bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal interventions for fetal lung lesions
Authors: Witlox Ruben S. , Lopriore Enrico , Oepkes Dick
Published: May 2011

The widespread availability of high resolution ultrasound equipment and almost universal routine anatomy scanning in all pregnant women in the developed world has lead to increased detection of abnormalities in the fetal thorax. Already in the 1980s, large pleural effusions and significant macrocystic lesions in the fetus were easily detected on ultrasound. However, smaller lung tumours were often missed. Nowadays, fetal medicine centres receive many referrals for evaluation of fetal lung lesions, of which the most common are congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation and bronchopulmonary sequestration. Almost invariably, both the parents and the referring physicians experience anxiety after detection of large lung masses in the fetus. However, the vast majority of the currently detected fetal lung lesions have an excellent prognosis without the need for prenatal intervention. In the small group of fetuses in which the prognosis is poor, almost exclusively those with concomitant fetal hydrops and cardiac failure, several options for fetal therapy exist, often with a more than 50% survival rate. Indications, techniques, complications and outcomes of these interventions will be described in this review. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: prenatal interventions
Authors: Kamphuis Marije M. , Oepkes Dick
Published: May 2011

Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a potentially devastating condition, which may lead to intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) in the fetus or neonate, often with death or major neurological damage as consequence. In the absence of screening, preventive measures are only possible in the next pregnancy of women with an affected child. Controversy exists on the best intervention to minimise the risk of ICH. Most centres have abandoned treatment with serial fetal blood sampling (FBS) and platelet transfusions, because of a high rate of complications and the availability of quite effective non‐invasive alternatives. In pregnancies with FNAIT and a previous affected child without ICH, weekly intravenous administration of immunoglobulins to the mother appears close to 100% effective to prevent fetal or neonatal ICH. Some centres add prednisone; this combination leads to slightly higher platelet counts at birth. In pregnant women with a previous child with ICH, the recurrence risk seems particularly high, and more aggressive maternal medical treatment is recommended, starting earlier with immunoglobulins. Whether a higher intravenous immunoglobulin dose or the addition of prednisone is really necessary is unclear. What does seem to be clear is that the use of FBS should be minimised, possibly even abandoned completely. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal decomposition kinetics of tricomponent polyester/polycarbonate systems
Authors: Al‐Mulla Adam , Mathew Johnson , Al‐Omairi Lafi , Bhattacharya Sati
Published: May 2011

The current work seeks to develop a novel polymeric blend containing polycarbonate(PC)/poly(trimethylene‐terephthalate)(PTT)/poly(butylene‐terephthalate)(PBT), (50: 25:25, weight/weight percent). This has been prepared using a single screw extruder. The thermal degradation kinetics of the blend and neat polymers have been investigated by means of a Theromogravimetric analyzer (TGA) machine. Theromogravimetric analysis of the neat polymers and the blend was carried out at 5, 10, 15, and 20°C/min under Nitrogen and air atmosphere. Two analytical models, namely Kissinger and Ozawa were used to estimate the degradation kinetic parameters (Activation energy, E and pre‐exponential factor, A). The neat polymers were found to be more thermally stable under nitrogen than under air. The solid state decomposition was found to follow a phase boundary controlled mechanism. Possibility of transexchange reactions during melt blending was also analyzed using TGA studies. Residual char of blends of different compositions were also used as an indicator to determine possible exchange reactions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Non‐invasive ventilation on a pediatric intensive care unit: Feasibility, efficacy, and predictors of success
Authors: Dohna‐Schwake Christian , Stehling Florian , Tschiedel Eva , Wallot Michael , Mellies Uwe
Published: May 2011

Background

There is only sparse data on the use of non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) in acute respiratory failure (ARF) in infants and children. For this setting we investigated feasibility and efficacy of NIV and aimed to identify early predictors for treatment failure.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed for all patients treated with NIV for ARF from 2003 to 2010 on an 8‐bed pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary university hospital.

Results

Seventy‐four patients were treated with NIV. One patient did not tolerate mask ventilation and needed immediate invasive ventilation. Intubation rate of the remaining patients was 23% and mortality 15%. Institution of NIV led to significant improvement of both respiratory and heart rate in all patients within the first hour and to further stabilization within the next 8–10 hr. In patients with NIV success blood gases improved significantly 1–2 hr after starting NIV. Multivariate analysis identified low pH after 1–2 hr to be an individual risk factor for NIV failure. Other factors tested were age, underlying disease, acute respiratory insufficiency versus post‐extubation failure (PEF), and 1–2 hr after starting NIV oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, PCO2, and FiO2. Patients with PEF tended to show better outcomes compared to those with acute respiratory insufficiency.

Conclusion

NIV can be effective in infants and children with ARF. Low pH 1–2 hr after start of NIV is associated with NIV failure. It may therefore be useful in the decision to continue or stop mask ventilation. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:1114–1120. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pulmonary maturational arrest and death in a patient with pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis
Authors: King Brooke A. , Boyd J. Todd , Kingma Paul S.
Published: May 2011

We present the clinical presentation and pathological findings from a term infant with atypical neonatal lung disease. A full term Caucasian male presented at birth with signs of respiratory distress. The respiratory condition continued to deteriorate despite maximum intervention and the patient was placed on ECMO for further cardiorespiratory assistance. An open lung biopsy demonstrated findings consistent with severe lung growth abnormality with non‐uniform pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis. The patient consequently developed a pulmonary hemorrhage that required discontinuation of ECMO. The patient died shortly after decannulation. Most literature suggests that PIG is one of the few pediatric interstitial lung diseases that has a favorable prognosis with rare mortality in the absence of co‐morbidities. However, the current case suggests prognosis may depend more on the underlying diagnosis than on the histological finding of PIG. In addition, this case may provide insight into the pathogenesis and potential modifiers of this idiopathic disorder. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:1142–1145. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hypoxia and nitric oxide exposure promote apoptotic signaling in contractile pulmonary arterial smooth muscle but not in pulmonary epithelium
Authors: Postolow F. , Fediuk J. , Nolette N. , Hinton M. , Dakshinamurti S.
Published: May 2011

Rationale

Neonatal pulmonary hypertension is characterized by hypoxia, abnormal vascular remodeling, and impaired alveolarization. Nitric oxide (NO) regulates cell replication and activation of apoptosis. Our objective was to examine cell phenotype‐specific effects of hypoxia and NO exposure on cumulative apoptotic signal in neonatal pulmonary epithelial cells and arterial smooth muscle.

Design/Methods

Primary cultured newborn porcine pulmonary arterial myocytes and epithelial cells were grown in normoxic (21% O2) or hypoxic conditions (10% O2). Myocyte phenotype was predetermined by serum‐supplementation or ‐deprivation. Cells were exposed to sodium nitroprusside (10−7–10−4 M) or diluent for 3 days. Cell survival was estimated by MTT assay; BAX, Bcl‐2, and cleaved caspase‐3 by Western blot; cell cycle entry by laser scanning cytometry.

Results

Hypoxic epithelial cells exhibited a small increase in anti‐apoptotic Bcl2, and decrease in BAX. Cell survival and active caspase‐3 were unchanged. Exposure to NO had no impact on epithelial apoptosis, but initiated necrosis. In contractile myocytes, pro‐apoptotic BAX abundance and caspase‐3 activation were increased by hypoxia, augmented by NO exposure promoting apoptosis. Hypoxia decreased BAX/Bcl‐2 ratio and promoted survival of synthetic myocytes; NO increased apoptosis of normoxic synthetic myocytes, but decreased apoptosis of hypoxic synthetic myocytes.

Conclusion

The effect of NO on pulmonary apoptosis is phenotype‐dependent. A cumulative apoptotic effect of hypoxia and NO in vitro exerted on contractile myocytes may lead to contraction of this subpopulation, while synthetic myocyte survival and proliferation is enhanced by hypoxia and NO. Epithelial survival is unaffected. We speculate that alveolar rarefaction reported after neonatal hypoxia may arise from growth arrest in the vascular rather than the epithelial compartment. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46: 1194–1208. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Production and Sensitivity Evaluation of Nanocrystalline RDX‐based Explosive Compositions
Authors: Stepanov Victor , Anglade Venant , Balas Hummers Wendy A. , Bezmelnitsyn Andrey V. , Krasnoperov Lev N.
Published: May 2011

The initiation sensitivity of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) was investigated as a function of crystal size. For this study, RDX powders with mean crystal sizes of ca. 200 and 500 nm were prepared by rapid expansion of supercritical solutions (RESS) with carbon dioxide as the solvent. Initiation sensitivity testing to impact, sustained shock, and electrostatic discharge stimuli was performed on uncoated as well as wax‐coated specimens. The test data revealed that in a direct comparison to coarser grades the nanocrystalline RDX‐based samples were substantially less sensitive to shock and impact stimuli. Furthermore, the 500 nm RDX‐based specimens exhibited the lowest sensitivity values, an indication that minima in shock and impact sensitivities with respect to crystal size exist.
High nitrogen pressure solution growth of bulk GaN in “feed‐seed” configuration
Authors: Boćkowski M. , Grzegory I. , Łucznik B. , Sochacki T. , Kryśko M. , Strąk P. , Dzięcielewski I. , Litwin‐Staszewska E. , Porowski S.
Published: May 2011

In this paper the growth and physical properties of HNPS‐GaN crystallized in “feed‐seed” configuration is described. The idea of this configuration is based on the conversion of the free standing HVPE‐GaN crystals to the free standing HNPS‐GaN. The influence of the c‐plane bowing in the initial substrate on quality, rate, and mode of growth from solution is analyzed.
GaAs–MnAs nanowires
Authors: Sadowski Janusz , Siusys Aloyzas , Kovacs Andras , Kasama Takeshi , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E. , Wojciechowski Tomasz , Reszka Anna , Kowalski Bogdan
Published: May 2011

Different strategies for obtaining nanowires (NWs) with ferromagnetic properties using the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) grown nanostructures combining GaAs and Mn were investigated. Four types of structures have been studied: (i) self‐catalyzed GaAs:Mn NWs grown at low temperatures on GaAs(100) substrates; (ii) GaAs:Mn NWs grown at high temperatures on Si(100) substrates; (iii) GaAs–GaMnAs core–shell NW structures; (iv) GaAs–MnAs core–shell NW structures grown on Si(100). Structures of types (i), (iii), and (iv) exhibit ferromagnetic properties.

Right: Scanning electron microscopy image of Mn doped GaAs NWs with Ga droplets at the tops, grown by MBE on oxidized Si(100) substrate in the autocatalytic growth mode.

magnified image
Role of interface in ferromagnetism of (Zn,Co)O films
Authors: Godlewski M. , Guziewicz E. , Łukasiewicz M. I. , Kowalik I. A. , Sawicki M. , Witkowski B. S. , Jakieła R. , Lisowski W. , Sobczak J. W. , Krawczyk M.
Published: May 2011

We demonstrate that room temperature ferromagnetic response (RT FR) of ZnCoO films grown at low temperature by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method is due to Co metal accumulations at the ZnCoO/substrate interface region. The accumulated experimental evidences allow us to reject several other explanations of this effect in our samples, despite the fact that some of them are likely to be responsible for the low temperature FM in this class of the material.
Influence of texture on the ferromagnetic properties of nanograined ZnO films
Authors: Straumal Boris , Mazilkin Andrei , Protasova Svetlana , Myatiev Ata , Straumal Petr , Goering Eberhard , Baretzky Brigitte
Published: May 2011

The pure ZnO thin films were deposited by the wet chemistry (‘liquid ceramics’) method from the butanoate precursors on the single‐crystalline (102) sapphire substrates. The films annealed in air (550 °C, 24 h) after butanoate pyrolysis have pronounced texture, and they reveal the ferromagnetic behaviour. Argon annealed films (650 °C, 30 min) exhibit randomly oriented grains, where the ferromagnetism of these non‐textured films is almost equal to that of bare substrate. In both cases the films consist of dense equiaxial nanograins with size ∼20 nm. We observed that grain boundaries (GBs) and related vacancies are the intrinsic origin for RT ferromagnetism in polycrystals [Straumal et al., Phys. Rev. B 79, 205206 (2009)]. Present results demonstrate that not only the specific area of GBs in nanograined ZnO alone determines the ferromagnetic behaviour of ZnO. The GB character distribution (i.e. GB misorientation and orientation) is different in the textured and non‐textured films. Most probably, the GBs with different character possess also different magnetic properties. The role of GBs, free surfaces and interfaces in ferromagnetic behaviour of GaN is discussed. In particular, their presence permits to increase the Mn solubility in GaN without precipitation of secondary ferromagnetic phases.
Magnetic anisotropy of semiconductor (Ge,Mn)Te microstructures produced by laser and electron beam induced crystallization
Authors: Knoff Wojciech , Świątek Krzysztof , Andrearczyk Tomasz , Domukhovski Viktor , Dziawa Piotr , Kowalczyk Leszek , Łusakowska Elżbieta , Šiušys Aloyzas , Taliashvili Badri , Wróbel Jerzy , Story Tomasz
Published: May 2011

Ferromagnetic transition and magnetic anisotropy was studied by SQUID magnetometry and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) methods in polycrystalline Ge1‐xMnxTe (x = 0.085) semiconductor microstructures embedded in an amorphous, insulating, and paramagnetic (Ge,Mn)Te matrix. The microstructures were produced by pulsed laser and electron beam induced local re‐crystallization of amorphous layers deposited on insulating BaF2 substrates. The angular dependence of the FMR resonance field observed below the Curie temperature TC = 70 K of the microstructures is quantitatively described by the analysis of Zeeman and demagnetization contributions to magnetic free energy. Good agreement with experimental results obtained in the case of structures produced by pulsed laser re‐crystallization indicates the formation of ferromagnetic (Ge,Mn)Te thin disks of submicron dimensions.
Self‐organization of silica nano‐particles induced by the ion beam
Authors: Lugomer Stjepan , Zolnai Zsolt , Tóth Attila L. , Bársony István
Published: May 2011

We studied the self‐organization (SO) of small‐size (D = 90 nm), medium‐size (220 nm), and large‐size (450 nm) colloidal silica nanoparticles in Langmuir‐Blodgett layers induced by a focused Ga+ ion beam with energy of 30 keV. The ion irradiation induces SO into various types of clusters as the result of particle charging and heating, Coulomb repulsion and motion on the substrate surface, as well as of particle ‐ particle and particle ‐ substrate interaction. These processes show a great difference of the underlying dynamics and of the characteristics of SO pattern, depending on the particle size and on the ion fluence. The two dimensional (2D) pattern of the small‐size particles is transformed into “infinite” chain‐cluster, while the pattern of medium‐size particles is transformed into a number of short separated chain‐clusters. The pattern of large‐size particles is mostly unchanged, but shows particle melting and buckling, which at higher fluences passes into ion beam‐induced sputtering (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Agents against Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kuorwel Kuorwel K. , Cran Marlene J. , Sonneveld Kees , Miltz Joseph , Bigger Stephen W.
Published: May 2011

The antimicrobial (AM) activity of starch‐based films coated with linalool, carvacrol or thymol against Saccharomyces cerevisiae in vitro and/or inoculated on the surface of Cheddar cheese was investigated. In solid medium using the agar diffusion method and in experiments involving the inoculation of the microorganism on the surface of Cheddar cheese, all the films containing these AM agents in coatings demonstrated an inhibitory effect against S. cerevisiae. The results suggest that the overall inhibitory effect of linalool, carvacrol or thymol increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with the concentration of each of the AM agents in the film coating and that the response is linear in the concentration range of 1 to 5% (w/w) of the AM agent. Thymol had the highest AM efficacy followed by carvacrol, whereas linalool had the lowest efficacy amongst the three systems. The zones of inhibition in the agar diffusion test method at 25°C for S. cerevisiae were found to be 7.6, 7.1 and 6.1 mm for thymol, carvacrol and linalool at 1% (w/w) loading and 13.2, 12.2 and 11.2 mm at 5% (w/w) loading of the AM agents, respectively. The death rates of S. cerevisiae on Cheddar cheese wrapped in films coated with thymol, carvacrol and linalool and stored for up to 28 days at 15°C were found to be 0.044, 0.043 and 0.038 per day at 1% (w/w) loading and 0.077, 0.073 and 0.063 per day at 5% (w/w) loading of the AM agents, respectively. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Active Packaging to Increase Shelf Life of Gluten‐Free Sliced Bread
Authors: Gutiérrez Laura , Batlle Ramón , Andújar Sonia , Sánchez Cristina , Nerín Cristina
Published: May 2011

This paper presents a complete study and comparison of the efficiency of three types of packaging system: active packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and combinations of both. To choose the best option, we must take into account microbiological results as well as sensory quality; therefore, a complete sensory study and an in‐depth statistical study were carried out, in order to evaluate each option and their interactions.

The results showed that active packaging considerably increases the shelf life of packaged food, so it could be an attractive option to extend the shelf life. The active packaging provided better sensorial properties than the MAP option. Positive factors like characteristic flavour and spongy texture had higher values in the absence of MAP, and negative properties like cinnamon flavour, crumbly texture and hardness reached higher values when MAP was present in the packaged food. So when microbiological and sensorial properties are taken into account, the active packaging is a better option than MAP to increase shelf life because it inhibits microbial growth while maintaining the high quality of sensorial properties for gluten‐free breads. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating markers for treatment selection based on survival time
Authors: Song Xiao , Zhou Xiao‐Hua
Published: May 2011

For many medical conditions, several treatment options may be available for treating patients. We consider evaluating markers based on a simple treatment selection policy that incorporates information on the patient's marker value. For example, colon cancer patients may be treated by surgery alone or surgery plus chemotherapy. The c‐myc gene expression level may be used as a biomarker for treatment selection. Although traditional regression methods may assess the effect of the marker and treatment on outcomes, it is more appealing to quantify directly the potential impact on the population of using the marker to select treatment. A useful tool is the selection impact (SI) curve proposed by Song and Pepe for binary outcomes (Biometrics2004; 60:874–883). However, the current SI method does not deal with continuous outcomes, nor does it allow to adjust for other covariates that are important for treatment selection. In this paper, we extend the SI curve for general outcomes, with a specific focus on survival time. We further propose the covariate‐specific SI curve to incorporate covariate information in treatment selection. Nonparametric and semiparametric estimators are developed accordingly. We show that the proposed estimators are consistent and asymptotically normal. The performance is assessed by simulation studies and illustrated through an application to data from a cancer clinical trial. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of Advanced Particles and Particle‐Based Materials Assisted by Droplet‐Based Microfluidics
Authors: Wang Jing‐Tao , Wang Juan , Han Jun‐Jie
Published: May 2011

Recent advances in the fabrication of complex particles and particle‐based materials assisted by droplet‐based microfluidics are reviewed. Monodisperse particles with expected internal structures, morphologies, and sizes in the range of nanometers to hundreds of micrometers have received a good deal of attention in recent years. Due to the capability of generating monodisperse emulsions and of executing precise control and operations on the suspended droplets inside the microchannels, droplet‐based microfluidic devices have become powerful tools for fabricating complex particles with desired properties. Emulsions and multiple‐emulsions generated in the microfluidic devices can be composed of a variety of materials including aqueous solutions, gels, polymers and solutions containing functional nanoparticles. They are ideal microreactors or fine templates for synthesizing advanced particles, such as polymer particles, microcapsules, nanocrystals, and photonic crystal clusters or beads by further chemical or physical operations. These particles are promising materials that may be applicable for many fields, such as photonic materials, drug delivery systems, and bio‐analysis. From simple to complex, from spherical to nonspherical, from polymerization and reaction crystallization to self‐assembly, this review aims to help readers be aware of the many aspects of this field.
The toxic effects of nickel chloride on liver, erythropoiesis, and development in Wistar albino preimplanted rats can be reversed with selenium pretreatment
Authors: Adjroud Ounassa
Published: May 2011

The exposure to nickel chloride (NiCl2) can cause hematotoxicity and hepatotoxicity and canaffect development. The present study pertains to the protective effect of selenium (Se) against NiCl2‐induced toxicity in preimplanted Wistar albino rats. The subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of 25 or 50 mg/kg of NiCl2 to Wistar albino rats on day 3 of gestation induced an immediate and significant decrease in maternal body weight and anemia 2 days after treatment. In addition, an increase in plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was observed. These effects were maintained on day 20 of gestation. Moreover, a significant increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels was observed with the administration of 25 mg/kg of NiCl2. Conversely, administration of 50 mg/kg of NiCl2 by s.c. injection increased erythropoiesis at day 20 of gestation and decreased platelets counts. In addition, administration of 100 mg/kg of NiCl2 markedly reduced the maternal body weight and number of live fetuses and increased fetal loss, predominantly at the end of the experimental period. All dose levels of NiCl2 caused an alteration in the hepatic histoarchitecture. When 0.3‐mg/kg Se was injected s.c. with 100‐mg/kg NiCl2, the levels of plasma AST and ALT and the structure of the liver were restored. Administration of 20 mg/L/day of NiCl2 in the drinking water significantly reduced the maternal body weight at day five of gestation as well as erythropoiesis during the exposure period. The present study suggests that Se can counteract the nocuous effect of nickel on the liver; however this antioxidant did not prevent alterations in development and erythropoiesis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 2013.
FMR1 premutation and full mutation molecular mechanisms related to autism
Authors: Hagerman Randi , Au Jacky , Hagerman Paul
Published: May 2011

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by an expanded CGG repeat (>200 repeats) in the 5′ un-translated portion of the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1) leading to a deficiency or absence of the FMR1 protein (FMRP). FMRP is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the translation of a number of other genes that are important for synaptic development and plasticity. Furthermore, many of these genes, when mutated, have been linked to autism in the general population, which may explain the high comorbidity that exists between FXS and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Additionally, premutation repeat expansions (55 to 200 CGG repeats) may also give rise to ASD through a different molecular mechanism that involves a direct toxic effect of FMR1 mRNA. It is believed that RNA toxicity underlies much of the premutation-related involvement, including developmental concerns like autism, as well as neurodegenerative issues with aging such as the fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). RNA toxicity can also lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, which is common in older premutation carriers both with and without FXTAS. Many of the problems with cellular dysregulation in both premutation and full mutation neurons also parallel the cellular abnormalities that have been documented in idiopathic autism. Research regarding dysregulation of neurotransmitter systems caused by the lack of FMRP in FXS, including metabotropic glutamate receptor 1/5 (mGluR1/5) pathway and GABA pathways, has led to new targeted treatments for FXS. Preliminary evidence suggests that these new targeted treatments will also be beneficial in non-fragile X forms of autism.
The Age of Populism: Reflections on the Self-enmity of Democracy
Authors: Krastev Ivan
Published: May 2011

The central political paradox of the times is that the factors that contributed to the success of democracy are the ones that threaten it today. The crisis of trust in democratic institutions in Europe is the outcome not of the failure of the democratisation of European societies but of its success. The question is no longer how elites can regain the trust of the people; the question is how a liberal democracy can function in an environment in which the elites will be permanently mistrusted, regardless of what they do or how transparent the mechanisms of governing are.
Understanding the “Russian Mortality Paradox” in Central Asia: Evidence from Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Guillot Michel , Gavrilova Natalia , Pudrovska Tetyana
Published: May 2011

In the former Soviet republics of central Asia, ethnic Russians have exhibited higher adult mortality than native ethnic groups (e.g., Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Uzbek) in spite of the higher socioeconomic status of ethnic Russians. The mortality disadvantage of ethnic Russians at adult ages appears to have even increased since the breakup of the Soviet Union. The most common explanation for this “Russian mortality paradox,” is that deaths are better reported among ethnic Russians. In this study, we use detailed mortality data from Kyrgyzstan between 1959 and 1999 to evaluate various explanations for the Russian mortality paradox: data artifacts, migration effects, and cultural effects. We find that the most plausible explanation is the cultural hypothesis because the personal behaviors that appear to generate a large part of the observed mortality differences (alcohol consumption, in particular) seem to be closely tied to cultural practices. We examine the implications of this finding for understanding the health crisis in post-Soviet states.
Relationships among Brand Identity, Brand Image and Brand Preference: Differences between Cyber and Extension Retail Brands over Time
Authors: Sääksjärvi Maria , Samiee Saeed
Published: May 2011

This study examines the relationships among brand identity, brand image, and brand preference in the context of cyber (pure online) and offline-based extension (traditional brick-and-mortar to online) retail brands over time. We test a conceptual model with survey data gathered over three time periods. Our results show that offline-based extension brands have an advantage over cyber brands when it comes to translating a brand identity into a successful brand image, especially in the early Internet stages (i.e., introduction and elaboration stages). Offline-based extension brands gain positive spillover effects from their offline-based counterparts, but such effects take time, and are not evident in the early Internet stage. Both types of brands have to work hard in the introductory stage to create a successful brand image that manifests into consumer preference for the brand. With regards to Internet use, we found that cyber brands have a slight disadvantage when moving from the elaboration stage to the fortification stage.
The geochemistry of Cambrian organic matter from the Cis-Yenisei subprovince (evidence from the wells Vostok-1 and Vostok-3)
Authors: Kontorovich A.E. , Kostyreva E.A. , Saraev S.V. , Melenevskii V.N. , Fomin A.N.
Published: May 2011

The paper presents the first comprehensive geochemical data, obtained by modern techniques, on the dispersed organic matter (OM) of Cambrian sediments in the Upper Proterozoic–Paleozoic Cis-Yenisei sedimentary basin (parametric wells Vostok-1 and Vostok-3). The carbonaceous rocks of the Churbiga and Paidugina Formations are the most OM-enriched in the studied Cambrian sections. The OM in these sections is of aquagene (bacterial, plankton-derived) origin. A detailed description of biomarker hydrocarbons has been given for the fraction of saturated hydrocarbons. Also, the high degree of OM catagenesis (apocatagenesis) has been established. Finally, geochemical criteria for predicting the petroleum potential have been considered.
Dissipative processes in fault zones (based on physical modeling results)
Authors: Bornyakov S.A. , Semenova N.V.
Published: May 2011

Active fault zones are considered open systems. Tectonic stress energy accumulated and redistributed in the areas of its active dynamic influence under the action of various energy sources is spent mainly in slow tectonic and discrete rapid seismic dissipative processes. Based on the results of physical modeling of the formation of a large fault zone, the spatial and temporal relations between tectonic and seismic dissipative processes are analyzed and their controlling factors are estimated. Tectonic and seismic dissipative processes are in particular spatial and temporal relations during the structural evolution of the fault zone and occur in antiphase. As a rule, the maximum development of one process coincides with the minimum occurrence of the other, and these moments correspond to the beginning or end of stages, phases or other shorter evolutionary periods. Depending on the scale of the deformation process, the frequency of repeatability of these periods determines the periodicity of activation of tectonic and seismic dissipations and their spatial features.
Roman Comedy Gets Back to Basics
Authors: Goldberg Sander M.
Published: May 2011

Twenty-one plays survive under the name of Plautus. Add the six by Terence and the fragmentary record from Andronicus in the mid-third century to Turpilius late in the second, and the result is a significant corpus with something for nearly everyone: an extensive record of Latin at a key period in its history, a major arena for the Romans' ongoing struggle with Hellenism, a genre more central to later Western drama than anything Greek, and, however well scholarship may sometimes obscure the fact, plays that are genuinely funny and replete with the sights, sounds, and smells of what passes for daily life in the Roman Republic. Small wonder thecomoedia palliataonce attracted some of the great names in Roman studies. What Alison Sharrock was taught to regard as only ‘a stereotype-ridden exercise in lamentable literary secondariness’ (ix) must from the beginning have meant something quite different to Ritschl and Leo, not to mention Studemund, whose eyesight never recovered from the strain of transcribing the Ambrosian palimpsest of Plautus. How did the study of comedy ever become a literary backwater? And what has happened to it since?
An example of a pathological random perturbation of the Cat Map
Authors: YARMOLA TATIANA
Published: May 2011

In this paper we give an example of a random perturbation of the Cat Map that produces a ‘global statistical attractor’ in the form of a line segment. The transition probabilities for this random perturbation are smooth in some but not all directions. All initial distributions on 𝕋2 are attracted to distributions supported on this line segment.
Introducing irrigation efficiencies: prospects for flood-dependent biodiversity in a rice agro-ecosystem
Authors: McINTYRE S. , McGINNESS H. M. , GAYDON D. , ARTHUR A. D.
Published: May 2011

Worldwide, irrigation development has affected pre-existing natural habitats and created novel aquatic habitats, and future changes in management will continue to influence flood-dependent vegetation and fauna. Irrigated agriculture has had a profound influence on native biodiversity in the Riverina region of temperate Australia. Current irrigation practices provide large amounts of water to the landscape in the form of constructed wetland habitats: irrigation channels, impoundments and flooded crop-growing areas. Flooded rice bays support many species of native wetland plants, and 12 of the 14 species of frog recorded in the region. All constructed habitats provide a food resource for waterbirds, but not breeding habitat. While a species of tortoise benefits from the provision of constructed habitats, terrestrial reptiles and mammals are most abundant in remaining native vegetation. The climate is predicted to become increasingly hot and dry, with a reduced and more variable supply of irrigation water, thus placing increasing stress on farming and on natural ecosystems. The predicted reduction of constructed aquatic habitats may affect the native species using them, but may not have a major adverse impact on biodiversity regionally because the species recorded in constructed habitats tend be abundant and widespread, and such species also occur in natural wetland habitats. Sensitive species that depend on native vegetation persisting in reasonable amounts and in good condition are at greater risk. In the Riverina, the remaining native vegetation should be managed to protect and improve its condition, including appropriate managed inundation events for flood-dependent communities. The landscape should be managed to provide the best context for the function and health of existing vegetation including moderating the effects of soil disturbance, fertilizers and herbicides. The impacts of changed irrigation practices should be mitigated through managed flooding of remnant vegetation. In countries with more evolved, traditional rice-growing systems than the Riverina, there will be greater emphasis on biodiversity coexistence with cultivation. Nonetheless, in all settings there is value in jointly considering the role of both natural and constructed habitats in biodiversity research and conservation.
(A3) Health Care Facilities Affected by the Earthquake in Chile
Authors: Bambaren C.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

On February 27, 2010, a 8,8 MW earthquake struck the central and southern coast of Chile, that was followed by a tsunami that destroyed some cities such as Constitution, Ilaco, Talcahuando and Dichato. The national authorities reported 512 dead and 81,444 homes were affected. It was the one of the five most powerful earthquakes in the human modern history. The most affected regions were Maule (VII) and Bio (VIII).

Results

The impact of the quake in the health sector was enormous especially on the health care infrastructure. The preliminary evaluations showed that 18 hospitals were out of service due severe structural and no-structural damages, interruption of the provision of water or because they were at risk to landslides. Another 31 hospitals had moderate damage. The Ministry of Health lost 4249 beds including 297 (7%) in critical care units. Twenty-two percent of the total number of beds and thirty-nine surgical facilities available in the affected regions were lost in a few minutes due to quake. At least eight hospitals should be reconstructed and other hospitals will need complex repair.

Conclusion

The effect of the earthquake was significant on hospital services. It included damages to the infrastructure and the loss of furniture and biomedical equipment. The interruption of the cold chain caused loss of vaccines. National and foreign field hospitals, temporary facilities and the strengthening of the primary health care facilities had been important to assure the continuation of health care services. *Based on information from PAHO – Chile.
(A10) Animal Search and Rescue
Authors: Green D.
Published: May 2011

Background

In the United States, animal search and rescue (ASAR) is becoming a recognized component of Search and Rescue (SAR).

Discussion and Observations

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams have long recognized the importance of having trained animal rescuers available to handle the animals that are often with humans seeking rescue. Animals are such an important part of most U.S. families, that in many cases, if the animal isn't included in the rescue efforts, the human will refuse to evacuate. The International Fund for Animal Welfare received a grant in 2010 to develop an ASAR curriculum and to train two Type II ASAR teams in Mississippi and Louisiana. This presentation will provide an overview of that curriculum and the courses that were developed for the unique tasks, skills, and equipment needs for animal search and rescue.
(A13) Effective Proactive Outreach among Disaster Relief Workers (DRW) in an Emergency Mortuary (EM)
Authors: Dhondt E.L. , Heulot A.
Published: May 2011

Background

Following the Buizingen train-crash disaster on February 15, 2010, nineteen dead bodies were evacuated to the morgue of the Military Hospital. According to the hospital's emergency incident management system, the reception plan for the deceased was activated and an EM organized. Aim: To determine the psychological impact of exposure to current death and to evaluate the effect of proactive outreach in DRW deployed in an EM.

Methods and Results

For five consecutive days 62 hospital staff personnel were involved in the daily activities of an EM: disaster victim identification, autopsies, care for the dead, logistic support and reception and mental relief of the families. Besides a critical incident debriefing on day 5, a postal questionnaire survey of these 62 DRW was conducted, including the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS) – detecting acute post-traumatic stress reactions/symptoms (ASR/S) – and the Symptom Checklist SCL 90 self-report inventory – measuring primary symptoms and global distress – administered 2, 4 and 7 months following the train-crash. Out of these, 35 (56%) initially responded (informed consent), followed by a return rate of 80% (28/35) and 68% (19/28) respectively. Six out of the 35 participants were identified suffering from acute psychological distress according to DTS and SCL 90 and subsequently followed up in the hospital's dedicated Military Centre for Crisis Psychology. In five of them, normalization of symptoms had occurred by the second inquiry and persisted. Ten months post-event, only 1 patient still needs psychological counseling, whereas 34 demonstrated psychological resilience.

Conclusion

Prevalence of chronification is low (1/35) compared to literature (5 to 10%). Timely detection of acute distress and proactive outreach may effectively counterbalance chronification in tertiary victims following a critical incident. Education and training should help hospital staff deal with ASR/S and improve coping. Hospitals should support professionals in the most disturbing situations.
(A16) Using Geographical Information Systems in Road Traffic Injury Research: A Case Study of New Mumbai, India
Authors: Srikanth A. , Guru B.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

A multidisciplinary approach with Geographical information systems, Public health and Social science inputs was adopted to survey the fatal and non-fatal traffic crash events in the New Mumbai municipality region in Western India to identify the risky zones on the arterial highways.

Methods

A Standardized questionnaire was used to collect event data about the time, date, day of the week, location, type of injury, and vehicle type involved in the accidents, from the police station records. The data for the time period of January 2009 to July 2010 was merged into ESRI's ArcGIS software as attribute data. All the crash sites were georeferenced into the base map (with the major road networks of the region) by using a GPS receiver.

Results

Analysis was done for Hot spot identification along the major highways, number of accidents, number of fatalities and injured, case-fatality ratio and number of accidents with only financial loss. Further, the role of environmental, geographical, sociological and constructional factors was highlighted on the locations of the RTC. These roadway factors, weather, population density, road conditions, profile of the injured and healthcare access was studied. Majority of RTCs occurred during normal weather and road conditions, during daylight and on dry roads. All the analyses and interpretations were done within the ArcGIS software environment and classifying RTCs according to the attributes on the Geodatabase gave significant results.

Conclusion

Spatial analysis using GIS for Road Traffic Accidents to identify hot spots to identify high risk zones in the region enables policy makers to design injury prevention strategies for RTCs. In India, further GIS-based research is needed for planning access to emergency health care, to determine environmental-related causes, developing Injury registries and design population-based educational interventions in a developing country setting.
(A17) Epidemiology of Non-Vehicular Trauma Patients in the Prehospital Setting in India
Authors: Lodhia N.A. , Strehlow M. , Pirrotta E. , Swathi B.N.V. , Gimkala A. , Sistla S. , Rao R. , Mahadevan S.
Published: May 2011

Background

Non-vehicular trauma (NVT) accounts for 8% of all calls to the GVK Emergency Management and Research Institute (EMRI), which provides prehospital emergency care to 85 million residents of Andhra Pradesh, India. This study describes the characteristics and outcomes of patients with NVT transported by GVK EMRI.

Methods

All patients with NVT were prospectively enrolled over 28 12-hour periods (equally distributed over each hour of the day and day of the week) during July/August 2010. Patients not found at the scene, refusing service, or reporting self-inflicted injuries were excluded. Real-time demographic and clinical data were collected from prehospital care providers using a standardized questionnaire. Follow-up patient information was collected at 48-hours and 30-days following injury.

Results

A total of 1,569 patients were enrolled. Follow-up rates were 72% at 48 hours and 71% at 30 days. The mean patient age was 40 (SD = 18) and 67% were male. Adults (ages 18–64) accounted for most patients (80%), followed by elderly (age > 64, 12%) and children (age < 18, 8%). Of the patients, 71% were from rural/tribal areas and 89% from lower socioeconomic strata. Eighty-two percent called within 1 hour of injury. Median call-to-scene time was 19 minutes (SD = 15) and scene-to-hospital time was 25 minutes (SD = 21). Most patients suffered blunt injuries (85%) with falls accounting for 43% of all injuries. Of the injuries, 56% were accidents and 43% assaults. Most injuries involved head/neck (48%) and extremities (44%). Cumulative mortality rates prior to hospital arrival, at 48-hours and at 30-days were 1.1%, 3.2%, and 4.9% respectively. Falls accounted for 69% of all deaths. Falls and age > 65 were predictors of mortality (p < 0.0001). Of NVT survivors, 56% returned to baseline function and 28% were in significant pain or bed bound at 30-days post-injury.

Conclusion

This initial study of prehospital NVT patients in India reveals that falls and elderly age were highly associated with death.
(A19) Establishing a Trauma Registry at the National Referral Hospital in Thimpu, Bhutan
Authors: Nelp T.B. , Manice N.F. , Morris S.C.
Published: May 2011

Background

The burden of traumatic injuries is increasing in Bhutan. Data from the Ministry of Health of Bhutan (MoH) indicates that the number of injuries has increased 37% from the years 2004 to 2008. Current data on demographics, cause, and outcome of injuries is not well documented, leaving the MoH with insufficient data to guide policy decisions. The MoH and the Bhutan Foundation have prioritized development of a national trauma registry in Bhutan, starting with a trauma registry at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH).

Objective

To design and implement a sustainable tool for the collection and storage of data describing trauma patients at JDWNRH.

Design and Methods

The trauma team defined trauma as any injury that requires an evaluation, intervention, or admission to the hospital. A paper based tool was designed by consensus to collect data on demographics, injury type, injury location, injury severity, treatments and outcomes. A hospital based system to processes the data into Microsoft Access was established and data collection began in September 2010. Monitoring is ongoing to ensure the reliability of data.

Discussion

During a four month period, with a team of physicians, government officials and public health staff developed a model trauma registry. The registry emphasized simplicity in design and execution and will serve as a stepping stone for a nation-wide trauma registry. Data collected from JDWNRH will provide the MoH with a detailed set of injury data to help with policy and resource utilization decisions. Logistical and technical challenges of developing a trauma registry are similar across health systems and this data collection tool and the lessons learned could be adapted to fit other institutions or health systems worldwide.