bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grassroots Marketing in a Global Era: More Lessons from BiDil
Authors: Rusert Britt M. , Royal Charmaine D. M.
Published: February 2011

Since the first phase of the formal effort to sequence the human genome, geneticists, social scientists and other scholars of race and ethnicity have warned that new genetic technologies and knowledge could have negative social effects, from biologizing racial and ethnic categories to the emergence of dangerous forms of genetic discrimination. Early on in the Human Genome Project (HGP), population geneticists like Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza enthusiastically advocated for the collection of DNA samples from global indigenous populations in order to track the history of human ancestry, migration, and languages, while social scientists like Troy Duster insisted that the new genetics was in danger of ushering in insidious practices of eugenics. The Human Genome Diversity Project's 1991 proposal to archive human genetic variation around the world quickly came under intense scrutiny by indigenous peoples and advocacy groups who worried that such measures could exploit indigenous groups as research populations and even resurrect racist taxonomies from the nineteenth century.
In Vivo Comparison of the Optical Clearing Efficacy of Optical Clearing Agents in Human Skin by Quantifying Permeability Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Guo Xiao , Guo Zhouyi , Wei Huajiang , Yang Hongqin , He Yonghong , Xie Shusen , Wu Guoyong , Deng Xiaoyuan , Zhao Qingliang , Li Lanquan
Published: February 2011

The objective of this work is to quantify and compare the optical clearing efficacy of glucose, propylene glycol, glycerol solutions through the human skin tissue in vivo by calculating permeability coefficient of three solutions. Currently, the permeability coefficient of agent in tissues was extracted from optical coherence tomography (OCT) amplitude data mainly through the OCT signal slope and the OCT amplitude methods. In this study, we report the OCT attenuation coefficient method which is a relatively novel and rarely reported methodology to measure the permeability coefficient during the optical skin clearing procedure. The permeability coefficients for 40% propylene glycol, glucose and glycerol were (2.74 ± 0.05) × 10−6 cm s−1, (1.78 ± 0.04) × 10−6 cm s−1 and (1.67 ± 0.04) × 10−6 cm s−1, respectively. It could be clearly seen that the permeability coefficient of the 40% propylene glycol solution is higher than that of 40% glucose solution, and the permeability coefficient of the 40% glucose solution is higher than that of the 40% glycerol solution. These indicate 40% propylene glycol solution is more effective than others in the human skin in vivo. We then compare and prove consistency of optical clearing efficacy figured out by three different methods.
Lingual schwannoma – a case report
Authors: Verma R.K. , Dhingra S. , Gupta K. , Panda N.K.
Published: February 2011

Schwannoma are nerve sheath tumours, and 20–40% of all schwannomas are seen in the head and neck region. However, intra‐oral schwannomas are very rare, and account 1% of all schwannomas in the head and neck region. Lingual schwannomas close to the tip of tongue is even rarer, common sites being the base of the tongue, lips, cheek and lateral border of tongue. We report schwannoma of the tongue close to the tip and also describe the classical clinical and radiological findings.
Evidence-Based I–O Psychology: Not There Yet
Authors: Briner Rob B. , Rousseau Denise M.
Published: February 2011

Evidence-based practice is now well established in several fields including medicine, nursing, and social policy. This article seeks to promote discussion of whether the practice of industrial–organizational (I–O) psychologists is evidence based and what is needed to make I–O psychology an evidence-based discipline. It first reviews the emergence of the concept of evidence-based practice. Second, it considers the definitions and features of evidence-based practice, including evidence-based management. It then assesses whether I–O psychology is itself an evidence-based discipline by identifying key characteristics of evidence-based practice and judging the extent these characterize I–O psychology. Fourth, some key strategies for promoting the use of evidence in I–O psychology are considered: practice-oriented research and systematic reviews. Fifth, barriers to practicing evidence-based I–O psychology are identified along with suggestions for overcoming them. Last is a look to the future of an evidence-based I–O psychology that plays an important role in helping consultants, in-house I–O psychologists, managers, and organizations become more evidence based.
Experiencing Work: An Essay on a Person-Centric Work Psychology
Authors: Weiss Howard M. , Rupp Deborah E.
Published: February 2011

In this essay we argue for a more person-centric direction for research in industrial–organizational (I–O) psychology. We argue that the prevailing paradigm within I–O treats workers as objects and in so doing limits the ability to develop a deep and continued understanding of the important ways in which humans relate to work. In response, we think there is a need for a more coherent focus on the worker and on the subjective experience of working. After describing the current paradigm we suggest an alternative—a person-centric work psychology that takes the worker as its focus and worker experience as a topic of study.
Detecting signatures of positive selection in partial sequences generated on a large scale: pitfalls, procedures and resources
Authors: BRIEUC MARINE S. O. , NAISH KERRY A.
Published: February 2011

Studying the actions of selection provides insight into adaptation, population divergence and gene function. Next‐generation sequencing produces large amounts of partial sequences, potentially facilitating efforts to detect signatures of selection based on comparisons between synonymous (dS) and nonsynonymous (dN) substitutions, and single nucleotide polymorphism assays placed in selected genes would improve the ability to study adaptation in population surveys. However, sequences generated by these technologies are typically short. In nonmodel organisms that are a focus of evolutionary studies, the lack of a reference genome that facilitates the assembly of short sequences has limited surveys of positive selection in large numbers of genes. Here, we describe a series of steps to facilitate these surveys. We provide perl scripts to assist data analysis, and describe the use of commonly available programs. We demonstrate these approaches in six salmon species, which have partially duplicated genomes. We recommend using multiway blast to optimize the number of alignments between partial coding sequences. Reading frames should be manually detected after alignment with sequences in Genbank using the blastx program. We encourage the use of a phylogenetic approach to separate orthologs from paralogs in duplicated genomes. Simple simulations on a gene known to have undergone selection in salmon species, transferrin, showed that the ability to detect selection in short sequences (<600 bp) depended on the proportion of codons under selection (1–2%) within that sequence. This relationship was less relevant in longer sequences. In this exploratory study, we detected 11 genes showing evidence of positive selection.
Unlocking the potential of genomic technologies for wildlife forensics
Authors: OGDEN ROB
Published: February 2011

Wildlife crime enforcement is increasingly relying on genetic techniques to deliver forensic evidence to investigators. Forensic DNA applications require robust molecular markers, informative at the level of the species, population and individual, in a wide range of taxa. Within species, single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have long been recognized as offering many potential advantages over traditional microsatellite markers; however, the best methods for their discovery, validation and genotyping in non‐model species remain an area of novel research and much discussion. The potential availability to wildlife geneticists of deep sequencing platforms and high‐density genotyping arrays appears to promise an almost infinite source of variable markers for determining the geographic or individual origin of a sample. This study examines the drivers for developing SNP genotyping panels in wildlife forensics and their potential as applied tools, before examining a range of strategies that are being employed to try to unlock this potential and address current questions in wildlife conservation and enforcement.
SNP discovery in black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) by population transcriptome resequencing
Authors: GERALDES ARMANDO , PANG JOHNSON , THIESSEN NINA , CEZARD TIMOTHEE , MOORE RICHARD , ZHAO YONGJUN , TAM ANGELA , WANG SHUCAI , FRIEDMANN MICHAEL , BIROL INANC , JONES STEVEN J. M. , CRONK QUENTIN C. B. , DOUGLAS CARL J.
Published: February 2011

The western black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) was the first tree to have its genome fully sequenced and has emerged as the model species for the study of secondary growth and wood formation. It is also a good candidate species for the production of lignocellulosic biofuels. Here, we present and make available to the research community the results of the sequencing of the transcriptome of developing xylem in 20 accessions with high‐throughput next generation sequencing technology. We found over 0.5 million putative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 26 595 genes that are expressed in developing secondary xylem. More than two‐thirds of all SNPs were found in annotated exons, with 18% and 14% in regions of the genome annotated as introns and intergenic, respectively, where only 3% and 4% of sequence reads mapped. This suggests that the current annotation of the poplar genome is remarkably incomplete and that there are many transcripts and novel genes waiting to be annotated. We hope that this resource will stimulate further research in expression profiling, detection of alternative splicing and adaptive evolution in poplar.
Multiplex preamplification PCR and microsatellite validation enables accurate single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping of historical fish scales
Authors: SMITH MATT J. , PASCAL CARITA E. , GRAUVOGEL ZAC , HABICHT CHRISTOPHER , SEEB JAMES E. , SEEB LISA W.
Published: February 2011

Incorporating historical tissues into the study of ecological, conservation and management questions can broaden the scope of population genetic research by enhancing our understanding of evolutionary processes and anthropogenic influences on natural populations. Genotyping historical and low‐quality samples has been plagued by challenges associated with low amounts of template DNA and the potential for pre‐existing DNA contamination among samples. We describe a two‐step process designed to (i) accurately genotype large numbers of historical low‐quality scale samples in a high‐throughput format and (ii) screen samples for pre‐existing DNA contamination. First, we describe how an efficient multiplex preamplification PCR of 45 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can generate highly accurate genotypes with low failure and error rates in subsequent SNP genotyping reactions of individual historical scales from sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Second, we demonstrate how the method can be modified for the amplification of microsatellite loci to detect pre‐existing DNA contamination. A total of 760 individual historical scale and 182 contemporary fin clip samples were genotyped and screened for contamination. Genotyping failure and error rates were exceedingly low and similar for both historical and contemporary samples. Pre‐existing contamination in 21% of the historical samples was successfully identified by screening the amplified microsatellite loci. The advantages of automation, low failure and error rates, and ability to multiplex both the preamplification and subsequent genotyping reactions combine to make the protocol ideally suited for efficiently genotyping large numbers of potentially contaminated low‐quality sources of DNA.
Genetic differentiation of Alaska Chinook salmon: the missing link for migratory studies
Authors: TEMPLIN WILLIAM D. , SEEB JAMES E. , JASPER JAMES R. , BARCLAY ANDREW W. , SEEB LISA W.
Published: February 2011

Most information about Chinook salmon genetic diversity and life history originates from studies from the West Coast USA, western Canada and southeast Alaska; less is known about Chinook salmon from western and southcentral Alaska drainages. Populations in this large area are genetically distinct from populations to the south and represent an evolutionary legacy of unique genetic, phenotypic and life history diversity. More genetic information is necessary to advance mixed stock analysis applications for studies involving these populations. We assembled a comprehensive, open‐access baseline of 45 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 172 populations ranging from Russia to California. We compare SNP data from representative populations throughout the range with particular emphasis on western and southcentral Alaska. We grouped populations into major lineages based upon genetic and geographic characteristics, evaluated the resolution for identifying the composition of admixtures and performed mixed stock analysis on Chinook salmon caught incidentally in the walleye pollock fishery in the Bering Sea. SNP data reveal complex genetic structure within Alaska and can be used in applications to address not only regional issues, but also migration pathways, bycatch studies on the high seas, and potential changes in the range of the species in response to climate change.
Short reads and nonmodel species: exploring the complexities of next‐generation sequence assembly and SNP discovery in the absence of a reference genome
Authors: EVERETT M. V. , GRAU E. D. , SEEB J. E.
Published: February 2011

How practical is gene and SNP discovery in a nonmodel species using short read sequences? Next‐generation sequencing technologies are being applied to an increasing number of species with no reference genome. For nonmodel species, the cost, availability of existing genetic resources, genome complexity and the planned method of assembly must all be considered when selecting a sequencing platform. Our goal was to examine the feasibility and optimal methodology for SNP and gene discovery in the sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) using short read sequences. SOLiD short reads (up to 50 bp) were generated from single‐ and pooled‐tissue transcriptome libraries from ten sockeye salmon. The individuals were from five distinct populations from the Wood River Lakes and Mendeltna Creek, Alaska. As no reference genome was available for sockeye salmon, the SOLiD sequence reads were assembled to publicly available EST reference sequences from sockeye salmon and two closely related species, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Additionally, de novo assembly of the SOLiD data was carried out, and the SOLiD reads were remapped to the de novo contigs. The results from each reference assembly were compared across all references. The number and size of contigs assembled varied with the size reference sequences. In silico SNP discovery was carried out on contigs from all four EST references; however, discovery of valid SNPs was most successful using one of the two conspecific references.
Discovery and characterization of single nucleotide polymorphisms in Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Authors: CLEMENTO A. J. , ABADÍA‐CARDOSO A. , STARKS H. A. , GARZA J. C.
Published: February 2011

Molecular population genetics of non‐model organisms has been dominated by the use of microsatellite loci over the last two decades. The availability of extensive genomic resources for many species is contributing to a transition to the use of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the study of many natural populations. Here we describe the discovery of a large number of SNPs in Chinook salmon, one of the world’s most important fishery species, through large‐scale Sanger sequencing of expressed sequence tag (EST) regions. More than 3 Mb of sequence was collected in a survey of variation in almost 132 kb of unique genic regions, from 225 separate ESTs, in a diverse ascertainment panel of 24 salmon. This survey yielded 117 TaqMan (5′ nuclease) assays, almost all from separate ESTs, which were validated in population samples from five major stocks of salmon from the three largest basins on the Pacific coast of the contiguous United States: the Sacramento, Klamath and Columbia Rivers. The proportion of these loci that was variable in each of these stocks ranged from 86.3% to 90.6% and the mean minor allele frequency ranged from 0.194 to 0.236. There was substantial differentiation between populations with these markers, with a mean FST estimate of 0.107, and values for individual loci ranging from 0 to 0.592. This substantial polymorphism and population‐specific differentiation indicates that these markers will be broadly useful, including for both pedigree reconstruction and genetic stock identification applications.
Assembling a dual purpose TaqMan‐based panel of single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers in rainbow trout and steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) for association mapping and population genetics analysis
Authors: HANSEN METTE H. H. , YOUNG SEWALL , JØRGENSEN HANNE B. H. , PASCAL CARITA , HENRYON MARK , SEEB JAMES
Published: February 2011

We establish a TaqMan‐based assay panel for genotyping single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in rainbow trout and steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We develop 22 novel single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers based on new steelhead sequence data and on assays from sister taxa. Additionally, we adapt 154 previously developed markers to the TaqMan platform. At the beginning of this study, 59 SNPs with TaqMan assays were available to the scientific community. By adding 176 additional TaqMan assays to this number, we greatly expand the biological applications of TaqMan genotyping within both population genetics and quantitative genetics.
Development of 54 novel single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays for sockeye and coho salmon and assessment of available SNPs to differentiate stocks within the Columbia River
Authors: CAMPBELL NATHAN R. , NARUM SHAWN R.
Published: February 2011

Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have potential for broad application in population and conservation genetics, but availability of these markers is limited in many nonmodel species. In this study, genomic and expressed sequence tagged (EST) sequences from closely related salmonids (Chinook salmon and rainbow trout) were used to design primers for amplification and sequencing of sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) and coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) salmon DNA for SNP discovery. One hundred and six primer sets were designed and tested for amplification in each species. An ascertainment panel of 32 diverse individuals from each species was used as template for PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. In total, 21 647 bases of consensus sequence were screened in sockeye salmon and 20 784 bases in coho salmon with 93 and 149 SNP sites identified, respectively. Sixty‐four SNP sites were chosen for assay development, and 54 of the assays were validated by comparison with genotype and sequence data (O. nerka = 23; O. kisutch = 31). These validated SNP assays along with 142 other available SNP assays [O. nerka = 103 (126 total); O. kisutch = 30 (61 total)] were used to genotype collections of O. nerka (N = 5) and O. kisutch (N = 4) from various sites in the Columbia River to evaluate the utility of these markers in this region. Results from factorial correspondence analysis indicate that these SNP markers are capable of distinguishing O. nerka populations, but O. kisutch collections were less distinct because of their common ancestry.
Performance of three biometry devices in patients with different grades of age‐related cataract
Authors: Mylonas Georgios , Sacu Stefan , Buehl Wolf , Ritter Markus , Georgopoulos Michael , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula
Published: February 2011

Purpose:  The new Lenstar biometry device was compared in a typical clinical setting to the IOL‐Master and Visante‐OCT.

Methods:  Fifty‐one eyes of 51 patients with age‐related cataract were examined with Lenstar LS900 (Haag Streit AG) biometer, IOL‐Master V.5 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) and Visante‐OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) before cataract surgery. Central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), keratometry readings of flattest and steepest meridian (K), corneal radius (R) and axial length (AL) values were correlated. Cataracts were graded according to the Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS) regarding nuclear colour (NC), nuclear opalescence (NO), cortical (C) and posterior subcapsular (P) cataract.

Results:  Mean values and standard deviations for AL, K and R was 23.66 ± 1.23 mm and 23.67 ± 1.26 mm, 43.24 ± 1.69 dpt and 43.16 ± 1.71 dpt, 7.68 ± 0.29 mm and 7.70 ± 0.28 mm with the IOL‐Master and with the LS900, respectively (r = 0.99 and p = 0.76, r = 0.99 and p = 0.029, r = 0.89 and p = 0.14, respectively). Visante‐OCT demonstrated highest values of three devices regarding to ACD followed by Lenstar LS900 and IOLMaster. Axial length measurements were unfeasible in 10% of the cases (five patients) and this significantly correlated with the presence of posterior subcapsular cataract of LOCS III grade 4.0 or higher.

Conclusions:  IOL‐Master, Lenstar LS900 and AC–OCT proved to be excellent non‐contact measurement methods in eyes with age‐related cataract. Nevertheless, ultrasound biometry is still required for cases with dense posterior subcapsular cataract.
Stimulation of adrenergic β‐receptors enhances mydriasis in a porcine eye model
Authors: Janbaz Chris C. , Lundberg Björn , Behndig Anders
Published: February 2011

Purpose:  To compare the mydriatic effect of intracamerally injected isoprenaline plus phenylephrine to phenylephrine alone and to epinephrine in a porcine eye model, aiming to eventually find the best combination of adrenergic substances for surgical mydriasis in humans.

Methods:  In this study, we used 89 intact eyes from newly slaughtered pigs, pretreated with 2.0 mg of intracameral acetylcholine. After waiting 60 seconds for miosis to develop, 0.15 ml 0.3% isoprenaline and 0.15 ml 3.0% phenylephrine were injected sequentially with a 90‐second interval in 21 eyes. In another 22 eyes, the same substances were given in the reverse order. In 20 eyes, 0.15 ml of 0.025% epinephrine was injected, and as a negative control 0.15 ml of balanced salt solution was injected in 26 eyes. The pupils were filmed during the treatments, and the mean pupil diameters were measured every 15 seconds from the video recordings.

Results:  Phenylephrine injected after isoprenaline had a larger mydriatic effect than epinephrine (p < 0.01). Without isoprenaline pretreatment, the mydriatic effect of phenylephrine was significantly smaller than that of epinephrine (p < 0.05). Isoprenaline also exhibited a small mydriatic effect of its own.

Conclusions:  The β‐receptor stimulator isoprenaline enhances the mydriatic effect of intracameral phenylephrine, indicating a role for the β‐receptor in the mydriatic response. Mydriasis mediated by β‐receptors may explain why nonspecific adrenergic stimulators such as epinine and epinephrine can have larger mydriatic effects than the specific α1‐receptor stimulator phenylephrine.
A comparison of the effectiveness between amniotic membrane homogenate and transplanted amniotic membrane in healing corneal damage in a rabbit model
Authors: Guo Qing , Hao Jie , Yang Qian , Guan Linan , Ouyang Shan , Wang Jianwen
Published: February 2011

Purpose:  To determine whether amniotic membrane homogenate is as effective in healing corneal damage as amniotic membrane transplantation in a rabbit model.

Method:  The rabbits were divided into three groups. The cornea of one eye in each rabbit was incised resulting in a defect of approximately 8 mm in diameter. Amniotic membrane transplantation was performed in the first group, and amnion homogenate was administered four times a day in the second group. The third group was the control group.

Results:  There were no differences in the diameter of the defects and the rate of corneal growth between the amnion transplant group and the amnion homogenate group.

Conclusion:  Amnion homogenate is as effective as transplanted amniotic membrane in promoting corneal healing in a rabbit model.
Intravitreal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator without and with additional gas injection in patients with submacular haemorrhage associated with age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Tsymanava Anna , Uhlig Constantin E.
Published: February 2011

Purpose:  To compare intravitreal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) treatment with and without gas injection in patients with submacular haemorrhage associated with age‐related macular degeneration.

Methods:  We conducted a retrospective, non‐randomized comparative case study of 110 eyes from 76 women and 34 men (mean age 78.1 ± 6.9 years). Evaluations of the data were performed for baseline visit (t1), and visits 1–3 weeks (t2), 3 months (t3) and 6 months after (t4). The patients were classified according to gas treatment into group A (without gas, n = 46) and group B (with gas, n = 64) and according to rt‐PA‐dosage into group A1 and B1 (50 μg), group A2 and B2 (100 μg), and group A3 and B3 (200 μg).

Results:  At t4, the patients in group A had a median increase of 0.4 logMAR, and those in group B had a decrease of 0.1 logMAR (p = 0.183). The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) remained stable or increased in 55% and 62% of patients in groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.151), in 50% and 68% of patients in groups A1 and B1, respectively (p = 0.620), in 40% and 100% of patients in groups A2 and B2, respectively (p = 0.250), and in 75% and 63% of patients in groups A3 and B3, respectively (p = 0.463). Complications were observed in 13.6% of patients.

Conclusions:  Best results were obtained in patients treated with 50 and 100 μg of rt‐PA and in those cases BCVA development was more beneficial if additional gas was injected.
Serum Levels of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are Inversely Associated with the Number and Migratory Activity of Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Apparently Healthy Subjects
Authors: Ueda So , Yamagishi Sho‐ichi , Matsui Takanori , Noda Yoshihiro , Ueda Shin‐ichiro , Jinnouchi Yuko , Sasaki Ken‐ichiro , Takeuchi Masayoshi , Imaizumi Tsutomu
Published: February 2011

Objectives: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been shown to participate in the process of vascular repair, thus playing a protective role against cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is known that atherosclerotic risk factors could affect EPC number and function. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis as well. However, as far as we know, there is no report to show the relationship between serum AGE levels and circulating EPCs in humans. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether serum level of AGEs was associated with EPC number and functions in apparently healthy subjects, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Research Design and Methods: Apparently healthy volunteers (34.6 ± 6.9 years old, 40 males and 8 females) who were not on any medications underwent a complete history and physical examination, determination of blood chemistries, including AGEs, and number, differentiation and migratory activity of circulating EPCs. Results: Serum AGEs levels were 9.20 ± 1.85 U/mL. Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that serum levels of AGEs and smoking were independently correlated with reduced number of EPCs. Further, female, AGEs, and reduced HDL‐cholesterol levels were independently associated with impaired migratory activity of circulating EPCs. Conclusions: This study demonstrated for the first time that the serum level of AGEs was one of the independent correlates of decreased cell number and impaired migratory activity of circulating EPCs in apparently healthy subjects. Our present observations suggest that even in young healthy subjects, serum level of AGEs may be a biomarker that could predict the progression of atherosclerosis and future cardiovascular events.
International comparative analyses of incidents reporting systems for healthcare risk management
Authors: CHENG Lan , SUN Niuyun , LI Youping , ZHANG Zongjiu , WANG Li , ZHOU Jun , LIANG Minghui , CUI Xiaohui , GAO Guangming , YUAN Qiang
Published: February 2011

Objective To compare administration of incidence reporting systems for healthcare risk management in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Taiwan, and to provide evidence and recommendations for healthcare risk management policy in China.

Methods We searched the official websites of the healthcare risk management agencies of the four countries and one district for laws, regulatory documents, research reports, reviews, and evaluation forms concerned with healthcare risk management and assessment. Descriptive comparative analysis was performed on relevant documents.

Results (1) A total of 142 documents were included in this study. The United States had the most relevant documents (68). (2) The type of incidents from reporting systems has expanded from medication errors and hospital‐acquired infections to near‐misses, and now includes all patient safety incidents. (3) The incidence‐reporting systems can be grouped into two models: government‐led and legal/regulatory/NGO‐collaborative. (4) In two cases, reporting systems were established for specific incident types: One for death or serious injury events (the sentinel events database in Britain, SIRL), and one for healthcare‐associated infections (NHSN in America). (5) Compared to the four countries, Taiwan's system put more emphasis on public welfare, confidentiality, and information sharing. The contents of reporting there covered every aspect of risk management to create a more secure environment.

Conclusion (1) Britain's national reporting and learning system was representative of a government‐led model; (2) The United States was the earliest country to have a reporting system, which included a limited range of incident types. Management of incidents became more reliable with increased application of laws, regulations, and guidances; (3) Both the Canadian and the Australian systems drew from the American experience and are still developing; (4) The Taiwanese system was comprehensive and is an instructional case.
An Analytical Framework for Designing Community‐Based Care for Chronic Diseases
Authors: Kucukyazici Beste , Verter Vedat , Mayo Nancy E.
Published: February 2011

In this study, we propose a methodological framework to provide a road map to clinicians and system planners in developing chronic disease management strategies, and designing community‐based care. We extend the analytical epidemiologic model by utilizing a patient flow approach, in order to model the multiple care‐provider visit patterns of patients with a specific chronic illness. The patterns of care received by a group of patients are represented in compact form by means of a Markov model that is based on a disease‐specific state space. Our framework also reflects the case‐mix biases as well as the care‐provider level clustering of the patients. By using this approach, we identify the patterns of care, determine the care provider and patient characteristics associated with optimal management of care, and estimate the potential influence of various interventions. The framework is applied to the data of 4000+ stroke patients discharged from the acute care hospitals of Quebec to their homes. Our findings provide a basis for designing community‐based care initiatives for stroke survivors in the province.
The Effect of Furosemide on Left Atrial Pressure in Dogs with Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Authors: Suzuki S. , Ishikawa T. , Hamabe L. , Aytemiz D. , Huai‐Che H. , Fukushima R. , Machida N. , Tanaka R.
Published: February 2011

Background: The effects of furosemide on left atrial pressure (LAP) in dogs with mitral regurgitation (MR) have not been documented in a quantitative manner and between different routes of administration.

Objective: To document LAP and echocardiographic parameters in MR dogs administered furosemide IV or PO, in order to document changes in LAP after furosemide treatment.

Animals: Five healthy Beagle dogs (3 males and 2 females; aged 2 years) were used.

Methods: Experimental, cross‐over, and interventional study. LAP was measured before the administration of furosemide, and 30 minutes, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours after administration. Furosemide 1, 2, or 4 mg/kg IV, PO or placebo was administered.

Results: LAP was significantly decreased with all administrations of furosemide but not after placebo (P < .05, respectively). The max reduction was observed 1 hour (1 mg/kg IV, 15.04 ± 7.02 mmHg), 3 hours (2, 4 mg/kg IV, 13.28 ± 8.01, 9.23 ± 4.92 mmHg), 4 hours (1 mg/kg PO, 14.68 ± 11.51 mmHg), and 5 hours (2, 4 mg/kg PO, 13.19 ± 10.52, 10.70 ± 7.69 mmHg). E wave and E/Ea were significantly decreased corresponding to the reduction of LAP after administration of 2 and 4 mg/kg (P < .05, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: LAP was decreased in proportion to the dosage of furosemide, which did not significantly differ between IV and PO of the same dosages. E wave and E/Ea might be useful for the treatment evaluation of furosemide.
Evaluation of Cisplatin as an Electrochemotherapy Agent for the Treatment of Incompletely Excised Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
Authors: Spugnini E.P. , Vincenzi B. , Citro G. , Dotsinsky I. , Mudrov T. , Baldi A.
Published: February 2011

Background: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) couples the administration of anticancer drugs with the delivery of electric pulses that increase the drug uptake through the cell membranes, resulting in an improved efficacy.

Hypothesis: To evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of cisplatin (CDDP) as an ECT agent to prevent recurrence of incompletely resected mast cell tumors (MCTs).

Animals: Thirty‐seven dogs.

Methods: Prospective study recruiting dogs with incompletely excised MCTs as confirmed by surgeon and pathology reports. After debulking, the tumor bed and margins were infiltrated with CDDP, and then exposed to trains of biphasic electrical pulses under sedation. Five minutes after the injection of the chemotherapy agent, sequences of 8 biphasic pulses lasting 50 + 50 μs each, were delivered in bursts of 1,300 V/cm for sclerosed and of 800 V/cm for exposed lesions, with caliper or needle array electrodes, respectively. A second session was performed 1 or 2 weeks later based on clinical considerations.

Results: The treatment was well tolerated with minimal adverse effects. Twenty‐nine dogs had no evidence of recurrence over the 6‐year study period, 6 had tumor recurrence, 1 died of multiple cutaneous MCTs, and 1 died of unrelated causes. The estimated median time to recurrence was 1,200 days. Recurrence was not observed among the long‐term (>1 year) treated dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: ECT with CDDP appears effective in the treatment of incompletely resected MCT in dogs and could be a useful addition to the current options based on its low cost, limited toxicity, and ease of administration.
Tolerability of Metronomic Administration of Lomustine in Dogs with Cancer
Authors: Tripp C.D. , Fidel J. , Anderson C.L. , Patrick M. , Pratt C. , Sellon R. , Bryan J.N.
Published: February 2011

Background: Metronomic chemotherapy with alkylating agents has been shown to suppress tumor angiogenesis and prevent tumor recurrence in some settings. The use of adjuvant lomustine (1‐(2‐chloroethyl)‐3‐cyclohexyl‐1‐nitrosourea) administered in a metronomic fashion has not been evaluated in dogs.

Hypothesis: Oral metronomic administration of lomustine will be well tolerated in dogs with spontaneously occurring malignant neoplasms.

Animals: Eighty‐one dogs with naturally occurring primary or metastatic tumors received metronomic administration of lomustine.

Methods: Dogs were enrolled prospectively after cytological or histological diagnosis of a tumor that was unresectable, incompletely resected, refractory to chemotherapy, or metastatic. Dogs received once daily lomustine (2.84 mg/m2 PO). End points of the trial were clinical, hematologic, or biochemical evidence of toxicosis, tumor progression, or death.

Results: Starting dosage (median) was 2.84 mg/m2 PO daily and treatment duration was 98 days (median, range, 1–770 days). The drug was discontinued in 22 dogs because of toxicoses. Toxicoses occurred in 13 dogs with gastrointestinal toxicosis, 4 dogs with thrombocytopenia, 3 dogs with increased alanine transaminase, 1 dog with neutropenia, and 1 dog with progressive azotemia. Eight dogs developed some degree of azotemia during treatment. Hepatotoxicosis was observed at a median of 265 days in 11 dogs. Thrombocytopenia was identified at a median of 432 days of administration.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: In dogs with metastatic or terminal neoplasms without renal compromise, metronomic administration of lomustine was well tolerated. This can provide a treatment strategy for dogs that do not have other standard‐care treatment options, and warrants evaluation in primary therapy.
Evaluation of Cytoreductive Efficacy of Vincristine, Cyclophosphamide, and Doxorubicin in Dogs with Lymphoma by Measuring the Number of Neoplastic Lymphoid Cells with Real‐Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Sato M. , Yamazaki J. , Goto‐Koshino Y. , Takahashi M. , Fujino Y. , Ohno K. , Tsujimoto H.
Published: February 2011

Background: The cytoreductive efficacy of the individual components of multidrug chemotherapy for canine lymphoma is difficult to evaluate after complete remission.

Objectives: To compare the cytoreductive efficacy of vincristine (VCR), cyclophosphamide (CPA), and doxorubicin (DXR) in dogs that received a 6‐month modified version of the University of Wisconsin‐Madison chemotherapy protocol (UW‐25).

Animals: Twenty‐nine dogs with high‐grade B‐cell multicentric lymphoma.

Methods: Rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain gene fragments from lymphoma cells were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced to prepare clone‐specific primers and probes for real‐time PCR. The number of lymphoma cells in peripheral blood was measured from diagnosis to week 11 of UW‐25.

Results: The number of lymphoma cells after the 1st administration of VCR, CPA, and DXR in weeks 1–4 was decreased in 29/29 (100%), 15/29 (51.7%), and 26/27 (96.3%) dogs, respectively. The cytoreductive efficacy of CPA was less than that of VCR and DXR. VCR, CPA, and DXR administered in weeks 6–9 were effective in 5/26 (19.2%), 5/20 (25.0%), and 14/19 (73.7%) dogs, respectively, indicating the sustained cytoreductive efficacy of DXR. CPA nonresponders were heavier and exhibited a shorter 1st remission than CPA responders.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance: When using UW‐25 for treatment of canine lymphoma, CPA was found to have less cytoreductive efficacy than VCR and DXR. Real‐time PCR‐based quantification of tumor cells is an objective marker of the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents.
Safety of Masitinib Mesylate in Healthy Cats
Authors: Daly M. , Sheppard S. , Cohen N. , Nabity M. , Moussy A. , Hermine O. , Wilson H.
Published: February 2011

Background: Masitinib mesylate is a PO‐administered tyrosine kinase inhibitor developed both for human and animal diseases with activity against both mutated and wild type forms of the c‐kit receptor and platelet‐derived growth factor receptors α and β, and is currently registered in Europe for the treatment of mast cell tumors in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine if healthy cats can tolerate administration of masitinib without clinically relevant adverse effects.

Animals: Twenty healthy research colony‐specific pathogen‐free cats.

Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized phase 1 clinical trial. Masitinib was administered PO to 20 healthy cats. Ten cats received 50 mg masitinib every other day for 4 weeks, and 10 cats received 50 mg masitinib daily for 4 weeks.

Results: Clinically relevant proteinuria was noted in 2/20 (10%) cats (both treated daily), and neutropenia was noted in 3/20 (15%) (seen in both treatment groups). An increase in serum creatinine concentration and adverse gastrointestinal effects were noted in some cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Masitinib mesylate was tolerated in the majority of cats. Long‐term administration and pharmacokinetic studies are needed to further assess the use of masitinib in cats.
Fluoride content of commercially‐available bottled water in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Dhanuthai Kittipong , Thangpisityotin Malee
Published: February 2011

Aim:  To determine the fluoride content of commercially‐available bottled water in Bangkok.

Methods:  Thirty brands of bottled water (17 bottled plain water and 13 bottled mineral water) were obtained from supermarkets in Bangkok. Two randomly‐selected samples of each brand were purchased 6 months apart. A 5‐mL sample was mixed with 5 mL of total ionic‐strength adjusting buffer III. The fluoride content of each sample was determined in triplicate by a fluoride ion‐selective electrode. Fluoride standards ranging in concentration from 0.01 to 1.00 ppm were used to calibrate the measurements. Data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 13.0.

Results:  The fluoride content of bottled water in Bangkok ranged from 0.03 to 0.72 ppm, with a mean ± standard deviation of 0.17 ± 0.16 ppm. The mean fluoride content of bottled mineral water was slightly higher than that of bottled plain water, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:  Most commercially‐available bottled water in Bangkok contains negligible amounts of fluoride. This serves as baseline data for dentists prescribing a fluoride supplement to make the utmost use of the fluoride caries preventive effect, while avoiding adverse effects, such as dental fluorosis.
A Model for the Freeze Start Behavior of a PEM Fuel Cell Stack
Authors: Mangold Michael , Piewek Silvia , Klein Olaf , Kienle Achim
Published: February 2011

A simple model for the start-up of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack is proposed. The model covers a wide temperature range from temperatures below the freezing point of water to usual operation temperatures of a low-temperature fuel cell. Model equations are derived from first principles. They account for the effects of ice and liquid water on the stack behavior. The model is validated by experimental data published by Schießwohl [2009, “Experimental Investigation of Parameters Influencing the Freeze Start Ability of a Fuel Cell System,” J. Power Sources, 193(1), pp. 107–115.], and a good qualitative agreement is found. The applicability of the model to problems of operation strategies and stack design is demonstrated by simulation studies.
Partially Oxidized Tantalum Carbonitride as New Cathodes Without Platinum Group Metals for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell
Authors: Ishihara Akimitsu , Tamura Motoko , Matsuzawa Koichi , Mitsushima Shigenori , Ota Ken-ichiro
Published: February 2011

A partially oxidized TaC0.58N0.42 has been investigated as a new cathode for polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) significantly depended on an oxidation state of the TaC0.58N0.42. TaC0.58N0.42 and Ta2O5 had a poor catalytic activity for the ORR. The onset potential on the partially oxidized TaC0.58N0.42 for the ORR had a maximum value of 0.9 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.1 mol dm−3H2SO4 at 30°C, which indicated that the partially oxidized TaC0.58N0.42 had definite catalytic activity for the ORR. Hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the surfaces of the partially oxidized TaC0.58N0.42 were oxidized, although the inner parts of the partially oxidized TaC0.58N0.42 remained tantalum carbonitride. These results suggested that an appropriate oxidation of the TaC0.58N0.42 was essential to enhance the catalytic activity for the ORR.
Teaching Elementary Particle Physics, Part II
Authors: Hobson Art
Published: February 2011

In order to explain certain features of radioactive beta decay, Wolfgang Pauli suggested in 1930 that the nucleus emitted, in addition to a beta particle, another particle of an entirely new type. The hypothesized particle, dubbed the neutrino, would not be discovered experimentally for another 25 years. It's not easy to detect neutrinos, because they respond to neither the EM force nor the strong force. For example, the mean free path (average penetration distance before it interacts) of a typical beta-decay neutrino moving through solid lead is about 1.5 light years!1 Enrico Fermi argued that neutrinos indicated a new force was at work. During the 1930s, he quickly adapted ideas from the developing new theory of QED to this new force, dubbed the weak force. Fermi's theory was able to predict the half-lives of beta-emitting nuclei and the range of energies of the emitted beta particles.
Deformation of Water by a Magnetic Field
Authors: Chen Zijun , Dahlberg E. Dan
Published: February 2011

After the discovery that superconducting magnets could levitate diamagnetic objects,1,2 researchers became interested in measuring the repulsion of diamagnetic fluids in strong magnetic fields,3–5 which was given the name “The Moses Effect.”5 Both for the levitation experiments and the quantitative studies on liquids, the large magnetic fields necessary were produced by superconducting magnets.
Collaborative Lab Reports with Google Docs
Authors: Wood Michael
Published: February 2011

Science is a collaborative endeavor. The solitary genius working on the next great scientific breakthrough is a myth not seen much today. Instead, most physicists have worked in a group at one point in their careers, whether as a graduate student, faculty member, staff scientist, or industrial researcher. As an experimental nuclear physicist with research at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, my collaboration consists of over 200 scientists, both national and international. A typical experiment will have a dozen or so principal investigators. Add in the hundreds of staff scientists, engineers, and technicians, and it is clear that science is truly a collaborative effort. This paper will describe the use of Google Docs for collaborative reports for an introductory physics laboratory.
The Area of a Circle
Authors: Greenslade Thomas B.
Published: February 2011

The geometrical shapes in Fig. 1 recently came into the Greenslade Collection. The semi-triangular pieces of wood looked like slices from a pie, each 22.5° in angular width. They were tied together with a thin leather band tacked around their curved surfaces. What is this apparatus?
Demonstrations with an LCR Circuit
Authors: Kraftmakher Yaakov
Published: February 2011

The LCR circuit is an important topic in the course of electricity and magnetism. Papers in this field consider mainly the forced oscillations and resonance.1–5 Our aim is to show how to demonstrate the free and self-excited oscillations in an LCR circuit.
The Light-Emitting Diode as a Light Detector
Authors: Baird William H. , Hack W. Nathan , Tran Kiet , Vira Zeeshan , Pickett Matthew
Published: February 2011

Alight-emitting diode (LED) and operational amplifier can be used as an affordable method to provide a digital output indicating detection of an intense light source such as a laser beam or high-output LED.1 When coupled with a microcontroller, the combination can be used as a multiple photogate and timer for under $50. A similar circuit is used as a data logging system for a mirror galvanometer, providing a record of changes in the Earth's magnetic field as small as a few nanotesla (nT).