bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Components Related to N-Nitroso Compound Formation: A Prospective Study of Adult Glioma
Authors: Dubrow Robert , Darefsky Amy S. , Park Yikyung , Mayne Susan T. , Moore Steven C. , Kilfoy Briseis , Cross Amanda J. , Sinha Rashmi , Hollenbeck Albert R. , Schatzkin Arthur , Ward Mary H.
Published: July 2010

Background: N-nitroso compounds (NOC) are found in processed meat and are formed endogenously from intake of nitrite and nitrate. Endogenous NOC formation is antagonized by nitrosation inhibitors in fruit and vegetables (e.g., vitamin C) and promoted by heme in red meat. It has been hypothesized that a diet resulting in high exposure to NOCs increases adult glioma risk.

Methods: Using proportional hazards models, we tested this hypothesis among 545,770 participants in the prospective NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, which assessed dietary intake at baseline (1995–1996) with a comprehensive food frequency questionnaire, and at ages 12 to 13 years with an abbreviated food frequency questionnaire.

Results: During follow-up through 2003, 585 participants were diagnosed with glioma. We found no significant trends in glioma risk for consumption of processed or red meat, nitrate, or vitamin C or E. We found significant positive trends for nitrite intake from plant sources (hazard ratio for quintile 5 versus quintile 1, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.20–2.10; P for trend = 0.028) and, unexpectedly, for fruit and vegetable intake (hazard ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.86; P for trend = 0.0081). Examination of interactions between dietary intakes (e.g., nitrite and vitamin C) and a limited analysis of diet at ages 12 to 13 years provided no support for the NOC hypothesis.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that consumption of processed or red meat, nitrite, or nitrate does not increase adult glioma risk, and that consumption of fruit and vegetables, vitamin C, or vitamin E does not reduce risk.

Impact: Our results, in agreement with the only previous prospective analysis, cast doubt on the NOC hypothesis in relation to dietary intake and adult glioma risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(7); 1709–22. ©2010 AACR.
Detection of Genital HPV Types in Fingertip Samples from Newly Sexually Active Female University Students
Authors: Winer Rachel L. , Hughes James P. , Feng Qinghua , Xi Long Fu , Cherne Stephen , O'Reilly Sandra , Kiviat Nancy B. , Koutsky Laura A.
Published: July 2010

Background: Little is known about detection of genital human papilloma virus (HPV) types in women's fingertips. The study objectives were to determine the presence of genital HPV types in fingertip samples and the agreement between fingertip and genital samples for detecting HPV.

Methods: At triannual visits, genital and fingertip samples were collected from female university students and tested for 37 HPV genotypes by PCR-based assay. Type-specific concordance between paired fingertip and genital samples was evaluated using κ statistics for percent positive agreement (κ+). Paired samples with type-specific concordant fingertip and genital results were selected for variant characterization.

Results: A total of 357 fingertip samples were collected from 128 women. HPV prevalence in fingertip samples was 14.3%. Although percent positive agreement between fingertips and genitals for detecting type-specific HPV was low (17.8%; κ+ = 0.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.10-0.25), 60.4% of type-specific HPV detected in the fingertips was detected in a concurrent genital sample. All but one of 28 paired concordant samples were positive for the same type-specific variant in the fingertip and genital sample. Redetection of HPV types at the subsequent visit was more common in genital samples (73.3%) than in fingertip samples (14.5%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Detection of genital HPV types in the fingertips was not uncommon. Although impossible to distinguish between deposition of DNA from the genitals to the fingertips and true fingertip infection, the rarity of repeat detection in the fingertips suggests that deposition is more common.

Impact: Finger-genital transmission is plausible but unlikely to be a significant source of genital HPV infection. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(7); 1682–5. ©2010 AACR.
Pathological Diagnosis at Early Stage: Reaching International Consensus
Authors: Kojiro Masamichi
Published: July 2010

Distinguishing small well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from dysplastic nodules (DN) is frequently difficult, and the precise pathological diagnosis is a key issue in clinical management of the patients. However, the morphologic criteria for confident diagnosis of early HCC are still controversial. To improve the consistency of pathological diagnosis of early HCC, the International Consensus Group for Hepatocellular Neoplasia comprising 34 pathologists and 2 clinicians from 13 countries was convened in 2002, and the group met on several occasions until 2007. The members discussed the diagnosis of resected nodules <2 cm in diameter at the first meeting and additional sets of small nodules at the second meeting. The overwhelming diagnostic challenge was the differentiation of high-grade DN from well-differentiated small HCC (early HCC). It has been recognized that the presence or absence of ‘invasion’ is of key importance in deciding if a tumor is malignant or benign. In early HCC, varying degrees of tumor cell invasion (i.e. stromal invasion) into the portal tracts within the tumor is the most helpful morphologic clue to distinguish early HCC from high-grade DN. After the first meeting, the ĸ value for HCC rose from 0.30 to 0.49. In addition, it has been well understood that most early HCCs are hypovascular lesions and unlikely classical HCC which is a hypervascular lesion.
Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Assistant Techniques for Difficult Cases
Authors: Inoue Tatsuo , Minami Yasunori , Chung Hobyung , Hayaishi Sousuke , Ueda Taisuke , Tatsumi Chie , Takita Masahiro , Kitai Satoshi , Hatanaka Kinuyo , Ishikawa Emi , Yada Norihisa , Hagiwara Satoru , Ueshima Kazuomi , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: July 2010

Purpose: To confirm the safety and effectiveness of techniques to assist radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for difficult cases, we retrospectively evaluated successful treatment rates, early complications and local tumor progressions. Patients and Methods: Between June 1999 and April 2009, a total of 341 patients with 535 nodules were treated as difficult cases. Artificial pleural effusion assisted ablation was performed on 64 patients with 82 nodules. Artificial ascites-assisted ablation was performed on 11 patients with 13 nodules. Cooling by endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) tube-assisted ablation was performed on 6 patients with 8 nodules. When the tumors were not well visualized with conventional B-mode ultrasonography (US), contrast-enhanced US-assisted ablation with Levovist® or Sonazoid® or virtual CT sonography-assisted ablation was performed. Contrast-enhanced US-assisted ablation was performed on 139 patients with 224 nodules and virtual CT sonography-assisted ablation was performed on 121 patients with 209 nodules. Results: In total, complete ablation was achieved in 514 of 535 (96%) nodules in difficult cases. For RFA with artificial pleural effusion, artificial ascites and ENBD, complete response was confirmed in all cases. For contrast-enhanced US- and CT sonography-assisted ablation, complete response was 95%. Early complications were recognized in 24 cases (4.5%). All cases recovered with no invasive treatment. Local tumor recurrence was investigated in 377 nodules of 245 patients, and 69 (18%) nodules were positive. Tumor recurrences in each assisted technique were 14.7% in artificial pleural effusion cases, 7% in artificial ascites, 12.5% in ENBD tube cases, 31% in virtual CT sonography, and 8.5% in contrast-enhanced US. Conclusion: Although local tumor progression needs to be carefully monitored, assisted techniques of RFA for difficult cases are well tolerated and expand the indications of RFA.
Loco-Regional Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Era of Molecular Targeted Therapies
Authors: Lencioni Riccardo
Published: July 2010

The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rapidly evolving as developments in loco-regional therapies continue to improve. Image-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation is established as the treatment of choice for patients with early-stage HCC when transplantation or resection are precluded. Recent refinements in technique have substantially increased the ability of RF ablation to achieve sustained complete response of target tumors in properly selected patients, and new alternate thermal and non-thermal methods for local tumor treatment are currently under investigation. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard of care for patients with multinodular disease at the intermediate stage. The introduction of drug-eluting beads – that enhance drug delivery to the tumor and reduce systemic exposure – appears to improve anticancer activity and the safety profile of TACE compared to conventional regimens. Despite these advances, the long-term outcomes of patients treated with loco-regional therapies remain unsatisfactory because of the high rate of tumor recurrence. The introduction of molecular targeted therapies that inhibit tumor proliferation and angiogenesis has opened new prospects in this regard. Clinical trials focused on combining interventional treatment with systemically active drugs are ongoing. The outcomes of such studies are eagerly awaited, as they have the potential to revolutionize treatment of HCC.
Surgical Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Special Reference to Anatomical Hepatic Resection and Intraoperative Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography
Authors: Arii Shigeki , Tanaka S. , Mitsunori Y. , Nakamura N. , Kudo A. , Noguchi N. , Irie T.
Published: July 2010

Here we described our strategies to attain a better prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients by surgery. Among a variety of attempts conducted to date, we focused on anatomical resection and intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. There are still controversies with respect to the significance of anatomical resection. We analyzed the significance of this surgical procedure in 207 patients without macrovascular invasion. These patients underwent either anatomical resection or non-anatomical resection. We found that the patients with anatomical resection had higher recurrence-free survival rate than those with non-anatomical resection. Univariable analysis showed that liver damage, the serum level of α-fetoprotein, tumor number, surgical margin, and type of surgery (anatomical or non-anatomical resection) were significant predictive factors for intrahepatic recurrence. Multivariable analysis revealed that multiple tumors, α-fetoprotein, and non-anatomical resection were independent risk factors for recurrence. We conclude that anatomical resection is a recommendable surgical procedure in patients without macrovascular invasion. A recent innovation is the development of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Then we have applied this to liver surgery intraoperatively. We confirm that vascular images contribute to a precise diagnosis and the detection of small portal tumor thrombi, and that Kupffer images are useful to discover the minute tumors. In addition, by clarifying the relationship between tumors and the vascular architecture, real-time 3-dimensional images using Kupffer imaging are a promising guide during the surgical procedures, although further development is needed.
Chemoembolization for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Japan
Authors: Takayasu Kenichi
Published: July 2010

Of 15,681 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 30% underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with lipiodol (Lip-TACE) including infusion chemotherapy with lipiodol (Lip-TAI) for the initial treatment, and 58% underwent it for recurrent HCC according to the latest biannual report of the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan (LCSGJ). Superselective Lip-TACE is considered to be indispensable to maximize the therapeutic effect (TE) and to minimize injury to the non-cancerous liver. The local recurrence rate of a single session Lip-TACE for HCC ≤5 cm in diameter ranged from 33 to 38% at 3 years. A pathologic study using resected specimens of 26 HCCs treated by Lip-TACE showed that the mean necrosis rates and frequency of complete necrosis in three groups, small (≤3 cm, n = 6 HCCs), medium (3.1–5 cm, n = 10), and large size (≧5.1 cm, n = 10) were 95, 87.1%; 68.4, 66.7%; 30, 0%, respectively. Namely, the smaller the tumor size, the higher the TE. However, Lip-TAI showed no correlation between TEs and tumor size. A comparative study between the pathologically proven necrosis rate on the maximum cut surface of the lesion and radiologic necrosis estimated by CT showed a significantly good correlation when the lipiodol-retained area was presumed necrotic, but a poor correlation when it was presumed a viable one. No correlation was seen between the pathologic necrosis rate and the decreased rate of the lesion treated by Lip-TACE assessed by WHO criteria. The modified version of the assessment criteria of the TE of treatment for liver cancer was proposed by the LCSGJ in 2009, using a 4-grade treatment effect with two factors of tumor necrosis and tumor regression.
Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Intraarterial Infusion Chemotherapy Combined with Interferon
Authors: Nagano Hiroaki
Published: July 2010

Because of the difficulties of low sensitivity for anticancer agents and giving a sufficient dose because of chronic liver dysfunction, chemotherapy may not play a central role in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially those with liver cirrhosis. However, chemotherapy must be one of the important possibilities of multimodal treatment for advanced HCC, for which hepatic resection, percutaneous ablation, transcatheter arterial embolization and other general therapies would not be effective or even possible. Also, intraarterial perfusion chemotherapy is a common therapy for HCC and it is not difficult to maintain; but the effective rate is not sufficient. Recently, the combination therapy of subcutaneous interferon (IFN)-α and intraarterial 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) showed an outstanding response rate for intractable HCC (with portal vein thrombosis). In addition, recent preclinical and clinical studies have revealed that the mechanism of combination therapy may concern direct antitumor effects (through cell-cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis) and indirect actions (through immunocompetent cells and antiangiogenic effect). For the further advance of HCC treatment and prognosis, this therapy might be a promising treatment modality and is expected to develop. In this review, we summarize recent clinical and preclinical data regarding IFN-α and 5-FU combination therapy and discuss the further prospects of this therapy.
Capillary Supply in Relation to Myosin Heavy Chain Fibre Composition of Human Intrinsic Tongue Muscles
Authors: Granberg I. , Lindell B. , Eriksson P.-O. , Pedrosa-Domellöf F. , Stål P.
Published: July 2010

The capillary supply and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) composition of three different intrinsic tongue muscles was analysed in the anterior and posterior regions of the human tongue with biochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. Mean capillary density for the whole tongue was 796 ± 82 cap/mm2, without regional differences. The overall number of capillaries around each fibre (CAF) was higher in the posterior than in the anterior region (2.5 vs. 2.1, p = 0.009). However, correcting for regional differences in fibre size, CAF per fibre area was higher in the anterior region (4.3 vs. 3.0, p < 0.001). Muscle fibres containing fast MyHCs predominated in the anterior region (78.7%), consisting of MyHCIIa (58.5%), MyHCIIx (1.0%), MyHCIIa+MyHCIIx (11.3%) and MyHCI+MyHCIIa (7.9%). Fibres containing slow MyHC predominated in the posterior region (65.2%), consisting of MyHCI (45.5%) and MyHCI+MyHCIIa (19.7%). A minor fibre population (<2%) contained unusual MyHC isoforms, namely MyHC foetal, MyHC slow-tonic, MyHC α-cardiac or MyHC embryonic. The microvascularization of the human tongue was twice as high as in human limb muscles. Regional similarities in capillary supply, but differences in fibre phenotype composition, suggest that human tongue muscle fibres are fatigue resistant independently of MyHC content. High frequency of hybrid fibres, that is fibres co-expressing two or more MyHC isoforms, indicates a wider spectrum of fibre contractile properties than in limb muscles. In conclusion, human intrinsic tongue muscles showed internal specialization in distribution of MyHC isoforms and capillary supply, but not in the expression of unusual MyHCs.
The Responsibility to Protect and International Law
Authors: Reike Ruben , Bellamy Alex
Published: July 2010

The article evaluates the relationship between the Responsibility to Protect (RtoP) principle and international law. We argue that although the principle is best understood as a political commitment to implement already existing legal commitments, the RtoP is not devoid of legal content as some of its critics claim. The principle contains two sets of legal responsibilities. The first – responsibilities owed by a state towards its own population – are well-established customary principles in international law. The second – responsibilities owed by states to populations in other states – are much less well established. We argue that although RtoP does not in itself create new legal duties, states already have international legal responsibilities that relate directly to the principle's second pillar. Moreover, we identify the emergence of nascent legal thinking which suggests that a wider set of legal duties might emerge in the future.
On Gareth Evans, The Responsibility to Protect: Ending Mass Atrocity Crimes Once and For All
Authors: Barnett Michael
Published: July 2010

This article is part of a forum on Gareth Evans' book, The Responsibility to Protect: Ending Mass Atrocity Crimes Once and For All (Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution, 2008). The forum features contributions from Michael Barnett, Chris Brown and Robert Jackson, and it concludes with a response from Gareth Evans.
Textile Surfaces Analysis and Modeling based on Statistical Methods: Variance Analysis and Autocorrelation Functions
Authors: Drean Jean-Yves , Harzallah Omar , Renner Marc
Published: July 2010

Statistical analysis using between-variance are usually used in various industries. In this paper we propose to apply these statistical analysis tools to textile surfaces. Based on early theories [1— 9] statistical tools have been developed to take into account periodic and random defects observed on linear textiles. Indeed, in the textile industry the raw material presents a strong random unevenness and moreover each processing step introduces its own periodic irregularity (e.g. faults due to an elliptic roller or defective gear). A method for determining these irregularities is developed whereby it is possible to define the function of the variance-mass per unit area of the fibrous web if the overall mass variance of the web produced during the industrial process is known. Indeed, with the help of the autocorrelation function, the between-area-density variance function B(S) of the fibrous web can be predicted and the shape of the B(S) curve is determined. The two types of irregularities have also been examined and analyzed. Random irregularities were developed based on the functions of the most common distributions (isoprobable, equiprobable, uniform distributions). Then, the periodic irregularities have been developed and generalized. Finally, we discussed the actual industrial case known as a superposition of periodic and random irregularities.
A Novel Chemical Degumming Process for Ramie Bast Fiber
Authors: Fan Xiu-Shan , Liu Zhong-Wen , Liu Zhao-Tie , Jian Lu
Published: July 2010

A novel chemical degumming process for ramie fiber was developed, using sodium carbonate solution with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as an auxiliary surfactant and sodium triphosphate. Optimum performance for the degumming of ramie fiber was obtained with sodium carbonate concentration 30 g·L —1, PVA concentration 2.2 g·L— 1, sodium triphosphate concentration 6.0 g·L— 1 and temperature 90 °C. The tensile properties of the ramie fibers degummed using Na2CO3 are comparable with fibers degummed using sodium hydroxide. This new mild, rapid degumming technique for ramie fiber has a potential application in industry, and is less environmentally polluting than the traditional method. The ramie fibers before and after degumming were characterized by FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy.
In the Child’s Best Interest: Terminating the Rights of Fathers With Children in Foster Care
Authors: Olmstead Spencer B. , McWey Lenore M. , Henderson Tammy
Published: July 2010

The authors conducted a content analysis of appellate court foster care cases in which fathers appealed the termination of their parental rights. Applying the Responsible Fathering framework to organize the contextual issues that impede men from responsibly fathering, the authors sought to learn what factors affect decisions regarding the termination of their parental rights. Multiple risk factors emerged including lack of social support, financial resources, and opportunities. Implications for practitioners include attending to father’s mental health, alcohol and/or substance abuse, issues surrounding incarceration, and the coparental relationship.
Differences in cervical musculoskeletal impairment between episodic and chronic tension-type headache
Authors: Sohn J-H , Choi H-C , Lee S-M , Jun A-Y
Published: July 2010

Background: Tension-type headache (TTH) is a headache in which musculoskeletal impairments of the craniocervical region may play an important role in its pathogenesis. We investigated the presence of myofascial, postural and mechanical abnormalities in patients with frequent episodic and chronic tension-type headache (ETTH and CTTH, respectively). Methods: The study population consisted of 36 patients with ETTH, 23 with CTTH and 42 control subjects. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) were identified in the upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, temporalis and suboccipital muscles. Sagittal C7-tragus angle was measured to evaluate flexor head posture (FHP), and neck mobility was assessed using an inclinometer. Results: Only active MTrPs were significantly different between the ETTH and CTTH groups ( p < .001). Patients with CTTH showed a larger sagittal C7-tragus angle ( p = .011), that is, greater FHP and restricted neck mobility for both rotations compared to controls ( p < .001). Although active MTrPs were correlated with the frequency and duration of headache, no correlations were observed for FHP or neck mobility. Conclusion: Active MTrPs in the craniocervical region contribute to triggering or maintenance of TTH and posture or neck mobility may be a result of chronic headache.
Return to Play after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in National Football League Athletes
Authors: Shah Vishal M. , Andrews James R. , Fleisig Glenn S. , McMichael Christopher S. , Lemak Lawrence J.
Published: July 2010

Background

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common and potentially career-threatening injury in the National Football League (NFL). The return to play (RTP) percentage and the factors affecting RTP after ACL reconstruction in NFL players are not well defined.

Purpose

To determine the actual rate of return to professional football play in the NFL after ACL reconstruction surgery and to determine what factors can predict ability to RTP. We hypothesize that the RTP percentage in this unique patient population will differ from previously reported populations.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Forty-nine NFL athletes who had undergone primary ACL reconstruction at our institution were followed to determine their RTP percentages and factors predicting RTP.

Results

Sixty-three percent (31 of 49) of NFL athletes returned to NFL game play at an average of 10.8 months after surgery. Age at time of surgery, position, and the type and number of procedures were not significantly different between those who did and did not return to play. The average number of games before surgery was 51 for those who did return to play and 28 for those who did not (P = .039). The odds ratio favoring RTP was 5.5 (P = .016) for those players who had more than 4 years of NFL experience before surgery. The average NFL draft round was 3.4 for the group who returned to play and 6.4 for those who did not (P < .001). The odds ratio favoring RTP was 12.2 (P < .001) for those players drafted in the first 4 rounds of the NFL draft compared with those drafted after the fourth round.

Conclusions

The RTP rates after ACL reconstruction in NFL football players are lower than previously perceived. More experienced and established athletes are more likely to return to competition at the same level after this procedure than those with less professional experience. Being selected in the first 4 rounds of the NFL draft was highly predictive of RTP.
IQ Scores Should Be Corrected for the Flynn Effect in High-Stakes Decisions
Authors: Fletcher Jack M. , Stuebing Karla K. , Hughes Lisa C.
Published: July 2010

IQ test scores should be corrected for high stakes decisions that employ these assessments, including capital offense cases. If scores are not corrected, then diagnostic standards must change with each generation. Arguments against corrections, based on standards of practice, information present and absent in test manuals, and related issues, ignore expert consensus about the assessment of intellectual disabilities and the acceptance of the Flynn effect in the field. Most psychometric concerns about correction are based on validity studies with small subgroups and do not reflect sufficient effort to estimate the precision of the Flynn estimate. We computed a confidence interval for the Wechsler PIQ across four validity studies that shows a SEM of about 1 around a mean of about 3 points per decade. A meta-analytic weighted mean of the 14 studies in Flynn (2009) is 2.80 (2.50, 3.09), close to Flynn’s (2009) unweighted average (2.99). More psychometric research would be helpful, but this level of precision supports the Flynn adjustment of 3 points per decade.
The Flynn Effect and Its Critics: Rusty Linchpins and “Lookin’ for g and Gf in Some of the Wrong Places”
Authors: McGrew Kevin S.
Published: July 2010

The consensus of most intelligence scholars is that the Flynn effect (FE) is real, IQ test batteries are now routinely restandardized on a regular basis. A cornerstone in Flynn’s explanation of the FE is his analysis of select Wechsler subtest scores across time. The featured articles by Kaufman and Zhou, Zhu, and Weiss question whether Flynn’s arguments are grounded in the unproven assumption that similarly named Wechsler scores measure the same constructs across editions. Kaufman raises the issue by means of a detailed task analysis of changes in test administration and scoring directions for similarly named tests across different Wechsler editions. The author applauds Zhou et al. for bringing methodological rigor to the comparison of similarly named Wechsler Performance composite scores across time. Unfortunately, both Kaufman and Zhou et al. inadvertently perpetuate some of Flynn’s incorrect interpretations of select Wechsler measures (Similarities and Performance tests) as measures of the novel abstract problem solving that characterizes fluid intelligence (Gf). The author presents empirical Wechsler subtest g-loadings based on seven Wechsler joint- or cross-battery factor analyses (with other cognitive batteries). The results suggest that the extant Wechsler FE data and its system of interpretations, hypotheses, and resultant theory are held together by multiple anchors, a number that, in the words of Kaufman, are “seriously coated in rust.” The author briefly discusses the theory, tools, and technologies that currently exist to place a more reasonable degree of order in the house built by Flynn.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Nano-Titanium Dioxide-Reinforced Polyetheretherketone Produced by Optimized Twin Screw Extrusion
Authors: Knör N. , Walter R. , Haupert F.
Published: July 2010

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), an attractive matrix for highly loaded parts in terms of temperature and mechanical performance, is applied in many engineering applications. However, its improvement in the mechanical properties by, for example, nanoparticles is sometimes necessary to fulfill actual requirements. In this case, the nanoparticles need to be deagglomerated, wetted by the polymer matrix, and equally distributed. Excellent results can be achieved by a second extrusion step applied on the masterbatch. Theoretical calculations of processing parameters (e.g., shear energy) explain the reason for a better dispersion and distribution of nanoparticles inside the matrix for the multipass extrusion process. PEEK compounds reinforced with 15 nm titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are compared with PEEK reinforced with 300 nm particles. The incorporation of the nanoparticles into the PEEK matrix was realized by a corotating twin screw extruder (ZE25x44, Berstorff GmbH) with 10 heating barrels. The mechanical and thermal properties of the materials were characterized at room temperatures by tensile and impact testing, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical thermoanalysis. The important distribution quality of the nano-sized particles and corresponding fracture surfaces are shown in high-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy micrographs. It becomes visible that the 15 nm particles enhance the polymer properties much better than the 300 nm particles. The 15 nm particles improve the stiffness and the strength as a function of filler content. Highest values of impact energy can be achieved at a filler content of 2.2 vol. %.
The seasonality of precipitation signals embedded within the North American Drought Atlas
Authors: St. George Scott , Meko David M. , Cook Edward R.
Published: July 2010

We examine how the seasonality of precipitation signals embedded within the North American Drought Atlas varies across the continent. Instrumental records of average summer (JJA) Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) are characterized by major regional differences in the relative importance of precipitation during summer and winter (DJF). The Atlas, which is based on a network of drought-sensitive tree-ring records, is able to reproduce the main geographic patterns of these biases, but tree-ring reconstructions exaggerate the influence of seasonal precipitation anomalies in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico (towards a stronger winter signal) and western Canada (towards a stronger summer signal). Drought reconstructions from the Southwest and Tex-Mex regions are tuned mainly to winter precipitation and display strong teleconnections to both El Niño and La Niña. In contrast, winter precipitation signals are either weak or absent in drought reconstructions from northwestern North America, and tree-ring estimates of PDSI show a much less robust association with the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. Geographical differences in the relative strength of seasonal precipitation signals are likely due to (i) local factors that influence tree growth but are not incorporated into the PDSI algorithm and (ii) real differences in regional climatology. These seasonal biases must be taken into account when comparing drought reconstructions across North America, when comparing tree-ring PDSI to drought records developed from other proxies or when attempting to use the Drought Atlas to link past droughts to potential forcing mechanisms.
Climate and atmospheric circulation changes over the past 1000 years reconstructed from oxygen isotopes in lake-sediment carbonate from Ireland
Authors: Holmes Jonathan , Arrowsmith Carol , Austin William , Boyle John , Fisher Elizabeth , Holme Richard , Marshall Jim , Oldfield Frank , van der Post Kuno
Published: July 2010

A 1000 year long subdecadal-resolution record of carbonate oxygen isotopes (δ18Oc) from Lough-na-Shade, Ireland, provides evidence for changing atmospheric circulation over northwest Europe. The total range of δ18Oc values (>5‰) is too large to be explained by changes in water temperature. Moreover, good correlation between the lake record and a previously published δ18O time series from an Irish speleothem indicates that the changes in oxygen isotopes are best explained by variations in the isotopic composition of precipitation. The amplitude of change during this period is too large to be explained by shifts in condensation temperature. Instead we suggest that there have been changes in vapour source and transport paths connected with shifts in atmospheric circulation. Changes from a source area from further south within the North Atlantic to one further to the north could explain the prominent positive shift in oxygen-isotope values between the early eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, for example. Our results also demonstrate the value of a ‘multiple-archive’ approach to deconvolving lake-based carbonate isotope profiles, which are often complex.
Birthing Practices of Traditional Birth Attendants in South Asia in the Context of Training Programmes
Authors: Saravanan Sheela , Turrell Gavin , Johnson Helen , Fraser Jennifer
Published: July 2010

Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) training has been an important component of public health policy interventions to improve maternal and child health in developing countries since the 1970s. More recently, since the 1990s, the TBA training strategy has been increasingly seen as irrelevant, ineffective or, on the whole, a failure due to evidence that the maternal mortality rate (MMR) in developing countries had not reduced. Although, worldwide data show that, by choice or out of necessity, 47 percent of births in the developing world are assisted by TBAs and/or family members, funding for TBA training has been reduced and moved to providing skilled birth attendants for all births. Any shift in policy needs to be supported by appropriate evidence on TBA roles in providing maternal and infant health care service and effectiveness of the training programmes.

This article reviews literature on the characteristics and role of TBAs in South Asia with an emphasis on India. The aim was to assess the contribution of TBAs in providing maternal and infant health care service at different stages of pregnancy and after-delivery and birthing practices adopted in home births. The review of role revealed that apart from TBAs, there are various other people in the community also involved in making decisions about the welfare and health of the birthing mother and new born baby. However, TBAs have changing, localised but nonetheless significant roles in delivery, postnatal and infant care in India. Certain traditional birthing practices such as bathing babies immediately after birth, not weighing babies after birth and not feeding with colostrum are adopted in home births as well as health institutions in India. There is therefore a thin precarious balance between the application of biomedical and traditional knowledge. Customary rituals and perceptions essentially affect practices in home and institutional births and hence training of TBAs need to be implemented in conjunction with community awareness programmes.
Spanish Adaptation of the FACES IV Questionnaire: Psychometric Characteristics
Authors: Rivero Nayeli , Martínez-Pampliega Ana , Olson David H.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to obtain a culturally adapted Spanish version of the American Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES IV). For this purpose, rigorous procedures were used in the retro-translation process and in the subsequent empirical study. The sampling consisted of 455 university students and a balanced scale of 13 items (α = .87) was obtained; a scale that can be used independently. Moreover, the study was rounded off with a 6-factor model that includes 2 central scales—cohesion and adaptability—and 4 extreme scales—chaotic, rigid, disengaged, and enmeshed—each one with 4 items. All the scales proved to have good psychometric qualities and suitable convergent, concurrent, and content validity, yet it will be necessary to go more deeply into the rigid scale. The construct validity was supported by a confirmatory factorial analysis with sound fit indexes (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.046, normed fit index [NFI] = 0.94, the comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.97, and the goodness-of-fit index [GFI] = 0.92). In its Spanish version, FACES IV is a useful instrument for family assessment, although further studies need to be carried out so as to confirm the results obtained.
Revision and Validation of the Family Apperception Test: Some Psychometric Properties
Authors: Roskam Isabelle , Stiévenart Marie , Deschuyteneer Laurence , Heenen-Wolff Susann
Published: July 2010

The Family Apperception Test (FAT) is a projective assessment procedure based on the family system theory. FAT allows the subjects’ affects and feelings about their family to be assessed. The original version and its French translation removed some of the conceptual and psychometric limitations of previous projective tests and family assessment procedures but several questions remained. The current study proposes several modifications to the conceptual background, administration, coding procedure, and standardization of the FAT, which considerably improve its psychometric properties. Data were collected on 168 typical and clinical children in the French-speaking part of Belgium. The results provide significant evidence for inter- and intra-assessor reliability; the factorial analysis and the internal consistency of the revised version were good; the FAT enabled us to discriminate between typical children and those in the clinical sample. The discussion focuses on the interest and limits of the quantitative coding procedure, based on several categories conceptualized as risk versus protective factors. The FAT is characterized by a complementary approach—both quantitative and qualitative—to the children and their families.
Whistle-blowers as a Deterrent to Tax Evasion
Authors: Mealem Yosef , Tobol Yossef , Yaniv Gideon
Published: July 2010

The economic literature on audit design has almost entirely ignored tax agencies’ practical reliance on whistle-blowers for the successful conduct of tax investigations. The authors compare the tax agency’s performance under a one-round blind-audit policy and a two-round whistle-blowing-intensive policy that invites whistle-blowers to blow the whistle on tax evaders who have escaped auditing in the first round. The authors show that if providing incentives for tax evasion is desirable under the one-round blind-audit scheme, the tax agency might be better off running a second, whistle-blowing-triggered, round, threatening to audit a sufficiently high fraction of the denounced evaders that will deter them from evading taxes. Hence, there will actually be no denouncing by honest whistle-blowers, who will find themselves serving as a deterrent to tax evasion without actually satisfying their desire for revenge or collecting a monetary reward. Committed to its threat, the tax agency will only be auditing falsely denounced non-evaders.
Is the Demand for Health Care Generosity Equal for All Recipients? A Longitudinal Analysis of State Medicaid Spending, 1977-2004
Authors: Howard Larry L.
Published: July 2010

This article estimates an economic model of the determinants of state government spending on health care benefits provided through the Medicaid program for the old, disabled, and young populations, respectively. Spending on the mutually exclusive recipient groups, rather than the aggregate, is examined to ascertain the extent to which one population’s costs supplant spending on the alternative populations. Endogeneity bias arising from the incentive effects of health care benefit guarantees on program take-up is addressed using an identification strategy that relies on measures of time-varying state resident participation in federally administered welfare programs to control for unobservable economic and noneconomic opportunities simultaneously determining Medicaid recipiency. It finds that state demand for health care generosity for each population is interrelated with the specific costs of the alternative populations. Simulations of eligibility expansions targeting each of the recipient populations illustrate the substitution effects evident in state Medicaid spending.
Pregnancy-induced fluctuations in functional T-cell subsets in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Neuteboom Rinze F , Verbraak Evert , Wierenga-Wolf Annet F , van Meurs Marjan , Steegers Eric AP , de Groot Christianne JM , Laman Jon D , Hintzen Rogier Q
Published: July 2010

Background: During pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity is reduced. It is not known which factors mediate this disease amelioration.

Objective: To study whether the frequency of two important T-cell subsets, T-helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T-cells (Treg), is altered in relation to pregnancy-induced MS disease amelioration.

Methods: Each individual was tested longitudinally, after sampling of blood at timepoints before pregnancy, during the first and third trimester, and in the early post-partum period. Frequencies of Th17 cells were assessed after short (4 hours) re-stimulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes with PMA and ionomycin, followed by flow cytometry using CD4, CD45RO and IL-17A antibodies. To assess peripheral blood Treg frequencies, we used six-colour flow cytometry with antibodies against CD3, CD4, CD25, CD127, FoxP3 and HLA-DR, to specifically identify Treg.

Results: Both MS patients ( n = 9) and controls ( n = 8) displayed unaltered Th17 frequencies during pregnancy. In contrast, circulating Treg frequency significantly decreased in MS patients ( n = 15) during the first and third ( p < 0.001) trimesters compared with the period before pregnancy. In the post-partum period, the frequency of circulating Treg again resurged back to near pre-pregnancy levels. In controls ( n = 15) comparable frequency kinetics were observed in that post-partum a significant increase in circulating Treg frequency was detected compared with the first ( p < 0.001) and third ( p = 0.012) trimester.

Conclusions: Third trimester amelioration is not related to the fluctuation of circulating Th17 cells. Furthermore, a paradoxical decrease of immunosuppressive circulating Tregs can be observed during this phase, both in MS patients and controls.
Cognitive function in radiologically isolated syndrome
Authors: Lebrun Christine , Blanc Frederic , Brassat David , Zephir Hélène , de Seze Jerome ,   behalf of CFSEP
Published: July 2010

Background: Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) is characterized by patients with asymptomatic T2 hypersignals detected by brain MRI fulfilling dissemination in space criteria and is suggestive of subclinical multiple sclerosis (MS). In previous studies, it was demonstrated that visual evoked potential and cerebrospinal fluid help to identify pejorative markers in converting to MS.

Objective: To date the cognitive function has never been investigated in a cohort of RIS. The objective of this study was to investigate cognitive function in a cohort of 26 RIS patients.

Methods: We prospectively assessed the BCcogSEP (a French adaptation of the Brief Repeatable Battery (BRB) including eight cognitive tests) of 26 patients with RIS, compared with 26 MS patients and 26 healthy subjects matched for age, sex and level of education.

Results: When comparing the three groups, the cognitive performance was significantly lower in the RIS and MS groups compared with healthy subjects for the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) 3 seconds ( p = 0.002), phonemic fluencies ( p = 0.02), the code of the WAIS ( p = 0.05), the direct ( p = 0.002) or indirect ( p = 0.007) digit span test, the cross-taping test ( p = 0.019) and Go—No-Go ( p = 0.001). When we compared RIS and MS, the cognitive performance was significantly lower in MS patients for the direct span number ( p = 0.003) and cross-tapping test ( p = 0.05). We did not find significant differences between the three groups for the other tests. We did not find a correlation between clinical, biological and MRI results and cognitive dysfunctions.

Conclusions: This study confirms the recently developed concept of RIS patients who present similar features to MS patients. Further studies are necessary to confirm these initial results and to correlate cognitive disorders with MRI surrogate markers.
Wisdom of the crowd or technicity of content? Wikipedia as a sociotechnical system
Authors: Niederer Sabine , van Dijck José
Published: July 2010

Wikipedia is often considered as an example of ‘collaborative knowledge’. Researchers have contested the value of Wikipedia content on various accounts. Some have disputed the ability of anonymous amateurs to produce quality information, while others have contested Wikipedia’s claim to accuracy and neutrality. Even if these concerns about Wikipedia as an encyclopaedic genre are relevant, they misguidedly focus on human agents only. Wikipedia’s advance is not only enabled by its human resources, but is equally defined by the technological tools and managerial dynamics that structure and maintain its content. This article analyses the sociotechnical system — the intricate collaboration between human users and automated content agents — that defines Wikipedia as a knowledge instrument.
I tweet honestly, I tweet passionately: Twitter users, context collapse, and the imagined audience
Authors: Marwick Alice E. , boyd danah
Published: July 2010

Social media technologies collapse multiple audiences into single contexts, making it difficult for people to use the same techniques online that they do to handle multiplicity in face-to-face conversation. This article investigates how content producers navigate ‘imagined audiences’ on Twitter. We talked with participants who have different types of followings to understand their techniques, including targeting different audiences, concealing subjects, and maintaining authenticity. Some techniques of audience management resemble the practices of ‘micro-celebrity’ and personal branding, both strategic self-commodification. Our model of the networked audience assumes a many-to-many communication through which individuals conceptualize an imagined audience evoked through their tweets.
Social memory and trauma in northwestern Tanzania
Authors: Schmidt Peter R.
Published: July 2010

This essay assesses current oral social memory near the best documented ancient sacred site in Africa, the ‘Olduvai Gorge of the Iron Age’ (as locals now call it), located just west of Lake Victoria. Marked by Kaiija tree, this site is known for its antiquity and the rich panoply of myth and history attached to it. However, the deaths of older care-takers and tradition-keepers caused by HIV/AIDS and the destruction of once sacred shrines have permanently changed how history is now kept and remembered. A spontaneous initiative taken by local residents - a kind of therapeutic healing through heritage - is revitalizing the shrines and leading to a community re-examination of oral traditions to establish how the loss of these powerful mnemonics and older keepers of history has affected historical knowledge.
Fundraising and Values: When Do You Say “No” to Money
Authors: Hunsaker Johanna S.
Published: July 2010

Larimor University entered a relationship with a donor during a time of continuous leadership changes. The case study had many issues: questionable ethics in fundraising and donor relations, leadership failing to uphold the values by which the institution was founded, leadership transition and succession planning, ineffective management policies, employee harassment, and how unnecessary problems occur due to weak leadership authority.