bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced Kidney Function and Preclinical Atherosclerosis in HIV-Infected Individuals: The Study of Fat Redistribution and Metabolic Change in HIV Infection (FRAM)
Authors: Jotwani Vasantha , Scherzer Rebecca , Choi Andy , Szczech Lynda , Polak Joseph F. , Kronmal Richard A. , Grunfeld Carl , Shlipak Michael
Published: April 2011

Background/Aims: Reduced kidney function and albuminuria are associated with higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in HIV-infected individuals. We investigated whether reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria are associated with subclinical vascular disease, as assessed by carotid intima-medial thickness (cIMT). Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 476 HIV-infected individuals without clinical evidence of CVD enrolled in the Fat Redistribution and Metabolic Change in HIV infection (FRAM) study, using multivariable linear regression. eGFRCys and eGFRCr were calculated from cystatin C and creatinine levels. Albuminuria was defined as a positive urine dipstick (≧1+) or urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≧30 mg/g. Common and internal cIMT were measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasound. Results: In unadjusted analyses, eGFRCys and eGFRCr were strongly associated with com- mon and internal cIMT. Each 10 ml/min/1.73 m2 decrease in eGFRCys and eGFRcr was associated with a 0.008 mm higher common cIMT (p = 0.003, p = 0.01) and a 0.024 and 0.029 mm higher internal cIMT (p = 0.003), respectively. These associations were eliminated after adjustment for age, gender, and race. Albuminuria showed little association with common or internal cIMT in all models. Conclusions: In HIV-infected individuals without prior CVD, reduced kidney function and albuminuria were not independently associated with subclinical vascular disease, as assessed by cIMT. These results suggest that research should focus on searching for novel mechanisms by which kidney disease confers cardiovascular risk in HIV-infected individuals.
Comparison between Power-Assisted Turbinoplasty and Submucosal Resection in the Treatment of Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy
Authors: El Henawi Diaa El Din Mohamed , Ahmed Mohamed Rifaat , Madian Yasser Taha
Published: April 2011

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of power-microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty (PAT) with submucosal resection (SMR) in the treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Methods: A prospective randomized clinical trial study of 46 patients with bilateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: PAT and SMR. Results: Intraoperative blood loss was 37.1 ± 7.4 ml in the PAT group and 47.8 ± 9.5 ml in the SMR group (means ± SD), while the operative times were 11.1 ± 1.7 and 29.4 ± 4.7 min, respectively. There was statistically significant lower blood loss in the PAT group, due to the shorter operating time. Conclusion: PAT is equally as safe and effective as SMR. It has a shorter operation time and reduced intraoperative blood loss.
Mineral Metabolism Management in Hemodialysis Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Japan: Baseline Data from the MBD-5D
Authors: Fukagawa Masafumi , Komaba Hirotaka , Onishi Yoshihiro , Fukuhara Shunichi , Akizawa Tadao , Kurokawa Kiyoshi ,   for the MBD-5D Study Group
Published: April 2011

Background/Aims: The Mineral and Bone Disorder Outcomes Study for Japanese CKD Stage 5D Patients (MBD-5D) is a multicenter, prospective observational study of hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in Japan, where the national guideline recommends targets for serum calcium (8.4–10.0 mg/dl), phosphorus (3.5–6.0 mg/dl), and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) (60–180 pg/ml). Methods: The MBD-5D involved patients who were receiving hemodialysis for more than 3 months and met at least one of the following conditions: having intact PTH levels >180 pg/ml, or receiving intravenous vitamin D receptor activators (VDRAs) or oral VDRA analog. This report describes the baseline characteristics of the study participants and examines factors associated with mineral metabolism controllability. Results: A total of 8,229 patients were registered from 86 facilities as the whole cohort, and 3,276 patients were randomly selected as the subcohort. The severity of SHPT was associated with a lower likelihood of achieving the targets for calcium and phosphorus, whereas patients with a history of parathyroidectomy were more likely to achieve these targets as compared with those who had not undergone surgery despite high PTH levels. The use of 2.5 mEq/l calcium dialysate was also associated with a higher likelihood of achieving the targets compared with the use of 3.0 mEq/l calcium dialysate. Conclusion: The severity of SHPT and the use of dialysate with higher calcium concentration are associated with practical difficulty in managing mineral metabolism in dialysis patients. Further prospective follow-up is needed to confirm our findings and to examine their impact on patient-level outcomes.
Clinical and MRI Scale to Predict Very Poor Outcome in Tissue Plasminogen Activator Patients
Authors: Kimura Kazumi , Sakamoto Yuki , Iguchi Yasuyuki , Shibazaki Kensaku
Published: April 2011

Background and Purpose: The present study aimed to devise a simple scale to predict very poor outcome after tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) therapy using clinical and MRI factors. Methods: Consecutive stroke patients treated with t-PA within 3 h of onset were studied prospectively. Clinical factors and MRI findings independently associated with very poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 4–6) at 3 months after t-PA therapy were assessed. Results: The subjects were 117 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the following independent factors associated with very poor outcome: time from stroke onset to treatment ≧140 min (OR 2.790, 95% CI 1.082–7.193; p = 0.0337), baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≧20 (OR 3.794, 95% CI 1.199–12.009; p = 0.0233), glucose ≧180 mg/dl (OR 3.288, 95% CI 1.126–9.600; p = 0.0295), internal carotid artery occlusion (OR 6.187, 95% CI 5.090–18.354; p = 0.0129) and M1 susceptibility vessel sign (OR 6.379, 95% CI 1.194–34.074; p = 0.030). Those 5 variables were selected in the scale, with each factor as 1 point. Frequencies of patients with a very poor outcome for each score were as follows: score 0, 26.3%; score 1, 30.6%; score 2, 70.0%, and score 3–5, 100%. Conclusion: A clinical scale using clinical and MRI factors can predict very poor outcome in t-PA patients.
Considerations in the Selection of Global Climate Models for Regional Climate Projections: The Arctic as a Case Study*
Authors: Overland James E. , Wang Muyin , Bond Nicholas A. , Walsh John E. , Kattsov Vladimir M. , Chapman William L.
Published: April 2011

Climate projections at regional scales are in increased demand from management agencies and other stakeholders. While global atmosphere–ocean climate models provide credible quantitative estimates of future climate at continental scales and above, individual model performance varies for different regions, variables, and evaluation metrics—a less than satisfying situation. Using the high-latitude Northern Hemisphere as a focus, the authors assess strategies for providing regional projections based on global climate models. Starting with a set of model results obtained from an “ensemble of opportunity,” the core of this procedure is to retain a subset of models through comparisons of model simulations with observations at both continental and regional scales. The exercise is more one of model culling than model selection. The continental-scale evaluation is a check on the large-scale climate physics of the models, and the regional-scale evaluation emphasizes variables of ecological or societal relevance. An additional consideration is given to the comprehensiveness of processes included in the models. In many but not all applications, different results are obtained from a reduced set of models compared to relying on the simple mean of all available models. For example, in the Arctic the top-performing models tend to be more sensitive to greenhouse forcing than the poorer-performing models. Because of the mostly unexplained inconsistencies in model performance under different selection criteria, simple and transparent evaluation methods are favored. The use of a single model is not recommended. For some applications, no model may be able to provide a suitable regional projection. The use of model evaluation strategies, as opposed to relying on simple averages of ensembles of opportunity, should be part of future synthesis activities such as the upcoming Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Simulations of Contrail Optical Properties and Radiative Forcing for Various Crystal Shapes
Authors: Markowicz Krzysztof M. , Witek Marcin L.
Published: April 2011

The aim of this study is to investigate the sensitivity of radiative-forcing computations to various contrail crystal shape models. Contrail optical properties in the shortwave and longwave ranges are derived using a ray-tracing geometric method and the discrete dipole approximation method, respectively. Both methods present good correspondence of the single-scattering albedo and the asymmetry parameter in a transition range (3–8μm). There are substantial differences in single-scattering properties among 10 crystal models investigated here (e.g., hexagonal columns and plates with different aspect ratios, and spherical particles). The single-scattering albedo and the asymmetry parameter both vary by up to 0.1 among various crystal shapes. The computed single-scattering properties are incorporated in the moderate-resolution atmospheric radiance and transmittance model (MODTRAN) radiative transfer code to simulate solar and infrared fluxes at the top of the atmosphere. Particle shapes have a strong impact on the contrail radiative forcing in both the shortwave and longwave ranges. The differences in the net radiative forcing among optical models reach 50% with respect to the mean model value. The hexagonal-column and hexagonal-plate particles show the smallest net radiative forcing, and the largest forcing is obtained for the spheres. The balance between the shortwave forcing and longwave forcing is highly sensitive with respect to the assumed crystal shape and may even change the sign of the net forcing. The optical depth at which the mean diurnal radiative forcing changes sign from positive to negative varies from 4.5 to 10 for a surface albedo of 0.2 and from 2 to 6.5 for a surface albedo of 0.05. Contrails are probably never that optically thick (except for some aged contrail cirrus), however, and so will not have a cooling effect on climate.
Surface Fluctuations Associated with Tropical Cyclone Rainbands Observed near Taiwan during 2000–08
Authors: Yu Cheng-Ku , Chen Ying
Published: April 2011

With radar measurements and temporally high-resolution surface observations, this study investigates surface fluctuations associated with tropical cyclone rainbands (TCRs) observed in the vicinity of Taiwan during 2000–08. A total of 263 TCRs identified from 37 typhoon events during the study period were analyzed to show the mean and common nature of perturbations of various meteorological variables associated with the passage of TCRs.

The main patterns of surface thermodynamic fluctuations, as revealed from the composite analysis of all identified TCRs, include a persistent decrease in temperature, dewpoint temperature, and equivalent potential temperature θe from the outer to inner edge of the rainband. A wavelike variation of pressure perturbations associated with the rainband was evident, with a minimum coincident with the outer edge and a maximum located inside the inner edge. The kinematics of the rainband was characterized by an obvious decrease in cross-band wind component, relatively minor variations in along-band wind component, and the wind veering. Quantitative analyses indicate that the majority of the TCRs (~80%–90%) exhibited variations in surface temperature, pressure, wind speed, and wind direction less than 2°C, 1.5 mb, 5 m s−1, and 20°, respectively. However, a clear trend of the magnitude of TCR thermodynamic fluctuations increasing with the radial distance from the tropical cyclone center was observed.

The TCRs identified in this study were also classified into the outer and inner rainbands, which are distinguished by a radial distance of 3 times the radius of maximum wind. The composite and magnitude analyses of their surface fluctuations indicate that the outer rainbands had a higher potential than the inner rainbands to reduce the near-surface θe values. This observed characteristic is likely related to more pronounced evaporative cooling taking place in drier subcloud regions and the downward transport of low-θe air aloft by more vigorous convective downdrafts for the outer rainband. Fundamentally different features of surface pressure fluctuations and mean frictional vertical velocity and relative vorticity between the outer and inner rainbands were also documented. These results reflect a possibly different origin. Nevertheless, there was no dramatic difference in the pattern of kinematic fluctuations between the outer and inner rainbands, and their mean magnitudes were also found to be statistically identical, which suggests that there is not an entirely clear distinction of surface characteristics for these two types of rainbands.
Assimilation of GPS Radio Occultation Data for an Intense Atmospheric River with the NCEP Regional GSI System
Authors: Ma Zaizhong , Kuo Ying-Hwa , Ralph F. Martin , Neiman Paul J. , Wick Gary A. , Sukovich Ellen , Wang Bin
Published: April 2011

This paper uses a case study to explore the potential of Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) and Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) global positioning system (GPS) radio occultation (RO) satellite data over the eastern Pacific Ocean to improve analyses and mesoscale forecasts of landfalling atmospheric rivers (ARs) along the U.S. West Coast. The case study is from early November 2006 and was a very high-impact event in the Pacific Northwest where it created torrential rainfall and severe flooding. Recent studies have shown that the COSMIC data offshore have the ability to better define the vertical and horizontal structure of the strong AR. This paper extends the earlier work by assessing the impact of assimilating the COSMIC data into the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting (ARW-WRF) mesoscale numerical model (using a nested mode with 36-, 12-, and 4-km grid sizes) on a key 24-h forecast.

The data are assimilated using NCEP’s Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI), and impacts are evaluated using Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) satellite observations over the ocean and precipitation observations over land. The assimilation of GPS RO soundings made use of a local refractivity observation operator as well as an advanced nonlocal excess phase observation operator that considers the effects of atmospheric horizontal gradients. The results show that the assimilation of GPS RO soundings improved the moisture analysis for this AR event. This result supports conclusions from earlier observing systems simulation experiment (OSSE) studies, but in a real event. The use of a nonlocal excess phase observation operator can produce larger and more robust analysis increments. Although this is a single case study, the results are likely representative of the potential impacts of assimilating COSMIC data in other extreme AR and precipitation events and in other regions affected by landfalling ARs, for example, western Europe, western South America, and New Zealand.
A Stability Analysis of Divergence Damping on a Latitude–Longitude Grid
Authors: Whitehead Jared P. , Jablonowski Christiane , Rood Richard B. , Lauritzen Peter H.
Published: April 2011

The dynamical core of an atmospheric general circulation model is engineered to satisfy a delicate balance between numerical stability, computational cost, and an accurate representation of the equations of motion. It generally contains either explicitly added or inherent numerical diffusion mechanisms to control the buildup of energy or enstrophy at the smallest scales. The diffusion fosters computational stability and is sometimes also viewed as a substitute for unresolved subgrid-scale processes. A particular form of explicitly added diffusion is horizontal divergence damping.

In this paper a von Neumann stability analysis of horizontal divergence damping on a latitude–longitude grid is performed. Stability restrictions are derived for the damping coefficients of both second- and fourth-order divergence damping. The accuracy of the theoretical analysis is verified through the use of idealized dynamical core test cases that include the simulation of gravity waves and a baroclinic wave. The tests are applied to the finite-volume dynamical core of NCAR’s Community Atmosphere Model version 5 (CAM5). Investigation of the amplification factor for the divergence damping mechanisms explains how small-scale meridional waves found in a baroclinic wave test case are not eliminated by the damping.
Vertical Diabatic Heating Structure of the MJO: Intercomparison between Recent Reanalyses and TRMM Estimates
Authors: Jiang Xianan , Waliser Duane E. , Olson William S. , Tao Wei-Kuo , L’Ecuyer Tristan S. , Li King-Fai , Yung Yuk L. , Shige Shoichi , Lang Stephen , Takayabu Yukari N.
Published: April 2011

Capitalizing on recently released reanalysis datasets and diabatic heating estimates based on Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), the authors have conducted a composite analysis of vertical anomalous heating structures associated with the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). Because diabatic heating lies at the heart of prevailing MJO theories, the intention of this effort is to provide new insights into the fundamental physics of the MJO. However, some discrepancies in the composite vertical MJO heating profiles are noted among the datasets, particularly between three reanalyses and three TRMM estimates. A westward tilting with altitude in the vertical heating structure of the MJO is clearly evident during its eastward propagation based on three reanalysis datasets, which is particularly pronounced when the MJO migrates from the equatorial eastern Indian Ocean (EEIO) to the western Pacific (WP). In contrast, this vertical tilt in heating structure is not readily seen in the three TRMM products. Moreover, a transition from a shallow to deep heating structure associated with the MJO is clearly evident in a pressure–time plot over both the EEIO and WP in three reanalysis datasets. Although this vertical heating structure transition is detectable over the WP in two TRMM products, it is weakly defined in another dataset over the WP and in all three TRMM datasets over the EEIO.

The vertical structures of radiative heating QR associated with the MJO are also analyzed based on TRMM and two reanalysis datasets. A westward vertical tilt in QR is apparent in all these datasets: that is, the low-level QR is largely in phase of convection, whereas QR in the upper troposphere lags the maximum convection. The results also suggest a potentially important role of radiative heating for the MJO, particularly over the Indian Ocean. Caveats in heating estimates based on both the reanalysis datasets and TRMM are briefly discussed.
Americanization, Globalization, or Modernization of Electoral Campaigns? Testing the Situation in Spain
Authors: Xifra Jordi
Published: April 2011

In Spain, there is a great deal of talk about the phenomenon of the Americanization of politics, that is, the influence of the U.S. campaign model in Spain and on the different political campaigns held in its territory—national campaigns and campaigns to elect the parliaments of the 17 autonomous communities into which the country is divided politically. The differences between the electoral systems, and between the cultures and the societies, of the United States and Spain are evident, but there are some characteristics that show that they have increasingly more elements in common, attributable mainly to the American training of the Spanish spin doctors and to how the opportunities of the new mass media are leveraged. However, this article suggests that the debate on the Americanization of electoral campaigns in Spain is insufficient. It is essential to see how the political parties should adapt their communication processes and their rhetorical strategies to an ever-changing society where the weight of the media and new technologies is becoming increasingly greater. Society changes, it becomes modernized, and therefore, the way we reach it should also change, as has been seen in the latest electoral campaigns in Spanish territory. The subject of this study are the latest elections to the Spanish Parliament and to the Parliament of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia.
Kids These Days: Examining Differences in Political Uses and Gratifications, Internet Political Participation, Political Information Efficacy, and Cynicism on the Basis of Age
Authors: Weaver Lariscy Ruthann , Tinkham Spencer F. , Sweetser Kaye D.
Published: April 2011

Using a telephone survey of randomly selected voters from the general population, the authors sought to understand the interrelatedness of the use of the Internet as a political information source with perception of political participation, political information efficacy, and cynicism. Guided by the uses and gratifications theory and employing the Political Media Gratifications Scale, the authors examine these constructs in terms of emergent generational differences. Findings indicate that digital natives differ from their older voting counterparts, and the researchers conclude more research must investigate further to accurate determine meaning.
Outcomes of Intravascular Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Drug-Eluting Stents Versus Bare Metal Stents for Acute Coronary Syndrome in Octogenarians
Authors: Maekawa Yuichiro , Kawamura Akio , Yuasa Shinsuke , Ohno Yohei , Arai Takahide , Numasawa Yohei , Endo Ayaka , Fukuda Keiichi
Published: April 2011

The number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) performed for octogenarians with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) continue to increase. The short- and long-term outcomes of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided PCI with drug-eluting stents (DES) or bare metal stents (BMS) for ACS in octogenarians, however, remain largely unknown. We analyzed clinical outcomes of octogenarians undergoing IVUS-guided PCI for ACS with either DES or BMS. During the study period, a total of 776 patients with ACS underwent IVUS-guided PCI and 75 of them were octogenarians. In-hospital mortality tended to be lower in the DES group than in the BMS group. Between 6 months and 1 year of follow up, treatment with DES compared with BMS tended to result in fewer target lesion revascularizations. Major adverse cardiac events were similar between patients receiving DES and BMS. In octogenarians with ACS treated with IVUS-guided PCI, DES appears as safe as BMS, providing similar short- and long-term outcomes.
A Diet Rich in Monounsaturated Fatty Acids Improves the Lipid Profile of Mice Previously on a Diet Rich in Saturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Arapostathi Christina , Tzanetakou Irene P. , Kokkinos Alexander D. , Tentolouris Nicholas K. , Vlachos Ioannis S. , Donta Ismini A. , Perrea Kalliopi N. , Perrea Despina N. , Katsilambros Nicholaos L.
Published: April 2011

This study investigated whether switching from a diet rich in saturated fatty acids (SAFAs) to a diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) or to one with equal amounts of MUFAs-SAFAs favorably affects the lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic mice. C57BL/6 mice (n = 82) were allocated into 4 groups. The first group (control, n = 10) was fed standard chow. The 3 remaining groups (n = 24 mice/group) were fed a SAFA-rich diet for 8 weeks and were then allocated for 16 weeks to either a MUFA-rich diet, an equal in MUFAs-SAFAs-rich diet, or continued the previous SAFA-rich diet. After 8 weeks, mice consuming SAFA-rich diet had increased weight, total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels ( P < .05 vs baseline). At week 24, MUFA-rich and MUFA-SAFA rich diets decreased TC and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels ( P < .05) compared with week 8. In conclusion, switching to MUFA-rich diets or substituting half of the SAFAs with MUFAs can reverse diet-induced-hypercholesterolemia.
Methodological Issues in the Quantitative Assessment of Quality of Life
Authors: Panagiotakos Demosthenes B. , Yfantopoulos John N.
Published: April 2011

The term quality of life can be identified in Aristotle's classical writings of 330 BC. In his Nichomachian ethics he recognises the multiple relationships between happiness, well-being, “eudemonia” and quality of life. Historically the concept of quality of life has undergone various interpretations. It involves personal experience, perceptions and beliefs, attitudes concerning philosophical, cultural, spiritual, psychological, political, and financial aspects of everyday living. Quality of life has been extensively used both as an outcome and an explanatory factor in relation to human health, in various clinical trials, epidemiologic studies and health interview surveys. Because of the variations in the definition of quality of life, both in theory and in practice, there are also a wide range of procedures that are used to assess quality of life. In this paper several methodological issues regarding the tools used to evaluate quality of life is discussed. In summary, the use of components consisted of large number of classes, as well as the use of specific weights for each scale component, and the low-to-moderate inter-correlation level between the components, is evident from simulated and empirical studies.
Gender Differences in the Prevalence and Management of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Nael Raha , Montgomery Polly S. , Scott Kristy J. , Blevins Steve M. , Gardner Andrew W.
Published: April 2011

We compared the prevalence and management of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in men and women with peripheral artery disease (PAD). A total of 70 men and 70 women with PAD were evaluated for presence of MetS. There was no significant gender difference in presence of MetS ( P = .399) and the number of MetS components ( P = .411). Among PAD patients with each MetS component, there was no significant gender difference in the use ( P = .617) and number ( P = .716) of blood pressure medications, the use ( P = .593) and number ( P = .591) of lipid-lowering medications, and the number ( P = .155) of diabetic medications. Significantly more women were treated with diabetic medications compared with men (85 vs 57%, P = .026). The prevalence and management of MetS and its components was similar between men and women with PAD, except that more women were treated for diabetes. Patients with PAD having MetS did not receive optimal medical management.
The prostate exam
Authors: Romero Frederico R , Romero Antonio W , Filho Thadeu Brenny , Kulysz David , Oliveira Fernando C , Filho Renato Tambara
Published: April 2011

Objective: To help students, residents, and general practitioners to improve the technique, skills, and reproducibility of their prostate examination.

Methods: We developed a comprehensive guideline outlining prostate anatomy, indications, patient preparation, positioning, technique, findings, and limitations of this ancient art of urological evaluation.

Results: The prostate exam was the first diagnostic test used for prostate cancer screening and other urological conditions. Although several alternative procedures have been developed in the past century, the prostate exam is still an important part of genital–pelvic evaluation because of its simplicity, cost and time effectiveness, and relatively minimal patient discomfort experienced.

Conclusion: With an aging population and increasing incidence of prostate diseases, it is imperative that healthcare professionals possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to make the prostate exam a routine part of a complete physical examination.
Planning a dental workforce for the future for the National Health Service in the United Kingdom: What factors should be accounted for?
Authors: Brocklehurst Paul , Tickle Martin
Published: April 2011

Background: The two most common models of workforce planning are the ‘stock and flow’ and the demographic approach. The former balances future losses from a system against recruitment and retention, whilst the latter simply ‘grosses up’ current provision based on changes to population demographics. However, such approaches ignore the impact of improving health and can confuse demand with population need. On the supply side, they also assume that there will be no changes to working practice in respect of service levels and service delivery, or any improvements in medical technology. This paper aims to examine the complex interactions between these factors in order to take a more considered approach to workforce planning in dentistry.
Income-related Inequalities in Dental Service Utilization by Europeans Aged 50+
Authors: Listl S.
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this study was to describe income-related inequalities in dental service utilization by the elderly populations residing in different European countries. We used data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE Wave 2), which contains information on utilization of dental services by 33,358 individuals aged 50+ years from 14 different countries. We assessed income-related inequalities in dental attendance and preventive and/or operative dental treatment by means of Concentration Indices (CI) and Slope Indices of Inequality (SII). We could identify a disproportionate concentration of access to treatment among the rich elderly populations in all 14 countries (relative inequality according to CI), as well as significantly higher access to treatment by individuals located in the highest in relation to the lowest income group for all countries except Italy and the Czech Republic (absolute inequality according to SII). Such differential utilization appears mainly attributable to inequalities in preventive dental visits, either alone or in combination with operative treatment. Persons’ oral health status explains substantial proportions of absolute but not of relative inequalities. Overall, there is considerable income-related inequality in dental service utilization by several elderly populations residing in Europe. More research is needed to identify the exact causes of such disparities.
Income Inequality and Tooth Loss in the United States
Authors: Bernabé E. , Marcenes W.
Published: April 2011

This study explored the relationship between state income inequality and individual tooth loss among 386,629 adults in the United States who participated in the 2008 Behavioral and Risk Factor Surveillance System. Multilevel models were used to test the association of the state Gini coefficient with tooth loss after sequential adjustment for state- (median household income) and individual-level confounders (sex, age, race, education, and household income), as well as state- (percent receiving fluoridated water and dentist-to-population ratio) and individual-level mediators (marital status and last dental visit). The state Gini coefficient was significantly associated with tooth loss even after adjustment for state- and individual-level confounders and potential mediators (Odds Ratio, 1.17; 95% Confidence Interval, 1.05 to 1.30). This study provides support for the relationship between state income inequality and individual tooth loss in the United States.
Combined Administration of Quinidine and Propafenone for Atrial Fibrillation: The CAQ‐PAF Study
Authors: O'Hara Gilles E. , Philippon François , Gilbert Marcel , Champagne Jean , Michaud Véronique , Charbonneau Lyne , Pruneau Guylaine , Hamelin Bettina A. , Geelen Peter , Turgeon Jacques
Published: April 2011

Propafenone and its 5‐hydroxy metabolite exhibit different electrophysiological properties. Objectives of the CAQ‐PAF study were (1) to develop a strategy favoring propafenone instead of 5‐hydroxypropafenone in plasma following oral administration of propafenone and (2) to evaluate the potential of low‐dose quinidine to chronically inhibit CYP2D6. Patients (n = 102) with atrial fibrillation received propafenone 150 mg 3 times daily with either quinidine 100 mg twice daily or placebo. Throughout the study (follow‐up, 199 ± 155 days), quinidine successfully inhibited CYP2D6: propafenone concentrations were 3 times higher in patients receiving quinidine (1033 ± 611 ng/mL vs 328 ± 229 ng/mL; P < .001). Moreover, 80% (n = 10) of patients with propafenone levels greater than 1500 ng/mL were in sinus rhythm at 1 year. In contrast, recurrence of atrial fibrillation occurred in 22 of 23 patients with propafenone levels less than 1000 ng/mL (P < .0001). Thus, chronic inhibition of CYP2D6 is achievable with low‐dose quinidine in humans. Increased plasma levels of propafenone may be highly beneficial to prevent recurrence of atrial fibrillation.
Predictors of Outcome of a Parenting Group Curriculum: A Pilot Study
Authors: Parent Justin , Forehand Rex L. , Merchant Mary Jane , Long Nicholas , Jones Deborah J.
Published: April 2011

One pressing issue facing parenting interventions for disruptive behaviors of young children is forecasting who will benefit from participation. The purpose of this study was to examine four personal and interpersonal predictors (i.e., parent depressive symptoms, parent education, coparent conflict, and marital status) of engagement (i.e., number of sessions attended) in and child outcome (i.e., problematic behavior) of a parenting group curriculum program targeting young children’s disruptive behaviors. Participants were 39 parents (34 mothers and 5 fathers; M = 38.6 years) who expressed an interest in improving the behavior of their 3- to 6-year-old child (19 females and 20 males; M = 4.50 years). Findings indicated that one baseline personal variable, parent depressive symptoms, predicted change in child disruptive behavior at follow-up, and two baseline interpersonal variables, marital status and coparent conflict, predicted engagement in treatment (i.e., number of sessions attended). Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Behavioral Activation for the Treatment of Atypical Depression: A Pilot Open Trial
Authors: Weinstock Lauren M. , Munroe Mary K. , Miller Ivan W.
Published: April 2011

Psychosocial interventions for atypical depression (AD) have been relatively ignored in the clinical research literature, despite evidence that the atypical subtype of major depression is marked by earlier age of onset, longer duration of mood episode, greater symptom severity, and poorer response to pharmacologic treatment. Given the symptom profile of AD, which is characterized by mood reactivity, psychomotor slowing, and interpersonal withdrawal, the authors argue that a behavioral activation (BA) intervention may be particularly well suited to this population. As an initial exploration of this hypothesis, the current study presents preliminary outcome data from 10 outpatients with AD who participated in an open pilot trial of BA over a 16-week period. Overall, results provide encouraging preliminary support for the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of BA for AD, with significant reductions in depressive symptoms and associated improvements in functional impairment and BA level. Study results are discussed in the context of existing treatments for AD, and areas for future treatment development are highlighted.
Influence of Adding Pyrroloquinoline Quinone to Parenteral Nutrition on Gut‐Associated Lymphoid Tissue
Authors: Omata Jiro , Fukatsu Kazuhiko , Murakoshi Satoshi , Moriya Tomoyuki , Ueno Chikara , Maeshima Yoshinori , Okamoto Koichi , Saitoh Daizoh , Yamamoto Junji , Hase Kazuo
Published: April 2011

Background: Experimental intravenous (IV) parenteral nutrition (PN) diminishes gut‐associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) cell number and function. PN solution cannot maintain GALT at the same level as a normal diet, even when delivered intragastrically (IG). Previous studies demonstrated pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)–deficient mice to be less immunologically responsive. Because standard (STD) PN solution lacks PQQ, PQQ supplementation may prevent PN‐induced GALT changes. This study was designed to determine the influence of adding PQQ to PN on GALT. Methods: In experiment 1, mice (n = 32) were randomized to chow, IV‐STD‐PN, and IV‐PQQ‐PN groups. The chow group was fed chow with the same caloric content as PN. The IV‐STD‐PN group received STD‐PN solution, whereas the IV‐PQQ‐PN group was given PQQ (3 mcg/d)–enriched PN by the IV route. After 5 days of feeding, lymphocytes were isolated from the Peyer's patch (PPs), intraepithelial space (IE), and lamina propria (LP) of the small intestine. GALT lymphocyte number and phenotype (αβTCR+, γδTCR+, CD4+, CD8+, B220+ cells) and intestinal immunoglobulin A (IgA) level were determined. In experiment 2, mice (n = 28) were randomized to IG‐STD‐PN or IG‐PQQ‐PN group. After IG nutrition supports, GALT mass and function were determined as in experiment 1. Results: The IV‐PQQ‐PN group showed increased PP lymphocyte number and PP CD8+ cell number compared with the IV‐STD PN group. The IG‐PQQ‐PN group had significantly greater PP lymphocyte number and PP CD4+ cell numbers than the IG‐STD‐PN group. Neither IV nor IG PQQ treatment raised IgA level. Conclusions: PQQ added to PN partly restores GALT mass, although its effects on GALT function remain unclear.
Instructional, Transformational, and Managerial Leadership and Student Achievement: High School Principals Make a Difference
Authors: Valentine Jerry W. , Prater Mike
Published: April 2011

This statewide study examined the relationships between principal managerial, instructional, and transformational leadership and student achievement in public high schools. Differences in student achievement were found when schools were grouped according to principal leadership factors. Principal leadership behaviors promoting instructional and curriculum improvement were linked to achievement. Within transformational leadership, the principal’s ability to identify a vision and provide an appropriate model had the greatest relationship to achievement. Principal educational level also positively correlated with each leadership factor.
Aloys Sprenger
Authors: Minault Gail
Published: April 2011

Aloys Sprenger (1813–1893) was an Austrian scholar with a medical degree who joined the British East India Company’s medical service in order to pursue in India his real passion, the study of oriental literatures. He became the Principal of Delhi College in 1845, and presided over an experiment in learning at Delhi College, an institution that taught both eastern and western literatures and sciences through the medium of Urdu. The college attempted to bring about a creative synthesis of the two curricula, via an active programme of translation and publication. Sprenger helped launch a series of scholarly journals published by the college, thus contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and the nurturing of a group of students and faculty with whom he maintained an active correspondence after leaving the college. This collection of letters has not been adequately evaluated earlier as an indication of the collaboration between western and Indian intellectuals in the period before the revolt of 1857. Most accounts of Sprenger’s contributions to Delhi College have been laudatory. There was, however, a darker side to Sprenger’s stewardship that deserves elucidation. Based on archival research, the present article seeks to evaluate Sprenger’s ambiguous intellectual legacy to Delhi College and to the evolution of education in British India.1
Schooling the Muslim Nation
Authors: Sevea Iqbal Singh
Published: April 2011

This article examines Muhammad Iqbal’s critique of contemporary approaches towards Muslim education. In his writings, poetic and prose, Iqbal took on both the traditional religious authorities who administered the Madrasas and the modernists associated with the Aligarh College for failing to provide an education that was true to the ‘national character’ and to develop a synthesis of Islamic and western knowledge. While the former were criticised for ignoring modern intellectual developments, the latter were attacked for being intellectually captive to the West. At a broader level, this article employs Iqbal as a foil to debates over the empowering potential of western education. Iqbal’s views are examined against the background of attempts by Muslim intel-lectuals to negotiate between the adoption of a universal modern education and the development of an educational system that kept Muslims grounded in Islam and their ‘national character’. These negotiations took on a number of shapes, pedagogical and polemical as well as theological.
Legal issues for information professionals X: Legal issues associated with cloud computing
Authors: Oppenheim Charles
Published: April 2011

This article identifies some legal problems that can arise in the use of cloud computing services. Despite the exciting opportunities that cloud computing offers to individuals and organizations, care must be taken not to minimize potential legal problems. These potential problems and possible ways forward are identified. Readers are strongly urged to negotiate carefully any contracts offered by cloud computer services, and not to accept them as is, because, without detailed scrutiny, they may well be breaking the law and are certainly taking significant risks with the information they provide to the cloud service.
Designing and deploying a ‘compact’ crowdsourcing infrastructure: A case study
Authors: Bojin Nis , Shaw Christopher D. , Toner Matthew
Published: April 2011

The Web 2.0 phenomenon of ‘crowdsourcing’ is now an accepted means of enabling ‘democratic’ content creation and the validation and authorization of content online. However, the technical implementation of crowdsourcing systems is not without its challenges. Systems designed to accommodate extremely large crowds are easier to equip with techniques that exploit the signal to noise ratio to derive useful output. For smaller groups it is often less a matter of filtering out noise and more a matter of filtering out single voices clamouring to dominate discussion through barnstorming tactics or system circumvention. This article discusses and analyses a case study focused on the design and deployment of a ‘compact’ crowdsourcing infrastructure, a design specifically intended to subvert and overcome the shortcomings of applying well-proven large-scale collaborative methods to a recognizably smaller group.
Male and Female Juveniles Arrested for Murder
Authors: Heide Kathleen M. , Roe-Sepowitz Dominique , Solomon Eldra P. , Chan Heng Choon (Oliver)
Published: April 2011

Murders committed by juveniles remain a serious concern in the United States. Most studies on juvenile homicide offenders (JHOs) have used small samples and have concentrated on male offenders. As a result, little is known about female JHOs and how they differ from their male counterparts on a national level. This study utilized the Supplementary Homicide Report (SHR) database to examine more than 40,000 murders committed by male and female juvenile offenders from 1976 to 2005. This research effort, the most expansive to date, replicated previous findings with respect to gender differences using bivariate and multivariate analyses. As predicted, six variables used to test eight hypotheses with respect to male and female JHOs in single-victim incidents were significant (victim age, victim–offender relationship, murder weapon, offender count, victim gender, and homicide circumstance). Regression analysis revealed that all variables remained significant when entered into the model. This article concludes with a discussion of our findings and directions for future research.
Geographies of production II
Authors: Coe Neil M.
Published: April 2011

In this report, I use the organizing device of the A–Z to present a critical review of recent work under the banner of global production networks (GPN). The report positions GPN analysis in its broader intellectual context, profiles its distinctive contributions, and details a range of challenges that remain to effective economic-geographical theorizations of globalization dynamics and their impacts.
Visual and auditory perceptual rivalry in migraine
Authors: McKendrick Allison M , Battista Josephine , Snyder Joel S , Carter Olivia L
Published: April 2011

Introduction: Recent evidence demonstrates that perceptual rivalry rate can be modulated by perturbation of the serotonergic system. Specifically, pharmacologically lowering the availability of serotonin results in slower rivalry rates. As it has been suggested that brain serotonin is low during the interictal phase of migraine, we hypothesized that perceptual rivalry rates would be reduced in individuals with migraine.

Methods: Visual and auditory perceptual rivalry measures were obtained for a group of 30 participants with migraine (15 migraine with aura, 15 migraine without aura) and 20 non-headache control individuals.

Results: Our experiments reveal fewer perceptual rivalry switches within both visual and auditory domains for our migraine without aura group, while the with-aura group performed similarly to non-headache controls. Dividing the data by headache frequency rather than headache subtype classification revealed fewer perceptual switches in those with more frequent headaches.

Conclusions: Our data provides further support for interictal differences in brain sensory reactivity in migraine, with the observed effects being in the same direction as those caused by pharmacologically reducing brain availability of serotonin in normal observers.
Family Correlates of Adjustment Profiles in Mexican-Origin Female Adolescents
Authors: Bámaca-Colbert Mayra Y. , Gayles Jochebed G. , Lara Rebecca
Published: April 2011

This study used a person-centered approach to examine patterns of adjustment along psychological (i.e., depression, self-esteem, anxiety) and academic (i.e., academic motivation) domains in a sample ( N = 338) of Mexican-origin female adolescents. Four adjustment profiles were identified. A High Functioning ( n = 173) group, which exhibited high positive adjustment and academic functioning, an Average Functioning ( n = 83) group, which exhibited average psychological and academic functioning, an Academically Oriented and Stressed ( n = 19) group, which exhibited high academic motivation, but poor psychological functioning in anxiety and negative affect, and a Low Functioning ( n = 25) group, which exhibited poor adjustment overall. Further, paternal and maternal parenting characteristics (i.e., autonomy granting, parent—adolescent conflict, and supportive parenting) were differentially related to Mexican-origin female adolescents’ profiles, providing further evidence for the existence of the profiles. Results contribute to the current literature on Latino adolescents and highlight the importance of examining psychological and academic domains concurrently to determine how these two domains of adjustment are linked among this population.