bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hair dye sensitivity testing: a critical commentary
Authors: Orton David , Basketter David
Published: May 2012

Although the large majority of users do not experience adverse skin reactions to hair dye products, a minority do. Most serious among these are allergic skin reactions, commonly to p‐phenylenediamine and its derivatives. The consumer or hairdresser is expected (by the manufacturer) to limit the chance of expression of allergy by conducting a ‘sensitivity test', which should provide the consumer with an alert for possible allergic reactivity. However, a self‐conducted consumer test can only be useful if it meets a number of important criteria, including evidence that the test protocol works, that it can and is likely to be used successfully by the consumer or hairdresser, and that it does not present a significant health risk (e.g. an increased risk of developing allergy). In short, as with any in vivo test, the benefit must outweigh the risks. In formulating such a test, it should be determined in advance what are the acceptable levels of specificity (correct identification of negatives) and sensitivity (correct identification of positives). It is our view that any hair dye sensitivity test, whether supplied by the hair dye manufacturer or a third party, should be able to answer these questions.
Using multiple measures to evaluate a dental faculty development program
Authors: McAndrew M. , Pierre G. C.
Published: May 2012

Introduction

The formal preparation of dental professionals for teaching is increasingly seen as essential to enhance teacher effectiveness and student learning and to promote curricular initiatives. As a result, many dental schools have implemented a variety of faculty development programming. There is a body of literature that describes these programmes, but there is limited rigorous evaluation of them. The use of multiple measures of evaluation helps to compensate for potential inadequacies of individual methods. Analyses with multiple measures provide a more comprehensive view of whether a programme is achieving its learning outcomes.

Materials and methods

A dental faculty development programme, Class Advanced Clinical Teaching Scholars (ACTS), at New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) was evaluated with four different measures: pre‐ and post‐programme tests of participants' level of relevant pedagogical knowledge, pre‐ and post‐programme objective structured teaching examinations (OSTEs), pre‐ and post‐programme self‐assessments of teaching abilities and post‐programme participant satisfaction surveys. Two of the measures used a comparison group of faculty.

Results

Results revealed that the Class ACTS participants significantly improved their knowledge; observed teaching performance in most teaching domains tested showed significant improvement; there was no significant change in self‐assessed teaching abilities after participation; and the course was viewed positively by the participants.

Conclusion

Class ACTS, an advanced dental faculty development course, has been successfully implemented and evaluated with the use of multiple measures.
The influence of trees on nutrients, water, light availability and understorey vegetation in an arid environment
Authors: Abdallah F. , Chaieb M.
Published: May 2012

Questions

Do Acacia tortilis trees facilitate herbaceous species development under arid conditions? Do tree–herb interactions change with water stress and grazing intensity?

Location

National Park in a Tunisian arid area (34°39′N, 9°48′E).

Methods

Soil water content, soil nutrient concentration, light intensity and microclimatic data were collected under the canopy and in open areas to evaluate the relative roles of A. tortilis (Forssk.) subsp. raddiana (Savi) trees in structuring vegetation composition and diversity patterns in a arid pseudo‐savanna. Data were collected inside and outside Bou Hedma National Park, both during a dry and a wet year.

Results

In both unprotected and protected areas, the influence of the tree canopy on the herbaceous strata can be considered as positive, even though it is more significant inside the park. This positive interaction increased with higher abiotic stress conditions and decreased with grazing intensification. Soil nutrients (organic matter, total N, extractable P) and moisture availability was greater under tree canopies than in the open. Species composition of the herb layer also differed between Acacia trees and open areas. Some palatable species were found under trees, and were replaced by less desirable species in the open. Microclimate measurements showed significant differences in light intensity reaching the soil, mean air temperatures and relative humidity.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the optimal association of climate factors under the canopy would combine with a high soil fertility mediated by litter decomposition to increase plant cover under tree canopies.
Use of autologous platelet rich fibrin in urethracutaneous fistula repair: preliminary report
Authors: Soyer Tutku , Çakmak Murat , Aslan Mustafa K , Şenyücel Mine F. , Kisa Üçler
Published: May 2012

Urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) is one of the most common complications occurring after hypospadias repair. Despite the surgical advancement in hypospadias, multiple failed fistula closures are commonly referred to paediatric urologists. Although several techniques have been described to interpose a waterproof layer between urethral and skin closures, occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula cannot be eliminated completely. In addition to several local tissue grafts, autologous and homologous fibrin sealants are used to prevent UCF. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is known as an autologous source of growth factors obtained from the sera of the patient. PRF supports collagen synthesis and tissue repair and accelerates wound healing. We aimed to present our initial experience about the use of autologous PRF in a 3‐year‐old boy with a UCF after hypospadias repair.
Disc scalelengths out to redshift 5.8
Authors: Fathi K. , Gatchell M. , Hatziminaoglou E. , Epinat B.
Published: May 2012

We compute the exponential disc scalelength for 686 disc galaxies with spectroscopic redshifts out to redshift 5.8 based on Hubble Space Telescope archival data. We compare the results with our previous measurements based on 30 000 nearby galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Our results confirm the presence of a dominating exponential component in galaxies out to this redshift. At the highest redshifts, the disc scalelength for the brightest galaxies with absolute magnitude between −24 and −22 is up to a factor of 8 smaller compared to that in the local Universe. This observed scalelength decrease is significantly greater than the value predicted by a cosmological picture in which baryonic disc scalelength scales with the virial radius of the dark matter halo.
PREPARATION OF CLOVE BUDS DEODORIZED AQUEOUS EXTRACT (CDAE) AND EVALUATION OF ITS POTENTIAL TO IMPROVE OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF CHICKEN MEATBALLS IN COMPARISON TO SYNTHETIC AND NATURAL FOOD ANTIOXIDANTS
Authors: CHAN KIM WEI , KHONG NICHOLAS M.H. , IQBAL SHAHID , CH'NG SOO EE , BABJI ABDUL SALAM
Published: May 2012

Antioxidative properties of prepared clove buds deodorized aqueous extract (CDAE) in chicken meatballs are studied. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found to be 271.9 ± 12.0 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram and 161.6 ± 7.7 mg rutin equivalent per gram CDAE, respectively. Chicken meatball samples were: (1) C (control, i.e., without CDAE), and those supplemented with 200 ppm of; (2) T1 (CDAE); (3) T2 (ascorbic acid); and (4) T3 (butylated hydroxyanisole [BHA] : butylated hydroxytoluene [BHT] = 1:1). Oxidative stability was assessed by measuring peroxide value (PV) and 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) besides determination of color and sensory acceptability, over 12 days of chilled storage (8 ± 1C). All the treated samples showed higher induction period as well as lower PV and TBARS values than “C” throughout 12 days of storage (*P < 0.05). Color analysis showed that CDAE greatly improved redness of meatballs as compared with ascorbic acid and BHA‐BHT (*P < 0.05). Meanwhile, hedonic test indicated that treatment T1 did not affect sensory acceptability of chicken meatballs for all the tested attributes (color, aroma, taste, texture and overall acceptance) (*P > 0.05) up to comparable extent with T2 and T3.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The study provides a valuable method for the preparation of meatballs by replacing harmful synthetic antioxidants with natural ones with promising antioxidant and shelf‐life potential besides maintaining sensory attributes. This adaptation may result in massively enhanced consumption of these meatballs with disease‐preventive and health‐promoting effects.

The main hurdle in commercialization of spicy meatballs is the pungent smell of spices as well as use of toxic organic solvents for extraction. The problem has been overcome by developing a method for the preparation of deodorized extracts in aqueous medium, which may significantly enhance the commercialization potential of meatballs and meatball‐based functional foods.
THE POWER OF DIVERSION: INTERMEDIATE SANCTIONS AND SENTENCING DISPARITY UNDER PRESUMPTIVE GUIDELINES*
Authors: JOHNSON BRIAN D. , DIPIETRO STEPHANIE M.
Published: May 2012

Fiscal constraints and shifting political climates in corrections have recently led to a renewed interest in intermediate punishments. Despite their growing prevalence, though, relatively little empirical research has examined the judicial use of alternative sanctions as a sentencing option. By using 3 years of data from the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing (PCS), this study investigates little‐researched questions regarding the use of sentencing alternatives among offenders and across contexts. Results indicate that male and minority offenders are the least likely to receive intermediate sanctions, both as a diversionary jail or prison sentence and as a substitute for probation. The probability of receiving an intermediate sanction also varies significantly across judges and court contexts and is related to county‐level funding for these programs, among other factors. Findings are discussed as they relate to contemporary theoretical perspectives on the perceived suitability of intermediate punishments and on the unique role that offender agency plays in the sentencing of these cases. Directions for future research are discussed.
Implementation of School Policies to Prevent Youth Tobacco Use in Alabama
Authors: Geiger Brian F. , Vaid Isam , Beeson Diane , Riddle Barry
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: Public health professionals must monitor the effectiveness of school policies and programs to prevent youth initiation, promote quitting, and eliminate secondhand smoke. This analysis of school tobacco policies was preliminary to release of a state tobacco prevention and control plan for 2010‐2015.

METHODS: University health educators collaborated with the state health agency to review policies of 33 school systems in 5 Metropolitan Statistical Areas and 9 public health areas. Authors developed a systematic approach of 8 steps useful to rate implementation of school tobacco control and prevention policies and discuss implications for health education program planning.

RESULTS: Thirty school policies prohibited possession and use of tobacco by students, faculty and campus visitors, and 26 of 33 specified disciplinary measures following violations. Only 4 public education agencies included 3 of the 6 elements of a model tobacco prevention and control policy as suggested by the state public health agency. None featured all 6 elements. None specified establishing school‐community partnerships for tobacco prevention and control.

CONCLUSIONS: Preparing smoke‐free youth requires implementing and evaluating tobacco education in grades K‐12 including use of model guidelines from federal agencies and professional organizations. Determining the focus of existing school tobacco policies is an initial step to encourage adoption of comprehensive policies to reduce youth use of tobacco. Youth health advocates may act together with school administrators and legislators to strengthen policies to be consistent with model guidelines for tobacco prevention and control.
Association of School Nutrition Policy and Parental Control With Childhood Overweight
Authors: Seo Dong‐Chul , Lee Chung Gun
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: Schools and parents may play important roles in preventing childhood obesity by affecting children's behaviors related to energy balance. This study examined how school nutrition policy and parental control over children's eating and physical activity habits are associated with the children's overweight/obesity (hereafter overweight) status.

METHODS: Data were analyzed from a total of 246 pairs of children and parents who were recruited in the 2008‐2009 academic year from 10 randomly selected public secondary schools in Indiana (school response rate = 66.7%; participant response rate = 73.5%). Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine odds ratios of different levels of school nutrition policies and parental control with and without adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS: Children who attended schools where soda pop (OR = 3.79, p < .01) and non‐low‐fat salty snacks (OR = 2.46, p = .05) could be purchased were more likely to be obese than those at schools where such items were not sold. Children whose parents rarely or never ensured that their child was avoiding eating too many sweets (OR = 2.33, p = .08), avoiding spending too much time watching TV (OR = 2.24, p = .06), or engaging in physical activity (OR = 2.35, p = .09) were more likely to be obese than children whose parents did so always or most of the time.

CONCLUSIONS: School nutrition policy and parental control over children's eating and physical activity habits are associated with the children's overweight status.
Operational Experience with Biological Aerated Filters1
Authors: Wheale G. , cooper‐smith G. d.
Published: May 2012

Yorkshire Water has two full‐scale biological aerated filters in operation. The first was installed at North Bierley sewage‐treatment works for the tertiary nitrification of humus―tank effluent to secure consent compliance and ascertain if anticipated future standards could be achieved. The second was recently commissioned at Hedon sewage‐treatment works for secondary treatment, as part of an evaluation of compact plant to meet the requirements of the urban waste water treatment Directive at coastal sites.

The plant at North Bierley (near Bradford) is constructed mainly of steel and is designed to achieve an effluent quality of 10 mg/l suspended solids, 10 mg/l BOD, and 5 mg/l ammoniacal nitrogen. The plant at Hedon (near Hull) is constructed of concrete and is designed to achieve a 30 mg/l suspended solids and 25 mg/l BOD standard. Both plants have proved to be capable of meeting their respective effluent requirement.

For each works, the paper describes (i) the identification of the problem, (ii) the reasons for selecting the biological aerated filter process, (iii) details of the plant, (iv) operating experiences, and (v) plant performance.
The Upgrading and Automation of a Sewage‐Treatment Inlet Works1
Authors: wheeler M. h.
Published: May 2012

This paper describes how a problem with pumping plant at the inlet of Budds Farm sewage‐treatment works (near Havant) developed into an upgrading of the inlet works and the installation of an automated operating system.

The problem originated because (a) the inlet works had been modified a number of times, and (b) the flow of the incoming sewage was steadily increasing. The resultant hydraulically complex structure received flows from three pumping stations and via a triple inverted siphon. In addition to consequent problems such as poor flow distribution and inadequate settlement, frequent premature discharges of storm sewage occurred.

Investigations to optimize new plant requirements and improve flow distribution included pumping tests and the commissioning of a hydraulic model. These resulted in five concurrent contracts which were coordinated with the aid of a TIMELINE computer package to ensure achievement of the deadline for improved works' performance.
Water Resources Management in Scotland1
Authors: wright P.
Published: May 2012

Following a summary of the administrative arrangements in Scotland relating to water resources, details are given (for 1992‐93) of the available yield of sources developed for public water supply, together with information on the types of sources used by water authorities. The overall water demand situation is described, details are given of the components of demand (including ‘unaccounted for water’), and comment is made on the demand/yield position for the country as a whole. The outcome of two previous national surveys of existing and future water resources is reviewed and a description is given of the third such survey which has commenced recently. This latest survey will draw on the results of the domestic water consumption study which The Scottish Office reported on in 1993; a summary of this study and its findings are given, and proposed changes to institutional arrangements in Scotland are outlined.
Risks Associated with the Uncontrolled Discharge of Ships' Ballast and the Legislative Controls Available in Scotland1
Authors: macleod L.
Published: May 2012

The transportation of goods by sea results in vast amounts of water which is taken on as ballast, being transferred between ports, countries and continents. This can cause pollution, both chemical and biological. Public‐health risks have also been identified. Although many countries, including the UK, have introduced guidelines on the discharge of ballast water, there are practical problems in establishing procedures which are suitable to mandatory control. Despite this, it is currently possible for ballast water discharges to fall within the ambit of the Scottish river purification authorities. This produces a dilemma in that an authority may have statutory duties which it does not have the practical or legal powers to fulfil. This paper explores the risks associated with uncontrolled ballast water discharge, the effectiveness of current controls, and possible further controls which could be exercised.
On‐Line Monitoring of Sewage for the Detection of Toxicity and Measurement of Short‐Term BOD
Authors: reid J. m. c. , nason R. b. , fisher J. t.
Published: May 2012

An on‐line monitor is described which measures the short‐term BOD and detects the presence of nitrification inhibitors. The instrument, which is based on a 10‐1 activated‐sludge bioreactor and incorporates auto‐calibration facilities, has been tested over several years operating on crude and settled sewage. Calibrations against sewage strength parameters show linear and reproducible results. Toxicity detection is automatically confirmed by checking the degree of oxidation of a standard solution of ammonia. If detection is confirmed, sampling is initiated and an alarm is triggered.
The Use of Limestone Bed Filtration for the Treatment of Ferruginous Groundwater
Authors: smith P. g. , gaber A.
Published: May 2012

A pilot plant, consisting of limestone bed and sand filtration units, has been built 15 km south of Cairo to serve about 400 people. The plant comprises three limestone filter units (operated in series) and two sand filters.

Operation of the pilot plant has shown that a packed limestone filter unit is a simple and cheap method of removing iron from ferruginous groundwater. The results demonstrate an iron removal rate of about 60% after passing through one 1.15−m deep limestone filter operating with a surface loading rate up to 1.4 m3/m2. h. The overall iron removal after one limestone filter followed by sand filtration was more than 90%.
The Andha Andhi Community Health Project, Nepal
Authors: barrett A. d. , FHKIE FICE
Published: May 2012

WaterAid, backed by a pledge from the Institution of Water and Environmental Management to raise £5000, has agreed to support its local partner, Nepal Water for Health which, in turn, will assist the Andha Andhi Community Development Centre in this integrated water, sanitation and health education project. The budget is £10 570 (co‐funded by UNICEF†), to be spent during 1995−96, and the project is to serve 558 people living in Andha Andhi.

The scheme comprises: the construction of a gravity water supply system; the installation of pit latrines; training of the scheme caretaker, health volunteers, a health motivator, sanitation worker and coordinator.

Benefits are expected to arise from (a) the provision of safe drinking water, (b) education in improved hygiene practices, and (c) the easing of the burden of water collection on women and girls.
Incentivizing self‐regulation: Federal vs. state‐level voluntary programs in US climate change policies
Authors: Hsueh Lily , Prakash Aseem
Published: May 2012

How does program sponsorship influence the design of voluntary programs? Why and how do voluntary programs on climate change sponsored by the state and federal governments in the United States vary in their institutional design? Scholars emphasize the signaling role of voluntary programs to outside stakeholders, and the excludable benefits that induce firms to take on non‐trivial costs of joining voluntary programs. Scholars have noted several types of benefits, particularly reputational benefits programs provide, but have not systematically studied why different programs emphasize different types of benefits. We suggest that excludable benefits are likely to take different forms depending on the institutional context in which program sponsors function. We hypothesize that federal programs are likely to emphasize less tangible reputational benefits while state programs are likely to emphasize more tangible benefits, such as access to technical knowledge and capital. Statistical analyses show the odds of a voluntary program emphasizing tangible benefits increases by several folds when the program is sponsored by the state as opposed to federal government.
Food Justice, Hunger and the City
Authors: Heynen Nik , Kurtz Hilda E. , Trauger Amy
Published: May 2012

We are amidst a long‐overdue increase of interest in issues related food, cities and inequality within geography. While there has certainly been significant scholarship done on the issue, this area seems to be on the verge of defining many other sub‐disciplinary trajectories as opposed to the opposite which has historically been the case. In this short review essay, we hope to signal the utility of the concepts of community food security, food sovereignty and urban agriculture for conceptually linking food, justice, and cities.
Reflexive Geographies of Europeanization
Authors: Rovnyi Ievgenii , Bachmann Veit
Published: May 2012

Mainstream academic accounts tend to reduce Europeanization to the processes of domestic adaptation to the project of regional integration epitomized by the European Union. We take a look into the history of this current conceptualization and critically examine the foundations on which such an elitist and parsimonious idea of Europeanization has been built. To attend to the myriad faces of Europeanization as a geopolitical discourse and practice, we argue for a pluralist conduct of inquiry into the manifold power relations in Europe. We thereby call for a reflexive approach which would allow for a more encompassing and contextualized understanding of the sociospatial dimensions of these intricate processes and would address many silences in the multifaceted geographies of Europeanization.
Frequent BRAF Gain in Low‐Grade Diffuse Gliomas with 1p/19q Loss
Authors: Kim Young‐Ho , Nonoguchi Naosuke , Paulus Werner , Brokinkel Benjamin , Keyvani Kathy , Sure Ulrich , Wrede Karsten , Mariani Luigi , Giangaspero Felice , Tanaka Yuko , Nakazato Yoichi , Vital Anne , Mittelbronn Michel , Perry Arie , Ohgaki Hiroko
Published: May 2012

Chromosomal 7q34 duplication and BRAF‐KIAA1549 fusion is a characteristic genetic alteration in pilocytic astrocytomas. 7q34 gain appears to be common in diffuse astrocytomas, but its significance is unclear. We assessed BRAF gain and BRAF mutations in 123 low‐grade diffuse gliomas, including 55 diffuse astrocytomas, 18 oligoastrocytomas and 50 oligodendrogliomas. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed BRAF gain in 17/50 (34%) oligodendrogliomas, a significantly higher frequency than in diffuse astrocytomas (7/55; 13%; P = 0.0112). BRAF gain was common in low‐grade diffuse gliomas with 1p/19q loss (39%) and those lacking any of the genetic alterations analyzed (31%), but was rare in those with TP53 mutations (2%). Logistic regression analysis showed a significant positive association between 1p/19q loss and BRAF gain (P = 0.0032) and a significant negative association between TP53 mutations and BRAF gain (P = 0.0042). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of 26 low‐grade diffuse gliomas with BRAF gain additionally revealed BRAF‐KIAA1549 fusion in one oligodendroglioma. Sequencing of cDNA in 17 low‐grade diffuse gliomas showed BRAF‐KIAA1549 fusion in another oligodendroglioma. A BRAFV600E mutation was also detected in one oligodendroglioma, and a BRAFA598V in one diffuse astrocytoma. These results suggest that low‐grade diffuse gliomas with 1p/19q loss have frequent BRAF gains, and a small fraction of oligodendrogliomas may show BRAF‐KIAA1549 fusion.
Use of hinged circular fixator constructs for the correction of crural deformities in three dogs
Authors: Choate CJ , Lewis DD , Kim SE , Sereda CW
Published: May 2012

Background  Hinged circular external skeletal fixator constructs are used to perform sequential correction of angular limb deformities, often with resultant limb segment lengthening, via distraction osteogenesis. Although there are several reports describing the use of these constructs for correction of antebrachial deformities in dogs, there is little information regarding their use on other limb segments. This report describes the use of hinged circular fixator constructs for the correction of acquired crural deformities in three skeletally immature dogs.

Case reports  Two dogs had purely frontal plane deformities (one valgus, one varus) and the third dog had frontal (valgus) and sagittal (recurvatum) components to its deformity. At the time of long‐term evaluation, frontal plane angulation relative to the contralateral limb improved from 40° to 22° of valgus, 30° to 5° of valgus, and 20° to 1° of varus in the three individual dogs. Tibial length discrepancies of 12% and 22% that were initially present in two dogs were improved to 6% and 10%, respectively, of the contralateral tibial length at the time of final evaluation; both dogs had compensatory growth of the ipsilateral femur and all dogs had an excellent functional outcome.

Conclusion  These cases illustrate the value of using hinged circular fixator constructs for correction of crural angular deformities, particularly when length discrepancies of the tibia are present.
Value of cytologic analysis of bronchial washings in lung cancer on the basis of bronchoscopic appearance
Authors: Lee Gi Dong , Kim Ho Cheol , Kim You Eun , Lee Seung Jun , Cho Yu Ji , Jeong Yi Yeong , Jeon Kyoung‐Nyeo , Jang In Seok , Lee Jong Deok , Hwang Young Sil
Published: May 2012

Introduction:  We evaluated the diagnostic yield of cytologic analysis of bronchial washing in addition to forceps biopsy on the basis of bronchoscopic appearance and histologic type in lung cancer.

Methods:  This retrospective study included 611 patients who had lung cancer and underwent bronchoscopic procedures between April 2003 and December 2008. Bronchoscopic appearance was classified into six types (tumor, infiltrative, necrotic, normal, compressive and aspecific) on the basis of endoscopic morphology.

Results:  The forceps biopsy were positive in 492 cases (80.5%), and the diagnostic yield of the combination of forceps biopsy with cytologic analysis of bronchial washing was 84.1% (514/611 cases), that is, a statistically significant increase of 3.6% (P < 0.001). Washing cytologic analysis in the case of tumor, infiltrative and necrotic lesions had higher diagnostic yields than that in the case of normal, compressive and aspecific lesions (41.7% vs 29.3%), but its diagnostic yield did not increase on combination with forceps biopsy (P > 0.05). However, in the case of normal and compressive lesions, the addition of forceps biopsy to washing cytologic analysis significantly increased the diagnostic yield (P < 0.05). The histologic type of lung cancer did not significantly affect the difference in diagnostic yield between forceps biopsy alone and the combination of forceps biopsy and washing cytologic analysis (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:  The combination of forceps biopsy and washing cytologic analysis offers a better diagnostic yield than biopsy alone in diagnosing lung cancer. Both procedures should be performed during bronchoscopy even if no endobronchial lesion is present.

Please cite this paper as: Lee GD, Kim HC, Kim YE, Lee SJ, Cho YJ, Jeong YY, Jeon K‐N, Jang IS, Lee JD and Hwang YS. Value of cytologic analysis of bronchial washings in lung cancer on the basis of bronchoscopic appearance. Clin Respir J 2013; 7: 128–134.
Intelligence 2.0: Reestablishing a Research Program on g in I–O Psychology
Authors: Scherbaum Charles A. , Goldstein Harold W. , Yusko Kenneth P. , Ryan Rachel , Hanges Paul J.
Published: May 2012

Intelligence (i.e., g, general mental ability) is an individual difference that is arguably more important than ever for success in the constantly changing, ever more complex world of business (Boal, 2004; Gatewood, Field, & Barrick, 2011). Although the field of industrial–organizational (I–O) psychology initially made substantial contributions to the study of intelligence and its use in applied settings (e.g., Hunter, 1980; Schmidt & Hunter, 1981), we have done relatively little in recent times about studying the nature of the intelligence construct and its measurement. Instead, we have focused predominately on using intelligence to predict performance outcomes and examine racial subgroup differences on intelligence test scores. Although the field of I–O psychology continues to approach intelligence at a surface level, other fields (e.g., clinical psychology, developmental and educational research, and neuropsychology) have continued to study this construct with greater depth and have consequently made more substantial progress in understanding this critical and complex construct. The purpose of this article is to note this lack of progress in I–O psychology and to challenge our field to mount new research initiatives on this critical construct.
Estimation of demo‐genetic model probabilities with Approximate Bayesian Computation using linear discriminant analysis on summary statistics
Authors: ESTOUP ARNAUD , LOMBAERT ERIC , MARIN JEAN‐MICHEL , GUILLEMAUD THOMAS , PUDLO PIERRE , ROBERT CHRISTIAN P. , CORNUET JEAN‐MARIE
Published: May 2012

Comparison of demo‐genetic models using Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) is an active research field. Although large numbers of populations and models (i.e. scenarios) can be analysed with ABC using molecular data obtained from various marker types, methodological and computational issues arise when these numbers become too large. Moreover, Robert et al. (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2011, 108, 15112) have shown that the conclusions drawn on ABC model comparison cannot be trusted per se and required additional simulation analyses. Monte Carlo inferential techniques to empirically evaluate confidence in scenario choice are very time‐consuming, however, when the numbers of summary statistics (Ss) and scenarios are large. We here describe a methodological innovation to process efficient ABC scenario probability computation using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) on Ss before computing logistic regression. We used simulated pseudo‐observed data sets (pods) to assess the main features of the method (precision and computation time) in comparison with traditional probability estimation using raw (i.e. not LDA transformed) Ss. We also illustrate the method on real microsatellite data sets produced to make inferences about the invasion routes of the coccinelid Harmonia axyridis. We found that scenario probabilities computed from LDA‐transformed and raw Ss were strongly correlated. Type I and II errors were similar for both methods. The faster probability computation that we observed (speed gain around a factor of 100 for LDA‐transformed Ss) substantially increases the ability of ABC practitioners to analyse large numbers of pods and hence provides a manageable way to empirically evaluate the power available to discriminate among a large set of complex scenarios.
Guideline on the use of new anticancer drugs for the treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma 2010 update
Authors: Kaneko Shuichi , Furuse Junji , Kudo Masatoshi , Ikeda Kenji , Honda Masao , Nakamoto Yasunari , Onchi Morikazu , Shiota Goshi , Yokosuka Osamu , Sakaida Isao , Takehara Tetsuo , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Hiroishi Kazumasa , Nishiguchi Shuhei , Moriwaki Hisataka , Yamamoto Kazuhide , Sata Michio , Obi Shuntaro , Miyayama Shiro , Imai Yukinori
Published: May 2012

The “Guideline on the Use of New Anticancer Drugs for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma” was prepared by the Study Group on New Liver Cancer Therapies established by the “Research Project on Emergency Measures to Overcome Hepatitis” under the auspices of the Health and Labour Sciences Research Grant. The Guideline brings together data collected by the Study Group on the use and incidence of adverse events in 264 patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated using sorafenib and in 535 patients with advanced HCC treated using miriplatin at 16 participating institutions up until 22 December 2010, as well as referring to the published studies, academic presentations, and reports from the private sector. The aim of this Guideline is to facilitate understanding and current thinking regarding the proper usage of new anticancer drugs towards actual use in therapy. In terms of the format, the Guideline presents “clinical questions” on issues pertaining to medical care, makes “recommendations” on diagnosis and treatment in response to each of these clinical questions, and provides a rationale for these recommendations in the form of “scientific statements”.
Translation and validation of an Iranian version of the Diabetes Quality of Life measure
Authors: Pakpour Amir H , Saffari Mohsen , Burri Andrea
Published: May 2012

Aims/Introduction:  The objective of this study was to translate and validate an Iranian version of the Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) questionnaire in an Iranian population of males and females with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods:  A total of 503 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited from nine diabetes clinics across several Iranian cities. A standard backward and forward translation procedure was used to convert the English version of the DQOL into the Iranian language (Persian). Internal consistency, convergent validity, known group comparison, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and factorial invariance were applied for the assessment of psychometric properties of the translated version.

Results:  The translated version of the DQOL showed adequate internal consistency reliabilities for all subscales (Cronbach’s α >0.70). CFA confirmed the underlying domain structure to be the same as for the original English version, therefore supporting the factorial validity of the translated questionnaire. In addition, questionnaire responsiveness showed good sensitivity to interventions.

Conclusions:  In conclusion, the translated Iranian version of DQOL has shown high internal reliability and good construct validity, and can potentially be applied as an assessment tool for health‐related quality of life in patients with diabetes. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2012.00217.x, 2012)
On mean‐sigma estimators and bias
Authors: Baldwin Peter
Published: May 2012

When two test forms measure the same construct but are independently modelled using item response theory, the two forms’ respective metrics cannot be assumed to be equivalent. Thus, before comparing parameter estimates across forms, a linear transformation must be applied to at least one form's scale. The mean‐sigma method is a well‐known procedure for estimating this adjustment when a common set of items appears on both forms. In this paper, I show both analytically and empirically (through a small simulation study) that the mean‐sigma estimators of the transformation constants are biased. While this systematic error was modest relative to random error under the conditions studied here, it is nevertheless intrinsic and its magnitude is conditional on extrinsic design features that include the number of anchor items and the quality of their difficulty estimates.
Narratives of criminal action and forensic psychology
Authors: Canter David , Youngs Donna
Published: May 2012

Purpose. In commenting on Youngs and Canter's (2011) study, Ward (2011) raises concerns about offenders’ personal narratives and their link to self‐concepts and identity. His comments relate to explorations of personal life stories rather than the narratives of actual crimes that are the focus of Youngs and Canter's (2011) study. The elaboration of this different focus helps to allay many of Ward's (2011) concerns and reveals further possibilities for developing the narrative approach within forensic psychology.

Methods. The focus on offenders’ accounts of a particular crime allows the development of a standard pro forma, the Narrative Role Questionnaire (NRQ), which deals with the roles a person thinks they played when committing a crime. These roles act as a summary of the criminal's offence narrative. Multivariate analysis of the NRQ clarifies the specific narrative themes explored by Youngs and Canter (2011).

Results. The examination of the components of the NRQ indicates that offence narratives encapsulate many psychological processes including thinking styles, self‐concepts, and affective components. This allows the four narrative themes identified by Youngs and Canter to provide the basis for rich hypotheses about the interaction between the dynamics of personal stories and identity. The four narratives of criminal action also offer a foundation for understanding the particular, detailed styles of offending action and the immediate, direct processes that act to instigate and shape these.

Conclusion. These developments in our understanding of offence narratives generate fruitful research questions that bridge the concerns of investigative and correctional applications of narrative theory.
Evaluation of Pain and Accuracy Diagnostic in Hospitalized Children
Authors: Predebon Caroline Maier , da Cruz Diná de Almeida Lopes Monteiro , Matos Fabiana Gonçalves de Oliveira Azevedo , Ferreira Anali Martegani , Pasin Simone , Rabelo Eneida Rejane
Published: May 2012

PURPOSE:  Acute pain occurs in over 50% of hospitalized children. The accuracy of this diagnosis has been underexplored in the literature, as has the role of training to implement pain assessment. This study analyzed the accuracy of acute pain diagnoses after the implementation of a systematic evaluation of pain (study intervention).

METHOD:  The sample was divided into: pre‐ and postintervention. The Nursing Diagnosis Accuracy Scale, which scores accuracy as null, low, moderate, or high, was used.

RESULTS:  In the postimplementation, acute pain was diagnosed more often. However, accuracy only improved in the moderate category.

CONCLUSION:  Diagnosis of acute pain increased in the postimplementation period, but accuracy did not.

IMPLICATIONS:  The development of strategies for improvement of diagnostic accuracy is warranted.
A new signalling pathway for parallel fibre presynaptic type 4 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR4) in the rat cerebellar cortex
Authors: Abitbol Karine , McLean Heather , Bessiron Thomas , Daniel Hervé
Published: May 2012

Key points

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter of the mammalian brain. It can activate ionotropic receptors underlying fast glutamatergic transmission as well as G protein‐coupled metabotropic receptors (mGluR1–8), which are pre‐ and postsynaptic modulators of this fast excitatory neurotransmission.

In the rodent cerebellum, activation of presynaptic mGluR4 depresses excitatory synaptic transmission at parallel fibre–Purkinje cell synapses. We show that this depression involves the inhibition of presynaptic calcium influx via a newly defined signalling pathway, which notably involves the activation of phospholipase C and ultimately protein kinase C.

The study of the molecular basis of mGluR signalling pathways is an important research topic because these receptors may be implicated in certain neurodegenerative disorders, like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. As such, these receptors are becoming crucial targets for a number of therapeutic agents.

Abstract  In the rodent cerebellum, pharmacological activation of mGluR4 acutely depresses excitatory synaptic transmission at parallel fibre–Purkinje cell synapses. This depression involves the inhibition of presynaptic calcium (Ca2+) influx that ultimately controls glutamate release. In this study, we investigate the molecular basis of mGluR4‐mediated inhibition of presynaptic Ca2+ transients. Our results demonstrate that the mGluR4 effect does not depend on selective inhibition of a specific type of presynaptic voltage‐gated Ca2+ channel, but rather involves modulation of all classes of Ca2+ channels present in the presynaptic terminals. In addition, this inhibitory effect does not involve the activation of G protein‐activated inwardly rectifying potassium channels, TEA‐sensitive potassium channels or two‐pore‐domain potassium channels. Furthermore, this inhibition does not require pertussis toxin‐sensitive G proteins, and is independent of any effect on adenylyl cyclases, protein kinase A, mitogen‐activated protein kinases or phosphoinositol‐3 kinase activity. Interestingly we found that mGluR4 inhibition of presynaptic Ca2+ influx employs a newly defined signalling pathway, notably that involving the activation of phospholipase C and ultimately protein kinase C.
Differential representation of auditory categories between cell classes in primate auditory cortex
Authors: Tsunada Joji , Lee Jung H. , Cohen Yale E.
Published: May 2012

Key points

The role that pyramidal neurons and interneurons have in auditory behaviour and cognition remains unknown.

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that pyramidal cells and interneurons in the auditory cortex play a differential role in auditory categorization.

Putative interneurons in the auditory cortex were more selective for auditory categories than putative pyramidal neurons.

The greater category selectivity in putative interneurons may be a characteristic of auditory categorization in the microcircuit of the auditory cortex.

Abstract  A comprehensive understanding of the neural mechanisms of cognitive function requires an understanding of how neural representations are transformed across different scales of neural organization: from within local microcircuits to across different brain areas. However, the neural transformations within the local microcircuits are poorly understood. Particularly, the role that two main cell classes of neurons in cortical microcircuits (i.e. pyramidal neurons and interneurons) have in auditory behaviour and cognition remains unknown. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that pyramidal cells and interneurons in the auditory cortex play a differential role in auditory categorization. To test this hypothesis, we recorded single‐unit activity from the auditory cortex of rhesus monkeys while they categorized speech sounds. Based on the spike‐waveform shape, a neuron was classified as either a narrow‐spiking putative interneuron or a broad‐spiking putative pyramidal neuron. We found that putative interneurons and pyramidal neurons in the auditory cortex differentially coded category information: interneurons were more selective for auditory categories than pyramidal neurons. These differences between cell classes may be an essential property of the neural computations underlying auditory categorization within the microcircuitry of the auditory cortex.
Distinct neural ensembles in the rat gustatory cortex encode salt and water tastes
Authors: MacDonald Christopher J. , Meck Warren H. , Simon Sidney A.
Published: May 2012

Key points

In the primary taste cortex, two populations of neurons have been identified whose activity either correlates or anticorrelates with tastant concentration.

The relative contribution of each population to signalling the perceived intensity of taste is unknown.

To resolve this issue, we recorded activity from neurons in primary taste cortex while rats made choices that depended on NaCl concentration cues to obtain water reward.

Two neural ensemble's neural activity anticorrelated with NaCl concentration, but differed according to their response to water as one ensemble tracked the solution's osmotic pressure.

A third neural ensemble's activity was correlated with NaCl concentration and had the strongest relationship to the rat's choices, suggesting a central role in signalling the perceived intensity of NaCl solutions.

A fourth neural ensemble responded only to water, but some of these neurons were influenced by behavioural context because they responded differently to water presented as a cue versus reward.

Abstract  The gustatory cortex (GC) is important for perceiving the intensity of tastants but it remains unclear as to how single neurons in the region carry out this function. Previous studies have shown that taste‐evoked activity from single neurons in GC can be correlated or anticorrelated with tastant concentration, yet whether one or both neural responses signal intensity is poorly characterized because animals from these studies were not trained to report the intensity of the concentration that they tasted. To address this issue, we designed a two‐alternative forced choice (2‐AFC) task in which freely licking rats distinguished among concentrations of NaCl and recorded from ensembles of neurons in the GC. We identified three neural ensembles that rapidly (<300 ms or ∼2 licks) processed NaCl concentration. For two ensembles, their NaCl evoked activity was anticorrelated with NaCl concentration but could be further distinguished by their response to water; in one ensemble, water evoked the greatest response while in the other ensemble the lowest tested NaCl concentration evoked the greatest response. However, the concentration sensitive activity from each of these ensembles did not show a strong association with the behaviour of the rat in the 2‐AFC task, suggesting a lesser role for signalling tastant intensity. Conversely, for a third neural ensemble, its neural activity was well correlated with increases in NaCl concentration, and this relationship best matched the intensity perceived by the rat. These results suggest that this neuronal ensemble in GC whose activity monotonically increases with concentration plays an important role in signalling the intensity of the taste of NaCl.
Cavitation in a Short Bearing With Pressurized Lubricant Supply
Authors: Pan C. H. T. , Ibrahim R. A.
Published: May 2012

This work is a generalization of previous treatments of the cavitation problem for short journal bearings [1, 2]. Cavitation incipience and the cavitation pattern are dependent on both supply and cavitation pressure levels. The geometrical pattern of the cavity boundary is found to satisfy a universal solution which depends uniquely on the cavitation incipience eccentricity and the operating eccentricity. The same eccentricity parameters also uniquely determine the friction and through-flow characteristics. Radial and tangential force components are dependent on the supply/cavitation pressure ratio in addition to the eccentricity parameters. The results are applicable to journal bearings, shaft-seals, and squeeze-film dampers.