bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Mechanical Loading on Electrical Conductivity in Porcine TMJ Discs
Authors: Kuo J. , Wright G.J. , Bach D.E. , Slate E.H. , Yao H.
Published: July 2011

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of mechanical loading on solute transport in porcine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discs using the electrical conductivity method. The electrical conductivity, as well as ion diffusivity, of TMJ discs was determined under confined compression with 3 strains in 5 disc regions. The average electrical conductivity over the 5 regions (mean ± SD) at 0% strain was 3.10 ± 0.68 mS/cm, decreased to 2.76 ± 0.58 mS/cm (-11.0%) at 10% strain, and 2.38 ± 0.55 mS/cm (-22.2%) at 20% compressive strain. Correspondingly, the average relative ion diffusivity (mean ± SD) at 0% strain was 0.273 ± 0.055, decreased to 0.253 ± 0.048 (-7.3%) at 10% strain, and 0.231 ± 0.048 (-15.4%) at 20% compressive strain. These results indicated that compressive strain impeded solute transport in the TMJ disc. Furthermore, our results showed that the transport properties of TMJ discs were region-dependent. The electrical conductivity and ion diffusivity in the anterior region were significantly higher than in the posterior region. This regional difference is likely due to the significant differences of tissue hydration between these 2 regions. This study provides important insight into the electrical and solute transport behaviors in TMJ discs under mechanical loading and aids in the understanding of TMJ pathophysiology related to tissue nutrition.
The Genetic Links Between the Big Five Personality Traits and General Interest Domains
Authors: Kandler Christian , Bleidorn Wiebke , Riemann Rainer , Angleitner Alois , Spinath Frank M.
Published: July 2011

This is the first genetically informative study in which multiple informants were used to quantify the genetic and environmental sources of individual differences in general interests as well as the phenotypic and genetic links between general interests and Big Five personality traits. Self-reports and two peer ratings from 844 individuals, including 225 monozygotic and 113 dizygotic complete twin pairs, were collected. Multiple-rater scores (composites) revealed that the averaged levels of genetic and environmental effects on seven broad interest domains were similar to those on personality traits. Multivariate analyses showed that about 35% of the genetic and 9% of the environmental variance in interests were explained by personality domains, in particular by Openness. The findings suggest that interests cannot easily be considered as a byproduct of the interactions between personality genotypes and the environmental influences but rather as an internal regulation of behavior with an own genetic basis.
Explanations for Education Gradients in Depression
Authors: Lee Jinkook , Smith James P.
Published: July 2011

In this article, the authors examine gender differences in educational gradients in depressive symptoms of married couples and identify what accounts for education gradients for husbands and wives. They use a nationally representative sample of married couples from the 2006 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, which collected information about depressive symptoms and risk factors for both spouses. Results show that for married couples, there are significant education gradients in depressive symptoms for both husbands and wives. Economic resources, physical health, children, and the relationship of spouse explain educational gradients of both husbands and wives. On the other hand, work and organized social activities are important pathways for husbands but not for wives. In contrast, spouse’s educational attainment accounts for wives’ educational gradient but not husbands’. The authors conclude that education is a strong predictor of depressive symptoms, but the pathways linking education to depressive symptoms differ between men and women.
Intangible nodes and networks of influence: The ethics of tax compliance in Australian small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Rawlings Gregory
Published: July 2011

This article draws from qualitative research to investigate key networks of influence in tax compliance decisions in Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It focuses on how SME interviewees manage and meet tax obligations through invoking the wider ethical and moral values placed on compliance evident in their advocacy of equal opportunity and equity in human resourcing, occupational health and safety measures and environmental reporting. Good corporate citizenship constitutes an important independent ‘intangible’ node within decision-making networks, framing relationships with influential external parties such as accountants. This discussion is limited by its inability to independently verify self-reported claims of compliance, or measure key indicators such as performance differences between compliant and non-compliant firms due to access restrictions on audit data. Nevertheless, it provides a window on perspectives, discourses and subjective understandings of the relationship between taxation and SME business management opening up new questions for future empirical research.
A resource-based analysis of bankruptcy law, SMEs and corporate recovery
Authors: Cook Gary A.S. , Pandit Naresh R. , Milman David
Published: July 2011

The UK Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) is an early example of a bankruptcy regime designed to aid the rescue of financially distressed SMEs. Its efficacy hinges on its application to aid only viable companies with liquidation as the preferred option for companies that are not viable. This article proposes the resource-based view as a theoretical means to assess the viability of bankrupt SMEs. Seven hypotheses are tested and provide support for the central proposition, that a company which has resource strength, but is pushed into bankruptcy by temporary factors, is more likely to succeed in a CVA. The article concludes that the resource-based view is useful for analysing the viability of bankrupt companies and that well-designed bankruptcy law can promote SMEs and entrepreneurship.
Substitution therapy for alcoholism: time for a reappraisal?
Authors: Chick Jonathan , Nutt David J
Published: July 2011

A number of compounds already in use as medications for various indications substitute for ethanol at clinically relevant brain pathways, in particular, at gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. Nevertheless, although substitute medications have been recognized for heroin and tobacco dependence, patients with alcohol dependence are rarely offered an analogous approach. Benzodiazepines may have paradoxical effects, and abuse and dependence are known. Baclofen (GABAB agonist) has not been associated with dependence or misuse and has been effective in several trials in preventing relapse, although research is required to establish the optimal dosing regimen. GABA-ergic anticonvulsants, helpful in treating withdrawal, have yet to emerge as effective in relapse prevention. Clomethiazole and sodium oxybate, the latter having been shown to be effective in relapse prevention, have incurred a reputation for dependence and abuse. However, data have emerged showing that the risk of abuse of sodium oxybate is lower than many clinicians had foreseen. For a condition where existing therapies are only effective in a proportion of patients, and which has high morbidity and mortality, the time now seems right for reappraising the use of substitute prescribing for alcohol dependence.
Unfair Treatment in the Workplace and Worker Well-Being
Authors: Sloan Melissa M.
Published: July 2011

Recent attention has been given to the supportive relationships that may develop among coworkers, and researchers have produced evidence that coworker support can be beneficial for worker well-being. However, studies that have examined the role of social support at work in protecting workers from the detrimental effects of a poor work environment have reported mixed results. The effects of coworker support appear to depend on the type of stressor experienced. This research focuses on stress from exposure to mistreatment by others. This type of stress may be particularly harmful for interactive service workers as they must negotiate interactions with others of various statuses in the workplace. Drawing on data from a large survey of workers, the ability of perceived coworker support to help protect workers from the negative effects of mistreatment by supervisors, customers, and coworkers is examined. The results offer some support for the stress-buffering hypothesis. Although being treated unfairly by others in the workplace is associated with low levels of job satisfaction and high levels of psychological distress, workers who report supportive coworker relationships appear to be protected from some of the negative effects of mistreatment.
A Single Exposure to the American Flag Shifts Support Toward Republicanism up to 8 Months Later
Authors: Carter Travis J. , Ferguson Melissa J. , Hassin Ran R.
Published: July 2011

There is scant evidence that incidental cues in the environment significantly alter people’s political judgments and behavior in a durable way. We report that a brief exposure to the American flag led to a shift toward Republican beliefs, attitudes, and voting behavior among both Republican and Democratic participants, despite their overwhelming belief that exposure to the flag would not influence their behavior. In Experiment 1, which was conducted online during the 2008 U.S. presidential election, a single exposure to an American flag resulted in a significant increase in participants’ Republican voting intentions, voting behavior, political beliefs, and implicit and explicit attitudes, with some effects lasting 8 months after the exposure to the prime. In Experiment 2, we replicated the findings more than a year into the current Democratic presidential term. These results constitute the first evidence that nonconscious priming effects from exposure to a national flag can bias the citizenry toward one political party and can have considerable durability.
Sticky Thoughts
Authors: Joormann Jutta , Levens Sara M. , Gotlib Ian H.
Published: July 2011

Cognitive inflexibility may play an important role in rumination, a risk factor for the onset and maintenance of depressive episodes. In the study reported here, we assessed participants’ ability to either reverse or maintain in working memory the order of three emotion or three neutral words. Differences (or sorting costs) between response latencies in backward trials, on which participants were asked to reverse the order of the words, and forward trials, on which participants were asked to remember the words in the order in which they were presented, were calculated. Compared with control participants, depressed participants had higher sorting costs, particularly when presented with negative words. It is important to note that rumination predicted sorting costs for negative words but not for positive or neutral words in the depressed group. These findings indicate that depression and rumination are associated with deficits in cognitive control.
Control
Authors: Drach-Zahavy Anat , Goldblatt Hadass , Granot Michal , Hirschmann Shmuel , Kostintski Hava
Published: July 2011

Psychiatric patient assaults on staff are a serious problem, affecting staff, patients, and organizations. To understand the etiology of aggressive events, researchers have documented characteristics of aggressive patients, their victims, and to a lesser degree, the patient–provider interaction. Missing in the literature is how staff’s different perceptions of aggressive incidents might impact their reactions. In this study, we conducted in-depth, semistructured interviews with 11 health care professionals working in a psychiatric ward in one Israeli psychiatric hospital. Through content analysis, we revealed two main themes: patients’ and providers’ controllability over patients’ aggression. From the intersection of these two themes, four prototypes of the aggressive encounter emerged: the power struggle, the therapeutic encounter, inverse power relations, and victim-to-victim encounters, each distinctively characterized by different emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses. We discuss our findings in light of attribution theory, which carries important theoretical and practical implications for handling aggression.
More Than a Game
Authors: Paschall Melissa , Wüstenhagen Rolf
Published: July 2011

Educating management students on the connections between business and climate change is essential both to their careers and to society’s ability to solve the climate challenge. To impart deep and lasting learning on this topic, the authors developed a multischool negotiation simulation that is unique in its intensiveness, cross-sector design, and transdisciplinary nature. This article explains their objectives, connects the choice of a role-play format to past literature, describes the curriculum they designed, and evaluates the results of its first and second teachings. Evaluation is based on the extent to which the course met their specific objectives, how individual elements contributed to overall learning, and the overlap between this curriculum and established precepts of good sustainability teaching. In addition, they draw lessons from their experience to guide others wishing to teach on this or on related topics.
Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Vagina
Authors: Placide Ngendahayo , Robert Semoulin
Published: July 2011

Solitary fibrous tumor, initially described in the pleura, is now known to occur in various extrathoracic sites. However, its occurrence in the female genital tract, especially the vagina, is extremely rare. The authors report here a case of a well-circumscribed vaginal spindle cell nodule in a 48-year-old woman with features consistent with solitary fibrous tumor. The diagnosis was established histologically by the varying pattern with hypocellular fibrous areas alternating with hypercellular areas and hemangiopericytoma-like areas and, immunohistochemically by the strong positive reaction for CD34 and Bcl2 with a negative reaction for all other spindle cell and epithelial markers. The differential diagnosis is discussed and a review of the literature is presented.
Coexistence of Primary Gastric Giant Cell–Rich Leiomyosarcoma and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Insabato Luigi , Masone Stefania , Campione Severo , Vigliar Elena , Staibano Stefania , Tornillo Luigi
Published: July 2011

Leiomyosarcoma is one of the most common types of soft tissue sarcoma, usually seen in deep soft tissues of the extremities and retroperitoneum. Leiomyosarcoma primarily involving the gastrointestinal tract is uncommon. This report presents a rare case of primary gastric giant cell-rich leiomyosarcoma associated with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach in a 51-year-old man. The patient was alive with no evidence of recurrence 10 months later. To the authors’ knowledge, this association has not been previously reported.
Characteristics of Women Who Do and Do Not Receive Onsite Shelter Services From Domestic Violence Programs
Authors: Grossman Susan F. , Lundy Marta
Published: July 2011

Shelter services are an essential means of providing help to women who are victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), but not all victims receive shelter. This article reports the results of a secondary analysis of statewide data from women using IPV services, comparing victims who did and did not obtain shelter. The demographic characteristics, abuse experiences, and service patterns of these survivors are examined. A model predicting characteristics associated with the likelihood of shelter receipt indicates that women who obtain shelter are more vulnerable and obtain more services than women who do not obtain shelter. The implications of these results are discussed.
Our Environment, Our Health
Authors: Cohen Alison , Lopez Andrea , Malloy Nile , Morello-Frosch Rachel
Published: July 2011

This study presents a health survey conducted by a community-based participatory research partnership between academic researchers and community organizers to consider environmental health and environmental justice issues in four neighborhoods of Richmond, California, a low-income community of color living along the fence line of a major oil refinery and near other industrial and mobile sources of pollution. The Richmond health survey aimed to assess local concerns and perceptions of neighborhood conditions, health problems, mobile and stationary hazards, access to health care, and other issues affecting residents of Richmond. Although respondents thought their neighborhoods were good places to live, they expressed concerns about neighborhood stressors and particular sources of pollution, and identified elevated asthma rates for children and long-time Richmond residents. The Richmond health survey offers a holistic, community-centered perspective to understanding local environmental health issues, and can inform future environmental health research and organizing efforts for community–university collaboratives.
Measuring variations in party unity voting
Authors: Crespin Michael H. , Rohde David W. , Wielen Ryan J. Vander
Published: July 2011

Measures of party divisiveness have been widely used in scholarly literature for a variety of different purposes. However, conventional measures of party divisiveness, such as the percentage of party votes in a particular Congress, fail to consider important changes in the agenda from one Congress to the next. We introduce a measure that controls for such changes, drawing attention to the effect that agenda change has on observed party divisiveness and providing a more accurate account of party divisiveness across time. We analyse party voting in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1953 and 2004, and find that a sizeable amount of the fluctuation in party divisiveness identified by conventional measures is mitigated using this method. While we examine party voting in the U.S. House, our theory and method is applicable to similar measures used in the study of other legislatures (e.g. Rice and Attinà indices).
Do Health Beliefs, Health Care System Distrust, and Racial Pride Influence HPV Vaccine Acceptability among African American College Females?
Authors: Bynum Shalanda A. , Brandt Heather M. , Annang Lucy , Friedman Daniela B. , Tanner Andrea , Sharpe Patricia A.
Published: July 2011

The promise of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines rests with the ability to promote widespread uptake especially among populations at high risk of cervical cancer and other associated disease outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine health beliefs and culturally specific influences of HPV vaccine acceptability among African American college females. Approximately 76 percent of participants reported HPV vaccine acceptability. Predictors of acceptability included: higher perceived benefit and lower racial pride. Findings can be used to inform development of campus-based HPV educational approaches to promote widespread HPV vaccine acceptability and safer sex practices among African American college females.
Telephone Lifestyle Coaching: Is It Feasible as a Behavioural Change Intervention for Men?
Authors: Aoun Samar , Osseiran-Moisson Rebecca , Shahid Shaouli , Howat Peter , O’ Connor Moira
Published: July 2011

This study assessed the feasibility of a telephone lifestyle coaching intervention for middle aged and older men in a service club setting and evaluated its impact on behavioural change in terms of BMI, physical activity, dietary habits, self-reported quality of life and stages of change. Forty participants from Rotary clubs in Western Australia participated in this pilot intervention. Findings showed significant improvements in lifestyle risk modification indicators. Participants were very satisfied with the interaction with their coaches and rated highly the telephone as a medium for coaching. Findings suggested that telephone coaching was a feasible means of delivering a lifestyle intervention in a ‘real-world’ setting for a hard to reach population group.
In-cabin Exposure Levels of Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide and Airborne Particulate Matter in Air-Conditioned Buses of Hong Kong
Authors: Wong L.T. , Mui K.W. , Cheung C.T. , Chan W.Y. , Lee Y.H. , Cheung C.L.
Published: July 2011

Bus cabin air quality has not been incessantly monitored in Hong Kong. This study investigates the in-cabin exposure levels of CO, CO2 and PM10 for running buses in Hong Kong that are equipped with Euro II, III and IV engines. A representative urban—suburban bus route was chosen and there were no significantly different in-cabin CO levels reported among engine types and between rush and non-rush hours. However, in-cabin CO level was found significantly associated with ambient/roadside CO level; the former was altogether higher than the latter due to the bus’ own exhaust. Regarding in-cabin PM10 concentration, the engine type played a major role. The outcome demonstrates that new buses (i.e. Euro IV) generally provide a better in-cabin environment for commuters. Therefore, implementation of an air filtration upgrade, together with a routine filter cleaning schedule, is an effective measure to ameliorate bus cabin air quality. This study also provides useful information for further investigation into the causal relationship between health risks and long-term air pollution exposure in local bus cabins.
VOC Sink Behaviour on Building Materials – Model Evaluation
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Guo Zhishi , Sparks Leslie E. , Roache Nancy F.
Published: July 2011

The event of 11 September 2001 underscored the need to study the vulnerability of buildings to weapons of mass destruction, including chemical, biological, physical and radiological agents. Should these agents be released inside a building, they would interact with interior surfaces, building materials and furnishings, and could remain for a long period in an indoor environment. This study provides insights into the sink effect and absorption mechanisms of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor environments. In this study, the sink effect was investigated with building materials (e.g. painted gypsum wallboard, vinyl flooring, carpet and mortar) and VOCs, ethylbenzene, 1-butanol, decane and dodecane, which were used as surrogates of toxic chemicals. Vinyl flooring has the strongest sink for ethylbenzene and dodecane. The sink experimental data were employed to evaluate the Langmuir-isotherm and diffusion sink models. Test data were also compared to a no-sink model. The sorption and desorption rate constants for the Langmuir-isotherm model were obtained. Mass balance was analysed. There were strong correlations between equilibrium partition coefficients from the Langmuir-isotherm model and equilibrium partition coefficients and the effective diffusion coefficients from the sink diffusion model.
Lighting and Energetic Characteristics of Transparent Insulating Materials: Experimental Data and Calculation
Authors: Buratti Cinzia , Moretti Elisa
Published: July 2011

This paper reports the study of thermal and optical properties of innovative transparent insulating materials (TIM) for glazing systems: silica aerogel (pane and granular) and capillary geometric media. Twenty-one samples were assembled with several kinds of glasses in various combinations with TIM. Transmission and reflection coefficients versus wavelength were measured and the results were elaborated in compliance with UNI EN 410/2000. The better performance was given by the monolithic aerogel both for light transmittance (0.58 in interspace between two 4mm float glasses) and thermal insulation (U = 0.63 W • m— 2 • K—1). The solar factor was 0.70. The performance of the innovative glazing systems was compared with data related to windows normally used in Italy and in EU countries, in order to comply with the limits of the local normative standard required for thermal transmittance. The results showed a very promising behaviour of TIMs, in fact a 60% reduction in heat losses with respect to a double glazing with a low-e layer was achieved, with only a 27% reduction in light transmittance. For the granular systems, a U-value little higher than 1 W • m—2 • K—1 with the same total thickness was obtained, even if the light reduction was about 66%.
Comparison of the Compression Anastomosis Ring (EndoCAR) With a Circular Stapled Anastomosis in a Porcine Model
Authors: Chun Jonathan , Lee Dooseok , Stewart David , Talcott Michael , Fleshman James
Published: July 2011

Purpose. The aim of this study was to compare characteristics of rectal compression and stapled anastomoses at multiple time points. Methods. A total of 50 domestic pigs underwent a rectal anastomosis with a compression device or a circular stapler. They were sacrificed at zero-time, 2 days, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. Burst and maximal tolerated pressure and sites of failure, internal diameters, and radiographic leak rates were assessed. Desmosine (elastin) levels were determined. Results. There were no clinical or radiographic leaks. Overall, 10 out of 27 (37%) compression anastomoses burst at higher pressures than the 14 out of 24 (58%) stapled anastomoses. Mean circumference and anastomotic index were greater for the EndoCAR at 1 week and 3 months. Desmosine levels were similar. Conclusions. In the porcine model, compression rectal anastomoses with the EndoCAR had improved bursting pressures and internal circumference compared with circular stapled anastomoses.
Adoption of Surgical Innovations
Authors: Wright Frances C. , Gagliardi Anna R. , Fraser Novlette , Quan May Lynn
Published: July 2011

Purpose. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been unevenly adopted into practice in Canada. In this qualitative study, the authors explored individual, institutional, and policy factors that may have influenced SLNB adoption. This information will guide interventions to improve SLNB implementation. Methods. Qualitative methodology was used to examine factors influencing SLNB adoption. Grounded theory guided data collection and analysis. Semistructured interviews were based on Roger’s diffusion of innovation theory. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to identify participants. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with urban, rural, academic, and community health care providers and administrators to ensure all perspectives and motivations were explored. Two individuals independently analyzed data and achieved consensus on emerging themes and their relationship. Results. A total of 43 interviews were completed with 21 surgeons, 5 pathologists, 7 nuclear medicine physicians, and 10 administrators. Generated themes included awareness of SLNB with the exception of some administrators, acknowledged advantage of SLNB, SLNB compatibility with beliefs regarding axillary staging, acknowledgment that SLNB was a complex innovation to adopt, extensive trialing of SLNB prior to adoption, observable benefits with SLNB, acknowledgment that hospital-level administrative support enabled adoption, desire for a provincial policy supporting SLNB to assist in hospital-level adoption, requirement of a local high-volume breast surgery champion who communicated extensively with team to facilitate local adoption, and need for credentialing of SLNB to ensure quality. Conclusions. SLNB is a complex innovation to adopt. Successful adoption was assisted by a high-volume breast cancer surgical champion, interprofessional communication, and administrative support.
Laparoscopic Nissen–Rossetti Fundoplication Is a Safe and Effective Treatment for Both Acid and Bile Gastroesophageal Reflux in Patients Poorly Responsive to Proton Pump Inhibitor
Authors: Brillantino Antonio , Schettino Michele , Torelli Francesco , Marano Luigi , Porfidia Raffaele , Reda Gianmarco , Grassia Michele , Braccio Bartolomeo , Di Martino Natale
Published: July 2011

Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic Nissen–Rossetti fundoplication in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) poorly responsive to standard dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Methods. A total of 35 patients (19 women, 16 men, mean age 44.6 ± 14.01 years) were enrolled. All the patients underwent symptom questionnaires, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and combined 24-hour esophageal pH and bilirubin monitoring. Following this, the patients with persistent pathological esophageal acid and/or bilirubin exposure underwent laparoscopic antireflux surgery, followed by clinical and instrumental 12-month follow-up. Results. One year after surgery, there was a significant improvement of symptom score, compared with standard PPI dose period (3.54 ± 1.67 vs 20.8 ± 10.9, P < .0001; paired t test) and mean percentage total time acid and bile exposure showed a significant decrease (4.9 ± 2.9 vs 2.03 ± 0.74 and 8.3 ± 3.03 vs 0.84 ± 0.56, P < .0001; paired t test). Conclusions. In patients with GERD poorly responsive to standard PPI dose, laparoscopic Nissen–Rossetti fundoplication appears to be a safe and effective treatment of symptoms, esophageal damage, as well as both acid and bile reflux.
Totally Endoscopic Magnetic Enteral Bypass by External Guided Rendez-Vous Technique
Authors: Diana Michele , Wall James , Perretta Silvana , Dallemagne Bernard , Gonzales Kelly D. , Harrison Michael R. , Agnus Vincent , Soler Luc , Nicolau Stephan , Marescaux Jacques
Published: July 2011

Objective. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a totally endoscopic enteral bypass using a self-orienting, dual ring, magnetic anastomosis system (MAGNAMOSIS) guided by a magnetic tracking system (3D METRIS). Materials and methods. In an anesthetized pig, 2 endoscopes were advanced, one each into the stomach and the colon. Both endoscopes were equipped with a MAGNAMOSIS ring secured with an endoscopic snare and a 3D METRIS within one working channel. The whole procedure was followed laparoscopically. The tracking system guided tips of endoscopes to a “rendez-vous” location between the colon and stomach. Results. MAGNAMOSIS magnets automatically joined in the correct configuration when guided to within 2 cm of each other. At necropsy, magnetic rings were secure without entrapment of excess bowel or mesentery. Conclusion. An endoscopic enteral bypass with magnetic anastomosis and magnetic tracking device was feasible. More accurate tracking and advanced techniques could enable endoscopic bypasses at multiple sites in the gastrointestinal tract.
New Backstrap Vagus Electrode for Continuous Intraoperative Neuromonitoring in Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Lamadé Wolfram , Ulmer Christoph , Rieber Fabian , Friedrich Colin , Koch Klaus P. , Thon Klaus-Peter
Published: July 2011

Introduction. Continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (CIONM) via vagal nerve stimulation allows real-time surveillance of the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery. However, for effective CIONM, subtle changes in recurrent laryngeal nerve conductivity have to be detected. A newly developed stimulation electrode that provides stable nerve stimulation and safe application is presented. Methods. For electrode validation, current distribution was simulated with the finite element method. Mechanical characteristics were assessed through bench testing. Clinical evaluation was initiated with 11 thyroid surgeries. Results. Experimental and clinical results led to the development of a tripolar gold/polyimide electrode mounted onto a backstrap-shaped silicone body. It facilitated rapid electrode implantation and extraction (median implantation time 4 ± 19 seconds). Peak extraction force was 570 mN. Median supramaximal stimulation currents were 2.00 ± 0.95 mA and resulted in reliable electromyogram responses (median 3.1 ± 3.0 mV). No intraoperative electrode dislocations occurred, and no postoperative nerve palsy was observed. Conclusion. The new backstrap vagal stimulation electrode meets the requirements for reliable CIONM.
Inguinal Hernia Orifice for Specimen Extraction After Laparoscopic Resections
Authors: Lupinacci Renato Micelli , Dias André Roncon , Kondo André , Lupinacci Renato Arioni
Published: July 2011

Specimen extraction is an unavoidable step in all laparoscopic resections. To this day there is no standardized retrieval incision for each procedure and the choice is made individually, yet based on the surgeon’s experience and preference. Additionally, worldwide prevalence of inguinal hernia is high and many patients with this condition require surgical intervention for a distinct reason. In these particular cases, the hernia orifice can be seeing as an opportunity, allowing specimen retrieval when an open repair is performed immediately after the laparoscopic resection. In the present article, the authors propose this new option. Three patients who underwent this technique are also presented. Discussion is focused on the advantages and critics of the approach.
Antibacterial Mesh
Authors: Yurko Yuliya , McDeavitt Kathleen , Kumar Rohan Satish , Martin Terri , Prabhu Ajita , Lincourt Amy E. , Vertegel Alexey , Heniford B. Todd
Published: July 2011

Background. Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides are possibly the “next frontier” in infection prevention. Binding them to mesh could reduce the rate of mesh infections. This study identifies an antimicrobial agent capable of significant antibacterial activity when bound to mesh. Methods. Lysozyme, human beta defensin (HBD-3), human cathelicidin (LL-37), and lysostaphin were adsorbed to polypropylene mesh at various concentrations. Treated meshes were placed in a suspension of 1 × 106 Staphylococcus aureus. Antibacterial action was monitored by turbidimetric assay, fluorescent imaging, and a colony counting method. Results. A very high rate of lysis of S aureus cells was observed in the lysostaphin-treated group as measured by optical density; none survived as seen on colony count assays. Optical density for mesh coated with lysozyme, HBD-3, and LL-37 did not differ from untreated controls, with 100% survival rates by colony counts. Conclusion. Lysostaphin had superior antibacterial activity following adsorption to mesh.
Hiding Intersphincteric and Transphincteric Sepsis in a Novel Pathological Approach to Chronic Anal Fissure
Authors: Naldini Gabriele , Cerullo Guido , Mascagni Domenico , Orlandi Simone , Menconi Claudia , Zeri Kenneth , Felli Emanuele , Martellucci Jacopo
Published: July 2011

Aim. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether endoanal ultrasonographic findings could better characterize chronic anal fissures, mostly in those patients with persistent and recurrent disease after medical treatment. Methods. Between January 2004 and April 2010, patients referred to our departments suspected for anal fissure were considered in a database. Physical examination and anoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of anal fissure in 543 patients. Chronicity was defined on the basis of morphological features of the fissure and mainly on its persistence or recurrence after medical therapy. Moreover, 172 out of 543 patients were selected with respect to the inclusion criteria and submitted to endoanal ultrasonography. Results. Seventeen out of 172 were anterior fissures (9.8%) and 155 posterior (90.2%). In 112 (65.1%) out of 172 patients submitted to endoanal ultrasonography, an associated chronic abscess was demonstrated, with expression of 91 intersphincteric and 21 low transphincteric fistulas, respectively. According to clinical data as well as comorbidities and previous surgery, there were no significant differences between patients with associated abscess and those with only chronic anal fissure. Conclusion. The authors assume that chronic fissures may persist because of hiding sepsis in the anal canal and that chronic anal fissure might be the clinical and pathological expression of a coexisting intersphincteric or low transphincteric fistula, and the ultrasonographic findings strongly support this theory.
Autostereoscopic Three-Dimensional Viewer Evaluation Through Comparison With Conventional Interfaces in Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Silvestri Michele , Simi Massimiliano , Cavallotti Carmela , Vatteroni Monica , Ferrari Vincenzo , Freschi Cinzia , Valdastri Pietro , Menciassi Arianna , Dario Paolo
Published: July 2011

In the near future, it is likely that 3-dimensional (3D) surgical endoscopes will replace current 2D imaging systems given the rapid spreading of stereoscopy in the consumer market. In this evaluation study, an emerging technology, the autostereoscopic monitor, is compared with the visualization systems mainly used in laparoscopic surgery: a binocular visor, technically equivalent from the viewer’s point of view to the da Vinci 3D console, and a standard 2D monitor. A total of 16 physicians with no experience in 3D interfaces performed 5 different tasks, and the execution time and accuracy of the tasks were evaluated. Moreover, subjective preferences were recorded to qualitatively evaluate the different technologies at the end of each trial. This study demonstrated that the autostereoscopic display is equally effective as the binocular visor for both low- and high-complexity tasks and that it guarantees better performance in terms of execution time than the standard 2D monitor. Moreover, an unconventional task, included to provide the same conditions to the surgeons regardless of their experience, was performed 22% faster when using the autostereoscopic monitor than the binocular visor. However, the final questionnaires demonstrated that 60% of participants preferred the user-friendliness of the binocular visor. These results are greatly heartening because autostereoscopic technology is still in its early stages and offers potential improvement. As a consequence, the authors expect that the increasing interest in autostereoscopy could improve its friendliness in the future and allow the technology to be widely accepted in surgery.
An Alternative System for Transvaginal Removal of Dermoid Cyst and a Comparative Study with Laparoscopy
Authors: Tanaka Masaaki , Sagawa Tetsuya , Yamazaki Rena , Myojo Subaru , Dohi Satoshi , Inoue Masaki
Published: July 2011

The objective was to introduce a new system for transvaginal removal of ovarian cyst and to evaluate its feasibility. With a new transvaginal system, ultrasound-assisted culdotomy, and laparoscopy supported cystectomy if vaginal procedure failed. The authors conducted a retrospective review in which 35 cases using new vaginal ovarian cystectomy were compared with 40 cases of laparoscopic cystectomy for the treatment of dermoid cyst. All cystectomies were completed without conversion to laparotomy and complications. In a case from vaginal group, laparoscopy was required. No differences existed in operating time, hemoglobin decrease, and C-reactive protein value between groups. Laparoscopically supported vaginal ovarian cystectomy with ultrasound-guided culdotomy was equivalent to laparoscopic cystectomy as to invasiveness and preserved the option of a completely vaginal approach. When a presumed benign dermoid cyst is located in cul-de-sac, this operation may represent a preferable alternative to an exclusively laparoscopic or exclusively vaginal ovarian cystectomy.
Shared Leadership and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour in Jordanian Public Universities: Developing a Global Workforce for the 21st Century
Authors: Khasawneh Samer
Published: July 2011

This article reports on an investigation of the impact of shared leadership on organizational citizenship behaviour among faculty members in Jordanian public universities. A sample of 558 faculty members employed by three public universities in Jordan participated in the study. The results indicated that shared leadership is moderately practised in Jordanian public universities based on the perceptions of faculty members. Moreover, faculty members exhibited moderate organizational citizenship behaviour as represented by its overall mean score. Finally, results of the study indicated that shared leadership explained 36.4 per cent of the variance in organizational citizenship behaviour, meaning that the practice of shared leadership in the workplace has prediction power of 36.4 in organizational citizenship behaviour of faculty members. The study ended by offering a number of practical and theoretical implications for the field of study.
Corrosion of glass contact refractories for the vitrification of radioactive wastes: a review
Authors: Bingham P A , Connelly A J , Hyatt N C , Hand R J
Published: July 2011

A key consideration for all radioactive waste vitrification technologies is the physical and chemical integrity of the melting vessel. Most melting vessels require refractory liners that can safely withstand the high-temperature, highly corrosive environment, contain molten waste mixtures during melting and provide robust and reproducible service lifetimes. In this review article the key glass contact refractory materials used in radioactive waste vitrification melters, their properties, their applications and the mechanisms by which they become corroded during service are reviewed.
Summit on cell therapy for cancer: The importance of the interaction of multiple disciplines to advance clinical therapy
Authors: Melief Cornelis JM , O'Shea John J , Stroncek David F
Published: July 2011

The field of cellular therapy of cancer is moving quickly and the issues involved with its advancement are complex and wide ranging. The growing clinical applications and success of adoptive cellular therapy of cancer has been due to the rapid evolution of immunology, cancer biology, gene therapy and stem cell biology and the translation of advances in these fields from the research laboratory to the clinic. The continued development of this field is dependent on the exchange of ideas across these diverse disciplines, the testing of new ideas in the research laboratory and in animal models, the development of new cellular therapies and GMP methods to produce these therapies, and the testing of new adoptive cell therapies in clinical trials. The Summit on Cell Therapy for Cancer to held on November 1 and 2, 2011 at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) campus will include a mix of perspectives, concepts and ideas related to adoptive cellular therapy that are not normally presented together at any single meeting. This novel assembly will generate new ideas and new collaborations and possibly increase the rate of advancement of this field.
Optimal modulation and coding scheme allocation of scalable video multicast over IEEE 802.16e networks
Authors: Tsai Chia-Tai , Jan Rong-Hong , Chen Chien
Published: July 2011

With the rapid development of wireless communication technology and the rapid increase in demand for network bandwidth, IEEE 802.16e is an emerging network technique that has been deployed in many metropolises. In addition to the features of high data rate and large coverage, it also enables scalable video multicasting, which is a potentially promising application, over an IEEE 802.16e network. How to optimally assign the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) of the scalable video stream for the mobile subscriber stations to improve spectral efficiency and maximize utility is a crucial task. We formulate this MCS assignment problem as an optimization problem, called the total utility maximization problem (TUMP). This article transforms the TUMP into a precedence constraint knapsack problem, which is a NP-complete problem. Then, a branch and bound method, which is based on two dominance rules and a lower bound, is presented to solve the TUMP. The simulation results show that the proposed branch and bound method can find the optimal solution efficiently.
Clusterin induces matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression via ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathways in monocytes/macrophages
Authors: Shim Young-Jun , Kang Byeong-Ho , Jeon Hye-Sook , Park In-Sun , Lee Ki-Up , Lee In-Kyu , Park Gil-Hong , Lee Kyung-Mi , Schedin Pepper , Min Bon-Hong
Published: July 2011

Most solid tumor tissues possess a significant population of macrophages, which are known to be closely linked with tumor progression and metastasis. Clusterin has been reported to be overexpressed in various tumors and to have a tumor-promoting role. As clusterin induction and macrophage infiltration occur concurrently at the tumor site, it raises a possibility that clusterin may regulate the function of macrophages via facilitating ECM remodeling. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the expression of MMP-9 by clusterin in human primary monocytes as well as human and murine macrophage cell lines, THP-1, and Raw264.7. MMP-9 expression was accompanied by increased enzymatic activity, as revealed by gelatin zymography. The MMP-9 activity promoted by clusterin was found to be dependent on the activation of ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt but not p38 or JNK pathways. Inhibition of PI3K activity did not affect the activation of ERK1/2 and vice versa, indicating that the two pathways were independently operated to stimulate MMP-9 activity. Moreover, clusterin facilitated nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 along with IκB-α degradation and phosphorylation, which was critical for MMP-9 expression. As NF-κB is a central regulator of inflammation, clusterin may provide a molecular link between inflammation and cancer via up-regulating NF-κB and MMP-9. Collectively, these data highlight a novel role of clusterin as a stimulator for MMP-9 expression in macrophages, which may contribute to the tissue reorganization by serving as a modulator for ECM degradation.
Natural killer cell-mediated response to human cytomegalovirus-infected macrophages is modulated by their functional polarization
Authors: Romo Neus , Magri Giuliana , Muntasell Aura , Heredia Gemma , Baía Diogo , Angulo Ana , Guma Monica , López-Botet Miguel
Published: July 2011

MΦ comprise a heterogeneous population of cells, which contribute to host defense and maintenance of immune homeostasis. MΦ may be infected by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), which has evolved different strategies to subvert the immune response. In the present study, we comparatively analyzed the natural killer (NK) cell response against HCMV (TB40E)-infected proinflammatory (M1) and antinflammatory (M2) MΦ, derived from autologous monocytes, cultured in the presence of GM-CSF and M-CSF, respectively. M1 MΦ were more resistant to infection and secreted IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-α, and IL-12; by contrast, in HCMV-infected M2 MΦ, proinflammatory cytokines, IL-10, and IFN-α production were limited and IL-12 was undetectable. NK cell degranulation was triggered by interaction with HCMV-infected M1 and M2 MΦ at 48 h postinfection. The response was partially inhibited by specific anti-NKp46, anti-DNAM-1, and anti-2B4 mAb, thus supporting a dominant role of these activating receptors. By contrast, only HCMV-infected M1 MΦ efficiently promoted NK cell-mediated IFN-γ secretion, an effect partially related to IL-12 production. These observations reveal differences in the NK cell response triggered by distinct, HCMV-infected, monocyte-derived cell types, which may be relevant in the immunopathology of this viral infection.