bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Papillary balloon dilation is not itself a cause of post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis; results of anterograde and retrograde papillary balloon dilation
Authors: Seo Yu Ri , Moon Jong Ho , Choi Hyun Jong , Kim Dong Choon , Lee Tae Hoon , Cha Sang‐Woo , Cho Young Deok , Park Sang‐Heum , Kim Sun‐Joo
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The mechanism of pancreatitis development following endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) remains unknown. Antegrade dilation with percutaneous transhepatic papillary balloon dilation (PTPBD) allows the removal of bile duct stones or fragments during percutaneous choledochoscopic lithotomy, with less mechanical trauma to the papilla than with EPBD‐mediated stone removal.

Methods

A total of 56 patients with bile duct stones underwent antegrade dilation with PTPBD from March 2006 to February 2011. A total of 208 patients with common bile duct stones underwent retrograde dilation with EPBD during the same period. The conditions of papillary balloon dilation were identical in both groups. The frequencies of pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia were compared in both groups.

Results

Pancreatitis occurred in 14 (6.7%) of 208 patients in the EPBD group (mild, nine; moderate, four; severe, one). There was no case of pancreatitis among 56 patients in the PTPBD group (P < 0.05). Hyperamylasemia developed in significantly more patients treated in the EPBD group (62, 29.8%) compared with the PTPBD group (4, 7.1%; P < 0.05). Complete bile duct clearance was achieved in 98.2% of PTPBD group and 97.1% of EPBD group.

Conclusions

The rates of post‐procedural pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia were significantly higher after retrograde dilation with EPBD than after antegrade dilation with PTPBD for the removal of bile duct stones. Although the mechanism of pancreatitis following papillary balloon dilation remains unclear, post‐EPBD pancreatitis may be associated with procedures before and after balloon dilation similar to mechanical lithotripsy rather than balloon dilation itself.
The Relationship Between Expectation Regarding Aging and Functional Health Status Among Older Adults in China
Authors: Li Xianwen , Lv Qiyuan , Li Chunyu , Zhang Hailian , Li Caifu , Jin Jinzhen
Published: May 2013

Purpose

To examine the level of and factors influencing expectations regarding aging (ERA) among older Chinese adults, and to determine whether leisure‐time exercise mediates the association between ERA and functional health status.

Methods

A population‐based, cross‐sectional design was utilized in this study. A total of 550 participants completed the face‐to‐face interview via a questionnaire addressing ERA, physical health conditions, personality and psychological factors, leisure‐time exercise, and functional health status.

Results

More than four fifths of the older adults felt that having more aches and pains (88.0%), lower levels of energy (82.7%), and being forgetful (82.5%) were an accepted part of aging, and 74.7% of participants reported it to be true that “being depressed is normal for older adults.” The regression model showed that depression and self‐mastery were factors that influence ERA among older Chinese adults (β = −0.26, p = .000; β = 0.15, p = .000). The Instrument Activity of Daily Life and World Health Organization Disability Assessment scores were not associated with ERA. Leisure‐time exercise mediated the relationship between ERA and functional health status.

Conclusions

Older adults generally consider body function decline to be an expected part of aging. Personality and psychological factors, rather than physical health conditions, were the factors that were considered to be most influential on ERA among Chinese older adults. These findings suggest that community interventions taking into account leisure‐time exercise could be influential in improving the ERA and functional health status of older adults.

Clinical Relevance

For community nurses and other primary care providers, the findings of the present study may facilitate the subsequent design of community‐based participatory intervention to improve ERA, as well as potentially improve the functional health status of older adults.
The Shroud: Ways Adolescents Manage Living With Parental Chronic Pain
Authors: Umberger Wendy , Martsolf Donna , Jacobson Ann , Risko Judy , Patterson Mary , Calabro Mary
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe a substantive theory that details how adolescents manage living with a parent experiencing chronic noncancer pain (CNCP).

Design

Grounded theory methods were used to recruit 30 young adults, ages 18 through 21 years, from community settings.

Methods

During open‐ended interviews, participants were asked to look back on their adolescence and talk about how they managed living with parental chronic pain. Interview transcripts and field notes were analyzed using constant comparative methods.

Findings

Participants who lived with heavily shrouded parents (a) endured hardships; (b) distanced themselves; (c) lamented losses; and (d) held back on revealing their authentic selves. Those who lived with minimally shrouded parents (a) received nurturance and parenting; (b) empathized with their parents’ pain situations; (c) lamented losses; and (d) revealed to their parents how parental pain affected them. Participants who connected with significant others “filled the gaps” created by parental pain disability, while those who did not connect with significant others “cooped up” their thoughts, feelings, and needs.

Conclusions

Findings shed light on psychosocial processes and behavior within families experiencing CNCP and serve as the basis for the development of personalized family interventions.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing interventions should focus on helping adolescents and parents build interpersonal relationship and communication skills. Aggressive diagnosis and treatment of mood disturbance in the parent with CNCP should be part of a holistic treatment plan.
Evaluating the masticatory function after mandibulectomy with colour‐changing chewing gum
Authors: Shibuya Y. , Ishida S. , Hasegawa T. , Kobayashi M. , Nibu K. , Komori T.
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to clarify the usefulness of colour‐changing gum in evaluating masticatory performance after mandibulectomy. Thirty‐nine patients who underwent mandibulectomy between 1982 and 2010 at Kobe University Hospital were recruited in this study. There were 21 male and 18 female subjects with a mean age of 64·7 years (range: 12–89 years) at the time of surgery. The participants included six patients who underwent marginal mandibulectomy, 21 patients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy and 12 patients who underwent hemimandibulectomy. The masticatory function was evaluated using colour‐changing chewing gum, gummy jelly and a modified Sato's questionnaire. In all cases, the data were obtained more than 3 months after completing the patient's final prosthesis. The colour‐changing gum scores correlated with both the gummy jelly scores (r = 0·634, P < 0·001) and the total scores of the modified Sato's questionnaire (r = 0·537, P < 0·001). In conclusion, colour‐changing gum is a useful item for evaluating masticatory performance after mandibulectomy.
Diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders: an ethical analysis of current practices
Authors: Reid K. I. , Greene C. S.
Published: May 2013

The defining characteristic of a profession – and especially a health‐care profession – is that the behaviour of its members is proscribed by a formal code of ethics. The main purpose of such codes is to guide practitioners' interactions with patients, assuring that patient interests are protected. In other words, the ethical code requires practitioners to place their patients' needs for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment ahead of their own needs for income and advancement. The dental profession has a code of ethics that was developed by the American Dental Association many years ago; in most clinical situations, determination of proper behaviour is self‐evident. However, the field of temporoman‐dibular disorders (TMDs) has been the subject of considerable controversy for over half a century, and many people have argued that this makes it impossible to evaluate various approaches to treatment of TMDs within an ethical framework. In this article, the authors argue that the large volume of scientific evidence in the contemporary TMD literature provides an ethical framework for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with TMDs within a biopsychosocial medical model. They present a summary of the research with contemporary scientific integrity, which has produced that information over a period of many years. Based on that research, they conclude that dentists may provide conservative and reversible treatments that will be successful for most TMDs and in doing so will comply with the profession's code of ethics. Conversely, the authors claim that those dentists who continue to follow the older mechanistic models of TMD aetiology and treatment are not only out of step scientifically, but are placing their patients' welfare at risk by providing unnecessary irreversible bite‐changing and jaw‐repositioning interventions. Therefore, debate of these issues should not be solely focused on scientific merit, but also upon the compelling ethical obligations that dentists have as a result of the contemporary scientific literature regarding TMDs.
Fusarium asiaticum: an Emerging Pathogen Jeopardizing Postharvest Asparagus Spears
Authors: Zhu Pinkuan , Wu Lingqing , Liu Liying , Huang Li , Wang Yiwen , Tang Weihua , Xu Ling
Published: May 2013

Asparagus spears are usually vulnerable to pathogenic micro‐organisms. In this study, 217 pathogens were isolated from symptomatic asparagus, and one highly virulent fungus (designated EXAP‐08) isolated from the rotted asparagus spears in cold storage was characterized in detail. Koch's postulates were checked through pathogenicity tests, indicating that EXAP‐08 infection could cause reproducible rot symptoms similar to those observed on naturally infected asparagus spears, and the pathogenicity of EXAP‐08 was also relatively higher than other Fusarium pathogens, especially at 4°C. Through morphological and molecular identification, EXAP‐08 was characterized as Fusarium asiaticum. This identification was further confirmed by phylogenetic analysis with the Histone gene H3 of EXAP‐08 and other Fusarium species. EXAP‐08 also belongs to 3A‐DON (3‐acetyl‐4‐deoxynivalenol) chemo‐type, and the mycotoxin was detected during the infection of plant, implying the potential risks of mycotoxin contamination in fresh crops infected by this pathogen. Thus, this emerging pathogen threatening edible safety of asparagus spears should deserve particular quarantine inspection in the future.
Molecular Characterization and Recombination Analysis of the Complete Genome of Apple Chlorotic Leaf Spot Virus
Authors: Dhir Sunny , Zaidi Aijaz Asghar , Hallan Vipin
Published: May 2013

The complete nucleotide sequence of an Indian isolate of Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) was determined and found to be 7,525 nt in length. The genome organization was similar to known isolates of ACLSV, encoding three ORFs. Comparisons indicated high sequence variability among known isolates with overall nucleotide sequence identities of 80 to 84%. A striking variable region was identified among the replicase protein upstream of the RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (aa 1510–1590), which showed a 41–43% match with the corresponding region in other isolates. Phylogenetic analysis at the nucleotide level clustered the isolates into three groups, without any relation to geographical origin. Recombination analysis showed that the isolate is a recombinant with recombination sites spread throughout the genome, especially in the polymerase gene region (nt 4700–5400). Most recombination sites were bordered by an upstream region (5′) of GC‐rich and downstream region (3′) of AU‐rich sequences of similar length. Correlation of recombination site with host type is discussed, and it was found that there were more interlineage recombinations in the apple host compared with intralineage recombinations.
Prostaglandin E1-containing nanoparticles improve walking activity in an experimental rat model of intermittent claudication
Authors: Ishihara Tomoaki , Yamashita Yasunobu , Takasaki Naoko , Yamamoto Shuhei , Hayashi Erika , Tahara Kayoko , Takenaga Mitsuko , Yamakawa Naoki , Ishihara Tsutomu , Kasahara Tadashi , Mizushima Tohru
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Due to the low stability of lipid emulsions, a lipid emulsion of prostaglandin E1 (Lipo-PGE1) necessitates daily intravenous drip infusions. To overcome this issue, we developed nanoparticles containing PGE1 (Nano-PGE1). Nano-PGE1 showed a good sustained-release profile of PGE1 from the nanoparticles in vitro, which may permit a longer-lasting therapeutic effect to be achieved. We here examined the pharmacological activity of Nano-PGE1 in a rat experimental model of intermittent claudication induced by femoral artery ligation.

Methods

The walking activity of the rat was tested on a rodent treadmill. Tissue levels of PGE1 were determined by enzyme immunoassay, and skeletal muscle angiogenesis (capillary growth) was monitored by immunohistochemical analysis.

Key findings

PGE1 could be detected in the lesion site one day after the intravenous administration of Nano-PGE1 but not of Lipo-PGE1. An increased accumulation of Nano-PGE1 in the lesion site compared with control (unlesioned) site was also observed. The ligation procedure reduced the walking activity, which in turn was improved by a single administration of Nano-PGE1 but not of Lipo-PGE1. The single administration of Nano-PGE1 also stimulated angiogenesis in the skeletal muscle around the ligated artery.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that Nano-PGE1 improves the walking activity of femoral artery-ligated rats through the accumulation and sustained release of PGE1.
Structure-dependent inhibitory effects of synthetic cannabinoids against 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced inflammation and skin tumour promotion in mice
Authors: Nakajima Jun'ichi , Nakae Dai , Yasukawa Ken
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Whether and how synthetic cannabinoids affect inflammation and carcinogenesis has not been well studied. The present study was thus conducted to assess effects of synthetic cannabinoids on inflammation and carcinogenesis in vivo in mice.

Methods

Twenty-three analogues of synthetic cannabinoids were isolated from, and identified as adulterants in, illegal drugs distributed in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and were examined for their inhibitory effects on the induction of oedema in mouse ears by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Furthermore, selected cannabinoids, JWH-018, -122 and -210, were studied for their effects on carcinogenesis induced in mouse skin initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and promoted by TPA.

Key findings

Among cannabinoids, naphthoylindoles mostly exhibited superior inhibitory effects against TPA-induced ear oedema and, especially, JWH-018, -122 and -210 showed potent activity with 50% inhibitory dose (ID50) values of 168, 346 and 542 nm, respectively (an activity corresponding to that of indometacin (ID50 = 908 nm)). Furthermore these three compounds also markedly suppressed the tumour-promoting activity of TPA.

Conclusions

This is the first report indicating the structure–activity relationships for the anti-inflammatory activity of synthetic cannabinoids on TPA-induced inflammation in mice. Naphthoylindoles, JWH-018, -122 and -210, had the most potent anti-inflammatory activity and also markedly inhibited tumour promotion by TPA in the two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis model. The present results suggest that synthetic cannabinoids, such as JWH-018, -122 and -210, may be used as cancer chemopreventive agents in the future.
Ultrasound Analysis of the Effects of Food Bolus Volume on Tongue Movement at the Initiation of Swallowing
Authors: Gao Zhihong , Taniwaki Mitsuru , Shimada Hiromi , Ishihara Sayaka , Nakauma Makoto , Funami Takahiro , Kohyama Kaoru
Published: May 2013

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of food bolus volume on tongue movement at the initiation of swallowing using ultrasonography. Four healthy women were asked to consume 3‐ and 6‐mL spoon‐served different food samples (hard gel, soft gel, sol and water) in one swallow each and in their natural manner of eating. An ultrasound probe was positioned under each person's chin to produce coronal images of the tongue. The up‐down movement of the dorsal surface of the tongue was observed in the M‐mode. The grooving depth for 6 mL of gels and water was greater than that for 3 mL. The duration of grooving for 6 mL of gels was longer than that for 3 mL. The velocity of descending and ascending grooving was not significantly different between the volumes for each food sample, and the velocity of descending grooving was greater than that of ascending grooving.

Practical Applications

Ultrasonography, using a medical ultrasound instrument, is an effective method for observing tongue movement during the oral phase of swallowing. The M‐mode can visualize the kinematics of the dorsal surface of the tongue and bolus passing from the tongue to the pharynx at the initiation of swallowing. Different kinematics of tongue movement can be observed for different volumes of food bolus, mechanical properties and individuals. This technique can be used for designing the texture of food materials for the elderly and infants who experience aspiration or suffocation by food.
An Observational Study with Long‐Term Follow‐Up of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Clinical Characteristics, Survival, and Risk Factors
Authors: Fast R. , Schütt T. , Toft N. , Møller A. , Berendt M.
Published: May 2013

Background

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a neurodegenerative condition affecting geriatric dogs and sharing several characteristics with human Alzheimer's disease (AD).CCDmanifests as alterations of behavioral patterns and daily routines. Clinical signs are associated with neurodegenerative changes (eg, cortical atrophy and amyloid‐beta deposits).

Objectives

To investigate clinical characteristics, survival, and risk factors withCCD. VitaminEwas investigated as a potential marker ofCCD.

Methods

Ninety‐four dogs >8 years of age were investigated with a validatedCCDquestionnaire and allocated toCCD, borderlineCCD(b‐CCD) and non‐CCDgroups. The dogs were included in 2008–2009 and followed up in an observational study until follow‐up in 2012.

Results

Four key clinical signs dominated in dogs withCCD: sleeping during the day and restless at night, decreased interaction, disorientation at home, and anxiety. A number of borderlineCCDcases developed intoCCDover time indicating that a prodromal stage ofCCDmay exist.CCDdid not influence survival negatively. Small breeds did not show better survival than large breeds (P = .055) and there was no difference between sexes (P = .99).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

A few key questions addressing sleep‐wake cycle, interaction, and signs of confusion and anxiety can be used as a clinical marker ofCCD. Special attention should be paid to anxiety in dogs withCCDbecause it may be especially stressful to both dog and owner. Dogs withCCDseem to have a good chance of living a full lifespan if supported by the veterinarian and the owner.
Network Effects, Spillovers and Market Structure
Authors: Behringer Stefan
Published: May 2013

This paper investigates the effect of spillovers in a model of endogenous technical change resulting from network effects as can be, for example, found in the market for hand‐held video consoles on the existence of a lower bound to market concentration.
Surviving depressive ill‐health: A qualitative systematic review of older persons' narratives
Authors: Holm Anne Lise , Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: May 2013

The aim of this qualitative systematic review was to report a comprehensive literature synthesis of older persons' narratives about what they need in order to survive when suffering from depression. Their survival strategies seem to be a state rarely outlined in the literature. A systematic search of EBSCOhost/Academic Search Premier, ProQuest and PubMed was conducted for the period January 2000 to April 2012. Data were analyzed by means of thematic analysis. Thirteen studies were selected and three themes emerged from synthesis: the need for courage, strength, and self‐reliance; the meaning of responsibility; and wearing a mask of normalcy to hide the shame. The first comprised two subthemes: the value of faith and distraction and activity; the second had no subtheme; and the third had one subtheme: reaching out of loneliness towards aloneness and connectivity. Further research should be focused on how community projects can improve health services such as enhancing the safety of health care and disseminating health information.
Perceived breathlessness and psychological distress among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their spouses
Authors: Al‐Gamal Ekhlas , Yorke Janelle
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of breathlessness on Jordanian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their spouses' perception of the patients' breathlessness. A cross‐sectional, descriptive, correlational design was used with a sample of 67 Jordanian patients with COPD related breathlessness and their spouses. The Dyspnoea 12 Scale (D‐12) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered to both patients and spouses. There was a significant positive correlation between total patients' D‐12 scores and total HADS scores. Spouses who perceived the patients to have more severe breathlessness affect (D‐12 affect subscale) were more likely to experience a higher level of psychological distress (HADS total). Both patients and spouses reported clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression. There was no statistical difference in total D‐12 and HADS scores between COPD patients and their spouses. The finding of this study indicates the importance of healthcare providers in supporting both patients with breathlessness and their spouses and the need to develop family‐centred services.
Abdominal pain is associated with anxiety and depression scores in a sample of the general adult population with no signs of organic gastrointestinal disease
Authors: Walter S. A. , Jones M. P. , Talley N. J. , Kjellström L. , Nyhlin H. , Andreasson A. N. , Agréus L.
Published: May 2013

Background

Abdominal pain is common in the community, but only a subset meet diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although anxiety and depression have been linked to IBS, the role of mood disturbances in the remainder with symptoms remains unclear. We aimed to study the associations between abdominal pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in the general population who were free of organic colonic disease by colonoscopy.

Methods

Two hundred and seventy‐two randomly selected subjects from the general population, mean age 54 years (27–71), were clinically evaluated, had a colonoscopy and laboratory investigations to exclude organic gastrointestinal (GI) disease. All subjects completed GI symptom diaries for 1 week, the Rome II modular questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Short Form 36.

Key Results

Twenty‐two subjects were excluded due to organic disease; 1532 daily symptom records were available for analysis in the remainder. Thirty‐four percent (n = 83) recorded at least one episode of abdominal pain on the diary. Twelve percent fulfilled Rome II criteria for IBS. Both anxiety and depression scores were higher in subjects who reported abdominal pain vs those who did not (P < 0.0005 and P < 0.0005). Anxiety and depression scores independently from IBS diagnosis (Rome II) predicted pain reporting and also correlated positively with pain burden. Quality of life scores were generally lower in subjects with abdominal pain.

Conclusions & Inferences

Anxiety and depression are linked to functional abdominal pain, not only in subjects with IBS but also in otherwise healthy people with milder, subtle GI symptoms.
The cannabinoid‐1 receptor inverse agonist taranabant reduces abdominal pain and increases intestinal transit in mice
Authors: Fichna J. , Sibaev A. , Sałaga M. , Sobczak M. , Storr M.
Published: May 2013

Background

Constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐C) is a common functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder with abdominal pain and decreased motility. Current treatments of IBS‐C are insufficient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential application of taranabant, a cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) inverse agonist using mouse models mimicking the symptoms of IBS‐C.

Methods

Changes in intestinal contractile activity were studied in vitro, using isolated mouse ileum and colon and intracellular recordings. In vivo, whole gastrointestinal transit (WGT) and fecal pellet output (FPO) were measured under standard conditions and with pharmacologically delayed GI transit. The antinociceptive effect was evaluated in mustard oil‐ and acetic acid‐induced models of visceral pain. Forced swimming and tail suspension tests were performed and locomotor activity was measured to evaluate potential central side effects.

Key Results

In vitro, taranabant (10−10–10−7 mol L−1) increased contractile responses in mouse ileum and blocked the effect of the CB agonist WIN 55,212‐2. Taranabant had no effect on the amplitude of electrical field stimulation (EFS)‐evoked junction potentials. In vivo, taranabant (0.1–3 mg kg−1, i.p. and 3 mg kg−1, p.o.) increased WGT and FPO in mice and reversed experimental constipation. The effect of taranabant was absent in CB1−/− mice. Taranabant significantly decreased the number of pain‐related behaviors in animal models. At the doses tested, taranabant did not display mood‐related adverse side effects typical for CB1 receptor inverse agonists.

Conclusions & Inferences

Taranabant improved symptoms related to slow GI motility and abdominal pain and may become an attractive template in the development of novel therapeutics targeting IBS‐C.
Improved fixation quality provided by a Bessel beacon in an adaptive optics system
Authors: Lambert Andrew J , Daly Elizabeth M , Dainty Christopher J
Published: May 2013

Purpose

We investigate whether a structured probe beam that creates the beacon for use in a retinal imaging adaptive optics system can provide useful side effects. In particular we investigate whether a Bessel beam that is seen by the subject as a set of concentric rings has a dampening effect on fixation variations of the subject under observation. This calming effect would allow longer periods of observation, particularly for patients with abnormal fixation.

Method

An experimental adaptive optics system developed for retinal imaging is used to monitor the fluctuations in aberrations for artificial and human subjects. The probe beam is alternated between a traditional beacon and one provided by a Bessel beam created by SLM.

Results

Time‐frequency analysis is used to indicate the differences in power and time variation during fixation depending on whether the Bessel beam or the traditional beacon is employed. Comparison is made with the response for an artificial eye to discount systemic variations.

Conclusion

Significant evidence is accrued to indicate the reduced fluctuations in fixation when the Bessel beam is employed to create the beacon.
The influence of stress distribution in four different fixation systems used in treatment of mandibular angle fractures – a three‐dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Rangan V. , Raghuveer H.P. , Rayapati D.K. , Shobha E.S. , Prashanth N.T. , Sharma R.
Published: May 2013

Aim

To study and compare the stress distribution fields in four fixative materials used commonly in the treatment of angle of the mandible fractures using finite element analysis (FEA).

Materials and methods

Using commercially available FEA software, four three‐dimensional models of the mandibular angle region were created by graphical representation, and an oblique unfavourable fracture was simulated. A conventional titanium miniplate, a three‐dimensional titanium miniplates, a locking titanium miniplates and a bioresorbable plate were modelled three‐dimensionally and applied to the mandibular angle region of the model, and stress distribution fields of each were analysed under similar loading conditions.

Results

The locking titanium plate and the three‐dimensional titanium plate had favourable stress distribution when compared with the conventional titanium miniplating system and the bioresorbable plating system, showing that they were superior to the latter in terms of post‐fixation stability.

Conclusion

The locking titanium miniplate and the three‐dimensional titanium miniplate would offer better fixation stability in the post‐fixation period when compared with the conventional titanium miniplate and the bioresorbable plating system.
Ultrasound‐Guided Paravertebral Neurolytic Block: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Malik Tariq
Published: May 2013

Paravertebral block is commonly used in the treatment for acute and chronic pain. The duration of paravertebral block could theoretically be prolonged with neurolytic agents. We report two cases of ultrasound‐guided neurolytic paravertebral blocks in patients suffering from intense cancer‐related thoracic pain. Ultrasound was used to identify the space and plane of injection at the mid‐thoracic level. Absolute alcohol was used to block the nerves at different segments. The two patients had great pain relief. Neurolytic paravertebral block can be a useful technique in patients with intractable cancer pain. Because of the risk of complication, it is recommended that this technique should be limited to relief of intractable pain in cancer patients with a poor prognosis.
Linguistic Analysis of Face‐to‐Face Interviews with Patients with An Explicit Request for Euthanasia, their Closest Relatives, and their Attending Physicians: the Use of Modal Verbs in Dutch
Authors: Dieltjens Sylvain M. , Heynderickx Priscilla C. , Dees Marianne K. , Vissers Kris C.
Published: May 2013

Background

The literature, field research, and daily practice stress the need for adequate communication in palliative care. Although language is of the utmost importance in communication, linguistic analysis of end‐of‐life discussions is scarce.

Aims

Our aim is 2‐fold: We want to determine what the use of 4 significant Dutch modal verbs expressing volition, obligation, possibility, and permission reveals about the concept of unbearable suffering and about physicians' communicative style.

Methods

We quantitatively (TextStat) and qualitatively (bottom‐up approach) analyzed the use of the modal verbs in 15 interviews, with patients requesting euthanasia or physician‐assisted suicide, their physicians, and their closest relatives.

Results

An essential element of unbearable suffering is the patient's incapacity to perform certain tasks. Further, the physician's preference for particular modal verbs reveals whether his attitude toward patients is more or less patronizing and more or less appreciative.

Conclusions

Linguistic analysis can help medical professionals to better understand their communicative skills, styles, and approach to patients in end‐of‐life situations. We have shown how linguistic analysis can contribute to a better understanding of physician–patient interaction. Moreover, we have illustrated the usefulness of interdisciplinary research in the medical domain.
Genome expression control during the photoperiodic response of aphids
Authors: LE TRIONNAIRE GAEL , WUCHER VALENTIN , TAGU DENIS
Published: May 2013

Aphids are major crop pests and show a high level of phenotypic plasticity. They display a seasonal, photoperiodically‐controlled polyphenism during their life cycle. In spring and summer, they reproduce efficiently by parthenogenesis. At the end of summer, parthenogenetic individuals detect the transition from short nights to long nights, which initiates the production of males and oviparous females within their offspring. These are the morphs associated with the autumn season. Deciphering the physiological and molecular events associated with this switch in reproductive mode in response to photoperiodic conditions is thus of key interest for understanding and explaining the remarkable capacity of aphids to adapt to fluctuations in their environment. The present review aims to compile earlier physiological studies, focussing on the neuroendocrine control of seasonal photoperiodism, as well as a series of large‐scale transcriptomic approaches made possible by the recent development of genomic resources for the model aphid species: the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum. These analyses identify genetic programmes putatively involved in the control of the initial steps of detection and transduction of the photoperiodic signal, as well as in the regulation of the switch between asexual and sexual oogenesis within embryonic ovaries. The contribution of small RNAs pathways (and especially microRNAs) in the post‐transcriptional control of gene expression, as well as the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of genome expression associated with the photoperiodic response, is also summarized.
Establishing Cool‐Season Grasses on a Degraded Arid Rangeland of the Colorado Plateau
Authors: Bernstein Eli J. , Albano Christine M. , Sisk Thomas D. , Crews Timothy E. , Rosenstock Steve
Published: May 2013

Reestablishing cool‐season (C3) grass communities on low elevation rangelands of the Colorado Plateau is notoriously difficult, raising questions about the viability of restoring native species and continuing to actively graze these landscapes. We conducted a seeding experiment on an arid (15.4 cm rain/year), historically heavily‐grazed rangeland in Northern Arizona to test the effects of seeding technique and simulated seasonal climate scenarios on germination and recruitment of four species of native, cool‐season bunchgrasses: Achnatherum hymenoides, Hesperostipa comata, Poa secunda, and Elymus elymoides. Initial results indicated that C3 grasses germinated significantly more in drill‐seeded treatments under simulated high precipitation years than in other treatment types. Five years post‐treatment, P. secunda and E. elymoides were not observed but simulated drill‐seeded treatments, had significantly higher densities of A. hymenoides and H. comata recruits relative to most other treatment types. Simulated drill seeding also increased soil disturbance which increased the establishment of the invasive weed Salsola tragus in year 1, but not thereafter. Although it appears critical to coordinate effective seeding techniques with high winter–spring precipitation, predicting such events may not be possible at some sites, suggesting that seeding low elevation, arid rangelands of the Colorado Plateau may not always be realistic under a future climate that is drier and less predictable.
Missing Ordinal Covariate with Informative Selection
Authors: Miranda Alfonso , Rabe-Hesketh Sophia
Published: May 2013

The paper considers the problem of parameter estimation in a model for a continuous response variable Y when an ordinal explanatory variable X is missing for a substantial proportion of the sample and the selection mechanism (non-deletion from the sample) S depends on unobservables after conditioning on all explanatory variables—i.e. there is selection on unobservables, or data are not missing at random. We suggest addressing this endogenous selection problem by joint modelling of the selection mechanism, the ordinal explanatory variable X and the response variable Y. The method is illustrated by re-examining the problem of ethnic gaps in educational achievement at age 16 years in England.
Characterization of novel CD55 isoforms expression in normal and neoplastic tissues
Authors: Vainer E. D. , Meir K. , Furman M. , Semenenko I. , Konikoff F. , Vainer G. W.
Published: May 2013

CD55 (decay‐accelerating factor, DAF) is overexpressed in several types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. Because of its inhibitory effect on the complement system, it has been suggested as a possible target for cancer immunotherapy. However, CD55 is also expressed in normal tissues, body fluids and stroma, limiting the use of anti‐CD55 therapeutic antibodies. Two novel CD55 splice variants or isoforms have recently been identified. These have been shown to contain part or all of intron 7 (CD55int7+), in contrast to the previously identified splice variants (CD55wt), which do not contain intron 7. Our aim was to determine the pattern of expression of the CD55int7+ isoforms in normal and cancer tissues and to compare it to CD55wt. We found that while CD55's isoforms levels vary directly, CD55wt is much more abundant (on average 48 times more) than CD55int7+. Moreover, colon cancers that express high CD55wt mRNA levels tend to upregulate CD55int7+ to a further extent. Finally, we compared the protein levels of CD55int7+ to CD55wt by immunohistochemistry in various colorectal pathological conditions including neoplasia, and found that the levels of both isoforms were elevated in all types of colonic pathology. These results show that the levels of CD55int7+ in normal tissue are much lower than CD55wt, while in tumors it is restricted to the epithelial structures unlike CD55wt. Thus, CD55int7+ may be a more suitable target for cancer immunotherapy.
Combining the Arc Marine Framework with Geographic Metadata to Support Ocean Acoustic Modeling
Authors: Isenor Anthony W. , Spears Tobias W.
Published: May 2013

A data model for use in a rapid environmental assessment system is constructed. The data model is used in an information layer that supports acoustic assessments of the ocean environment. Such an assessment requires use of both historic and real‐time oceanographic data. The foundation of the data model is Arc Marine, a framework specification for geospatial oceanographic databases that provides structures for containing the basic data types used in oceanographic research. Arc Marine also allows design extensions to account for application specific data structures as demonstrated through incorporation of aspects of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 19115 Geographic Information–Metadata standard. The ISO 19115 standard provides structures for recording the historic processing of the data sets. The data model is used to construct a database in the open source database management system (DBMS) PostgreSQL. The resulting system also incorporates the concept of user exits, the seamless extension of the DBMS through inclusion of application‐specific software.
An Algebra for Spatiotemporal Data: From Observations to Events
Authors: Ferreira Karine Reis , Camara Gilberto , Monteiro Antônio Miguel Vieira
Published: May 2013

Recent technological advances in geospatial data gathering have created massive data sets with better spatial and temporal resolution than ever before. These large spatiotemporal data sets have motivated a challenge for Geoinformatics: how to model changes and design good quality software. Many existing spatiotemporal data models represent how objects and fields evolve over time. However, to properly capture changes, it is also necessary to describe events. As a contribution to this research, this article presents an algebra for spatiotemporal data. Algebras give formal specifications at a high‐level abstraction, independently of programming languages. This helps to develop reliable and expressive applications. Our algebra specifies three data types as generic abstractions built on real‐world observations: time series, trajectory and coverage. Based on these abstractions, it defines object and event types. The proposed data types and functions can model and capture changes in a large range of applications, including location‐based services, environmental monitoring, public health, and natural disasters.
Dative alternation in Indian English: A corpus‐based analysis
Authors: DE CUYPERE LUDOVIC , VERBEKE SAARTJE
Published: May 2013

The dative alternation refers to the alternation between two constructions that denote some type of transfer: the double object construction (I give my sister a book) vs. the to‐dative construction (I give a book to my sister). We examined the motivations behind the dative alternation in Indian English. A corpus study was performed based on a sample of N = 943 sentences that were drawn from the Kolhapur corpus. Using a mixed‐effects logistic regression analysis, we evaluated the effect of 14 predictors that are known to influence the dative alternation in other macro‐regional varieties of English. Three predictors were found to be significant: the sentence verb (modeled as a random intercept), the pronominality of the Recipient and the difference in length between the Recipient and the Theme. Our results further corroborate earlier findings that the to‐dative construction is more frequently used in Indian English than in other varieties. We argue that the latter tendency may be associated with a transfer from Hindi.
Being ‘neutral’? English pronunciation among Norwegian learners
Authors: RINDAL ULRIKKE , PIERCY CAROLINE
Published: May 2013

This study investigates the pronunciation of English among Norwegian adolescents by applying sociolinguistic methods in a second language context. Results from an auditory analysis of seven phonological variables show a blended use of linguistic features from American English and British English, with some additional pronunciations, forming a hybrid and variable L2 accent. The participants’ pronunciation aligns with their self‐expressed target accents. However, American English is the dominant pronunciation, suggesting influence from imported American media. Although the majority of learners aim towards a native accent, a large minority report a wish to avoid native accents and use aneutralvariety of English. The variability in the local appropriation of English reflects the transitional status of English in Norway, and contributes to the increasing diversity in the development of English as a global language. The results have implications for English language educators, who must meet the needs of proficient learners in transitional second language environments.
Rationality of fields of invariants for some representations of SL2 × SL2
Authors: Ma Shouhei
Published: May 2013

We prove that the quotient by ${\mathrm{SL} }_{2} \times {\mathrm{SL} }_{2} $ of the space of bidegree $(a, b)$ curves on ${ \mathbb{P} }^{1} \times { \mathbb{P} }^{1} $ is rational when $ab$ is even and $a\not = b$.
On Simplified Inelastic Method Using Material's Isochronous Stress–Strain Data for Creep Analysis
Authors: Koves William , Zhao Mingxin
Published: May 2013

Design of components or structures at elevated temperature is complex and the use of rigorous time dependent material models may not be practical for many large scale industrial problems. The use of simplified methods permits creep analysis of components that would be impractical by rigorous time dependent models. The isochronous stress–strain method is an approach that has been used extensively for the creep evaluation of elevated temperature components. In practice, the method has been used for the analysis of problems containing both primary and secondary stresses, such as, for pressure vessels with structural discontinuities or creep buckling problems. Although the simplified method has been widely accepted as an alternative to creep analysis, its limitations and accuracy of the method have not been investigated systematically and are not fully understood under complex loading conditions. This study examines the isochronous stress–strain method against a generalized time-explicit creep model. Analytical solutions are developed for three basic loading configurations, including uniaxial tension, pure bending, and torsion, in either load or displacement controlled conditions. Fundamental behaviors of the simplified method are examined and discussed.
Comparison of Piston Temperature Measurement Methods: Templugs Versus Wireless Telemetry With Thermocouples
Authors: Madison Daniel P. , Miers Scott A. , Barna Glen. L , Richerson Jay L.
Published: May 2013

The objective of this investigation was to compare the results of metallurgical temperature sensors and thermocouples when used to measure piston temperatures in a running engine. Type J thermocouples and a microwave wireless telemetry system were used to gather real time temperature data on the piston in the vicinity of each metallurgical sensor. Eight pairs of metallurgical temperature sensors were installed in the piston with a thermocouple junction in-between. The engine was ramped up to steady state quickly and then held for approximately 4 h at 1800 rpm and 1980 Nm before being quickly ramped back down in accordance with the metallurgical sensors' recommended test cycle. During the test, continuous temperature data at each of the sensor locations were monitored and recorded using the telemetry system. After the test was complete, the metallurgical temperature sensors were removed and independently analyzed. The results indicate that readings from the metallurgical temperature sensors were similar to those of the embedded thermocouples for locations without large thermal gradients. However, when thermal gradients were present, the metallurgical sensor's reading was influenced measurably.
Nanoscale characterization and metrology
Authors: Diebold Alain C.
Published: May 2013

This paper will take a “From the Lab to the FAB” approach for discussing the measurements and applications of nanoscale characterization and metrology. The nanoscale dimensions of features found in semiconductor materials and devices provide many challenges for characterization of physical properties as well as measurements for process control. The use of multiple measurement methods results in a more complete determination of the properties so that structure–function relationships can be elucidated. Here, the authors use pseudomorphic Si1−xGex on Si(001), nanoscale films of Ni, and nanoscale Hf oxide films to illustrate this principle.