bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed algorithms for sensor networks
Authors: Lenzen Christoph , Wattenhofer Roger
Published: November 2011

Distributed algorithms are an established tool for designing protocols for sensor networks. In this paper, we discuss the relation between distributed computing theory and sensor network applications. We also present a few basic and illustrative distributed algorithms.
Identification of 123 previously unreported mutations in the F8 gene of Iranian patients with Haemophilia A
Authors: RAVANBOD S. , RASSOULZADEGAN M. , RASTEGAR‐LARI G. , JAZEBI M. , ENAYAT S. , ALA F.
Published: November 2011

Summary.  In Haemophilia A (HA), the deficiency in coagulation factor VIII is caused by mutations in the F8 gene. In the past, HA carrier detection in Iran used to be carried out by tracking polymorphic DNA markers – a technical strategy with poor efficacy and accuracy. For some 10 years, however, mutations have been identified by direct DNA sequencing at the Iranian Comprehensive Haemophilia Care Centre (ICHCC), resulting in the detection of 580 different mutations and accurate carrier detection. The aim of this study was to characterize and report the unreported mutations not recorded in the F8 HAMSTeRS database and HGMD, which we have detected amongst all the mutations hitherto identified. After excluding introns 1 and 22 inversions, direct DNA sequencing was used to detect mutations among our patients. These were then confirmed in another affected relative or obligate carrier. Severe cases of HA, where no mutation could be identified, were further investigated by the MLPA method. The new, unreported mutations identified include: 51 missense, 15 nonsense, 45 frame‐shifts, 11 splice‐site, 1 duplications. We report a large spectrum of mutations identified in the course of the past 10 years at the ICHCC, which offers this service to all patients from regions throughout Iran. Aside from the common introns 1 and 22 inversions, this work demonstrates a high degree of heterogeneity in F8 mutations. The establishment of a comprehensive Iranian HA database will improve the care and genetic counselling of Iranian HA families.
Steric recognition of T‐cell receptor contact residues is required to map mutant epitopes by immunoinformatical programmes
Authors: Hsu Shiou‐Chih , Chang Chih‐Peng , Tsai Chao‐Yuan , Hsieh Shih‐Hung , Wu‐Hsieh Betty A. , Lo Yu‐Shu , Yang Jinn‐Moon
Published: November 2011

MHC class I‐restricted CD8 T‐lymphocyte epitopes comprise anchor motifs, T‐cell receptor (TCR) contact residues and the peptide backbone. Serial variant epitopes with substitution of amino acids at either anchor motifs or TCR contact residues have been synthesized for specific interferon‐γ responses to clarify the TCR recognition mechanism as well as to assess the epitope prediction capacity of immunoinformatical programmes. CD8 T lymphocytes recognise the steric configuration of functional groups at the TCR contact side chain with a parallel observation that peptide backbones of various epitopes adapt to the conserved conformation upon binding to the same MHC class I molecule. Variant epitopes with amino acid substitutions at the TCR contact site are not recognised by specific CD8 T lymphocytes without compromising their binding capacity to MHC class I molecules, which demonstrates two discrete antigen presentation events for the binding of peptides to MHC class I molecules and for TCR recognition. The predicted outcome of immunoinformatical programmes is not consistent with the results of epitope identification by laboratory experiments in the absence of information on the interaction with TCR contact residues. Immunoinformatical programmes based on the binding affinity to MHC class I molecules are not sufficient for the accurate prediction of CD8 T‐lymphocyte epitopes. The predictive capacity is further improved to distinguish mutant epitopes from the non‐mutated epitopes if the peptide–TCR interface is integrated into the computing simulation programme.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase homozygosis and low‐density lipoproteins in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Petta S. , Bellia C. , Mazzola A. , Cabibi D. , Cammà C. , Caruso A. , Di Marco V. , Craxì A. , Ciaccio M.
Published: November 2011

Summary.  Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase status, homocysteine and lipoproteins levels have been associated with severity of disease and both rapid and sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C (CHC). We aimed to assess the association of homocysteine and MTHFR status with serum cholesterol levels and their potential links to both histological findings and virological response, in patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV). A total of 119 consecutive patients were evaluated by biopsy and metabolic measurements. A total of 103 healthy blood donors were used as controls. Serum homocysteine and MTHFR C677T mutation were also evaluated. All patients underwent antiviral therapy with PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a plus ribavirin. HCV‐RNA was assessed at baseline, week 4, week 12, at the end of therapy and after 6 months of follow‐up. Mean serum values of homocysteine were higher in patients than in controls (15.8 ± 5.8 μg/L vs 12.5 ± 5.8 μg/L; P < 0.001), with a similar CC, CT and TT MTHFR distribution (23.6%, 48.7% and 27.7% in G1‐CHC vs 34%, 48.5% and 17.5% in controls; P = 0.14). In genotype 1, HCV MTHFR TT homozygosis was independently linked to higher LDL (OR 1.016; CI 1.002–1.031; P = 0.03), but not to homocysteine. No association were found between homocysteine, MTHFR and histological features or both rapid virological response (RVR) and SVR. Low cholesterol (OR 0.988, 95%CI 0.975–0.999, P = 0.04) was independently linked to severe fibrosis, and high LDL was the only independent positive predictors of both RVR and SVR (OR 1.036; 95%CI 1.017–1.055; P < 0.001; and OR 1.016; 95%CI 1.001–1.031; P = 0.04 respectively). In patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C, showing higher homocysteine serum levels than controls, MTHFR C677T homozygosis, via modulating cholesterol levels, could interfere with liver fibrosis and response to antiviral therapy.
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome: From sleep‐disordered breathing to systemic comorbidities and the need to offer combined treatment strategies
Authors: BOREL JEAN‐CHRISTIAN , BOREL ANNE‐LAURE , MONNERET DENIS , TAMISIER RENAUD , LEVY PATRICK , PEPIN JEAN‐LOUIS
Published: November 2011

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is defined as a combination of obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2), daytime hypercapnia (partial arterial carbon dioxide concentration ≥45 mm Hg) and sleep‐disordered breathing after ruling out other disorders that may cause alveolar hypoventilation. Through the prism of the International Classification of Functioning, OHS is a chronic condition associated with respiratory, metabolic, hormonal and cardiovascular impairments, leading to a decrease in daily life activities, a lack of social participation and high risk of hospitalization and death. Despite its severity, OHS is largely underdiagnosed and the health‐related costs are higher than those of apnoeic or obese eucapnic patients. The present review discusses the definition, epidemiology, physiopathology and treatment modalities of OHS. Although nocturnal positive airway pressure therapies represent first‐line treatment and are effective in improving patient outcomes, there is a need to offer combined treatment strategies and to assess the effect of multimodal therapeutic strategies on morbidity and mortality.
Effect of season and ambient temperature on outcome of guaiac‐based faecal occult blood tests performed for colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Hunter J. P. , Saratzis A. , Froggatt P. , Harmston C.
Published: November 2011

Aim  Guaiac‐based faecal occult blood tests (gFOBTs) are used in the colorectal cancer screening programme. Recent data suggested that the immunological faecal occult blood test illustrated a variation in positivity according to season and ambient temperature. Our aim was to assess the effect of season and ambient temperature on the positivity rates of the gFOBT during pilot screening for colorectal cancer.

Method  Data from the first year of round 1 of the pilot screening programme in Coventry and Warwickshire were analysed. Patients with positive and negative gFOBT samples were included. Patients with spoilt samples or incomplete data were excluded. Of the total of 59 513 patients, 30 311 were men and 29 202 women. Mean age was 56 years. Daily temperature data were provided by the meteorological office.

Results  Median exposure of the gFOBT test card was 6 days (range 1–17). Median daily maximum temperature was 14°C. Spring and summer illustrated significantly decreased positivity rates compared with autumn and winter (Pearson’s chi‐squared test, P < 0.001). Mean daily maximum temperature for the test card exposure showed no significant difference in positivity rates (P = 0.53). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in positive samples in the > 25°C subgroup (P = 0.045).

Conclusions  There is a seasonal variation in positivity rates of gFOBTs with increased positivity in spring and summer months. There is no difference in positivity rates in relation to ambient temperature except in subgroup analysis where there is a significant reduction in positivity rates above 25°C.
Unpacking the Mechanism by which Corporate Responsibility Impacts Stakeholder Relationships
Authors: Hillenbrand Carola , Money Kevin , Ghobadian Abby
Published: November 2011

Most research on corporate responsibility (CR) has investigated CR from the perspective of organizations, often focusing on how organizations define, manage and implement CR to gain benefits or competitive advantage. The benefits of CR for organizations are, however, often said to be achieved through increased support of stakeholders. Despite this, limited attention has been given to understanding CR from the perspective of stakeholders and, in particular, the mechanism by which CR drives stakeholder support. This study addresses this deficit. Building on advances in the application of psychological theories to the field of management, the research develops and empirically tests a theoretical model of how CR‐related experiences and beliefs drive stakeholder trust and positive intent. The research is conducted with customers (n = 708) and employees (n = 359) of a service organization in the UK that introduced a range of CR‐related activities into their business. The findings contribute to literature by empirically demonstrating (a) the impact of CR‐related experiences on the development of beliefs about, and trust towards, the organization; (b) the importance of ‘others‐related’ CR experiences even in the presence of ‘self‐related’ CR experiences; and (c) the role of beliefs as partial mediators in how experiences of CR, both ‘self‐related’ and ‘others‐related’, translate into trust and positive intent.
A Genome‐Wide Search for Non‐UGT1A1 Markers Associated with Unconjugated Bilirubin Level Reveals Significant Association with a Polymorphic Marker Near a Gene of the Nucleoporin Family
Authors: Datta Shalini , Chowdhury Abhijit , Ghosh Malay , Das Kaushik , Jha Pankaj , Colah Roshan , Mukerji Mitali , Majumder Partha P.
Published: November 2011

Variants in the UGT1A1 gene and its promoter are known to determine levels of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB), but do not explain all cases of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. To discover associations with variants in genes other than UGT1A1, we undertook a genome‐wide association study. We recruited 200 participants to cover the entire range of quantitative variation in UCB level. The data set – after data curation, including analyses for population stratification and cryptic relatedness – comprised genotypes at 512,349 SNP loci on 182 individuals. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) association analyses were performed, after adjusting the UCB level for effects of age, gender, and genotype at the dinucleotide (TA) insertion locus in UGT1A1 that is known to significantly modulate UCB level. A significant association of a polymorphic marker (rs2328136) near the NUP153 gene (which produces a 153 kDa nucleoporin) was obtained (p = 0.002, after multiple‐testing correction). The frequency of the variant allele (A) at the rs2328136 locus in our study population is 40%, higher than most global populations. NUP153, whose product is a major regulatory factor in bidirectional transport of biomolecules across nucleus to cytosol, is associated with the transport of biliverdin reductase, which is important for bilirubin conjugation.
Terminations of pregnancy in the European Union
Authors: Gissler M , Fronteira I , Jahn A , Karro H , Moreau C , Oliveira da Silva M , Olsen J , Savona‐Ventura C , Temmerman M , Hemminki E ,   the REPROSTAT group
Published: November 2011

Please cite this paper as: Gissler M, Fronteira I, Jahn A, Karro H, Moreau C, Oliveira da Silva M, Olsen J, Savona‐Ventura C, Temmerman M, Hemminki E, the REPROSTAT group. Terminations of pregnancy in the European Union. BJOG 2011; DOI: 10.1111/j.1471‐0528.2011.03189.x.

Objective  To study the current legislation and trends in terminations of pregnancy in the European Union (EU).

Design  Data were collected on legislation and statistics for terminations of pregnancy.

Setting  Population‐based statistics from the EU member states.

Population  Women in reproductive age in the 27 EU member states.

Methods  Information on legislation was collected for all 27 EU member states. Statistical information until 2008 was compiled from international (n = 24) and national sources (n = 17). Statistical data were not available for Austria, Cyprus and Luxembourg.

Main outcomes measures  Terminations of pregnancy per 1000 women aged 15–49 years.

Results  Ireland, Malta and Poland have restrictive legislation. Luxembourg permits termination of pregnancy on physical and mental health indications; Cyprus, Finland, and the UK further include socio‐economic indications. In all other EU member states termination of pregnancy can be performed in early pregnancy on a women’s request. In general, the rates of termination of pregnancy have declined in recent years. In total, 10.3 terminations were reported per 1000 women aged 15–49 years in the EU in 2008. The rate was 12.3/1000 for countries requiring a legal indication for termination, and 11.0/1000 for countries allowing termination on request. Northern Europe (10.9/1000) and Central and Eastern Europe (10.8/1000) had higher rates than Southern Europe (8.9/1000). Northern Europe, however, had substantially higher rates of termination of pregnancy among teenagers.

Conclusion  A more consistent and coherent reporting of terminations of pregnancy is needed in the EU. The large variation of termination rates between countries suggests that termination of pregnancy rates may be reduced in some countries without restricting women’s access to termination. Sexual education and provision of access to reliable and affordable contraception are essential to achieve low rates of termination of pregnancy.
Evaluation of the clinical effect of an on‐line course for community nurses on post‐partum emotional distress: a community‐based longitudinal time‐series quasi‐experiment
Authors: Thome Marga , Orlygsdottir Brynja , Elvarsson Bjarki Thor
Published: November 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 494–504

Evaluation of the clinical effect of an on‐line course for community nurses on post‐partum emotional distress: a community‐based longitudinal time‐series quasi‐experiment

About 14% of Icelandic women suffer post‐partum from frequent depressive symptoms, and of those, 12% also report a high degree of parenting stress. Education of nurses and midwives on post‐partum distress is crucial in reducing its degree. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the clinical effect of an on‐line course for community nurses on post‐partum emotional distress. A community‐based, longitudinal, time‐series quasi‐experiment was conducted in four stages from 2001 to 2005. Mothers attending 16 health centres throughout Iceland and scoring ≥12 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at the 9th week post‐partum were eligible to participate. Health centres were divided into experimental (EHC) and control centres (CHC), and control centres were crossed over to experimental centres the following year and new control centres recruited. Nurses at EHC attended an on‐line course on post‐partum emotional distress. Participating mothers answered the EPDS; the Parenting Stress Index/Short form and the Fatigue Scale. Nursing diagnoses and interventions were recorded at all study centres. Of the women who were eligible (n = 163), 57% (n = 93) participated. At baseline, 9 weeks post‐partum, there were no significant differences between groups of women in the rate of depressive symptoms, fatigue or parenting stress. Women in all groups improved on all distress indicators over time; however, those from the EHC improved statistically and clinically significantly more on depressive symptoms than those from the CHC. Documentation of particular nursing diagnoses and interventions was significantly more frequent at the EHC, but referrals to specialists were significantly less frequent. On‐line education for nurses on post‐partum emotional distress is feasible and is related to improvement in post‐partum depressive symptoms.
Domestic Abuse as Terrorism
Authors: Sloan‐Lynch Jay
Published: November 2011

A number of philosophers and feminist authors have recently equated domestic abuse with the ubiquitous and ill‐defined concept of “terrorism.” Claudia Card, for instance, argues that domestic abuse is a frequently ignored form of terrorism that creates and maintains “heterosexual male dominance and female dependence and service” (Card 2003). Alison Jaggar, in a recent article, also concludes that an acceptable definition of terrorism will find rape and domestic violence to be terrorist acts (Jaggar 2005). Yet there seem to be several obstacles to any simple appropriation of the term “terrorism” for cases of domestic abuse. In this paper I will address what I take to be three significant problems that might be raised with regard to any attempt to identify domestic abuse as an act of terrorism. These problems include the fact that a) definitions of terrorism usually require clear political motivations, b) definitions of terrorism normally require that the terrorist intend to create a climate of terror, and c) adopting the term terrorism for cases of domestic abuse might appear simply inappropriate or unhelpful. I will argue, however, that each of these possible objections can be answered effectively and that domestic abuse rightly falls under the rubric of terrorism.
Occult hepatitis B infection in a hemodialysis population in Guilan province, northern Iran
Authors: Joukar Farahnaz , Mansour‐Ghanaei Fariborz , Besharati Sepiedeh , Khosh‐Sorur Mahmoud
Published: November 2011

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are vulnerable to transfusion‐transmitted infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV infection with undetectable hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) is described as occult HBV and can lead to serious complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of occult HBV and concomitant factors in HD patients. Using a cross‐sectional design, clinical and epidemiological data were obtained from May to September 2009 in 11 different HD units in Guilan province in northern Iran. After serological testing for HBV surface antigens in 514 HD patients using a third‐generation enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit (Diapro, Milano, Italy), HBsAg‐negative patients were tested for HBV DNA using a Qiagen PCR kit (Artus Qiagen GmbH, Hilden, Germany). After omission of seven HBsAg‐positive patients, 507 patients were included in the study, 280 (55.2%) of whom were male and 227 (44.8%) were female. Patients ranged in age from 16 to 66 years (mean 53.2 years). No HBV DNA was detected in HBsAg‐negative patients. Some 59 patients (11.6%) were anti‐hepatitis C virus positive and 32 (6.3%) were hepatitis C virus positive according to polymerase chain reaction. The study results indicate that occult HBV infection is not a significant health problem in HD patients in Guilan province.
Enjoyment and Success: Reciprocal Factors in Behavior Change
Authors: PHILLIPS L. ALISON , CHAPMAN GRETCHEN B.
Published: November 2011

This study assessed the role of behavior enjoyableness in development of long‐term behavior. First, as expected from the literature on attitude and behavior change (Ajzen, 1991; Ryan & Deci, 2000), initial enjoyableness of a behavior predicted how successful participants were in performing the behavior in the short term (i.e., the time until they first violated their behavioral intentions). Of primary interest, repeated successful performance was, in turn, associated with an increase in reported enjoyableness of the behavior in the longer term. The study demonstrates the importance of a reciprocal relationship of behavior enjoyableness and performance for behavior change, such that even initially non‐enjoyable behaviors can become more enjoyable with repeated performance. These findings are particularly relevant for long‐term, goal‐related behaviors.
Child's Physical Activity Lapses: Parents' Intended Use of Social Control1
Authors: WILSON KATHLEEN S. , SPINK KEVIN S.
Published: November 2011

This study explored parents' intention to use social control following a hypothetical lapse in their child's activity. Also examined was the role of parent and child activity as predictors of parental social control use. Parents (N = 140) were presented with 2 activity lapse vignettes (health consequences and no health consequences) and reported their intention to use social control after reading each. Results revealed greater parental intention to use social control following the health‐consequences lapse. Active parents reported greater intentions of using positive and collaborative social control tactics. Findings provide preliminary evidence that parents, especially those who are active, may attempt to regulate their child's activity following a failure to engage in a health‐enhancing behavior (i.e., lapse in physical activity).
On the Importance of the Superior's Interpersonal Sensitivity for Good Leadership
Authors: MAST MARIANNE SCHMID , JONAS KLAUS , CRONAUER CHRISTINA KLOECKNER , DARIOLY ANNICK
Published: November 2011

This research is aimed at showing that interpersonal sensitivity (being attuned to and correctly inferring another person's thoughts and feelings) is an important aspect of what people expect from a good leader and that interpersonally sensitive leaders have more satisfied subordinates. In the first study, participants indicated how much they expected a good superior to be interpersonally sensitive (among other characteristics). People expect leaders to be interpersonally sensitive more so than subordinates. In the second study, participants interacted in same‐gender dyads as leaders and subordinates. We measured subordinate satisfaction and leader interpersonal sensitivity. More interpersonally sensitive leaders had more satisfied subordinates. Interpersonal sensitivity is important for good leadership: It is expected from leaders, and it contributes to increased subordinate satisfaction.
Exploring health inequalities through the lens of an ethnographic study of healthy eating provision in the early years sector
Authors: Bristow Katie , Povall Susan , Capewell Simon , Motswama Modi , Lloyd‐Williams Ffion
Published: November 2011

The social determinants of health are increasingly receiving international attention since the publication of the World Health Organization's Commission on the Social Determinants of Health in 2008. How different determinants affect health is much debated. Contrasting suggestions include, for example, a major link with socio‐economic inequalities, lack of social status and psychosocial stress or the extent of the welfare state. Others emphasise the need to understand the socio‐cultural contexts of specific situations. Diet‐related health is a good example of the relationship between poor health outcomes and deprivation. The aim of this paper is to explore the specific conditions and contexts that might reduce or exacerbate the provision of a healthy diet to children under 5 years in a range of nurseries supported by the Sure Start Local Programmes initiative in Liverpool. An ethnographic approach was taken to gather data from six nurseries, combining observation at the nurseries with interviews with owners and or managers (10), cooks (6), staff (12) and parents (2). The findings reveal the complex way different issues work together to support or hinder a nursery to develop a healthy eating culture and how relative inequalities, in general, are outworked. While recognising the importance of social status leading to poor health due to psychosocial stress, the findings tend to emphasise the importance of a strong welfare state and taking an early years of life‐course approach in reducing health inequalities.
Effects of denture maintenance on satisfaction levels of Taiwanese elderly using removable partial dentures: a pilot study
Authors: Wu Ju‐Hui , Yang Yi‐Hsin , Wang Chau‐Hsiang , Lee Huey‐Er , Du Je‐Kang
Published: November 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00500.x
 
Effects of denture maintenance on satisfaction levels of Taiwanese elderly using removable partial dentures: a pilot study

Objective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between patient satisfaction with removable partial dentures and denture maintenance by patients, including regular application of denture adhesives and cleansers.

Background:  The success of removable partial dentures depends on patient satisfaction with dentures and their regular denture maintenance.

Materials and methods:  Demographic information, the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) indicator and details of denture maintenance (including the use of denture cleansers and adhesives) were collected from 193 (41.5% men and 58.5% women) participants by using questionnaires. A dentist performed oral examinations to evaluate denture function according to the OIDP items photographically and recorded the number of remaining teeth and Kennedy’s classification.

Results:  Most participants were satisfied with their removable partial dentures and tended to have higher satisfaction levels than the dentist’s estimation. Further, those using denture adhesives and cleansers had higher satisfaction levels than those not using such denture maintenance.

Conclusions:  Appropriate education regarding denture use is important because regular denture maintenance by patients affects their degree of satisfaction with dentures, as well as the dentist’s skill and the patient’s oral condition. Dentists could use this information to predict the potential success of dentures.
Impact of tooth replacement strategies on the nutritional status of partially‐dentate elders
Authors: McKenna Gerald , Allen Patrick Finbarr , Flynn Albert , O’Mahony Denis , DaMata Cristiane , Cronin Michael , Woods Noel
Published: November 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00579.x
 
Impact of tooth replacement strategies on the nutritional status of partially‐dentate elders

Objective:  To investigate the impact of tooth replacement on the nutritional status of partially dentate older patients, and, to compare two different tooth replacement strategies; conventional treatment using removable partial dentures and functionally orientated treatment based on the shortened dental arch.

Background:  Amongst older patients, diet plays a key role in disease prevention, as poor diets have been linked to numerous illnesses. Poor oral health and loss of teeth can have very significant negative effects on dietary intake and nutritional status for elderly patients. There is evidence that good oral health generally, has positive effects on the nutritional intake of older adults.

Materials and methods:  A randomised, controlled clinical trial was designed to investigate the impact of tooth replacement on the nutritional status of partially dentate elders. Forty‐four patients aged over 65 years completed the trial, with 21 allocated to conventional treatment and 23 allocated to functionally orientated treatment. Nutritional status was accessed at baseline and after treatment using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and a range of haematological markers.

Results:  At baseline, relationships were observed between the number of occluding tooth contacts and some measures of nutritional status. As the number of contacts increased, MNA scores (R = 0.16), in addition to vitamin B12 (R = 0.21), serum folate (R = 0.32) and total lymphocyte count (R = 0.35), also increased. After treatment intervention, the only measure of nutritional status that showed a statistically significant improvement for both treatment groups was MNA score (p = 0.03). No significant between group differences were observed from analysis of the haematological data.

Conclusion:  In this study, prosthodontic rehabilitation with both conventional treatment and functionally orientated treatment resulted in an improvement in MNA score. Haematological markers did not illustrate a clear picture of improvement in nutritional status for either treatment group.
Butylscopolammonium bromide does not provide additional analgesia when combined with morphine and ketorolac for acute renal colic
Authors: Song Sung Wook , Kim Kyuseok , Rhee Joong Eui , Lee Jin Hee , Seo Gil Joon , Park Hyun Mi
Published: November 2011

Objective: To evaluate the effect of adding butylscopolammonium bromide (BB) to morphine and ketorolac in the treatment of acute renal colic in the ED.

Methods: A prospective, double‐blind, randomized controlled trial of i.v. triple therapy (morphine, ketorolac and BB) versus double therapy (morphine and ketorolac) in adult ED patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute renal colic and a pain rating greater than five on a 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS). VAS was recorded at time 0, 20 and 40 min. Patients received rescue morphine at 20 or 40 min according to the protocol if needed. We compared pain reduction and the need for rescue analgesia at 4 min between two groups.

Results: Eighty‐nine patients were randomized over a 13 month period. A total of 46 (51.7%) patients received BB in addition to morphine and ketorolac. The mean difference in change in pain score in the triple therapy group and double therapy group was 7.1 cm (95% CI 6.4–7.8) and 5.9 cm (95% CI 5.1–6.7), respectively (P= 0.024). Rescue morphine was required by 7/46 (15.2% [95% CI 4.4–20.6]) patients in the triple therapy group and 14/43 (32.6% [95% CI 18.0–47.1]) in the double therapy group (OR 0.37 [95% CI 0.133–1.038]).

Conclusions: Although the addition of BB to morphine and ketorolac appeared to show a statistically significant reduction in pain compared with morphine and ketorolac alone, a reduction of 1.2 cm on VAS is unlikely to be clinically significant.
Comparison of intubation performance by junior emergency department doctors using gum elastic bougie versus stylet reinforced endotracheal tube insertion techniques
Authors: Brazil Victoria , Grobler Catharina , Greenslade Jaimi , Burke John
Published: November 2011

Objective: Endotracheal intubation is a challenging procedure in emergency medicine. Junior doctors lack experience and confidence in this task. The use of a gum elastic bougie (GEB) to facilitate intubation may improve success rates, especially in difficult situations.

Methods: Junior doctors working in the ED were studied. Endotracheal intubation was simulated using part‐task trainers in “easy” positioning and “difficult” positioning modes. Intubation was attempted in both positions using either an endotracheal tube, with re‐inforcing stylet (ETT‐S), or insertion of a gum elastic bougie (GEB), with subsequent passage of the endotracheal tube over the bougie. Success rates and time to complete intubation were measured with GEB, and with ETT‐S. Participants were asked to record the perceived ease of intubation.

Results: One hundred and four intubations were performed by 26 study subjects. Overall, mean time to intubation with ETT‐S technique was 16.14 s (14.49–17.98 95% CI), and was faster than with GEB 24.18 (21.45–27.25 95% CI) in both airway difficulty grades (P < 0.01). The success rate for intubation using the GEB was 100%, compared with 92.9% with ETT‐S. This difference was not statistically significant. Perceived ease of intubation was similar for GEB and ETT‐S (VAS 6.808 vs 6.904).

Conclusion: The use of a GEB marginally increases the time taken to perform endotracheal intubation. Success rates for junior doctors attempting endotracheal intubation were not significantly different between the two techniques. Success rates for novice practitioners using a GEB were high after even limited instruction and practice.
Factors associated with physical activity levels in African–American women with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Komar‐Samardzija Melanie , Braun Lynne T. , Keithley Joyce K. , Quinn Lauretta T.
Published: November 2011

Abstract  Purpose: To examine how family/friend social support, exercise self‐efficacy, physical environment, sense of community, social issues and roles, socioeconomic status, and body image discrepancy influence physical activity levels in African American females with type 2 diabetes.

Data sources: A sample of 50 African American females with type 2 diabetes was recruited from a Midwest diabetes center for this descriptive, cross‐sectional, correlational study. A series of self‐report instruments were administered to examine the relationships between the independent study variables and physical activity levels.

Conclusions: Results of the study suggested that higher levels of exercise self‐efficacy, family social support for exercise, and a decrease in physical environmental barriers may serve to increase physical activity levels in this population. No significant relationships were observed between the other study variables and physical activity levels.

Implications for practice: Nurse practitioners working with African American females with type 2 diabetes need to assess family social support, exercise self‐efficacy, and physical environmental barriers and plan interventions that incorporate family support and the principles of self‐efficacy while minimizing environmental barriers. Further exploration is warranted to examine the relationship between body image discrepancy and physical activity in this population.
Effect of Nesiritide in Isolated Right Ventricular Failure Secondary to Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Kelesidis Iosif , Mazurek Jeremy A. , Saeed Wajeeha , Chaudhari Ronak , Velankar Pradnya , Zolty Ronald
Published: November 2011

Treatment of right ventricular failure (RVF) can be challenging due to the correlation between RVF and worsening renal function with diuretic therapy. Nesiritide has been studied in patients with left ventricular failure but has not been evaluated in isolated RVF. The authors retrospectively analyzed 140 patients admitted with RVF, pulmonary hypertension (PH), and preserved left ventricular systolic function. Seventy patients were treated with nesiritide while the remaining patients received only furosemide (no nesiritide group). Serum creatinine and GFR at baseline, 72 hours, discharge, and 1 month post‐treatment, as well as hemodynamic data were compared between the groups. In the nesiritide group, there was a significant decrease in mean GFR (42.77±25.33, P<.001) at day of discharge and 1 month post‐nesiritide infusion (41.17±24.94, P<.001) but not in the no nesiritide group. There was a significant difference in >25% decrease in GFR anytime through day 30 (47.14% vs 25.71%, P=.036) between the two groups. On multivariate analysis, nesiritide remained an important predictor of renal function at discharge and at 1 month (P<.01) as well as a predictor of >25% decrease in GFR anytime through day 30 (P=.007). Thus, nesiritide is associated with worsening kidney function in patients with RVF in the setting of PH. Congest Heart Fail. 2012;18:18–24. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Model Based Analysis of Coupled Vibrations Due to the Combi-Bearing in Vertical Hydroturbogenerator Rotors
Authors: Luneno Jean-Claude , Aidanpää Jan-Olov , Gustavsson Rolf
Published: November 2011

The studies presented in this paper focus on analyzing how the combined thrust-journal bearing (commonly called combi-bearing) influences the dynamics of hydropower rotors. Thrust bearing is a component used in vertical rotating machinery and shafts designed to transmit thrust. The total axial load is carried by the single thrust bearing. Any design, manufacture, or assembly error in this component (thrust bearing) would certainly influence the functionality of the entire machine. The analyzed combi-bearing is an existing machine component used in the hydropower unit Porjus U9 situated in northern Sweden. This combi-bearing is a fluid-film lubricated tilting-pad thrust and journal bearings combined together. Only linear fluid-film stiffness was taken into account in the model while fluid-film damping and pads inertia effects were not taken into account. The linearized model shows that the combi-bearing couples the rotor’s lateral and angular motions. However, if the thrust bearing’s pads arrangement is not symmetrical or if all the pads are not angularly equidistant the rotor axial and angular motions are also coupled. This last case of coupling will also occur if the thrust bearing equivalent total stiffness is not evenly distributed over the thrust bearing. A defective pad or unequal hydrodynamic pressure distribution on the pads’ surfaces may be the cause. The Porjus U9’s simulation results show that the combi-bearing influences the dynamic behavior of the machine. The rotor motions’ coupling due to combi-bearing changes the system’s natural frequencies and vibration modes.
Active Vibration Control of Beams By Combining Precompressed Layer Damping and ACLD Treatment: Theory and Experimental Implementation
Authors: Kumar Sanjiv , Sehgal Rakesh , Kumar Rajiv
Published: November 2011

By attaching initially stressed poly vinyl chloride (PVC) layers on the flexible structures, necessary passive damping can be provided. Using passive constrained layers on these PVC layers, the efficiency can be made even better than ordinary passive constrained layer damping (PCLD) treatment. By using stressed PVC layers, a rich performance in case of circuit failure conditions is always available. An active constraining layer further enhances the damping performance of this passive technique. Precompressed layer damping treatment augmented with active constrained layer damping (ACLD) treatment has been suggested, which has many desirable features as compared to existing pretensed layer damping treatment. Such enhancement in damping performance is not possible by conventional ACLD as well as PCLD techniques. The effect of initial strain (compressive or tensile) and other parameters of the PVC layers on the vibration characteristics of flexible structure have been investigated. The Hamilton principle in conjunction with finite element method is used to derive the differential equations of motion. Using proportional feedback controllers, the complex closed loop eigenvalue problem is developed and solved numerically. The effectiveness of the proposed technique has been validated experimentally using a digital linear quadratic Gaussian controller.
Technical Note: Modification of the standard gain correction algorithm to compensate for the number of used reference flat frames in detector performance studies
Authors: Konstantinidis Anastasios C. , Olivo Alessandro , Speller Robert D.
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

The x‐ray performance evaluation of digital x‐ray detectors is based on the calculation of the modulation transfer function (MTF), the noise power spectrum (NPS), and the resultant detective quantum efficiency (DQE). The flat images used for the extraction of the NPS should not contain any fixed pattern noise (FPN) to avoid contamination from nonstochastic processes. The “gold standard” method used for the reduction of the FPN (i.e., the different gain between pixels) in linear x‐ray detectors is based on normalization with an average reference flat‐field. However, the noise in the corrected image depends on the number of flat frames used for the average flat image. The aim of this study is to modify the standard gain correction algorithm to make it independent on the used reference flat frames.

Methods:

Many publications suggest the use of 10–16 reference flat frames, while other studies use higher numbers (e.g., 48 frames) to reduce the propagated noise from the average flat image. This study quantifies experimentally the effect of the number of used reference flat frames on the NPS and DQE values and appropriately modifies the gain correction algorithm to compensate for this effect.

Results:

It is shown that using the suggested gain correction algorithm a minimum number of reference flat frames (i.e., down to one frame) can be used to eliminate the FPN from the raw flat image. This saves computer memory and time during the x‐ray performance evaluation.

Conclusions:

The authors show that the method presented in the study (a) leads to the maximum DQE value that one would have by using the conventional method and very large number of frames and (b) has been compared to an independent gain correction method based on the subtraction of flat‐field images, leading to identical DQE values. They believe this provides robust validation of the proposed method.
Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas putida Idaho, a Unique Organic-Solvent-Tolerant Bacterium
Authors: Tao Fei , Tang Hongzhi , Gai Zhonghui , Su Fei , Wang Xiaoyu , He Xiaofei , Xu Ping
Published: November 2011

Pseudomonas putida
Idaho is an organic-solvent-tolerant strain which can degrade and adapt to high concentrations of organic solvents. Here, we announce its first draft genome sequence (6,363,067 bp). We annotated 192 coding sequences (CDSs) responsible for aromatic compound metabolism, 40 CDSs encoding phospholipid synthesis, and 212 CDSs related to stress response.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Thermococcus sp. Strain AM4, Capable of Organotrophic Growth and Growth at the Expense of Hydrogenogenic or Sulfidogenic Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Oger Philippe , Sokolova Tatyana G. , Kozhevnikova Darya A. , Chernyh Nikolai A. , Bartlett Douglas H. , Bonch-Osmolovskaya Elizaveta A. , Lebedinsky Alexander V.
Published: November 2011

Analysis of the complete genome of
Thermococcus
sp. strain AM4, which was the first lithotrophic
Thermococcales
isolate described and the first archaeal isolate to exhibit a capacity for hydrogenogenic carboxydotrophy, reveals a proximity with
Thermococcus gammatolerans
, corresponding to close but distinct species that differ significantly in their lithotrophic capacities.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Aerobic Marine Methanotroph Methylomonas methanica MC09
Authors: Boden Rich , Cunliffe Michael , Scanlan Julie , Moussard Hélène , Kits K. Dimitri , Klotz Martin G. , Jetten Mike S. M. , Vuilleumier Stéphane , Han James , Peters Lin , Mikhailova Natalia , Teshima Hazuki , Tapia Roxanne , Kyrpides Nikos , Ivanova Natalia , Pagani Ioanna , Cheng Jan-Fang , Goodwin Lynne , Han Cliff , Hauser Loren , Land Miriam L. , Lapidus Alla , Lucas Susan , Pitluck Sam , Woyke Tanja , Stein Lisa , Murrell J. Colin
Published: November 2011

Methylomonas methanica
MC09 is a mesophilic, halotolerant, aerobic, methanotrophic member of the
Gammaproteobacteria
, isolated from coastal seawater. Here we present the complete genome sequence of this strain, the first available from an aerobic marine methanotroph.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Neonatal-Meningitis-Associated Escherichia coli Strain CE10
Authors: Lu Shuting , Zhang Xiaobing , Zhu Yafang , Kim Kwang Sik , Yang Jian , Jin Qi
Published: November 2011

Neonatal bacterial meningitis continues to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide.
Escherichia coli
possessing the K1 capsular polysaccharide is the most common Gram-negative pathogen causing neonatal meningitis. Here we present the complete genome sequence of neonatal meningitis-associated
E. coli
strain CE10, a unique K1 strain with a functional type III secretion system. Functional analysis of the genome should enhance our knowledge of the pathogenesis of neonatal
E. coli
K1 meningitis.
Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Strain CASL, an Efficient
l
-Lactic Acid Producer from Cheap Substrate Cassava
Authors: Yu Bo , Su Fei , Wang Limin , Zhao Bo , Qin Jiayang , Ma Cuiqing , Xu Ping , Ma Yanhe
Published: November 2011

Lactobacillus rhamnosus
is a type of probiotic bacteria with industrial potential for
l
-lactic acid production. We announce the draft genome sequence of
L. rhamnosus
CASL (2,855,156 bp with a G+C content of 46.6%), which is an efficient producer of
l
-lactic acid from cheap, nonfood substrate cassava with a high production titer.
Thiazolyl-substituted porphyrins as standards for singlet molecular oxygen photosensitization
Authors: Scholz Marek , Dĕdic Roman , Miguel Miriam , Lavilla Rodolfo , Nonell Santi
Published: November 2011

Thiazolyl- and bithiazolyl-substituted porphyrins have been characterized to assess their potential as new standards for singlet molecular oxygen photosensitization. Their absorption, fluorescence, phosphorescence and triplet–triplet spectra are slightly red-shifted relative to those of tetraphenylporphine (TPP), a well-established singlet molecular oxygen standard. Likewise, the singlet and triplet lifetimes, as well as the fluorescence quantum yields are roughly one order of magnitude smaller than those of TPP, while the triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields increase concomitantly to ca. 1.
The Frequency of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation of Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer according to the Underlying Pulmonary Diseases
Authors: Usui Kazuhiro , Ushijima Tomonori , Tanaka Yoshiaki , Tanai Chiharu , Noda Hiromichi , Abe Norifumi , Horiuchi Hajime , Ishihara Teruo
Published: November 2011

Background. Although epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are effective in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, EGFR-TKIs have a risk of inducing fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD). The selection of chemotherapy based on the EGFR mutation status is recommended, however, the frequency of EGFR mutation in patients with ILD and the efficacy and safety of EGFR-TKI in patients with ILD and EGFR mutation are unknown.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the association of the EGFR mutation status of nonsmall cell lung cancer and pulmonary diseases. Based on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) performed at diagnosis of lung cancer, patients were categorized into three groups: normal, emphysema, and fibrosis.Results. Of 198 patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer, we identified 52 (26.3%) patients with an EGFR mutation. EGFR mutations were identified in 43 (35.2%) of 122 patients with normal lungs, 8 (13.6%) of 59 with emphysema, and 1 (5.9%) of 17 with pulmonary fibrosis. Of the 52 patients with EGFR mutation, 43 patients received gefitinib. One patient with an EGFR mutation and fibrosis developed fatal ILD. There was not a significant difference in median overall survival from gefitinib treatment between never-smokers and smokers (797 days versus not reached; ).Conclusions. Patients with sensitive EGFR mutation and normal lungs may benefit from an EGFR-TKI treatment even if they have smoking history.