bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of chronic hepatitis E in liver transplant recipients with pegylated interferon alpha-2b
Authors: Haagsma Elizabeth B. , Riezebos-Brilman Annelies , van den Berg Arie P. , Porte Robert J. , Niesters Hubert G. M.
Published: January 2010

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are known to run a self-limiting course. Recently, chronic hepatitis E has been described in immunosuppressed patients after solid-organ transplantation. Besides the general recommendation to lower the immunosuppressive medication in these patients, there is currently no specific treatment. We here describe the successful use of pegylated interferon alpha-2b in the treatment of 2 liver transplant recipients who suffered a chronic HEV infection for 9 years (case A) or 9 months (case B). After 4 weeks of therapy, a 2-log decrease (case A) and a 3-log decrease (case B) in the viral load were observed. In case A, who received treatment for 1 year, serum viral RNA became undetectable from week 20 onward, and serum liver enzymes normalized completely. In case B, interferon was discontinued at week 16 because of a lack of a further decline in the viral load. However, 4 weeks after the cessation of therapy, viral RNA was no longer detectable in the serum, and this was probably related to a further decline in the immunosuppressive medication. Liver tests normalized completely. In both cases, no relapse has been noted so far. We conclude that pegylated interferon alpha-2b may be useful in the treatment of chronic HEV infections in patients in whom the reduction of the immunosuppressive medication alone is not sufficient.
Poor outcome after liver transplantation for transthyretin amyloid neuropathy in a family with an Ala36Pro transthyretin mutation: Case report
Authors: Muller Kate R. , Padbury Robert , Jeffrey Gary P. , Poplawski Nicola K. , Thompson Philip , Tonkin Anne , Harley Hugh A. J.
Published: January 2010

Transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy, caused by mutations in the transthyretin gene, is a progressive condition for which liver transplantation is an established treatment. Favorable outcomes have been described in patients with the most common transthyretin mutation, Val30Met, but outcomes have been variable in patients with other mutations. We describe the cases of 2 siblings with transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy secondary to an infrequently reported transthyretin mutation (Ala36Pro) who underwent liver transplantation with poor outcomes.
Dysferlin associates with the developing T‐tubule system in rodent and human skeletal muscle
Authors: Klinge Lars , Harris John , Sewry Caroline , Charlton Richard , Anderson Louise , Laval Steve , Chiu Yen‐Hui , Hornsey Mark , Straub Volker , Barresi Rita , Lochmüller Hanns , Bushby Kate
Published: January 2010

Mutations in the dysferlin gene cause limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B, Miyoshi myopathy, and distal anterior compartment myopathy. Dysferlin mainly localizes to the sarcolemma in mature skeletal muscle where it is implicated in membrane fusion and repair. In different forms of muscular dystrophy, a predominantly cytoplasmic localization of dysferlin can be observed in regenerating myofibers, but the subcellular compartment responsible for this labeling pattern is not yet known. We have previously demonstrated an association of dysferlin with the developing T‐tubule system in vitro. To investigate the role of dysferlin in adult skeletal muscle regeneration, we studied dysferlin localization at high resolution in a rat model of regeneration and found that the subcellular labeling of dysferlin colocalizes with the developing T‐tubule system. Furthermore, ultrastructural analysis of dysferlin‐deficient muscle revealed primary T‐tubule anomalies similar to those seen in caveolin‐3–deficient muscle. These findings indicate that dysferlin is necessary for correct T‐tubule formation, and dysferlin‐deficient skeletal muscle is characterized by abnormally configured T‐tubules. Muscle Nerve : 166–173, 2010
Effects of stimulation frequency and pulse duration on fatigue and metabolic cost during a single bout of neuromuscular electrical stimulation
Authors: Gondin Julien , Giannesini Benoît , Vilmen Christophe , Dalmasso Christiane , le Fur Yann , Cozzone Patrick J. , Bendahan David
Published: January 2010

We have investigated the effects of stimulation frequency and pulse duration on fatigue and energy metabolism in rat gastrocnemius muscle during a single bout of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Electrical pulses were delivered at 100 Hz (1‐ms pulse duration) and 20 Hz (5‐ms pulse duration) for the high (HF) and low (LF) frequency protocols, respectively. As a standardization procedure, the averaged stimulation intensity, the averaged total charge, the initial peak torque, the duty cycle, the contraction duration and the torque‐time integral were similar in both protocols. Fatigue was assessed using two testing trains delivered at a frequency of 100 Hz and 20 Hz before and after each protocol. Metabolic changes were investigated in vivo using 31P‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P‐MRS) and in vitro in freeze‐clamped muscles. Both LF and HF NMES protocols induced the same decrease in testing trains and metabolic changes. We conclude that, under carefully controlled and comparable conditions, the use of low stimulation frequency and long pulse duration do not minimize the occurrence of muscle fatigue or affect the corresponding stimulation‐induced metabolic changes so that this combination of stimulation parameters would not be adequate in the context of rehabilitation. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Role of renshaw cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Mazzocchio Riccardo , Rossi Alessandro
Published: January 2010

In this article the role of Renshaw cell involvement in experimental amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is discussed, with an emphasis on the anatomy, physiology, and possible role in motor control of Renshaw cells. These cells are located in lamina VII of the spinal cord, are excited by motor axon collaterals, and inhibit homonymous and synergistic motoneurons in a negative‐feedback fashion (recurrent inhibition). Early dysfunction and/or loss of Renshaw cells has been suggested to occur in experimental ALS, and the hypothesis has been put forward that this may be the event that makes motoneurons more susceptible to glutamatergic toxicity in ALS. However, Renshaw cell properties and connectivity—in particular, the lack of recurrent inhibition in the more distal muscles of the limbs where, on the contrary, initial wasting is prominent in human ALS—make it unlikely that impairment of Renshaw cells is a general feature of the human form of the disease. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Im Fluss hergestellt: Strukturen aus Mikroreaktoren
Authors: Dittrich Petra
Published: January 2010

Was haben ein Gletscher und ein mikrofluidischer Reaktor gemeinsam? In ihnen herrscht laminare Strömung vor. Dieses Strömungsverhalten ist die Grundlage für die Synthese von Nanopartikeln, Nanodrähten und ‐schläuchen, die in Mikroreaktoren unter definierten und reproduzierbaren Bedingungen möglich ist.
Constitutive approach for rate‐sensitive anisotropic structured clays
Authors: Hinchberger Sean D. , Qu Guangfeng , Lo K. Y.
Published: January 2010

This paper describes a constitutive approach to model the behavior of rate‐dependent anisotropic structured clay. Rate‐sensitivity is modeled using overstress viscoplasticity. Clay structure is treated as a viscous phenomenon whereby the viscosity of the undisturbed structured clay is initially very high and the viscosity degrades or decreases with plastic straining until the intrinsic or residual viscosity is reached. A microstructure tensor approach is used to make the structured viscosity anisotropic; whereas, the intrinsic viscosity is assumed to be isotropic. The behavior of the constitutive model is compared with the measured response of two clays (Gloucester and St. Vallier clay) from Eastern Canada during triaxial compression tests on specimens trimmed at different orientations to the vertical. The comparisons show that the constitutive framework is able to describe the anisotropic and rate‐sensitive response of both clays. The response of the model is also examined for the more general case of anisotropic consolidated triaxial compression and extension. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does the 6‐min walk test correlate with the exercise stress test in children?
Authors: Lesser Daniel J. , Fleming Margaret M. , Maher Carolyn A. , Kim Stephanie B. , Woo Marlyn S. , Keens Thomas G.
Published: January 2010

Is there a correlation between the 6‐min walk and aerobic fitness in children? We studied healthy and cystic fibrosis (CF) subjects age 8–20 years using the 6‐min walk test, treadmill graded exercise stress test, and spirometry. Six‐minute walk distance (6MWD) and the product of 6MWD and body weight (6MWORK) were related to aerobic capacity. Data were analyzed using Student's t‐test and Pearson correlation. 13 healthy subjects [9 females, mean age 15.8 ± 3.6 years, % predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 105 ± 12%, 6MWD 557 ± 73 m, peak oxygen uptake (${\rm V'}_{{\rm O}_2 }$ max) 41.4 ± 7.2 ml/kg/min, and heart rate (HR) at ${\rm V'}_{{\rm O}_2 }$ max 180 ± 10] and 11 CF subjects (3 females, mean age 14.3 ± 3.8 years, FEV1 67 ± 25.9%, 6MWD 468 ± 68 m, ${\rm V'}_{{\rm O}_2 }$ max 27.0 ± 8.1 ml/kg, and HR at ${\rm V'}_{{\rm O}_2 }$ max 163 ± 22] were studied. 6MWD correlates with ${\rm V'}_{{\rm O}_2 }$ max in normal subjects (r = 0.59, P < 0.05) but not in CF subjects (r = 0.09, NS). 6MWORK correlates with ${\rm V'}_{{\rm O}_2 }$ max in CF subjects (r = 0.65, P < 0.05) but not in normal subjects (r = 0.278, NS). We conclude that the 6MWD corresponds with aerobic fitness in normal pediatric subjects and 6MWORK corresponds with aerobic fitness in CF subjects. We speculate that 6MWORK is superior to 6MWD for assessment of aerobic fitness in children with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:135–140. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence and risk factors of wheeze in Dutch infants in their first year of life
Authors: Visser Chantal A.N. , Garcia‐Marcos Luis , Eggink Jenny , Brand Paul L.P.
Published: January 2010

Factors operating in the first year of life are critical in determining the onset and persistence of wheezing in preschool children. This study was designed to examine the prevalence and risk factors of wheeze in the first year of life in Dutch infants. This was a population‐based survey of 13‐month‐old infants visiting well baby clinics for a scheduled immunization. Parents/caregivers completed a standardized validated questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in the first year of life and putative risk factors. The independent influence of these factors for wheeze was assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis. A total of 1,115 questionnaires were completed. Wheeze ever (with a prevalence in the first year of life of 28.5%) was independently associated with male gender, eczema, sibs with asthma, any allergic disease in the family, day care, damp housing, and asphyxia. Recurrent wheeze (prevalence 14.5%) showed independent associations with eczema, sibs with asthma, and day care. In addition to these factors, severe wheeze (prevalence 15.4%) was also associated with premature rupture of membranes during birth, and with damp housing. Wheeze is common during the first year of life, and places a major burden on families and the health care system. Factors associated with wheeze are mainly related to markers of atopic susceptibility, and to exposure to infections. The strongest modifiable risk factor for wheeze in the first year of life is home dampness. Interventions to reduce home dampness to reduce wheeze in infancy should be examined. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:149–156. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hybridity, belonging, and mobilities: the intercontinental peripatetics of a transnational community
Authors: Walker Iain
Published: January 2010

Historical movements through the western Indian Ocean and beyond have led to the constitution of groups of spatially mobile individuals who claim belonging in a number of places on their itineraries. This paper looks at the movements of some of these people and suggests how their cultural and social strategies allow them to belong in these different places. However, their social points of reference (anchored in what Bourdieu callsdoxa) and the dispositions that they carry with them (habitus) are often at variance with those of the groups with whom they interact. I suggest that the concept of partial belonging is useful in understanding these people and that this concept may be developed through rethinking habitus and may equally be extended to other, less mobile social groups. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elastic and thermodynamic properties of IrN2 under pressure
Authors: Wang Jiemin , Sun Jinfeng
Published: January 2010

First‐principles calculations of the crystal structure and the elastic properties of IrN2 have been carried out with the plane‐wave pseudopotential density functional theory method. The calculated values are in very good agreement with experimental data as well as with some of the existing model calculations. The dependence of the elastic constants cij, the aggregate elastic moduli (B, G, E), the Poisson's ratio, and the elastic anisotropy on pressure has been investigated. Through the quasi‐harmonic Debye model considering the phonon effects, the isothermal bulk modulus, the thermal expansions, Grüneisen parameters, and Debye temperatures depending on the temperature and pressure are obtained in the whole pressure range from 0 to 60 GPa and temperature range from 0 to 1000 K as well as compared to available data.
Conductance of Ag atoms and clusters on Ag(111): Spectroscopic and time‐resolved data
Authors: Sperl A. , Kröger J. , Berndt R.
Published: January 2010

The evolution of the electronic structure of linear atomic Ag chains on Ag(111) has been explored atom by atom using low‐temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy. Electronic states confined to the linear chains are well described within a particle‐in‐a‐box model. The evolution of an unoccupied Ag monomer resonance during the synthesis of an Ag dimer reveals that the Ag–Ag interaction is predominantly direct owing to the large spatial extension of p wave functions of the adsorbed atoms. The hopping dynamics of a single Ag atom adsorbed on Ag(111) have been monitored by time‐resolved two‐level conductance fluctuations of the tunnel junctions. Effective temperatures of the junction and diffusion barrier heights in the presence of the tip were extracted from a voltage‐dependent analysis of the fluctuation rate.
Magnetism of 3d transition metal nanoparticles on surfaces probed with synchrotron radiation – from ensembles towards individual objects
Authors: Bansmann Joachim , Kleibert Armin , Getzlaff Mathias , Rodríguez Arantxa Fraile , Nolting Frithjof , Boeglin Christine , Meiwes‐Broer Karl‐Heinz
Published: January 2010

Mass‐filtered Fe, Co and FeCo nanoparticles in the size regime from 7 to 25 nm have been deposited under soft‐landing conditions onto ferromagnetic films, non‐magnetic surfaces as well as embedded into Al matrices. In situ X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements reveal a ferromagnetic behaviour of FeCo nanoparticles (size: 10 nm) on Si‐substrates at room temperature whereas the respective Co nanoparticles are superparamagnetic. Besides measurements on ensembles of nanoparticles, we have also carried out in situ measurements on individual Fe nanoparticles using X‐ray photoemission electron microscopy at the Fe L3,2 edges. Fe nanoparticles on Co films show a magnetic contrast depending on the direction of the underlying poly‐crystalline Co domains. This technique also allows to record XMCD spectra on individual nanoparticles.

Spectroscopy and spectro‐microscopy on magnetic particles.

magnified image
Investigation of defect states in the amorphous phase of phase change alloys GeTe and Ge2Sb2Te5
Authors: Luckas Jennifer , Krebs Daniel , Salinga Martin , Wuttig Matthias , Longeaud Christophe
Published: January 2010

In amorphous materials localized states within the band gap govern the electronic transport properties. This work presents the first measurement of the density of states within the band gap of amorphous phase change alloys using modulated photo current experiments. Modulated photo current measurements performed on a‐Ge50Te50 and a‐Ge2Sb2Te5 show that the defect state density of both compositions is quite similar consisting of a pronounced valence band tail and at least two defect states (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Light scattering properties of surface‐textured substrates
Authors: Jäger Klaus , Isabella Olindo , Zhao Lu , Zeman Miro
Published: January 2010

Light trapping in state‐of‐the‐art thin‐film silicon solar cells is accomplished by scattering of light at rough interfaces. Further enhancement of light absorption in the absorber layers can be achieved by optimizing the scattering via designing the morphology of these interfaces. The haze parameter and the angular intensity distribution of the scattered light were measured. The angular intensity measurements were carried out with variable angle spectrometry, allowing wavelengths in the visible and near infrared range. The measurements revealed new insights regarding the strong effects of the substrate surface roughness and morphology on the wavelength dependent variations of the angular intensity distribution. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ensemble data assimilation with the CNMCA regional forecasting system
Authors: Bonavita Massimo , Torrisi Lucio , Marcucci Francesca
Published: January 2010

The Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) is likely to become a viable alternative to variational methods for the next generation of meteorological and oceanographic data assimilation systems. In this work we present results from real‐data assimilation experiments using the CNMCA regional numerical weather prediction (NWP) forecasting system and compare them to the currently operational variational‐based analysis. The set of observations used is the same as the one ingested in the operational data stream, with the exception of satellite radiances and scatterometer winds. Results show that the EnKF‐based assimilation cycle is capable of producing analyses and forecasts of consistently superior skill in the root mean square error metric than CNMCA operational 3D‐Var.

One of the most important issues in EnKF implementations lies in the filter tendency to become underdispersive for practical ensemble sizes. To combat this problem a number of different parametrizations of the model error unaccounted for in the assimilation cycle have been proposed. In the CNMCA system a combination of adaptive multiplicative and additive background covariance inflations has been found to give adequate results and to be capable of avoiding filter divergence in extended assimilation trials. The additive component of the covariance inflation has been implemented through the use of scaled forecast differences.

Following suggestions that ensemble square‐root filters can violate the gaussianity assumption when used with nonlinear prognostic models, the statistical distribution of the forecast and analysis ensembles has been studied. No sign of the ensemble collapsing onto one or a few model states has been found, and the forecast and analysis ensembles appear to stay remarkably close to the assumed probability distribution functions. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry of oxaliplatin derivatives in heated intraoperative chemotherapy (HIPEC)‐like treated rat kidney
Authors: Bouslimani Amina , Bec Nicole , Glueckmann Matthias , Hirtz Christophe , Larroque Christian
Published: January 2010

Oxaliplatin [1,2‐diaminocyclohexane (dach)‐Pt complex] is a platinum anticancer drug which is mainly used in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer, particularly in Heated Intraoperative Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for the treatment of colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis. In order to better understand the penetration of oxaliplatin in treated tissues we performed a direct imaging of tissue sections from HIPEC‐like treated rat kidney using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. This procedure allowed the detection and localization of oxaliplatin and its metabolites, the monocysteine and monomethionine complexes, in kidney sections. Specifically, oxaliplatin and its metabolites were localized exclusively in the kidney cortex, suggesting that it did not penetrate deeply into the organ. Based on these results, an imaging analysis of human tumors collected after HIPEC is currently in progress to assess the distribution of oxaliplatin and/or metabolites with the aim of defining clinical conditions to improve drug penetration. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing identity trust in cryptographic key management systems for dynamic environments
Authors: Kayem Anne V. D. M. , Martin Patrick , Akl Selim G.
Published: January 2010

Cryptographic key management (CKM) schemes can be used to support identity management (IM) systems where linking users securely to data objects is important. CKM schemes enforce data security by encrypting data granting access only to authorized users and security compromises are prevented by updating any keys that are held by users from whom access rights have been revoked. Handling key updates efficiently and providing security against collusion attacks is challenging in dynamic environments like the Internet where manual Security management increases the likelihood of delayed responses. Delay increases the system's vulnerability to security attacks and the potential of the system's violating its service level agreements. Adaptive CKM has emerged as a possibility of addressing this problem but needs to be designed in a way that justifies the cost/benefit tradeoff. In this paper, we show that the key update and collusion avoidance problems are NP‐complete and need heuristic algorithms to prevent performance degradations in comparison to standard CKM schemes. As an example of the benefits of a good heuristic, we present a collusion detection and resolution algorithm whose running time is polynomial in the number of keys. The algorithm operates by mapping the generated key set onto a key graph whose independent set is computed. In the key graph, the vertices represent the keys and the edges the probability that their endpoints can be combined to provoke a collusion attack. Collusion possibilities are resolved by applying a heuristic that resets the probability to zero. The performance of our algorithm is analyzed in comparison to the Akl and Taylor scheme that is secure against collusion attack, and the experimental results indicate that collusion prevention can be done dynamically without affecting performance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A combined score test for binary and ordinal endpoints from clinical trials
Authors: Whitehead John , Branson Michael , Todd Susan
Published: January 2010

There is growing interest, especially for trials in stroke, in combining multiple endpoints in a single clinical evaluation of an experimental treatment. The endpoints might be repeated evaluations of the same characteristic or alternative measures of progress on different scales. Often they will be binary or ordinal, and those are the cases studied here. In this paper we take a direct approach to combining the univariate score statistics for comparing treatments with respect to each endpoint. The correlations between the score statistics are derived and used to allow a validcombined score testto be applied. A sample size formula is deduced and application in sequential designs is discussed. The method is compared with an alternative approach based on generalized estimating equations in an illustrative analysis and replicated simulations, and the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved code defect detection with fault links
Authors: Hayes Jane Huffman , Chemannoor Inies R. , Holbrook E. Ashlee
Published: January 2010

Fault links represent relationships between the types of code faults, or defects, and the types of components in which faults are detected. For example, our prior work validated that a fault link exists between Controller components and Control/Logic faults (such as unreachable code). Fault link information can guide code reviews, walkthroughs, testing, maintenance, and can advise fault seeding. In this paper, we use fault links to augment code reviews. Two experiments were undertaken to evaluate the usefulness of fault links, one with 26 Computer Science students and another with 24 software engineering professionals. The first experiment showed that fault link information assisted in finding more total defects and more ‘hard to detect’ defects, in the same amount of time, in a Java component of an online course management application. The experiment was repeated with professionals, adding a second Java component from the same application. For the second experiment, more total defects were found by the participants using fault link information for one of the two components and more hard to detect defects were found, in the same amount of time, in both Java components. The group using fault link information for code walkthroughs found, on average, 1.7–2 times more faults and 2–3 times more hard faults than the control group. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Histological alterations in the prolactin cells of a teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis, after exposure to cypermethrin
Authors: Mishra Diwakar , Rai Rubi , Srivastav Sunil K. , Srivastav Ajai K.
Published: January 2010

Freshwater fish Heteropneustes fossilis (H. fossilis) were subjected to 5.76 μg/L (80% of 96 h LC50) and 1.44 μg/L (20% of 96 h LC50) of cypermethrin for short‐term (96 h) and long‐term (28 days) duration, respectively. Plasma calcium of H. fossilis exposed for short term (96 h) to cypermethrin exhibited no change at 24 h. The levels indicate a decrease in plasma calcium at 48 h. This response persists till the close of experiment (96 h). No change has been noticed throughout the experiment in the histological structure and nuclear volume of prolactin cells of short‐term cypermethrin treated fish. Long‐term exposure of cypermethrin to fish provoked hypocalcemia. The prolactin cells remain unchanged till 7 days following cypermethrin treatment. After 14 days, the nuclear volume exhibits an increase and the cells exhibit degranulation. These changes increase progressively 21 days onwards. Also, few degenerating cells are discerned after 28 days. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2011.
Preparation and properties of polyurethane‐coated talcum/polypropylene composite materials
Authors: Jin Xin , Cui Yihua , Han Chen , Wang Jiabao , Ren Xiaoqian
Published: January 2010

In order to improve the toughness of polypropylene (PP) and expand its applications, a layer of polyurethane (PU) elastomer was coated on the surface of ultrafine talcum powder by an in‐situ synthesis method. In this way, an organic‐inorganic composite particle was formed. Then the surface‐treated talcum powder was mixed with melted PP to prepare PP composite materials through extrusion, granulation, and injection molding. Infrared spectral characterization and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis showed that there was a layer of PU elastomer on the surface of the talcum powder. Impact fracture analysis indicated that there was good compatibility between the talcum powder and the PP matrix. With the incorporation of PU elastomer coated on the surface of talcum powder, the toughness of PP was significantly improved, while the tensile strength decreased slightly. The optimum properties of the composite material were obtained when the weight fraction of talcum powder was 20% and the PU coating coverage was 25%. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Campaigning for children's oral health: A case study
Authors: Vaughan Kate
Published: January 2010

Arguably, the ultimate application of evidenced‐based communications is translating the research recommendations into a full‐fledged media campaign. This article explains the development and implementation of Watch Your Mouth, a campaign based on FrameWorks Institute's research on children's oral health. To date, this innovative campaign has been implemented in four states, with impressive results. Combining paid and earned media activity with community organizing and policy advocacy helped each state change the public perception of children's oral health as a largely cosmetic concern to a legitimate children's health issue.
Lessons from the story of early child development: Domain decisions and framing youth development
Authors: Bales Susan Nall , Gilliam Franklin D.
Published: January 2010

This article maintains that effective communications strategy derives from a complex understanding of frame coherence. In particular, this understanding calls for a closer examination of the ways in which the “pictures in people's heads” are activated by exposure to a key arena of frame contestation: the issue domain. Drawing from FrameWorks' research on child development, the authors show that by choosing to align child development with specific domains, advocates may serve to further entrench public thinking in ways that imperil expert policy recommendations. Parallel cautions are drawn for youth issues, with further research from the FrameWorks portfolio. While aligning child and adolescent development with health, workforce, or education may result in further news coverage to those policies, research suggests it may also depress support for those same public policies.
Inter-process buffers in separation logic with rely-guarantee
Authors: Bornat Richard , Amjad Hasan
Published: January 2010

Separation logic allows simple proofs of concurrent algorithms which use blocking mechanisms such as semaphores. It can even deal with non-blocking algorithms. With the addition of mechanisms borrowed from rely-guarantee, we can make reasonably simple proofs of some simple non-blocking algorithms. We show that it extends to proofs of some intricate algorithms, including Simpson’s famous asynchronous four-slot buffer and Harris’s novel three-slot algorithm, in a manner that is arguably simpler than earlier treatments, though we cannot claim that we have yet found proofs that are as simple as we would wish. Our example proofs show functional correctness but do not deal with questions of liveness.
Negotiating Dominant Masculinity Ideology: Strategies Used by Gay, Bisexual and Questioning Male Adolescents
Authors: Wilson Bianca D. M. , Harper Gary W. , Hidalgo Marco A. , Jamil Omar B. , Torres Rodrigo Sebastián , Isabel Fernandez M. ,   Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions
Published: January 2010

In the context of a U.S. dominant masculinity ideology, which devalues men who are not heterosexually identified, many gay, bisexual and questioning (GBQ) adolescent males must develop their own affirming and health‐promoting sense of masculinity. In order to promote the well‐being of GBQ young men, exploration of their reactions and responses to dominant images of masculinity is needed. We qualitatively analyzed interviews with 39 GBQ African American, Latino, and European American male adolescents (15–23 years old). Participants reported a range of responses to traditional masculinity ideologies, most of which centered on balancing presentations of masculine and feminine characteristics. Negotiation strategies served a variety of functions, including avoiding anti‐gay violence, living up to expected images of masculinity, and creating unique images of personhood free of gender role expectations. These data suggest a complex picture of GBQ male adolescents' management of masculinity expectations and serve as a basis for culturally and developmentally specific HIV prevention programs.
How Perioperative Nurses Define, Attribute Causes of, and React to Intraoperative Nursing Errors
Authors: Chard Robin
Published: January 2010

Errors in nursing practice pose a continuing threat to patient safety. A descriptive, correlational study was conducted to examine the definitions, circumstances, and perceived causes of intraoperative nursing errors; reactions of perioperative nurses to intraoperative nursing errors; and the relationships among coping with intraoperative nursing errors, emotional distress, and changes in practice made as a result of error.

The results indicate that strategies of accepting responsibility and using self‐control are significant predictors of emotional distress. Seeking social support and planful problem solving emerged as significant predictors of constructive changes in practice. Most predictive of defensive changes was the strategy of escape/avoidance.
Distance Learning for the RN First Assistant
Authors: Degon Ronald
Published: January 2010

The number of online, distance‐learning programs has increased to accommodate the needs of today's adult learners; these include new programs that feature perioperative courses for RN first assistants (RNFAs). Whereas the advantages of these programs include flexible schedules and the ability to participate at one's own pace, the disadvantages can include the lack of immediate access to faculty members who can answer questions or clarify information, and the added difficulty of learning a technical skill without hands‐on training. The RNFA training program at Rock Valley College, Rockford, Illinois, is a hybrid training program that includes three phases: an online component, a hands‐on workshop, and a clinical preceptorship.
Workplace Safety
Authors: Tattersall Michelle
Published: January 2010

Workplace Safety 2009, Ciné‐Med, producer $120 AORN members, $240 nonmembers
Before the Scalpel
Authors: Tarrac Shauna
Published: January 2010

Before the Scalpel Panchali Dhar 2009, Tell Me Press 214 pages, $24.95 softcover
Gerontological Nursing: Competencies for Care
Authors: Moffatt Elizabeth K.
Published: January 2010

Gerontological Nursing: Competencies for Care Kristen L. Mauk 2nd edition 2010, Jones and Bartlett Publishers 869 pages, $59.95 softcover
Prolonged maternal separation decreases granule cell number in the dentate gyrus of 3‐week‐old male rats
Authors: Oreland Sadia , Nylander Ingrid , Pickering Chris
Published: January 2010

Maternal separation (MS) early in life affects many aspects of development and we have previously observed significant decreases in NMDA and AMPA receptor and elevated glutamate transporter expression in the hippocampus of MS360 animals relative to MS15. We hypothesized that this disruption of the glutamatergic system in adult animals was a sign of a reduction in hippocampal neuronal number in 3‐week‐old animals. Male Wistar rat pups were separated litter‐wise for 15 min (MS15) or 360 min (MS360) from postnatal day 1 to 21. Conventional laboratory reared animals were also included. At postnatal day 22, brains were dissected and sliced on a cryostat. Immunohistochemistry labeled neurons (NeuN) and astrocytes (GFAP) and the number of neurons was quantified using the disector method and Cavalieri principle for stereology for the CA1, CA2, CA3 and dentate gyrus regions of the hippocampus. The volume of 4 regions did not differ across the 3 experimental groups. Numerical density of neurons, however, was significantly different in CA3 (one‐way ANOVA;p= 0.044) and the dentate gyrus (one‐way ANOVA;p< 0.0001) with post hoc differences MS360 vs. MS15. Finally, the total number of neurons was calculated and MS360 animals had significantly fewer neurons than MS15 animals in the dentate gyrus. Therefore, the maternal separation procedure affected development of the hippocampus directly at 3 weeks of age. The differences observed consequently place young MS360 animals in a vulnerable state for challenges later in life.
Single access laparoscopy for adnexal pathologies using a novel reusable port and curved instruments
Authors: Mereu Liliana , Angioni Stefano , Melis Gian Benedetto , Mencaglia Luca
Published: January 2010

Objective

To present our initial experience using single access laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of benign adnexal pathologies.

Methods

Sixteen patients with benign adnexal pathologies underwent salpingoophorectomy (n = 9), ovarian cyst enucleation (n = 5), or salpingectomy (n = 2) using a laparoendoscopic single site approach with a new multiport reusable trocar and flexible and curved—as well as standard—laparoscopic instruments.

Results

Conversion to a multi‐access standard laparoscopic technique was not required in any patient and no intraoperative complications were observed. Postoperatively, one umbilical scar infection was detected. Mean operative time was 42 minutes.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic single site enucleation for adnexal pathologies is feasible, safe, and effective, and has good results for cosmetic appearance and postoperative pain. Use of specialized instruments and standardization of the technique affect surgical ergonomy and operating time.
Cell‐free placental mRNA in maternal plasma to predict placental invasion in patients with placenta accreta
Authors: El Behery Manal M. , Rasha L. Etewa , El Alfy Yehya
Published: January 2010

Objective

To evaluate whether measuring cell‐free placental mRNA in maternal plasma improves the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and color Doppler in detecting placental invasion in patients at risk for placenta accreta.

Methods

Thirty‐five singleton pregnant women of more than 28 weeks of gestation and at risk for placenta accreta underwent ultrasound and color Doppler assessment. Cell‐free placental mRNA in maternal plasma was measured using real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on the findings at cesarean delivery and histological examination: women with placenta accreta (n = 7) and women without placenta accreta (n = 28).

Results

The median MoM (multiples of the median) value of cell‐free placental mRNA was significantly higher in patients with placenta accreta than in those without placenta accreta (6.50 vs 2.60; P < 0.001. Moreover, cell‐free placental mRNA was significantly elevated in patients with placenta increta and percreta than in those with simple accreta. Six false‐positive results were found on ultrasound, all from patients without placenta accreta and an insignificant rise in cell‐free placental mRNA levels.

Conclusion

Measuring cell‐free placental mRNA in maternal plasma may increase the accuracy of ultrasound and color Doppler in prenatal prediction of placental invasion in patients with suspected placenta accreta.
Expression of cell‐cycle regulators (cyclin D1, cyclin E, p27kip1, p57kip2) in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Lee Sang Hyuk , Lee Jong Kyu , Jin Sung Min , Lee Kyung Chul , Sohn Jin Hee , Chae Seung Wan , Kim Dong Hoon
Published: January 2010

Objective

To evaluate the expression of cell‐cycle regulators in papillary thyroid carcinoma in relation to lymph node metastatic features, and to determine whether immunohistochemical staining of cell‐cycle markers can predict lymph node metastasis.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study of prior surgical specimens.

Setting

Academic tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

We reviewed the clinical records of patients who had undergone surgery for thyroid cancer and follicular adenoma between January 2005 and May 2008 at our clinic. Among these cases, 92 patients, comprising 28 patients with follicular adenoma, 32 with papillary thyroid carcinoma without lymph node metastasis, and 32 with papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymph node metastasis, were selected randomly. Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues from the 92 patients were immunohistochemically stained for cyclin D1, cyclin E, p27kip1, and p57kip2, and protein expression levels were quantified and compared among the groups.

Results

Tumor specimens from the papillary thyroid carcinoma group had significantly higher expression levels of cyclin D1 and cyclin E, and cytoplasmic expression of p57kip2 than the other two groups (P < 0.05). In particular, all malignant cases expressed cyclin D1, and cytoplasmic p57kip2 was expressed only in malignant cases. Furthermore, differences in the grade of cyclin D1 expression according to lymph node metastasis were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that immunohistochemistry of certain cell‐cycle regulators may be helpful in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma, and that cyclin D1 in particular may be a useful marker for evaluating lymph node metastasis.
Safety and efficacy of carbomethylcellulose foam in guinea pig middle ear surgery
Authors: Antonelli Patrick J. , Sampson Edith M. , Lang Dustin M.
Published: January 2010

Objective

Carbomethylcellulose (CMC) foam has been widely adopted to promote hemostasis and healing in sinus surgery. There has been interest in the use of CMC in middle ear surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CMC foam for use in middle ear surgery.

Study Design

Prospective, controlled.

Setting

Academic research laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Adult guinea pigs underwent experimental tympanoplasty followed by packing of the middle ear (n = 19 per group) with CMC, hyaluronic acid (HA), or gelatin sponge (GS). Auditory evoked brainstem response testing and otomicroscopy were performed before and serially for eight weeks after surgery. Tympanic membrane healing, hemostasis, and retention of packing material were assessed.

Results

All tympanic membranes treated with CMC healed by week eight. Less postoperative bleeding was observed with CMC than with HA or GS. Surgery elevated auditory thresholds, at least temporarily, in all groups. However, CMC was associated with greater auditory threshold elevation (15‐25 dB) at eight weeks across all test frequencies relative to HA or GS (P < 0.01). Residual CMC and scarring were not found in the middle ear, indicating that the hearing loss was sensorineural. No head tilt posturing suggestive of vestibulopathy was seen.

Conclusion

CMC was associated with hearing loss and may be ototoxic. Therefore, CMC should not be used in human middle ears given the presence of several nontoxic alternative materials.
Chronisch obstruktive Lungenerkrankungen
Authors: Koczulla A. R. , Greulich T. , Vogelmeier C.
Published: January 2010

Einleitung

Im Rahmen dieses Artikels werden die beiden wichtigen entzündlich chronisch obstruktiven Atemwegserkrankungen die Chronisch Obstruktive Lungenerkrankung (COPD) und das Asthma bronchiale vorgestellt. Beide Erkrankungen haben eine steigende Inzidenz weltweit. Krankenhausstatistiken weisen seit 1996 für alle obstruktiven Atemwegserkrankungen 2,7 Mio. Krankenhaustage in Deutschland auf, der weitaus größte Teil dürfte zu Lasten der COPD und ihrer Folgen gehen.
Soziale Normen
Authors: Popitz Heinrich
Published: January 2010

Die Normgebundenheit des sozialen Verhaltens ist eine einfache, ja triviale Alltagserfahrung: wir geraten ständig an Kreuzungen, die mit grünen und roten Signalen versehen sind, — in soziale Situationen, die offenbar bereits von anderen entdeckt, fixiert, vorgeformt sind. Es steht uns nicht frei, diese Vorgeformtheit, diese Besetzung von Situationen mit positiv und negativ bewerteten Alternativlösungen ohne weiteres zu ignorieren. Wenn wir uns um die grünen und roten Lichter nicht scheren, wird unser Verhalten dennoch von anderen als eine Antwort auf diese Signale interpretiert, — auch wenn es gar nicht in unserer Absicht lag, uns eine Frage stellen zu lassen. So können wir in einer ersten Annäherung sagen : die Normgebundenheit sozialen Verhaltens bedeutet, daß soziale Situationen mit bestimmten Alternativen belastet sind, die auf irgendwelchen Verabredungen zu beruhen scheinen; Verabredungen, von denen man nicht recht weiß, wer sie eigentlich getroffen hat; Verabredungen, die wir nicht aus der Welt schaffen, wenn wir sie von Fall zu Fall nicht akzeptieren. Sie sind irgendwie so auf Dauerhaftigkeit angelegt, daß sie vom Einzelnen nicht beliebig außer Kraft gesetzt werden können.
Popular sovereignty, State autonomy, and private property
Authors: Przeworski Adam , Wallerstein Michael
Published: January 2010

The legitimacy of modern democratic institutions rests on the ideal of popular sovereignty. The purpose of this paper is to examine the contemporary status of this ideal.

Since space limitations do not permit discussion that would place the concept of popular sovereignty in its historical and intellectual context, we simply postulate a definition. People, by whom we mean individuals acting on the bases of their current preferences, are collectively sovereign if the alternatives open to them as a collectivity are constrained only by conditions independent of anyone's will. Specifically, people are sovereign to the extent that they can alter the existing institutions, including the state and property, and if they can allocate available resources to all feasible uses.
Über Einige Probleme der Soziologischen Theorie der Revolution
Authors: Dahrendorf Ralf
Published: January 2010

Kurioserweise scheint es heute nötig, den Nachweis zu führen, daß die Theorie der Revolution ein wichtiges Desiderat jeder engagierten Soziologie sein muß: so weit haben wir uns von den Erfahrungsgrundlagen und Denkansätzen der Anfänge der Soziologie entfernt. Für Comte, Tocqueville, Marx und viele Geringere war die Theorie der Revolution ein Kernstück der Soziologie überhaupt; sie standen in der Spannung zwischen der Bewältigung der Revolution des 18. und der Vorhersage derer des 20. Jahrhunderts. Liest man dagegen die Vorträge und Diskussionen des 3. Deutschen Soziologentages aus dem Jahre 1922 zum Thema »Das Wesen der Revolution« (27), dann könnte man geneigt sein, aus der sie beherrschenden Atmosphäre der Unwirklichkeit und Gleichgültigkeit zu schließen, das Problem der Revolution habe nunmehr alle Aktualität verloren. Die Diskussionen des 13. Deutschen Soziologentages 34 Jahre später (»Tradition und Revolution») bestätigen diesen Eindruck aufs Neue (28), und auch international sieht es nicht so aus, als sei das Problem der Revolution besonders brennend. Auf dem Dritten Weltkrongreß für Soziologie — mit dem Generalthema »Sozialer Wandel« — war von Revolution nicht die Rede (24); wahrend des Vierten Weltkongresses 1959 fand zwar eine Diskussion zu diesem Thema statt, doch gehorte sie nicht zum offiziellen Kongreßprogramm (25). Doch — muß man es sagen? — kommt dem Problem der Revolution aus mindestens zwei Gründen auch heute erhebliche Bedeutung zu : Einmal ist, allem Anschein nach und entgegen dem Selbstverständnis westlicher Gesellschaften, unser eigenes Jahrhundert eine Zeit großer Sozialrevolutionen in alien Teilen der Welt. Es vergeht kaum ein Jahr, in dem wir nicht von radikalen und raschen Wandlungen in irgendeinem Lande hören.