5%) unintentional. There were no major outcomes and only one case (1.4%) of moderate outcome in 74 children aged 6 years or less. All ingestions in these children were unintentional.

Conclusions

In this study with a limited number of cases, intentional and unintentional ingestions of levetiracetam were safe in the majority of cases. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Life Aspirations, Personality Traits and Subjective Well–Being in A Spanish Sample
Authors: Romero Estrella , Gómez–Fraguela José A. , Villar Paula
Published: February 2011

This study examines the relationships between intrinsic/extrinsic aspirations and subjective well–being (SWB; positive affect, negative affect, satisfaction with life) in a sample of 583 Spanish adults. Firstly, the results showed that high scores for SWB are related to high scores for intrinsic aspirations and, to a lesser extent, to low scores for extrinsic aspirations; it was also found that intrinsic aspirations are mainly related to positive indicators of well–being, whereas extrinsic aspirations are mainly associated with negative indicators. Secondly, the study also enabled exploration of the links between the domains of the Five–Factor Model and aspirations; thirdly, the results showed that intrinsic/extrinsic aspirations predict SWB beyond the Five Factors. The results demonstrate the importance of studying the content of human aspirations for understanding psychological health. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epidemiology of borderline oxacillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Pediatric cystic fibrosis
Authors: Leahy Timothy Ronan , Yau Yvonne C.W. , Atenafu Eshetu , Corey Mary , Ratjen Felix , Waters Valerie
Published: February 2011

A single‐center retrospective study was undertaken in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) to evaluate (1) risk factors for acquisition; (2) molecular epidemiology; and (3) impact on disease progression of borderline oxacillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (BORSA) versus mecA‐positive methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The study comprised of (1) identification of all children with at least one respiratory specimen positive for either BORSA or MRSA during the study period; (2) compilation of relevant clinical and epidemiological data from 12‐month period leading up to first positive (index) culture; (3) microbiological and molecular characterization of index isolates and (4) measurement of subsequent clinical outcome. Thirty‐eight children were identified with at least one positive isolate; 4 were excluded due to insufficient clinical or laboratory data. Eighteen children (53%) grew BORSA in their index culture. Children who acquired BORSA only (n = 16) were more likely to have had prior MSSA colonization (P < 0.0001). Usage of oral cephalexin (P < 0.01) and inhaled tobramycin (P < 0.03) prior to index culture was significantly and independently associated with acquisition of BORSA. The majority of BORSA isolates were hyper β‐lactamase producers and susceptible to a greater range of antibiotics. Strain relatedness was not evident within the BORSA group. There was no difference in disease progression between the two groups. This is the first study to demonstrate that a significant proportion of S. aureus isolates with methicillin resistance in the CF population are BORSAs that lack mecA. Antibiotic pressure may lead to the development of BORSA in CF patients. Prospective studies are needed to assess its clinical impact. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:489–496. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
First principles prediction of structural and mechanical properties of the nanolaminate compound M4AlN3 (M = V, Nb, and Ta)
Authors: Li Chenliang , Wang Zhenqing
Published: February 2011

The structural and mechanical properties of some new nanolaminate compounds M4AlN3 (M = V, Nb, and Ta) have been investigated using the first‐principles method. The results show that β‐Nb4AlN3 is formed more easily than others M4AlN3 compound, and β‐M4AlN3 are potential candidates for hard materials. The relationship between the mechanical properties and atomic number of the metal M is also discussed. The calculated Debye temperature θD show that these compounds are hard with a large wave velocity and have high thermal conductivity.
Antidyslipidemic Activity of Hot‐water Extracts from Leaves of Cinnamomum osmophloeum Kaneh
Authors: Lin Ting‐Yu , Liao Jiunn‐Wang , Chang Shang‐Tzen , Wang Sheng‐Yang
Published: February 2011

The antidyslipidemic activity of hot‐water extracts of Cinnamomum osmophloeum leaves (COE) were evaluated on hamsters fed a high‐fat diet. Oral administration of COE to hyperlipidemic hamsters reduced the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL‐C) levels. Compared with hyperlipidemic hamsters, the plasma TC and TG levels of hamsters fed with COE at a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight for 5 and 10 weeks were significantly reduced to 12.63% and 34.25%, and 33.88% and 36.88%, respectively. Plasma LDL‐C was also reduced to 27.77% after 10 weeks feeding with the same regimen. Standard diagnostic tests indicated that the extracts did not cause damage to hamster liver or kidneys. Based on these results, it is concluded that COE possesses antidyslipidemic activity. The composition of COE was characterized. Two main compounds, kaempferol 3‐O‐β‐d‐apiofuranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐α‐l‐arabinofuranosyl‐7‐O‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranoside (1) and kaempferitrin (2) were identified in the hot‐water extracts. Their contents were 7.56% and 9.95%, respectively. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiviral responses induced by the TLR3 pathway
Authors: Matsumoto Misako , Oshiumi Hiroyuki , Seya Tsukasa
Published: February 2011

Antiviral responses are successively induced in virus‐infected animals, and include primary innate immune responses such as type I interferon (IFN) and cytokine production, secondary natural killer (NK) cell responses, and final cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses and antibody production. The endosomal Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and cytoplasmic RIG‐I‐like receptors (RLRs), which recognize viral nucleic acids, are responsible for virus‐induced type I IFN production. RLRs are expressed in most tissues and cells and are primarily implicated in innate immune responses against various viruses through type I IFN production, whereas nucleic acid‐sensing TLRs, TLRs 3, 7, 8 and 9, are expressed on the endosomal membrane of dendritic cells (DCs) and play distinct roles in antiviral immunity. TLR3 recognizes viral double‐stranded RNA taken up into the endosome and serves to protect the host against viral infection by the induction of a range of responses including type I IFN production and DC‐mediated activation of NK cells and CTLs, although the deteriorative role of TLR3 has also been reported in some virus infections. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of TLR3 during viral infection, and the current understanding of the TLR3‐signalling cascade that operates via the adaptor protein TICAM‐1 (also called TRIF). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing SRI fund performance research: Best practices in empirical analysis
Authors: Chegut Andrea , Schenk Hans , Scholtens Bert
Published: February 2011

We review the socially responsible investment (SRI) mutual fund performance literature to provide best practices in SRI performance attribution analysis. Based on meta‐ethnography and content analysis, five themes in this literature require specific attention: data quality, social responsibility verification, survivorship bias, benchmarking, and sensitivity and robustness checks. For each of these themes, we develop best practices. Specifically, for sound SRI fund performance analysis, it is important that research pays attention to dividend yields and fees, incorporates independent and third party social responsibility verification, corrects for survivorship bias and tests multiple benchmarks, as well as analyzing the impact of fund composition, management influences and SRI strategies through sensitivity and robustness analysis. These best practices aim to enhance the robustness of SRI financial performance analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Spatiotemporal surveillance methods in the presence of spatial correlation
Authors: Jiang Wei , Han Sung Won , Tsui Kwok‐Leung , Woodall William H.
Published: February 2011

Health surveillance involves collecting public health data on chronic and infectious diseases to detect changes in disease incidence rates in order to improve public health. Timely detection of disease clusters is essential in prospective public health surveillance. Most existing health surveillance research is based on the assumption that observations from different regions are independent. This paper proposes a set of multivariate surveillance schemes generalized from well‐known detection methods in multivariate statistical process control based on likelihood ratio tests. We use Monte Carlo simulations to compare these methods for health surveillance in the presence of spatial correlations. By taking advantage of correlations among regions,the proposed schemes are able to perform better than existing surveillance methods and provide faster and more accurate detection of outbreaks. An example of breast cancer in New Hampshire is presented to demonstrate the application of these methods when observations are spatially correlated counts. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast Bayesian scan statistics for multivariate event detection and visualization
Authors: Neill Daniel B.
Published: February 2011

The multivariate Bayesian scan statistic
(MBSS) is a recently proposed, general framework for event detection and characterization in multivariate space–time data. MBSS integrates prior information and observations from multiple data streams in a Bayesian framework, computing the posterior probability of each type of event in each space–time region. MBSS has been shown to have many advantages over previous event detection approaches, including improved timeliness and accuracy of detection, easy interpretation and visualization of results, and the ability to model and accurately differentiate between multiple event types. This work extends the MBSS framework to enable detection and visualization of irregularly shaped clusters in multivariate data, by defining a hierarchical prior over all subsets of locations. While a naive search over the exponentially many subsets would be computationally infeasible, we demonstrate that the total posterior probability that each location has been affected can be efficiently computed, enabling rapid detection and visualization of irregular clusters. We compare the run time and detection power of this ‘Fast Subset Sums’ method to our original MBSS approach (assuming a uniform prior over circular regions) on semi‐synthetic outbreaks injected into real‐world Emergency Department data from Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. We demonstrate substantial improvements in spatial accuracy and timeliness of detection, while maintaining the scalability and fast run time of the original MBSS method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental friendly polysaccharide modification – microwave‐assisted oxidation of starch
Authors: Lukasiewicz Marcin , Bednarz Szczepan , Ptaszek Anna
Published: February 2011

A “green” method for oxidized starch preparation was presented. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used as the starch oxidant. Two main types of experiments were investigated: catalytic (by means of sodium tungstate – Na2WO4, the hydrogen peroxide activator) and non‐catalytic processes. The research covers low microwave level synthesis. Ninety and one hundred and ninety watts of microwave power were applied for the samples. All the microwave‐assisted reactions were compared to conventional ones carried out at 80 and 90°C, respectively. Reaction was monitored using manganometric determination of H2O2 consumption during the reaction progress. Obtained reaction products were tested by means of carbonyl and carboxyl group content. Additionally, molecular mass changes were investigated and a preliminary rheological study was done. The observed significant differences in the degree of oxidation (monitored by means of carboxyl and carbonyl group content) as well as the changes in molecular mass of polysaccharide comparing to those found at conventional conditions were showed and discussed.
The financial crisis and trade—key impacts, interactions, and outcomes
Authors: Curran Louise , Zignago Soledad
Published: February 2011

The international financial crisis has been felt acutely in international trade. This article looks at the extent of the fall in trade and its impacts in major world exporters and sectors of industry. The article finds that the effects of the crisis have been far from homogeneous, with certain sectors more heavily impacted than others. In particular, electronics and transport equipment have seen large falls in trade, with base metals and machinery also strongly affected. Furthermore, certain countries have seen greater impacts than others. In particular, China saw relatively lower falls in trade than the other countries covered, contributing to an increase in the emerging world's share of global trade. Finally, the article looks at two key elements hypothesized as motors of the extensive trade fall—the fragmentation of production and the contraction in trade finance. It finds evidence that both were important to the impacts of the crisis on trade, although falls in GDP were the main driver. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using the Capital Assets Pricing Model for risk management—A tool for multinational corporation managers
Authors: Malul Miki , Rosenboim Mosi , Tarba Shlomo Yedidia
Published: February 2011

In this article, using a theoretical model and empirical analysis, we show how multinational corporations (MNCs) can utilize the fundamentals of the Capital Assets Pricing Model (CAPM) to formulate a strategic risk management in a global economy. We show that MNCs with branches all over the world, specifically those that specialize in nontradable goods (e.g., McDonald's), should consider each country's beta as the appropriate measure of the relevant risk attached to the location in the country. Finally, using data from the most recent world economic crisis (the subprime crisis), we show that during a world economic crisis the loss of growth will be significantly higher in countries with higher betas, and lower in those with lower betas. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Four myths and a financial crisis
Authors: Vranceanu Radu
Published: February 2011

The main driving force of the financial crisis of 2007‐2009 was a rapid deterioration of the trust of private agents in the quality of financial institutions. In turn, this loss of confidence entailed a sharp decline in many asset prices and brought to their knees several large financial institutions with centennial traditions. This article surveys the critical moments of the crisis, presents some of the shock‐amplifying mechanisms, and comments on the effectiveness of various policy measures. We point out four conceptual myths that did not survive this crisis. The conclusion opens the debate on what structural changes in the existing financial architecture are required to contain such crises in the future. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New waves of growth in the developed world
Authors: Purdy Mark , Davarzani Ladan , Peppes Athena
Published: February 2011

Following the Great Recession, many commentators are already forecasting a bleak economic future for developed economies over the next decade. Our research suggests, however, that there are ample opportunities for new growth and jobs in mature economies. Policymakers and business leaders can mine rich seams of growth through imaginative responses to oft‐perceived challenges around aging populations, the transition to a low‐carbon future, rising demands for public services, new information‐based services, and growing demands in the emerging world for social and physical infrastructure. However, such growth will fail to materialize unless action is taken today to secure the necessary supply‐side foundations for longer‐term growth. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The global recession issue: Introduction—Part II
Authors: Shoham Amir
Published: February 2011

The global economic crisis clearly highlighted that a multinational enterprise (MNE) must understand the national environment no less than its core business. Articles in this part deal with the impact of the crisis on five national economies: two small (Iceland and Israel), two developing (China and India), and one extremely poor (Bangladesh).

This introduction also contains empirical research on the most important variable in the global crisis, the saving rate. Differences in savings between countries are not adequately explained in the current economic literature. As we show, culture variables from the Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness (GLOBE) study help explain the difference between saving rates in various countries. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dancing as fast as they can: Israeli high‐tech firms and the Great Recession of 2008
Authors: Almor Tamar
Published: February 2011

This article shows that the Israeli economy weathered the Great Recession of 2008 rather well. Macroeconomic data show that Israel, with international trade that is highly dependent upon small, high‐tech multinationals, increased its outgoing foreign direct investment (FDI), outgoing greenfield investments, and exports during 2008 and attained good results compared to the European Union and the United States. The explanation offered is based on the predominance of high‐tech, born global companies and small high‐tech multinationals in Israel. Business strategies based on (1) size and flexibility, (2) focusing and tailoring, and (3) innovativeness and globalization allowed many of Israel's small, high‐tech multinationals to continue growing and attain their goals despite the Great Recession of 2008. Five case studies are presented to exemplify this argument. The continuing success of the high‐tech sector and its contribution to Israel's economy explains, among other things, why Israel was relatively unaffected by the crisis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Defensive and expansion responses to environmental shocks in China: Interpreting the 2008 economic crisis
Authors: Bao Yongjian , Olson Bradley , Yuan Wenlong
Published: February 2011

We tested organizational actions as a result of interpreting the 2008 crisis with a sample of 80 firms in mainland China collected in 2009. Our findings indicate that threat and urgency interpretations positively affect defensive responses, while controllability and feasibility interpretations positively affect expansion responses. Moreover, we find that strategic flexibility and risk‐taking orientation moderate the relationships between controllability/feasibility interpretations and expansion responses. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emerging economies and the global financial crisis: Evidence from China and India
Authors: Kshetri Nir
Published: February 2011

The global financial crisis (GFC) spread from the US and the EU economies to the developing world. In this article, we seek to gain a better understanding of clear contexts, attendant mechanisms, and processes associated with the GFC in China and India. We identify and synthesize the available evidence on the size of the external shock, the cushioning effects, and responses associated with the GFC to propose a framework that enables us to analyze more deeply the antecedents and consequences of the GFC in these two economies. Because of differences in their economic, social, and political backgrounds, China and India have exhibited noteworthy differences in the impacts and responses to the GFC. The findings indicated that trade and investment linkages with the outside world and the degree of personal globalization affected the size of the external shock associated with the GFC. In China's case, a sound macroeconomic policy framework and the state's control on the economy provided a cushion effect, which acted as a buffer to protect the economy against the external shock. China's and India's responses to the GFC included a shift from export‐driven to domestic demand‐led growth and diversion and shift of economic links away from economies associated with the GFC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early fetal cystoscopy for first‐trimester severe megacystis
Authors: Ruano R. , Yoshisaki C. T. , Salustiano E. M. A. , Giron A. M. , Srougi M. , Zugaib M.
Published: February 2011

Objectives

To report the feasibility of early fetal cystoscopy for the prenatal diagnosis and therapy of severe first‐trimester megacystis.

Methods

Between January 2008 and February 2010, early fetal cystoscopy at 16 weeks of gestation was offered to 15 patients whose fetuses presented with severe first‐trimester megacystis. All infants were followed up for 6–12 months after birth. Autopsy was always performed whenever fetal or neonatal deaths occurred.

Results

Seven patients decided to undergo fetal therapy, and eight elected to continue with expectant observation. One fetus died before early fetal cystoscopy was performed. Therefore, six fetuses underwent early fetal cystoscopy. Urethral atresia was diagnosed in three fetuses during fetal cystoscopy and confirmed at autopsy following termination of pregnancy at 19–20 weeks in all cases. Posterior urethral valves were diagnosed and successfully fulgurated by laser during early cystoscopy in three fetuses, two of which survived with normal renal and bladder function after birth; the remaining fetus had a postnatal diagnosis of megacystis‐microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome and died neonatally. In the expectantly managed group, no survivals were observed, even among cases with ‘isolated’ posterior urethral valves.

Conclusions

Percutaneous early fetal cystoscopy is feasible for prenatal diagnosis and therapy of severe megacystis. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Male sexual development in utero: testicular descent on prenatal magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Nemec S. F. , Nemec U. , Weber M. , Kasprian G. , Brugger P. C. , Krestan C. R. , Rotmensch S. , Rimoin D. L. , Graham J. M. , Prayer D.
Published: February 2011

Objective

To visualize in utero male fetal testicular descent on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to correlate it with gestational age.

Methods

This retrospective study included 202 MRI examination results of 199 male fetuses (17–39 gestational weeks) with normal anatomy or minor congenital abnormalities, following suspicion of anomalies on prenatal ultrasound examination. Using a 1.5‐Tesla unit, multiplanar T2‐weighted sequences were applied using a standard protocol to image and identify the scrotal content. The relative frequencies of unilateral and bilateral testicular descent were calculated and correlated with gestational age.

Results

Between 17 and 25 gestational weeks, neither unilateral nor bilateral testicular descent was visualized on MRI. Testicular descent was first observed at 25 + 4 weeks, in 7.7% of cases. 12.5% of 27‐week fetuses showed unilateral descent and 50% showed bilateral descent. Bilateral descent was observed in 95.7% of cases, on average, from 30 to 39 weeks.

Conclusions

Our results chart the time course of testicular descent on prenatal MRI, which may be helpful in the identification of normal male sexual development and in the diagnosis of congenital abnormalities, including the early detection of cryptorchidism. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Physical Properties of the New Chain Alkalioxocuprate K3Cu2O4
Authors: Đuriš Katarina , Kremer Reinhard K. , Jansen Martin
Published: February 2011

Single crystals of K3Cu2O4 were prepared by the azide/nitrate route from respective stoichiometric mixtures of KN3, KNO3 and CuO, at 923 K, whereas powder samples were synthesised by solid state reaction of K2O, KCuO2 and CuO, sealed in gold ampoules and treated at 723 K. According to the single crystal structure analysis (Cmcm, Z = 4, a = 6.1234(1), b = 8.9826(2), c = 10.8620(2) Å, R1 = 0.044, R2 = 0.107), the main structural feature are undulating ${1}\atop{{\infty}}$CuO2 chains built up from planar, edge sharing CuO4 square units. From an analysis of the Cu–O bond lengths, the valence state of either +2 or +3 can be unambiguously assigned to each copper atom. The magnetic susceptibilities show the dominance of antiferromagnetic (AFM) interactions. At high temperatures, the magnetic behaviour can be fitted with the Curie–Weiss law (μeff = 1.84μB, Θ = –105 K). The experimental data can be very well described by a uniform Heisenberg chain with a nearest‐neighbour spin intrachain interaction (Jnn) of ~ 101 K.
Notiz über die magnetlsche Suszeptibilität von La2O3 und CeO2
Authors: Klemm W. , Hartlapp G.
Published: February 2011

Die g‐Werte von La2O3 und CeO2 werden zu −0,150 bzw. + 0,075 10−6 ermittelt. Daraus leitet sich ein temperaturunabhängiger Paramagnetismus Mol von + 14 bzw. + 52 10−6 ab.
Die lonengewichtsbestimmung mit der Dialysenmethode
Authors: Brintzinger H.
Published: February 2011

Die von H. Brintzinger1) ausgearbeitete Dialysenmethode und die mit ihr durchgeführten Messungen sind in den letzten Jahren das Ziel eines Angriffs2) gewesen. Es erscheint daher notwendig, das Grundsätzliche dieser Methode und die durch sie gewonnenen neuen Erkenntnisse, insbesondere über die Hydratation der Ionen, kurz zusammenfassend darzustellen und durch neues Tatsachenmaterial den Beweis für die Richtigkeit der früheren Messungen zu erbringen. Eine Kontrolle mancher auffallender Resultate, wie der zweischaligen komplexen Ionen, steht noch aus; hierüber wird später berichtet werden.
Elektrolysen in Essigsäureanhydrid
Authors: Schmidt Hans , Wittkopf Ingeborg , Jander Gerhart
Published: February 2011

Zur Erweiterung der Kenntnisse über den Zustand der in Acetanhydrid gelösten Salze wurde die Möglichkeit der Elektrolyse und deren quantitative Auswertung durch Nachprüfung des Faradayschen Gesetzes untersucht. Essigsäureanhydrid zeigt sich praktisch als Isolator, während die Auflösungen einiger Salze in ihm den Strom leiten. Wir elektrolysierten eine Anzahl von Salzen in Acetanhydrid und stellten fest, daβ die Nachprüfung des Faradayschen Gesetzes durch kathodische Metallabscheidung wegen der groβen Reaktionsfähigkeit des Solvens gegenüber vielen Metallen sehr erschwert wird. Eingehender wurden die Verhältnisse am Beispiel der Elektrolyse des Thallium(I)‐acetats untersucht. Quantitative Metallabscheidungen erhielten wir aus Lösungen von SbBr3, AsCl3 und von SbCl3 mit KCl, wobei sich die Auflösung von KGl in einer SbCl2‐Lösung für die elektrolytische Antimonabscheidung als besonders geeignet erwies. Aus HgBr2‐ Lösung wurde an der Kathode reines Hg2Br2 abgeschieden. Sehlieβlich lieβ sich aus Alkaliacetaten und Alkalihalogeniden bei Gegenwart von geringen Mengen Eisessig Wasserstoff in der theoretischen Menge entwickeln. Günstiger als für die Kationen lagen die Verhältnisse bei der Abscheidung der Halogene an einer Silberanode. Besonders geeignet waren vor allem die Chloride, wie z. B. ZnCl2, SbCl3, AsCl3, BiCl3, sowie Tetramethylammoniumchlorid und Triphenylchlormethan.

Die durchgeführten Untersuchungen zeigen, daβ das Gesetz von Faraday im allgemeinen auch für die Elektrolysen der in Acetanhydrid gelösten Salze gilt. Die Abweichungen sind in vielen Fällen auf Sekundärreaktionen des Solvens mit den abgeschiedenen Primärprodukten zurückzuführen, die noch weiterer Untersuchungen bedürfen.
Über anorganische Verblndungen des Stickoxyds. VI: Über den Nitrosglcyonokomplex des Nickels
Authors: Hieber W. , Nast R. , Proeschel E.
Published: February 2011

Der seit langem umstrittene Verlauf der Reaktion zwischen Kalium‐tricyanoniccolat (I) K2[Ni(CN)3] und Stickoxyd wird aufgeklärt, das Reaktionsprodukt aus nichtwässerigen Systemen (flüssiges Ammoniak abs. Äthanol) isoliert und als Kalium‐Nitrosyltricyanoniccolat der Zusammensetzung K2[Ni(CN)3NO] identifiziert.

Die Zersetzungsreaktion des K2[Ni(CN)3NO] und des Natrium‐Nitrosylpentacyanoferrats Na2[Fe(CN) NO] mit verdünnten Säuren wird quantitativ verfolgt und läβt den weitgehenden Zusammenhang deutlich werden, der zwischen dem Kalium‐Nitrosyltricyanoniccolat, den Nitrosylhalogeniden des Nickels und den Nitroprussiaten besteht. Hierbei werden allgemeine Strukturfragen erörtert und die Bezeichnung “Nitroprussiat” in einem erweiterten Sinne für alle Nitrosylcyanokomplexe vorgeschlagen, deren zentrale Metallatome “edelgasartige” Ionen bildet.

Das Ioh [Ni(CN)3NO]2‐ besitzt somit ‐ als bisher einziger Nickelkomplex ‐ Nickelcarbonyl‐Struktur und ist daher auch als tetraedrisch gebaut anzusehen.
Tumor Rupture Predicts Early Metastasis and Poor Prognosis in Stage III Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Chen Yong , Hao JiHui , Yang Yun , Yang JiLong , Hao XiShan
Published: February 2011

Background

Tumor rupture is considered a R2 resection and is not uncommonly encountered when attempting a tumor‐free resection, especially in high‐risk soft tissue sarcomas. The predictive value of tumor rupture for metastasis development and its impact on metastasis‐free interval needs to be investigated and further taken into consideration in preoperative planning.

Methods

From January 1993 to December 2009, 276 cases of stage III soft tissue sarcoma were collected from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institution and Hospital. The clinical characteristics and histopathological features were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed with treatment modalities, tumor rupture status for disease‐specific survival (DSS), distant recurrence‐free survival (DRFS), and metastasis‐free interval (MFI).

Results

Of the 276 patients who underwent surgical resection of their tumors, 53 patients experienced a tumor rupture. Median follow‐up period was 68 months. Two‐year and 5‐year overall survival rates for patients with tumor rupture were 46 and 27% compared with 76 and 57% for patients without tumor rupture, respectively. Median overall survival for patients with tumor rupture was 24 months compared with 56 months for those without. In multivariate analysis, FNCLCC grade III, tumor > 10 cm, tumor rupture, and no chemotherapy were associated with decreased DSS and DRFS. Tumor rupture predicted shorter MFI of 5 months compared with 15 months of those without tumor rupture.

Conclusions

Tumor rupture was associated with decreased DSS and DRFS in stage III sarcomas. It also predicted early metastasis and directly impacted patient’s survival. Additional procedures should be investigated to avoid tumor rupture.
Monostotic Fibrous Dysplasia of the Distal Radius Metaphysis: Case Report
Authors: Moseley Jessica N. , Friedrich Jeffrey B.
Published: February 2011

We report the case of a 56-year-old male with distal radius monostotic fibrous dysplasia that was detected when the patient suffered a pathologic fracture. This case is unusual because of the location of the tumor and the age of the patient.
Crystallization and Polymorphism of 1,3‐Acyl‐Palmitoyl‐rac‐Glycerols
Authors: Craven R. John , Lencki Robert W.
Published: February 2011

Crystallization and melting behavior, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, X‐ray powder diffraction and infra‐red absorbance were measured for nine 1,3‐acyl‐palmitoyl‐rac‐glycerols (1,3‐acetoyl‐, ‐butyroyl‐, ‐hexanoyl‐, ‐octanoyl‐, ‐decanoyl‐, ‐lauroyl, ‐myristoyl‐ and ‐oleoyl‐palmitoyl‐rac‐glycerol and 1,3‐dipalmitoyl‐glycerol). All but one of the prepared 1,3‐diacylglycerols (1,3‐DAG) were β‐stable with 1,3‐acetoyl‐palmitoyl‐rac‐glycerol being the exception (β′‐stable). Small‐angle X‐ray scattering indicates that molecules in β‐tending diacid 1,3‐DAG adopt a herringbone‐type configuration similar to monoacid 1,3‐DAG. In this configuration acyl chains of the same length associate and regular chain‐end matching between terminal methyl groups delineate lamellae. In contrast, molecules in crystalline 1,3‐acetoyl‐palmitoyl‐rac‐glycerol are oriented similar to those of 1(3)‐monoacylglycerol. Interestingly, DSC curves indicate five of the nine diacid compounds have meta‐stable forms—suggesting these forms are quite common for diacid 1,3‐DAG. Meta‐stable forms are observed in the melting curve when the difference in length between acyl chains is large (1,3‐acetoyl‐, ‐butyroyl‐ and ‐hexanoyl‐palmitoyl‐rac‐glycerol), and in the crystallization curve when the difference is moderate (1,3‐decanoyl‐ and ‐lauroyl‐palmitoyl‐rac‐glycerol).
Black Real Estate Professionals' Perceptions of Career Opportunities: The Economic Detour Redux
Authors: Silverman Robert Mark
Published: February 2011

This article focuses on black professionals' perceptions of career opportunities in the real estate industry and discrimination in housing markets. The analysis is based on a national survey of black real estate professionals administered between July and December of 2009. Findings from the article suggest that black real estate professionals adopt a business strategy scholars have referred to as the economic detour. Following this strategy, their business activities focus on a niche market confined to residential real estate transaction with black clientele in relatively segregated neighborhood contexts. The findings from this analysis suggest that this focus has emerged in response to perceptions of institutional discrimination that closes opportunities to black professionals in the broader real estate industry. Recommendations are made to address economic barriers faced by black professionals.
Targeting Huntington’s disease through histone deacetylases
Authors: Gray Steven G.
Published: February 2011

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition with significant burdens on both patient and healthcare costs. Despite extensive research, treatment options for patients with this condition remain limited. Aberrant post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins is emerging as an important element in the pathogenesis of HD. These PTMs include acetylation, phosphorylation, methylation, sumoylation and ubiquitination. Several families of proteins are involved with the regulation of these PTMs. In this review, I discuss the current evidence linking aberrant PTMs and/or aberrant regulation of the cellular machinery regulating these PTMs to HD pathogenesis. Finally, I discuss the evidence suggesting that pharmacologically targeting one of these protein families the histone deacetylases may be of potential therapeutic benefit in the treatment of HD.
Survey of undergraduate pain curricula for healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom
Authors: Briggsl Emma V. , Carrl Eloise C.J. , Whittakerl Maggie S.
Published: February 2011

The prevalence and burden of pain has long been reported as problematic. Comprehensive pain education in undergraduate programmes is essential for developing knowledgeable, skilled and effective healthcare professionals. This cross‐sectional survey describes the nature, content and learning strategies for pain curricula in undergraduate healthcare programmes in major universities in the United Kingdom (UK). Document analysis also highlighted gaps in pain‐related standards from professional regulators and a higher education quality assurance body. The sample consisted of 19 higher education institutions delivering 108 programmes across dentistry, medicine, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physiotherapy and veterinary science.

Seventy‐four (68.5%) questionnaires were returned averaging 12.0 h of pain content with physiotherapy and veterinary science students receiving the highest input. Pain education accounted for less than 1% of programme hours for some disciplines. Traditional teaching methods dominated (e.g. lectures 87.8%) and only two programmes had fully implemented the International Association for the Study of Pain's (IASP) curricula. Minimal pain‐related standards were found from professional regulators and the quality assurance documents.

Pain education is variable across and within disciplines and interprofessional learning is minimal. Published curricula for pain education have been available for over 20 years but are rarely employed and pain is not a core part of regulatory and quality assurance standards for health professions. The hours of pain education is woefully inadequate given the prevalence and burden of pain. Recommendations include the introduction of pain‐related educational standards across all professions, greater integration of pain content in undergraduate programmes and interprofessional approaches to the topic.
Congenital laryngoptosis: An unusual case
Authors: Eyibilen Ahmet , Aladağ İbrahim , Kocakoç Ercan
Published: February 2011

Laryngoptosis is a rare anomaly of the larynx. The larynx is localized in a position lower than its normal position. A 15‐year‐old boy presented with hoarseness of voice. Physical examination showed that the larynx was in an abnormal position. There were no palpated tracheal rings. A low‐pitched monotonic voice was the only symptom of laryngoptosis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the larynx was almost localized on the manibrium sterni, and the diagnosis was laryngoptosis.
Printmedia poll reporting in Poland: Poll as news in Polish parliamentary campaigns, 1991–2007
Authors: Szwed Robert
Published: February 2011

Information about the support given by the public opinion to political actors has become a constant element of the public debate in Poland after the fall of Communism. Very soon polls became an argument in debates, a premise, or a way to justify decisions. At the same time they were criticized both by politicians and journalists convinced that polls can significantly influence the election results. But the fact was not noticed in Poland that all debates about the influence of polls on election outcomes should be preceded by a discussion of the way they are presented in the media. The present article joins this debate by subjecting to analysis the polls published in the Polish press during parliamentary campaigns in the dimensions of the role they played during the recent several years, the quality of methodological information, and of the way the polls were used in the media.

As opposed to European and American analyses, no improvement in the conformity to standards of minimal disclosure in newspapers’ reporting of public opinion polls was noticed, although—like in other countries—a dramatic increase in the number of polls reported was observed.
Holocene lake sedimentation in the steppe zone of southeastern Transbaikalia (exemplified by the sediments of Lake Zun-Soktui)
Authors: Bazarova V.B. , Grebennikova T.A. , Mokhova L.M. , Orlova L.A.
Published: February 2011

Data on lacustrine sediments permitted reconstructing climate and vegetation changes in the steppe zone of southeastern Transbaikalia in the Holocene and the evolution of Lake Zun-Soktui. Also, changes in the size of the lake water plane have been reconstructed. A shallow lake formed in place of an oxbow lake in the middle Boreal phase of the Holocene. In the Atlantic phase, the lake had maximum depth and area. In the late Boreal, early Subboreal, and in the second half of the Subatlantic phase, the lake underwent significant shallowing and sometimes dried up for a short time. In the middle Boreal and Atlantic phases, the aridization decreased considerably. It has been established that pine forest belts on the Onon high plain before the Subatlantic occupied several times more space than now.
Adaptive Herbivore Ecology
Authors: Owen-Smith R. Norman
Published: February 2011

The adaptation of herbivore behaviour to seasonal and locational variations in vegetation quantity and quality is inadequately modelled by conventional methods. Norman Owen-Smith innovatively links the principles of adaptive behaviour to their consequences for population dynamics and community ecology, through the application of a metaphysiological modelling approach. The main focus is on large mammalian herbivores occupying seasonally variable environments such as those characterised by African savannahs, but applications to temperate zone ungulates are also included. Issues of habitat suitability, species coexistence, and population stability or instability are similarly investigated. The modelling approach accommodates various sources of environmental variability, in space and time, in a simple conceptual way and has the potential to be applied to other consumer-resource systems. This text highlights the crucial importance of adaptive consumer responses to environmental variability and is aimed particularly at academic researchers and graduate students in the field of ecology.
Constructing a Sociology of the Arts
Authors: Zolberg Vera L.
Published: February 2011

At a time when a pile of bricks is displayed in a museum, when music is composed for performance underwater, and the boundaries between popular and fine art are fluid, conventional understandings of art are strained in describing what art is, what it includes or excludes, whether and how it should be evaluated, and what importance should be assigned the arts in society. In this book, Vera Zolberg examines diverse theoretical approaches to the study of the arts. Ranging over humanistic and social scientific views representing a variety of scholarly traditions, American and European, she then develops a sociological approach that evaluates the institutional, economic, and political influences on the creation of art, while also affirming the importance of the question of artistic quality. The author examines the arts in the social contexts in which people become artists, the institutions in which their careers develop, the supports and pressures they face, the publics they need to please, and the political forces with which they must contend. Particular subjects covered include the process by which works are created and 're-created' at different times, with changed meanings, and for new social uses; the role of the audience in the realization of artistic experiences; the social consequences of taste preferences; the reasons for change in artistic styles and for the coexistence of many art forms and styles.
Peace and War
Authors: Holsti Kalevi J.
Published: February 2011

In this book, Professor Holsti approaches the study of the origins of war and the foundations of peace from a distinct perspective. He asks three interrelated questions. Which issues generate conflict? How have attitudes towards war changed? And, what attempts have been made historically to create international orders and institutions that can manage, control or prevent international conflicts? Starting with the peace treaties of Munster and Osnabruck of 1648, Kalevi Holsti examines 177 international wars. Through these, he identifies the variety of conflict-producing issues and how they, as well as the attitudes of policy makers to the use of force, have changed over the last 350 years. He demonstrates how the orders established by the great peacemaking efforts of 1648, 1713, 1815, 1919 and 1945 attempted to solve the issues of the past, yet few successfully anticipated those of the future. Indeed, some created the basis of fresh conflicts.
Theatre of the Rule of Law
Authors: Humphreys Stephen
Published: February 2011

Theatre of the Rule of Law presents a sustained critique of global rule of law promotion - an expansive industry at the heart of international development, post-conflict reconstruction and security policy today. While successful in articulating and disseminating an effective global public policy, rule of law promotion has largely failed in its stated objectives of raising countries out of poverty and taming violent conflict. Furthermore, in its execution, this work deviates sharply from 'the rule of law' as commonly conceived. To explain this, Stephen Humphreys draws on the history of the rule of law as a concept, examples of legal export during colonial times, and a spectrum of contemporary interventions by development agencies and international organisations. Rule of law promotion is shown to be a kind of theatre, the staging of a morality tale about the good life, intended for edification and emulation, but blind to its own internal contradictions.
Healthcare Decision-Making and the Law
Authors: Donnelly Mary
Published: February 2011

This analysis of the law's approach to healthcare decision-making critiques its liberal foundations in respect of three categories of people: adults with capacity, adults without capacity and adults who are subject to mental health legislation. Focusing primarily on the law in England and Wales, the analysis also draws on the law in the United States, legal positions in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Scotland and on the human rights protections provided by the ECHR and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Having identified the limitations of a legal view of autonomy as primarily a principle of non-interference, Mary Donnelly questions the effectiveness of capacity as a gatekeeper for the right of autonomy and advocates both an increased role for human rights in developing the conceptual basis for the law and the grounding of future legal developments in a close empirical interrogation of the law in practice.