bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mackerel Trypsin Purified from Defatted Viscera by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Chun Byung-Soo , Kishimura Hideki , Nalinanon Sitthipong , Klomklao Sappasith , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: July 2011

Viscera of mackerel (Scombersp.) were defatted by supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) treatment. Trypsin (SC-T) was then extracted from the defatted powder and purified by a series of chromatographies including Sephacryl S-200 and Sephadex G-50. The purified SC-T was nearly homogeneous on SDS-PAGE, and its molecular weight was estimated as approximately 24,000 Da.N-terminal twenty amino acids sequence of SC-T was IVGGYECTAHSQPHQVSLNS. The specific trypsin inhibitors, soybean trypsin inhibitor and TLCK, strongly inhibited the activities of SC-T. The pH and temperature optimums of SC-T were at around pH 8.0 and , respectively, usingNα-p-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester as a substrate. The SC-T was unstable below pH 5.0 and above , and it was stabilized by calcium ion. These enzymatic characteristics of SC-T were the same as those of other fish trypsins, especially spotted mackerel (S. borealis) trypsin, purified from viscera defatted by acetone. Therefore, we concluded that the SCO2defatting process is useful as a substitute for organic solvent defatting process.
Interobserver Reliability among Radiologists and Orthopaedists in Evaluation of Chondral Lesions of the Knee by MRI
Authors: Cavalli Fábio , Izadi Anela , Ferreira Ana Paula R. B. , Braga Larissa , Braga-Baiak Andresa , Schueda Marco Antonio , Gandhi Mihir , Pietrobon Ricardo
Published: July 2011

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate interobserver reliability in the presence of chondral injuries of the knee among radiologists, orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists, and orthopaedic surgeons.Methods. This was a prospective, web-based multi-institutional survey, consisting of 6 magnetic resonance exams of knee chondral injuries and a questionnaire to be completed by the participants. Two radiologists and two orthopaedic surgeons were enrolled, with more than 5 years of clinical experience. Kappa statistics test was used to calculate interobserver reliability between participants.Results. Kappa ranged from −0.13 through 0.29 between orthopaedists; from 0.06 through 0.78 between radiologists; from −0.10 through 0.24 between orthopaedists and radiologists. Cases 3 and 6 had skewed results among radiologists: with Kappa scores of 0.78 and 0.53, respectively.Conclusions. Our study reveals that the interobserver agreement between radiologists is higher than among orthopaedists in the evaluation of chondral knee lesions by MRI.
Central Corneal Melting Associated with Reformulated Generic Diclofenac in a Patient with Inferior Fornix Foreshortening
Authors: Johnson Cameron Campbell
Published: July 2011

Purpose

To report a case of corneal melting in a patient with fornix foreshortening being treated with reformulated generic diclofenac.

Methods

Case report.

Results

An asymptomatic 76-year old man presented with central corneal melting while being treated with reformulated generic diclofenac. This formulation did not contain the vitamin E derivative, tocophersolan, which has been felt to contribute to corneal melting associated with generic diclofenac in the past. Other factors for corneal melting included multiple medication use and altered forniceal architecture, but did not include previous corneal or cataract surgery. Following discontinuation of the topical medications and temporary tarsorrhapy, the defect reepithelialized.

Conclusion

In patients with a compromised ocular surface, reformulated generic diclofenac has the potential to cause corneal melting without prior cataract or refractive surgery. Use should not be indiscriminate or without close supervision.
Validation of a Targeted Peer Relations Scale for Adolescents Treated for Substance Use Disorder: An Application of Rasch Modeling
Authors: Ciesla James R. , Yao Ping
Published: July 2011

The objective of this research is to use item response theory (IRT) to validate a 14-item peer relations scale for use in the adolescent treatment population. Subjects are 509 adolescents discharged from substance abuse treatment from 2004–2009. The person reliability is 0.76 and the Cronbach's alpha person raw score reliability is 0.93 both indicating the scale is a strong metric. The item reliability of 0.99 is high showing the model is reliable. The real separation (8.49) meaning items are placed on the Rasch “ruler” with about eight levels of importance identified. The mean-square statistics of the infit and outfit values were between 0.5 and 1.5 for the items indicating a low level of randomness and thus unidimensionality of the scale. Inspection of a Wright Item Map shows the hierarchical structure of the scale with a moderate degree of inter-item spread. The analysis shows the scale is a reliable unidimensional metric.
Differential Emotional Responding to Ideographic Cues of Traumatic Interpersonal Violence Compared to Non-Interpersonal Traumatic Experiences
Authors: Badour Christal L. , Feldner Matthew T. , Babson Kimberly A. , Smith Rose C. , Blumenthal Heidemarie , Trainor Casey D. , Bunaciu Liviu , Olatunji Bunmi O.
Published: July 2011

Models of traumatic event-related emotional reactivity have primarily focused on fear. Emerging research points to the importance of advancing our currently limited understanding of how anger and disgust relate to certain types of traumatic experiences, such as interpersonal violence (IPV). The current study compared anger, disgust, and anxiety in response to an ideographic neutral and traumatic event script between IPV victims and those exposed to a non-interpersonally-relevant traumatic event. Victims of IPV evidenced greater anger and disgust in response to the traumatic event script compared to the non-IPV group after accounting for variability in posttraumatic stress symptoms and negative affect. No differences emerged in terms of anxiety responding. These findings suggest reminders of IPV may be particularly likely to elicit anger and disgust, in addition to anxiety, which may have implications for the treatment of IPV-related posttraumatic stress.
Delayed Reward Discounting and Alcohol Misuse: The Roles of Response Consistency and Reward Magnitude
Authors: Amlung Michael , MacKillop James
Published: July 2011

Delayed reward discounting (DRD) is a common index of impulsivity that refers to an individual's devaluation of rewards based on delay of receipt and has been linked to alcohol misuse and other maladaptive behaviors. The current study investigated response consistency and reward magnitude effects in two measures of DRD in a sample of 111 undergraduates who consumed an average of 10.7 drinks/week. These variables were also examined in relation to alcohol use and misuse. Results indicated highly consistent performance on both measures of DRD, although significant differences were evident based on task parameters. There was also clear evidence of a magnitude effect on DRD. Finally, a number of significant associations between DRD and both alcohol use and misuse were found. These findings suggest that individuals possess a relatively consistent cognitive template for DRD choice preferences, but that the template systematically varies by both reward magnitude and delay length.
Barrett's Esophagus in an Area with an Exceptionally Low Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Lee Yeong Yeh , Tuan Sharif Sharifah Emilia , Syed Abd Aziz Syed Hassan , Raj S. Mahendra
Published: July 2011

Objective. This study was undertaken to gain an insight into the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, Barrett's esophagus and reflux esophagitis in an area of exceptionally low prevalence of H. pylori infection. Methods. A total of 1895 consecutive upper endoscopies performed between January 2005 and July 2007 were reviewed. 120 cases of columnar-lined esophagus and endoscopic esophagitis were evaluated. H. pylori infection was determined using the urease test and/or histology. Results. The rate of endoscopic esophagitis was 5.49% (80 Malays, 24 non-Malays) while histological reflux esophagitis was found in 3.75% (56 Malays, 15 non-Malays). Barrett's esophagus was present in 0.79% (11 Malays, 4 non-Malays). H. pylori infection was present in 8/120 or 6.67% subjects. Conclusion. The low rate of Barrett's esophagus in this population does not support the hypothesis that the absence of H. pylori infection is more than a minor risk factor for Barrett's esophagus.
Acute Upper Gastro-Intestinal Bleeding in Morocco: What Have Changed?
Authors: Timraz A. , Khannoussi W. , Ajana F. Z. , Essamri W. , Benelbarhdadi I. , Afifi R. , Benazzouz M. , Essaid A.
Published: July 2011

Objective. In the present study, we aimed to investigate epidemiological, clinical, and etiological characteristics of acute upper gastro-intestinal bleeding.
Materials and Methods. This retrospective study was conducted between January 2003 and December 2008. It concerned all cases of acute upper gastroduodenal bleeding benefited from an urgent gastro-intestinal endoscopy in our department in Morocco. Characteristics of patients were evaluated in terms of age, gender, medical history, presenting symptoms, results of rectal and clinical examinations, and endoscopy findings. Results. 1389 cases were registered. As 66% of the patients were male, 34% were female. Mean age was 49. 12% of patients had a history of previous hemorrhage, and 26% had a history of NSAID and aspirin use. Endoscopy was performed in 96%. The gastroduodenal ulcer was the main etiology in 38%, followed by gastritis and duodenitis in 32.5%. Conclusion. AUGIB is still a frequent pathology, threatening patients' life. NSAID and aspirin are still the major risk factors. Their impact due to peptic ulcer remains stable in our country.
Innovative Therapies against Human Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Cimini Annamaria , Ippoliti Rodolfo
Published: July 2011

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most invasive and aggressive brain tumor in humans, and despite the latest chemical and radiative therapeutic approaches, it is still scarcely sensitive to these treatments and is generally considered an incurable disease. This paper will focus on the latest approaches to the treatment of this cancer, including the new chemicals such as proautophagic drugs and kinases inhibitors, and differentiating agents. In this field, there have been opening new perspectives as the discovery of possible specific targets such as the EGFRvIII, a truncated form of the EGF receptor. Antibodies against these targets can be used as proapoptotic agents and as possible carriers for chemicals, drugs, radioisotopes, and toxins. In this paper, we review the possible mechanism of action of these therapies, with particular attention to the combined use of toxic substances (for example, immunotoxins) and antiproliferative/differentiating compounds (i.e., ATRA, PPARγ agonists). All these aspects will be discussed in the view of progress clinical trials and of possible new approaches for directed drug formulations.
Altered gene expression in rat cranial neural crest cells exposed to a teratogenic glucose concentration in vitro—paradoxical downregulation of antioxidative defense genes
Authors: Wentzel Parri , Eriksson Ulf J.
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Diabetic pregnancy is associated with increased risk of malformation in the infant. Diabetes‐induced anomalies of the face and heart are strongly correlated with neural crest cell (NCC) maldevelopment. We aimed to study glucose‐induced alterations of mRNA levels in cranial and trunk NCCs isolated from rat embryos with increased risk of developing mandibular and cardiac malformations in diabetic pregnancy. METHODS: Inbred Sprague‐Dawley rat embryos were used for NCC isolation from neural tube explants. The migrating cells were exposed to 5.5 or 30 mmol/l glucose concentration for 48 hr, harvested, and prepared for gene expression measurement by RT‐PCR or immunostaining with either distal‐less (Dlx) or AP‐2‐α antibodies. RESULTS: Evaluation of the immunostained slides showed that approximately 75% of the cells were of NCC origin. Exposure to 30 mM glucose decreased mRNA levels of Copper–Zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese superoxide dismutase, extracellular superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Gpx‐1, Nrf2, poly‐ADP ribose polymerase, B‐cell leukemia/lymphoma protein 2, and β‐Catenin genes in cranial neural crest explant cultures. In addition, Pax‐3, Pax‐6, Wnt3a, and Apc mRNA levels were decreased by high glucose exposure in both cranial and trunk neural crest explant cultures. CONCLUSION: Cranial NCCs diminish their mRNA levels of antioxidative enzymes and the Nrf2 response factor, as well as the antiapoptotic B‐cell leukemia/lymphoma protein 2 gene, in response to increased ambient glucose concentration. Furthermore, both cranial and trunk NCC decrease the mRNA levels of the transcription factors Pax‐3 and Pax‐6, as well as key components of the Wnt pathway. These patterns of glucose‐altered gene expression in a developmentally important cell population may be of etiological importance for NCC‐associated malformations in diabetic pregnancy. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 92:487–497, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Aromatic C—H Bond Halogenation Using Lithium Halides as Halogenating Reagents.
Authors: Lu Yongzhong , Wang Ruiping , Qiao Xixue , Shen Zengming
Published: August 2011

The copper‐mediated C‐H chlorination and bromination of 2‐arylpyridines, substituted with both electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups affords the halogenated products in low to moderate yields and poor selectivity.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemistry and the Worm: Caenorhabditis elegans as a Platform for Integrating Chemical and Biological Research
Authors: Hulme S. Elizabeth , Whitesides George M.
Published: August 2011

Review: 285 refs.
Impact of resource‐conserving technologies on productivity and greenhouse gas emissions in the rice‐wheat system
Authors: Pathak Himanshu , Saharawat Yash S. , Gathala Mahesh , Ladha Jagdish K.
Published: August 2011

The rice‐wheat system is the main source of food and income for millions of people in South Asia. However, because of increasing pressure of biotic and abiotic stresses in response to soil degradation and changing climate, crop productivity and farmers' profits are on a downward trend. Recent efforts have attempted to develop and deliver resource‐conserving technologies (RCTs) with efficient and environmentally friendly tillage/crop establishment and water use compared with the conventional practices of farmers. No tool, however, is available to evaluate the RCTs quantitatively, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other environmental impacts. A simulation model, named InfoRCT (Information on Use of Resource‐Conserving Technologies), has been developed integrating biophysical, agronomic, and socio‐economic data to establish input‐output relationships related to water, fertilizer, labor, and biocide uses; GHG emissions; biocide residue in soil; and N fluxes in the rice‐wheat system. The model provided a comparative assessment of RCTs in yield, income, global warming potential (GWP), biocide residue index, and N loss. The assessment showed that mid‐season drying and no‐till systems increased income, and also reduced the GWP. The model could be used for assessing impact of crop management practices on productivity and GHG emissions in rice‐wheat systems. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Artificial aging of Uva di Troia and Primitivo wines using oak chips inoculated with Penicillium purpurogenum
Authors: Petruzzi Leonardo , Bevilacqua Antonio , Ciccarone Claudio , Gambacorta Giuseppe , Irlante Giuseppina , Lamacchia Carmela , Sinigaglia Milena
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Two red wines (Primitivo and Uva di Troia) treated with oak chips inoculated with Penicillium purpurogenum were analysed in order to assess their contents of furfural, cis‐β‐methyl‐γ‐octalactone, syringol, eugenol, vanillin and 4‐vinylguaiacol. Two different sizes of oak chips (small and big, of length 2 and 8 mm respectively) and two different degrees of toasting (low and high) were used in the study. Aroma compounds were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to determine differences among samples after 15 days of chip contact time.

RESULTS: Big oak chips inoculated with P. purpurogenum increased the level of 4‐vinylguaiacol, while small oak chips inoculated with P. purpurogenum, in some conditions, increased the level of eugenol. Chip size and degree of toasting also played an important role in the content of eugenol.

CONCLUSION: The use of oak chips inoculated with mould might be a promising alternative to barrel aging. Moreover, different fungal inocula could contribute to the enrichment of wine with specific compounds (e.g. 4‐vinylguaiacol and eugenol). Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
What have natural and human changes wrought on the foraminifera of San Francisco Bay late Quaternary estuaries?
Authors: Lesen Amy E. , Lipps Jere H.
Published: August 2011

In this study we compare the foraminifera of modern South San Francisco Bay with fossils from sediments of a previous estuary at 125 ka to provide a basis for interpreting the impact of natural and human change on the benthic ecosystem. All the species found in the Pleistocene sediments of this study are estuarine and/or shallow-water species occurring commonly in San Francisco Bay today, except for the introduced foraminifer Trochammina hadai, a native of Japan that was not found in samples taken in San Francisco Bay before 1983. The biodiversity and species composition of the fossil and modern assemblages before the introduction of T. hadai are nearly identical, suggesting that the environmental and physical changes in the 125,000-year-old and modern estuaries have not had a significant effect on the meiofauna of the Bay. In contrast, modern anthropogenic change in the form of species introductions has impacted the modern foraminiferal assemblage: T. hadai began to dominate the modern assemblage a decade after its introduction. Similar to the recorded impacts of introductions of marine metazoan invertebrate species, the dominance of T. hadai changed species proportions in the post-1980s foraminiferal assemblage, however no known extinctions in the native foraminiferal fauna occurred.
ProDGe: investigating protein-protein interactions at the domain level
Authors: Büchel Finja , Wrzodek Clemens , Mittag Florian , Dräger Andreas , Schröder Adrian , Zell Andreas
Published: August 2011

An important goal of systems biology is the identification and investigation of known and predicted protein-protein interactions to obtain more information about new cellular pathways and processes. Proteins interact via domains, thus it is important to know which domains a protein contains and which domains interact with each other. Here we present the Java^TM^ program ProDGe (Protein Domain Gene), which visualizes existing and suggests novel domain-domain interactions and protein-protein interactions at the domain level. The comprehensive dataset behind ProDGe consists of protein, domain and interaction information for both layers, collected and combined appropriately from UniProt, Pfam, DOMINE and IntAct. Based on known domain interactions, ProDGe suggests novel protein interactions and assigns them to four confidence classes, depending on the reliability of the underlying domain interaction. Furthermore, ProDGe is able to identify potential homologous interaction partners in other species, which is particularly helpful when investigating poorly annotated species. We further evaluated and compared experimentally identified protein interactions from IntAct with domain interactions from DOMINE for six species and noticed that 31.13% of all IntAct protein interactions in all six species can be mapped to the actual interacting domains. ProDGe and a comprehensive documentation are freely available at http://www.cogsys.cs.uni-tuebingen.de/software/ProDGe.
High-speed spin channels in a variably spaced multibarrier structure
Authors: de Dios-Leyva M. , Drake-Pérez Julio C.
Published: August 2011

We have studied the spin–dependent transport properties in a variably spaced multibarrier structure (VSMS) formed by layers of two zinc blende semiconductors with a relatively strong Dresselhaus spin−orbit interaction (SOI). The structure is designed such that, in the absence of SOI, the ground-state energies in adjacent quantum wells are resonantly aligned by an external electric field applied perpendicular to the layers, forming then an electron miniband. In the energy range where this spin degenerate miniband is localized, the transmission coefficient shows a resonant structure which splits into two transmission spectra corresponding to spin-up and spin down states in the presence of SOI. In the energy range where these spectra exhibit overlapping, the polarization efficiency is, in general, an oscillating function of energy. These oscillations tend to disappear as the overlap between the spin−splitting transmission spectra decreases. We have identified two energy ranges where the spin−split transmission spectra do not overlap and the polarization efficiency is essentially 100%, indicating that the VSMSs may be explored as spin filtering devices even for unpolarized injection. It was also shown that the appropriate choice and control of the barrier sizes are of significant importance for the possible development of spin filters based on VSMSs.
Role of heavy ion co-implantation and thermal spikes on the development of dislocation loops in nanoengineered silicon light emitting diodes
Authors: Milosavljević M. , Lourenço M. A. , Gwilliam R. M. , Homewood K. P.
Published: August 2011

Microstructural and electroluminescence measurements are carried out on boron implanted dislocation engineered silicon light emitting diodes (LEDs) co-implanted with the rare earth thulium to provide wavelength tuning in the infra-red. Silicon LEDs operating in the range from 1.1–1.35 μm are fabricated by co-implantation of boron and thulium into n-type Si (100) wafers and subsequently rapid thermally annealed to activate the implants and to engineer the dislocation loop array that is crucial in allowing light emission. Ohmic contacts are applied to the p and n regions to form conventional p-n junction LEDs. Electroluminescence is obtained under normal forward biasing of the devices. The influence of implantation sequence (B or Tm first), ion dose, and the post-implantation annealing on the microstructure and electroluminescence from the devices is studied. A clear role of the heavy-ion Tm co-implant in significantly modifying the boron induced dislocation loop array distribution is demonstrated. We also identify the development of dislocation loops under thermal spikes upon heavy ion (Tm) implantation into Si. The results contribute to a better understanding of the basic processes involved in fabrication and functioning of co-implanted devices, toward achieving higher light emission efficiency.
First-principles characterization of an AlSiVC center in cubic silicon carbide
Authors: Wang Xiaopeng , Zhao Mingwen , Xia Huihao , Yan Shishen , Liu Xiangdong
Published: August 2011

We performed first-principles calculations combined with group theory analysis to characterize the geometry, formation energy, and electronic structures of an AlSiVC center in cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC) crystals, a complex defect consisting of a carbon vacancy and an adjacent substitutional aluminum impurity on a silicon site. We found that the AlSiVC center has a stable C3v symmetric geometry, with a formation energy lower than that of either a silicon vacancy (VSi) or a carbon vacancy (VC). The defect levels of an AlSiVC center in 3C-SiC align in a way different from those of a NCVSi center, i.e., the twofold degenerated ex,y level is lower than the singlet levels in energy. These defect levels reside in the conduction bands and thus are unsuitable for qubit operations. The donor features of the AlSiVC center may be responsible for the low hole concentration in Al-doped 3C-SiC.
Three dimensional distributions of arsenic and platinum within NiSi contact and gate of an n-type transistor
Authors: Panciera F. , Hoummada K. , Gregoire M. , Juhel M. , Bicais N. , Mangelinck D.
Published: August 2011

Atom probe tomography was used to study the redistribution of platinum and arsenic atoms after Ni(Pt) silicidation of As-doped polycrystalline Si. These measurements were performed on a field-effect transistor and compared with those obtained in unpatterned region submitted to the same process. These results suggest that Pt and As redistribution during silicide formation is only marginally influenced by the confinement in microelectronic devices. On the contrary, there is a clear difference with the redistribution reported in the literature for the blanket wafers. Selective etching used to remove the non-reacted Ni(Pt) film after the first rapid heat treatment may induce this difference.
Power and Rationality: The Politics of Harbour Reclamation in Hong Kong
Authors: Ng Mee Kam
Published: August 2011

Flyvbjerg argues that power often overrides rationality as power wielders frequently portray ‘rationalisation’ as rationality to define ‘truths’ that justify their actions. When power is great, rationality diminishes. In confrontation, rationality yields to power. In this paper I contest these arguments. Through differentiating the concept of power into ‘outcome power’ held by those with privileged access to authority and ‘social power’, the power of resistance vested in everyone, and by distinguishing the concept of rationality into ‘technical’, ‘strategic’ (rationalisation), and ‘value’ rationalities, I assert that, in confrontations, individuals with social power can counteract outcome power and develop their value rationality to reproblematise issues for transformative changes. A study of the reclamation debates in Hong Kong illustrates how social power has augmented value rationality, challenging the government's outcome power and its rationalisation for further harbour reclamation, reproblematising the harbour as a unique natural heritage feature worthy of protection by law.
Up-regulation of CCL11 and CCL26 is associated with activated eosinophils in bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Günther C , Wozel G , Meurer M , Pfeiffer C
Published: August 2011

Eosinophils contribute to the pathogenesis of bullous pemphigoid (BP) by secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and proteases. Trafficking of eosinophils into tissue in animal models and asthma depends on interleukin-5 and a family of chemokines named eotaxins, comprising CCL11, CCL24 and CCL26. Up-regulation of CCL11 has been described in BP, but the expression of the other two members of the eotaxin-family, CCL24 and CCL26, has not been investigated. In addition to these chemokines, expression of adhesion molecules associated with eosinophil migration to the skin should be analysed. We demonstrate that similar to CCL11, the concentration of CCL26 was up-regulated in serum and blister fluid of BP patients. In contrast, the concentration of CCL24 was not elevated in sera and blister fluid of the same BP patients. In lesional skin, CCL11 and CCL26 were detected in epidermis and dermis by immunohistochemistry. In contrast to CCL11, CCL26 was expressed strongly by endothelial cells. In line with these findings, eosinophils represented the dominating cell population in BP lesional skin outnumbering other leucocytes. The percentage of eosinophils expressing very late antigen (VLA): VLA-4 (CD49d) and CD11c correlated with their quantity in tissue. Macrophage antigen (MAC)-1 (CD11b/CD18) was expressed constitutively by tissue eosinophils. In conclusion, these data link the up-regulation of the eosinophil chemotactic factor CCL26 in BP to the lesional accumulation of activated eosinophils in the skin. Thereby they broaden the understanding of BP pathogenesis and might indicate new options for therapeutic intervention.
The economics of inpatient on‐demand treatment for haemophilia with high‐responding inhibitors: a US retrospective data analysis
Authors: POKRAS S. M. , PETRILLA A. A. , WEATHERALL J. , LEE W. C.
Published: August 2011

Summary.  Inpatient costs comprise >50% of annual healthcare costs for haemophilia patients with inhibitors but no reports exist on inpatient resource use and costs at a US national level. To quantify inpatient resource use and costs for on‐demand treatment of bleeds of US haemophilia patients with inhibitors and compare costs and treatment duration between Factor VIII bypassing agents (BAs). Stays with haemophilia A from 2003–2008 were identified from inpatient billing records. Presence of inhibitors was inferred through use of BA; recombinant activated Factor VII and plasma‐derived activated prothrombin complex concentrate. Duration and number of infusions of BA, length of stay, use of opioid‐containing analgesics and costs were assessed and compared. Among 1322 stays mean BA treatment duration was 4.6 days with 4.9 infusions, 6.1 nights spent in hospital, and 58% administered opioid‐containing analgesics. In unadjusted analyses there were significant differences in the above mentioned outcomes by BA use, reflecting underlying differences between the two patient populations. Average inpatient costs were $82 911. In adjusted analyses, African‐American race, greater disease severity, hospital region outside the southern US and older age (cost model only) were significant predictors of longer BA treatment duration and higher costs. The economic burden of inpatient on‐demand treatment of haemophilia with inhibitors is substantial and is associated with lengthy stays, high costs and inadequate pain relief. Availability of more effective BAs could reduce the need for re‐treatment, reducing treatment costs and other medical costs, while improving health related quality of life.
Negative effects on survival and performance of Norway spruce seedlings colonized by dark septate root endophytes are primarily isolate‐dependent
Authors: Tellenbach Christoph , Grünig Christoph R. , Sieber Thomas N.
Published: August 2011

Root endophytes are common and genetically highly diverse suggesting important ecological roles. Yet, relative to above‐ground endophytes, little is known about them. Dark septate endophytic fungi of the Phialocephala fortinii s.l.–Acephala applanata species complex (PAC) are ubiquitous root colonizers of conifers and Ericaceae, but their ecological function is largely unknown. Responses of Norway spruce seedlings of two seed provenances to inoculations with isolates of four PAC species were studied in vitro. In addition, isolates of Phialocephala subalpina from two populations within and one outside the natural range of Norway spruce were also included to study the effect of the geographic origin of P. subalpina on host response. The interaction of PAC with Norway spruce ranged from neutral to highly virulent and was primarily isolate‐dependent. Variation in virulence was much higher within than among species, nonetheless only isolates of P. subalpina were highly virulent. Disease caused by P. subalpina genotypes from the native range of Norway spruce was more severe than that induced by genotypes from outside the natural distribution of Norway spruce. Virulence was not correlated with the phylogenetic relatedness of the isolates but was positively correlated with the extent of fungal colonization as measured by quantitative real‐time PCR.
Marxism and Capitalist Possession
Authors: Johnston Les
Published: August 2011

This paper evaluates marxist attempts to identify a ‘class of possessors’ under capitalism. It suggests that such attempts are unsuccessful for three reasons. Firstly, marxism wrongly equates the agent of possession with the human individual. Secondly, its conception of the capitalist economy rests upon teleological assumptions. Thirdly, it wrongly asserts the priority of capitalist relations of production over and above their legal conditions of existence, causing it to mis-recognise corporate forms of possession. After considering marxist attempts to theorise possession through the analysis of management and monopoly we consider a more fundamental question: whether it is possible to analyse possession/separation in conventional marxist class terms at all.
Bad News or Good News: Environmental Politics and the Mass Media
Authors: Lowe Philip , Morrison David
Published: August 2011

Concern for the environment is a prominent feature of contemporary British politics and culture, Such concern is not new. Many of today's environmental pressure groups date from the turn of the century and a good deal of the legislation protecting the environment derives from the 1940s and 1950s. What is new, as Kimber and Richardson (1974) point out, is ‘on the one hand, the global approach to the problem - both figuratively and literally - and, on the other hand, the popularisation of the issues by the mass media.’ In this paper we will examine the media's role in popularising environmental issues and use our findings to qualify some of the prevailing assumptions about the political role of the mass media.
From Old School Hunches to Departmental Lunches
Authors: Wilkinson Barry , Smith Steve
Published: August 2011

Despite the steady supply of books on management we still have very few sociological accounts of managerial work and organisation within particular firms and industries. Through first-hand observation and over twelve months intensive interviewing, the authors were able to uncover a virtual anthropology of managerial ideology, generational conflict, career and intra-managerial politics and arbitration in four manufacturing firms. One such case-study firm is presented here. Despite being riven with conflict between an Old School and a New School ascendant, and between conflicting patterns of industrial bureaucracy, ‘Parkers’ is a highly successful company. The use of an external firm of management consultants has helped keep the peace, but beneath the surface there is persistent instability, barely concealed by official euphemisms. Under pressure from the trade unions, from instrumental young managers, and above all from external control by overseas HQ, the Old School believed it is making its last stand.

All names and places have of course been changed.
Puritan Perverts: Notes on Accusation
Authors: Bruce Steve
Published: August 2011

In the course of a variety of projects concerned with fundamentalism and evangelical Protestantism, a surprising number of claims about sexual misdemeanour have been collected. The fact that most of the individuals and movements accused of perversion were claimed to be, and were widely regarded as, puritanical in moral attitudes and behaviour suggests that the widespread distribution of such accusations calls for some explanation other than that they were made because they were true. This paper offers some preliminary thoughts on the appeal of claims of sexual deviance to those making the claims and to the audiences for such claims. As such it represents some introductory thoughts on what might be termed ‘the sociology of accusation’.
Turning a Blind Eye: Racial Oppression and the Unintended Consequences of White ‘Non-Racism’
Authors: Brown Kevin M
Published: August 2011

The paper is based upon ethnographic research undertaken in a large metropolitan Careers Service in England. A consideration of differences between the intent and the outcome of action leads to an exploration of the ways in which white people come to understandings of their superordinate position relative to black people. By emphasising the concept of the materiality of ideology, the analysis attempts to go beyond a functionalist model which would regard a state apparatus as meeting the ‘requirements’ of capital in an unmediated and direct way. It is argued that racist ideology, as a specific set of linked but contradictory ideas, must inhere unevenly within the structures of everyday life and that struggles against racism have to take into account the discriminatory nature and importance of white ‘non-racism’
Labour Markets and Communities: An Historical View
Authors: Whipp Richard
Published: August 2011

A recent yet common concern to historians and sociologists has been the relationship between work and community. Attempts by historians to understand how communities functioned in the past have revealed a wealth of evidence with respect to one area of this relationship: the connection between labour markets and the communities in which they operate. This article draws together this growing body of research which suggests the linked operation of labour markets and communities. Personal or group paradigms of appropriate behaviour within the labour market are socially shaped and are not simply an expression of economic rationality. The community is a key area where workers and management develop perceptions of the labour market. The notion of community used here rests on the identification of mutual responsibilities and obligations. These ties may have a critical bearing on the reproduction of social relationships which are produced in the workplace. Community values, and patterns of social organisation originating in the neighbourhood, help determine how workers experience job entry and influence their career expectations. Social historians have emphasized aspects of labour markets which are bound up with community based forms of association. The following are examined here: employer actions, the role of the family and gender relations, and the social bases of worker combinations. Whilst attention is drawn to the continuity between work and community which is implied by labour market concepts, the connection is not seen as invariably unbroken nor always complementary.
Life Skills Training and the Politics of Personal Effectiveness
Authors: Gleeson Denis
Published: August 2011

In recent years social and life skills curriculum has emerged to occupy an important place in new training initiatives, particularly those associated with YTS and pre-vocational courses such as TVEI, CPVE and City and Guids 365. one level the attraction of ‘life skills’ training is that it is relevant and address, in ways that traditional Liberal and General Studies could not, the practical problems likely to affect young people as adults, as parents and as employees. another, ambiguity surrounds the criteria upon which such skills for living are constructed and appraised, not least because of their close behavioural connection with altering young peoples’ attitudes toward authority, industry and society. Despite recent concern about the dangers of bias and indoctrination elsewhere in mainstream education, this controversial aspect of government intervention in vocational training (DEP 1981; MSC 1981; DEP 1984) has escaped the critical attention of those who currently express concern about standards in education (Scrution et al 1985). For this reason the paper seeks to examine the kind of ‘official’ thinking which lies behind life skills training, and the skills which are thought necessary to enhance the ‘personal effectiveness’ of young people. This would seem all the more important in view of the government's contention that technical and vocational education (14–18) now constitutes a viable alternative for those who fail to succeed in mainstream education. (DEP 1981, 1984; MSC 1981, 1982a).
Warfare, Social Theory and West European Development
Authors: Ashworth Clive , Dandeker Christopher
Published: August 2011

This paper explores the intellectual reasons for the failure of sociology to give sufficient attention to warfare and military organisation as central problems in social theory. These reasons are to be found in the dominance of liberal functionalism and Marxism as paradigms in the development of sociology. A reorientation of social theory is called for and it is suggested that writers in the neo-Machiavellian tradition provide an important corrective to sociological orthodoxy in respect of the role of war and military organisation in social life. The paper goes on to show that these factors are crucial components in an adequate account of one of the most important problems raised by sociology: why did hegemonic capitalism develop originally in the West and not elsewhere. Thus, ironically, those factors which sociology has tended to ignore are actually the key to solving one of its central problems.
The Election Campaign as a Liminal Stage — Negotiations over Meanings
Authors: Herzog Hanna
Published: August 2011

The paper deals with the role and significance of election campaigns through a consideration of the relevant literature in political science, communication and anthropology. The current interpretation of elections as ritual and drama is altered by focusing on V. Turner's concept of liminality. As liminal periods, it is claimed, election campaigns are an active arena for social construction of political worlds. They take an active part in moulding political cognition and thus produce long-term effects.

Perceiving elections in this conceptual frame focuses the empirical concern on the different actors participating in moulding old or new social meanings, the way challenging alternatives are presented, negotiated, included or excluded, the way events as well as symbols become meaningful. It reveals the contested as well as the taken-for-granted, unquestioned and thus reinforced political symbolic world.
Community, the Private and the Individual
Authors: Fraser John
Published: August 2011

Attempts are being made to associate a supposed ‘return to the private’ with a parallel phenomenon of a ‘return to community’. Both terms, private and community, are central to sociological theory, but are surrounded with confusion and a profusion of historical referents which confirms their importance but obscures their significance. This review of the literature and of the various problematics for which the ‘private sphere’ is a key concept concludes that it is civil society which determines the modalities of discussion as well as the actual degree of autonomy of the ‘private’, and thus that an approach from the side of the ‘private’ (or of ‘community’) can be of only restricted value.
The Body of Intellectuals/the Intellectuals' Body (Remarks for Roland)
Authors: Corrigan Philip
Published: August 2011

Apparently Arab scholars, when speaking of the text, use this admirable expression: the certain body. What body? We have several of them; the body of anatomists and physiologists, the one science sees or discusses: this is the text of grammarians, critics, commentators, philologists (the pheno-text). But we also have a body of bliss consisting solely of erotic relations, utterly distinct from the first body: it is another contour, another nomination; thus with the text: it is no more than the open list of the fires of language…

R. Barthes, 1973:16–17

The corpus: what a splendid idea! Providing one is willing to read the body in the corpus: either because in the group of texts reserved for study (and which form the corpus) the pursuit is no longer of structure alone but of the figures of the utterance; or because one has a certain erotic relation with this group of texts (without which the corpus is merely a scientific image-repertoire).

R. Barthes, 1975; 161
ANTIAGGLOMERATION SUBSIDIES WITH HETEROGENEOUS FIRMS*
Authors: Okubo Toshihiro
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT This paper studies antiagglomeration subsidies in a core–periphery setting when firms are heterogeneous in labor productivity, focusing on the effects of a relocation subsidy on firm location in various tax‐financing schemes (local vs. global). I discuss how a subsidy can enhance welfare and average productivity in the periphery. As a result, I find that a subsidy proportional to profits can induce the relocation of high‐productivity firms and thus increase welfare and average productivity in the periphery. Concerning tax‐financing schemes, a local tax‐financing scheme has an optimal level of subsidy.
Women and Work in Family Soap Operas
Authors: Czarniawska Barbara , Eriksson‐Zetterquist Ulla , Renemark David
Published: August 2011

The starting point of this article is the assumption that images of work and organizing produced by popular culture both reflect and shape actual practices. Among various genres of popular culture, soap operas deserve more attention. This article analyses three local soap operas: one Italian, one Swedish and one South African. All three focus on family life — a focus typical for the genre. We trace the side topic of women at work and women and work, on the assumption that its marginality renders it less likely to contain intentional messages from the creators of the series, and thus more likely to reflect the taken‐for‐granted beliefs underpinning everyday life and contributing to their reproduction and maintenance. We trace the series' connections to local contexts but also look for commonalities that may be characteristic of this genre of popular culture.
The effect of a 1550 nm fractional erbium–glass laser in female pattern hair loss
Authors: Lee G.‐Y. , Lee S.‐J. , Kim W.‐S.
Published: August 2011

Background  Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common cause of hair loss in women, and its prevalence increases with advancing age. Affected women may experience psychological distress and social withdrawal. A variety of laser and light sources have been tried for treatment of hair loss, and some success has been reported.

Objective  The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of a 1550 nm fractional erbium–glass laser in treatment of female pattern hair loss.

Patients and methods  Twenty eight ethnic South Korean patients with varying degrees of FPHL were enrolled in the study. Patients received ten treatments with a 1550 nm fractional Er:Glass Laser (Mosaic, Lutronic Co., Ltd, Seoul, South Korea) at 2‐weeks intervals using the same parameters (5–10 mm tip, 6 mJ pulse energy, 800 spot/cm2 density, static mode). Phototrichogram and global photographs were taken at baseline and at the end of laser treatment, and analysed for changes in hair density and hair shaft diameter. Global photographs underwent blinded review by three independent dermatologists using a 7‐point scale. Patients also answered questionnaires assessing hair growth throughout the study. All adverse effects were reported during the study.

Results  Twenty seven patients completed a 5‐month schedule of laser treatment. One patient was excluded during treatment due to occurrence of alopecia areata. At the initial visit, mean hair density was 100 ± 14/cm2, and mean hair thickness was 58 ± 12 μm. After 5 months of laser treatment, hair density showed a marked increase to 157 ± 28/cm2 (P < 0.001), and hair thickness also increased to 75 ± 13 μm (P < 0.001). Global photographs showed improvement in 24 (87.5%) of the 27 patients. Two patients (7.4%) reported mild pruritus after laser treatment; however, these resolved within 2 h.

Conclusion  A 1550 nm fractional erbium–glass laser irradiation may be an effective and safe treatment option for women with female pattern hair loss.
MULTIPLE RESPONSE EVALUATION OF DISCRIMINATION
Authors: Brown John
Published: August 2011

A common form of discrimination test consists of n incorrect alternatives and a single correct alternative. Usually, the subject is permitted only one attempt to select the correct alternative. This is adequate if discrimination is all‐or‐none, but is not adequate in general. Two methods of assessing discrimination from multiple response data are described. In Method A the average probability of rejecting a wrong alternative is estimated. Method B is based on Information Theory. Both methods permit the comparison of tests involving differing numbers of alternatives without using a guessing correction. A probability model is described for relating the distributions of the number of attempts needed for such tests. This is relevant to one way of using the information‐measure to compare tests. It is also relevant to examining the effect of the traditional guessing correction if the assumption on which this correction is based is false. The paper concludes with a brief consideration of tests in which there is more than one correct alternative.