bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra-High Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography for Imaging the Anterior Segment of the Eye
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Shousha Mohamed Abou , Perez Victor L. , Karp Carol L. , Yoo Sonia H. , Shen Meixiao , Cui Lele , Hurmeric Volkan , Du Chixin , Zhu Dexi , Chen Qi , Li Ming
Published: July 2011

Developments in optical coherence tomography (OCT) have expanded its clinical applications for ultra-high resolution imaging of the anterior segment of the human eye. This review presents the latest advances for imaging the anterior segment of the eye using ultra-high resolution OCT (UHR-OCT). Unique applications of UHR-OCT technology in clinical and basic scientific laboratory research are discussed and a summary of the results is provided. The authors focused on the use of UHR-OCT for imaging of tear dynamics, contact lens interactions with the corneal surface, and in vivo histological diagnosis of disorders of the cornea, as well as the future direction in this field.
Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Management of Diabetic Macular Edema: Time-Domain Versus Spectral-Domain
Authors: Schimel Andrew M. , Fisher Yale L. , Flynn Harry W.
Published: July 2011

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an important imaging modality in the setting of diabetic macular edema (DME). Its use allows more precise evaluation of retinal pathology in DME, including retinal thickness and edema, vitreomacular interface abnormalities, subretinal fluid, and foveal microstructural changes. Additional advantages include its ability to quantitatively monitor response to treatment of DME by laser, intravitreal pharmacotherapies, and vitreoretinal surgery. OCT measurements are now used in all major clinical studies of DME treatment as critical endpoints. This article presents a review of both time-domain and spectral-domain OCT in the diagnosis and management of DME. The authors discuss the various parameters evaluated by the OCT systems and provide an evidence-based evaluation of their accuracy, significance, reliability, and limitations. As the capability of OCT continues to advance, it appears that its use will play an increasingly important role in the understanding, evaluation, and treatment of DME.
Clinical Applications of Long-Wavelength (1,000-nm) Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Keane Pearse A. , Ruiz-Garcia Humberto , Sadda Srinivas R.
Published: July 2011

Commercial optical coherence tomography (OCT) instruments generally use light sources in the range of 800 to 860 nm. Although imaging with these light sources provides excellent visualization of the retinal architecture, details of structures and abnormalities below the retinal pigment epithelium are often limited. At the same time, the optimal light source wavelength for clinical OCT imaging is unknown. OCT imaging using longer wavelength light (1,050 nm) has several potential advantages, including less scattering with media opacity and deeper penetration. This article reviews the current state-of-the-art of long wavelength OCT imaging and explores potential clinical applications.
Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Wong Ian Y. , Koizumi Hideki , Lai Wico W.
Published: July 2011

Imaging the choroid with conventional commercial spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) has been difficult, mainly because of difficulty in signal transmission beyond the retinal pigment epithelium. A recent modification to the standard technique, termed enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT), was able to image the choroid with reasonable clarity using commercial SD-OCTs. The aim of this article was to review the technique, principle, recent findings, and possible future developments regarding EDI-OCT. A MEDLINE search on all published articles on EDI-OCT was performed up to December 2010. The principle behind EDI-OCT was discussed. Modification to the conventional technique in image acquisition was described and illustrated with figures. EDI-OCT findings in various retinal and choroidal diseases were discussed. Advantages and disadvantages were also discussed. EDI-OCT has proved to be a promising novel technique in imaging the choroid.
Photoacoustic Ophthalmoscopy for In Vivo Retinal Imaging: Current Status and Prospects
Authors: Zhang Hao F. , Puliafito Carmen A. , Jiao Shuliang
Published: July 2011

Photoacoustic ophthalmoscopy (PAOM) is a new retinal imaging technology that offers the unique capability to measure optical absorption in the retina. Because PAOM is compatible with optical coherence tomography, scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, and autofluorescence imaging, registered multimodal images can be acquired from a single device at comparable resolution for comprehensive anatomic and functional retinal characterizations. Therefore, PAOM is anticipated to have applications in both research and clinical diagnosis of many blinding diseases. The authors explain the basic principles of the photoacoustic effect and imaging. Then, different types of photoacoustic microscopy are introduced and compared. Finally, the current status of photoacoustic imaging in animal eyes is presented and the prospects of future development of PAOM are suggested.
FTY720 Blocks Egress of T Cells in Part by Abrogation of Their Adhesion on the Lymph Node Sinus
Authors: Zhi Liang , Kim Pilhan , Thompson Brian D. , Pitsillides Costas , Bankovich Alexander J. , Yun Seok-Hyun , Lin Charles P. , Cyster Jason G. , Wu Mei X.
Published: July 2011

Egress of lymphocytes from lymphoid tissues is a complex process in which Gαi-mediated signals play a decisive role. We show here that although FTY720, an agonist of the sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)1 receptor, induces S1P1 receptor internalization sufficiently in the presence or absence of Gαi2 or Gαi3, the drug blocks egress of wild-type (WT) and Gαi3-deficent T cells, but not Gαi2-deficient T cells, in both WT and Gαi2-deficient hosts. Intravital imaging of lymph nodes revealed that all three groups of T cells approached and engaged cortical sinusoids similarly in the presence or absence of FTY720. The cells also entered and departed the sinus at an almost identical frequency in the absence of the drug. However, after engagement of the sinus, most WT and Gαi3-deficient T cells retracted and migrated back into the parenchyma in FTY720-treated animals, due to a failure of the cells to establish adhesion on the sinus, whereas Gαi2-deficient T cells adhered firmly on the sinus, which prevented their retraction, facilitating their transmigration of the lymphatic endothelial barrier. These data confirm egress of Gαi2−/− T cells independent of S1P-mediated chemotaxis and failure of FTY720 to close lymphatic stromal channels and argue for the first time, to our knowledge, that FTY720 induces lymphopenia in part by impairing T cell adhesion to the sinus in a manner dependent on Gαi2.
Reversible Senescence in Human CD4+CD45RA+CD27− Memory T Cells
Authors: Di Mitri Diletta , Azevedo Rita I. , Henson Sian M. , Libri Valentina , Riddell Natalie E. , Macaulay Richard , Kipling David , Soares Maria V. D. , Battistini Luca , Akbar Arne N.
Published: July 2011

Persistent viral infections and inflammatory syndromes induce the accumulation of T cells with characteristics of terminal differentiation or senescence. However, the mechanism that regulates the end-stage differentiation of these cells is unclear. Human CD4+ effector memory (EM) T cells (CD27−CD45RA−) and also EM T cells that re-express CD45RA (CD27−CD45RA+; EMRA) have many characteristics of end-stage differentiation. These include the expression of surface KLRG1 and CD57, reduced replicative capacity, decreased survival, and high expression of nuclear γH2AX after TCR activation. A paradoxical observation was that although CD4+ EMRA T cells exhibit defective telomerase activity after activation, they have significantly longer telomeres than central memory (CM)-like (CD27+CD45RA−) and EM (CD27−CD45RA−) CD4+ T cells. This suggested that telomerase activity was actively inhibited in this population. Because proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α inhibited telomerase activity in T cells via a p38 MAPK pathway, we investigated the involvement of p38 signaling in CD4+ EMRA T cells. We found that the expression of both total and phosphorylated p38 was highest in the EM and EMRA compared with that of other CD4+ T cell subsets. Furthermore, the inhibition of p38 signaling, especially in CD4+ EMRA T cells, significantly enhanced their telomerase activity and survival after TCR activation. Thus, activation of the p38 MAPK pathway is directly involved in certain senescence characteristics of highly differentiated CD4+ T cells. In particular, CD4+ EMRA T cells have features of telomere-independent senescence that are regulated by active cell signaling pathways that are reversible.
Arquivo, documento e memória na concepção discursiva
Authors: Ferrarezi Ludmila , Romão Lucília Maria Sousa
Published: July 2011

Esse artigo intenta, à luz da teoria do discurso, visitar a noção de arquivo, buscando compreender como os sentidos sobre ele constituem um lugar científico já consolidado e como é possível um diálogo com a concepção de discurso. Para tal, interpretamos um corpus colhido na página eletrônica do Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra.
Comunicação científica em arquivos abertos e educação a distância no Brasil
Authors: Rodrigues Rosangêla Schwarz
Published: July 2011

O artigo analisa a oferta de cursos a distância organizados pela Universidade Aberta do Brasil (UAB) e discute o cenário institucional brasileiro. Apresenta trabalhos sobre a produção científica em Educação a Distância (EAD) no cenário internacional e no Brasil, apontando diferenças e similaridades entre as publicações. A partir da análise da publicação sobre EAD em arquivos abertos, usando o SciELO como amostra, conclui que a publicação científica está distribuída em vários periódicos e recomenda que a publicação de pesquisas referendadas pelos pares seja feita em periódicos indexados e disponíveis em bases que usem arquivos abertos.
O acesso aberto à produção científica das universidades católicas: o caso da CVA-RICESU
Authors: Carvalho Maria Carmen Romcy de , Dubois Maria Célia de Toledo , Covões Thiago Ferreira
Published: July 2011

Apresenta a iniciativa compartilhada para a criação de uma biblioteca digital da produção científica das instituições de ensino superior católicas, no Brasil, destacando os aspectos da cooperação, organização, infra-estrutura técnica e tecnológica e funcionamento operacional.
The effect of intravenous opioid patient-controlled analgesia with and without background infusion on respiratory depression: A meta-analysis
Authors: George, MD Jessica A. , Lin, MD Elaina E. , Hanna, MD Marie N. , Murphy, MD Jamie D. , Kumar, MD Kanupriya , Ko, BS Phebe S. , Wu, MD Christopher L.
Published: July 2011

Background: Although the addition of a background infusion for intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) has been identified as a risk factor for the development of respiratory depression, this has not clearly been examined in a systematic fashion. The authors undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine whether the addition of a background or continuous infusion to an IV-PCA regimen would be associated with an increased risk of respiratory depression.Methods: Studies were identified by searching the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed database (1966 to November 30, 2008). Inclusion criteria were a clearly defined analgesic technique of demand-only IV-PCA versus IV-PCA utilizing both a demand dose and background infusion, opioid medication used, and randomized trials. Data were abstracted and analyzed with the RevMan 4.2.7 (The Cochrane Collaboration, 2004).Results: The search yielded 687 abstracts from which the original articles were obtained and data abstracted with a total of 14 articles analyzed. There were 402 subjects in the continuous IV-PCA with demand group versus the 394 subjects in the demand-only IV-PCA group. Addition of a background infusion to the demand dose for IV-PCA with opioids was associated with a significant increased risk for respiratory depression (odds ratio [OR] = 4.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20-18.21). Subgroup analysis revealed that this increased risk was seen in adult but not in pediatric patients.Conclusions: Our meta-analysis indicates that the addition of a continuous or background infusion to the demand dose for IV-PCA is associated with a higher incidence of respiratory events than demand IV-PCA alone in adult but not in pediatric patients; however, our overall results should be interpreted with caution due to the relatively small sample size and the wide range of definitions for respiratory depression in studies examined.
Effect of preoperative rectal indomethacin on postoperative pain reduction after open appendectomy
Authors: Jangjoo, MD Ali , Bahar, MD Mostafa Mehrabi , Soltani, MD Ehsan
Published: July 2011

Background: One of the major challenges faced by the treatment planning teams is how to manage postoperative pain. Previous studies agreed upon the effects of preoperative administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on postoperative pain, but all have focused on patients with surgical noninflammatory diseases (ie, inguinal hernia or breast biopsy). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of rectal indomethacin on reducing postoperative pain in patients with acute appendicitis.Methods: It is a simple randomized, clinical trial including 200 patients with acute appendicitis who were divided into two groups (A1 and A2). The case group (A1) received 100 mg rectal indomethacin during 2 hours before the operation. Pain intensity was assessed in all patients using a visual analog scale (VAS). Similarly, total dosage of meperidine analgesic medication and postoperative time to use of rescue analgesia were evaluated.Results: Patients who received preoperative rectal indomethacin (A1) showed a significant reduction in the VAS score. Also, a reduction in total dose of meperidine and longer time to use of rescue analgesic medication were observed in A1 group.Conclusion: Preoperative administration of rectal indomethacin in acute appendicitis reduces postoperative pain.
A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel-group, 5-week study of buprenorphine transdermal system in adults with osteoarthritis
Authors: Munera, PhD Catherine , Drehobl, MD Margaret , Sessler, PharmD Nelson E. , Landau, MD Craig
Published: July 2011

Background: This multicenter, parallel-group, 35-day study in adults with osteoarthritis (OA) pain evaluated the analgesic efficacy and safety of buprenorphine transdermal system (BTDS) designed for 7-day wear.Methods: Patients with OA pain inadequately controlled with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or patients who had taken opioids for OA pain within the past year entered a 7-day run-in period during which they took ibuprofen only. Patients with pain ≥7 on a 0-10 scale had their ibuprofen discontinued and were randomized into a 28-day double-blinded period to receive either BTDS at 1 of 3 dose levels (5, 10, or 20 g/h) or placebo. Doses were titrated to effectiveness over a period of 21 days and maintained for 7 days. No rescue medication was allowed during the study. The primary efficacy measure was the proportion of patients who achieved treatment success, defined as a patient satisfaction score of good, very good, or excellent (on day 28 or at early discontinuation) for those who did not discontinue due to ineffective treatment.Results: More BTDS-treated patients experienced treatment success than placebo TDS-treated patients (44 percent and 32 percent; odds ratio = 1.66, p = 0.036). Fewer patients taking BTDS titrated to the highest dose compared with placebo (p < 0.05). There were two serious adverse events (both in the placebo group) and no deaths. The most common (≥5 percent) adverse events reported in BTDStreated patients were nausea, headache, dizziness, somnolence, application site pruritus, and vomiting.Conclusion: Compared with placebo, BTDS treatment was effective in treating patients with moderate to severe pain due to OA of the knee or hip. BTDS was welltolerated.
Safety and tolerability of fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system: Findings from a pooled data analysis of four clinical trials
Authors: Minkowitz, MD Harold S. , Yarmush, MD Joel , Donnell, MD Malcolm T. , Tonner, MD Peter H. , Damaraju, PhD C. V. , Skowronski, MD, PhD Roman J.
Published: July 2011

Acute postoperative pain remains inadequately managed. Although patientcontrolled analgesia (PCA) represents a significant advance in postoperative pain management, drawbacks may include invasiveness and the potential for programming errors. The analysis presented here is based on pooled patient-level safety data from four multicenter, randomized, active-controlled trials that evaluated the safety and tolerability of the needle-free, preprogrammed fentanyl HCl iontophoretic transdermal system (ITS) versus morphine intravenous PCA for postoperative pain management; the results for patients who received fentanyl ITS are presented here. Adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and clinically relevant respiratory depression were assessed across patient subpopulations categorized by age. A total of 1,288 patients, including 356 elderly (>65 years of age) patients, received fentanyl ITS following surgery. The most commonly reported AEs included nausea, fever, vomiting, headache, anemia, pruritus, and hypotension. The incidence of AEs was generally lower for elderly patients than for patients 65 years or younger. Application-site reactions were reported for 18.6 percent of patients using fentanyl ITS and were generally mild to moderate in severity. No cases of clinically relevant respiratory depression were reported for patients who received fentanyl ITS. The results demonstrate that fentanyl ITS is safe and well tolerated for postoperative pain management for patients overall and for subpopulations divided according to age.
Tapentadol: An initial analysis
Authors: Prommer, MD Eric E.
Published: July 2011

Tapentadol hydrochloride (17(—)-(1R,2R)-3-(3-dimethylamino-1-ethyl-2-methyl-propyl)-phenol) is a newly released analgesic that works at two levels: by acting as a μ-opioid agonist and as a modulator of descending inhibitory pathways through its effects on neurotransmitters involved in these pathways. The theoretical advantage is the provision of synergistic analgesic activities, which may lessen the need for opioid escalation. The advantage is its potential as a possible new agent in neuropathic pain. Preclinical models confirm analgesic properties in acute pain and neuropathic pain models, but with less potency than morphine. Tapentadol has minimal CYP 450 interactions limiting potential for drug interactions. Human clinical trial data in nonmalignant pain suggest less potency than a step-3 opioid, and the drug remains to be tested in patients with cancer pain and neuropathic pain.
Outcome of acute heroin overdose requiring intensive care unit admission
Authors: Grigorakos, MD, PhD Leonidas , Sakagianni, MD Katerina , Tsigou, MD Evdoxia , Apostolakos, MD George , Nikolopoulos, MD Giannis , Veldekis, MD Dimitris
Published: July 2011

Background: Heroin use carries a large burden of morbidity and mortality. Heroin overdose and in particular events that need intensive care unit (ICU) admission have not been widely examined. The aim of this study was to describe the causes of ICU admission and the outcome of patients with a heroin overdose.Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients with a heroin overdose admitted to the ICU between 1987 and 2006 was conducted.Results: Forty-two records were available for review. The average age of the patients was 28 years. In the field, 19 persons were found in coma Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS < 8) and respiratory depression and were treated with naloxone. The reasons for ICU admission included hypoxemia in 37 (88 percent), 28 of whom had acute lung injury (ALI) and nine aspiration pneumonia, shock in three (7.2 percent) and persistent mental compromise in two patients (4.8 percent). Intubation and mechanical ventilation (MV) were instituted in 37 patients. In 19 of the 37 patients, weaning and extubation became possible within the first 24 hours. Sixteen patients suffered complications and received MV for 5 ± 2 days, with a mean length of ICU stay of 8 ± 1 days, while two patients succumbed because of anoxemic encephalopathy and brain death. The complications observed were acute respiratory distress syndrome in eight patients, severe sepsis in four, catheter-related bacteremia in one, iatrogenic pneumothorax in one, and rhabdomyolysis in two, while four among them died due to severe sepsis.Conclusions: In our study, ALI and aspiration pneumonia were the most frequently observed respiratory complications after acute heroin overdose requiring intubation and ICU admission. Mortality rate was 14.2 percent and was attributed to septic complications and irreversible brain damage.
Burden of opioid-associated gastrointestinal side effects from clinical and economic perspectives: A systematic literature review
Authors: Boswell, MD Kim , Kwong, PharmD, PhD Winghan Jacqueline , Kavanagh, MSc Shane
Published: July 2011

Opioid analgesia is the mainstay of treatment for moderate to severe acute and chronic pain and is highly effective in relieving pain but can be limited by side effects, the most common of which affect the gastrointestinal (GI) and central nervous systems. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that opioid-associated GI side effects constitute an important health problem with significant humanistic and economic consequences that warrant consideration by healthcare professionals and administrators in optimizing patients’ pain management. This article documents the frequency of opioid-associated GI side effects and describes its clinical and economic burdens based on a systematic review of the medical literature between 1966 and 2008.
Acute opioid withdrawal precipitated by ingestion of crushed Embeda (morphine extended release with sequestered naltrexone): Case report and the focused review of the literature
Authors: Ruan, MD Xiulu , Chen, MD, PhD Tao , Gudin, MD Jeff , Couch, MD John Patrick , Chiravuri, MD Srinivas
Published: July 2011

Background: The introduction of newly formulated extended release (ER) morphine with sequestered naltrexone (Embeda) has provided another treatment option for moderate to severe persistent pain. Embeda was designed to be an abuse-deterrent opioid formulation. Naltrexone is a centrally acting opioid receptor antagonist that blocks the action of opioid. When taken as directed, insignificant amount of sequestered naltrexone would reach systemic circulation, but upon tampering, the released naltrexone may blunt the euphoria of opioids, and possibly precipitate opioid withdrawal in opioid-dependent patient.Objective: To describe a case report of a 50-year-old opioid-dependent male who developed acute opioid withdrawal after taking crushed Embeda.Case report: A 50-year-old male with severe, chronic low back pain due to degenerative disc disease was referred to our clinic for pain management. He was taking ER oxycodone 80 mg tid and Roxicodone 30 mg qid prn, with inadequate pain relief. A trial of ER oxymorphone was decided, at 40 mg 1-2 doses bid. The patient returned to the clinic 1 week early, out of his ER oxymorphone. At this time, the decision to switch him to Embeda was made, at 80 mg/3.2 mg, 1-2 doses bid. The patient and his family members were counseled about risk involved with tampering with Embeda. A few hours later, our clinic was informed that the patient was brought to emergency room by ambulance, in severe opioid withdrawal. He was treated with IV fluid, antiemetics, clonidine, and IV hydromorphone. His condition improved and he was discharged home the next morning. Later on, the patient admitted that he took two prescribed Embeda within half an hour, the 1st one whole and the 2nd one crushed. He further admitted that he did so against our medical advice.Conclusion: Taking tampered Embeda may precipitate opioid withdrawal in opioid-tolerant patient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of induced opioid withdrawal following consumption of crushed Embeda.
Reference intervals: A novel approach to detect drug abuse in a pain patient population
Authors: Pesce, PhD, DABCC Amadeo , West, PhD Cameron , West, MS Robert , Crews, PhD Bridgit , Mikel, PhD Charles , Almazan, CLS, MT (ASCP) Perla , Latyshev, MS Sergey , Rosenthal, DO, FAPA Murray , Horn, PhD Paul
Published: July 2011

Background: Pain physicians have few objective ways of determining which of their patients are drug abusers. Traditionally, these include psychological tests, physical examination, patient history, and urine drug testing. The traditional urine drug testing information provided to pain physicians mainly identifies patient compliance or drug diversion with qualitative information, that is, the patient is positive or negative for the presence of the drug in excreted urine. Although this information is useful for establishing compliance and identifying diversion, it is incomplete because it does not identify drug abuse.Objective: The authors endeavored to determine whether quantitative urine drug testing and mathematical estimators of the upper limits of excretion could be used to identify possible drug abusers.Study Design: Analysis of quantitative urine drug tests and application of mathematical models for reference interval estimation of common analytes to determine whether they could be used to define upper 97.5 percentile limits of excretion in the pain patient population.Methods: The authors analyzed 8,971 consecutive urines from patients on chronic opioid therapy using nonparametric, parametric, robust, and transformed estimators to derive the upper 97.5 percentile concentration values of 31 drugs and their metabolites.Results: The authors showed that the mathematical models used to define reference intervals could be applied to urinary drug excretion. As an example, an upper limit of excretion of approximately 100,000 ng/mL was established for morphine. Limitations of the study included lack of information on medication history, time of last dose before urine collection, age, sex, and complete medical history. Better estimates of the upper limits of excretion can be obtained by physicians applying their knowledge of dosage and collection times.Conclusions: Application of a reference interval model allows identification of a patient population that excretes extremely high amounts of drug or its metabolite when compared with the rest of the population. Explanations for this high excretion include high dosage medication by prescription and drug abuse, determination of which can be done by the treating physician. The authors suggest that this patent-applied-for analytical model can become a potential tool to alert physicians to patients who may be abusing drugs.
Making sense of innovation: A future perfect approach
Authors: Fuglsang Lars , Mattsson Jan
Published: July 2011

The idea of this paper is to develop a sensemaking tool that can help managers to generate a more asserted approach to innovation. A tool can be defined as something which is needed to perform an action – like innovation. We see innovation as ‘an improvisational dynamics of “moving to” the future’ (Pye, 2005) and use the concept of future perfect thinking (Weick, 1979, 1995), which has been lately debated in studies of project management (Pitsis, Clegg, Marosszeky, & Rura-Polley, 2003; Winch & Kreiner, 2009), to develop a tool that can reduce the perceived uncertainty of innovation. The key in future perfect thinking is to treat the future as something that has already happened in the past and thereby reducing the perceived open-endedness of the future. We suggest, more particularly, that verbal reflections on future challenges by relevant employees can help state the future as something that has a deeper, more stable and more practical meaning. The sensemaking tool is illustrated in a recent case of software development.
Causes and consequences of downsizing: Towards an integrative framework
Authors: Gandolfi Franco , Hansson Magnus
Published: July 2011

The business literature on the causes and consequences of downsizing has grown significantly over the last three decades. A multitude of causes has been identified. Downsizing is sometimes seen primarily as a cost-reducing response to various crises and external factors over which management has little or no control. Others see downsizing as a strategic management initiative in its own right. A considerable body of literature indicates workforce reductions often lead to negative financial and operational outcomes for the downsizing firm as well as negative psychological outcomes for victims, survivors, and executioners. This research paper represents a literature review on the causes and consequences of downsizing. It addresses a diverse body of literature and suggests an integrative framework on the typical causes and consequences of downsizing as well as outlines some challenges ahead for researchers seeking to advance the knowledge of downsizing.
The Future of Logistics Education
Authors: Ozment John , Keller Scott B.
Published: July 2011

The importance of transportation and logistics to the U.S. economy has been well documented. As we move toward a more competitive global economy, there will be an increasing demand for highly qualified people to create and manage more efficient logistics systems and supply chains. Businesses have recognized the shortage of talent in this discipline. Unfortunately, logistics education has lagged behind the needs of the industry. American universities are not providing an adequate number of students to meet the needs of American businesses, even when the field is broadened to include supply chain management. This article reviews the current status of logistics and supply chain programs, discusses the reasons for the shortage of talent, and proposes a solution to address it.
Market-Based Regulation of Freight Transportation: A Primer
Authors: Swan Peter F.
Published: July 2011

Fifty years after the first issue of the Transportation Journal (TJ), we are still faced with the task of sorting through the consequences of transportation “deregulation.” While the TJ is a fitting venue for such issues to be debated, it is imperative that authors use specific language and present arguments concisely. Classical microeconomic theory provides the best framework and lens for carrying out the coming debates. This primer on market-based regulation of transportation is presented as a starting point for such debates in the hope that the TJ will play an important role in providing a forum for future debates.
The Development of Transportation and Logistics in Asia: An Overview
Authors: Su Shong-Iee Ivan , Ke Jian-Yu Fisher , Lim Paul
Published: July 2011

Asia's trade has soared over the past two decades. An integrated and global direct distribution business model has already been developed to ship products directly from Asia to Western and other markets along the global supply chain. In spite of their rich resources, Asian countries have not been able to utilize their vast potential due to the lack of regional connectivity and to the existence of “choke points” in Asian supply chains. An Asia-wide transport and logistics network is essential for Asian countries to get their goods to markets more effectively, but its overall progress has so far been limited. An innovative approach is needed to address the physical infrastructure as well as the nonphysical, soft infrastructure issues. This article concludes with solutions identified by Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). The focus of this article is on selected areas within.
Fabrication of Cement, Polymer, and Metal-Matrix Fibre Composites by Gravity-Assisted Liquid-Binder Infiltration: A Practical Approach
Authors: Frantzis Panagiotis
Published: July 2011

An experimental investigation into the fabrication of cement/polymer/metal fibre composites by gravity-assisted infiltration of the liquid binder is reported. A method was developed consisting of a flow test that was based on columns of woven fibres and an approach that made use of preformed arrays of short fibres to simulate the actual infiltration process. The infiltration characteristics were identified to depend upon the characteristics of the interstice and those of the binders and could be simplified to two key parameters controlling flow: an expression of the fibre interstice and the distance of infiltration. A common relationship was derived between the key parameters. It was concluded that the flow test could be used to assist in the fabrication. A test was also developed that employed a modified binder for the fabrication of fibre reinforced metals. It was concluded that this test was more suitable than others reported in the literature.
Quantitation of Nucleic Acids and Proteins
Authors: Gallagher Sean R. , Desjardins Philippe
Published: July 2011

Reliable quantitation of nanogram and microgram amounts of DNA and RNA in solution is essential to researchers in molecular biology. Two methods for direct absorbance measurements at 260 nm are described—the first is a traditional cuvette‐based method, and the second is a microvolume method that requires no cuvettes or capillaries. In addition, three fluorescence techniques using Hoechst 33258, ethidium bromide, and PicoGreen reagent are presented in this unit. These five procedures cover a range from 5 to 10 ng/ml DNA to 15,000 µg/ml DNA. Reliable quantitation of proteins is possible using several types of assays. UV spectroscopy is the simplest approach but is limited in sensitivity. More sensitive assays that use Coomassie blue binding, bicinchoninic acid (BCA), and the Lowry reaction are also described. All assays are prone to amino acid composition errors and interference from assay solution components. Flow charts and tables to help with appropriate method selection are included.Curr. Protoc. Essential Lab. Tech. 5:2.2.1‐2.2.36. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Signal quantization by variation
Authors: Kämpke Thomas
Published: July 2011

Real‐valued data are quantized according to the magnitude of their fluctuations around regional mean values or around a given, real‐valued signal. Quantization does not require any parameter or threshold value except the desired number of regions. By the introduction of suitable fluctuation measures and a so‐called change point graph, the determination of a minimum quantization is transformed to the computation of the shortest path with a prescribed number of intermediate nodes. Such shortest paths are shown to be computable by dynamic programming and by a variation of the Dijkstra algorithm. Evaluations and extensions of the approach are included. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Sense of Purpose: Mathematics and Performance in Environmental Design
Authors: Tsigkari Martha , Davis Adam , Aish Francis ,   Specialist Modelling Group, Foster + Partners
Published: July 2011

Mathematics in design is most often associated with its visual manifestation in geometrical surfaces and elements. The finely tuned ambient qualities of a space, necessary for environmental performance, may not be so apparent, but can involve the application of many branches of mathematics. Martha Tsigkari, Adam Davis and Francis Aish of Foster + Partners' Specialist Modelling Group bring this to the fore by describing how at Al Raha Beach development in Abu Dhabi and the City of Justice in Madrid environmental considerations were interpreted through analytical numerical data. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intuitive Material Distributions
Authors: Michalatos Panagiotis , Sawako Kaijima  ,   Adams Kara Taylor (AKT)
Published: July 2011

Panagiotis Michalatos and Sawako Kaijima describe how the Optimisation Design team at Adams Kara Taylor (AKT) work with mathematical algorithms to develop interactive software applicatons that help inform structural behaviour in the early parts of the design process. This is exemplified by the project‐specific software they developed for Thomas Heatherwick's British Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Hinging Tower
Authors: Ortiz Ana María Flor , Valladares Sànchez Rodia ,   Rising Masses Studio, Harvard Graduate School of Design
Published: July 2011

For their project for a tower in downtown Singapore, which they undertook for the Rising Masses Studio at Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD), Ana María Flor Ortiz and Rodia Valladares Sànchez adopted a mathematical approach. They explicitly used mathematical notation as a mechanism of controlling form, in a manner that could also harness the possibilities of more random and unanticipated influences. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sense and Sensibilia
Authors: Morel Philippe
Published: July 2011

Since the 1960s, innovation has become one of the sole purposes of architecture and membership of the avant‐garde an underlying motive force. Philippe Morel of EZCT Architecture & Design Research juxtaposes the ‘sense and sensibilia’ of mathematics, now widely adopted by the ‘creative minorities’, against the idealism of mid 20th‐century modernism. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal Foam – Bone Cement Composites: Mechanical and Biological Properties and Perspectives for Bone Implant Design
Authors: Glorius Stefan , Nies Berthold , Farack Jana , Quadbeck Peter , Hauser Ralf , Standke Gisela , Rößler Sophie , Scharnweber Dieter , Stephani Günter
Published: July 2011

Several approaches for the development of highly porous metal structures with intended medical application have been published in recent years. Considering both the demands of sufficient mechanical strength for loaded bone implants as well as prevention of the stress shielding phenomena, open‐cell metal foams are reinforced with strong but resorbable mineral bone cement. Titanium‐ and iron‐based composites with highly prolonged stress resilence and favorable cytoxicity are achieved. Resorption of mineral phase gradually decreases the implant stability while concurrently raising the bone regeneration through mechanical stimulation. Furthermore, iron‐based composites are intended to be resorbed and corrode consecutively. Thus, a temporary bone implant can be obtained.
Inception and termination of the core‐annular flow pattern for oil‐water downflow through a vertical pipe
Authors: Ghosh Sumana , Das Gargi , Das Prasanta Kumar
Published: July 2011

Different flow patterns for lube oil–water and for kerosene‐water downflow through a vertical glass tube have been analyzed with the help of flow visualization. Core‐annular flow is the dominant flow regime, with oil forming the core, and water is forming the wall film. When the velocities are increased, transition to slug flow and transition to dispersed flow are found. The waves found during the transition to slug flow depend on oil viscosity: axisymmetric bamboo waves are seen in kerosene‐water downflow and the waves are asymmetric in case of lube oil–water flow where they have a cork‐screw shape. Based on the experimental observations, simple mathematical models have been proposed for predicting the flow pattern transition curves. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Adiposity and blood pressure in 7‐ to 11‐year‐old children: Comparison of British Pakistani and white British children, and of British Pakistani children of migrant and British‐born mothers
Authors: Henderson Emily J. , Jones Caroline H.D. , Hornby‐Turner Yvonne C. , Pollard Tessa M.
Published: July 2011

Objectives:

This study tested hypotheses that: (1) levels of adiposity, as assessed by triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses (SFTs), and blood pressure would be higher in British Pakistani children than in white British children; and (2) British Pakistani children of mothers born in the UK would have smaller SFTs and lower blood pressure than children of mothers born in Pakistan.

Methods:

Participants aged 7 to 11 years were recruited from five primary schools in a deprived urban area. BMI, waist circumference, triceps and subscapular SFT, and blood pressure were measured.

Results:

Participants comprised 209 white British and 132 British Pakistani children, including 79 children born in the UK to migrant mothers and 49 children born to British‐born mothers. In comparisons by ethnic group, triceps SFT was significantly higher in British Pakistani children only after controlling for BMI. Subscapular SFT was higher in British Pakistani children, a finding strengthened after controlling for BMI. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in British Pakistani children, but not after controlling for socioeconomic status (SES). There were no significant differences between British Pakistani children born to migrant or British‐born mothers, except that systolic blood pressure was lower in children of British‐born mothers after controlling for SES, a finding that was not significant after controlling for BMI.

Conclusions:

This study confirms previous findings of larger SFTs and higher blood pressure in British children of Pakistani origin than in children of white European origin. Further work with larger sample sizes is needed to investigate differences between generations. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis, characterization, rheological behavior, and shear response of hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide and network structure of its microhydrogel
Authors: Jiang Guoqing , Huang Li , Li Bo , Lv Changsen , Li Rui , Liu Fengqi
Published: July 2011

Octylphenol polyoxyethylene acrylate (OP‐10‐AC) was synthesized, and then OP‐10‐AC was copolymerized with acrylamide (AM) to form hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide P(AM/OP‐10‐AC) through micellar copolymerization. OP‐10‐AC content and rheology behavior of P(AM/OP‐10‐AC) were investigated in detail. Especially, under the conditions of different test methods, P(AM/OP‐10‐AC) showed interesting shear responsive behavior. The results of rheology study show that OP‐10‐AC content, polymer solution concentration, salt solution concentration, and different test methods powerfully influenced shear viscosity of aqueous solutions of P(AM/OP‐10‐AC). In addition, according to the dynamic shear experimental results, the critical hydrogel concentration range (CHCR) could be confirmed for aqueous solutions of P(AM/OP‐10‐AC). Above CHCR, these polymer solutions were essentially a kind of microhydrogels, which could explain the effect of concentration and hydrophobe content on their shear viscosity and viscoelasticity from the microstructure's point of view. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
A novel highly efficient β‐nucleating agent for isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Zhao Shicheng , Xu Na , Xin Zhong , Jiang Changquan
Published: July 2011

A novel highly efficient β‐nucleating agent for isotactic polypropylene (iPP), hexahydrophthalic barium (HHPA‐Ba), was found and its effects on the mechanical properties, the β‐phase content, and crystallization behavior of iPP were investigated, respectively. The results show that the β‐phase content of nucleated iPP (kβ value) can reach 80.2% with 0.4 wt % HHPA‐Ba. The impact strength and crystallization peak temperature of nucleated iPP are greatly increased. Compared with pure iPP, the impact strength of nucleated iPP can increase 2.4 times. Meanwhile, the spherulite size of nucleated iPP is dramatically decreased than that of pure iPP. The Caze method was used to investigate the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of nucleated iPP and the crystallization active energy was achieved by Kissinger method. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation, characterization, and permeation property of a liquid crystal/PDMS membrane material
Authors: Rao Huaxin , Zhang Ziyong
Published: July 2011

By introducing the ordered and flowing liquid crystalline groups into polymeric membranes, a novel liquid crystal/polydimethylsiloxane (LC/PDMS) membrane material is synthesized with PDMS containing vinyl group, polymethylhydrosiloxane and cholesteric LC as matrix materials. The chemical structure, LC behaviors and mechanical performance of the LC/PDMS crosslinked membranes are characterized by using FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and polarized light microscopy with a hot stage. Some factors on permeability and permselectivity for carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas are also examined. These results suggest that the membrane‐forming property and permeation properties of the crosslinked membranes are obviously enhanced due to the introduction of the LC groups into PDMS and crosslinking reaction in the preparation process. At pressure difference of 0.1 MPa and testing temperature of 40°C, the permeability coefficient for carbon dioxide and ideal separation factor for carbon dioxide and nitrogen are up to 4667 Barrer and 24.0, respectively. In addition, the incorporation of LC containing unsaturated linkage has the potential for further modification reactions such as grafting and crosslinking. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Immunization with DNA topoisomerase I and Freund's complete adjuvant induces skin and lung fibrosis and autoimmunity via interleukin‐6 signaling
Authors: Yoshizaki Ayumi , Yanaba Koichi , Ogawa Asako , Asano Yoshihide , Kadono Takafumi , Sato Shinichi
Published: July 2011

Objective

The presence of anti–DNA topoisomerase I (anti–topo I) antibody correlates positively with disease severity in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, the role of induction of anti–topo I antibody production and its potential contribution to the pathogenesis of SSc remain unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the role of anti–topo I antibody in the pathogenesis of SSc.

Methods

To assess the contribution of anti–topo I antibody to the pathogenetic process, dermal sclerosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and cytokine production were examined in mice treated with topo I and either Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA) or Freund's incomplete adjuvant (IFA).

Results

Treatment with topo I and CFA, in contrast to treatment with topo I and IFA, induced skin and lung fibrosis with increased interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), transforming growth factor β1, and IL‐17 production and decreased IL‐10 production. Anti–topo I antibody levels were greater in mice treated with topo I and CFA than in mice treated with topo I and IFA. Furthermore, treatment with topo I and CFA increased Th2 and Th17 cell frequencies in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, whereas treatment with topo I and IFA increased Th1 and Treg cell frequencies. Moreover, loss of IL‐6 expression ameliorated skin and lung fibrosis, decreased Th2 and Th17 cell frequencies, and increased Th1 and Treg cell frequencies.

Conclusion

This study is the first to show that treatment with topo I and CFA induces SSc‐like skin and lung fibrosis and autoimmune abnormalities. We also suggest that IL‐6 plays important roles in the development of fibrosis and autoimmune abnormalities in this novel SSc model.