bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New approach to cathodoluminescence studies in application to InGaN/GaN laser diode degradation
Authors: PŁUSKA M. , CZERWINSKI A. , RATAJCZAK J. , KĄTCKI J. , MARONA L. , CZERNECKI R. , LESZCZYŃSKI M. , PERLIN P.
Published: October 2009

Cathodoluminescence (CL) studies are widely applied in semi‐conductor science and technology. However, for structures with a p‐n junction the CL spatial distribution can be strongly affected by internal current flows of the electron beam induced current generated within the structure. This influence is the investigated in application to CL studies of degradation in aged laser diodes with InGaN multiquantum wells.
Microstructure of ball milled and compacted Co–Ni–Al alloys from the β range
Authors: MAZIARZ W. , DUTKIEWICZ J. , ROGAL Ł. , GRZONKA J. , CESARI E.
Published: October 2009

Two powder alloys from the β phase region of compositions Co28.5Ni36.5Al35 and Co35Ni30Al35 were ball milled for 80 h in a high energy ball mill. The formation of amorphous structure was observed after 40 h of milling and further milling did not change their structure. The analytical and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM, HREM) examination of powder structure showed that nanoparticles of  L10 phase of size of about 5 nm were present within the amorphous matrix. The vacuum hot pressing of the milled powders under pressure of 400 MPa at 700°C for 12 min resulted in the formation of compacts with density of about 70% of the theoretical one. The additional heat treatment at 1300°C for 6 h followed by water quenching, led to significant improvement of density and induced the martensitic transformation manifested by a broad heat effect. The characteristic temperatures of the transformation were determined using DSC measurements, which revealed only small differences within the examined alloys compositions. TEM structure studies of heat‐treated alloys allowed to identify the structure of an ordered β (B2) phase and L10 martrensite.
Rapid quantification of the effects of blotting for correlation of light and cryo‐light microscopy images
Authors: LEPPER S. , MERKEL M. , SARTORI A. , CYRKLAFF M. , FRISCHKNECHT F.
Published: October 2009

Recent technical developments allowed the accurate correlation of fluorescently labelled organelles in living cells to cryo‐electron micrographs. We aimed at expanding this approach to Plasmodium berghei sporozoites, the motile forms of a rodent malaria parasite, which can be imaged by cryo‐electron tomography in toto without the need for sectioning. Sporozoites are crescent shaped eukaryotic cells that move on flat supports including EM grids in a circular, unidirectional manner. While sporozoites can be visualized with fluorescent light and cryo‐light microscopy prior to tomography, few motile sporozoites remained on the grid after blotting excess liquid impairing a complete correlation from light microscopy to cryo‐electron tomography. Comparison with cells showing different adhesion strengths demonstrated that the ratio of cells remaining on the grid can be rapidly determined, but that the integrity of the cells has to be carefully monitored as the blotting applies high physical stress to the cells. We demonstrate a quick technique to assess not only feasibility of direct correlation without fixation but also the damage caused by blotting.
Micro‐computed X‐ray tomography: a new non‐destructive method of assessing sectional, fly‐through and 3D imaging of a soft‐bodied marine worm
Authors: DINLEY J. , HAWKINS L. , PATERSON G. , BALL A.D. , SINCLAIR I. , SINNETT‐JONES P. , LANHAM S.
Published: October 2009

The detailed examination of the internal and functional anatomy of soft‐bodied marine worms has, until now, only been possible using the time consuming and destructive techniques of dissection, histology and electron microscopy. This is the first description of soft body morphology in polychaetes (Nephtys hombergii) derived by means of a bench‐top X‐ray micro‐CT scanner. The data are augmented, for comparison, by dissections, microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the same species to show how this non‐destructive technique can rapidly and reliably produce high‐quality morphological data. It can also be applied to rare or unique invertebrate soft tissue material from museum collections and also to large‐scale invertebrate comparative anatomical studies possibly leading to greater evolutionary and taxonomic understanding. High‐definition images were obtained without the use of special tissue enhancing stains or radio‐opaque fluids and it is believed that this is the first time the technique has been successfully applied to this group of invertebrates. Extrapolation of the sectional imaging of regions of the gut and the production of three‐dimensional rotating and ‘fly‐through’ imaging can assist in assessment of aspects of functional anatomy.
Quality control protocol for in vitro micro‐computed tomography
Authors: STOICO R. , TASSANI S. , PERILLI E. , BARUFFALDI F. , VICECONTI M.
Published: October 2009

The aim of this work was to present and discuss a quality control protocol for in vitro micro‐computed tomography (microCT), based on the adaptation of the quality control protocols for medical computed tomography. The importance of establishing a quality control protocol is related to the opportunity to identify problems on time comparing the microCT images acquired in different time points, and in this way to verify the performance of the device. The proposed quality control protocol was applied for a long‐time monitoring period to verify the stability of the micro‐tomographic system over time. The protocol proposed in this study was applied to the histomorphometric characterization of bone tissue, but it can be used on a wide range of in vitro microCT applications. Noise and uniformity tests, taken and adapted to micro‐tomographic system by medical standard guidelines of quality control, were performed by the use of a water phantom. An accuracy test was designed and performed by the use of a morphometric calibrated phantom. All these tests were performed during a long‐time monitoring period to control the stability of the system. Specific control charts and monitoring parameters for each test were used to represent the monthly measures collected during 20 months and an out of control condition was defined. The reference values (baseline), calculated to control the stability of micro‐tomographic system over time, were calculated during acceptance/status test. During the period, no out of control conditions in noise, uniformity and accuracy tests were recorded. However, a changing condition was found in noise test, as showed by using statistical C (P < 0.01) and Kruskal–Wallis (P < 0.05) tests. In particular, a Wilcoxon rank sum test with Bonferroni correction (P < 0.0125) was applied in noise test to investigate which of the comparisons among first five acquisitions of year 2004 (group B.L.) and each group was significant (P < 0.0125). The noise showed a slight but significant increase over the years compared to baseline value; however, no out of control conditions were recorded. Nonetheless, a maintenance service to control the performance of mechanical components of microCT was required and performed.
Measurement of potential distribution function on object surface by using an electron microscope in the mirror operation mode
Authors: NEPIJKO S.A. , SCHÖNHENSE G.
Published: October 2009

The quantitative theory of image contrast in an electron microscope in the mirror operation mode is given in this paper. This theory permits us to calculate the potential distribution on the object surface from the current density distribution on the microscope screen. The potential distribution results in image formation on the screen. Local electric fields existing on the object surface lead to a perturbation of electron trajectories above the object and to a redistribution of the current density on the screen, causing image contrast. Using the quantitative correlation between these fields and the function of current density distribution on the screen, it is possible to calculate the magnitude of these microfields as well. As illustration, a measured potential distribution on an object surface with spiral structures of adsorbates was analysed. These structures are formed during reaction of CO oxidation on Pt(110). The value of the measured contact potential difference comprised a few hundredths of volt.
Retention of zirconia copings on zirconia implant abutments cemented with provisional luting agents
Authors: KOKUBO Y. , KANO T. , TSUMITA M. , SAKURAI S. , ITAYAMA A. , FUKUSHIMA S.
Published: October 2009

Summary  The purpose of this study is to measure and compare the retentive force of zirconia‐based all‐ceramic crowns cemented on zirconia abutments using five provisional luting agents. In addition, the effect of sandblasting and thermocycling on the retentive force was evaluated. Two hundred zirconia abutments and copings were fabricated (Procera system; Nobel Biocare) and divided into five groups. Hy bond temporary cement hard (Hard), Hy bond temporary cement soft (Soft), experimental temporary cement (New), Tempbond NE (Temp) and Freegenool temporary pack (Pack) were used according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Each group was divided into two groups, one with and one without sandblasting. Furthermore, thermocycling up to 2000 cycles was conducted on half of each group. After 24 h and thermocycling, the retentive force was measured using a universal testing machine. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, and comparisons of the means were performed with a Games–Howell test at a level of 95%. As a result, Hard showed the highest retentive force, sandblasting was effective for improving the durability, and no effect of sandblasting was detected in the others. New showed stability of the retentive force even after thermocycling. The retentive force of Temp and Pack decreased significantly after thermocycling even with sandblasting. The retentive forces were different from the provisional cement and sandblasting, and Temp and Pack may not be appropriate for the retention of single‐tooth zirconia abutments and coping restorations.
Pneumonia among young infants in rural Southeast Asia (Bohol Island, Philippines)
Authors: Quiambao Beatriz P. , Ruutu Petri J. , Ladesma Erma A. , Gozum Lorena S. , Inobaya Marianette T. , Lupisan Socorro P. , Sombrero Lydia T. , Romano Vicente , Simoes Eric A. F. ,   the ARIVAC Consortium
Published: October 2009

Objective  To develop a clinical algorithm that can be used to identify pneumonia deaths in young infants in developing countries and estimate the disease burden in this population.

Patients and methods  Infants younger than 60 days hospitalized with signs of severe pneumonia who underwent clinical, microbiologic and radiological evaluation were the subjects. Stepwise logistic regression and subtractive iterative process were used to derive the algorithm.

Results  Three‐hundred and one infants had either clinical or radiographic pneumonia. The case fatality rate for 185 infants with radiographic pneumonia was 21%vs. 5% for clinical pneumonia. Age below 7 days was associated with an increased risk of dying. Among 7‐ to 59‐day‐old infants, poor feeding, cyanosis and absence of crackles were predictors of death from pneumonia. Using logistic regression, an algorithm consisting of any one of three clinical signs (cyanosis, poor feeding and abnormally sleepy) was developed in infants aged 7–59 days; 80% of deaths and 50% of those with radiographic pneumonia have at least one of these signs. It performed better than both the WHO case management algorithm and the IMCI algorithm.

Conclusion  Radiographic pneumonia is a common and serious infection among infants below 2 months old in the Philippines. Cyanosis, poor feeding and abnormal sleepiness are simple signs that can be used by health workers to identify seriously ill infants who are most likely to die from pneumonia.
The social reality of migrant men with tuberculosis in Kathmandu: implications for DOT in practice
Authors: Kirwan Daniela E. , Nicholson Brian D. , Baral Sushil C. , Newell James N.
Published: October 2009

Objective  To establish which of the many possible linkages between tuberculosis (TB), direct observation of treatment (DOTS), and the social reality of migrant workers in Kathmandu are the most relevant to the health outcomes and economic and social well‐being of these populations, and which are amenable to possible interventions and high‐yield policy changes.

Methods  Fourteen semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted through an interpreter with male migrant TB patients aged 18–50 years recruited from three DOTS clinics in the Kathmandu valley in May 2005. The interviews were coded using constant comparison and analysed using a grounded theory method.

Results  The economic burden of TB treatment is far greater than the financial reserve of migrants. Consequently remittances sent to families are reduced and migrants remain in debt long after treatment completion, tied to the treatment location paying off high interest loans. Forced to attend clinics far away from their home, and isolated by the stigma associated with TB, migrants are vulnerable without social support networks. Migrants find that daily clinic visits are incompatible with working schedules and important cultural festivals, which forces them into defaulting.

Conclusion  The needs of migrant workers with TB living in Kathmandu are not being adequately met. Current service provision needs to be reviewed to build in greater flexibility and support for migrant men.
Lipoma treatment with a subdermal Nd:YAG laser technique
Authors: Goldman Alberto , Wollina Uwe
Published: October 2009

Background  Lipoma is the most common benign mesenchymal tumor composed of mature fat cells. The standard treatment for lipoma is excision. Many treatments have been described in order to minimize the scars produced by surgical excision. The treatment of lipoma using a subdermal laser produces an effective disruption of fat cells and results in a small scar.

Objective  To evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous intralesional application of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser as an option for the treatment of lipoma.

Methods  From January 2001 to November 2007, 20 patients (11 women and nine men) with lipomas were treated using a subdermal, pulsed, 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser. After laser treatment, the oily solution, the product of laser action, was removed with a 2‐mm cannula using a negative pressure of 350 mmHg. Histology and cytology of the treated tissue were used to analyze the effects of the laser on the fat cells. Ultrasound was performed in some subjects before and after laser treatment.

Results  Subdermal lipoma treatment using a 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser resulted in complete or almost complete removal of the tumor in 100% of patients. Four partial relapses were observed that were treated successfully by the same procedure. Adverse effects were mild and temporary. The combination of a 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser and removal of the cell debris by a suction cannula presented an effective therapeutic option for patients with lipoma.

Conclusions  The treatment of lipoma using a 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser is a minor invasive procedure which does not result in large scars. Laser treatment is an effective and safe option for cellular disruption.
Zoonotic sporotrichosis of lymphocutaneous type in a man acquired from a domesticated feline source: report of a first case in southern Karnataka, India
Authors: Yegneswaran Prakash Peralam , Sripathi Handattu , Bairy Indira , Lonikar Vrushali , Rao Rhagavendra , Prabhu Smitha
Published: October 2009

Background  Sporotrichosis is commonly encountered due to traumatic implantation of thorns or decayed vegetation with the dimorphic fungi, Sporothrix schenckii. Zoonotic spread of Sporotrichosis is rare and we describe here the first case of feline transmission of lymphocutaneous sporotrichiosis encountered in India.

Methods  An excision biopsy of nodulo‐ulcerative lesion from the patients right elbow and forearm were collected for histopathology and portion of the specimen processed for mycological work up. Animal pathogenicity test performed in Swiss albino mice with intraperitoneal & foot pad inoculation. In addition an investigation of the ulcerative skin lesion from the domesticated cat was carried out.

Results  Histopathology examination of tissue sample from the patient and feline lesion revealed granulomatous reaction and a few slender elongated yeast cells consistent with Sporotrichosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by culturing Sporothrix schenkii and demonstration of thermal dimorphism. Pathogenicity testing in mice lead to orchitis in 12–15 days and the organism was re‐isolated in pure culture. The patient was treated with oral saturated potassium iodide solution with complete resolution of the lesions.

Conclusion  Close contact with infected domesticated feline can be a potential source of transmission for Sporotrichosis as evidenced in this report.
A case–control study of visual acuity in onychocryptosis
Authors: Hogan Aisling M. , Broe David , Stunnell Helen , Bobart Andra , Ridgway Paul F.
Published: October 2009

Background  There are many theories surrounding the etiology of ingrown toenails (IGTN). Few factors have been formally assessed, but it is widely accepted that a poor nail cutting technique has a causative role.

Aim  To investigate the hypothesis that decreased visual acuity may lead to inadequate nail cutting and the formation of IGTN.

Methods  A prospective case–control study was performed. Near and distance visual acuity were tested on a population with IGTN (n = 19) and compared with that of an age‐ and sex‐matched control cohort (n = 24) who underwent epidermal cyst excision in the same tertiary referral center. Comparisons of visual acuity were made between groups by Mann–Whitney U‐test. Differences were taken to be significant if P < 0.05. Institutional Review Board approval was sought and granted.

Results  No significant difference in visual acuity (near or distance) was demonstrated between patients with IGTN and the control group (P = 0.33).

Conclusion  Visual acuity does not appear to play a significant role in the development of IGTN.
A histopathologic study of mechanic's hands associated with dermatomyositis: a report of five cases
Authors: Mii Sumiyuki , Kobayashi Ritsuko , Nakano Toshiaki , Harada Harumi , Okada Masato , Matsui Yukio , Fujii Takao , Eto Hikaru
Published: October 2009

Background  Mechanic's hand is a defined specific skin eruption associated with dermatomyositis; there are few reports concerning its histopathology. As mechanic's hand clinically resembles hand eczema, it is important to distinguish between these two conditions.

Aim  To determine the characteristic clinical and histopathologic features of mechanic's hand, and to clarify whether these two conditions can be differentiated by histopathologic findings.

Methods  We analyzed clinicopathologically five patients with mechanic's hands who visited our clinic between 2006 and 2007.

Results  The clinical features of mechanic's hands were discrete hyperkeratotic erythema on the ulnar aspect of the thumbs and the radial aspect of the fingers. In all five cases, the histologic findings included marked hyperkeratosis, focal parakeratosis, psoriasiform acanthosis, and colloid bodies in the epidermis. There were mononuclear cell infiltrates around the blood vessels, and mucin deposition was observed in the dermis.

Conclusions  The histopathologic findings of mechanic's hands are specific and different from those of eczema. A histopathologic examination is useful for the diagnosis of mechanic's hands associated with dermatomyositis and a high incidence of interstitial pneumonia.
Management of verrucous carcinoma of the hand: a case report
Authors: Gertler Ralf , Werber Klaus‐Dieter
Published: October 2009

Background  Verrucous carcinoma is a well‐differentiated variant of squamous cell carcinoma seen on mucosa and skin, including the hands.

Methods  We report the case of a large verrucous carcinoma of the right palm which was completely resected with a fourth ray resection and remained without evidence of tumor recurrence or metastatic disease during follow‐up for 11 years. On this basis, we reviewed all 15 previously published cases of verrucous carcinoma of the hand to define the peculiarities of this uncommon tumor and to give diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations.

Results  Verrucous carcinoma is defined by its characteristic clinical presentation as slowly but relentlessly enlarging “wart‐like” tumor, by the typical histologic finding of local invasion with only minimal, if any, dysplasia and by the unique biological behavior with low incidence of metastases and good prognosis. For proper diagnosis, both careful physical examination and deep surgical biopsy must be performed. Radical resection is the treatment of choice with histologically confirmed tumor‐free resection margins. Lymphadenectomy should only be performed in case of suspicious lymphadenopathy.

Conclusions  Verrucous carcinoma may present a difficult diagnostic problem. After complete surgical resection, it has a good prognosis.
Propolis as an alternative treatment for cutaneous warts
Authors: Zedan Hatem , Hofny Eman R. M. , Ismail Sahar A.
Published: October 2009

Warts are common problems affecting adults and children. Multiple treatment options are available, but no single therapy stands out as uniformly effective. Propolis and Echinacea are relatively safe immunomodulators with antiviral properties. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Propolis and Echinacea in treating different types of warts. In a single‐blind, randomized, 3‐months trial, 135 patients with different types of warts received oral Propolis, Echinacea, or placebo. In patients with plane and common warts treated with Propolis, cure was achieved in 75% and 73% of patients, respectively. These results were significantly better than those associated with Echinacea treatment or placebo. We conclude that Propolis is an effective and safe immunomodulating therapy for plane and common warts.
Injection drug use before and after liver transplantation: a retrospective multicenter analysis on incidence and outcome
Authors: De Gottardi Andrea , Hilleret Marie‐Noelle , Gelez Pascale , La Mura Vincenzo , Guillaud Olivier , Majno Pietro , Hadengue Antoine , Morel Philippe , Zarski Jean‐Pierre , Fontana Massimiliano , Moradpour Darius , Mentha Gilles , Boillot Olivier , Leroy Vincent , Giostra Emiliano , Dumortier Jérôme
Published: October 2009

De Gottardi A, Hilleret M‐N, Gelez P, La Mura V, Guillaud O, Majno P, Hadengue A, Morel P, Zarski J‐P, Fontana M, Moradpour D, Mentha G, Boillot O, Leroy V, Giostra E, Dumortier J. Injection drug use before and after liver transplantation: a retrospective multicenter analysis on incidence and outcome. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 564–571. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract. Background and aims:  Injecting drug use (IDU) before and after liver transplantation (LT) is poorly described. The aim of this study was to quantify relapse and survival in this population and to describe the causes of mortality after LT.

Methods:  Past injection drug users were identified from the LT listing protocols from four centers in Switzerland and France. Data on survival and relapse were collected and used for uni‐ and multivariate analysis.

Results:  Between 1988 and 2006, we identified 59 patients with a past history of IDU. The mean age at transplantation was 42.4 yr and the majority of patients were men (84.7%). The indication for LT was for the vast majority viral cirrhosis accounting for 91.5% of cases, while alcoholic cirrhosis was 5.1%. There were 16.9% of patients who had a substitution therapy before and 6.8% who continued after LT. Two patients (3.4%) relapsed into IDU after LT and died at 18 and 41 months. The mean follow‐up was 51 months. Overall survival was 84%, 66%, and 61% at 1, 5, and 10 yr after transplantation.

Conclusions:  Documented IDU was rare in liver transplanted patients. Past IDU was not associated with poorer survival after LT, and relapse after LT occurred in 3.4%.
Bronchiolitis obliterans following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a clinical update
Authors: Pandya Chirag M. , Soubani Ayman O.
Published: October 2009

Pandya CM, Soubani AO. Bronchiolitis obliterans following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a clinical update. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 291–306. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an established treatment for a variety of malignant and non‐malignant conditions. Pulmonary complications, infectious and non‐infectious, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. The recent advances in prophylaxis and treatment of infectious complications increased the significance of late non‐infectious pulmonary conditions. Currently, bronchiolitis obliterans is one of the most challenging pulmonary complications facing clinicians who are taking care of HSCT recipients. This report provides a clinical update of the incidence, risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, and management of bronchiolitis obliterans following HSCT.
Successful unrelated donor cord blood transplantation for Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia
Authors: Kitko Carrie L. , Levine John E. , Matthews Dana C. , Carpenter Paul A.
Published: October 2009

Kitko CL, Levine JE, Matthews DC, Carpenter PA. Successful unrelated donor cord blood transplantation for Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: e42–e46. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  GT, a rare disorder of platelet function, can lead to life‐threatening bleeding, particularly following the development of antiplatelet antibodies. Curative therapy includes HCT but previous reports are limited predominantly to matched siblings and have excluded CBT. Delayed or non‐engraftment of platelets because of antiplatelet antibodies might be particularly concerning after CBT for GT. Here, we report two successful unrelated cord blood transplants for GT. Recurrent life‐threatening bleeding was the primary indication for HCT, with one patient developing antiplatelet antibodies pre‐HCT. Bleeding risks associated with delivery of the conditioning regimen and the toxicity that follows should be carefully considered, including tunneled central venous line catheter placement, inclusion of B cell‐specific therapy to potentially decrease antiplatelet antibody production, and targeted busulfan dosing. This is the first report of successful unrelated cord blood HCT for GT and indicates that modifications to supportive care can improve the safety of this potentially curative therapy for patients with severe, life‐threatening disease manifestations.
The potential value of faecal lactoferrin as a screening test in hospitalized patients with diarrhoea
Authors: van Langenberg D. R. , Gearry R. B. , Wong H‐L. , Ward M. , Gibson P. R.
Published: October 2009

Background:  Nosocomial diarrhoea is common and its investigation carries a significant healthcare cost. This study aimed to determine the utility of faecal lactoferrin (FL), a readily measurable marker of intestinal inflammation, in hospitalized patients with diarrhoea.

Methods:  FL was quantified in consecutive faecal samples submitted to a hospital pathology laboratory. Patient data were extracted from hospital records. Receiver–operator curve (ROC) analysis was performed in a subset of patients where a decision about low or high likelihood of inflammation could be confidently made. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify associations with an elevated FL. Cost analyses were also performed.

Results:  A total of 511 faecal samples from 433 patients (48% male, median age 67 years) was studied. Median FL concentration was 3.4 µg/mL (range 0–288). ROC analysis indicated an optimal cut‐off value of 1.25 µg/mL (sensitivity 92%, specificity 97%, negative predictive value 97%) compared with the manufacturer's cut‐off of 7.25 µg/mL (60%, 66% and 85% respectively). Multivariate analysis at the lower cut‐off minimized potentially confounding variables. Proton pump inhibitor use independently increased (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.5–3.8) and current smoking reduced (0.61, 0.38–0.99) the likelihood of an elevated FL. Only one out of 32 bacteriological positive samples would have been missed if FL was instituted as a screening test prior to microbiological assessment, which could have reduced laboratory‐related costs by up to 56%.

Conclusion:  In hospitalized patients, a normal FL effectively excludes inflammatory diarrhoea and is proposed as a screening test prior to microbiological assessment of faeces. Prospective evaluation of this approach is warranted.
Post‐mortem drug concentrations
Authors: Kennedy M. C.
Published: October 2009

Considerable changes occur in the concentrations of numerous drugs after death. Some concentrations increase, others fall and some do not change. Active agents, such as gamma hydroxybutyrate and alcohol, may be synthesized in the deceased body. Many published tables contain lists of therapeutic, toxic and lethal concentrations that are misleading. While the process of post‐mortem redistribution of drugs has been called a ‘toxicological nightmare’, it is still possible to obtain a lot of information from the integration of ante‐mortem history with the post‐mortem drug concentration.
Expected Extent and Potential Duration of the World Import Crunch
Authors: Van Bergeijk Peter A.G.
Published: October 2009

Against the background of a collapse of world trade and predictions in March 2009 by IMF, WTO and World Bank of a relatively quick rebound, this paper analyses how major post 1980 financial crises have impacted on import volumes of individual countries. The article finds that on average imports contracted by 25% during a period of 5 quarters, but argues that this provides a minimum estimate only for the depth and duration of the present world trade collapse.
Why Challenge the Ivory Tower? New Evidence on the Basicness of Academic Patents*
Authors: Czarnitzki Dirk , Hussinger Katrin , Schneider Cédric
Published: October 2009

While often presumed in academic literature and policy discussions there is little empirical evidence showing that academic patents protect more basic inventions than corporate patents. This study provides new evidence on the basicness of academic patents using German professor patents linked to patent opposition data from the European Patent Office (EPO). Patent oppositions are the most important mechanism by which the validity of patents filed at the EPO can be challenged. Controlling for patent value, asymmetric information and diverging expectations between the opposition parties, the likelihood of a potentially litigious situation and the relative costs of opposition versus settlement, we find that academic patents are opposed less frequently than a control group of corporate patents. This suggests that academic patents cover rather basic inventions with a low immediate commercial value not threatening current returns of potential plaintiffs. The effect is weaker for academic patents filed in collaboration with the business sector, which suggests that those patents are evaluated as more applied by owners of potentially rival technologies.
Superstar Effects in Deluxe Gastronomy – An Empirical Analysis of Value Creation in German Quality Restaurants
Authors: Ehrmann Thomas , Meiseberg Brinja , Ritz Christian
Published: October 2009

We analyze whether superstar effects (disproportionate income effects) exist in the deep‐pocket market for quality gastronomy in Germany, and what factors determine the stars' rents. In quality gastronomy, the stars can be the restaurant chefs. Building on Rosen's (1981) and Adler's (1985) central theories on star effects, we explore two potential sources of stardom. Following Rosen (1981), we test if quality differences between the chefs' performances have a direct effect on financial rewards (“direct superstar effect”). Following Adler (1985), we assess the income effect of a media presence of chefs (“classical Superstar effect”). Through this, we deal with an economic issue of general interest: does it pay more to develop your skills in your core business to perfection, or to maintain the current level of skills and invest in self‐marketing? Analyzing a sample of 288 restaurants, for potential star effects by differences in quality, we find that higher quality increases chefs' revenues. Yet, revenues do not increase disproportionately, and achieving higher quality requires substantial investments in exquisite ingredients, excellent staff and prime ambience. This problem, also called the “agony of the stars”, has manifested itself in the bankruptcies of European three‐star restaurants in recent years. As regards potential star effects by differences in media presence, we observe a positive impact of TV appearances on financial rewards. Yet, these income effects are moderate as well, so there is neither a direct, nor a classical superstar effect in quality gastronomy. We argue that although both perfection of skills and self‐marketing have similarly positive income effects, self‐marketing seems both the less risky and the less stressful way to enhance income.
Impossible Trinity, Capital Flow Market and Financial Stability
Authors: Pak‐Hung Mo
Published: October 2009

As observed by Calvo (2002), the world financial market is wrought with systemic hazards that are largely independent to the individual countries affected. Systemic problem requires systemic instrument. Based on the Mundell‐Fleming model, we institute a capital flow market into an economy. After the additional market is introduced, countries can enjoy the benefits from opening their foreign exchange and capital markets but at the same time, be free from exchange rate volatility and financial crises as well as retain full autonomy in monetary and fiscal policies for maintaining internal balances. The ‘globalization hazard’ is resolved.
The regulation of central and peripheral circadian clocks in humans
Authors: Cermakian N. , Boivin D. B.
Published: October 2009

Many circadian rhythms are controlled by the central clock of the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, as well as clocks located in other brain regions and most peripheral tissues. These central and peripheral clocks are based on clock genes and their protein products. In recent years, the expression of clock genes has started to be investigated in human samples, primarily white blood cells, but also skin, oral mucosa, colon cells, adipose tissue as well as post‐mortem brain tissue. The expression of clock genes in those peripheral tissues offers a way to monitor human peripheral clocks and to compare their function and regulation with those of the central clock, which is followed by markers such as melatonin, cortisol and core body temperature. We have recently used such an approach to compare central and peripheral rhythms in subjects under different lighting conditions. In particular, we have monitored the entrainment of the clock of blood cells in subjects undergoing a simulated night shift protocol with bright light treatment, known to efficiently reset the central clock. This line of research will be helpful for learning more about the human circadian system and to find ways to alleviate health problems of shift workers, and other populations experiencing altered circadian rhythms.
Delta sleep‐inducing peptide and glucocorticoid‐induced leucine zipper: potential links between circadian mechanisms and obesity?
Authors: Gimble J. M. , Ptitsyn A. A. , Goh B. C. , Hebert T. , Yu G. , Wu X. , Zvonic S. , Shi X.‐M. , Floyd Z. E.
Published: October 2009

As the obesity pandemic has accelerated, investigators have begun to explore alternative mechanisms linking circadian biology and sleep to adipose tissue metabolism and obesity. This manuscript reviews recent findings in murine and human models demonstrating the oscillatory expression of the mRNAs encoding the core circadian regulatory proteins in adipose tissue. Comparative transcriptomic analyses of circadian oscillating genes have been used to identify the ‘delta sleep‐inducing peptide immunoreactor’, also known as ‘glucocorticoid‐induced leucine zipper (GILZ)’, as a potential link in this chain. The GILZ gene has been found to differentially regulate stromal stem cell adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation in a reciprocal manner. In adipose and other metabolically active tissues, the circadian oscillation of GILZ expression is subject to entrainment by external stimuli. Together, these observations suggest that GILZ is an attractive candidate for future studies evaluating the role of circadian mechanisms in adipose tissue physiology and pathology.
The role of melanocortin neuronal pathways in circadian biology: a new homeostatic output involving melanocortin‐3 receptors?
Authors: Begriche K. , Sutton G. M. , Fang J. , Butler A. A.
Published: October 2009

Obesity, insulin resistance and increased propensity for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease result from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. The cloning of genes involved in energy homeostasis produced a simple feedback model for the homeostatic regulation of adipose mass. Serum leptin secreted from adipocytes signals nutrient sufficiency, curbing appetite and supporting energy expenditure. A rapid decline in leptin during nutrient scarcity instigates adaptive mechanisms, including increased appetite and reduced energy expenditure. Hypothalamic melanocortin neurons are important mediators of this response, integrating inputs of energy status from leptin with other peripheral signals. While this feedback response prolongs survival during fasting, other mechanisms allowing the prediction of nutrient availability also confer a selective advantage. This adaptation has been commonly studied in rodents using restricted feeding paradigms constraining food intake to limited periods at 24‐h intervals. Restricted feeding rapidly elicits rhythmic bouts of activity and wakefulness anticipating food presentation. While the response exhibits features suggesting a clock‐like mechanism, the neuromolecular mechanisms governing expression of food anticipatory behaviours are poorly understood. Here we discuss a model whereby melanocortin neurons regulating the homeostatic adaptation to variable caloric availability also regulate inputs into neural networks governing anticipatory rhythms in wakefulness, activity and metabolism.
Reduced sleep as an obesity risk factor
Authors: Patel S. R.
Published: October 2009

Poor sleep has increasingly gained attention as a potential contributor to the recent obesity epidemic. The increased prevalence of obesity in Western nations over the past half‐century has been paralleled by a severe reduction in sleep duration. Physiological studies suggest reduced sleep may impact hormonal regulation of appetite. Prospective studies suggest reduced habitual sleep duration as assessed by self‐report is an independent risk factor for an increased rate of weight gain and incident obesity. Cross‐sectional studies have demonstrated that the association between reduced sleep and obesity persists when sleep habits are measured objectively, that the association is as a result of elevations in fat and not muscle mass and that this association is not related to sleep apnoea. Thus, reduced sleep appears to represent a novel, independent risk factor for increased weight gain. Further research is needed to determine whether interventions aimed at increasing sleep may be useful in combating obesity.
Circadian biology and sleep: missing links in obesity and metabolism?
Authors: Gimble J. M. , Bray M. S. , Young A.
Published: October 2009

This supplement highlights key talks presented at the Pennington Symposium. The collected papers provide a state of the art review of circadian biology at the basic and clinical levels in the context of nutrition, obesity and sleep medicine. Investigators from multiple disciplines attempted to translate new information concerning molecular mechanisms into practical clinical applications, as well as foster new research hypotheses and directions to this exciting field of science and medicine. Furthermore, we hope to spark the interest and attention of the next generation of scientists who will tackle the questions presented by the changing interface between technology, lifestyle and biological rhythms.
Embodied responsibilities: pregnancy in the eyes of Japanese ob‐gyns
Authors: Tsipy Ivry
Published: October 2009

This article explores the correlation between the social, cultural and political setting in which Japanese women gestate their babies and the kind of maternal responsibilities they are expected to exercise. By focusing on prenatal care, I look at ways in which Japanese gynaecologists formulate ideas about women's accountability for pregnancy outcomes and show how these ideas shape the practical strategies through which pregnancy is managed in medical institutions. While interrogating the perspectives these professionals bring into play, I am interested in the relationships between biomedicine, culture and the embodiment of women's roles. My findings reveal a broad range of physiological phenomena for which women are held accountable and a host of instructions they are expected to follow once they engage in prenatal care. Medical narratives render the pregnant body as the physical and mental environment that creates the foetus and highlights women's behaviour and health (rather than genes and chromosomes) as the major factors of foetal health. I show how the embodied mode of maternal responsibilities expected of women is mutually constituted by four interconnected realms of discourse and practice: the medical realm, cultural conceptions of self, national reproductive politics and the gendered division of labour.
Adaptive regulation or governmentality: patient safety and the changing regulation of medicine
Authors: Waring Justin
Published: October 2009

This paper explores how current ‘patient safety’ reforms offer to change the regulation of medicine. Drawing on existing literature, it is argued that this policy agenda represents a new frontier in medical/managerial relations, introducing a disciplinary expertise within the health service that provides managers with the knowledge and legitimacy to survey and scrutinise medical performance, made real through procedures for incident reporting and root‐cause analysis. The extent of regulatory change is investigated, drawing on an ethnographic case study of one hospital. It is shown that, as with other organisational and managerial reforms, doctors are resisting managerial prerogatives through seeking to subvert and ‘capture’ components of reform. I describe this as ‘adaptive regulation’ to account for how doctors seek to maintain their regulatory monopoly and limit managerial encroachment. It is speculated, however, that this process could signal the future ‘modernisation’ of medical professionalism where emerging managerial discourses, within the wider context of public sector reform, are increasingly internalised with medical practice and culture. This leads to new and rearticulated forms of self‐surveillance, self‐management or ‘governmentality’, ultimately negating the need for external groups to explicitly manage or regulate professional practice.
Entangled evidence: knowledge making in systematic reviews in healthcare
Authors: Moreira Tiago
Published: October 2009

As the volume of biomedical information escalates and its uses diversify, systematic reviews and meta‐analyses – the compilation, selection and statistical analysis of pooled results from similar studies – are becoming an increasingly accepted method in the evaluation of healthcare technologies and interventions. We thus observe a proliferation of laboratories conducting this type of research. How is knowledge constructed in systematic reviews and meta‐analysis in healthcare? Drawing on ethnographic data collected during 18 months of fieldwork in a research centre devoted to the development of evidence‐based clinical‐practice guidelines and systematic reviews, the paper argues that knowledge construction in secondary research in healthcare is structured upon a parallel process of disentanglement and qualification of data. In disentanglement, knowledge practices attempt to extricate data from the milieus in which they are commonly found (databases, texts, other research centres, etc.). In qualification, the focus of activities is on endowing data with new qualities – such as precision, unbiasness or ‘fairness’– through the use of templates, graphical platforms and techno‐political debates. The accomplishment of these two processes is fundamental to establishing the persuasive power that meta‐analyses appear to have in contemporary healthcare politics.
‘Trusting blindly can be the biggest risk of all’: organised resistance to childhood vaccination in the UK
Authors: Hobson‐West Pru
Published: October 2009

Sociological interest in vaccination has recently increased, largely in response to media coverage of concerns over the safety of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. The resulting body of research highlights the importance of risk and trust in understanding parental and professional engagement with vaccination. To date, only limited attention has been paid to organised parental groups that campaign against aspects of vaccination policy. This paper reports findings from a qualitative study of contemporary groups in the UK, and develops three main lines of argument. First, these actors are best analysed as ‘Vaccine Critical groups’ and include Radical and Reformist types. Second, Vaccine Critical groups discursively resist vaccination through a reframing that constructs risk as unknown and non‐random. Third, trust as faith is negatively contrasted with the empowerment that is promised to result from taking personal responsibility for health and decision‐making. Whilst representing a challenge to aspects of vaccination policy, this study confirms that the groups are involved in the articulation and promotion of other dominant discourses. These findings have implications for wider sociological debates about risk and trust in relation to health.
A birth centre's encounters with discourses of childbirth: how resistance led to innovation
Authors: Walsh Denis J.
Published: October 2009

An ethnographic study of a free‐standing birth centre uncovered a site of intense contestation. Two prominent childbirth discourses attempting to inscribe their orthodoxies on staff and women users encountered stern and persistent resistance. Using postmodern theory, this resistance is conceptualised as nomadic activity, as space is made at the margins of discourse for a difference and diversity to manifest. The relationship between discourse and women's agency is layered and non‐linear as the presence of dissonant data indicates. The birth centre, however, actualises a number of contrasting ways of ‘being’ and ‘doing’ that appear to serve the interests of staff and women well. In particular, ‘nomadic’ midwifery practice and a ‘care as gift’ orientation challenges the biomedical model that defines the parameters of normal and the ‘vigil of care’ discourse that regulates the professional/patient relationship. Birth centres may encourage novel and eclectic ways of providing childbirth care.