bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methods for Estimating Subgroup Effects in Cost-Effectiveness Analyses That Use Observational Data
Authors: Kreif Noemi , Grieve Richard , Radice Rosalba , Sadique Zia , Ramsahai Roland , Sekhon Jasjeet S.
Published: June 2012

Decision makers require cost-effectiveness estimates for patient subgroups. In nonrandomized studies, propensity score (PS) matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) can address overt selection bias, but only if they balance observed covariates between treatment groups. Genetic matching (GM) matches on the PS and individual covariates using an automated search algorithm to directly balance baseline covariates. This article compares these methods for estimating subgroup effects in cost-effectiveness analyses (CEA). The motivating case study is a CEA of a pharmaceutical intervention, drotrecogin alfa (DrotAA), for patient subgroups with severe sepsis ( n = 2726). Here, GM reported better covariate balance than PS matching and IPTW. For the subgroup at a high level of baseline risk, the probability that DrotAA was cost-effective ranged from 30% (IPTW) to 90% (PS matching and GM), at a threshold of £20 000 per quality-adjusted life-year. We then compared the methods in a simulation study, in which initially the PS was correctly specified and then misspecified, for example, by ignoring the subgroup-specific treatment assignment. Relative performance was assessed as bias and root mean squared error (RMSE) in the estimated incremental net benefits. When the PS was correctly specified and inverse probability weights were stable, each method performed well; IPTW reported the lowest RMSE. When the subgroup-specific treatment assignment was ignored, PS matching and IPTW reported covariate imbalance and bias; GM reported better balance, less bias, and more precise estimates. We conclude that if the PS is correctly specified and the weights for IPTW are stable, each method can provide unbiased cost-effectiveness estimates. However, unlike IPTW and PS matching, GM is relatively robust to PS misspecification.
Naturally Acquired Visceral Leishmaniosis in a Captive Bennett’s Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus)
Authors: Ramírez G. A. , Peñafiel-Verdú C. , Altimira J. , García-González B. , Vilafranca M.
Published: June 2012

A high prevalence of leishmaniosis has been reported from an increasing number of domestic and wild mammals around the world. In Australian macropods, Leishmania spp infection has been occasionally described in its cutaneous form only. The purpose of this report is to present a case of fatal visceral leishmaniosis in a captive Bennett’s wallaby in Madrid, Spain, which was investigated by detailed macroscopic, histologic, and immunohistochemical examinations.
Current State of Knowledge on Porcine Circovirus Type 2-Associated Lesions
Authors: Opriessnig T. , Langohr I.
Published: June 2012

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), a small single-stranded DNA virus, was initially discovered in 1998 and is highly prevalent in the domestic pig population. Disease manifestations associated with PCV2 include postweaning multisystemic wasting disease (PMWS), enteric disease, respiratory disease, porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS), and reproductive failure. Although these clinical manifestations involve different organ systems, there is considerable overlap in clinical expression of disease and presence of lesions between pigs and within herds. It is now widely accepted that PCV2 can be further subdivided into different types, of which PCV2a and PCV2b are present worldwide and of greatest importance. This review will focus on PCV2-associated lesions in different organ systems.
Law’s performativities: Shaping the emergence of regenerative medicine through European Union legislation
Authors: Faulkner Alex
Published: June 2012

The paper undertakes a textual and documentary analysis of the Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products Regulation, which was passed into law in the European Union (EU) in 2007. This law is significant for the development of regenerative medicine in the EU and globally. Regulatory texts such as this one provide significant material for addressing key concerns in recent theorising about innovative technologies in socio-legal studies, innovation studies, and science and technology studies. These concerns include expectations about future technologies and economic sector-building. By revisiting philosopher J.L. Austin’s well-known work on How to Do Things with Words, this paper deploys his concepts of performative utterances to inform its analysis. Pursuing Austin’s and later commentators’ analysis of performatives in language use, and drawing on Lindsay Prior’s application of actor-network theory to documents, the analysis shows two different types of performativity at work in and through the document. These are termed ‘generative’ and ‘enactive’ performativity. The ‘enactive’ type includes ‘legislative’ and ‘social’ forms. In addition, a more conventional content analysis reveals a range of actions, both legislative and discursive, in the regulatory document. The analysis shows a tension between standardisation and imprecision in the conceptual detailing of the document. Legislative texts produced through established politico-legal conventions are a special class of document that should be accorded a more prominent place in understanding the role of political governance processes in shaping emergent technoscientific fields and sectors.
Clinical Comparison of the Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System and Subchondral Drilling in Osteochondral Defects of the First Metatarsal Head
Authors: Kim Yong Sang , Park Eui Hyun , Lee Ho Jin , Koh Yong Gon , Lee Jin Woo
Published: June 2012

Background:

Osteochondral defects of the first metatarsal head can deteriorate to osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint if left untreated. Treatment options for osteochondral defects of the first metatarsal head vary widely.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical outcomes of the osteochondral autograft transfer system with those of subchondral drilling for the treatment of osteochondral defects of the first metatarsal head.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively evaluated 24 cases of osteochondral defects of the first metatarsal head treated operatively; 14 patients underwent subchondral drilling (group A), while 10 were treated with the osteochondral autograft transfer system (group B). The association of variables of osteochondral defects with clinical outcomes was assessed in each group. Clinical outcomes were evaluated according to a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale, and the Roles and Maudsley score. The Tegner activity scale and an activity rating scale were used to determine the activity levels.

Results:

The mean VAS score in both groups was significantly improved (from 6.9 ± 0.9 to 3.9 ± 1.3 in group A and from 7.4 ± 0.8 to 3.4 ± 1.2 in group B; P < .05). No difference was noted between the 2 groups at final follow-up ( P = .651). The mean AOFAS score in both groups was significantly improved (from 62.9 ± 5.8 to 73.2 ± 8.2 in group A and from 65.0 ± 4.1 to 81.5 ± 5.8 in group B; P < .05). There was a significant difference in mean AOFAS score between the 2 groups at final follow-up ( P = .032). Large defect size (≥50 mm2) and the existence of a subchondral cyst were significant predictors of unsatisfactory clinical outcomes in group A ( P = .047 and P = .019, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed a defect size larger than 50 mm2 was associated with significantly worse outcomes on the last follow-up VAS and AOFAS scores in group A ( P = .005 for VAS and P = .006 for AOFAS). There was no association of defect size and subchondral cyst with clinical outcomes in group B ( P > .05). No association was found between location of the defect area and clinical outcome in either group.

Conclusion:

For osteochondral defects larger than 50 mm2 or when a subchondral cyst exists, the osteochondral autograft transfer system could potentially be used as a treatment of choice for osteochondral defects of the first metatarsal head to restore functionality of the metatarsophalangeal joint.
Recent Legal Developments
Authors: Robertson James E.
Published: June 2012

This annual survey examines important prisoners' rights cases decided by the U.S. Courts of Appeals during 2011. These cases addressed constitutional questions about inmate-on-inmate violence, lockdowns, delayed medical care, custodial suicide, gender identity disorder, excessive staff force, unsolicited mail, religious dress and diets, impermissible staff retaliation, cross-gender searches, and procedural due process. In addressing these constitutional questions, the U.S. Courts of Appeal created new law and/or applied clearly established law. Because the U.S. Supreme Court will only rarely grant certiorari to appellants, the U.S. Courts of Appeals remain the de facto courts of last resort for all but a few prisoners who challenge the constitutionality of the manner of their confinement.
It Is Not Always Black and White
Authors: Boggess Lyndsay N.
Published: June 2012

Criminological research has consistently found evidence that residential instability leads to increases in violent crime, but little research assesses whether a specific type of residential turnover—racial and ethnic succession—impacts who is involved in the violent crime event. The purpose of this study is to investigate the consequences of Black to Latino transition in a disadvantaged area of Los Angeles and, importantly, to examine the impact of racial change on intragroup and intergroup youth violence. The author utilizes structural equation modeling to estimate a series of four simultaneous equations testing the rates of Black on Black, Black on Latino, Latino on Latino, and Latino on Black-aggravated assaults and robberies between 2000 and 2006. Since many theories of intergroup violence cite the economic differential between groups as a motivating factor, the author incorporates the ratio of Black to Latino median household income as a predicative factor. The author finds some evidence that racial/ethnic change leads to increased violence, but only for within-group robberies, and that racial/ethnic change is not a significant predictor of intergroup violence. Contrary to theoretical expectation, income inequality is not a significant predictor of changes in intergroup violence.
Autologous bone marrow derived mononuclear cells combined with β-tricalcium phosphate and absorbable atelocollagen for a treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst of the humerus in child
Authors: Bulgin Dmitry , Irha Ernest , Hodzic Enes , Nemec Boris
Published: June 2012

Aneurysmal bone cyst is a benign, locally destructive lesion of bone. Based on progressive cortical thinning pathological fractures are common, and are often the presenting feature. Despite the long experience of orthopaedists, radiologists and pathologists with aneurysmal bone cyst there is limited knowledge regarding the cause of the lesion and optimal treatment. Common methods of treatment vary considerably in the literature, particularly in children. A large variety of bone substitutes have been used to fill the cystic lesions. To date there has been no graft material which can be regarded as completely satisfactory. Our experience with freshly isolated autologous bone marrow derived mononuclear cells combined with β-tricalcium phosphate and absorbable atelocollagen for bone formation is presented. The concept of this treatment is based on stimulation of natural events continuously present in living bone appear to be a reasonable and beneficial alternative to promote healing of bone cysts and offering both osteoinduction and osteoconductive features.
Electrophysiological Evidence for the Understanding of Maternal Speech by 9-Month-Old Infants
Authors: Parise Eugenio , Csibra Gergely
Published: June 2012

Early word learning in infants relies on statistical, prosodic, and social cues that support speech segmentation and the attachment of meaning to words. It is debated whether such early word knowledge represents mere associations between sound patterns and visual object features, or reflects referential understanding of words. By measuring an event-related brain potential component known as the N400, we demonstrated that 9-month-old infants can detect the mismatch between an object appearing from behind an occluder and a preceding label with which their mother introduces it. Differential N400 amplitudes have been shown to reflect semantic priming in adults, and its absence in infants has been interpreted as a sign of associative word learning. By setting up a live communicative situation for referring to objects, we demonstrated that a similar priming effect also occurs in young infants. This finding may indicate that word meaning is referential from the outset of word learning and that referential expectation drives, rather than results from, vocabulary acquisition in humans.
It’s Only a Matter of Time
Authors: Wade-Benzoni Kimberly A. , Tost Leigh Plunkett , Hernandez Morela , Larrick Richard P.
Published: June 2012

Intergenerational decisions affect other people in the future. The combination of intertemporal and interpersonal distance between decision makers in the present and other people in the future may lead one to expect little intergenerational generosity. In the experiments reported here, however, we posited that the negative effect of intertemporal distance on intergenerational beneficence would be reversed when people were primed with thoughts of death. This reversal would occur because death priming leads individuals to be concerned with having a lasting impact on other people in the future. Our experiments show that when individuals are exposed to death priming, the expected tendency to allocate fewer resources to others in the future, as compared with others in the present, is reversed. Our findings suggest that legacy motivations triggered by death priming can trump intergenerational discounting tendencies and promote intergenerational beneficence.
Iranian intensive care unit nurses’ moral distress
Authors: Shorideh Foroozan Atashzadeh , Ashktorab Tahereh , Yaghmaei Farideh
Published: June 2012

Researchers have identified the phenomena of moral distress through many studies in Western countries. This research reports the first study of moral distress in Iran. Because of the differences in cultural values and nursing education, nurses working in intensive care units may experience moral distress differently than reported in previous studies. This research used a qualitative method involving semistructured and in-depth interviews of a purposive sample of 31 (28 clinical nurses and 3 nurse educators) individuals to identify the types of moral distress among clinical nurses and nurse educators working in 12 cities in Iran. A content analysis of the data produced four themes to describe the nurses’ moral distress. The four themes were as follows: (a) institutional barriers and constraints; (b) communication problems; (c) futile actions, malpractice, and medical/care errors; (d) inappropriate responsibilities, resources, and competencies. The results demonstrate that moral distress for intensive care unit nurses is different and that the nursing leaders must reduce moral distress among nursing in intensive care.
Sports-based interventions for socially vulnerable youth: Towards well-defined interventions with easy-to-follow outcomes?
Authors: Haudenhuyse Reinhard , Theeboom Marc , Nols Zeno
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we critically examine the burgeoning scientific discourse about sports-based interventions for socially vulnerable or disadvantaged youth from a socio-pedagogical perspective. It is argued that the call for more well-defined sports-based social interventions with easier-to-follow outcomes may be at odds with the open-ended philosophy that is viewed as a fundamental principle when engaging with socially vulnerable youth in a leisure context (Smith, 2003), and could potentially undermine the effectiveness and value of such practices for young people. We examine the question if supporting young people in social vulnerable situations will be best served with well-defined sports-based interventions with easy-to-follow outcomes. We argue that if outcomes are to be formulated or analysed, such outcomes need to go beyond narrow conceptions of individual development, and need to be defined in consultation with young people. Adopting a socio-pedagogical perspective, we have proposed an alternative way to define (and evaluate) outcomes, in consultation with young people, in terms of biographical, institutional and political competences. Furthermore, it is argued that there is an acute need for re-socialising sports research regarding social interventions for socially vulnerable groups, and in particular youth.
Tapping their Patients’ Problems Away?
Authors: Gaudiano Brandon A. , Brown Lily A. , Miller Ivan W.
Published: June 2012

Objective:  The objective was to learn about the characteristics of psychotherapists who use energy meridian techniques (EMTs). Methods: We conducted an Internet-based survey of the practices and attitudes of licensed psychotherapists. Results: Of 149 survey respondents (21.4% social workers), 42.3% reported that they frequently use or are inclined to use EMTs. EMT therapists reported higher use of a number of techniques from different theoretical orientations, reliance on intuition in decision making, positive attitudes toward complementary and alternative treatments, erroneous health beliefs, and importance placed on the intuitive appeal of evidence-based treatments. EMT therapists also had lower scores on a test of critical thinking. Conclusions:  Results suggest that a number of characteristics differentiate therapists who are inclined to use EMTs, which can aid in future educational efforts.
Empirically Supported Treatment’s Impact on Organizational Culture and Climate
Authors: Wolf David A. Patterson-Silver , Dulmus Catherine N. , Maguin Eugene
Published: June 2012

Objectives: With the continued push to implement empirically supported treatments (ESTs) into community-based organizations, it is important to investigate whether working condition disruptions occur during this process. While there are many studies investigating best practices and how to adopt them, the literature lacks studies investigating the working conditions in programs that currently use ESTs. Method: This study compared the culture and climate scores of a large organization’s programs that use ESTs and those programs indicating no EST usage. Results: Of the total 55 different programs (1,273 frontline workers), 27 programs used ESTs. Results indicate that the programs offering an EST had significantly more rigid and resistant cultures, compared to those without any ESTs. In regard to climate, programs offering an EST were significantly less engaged, less functional, and more stressed. Conclusion: Outcomes indicate a significant disruption in organizational culture and climate for programs offering ESTs.
Signet-Ring-Cell Carcinoma of Stomach Metastatic to the Bladder
Authors: Vigliar Elena , Marino Gilda , Matano Elide , Imbimbo Ciro , Rossella De Cecio , Insabato Luigi
Published: June 2012

Background. Bladder involvement by a secondary tumor is fairly rare and an uncommon source of bladder metastasis is the stomach. Case report. The authors report a case of a 38-year-old man with a bladder metastasis from a gastric signet-ring-cell (SRC) adenocarcinoma who presented with ematuria. The clinical history and the presence of SRCs in the voided urinary cytology and histologically in the suburothelial connective, with an overlying intact urothelium suggested a diagnosis of bladder metastasis from gastric carcinoma. Conclusion. Bladder involvement by a secondary tumor is very rare, and a SRC carcinoma metastatic to the bladder, albeit extremely rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Who Drives Change? Comparing the Evolution of Domestic Climate Governance in India and South Africa
Authors: Never Babette
Published: June 2012

This article compares and contrasts the nature and scope of change in the domestic climate governance of India and South Africa between 2007 and 2010. It identifies the actors and networks driving these change processes by applying the concepts of “communities of practice” and a simple, resource exchange–based network. Small communities of practice promoting collective learning, trust, and identity building capture the trends and actor relations well for the South African case. More simple, business-driven networks could be identified in India. Using survey and interview data, this article finds that both countries have generally not undergone a structural, transformative change, yet that includes the collective learning of new norms and values. Differences exist for more specific parts of climate governance. The number of participating actors, the character of the scientific landscape, and the centrality of a governmental actor with a certain knowledge and attitude within a network shape these different change processes.
Chemical composition and functional properties of gum exudates from the trunk of the almond tree (Prunus dulcis)
Authors: Mahfoudhi N , Chouaibi M , Donsì F , Ferrari G , Hamdi S
Published: June 2012

The physicochemical components and functional properties of the gum exudates from the trunk of the almond tree ( Prunus dulcis) have been investigated, along with the emulsification and foaming properties. The gum exudates are composed on dry weight basis by 2.45% of proteins, 0.85% of fats and 92.36% of carbohydrates. The latter consist of arabinose, xylitol, galactose and uronic acid (46.8 : 10.9 : 35.5 : 6.0 mass ratio) with traces of rhamnose, mannose and glucose. Moreover, gum exudates are rich in minerals, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. The emulsifying capacity was studied for a 20% w/w olive oil in water emulsion as a function of gum concentration (from 3% to 12% w/w in the aqueous phase) as well as pH levels (from 3.0 to 10.0). The most stable and homogeneous emulsion was prepared with an 8% w/w aqueous almond gum solution at a pH between 5.0 and 8.0. In particular, for the same formulation, the emulsion processed by high pressure homogenization (5 passes at 200 MPa) resulted to be extremely stable under accelerated ageing, exhibiting no significant change in droplet size distribution for 14 days at 55 °C. All the tested systems exhibited an extremely low foaming capacity.
Quality and safety of fish curry processed by sous vide cook chilled and hot filled technology process during refrigerated storage
Authors: Shakila R Jeya , Raj B Edwin , Felix N
Published: June 2012

Fish curry, a traditional Indian dish was prepared from farmed fish Cobia ( Rachycentron canadum), packaged by two different cook-chill processes namely, sous vide cook chilled and hot filled technology and held at 2 °C. Biochemical composition revealed that fish curry contained 5% protein and 6% fat. Omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) retained 55.44% while docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) retained 29% during cook-chilling process. The major fatty acids in fish curry were C18:2, C12:0, C16:0 and C18:1. Shelf-life of sous vide cook chilled and hot filled technology processed fish curry were 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. Total bacterial counts were detected after 4 weeks and 12 weeks in sous vide cook chilled and hot filled technology processes, respectively. Total staphylococci were detected in sous vide cook chilled and hot filled technology processed cobia fish curry after 4 and 12 weeks, respectively. Total bacilli, anaerobic sulfite reducing clostridia, Salmonella, and lactic acid bacteria were absent. Hot filled technology process was more efficient and could be applied for chilled fish curry preservation for 12 weeks without any safety problems.
Implementation of hazard analysis critical control point in jameed production
Authors: Al-Saed AK , Al-Groum RM , Al-Dabbas MM
Published: June 2012

The average of standard plate count and coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella counts for three home-made jameed samples, a traditional fermented dairy product, before applying hazard analysis critical control point system were 2.1 × 103, 8.9 × 101, 4 × 101 and less than 10 cfu/g, respectively. The developed hazard analysis critical control point plan resulted in identifying ten critical control points in the flow chart of jameed production. The critical control points included fresh milk receiving, pasteurization, addition of starter, water and salt, straining, personnel hygiene, drying and packaging. After applying hazard analysis critical control point system, there was significant improvement in the microbiological quality of the home-made jameed. The standard plate count was reduced to 3.1 × 102 cfu/g whereas coliform and Staphylococcus aureus counts were less than 10 cfu/g and Salmonella was not detected. Sensory evaluation results of color and flavor of sauce prepared from jameed showed a significant increase in the average scores given after hazard analysis critical control point application.
Fatty acids profiles of some Spanish wild vegetables
Authors: Morales P , Ferreira ICFR , Carvalho AM , Sánchez-Mata MC , Cámara M , Tardío J
Published: June 2012

Polyunsaturated fatty acids play an important role in human nutrition, being associated with several health benefits. The analyzed vegetables, in spite of its low fat content, lower than 2%, present a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids of n-3, n-6 and n-9 series, such as α-linolenic, linoleic and oleic acids, respectively. Wild edible plants contain in general a good balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. The present study tries to contribute to the preservation and valorization of traditional food resources, studying the fatty acids profile of 20 wild vegetables by gas-liquid chromatography with flame ionization detection. Results show that species in which leaves are predominant in their edible parts have in general the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratios: Rumex pulcher (5.44), Cichorium intybus (5.14) and Papaver rhoeas (5.00). Due to the low n-6/n-3 ratios of the majority of the samples, they can be considered interesting sources of n-3 fatty acids, especially those with higher total fat amount, such as Bryonia dioica, Chondrilla juncea or Montia fontana, with the highest contents of α-linolenic acid (67.78, 56.27 and 47.65%, respectively). The wild asparaguses of Asparagus acutifolius and Tamus communis stand out for their linoleic acid content (42.29 and 42.45%, respectively). All these features reinforce the interest of including wild plants in diet, as an alternative to the variety of vegetables normally used.
Street Gangs and Aggregate Homicides
Authors: Costanza S. E. , Helms Ronald
Published: June 2012

This study contributes to the body of research examining why city-level violence rates peaked in 1993. Taking homicide data from that year, we introduce an indicator for active street gangs along with indicators derived from common structural explanations of homicide rates. We assess whether gang presence is empirically associated with homicide variation across 154 U.S. central cities. Consistent with conceptual claims, correlational evidence demonstrates that active gangs were a significant source of homicides across this sample of cities. As a secondary concern, we assess structural conditions that were likely to predict gang formation within cities during the crime peak.
Nonclinical Assessment of Carcinogenic Risk and Tumor Growth Enhancement Potential of Prasugrel, a Platelet-Inhibiting Therapeutic Agent
Authors: Buckley Lorrene A. , Sanbuissho Atsushi , Starling James J. , Knadler Mary Pat , Iversen Philip W. , Jakubowski Joseph A.
Published: June 2012

Prasugrel, a thienopyridine ADP receptor antagonist, is an orally administered prodrug requiring in vivo metabolism to form the active metabolite that irreversibly inhibits platelet activation and aggregation mediated by the P2Y12[sub 12] receptor. A comprehensive nonclinical safety assessment including genotoxicity and carcinogenicity studies supported the chronic use of prasugrel in patients with atherothrombotic disease. In addition, a special assessment of the potential for prasugrel to enhance tumor growth was undertaken to address regulatory concerns relating to increases in human cancers. Prasugrel demonstrated no evidence of genotoxicity and was not oncogenic in a 2-year rat carcinogenicity study. In the 2-year mouse study, an increase in hepatocellular adenomas was considered secondary to enzyme induction and not relevant to human safety. Further, the absence of any increase in common background tumors at any other organ site in either rodent study indicated a lack of tumor promoting activity (apart from the CYP450 induction-related increase in mouse liver tumors). Cell culture studies with 3 human tumor cell lines (lung, colon, prostate) demonstrated that exposure of serum-starved cells to prasugrel's active and major circulating human metabolites does not increase cell proliferation relative to starved cells stimulated to proliferate by addition of 10% FBS. Prasugrel also did not increase tumor growth relative to vehicle controls in nude mice implanted with 3 human tumor cell lines. Thus, traditional genotoxicity and 2-year bioassays as well as specially designed tumor growth enhancement studies in human tumor cell lines and mouse xenograft models clearly demonstrated prasugrel's lack of tumorigenic potential.
Two-Year Carcinogenicity Studies With the Oral Direct Thrombin Inhibitor Ximelagatran in the Rat and the Mouse
Authors: Stong David B. , Carlsson Stefan C. , Bjurström Sivert , Fransson-Steen Ronny , Healing Guy , Skånberg Inger
Published: June 2012

The results of 18 months mouse and 24 months rat carcinogenicity studies with the oral direct thrombin inhibitor ximelagatran are presented. In the mouse, gavage doses of ximelagatran up to 180 μmol/kg per d produced no neoplastic changes in any of the tissues examined. In the rat, gavage doses up to 240 μmol/kg per d produced multiple macroscopically detectable nodules in the pancreas, which are seen to be focal/multifocal acinar cell hyperplasia and focal/multifocal acinar cell adenoma upon histological evaluation. There were no other treatment-related effects on tumor incidence or distribution in the rat. The studies show a clear species difference in pancreatic effects between the rat and the mouse to long-term treatment with ximelagatran.
Order, order: A ‘modest’ response to Stokoe
Authors: Rapley Tim
Published: June 2012

In this commentary, initially I return to Schegloff’s ideas about the potential promiscuity of the analyst who works with categories. I then note how Stokoe’s article is centred on working with fragments where speakers explicitly mark themselves or another speaker as a member of a specific category. I close the commentary by arguing for, at times, the inclusion of a more modest and contingent analysis that works to explore both the moments when speakers ‘go categorical’ alongside those when such category work is less explicit.
Moving forward by doing analysis
Authors: Whitehead Kevin A
Published: June 2012

In this article, I address some of the issues for the analysis of categorial features of talk and texts raised by Stokoe’s ‘Moving forward with membership categorization analysis: Methods for systematic analysis’. I begin by discussing a number of points raised by Stokoe, relating to previous conversation analytic work that has addressed categorial matters; the implicit distinction in her article between ‘natural’ and ‘contrived’ data; and ambiguity with respect to the (possible) relevance of categories, in particular practices or utterances. I then discuss how my own previous work could be located in light of Stokoe’s discussion of debates and divergences between conversation analysis (CA) and membership categorization analysis (MCA), and argue that being bound by the integrity of the data on which an analysis is based (Schegloff, 2005) should take precedence over attempting to characterize the analysis as exemplifying either a CA- or MCA-based approach. I conclude by calling for a commitment to doing analysis, and pointing to the value of the resources Stokoe offers in this regard.
Moving forward with membership categorization analysis: Methods for systematic analysis
Authors: Stokoe Elizabeth
Published: June 2012

This article has four aims. First, it will consider explicitly, and polemically, the hierarchical relationship between conversation analysis (CA) and membership categorization analysis (MCA). Whilst the CA ‘juggernaut’ flourishes, the MCA ‘milk float’ is in danger of being run off the road. For MCA to survive either as a separate discipline, or within CA as a focus equivalent to other ‘generic orders of conversation’, I suggest it must generate new types of systematic studies and reveal fundamental categorial practices. With such a goal in mind, the second aim of the article is to provide a set of clear analytic steps and procedures for conducting MCA, which are grounded in basic categorial and sequential concerns. Third, the article aims to demonstrate how order can be found in the intuitively ‘messy’ discourse phenomenon of membership categories, and how to approach their analysis systematically as a robust feature of particular action-oriented environments. Through the exemplar analyses, the final aim of the article is to promote MCA as a method for interrogating culture, reality and society, without recourse to its reputed ‘wild and promiscuous’ analytic approach.
Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Renal Artery Stenosis Treated With Stent Placement With Embolic Protection Compared With Those Treated With Stent Alone
Authors: Khosla Ankaj , Misra Sanjay , Greene Eddie L. , Pflueger Axel , Textor Steve C. , Bjarnason Haraldur , McKusick Michael A.
Published: June 2012

Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes in patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) and renal artery stenosis (RAS) following renal artery (RA) stent placement with and without embolic protection device (EPD) usage. Materials and Methods: Eighteen patients who had RA stent placement with EPD were matched to control patients (RA stent only). Blood pressure, number of hypertensive medications, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 3 months before the procedure and after 12 months were determined. An increase of ≥ 20% in eGFR at 12 months from baseline was defined as “improvement,” decrease of ≥20% as “deterioration,” and an eGFR change between those values as “stabilization” at 12 months. Results: At 12 months, stage 4 patients treated with EPD had significantly higher eGFR than controls ( P = .01). There was no statistical difference in blood pressure outcomes between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Patients with stage 4 CRI did significantly better with EPD than those treated without it.
The Squeeze Play
Authors: Walker Jennifer D. , Emanuel Nancy J. , Argabrite Grove Rebecca E. , Brawand Anne E. , McGahee Dwannal W.
Published: June 2012

This case, which was developed for courses in special education leadership, concerns the overidentification of students and minorities in special education at an elementary school. The case describes the challenges that teachers, administrators, diagnostic staff, and families face when mandated changes occur in rapid response to policy-driven requirements. Students in leadership training must examine internal and external factors that affect the school as they determine an appropriate action plan to achieve the superintendent’s desired outcome.
Gender Differences in Medical Advice and Health Behavior of Obese African Americans With and Without Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Vaccaro Joan A. , Huffman Fatma G.
Published: June 2012

This study examined gender differences in medical advice related to diet and physical activity for obese African American adults ( N = 470) with and without diabetes. Data from the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed using logistic regression analyses. Even after sociodemographic adjustments, men were less likely to report receiving medical advice as compared with women. Both men and women given dietary and physical activity advice were more likely to follow it. Men were less likely to report currently reducing fat or calories, yet men with diabetes were 5 times more likely to state that they were reducing fat and calories as compared with women with diabetes. Gender- and disease state–specific interventions are needed comparing standard care with enhanced patient education. Moreover, these findings necessitate studies that characterize the role of the health care professional in the diagnosis and treatment of obesity and underscore patient–provider relationships.
Legal Consciousness in Medieval Indian Narratives
Authors: Davis Donald R. , Nemec John
Published: June 2012

In this essay, we make a case for reading narratives from the great story collections of medieval India as evidence of legal consciousness. We attempt to redirect the largely empirical approach of legal consciousness studies toward the literary and historical analysis of Sanskrit texts. In so doing, we move beyond a legal history of India that focuses too narrowly on the texts of Sanskrit jurisprudence. We conclude that such analysis provides insight into both the literarily constructed image of law as the hegemonic domain of elite Brahmins and kings and the assumptions and awareness of law and legal procedure among ordinary people in this historical context.
Management of hepatitis B reactivation in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Huang Yi-Wen , Chung Raymond T.
Published: June 2012

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is well documented in previously resolved or inactive HBV carriers who receive cancer chemotherapy. The consequences of HBV reactivation range from self-limited conditions to fulminant hepatic failure and death. HBV reactivation also leads to premature termination of chemotherapy or delay in treatment schedules. This review summarizes current knowledge of management of HBV reactivation in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) testing should be performed in patients who require cancer chemotherapy. Four meta-analyses support lamivudine prophylaxis for HBV reactivation during chemotherapy in HBsAg-positive patients. Randomized controlled trials to compare different HBV antiviral agents are needed to define optimal regimens for the prevention and treatment of HBV reactivation in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy.
Trastuzumab: a novel standard option for patients with HER-2-positive advanced gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer
Authors: Okines Alicia F.C. , Cunningham David
Published: June 2012

The human epidermal receptor-2 (HER-2) is amplified in up to 25% of patients with gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas. Although the presence of this amplification does not appear to confer a poor prognosis, it provides a valuable novel therapeutic target for this group of patients. Trastuzumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody directed at HER-2 which binds the external domain of the receptor and exerts its action via a combination of antibody-dependent cytotoxicity, reduced shedding of the extracellular domain, inhibition of dimerization and possibly receptor downregulation. The ToGA trial was an international multicentre randomized phase III study which evaluated the addition of trastuzumab to a cisplatin plus fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy doublet in 594 patients with HER-2-positive advanced gastric or oesophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma. The combination of the antibody with chemotherapy significantly improved response rate, median progression-free survival and median overall survival without additional toxicity or adversely affecting quality of life. Accordingly, trastuzumab plus chemotherapy is now a standard first-line treatment option for patients with advanced HER-2-positive gastroesophageal cancer. Unfortunately, many patients with HER-2-positive cancer exhibit primary resistance to trastuzumab and the remainder will acquire resistance to the antibody; therefore, urgent investigation into novel agents which may circumvent resistance mechanisms is warranted. Small molecule inhibitors of HER-2, which commonly also target other members of the HER family of receptors, such as EGFR and HER-3, are currently undergoing evaluation in gastroesophageal cancer as first-line alternatives to trastuzumab and second-line salvage treatments for trastuzumab-resistant disease. Extrapolating the successful use of trastuzumab in the advanced disease setting, clinical trials are underway to assess the role of this antibody in the perioperative and adjuvant settings, where it is hoped that it will have a meaningful impact upon the currently poor survival rates.
Decorative Dashes: Disrobing the Practice of Streaking
Authors: Kohe Geoffery Z
Published: June 2012

As often as some athletes don their Lycra, others are almost as frequently disrobing and dashing across sports grounds. Yet, while nude performance is accepted in such cultural domains as dance and theatre, its place in sport is contested. Taking cues from scholars who write about the body, sexuality, and nudity — Barcan (2004), Carr-Gomm (2010), Kirkpatrick (2010), Martin (1991) and Shilling (2008) — this paper explores the complexities of streaking and its intertwining associations with sport and wider social, cultural and political contexts. I consider how ongoing debates about nudity and nakedness, and about clothed and unclothed bodies, create an opportunity for us to consider streaking as a valid and aesthetically valuable practice. I argue that we might move beyond streaking as an act of comical deviance, flagrant criminality or ‘anti-costume’, and view it as an acceptable mode of physicality with its own individual and collective meanings.
Ceramic tiles based on central Tunisian clays (Sidi Khalif formation)
Authors: Medhioub M. , Hajjaji W. , Hachani M. , Lopez-Galindo A. , Rocha F. , Labrincha J. A. , Jamoussi F.
Published: June 2012

This study aims to find alternatives to some overexploited deposits in the north of Tunisia. The clays of the Sidi Khalif formation, of Uppermost Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous age, seem suitable to support this strategy, due to their abundance. In terms of mineralogy, they can be divided into two distinct groups, related to their palaeogeographic and eustatic contexts. The clays of the Sidi Khalif formation from Jebel Houareb (JH) and Jebel Meloussi (JM) are richer in clay minerals, while those of Jebel Rhouis (JR) and Jebel Boudinar (JB) zones are dolomite-rich. The compositional differences between the two groups influenced their technological behaviour in production of ceramic tiles. Upon firing, forsterite and gehlenite crystallized in the carbonate-rich JR and JB clays, whereas mullite formed in the JH and JM clays. Concerning their ceramic properties, the tiles made from JR or JB clays showed low bending strength and high water absorption. For JH and JM, the tiles had slightly greater mechanical resistance, but exhibited considerable linear shrinkage. These defects were partially corrected by introducing new formulations based on the same clays and by altering the firing cycles (HM1, HM2, RB1 and RB2). With these modifications, “Porcelanico” and “Monoporosa” technologically conforming tiles were obtained from HM2 and RB2 formulations, respectively.
Detailed clay mineralogy of the Triassic-Jurassic boundary section at Kendlbachgraben (Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria)
Authors: Zajzon N. , Kristály F. , Pálfy J. , Németh T.
Published: June 2012

The Triassic-Jurassic boundary (TJB) is marked by one of the five largest Phanerozoic mass extinctions. To constrain existing models for TJB events, we obtained a stratigraphically highly resolved dataset from a marine section at Kendlbachgraben, Austria.

The topmost Triassic Kössen Formation contains low to medium-charged smectite and vermiculite as alteration products of mafic-ultramafic minerals. The clay minerals in the boundary mudstone are kaolinite ⩾ illite + muscovite ⨠ smectite > chlorite. Predominant kaolinite suggests humid climate and abundant terrigenous input. In the lowermost Jurassic, the clay mineral pattern changes to illite + muscovite ⨠ kaolinite ⨠ smectite, which reflects change to less humid and more moderate climate.

The topmost Kössen Formation also contains clay spherules. Their composition, shape and size indicate that they are alteration products of airborne volcanic glass droplets solidified in the air, settled in the sea and altered rapidly with negligible transport in terrestrial or marine environments. Our data are consistent with sudden climatic change at the TJB, as a result of large-scale volcanic activity of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province which produced distal airfall volcanic ash.
Clay minerals for nanocomposites and biotechnology: surface modification, dynamics and responses to stimuli
Authors: Heinz H.
Published: June 2012

Clay minerals find a wide range of application in composites, paints, drilling liquids, cosmetics, and medicine. This article reviews chemical and physical properties of natural and organically modified clay minerals to understand the nanometre-scale structure, surface characteristics, and application in functional materials. The relation between fundamental properties and materials design is emphasized and illustrated by examples. The discussion comprises the following: an overview; surface structure and cation density; solubility and solubility reversal by surface modification; the degree of covalent and ionic bonding represented by atomic charges; the distribution of metal substitution sites; measurements and simulations of interfacial properties at the nanometre scale; self-assembly, packing density, and orientation of alkylammonium surfactants on the clay mineral surface; the density and chain conformation of surfactants in organic interlayer spaces; the free energy of exfoliation in polymer matrices and modifications by tuning the cleavage energy; thermal transitions, diffusion, and optical responses of surfactants on the mineral surface; elastic moduli and bending stability of clay layers; and the adsorption mechanism of peptides onto clay mineral surfaces in aqueous solution. Potential applications in biotechnology and other future uses are described.
Preparation of modified sorbents from rehydrated clay materials
Authors: Lhotka M. , Machovič V. , Doušová B.
Published: June 2012

The use of clay materials as selective sorbents for different contaminants requires very efficient methods. A natural kaolinite was calcined to metakaolinite and than rehydrated at different temperatures to produce a highly porous sorbent. The kinetics of this process were measured, with subsequent IR characterization of the phases formed. The surface and pore distribution of new phases were also assigned. In addition, the kaolinite obtained was pre-treated with Fe3+ ions to improve its sorption affinity for anionic particles. The rehydrated kaolinite and its Fe-modification were used for the adsorption of toxic cations (Zn, Cd, Pb) and anions (As, Se). Adsorption capacities depending on the physical chemical properties of the initial solution (pH, concentration of toxic ions) and the surface properties of the sorbent (specific surface area, modification method) were investigated. The adsorption properties of the sorbents were defined by the Langmuir model.