bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serial Changes of Fatty Acids in Preterm Breast Milk of Korean Women
Authors: Jang Sung-Hee , Lee Byong Sop , Park Jung Hwa , Chung Eun Jung , Um Young Sook , Lee-Kim Yang Cha , Kim Ellen Ai-Rhan
Published: July 2011

Samples of breast milk were collected at postpartum weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 from 104 Korean mothers who had delivered infants at less than 34 weeks or weighing less than 1.8 kg to investigate changes in fatty acid (FAs). Full-term breast milk (FBM) collected at the end of first week postpartum from 26 Korean women delivering healthy, term infants was used for comparison. Stability in relative FA composition was maintained during the first 3 months of lactation in preterm breast milk (PBM), and the relative composition of polyunsaturated FAs (PUFA), monounsaturated FAs, and saturated FAs remained constant in PBM. However, the ω6/ω3 ratio was significantly higher as lactation progressed owing to lower ω3 PUFA in PBM. The proportions of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) in PBM gradually decreased over time, but the DHA/AA ratio was kept constant at 1.13, higher than that of Western countries. At the end of the first week, relative proportions of FAs were similar in PBM and FBM, but absolute concentrations of FA were higher in PBM.
Factors Associated With Duration of Breastfeeding in Ireland
Authors: Tarrant Roslyn C. , Younger Katherine M. , Sheridan-Pereira Margaret , Kearney John M.
Published: July 2011

There is a need to comprehensively examine why mothers in Ireland discontinue breastfeeding early and to explore the factors influencing duration of breastfeeding during the first 6 months postpartum. Findings from this study provide valuable direction for future strategies and interventions aimed at increasing breastfeeding duration rates in Ireland.
Constructing Arab Female Leadership Lessons from the Moroccan Media
Authors: Skalli Loubna H.
Published: August 2011

How the Arab media construct Middle Eastern women as political actors, frame their leadership roles, and narrate their activities to the public are important questions largely ignored in the growing scholarship on women’s political participation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Drawing on Nancy Fraser’s reflections on the politics of recognition and distribution (2007), I examine the construction of women’s leadership in Morocco during the four-month period leading to the local elections of June 2009. Analysis of 1,738 news items from five print media sources reveals that the “symbolic annihilation” of political women, a thesis traditionally applied to Western contexts, is disturbingly robust in Morocco. The Moroccan case alerts us that institutional mechanisms supporting women’s leadership might begin to address gender biases in the distribution of political power, but they do not guarantee the recognition of gender equality in the cultural sphere of knowledge production and opinion formation. Struggles over gender equity in Morocco and elsewhere in MENA should engage more fully with the politics of recognition given the disjuncture between women’s leadership competences and achievements and the dominant ideological frames constructing women’s leadership.
The American Psychiatric Association and the history of psychiatry
Authors: Hirshbein Laura
Published: August 2011

The history committee within the American Psychiatric Association was actively involved in the history of psychiatry in the early decades of the twentieth century, as well as from 1942 to 2009. This paper explores the role of this committee in the context of changes in the psychiatric profession over the twentieth century.
What is a ‘mood-congruent’ delusion? History and conceptual problems
Authors: Kumazaki Tsutomu
Published: August 2011

This article investigates the history of the concept of mood-congruent delusions and the problems accompanying this concept. In the late nineteenth century, there were conflicting views regarding the relationship between the contents of an individual’s delusional thought and his/her affective state. The differentiation between delusion-like ideas secondary to affective state and incomprehensible primary delusions was introduced in the early twentieth century; this differentiation is the origin of the present-day distinction between mood-congruent and -incongruent delusions. Although the themes of delusions are clearly described in the operational diagnostic criteria for mood-congruent psychotic symptoms, the concept of mood congruence inevitably involves ambiguity. This article argues that a dilemma between reliability and validity emerges when diagnosing mood-congruent (and -incongruent) psychotic symptoms.
The mental health sector and the social sciences in post-World War II USA Part 2: The impact of federal research funding and the drugs revolution
Authors: Scull Andrew
Published: August 2011

The second of two linked papers examining the interactions of psychiatry and the social sciences since World War II examines the role of NIMH on these disciplines. It analyses the effects of the prominence and the decline of psychoanalysis, and the impact of the psychotropic drugs revolution and the associated rise of biological psychiatry on relations between psychiatry and clinical psychology; and it explores the changing relationships between psychiatry and sociology, from collaboration to conflict to mutual disdain.
The Patient Reported Outcomes in Lupus (PATROL) study: role of depression in health-related quality of life in a Southern California lupus cohort
Authors: Moldovan I , Katsaros E , Carr FN , Cooray D , Torralba K , Shinada S , Ishimori ML , Jolly M , Wallace DJ , Weisman MH , Nicassio PM
Published: August 2011

This study examines the relationship between psychosocial factors, ethnicity, disease activity and quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods: One hundred and twenty-five adult Caucasian and Hispanic lupus patients were recruited from four Southern California medical centers. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the correlation of ethnicity, socioeconomic factors (age, income), and disease activity (patient and physician reported), as well as psychological (depression, internality, helplessness) variables with quality of life (QOL) as measured by the Short Form (SF)-36. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was then used to determine the stepwise contribution of the above determinants on the eight domains of the SF-36 questionnaire. Results: Depression negatively correlated with QOL in both Caucasians ( r −0.488 to −0.660) and Hispanics ( r −0.456 to −0.723). Patient-reported disease activity was moderately related ( r −0.456 to −0.698) to seven of the eight SF-36 domains in Hispanics, and none in Caucasians. Physician-reported disease activity, measured by SLEDAI, did not correlate with QOL among Hispanics or Caucasians. When linear and hierarchical regression was used, depression significantly correlated ( p  <  0.0001) with the majority of the SF-36 domains, except general health, while age had a significant effect in only one domain of the SF-36, physical functioning ( p  <  0.0001). Conclusion: Depression, and not disease activity, appears to have a major influence on quality of life in both Hispanic and Caucasian patients in this lupus cohort.
Futile cardiopulmonary resuscitation for the benefit of others: An ethical analysis
Authors: Bremer Anders , Sandman Lars
Published: July 2011

It has been reported as an ethical problem within prehospital emergency care that ambulance professionals administer physiologically futile cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to patients having suffered cardiac arrest to benefit significant others. At the same time it is argued that, under certain circumstances, this is an acceptable moral practice by signalling that everything possible has been done, and enabling the grief of significant others to be properly addressed. Even more general moral reasons have been used to morally legitimize the use of futile CPR: That significant others are a type of patient with medical or care needs that should be addressed, that the interest of significant others should be weighed into what to do and given an equal standing together with patient interests, and that significant others could be benefited by care professionals unless it goes against the explicit wants of the patient. In this article we explore these arguments and argue that the support for providing physiologically futile CPR in the prehospital context fails. Instead, the strategy of ambulance professionals in the case of a sudden death should be to focus on the relevant care needs of the significant others and provide support, arrange for a peaceful environment and administer acute grief counselling at the scene, which might call for a developed competency within this field.
Cultural competence: Reflections on patient autonomy and patient good
Authors: Leever Martin G
Published: July 2011

Terms such as ‘cultural competence’ and ‘transcultural nursing’ have comfortably taken their place in the lexicon of health care. Their high profile is a reflection of the diversity of western societies and health care’s commitment to provide care that is responsive to the values and beliefs of all who require treatment. However, the relationship between cultural competence and familiar ethical concepts such as patient autonomy has been an uneasy one. This article explores the moral foundations of cultural competence, ultimately locating them in patient autonomy and patient good. The discussion of patient good raises questions about the moral relevance of a value’s rootedness in a particular culture. I argue that the moral justification for honoring cultural values has more to do with the fact that patients are strongly committed to them than it does with their cultural rootedness. Finally, I suggest an organizational approach to cultural competence that emphasizes overall organizational preparedness.
CDS Pricing and Elections in Emerging Markets
Authors: Balding Christopher
Published: July 2011

To study the role of elections in financial market instability, we focus on the role of credit risk pricing during elections from 2004 to 2007 in 13 emerging market economies. We use a unique dataset of daily credit default swap (CDS) pricing, with standard macroeconomic controls, to study the role of elections in prompting financial market instability and contagion. Sovereign CDS pricing provides a number of advantages in understanding emerging market instability of previous studies. First, the daily data allows a greater level of specificity than was used in previous credit market and political studies. Second, even though sovereign credit conditions change slowly, CDS pricing changes daily, reflecting sentiment or forward-looking beliefs. Third, the CDS allows us to focus on the perceived public credit risk of an election and the incoming government. Our study reveals a number of unique findings. First, investors price in additional risk for elections regardless of party, incumbency or size of win. Second, long- and short-term investors price risk very differently, with 1-year CDS investors reacting much more strongly to election risk, causing the overall spread between 10- and 1-year swaps to narrow. Third, our results provide continued support for the theory of investor herding in international financial markets, and a focus on a small number of economic variables in determining sovereign creditworthiness. Investors do not study the relative risk factors as much as price in structural risk by the existence of definable benchmarks like elections.
Post-colonial Finance
Authors: Maheswaran S. , Balasubramanian G. , Yoonus C.A.
Published: July 2011

A new variance ratio is proposed in this article that utilises the extreme values of asset prices. On the basis of the specification test, it is documented that there is excess volatility in the Indian stock market, whereas this feature is completely absent in the US. It is also found that such excess volatility is persistent in India in the sense that it gives rise to excessive path dependence. Furthermore, it is shown how such path dependence can be modelled from a theoretical point of view by way of the Binomial Markov Random Walk model.
Robustness of feedback stabilization of quasi non-integrable Hamiltonian systems with parametric uncertainty
Authors: Feng Ju , Wang Yong , Zhu Wei-Qiu
Published: August 2011

The robustness of feedback stabilization for quasi non-integrable Hamiltonian systems with uncertain parameters is investigated. The uncertain parameters are modeled as bounded random variables with λ-probability density function. Based on the independence of uncertain parameters and stochastic excitations, a feedback control to asymptotically stabilize, with probability one, the nominal system (with average parameter values) is firstly obtained by applying the stochastic averaging method, the expression for the Lyapunov exponent of quasi non-integrable Hamiltonian systems and the stochastic dynamical programming principle. Then, the mean and standard deviations of the Lyapunov exponent of the uncertain quasi non-integrable Hamiltonian system are calculated by using the stochastic averaging method and probabilistic analysis. Finally, the robustness of the feedback stabilization for quasi non-integrable Hamiltonian systems with parametric uncertainty is evaluated in terms of the sensitivity of the variation coefficient of the Lyapunov exponent of a controlled system to the variation coefficients of uncertain parameters. An example is worked out to illustrate the robustness of the feedback stabilization.
A looseness identification approach for rotating machinery based on post-processing of ensemble empirical mode decomposition and autoregressive modeling
Authors: Wu Tian-Yau , Hong Huei-Cheng , Chung Yu-Liang
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this research is to investigate the feasibility of utilizing the post-processing of Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) and Autoregressive (AR) modeling to identify the looseness faults at different mechanical components of rotating machinery. The post-processing of EEMD is employed to decompose the complicated vibration signals of rotating machinery into a finite number of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) which represent the mono-oscillated components of different frequency bands. The AR modeling process reveals the fault features of the information-contained IMF components. The characteristic vectors derived from the AR modeling process can be utilized for identifying the locations of looseness faults in the operating machinery. A rotor-bearing test rig is performed to illustrate the looseness faults at different mechanical components. The analysis results show that the proposed approach is capable of identifying the locations of looseness faults at the rotating machinery.
Comparison of waste pumpkin material and its potential use in extruded snack foods
Authors: Norfezah M.N. , Hardacre A. , Brennan C.S.
Published: August 2011

Material was produced from Crown pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) processed from fractions of the fruit which are regarded as waste stream products (peel, flesh and seed). The flour from the three different fractions (peel, flesh and seed) of Crown pumpkin flour was incorporated into an extruded snack product formulation at levels 10%, 30% and 50% (w/w with corn grit) and processed in a twin-screw extruder to make 10 expanded snack products. Proximate analysis was carried out to determine the nutritional value of the raw pumpkin and pumpkin flour. A physical analysis of the product was used to determine its color, the expansion ratio, bulk density and texture. Inclusion of waste stream material (peel and seed) at 10%, yielded extruded products with similar expansion and density characteristics to the control sample; however, an inclusion of greater than 10% yielded significant challenges to product quality (hardness of the product).
Cesarean Delivery and Colon Resection in a Patient With Type III Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Fiegel Matthew J.
Published: August 2011

Objective. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a connective tissue disorder that results from the inability to produce normal collagen. Eight types are described; type II is considered the lethal variant. Because of abnormal collagen production, these patients possess many anatomic and functional abnormalities. In addition to the obvious brittle bones, osteogenesis imperfecta patients may also possess respiratory, cardiac, spinal, endocrine, and hematologic abnormalities. These numerous derangements can lead to a challenging perioperative course. Case report. This report describes a case of a 27-year-old woman, G1P0 with history of type III osteogenesis imperfecta presenting at 31+ weeks with preterm premature rupture of membranes, lower extremity edema, and constipation. Because of progressive labor and cephalopelvic disproportion, an urgent cesarean section was performed under general anesthesia. Intraoperative coagulopathy was noted. After hemostasis was achieved, a colonic mass below the splenic flexure that measured 20 × 10 cm was revealed. General surgery was consulted intraoperatively, and a rectosigmoid resection was performed for a presumed colonic pseudo-obstruction. Patient tolerated the procedure well and was extubated at the completion of the case. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 5. Clinical challenges. ( a) Preoperative assessment of an osteogenesis imperfecta patient, ( b) determination of anesthetic type, ( c) management of hemorrhage/cardiovascular instability, and ( d) management of hyperthermia. Conclusions. This case report illustrates that, with proper knowledge of this disease state, osteogenesis imperfecta patients can undergo a safe anesthetic during a potentially challenging combined cesarean section/colonic resection.
A second case of Marburg’s variant of multiple sclerosis with vasculitis and extensive demyelination
Authors: Elenein Rania GA , Sharer Leroy R , Cook Stuart D , Pachner Andrew R , Michaels Jennifer , Hillen Machteld E
Published: August 2011

Marburg’s variant of multiple sclerosis is a rapidly progressive and malignant form of multiple sclerosis (MS) that usually leads to severe disability or death within weeks to months without remission. Few cases have been described in the literature since the original description by Marburg. The classic pathological findings usually include highly destructive zones of extensive demyelination, necrosis with dense cellular infiltrate, and giant reactive astrocytes. We report a case of a 31-year-old woman with Marburg’s variant of MS who, over a period of eight months, became totally disabled, blind, and quadriplegic, with vocal cord paralysis, requiring a tracheostomy. The patient underwent diagnostic stereotactic brain biopsy. Clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), serologic and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings, and neuropathology are discussed. MRI showed extensive white matter involvement in the brain and spinal cord that continuously progressed over time. A diagnostic stereotactic brain biopsy revealed extensive active demyelination with unexpected finding of active vasculitis and fibrinoid necrosis with a vascular inflammatory cell infiltrate, including polymorphonuclear neutrophils and rare eosinophils. Serologic work-up for vasculitis and neuromyelitis optica was unremarkable and the CSF showed only one oligoclonal band (OCB) not present in serum. This is the second case of Marburg’s variant of MS that demonstrated both demyelination and vasculitis. In our case these features were demonstrated simultaneously, even though the demyelination was the predominant pathological finding. Since vasculitis is not a feature of classic MS, these findings pose the question as to whether Marburg’s variant of MS is a true variant or different entity altogether.
Potential association of vitamin D receptor polymorphism Taq1 with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cox Mathew B , Ban Maria , Bowden Nikola A , Baker Amie , Scott Rodney J , Lechner-Scott Jeannette
Published: August 2011

Background: The environmental influence of sun exposure and vitamin D in particular and its implication with multiple sclerosis (MS) has recently received considerable attention. Current evidence based on genetic and epidemiological studies indicate that vitamin D is implicated in the aetiology of this disease.

Methods: We examined two common variants in the vitamin D receptor ( VDR) gene in 1153 trio families and 726 cases and 604 controls. We also examined epistatic interactions between the VDR SNPs rs731236 and rs2228570 with the tagging single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3135388 for the HLA-DRB*1501 locus containing a highly conserved vitamin D responsive element within its promoter region.

Results: We found weak evidence for an association between the rs731236C allele and MS, while there was no direct association with rs2228570. When examining the interaction between the VDR gene variations and the DRB1*1501 tagging SNP a more complex relationship was observed. Although the interaction was not statistically significant, there appeared to be a trend of increasing risk of MS in participants who were homozygous for the HLA-DRB1*1501 allele in association with the more active form of the VDR (Fok1).

Conclusion: We have identified weak evidence of an association between a common variation within the VDR gene and MS, in the largest study reported to date of this candidate gene. There appears to be a relationship between polymorphisms in the VDR and the risk of MS, which is potentially modified by HLA-DRB1*1501.
Concurrent antibacterial finishing and transfer printing of different types of fabrics
Authors: El-Ola Samiha Mohamed Abo , ElAdwi Maha Mohamady
Published: August 2011

The growth of microbes on textiles inflicts a range of unpleasant effects not only on thetextile itself but also on the wearer. The detrimental effects can be controlled by antimicrobial finishing of textile using Sanitized T99-19 in the finishing formulation andsimulated curing/transfer printing in one step for different types of fabrics. Improvements of multifunctional property vary, to some extent with the nature of fibrous substrates, resin concentration, simultaneous curing/transfer printing, temperature employed, and various additives in the finishing formulation used to affect the polymerization of the reactant. Optimized resin concentrations as well as transfer printing temperatures to enhance the properties of the finished fabrics were reported. Quantitative analysis was carried out to measure antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results showed that printed fabrics inhibited the growth of both Gram-positive ( Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli) bacteria compared with control samples (without Sanitized T99-19). Improvement of color strength as well crease recovery angle was obtained. Antibacterial activity was retained up to 20 cycles. Scanning electron microscopy of finished fabrics was performed.
Hydration and Health
Authors: Horswill Craig A. , Janas Lynn M.
Published: July 2011

Daily adequate water intake to maintain euhydration is arguably the most important nutrient requirement for humans. Within a margin of error, the body regulates the maintenance of body fluid balance and especially that of the plasma volume, through mechanisms that stimulate thirst and/or modify the rate of urine production. However, there are circumstances such as with excessive sweating during exercise in the heat, osmotic diarrhea, or excessive fluid consumption, or water intoxication where normal mechanisms of regulation may be inadequate to compensate for acute changes in hydration status and result in life threatening consequences. Health and onset of disease may be affected by the chronic hydration state of individual. The risks of colorectal cancer, nephrolithiasis in those with a history of kidney stones, and bladder cancer may be reduced by more frequent water consumption. Recent research suggests that appropriate timing of water intake around meal occasions may help reduce energy intake and contribute to maintenance of body weight in overweight individuals. Definitive benefits of hydration on cardiovascular and oral health and general immune system function remain to be determined. It is also unclear whether the health benefits of water and fluid ingestion are a function of the process of frequent fluid intake or the maintenance of a potentially expanded state of hydration.
‘Old Drugs for New Applications’: Can Orthopedic Research Benefit from This Strategy?
Authors: Pan Xiaohua , Cheng Wenxiang , Wang Jiali , Qin Ling , Lai Yuxiao , Tang Jian , Shang Peng , Ren Peigen , Zhang Peng
Published: July 2011

New drug exploration is difficult in a clinical setting and the development of new drugs may be costly and time consuming. With further research into the pathological mechanisms and etiology of diseases as well as the rapid development of biological techniques, many ‘old drugs’ that have been applied in clinics may have new therapeutic functions which may shed light on clinical management. Based on this, we have investigated the ‘ old drugs for new applications’ strategy in pharmacology which may be less expensive and more efficient in the clinical setting. In this paper we have explored and illustrated the potential applications of ‘old drugs’ for the treatment of orthopedic diseases, especially in arthritis and osteoporosis therapy.
Sodium Oxybate: A Potential New Pharmacological Option for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Authors: Swick Todd J.
Published: July 2011

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common disorder, characterized by diffuse pain and tenderness, stiffness, fatigue, affective disorders and significant sleep pathology. A new set of diagnostic criteria have been developed which should make it easier for a busy clinician to diagnose the condition. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications for the treatment of FMS have, for the most part, been geared to modulate the pain pathways to give the patient some degree of relief. A different kind of pharmacological agent, sodium oxybate (SXB), is described that is currently approved for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy. SXB, an endogenous metabolite of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-hydroxybutyrate, is thought to act independently as a neurotransmitter with a presumed ability to modulate numerous other central nervous system neurotransmitters. In addition SXB has been shown to robustly increase slow wave sleep and decrease sleep fragmentation. Several large clinical trials have demonstrated SXB's ability to statistically improve pain, fatigue and a wide array of quality of life measurements of patients with fibromyalgia. SXB is not FDA approved to treat fibromyalgia.
A Gratifying Surgical Repair of Anomalous Left Coronary Artery From Pulmonary Artery: Three Decades of Follow-Up
Authors: Sridhar Anuradha , Subramanyan Raghavan , Cherian Kotturathu Mammen
Published: July 2011

Establishing a two coronary system is the best treatment option for anomalous origin of left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA). We describe a case of ALCAPA with three decades of follow up after an end-to-end anastomosis of left subclavian artery and left coronary artery with mitral valve replacement. This technique of establishing a two coronary system was done in an era when coronary transfer technique was not established and myocardial protection techniques were not available. This case is also the longest follow up of prosthetic mitral valve replacement in a child with ALCAPA.
Successful Closure of Large Congenital Coronary Fistula With an Amplatzer Vascular Plug: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kosutic Jovan , Prijic Sergej , Vujic Ana
Published: July 2011

We describe the case of a 3.5-year-old-girl with large coronary fistula that originated from the proximal left coronary artery and, after a tortuous distal course, drained into the right atrium. The narrowest fistula diameter was 6.7 mm. Fistula was successfully closed with a 12-mm Amplatzer vascular plug type 1 using a retrograde approach without creating an arteriovenous loop. Femoral artery damage that required thrombolytic (streptokinase) therapy was observed after the procedure. Retrograde approach does not require creation of an arteriovenous loop. However, potential benefits have to be considered in the light of potential peripheral artery damage and subsequent thrombolytic therapy.
Calcified Right Atrial Myxoma in an Adolescent
Authors: Weiss Scott L. , Russell Hyde M. , Lay Amy , Backer Carl L.
Published: July 2011

Images are presented of a 14-year-old patient with chest pain discovered to have a calcified mass overlying the cardiac silhouette on lateral chest radiograph. Further imaging led to a diagnosis of a right atrial myxoma, which was surgically excised. While cardiac neoplasms are typically diagnosed with advanced imaging, the tendency for myxomas to calcify may allow for detection on plain radiographs.
Novel Use of Extracellular Matrix Graft for Creation of Pulmonary Valved Conduit
Authors: Gilbert Christian L. , Gnanapragasam James , Benhaggen Rolf , Novick William M.
Published: July 2011

We report the use of a commercially available graft material to create a trileaflet pulmonary valved conduit, which was implanted in a 12-year-old girl with mixed aortic valve disease as part of a Ross procedure. The patient presented with severe aortic insufficiency and left ventricular dilatation following balloon valvuloplasty. The patient lives in Ecuador, where most commonly used replacements for the pulmonary valve are either unavailable or unaffordable. Our technique involves the use of porcine small intestinal submucosal extracellular matrix (SIS-ECM), commercially available as CorMatrix ECM (CorMatrix Cardiovascular, Inc, Tallahassee, Florida) to create a trileaflet-valved conduit.
Acute Kidney Injury and Critical Cardiac Disease
Authors: Cooper David S. , Charpie John R. , Flores Francisco X. , William Gaynor J. , Salvin Joshua W. , Devarajan Prasad , Krawczeski Catherine D.
Published: July 2011

The field of cardiac intensive care continues to advance in tandem with congenital heart surgery. The survival of patients with critical congenital heart disease is seldom in question. Consequently, the focus has now shifted to that of morbidity reduction and eventual elimination. Acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery is associated with adverse outcomes, including prolonged intensive care and hospital stays, diminished quality of life, and increased long-term mortality. Acute kidney injury occurs frequently, complicating 30% to 40% of adult and pediatric cardiac surgeries. Patients who require dialysis are at high risk of mortality, but even minor degrees of postoperative AKI portend a significant increase in mortality and morbidity.
The Electronic Industry Code of Conduct: Private Governance in a Competitive and Contested Global Production Network
Authors: Raj-Reichert Gale
Published: July 2011

Manufacturing activities in the electronics industry are organized in complex global production networks (GPNs) led by a variety of branded firms. Increasingly, considerations related to private governance and the use of codes of conduct and standards have emerged as important to the management and coordination of GPNs. An example is the Electronic Industry Code of Conduct (EICC), which is an attempt by the electronics industry to harmonize social, environmental and other conditions throughout its supply chain. This paper describes how the EICC came into being, and how inter-firm and non-firm relations and dynamics shape GPN governance outcomes. It shows resource constraints, changing power dynamics among firms and contestation by external stakeholders to be important factors influencing the implementation of private governance measures. Findings from interviews conducted with EICC members, including manufacturing sites located in Penang, Malaysia, and external stakeholders inform the discussion.
AUF1 and HuR: possible implications of mRNA stability in thyroid function and disorders
Authors: Trojanowicz Bogusz , Dralle Henning , Hoang-Vu Cuong
Published: August 2011

RNA-binding proteins may regulate every aspect of RNA metabolism, including pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA trafficking, stability and translation of many genes. The dynamic association of these proteins with RNA defines the lifetime, cellular localization, processing and the rate at which a specific mRNA is translated. One of the pathways involved in regulating of mRNA stability is mediated by adenylate uridylate-rich element (ARE) binding proteins. These proteins are involved in processes of apoptosis, tumorigenesis and development. Out of many ARE-binding proteins, two of them AUF1 and HuR were studied most extensively and reported to regulate the mRNA stabilityin vivo. Our previously published data demonstrate that both proteins are involved in thyroid carcinogenesis. Several other reports postulate that mRNA binding proteins may participate in thyroid hormone actions. However, until now, exacts mechanisms and the possible role of post-transcriptional regulation and especially the role of AUF1 and HuR in those processes remain not fully understood. In this study we shortly review the possible function of both proteins in relation to development and various physiological and pathophysiological processes, including thyroid function and disorders.
Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Primary Aldosteronism: A Biomarker of Severity for Aldosterone Vasculopathy and Prognosis
Authors: Wu Vin-Cent , Lo Shyh-Chyi , Chen Yuh-Lien , Huang Po-Hsun , Tsai Chia-Ti , Liang Chan-Jung , Kuo Chin-Chi , Kuo Yih-Shing , Lee Bai-Chin , Wu En-Ling , Lin Yen-Hung , Sun Yun-Yu , Lin Shuei-Liong , Chen Jaw-Wen , Lin Shing-Jong , Wu Kwan-Dun
Published: August 2011

Context:

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events, probably through mineralocorticoid receptor (MR)-dependent endothelial cell dysfunction, in comparison with essential hypertension (EH).

Objective:

Our objective was to investigate the number and function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in PA and the relationship with arterial stiffness and disease progression.

Design and Setting:

We conducted a prospective study of the change of EPC number and outcome of PA patients after treatment at a tertiary medical center.

Primary Outcomes:

Changes in arterial stiffness and EPC number after treatment and the curability of hypertension were assessed.

Patients:

A total of 113 PA patients (87 patients diagnosed with aldosterone-producing adenoma, 26 with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism) and 55 patients with EH participated.

Results:

PA patients had higher arterial stiffness than EH patients (P = 0.006), with a lower numbers of circulating EPC and endothelial colony-forming units (P < 0.05). The differences were ameliorated at 6 months after unilateral adrenalectomy or treatment with spironolactone. Expression of MR was identified in the EPC. The number of circulating EPC was inversely correlated with the plasma aldosterone concentration (P = 0.021), arterial stiffness (P = 0.029) and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = 0.03). High-dose aldosterone (10−5 and 10−6m) attenuated EPC proliferation and angiogenesis in vitro. Among the 45 patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy, 32 (71%) were cured of hypertension. The preoperative number of EPC [log(EPC number percent) >−3.6] predicted the curability of hypertension after adrenalectomy (P = 0.003).

Conclusions:

The relative deficiency of EPC in PA patients may contribute to aldosterone vasculopathy, which can be reversed by adrenalectomy and spironolactone. High aldosterone levels attenuated EPC proliferation and angiogenesis. Circulating EPC number may be a valuable biomarker to identify PA patients with a high incidence of arterial stiffness and to predict postoperative residual hypertension of aldosterone-producing adenoma.
Clinical performance of the Roche cobas e411 automated assay system for thyrotropin-receptor antibodies for the diagnosis of Graves' disease
Authors: Syme Neil R , Toft Anthony D , Stoddart Mary , Beckett Geoff J
Published: August 2011

Background

The clinical performance of the Roche cobas e411 automated assay for the measurement of thyrotropin (TSH)-receptor antibodies (TRAbs) for the diagnosis of Graves' disease was evaluated in the setting of new referrals to a specialized thyroid clinic.

Methods

The final diagnosis of 102 new patients attending their first outpatient appointment at a thyroid clinic was correlated with the TRAbs result. In all cases, the diagnosis was made independently of the TRAbs result by the same consultant (ADT) based on clinical examination, thyroid function tests (TSH, free thyroxine, total triiodothyronine measured on Architect; Abbot Diagnostics), and a technetium-99m uptake and scan. TRAbs were measured using the cobas e411 (Roche Diagnostics). The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the assay were determined and compared with other published performance characteristics of the assay.

Results

Optimal sensitivity (95%) and specificity (98%) were obtained using a cut-off of 1.6 IU/L. The positive and negative predictive values at this cut-off were calculated as 98% and 94%, respectively.

Conclusions

Using a cut-off of 1.6 IU/L, considered independently of thyroid function tests, the Roche cobas e411 automated immunoassay for TRAbs is a convenient, sensitive and specific tool for the differential diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.
A study by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of the chemistry of the surface of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) modified by friction
Authors: Rautkari Lauri , Hänninen Tuomas , Johansson Leena-Sisko , Hughes Mark
Published: July 2011

No abstract available
Humor in conflict discussions: Comparing partners' perceptions
Authors: Bippus Amy M. , Young Stacy L. , Dunbar Norah E.
Published: July 2011

This study assessed romantic partners' perceptions of their own and each others' humor usage during a conflict discussion. Forty-eight married and dating couples were recorded discussing conflict topics that both partners cited as sources of disagreement in their relationships. Both partners then viewed the videotaped interaction and reported on the humor used by each of them in the interaction. Humor was identified by at least one participant in all couples, with a total of 412 instances of verbal humor identified by participants across 336 minutes of recoded interaction. Partners identified the same instances as humor attempts about 34% of the time. A mix of actor and partner variables predicted participants' relationship satisfaction and their perceptions of conflict escalation and progress. The implications of these findings for advancing the understanding of humor in conflict, as well as the utility of this methodology for further study of humor in dyads, are discussed.
The humor of Christ: A different methodological approach
Authors: Bennett David J.
Published: July 2011

The Gospels never mention Jesus laughing. Therefore, the inference some make is that if it does not specifically say that he did, then he must not have. Other scholars have argued that it is easy to see humor in the writings about Christ if you look for it (e.g., Buckner, The joy of Jesus, The Canterbury Press, 1993; Trueblood, The humor of Christ, Harper & Row Publishers, 1964; Wirt, Jesus man of joy, Harvest House Publishers, 1999). The goal of the present study is to examine how Christians describe the humorous (or not) behavior of Jesus Christ using the Humorous Behavior Q-Sort Deck (Craik, Lampert, and Nelson, Humor: International Journal of Humor Research 9: 273–302, 1996). This is a new application of an established methodological approach which should aid our thinking on the subject of humor and Christ. Thirty subjects sorted the 100 statements while reflecting on Jesus. The results are discussed within the humorous style framework of Craik and Ware (Humor and personality in everyday life, Mouton de Gruyter. 1998) and the larger research context.
Measurement of Small-Strain Shear Moduli of Partially Saturated Sand During Infiltration in a Geotechnical Centrifuge
Authors: Ghayoomi Majid , McCartney John S.
Published: July 2011

This paper describes the use of bender elements to measure changes in small strain shear modulus, Gmax, of sand layers due to the change in degree of saturation during centrifuge tests. The goal of the measurements is to verify that steady-state infiltration is an appropriate technique to control the effective stress in centrifuge physical modeling of partially saturated sands. Specifically, the suitability of infiltration is assessed by checking if the measured values of Gmax of partially saturated sand layers follow a similar trend to dry and saturated sand layers when the effective stress is defined from the suction and degree of saturation profiles during steady-state infiltration. Three pairs of bender elements were installed at different depths in a container of Ottawa sand, and the shear wave velocities of the sand were measured during steady-state infiltration into the sand layer. The applied infiltration rate was varied to obtain different uniform distributions of degrees of saturation with depth. Consistent with results from suction-controlled resonant column tests performed on the same sand, the values of Gmax measured from the bender element tests varied nonlinearly with degree of saturation with a peak value at a degree of saturation between 0.3 and 0.4. When interpreted in terms of mean effective stress, the values of Gmax from the bender element tests on partially saturated sands followed a unique trend consistent with measurements for dry and saturated sands.
Microstructure and Hardness Prediction at the Core of Steel Parts of Any Configuration during Quenching
Authors: Kobasko Nikolai , Guseynov Sharif
Published: July 2011

In this paper we discuss the standard Jominy curve method, which is used for hardness and microstructure prediction at the core of steel parts of different shapes. It is shown that the simplified method of calculation needs verification by an exact analytical solution of the problem connected with the Jominy end-quench method. For this purpose, an exact analytical method of calculations is proposed. It is established that the cooling rate at the core of steel parts can differ by up to 12 % as compared with the self-regulated boiling process and extremely forced convection. The results of the investigations can be used for Jominy standard end-quenched method improvement and analyses of quenching processes. They also can be used for the development of new technologies.
Uniformly-Assembled Metal Nanoparticles on Anodic Aluminum Oxide (AAO) Applied in Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Luo Zhixun , Loo Boon H. , Yao Jiannian
Published: July 2011

Colloidal Au/Ag nanoparticles can be controllably assembled on anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) surfaces; monolayer coating on the membrane on AAO with smaller pores, or a nano-net arrangement along the edges of AAO with larger pores. The supported Au and Ag nanoparticles on the AAO membranes are closely packed and exhibited localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Thus AAO membrane coated with Au or Ag nanoparticles is a highly surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) active substrate. High quality SERS spectra were obtained using fullerene molecules C60 & C70 as the probe molecules and the filtered Au nanoparticles as the substrate. Furthermore, new SERS systems were obtained from Au nanoparticles assembled into the pores of AAO-supported fullerene nano-tubes, and the C60/C70 nano-tube arrays loaded with Au nanoparticles. The new SERS systems made use of the contributions from AAO, the LSPR of the Au nanoparticles, and a uniform assembly of the probe molecules in the nanostructures. These approaches have also been applied to small organic molecule systems using Ag nanoparticles.
In-situ X-ray Studies of Clean Catalytic Technologies
Authors: Lee Adam F. , Ellis Christine V. , Newton Mark A. , Parlett Christopher M. , Wilson Karen
Published: July 2011

The rational design of new heterogeneous catalysts for clean chemical technologies can be accelerated by molecular level insight into surface chemical processes. In-situ methodologies, able to provide time-resolved and/or pressure dependent information on the evolution of reacting adsorbed layers over catalytically relevant surfaces, are therefore of especial interest. Here we discuss the application of in-situ XPS and in-situ, synchronous DRIFTS/MS/XAS methodologies to elucidate the active site in Pd-catalyzed, selective aerobic oxidation of allylic alcohols.
Making Stuff Outreach at the Ames Laboratory and Iowa State University
Authors: Ament Katherine A. , Karsjen Steve , Leshem-Ackerman Adah , King Alexander
Published: July 2011

The U. S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory in Ames, Iowa was a coalition partner for outreach activities connected with NOVA’s Making Stuff television series on PBS. Volunteers affiliated with the Ames Laboratory and Iowa State University, with backgrounds in materials science, took part in activities including a science-themed Family Night at a local mall, Science Cafés at the Science Center of Iowa, teacher workshops, demonstrations at science nights in elementary and middle schools, and various other events. We describe a selection of the activities and present a summary of their outcomes and extent of their impact on Ames, Des Moines and the surrounding communities in Iowa.

In Part 2, results of a volunteer attitude survey are presented, which shed some light on the volunteer experience and show how the volunteers’ participation in outreach activities has affected their views of materials education.
Investigating How to Support Improvements in Student Learning Outcomes in a Fundamental Materials Engineering Course
Authors: Kitto Kathleen L.
Published: July 2011

For many engineers and technologists, their only exposure to materials engineering principles occurs within a single fundamentals course. Within that course, the students must conceptualize a wide variety of interdisciplinary topics drawn from chemistry, physics, engineering, and mathematics. Often, the students consider this fundamentals course challenging because it is likely that this is the first time that they are to develop understanding in such an interdisciplinary environment. Research studies in engineering education, which are based in social and cognitive constructivism, indicate that students build scaffolds from existing cognitive structures to new information when the students are able to make connections to their existing knowledge and experiences. It is also known that prior learning heavily influences this learning and that motivation plays a key role in the time that students devote to acquiring new knowledge. Research has also shown cooperative learning, understanding of individual student learning styles, and inductive teaching practices are important components that lead to improved Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs). The only way to truly understand effective practice is to implement constructively aligned strategies, problems, and concept learning opportunities, and then measure the SLOs. Additionally, an in-depth study of prior knowledge, conceptual understanding, and experiences is absolutely essential as key research questions are probed.

This paper describes research work underway at Western Washington University to understand how to improve SLOs in a fundamental materials engineering course by investigating students’ prior knowledge and conceptual understanding, measuring individual learning styles, measuring the effectiveness of different constructively aligned course modules based upon ‘WHERETO” principles with collaborative problem sets or design problems, investigating the effect of pre-exam quizzing, measuring term-long conceptual gains, and developing Information Communication Technology (ICT) enabled applications to support and enhance student learning. Future investigations will probe how more personalizable instruction that allows for student differences might be accomplished with ICT applications, especially for large lecture classes.