bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Punishment Justification and Goals
Authors: Frase Richard S.
Published: June 2011

Criminal punishments are government sanctions imposed on persons convicted of criminal acts (other forms of punishment, not dealt with in this bibliography, include measures imposed by parents on their children, by organizations on their members, by employers, etc.). Criminal punishment requires clear and convincing justification for two essential reasons. First, such punishment is, almost by definition, unpleasant and harmful to the offender, at least in the short term: it deliberately brands and stigmatizes that person as a wrongdoer, usually involves some loss of liberty or other harsh treatment, and often causes harm to the offender’s family. Second, punishment consumes scarce public resources that might be better spent on other pressing needs, or better spent on alternate ways of achieving the supposed justification(s) for the punishment. Punishment justifications and goals can be either positive or negative criteria: they can provide moral and/or practical arguments in favor of the punishment, or they can set limits on the type or degree of punishment that it is permissible to impose under one or more of the positive rationales. Whether positive or negative, punishment justifications and goals fall into two major categories. So-called deontological rationales and limits evaluate a particular punishment according to its inherent value—whether it is a good or a bad thing in itself, regardless of whether the punishment yields good or bad consequences. The second category of rationales and limits are “consequentialist” (or utilitarian); punishment is justified and limited according to whether it produces good or bad effects, in particular whether it tends to decrease future criminal acts by the offender and/or other would-be offenders. Some theories of punishment belong entirely to one or the other of these two main categories, but a number of hybrid or mixed theories have been proposed, incorporating both deontological and consequentialist principles, and most modern legal systems take this approach.
Sentencing Guidelines
Authors: Kimchi Anat , Johnson Brian D.
Published: June 2011

Sentencing guidelines are formal sentencing recommendations that provide benchmarks for appropriate punishments to judges at sentencing. They often consist of two-dimensional grids that rank the seriousness of the current offense along one axis and the prior offending history of the offender on the other. Cells within the grid provide specific ranges of punishments that are presumed to be appropriate in typical cases involving typical offenders. Many sentencing guidelines are established and monitored by a specialized administrative body known as a sentencing commission. Since the early 1980s, sentencing guidelines have been implemented in numerous US states and in the federal justice system with the express goals of reducing unwarranted disparity and increasing consistency, uniformity, and transparency in punishment.
Noninvasive versus invasive ventilation for acute respiratory failure in patients with hematologic malignancies: A 5-year multicenter observational survey*
Authors: Gristina Giuseppe R. , Antonelli Massimo , Conti Giorgio , Ciarlone Alessia , Rogante Silvia , Rossi Carlotta , Bertolini Guido
Published: June 2011

Background:

Mortality is high among patients with hematologic malignancies admitted to intensive care units for acute respiratory failure. Early noninvasive mechanical ventilation seems to improve outcomes.

Objective:

To characterize noninvasive mechanical ventilation use in Italian intensive care units for acute respiratory failure patients with hematologic malignancies and its impact on outcomes vs. invasive mechanical ventilation.

Design, Setting, Participants:

Retrospective analysis of observational data prospectively collected in 2002–2006 on 1,302 patients with hematologic malignancies admitted with acute respiratory failure to 158 Italian intensive care units.

Measurements:

Mortality (intensive care unit and hospital) was assessed in patients treated initially with noninvasive mechanical ventilation vs. invasive mechanical ventilation and in those treated with invasive mechanical ventilation ab initio vs. after noninvasive mechanical ventilation failure. Findings were adjusted for propensity scores reflecting the probability of initial treatment with noninvasive mechanical ventilation.

Results:

Few patients (21%) initially received noninvasive mechanical ventilation; 46% of these later required invasive mechanical ventilation. Better outcomes were associated with successful noninvasive mechanical ventilation (vs. invasive mechanical ventilation ab initio and vs. invasive mechanical ventilation after noninvasive mechanical ventilation failure), particularly in patients with acute lung injury/adult respiratory distress syndrome (mortality: 42% vs. 69% and 77%, respectively). Delayed vs. immediate invasive mechanical ventilation was associated with slightly but not significantly higher hospital mortality (65% vs. 58%, p = .12). After propensity-score adjustment, noninvasive mechanical ventilation was associated with significantly lower mortality than invasive mechanical ventilation.

Limitations:

The population could not be stratified according to specific hematologic diagnoses. Furthermore, the study was observational, and treatment groups may have included unaccounted for differences in covariates although the risk of this bias was minimized with propensity score regression adjustment.

Conclusions:

In patients with hematologic malignancies, acute respiratory failure should probably be managed initially with noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Further study is needed to determine whether immediate invasive mechanical ventilation might offer some benefits for those with acute lung injury/adult respiratory distress syndrome.
Pleural effusion complicates monitoring of respiratory mechanics*
Authors: Graf Jeronimo , Formenti Paolo , Santos Arnoldo , Gard Kenneth , Adams Alexander , Tashjian Joseph , Dries David , Marini John J.
Published: June 2011

Objectives:

Although pleural effusion reduces respiratory system compliance by restricting the lungs, the effusion volume is partially accommodated by chest wall expansion. The implications for these opposing volume changes on airway pressure monitoring in ventilated patients with pleural effusion are unreported. We investigated the interactions among pleural effusion, positive end-expiratory pressure, and indices of respiratory mechanics in a swine model.

Design:

Interventional animal model.

Setting:

Hospital animal research facility.

Subjects:

Nine deeply anesthetized swine.

Interventions:

The preparation included tracheostomy, arterial/venous catheter placement, and chest tube insertion. Animals were ventilated throughout the study at 9 mL/kg, and frequency was adjusted to maintain normocapnia (inspiratory:expiratory = 1:2, Fio2 = 0.5) and positive end-expiratory pressure of 1 cm H2O and 10 cm H2O. Fluid was instilled into the right pleural space to simulate effusions of 13 mL/kg (pleural effusion 1) and 26 mL/kg (pleural effusion 2).

Measurements and Main Results:

Quantitative computerized tomography studies (in five animals) and functional residual capacity volumes (wash-in/wash-out technique) were obtained for each pleural effusion/positive end-expiratory pressure combination. Mean functional residual capacity compared to baseline at positive end-expiratory pressure of 1 cm H2O was decreased by pleural effusion 1 and pleural effusion 2 (−42%, −64%) and restored by positive end-expiratory pressure of 10 cm H2O (moderate) to +23% of baseline for pleural effusion 1 and +1% for pleural effusion 2. Plateau pressure increased and compliance decreased in response to pleural effusion 1 and pleural effusion 2. Moderate positive end-expiratory pressure applied during both pleural effusion quantities restored plateau pressure and tidal compliance to prepleural effusion values. Computed tomography studies revealed lung compression and tidal derecruitment cycles occurring with pleural effusion at positive end-expiratory pressure of 1 cm H2O, whereas a moderate positive end-expiratory pressure restored prepleural effusion functional residual capacity and prevented lung and intratidal derecruitment.

Conclusions:

When pleural effusion is present, respiratory mechanics must be interpreted cautiously and sufficient positive end-expiratory pressure should be applied to prevent extensive collapse and intratidal cycles of recruitment/derecruitment.
Genome-scale analysis of aberrant DNA methylation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hinoue Toshinori , Weisenberger Daniel J. , Lange Christopher P.E. , Shen Hui , Byun Hyang-Min , Van Den Berg David , Malik Simeen , Pan Fei , Noushmehr Houtan , van Dijk Cornelis M. , Tollenaar Rob A.E.M. , Laird Peter W.
Published: June 2011

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease in which unique subtypes are characterized by distinct genetic and epigenetic alterations. Here we performed comprehensive genome-scale DNA methylation profiling of 125 colorectal tumors and 29 adjacent normal tissues. We identified four DNA methylation–based subgroups of CRC using model-based cluster analyses. Each subtype shows characteristic genetic and clinical features, indicating that they represent biologically distinct subgroups. A CIMP-high (CIMP-H) subgroup, which exhibits an exceptionally high frequency of cancer-specific DNA hypermethylation, is strongly associated with MLH1 DNA hypermethylation and the BRAFV600E mutation. A CIMP-low (CIMP-L) subgroup is enriched for KRAS mutations and characterized by DNA hypermethylation of a subset of CIMP-H-associated markers rather than a unique group of CpG islands. Non-CIMP tumors are separated into two distinct clusters. One non-CIMP subgroup is distinguished by a significantly higher frequency of TP53 mutations and frequent occurrence in the distal colon, while the tumors that belong to the fourth group exhibit a low frequency of both cancer-specific DNA hypermethylation and gene mutations and are significantly enriched for rectal tumors. Furthermore, we identified 112 genes that were down-regulated more than twofold in CIMP-H tumors together with promoter DNA hypermethylation. These represent ∼7% of genes that acquired promoter DNA methylation in CIMP-H tumors. Intriguingly, 48/112 genes were also transcriptionally down-regulated in non-CIMP subgroups, but this was not attributable to promoter DNA hypermethylation. Together, we identified four distinct DNA methylation subgroups of CRC and provided novel insight regarding the role of CIMP-specific DNA hypermethylation in gene silencing.
Structure determination from powder diffraction data using a new intensity extraction algorithm
Authors: Gomez Ariel , Kycia Stefan
Published: June 2011

A method is proposed for extracting the relevant structural information from powder diffraction data. The pattern is fitted and a reduced number of intensity values, called `pseudo-intensities', are extracted and used as a substitute for the full pattern in the structure determination algorithm. Since the number of pseudo-intensities is one order of magnitude smaller than the number of data points in the experimental data, the calculation of the agreement factor (Rwp), and hence the evaluation of a trial structure, is carried out more quickly. The method consists of a procedure for stripping out the influence of the profile fit from the full patternRwpfactor, leaving just the important intensity information needed in the structure determination process.
Novel approach to controlled protein crystallization through ligandation of yttrium cations
Authors: Zhang Fajun , Zocher Georg , Sauter Andrea , Stehle Thilo , Schreiber Frank
Published: June 2011

Crystal structure determination of macromolecules is often hampered by the lack of crystals suitable for diffraction experiments. This article describes a protocol to crystallize the acidic protein bovine β-lactoglobulin in the presence of yttrium to yield high-quality crystals that belong to a new space group. The yttrium ions not only are used to engineer the crystallization, but are an integral part of the crystal lattice and can therefore be used to solve the phase problem using anomalous dispersion methods. Protein crystallization conditions were first optimized using an experimental phase diagram in the protein and salt concentration plane. Crystal growth strongly depends on the position in the phase diagram, and the best crystals grow near the phase transition boundaries. The structure analysis demonstrates the specific binding of yttrium ions to surface-exposed glutamate and aspartate side chains contributed by different molecules in the crystal lattice. By bridging molecules in this manner, contacts between molecules are formed that enable the formation of a stable crystal lattice. The potential application of this strategy to the crystallization of other acidic proteins is discussed on the basis of the universal features of the phase behavior of these proteins and the interactions induced by multivalent ions.
Solitary fibrous tumour: a diagnostic challenge for the cytopathologist
Authors: Gupta N. , Barwad A. , Katamuthu K. , Rajwanshi A. , Radotra B. D. , Nijhawan R. , Dey P.
Published: June 2011

N. Gupta, A. Barwad, K. Katamuthu, A. Rajwanshi, B. D. Radotra, R. Nijhawan and P. Dey

Solitary fibrous tumour: a diagnostic challenge for the cytopathologist

Background:  Solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) is an uncommon spindle cell tumour that can occur in a variety of locations. Cytological features of this tumour have only rarely been reported in the literature. We describe the cytomorphological features of SFT with an emphasis on diagnostic pitfalls.

Methods:  We retrieved nine cases of histopathologically proven SFT. Three cases had sampling error with inadequate smears and, therefore, six cases with adequate cellularity were analysed for cytological findings. The cytomorphological features and the differential diagnoses on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) are discussed.

Results:  No definitive cyto‐diagnosis of any of these cases was possible because of the morphological overlap with various soft tissue tumours and other tumour types. There was one false‐positive case, in which the possibility of sarcoma was suggested due to the presence of scattered atypical cells. Cytologically, the smears from the SFTs showed spindle to plump cells embedded in metachromatically staining dense ropy collagen material. The cells usually had oval to spindle shaped nuclei, bland chromatin and wavy elongated pale staining cytoplasm.

Conclusion:  A diagnosis of SFT on cytology smears is challenging. Careful attention given to certain cytological features in an appropriate clinicoradiological setting and application of immunochemistry, including CD34 and CD99 immunostaining on cytological samples, can help in the diagnosis of SFT in some cases. It is important to consider cytological overlaps of this tumour in order to avoid false‐negative or false‐positive results.
Predictability of anthrax infection in the Serengeti, Tanzania
Authors: Hampson Katie , Lembo Tiziana , Bessell Paul , Auty Harriet , Packer Craig , Halliday Jo , Beesley Cari A. , Fyumagwa Robert , Hoare Richard , Ernest Eblate , Mentzel Christine , Metzger Kristine L. , Mlengeya Titus , Stamey Karen , Roberts Keith , Wilkins Patricia P. , Cleaveland Sarah
Published: June 2011

1. Anthrax is endemic throughout Africa, causing considerable livestock and wildlife losses and severe, sometimes fatal, infection in humans. Predicting the risk of infection is therefore important for public health, wildlife conservation and livestock economies. However, because of the intermittent and variable nature of anthrax outbreaks, associated environmental and climatic conditions, and diversity of species affected, the ecology of this multihost pathogen is poorly understood.

2. We explored records of anthrax from the Serengeti ecosystem in north‐west Tanzania where the disease has been documented in humans, domestic animals and a range of wildlife. Using spatial and temporal case‐detection and seroprevalence data from wild and domestic animals, we investigated spatial, environmental, climatic and species‐specific associations in exposure and disease.

3. Anthrax was detected annually in numerous species, but large outbreaks were spatially localized, mostly affecting a few focal herbivores.

4. Soil alkalinity and cumulative weather extremes were identified as useful spatial and temporal predictors of exposure and infection risk, and for triggering the onset of large outbreaks.

5. Interacting ecological and behavioural factors, specifically functional groups and spatiotemporal overlap, helped to explain the variable patterns of infection and exposure among species.

6. Synthesis and applications. Our results shed light on ecological drivers of anthrax infection and suggest that soil alkalinity and prolonged droughts or rains are useful predictors of disease occurrence that could guide risk‐based surveillance. These insights should inform strategies for managing anthrax including prophylactic livestock vaccination, timing of public health warnings and antibiotic provision in high‐risk areas. However, this research highlights the need for greater surveillance (environmental, serological and case‐detection‐orientated) to determine the mechanisms underlying anthrax dynamics.
Rural surgeons’ attitudes towards and usage of evidence‐based medicine in rural surgical practice
Authors: Kitto Simon C. , Peller Jennifer C. , Villanueva Elmer V. , Gruen Russell L. , Smith Julian A.
Published: June 2011

Introduction Rural and remote surgical practice presents unique barriers to the uptake of the evidence‐based medicine (EBM) paradigm. As medical and education institutions around Australia develop practices and support for EBM, there are growing questions about how EBM is situated in the rural and remote context. The Monash University Department of Surgery at Monash Medical Centre implemented a study to explore the current understandings, attitudes and practices of rural surgeons towards the EBM paradigm.

Methods Descriptive survey of rural surgeons based in a tertiary care environment.

Results The overall results of the survey demonstrate that: (1) rural surgeons have a good understanding of EBM; (2) EBM evidence is somewhat useful but not very important to clinical decision making; and (3) while rural surgeons are relatively confident in most sources listed, they are most confident in their own judgment and clinical practice guidelines, and least confident in telephone contact with colleagues. Rural surgeons’ understanding, usage and confidence in EBM purports that rural surgeons have contradictory, ambivalent and complex views of the EBM paradigm and its place in rural surgical practice.

Discussion Professional isolation and context specificity are important to consider when extending the EBM paradigm to rural surgical practice and understanding the EBM uptake in the rural surgery context.
Interplay between calcium signalling and early signalling elements during defence responses to microbe‐ or damage‐associated molecular patterns
Authors: Ranf Stefanie , Eschen‐Lippold Lennart , Pecher Pascal , Lee Justin , Scheel Dierk
Published: June 2011

While diverse microbe‐ or damage‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs/DAMPs) typically trigger a common set of intracellular signalling events, comparative analysis between the MAMPs flg22 and elf18 revealed MAMP‐specific differences in Ca2+ signalling, defence gene expression and MAMP‐mediated growth arrest in Arabidopsis thaliana. Such MAMP‐specific differences are, in part, controlled by BAK1, a kinase associated with several receptors. Whereas defence gene expression and growth inhibition mediated by flg22 were reduced in bak1 mutants, BAK1 had no or minor effects on the same responses elicited by elf18. As the residual Ca2+ elevations induced by diverse MAMPs/DAMPs (flg22, elf18 and Pep1) were virtually identical in bak1 mutants, a differential BAK1‐mediated signal amplification to attain MAMP/DAMP‐specific Ca2+ amplitudes in wild‐type plants may be hypothesized. Furthermore, abrogation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, either in the rbohD mutant or through inhibitor application, led to loss of a second Ca2+ peak, demonstrating a feedback effect of ROS on Ca2+ signalling. Conversely, mpk3 mutants showed a prolonged accumulation of ROS but this did not significantly impinge on the overall Ca2+ response. Thus, fine‐tuning of MAMP/DAMP responses involves interplay between diverse signalling elements functioning both up‐ or downstream of Ca2+ signalling.
Prevalence of immunoglobulin A deficiency in Chinese blood donors and evaluation of anaphylactic transfusion reaction risk
Authors: Feng M. L. , Zhao Y. L. , Shen T. , Huang H. , Yin B. , Liu R. Z. , Qian K. C. , Liu D‐Z.
Published: June 2011

Objectives/Aims: We investigated the incidence of immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency in Chinese population.

Background: The frequency of IgA deficiency, defined as a serum IgA level of <0·05 mg dL−1, has been broadly studied in different ethnic groups. Individuals with IgA deficiency may form specific antibodies against IgA, which can cause an anaphylactic response when the patient receives an IgA‐containing blood transfusion.

Methods: A sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed to screen for IgA deficiency and particle gel immunoassay used for confirmation. IgA antibodies were further detected by the DiaMed anti‐IgA test in IgA‐deficient blood donors.

Results: Of the total 22 609 healthy blood donors screened, only seven cases were confirmed as having IgA deficiency (<0·05 mg dL−1). Another seven cases displayed relative IgA deficiencies, with mean IgA concentrations ranging from 0·39 to 3·70 mg dL−1. Anti‐IgA was identified in 2 of the 14 IgA‐deficient blood donors whose IgA levels were <5 mg dL−1. Estimation of the theoretical risk for IgA anaphylactic transfusion reaction was 0·009%.

Conclusion: The prevalence of IgA deficiency in Chinese is low. However, potential risks exist in performing blood transfusion to IgA‐deficient persons, and measures should be taken to reduce IgA anaphylaxis.
Characterization and polymorphic analysis of 4.5 kb genomic full‐length HLA‐C in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Xu Y. , Deng Z. , O'hUigin C. , Wang D. , Gao S. , Zeng J. , Yang B. , Jin S. , Zou H.
Published: June 2011

This study used long‐range polymerase chain reaction to sequence 4.5 or 4.3 kb of genomic DNA covering human leukocyte antigen C (HLA‐C) and its flanks in 45 Chinese Han subjects to better characterize variation in the gene in a single population. Sequences of 35 HLA‐C alleles were obtained from the population, including major alleles of 13 lineages of HLA‐C. Four novel alleles, C*03:04:01:02, C*04:01:01:03, C*08:22, and C*17:01:01:02, were identified, and complete full‐length sequences of 18 HLA‐C alleles were obtained for the first time. All sequences herein reported also represent extensions through the promoter region and the 3′‐untranslated region. Fourteen 5′‐nucleotide sequences and 14 3′‐nucleotide sequences were detected outside the coding region. In total, 316 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms unequally distributed in HLA‐C subregions were observed. In addition to exons 2 and 3, nucleotide variability was found to be particularly high in exon 5, which encodes the transmembrane region. The differentiation of the C*07 and C*17 lineages in this region accounts for the high variability. The congruence of phylogeny across most regions of the gene suggests that gene conversion or recombination has not markedly influenced divergence between lineages in the evolution of HLA‐C.
Effects of a short‐term increase in the nutritional plane before the mating period on metabolic and endocrine parameters, hepatic gene expression and reproduction in primiparous beef cows on grazing conditions
Authors: Astessiano A. L. , Pérez‐Clariget R. , Quintans G. , Soca P. , Carriquiry M.
Published: June 2011

Sixty‐four spring‐calved primiparous crossbred cows paired by calving date and body condition score (BCS) at calving were used to study the effect of a short‐term increase in the nutritional plane before the mating period on cow and calf performance, changes in metabolic and endocrine parameters and hepatic gene expression. At 48 ± 10 days post‐partum (onset of nutritional treatment = day 0), cows were assigned to two treatments during 23 days: control (grazing of native pastures; NP; n = 31) and increased nutritional plane (NP improved with Lotus subbiflorous cv Rincon; IP; n = 33). Cow body weight (BW), BCS and total protein and albumin concentrations increased while urea and non‐esterified fatty acids levels decreased from the beginning of the nutritional treatment in both groups, indicating the animal positive energy balance as forage growth and availability of pastures increased during spring. In addition, cow BW and BCS, as well as calf average daily gain and BW, were greater in IP than in NP cows groups. Insulin concentrations were less in IP than in NP (1.37 vs. 2.25 ± 0.26 μU/ml) because insulin increased owing to nutritional treatment only in NP cows. Hepatic insulin receptor mRNA at day 23 tended to be 1.5‐fold greater, while insulin growth factor binding protein‐3 mRNA expression was 1.7‐fold greater in NP than in IP cows. Reproductive responses were not affected by nutritional treatment, but days to initiation of ovarian ciclicity (108 ± 10 days) were positively correlated with insulin concentrations. Grazing of improved NP for 23 days before the mating period did not improve cow reproductive performance but modified metabolic, endocrine and gene expression parameters, in agreement with greater nutrient and energy partitioning towards milk production, reflected in better calf performance.
Factors that influence cecal intubation rate during colonoscopy in deeply sedated patients
Authors: Hsu Chen‐Ming , Lin Wei‐Pin , Su Ming‐Yao , Chiu Cheng‐Tang , Ho Yu‐Pin , Chen Pang‐Chi
Published: June 2011

Background and Aim:  The technical performance of colonoscopy performed in deeply sedated patients differs from that performed without sedation or under minimal to moderate sedation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the factors affecting cecal intubation during colonoscopy performed under deep sedation.

Methods:  A total of 5352 consecutive subjects who underwent a screening colonoscopy as part of a health check‐up between January 2008 and December 2008 at an academic hospital were reviewed. All endoscopies were performed with deep sedation using combination propofol or propofol alone. Data collected included characteristics of the patients (age, gender, body mass index, bowel habits, history of abdominal or pelvic surgery, quality of bowel preparation, and presence/absence of colonic diverticula) and characteristics of the colonoscopists (experience level, colonoscopy procedure volume, and instrument handling method). These factors were analyzed to evaluate their impact on cecal intubation rates.

Results:  The crude cecal intubation rate was 98% and the adjusted cecal intubation rate was 98.3%. The mean cecal intubation time was 5.6 ± 3.2 min. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that patient age greater than 60 years, constipation, poor colon preparation and a two‐person colonoscopy procedure were independently associated with lower cecal intubation rates.

Conclusions:  Colonoscopy performed under deep sedation by experienced colonoscopists results in high cecal intubation rates. Among the significant patient‐related predictors influencing the cecal intubation, the quality of the bowel preparation was the only modifiable factor. When performed by experienced hands, the one‐person method was associated with higher cecal intubation rates than the two‐person method.
Pilot study of influenza vaccine effectiveness in urban Australian children attending childcare
Authors: Yin J Kevin , Lahra Monica M , Iskander Mary , Lambert Stephen B , Heron Leon , Nissen Michael D , Rost Laura , Murphy Jennifer , Sloots Theo P , Booy Robert
Published: June 2011

Background:  Influenza outbreaks in the childcare setting are a significant cause of excess winter morbidity. This study explored methods of follow up and sample collection for a proposed randomised controlled trial of influenza vaccination in children attending childcare.

Methods:  The study was conducted in four Sydney childcare centres during 2007. Healthy children aged 6–59 months eligible for vaccination were recruited in two centres, with another two acting as controls. Data on influenza‐like illness (ILI: ≥37.8°C plus at least one respiratory symptom) occurrence were collected weekly. In those children with an ILI, parents were asked to collect nasal swabs and send via surface mail for viral polymerase chain reaction. Vaccine efficacy (VE) for ILI was estimated overall and for subgroups aged 6–23 and 24–59 months using the formula VE = 1 − relative risk (RR).

Results:  Sixty‐three per cent (151/238) of eligible children had parents give consent. Sixty‐three children received influenza vaccine and 88 participated as controls. Of 26 specimens returned, a virus was detected in 18 (69%); none with influenza. Two symptomatic children had positive near‐patient influenza tests in general practice (one a vaccine failure). The RR with 95% confidence interval in all children and those aged 6–23 months were less than one, 0.56 (0.32–1.02) and 0.46 (0.15–1.45), respectively.

Conclusions:  This study demonstrated the feasibility and utility of parent‐collected and mailed respiratory specimens for VE research in the childcare setting. Two‐thirds of parent‐collected swabs proved positive for at least one virus. Finding ways to reduce reluctance of parents to submit samples could improve the representativeness of samples collected and the power of the study. No evidence was found for influenza VE, but point estimates were in the direction of protection.
The determinants of technology adoption by UK farmers using Bayesian model averaging: the cases of organic production and computer usage
Authors: Tiffin Richard , Balcombe Kelvin
Published: June 2011

We review and implement a reversible jump approach to Bayesian model averaging for the Probit model with uncertain regressors. Two applications are investigated. The first is the adoption of organic systems in UK farming, and the second is the influence of farm and farmer characteristics on the use of a computer on the farm. While there is a correspondence between the conclusions we would obtain with and without model averaging results, we find important differences, particularly in smaller samples. Concerning the adoption of an organic system, we find that attitudes to the sustainability of the current system along with the ability of organic farms alone to satisfy society’s needs for food are influential. Additionally, the source of management information used by the farmer has a significant impact. Regarding the adoption of computers, we confirm the findings of previous work that the level of education affects uptake and that age is a factor determining adoption. We also find that dairy and organic farms are more likely to use a computer. The physical size of the farm is positively associated with the probability of computer use while net farm income has a limited impact.
Framing health inequalities for local intervention: comparative case studies
Authors: Blackman Tim , Harrington Barbara , Elliott Eva , Greene Alex , Hunter David J. , Marks Linda , McKee Lorna , Williams Gareth
Published: June 2011

This article explores how health inequalities are constructed as an object for policy intervention by considering four framings: politics, audit, evidence and treatment. A thematic analysis of 197 interviews conducted with local managers in England, Scotland and Wales is used to explore how these framings emerge from local narratives. The three different national policy regimes create contrasting contexts, especially regarding the different degrees of emphasis in these regimes on audit and performance management. We find that politics dominates how health inequalities are framed for intervention, affecting their prioritisation in practice and how audit, evidence and treatment are described as deployed in local strategies.
Identity, emotion and the internal goods of practice: a study of learning disability professionals
Authors: Fisher Pamela , Byrne Victoria
Published: June 2011

Contemporary transitions in the delivery of health and social care are a global phenomenon. They prompt a particular need to reconsider how quality in relation to professional practice should be understood and whether greater importance should be attached to values such as goodwill, altruism and commitment. Based on a qualitative study of a small voluntary sector organisation in the North of England, this paper addresses how changes in policy articulate with the identities of professionals who work in learning disability services. Drawing on MacIntyre’s After Virtue, which is discussed in relation to some recent sociological debates on emotion, it is suggested that professionals have an emotionally based commitment to their work as well as to the people they work with. Professional commitment is embedded in a coherent sense of self that problematises traditional binaries between the private and the public, and the cognitive and affective. The participants in this study appeared to pursue what MacIntyre terms the ‘internal goods’ of practice; they valued being able to work innovatively and responsively with service users. It is suggested that this requires a particular type of relationship with oneself, with others, and with practice, which engenders a criticality towards dominant professional discourses.
CREATING A COMMODIFIED WILDERNESS: TOURISM, PRIVATE GAME FARMING, AND ‘THIRD NATURE’ LANDSCAPES IN KWAZULU‐NATAL
Authors: BROOKS SHIRLEY , SPIERENBURG MARJA , VAN BRAKEL LOT , KOLK ANNEMARIE , LUKHOZI KHETHABAKHE B.
Published: June 2011

This article explores contemporary cultural geographies and underlying histories of change on private land in post‐apartheid South Africa. Its focus is the expansion of wildlife‐based tourism and related forms of commodified wilderness consumption in KwaZulu‐Natal province. The article explores the social and economic processes occurring on game farms in a region known as the Midlands. Here nature is being culturally (re)constructed on former farmlands to create new landscapes shaped by the demands of wildlife‐based tourism. In pursuit of these ‘third nature’ dreams, spaces often need to be physically changed as well as discursively repositioned through marketing. Yet this is not an unchallenged process: the presence of ‘farm dwellers’ living on privately owned land disrupts smooth progress to a refashioned wilderness landscape. The article identifies various strategies employed by landowners in order to minimise the presence of farm dwellers on their land. In the current context, the involvement of the state on private land adds a further layer of complexity. Land reform policies and programmes serve as a mesh through which these contestations are filtered. While their effects are often ambiguous, land claims in particular serve to challenge the ‘third nature’ dream of landowners.
Enhancing Authenticity
Authors: LEVY NEIL
Published: June 2011

abstract

Some philosophers have criticized the use of psychopharmaceuticals on the grounds that even if these drugs enhance the person using them, they threaten their authenticity. Others have replied by pointing out that the conception of authenticity upon which this argument rests is contestable; on a rival conception, psychopharmaceuticals might be used to enhance our authenticity. Since, however, it is difficult to decide between these competing conceptions of authenticity, the debate seems to end in a stalemate. I suggest that we need not resolve this debate to end the stalemate. New technologies which alter the self can be understood within the framework of the first conception of authenticity, I suggest, not as threatening the authentic self, but rather as bringing the outward appearance of the self into line with its deepest essence. Since psychopharmaceutical use can plausibly be understood on this model, it can be seen as enhancing our authenticity on either conception.
An investigation into the effectiveness of collaboration between Greek secondary EFL teachers and specialist providers for dyslexia issues
Authors: Rontou Maria
Published: June 2011

This paper investigates the collaboration of Greek secondary school teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) with psychologists and advisers for dyslexia issues. Data were collected through audio recorded observations and interviews with head teachers and teachers.

Taking a Vygotskian approach to learning, activity theory is applied to analyse the contradictions that emerge around the collaboration of teachers and head teachers with specialist provision for dyslexia issues from data in interviews and field notes across two schools. The analysis shows that contradictions are created when the participants try to achieve their goals for dyslexia support by the absence of ‘what’ artefacts – such as knowledge on dyslexia – and ‘how’ artefacts – processes and procedures such as collaboration with a counsellor – to support the collaboration of EFL teachers with EFL and special educational needs advisers and psychologists, the lack of staff at diagnostic centres and lack of funding for training. This finding indicates that the collaboration between psychologists, advisers and teachers to exchange information on pedagogy needs to be established through meetings and in‐service training of teachers.
Bp44mT: an orally active iron chelator of the thiosemicarbazone class with potent anti‐tumour efficacy
Authors: Yu Y , Rahmanto Y Suryo , Richardson DR
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Our previous studies demonstrated that a thiosemicarbazone iron chelator (di‐2‐pyridylketone‐4,4‐dimethyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazone; Dp44mT) possesses potent and selective anti‐cancer activity but led to cardiotoxicity at non‐optimal doses. In this study, we examined the in vivo anti‐tumour efficacy and tolerability of a new‐generation 2‐benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone iron chelator (2‐benzoylpyridine‐4,4‐dimethyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazone; Bp44mT) administered via the oral or i.v. routes.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH BpT chelators were tested in vitro against human lung cancer cells (DMS‐53) and in vivo in DMS‐53 tumour xenografts in mice. The toxicity of Bp44mT in vivo and its effects on the expression of iron‐regulated molecules involved in growth and cell cycle control were investigated.

KEY RESULTS Administration of Bp44mT by either route resulted in marked dose‐dependent inhibition of tumour growth. When administered at 50 mg·kg−1 via oral gavage three times per week for 23 days, the net xenograft growth was inhibited by 75%, compared with vehicle‐treated mice. Toxicological examination showed reversible alterations including slight reduction of RBC count, with a decrease of liver and splenic iron levels, which confirmed iron chelation in vivo. Importantly, in contrast to Dp44mT, the chelator‐treated mice did not show cardiac histological abnormalities. There was also no significant weight loss in mice, suggesting oral administration of Bp44mT was well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This is the first study to show that Bp44mT can be given orally with potent anti‐tumour efficacy. Oral administration of a novel and effective chemotherapeutic agent provides the benefits of convenience for chronic dosing regimens.
Small lipid‐binding proteins in regulating endothelial and vascular functions: focusing on adipocyte fatty acid binding protein and lipocalin‐2
Authors: Wang Yu
Published: June 2011

Dysregulated production of adipokines from adipose tissue plays a critical role in the development of obesity‐associated cardiovascular abnormalities. A group of adipokines, including adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A‐FABP) and lipocalin‐2, possess specific lipid‐binding activity and are up‐regulated in obese human subjects and animal models. They act as lipid chaperones to promote lipotoxicity in endothelial cells and cause endothelial dysfunction under obese conditions. However, different small lipid‐binding proteins modulate the development of vascular complications in distinctive manners, which are partly attributed to their specialized structural features and functionalities. By focusing on A‐FABP and lipocalin‐2, this review summarizes recent advances demonstrating the causative roles of these newly identified adipose tissue‐derived lipid chaperones in obesity‐related endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular complications. The specific lipid‐signalling mechanisms mediated by these two proteins are highlighted to support their specialized functions. In summary, A‐FABP and lipocalin‐2 represent potential therapeutic targets to design drugs for preventing vascular diseases associated with obesity.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Fat and Vascular Responsiveness. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue‐3
Are the pharmacology and physiology of α2adrenoceptors determined by α2‐heteroreceptors and autoreceptors respectively?
Authors: Gilsbach Ralf , Hein Lutz
Published: June 2011

α2‐Adrenoceptors are important mediators of physiological responses to the endogenous catecholamines noradrenaline and adrenaline. In addition, α2‐adrenoceptors are pharmacological targets for the treatment of hypertension, sympathetic overactivity and glaucoma. α2‐Adrenoceptors are also targeted to induce sedation and analgesia in anaesthesia and intensive care. α2‐Adrenoceptors were first described as presynaptic receptors inhibiting the release of various transmitters from neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In addition to these presynaptic neuronal receptors, α2‐adrenoceptors were also identified in many non‐neuronal cell types of the body. Gene‐targeting in mice provided a comprehensive assignment of the physiological and pharmacological functions of these receptors to specific α2A‐, α2B‐ and α2C‐adrenoceptor subtypes. However, the specific cell types and signalling pathways involved in these subtype‐specific α2‐adrenoceptor functions were largely unexplored until recently. This review summarizes recent findings from transgenic mouse models, which were generated to define the role of α2‐adrenoceptors in adrenergic neurons, that is, α2‐autoreceptors, versus α2‐adrenoceptors in non‐adrenergic neurons, termed α2‐heteroreceptors. α2‐Autoreceptors are primarily required to limit release of noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves and adrenaline from adrenal chromaffin cells at rest. These receptors are desensitized upon chronic activation as it may for instance occur due to enhanced sympathetic activity during chronic heart failure. In contrast, pharmacological effects of acutely administered α2‐adrenoceptor agonist drugs essentially require α2‐heteroreceptors in non‐adrenergic neurons, including analgesia, sedation, hypothermia and anaesthetic‐sparing as well as bradycardia and hypotension. Thus a clear picture has emerged of the significance of auto‐ versus heteroreceptors in mediating the physiological functions of α2‐adrenoceptors and the pharmacological functions of α2‐adrenoceptor agonist drugs respectively.
Real‐time object detection with sub‐pixel accuracy using the level set method
Authors: Burkert Florian , Butenuth Matthias , Ulrich Markus
Published: June 2011

This paper presents a method for object detection with sub‐pixel accuracy in digital images satisfying real‐time applications. The method uses an approximation of the level‐set‐based contour evolution, which applies only integer operations in a fast two‐cycle algorithm to achieve real‐time performance. Level‐set‐based contour evolution forms a part of the geometric active contour process, which combines image data and a priori geometric knowledge of an object to be evolved over an image towards the object border. The algorithm avoids the solution of partial differential equations. Instead only integer operations are applied and the contour evolution is performed by using a two‐cycle algorithm. The proposed method for object detection with sub‐pixel accuracy refines the pixel‐accurate result of the level‐set‐based contour evolution algorithm by using a fast parabolic fitting mechanism. Sub‐pixel accuracy of the resulting object contours is achieved by adjusting every contour point towards the nearby maximum of the image gradient. Real‐time performance can be provided because the adjustment is performed only once after the contour evolution. Experimental results with images from industry, photogrammetry, remote sensing and medicine show the functionality and applicability of this method to several fields of work. In addition, the experiments are evaluated by applying quality measures for the geometric accuracy and the run time.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Human Papillomavirus Awareness and Vaccination among Young Adult Women
Authors: Ford Jodi L.
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine racial and ethnic disparities in human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and vaccination among young adult females aged 18–24 years.

Design and Sample: Descriptive correlational study. One thousand nineteen women aged 18–24 years who self‐identified as Hispanic, non‐Hispanic Black, or non‐Hispanic White.

Measures: Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses using data from the 2007–2008 National Survey of Family Growth.

Results: Approximately 90% of non‐Hispanic White women, 80% of non‐Hispanic Black women, and 56–60% of Hispanic women reported an awareness of HPV infection and vaccination, and yet, vaccine receipt across racial and ethnic groups was 23%, 8%, and 6%, respectively. In multivariate analyses, Hispanic and non‐Hispanic Black women were less aware than non‐Hispanic White women of HPV infection (OR=0.10, 95% CI=0.05, 0.19; OR=0.23, 95% CI=0.13, 0.40) and vaccination (OR=0.13, 95% CI=0.07, 0.27; OR=0.27, 95% CI=0.14, 0.52) and also less likely to report vaccine receipt (OR=0.44, 95% CI=0.21, 0.90; OR=0.16, 95% CI=0.07, 0.35).

Conclusions: Despite moderate to high levels of awareness, HPV vaccination rates were low among this national population of young adult women. Continued surveillance is imperative to monitor vaccine uptake, including racial and ethnic disparities. Further research exploring HPV knowledge and vaccination barriers across diverse cultural groups is needed to inform the development of more effective public health interventions.
Bead Packing and Release Using Flexible Polydimethylsiloxane Membrane for Semi‐Continuous Biosensing
Authors: Yoo Sung Keun , Kim Young Man , Yoon Sang Youl , Kwon Hyuk‐Sang , Lee Jong Hyun , Yang Sung
Published: June 2011

The continuous or semi‐continuous biosensing of systemic inflammatory responses is important both during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures. A bead packing and release method, which is able repetitively to capture and release receptor‐coated beads within microfluidic channels, is herein advanced for use in semi‐continuous biosensing. The receptor‐coated beads are compacted and concentrated at specific locations in the device using an elastomeric valve. This concentration creates a localized bioreactor in which the binding of the antigen with the functionalized beads can be made more effective. After the reaction and detection have taken place, the beads can be released and a new assay carried out. We demonstrated the operation of our device using streptavidin‐coated beads and biotin‐4‐fluorescein (B4F). The high sensitivity of the device allows it to detect a B4F concentration of 50 pg/mL after an incubation time of 5 min. We also tested our device in the semi‐continuous immunoassay of interleukin (IL)‐6, which is one of the proinflammatory cytokines. The assay demonstrated the linear dependence of the intensity of fluorescence at concentrations of IL‐6 from 10 to 250 pg/mL, which is a physiologically important range for CPB procedures.