bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haemophilic arthropathy of the ankle treated by total ankle replacement: a case series
Authors: BARG A. , ELSNER A. , HEFTI D. , HINTERMANN B.
Published: March 2010

Summary.  The standard treatment for end‐stage osteoarthritis of the ankle joint in haemophilic patients has been fusion of the ankle joint. Total ankle replacement is still controversial as a treatment option. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the mid‐term outcome in patients treated with total ankle replacement using an unconstrained three‐component ankle implant. Ten haemophilic ankles in eight patients (mean age: 43.2 years, range 26.7–57.5) treated with total ankle replacement were followed up for a minimum of 2.7 years (mean: 5.6, range 2.7–7.6). The outcome was measured with clinical and radiological evaluations. There were no intra‐ or peri‐operative complications. The AOFAS‐hindfoot‐score increased from 38 (range 8–57) preoperatively to 81 (range 69–95) postoperatively. All patients were satisfied with the results. Four patients became pain free; in the whole patient cohort pain level decreased from 7.1 (range 4–9) preoperatively to 0.8 (range 0–3) postoperatively. All categories of SF‐36 score showed significant improvements in quality of life. In one patient, open ankle arthrolysis was performed because of painful arthrofibrosis. For patients with haemophilic osteoarthritis of the ankle joint, total ankle replacement is a valuable alternative treatment to ankle fusion.
Tracheostomy management in Acute Care Facilities – a matter of teamwork
Authors: Parker Vicki , Giles Michelle , Shylan Gai , Austin Nicole , Smith Kelvin , Morison Jane , Archer Wendy
Published: March 2010

Aim. Implement and evaluate an inter‐disciplinary team approach to tracheostomy management in non‐critical care.

Background. Trends towards early tracheostomy in intensive care units (ICU) have led to increased numbers of tracheostomy patients. Together with the push for earlier discharge from ICU, this poses challenges across disciplines and wards. Even though tracheostomy is performed across a range of patient groups, tracheostomy care is seen as the domain of specialist clinicians in critical care. It is crucial to ensure quality care regardless of the patient’s destination after ICU.

Design. A mixed method evaluation incorporating quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Method. Data collection included pre‐implementation and postimplementation clinical audits and staff surveys and a postimplementation tracheostomy team focus group. Descriptive and inferential analysis was used to identify changes in clinical indicators and staff experiences. Focus group data were analysed using iterative processes of thematic analysis.

Results. Findings revealed significant reductions in mean hospital length of stay (LOS) for survivors from 50–27 days (p < 0·0001) and an increase in the number of tracheostomy patients transferred to non‐critical care wards in the postgroup (p = 0·006). The number of wards accepting patients from ICU increased from 3–7 and there was increased staff knowledge, confidence and awareness of the team’s role.

Conclusion. The team approach has led to work practice and patient outcome improvements. Organisational acceptance of the team has led to more wards indicating willingness to accept tracheostomy patients. Improved communication has resulted in more timely referral and better patient outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice. This study highlights the importance of inter‐disciplinary teamwork in achieving effective patient outcomes and efficiencies. It offers a model of inter‐disciplinary practice, supported by communication and data management that can be replicated across other patient groups.
Effects of a tailored web‐based educational intervention on women’s perceptions of and intentions to obtain mammography
Authors: Lin Zu‐Chun , Effken Judith A
Published: March 2010

Aims and objectives.  Breast cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in Taiwanese women. Mammography has been recognised as a powerful tool for breast cancer detection. This study compared the effectiveness of a web‐based tailored educational intervention based on Transtheoretical Model concepts with currently available educational information for improving Taiwanese women’s perceptions and intentions to obtain mammography.

Background.  Despite the wide use of the Internet for health information dissemination, health information found on the web frequently is very general and not individualised or tailored to meet specific individual needs. This has produced unsatisfactory outcomes such as little to no increase in individuals’ knowledge or behaviour changes.

Design.  A pretest–posttest study. Tailored intervention was hypothesised to be significantly different from standard intervention in perceptions of and intentions for Taiwanese women to receive mammography.

Methods.  One hundred and twenty‐eight Taiwanese women were randomly assigned to one of two groups: tailored intervention or standard intervention. The tailored intervention group received a variety of educational programme tailored to the precontemplation stage for mammography based on Transtheoretical Model concepts. The standard intervention group obtained standardised mammography brochures. Interventions were given online and online questionnaires were completed by subjects at baseline and completion of interventions.

Results.  The tailored intervention group had significantly more positive perceptions of mammography and significantly more intention to obtain mammography than the standard intervention group postintervention.

Conclusions.  This study contributes to our knowledge of how a health education website can enhance women’s mammography‐related positive perceptions and intentions if tailored to their readiness for change.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Increasingly, people get their health information from the web. If that education is also tailored to individual needs, it can have a greater impact on their health care decisions.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa Chp chemosensory system regulates intracellular cAMP levels by modulating adenylate cyclase activity
Authors: Fulcher Nanette B. , Holliday Phillip M. , Klem Erich , Cann Martin J. , Wolfgang Matthew C.
Published: March 2010

Multiple virulence systems in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa are regulated by the second messenger signalling molecule adenosine 3′, 5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cAMP). Production of cAMP by the putative adenylate cyclase enzyme CyaB represents a critical control point for virulence gene regulation. To identify regulators of CyaB, we screened a transposon insertion library for mutants with reduced intracellular cAMP. The majority of insertions resulting in reduced cAMP mapped to the Chp gene cluster encoding a putative chemotaxis‐like chemosensory system. Further genetic analysis of the Chp system revealed that it has both positive and negative effects on intracellular cAMP and that it regulates cAMP levels by modulating CyaB activity. The Chp system was previously implicated in the production and function of type IV pili (TFP). Given that cAMP and the cAMP‐dependent transcriptional regulator Vfr control TFP biogenesis gene expression, we explored the relationship between cAMP, the Chp system and TFP regulation. We discovered that the Chp system controls TFP production through modulation of cAMP while control of TFP‐dependent twitching motility is cAMP‐independent. Overall, our data define a novel function for a chemotaxis‐like system in controlling cAMP production and establish a regulatory link between the Chp system, TFP and other cAMP‐dependent virulence systems.
Are fungi important for breaking seed dormancy in desert species? Experimental evidence in Opuntia streptacantha (Cactaceae)
Authors: Delgado‐Sánchez P. , Ortega‐Amaro M. A. , Jiménez‐Bremont J. F. , Flores J.
Published: March 2010

Seeds of Opuntia spp. have physiological dormancy; they need a period of after‐ripening to break dormancy, and the embryos have low growth potential. We evaluated the combined effects of seed age and presence of fungi on the testa on germination of Opuntia streptacantha, an abundant species in the Chihuahuan Desert (Mexico), assuming that older seeds have broken seed dormancy and fungi can reduce mechanical resistance to germination. In a preliminary experiment, we found no germination of 9‐year‐old (1998) and freshly collected (2007) seeds. However, we obtained 67% and 27% germination from 9‐year‐old and fresh non‐sterilized seeds, respectively, and found fungi growing on the testa of all germinated seeds. Two fungal strains were isolated and identified using ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis: Penicillium chrysogenum and Phoma sp. In a second experiment, we inoculated seeds with strains of P. chrysogenum and Phoma sp., as well as Trichoderma koningii and binucleate Rhizoctonia (Gto17S2), to evaluate their ability to break seed dormancy. Seeds inoculated with P. chrysogenum, Phoma sp. and T. koningii had higher germination than controls for both seed ages, but germination was higher in older seeds. Scanning electron microscopy showed that these fungi eroded the funiculus, reducing its resistance. Binucleate Rhizoctonia did not lead to germination and controls had almost no germination. Our results strongly indicate that fungi are involved in breaking seed dormancy of O. streptacantha, and that the effect of fungi on seeds is species‐specific.
Controlling established invaders: integrating economics and spread dynamics to determine optimal management
Authors: Epanchin‐Niell Rebecca S. , Hastings Alan
Published: March 2010

Ecology Letters(2010) 13: 528–541

We review studies that address economically optimal control of established invasive species. We describe three important components for determining optimal invasion management: invasion dynamics, costs of control efforts and a monetary measure of invasion damages. We find that a management objective that explicitly considers both costs and damages is most appropriate for determining economically optimal strategies, but also leads to large challenges due to uncertainty in components of the management problem. To address uncertainty, some studies have included stochasticity in their models; others have quantified the value of information or focused on decision‐making with limited information. Our synthesis shows how invasion characteristics, such as costs, damages, pattern of spread and invasion and landscape size, affect optimal control strategies and goals in systematic ways. We find that even for simple questions, such as whether control should be applied at the centre of an invasion or to satellite patches, the answer depends on the details of a particular invasion. Future work should seek to better quantify key components of this problem, determine best management in the face of limited information, improve understanding of spatial aspects of invasion control and design approaches to improve the feasibility of achieving regional control goals.
THE ESTIMATION OF HUMAN CAPITAL BY ADMINISTRATIVE ARCHIVES IN A STATIC AND LONGITUDINAL PERSPECTIVE: THE CASE OF MILAN
Authors: Lovaglio Pietro Giorgio
Published: March 2010

Abstract This paper focuses on the estimation of the latent variable human capital (HC) at disaggregated level (worker) by available routinely institutional data flows. In particular we utilize the Lombardy region administrative archive ‘Employment Centers of the Province of Milan’, collecting information about careers of workers in the private sector of the Milan area, and administrative flows collecting mandatory workers' individual income tax returns, filed with the National Internal Revenue Service. First, we propose and empirically estimate HC scores in a static (referred to 2004) framework, by means of a realistic measurement model within causal relationships among endogenous and exogenous (investment) HC indicators. Furthermore, the model also specifies a set of (concomitant) indicators that, not belonging to HC investment indicators, have causal impact on endogenous variables and on HC scores, too. Second, we propose a longitudinal analysis (period 2000–2004) aimed to investigate how workers' earned income growth rates vary over workers' educational levels and other personal characteristics. The empirical results of both analyses confirm the characteristics of the Italian job market, denoted by marked inequalities, and knowledge regarding the process of school to work transition, characterized by a weak incidence of education on longitudinal trajectories of earned income.
Analysis of ER stress in developing rice endosperm accumulating β‐amyloid peptide
Authors: Oono Youko , Wakasa Yuhya , Hirose Sakiko , Yang Lijun , Sakuta Chiyoko , Takaiwa Fumio
Published: March 2010

The common neurodegenerative disorder known as Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by cerebral neuritic plaques of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide. Plaque formation is related to the highly aggregative property of this peptide, because it polymerizes to form insoluble plaques or fibrils causing neurotoxicity. Here, we expressed Aβ peptide as a new causing agent to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress to study ER stress occurred in plant. When the dimer of Aβ1–42peptide was expressed in maturing seed under the control of the 2.3‐kb glutelinGluB‐1promoter containing its signal peptide, a maximum of about 8 μg peptide per grain accumulated and was deposited at the periphery of distorted ER‐derived PB‐I protein bodies. Synthesis of Aβ peptide in the ER lumen severely inhibited the synthesis and deposition of seed storage proteins, resulting in the generation of many small and abnormally appearing PB bodies. This ultrastructural change was accounted for by ER stress leading to the accumulation of aggregated Aβ peptide in the ER lumen and a coordinated increase in ER‐resident molecular chaperones such as BiPs and PDIs in Aβ‐expressing plants. Microarray analysis also confirmed that expression of severalBiPs, PDIsandOsbZIP60containing putative transmembrane domains was affected by the ER stress response. Aβ‐expressing transgenic rice kernels exhibited an opaque and shrunken phenotype. When grain phenotype and expression levels were compared among transgenic rice grains expressing several different recombinant peptides, such detrimental effects on grain phenotype were correlated with the expressed peptide causing ER stress rather than expression levels.
Tapping RNA silencing pathways for plant biotechnology
Authors: Frizzi Alessandra , Huang Shihshieh
Published: March 2010

Plants have evolved a variety of gene silencing pathways mediated by small RNAs. Mostly 21 or 24 nt in size, these small RNAs repress the expression of sequence homologous genes at the transcriptional, post‐transcriptional and translational levels. These pathways, also referred as RNA silencing pathways, play important roles in regulating growth and development as well as in response to both biotic and abiotic stress. Although the molecular basis of these complicated and interconnected pathways has become clear only in recent years, RNA silencing effects were observed and utilized in transgenic plants early in the plant biotechnology era, more than two decades ago. Today, with a better understanding of the pathways, various genetic engineering approaches have been developed to apply RNA silencing more effectively and broadly. In addition to summarizing the current models of RNA silencing, this review discusses examples of its potential uses and related issues concerning its application in plant biotechnology.
Early‐life determinants of overweight and obesity: a review of systematic reviews
Authors: Monasta L. , Batty G. D. , Cattaneo A. , Lutje V. , Ronfani L. , Van Lenthe F. J. , Brug J.
Published: March 2010

The aim of this paper was to review the evidence for early‐life (from conception to 5 years of age) determinants of obesity. The design is review of published systematic reviews. Data sources included Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO. Identification of 22 eligible reviews from a database of 12 021 independent publications. Quality of selected reviews assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews score. Articles published after the reviews were used to confirm results. No review was classified as high quality, 11 as moderate and 11 as low. Factors associated with later overweight and obesity: maternal diabetes, maternal smoking, rapid infant growth, no or short breastfeeding, obesity in infancy, short sleep duration, <30 min of daily physical activity, consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages. Other factors were identified as potentially relevant, although the size of their effect is difficult to estimate. Maternal smoking, breastfeeding, infant size and growth, short sleep duration and television viewing are supported by better‐quality reviews. It is difficult to establish a causal association between possible determinants and obesity, and the relative importance of each determinant. Future research should focus on early‐life interventions to confirm the role of protective and risk factors and to tackle the high burden obesity represents for present and future generations.
NATURAL RHETORIC AND THE PRAXIS OF UNDERSTANDING
Authors: MACIEJEWSKI JEFFREY J.
Published: March 2010

Although rhetoric might be thought of as nothing more than an archaic art of manipulation, its ability to bring about action—particularly as the intellect and will engage in acts of persuasion amid the operations of the practical intellect—is a possibility that has gone largely unnoticed among philosophers of human nature. In this paper I explore the possibility that natural rhetoric, much as it serves the practical intellect in precipitating action, serves the speculative intellect as it stimulates acts of cognizing and understanding, thus leading to the acquisition of knowledge.
Muscle moment arms of the gibbon hind limb: implications for hylobatid locomotion
Authors: Channon Anthony J. , Crompton Robin H. , Günther Michael M. , Vereecke Evie E.
Published: March 2010

Muscles facilitate skeletal movement via the production of a torque or moment about a joint. The magnitude of the moment produced depends on both the force of muscular contraction and the size of the moment arm used to rotate the joint. Hence, larger muscle moment arms generate larger joint torques and forces at the point of application. The moment arms of a number of gibbon hind limb muscles were measured on four cadaveric specimens (one Hylobates lar, one H. moloch and two H. syndactylus). The tendon travel technique was used, utilizing an electro‐goniometer and a linear voltage displacement transducer. The data were analysed using a technique based on a differentiated cubic spline and normalized to remove the effect of body size. The data demonstrated a functional differentiation between voluminous muscles with short fascicles having small muscle moment arms and muscles with longer fascicles and comparatively smaller physiological cross‐sectional area having longer muscle moment arms. The functional implications of these particular configurations were simulated using a simple geometric fascicle strain model that predicts that the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles are more likely to act primarily at their distal joints (knee and ankle, respectively) because they have short fascicles. The data also show that the main hip and knee extensors maintain a very small moment arm throughout the range of joint angles seen in the locomotion of gibbons, which (coupled to voluminous, short‐fascicled muscles) might help facilitate rapid joint rotation during powerful movements.
The tangled core at the heart of the bryozoan suborder Phylloporinina
Authors: MC KINNEY FRANK K. , WYSE JACKSON PATRICK N.
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  The family Phylloporinidae was introduced in the late 19th century to accommodate a small number of Palaeozoic bryozoan genera characterized by irregularly fenestrated colonies generated by anastomosis of unilaminate branches. Among the first named of these genera were Chasmatopora Eichwald, 1855 and Phylloporina Ulrich in Foerste, 1887. The two names have been variously in fashion, and there has been confusion about whether they are subjective synonyms or are distinct genera. This taxonomic confusion has been due in large part to whether the single species (Retepora angulata Hall, 1847) assigned to Phylloporina in Foerste (1887) or the species that Ulrich intended (Retepora trentonensis Nicholson, 1875) is the type species and also because of lack of sufficient information about Foerste’s material to characterize it well. We here redescribe the pertinent species, erect the new species Chasmatopora foerstei for the species that Foerste incorrectly assigned to Phylloporina angulata (Hall), and suggest that Retepora trentonensis Nicholson be retained as type species of Phylloporina based on prevailing usage, until the issue is settled by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature.
Xiphograptusand the evolution of virgella‐bearing graptoloids
Authors: MALETZ JÖRG
Published: March 2010

Abstract: The virgellar spine is one of the most consistent features of the graptolite sicula. It is present in a large number of graptoloid groups, but evolved separately and independently in these as it is seen from the presence of the spine in either ventral (Axonophora) or dorsal (Phyllograptus,Xiphograptus) position. The evolution of the virgellar spine in the Pan‐Bireclinata in the Upper Dapingian to Lower Darriwilian time interval is known to follow four main steps, from a simple rutellum, through a lamelliform rutellum and a lanceolate virgella to the true virgellar spine. For the xiphograptids and inPhyllograptus, the origin and early development is less well documented, but appears to follow a similar path. However, the individual stages are condensed, and a true virgellar spine emerges already in the Floian time interval. A virgellar spine was found inDidymograptellus bifidus, necessitating a revision of the diagnosis of the genusDidymograptellus. A number of species of the virgellate generaXiphograptus,YutagraptusandDidymograptellusare described from isolated material for the first time. The species are useful for the biostratigraphic correlation of endemic mid‐continent North American faunas with the Pacific Type faunal realm.Xiphograptus artussp. nov.,Didymograptellus primussp. nov. andDidymograptellus cowheadensissp. nov. from the Cow Head Group of western Newfoundland are described as new.
Limb bone histology and growth in Placerias hesternus (Therapsida: Anomodontia) from the Upper Triassic of North America
Authors: GREEN JEREMY L. , SCHWEITZER MARY H. , LAMM ELLEN‐THERESE
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  Patterns of bone deposition are reported and deduced from mid‐shaft sections of 21 limb bones of the dicynodont Placerias hesternus from the Placerias Quarry (Upper Triassic), Arizona, USA. All sampled elements of P. hesternus have a large medullary cavity completely filled with bony trabeculae surrounded by dense cortical bone. Dense Haversian bone extends from the perimedullary region to at least the mid‐cortex in all sampled bones. Primary bone in the outer cortex of limb elements of P. hesternus is generally zonal fibrolamellar with a peripheral layer of parallel‐fibred bone. These data suggest periodic rapid osteogenesis followed by slower growth. Among dicynodonts, this strategy is most similar to growth previously reported in other Triassic (Lystrosaurus, Wadiasaurus) and some Permian taxa (Oudenodon, Tropidostoma). An external fundamental system (EFS), suggesting complete or near complete cessation of appositional growth, is present in the largest tibia. This is the first report of EFS in dicynodonts and may represent the attainment of maximum size in P. hesternus. Slow‐growing peripheral bone was observed in elements of varying size in our sample and may support a differential growth pattern between P. hesternus individuals from this locality. A complete growth series of P. hesternus, analysis of Placerias specimens from other localities, and further sampling of other Upper Triassic dicynodonts are needed to better understand a more complete picture of the growth and remodelling patterns that we have initially investigated.
Killing in the Pliocene: shark attack on a dolphin from Italy
Authors: BIANUCCI GIOVANNI , SORCE BARBARA , STORAI TIZIANO , LANDINI WALTER
Published: March 2010

Abstract: Shark bite marks, including striae, sulci and abrasions, in a well‐preserved fossil dolphin skeleton referred toAstadelphis gastaldii(Cetacea, Delphinidae) from Pliocene sediments of Piedmont (northern Italy), are described in detail. The exceptional combination of a fossil dolphin having a significant part of the skeleton preserved and a large number of bite marks on the bones represents one of the few detailed documentations of shark attack in the past. Most bite marks have been referred to a shark about 4 m long with unserrated teeth, belonging toCosmopolitodus hastalis, on the basis of their shape and their general disposition on the dolphin skeleton. According to our hypothesis, the shark attacked the dolphin with an initial mortal bite to the abdomen from the rear and right, in a similar way as observed for the living white shark when attacking pinnipeds. A second, less strong, bite was given on the dorsal area when the dolphin, mortally injured, probably rolled to the left. The shark probably released the prey, dead or dying, and other sharks or fishes probably scavenged the torn body of the dolphin.
Comment on “Why Reduced‐Form Regression Models of Health Effects Versus Exposures Should Not Replace QRA: Livestock Production and Infant Mortality as an Example,” by Louis Anthony (Tony) Cox, Jr., Risk Analysis 2009, Vol. 29, No. 12
Authors: Sneeringer Stacy
Published: March 2010

While a recent paper by Cox in this journal uses as its motivating factor the benefits of quantitative risk assessment, its content is entirely devoted to critiquing Sneeringer's article in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics. Cox's two main critiques of Sneeringer are fundamentally flawed and misrepresent the original article. Cox posits that Sneeringer did A and B, and then argues why A and B are incorrect. However, Sneeringer in fact did C and D; thus critiques of A and B are not applicable to Sneeringer's analysis.
Clinical outcome of patients with follicular lymphoma and bulky disease after Rituximab‐CHOP immunochemotherapy with and without consolidating radiotherapy
Authors: McClanahan Fabienne , Hielscher Thomas , Rieger Michael , Hensel Manfred , Neben Kai , Hillengass Jens , Herfarth Klaus , Ho Anthony D. , Witzens‐Harig Mathias
Published: March 2010

Background: The strategy to apply involved‐field radiotherapy (IF‐RT) after immunochemotherapy in patients with bulky follicular lymphoma (FL) remains controversial.

Patients and methods: To evaluate the benefit of consolidating IF‐RT, we retrospectively analysed relapse patterns and survival of patients with bulky FL. All patients were treated within a multicenter prospective randomized trial on 126 patients with one, three or six cycles Rituximab and six cycles CHOP. According to the protocol, patients presenting with bulky disease were to undergo consolidating IF‐RT after immunochemotherapy. Forty‐two eligible patients with bulky disease were identified, of which 26 were irradiated and 16 were not, contrary to the demand of the protocol.

Results: There was no significant difference between the irradiated and the non‐irradiated group regarding presenting characteristics (P > 0.05). After a median follow‐up of 60 months, 21 patients relapsed. In the irradiated group, relapse occurred in 12 of 26 patients. Fifty percent of relapses were located within the original bulk or within the bulk plus a new location. In the non‐irradiated group, 9 of 16 patients relapsed. There was no statistically significant difference between exposure to IF‐RT and the likelihood of a relapse per se (P = 0.751) or at a specific location (P = 0.66). Six‐yr‐PFS‐ (P = 1.0) and OS‐rates (P = 0.68) were 52% and 80% after IF‐RT and 48% and 73% without IF‐RT.

Conclusion: There was no difference in relapse rate, PFS and OS between patients treated with and without consolidating IF‐RT. This is the first analysis of its kind conducted in the Rituximab era. However, these results are based on a relatively small cohort size and are derived from a retrospective analysis, with the limitations of such an analysis being well known.
The relativistic jet of Cygnus X−3 in gamma-rays
Authors: Dubus G. , Cerutti B. , Henri G.
Published: March 2010

High-energy gamma-rays have been detected from Cyg X−3, a system composed of a Wolf–Rayet star and a black hole or neutron star. The gamma-ray emission is linked to the radio emission from the jet launched in the system. The flux is modulated with the 4.8-h orbital period, as expected if high-energy electrons are upscattering photons emitted by the Wolf–Rayet star to gamma-ray energies. This modulation is computed assuming that high-energy electrons are located at some distance along a relativistic jet of arbitrary orientation. Modelling shows that the jet must be inclined and that the gamma-ray emitting electrons cannot be located within the system. This is consistent with the idea that the electrons gain energy, where the jet is recollimated by the stellar wind pressure and forms a shock. Jet precession should strongly affect the gamma-ray modulation shape at different epochs. The power in non-thermal electrons represents a small fraction of the Eddington luminosity only if the inclination is low, i.e. if the compact object is a black hole.
Comparisons among Designs for Equating Mixed‐Format Tests in Large‐Scale Assessments
Authors: Kim Sooyeon , Walker Michael E. , McHale Frederick
Published: March 2010

In this study we examined variations of the nonequivalent groups equating design for tests containing both multiple‐choice (MC) and constructed‐response (CR) items to determine which design was most effective in producing equivalent scores across the two tests to be equated. Using data from a large‐scale exam, this study investigated the use of anchor CR item rescoring (known as trend scoring) in the context of classical equating methods. Four linking designs were examined: an anchor with only MC items, a mixed‐format anchor test containing both MC and CR items; a mixed‐format anchor test incorporating common CR item rescoring; and an equivalent groups (EG) design with CR item rescoring, thereby avoiding the need for an anchor test. Designs using either MC items alone or a mixed anchor without CR item rescoring resulted in much larger bias than the other two designs. The EG design with trend scoring resulted in the smallest bias, leading to the smallest root mean squared error value.
The Effects of Selection Strategies for Bivariate Loglinear Smoothing Models on NEAT Equating Functions
Authors: Moses Tim , Holland Paul W.
Published: March 2010

In this study, eight statistical strategies were evaluated for selecting the parameterizations of loglinear models for smoothing the bivariate test score distributions used in nonequivalent groups with anchor test (NEAT) equating. Four of the strategies were based on significance tests of chi‐square statistics (Likelihood Ratio, Pearson, Freeman‐Tukey, and Cressie‐Read) and four additional strategies were based on different evaluations of the Likelihood Ratio Chi‐Square statistic (Akaike Information Criterion, Bayesian Information Criterion, Consistent Akaike Information Criterion, and an index traced to Goodman). The focus was the implications of the selection strategies’ selection tendencies for the accuracy of chained and poststratification equating functions. The results differentiated the strategies in terms of their tendencies to select models with particular bivariate parameterizations and the implications of these tendencies for equating bias and variability.
Linking Response‐Time Parameters onto a Common Scale
Authors: Van Der Linden Wim J.
Published: March 2010

Although response times on test items are recorded on a natural scale, the scale for some of the parameters in the lognormal response‐time model (van der Linden, 2006) is not fixed. As a result, when the model is used to periodically calibrate new items in a testing program, the parameter are not automatically mapped onto a common scale. Several combinations of linking designs and procedures for the lognormal model are examined that do map parameter estimates onto a common scale. For each of the designs, the standard error of linking is derived. The results are illustrated using examples with simulated data.
Phytanic acid—an overlooked bioactive fatty acid in dairy fat?
Authors: Hellgren Lars I.
Published: March 2010

Phytanic acid is a multibranched fatty acid with reported retinoid X receptor (RXR) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPAR‐α) agonist activity, which have been suggested to have preventive effects on metabolic dysfunctions. Serum level in man is strongly correlated to the intake of red meat and dairy products and the concentration in these products is strongly correlated to the chlorophyll content in the feed of the cattle. Available data suggest that phytanic acid is a natural agonist for RXR at physiological concentrations, while it is more likely that it is the metabolite pristanic acid, rather than phytanic acid itself, that acts as PPAR‐α agonist. Animal studies show increased expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, after intake of phytol, the metabolic precursor of phytanic acid, but it is at present not possible to deduce whether phytanic acid is useful in the prevention of ectopic lipid deposition. Phytanic acid is an efficient inducer of the expression of uncoupler protein 1 (UCP1). UCP1 is expressed in human skeletal muscles, were it might be important for the total energy balance. Therefore, phytanic acid may be able to stimulate energy dissipation in skeletal muscles. Phytanic acid levels in serum are associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, but the available data do not support a general causal link between circulating phytanic acid and prostate cancer risk. However, certain individuals, with specific single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene for the enzyme alpha‐methylacyl‐CoA racemase, might be susceptible to raised phytanic acid levels.
Dietary fibers as immunoregulatory compounds in health and disease
Authors: Wismar René , Brix Susanne , Frøkiær Hanne , Lærke Helle Nygaard
Published: March 2010

Many nonstarch polysaccharides (NSPs) classified as dietary fibers have been reported to possess immunoregulatory properties. The fibers reported to activate or by other means modulate immune responses originate from both plant, fungal, and microbial sources and constitute highly distinct structures. In order to enhance our understanding of factors important for the immunoregulatory activities, this article addresses the importance of chemical structure, origin, and purity of fibers for their capacity to interact with key regulatory immune cells. Furthermore, we assess bioavailability, and discuss possible mechanisms involved. The binding of some NSPs to carbohydrate receptors on immune cells is well established and this event leads to activation or other changes. Especially, certain β‐glucans and some mannans have demonstrated immunomodulatory capacity with the specific structure being important for the activity. Within β‐glucans the activity varies according to structure, molecular weight, and solubility. As many of the preparations tested constitute crude extracts or partly purified NSPs, the risk of contaminants holding immunoregulatory activities should not be ignored. To what extent NSPs enter systemic circulation has been difficult to assess, partly due to lack of sensitive analytical methods. The presence of NSPs in blood and Peyer's patches in the gut has been demonstrated, supporting encounter between NSPs and immune cells, but bioavailability studies still constitute a major challenge. Studies demonstrating in vivo effects of β‐glucans on microbial infections and cancer treatment strongly indicate an immunoregulatory mechanism behind the effects. However, the potential of NSPs as immunoregulatory food ingredients is still far from fully explored.
Translational nutrition research at UC Davis—the key role of the Clinical and Translational Science Center
Authors: Kasim‐Karakas Sidika , Hyson Dianne , Halsted Charles , van Loan Marta , Chedin Erica , Berglund Lars
Published: March 2010

The National Institutes of Health's Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) program has had a profound impact on clinical research and training methods at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). UC Davis was among the first 12 institutions to receive NIH funding for this award, and created its Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC) in 2006. The funding accelerated and further integrated an existing conscientious and careful planning effort for translational research with a stepwise approach to gradually increase our institutional competencies, capabilities, and resources in this area. The development of our CTSC has led us to develop new ways of bringing together a diverse faculty and facilitating research. The CTSC has impacted virtually every area and infrastructure resource involved in promoting clinical and translational research at our institution.
The traditional Japanese formula keishibukuryogan reduces liver injury and inflammation in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Fujimoto Makoto , Tsuneyama Koichi , Kinoshita Hideki , Goto Hirozo , Takano Yasuo , Selmi Carlo , Keen Carl L. , Gershwin M. Eric , Shimada Yutaka
Published: March 2010

The Kampo formula keishibukuryogan (KBG, Guizhifulingwan) is frequently used in traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine to treat several symptoms and manifests anti‐inflammatory and scavenging effects. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and has the potential to evolve to liver cirrhosis through chronic inflammation and steatohepatisis (NASH). We have recently reported the KBG significant effectiveness on liver injury in a NASH animal model that prompted us to prescribe to KBG (TJ‐25). We performed a retrospective study and reviewed the charts of outpatients who were prescribed KBG for 8–12 weeks due to non‐liver‐related symptoms (n= 11) over the past year to evaluate the clinical outcome. In six of these cases, biochemical and ultrasound signs of NAFLD were observed. KBG led to a significant reduction in liver injury tests and blood cholesterol but had no effects on body weight in all NAFLD cases. Further, liver tests and lipid profiles returned to baseline values when KBG treatment was stopped. On the basis of data on a small number of subjects, we suggest that the use of KBG is a safe complementary treatment in patients with NAFLD. While it is unlikely that Kampo formulas may substitute the current nutritional approaches to the metabolic syndrome, future studies should address the possibility of an additive effect, possibly through anti‐inflammatory mechanisms.
Consumer response: the paradoxes of food and health
Authors: Biltekoff Charlotte
Published: March 2010

The papers in the session “Food Culture and Consumer Response,” show how important people's values, beliefs, aspirations and social context are to their dietary health. They also reveal several tensions that shape consumer responses to healthy food. This essay discusses the paradoxical nature of eating habits in general, and describes three paradoxes related specifically to the challenges of providing food for health in the 21st century: pleasure/health, technology/nature, innovation/nostalgia.
Public safety and dietary supplementation
Authors: Gershwin M. Eric , Borchers Andrea T. , Keen Carl L. , Hendler Sheldon , Hagie Frank , Greenwood M.R.C.
Published: March 2010

Approximately 6 in 10 Americans report regularly using some type of dietary supplement, and approximately 1 in 6 Americans reports using herbal remedies on a regular basis. The diversity of manufacturers, manufacturing processes, and quality control issues are enormous. As with all plant products, herbal products are complex mixtures of a variety of chemical constituents with considerable variation in the growth, harvesting, and storage conditions, including different extraction procedures. Furthermore, not only is there variation in batches, but also the potential for contamination. In addition, herbal products have the potential to interact with pharmaceuticals. These problems have led to consumer and physician confusion about the use of herbal products and have not been satisfactorily resolved, because the Food and Drug Administration has only very recently started to fulfill its mission of consumer protection in the realm of dietary supplements. More importantly, we provide a working plan for addressing this important issue.
The dogmas of nutrition and cancer: time for a second (and maybe third) look
Authors: de Vere White Ralph , Hackman Robert M. , Kugelmass Joel
Published: March 2010

In many peer‐reviewed articles, the assertion that 30–40% of cancers can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle and appropriate dietary measures has become axiomatic. The information often is derived from an expert panel's opinion as opposed to hypothesis‐driven research. Unquestionably, the single most effective and validated cancer prevention measure is to not smoke, or if one does, to cease. However, obesity avoidance reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes and probably some cancers. While for some Americans the consumption of an unhealthy diet is by choice, for many it is driven by financial constraints and the search for calories of any kind. Regrettably, beyond that, there is little compelling evidence on how diet can be used to prevent cancer.
Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of parotid gland: clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of a case
Authors: Patil S. , Gadbail A.R. , Chaudhary M.
Published: March 2010

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CxPA) represents approximately 11.6% of all malignant neoplasms of salivary gland and mostly originates from major salivary glands. Location in the minor salivary gland is uncommon and occurs in less than 7% of all cases. The majority of CxPA develops from epithelial component of PA. Salivary gland tumours are known to have a benign clinical behaviour with unrecognised metastatic potential. We present a case of a 53‐year‐old male patient of CxPA of parotid gland with cervical lymph node metastasis. In the present case, an immunohistochemical analysis was carried out using proliferating markers. The actual proliferating index and p53 protein expression are important predictive markers for deciding the treatment modality of salivary gland tumours.
Sudan case of the day: diprosopus‐duplicated oral cavity
Authors: Yousif Y. , Yousif Y.O. , Elbashir E.I. , Suliman A.M.
Published: March 2010

The presence of an accessory or a duplicated mouth and mandible is extremely rare. The authors reported a case of a 19‐year‐old female patient with a duplicated oral cavity and mandibular dentition, presented to Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital, Sudan. The clinical and radiological findings were described together with the surgical technique. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second adult case with an isolated duplicated oral cavity and mandible in the medical literature, but the first one fully illustrated with clinical images and radiographs.
Reviews
Authors: Corré Alan
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Atlas of Medieval Jewish History: Haim Beinart

The Illustrated Atlas of Jerusalem: Dan Bahat with Chaim T. Rubinstein
Two Months under Iraqi Occupation: A Personal Account
Authors: Alqudsi‐Ghabra Taghreed
Published: March 2010

The author and her family woke up to find their country occupied on August 2, 1990. For them, two months of radical changes in living followed. Finally, they fled, enduring a difficult journey via Baghdad to Amman and the United States.

The author, of Palestinian origin, also discusses the different attitudes of Arabs in Jordan, particular of the Palestinians.

She notes the strength and promise of the Kuwaitis, especially of the young, who proved more mature and purposeful than had been thought, and of Kuwaiti women.
From Idealism to Pragmatism: An Analysis of China's Policies toward the Middle East
Authors: Chen Jiang
Published: March 2010

After World War II, the Middle East stage attracted Beijing's attention. While Israel and China proved at that time to be too diverse, through the 1950s China made inroads with Arab countries. Egypt became the first to recognize the P.R.C., which, however, suffered rebuffs as anti‐Communist forces generally prevailed in the Middle East. Beijing supported the people of Palestine. After the Soviet Union had become China's enemy, China tried to unite the Third World against the two superpowers.

With Deng in 1978, China's Middle Eastern policy became more pragmatic, tilting toward the developed countries and economic cooperation rather than ideology (e.g., with Yemen). China enhanced relations with Gulf states; cooperated with the United States in supporting the Afghan mujahedin; and declared neutrality in the Iran‐Iraq War, although economic alliance with Iran grew.

The Gulf War affected Beijing's attitudes toward weapons technology and toward the United Nations and China's role in it. Israel is currently viewed as a channel for possible influence with the West. Overall, China's basic policy now is to watch and wait.
Orientalism Reconsidered: Peter Duignan, Lewis Gann, Edward Said, and the Rebirth of Imperialism
Authors: Rich Paul John
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

culture and Imperialism: Edward W. Said

The Rebirth of the West: Culture, Politics and Society 7 945–1958: Peter Duignan and L. H. Gann
Reviews
Authors: Aman Mohammed M.
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

The Fire This Time: U.S. War Crimes in the Gulf: Ramsey Clark

War Crimes: A Report on United States War Crimes Against Iraq: Ramsey Clark and others
Reviews
Authors: Farah Caesar E.
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Turkey and the West: Changing Political and Cultural Identities: Metin Heper, Ayse Öncü, and Heinz Kramer, editors

Turkey and Europe: Canan Balkir and Allan M. Williams, editors
Islam and Politics: Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia
Authors: Hamdani Abbas
Published: March 2010

This paper is dedicated to the memory of my dear daughter, Amal, who died on May 8, 1994, of cancer and pneumonia at the age of 29, leaving behind two little children.
Book Review
Authors: Hibbard Allen
Published: March 2010

Fragments of Memory, Hanna Mina Translated from Arabic by Olive Kenny and Lome Kenny

Damascus Nights, Rafik Schami Translated from German by Philip Boehm

Daughter of Damascus, Siham Tergeman Translated from Arabic by Andrea Rugh
Review
Authors: Rassekh Nosratollah
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

The Boundaries of Modern Iran, Keith McLachlan, editor

Teenage Refugees from Iran Speak Out, Gina Strazzabosco
Review
Authors: Terry Janice J.
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Women and the Israeli Occupation: The Politics of Change, Tamar Mayer, editor

Palestinian Women: Identity and Experience, Ebba Augustin, editor
African Islam
Authors: Haron Muhammed
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Islam in Africa, Nura Alkali, Adamu Adamu, Amal Yadudu, Rashid Motem, and Haruna Salihi, editors

Muslim Identity and Social Change in Sub‐Saharan Africa, Louis Brenner, editor
Review
Authors: Booth Marilyn
Published: March 2010

Modernizing Women: Gender and Social Change in the Middle East, Valentine M. Moghadam

Women in the Middle East: Perceptions, Realities, and Struggles for Liberation, Haleh Afshar, editor
Review
Authors: Aman Mary Jo , Piehler Heide
Published: March 2010

Juvenile Books:Iblis Shulamith Levy Oppenheim

Sister Shako and Kolo the Goat:Memories of My Childhood in Turkey. Vedat Dalokay, translated by Guner Ener

An Ancient Heritage: The Arab‐American Minority Brent Ashabranner

War In The Persian Gulf Fred Bratman

The Mideast After The Gulf War Richard Steins

The Middle East In Search Of Peace Cathryn J. Long