bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gut content analysis to study predatory efficacy of Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae) by molecular methods
Authors: Itou Masao , Watanabe Masaya , Watanabe Eisuke , Miura Kazuki
Published: October 2012

Nesidiocoris tenuis is considered to make significant contributions to the control of greenhouse pests such as whiteflies, thrips, leafminers, lepidopterans, and spider mites, although there is little information based on direct observation of the predation of N. tenuis on these target pests. We developed a method to perform gut content analysis of N. tenuis based on DNA in which specific PCR primers were designed to detect the DNA of target pests. By means of gut‐content analysis, we found that the percentage of N. tenuis preying on Bemisia tabaci and Thrips palmi was approximately 40% in the field.
Catchment instability and Asian summer monsoon variability during the early Holocene in southwestern China
Authors: Cook Charlotte G. , Jones Richard T. , Turney Chris S. M.
Published: October 2012

A high‐resolution palaeorecord (06SD) from Lake Shudu, Yunnan Province, southwestern China indicates a broad trend towards catchment stability, enhanced organic productivity and regional forest‐cover expansion during the early to mid Holocene. These changes are congruent with a shift to warm, wet climatic conditions, probably driven by orbitally forced Asian summer monsoon strengthening. Intriguingly, however, during the very early Holocene (c. 10.7 to 10.1 cal. ka BP), there is a prominent reversal in this trend, suggesting a weakening Asian summer monsoon. The precise cause and extent of this event remain unclear but demonstrate the urgent need for more comprehensive dating of records from across the region to test for synchroneity and examine climatic forcing mechanisms.
Past surface instability of Miage debris‐covered glacier tongue (Mont Blanc Massif, Italy): a decadal‐scale tree‐ring‐based reconstruction
Authors: Leonelli Giovanni , Pelfini Manuela
Published: October 2012

Debris‐covered glaciers may host several biological forms that colonize the debris cover, especially if the glacier tongue reaches sufficiently low altitudes (down to about 1700 m a.s.l. at Miage Glacier, Western Italian Alps) thus allowing also tree growth. Supraglacial trees colonizing the debris‐covered tongue are strongly influenced in growth and distribution by substrate characteristics and instability. The tree age distribution at Miage Glacier presents a positive gradient towards the glacier terminus, which was found to be related to the decreasing glacier surface velocity. By analysing tree‐ring growth anomalies on the glacier and at a control site at the tree line over the 20‐year period 1987–2006, it was found that trees growing on the glacier presented the highest percentages of abrupt growth changes (AGCs)>+70% with respect to the four previous years. Considering tree displacement on the glacier surface over the same 20‐year period and the recorded AGCs, it was found that the central‐lower portion of the southern lobe towards the margins was the most unstable. The temporal analysis of AGC>+40% confirmed a period of higher glacier surface instability, reaching a maximum in the years 1988 (on lobe S) and 1989 (on lobe N), probably related to the passage of a kinematic wave in the glacier tongue. Our analysis suggests that supraglacial trees hold useful information on the glacier tongue dynamics and that both AGC>+70% and AGC>+40% may be used as a proxy for substrate instability in spatio‐temporal reconstructions in the Alpine environment.
Reducing Packaging Waste and Cost via Consumer Price Discounts
Authors: Aydinliyim Tolga , Pangburn Michael S.
Published: October 2012

Low‐waste packaging may imply an inconvenience to consumers and cause firms to offer a compensating price discount. For example, Starbucks’ “Take the Mug Pledge” campaign provides a 10‐cent discount for customers who purchase coffee without a standard cup (i.e., customers provide their own cup). Understanding how such a discount drives demand and profit is the focus of this article. We consider a monopolist that can offer a reduced‐packaging option for its product at a variable cost savings. That option implies a transactional “inconvenience” cost for consumers. While that transactional cost is generally positive, our model also permits some consumers to associate convenience with reduced packaging. We derive the optimal price and discount that maximize profits. We show the optimal discount is bounded by the magnitude of the variable cost savings associated with the packaging reduction. We explore when the optimal discount is negative (a price premium), which requires a specific proportion of consumers to associate convenience with reduced packaging. We also derive conditions under which the firm should price to eliminate demand for the standard product, rather than segment the market, to leverage the variable cost savings of reduced packaging. When the variable cost savings are low (e.g., as is true for Starbucks), we show the profit curve for the segmenting policy is relatively flat for a discount up to several multiples of the cost differential. Finally, we demonstrate the potential for the reduced packaging option, with optimal discounting, to simultaneously increase profit and consumer surplus while reducing waste.
A pilot study exploring quality of life experienced by patients undergoing negative‐pressure wound therapy as part of their wound care treatment compared to patients receiving standard wound care
Authors: Ousey Karen J , Milne Jeanette , Cook Leanne , Stephenson John , Gillibrand Warren
Published: October 2012

The use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been widely documented as a technique to help heal complex wounds. This article presents the findings of a preliminary study which aimed to explore quality of life (QoL) experienced by patients undergoing NPWT as part of their wound care treatment in comparison to that of patients with a wound using traditional (standard) wound care therapies. A quasi‐experimental study was undertaken, with patients treated in wound care/vascular clinics with chronic/acute wounds. QoL impact was measured using the Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule and administered post‐consent at timed intervals. Our results identified that there were no real differences in QoL scores recorded by patients over the 12‐week period. Although there was no overall interaction between the therapies used for wound healing, NPWT did have an effect on social life: during the first 2 weeks of the application of therapy, patients in the NPWT group reported an increase in the social life domain. The authors conclude that true QoL can only be elicited if an accurate baseline is established or if data is collected over a long enough period to allow comparison of scores over time.
Bioengineered skin substitutes: key elements and novel design for biomedical applications
Authors: Lu Gang , Huang Sha
Published: October 2012

Significant progress has been made in the development of in vitro‐engineered skin substitutes that mimic human skin, either to be used for the replacement of lost skin or for the establishment of in vitro skin research models. However, at the present time, there are no models of bioengineered skin that completely replicate the nature of uninjured skin. Obviously, there is still much room for improvement of the components of bioengineered skin and their interplay. This review summarises the important new discoveries in key elements of engineering of tissue‐engineered skin including cell sources, biomaterials and growth factors, etc. Furthermore, basic and clinical applications for engineered skin substitutes in cell therapy, tissue engineering, and biomedical research continue to drive design improvements premised on these structure and function‐based engineering paradigms.
Introduction of an extended care paramedic model in New Zealand
Authors: Hoyle Sarah , Swain Andrew H , Fake Paul , Larsen Peter D
Published: October 2012

Objectives

The first extended care paramedic (ECP) model of care in New Zealand was introduced in the Kapiti region, north of Wellington in 2009. The ECP model aimed to increase the proportion of patients presenting to the ambulance service who could be treated in the community. This study evaluated the first 1000 patients seen by ECPs.

Methods

The first 1000 presentations attended by ECPs were examined to determine the proportions of patients transported to the ED and treated in the community. For patients treated in the community we determined the number presenting to the ED within 7 days of ECP attendance.

Results

A total of 797 patients (mean age 62 years) had 1000 clinical presentations. In 59% the patient was treated either at home or in the local community, with 40% transported to the ED. Within the same region and time period 74% of patients attended by standard paramedics were transported to the ED. The rate of ECP transport to the ED differed significantly by clinical condition, with 71% of cardiac presentations versus 19% of patients with spinal problems taken to the ED. In 31 cases (5%) where the patient had been managed in the community there was an acute ED presentation within 7 days.

Conclusion

We observed that ECPs have significant potential to reduce hospital ED attendances by treating more patients in the community, and this is associated with a low rate of subsequent ED presentations. Prioritisation of dispatch of ECPs to particular types of patients might be useful in maximising this reduction.
Subsurface behavior of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) interacting with fish trawl nets in northwestern Australia: Implications for bycatch mitigation
Authors: Jaiteh Vanessa F. , Allen Simon J. , Meeuwig Jessica J. , Loneragan Neil R.
Published: October 2012

Most studies of delphinid‐trawler interactions have documented the surface behavior of dolphins feeding on discarded bycatch, but not their subsurface behavior around demersal trawl gear. Using video cameras mounted inside trawl nets, we recorded the subsurface behavior of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in a demersal fish trawl fishery in northwestern Australia. Footage from 36 trawls across the fishery was analyzed to determine the extent of dolphin‐gear interactions and the behavior of dolphins inside the nets. Interaction rates were high, with dolphins present inside and outside the nets during 29 and 34 trawls, respectively, and for up to 99% of the trawl duration. The proportion of foraging behaviors exhibited inside the nets was higher than the proportions of traveling and socializing behaviors. Twenty‐nine individuals were identified inside the net, seven of which returned repeatedly within and between trawls and fishing trips, but were observed primarily in the same localized areas in which they were first recorded. Our results suggest that entering trawl nets may be a frequently occurring, yet specialized behavior exhibited by a small subset of trawler‐associated dolphins. We propose that gear modifications, not spatial or temporal adjustments to fishing effort, have the greatest potential to reduce dolphin bycatch.
Rethinking Venture Capital in Economic Geographical Research
Authors: Wray Felicity
Published: October 2012

Venture capital is a specialised form of commercial finance and is widely accepted as a key driver of entrepreneurship and economic development in advanced economies. While parts of economic geography have undergone a series of (albeit contested) turns, geographies of money and finance as a sub‐discipline continues to swell. The venture capital industry has occupied a relatively off‐stage location in both of these developments reflecting the sporadic engagement by economic geographers with this particular intersection of the financial system. Drawing on aspects of new economic geography and cultural economy approaches to money and finance, plus relational and practice‐orientated approaches, this paper proposes alternative ways of researching the venture capital industry while complementing, but also addressing, some of the limitations associated with more traditional accounts of the industry in previous economic geographical research.
Comparison of Quercetin Pharmacokinetics Following Oral Supplementation in Humans
Authors: Kaushik Diksha , O’Fallon Kevin , Clarkson Priscilla M. , Patrick Dunne C. , Conca Karen R. , Michniak‐Kohn Bozena
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  The objective of the study was to investigate the absorption of quercetin aglycone in 18 healthy human subjects administered via the following oral carrier systems: suspension of quercetin (quercetin QU995 powder in Tang® and spring water), nutritional bars (First Strike™), and chews (RealFX™ Q‐Plus™). Subjects were divided into 3 groups of 6 individuals each receiving 500 mg quercetin in one of the aforementioned formulations. Blood levels were monitored immediately pre‐ and for 32 h postadministration. The concentration of total quercetin in blood samples was determined by solid phase extraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by noncompartmental modeling using Kinetica software. The Cmax of quercetin was highest with RealFX™ Q‐Plus™ Chews (1051.9 ± 393.1 μg/L) achieved within 3.3 h as compared to that for First Strike™ Bars (698.1 ± 189.5 μg/L in 2.3 h) and Tang® suspension (354.4 ± 87.6 μg/L in 4.7 h). The results showed no statistically significant difference in quercetin absorption among groups due to high variability within groups receiving quercetin from same dosage form. This study represents the first comprehensive evaluation of quercetin absorption from quercetin fortified oral food products at doses commonly used for quercetin supplementation.

Practical Application:  The current study describes for the first time, comprehensive evaluation of quercetin PK in humans from quercetin fortified oral food products at doses commonly used for quercetin supplementation. Owing to quercetin's potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory actions, quercetin is widely being used as a nutritional supplement. In order to maximize the bioavailability of quercetin for its use in efficacy studies, it is important to determine its ideal oral carrier system and route for its delivery. The current research unveils vital information about quercetin supplementation to the international community, especially to soldiers, athletes, and the dietary supplement industry.
Towards a Sociology of Disclosure: The Case of Surgical Performance
Authors: Gabe Jonathan , Exworthy Mark , Jones Ian Rees , Smith Glenn
Published: October 2012

Despite the increasingly widespread emphasis on the need for transparency in health‐care and elsewhere, there is limited evidence regarding the consequences of disclosing medical performance data. The evidence is disparate and has not been synthesised in a coherent way. This paper focuses on surgical performance, whose measurement is generally often seen as straight forward. It begins by outlining the context for understanding the publication of such data and then presents an analytical framework as a vehicle for conceptualising the nature of disclosure in surgery and health‐care more generally. The framework addresses key dimensions concerning one surgical specialty (cardiac surgery) and its relationship with a range of stakeholders in an English context. In particular, we examine the interaction between surgeons and between surgeons, patients, managers and policy‐makers. These relationships are framed in terms of choice and calculativeness, strategies and tactics, and trust, and need to be understood at micro, meso and macro levels. We conclude by considering how this framework provides a research agenda for a sociology of disclosure.
Understanding Relations between People and their Pets
Authors: Blouin David D.
Published: October 2012

As evidenced by the popularity of animal behavior shows and books, online viral pet videos, and the presence of dogs or cats in two‐thirds of American homes, pets clearly play an important role in many Americans’ lives. At the same time, however, millions of pets are abandoned, abused, and euthanized every year. What should we make of these seemingly conflicting realities? How do Americans really feel about and treat their pets? And what explains the differences? In recent years social scientists have begun to investigate the various and changing interactions between humans and animals. In particular, a growing body of research examines humans’ relationships with pets, most often dogs and cats. This paper reviews recent research in this field. After discussing what differentiates pets from other animals, the paper begins with a review of research investigating the meanings and roles of pets in people’s lives and the nature and benefits of human‐pet attachments. Secondly, it reviews research on the factors that help explain why some people have a higher regard for pets than others. The paper concludes with a discussion of some of the limitations of existing research and some suggestions on how to expand future investigations.
Exploring African American Masculinities: An Integrative Model
Authors: Nickleberry Lynette D. , Coleman Marilyn
Published: October 2012

To date, African American masculinity has been explored from several perspectives and across many disciplines. Much of the work on Black masculinity derives from scholarly fields and paradigmatic approaches that are seldom in conversation with one another. This review explores the applications and critiques of deficit, Afrocentric, gender/sex role, and identity paradigms commonly applied to discourses on African American manhood across various disciplines. Additionally, this paper concludes with a call for paradigmatic triangulation in Black gender scholarship towards creating a comprehensive notion of African American masculinity.
Radio Studies: The Sound and Vision of an Established Medium in the Digital Age
Authors: Starkey Guy
Published: October 2012

Radio has been variously described as the ‘forgotten’, ‘invisible’, ‘secondary’, ‘blind’ and even ‘Cinderella’ medium, and it has been relatively under‐theorised in media studies since the subject first appeared in the classroom in the 1930s. Media educators may have been slow to realise its potential, and radio’s survival may have been threatened by the emergence of new media, but thisestablished, rather than old medium has reinvented itself before now and is doing so again in the age of media convergence. Digital migration may be slow because the benefits of new technology over the existing analogue transmission platforms may not be apparent to consumers, but now radio provides given pictures online and on mobile platforms through parallel broadcaster and user‐generated web content. Teaching radio studies can be both enjoyable and cost‐effective, with both academic and vocational outcomes, and radio’s place in media education seems assured by its longevity and durability. This article explores essential synergies between the development of radio as an industry that is now situated in a convergent, digital landscape, the state of the art of academic radio studies, and the practice of radio within media education.
Improving residents’ oral health through staff education in nursing homes
Authors: Le Phu , Dempster Laura , Limeback Hardy , Locker David
Published: October 2012

This study assessed the efficacy of oral care education among nursing home staff members to improve the oral health of residents. Nursing home support staff members (NHSSMs) in the study group received oral care education at baseline between a pretest and posttest. NHSSMs’ oral care knowledge was measured using a 20‐item knowledge test at baseline, posteducation, and at a 6‐month follow‐up. Residents’ oral health was assessed at baseline and again at a 6‐month follow‐up using the Modified Plaque Index (PI) and Modified Gingival Index (GI). Among staff members who received the oral care education (n = 32), posttest knowledge statistically significantly increased from the pretest level (p < .05). Thirty‐nine control residents of the nursing homes and 41 study residents participated. Among residents in the study group, PI decreased at 6 months compared to baseline (p < .05), but there was no statistically significant difference in their GI measurements between baseline and 6‐month follow‐up (p= .07).
Prevalence of oral health problems in U.S. adults, NHANES 1999–2004: exploring differences by age, education, and race/ethnicity
Authors: Kim Jung Ki , Baker Lindsey A. , Seirawan Hazem , Crimmins Eileen M.
Published: October 2012

Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 1999–2004, the authors examined age patterns in oral health indicators by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status related to edentulism, presence of root caries, and periodontal disease. Our analysis included subjects who were non‐Hispanic White, Mexican American, and African American over the age of 20, and who participated in the NHANES oral health examination. African Americans experienced more oral health problems at younger ages; as age increased, so did racial disparities in oral health problems. Lower educational attainment was strongly associated with more oral health problems at all ages.

These results may indicate a faster progression of oral health problems with age among African Americans, thus suggesting that the “earlier aging” of members of racial/ethnic minorities which has been reported in prior research may also be found in oral health.
An innovative approach to cessation of thumb‐sucking in a child with epilepsy: a case report
Authors: Chhabra Nidhi , Chhabra Anuj , Bansal Samriti
Published: October 2012

The thumb‐sucking habit is acquired in infancy, but if it persists beyond preschool age, it can have deleterious effects on facial growth, oral function, occlusal relationship, and aesthetics, leading to dental and skeletal deformities. This paper presents a clinical case history of using nonpunitive reminder therapy to intercept the thumb‐sucking habits of an 8‐year‐old child with epilepsy. A modified Bluegrass appliance was used along with the positive reinforcement. The modified Bluegrass appliance utilized an acrylic roller and was very comfortable for the patient; it was also successful in eliminating the habit within a short period of time.
Usefulness of the novel evolutional anvil grasper for laparoendoscopic surgery for intracorporeal circular stapled anastomosis during laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Nakase Yuen , Takagi Tsuyoshi , Fukumoto Kanehisa , Miyagaki Takuya
Published: October 2012

Traditional anvil graspers cannot delicately handle the anvil head as a result of their unique jaw shape that enhances grip force, and they are not suitable for confined pelvic space. With a manufacturing company, we developed a novel anvil grasper, the evolutional anvil grasper for laparoendoscopic surgery (EAGLE), to ensure more precise and safer anastomosis procedures. The EAGLE has curved blades that create a 6‐mm grasping surface that is the same diameter as the anvil stem and is covered with tungsten carbide tips. When using the EAGLE, a surgeon grasps the anvil stem slightly and easily, handles the anvil head and proximal colon, and smoothly sets the anvil to the center rod of the circular stapler. A surgeon can also securely grasp the stem of the anvil, push it into the center rod of the circular stapler and then perform a sequence of actions in anastomosis procedures smoothly and safely.
A case of simultaneous transvaginal NOTES gastrectomy and vaginal hysterectomy in a patient with gastric submucosal tumor and uterine prolapse
Authors: Hirota Masashi , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Hara Johji , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Yamasaki Makoto , Tsutsui Tateki , Kobayashi Eiji , Kurokawa Yukinori , Miyata Hiroshi , Takiguchi Shuji , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: October 2012

A 5‐cm gastric submucosal tumor was incidentally found through abdominal CT as a preoperative work‐up for hysterectomy in a 62‐year‐old woman with uterine prolapse. NOTES using a flexible gastrointestinal endoscope via the transvaginal route was indicated to accomplish concomitant partial gastrectomy and hysterectomy. Perigastric dissection was performed, followed by stapled partial gastrectomy using transvaginal NOTES technique with two transabdominal ports. The specimen was delivered transvaginally by enlarging the initial vaginal entry site. Vaginal hysterectomy was then accomplished by utilizing the enlarged vaginal wound. The patient showed rapid and uneventful postoperative recovery without any narcotic need. No complication was noted, her cosmetic result was satisfactory, and there was complete resolution of preoperative gynecological symptoms. Female patients with concomitant gastrointestinal and gynecological conditions requiring large specimen retrieval would potentially be suitable candidates for the transvaginal NOTES approach.
Coordinated Contract Decisions in a Make‐to‐Order Manufacturing Supply Chain: A Stochastic Programming Approach
Authors: Feng Yan , Martel Alain , D'Amours Sophie , Beauregard Robert
Published: October 2012

One of the important objectives of supply chain S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning) is the profitable alignment of customer demand with supply chain capabilities through the coordinated planning of sales, production, distribution, and procurement. In the make‐to‐order manufacturing context considered in this paper, sales plans cover both contract and spot sales, and procurement plans require the selection of supplier contracts. S&OP decisions also involve the allocation of capacity to support sales plans. This article studies the coordinated contract selection and capacity allocation problem, in a three‐tier manufacturing supply chain, with the objective to maximize the manufacturer's profitability. Using a modeling approach based on stochastic programming with recourse, we show how these S&OP decisions can be made taking into account economic, market, supply, and system uncertainties. The research is based on a real business case in the Oriented Strand Board (OSB) industry. The computational results show that the proposed approach provides realistic and robust solutions. For the case considered, the planning method elaborated yields significant performance improvements over the solutions obtained from the mixed integer programming model previously suggested for S&OP.
Wholesale Pricing under Mild and Privately Known Concerns for Fairness
Authors: Katok Elena , Olsen Tava , Pavlov Valery
Published: October 2012

This article studies the performance of wholesale pricing when the supply chain partners' fairness concerns are private information. We find that some properties of wholesale pricing established under complete information hold under incomplete information as well. First, wholesale pricing can coordinate the supply chain, despite the information asymmetry, when fairness concerns are strong enough. Second, in the case when an equitable profit split does not imply that the retailers profit must be higher than that of the supplier, the suppliers' equilibrium offer is never rejected. Overall, the study makes two primary contributions. First, it provides a partial characterization of the equilibrium when the conditions required for coordination do not hold, that is, when fairness concerns are mild. In this case, the model predicts that the expected market price must be exactly the same as under complete information. The channel efficiency, nevertheless, is strictly lower than under complete information. The distribution‐free lower bound on channel efficiency suggests that this efficiency loss should be quite small, though. Second, it provides an experimental test of the models' predictions as well as a direct validation of the assumptions of preferences heterogeneity and mildness by obtaining the empirical distribution of the preferences.
Chondrule formation by repeated evaporative melting and condensation in collisional debris clouds around planetesimals
Authors: RUZICKA Alex
Published: October 2012

Abstract– A synthesis of previous work leads to a model of chondrule formation that involves periodic melting of dispersed dust in debris clouds that were generated by collisions between chondritic planetesimals. I suggest that chondrules formed by the passage of nebular shock waves through these dust clumps, which temporarily surrounded disrupted planetesimals. Type I chondrules formed by more intense evaporative heating of fewer particles in tenuous clumps, or at the edges of dense clumps, and type II chondrules formed by less intense evaporative heating of more particles deeper within dense clumps. Chondrules reaccreted by self‐gravity into the planetesimals, mixing with less heated dust and rock. This process of disruption, melting, and reaccretion could have repeated many times. In this way, chondrite components of various origins and thermal histories could remain preserved in planetesimals as a distinctive mix of materials for extended periods of time, while still allowing for a repetitive melting process that converted some of the planetesimal debris into chondrules. I also suggest that during chondrule formation, the inner solar nebula gas was evolving by the gradual incorporation and heating of icy bodies depleted in 16O, causing a general increase in gaseous Δ17O with time in most places, especially close to the “snow line.” In this model, early formed type I chondrules in C chondrites with lower Δ17O values were produced inside the snow line, and later formed type I and type II chondrules in C and O chondrites with higher Δ17O values were created nearer the snow line after it had moved closer to the young Sun.
Distinctive tumour of the tongue in 3 horses
Authors: Valentine B. A. , Bildfell R. J. , Dunn A. J.
Published: October 2012

Tumours arising from the dorsal surface of the tongue occurred in 3 horses from 14 to 23 years of age. Tumours were surgically excised at a referral hospital (1 case) and on the farm (2 cases) and submitted for histopathology. All tumours were multilobular and composed of vaguely nested, bland, oval to slightly elongated cells with an infiltrative growth pattern. Mitotic activity was not detected. Immunohistochemical studies found that tumour cells were often positive forS‐100 and cytokeratin and occasionally positive for vimentin. Tumour cells were negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein, neuron specific enolase, synaptophysin, muscle actin and chromogranin A. Follow‐up obtained from 7 months to 2 years following tumour removal indicated no evidence of regrowth or metastasis. The origin of these distinctive tumours is not clear but the immunohistochemical profile suggests the possibility of origin from lingual taste buds. These cases and review of the literature indicate that successful surgical excision of tongue tumours can be performed by practitioners in private practice as well as by surgeons at referral hospitals.
The guilty adjustment: Response trends on the symptom validity test
Authors: Shaw Dominic J. , Vrij Aldert , Mann Samantha , Leal Sharon , Hillman Jackie
Published: October 2012

Purpose

To our knowledge this was the first experiment that examined response trends over the course of a Symptom Validity Test (SVT). We predicted that the guilty group would avoid being associated with potentially incriminating information, and that they would do this more at the beginning of the test than towards the end.

Method

The 86 participants of the guilty group carried out an illegal activity in a room and were instructed to deny having been in that room in a subsequent interview. The 82 innocent participants had never been in that particular room. During the interview the guilty and innocent groups were exposed to a 12‐item SVT.

Results and Conclusion

As predicted, the guilty participants selected fewer correct (crime related) items than innocents, and this tendency to avoid selecting the correct items was the strongest during the first half of the SVT. The implications of the findings for using an SVT in real life are discussed.
Evaluation of Specific Surface Area and Pore Size Distribution of LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 Ceramics Prepared using Pechini Method by N2 Adsorption Method—Optimization of Sintering Temperature as Cathode Material of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Niwa Eiki , Uematsu Chie , Hashimoto Takuya
Published: October 2012

Sintering temperature dependences of specific surface area, pore size distribution, and pore volume of LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 ceramics prepared using the Pechini method have been evaluated from the adsorption isotherms of N2 gas at −195.8°C. The specific surface area decreased almost linearly with increasing sintering temperature showing that preparation of the ceramic specimens with controlled surface area is possible by sintering temperature. The pore size distribution, evaluated by BJH method, showed two peaks around 2.5 and 250 nm with narrow FWHM for the specimen sintered at 900°C. Although both the peaks were maintained in the specimens sintered at 1000°C and 1100°C, their intensity decreased with increasing sintering temperature, indicating decrease of pore volume. It has been revealed that sintering below 1100°C is necessary to prepare LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 ceramics with pore volume maintained, which is suitable for SOFC cathode material.
Deposition, Characterization, and Corrosion Resistance of Nanocrystalline Bioactive Hydroxyapatite Ceramic Coating on New Ti‐20Nb‐10Zr‐5Ta Alloy
Authors: Popa Monica , Vasilescu Ecaterina , Drob Paula , Popa Mihai Vasile , Moreno Jose Maria Calderon , Vasilescu Cora , Drob Silviu Iulian
Published: October 2012

A new Ti‐20Nb‐10Zr‐5Ta bioalloy with low Young's modulus (59 GPa) was coated with nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramic layer by chemical method of soaking in a slightly supersaturated calcium and phosphate ions solution. The formation of HA was demonstrated using XRD, Raman microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy; the coating morphology and microstructure were determined using SEM. The coating protective capacity and its long‐term (2000 h) stability in simulated biofluids were revealed by the improvement of the all electrochemical parameters; also, HA ceramic coating reduced the alloy corrosion and ion release rates. After 2000 immersion hours in biofluids no compositional change occurs in the HA ceramic coating, only depositions from solution take place that change the coating morphology. Also, the in time increase of the coating stability and thickness (as a result of the new deposition from physiological solutions) indicates bioactivity.
Acid Corrosion Behavior of Sol–Gel‐Prepared Mullite Ceramics With and Without Addition of Lanthanum
Authors: Kurajica Stanislav , Curkovic Lidija , Tkalcec Emilija , Mandic Vilko
Published: October 2012

The corrosion behavior of pure and lanthanum doped, sol–gel‐derived, mullite ceramics in nitric acid aqueous solutions with various concentrations was investigated and compared. Samples sintered at a temperature of 1600°C for 4 h were characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction, SEM, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The corrosion behavior was explored by measuring the amount of eluted ions using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES). The doped sample was found to be more susceptible to dissolution in the corrodent, having higher leaching rates. The amounts of eluted lanthanum ions were in order of magnitude higher than amounts of silicon and aluminum. Those phenomena were attributed to the incorporation of lanthanum in the glassy phase, forming SiO2–La2O3‐rich glassy phase, which can dissolve in corrodent more easily than SiO2‐rich glassy phase in the pure sample.
How to Identify Students for School‐Based Depression Intervention: Can School Record Review Be Substituted for Universal Depression Screening?
Authors: Kuo Elena S. , Vander Stoep Ann , Herting Jerald R. , Grupp Katherine , McCauley Elizabeth
Published: October 2012

Problem

Early identification and intervention are critical for reducing the adverse effects of depression on academic and occupational performance. Cost‐effective approaches are needed for identifying adolescents at high depression risk. This study evaluated the utility of school record review versus universal school‐based depression screening for determining eligibility for an indicated depression intervention program implemented in the middle school setting.

Methods

Algorithms derived from grades, attendance, suspensions, and basic demographic information were evaluated with regard to their ability to predict students' depression screening scores.

Findings

The school information‐based algorithms proved poor proxies for individual students' depression screening results. However, school records showed promise for identifying low, medium, and high‐yield subgroups on the basis of which efficient screening targeting decisions could be made.

Conclusions

Study results will help to guide school nurses who coordinate indicated depression intervention programs in school settings as they evaluate options of approaches for determining which students are eligible for participation.
Approach to hypohidrosis
Authors: Chia K.Y. , Tey H.L.
Published: October 2012

Hypohidrosis refers to diminished sweating in response to appropriate stimuli. This can cause hyperthermia, heat exhaustion and death. The aetiology of hypohidrosis can be divided into exogenous, dermatological and neurological causes. Exogenous causes act either by systemic neurohormonal inhibition of sweating or localised damage to the skin and sweat glands. Dermatological disorders can result from congenital disorders, wherein other ectodermal tissues may also be affected, or acquired disorders in which manifestations of the primary disease predominate. Neurological disorders should be classified based on an upper motor neuron or lower motor neuron pattern of disease. In the former, there is spasticity and hyperactive reflexes whereas in the latter, flaccidity and hypoactive reflexes predominate. Acquired idiopathic generalised anhidrois refers to isolated anhidrosis with no other detectable abnormalities. When approaching a patient with hypohidrois, exogenous causes should first be excluded. Physical examination, paying attention to mucocutaneous manifestations and neurological signs, will dichotomise if the lesion is dermatological or neurological. In the former, a skin biopsy is the investigation of choice. In the latter, one should consider magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spinal cord for upper motor neuron lesions, nerve conduction tests for lower motor neuron lesions and autonomic nerve function tests for autonomic dysfunction. Finally, if a diagnosis of acquired idiopathic generalised anhidrosis is suspected, a quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test and serum immunoglobulin‐E levels may be performed. Treatment involves addressing the underlying condition and avoidance of aggravating factors. Acquired idiopathic generalised anhidrosis responds well to high dose systemic corticosteroids.
Systemic nocardiosis in a Mediterranean population of cultured meagre, Argyrosomus regius Asso (Perciformes: Sciaenidae)
Authors: Elkesh A , Kantham K P L , Shinn A P , Crumlish M , Richards R H
Published: October 2012

Marine cultured meagre, Argyrosomus regius Asso, in central and western Greece were affected by an outbreak of systemic granulomatous disease subsequently demonstrated to be nocardiosis. The fish were originally imported as juveniles from hatcheries in France and Italy and on‐grown in Greece, the latter also providing broodstock for a small number of local Greek hatcheries for the production of second‐generation juveniles. The disease in cage reared fish had been present throughout the year, particularly in the 1+ and 2+ year old fish with a low to variable morbidity and 1–4% total mortality. Multiple lesions were visible externally on the skin of affected fish, with severe ulcerations and necrosis. Internally, multifocal yellowish‐white nodules, 0.1–0.5 cm in diameter, were visible on the surface of several internal organs. Histopathology revealed systemic granulomatous inflammation. Fite‐Faraco staining clearly demonstrated the presence of Nocardia‐like organisms which were Gram‐positive, long, rod to beaded filamentous bacteria. Nocardia genus‐specific 16s RNA primers NG1 and NG2 were used to generate a 600 bp fragment recovered from affected tissue, confirming the diagnosis of Nocardia spp. To our knowledge, this is the first report of nocardiosis in meagre.
The Effect of Selected Starches on Hydration, Textural and Sensory Characteristics of Restructured Beef Products
Authors: Pietrasik Z. , Pierce D.L. , Janz J.A.M.
Published: October 2012

Wet‐extracted (WEPS) and air‐classified pea starches were included at 3 g/100 g in a restructured beef with 0, 20 or 40 g/100 g water addition. Hydration and textural properties, and consumer acceptance were evaluated, and performance of pea starch‐added products was compared with a product made with modified cornstarch (MCS) and a starch‐free control.

The meat protein/starch matrix in the restructured products was sufficient to entrap water during cooking, although the systems were less stable with 40 g/100 g water addition leading to greater moisture losses. Increased moisture content resulted in products with decreased hardness and chewiness. Compared with control, all starches improved hydration properties of the products containing additional water; however, MCS performance was superior to pea starch, especially for purge control.

Firmness acceptability of MCS and WEPS samples was lower than that of the starch‐free control; however, starch type did not affect color, flavor or overall acceptability.

Practical Applications

Results of this study indicate a potential for using pea starches to improve the processing characteristics of restructured meat products. Of the three starches tested, modified cornstarch was found to be superior for controlling purge and improving hydration properties of water‐added products; however, the pea starches still performed better than the control for moisture retention in corned beef.

Pea starches could be a viable and a lower‐cost formulation alternative to traditional cornstarches and therefore create new opportunities for extending their utilization in food systems.
Efficacies of Cleaning Methods for Decontaminating Vibrio parahaemolyticus on the Surfaces of Cutting Boards Cross‐Contaminated from Grated Fish Fillet
Authors: Kim Su‐Yeon , Li Tong , Heo Ji‐Young , Bae Young‐Min , Hwang In‐Kyeong , Lee Sun‐Young , Moon BoKyung
Published: October 2012

Four types of cutting boards (wood, polyethylene, polypropylene and acrylic) were contaminated with grated fish fillet inoculated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. To simulate a used cutting board, wood cutting boards were treated with sandpaper for 20 min in the same direction. The initial populations of V. parahaemolyticus without and with 3% (w/v) salt were 6.10 and 6.57 log cfu/g, respectively. After 1 h, levels of V. parahaemolyticus transferred to cutting board surfaces without and with 3% salt were 2.8–4.1 and 1.6–3.6 log cfu/g, respectively. Transfer levels of V. parahaemolyticus from the cutting boards to cucumber were 3.36 and 3.27 log cfu/unit area on the wood cutting boards at 25C indicating high levels could cross‐contaminate to cucumber. For evaluation of cleaning methods, wiping with paper towels (dry, wetted with water, wetted with alcohol and wetted with chlorine) reduced levels of V. parahaemolyticus on the cutting boards to <2.38 log cfu/unit area. Washing with water was less effective at reducing levels of V. parahaemolyticus on cutting boards than towel wiping methods. However, a combined cleaning method with an alcohol paper towel and running water was the most effective at eliminating V. parahaemolyticus on the surface of cutting boards under normal use conditions.

Practical Applications

Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection has been implicated in a number of illness outbreaks linked to food consumption. When raw fish contaminated with V. parahaemolyticus is handled in the kitchen, the surface of cutting boards can be easily contaminated. We investigated levels of V. parahaemolyticus cross‐contamination from grated fish fillet to cutting boards along with the effects of cleaning method for reducing V. parahaemolyticus. Although wiping with alcohol towel was effective, one‐step cleaning methods did not completely eliminate attached V. parahaemolyticus on the cutting boards. Therefore, a combined cleaning method with an alcohol paper towel and running water was suggested as the most effective way to eliminate V. parahaemolyticus on the surfaces of cutting boards under normal use conditions. These results can be used to develop kitchen safety guidelines for preventing foodborne outbreaks.
Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid and endoscopic sphincterotomy in long‐term stenting for common bile duct stones
Authors: Nishizawa Toshihiro , Suzuki Hidekazu , Takahashi Masahiko , Kaneko Hiroshi , Suzuki Masayuki , Hibi Toshifumi
Published: October 2012

Background and Aim

We investigated the patency rate of a biliary stent and the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) for difficult‐to‐remove common bile duct stones.

Method

A total of 63 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) were performed in 36 patients (mean age, 86.0 years; male–female, 17:19) for stenting. Among the 63 subjects, 28 were further treated with EST; 20, with UDCA therapy; and 43, without UDCA therapy.

Results

The mean patency time was significantly longer in the UDCA treatment group (1,012 days) than in the “stent without UDCA” group (354 days; P = 0.0002; hazard ratio, 0.253). The mean patency time was significantly longer in the patients who had stent placement with EST (1074 days) than in those who had stent placement without EST (279 days; P = 0.001; hazard ratio, 0.439). The mean patency time was significantly longer in the patients who had stent placement with UDCA therapy and EST (1211 days) than in the patients who had stent placement with either UDCA therapy or EST (425 days; P = 0.031; hazard ratio, 0.3292). The mean patency time was significantly longer in the patients who had stent placement with either UDCA therapy or EST than in those who had stent placement without UDCA therapy or EST (263 days; P = 0.0465; hazard ratio, 0.5124).

Conclusion

Biliary stenting combined with UDCA therapy and EST may be considered as an effective treatment method for cases of common bile duct stones in elderly patients that are difficult to remove.
Lymphoma and other lymphoproliferative disorders in inflammatory bowel disease: A review
Authors: Subramaniam Kavitha , D'Rozario James , Pavli Paul
Published: October 2012

The lymphoproliferative disorders (LDs) are a heterogeneous group of at least 70 conditions that result from the clonal proliferation of B, T, and NK cells. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)‐associated lymphomas are typically B‐cell LD, while T‐cell or Hodgkin's lymphomas are rare.

In IBD patients not on immunosuppression, the risk of LD seems to be similar or slightly higher than the background population risk. Thiopurine therapy is associated with an increased risk: the relative risk is increased four‐ to sixfold and the absolute risk varies between 1 in 4000–5000 for those aged 20–29 to 1 in 300–400 in those over 70. It is difficult to quantify the risk of anti‐ tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy alone; however, it appears to be less than for thiopurines alone.

There is particular concern regarding the development of post‐transplant‐like LD in those with latent epstein‐barr virus (EBV) infection exposed to immunosuppressives, the occurrence of hepatosplenic T cell lymphoma in patients treated with combination anti‐TNF and thiopurine therapy, and the development of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in those who acquire a primary EBV or other infections while on immunosuppressive medication. There are currently no guidelines for monitoring EBV (or other virus) status in patients on immunosuppression, although it could be used to monitor those who have a prior history of lymphoma and are about to start a thiopurine or anti‐TNF agent.

In discussing the risks of lymphoproliferative disorders associated with agents used for the treatment of IBD, patients can often be reassured that the benefits of such therapy still outweigh the small, but real, risks.