bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breathing intensity and word use in individuals with COPD
Authors: Michaels C , Meek PM , Dedkhard S
Published: November 2008

Shifts in natural or spontaneous language have been reported with psychological and physical changes, as well as shifts in predetermined words selected to describe dyspnea. Less evidence exists for natural language shifts and breathing intensity, particularly for everyday life and for negative emotion. Therefore, this study purpose was to describe the relationship between levels of everyday breathing intensity and the natural language word categories used in describing breathing, including a negative emotion category. A longitudinal descriptive research design and a convenience sample of 45 individuals were used. Natural language was analyzed as rates of word used based on three levels of breathing intensity. Non-parametric statistics were used to test differences between rates of word use and non-use on low, moderate, and high breathing intensity days, as well as correlations to subscales that measured negative emotion on the Bronchitis–Emphysema Symptom Checklist (BESC) and the Breathing Standard Index. Statistically significant associations were reported between level of breathing intensity and negative emotion, anger, cause, insight, time, and body words. Several significant correlations were reported with the psychosocial measures, including negative emotion and anxiety words with the BESC hopelessness/helplessness, time subscale, and negative emotion words with the inverse of typical breathing (i.e., atypical breathing). By showing significant associations between key word categories, in particular negative emotion and anger word use, levels of breathing intensity, and selected psychosocial measures, this study contributes to the body of knowledge about the influence of levels of breathing intensity on natural word use in everyday life.
Youth Perspectives on Their Relationships With Staff in Juvenile Correction Settings and Perceived Likelihood of Success on Release
Authors: Marsh Shawn C. , Evans William P.
Published: November 2008

This study explored youth perspectives on their relationships with staff in juvenile correction settings and perceived likelihood of success on release. Surveys were administered to 543 youth committed to select facilities in Alaska, Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon. Youth were asked to nominate a staff they turn to most for help and advice, then report on the qualities of their relationship with that staff. Results indicate that youth have different types of key helping relationships with staff, and that youth forecasts about their future vary across these relationship types.
Applying Hodges-Lehmann scale parameter estimates to hospital discharge times
Authors: Shuster Jonathan J , Theriaque Douglas W , Ilfeld Brian M
Published: November 2008

Background: Clinical trials aimed at shortening the time-to-discharge need to have rational and easily understood effect size estimates for health care management organizations. A natural choice is a scale model, where the distribution of time to discharge on one treatment is assumed to be the same as ρ times that on the other. If, for example ρ=0.6, then one treatment is associated with a 40% reduction in discharge time. In designing and analyzing these studies, we need to have the capability to accommodate right censored data, as it is plausible that some patients may never meet the discharge criteria, even though they do get discharged.

Purpose: Utilizing the ideas of Hodges and Lehmann, to provide methods for analysis of trials aimed at shortening hospital discharge times, using point and interval estimates of scale parameters based on the Gehan generalization of the Mann—Whitney—Wilcoxon test, which accommodates right censoring for situations where patients never meet discharge criteria (+∞).

Methods: For every value of ρ > 0, we shall test the null hypothesis that the distribution of discharge times on one treatment is the same ρ times that on the other. The values of ρ that we fail to reject form the confidence interval for the true ρ.

Results: The methods were developed and applied to a real clinical trial for times to meet the three objective discharge criteria in knee replacement surgery for two post-operative pain control strategies (usual care plus a perineural infusion of either placebo or 0.2% ropivocaine, until the morning following surgery). Based on 48 randomized patients, the point estimate (95% confidence limits) for ρ was 0.47 (0.32—0.67), favoring ropivocaine.

Limitations: The methods cannot as yet be applied to group sequential designs or studies with more than two treatments.

Conclusion: This methodology is an effective way to analyze two-arm trials involving continuous hospital discharge time data.
An analysis of the controversy over classical one-sided tests
Authors: Freedman Laurence S
Published: November 2008

Background When applying classical tests of the null hypothesis in clinical trials, there has been considerable controversy over the choice between a one-sided versus a two-sided test. The choice between a one-sided and two-sided test still impacts on sample size calculations, assessment of study results by regulatory authorities, and publication of study results in academic journals.

Purpose To analyze the main elements in the controversy, and examine the procedures from both a Bayesian and classical viewpoint.

Methods and Results Using a Bayesian decision framework, it is shown that there is no reason to double the p-value when moving from a one-sided to a two-sided test. Within the classical framework, it is shown that the doubling of the p-value results from a discontinuity due to testing a point null hypothesis. A three-decision rule, credited to Neyman or Wald, is presented that does not require the doubling of the p-value, and is consistent with a Bayesian approach.

Conclusions For most comparative clinical trials the three-decision rule is appropriate, and its use would abolish the controversy over one-sided tests. Clinical Trials 2008; 5: 635—640. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Diversity and diaspora
Authors: Sakr Naomi
Published: November 2008

Since the late 1990s, Europe's satellite television landscape has been transformed, with European populations of non-European heritage increasingly watching television channels in their own languages. After surveying recent academic work on diasporic communication, multiculturalism and representation, this article examines examples of Euro-Arab interaction over Arabic-language satellite channels in the period 2003—6, exploring the evolving dynamic between symbolic and territorial power.
The symbolic power of transnational media
Authors: Chouliaraki Lilie
Published: November 2008

This article explores systematic patterns in the visibility of suffering in satellite news, from the footage of 11 September 2001 to citizen-generated content from the 2007 anti-government demonstrations in Myanmar (Burma), so as to illustrate the role of transnational media as agents of symbolic power. It argues that the symbolic power of transnational broadcasting consists primarily in its capacity to manage the visibility of suffering so as to reproduce the moral deficiencies of global inequality. However, under certain conditions, technological as well as symbolic, satellite news stories might be able to produce a sense of moral agency that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, thereby constituting cosmopolitan communities of emotion and action.
Study on iron purification from aluminium melt by Na2B4O7 flux
Authors: Gao J. W. , Shu D. , Wang J. , Sun B. D.
Published: November 2008

A study was carried out to investigate the effect of Na2B4O7 on the reduction of Fe concentration from commercial purity aluminium. Experiments were conducted and the double barrier layers theory was used to study the kinetics of the purification process. Results showed that the iron reduction ratio increased with the addition of Na2B4O7 and the holding time, which follows the first order exponential decay law. The addition of Na2B4O7 containing flux could reduce iron content from 0·14 wt-% to less than 0·1 wt-% and achieve an optimal ratio of 44%. Thermodynamic calculations and the XRD, SEM and EDX analyses of the molten sludge indicated that formation of Fe2B could occur spontaneously in molten aluminium with the addition of Na2B4O7 containing flux.
Graft-versus-leukemia effects of transplantation and donor lymphocytes
Authors: Kolb Hans-Jochem
Published: November 2008

Allogeneic transplantation of hematopoietic cells is an effective treatment of leukemia, even in advanced stages. Allogeneic lymphocytes produce a strong graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect, but the beneficial effect is limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Depletion of T cells abrogates GVHD and GVL effects. Delayed transfusion of donor lymphocytes into chimeras after T cell–depleted stem cell transplantation produces a GVL effect without necessarily producing GVHD. Chimerism and tolerance provide a platform for immunotherapy using donor lymphocytes. The allogeneic GVL effects vary from one disease to another, the stage of the disease, donor histocompatibility, the degree of chimerism, and additional treatment. Immunosuppressive therapy before donor lymphocyte transfusions may augment the effect as well as concomitant cytokine treatment. Possible target antigens are histocompatibility antigens and tumor-associated antigens. Immune escape of tumor cells and changes in the reactivity of T cells are to be considered. Durable responses may be the result of the elimination of leukemia stem cells or the establishment of a durable immune control on their progeny. Recently, we have learned from adoptive immunotherapy of viral diseases and HLA-haploidentical stem cell transplantation that T-cell memory may be essential for the effective treatment of leukemia and other malignancies.
Microglia: gatekeepers of central nervous system immunology
Authors: Tambuyzer Bart R , Ponsaerts Peter , Nouwen Etienne J
Published: November 2008

Microglia are perhaps the most underestimated cell type of our immune system. Not only were immunologists unaware of their capabilities until recently, but also, some neuroscientists denied their actual existence until the late 20th century. Nowadays, their presence is confirmed extensively, as demonstrated by numerous reports describing their involvement in virtually all neuropathologies. However, despite distinct approaches, their origin remains a point of controversy. Although many agree about their myeloid-monocytic ancestry, the precise progenitor cells and the differentiation mechanisms, which give rise to microglia in the different developmental stages of the CNS, are not unraveled yet. Mostly, this can be attributed to their versatile phenotype. Indeed, microglia show a high morphological plasticity, which is related to their functional state. This review about microglia aims to introduce the reader extensively into their ontogeny, cell biology, and involvement in different neuropathologies.
Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation As First-Line Therapy in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas: Results of a Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Reimer Peter , Rüdiger Thomas , Geissinger Eva , Weissinger Florian , Nerl Christoph , Schmitz Norbert , Engert Andreas , Einsele Hermann , Müller-Hermelink Hans Konrad , Wilhelm Martin
Published: November 2008

Purpose

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are rare malignancies with poor outcome after conventional chemotherapy. The role of myeloablative therapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation (autoSCT) is still unclear. Therefore, we initiated the first prospective multicenter study on upfront autoSCT in PTCL and recently reported good feasibility and efficacy of this approach. Here, we present the final analysis of the study.

Patients and Methods

The treatment regimen consisted of four to six cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone followed by mobilizing therapy with either the dexamethasone, carmustine, melphalan, etoposide, and cytarabine protocol or the etoposide, methylprednisolone, cytarabine, and cisplatin protocol and stem-cell collection. Patients in complete remission (CR) or partial remission (PR) underwent myeloablative chemoradiotherapy (fractionated total-body irradiation and high-dose cyclophosphamide) and autoSCT.

Results

From June 2000 to April 2006, 83 patients were enrolled onto the study. Main subgroups were PTCL not specified (n = 32) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (n = 27). Fifty-five (66%) of the 83 patients received transplantation. The main reason for not receiving autoSCT was progressive disease. In an intent-to-treat analysis, the overall response rate after myeloablative therapy was 66% (56% CR and 8% PR). With a median follow-up time of 33 months, 43 patients are alive; the estimated 3-year overall and disease-free survival rates for patients in CR (calculated from CR to the date of relapse) and 3-year progression-free survival rate were 48%, 53%, and 36%, respectively.

Conclusion

The results of this prospective study suggest a substantial impact on outcome for upfront autoSCT in PTCL and should be further evaluated in randomized trials. Pretransplantation treatment needs to be improved to increase the transplantation rate.
Recall of participation in research projects in cancer genetics: some implications for research ethics
Authors: Cooke Sarah , Crawford Gillian , Parker Michael , Lucassen Anneke , Hallowell Nina
Published: November 2008

The aim of this study is to assess patients' recall of their previous research participation. Recall was established during interviews and compared with entries from clinical notes. Participants were 49 patients who had previously participated in different types of research. Of the 49 patients, 45 (92%) interviewees recalled 69 of 109 (63%) study participations. Level of recall varied according to the type of research, some participants clearly recalled the details of research aims, giving consent and research procedures. Others recalled procedures (e.g. DNA testing) but were unclear about their purpose. There was no significant effect of time on recall. Some types of research participation (e.g. DNA testing) may be recalled as clinical care. We argue that such misunderstandings may have the potential to undermine participants' ongoing consent, particularly in ongoing/longitudinal studies. Valid consent may be best achieved by re-assessing the scope of consent and relating it to the nature of the interventions themselves rather than the reasons for undertaking them.
For analytic bioethics
Authors: Broadbent Alex
Published: November 2008

This paper argues that bioethics requires analysis, which is not explicitly ethical in character. The first part of the paper argues the general point, that ethical problems can arise not only on occasions when moral values make conflicting recommendations, but also in understanding the facts. I suggest that this is particularly so where the facts are provided by the biomedical sciences, since it is often not clear how to relate their conceptual framework to that in which we frame our value judgements. In the second part, I illustrate the argument by criticizing the moral conclusions drawn by the authors of a recent widely publicized study of paediatric obesity. There is a failure to translate properly these results into the language we use for moral evaluation. The case therefore illustrates exactly the analytic gap which I suggest bioethics might do more to fill.
A closer look at the Nuffield Council on Bioethics
Authors: Whittall Hugh
Published: November 2008

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics examines ethical issues raised by new developments in biology and medicine. Established by the Nuffield Foundation in 1991, the Council is an independent body, funded jointly by the Foundation, the Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust. Independence and quality are the underlining principles of the Council, and the way the Council works has been designed to ensure that its reports are thorough, authoritative and provide a novel, policy-oriented approach to difficult ethical dilemmas. Recent reports have considered the issues raised by public health and critical care decisions in fetal and neonatal medicine. The Council is currently considering the ethical dilemmas surrounding dementia.
Inpatient mental healthcare in England and Wales: patterns in NHS and independent healthcare providers
Authors: Raleigh Veena S , Polato Giovanna M , Bremner Stephen A , Dhillon Sunderjit , Deery Anthony
Published: November 2008

Summary

Objectives

Independent healthcare, most of it NHS-funded, provides a significant and growing proportion of inpatient mental healthcare in the UK, but information about patients in these providers is limited. This paper examines differences in the profiles of mental health inpatients in NHS and independent providers in England and Wales, and assesses whether current information systems are adequate for monitoring patient flows and care, given the plurality of service provision.

Design

Data from the national censuses of inpatients in mental health services in England and Wales in 2006 and 2007 were analysed to examine differences in demographic and other characteristics between inpatients in NHS and independent providers.

Setting

All NHS and independent providers of inpatient mental health services in England and Wales in 2006 and 2007.

Main outcome measures

Patients in independent providers were younger, 60% were on low/medium secure wards (compared with 16% in the NHS), they were 44% more likely to be detained and referrals were predominantly from NHS inpatient services. For all ethnic groups, ratios of detention on admission were higher in independent providers.

Conclusions

This analysis highlights differences between inpatients in NHS and independent providers of mental health services. We also highlight the inadequacy of current information systems for monitoring care, and the urgent need for standardized data across all NHS-commissioned mental healthcare, irrespective of whether it is publicly or privately provided. This is especially important in view of the increases in independent sector provision, and the specialist nature of their services. Such information is critical for commissioners, regulators of health and social care, and other audiences for monitoring patient flows, the quality of care provided, usage of the Mental Health Act 2007 and compliance with equality legislation.
Tips for teaching evidence-based medicine in a clinical setting: lessons from adult learning theory. Part two
Authors: Malick Sadia , Das Kausik , Khan Khalid S
Published: November 2008

Summary

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the clinical use of current best available evidence from relevant, valid research. Provision of evidence-based healthcare is the most ethical way to practise as it integrates up-to-date patient-oriented research into the clinical decision-making to improve patients' outcomes. This article provides tips for teachers to teach clinical trainees the final two steps of EBM: integrating evidence with clinical judgement and bringing about change.
An Empirical Investigation of the Dynamic Effect of Marlboro's Permanent Pricing Shift
Authors: Chen Tao , Sun Baohong , Singh Vishal
Published: November 2008

The strategy Philip Morris adopted in 1993 featured a one-time, permanent, publicly announced price cut, an event referred to as Marlboro Friday. Little is known about the impact of permanent and publicly announced price cuts on consumer brand switching behaviors for an addictive product. In the context of Marlboro Friday, we investigate (1) how consumers' brand choices are affected by a permanent price cut, (2) whether differential and dynamic effects of permanent price cuts occur for different types of consumers, and (3) the implications of publicly announced permanent price cuts on consumer brand switching behavior in the long run. We develop a dynamic structural brand choice model that allows for consumer forward-looking behavior, learning, and addiction, and investigate how consumers adjusted their brand choice behaviors before and after this permanent price cut. Using unique consumer panel data pertaining to cigarette purchases before and after the event, we provide behavioral explanations of whether and how the drastic and permanent price cut represented an effective step to encourage brand switching for an addictive product and a necessary step for Philip Morris to combat the growing market share of generic brands.
Finding the Exact Integrality Gap for Small Traveling Salesman Problems
Authors: Benoit Geneviève , Boyd Sylvia
Published: November 2008

The symmetric traveling salesman problem (STSP) is to find a minimum weight Hamiltonian cycle in a weighted complete graph on n nodes. One direction which seems promising for finding improved solutions for the STSP is the study of a linear relaxation of this problem called the subtour elimination problem (SEP). A well-known conjecture in combinatorial optimization says that the integrality gap of the SEP is 4/3 in the metric case. Finding the exact value for this integrality gap is challenging even for small values of n as it is difficult to model this problem in a way that can be solved practically. We describe how we are able to overcome such difficulties and obtain the exact integrality gap for all values of n up to 10 and a lower bound for this gap for all values of n from 11 to 14. Our results give rise to a new stronger form of the conjecture which is dependent on n.
Psychometric analysis of the systemizing quotient (SQ) scale
Authors: Ling Jonathan , Burton Tanya C. , Salt Julia L. , Muncer Steven J.
Published: November 2008

The psychometric properties of the systemizing quotient (SQ) developed by Baron‐Cohen (2003) are investigated in three studies. Furthermore, we examine the notion that the ability to systemize should be independent of intelligence. In Studies 1 and 2, confirmatory factor analyses are used to examine the factor structure of the SQ. Study 3 examines the relationship between systemizing, mental rotation and intelligence. Studies 1 and 2 indicate that the SQ does not possess a unifactorial structure but is best considered as four related factors; Study 3 found that SQ was not related to intelligence, although mental rotation was. A four factor structure using fewer items was a better fit for the data than either the original version of the SQ or Wakabayashi et al.'s (2006) revised version. Overall these results support Baron‐Cohen's view that SQ is not related to intelligence. Although mental rotation is correlated to SQ, it is not the main determinant of SQ. The problems of self‐report measures are discussed along with the difficulties related to measuring systemizing.
The effects of training of morphological structure on spelling derived words by dyslexic adolescents
Authors: Tsesmeli Styliani N. , Seymour Philip H. K.
Published: November 2008

This exploratory study aimed to determine the effects of explicit instruction about morphological structure on the spelling of derived words. A cross‐sectional ability level‐design was employed in order to determine differences in response to instruction between dyslexic students aged 13+years and age‐matched and spelling level matched control groups. The study was based on the word‐pair paradigm (a base and derived word) and combined oral instruction with written materials. The intervention had a substantial impact in enhancing the spelling of derivations by the dyslexic adolescents. Their gains were appropriate for their spelling level, stable two months after the intervention, and generalized to untrained but analogous items in terms of structure and suffixation. Non‐dyslexic younger participants matched in terms of spelling level also showed training and generalisation effects of the same size as their dyslexic counterparts, while the age‐matched controls did not improve so much because of ceiling effects. It is proposed that morphological awareness constitutes a positive asset for dyslexic adolescents that can be used efficiently to counterbalance their severe phonological deficiencies.
Impact of simulated visual impairment on the cognitive test performance of young adults
Authors: Wood Joanne M. , Chaparro Alex , Anstey Kaarin J. , Hsing Y. Eve , Johnsson Alexia K. , Morse Anna L. , Wainwright Sara E.
Published: November 2008

Aims. This study investigated the effect of simulated visual impairment on the speed and accuracy of performance on a series of commonly used cognitive tests.

Methods. Cognitive performance was assessed for 30 young, visually normal subjects (M=22.0±3.1 years) using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Trail Making Test (TMT) A and B and the Stroop Colour Word Test under three visual conditions: normal vision and two levels of visually degrading filters (VistechTM) administered in a random order. Distance visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were also assessed for each filter condition.

Results. The visual filters, which degraded contrast sensitivity to a greater extent than visual acuity, significantly increased the time to complete (p<.05), but not the number of errors made, on the DSST and the TMT A and B and affected only some components of the Stroop test.

Conclusions. Reduced contrast sensitivity had a marked effect on the speed but not the accuracy of performance on commonly used cognitive tests, even in young individuals; the implications of these findings are discussed.
Assessment of the Multiple-Biomarker Approach for Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction in Patients Presenting with Symptoms Suggestive of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Apple Fred S , Smith Stephen W , Pearce Lesly A , Murakami MaryAnn M
Published: November 2008

Background: Cardiac troponin is the preferred biomarker for detecting acute myocardial injury and infarction (MI). We studied whether multiple biomarkers of numerous pathophysiological pathways would increase the diagnostic accuracy for detecting MI.

Methods: Seven biomarkers [myeloperoxidase, soluble CD40 ligand, placental growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide] and estimated glomerular filtration rate were measured in 457 patients presenting on admission with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome. Twenty-five patients (5.4%) received MI diagnoses. Clinical sensitivities and specificities were evaluated from 99th-percentile reference values. Forward and backward stepwise logistic regression modeling techniques were used to identify biomarkers that were independently predictive of MI.

Results: Biomarker sensitivities ranged from 20% to 96%, and specificities ranged from 19% to 89%. MMP-9 had the highest sensitivity, but its specificity was 19%. cTnI demonstrated a sensitivity of 72% (95% CI, 51%–88%) and a specificity of 89% (95% CI, 85%–92%). In multivariate models, cTnI (P < 0.001) and either hsCRP (P = 0.009) or MMP-9 (P = 0.03) were independently predictive of MI. Addition of hsCRP or MMP-9 increased the specificity to 95% (95% CI, 92%–97%) or 91% (95% CI, 88%–94%), respectively, but reduced the sensitivity to 56% (95% CI, 35%–76%) and 68% (95% CI, 47%–85%) relative to cTnI alone.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the most clinically accurate biomarker for the early diagnosis of MI is the use of cTnI alone, rather than a multiple-biomarker approach, when an analytically robust cardiac troponin assay based on the 99th percentile is used.
Clinical Utility of an LC-MS/MS Seizure Panel for Common Drugs Involved in Drug-Induced Seizures
Authors: Drees Julia C , Stone Judy A , Olson Kent R , Meier Kathryn H , Gelb Alan M , Wu Alan H B
Published: November 2008

Background: Approximately 6% of new-onset seizures are drug-related, but there is currently no reliable way to determine if a seizure is drug-induced. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a powerful tool that allows simultaneous detection of numerous analytes of diverse chemical nature in patient samples. This allows a single analysis to incorporate many compounds relevant to a particular clinical presentation, such as suspected drug-induced seizures. We investigated whether results from a seizure panel using LC-MS/MS could affect patient care.

Methods: We developed a semiquantitative LC-MS/MS assay to detect 12 chemically diverse drugs implicated in drug-related seizures. We collected leftover serum and plasma samples from patients who had seized, performed solid-phase extraction, and analyzed the samples using a hybrid triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometer. After assembling a team of medical and toxicology experts, we developed and used a scoring system to determine whether the results of the seizure panel would have affected patient treatment in each case where a drug was detected.

Results: In an analysis of 157 samples from patients who seized, 17 (11%) were found to be positive for a drug on the seizure panel. The team of experts determined that the test results probably or definitely would have affected treatment in 7 (41%) of these cases.

Conclusions: A test that detects the presence of drugs implicated in drug-induced seizures can help physicians determine if an unexplained seizure is drug-related and thus potentially better direct patient care. Additionally, LC-MS/MS is an effective tool for answering clinically driven questions.
Analysis of Radial Consolidation Test Data Using a log-log Method
Authors: Robinson Retnamony G.
Published: November 2008

Vertical drains are extensively used to accelerate the consolidation of soft clay deposits. Barron’s theory is usually used to analyze this problem, in which the drainage occurs in the radial direction. The important input parameter in Barron’s theory is the coefficient of radial consolidation (cr) and a rational assessment of cr is necessary for the economic design of vertical drains. While several methods exist for the determination of the coefficient of consolidation (cv) under vertical drainage, very few methods are available for the determination of cr. In this paper, a log-log method is proposed for the determination of cr from the experimental data obtained from consolidation tests under radial drainage, based on the characteristic feature observed from a log Ur versus log Tr plot for the equal strain condition. The validity of the method is evaluated by comparing the experimental data with the theory and comparing with the existing methods, such as the t method and the inflection point method. In addition, the parameters obtained based on the proposed method are used to analyze a large-scale experiment with a prefabricated vertical drain.
Oocyte-specific deletion of complex and hybrid N-glycans leads to defects in preovulatory follicle and cumulus mass development
Authors: Williams Suzannah A , Stanley Pamela
Published: November 2008

Complex and hybridN-glycans generated byN-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GlcNAcT-I), encoded byMgat1, affect the functions of glycoproteins. We have previously shown that females with oocyte-specific deletion of a floxedMgat1gene using a zona pellucida protein 3 (ZP3)Cretransgene produce fewer pups primarily due to a reduction in ovulation rate. Here, we show that the ovulation rate of mutant females is decreased due to aberrant development of preovulatory follicles. After a superovulatory regime of 48 h pregnant mare's serum (PMSG) and 9 h human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), mutant ovaries weighed less and contained ∼60% fewer preovulatory follicles and more atretic and abnormal follicles than controls. Unlike controls, a proportion of mutant follicles underwent premature luteinization. In addition, mutant preovulatory oocytes exhibited gross abnormalities with ∼36% being blebbed or zona-free. While 97% of wild-type oocytes had a perivitelline space at the preovulatory stage, ∼54% of mutant oocytes did not. The cumulus mass surrounding mutant oocytes was also smaller with a decreased number of proliferating cells compared with controls, although hyaluronan around mutant oocytes was similar to controls. In addition, cumulus cells surrounding mutant eggs were resistant to removal by either hyaluronidase or incubation with capacitated sperm. Therefore, the absence of complex and hybridN-glycans on oocyte glycoproteins leads to abnormal folliculogenesis resulting in a decreased ovulation rate.
Osmotic characteristics and fertility of murine spermatozoa collected in different solutions
Authors: Si Wei , Men Hongsheng , Benson James D , Critser John K
Published: November 2008

Osmotic stress is an important factor that can result in cell damage during cryopreservation. Before ejaculation or collection for cryopreservation, murine spermatozoa are stored in epididymal fluid, a physiologically hyperosmotic environment (∼415 mmol/kg). The objectives of this study were to determine the osmotic tolerance limits of sperm motion parameters of ICR and C57BL/6 mouse spermatozoa collected in isosmotic (290 mmol/kg) and hyperosmotic (415 mmol/kg) media, and the effect of the osmolality of sperm collection media on sperm fertility after cryopreservation. Our results indicate that murine spermatozoa collected in media with different osmolalities (290 and 415 mmol/kg Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DPBS)) appeared to have different osmotic tolerances for the maintenance of sperm motility and other motion parameters in both mouse strains. The hypo- and hyperosmotic treatments decreased motility and affected other motion parameters of spermatozoa collected in 290 mmol/kg DPBS. The extent of the change of motion parameters after treatments corresponded with the levels of osmotic stress. However, for spermatozoa collected in 415 mmol/kg DPBS, exposure to 290 mmol/kg DPBS tended to increase sperm motility and the quality of their motion parameters. The osmolality of sperm collection medium can affect murine sperm fertility. Spermatozoa collected in 415 mmol/kg medium showed higher fertility compared with spermatozoa collected in 290 mmol/kg as assessed byIVF. Results characterizing murine sperm osmotic tolerance collected in media with different osmolalities from different strains and the effect of collection media osmolality on sperm fertility after cryopreservation will be useful in designing cryopreservation protocols.
Issues Surrounding Lethal Injection as a Means of Capital Punishment
Authors: Romanelli Frank , Whisman Tyler , Fink Joseph L.
Published: November 2008

Lethal injection as a method of state‐sanctioned capital punishment was initially proposed in the United States in 1977 and used for the first time in 1982. Most lethal injection protocols use a sequential drug combination of sodium thiopental, pancuronium bromide, and potassium chloride. Lethal injection was originally introduced as a more humane form of execution compared with existing mechanical methods such as electrocution, toxic gassing, hanging, or firing squad. Lethal injection has not, however, been without controversy. Several states are considering whether lethal injection meets constitutional scrutiny forbidding cruel and unusual punishment. Recently in the case ofRalph Baze and Thomas C. Bowling, Petitioners, v John D. Rees, Commissioner, Kentucky Department of Corrections et al, the United States Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the lethal injection protocol as carried out in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Most of the debate has surrounded the dosing and procedures used in lethal injection and whether the drug combinations and measures for administering the drugs truly produce a timely, pain‐free, and fail‐safe death. Many have also raised issues regarding the “medicalization” of execution and the ethics of health care professionals' participation in any part of the lethal injection process. As a result of all these issues, the future of lethal injection as a means of execution in the United States is under significant scrutiny. Outcomes of ongoing legislative and judicial reviews might result in cessation of lethal injection in totality or in alterations involving specific drug combinations or administration procedures.
Prioritizing Future Research on Off‐Label Prescribing: Results of a Quantitative Evaluation
Authors: Walton Surrey M. , Schumock Glen T. , Lee Ky‐Van , Alexander G. Caleb , Meltzer David , Stafford Randall S.
Published: November 2008

Study Objective. To develop a prioritized list of individual drugs for which future research regarding off‐label uses is warranted.

Design. Retrospective, cross‐sectional study.

Data Sources. Commercial database that provides ongoing estimates of drug prescribing practices of office‐based physicians in the United States and an Internet database of comprehensive evidence‐based drug information.

Measurements and Main Results. The base analyses incorporated three key factors based on the theory of value of information: volume of off‐label use with inadequate evidence, drug safety, and cost and market considerations. Nationally representative prescribing data were used to estimate the number of off‐label drug uses by indication from January 1, 2005‐June 30, 2007, in the United States, and these indications were then categorized according to the adequacy of scientific support. Black‐box warnings and safety alerts, drug cost, date of market entry, and marketing expenditures were also incorporated into the final model to produce a priority score. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by varying key model parameters. Our findings identified a high volume of off‐label prescribing in the absence of good evidence for a substantial number of drugs, particularly antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytic‐sedatives. Drugs that consistently ranked high in both our base model and sensitivity analyses were quetiapine, warfarin, escitalopram, risperidone, montelukast, bupropion, sertraline, venlafaxine, celecoxib, lisinopril, duloxetine, trazodone, olanzapine, and epoetin alfa.

Conclusion. Future research into off‐label drug use should focus on drugs used frequently with inadequate supporting evidence, particularly if further concerns are raised by known safety issues, high drug cost, recent market entry, and extensive marketing. Our quantitative analysis identified particular concerns with the off‐label use of antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs. Targeted research and policy activities on our list of prioritized drugs have high potential value.
Effect of Atorvastatin on the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Prasugrel and Clopidogrel in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Farid Nagy A. , Small David S. , Payne Christopher D. , Jakubowski Joseph A. , Brandt John T. , Li Ying G. , Ernest C. Steven , Salazar Daniel E. , Konkoy Christopher S. , Winters Kenneth J.
Published: November 2008

Study Objective. To investigate the potential effect of atorvastatin 80 mg/day on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the thienopyridines prasugrel and clopidogrel.

Design. Open‐label, randomized, crossover, two‐arm, parallel‐group study.

Setting. Single clinical research center in the United Kingdom.

Participants. Sixty‐nine healthy men aged 18–60 years.

Intervention. Subjects received either a loading dose of prasugrel 60 mg followed by a maintenance dose of 10 mg/day or a loading dose of clopidogrel 300 mg followed by 75 mg/day. The drug was given as monotherapy for 10 days, and after a 6‐day run‐in period with atorvastatin 80 mg/day, the same dosage of atorvastatin was continued with the respective thienopyridine for 10 days. A 14‐day washout period separated the treatment regimens.

Measurements and Main Results. Blood samples were collected before and at various time points after dosing on days 1 and 11 for determination of plasma concentrations of metabolites and for measurement of platelet aggregation induced by adenosine 5′‐diphosphate 20 μM and vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP). Coadministration of atorvastatin did not alter exposure to active metabolites of prasugrel or clopidogrel after the loading dose and thus did not alter inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA). During maintenance dosing, atorvastatin administration resulted in 17% and 28% increases in the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) values of prasugrel's and clopidogrel's active metabolites, respectively. These small changes in AUC did not result in a significant change in IPA response to prasugrel but did result in a significant increase in IPA during clopidogrel maintenance dosing at some, but not all, of the time points on day 11. Coadministration of atorvastatin with either prasugrel or clopidogrel had no effect on VASP phosphorylation relative to the thienopyridine alone after the loading dose.

Conclusion. Coadministration of atorvastatin 80 mg/day with prasugrel or clopidogrel did not negatively affect the antiplatelet response to either drug after a loading dose or during maintenance dosing. The lack of a clinically meaningful effect of high‐dose atorvastatin on the pharmacodynamic response to prasugrel after the loading or maintenance dose indicates that no dosage adjustment should be necessary in patients receiving these drugs concomitantly.
Combination Therapy with β‐Adrenergic Receptor Antagonists and Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors for Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Van Tassell Benjamin W. , Radwanski Przemyslaw , Movsesian Matthew , Munger Mark A.
Published: November 2008

Rational use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors represents an ongoing controversy in contemporary pharmacotherapy for he art failure. In randomized clinical trials, phosphodiesterase inhibitors increased cardiac output at the expense of worsening the rates of sudden cardiac death and cardiovascular mortality. Preliminary findings from ongoing clinical and preclinical investigations of phosphodiesterase activity suggest that combined use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors with β‐adrenergic antagonists may prevent these adverse outcomes. Compartmentation of cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate signaling may prove critical in determining myocardial response to combination therapy.
Earlswood reservoirs
Authors: Brown David H.
Published: November 2008

The pre-conference tour prior to the 2008 British Dam Society conference in Warwick was to Earlswood and Rotton Park reservoirs, canal reservoirs built in the early 19th century. British Waterways, the undertaker for these reservoirs, is responsible for 3200 km of canal and river navigations in England, Wales and Scotland. Ninety reservoirs provide the water needed for lockage, evaporation and seepage losses. There are three reservoirs at Earlswood – Engine pool, Windmill pool and Terry's pool. They were constructed in the early 19th century to supply the Stratford-upon-Avon canal, a function which they serve to this day.
Carsington reservoir
Authors: Dempster Kenny
Published: November 2008

The tour commenced at the viewing/overflow area looking out towards the transfer tunnel dry well after first stopping at the monument remembering the four young men who were killed in a confined space incident within a deep drainage chamber ( Fig. 1 ). A reminder to us all of the dangers of confined spaces and what can go wrong. [Figure: see text]
Post-incident reporting: learning from experience to promote reservoir safety
Authors: Hamilton-King Liana J. , Hope Ian M. , Warren Alan L.
Published: November 2008

This paper explains how the new role of post-incident reporting for UK dams is working and considers the challenges for the future. The paper explains how the post-incident reporting system works; summarises the type of incident reported to the Environment Agency; highlights findings from post-incident investigations; summarises how the industry has been kept informed and expands on communications issues (freedom of information requests, etc.), expands on how similar systems are being engaged (e.g. the Standing Committee on Structural Safety and Confidential Reporting on Structural Safety); considers the need for mandatory post-incident reporting in the future; and explains how the system can inform the reservoir research and development programme.
Rotton Park reservoir
Authors: Brown David H.
Published: November 2008

The pre-conference tour prior to the 2008 British Dam Society conference in Warwick was to Earlswood and Rotton Park reservoirs, canal reservoirs built in the early 19th century. British Waterways, the undertaker for these reservoirs, is responsible for 3200 km of canal and river navigations in England, Wales and Scotland. Ninety reservoirs provide the water needed for lockage, evaporation and seepage losses. Rotton Park reservoir was constructed by Thomas Telford in 1827 as part of a comprehensive series of improvements to the Birmingham Canal. It continues to be used for canal water supply purposes.
Briefing: Corruption in construction in developing countries
Authors: Goldie-Scot Hamish
Published: November 2008

Worldwide, public works/construction is considered to be one of the most corrupt of all sectors. The problem is most acute in developing countries, where corruption often accounts for leakages of 20% or more. As a result, project planning is distorted, construction quality undermined, maintenance neglected and professional standards compromised. In the past, some donors and many governments have turned a blind eye to, or even encouraged, such corruption. In recent years, however, a consensus has emerged that corruption not only harms the poor, but is also bad for business and for security. Yet corruption persists in the sector, spurred on by the ease with which it can be hidden and by the pressures of globalisation. There is no single, or simple, solution to this problem, but much could be achieved by creating more incentives for good practice, and by making better use of existing tools to improve transparency and accountability.
Global issues in public works and municipal engineering
Authors: Champion C. , Robinson M. , Buchan N.
Published: November 2008

The world is getting smaller. The advent of e-mail and the internet is improving communications internationally. International travel is becoming more accessible. There are many issues that engineers face in their day-to-day jobs working in municipal engineering and public works where they can learn from each other and from experiences across the globe. A key objective of the International Federation of Municipal Engineering (IFME) is to foster technical and cultural exchange between municipal and public works engineers worldwide. International exchange of information, innovations, skills and experience is even more important in today’s global world than when the IFME was first formed over 40 years ago. Not only can engineers learn from sharing experiences in the international arena but they can also go further and leverage from one another to achieve a quantum leap to benefit the profession and wider communities. International relationships are of strategic importance to all. They provide an effective conduit for obtaining and sharing information on a global basis and, importantly, developing friendships along the way. As an example, this paper discusses the many challenges facing industry that are common to all—sustainable management and provision of infrastructure, professional skill shortages and the impacts of climate change. It is hoped that this paper is only the beginning and that further discussions and exchange of information and experiences are generated among IFME colleagues.