bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing bone formation by transplantation of a scaffold‐free tissue‐engineered periosteum in a rabbit model
Authors: Ma Dongyang , Yao Hong , Tian Wenyan , Chen Fulin , Liu Yanpu , Mao Tianqiu , Ren Liling
Published: February 2011

Objectives: The periosteum plays an important role in bone regeneration. However, the harvesting of autogenous periosteum is associated with disadvantages such as donor site morbidity and limited donor sources. This study uses an osteogenic predifferentiated cell sheet to fabricate a scaffold‐free tissue‐engineered periosteum (TEP).

Material and methods: We generated an osteogenic predifferentiated cell sheet from rabbit bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) using a continuous culture system and harvested it using a scraping technique. Then, the in vitro characterization of the sheet was investigated using microscopy investigation, quantitative analysis of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and RT‐PCR. Next, we demonstrated the in vivo osteogenic potential of the engineered sheet in ectopic sites together with a porous β‐tricalcium phosphate ceramic. Finally, we evaluated its efficiency in treating delayed fracture healing after wrapping the cell sheet around the mandible in a rabbit model.

Results: The engineered periosteum showed sporadic mineralized nodules, elevated ALP activity, and up‐regulated gene expression of osteogenic markers. After implantation in the subcutaneous pockets of the donor rabbits, the in vivo bone‐forming capability of the engineered periosteum was confirmed by histological examinations. Additionally, when wrapping the engineered periosteum around a mandibular fracture gap, we observed improved bone healing and reduced amounts of fibrous tissue at the fracture site.

Conclusion: The osteogenic predifferentiated BMSC sheet can act as a scaffold‐free TEP to facilitate bone regeneration. Hence, our study provides a promising strategy for enhancing bone regeneration in clinical settings.

To cite this article:
 Ma D, Yao H, Tian W, Chen F, Liu Y, Mao T, Ren L. Enhancing bone formation by transplantation of a scaffold‐free tissue‐engineered periosteum in a rabbit model. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22, 2011; 1193–1199. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02091.x
Students’ perceptions of the educational environment in a Greek Dental School, as measured by DREEM
Authors: Kossioni A. E. , Varela R. , Ekonomu I. , Lyrakos G. , Dimoliatis I. D. K.
Published: February 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to estimate the dental students’ perceptions of their educational environment and to identify any differences related both to their gender and semester of studies.

Materials and methods:  The translated and validated in Greek Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire was distributed to all 2nd‐ to 5th‐year students of the Athens Dental School. The questionnaire consisted of 50 statements organised in five subscales (perceptions of learning, teachers, atmosphere, academic self‐perceptions and social self‐perceptions). Internal validity was checked with Cronbach alpha. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed under the same conditions as the original inventory. Mean statement, subscale and overall scores were calculated and given as percentages.

Results:  The response rate was 64%. Overall Cronbach alpha was 0.93 (excellent). CFA produced five meaningful subscales, not matching the original ones. The overall DREEM mean score was 56%. Gender did not influence the findings. The students’ perceptions of the educational environment with the exception of the academic self‐perceptions were more positive in the pre‐clinical years. Statistically significant differences were revealed only for the ‘learning’ subscale between the 3rd‐ and the 4th‐year students. Seventy‐eight percent of the statements were in the positive side. The lowest scores were related to students’ stress, tiredness and lack of appropriate feedback from the teachers, and the highest were related to accommodation, school friends and perceptions that they feel socially comfortable in class.

Conclusions:  Students’ perceptions of the educational environment were reasonably positive, with no gender difference. However, some weaknesses were identified, particularly in the clinical years. Further research is needed to clarify appropriate interventions.
Radiosynovectomy in patients with chronic haemophilic synovitis: when is more than one injection necessary?
Authors: de la Corte‐Rodriguez Hortensia , Rodriguez‐Merchan Emerito‐Carlos , Jimenez‐Yuste Victor
Published: February 2011

One hundred and fifty‐six radiosynovectomies (RSs) were performed in 104 joints of 78 haemophilic patients diagnosed with chronic haemophilic synovitis. Mean patient age was 18 yr. Previous studies on the same group of patients indicated that RS is an effective procedure for treating chronic haemophilic synovitis, which may require the performance of 1–3 injections (RS‐1, RS‐2, RS‐3), with a 6‐month interval between them. Those studies also revealed that the parameters showing the greatest improvement after RS were pain and haemarthrosis, followed by the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) clinical score and muscle strength and range of motion. Such studies also demonstrated that the improvement achieved further to RS is independent of the patient’s age, the type and severity of haemophilia, the previous haematologic treatment regime administered (on demand or prophylactic), the presence or absence of a circulating inhibitor, the patients’ previous level or activity (or inactivity), the presence or absence of previous arthropathy (joint degeneration), of the isotope used (yttrium‐90 or rhenium‐186) and of the appearance or otherwise of RS‐derived complications. In this study, we looked into the potential relationship between the type of joint treated and the degree of synovitis present with the need of one or more further RSs, and we found that the knee requires more injections than the elbow or the ankle and that the more severe synovites require a higher number of RS procedures.
Quantifying ichthyofaunal zonation and species richness along a 2800‐km reach of the Rio Chama and Rio Grande (USA)
Authors: McGarvey Daniel J.
Published: February 2011

Abstract – Ichthyofaunal zonation occurs when lotic fishes are partitioned into distinct assemblages, usually in response to longitudinally distributed habitats. Several studies have documented zonation within the Rio Grande, but this is the first to quantitatively test the zonation hypothesis along a continuous 2800‐km river profile, extending from the Rio Chama headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico. Using a large, multi‐source dataset, I detected three ichthyofaunal zones: a high gradient (∼1.5%) ‘upper’ zone, a moderate gradient (∼0.2%) ‘middle’ zone and a low gradient (<0.1%) ‘lower’ zone. Species richness was lowest in the upper zone and highest in the lower zone, and all zones contained large numbers of nonnative species. However, species richness did not accumulate in a consistent, downstream manner. Instead, it tracked local‐scale changes in mean annual discharge. This demonstrates the strong effect of river regulation and irrigation withdraws on fish diversity in the Rio Grande.
The influence of land cover composition and groundwater on thermal habitat availability for brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations in the United States of America
Authors: Siitari Kiira J. , Taylor William W. , Nelson Stacy A. C. , Weaver Kerryann E.
Published: February 2011

Abstract – Brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) is a sentinel fish species that requires clean, cold water habitats generally resulting from landscapes that allow for surface water flows devoid of sediment and contaminants and high groundwater discharge of cold water. As such, brook charr are impacted by land cover changes that alter stream temperature regimes. We evaluated brook charr populations across their eastern and midwestern range in the United States with reference to thermal habitat availability in relationship to land cover and per cent baseflow. We found that while forest cover does protect brook charr thermal habitat, high levels of groundwater discharge can allow for increased levels of agriculture within a watershed by keeping the water cold in spite of warm ambient summer temperatures. Our study concludes that with enhanced communication among land, water and fisheries managers, society can provide for sustainable stream salmonid populations despite increased threats on cold water resources.
The Sugar Is sIRVed: Sorting Glut4 and Its Fellow Travelers
Authors: Kandror Konstantin V. , Pilch Paul F.
Published: February 2011

Translocation of Glut4 to the plasma membrane of fat and skeletal muscle cells is mediated by specialized insulin‐responsive vesicles (IRVs), whose protein composition consists primarily of glucose transporter isoform 4 (Glut4), insulin‐responsive amino peptidase (IRAP), sortilin, lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 (LRP1) and v‐SNAREs. How can these proteins find each other in the cell and form functional vesicles after endocytosis from the plasma membrane? We are proposing a model according to which the IRV component proteins are internalized into sorting endosomes and are delivered to the IRV donor compartment(s), recycling endosomes and/or the trans‐Golgi network (TGN), by cellugyrin‐positive transport vesicles. The cytoplasmic tails of Glut4, IRAP, LRP1 and sortilin play an important targeting role in this process. Once these proteins arrive in the donor compartment, they interact with each other via their lumenal domains. This facilitates clustering of the IRV proteins into an oligomeric complex, which can then be distributed from the donor membranes to the IRV as a single entity with the help of adaptors, such as Golgi‐localized, gamma‐adaptin ear‐containing, ARF‐binding (GGA).
Translokin (Cep57) Interacts with Cyclin D1 and Prevents Its Nuclear Accumulation in Quiescent Fibroblasts
Authors: Ruiz‐Miró Maria , Colomina Neus , Fernández Rita M.H. , Garí Eloi , Gallego Carme , Aldea Martí
Published: February 2011

Nuclear accumulation of cyclin D1 because of altered trafficking or degradation is thought to contribute directly to neoplastic transformation and growth. Mechanisms of cyclin D1 localization in S phase have been studied in detail, but its control during exit from the cell cycle and quiescence is poorly understood. Here we report that translokin (Tlk), a microtubule‐associated protein also termed Cep57, interacts with cyclin D1 and controls its nucleocytoplasmic distribution in quiescent cells. Tlk binds to regions of cyclin D1 also involved in binding to cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4), and a fraction of cyclin D1 associates to the juxtanuclear Tlk network in the cell. Downregulation of Tlk levels results in undue nuclear accumulation of cyclin D1 and increased Cdk4‐dependent phosphorylation of pRB under quiescence conditions. In turn, overexpression of Tlk prevents proper cyclin D1 accumulation in the nucleus of proliferating cells in an interaction‐dependent manner, inhibits Cdk4‐dependent phosphorylation of pRB and hinders cell cycle progression to S phase. We propose that the Tlk acts as a key negative regulator in the pathway that drives nuclear import of cyclin D1, thus contributing to prevent pRB inactivation and to maintain cellular quiescence.
TGF‐β1 gene polymorphism in renal transplant patients with and without gingival overgrowth
Authors: Kozak M , Kurzawski M , Wajda A , Lapczuk J , Lipski M , Dziewanowski K , Drozdzik M
Published: February 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 414–419

Background:  The incidence of gingival overgrowth among renal transplant patients treated with cyclosporine A ranges from 13% to 84.6%, and the overgrowth is not only esthetic but also a medical problem. We studied the determination of association between TGF‐β1 (TGFB1) gene polymorphism and gingival overgrowth in kidney transplant patients medicated with cyclosporin A.

Methods:  Eighty‐four kidney transplant patients with gingival overgrowth and 140 control transplant patients without overgrowth were enrolled into the case control study. TGFB1 polymorphism was determined using the PCR‐RFLP assay for +869T>C in codon 10 and +915G>C in codon 25 as well as TaqMan real‐time PCR assays for promoter −800G>A and −509C>T SNPs.

Results:  In kidney transplant patients suffering from gingival overgrowth, mean score of gingival overgrowth was 1.38 ± 0.60, whereas in control subjects it was 0.0. The patients with gingival overgrowth were characterized by similar distribution of TGFB1 genotypes and allele in comparison to subjects without gingival overgrowth. Among 16 potentially possible haplotypes of TGFB1 gene, only four were observed in the studied sample of kidney transplant patients: G_C_T_G, G_T_C_G, G_C_C_C, and A_C_T_G, with similar frequency in patients with and without gingival overgrowth.

Conclusion:  No association between the TGFB1 gene polymorphism and gingival overgrowth was revealed in kidney transplant patients administered cyclosporine A.
The mechanism of TGF‐β signaling during palate development
Authors: Iwata J , Parada C , Chai Y
Published: February 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 733–744

Cleft palate, a malformation of the secondary palate development, is one of the most common human congenital birth defects. Palate formation is a complex process resulting in the separation of the oral and nasal cavities that involves multiple events, including palatal growth, elevation, and fusion. Recent findings show that transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) signaling plays crucial roles in regulating palate development in both the palatal epithelium and mesenchyme. Here, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of TGF‐β signaling during palate development.
Catalytic mechanism of the primary human prostaglandin F2α synthase, aldo‐keto reductase 1B1 – prostaglandin D2 synthase activity in the absence of NADP(H)
Authors: Nagata Nanae , Kusakari Yukiko , Fukunishi Yoshifumi , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Urade Yoshihiro
Published: February 2011

Aldo‐keto reductase 1B1 and 1B3 (AKR1B1 and AKR1B3) are the primary human and mouse prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) synthases, respectively, which catalyze the NADPH‐dependent reduction of PGH2, a common intermediate of various prostanoids, to form PGF2α. In this study, we found that AKR1B1 and AKR1B3, but not AKR1B7 and AKR1C3, also catalyzed the isomerization of PGH2 to PGD2 in the absence of NADPH or NADP+. Both PGD2 and PGF2α synthase activities of AKR1B1 and AKR1B3 completely disappeared in the presence of NADP+ or after heat treatment of these enzymes at 100 °C for 5 min. The Km, Vmax, pK and optimum pH values of the PGD2 synthase activities of AKR1B1 and AKR1B3 were 23 and 18 μm, 151 and 57 nmol·min−1·(mg protein)−1, 7.9 and 7.6, and pH 8.5 for both AKRs, respectively, and those of PGF2α synthase activity were 29 and 33 μm, 169 and 240 nmol·min−1·(mg protein)−1, 6.2 and 5.4, and pH 5.5 and pH 5.0, respectively, in the presence of 0.5 mm NADPH. Site‐directed mutagenesis of the catalytic tetrad of AKR1B1, composed of Tyr, Lys, His and Asp, revealed that the triad of Asp43, Lys77 and His110, but not Tyr48, acts as a proton donor in most AKR activities, and is crucial for PGD2 and PGF2α synthase activities. These results, together with molecular docking simulation of PGH2 to the crystallographic structure of AKR1B1, indicate that His110 acts as a base in concert with Asp43 and Lys77 and as an acid to generate PGD2 and PGF2α in the absence of NADPH or NADP+ and in the presence of NADPH, respectively.
Specific biomarkers for stochastic division patterns and starvation‐induced quiescence under limited glucose levels in fission yeast
Authors: Pluskal Tomáš , Hayashi Takeshi , Saitoh Shigeaki , Fujisawa Asuka , Yanagida Mitsuhiro
Published: February 2011

Glucose as a source of energy is centrally important to our understanding of life. We investigated the cell division–quiescence behavior of the fission yeastSchizosaccharomyces pombeunder a wide range of glucose concentrations (0–111 mm). The mode ofS. pombecell division under a microfluidic perfusion system was surprisingly normal under highly diluted glucose concentrations (5.6 mm, 1/20 of the standard medium, within human blood sugar levels). Division became stochastic, accompanied by a curious division‐timing inheritance, in 2.2–4.4 mmglucose. A critical transition from division to quiescence occurred within a narrow range of concentrations (2.2–1.7 mm). Under starvation (1.1 mm) conditions, cells were mostly quiescent and only a small population of cells divided. Under fasting (0 mm) conditions, division was immediately arrested with a short chronological lifespan (16 h). When cells were first glucose starved prior to fasting, they possessed a substantially extended lifespan (∼14 days). We employed a quantitative metabolomic approach forS. pombecell extracts, and identified specific metabolites (e.g. biotin, trehalose, ergothioneine,S‐adenosyl methionine and CDP‐choline), which increased or decreased at different glucose concentrations, whereas nucleotide triphosphates, such as ATP, maintained high concentrations even under starvation. Under starvation, the level ofS‐adenosyl methionine increased sharply, accompanied by an increase in methylated amino acids and nucleotides. Under fasting, cells rapidly lost antioxidant and energy compounds, such as glutathione and ATP, but, in fasting cells after starvation, these and other metabolites ensuring longevity remained abundant. Glucose‐starved cells became resistant to 40 mmH2O2as a result of the accumulation of antioxidant compounds.
Performance of a sensitive troponin assay in the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in the emergency department
Authors: Kelly Anne‐Maree
Published: February 2011

Aim: Troponin assays have high diagnostic value for myocardial infarction (MI), but sensitivity has been weak early after chest pain onset. New, so‐called ‘sensitive’ troponin assays have recently been introduced. Two studies report high sensitivity for assays taken at ED presentation, but studied selected populations. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic performance for MI of a sensitive troponin assay measured at ED presentation in an unselected chest pain population without ECG evidence of ischaemia.

Methods: This is a sub‐study of a prospective cohort study of adult patients with potentially cardiac chest pain who underwent evaluation for acute coronary syndrome. Patients with clear ECG evidence of acute ischaemia or an alternative diagnosis were excluded. Data collected included demographic, clinical, ECG, biomarker and outcome data. A ‘positive’ troponin was defined as >99th percentile of the assay used. MI diagnosis was as judged by the treating cardiologist. The outcomes of interest were sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios (LR) for positive troponin assay taken at ED presentation. Data were analysed by clinical performance analysis.

Results: Totally 952 were studied. Median age was 61 years; 56.4% were male and median TIMI score was 2. There were 129 MI (13.6, 95% CI 11.5–15.9). Sensitivity of TnI at ED presentation was 76.7% (95% CI 68.5–83.7%), specificity 93.6% (95% CI 91.7–95.1%), with LR positive 11.92 and LR negative 0.25.

Conclusion: Sensitive TnI assay at ED presentation has insufficient diagnostic accuracy for detection of MI. Serial biomarker assays in patients with negative initial TnI are required.
Equivalency of two concentrations of fentanyl administered by the intranasal route for acute analgesia in children in a paediatric emergency department: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Borland Meredith , Milsom Samantha , Esson Amanda
Published: February 2011

Objective: Intranasal fentanyl's (INF) effectiveness is established using highly concentrated INF (HINF). Standard concentration INF (SINF) is more widely available. We aimed to illustrate the equivalence of SINF to HINF.

Methods: Double‐blinded randomized controlled trial was used within a children's hospital ED. Children aged 3–15 years with fractures were randomized to SINF or HINF. Outcome measures included pain scores at time zero and every 10 min until 30 min. Additional analgesic agents were noted.

Results: Data in 189 children (91 HINF, 98 SINF) were obtained. Pre‐analgesia median VAS was 80.0 mm (interquartile range [IQR] 60.0–95.5) in SINF, 77.5 mm (IQR 60.0–100) in HINF. At 10 min median VAS was 49.5 mm (IQR 26.5–68.5) and 43.0 mm (IQR 15.2–66.0), respectively, at 20 min 27.5 mm (IQR 18.5–56.5) and 35.0 mm (IQR 9.0–57.0) and at 30 min 20.0 mm (IQR 10.0–46.0) and 21.5 mm (IQR 4.75–51.0). Each agent demonstrated significant decrease in pain scores (median decrease 40 mm, P = 0.000). Additional analgesia was given in 67 (42 SINF, 25 HINF) (P = 0.028). The decrease in pain scores between children < and ≥50 kg in SINF was significant both overall (P = 0.005) and between 10 and 20 min (P = 0.003). There was no difference in HINF at any time by weight.

Conclusions: The two concentrations of INF were equivalent in reducing pain, with a trend to increased oral additional agents in the more dilute solution. The widespread use of this readily available analgesic in the standard concentration can be supported, particularly in patients <50 kg.
A Computer Program for Flow‐Log Analysis of Single Holes (FLASH)
Authors: Day‐Lewis Frederick D. , Johnson Carole D. , Paillet Frederick L. , Halford Keith J.
Published: February 2011

A new computer program, FLASH (Flow‐Log Analysis of Single Holes), is presented for the analysis of borehole vertical flow logs. The code is based on an analytical solution for steady‐state multilayer radial flow to a borehole. The code includes options for (1) discrete fractures and (2) multilayer aquifers. Given vertical flow profiles collected under both ambient and stressed (pumping or injection) conditions, the user can estimate fracture (or layer) transmissivities and far‐field hydraulic heads. FLASH is coded in Microsoft Excel5 with Visual Basic for Applications routines. The code supports manual and automated model calibration.
Does the Universal Health Insurance Program Affect Urban‐Rural Differences in Health Service Utilization Among the Elderly? Evidence From a Longitudinal Study in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Pei‐An , Chang Hung‐Hao , Yang Fang‐An
Published: February 2011

Purpose: To assess the impact of the introduction of Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) on urban‐rural inequality in health service utilization among the elderly.

Methods: A longitudinal data set of 1,504 individuals aged 65 and older was constructed from the Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly. A difference‐in‐differences model was employed and estimated by the random‐effect probit method.

Finding: The introduction of universal NHI in Taiwan heterogeneously affected outpatient and inpatient health service utilization among the elderly in urban and rural areas. The introduction of NHI reduced the disparity of outpatient (inpatient) utilization between the previously uninsured and insured older urban residents by 12.9 (22.0) percentage points. However, there was no significant reduction in the utilization disparity between the previously uninsured and insured elderly among rural residents.

Conclusions: Our study on Taiwan's experience should provide a valuable lesson to countries that are in an initial stage of proposing a universal health insurance system. Although NHI is designed to ensure the equitable right to access health care, it may result in differential impacts on health service utilization among the elderly across areas. The rural elderly tend to confront more challenges in accessing health care associated with spatial distance, transportation, social isolation, poverty, and a lack of health care providers, especially medical specialists.
Prescribing for older people in nursing homes: challenges for the future
Authors: Hughes Carmel , Lapane Kate , Kerse Ngaire
Published: February 2011

hughes c., lapane k. & kerse n. (2011) Prescribing for older people in nursing homes: challenges for the future. International Journal of Older People Nursing6, 63–70 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2010.00262.x

As the population continues to age, long‐term care for older people will be required, although the setting and method of delivery may differ depending on people’s needs. We anticipate that nursing homes will continue to be part of the overall long‐term care delivery model, but will face a number of challenges if they are to be considered as much sought‐after places. This paper highlights three issues in relation to prescribing that have been largely ignored to date, but which need to be considered by practitioners, policy makers and researchers alike: culture; resident‐centred decision‐making and care at the end of life. There has been growing interest in culture within organisations and how this may influence behaviour and performance. In this paper, we will consider how culture may influence prescribing. Culture is important in how it contributes to resident‐centred care and this leads to a consideration on how residents may be involved in decision‐making, specifically in the area of medicines. Finally, care at the end of life in nursing homes, particularly in those with dementia, has been shown to be poor in quality, and this also encompasses the medicines that are prescribed. Palliative services need to be developed to meet the requirements of some of the most vulnerable residents in this care setting.
Prescribing for older people in nursing homes: strategies to improve prescribing and medicines use in nursing homes
Authors: Parsons Carole , Alldred David , Daiello Lori , Hughes Carmel
Published: February 2011

parsons c., alldred d., daiello l. & hughes c. (2011) Prescribing for older people in nursing homes: strategies to improve prescribing and medicines use in nursing homes. International Journal of Older People Nursing6, 55–62 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2010.00263.x

Interventions to improve prescribing in the nursing home environment are many and varied. The critical literature review presented in Paper 1 (Parsons et al., 2011, International Journal of Older People Nursing6, 45–54) in this series discussed the main issues repeatedly identified as problematic, and this paper summarises the main approaches which have been used to attempt to improve prescribing. These include national legislation which demands documented justification for the prescribing of medicines, medication review, approaches to reducing medication errors, improving communication across care boundaries and assessment teams and alternative service models. It is difficult to make global recommendations as some of these approaches are country specific or have been delivered in different ways, involving different professionals. However, a series of prompt questions have been provided which may assist nursing home staff in deciding whether prescribing is optimal in a resident or if an intervention is required which may lead to an overall improvement in outcomes.
Renewed Conception of Harmonious Society, Governance, and Citizenship – Evidence from the Study of Chinese Perceptions in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Chack‐kie , Shik Angela Wai‐yan
Published: February 2011

This paper aims at constructing a modern theoretical conception of a harmonious society and testing it in relation to governance and citizenship rights, based on an empirical study of Chinese people’s perceptions in Hong Kong. It is proposed that a harmonious society can be defined as “a society in which the component parts are integrative and cooperative; even if there is conflict, it can be resolved within the established mechanisms and does not interrupt the orderly functioning of society.” This study investigates the social, economic, and political aspects and their related institutions in the renewed conception of harmonious society. Overall, less than two‐fifths of the respondents felt that Hong Kong was a harmonious society. The strength of governance in Hong Kong is its sound and trustworthy institutions; the weaker elements are social and interpersonal relations. This finding is in contrast to the traditional notion, which regards social harmony as harmonious social and interpersonal relationships. It is clear that the greatest challenge for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is the need to rebalance the interests of big business and those of labor and the lower class in order to enhance the perception of a harmonious society among its citizens.
Violence, Negligence and Suicidal Tendency among Physically Disabled Street Children
Authors: Sayem Amir Mohammad
Published: February 2011

This study was carried out among physically disabled street children (PDSC) in the city of Dhaka in Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to explore violence, negligence and suicidal tendency among PDSC. To do this, 30 PDSC (15 male and 15 female) were conveniently selected and interviewed with an interview protocol developed by a step‐by‐step process. The results of this study revealed that all the participants experienced physical violence but female children were more likely to experience sexual violence than male children. Violence against disabled children came from both family members or relatives and other people. As with violence, all the participants experienced some sort of negligence, again both from family members or relatives and other people. More importantly, this study found that more than half of the physically disabled children had suicidal tendency to some extent, i.e. some thought of committing suicide at least once in their life, while others attempted to commit suicide due to the sufferings that came with disability. This study concludes with some policy implications, particularly: providing counseling to parents and the disabled children; training of the service providers who provide services to disabled persons; and building awareness through mass media.
Development of the Japanese version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (JFIQ): psychometric assessments of reliability and validity
Authors: OSADA Kenichi , OKA Hiroshi , ISOMURA Tatsuya , NAKAMURA Ikuro , TOMINAGA Keiichiro , TAKAHASHI Shinobu , KOJIMA Ayako , NISHIOKA Kusuki
Published: February 2011

Aim: To perform a psychometric assessment of the Japanese version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (JFIQ).

Methods: Data for the psychometric assessment were collected from Japanese fibromyalgia (FM) patients who visited a clinic. Analyses were performed to examine the reliability and validity of the JFIQ.

Results: A total of 56 patients were included in the analysis. There was no remarkable floor or ceiling effect for the JFIQ item or total scores. In the analysis of reproducibility, the interclass correlation coefficients of each item score and total score ranged from 0.61 to 0.95. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.92. For the concurrent validity, the total score and most of the item scores correlated to every domain of Short Form‐36 or Beck Depression Inventory‐II to a moderate or great extent. The results of the known‐group comparisons indicated that the total score tended to increase with the increase in severity of FM and pain (P‐values for trend < 0.05).

Conclusion: This psychometric assessment demonstrated good reliability and validity of the JFIQ for use with Japanese FM patients. In the future, we expect that this questionnaire will be used in clinical studies and medical practice, and will be beneficial in the development of new therapies as well as for the comprehensive evaluation of patients’ conditions in Japan.
Leflunomide in Pakistani patients with rheumatoid arthritis: prospective study in daily rheumatology practice
Authors: AHMAD Nighat M. , FARMAN Sumaira , SAEED Muhammad A. , HAMEED Rafaqat , UMAIR Muhammad , GHAFOOR Erum
Published: February 2011

Introduction:  Leflunomide is a disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug (DMARD) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It has been widely studied in the West but there is no available local Pakistani data.

Objective:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of leflunomide in Pakistani patients with RA, either alone or in combination with methotrexate.

Materials and methods:  A prospective, non‐comparator, open‐label study in a setting of ‘care as usual’ was performed. In this study, 63 consecutive RA patients on leflunomide were enrolled. Leflunomide dose was started with full loading in 5 (8%), half loading in 39 (62%) and without loading in 19 (30%) patients. Methotrexate was also used in 20 (32%) patients. Primary end‐point was 20% improvement in American College of Rheumatology response criteria (ACR‐20). Safety was assessed by adverse events and abnormalities in laboratory parameters.

Results:  Out of 63 patients, 54 (85.7%) were female. Mean age was 46 ± 12.6 years. Mean disease duration was 5.1 ± 4.5 years. Fifty‐two (86.6%) patients achieved ACR‐20 response at 6 months; 32 (53%) achieved ACR‐50 response at 6 months; 20% experienced at least one adverse event, which resolved by reducing leflunomide dose. Only seven (11%) had raised liver enzymes from baseline.

Conclusion:  This prospective study conducted in the setting of a daily rheumatology practice shows that leflunomide is an effective and safe DMARD in treatment of RA in Pakistani patients.
CULTURE AND GOSPEL SOME OBSERVATIONS FROM THE ORTHODOX TRADITION AND EXPERIENCE
Authors: Yannoulatos Anastasios
Published: February 2011

The phenomenon of culture over the course of centuries presents an astonishing diversity; therefore it is difficult for “culture” to be confined by definitions. On the other hand, the gospel is often altered by various kinds of formulations or by existing expressions of Christianity. Therefore, prior to any study of the relations between culture and gospel, it will be useful to elucidate the extent of the meaning of these two terms.
INSIDE, OUTSIDE, UPSIDE DOWN: IN RELATIONSHIP WITH AFRICAN INDEPENDENT CHURCHES
Authors: Kailing Joel B.
Published: February 2011

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world (John 17:15–18).
COMMUNICATING IN MISSION: WHAT WORD FOR TODAY?
Authors: Stromberg Jean S.
Published: February 2011

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men [and women]. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood [or overcome] it (John 1:1–5).
PSALM 22 AND CHRISTIAN MISSION
Authors: Hogg William Richey
Published: February 2011

“My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me?” Those words, the most arresting in the Bible, spring from the agony of Jesus' soul when in extremis he cried out from the cross (Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34). They repeat the question with which Psalm 22 begins, and bridge the centuries between that messianic psalm and the crucified Messiah.
JESUS CRUCIFIED AND THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH
Authors: Thomsen Mark W.
Published: February 2011

“When I came to you brethren I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God in lofty words of wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (I Cor. 2:1–2).

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34).

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church” (Col. 1:24; Rom. 8:16–17).
MISSION ISSUES FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW
Authors: Stockwell Eugene L.
Published: February 2011

This and the following two addresses were presented sequentially at the San Antonio conference on 23 May 1989, the first full day of conference proceedings.
SAN ANTONIO AND SOME CONTINUING CONCERNS OF THE CWME
Authors: Duraisingh Christopher
Published: February 2011

The following is a presentation by Christopher Duraisingh, the Director‐designate of the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME), during the final plenary session of the World Mission Conference in San Antonio. This is Dr Duraisingh's impromptu response to the conference in the light of his perception of the role of CWME in world mission; initial comments of a more personal nature have been omitted here.
COMMENTS ON WEEKEND VISITS
Authors: Fernandez‐Calienes Raul
Published: February 2011

For many conference participants, the weekend visits to churches around San Antonio were of special interest and significance. For some it was a first encounter with United States church life. The overall reaction of most visitors was one of gratitude for the experience, the hospitality received, the chance to see a “Texas” they had never imagined. For some it was a very difficult encounter. Here follow a few reactions.
‘Mobile Love Videos Make Me Feel Healthy’: Rethinking ICTs for Development
Authors: Ganesh Indira Maya
Published: February 2011

ICT4D discourses tell stories of poor farmers using the internet to compare crop prices, and nurses who use SMS to remind people to take their anti‐retrovirals. Do nurses also use work‐mobiles to make private phone calls? Do farmers surf for pornography when they are supposed to be comparing crop prices? In the ICTs for Development discourse, ICTs are positioned as tools and processes to fight poverty and facilitate empowerment through economic and educational gains; I argue that this discourse ignores the diverse ways in which the poor and the marginalised use media technologies in their everyday lives for social networking, entertainment, to produce and participate in intimate and erotic economies, and to express and experience their sexuality, relationships, pleasure and intimacy in ways that could also be considered empowering. Media use (like development) is an area where sexualities are actively made and remade. ICT4D needs to include an understanding of the potential emotional and sexual effects of interventions. Ethnographic studies of media consumption and use are needed to provide a deeper understanding of sexuality in a way that contributes to applications in a development context.

This paper presents one such ethnographic study on how a community uses mobile phones, with the hope that it may provide clues and cues for people and organisations working across these related areas of ICT4D, sexuality, culture and gender. This paper presents a short pilot project of in‐depth interviews with six self‐identified Kothis, a South Asian feminine male identity. This was supported by observations of and participation in weekly support group meetings in an HIV related NGO of which they are members. The study finds that ICTs changes possibilities for finding sex, love and social mobility, as well as presenting new channels for harassment by police and others.
Citizenship and Displacement
Authors: Mehta Lyla , Napier‐Moore Rebecca
Published: February 2011

Crucial for displaced people is citizenship (or the lack of it). In conventional terms, citizenship is seen as political membership in a given nation‐state through which citizens possess civil, political, economic and social rights. Most states, however, have groups within them who do not belong and are denied citizenship rights, even though they may have formal citizenship. In particular, displaced people (both within and crossing borders) are denied formal citizenship and rights but are claiming them, subjectively seeing their de facto experience as lived citizenship. Protest, claim assertion and transnational alliances are manifest ways of struggling for those rights. Much of the existing literature tends to focus top‐down understandings of displaced people as citizens/non‐citizens and the formal processes available (or not available) to them, ignoring the importance of informal processes as well as local agency and practice. This paper explores the informal processes and feelings of belonging through case study examples, linking them to changing dynamics in different displacement regimes (e.g. refugee, IDP – internally displaced people – and DID – (development‐induced displacement). We look at impacts of globalisation and changing international and national legal structures to bottom‐up and lived notions of citizenship. The paper also examines displacement in light of differing theoretical meanings of citizenship, asking to what extent the forced migrant is a global or transnational citizen.
Leading organizational change in the ‘new’ South Africa
Authors: Nkomo Stella M. , Kriek Drikus
Published: February 2011

This paper reports on a two‐pronged qualitative research study that used leaders’ life stories and the case research method to understand the leadership of change in 14 South African organizations. We describe how leaders led the changes required to balance the imperatives emanating from South Africa's socio‐political changes and return the country to the international business arena, as well as the challenges created by years of inequality and neglect of the socio‐economic development of the majority of its population. We found that the leaders’ life stories played a significant role in how they perceived and responded to the change situation. Four themes summarizing the actions of the leaders – namely, their efforts to embrace change, to provide hope, to connect change to African values and culture, and to champion diversity – are described. The results of the study suggest that leaders’ life stories can be an important source of information about how they perceive, interpret, and respond to change.
Implementing innovative flexible work practices in Nigerian local firms: Implications for management of change in less‐developed countries
Authors: Idiagbon‐Oke Moronke , Oke Adegoke
Published: February 2011

There is an increasing interest in Africa as a potential sourcing location and a target for foreign direct investment (FDI). However, because of the uniqueness of the African context, there is a need to investigate whether management theories that have worked effectively in organizations in developed countries may be applicable within the African context. In this study, using a multiple case study approach, we investigated change implications and the effectiveness of implementing flexible work practices in local firms in Nigeria. Our results revealed that employees in local firms in Nigeria were compliant with the introduction of the practices, despite their negative perceptions about the potential impact of implementing the change and the ‘management of change’ process. Our study revealed that social, cultural, and religious factors, along with the value systems of the Nigerian context played a major role in influencing employees’ reaction to the successful implementation of the flexible work practices. The implications of the study for theory and practice within the broader African context are discussed.
‘It's not that we hate you’: Understanding children's gender attitudes and expectancies about peer relationships
Authors: Zosuls Kristina M. , Martin Carol Lynn , Ruble Diane N. , Miller Cindy F. , Gaertner Bridget M. , England Dawn E. , Hill Alison P.
Published: February 2011

Widespread gender segregation, evident throughout elementary school, seems to imply that girls and boys have negative feelings and thoughts about one another, and classic theories of inter‐group processes support this idea. However, research has generally overlooked children's feelings and perceptions about gender‐related interpersonal interactions. This paper investigates the nature of children's attitudes about same‐ and other‐gender peers, and explores how those attitudes relate to the expectancies and beliefs children hold about same‐ and other‐gender peer interactions. Children (N= 98 fifth graders) completed questionnaires assessing their global liking of own‐ and other‐gender peers (Yee & Brown, 1994), positive and negative attitudes about own‐ and other‐gender peers, and outcome expectancies related to interacting with own‐ and other‐gender peers. Results indicated that rather than being characterized by out‐group negativity, children's inter‐group gender attitudes are best characterized by an in‐group positivity bias. Children's positive and negative affective attitudes were also significantly associated with outcome expectancies. In contrast, global liking of own‐ and other‐gender peers was less predictive of outcome expectancies. Thus, the greater specificity of the affective attitude measures appeared to be a more predictive and potentially fruitful gauge of children's feelings about own‐ and other‐gender peers. Results are discussed in terms of the need for finer grained and more extensive studies of children's gender‐related feelings and cognitions about own‐ and other‐gender peers.
Nonlinear Deformation Behavior of Clamped Bolted Joints Under a Separating Service Load
Authors: Nassar Sayed A. , Yang Xianjie , Gandham Satya Vijay Teja , Wu Zhijun
Published: February 2011

The nonlinear deformation behavior of clamped bolted joints under a separating service load is investigated using finite element and experimental techniques. Although the materials for the bolted joint remain in the linear elastic range, the interface contact area between the clamped plates is sensitive to both the magnitude and the location of the separating force. This often causes nonlinear deformation behavior of the bolted joint. This finite element analysis study investigates the variation in the tension of a tightened bolt and the corresponding change in the joint clamp load due to a separating service load that is placed at various distances from the bolt center. The separating force is symmetrically placed at locations (from the bolt center) that are equal to 3–5 times the nominal diameter of the bolt. Experimental verification of the finite element results is provided.
Microstructure and residual stress of magnetron sputtered nanocrystalline palladium and palladium gold films on polymer substrates
Authors: Castrup Anna , Kübel Christian , Scherer Torsten , Hahn Horst
Published: February 2011

The authors report the structural properties and residual stresses of 500-nm-thick nanocrystalline Pd and PdAu films on compliant substrates prepared by magnetron sputtering as a function of the pressure of the Ar-sputtering gas. Films were analyzed by x-ray diffraction, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. At low pressures the metal films exhibit strong compressive stresses, which rapidly change to highly tensile with increasing pressure, and then gradually decrease. Along with this effect a change in microstructure is observed from a dense equiaxed structure at low pressures to distinctive columns with reduced atomic density at the column walls at higher pressures. The preparation of nearly stress-free dense nanocrystalline films is demonstrated.
5-Lipoxygenase Metabolite 4-HDHA Is a Mediator of the Antiangiogenic Effect of ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Sapieha Przemyslaw , Stahl Andreas , Chen Jing , Seaward Molly R. , Willett Keirnan L. , Krah Nathan M. , Dennison Roberta J. , Connor Kip M. , Aderman Christopher M. , Liclican Elvira , Carughi Arianna , Perelman Dalia , Kanaoka Yoshihide , SanGiovanni John Paul , Gronert Karsten , Smith Lois E. H.
Published: February 2011

In mice, ω-3 fatty acids in the diet are converted by 5-lipoxygenase to a
metabolite that inhibits destructive vessel growth similar to diabetic
retinopathy.
Photodynamic Ablation of Lymphatic Vessels and Intralymphatic Cancer Cells Prevents Metastasis
Authors: Tammela Tuomas , Saaristo Anne , Holopainen Tanja , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Andersson Leif C. , Virolainen Susanna , Immonen Ilkka , Alitalo Kari
Published: February 2011

Destruction of lymphatic vessels by photodynamic therapy suppresses metastasis by eradicating both the in-transit tumor cells and their conduit to distant tissues.
Power to the People
:
Participant Ownership of Clinical Trial Data
Authors: Terry Sharon F. , Terry Patrick F.
Published: February 2011

The time has come to crowd-source data for diagnostic and therapeutics development.
Genetic Testing Exonerated
Authors: Damani Samir
Published: February 2011

The risks associated with direct-to-consumer genetic testing appear to be minimal.