bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hysteretic spin-wave excitation in spin-torque oscillators as a function of the in-plane field angle: A micromagnetic description
Authors: Finocchio G. , Prattella A. , Consolo G. , Martinez E. , Giordano A. , Azzerboni B.
Published: December 2011

This paper describes a full micromagnetic characterization of the magnetization dynamics driven by spin-polarized current in anisotropic spin-torque oscillators (STOs). For field angles approaching the hard in-plane axis, the excited mode is uniform and a super-critical Hopf-bifurcation takes place at the critical current density JC. For field angles close to the easy axis of the free layer, the excited mode is localized (non-uniform) and a sub-critical Hopf-bifurcation occurs at JC. In this latter region, a hysteretic behaviour is, therefore, found. We demonstrate numerically that the non-linearities of the STO are strongly reduced when the oscillation frequency at the critical current is near the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) frequency computed at zero bias current, and in particular, this condition corresponds to the field orientation at which a minimum in the FMR-frequency is achieved.
Bi-quadratic interlayer exchange coupling in Co2MnSi/Ag/Co2MnSi pseudo spin-valve
Authors: Goripati Hari S. , Hayashi Masamitsu , Furubayashi T. , Taniguchi T. , Sukegawa H. , Takahashi Y. K. , Hono K.
Published: December 2011

Bi-quadratic interlayer exchange coupling is found below 100 K in a Co2MnSi/Ag/Co2MnSi current-perpendicular-to-plane pseudo spin valves. The bi-quadratic coupling constant J2 was estimated to be ∼−0.30 erg/cm2 at 5 K and the strong temperature dependence of the coupling strength points its likely origin to the “loose spin” model. Application of current of ∼2 × 107 A/cm2 below 100 K leads to an increase in the magnetoresistance (MR), indicating current induced antiparallel alignment of the two magnetic layers. These results strongly suggest that the presence of the bi-quadratic interlayer exchange coupling causes the reduction of the magnetoresistance at low temperature and illustrates the importance of understanding the influence of interlayer exchange coupling on magnetization configuration in magnetic nanostructures.
Approach to designing a solar concentrator for small-scale remote power application
Authors: Metwally Khaled , Makhlouf Ahmed , El-Gabry Lamyaa
Published: December 2011

A small-scale concentrated solar power (CSP) unit was designed to provide electricity and hot water using an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) for Egypt as part of an undergraduate capstone project. The system was designed for a target power output of 3 kW. It uses parabolic troughs to heat ethylene glycol used as the heat transfer fluid, which absorbs heat in the trough collector and transfers it to the working fluid through a heat exchanger. The system consists of 9 parabolic troughs and a total aperture area of 67 m2, providing the required 3 kW of energy to the ORC. One parabolic trough was manufactured to test its thermal efficiency according to ASHRAE standard 93-2003 [Methods of Testing to Determine the Thermal Performance of Solar Collectors (ASHRAE, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, 2003)] and compared it to its calculated value. A simple microcontroller-based system was used to track the sun.
Thermal characterization of nanoscale phononic crystals using supercell lattice dynamics
Authors: Davis Bruce L. , Hussein Mahmoud I.
Published: December 2011

The concept of a phononic crystal can in principle be realized at the nanoscale whenever the conditions for coherent phonon transport exist. Under such conditions, the dispersion characteristics of both the constitutive material lattice (defined by a primitive cell) and the phononic crystal lattice (defined by a supercell) contribute to the value of the thermal conductivity. It is therefore necessary in this emerging class of phononic materials to treat the lattice dynamics at both periodicity levels. Here we demonstrate the utility of using supercell lattice dynamics to investigate the thermal transport behavior of three-dimensional nanoscale phononic crystals formed from silicon and cubic voids of vacuum. The periodicity of the voids follows a simple cubic arrangement with a lattice constant that is around an order of magnitude larger than that of the bulk crystalline silicon primitive cell. We consider an atomic-scale supercell which incorporates all the details of the silicon atomic locations and the void geometry. For this supercell, we compute the phonon band structure and subsequently predict the thermal conductivity following the Callaway-Holland model. Our findings dictate that for an analysis based on supercell lattice dynamics to be representative of the properties of the underlying lattice model, a minimum supercell size is needed along with a minimum wave vector sampling resolution. Below these minimum values, a thermal conductivity prediction of a bulk material based on a supercell will not adequately recover the value obtained based on a primitive cell. Furthermore, our results show that for the relatively small voids and void spacings we consider (where boundary scattering is dominant), dispersion at the phononic crystal unit cell level plays a noticeable role in determining the thermal conductivity.
Legal reform in the presence of a living custom: An economic approach
Authors: Aldashev Gani , Platteau Jean-Philippe , Wahhaj Zaki
Published: December 2011

Empowerment of disadvantaged groups of population is a key issue in development. One major difficulty in implementing progressive legal reforms arises from the persistent and contrary influence of custom. In this paper, we present a simple theoretical framework that analyzes how customary rules evolve under the impact of a change in formal law. This evolution is ultimately caused by a modification of relative costs and benefits of exiting the community by members of the disadvantaged groups as a result of change in the law. We also describe how the welfare of these groups is affected and provide illustrative evidence.
Development, social norms, and assignment to task
Authors: Fafchamps Marcel
Published: December 2011

Economic development involves a structural transformation in the way people are allocated to tasks. There is a shift from self-provision to market exchange, facilitating specialization. There is also a shift from self-employment to wage employment in large firms and organizations, driven by innovation and increasing returns to scale. Changes in allocation mechanisms require changes in norms and attitudes. Because different labor assignment domains coexist, conflicts arise among norms that apply to different domains, possibly resulting in dysfunctional outcomes. I argue that religion, humanism, and schools have all played an important historical role in fostering the changes in social norms and attitudes that are needed to accompany structural changes in the way economies allocate workers to tasks.
Changing state structures: Outside in
Authors: Krasner Stephen D.
Published: December 2011

In explaining the development of institutional structures within states, social science analysis has focused on autochthonous factors and paid less attention to the way in which external factors, especially purposive agent-directed as opposed to more general environmental factors, can influence domestic authority structures. For international relations scholarship, this lacunae is particularly troubling or perhaps, just weird. If the international system is anarchical, then political leaders can pursue any policy option. In some cases, the most attractive option would be conventional state to state interactions, diplomacy, or war. In other instances, however, changing the domestic authority structures of other states might be more appealing. In some cases, domestic authority structures have been influenced through bargaining, and in others through power. Power may reflect either explicit agent-oriented decisions or social processes that reflect the practices, values, and norms of more powerful entities.
The dynamics of social innovation
Authors: Young H. Peyton
Published: December 2011

Social norms and institutions are mechanisms that facilitate coordination between individuals. A social innovation is a novel mechanism that increases the welfare of the individuals who adopt it compared with the status quo. We model the dynamics of social innovation as a coordination game played on a network. Individuals experiment with a novel strategy that would increase their payoffs provided that it is also adopted by their neighbors. The rate at which a social innovation spreads depends on three factors: the topology of the network and in particular the extent to which agents interact in small local clusters, the payoff gain of the innovation relative to the status quo, and the amount of noise in the best response process. The analysis shows that local clustering greatly enhances the speed with which social innovations spread. It also suggests that the welfare gains from innovation are more likely to occur in large jumps than in a series of small incremental improvements.
A single conformational transglutaminase 2 epitope contributed by three domains is critical for celiac antibody binding and effects
Authors: Simon-Vecsei Zsófia , Király Róbert , Bagossi Péter , Tóth Boglárka , Dahlbom Ingrid , Caja Sergio , Csősz Éva , Lindfors Katri , Sblattero Daniele , Nemes Éva , Mäki Markku , Fésüs László , Korponay-Szabó Ilma R.
Published: December 2011

The multifunctional, protein cross-linking transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is the main autoantigen in celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder with defined etiology. Glutamine-rich gliadin peptides from ingested cereals, after their deamidation by TG2, induce T-lymphocyte activation accompanied by autoantibody production against TG2 in 1–2% of the population. The pathogenic role and exact binding properties of these antibodies to TG2 are still unclear. Here we show that antibodies from different celiac patients target the same conformational TG2 epitope formed by spatially close amino acids of adjacent domains. Glu153 and 154 on the first alpha-helix of the core domain and Arg19 on first alpha-helix of the N-terminal domain determine the celiac epitope that is accessible both in the closed and open conformation of TG2 and dependent on the relative position of these helices. Met659 on the C-terminal domain also can cooperate in antibody binding. This composite epitope is disease-specific, recognized by antibodies derived from celiac tissues and associated with biological effects when passively transferred from celiac mothers into their newborns. These findings suggest that celiac antibodies are produced in a surface-specific way for which certain homology of the central glutamic acid residues of the TG2 epitope with deamidated gliadin peptides could be a structural basis. Monoclonal mouse antibodies with partially overlapping epitope specificity released celiac antibodies from patient tissues and antagonized their harmful effects in cell culture experiments. Such antibodies or similar specific competitors will be useful in further functional studies and in exploring whether interference with celiac antibody actions leads to therapeutic benefits.
The rational design of a synthetic polymer nanoparticle that neutralizes a toxic peptide in vivo
Authors: Hoshino Yu , Koide Hiroyuki , Furuya Keiichi , Haberaecker Walter W. , Lee Shih-Hui , Kodama Takashi , Kanazawa Hiroaki , Oku Naoto , Shea Kenneth J.
Published: December 2011

Synthetic polymer nanoparticles (NPs) that bind venomous molecules and neutralize their function in vivo are of significant interest as “plastic antidotes.” Recently, procedures to synthesize polymer NPs with affinity for target peptides have been reported. However, the performance of synthetic materials in vivo is a far greater challenge. Particle size, surface charge, and hydrophobicity affect not only the binding affinity and capacity to the target toxin but also the toxicity of NPs and the creation of a “corona” of proteins around NPs that can alter and or suppress the intended performance. Here, we report the design rationale of a plastic antidote for in vivo applications. Optimizing the choice and ratio of functional monomers incorporated in the NP maximized the binding affinity and capacity toward a target peptide. Biocompatibility tests of the NPs in vitro and in vivo revealed the importance of tuning surface charge and hydrophobicity to minimize NP toxicity and prevent aggregation induced by nonspecific interactions with plasma proteins. The toxin neutralization capacity of NPs in vivo showed a strong correlation with binding affinity and capacity in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo imaging experiments established the NPs accelerate clearance of the toxic peptide and eventually accumulate in macrophages in the liver. These results provide a platform to design plastic antidotes and reveal the potential and possible limitations of using synthetic polymer nanoparticles as plastic antidotes.
Cyanobacterial metallochaperone inhibits deleterious side reactions of copper
Authors: Tottey Steve , Patterson Carl J. , Banci Lucia , Bertini Ivano , Felli Isabella C. , Pavelkova Anna , Dainty Samantha J. , Pernil Rafael , Waldron Kevin J. , Foster Andrew W. , Robinson Nigel J.
Published: December 2011

Copper metallochaperones supply copper to cupro-proteins through copper-mediated protein-protein-interactions and it has been hypothesized that metallochaperones thereby inhibit copper from causing damage
en route
. Evidence is presented in support of this latter role for cyanobacterial metallochaperone, Atx1. In cyanobacteria Atx1 contributes towards the supply of copper to plastocyanin inside thylakoids but it is shown here that in copper-replete medium, copper can reach plastocyanin without Atx1. Unlike metallochaperone-independent copper-supply to superoxide dismutase in eukaryotes, glutathione is not essential for Atx1-independent supply to plastocyanin: Double mutants missing
atx1
and
gshB
(encoding glutathione synthetase) accumulate the same number of atoms of copper per cell in the plastocyanin pool as wild type. Critically, Δ
atx1
Δ
gshB
are hypersensitive to elevated copper relative to wild type cells and also relative to Δ
gshB
single mutants with evidence that hypersensitivity arises due to the mislocation of copper to sites for other metals including iron and zinc. The zinc site on the amino-terminal domain (ZiaA

N

) of the
P
1
-type zinc-transporting ATPase is especially similar to the copper site of the Atx1 target PacS

N

, and ZiaA

N

will bind Cu(I) more tightly than zinc. An NMR model of a substituted-ZiaA

N

-Cu(I)-Atx1 heterodimer has been generated making it possible to visualize a juxtaposition of residues surrounding the ZiaA

N

zinc site, including Asp
18
, which normally repulse Atx1. Equivalent repulsion between bacterial copper metallochaperones and the amino-terminal regions of
P
1
-type ATPases for metals other than Cu(I) is conserved, again consistent with a role for copper metallochaperones to withhold copper from binding sites for other metals.
Investigation of a transient energetic charge exchange flux enhancement (‘spike-on-tail’) observed in neutral-beam-heated H-mode discharges in the National Spherical Torus Experiment
Authors: Medley S.S. , Kolesnichenko Ya.I. , Yakovenko Yu.V. , Bell R.E. , Bortolon A. , Crocker N.A. , Darrow D.S. , Diallo A. , Domier C.W. , Fonck R.J. , Fredrickson E.D. , Gerhardt S.P. , Gorelenkov N.N. , Kramer G.J. , Kubota S. , LeBlanc B.P. , Lee K.C. , Mazzucato E. , McKee G.R. , Podestà M. , Ren Y. , Roquemore A.L. , Smith D.R. , Stutman D. , Tritz K. , White R.B.
Published: December 2011

In the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX), a large increase in the charge exchange neutral flux localized around the neutral beam (NB) injection full energy is measured using a neutral particle analyser. Termed the high-energy feature (HEF), it appears on the NB-injected energetic-ion spectrum only in discharges where tearing or kink-type modes (f < 50 kHz) are absent, toroidal Alfvén eigenmode activity (f ∼ 50–150 kHz) is weak and global Alfvén eigenmode (GAE) activity (f ∼ 400–1000 kHz) is robust. Compressional Alfvén eigenmode activity (f > 1000 kHz) is usually sporadic or absent during the HEF event. The HEF exhibits growth times of Δt ∼ 20–80 ms, durations spanning 100–600 ms and peak-to-base flux ratios up to H = F
max/F
min ∼ 10. In infrequent cases, a slowing-down distribution below the HEF energy can develop that continues to evolve over periods of order 100 ms, a time scale long compared with the typical fast-ion equilibration times. HEFs are observed only in H-mode (not L-mode) discharges with injected power P
b ⩾ 4 MW and in the pitch range χ ≡ v
||/v ∼ 0.7–0.9; i.e. only for passing particles. Increases of order 10–30% in the measured neutron yield and total stored energy that are observed to coincide with the feature appear to be driven by concomitant broadening of measured T
e(r), T
i(r) and n
e(r) profiles and not the HEF itself. While the HEF has minimal impact on plasma performance, it nevertheless poses a challenging wave–particle interaction phenomenon to understand. Candidate mechanisms for HEF formation are developed based on quasilinear (QL) theory of wave–particle interaction. The only mechanism found to lead to the large NPA flux ratios, H = F
max/F
min, observed in NSTX is the QL evolution of the energetic-ion distribution, F
b(E, χ, r), in phase space. A concomitant loss of some particles is observed due to interaction through cyclotron resonance of the particles with destabilized modes having sufficiently high frequencies, f ∼ 700–1000 kHz, in the plasma frame that are tentatively identified as GAEs.
Integrated modelling of ICRH in a quasi-axisymmetric stellarator
Authors: Jucker M. , Cooper W.A. , Graves J.P.
Published: December 2011

We apply the code package SCENIC to a two field-period quasi-axisymmetric stellarator. Ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH) is applied both on the high- and low-field side to a 1% 3He minority in a deuterium plasma. It is shown that due to toroidal variations, the results are considerably different from similar tokamak studies. In particular, toroidal variations in power deposition and pressure are created and accentuated during radio frequency heating, such that modifications to the magnetic equilibrium depend on toroidal angle. We demonstrate that due to enhanced particle loss, low-field side heating is significantly less efficient than high-field side heating, and that toroidally trapped particles impose upper power limits for efficient radio frequency injection.
Predictors of dose escalation of adalimumab in a prospective cohort of Crohn’s disease patients
Authors: Bultman E. , de Haar C. , van Liere‐Baron A. , Verhoog H. , West R. L. , Kuipers E. J. , Zelinkova Z. , Janneke van der Woude C.
Published: December 2011

Background  Adalimumab is effective for the induction and maintenance of remission in Crohn’s disease (CD)‐patients.

Aim  To find predictors for adalimumab dose escalation at initiation of adalimumab.

Methods  Crohn’s disease patients in a single tertiary referral centre who started adalimumab between July 2007 and March 2010 at an induction dose (week 0 160 mg subcutaneously (sc), week 2 80 mg sc) and maintenance dose of 40 mg sc thereafter every other week were followed prospectively. Patients on adalimumab for at least 3 months were included. The number of patients needing dose escalation was assessed. Patients that needed dose escalation were compared with patients that did not need dose escalation.

Results  Of 199 CD patients treated with adalimumab and followed prospectively, 122 patients (M/F 54/68, median age 35 years, range 18–66 years, median CDAI 164, range 6–468) were treated for 3 months. In total 38% of these patients (46/122) needed a dose escalation within a median time of 21 weeks after adalimumab introduction (range 4–105). Body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.03) and secondary non‐response to infliximab (IFX) (P < 0.06) were identified as predictors for dose escalation. Concomitant use of immunomodulators at initiation of adalimumab and the presence of autoantibodies to IFX did not predict dose escalation.

Conclusions  Over one‐third adalimumab‐treated patients are dose escalated within a median of 5 months. Higher BMI and secondary non‐response to IFX treatment are predictive for a dose escalation during adalimumab treatment.
The pan‐histone deacetylase inhibitor CR2408 disrupts cell cycle progression, diminishes proliferation and causes apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Baumann Philipp , Junghanns Carmen , Mandl‐Weber Sonja , Strobl Stefan , Oduncu Fuat , Schmidmaier Ralf
Published: December 2011

In view of the fact that histone deacetylases (HDACs) are promising targets for myeloma therapy, we investigated the effects of the HDAC inhibitor CR2408 on multiple myeloma (MM) cells in vitro. CR2408 is a direct pan‐HDAC inhibitor and inhibits all known 11 HDACs with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 12 nmol/l (HDAC 6) to 520 nmol/l (HDAC 8). Correspondingly, CR2408 induces hyperacetylation of histone H4, inhibits cell growth and strongly induces apoptosis (IC50 = 0·1–0·5 μmol/l) in MM cell lines and primary MM cells. CR2408 leads to fragmentation of cells and induces an accumulation in the subG1 phase accompanied with moderately decreased levels of cyclin D1 and cdk4 and strongly decreased levels of cdc25a, pRb and p53. Interruption of the cell cycle is reflected by inhibition of cell proliferation and is accompanied by decreased phosphorylation of 4E‐BP1 and p70S6k. Treatment with CR2408 results in increased protein levels of Bim and pJNK and downregulation of Bad and Bcl‐xL and activation of Caspases 3, 8 and 9. Furthermore, as HDAC inhibitors have shown synergism with other drugs, these effects were investigated and synergism was observed for combinations of CR2408 with doxorubicin and bortezomib. In conclusion, we have identified potent anti‐myeloma activity for this novel HDAC inhibitor that gives further insights into the biological sequelae of HDAC inhibition in MM.
Recent progress in research on small post‐translationally modified peptide signals in plants
Authors: Matsubayashi Yoshikatsu
Published: December 2011

Peptide signaling plays a major role in various aspects of plant growth and development, as has been shown in recent biochemical, genetic and bioinformatic studies. There are over a dozen secreted peptides recognized in plants known to regulate cellular functions. To become functional, these secreted peptide signals often undergo post‐translational modifications, such as tyrosine sulfation, proline hydroxylation, and hydroxyproline arabinosylation, and successive proteolytic processing. These types of ‘small post‐translationally modified peptide signals’ are one of the major groups of peptide signals found in plants. In parallel with the discovery of peptide signals, specific receptors for such peptide signals were identified as being membrane‐localized leucine‐rich repeat receptor kinases. This short review highlights the recent progress in research on small post‐translationally modified peptide signals, including our own research.
Chronological lifespan extension by Ecl1 family proteins depends on Prr1 response regulator in fission yeast
Authors: Ohtsuka Hokuto , Azuma Kenko , Kubota Sachiko , Murakami Hiroshi , Giga‐Hama Yuko , Tohda Hideki , Aiba Hirofumi
Published: December 2011

ecl1
+, ecl2+ and ecl3+ genes encode highly homologous small proteins, and their over‐expressions confer both H2O2 stress resistance and chronological lifespan extension on Schizosaccharomyces pombe. However, the mechanisms of how these Ecl1 family proteins function have not been elucidated. In this study, we conducted microarray analysis and identified that the expression of genes involved in sexual development and stress responses was affected by the over‐expression of Ecl1 family proteins. In agreement with the mRNA expression profile, the cells over‐expressing Ecl1 family proteins showed high mating efficiency and resistant phenotype to H2O2. We showed that the H2O2‐resistant phenotype depends on catalase Ctt1, and over‐expression of ctt1+ does not affect chronological lifespan. Furthermore, we showed that six genes, ste11+, spk1+, hsr1+, rsv2+, hsp9+ and lsd90+, whose expressions are increased in cells over‐expressing Ecl1 family proteins are involved in chronological lifespan in fission yeast. Among these genes, the induction of ste11+ and hsr1+ was dependent on a transcription factor Prr1, and we showed that the extensions of chronological lifespan by Ecl1 family proteins are remarkably diminished in prr1 deletion mutant. From these results, we propose that Ecl1‐family proteins conduct H2O2 stress resistance and chronological lifespan extension in ctt1+‐ and prr1+‐dependent manner, respectively.
Nano‐indentation testing of new and fractured nickel‐titanium endodontic instruments
Authors: Jamleh A. , Sadr A. , Nomura N. , Yahata Y. , Ebihara A. , Hanawa T. , Tagami J. , Suda H.
Published: December 2011

Jamleh A, Sadr A, Nomura N, Yahata Y, Ebihara A, Hanawa T, Tagami J, Suda H. Nano‐indentation testing of new and fractured nickel‐titanium endodontic instruments. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 462–468, 2012.

Aim  To investigate the effect of cyclic fatigue on nickel‐titanium (NiTi) endodontic instruments using a nano‐indentation test.

Methodology  Eight ProFile NiTi rotary instruments (size 30, taper 0.06; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) were tested using a cyclic fatigue set‐up until fracture. The fractured instruments and eight new NiTi instruments of the same size and taper were used for a nano‐indentation test on the internal surfaces of a NiTi instruments in the region just adjacent to their fractured edge (group I) and in the same region of the new group (group II), and the cutting part beside the shaft for both instruments [group III (fractured) and group IV (new)]. Data were statistically analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance and Games–Howell post hoc test. The alpha‐type error was set at 0.05.

Results  Significant differences in terms of hardness and elastic modulus for each group (P < 0.05) were found, with group I having the lowest mean values followed by group III. Additionally, standard deviations increased remarkably after failure, as represented by groups I and III.

Conclusion  The nano‐indentation technique can be applied to determine the performance and the failure mechanism of NiTi instruments. The fatigue process revealed a significant decrease in the hardness and elastic modulus of the NiTi instrument. As indicated by the low hardness, the fatigue process did not result in work hardening but rather work softening.
An exploratory study investigating the impact of the procedures used to manage patient substance misuse on nurse–patient relationships in a medium secure forensic unit
Authors: PRICE O. , WIBBERLEY C.
Published: December 2011

Accessible summary

This study investigated the perspectives of mental health nurses working in a medium secure unit, regarding the impact of the security procedures used to manage patient substance misuse on nurse–patient relationships.

Data from the interviews were analysed and revealed that the participants perceived that the intrusive nature of the procedures was detrimental to their relationship with patients. Both the relative degree of intrusion posed by the procedure, and the communication skills of nurses were important factors in determining the extent and duration of negative effects on relationships.

A number of recommendations were made to improve policy and practice in relation to the application of the procedures. Firstly, that the use of partial strip searching should be minimized. Secondly, that unit managers should ensure consistent application of urine drug screening policies and that responsibility for undertaking the procedures should be spread evenly throughout nursing teams to avoid patients ‘splitting’ teams into ‘good’ and ‘bad’ nurses; Finally, that staff should receive further training in both substance misuse and communication skills.

The role conflict experienced by forensic psychiatric nurses between their therapeutic responsibilities and their responsibility to operationalize security procedures is well established in the literature. There has been less investigation into how this role conflict is played out specifically in the management of inpatient substance misuse in forensic units. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the views of nurses working in one medium secure unit of the impact of the procedures used to manage substance misuse (partial strip searching, room searching, canine searching, ‘pat’ (or ‘rubdown’) searching, urine drug screening) on their relationships with patients. Ten interviews of registered mental health nurses working in a medium secure unit in the Northwest were carried out. The interview data were transcribed verbatim and framework analysis used to identify emergent themes. The impact of the procedures on nurse–patient relationships was reported as largely negative by the participants. They reported that the intrusion of the procedures had a detrimental effect on their relationships with patients. The relative degree of intrusion posed by each of the procedures was an important factor in determining the extent and duration of damage to nurse–patient relationships, as was the communication skills of the nurse conducting the procedure.
Modulation of tobacco bacterial disease resistance using cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase and Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase
Authors: Faize M. , Burgos L. , Faize L. , Petri C. , Barba‐Espin G. , Díaz‐Vivancos P. , Clemente‐Moreno M. J. , Alburquerque N. , Hernandez J. A.
Published: December 2011

The effect of over‐expression in tobacco plants of cytosolic Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase (cytsod) and ascorbate peroxidase (cytapx) alone, or in combination, against bacterial wildfire and crown gall diseases, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci and Agrobacterium tumefaciens, respectively, was investigated. Disease tolerance was observed in all the transgenic lines against the two causal agents, with various levels of resistance, with the double transformants (lines 35 and 39) the most resistant against bacterial wild fire. In the case of P. syringae pv. tabaci, disease tolerance and symptom decrease was associated with a lower bacterial population and a higher level of several antioxidant defence enzymes. Transgenic lines also exhibited an enhanced tolerance against A. tumefaciens, with the transgenic line harbouring cytapx (line 51) the most resistant to crown gall disease. However, this was only observed with strain C58 among the three pathogenic strains tested. These results suggest that cytosolic antioxidant defences have a role in increasing tolerance to the oxidative stress caused by some bacterial pathogens, and resistance of these tobacco lines to wildfire disease seems to be independent of tissue necrosis.
Predicting allergic disease at age four using an atopy predisposition score at age two: the application of item response theory
Authors: Sucharew Heidi , Khoury Jane C. , Rao Marepalli , Succop Paul , Bernstein David , Ryan Patrick H. , LeMasters Grace
Published: December 2011

To cite this article: Sucharew H, Khoury JC, Rao M, Succop P, Bernstein D, Ryan PH, LeMasters G. Predicting allergic disease at age four using an atopy predisposition score at age two: the application of item response theory. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 195–201.

When defining allergic outcomes in epidemiology studies, results of the skin prick test (SPT) panel are often dichotomized as positive/negative or categorized based on the number of positive responses. Item response theory (IRT) models, however, may prove to be a better alternative with the ability to generate scores that account for both type and number of positive SPTs. IRT was applied to SPT responses administered to 537 children at age two to determine predictability of allergic disease at age four. The children received SPTs to 15 aeroallergens and two foods. Atopy predisposition scores were obtained from the IRT model using the posterior distribution of the latent trait, atopy. These scores were used to predict persistent wheeze, rhino‐conjunctivitis, and eczema at age four. Results were compared to the dichotomized and categorical (positive to ≥2, positive to one, vs. negative to all allergens) SPT variables. At age two, 39% of children had at least one positive SPT. All three allergic disease outcomes were significantly associated with IRT atopy scores: persistent wheeze odds ratio (OR) = 1.7 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2, 2.3); rhino‐conjunctivitis OR = 1.7 (95% CI: 1.2, 2.3); eczema OR = 1.6 (95% CI: 1.2, 2.3). In contrast, rhino‐conjunctivitis was the only outcome significantly associated with the dichotomized SPT variable with an OR = 1.9 (95% CI: 1.2, 3.0). For the categorical SPT variable, all three allergic symptoms were significantly associated with positive to ≥2 allergens compared to negative to all, but no difference was observed between those with positive to one compared to negative to all. The IRT model proved to be an informative methodology to assess the predictability of early SPT responses and identify the allergens most associated with atopy predisposition.
Individual Variation in Behavioural Reactions to Unfamiliar Conspecific Vocalisation and Hormonal Underpinnings in Male Chimpanzees
Authors: Kutsukake Nobuyuki , Teramoto Migaku , Homma Seijiro , Mori Yusuke , Matsudaira Kazunari , Kobayashi Hisao , Ishida Takafumi , Okanoya Kazuo , Hasegawa Toshikazu
Published: December 2011

It has been established that various species exhibit personality, defined as intra‐individual consistency and inter‐individual variation in behavioural phenotypes. For example, certain individuals may demonstrate consistently greater behavioural reactions and elevated stress responses. We conducted playback experiments and hormonal analyses on male chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in captivity to investigate the patterns and proximate mediators of individual variations in behavioural reactions. We found intra‐individual consistency and inter‐individual variation in behavioural reactions (intensive vigilance towards the direction of speakers) to vocalisations by unfamiliar chimpanzees. This behavioural reaction was positively correlated with changes in salivary cortisol concentration, suggesting that stress is a proximate factor mediating the variation in behavioural reactions. The males who were highly responsive to the conspecific vocalisation also exhibited high behavioural reactions towards the neutral broadcast stimulus (the jungle crow’sCorvus macrorhynchos ‘ka’ vocalisation). This observation is consistent with the notion that male chimpanzees vary in intrinsic behavioural tendency to different stimuli.
The Unique Impact of Menstruation on the Female Voice: Implications for the Evolution of Menstrual Cycle Cues
Authors: Nathan Pipitone R. , Gallup Gordon G.
Published: December 2011

Research shows that hormonal changes in women across the menstrual cycle affect vocal production. Most work has documented shifts at high fertility times (i.e., ovulation) or during premenstruation. However, hormonal changes at menstruation also affect female physiology and behavior and could affect vocal production. The present studies investigated perceptual differences in voices recorded during menstruation compared with recordings taken at other times of the menstrual cycle. Results show that male raters could reliably identify voices recorded during menstruation with or without the presence of a voice recorded closest to ovulation. In addition, voices recorded at menstruation were identified as being the most unattractive. These findings indicate that voice recordings taken at times of lowest fertility may uniquely impact women’s vocal production and that perceptions of voice based on cycle phase are not specific to the time of heightened fertility. Implications for the evolution of human menstrual cycle cues are discussed.
Case presentation: abdominal compartment syndrome complicating posterior spinal fusion
Authors: Cravero Joseph P. , Muffly Matthew
Published: December 2011

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a life‐threatening entity that requires rapid recognition and treatment. This case report represents the first case report of ACS associated with the correction of a marked scoliosis. Of the many possible causes for respiratory compromise and cardiovascular collapse associated with major spine surgery, ACS should be considered, particularly in instances of profound spinal curvature correction. We present the case of an 8‐year‐old child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) undergoing correction of a severe scoliotic curvature. Near the end of an otherwise unremarkable surgery, he developed severe respiratory compromise associated with respiratory acidosis, hypoxia, and hypotension in the face of a catastrophic decrease in lung compliance. After supine positioning and examination, he was discovered to have ACS, which was treated with laparotomy. Complete recovery occurred after 5 days. This case report should raise awareness of a rare, life threatening, but imminently treatable entity that can accompany scoliosis surgery. The description of this case should be particularly important for pediatric anesthesiologists and orthopedic surgeons who care for patients undergoing correction of marked scoliosis. We suggest possible mechanisms for the development of ACS in this setting that offer insights into the pathology of this entity, which could be useful in many other clinical situations where visceral venous drainage or bowel perfusion may be compromised.
Hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.42/6:1 for perioperative plasma volume replacement in 1130 children: results of an European prospective multicenter observational postauthorization safety study (PASS)
Authors: Sümpelmann Robert , Kretz Franz‐Josef , Luntzer Robert , de Leeuw Thomas G. , Mixa Vladimir , Gäbler Ralf , Eich Christoph , Hollmann Markus W. , Osthaus Wilhelm A.
Published: December 2011

Introduction:  Third‐generation hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is now approved also for the use in children, but safety studies including large numbers of pediatric patients are still missing. Therefore, we performed an European multicentric prospective observational postauthorization safety study (PASS) to evaluate the use of HES 130/0.42/6:1 in normal saline (ns‐HES) or a balanced electrolyte solution (bal‐HES) in children undergoing surgery.

Methods:  Children aged up to 12 years with ASA risk scores of I–III receiving ns‐HES (Venofundin 6%; Braun) or bal‐HES (Tetraspan 6%; Braun) were followed perioperatively. Demographic data, surgical procedures performed, anesthesia, hemodynamic and laboratory data, adverse events (AE), and adverse drug reactions (ADR) were documented using a standardized case report form.

Results:  Of 1130 children studied at 11 European pediatric centers from 2006 to 2009 (ns‐HES, 629 children; bal‐HES, 475 children; mean age, 3.6 ± 3.8 [range, day of birth–12 years]; and body weight, 15.4 ± 13 [0.9–90 kg]), 1104 were included for analysis. The mean infused HES volume was 10.6 ± 5.8 (0.83–50) ml·kg−1. In the 399 (36.1%) cases with blood gas analysis before and after HES infusion, hemoglobin and strong ion difference decreased significantly in both groups, whereas bicarbonate and base excess (BE before infusion: ns‐HES −1.8 ± 3.1, bal‐HES −1.2 ± 3.3 mm; after infusion: ns‐HES −2.5 ± 2.8; bal‐HES −1.1 ± 3.2 mm, P < 0.05) decreased only with ns‐HES but remained stable with bal‐HES. Chloride concentrations increased in both groups and were significantly higher with ns‐HES (Cl before infusion: ns‐HES 105.5 ± 3.6, bal‐HES 104.9 ± 2.9 mm; Cl after infusion: ns‐HES 107.6 ± 3.4, bal‐HES 106.3 ± 2.9 mm, P < 0.05). For the AE/ADR rates, dose–response but no age relationships could be demonstrated. No serious and no severe ADR directly related to HES (i.e. anaphylactoid reaction, clotting disorders, renal failure) were observed.

Conclusion:  Moderate doses of HES 130/0.42/6:1 for perioperative plasma volume replacement seem to be safe even in neonates and small infants. The probability of serious ADR is lower than 0.3%. Changes in acid–base balance may be decreased when HES is used in an acetate‐containing balanced electrolyte solution instead of normal saline. Caution should be exercised in patients with renal function disturbances and those with an increased bleeding risk.
The Social as Heaven and Hell: Pierre Bourdieu's Philosophical Anthropology
Authors: PETERS GABRIEL
Published: December 2011

Many authors have argued that all studies of socially specific modalities of human action and experience depend on some form of “philosophical anthropology”, i.e. on a set of general assumptions about what human beings are like, assumptions without which the very diagnoses of the cultural and historical variability of concrete agents' practices would become impossible. Bourdieu was sensitive to that argument and, especially in the later phase of his career, attempted to make explicit how his historical‐sociological investigations presupposed and, at the same time, contributed to the elaboration of an “idea of the human being”. The article reconstructs Bourdieu's philosophical anthropology, starting with his genetic sociology of symbolic power, conceived as a form of critical theory (latu sensu), and concluding with an account of the conditio humana in which recognition (“symbolic capital”) appears as both the fundamental existential goal through which human agents strive to confer meaning on their lives and the source of the endless symbolic competition that keeps society moving. The agonistic vision of the social universe that grounds his sociological studies returns in his philosophical anthropology under the guise of a singular synthesis between Durkheim's thesis that “Society is God” and Sartre's idea that “hell is other people”.
Social Foundations of National Anthems: Theorizing for a Better Understanding of the Changing Fate of the National Anthem of China
Authors: LIAO TIM F. , ZHANG GEHUI , ZHANG LIBIN
Published: December 2011

A national anthem is arguably one of the most powerful symbols for a nation‐state, with impact beyond its ceremonial purposes. One source of its power lies in the lyrical content, bearing imprints of the past and texts for potentially guiding future behavior.

In this paper we study the social foundations of national anthems with the Chinese national anthem as a case by analyzing its production through two changing texts—the lyrics of the anthem and key political documents from the period of 1949–2005. The current national anthem, “March of the Volunteers,” adopted in 1949, was forbidden during the Cultural Revolution, and was restored in 1978, albeit with a new set of lyrics, and used until 1982 when the original lyrics were restored.

Drawing upon the literature on collective focus (as defined by Cerulo) and social relations (as informed by Weber), we build a theoretical model for understanding the changes in the Chinese national anthem. According to this model, the creation of collective memory in the form of a national anthem is conditioned by the cognitive and social context in terms of the type of collective focus (singular or multiple) and the kind of top‐bottom social relation (rational or traditional). The changing fate of the Chinese national anthem illustrates the efficacy of the theoretical model.
Trajectories of children’s internalizing symptoms: the role of maternal internalizing symptoms, respiratory sinus arrhythmia and child sex
Authors: Wetter Emily K. , El‐Sheikh Mona
Published: December 2011

Background:  We assessed trajectories of children’s internalizing symptoms as predicted by interactions among maternal internalizing symptoms, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and child sex.

Method:  An ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of children (n = 251) participated during three study waves. Children’s mean ages were 8.23 years (SD = 0.72) at T1, 9.31 years (SD = 0.79) at T2 and 10.28 years (SD = 0.99) at T3.

Results:  Multiple‐indicator multilevel latent growth analyses showed maternal internalizing symptoms interacted with child RSA and sex to predict children’s internalizing symptoms. Girls with higher RSA whose mothers had lower levels of internalizing symptoms showed the steepest decline in internalizing symptoms across time. Girls with lower RSA whose mothers had higher levels of internalizing symptoms showed the highest levels of internalizing symptoms at T3, whereas boys with higher RSA whose mothers had higher levels of internalizing symptoms showed the highest levels of internalizing symptoms at T3.

Conclusions:  Findings build on this scant literature and support the importance of individual differences in children’s physiological regulation in the prediction of psychopathology otherwise associated with familial risk.
Updates and future horizons on the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of Sturge–Weber syndrome brain involvement
Authors: LO WARREN , MARCHUK DOUGLAS A , BALL KAREN L , JUHÁSZ CSABA , JORDAN LORI C , EWEN JOSHUA B , COMI ANNE ,   BRAIN VASCULAR MALFORMATION CONSORTIUM NATIONAL STURGE–WEBER SYNDROME WORKGROUP
Published: December 2011

Aim  To review recent developments in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS).

Method  Members of the Brain Vascular Malformation Consortium Sturge–Weber Syndrome National Workgroup contributed their expertise to review the literature and present promising directions for research.

Results  The increasing number of reports dealing with SWS over the last decade reflects progress in the diagnosis and understanding of the neurological involvement. The proliferation of centers and advocacy groups to care for patients with SWS and to stimulate research has aided the development of new insights into the clinical manifestations and the pathophysiology of neurological progression, and the development of novel hypotheses to direct future research. Many key questions remain, but the tools and networks to answer them are being developed.

Interpretation  This review summarizes important new knowledge and presents new research directions that are likely to provide further insights, earlier diagnosis, improved treatments, and possibly, prevention of this syndrome.