bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Phenol and Argon Beam Coagulation as Adjuvant Therapies in the Treatment of Stage 2 and 3 Benign–Aggressive Bone Tumors
Authors: Benevenia Joseph , Patterson Francis R. , Beebe Kathleen S. , Abdelshahed Mina M. , Uglialoro Anthony D.
Published: March 2012

Argon beam photocoagulation has gained popularity as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of giant cell tumors of bone and other stage 2 or 3 benign–aggressive bone tumors. Although argon beam photocoagulation has been considered a safe and reasonable adjuvant treatment with acceptable recurrence rates, it has never been directly compared with the commonly described phenol as adjuvant. The purpose of this study was to determine whether argon beam photocoagulation is as effective as phenol in preventing recurrence without affecting functional outcome as an adjuvant to surgical curettage.

We retrospectively reviewed 93 consecutive patients with a minimum 10-month follow-up between 1992 and 2007 who were treated with curettage and either phenol or argon beam photocoagulation. Functional outcomes and complications were recorded. Overall, 16 (17.2%) of 93 patients who were initially treated with 1 of the adjuvants had pathologically confirmed recurrences. No additional recurrences were noted after retreatment, leading to an overall recurrence rate of 17.1% with phenol and 14.8% with argon beam photocoagulation (
P
=.726).

While avoiding the toxic effects of phenol, argon beam photocoagulation provides for statistically equivalent recurrence rates, functional outcomes, and complication rates in the treatment of benign–aggressive bone tumors.
15-year Comparison of Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty With Anatomical or High Cup Placement for Crowe I to III Hip Dysplasia
Authors: Murayama Takashi , Ohnishi Hideo , Okabe Satoshi , Tsurukami Hiroshi , Mori Toshiharu , Nakura Nariaki , Uchida Soshi , Sakai Akinori , Nakamura Toshitaka
Published: March 2012

This study compared radiological and clinical results of Mallory-Head (Biomet, Warsaw, Indiana) cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) by anatomical (AP group) or high cup placement (HP group) for Crowe I to III developmental dysplasia of the hip. Of the 68 hips studied, 43 hips were available for 15.3-year follow-up. Ten cups were placed at anatomical center with bulk bone grafting, and 33 cups were at high hip center without bulk bone grafting. No acetabular or femoral components showed loosening in either group. One standard polyethylene liner in a highly placed cup was revised due to excessive wear after 11 years. The average rate of polyethylene wear was 0.128 mm/year in the AP group and 0.148 mm/year in the HP group (except for the revision case). The extent of grafted bone coverage was 34.6% in the AP group. Hip center height was 24.5 mm from the inter-teardrop line in the HP group. The center of the hip horizontal location in the AP group (24.5 mm) and HP group (26.4 mm) was significantly shorter than in normal hips (35.6 mm). Postoperative center-edge angle was 11° (except grafted bone) in the AP group and 25° in the HP group. Mean Harris Hip Score in the AP group improved from 38 points preoperatively to 82 points postoperatively and in the HP group improved from 40 points preoperatively to 88 points postoperatively. Survivorship was 100% in the AP group and 97% in the HP group. Our results indicate that moderate high cup placement without bulk bone grafting at a horizontal locus more medial than that of a normal hip is an alternative durable solution.
Clavicle Nonunion in a 10-year-old Boy
Authors: Pourtaheri Neema , Strongwater Allan M.
Published: March 2012

Posttraumatic clavicle nonunion is rare, particularly in children. Four cases of clavicle fracture nonunion in patients aged 10 years and younger have been reported. A variety of techniques have been used to treat pediatric clavicle nonunions. A 10-year-old boy presented to our institution after a fall, sustaining a right closed midshaft clavicle fracture. No other injuries occurred, and neurovascular examination of the right upper extremity was normal. The fracture was initially treated with a sling for >4 months, and the fracture progressed to a hypertrophic nonunion. Serial radiographs failed to demonstrate progression to union. The patient continued to have pain with activity 4 months after his injury. Clavicle pseudarthrosis was considered; however, radiographs did not have the characteristic appearance of this condition. This fracture nonunion was treated with internal fixation and united with no complication. The patient was back to full activities of daily living 6 months postoperatively. He reported no tenderness at the fracture site or along the hardware. The treating surgeon (A.M.S.) prefers to remove hardware in young children, but the family declined removal. Pediatric posttraumatic nonunion of the clavicle is rare but can be safely treated with plate fixation, with excellent results.
Segmental Anterior Decompression and Fusion for Multilevel Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
Authors: Qizhi Sun , Xuelei Wang , Lili Yang , Lei Liang , Linwei Chen , Yang Liu , Ying Zhang , Wen Yuan
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of segmental anterior decompression and fusion for multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Data were collected from 23 patients with multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Average operative time and blood loss were 121 minutes and 201.6 mL, respectively. The Nurick score significantly decreased from 2.7±0.9 preoperatively to 1.8±0.9 at last follow-up (
P
<.01). The preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was 8.2, which significantly increased to 13.8 points at last follow-up (
P
<.01), with an improvement rate of 64.5%. The operation also significantly increased cervical lordosis (
P
<.01) from 7.7° preoperatively to 13.3° postoperatively. The fusion rate was 95.7% at 6 months postoperatively, and 100% at 12 months postoperatively. The loss of cervical lordosis and height of fusion segments were 1.2° and 0.9 mm at last follow-up, respectively. No hardware complications occurred. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 2 patients, and hematoma occurred in 1 patient who needed an emergency operation. Segmental anterior decompression and fusion was generally effective and safe in the treatment of multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament if indications were well controlled.
Avascular Necrosis of the Hamate Treated With Capitohamate and Lunatohamate Intercarpal Fusion
Authors: Mazis George A. , Sakellariou Vasileios I. , Kokkalis Zinon T.
Published: March 2012

This article describes a case of a 58-year-old man with no significant underlying disease who had chronic pain due to osteonecrosis of the hamate. Following physical examination, imaging, and laboratory findings, he underwent surgical exploration via a limited dorsal approach. The hamate bone did not have a normal anatomical appearance or structure. It was marble-like in appearance, soft, friable, and lacking physiologic contour and bone strength. We removed the dorsal aspect of the hamate piecemeal. The articular surfaces of the adjacent carpal bones (capitate and lunate) were excised, and the lesion was packed with iliac autograft. Three months postoperatively, fusion of the remaining hamate and the adjacent capitate and lunate carpal bones was evident, and the patient reported mild wrist pain, moderate grip strength improvement, and mild improvement of wrist range of motion and stiffness.

Currently, no standard treatment algorithm exists for patients with avascular necrosis of the hamate. However, delayed diagnosis of this clinical entity can be debilitating. A high index of clinical suspicion and an early course of treatment offers considerable benefits to patients with osteonecrosis of the hamate.
Brace Treatment Resulting in Overcorrection of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Hohman Donald W. , Ferrick Michael R. , Qvick Lars Mikael
Published: March 2012

Brace treatment for idiopathic scoliosis in skeletally immature children is the only effective nonoperative modality for the control of curve progression. The Charleston bending brace is a custom-molded spinal orthosis that holds the patient in a completely corrected or overcorrected position while worn at night.

A 9-year-old girl presented with 10° right upper thoracic and 7° left lower thoracic curves and was Risser sign 0. Nighttime treatment with a Charleston bending brace was initiated when the left lower thoracic curve progressed to 19°. After 27 months of nighttime brace wear, the lower thoracic curve was 21° to the right. Further investigation, including magnetic resonance imaging of the spine, failed to diagnose an identifiable explanation for this atypical occurrence. Conservative treatment may improve radiographic and cosmetic appearance. Overcorrection of the curve, although not likely, is possible when part-time or nighttime bracing is implemented as a means of conservative management.
Xenograft Scaffold Full-wrap Reinforcement of Krackow Achilles Tendon Repair
Authors: Wisbeck Jacob M. , Parks Brent G. , Schon Lew C.
Published: March 2012

Standard 4-strand repair of Achilles tendon tears is effective, but additional strength may be desirable in patients who are compromised or those with reruptures. Use of a xenograft scaffold has not been investigated biomechanically in Achilles tendon repair. This study compared stiffness, gap formation, and ultimate load to failure with Krackow repair vs Krackow repair augmented with xenograft scaffold in 6 matched pairs of fresh-frozen human lower extremities. The Achilles tendon was transected 4 cm above the calcaneal insertion. Specimens were randomized to receive standard Krackow repair or Krackow repair augmented with a porcine xenograft scaffold. The graft was wrapped around the repaired tendon, sutured to itself with 2-0 FiberWire (Arthrex, Naples, Florida), and attached to the tendon distally and proximally and then medially and laterally. Specimens were loaded for 200 cycles between 5 and 30 N. Load to 5-mm gapping and load to ultimate failure were measured.

Xenograft scaffold augmentation of standard Krakow Achilles tendon repair was significantly stronger and stiffer than standard Krackow repair in a biomechanical model immediately after repair (39.0±8.8 vs 24.4±4.6 N/mm;
P
=.01). The augmented repair group had significantly higher load to ultimate failure than did the Krackow group (862.7±174.0 vs 479.5±65.5 N;
P
<.01).

Biological factors remain to be investigated, but this augmentation method could provide additional strength in patients who are compromised or those with reruptures.
Comparative Evaluation of Suture-assisted and Fibrin Glue–assisted Scleral Fixated Intraocular Lens Implantation
Authors: Ganekal Sunil , Venkataratnam Sathyamurthy , Dorairaj Syril , Jhanji Vishal
Published: March 2012

PURPOSE:

To compare the visual outcomes and complications after suture-assisted and fibrin glue-assisted scleral fixated intraocular (IOL) implantation.

METHODS:

Scleral fixated IOL implantation was performed in patients with inadequate capsular support. Intraocular lens fixation was achieved using sutures or fibrin glue. Main parameters evaluated were visual outcomes and complications.

RESULTS:

Fifty patients were included in the study (n=25 suture, n=25 glue). The most common indication for scleral fixated IOL implantation was cataract surgery complicated with posterior capsule rupture (29/50 [58%]). No significant differences were noted between demographic characteristics, surgical indications, and preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) in either group (
P
=.680). No intraoperative complications related to IOL fixation were encountered in any case. At last follow-up (6 months), CDVA was 20/40 or better in 88% and 84% of patients in the suture and glue groups, respectively. Postoperative inflammation (48% vs 16%) and glaucoma (40% vs 16%) were seen more frequently in eyes with sutures as compared to eyes with glue. Overall, a significantly higher number of complications were encountered in eyes with suture fixation (14/25 [56%]) compared to eyes with glue fixation (7/25 [28%]) (
P
=.045).

CONCLUSIONS:

Although visual outcomes were similar at the end of 6 months in eyes that underwent suture- and glue-assisted scleral fixated IOL implantation, fibrin glue was associated with fewer complications.
Stem cell therapy
Authors: Gurudutta G.U. , Satija Neeraj Kumar , Singh Vimal Kishor , Verma Yogesh Kumar , Gupta Pallavi , Tripathi R.P.
Published: March 2012

Stem cell therapy hold the potential to meet the demand for transplant cells/tissues needed for treating damages resulting from both natural and man-made disasters. Pluripotency makes embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells ideal for use, but their teratogenic character is a major hindrance. Therapeutic benefits of bone marrow transplantation are well known but characterizing the potentialities of haematopoietic and mesenchymal cells is essential. Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been used for treating both haematopoietic and non-haematopoietic disorders. Ease of isolation, in vitro expansion, and hypoimmunogenecity have brought mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into limelight. Though differentiation of MSCs into tissue-specific cells has been reported, differentiation-independent mechanisms seem to play a more significant role in tissue repair which need to be addressed further. The safety and feasibility of MSCs have been demonstrated in clinical trials, and their use in combination with HSC for radiation injury treatment seems to have extended benefit. Therefore, using stem cells for treatment of disaster injuries along with the conventional medical practice would likely accelerate the repair process and improve the quality of life of the victim.
An aetiological & clinicopathological study on cutaneous vasculitis
Authors: Khetan Pooja , Sethuraman Gomathy , Khaitan Binod K. , Sharma Vinod K. , Gupta Rajeeva , Dinda Amit K. , Sreenivas V. , Singh Manoj K.
Published: March 2012

Background & objectives:

Cutaneous vasculitis has protean clinical manifestations. It may be idiopathic or associated with a spectrum of conditions such as infections, drugs, etc. Skin is involved in both small vessel vasculitis (SVV) and medium vessel vasculitis (MVV). Overlapping features are seen between SVV and MVV. The histopathological features may not always relate with the clinical lesions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the aetiological factors and clinicopathological association in patients with cutaneous vasculitis.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, detailed history and clinical examination were done on patients with biopsy proven cutaneous vasculitis. Two skin biopsies were taken from each patient for routine histopathology and direct immunofluorescence.

Results:

Of the 61 patients studied, hypersensitivity vasculitis (HSV) [23 (37.7%)] and Henoch Schonlein purpura (HSP) [16 (26.2%)] were the two most common forms. Systemic involvement was seen in 32 (52.45%) patients. Drugs were implicated in 12 (19.7%) cases, infections in 7 (11.4%) and connective tissue disorders in 4 (6.5%) cases. Histologically SVV was the most common pattern, seen in all the clinically diagnosed patients with SVV (47), and in 12 of the 14 clinically diagnosed patients with MVV. Direct immunofluorescence showed positivity for at least one immunoreactant in 62 per cent of the patients and the most common deposit was C3 followed by IgG, IgA and IgM.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Majority of our patients with cutaneous vasculitis were idiopathic. Histologically, SVV was seen in most of our patients. No association was seen between history of drug intake and tissue eosinophilia and also between histologically severe vasculitis and clinical severity. The presence of immunoreactant IgA was not specific for HSP.
Molecular description of plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases among nosocomial isolates of Escherichia coli & Klebsiella pneumoniae from six different hospitals in India
Authors: Mohamudha Parveen R. , Harish B.N. , Parija S.C.
Published: March 2012

Background & objectives:

Plasmid mediated AmpC β-lactamase (PMABL) resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. is an emerging problem worldwide. Phenotypic methods are commonly used for detection of PMABL production in Gram-negative isolates, but molecular data about the prevalence of plasmid-mediated AmpC-type resistance at the national level are needed. Hence, a prospective study was undertaken to determine the occurrence of PMABL gene and its types among clinical isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae obtained from six different hospitals in India.

Methods:

A total of 241 nosocomial isolates of K. pneumoniae (n=109) and E.coli (n=132) from six geographically distant hospitals in India were included. These were screened for cefoxitin resistance. AmpC disk test and modified three dimensional extraction test were used for phenotypic detection of PMABL production. Molecular types were determined by a multiplex PCR.

Results:

Among the 241 isolates, 187 (77.5%) were found to be cefoxitin resistant (K. pneumoniae n=83, E. coli n=104). AmpC activity was detectable in 153 (63.4%) isolates, (K. pneumoniae n=69, E. coli n=84). By PCR, the plasmid encoded AmpC genes were found in 92 (38.1%) isolates and the molecular types of the genes detected predominantly were DHA, CIT followed by MOX and ACC types.

Interpretation & conclusions:

A high percentage of plasmid-encoded AmpC enzymes was noted in E. coli and K. pneumonia isolates obtained from different parts of the country. Phenotypic methods alone may not reflect the true number of PMABL producers. Genotypic methods need to be employed in national surveillance studies.
Categorification of the Jones–Wenzl projectors
Authors: Cooper Benjamin , Krushkal Vyacheslav
Published: March 2012

The Jones–Wenzl projectors

p_n

play a central role in quantum topology, underlying the construction of SU(2) topological quantum field theories and quantum spin networks. We construct chain complexes

P_n

, whose graded Euler characteristic is the “classical” projector

p_n

in the Temperley–Lieb algebra. We show that the

{P}_n

are idempotents and uniquely defined up to homotopy. Our results fit within the general framework of Khovanov’s categorification of the Jones polynomial. Consequences of our construction include families of knot invariants corresponding to higher representations of

\mathrm{U}_q\mathfrak{sl}(2)

and a categorification of quantum spin networks. We introduce 6j-symbols in this context.
Molecular hydrogen (H2) combustion emissions and their isotope (D/H) signatures from domestic heaters, diesel vehicle engines, waste incinerator plants, and biomass burning
Authors: Vollmer M. K. , Walter S. , Mohn J. , Steinbacher M. , Bond S. W. , Röckmann T. , Reimann S.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Molecular hydrogen (H2), its stable isotope signature (δD), and the key combustion parameters carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) were measured from various combustion processes. H2 in the exhaust of gas and oil-fired heaters and of waste incinerator plants was generally depleted compared to ambient intake air, while CO was significantly elevated. These findings contradict the often assumed co-occurring net H2 and CO emissions in combustion processes and suggest that previous H2 emissions from combustion may have been overestimated when scaled to CO emissions. For the heater exhausts, H2 and δD generally decrease with increasing fuel-to-air ratio, from ambient values of ∼0.5 ppm and +130‰ to 0.2 ppm and −206‰, respectively. These results are interpreted as a combination of an isotopically light H2 source from fossil fuel combustion and a D/H kinetic isotope fractionation of hydrogen in the advected ambient air during its partial removal during combustion. Diesel exhaust measurements from dynamometer test stand driving cycles show elevated H2 and CO emissions during cold-start and some acceleration phases. Their molar H2/CO ratios are <0.25, significantly smaller than those for gasoline combustion. Using H2/CO emission ratios, along with CO global emission inventories, we estimate global H2 emissions for 2000, 2005, and 2010. For road transportation (gasoline and diesel), we calculate 8.6 ± 2.1 Tg, 6.3 ± 1.5 Tg, and 4.1 ± 1.0 Tg, respectively, whereas the contribution from diesel vehicles has increased from 5% to 8% over this time. Other fossil fuel emissions are believed to be negligible but H2 emissions from coal combustion are unknown. For residential (domestic) emissions, which are likely dominated by biofuel combustion, emissions for the same years are estimated at 2.7 ± 0.7 Tg, 2.8 ± 0.7 Tg, and 3.0 ± 0.8 Tg, respectively. Our wood combustion measurements are combined with results from the literature to calculate biomass burning emissions. For these estimates, we propose a molar H2/CH4 ratio of 3.3, when using CH4 emission inventories. When using this approach, our resulting global biomass burning H2 emissions agree well with published results, suggesting that CH4 emissions may be a good proxy for H2 emissions.
Socio-Economic Rights: Legally Enforceable or Just Aspirational?
Authors: Trispiotis Ilias
Published: March 2012

Although the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 cited social welfare rights without distinguishing them from civil and political rights, the separation has been widely accepted by judges, scholars and politicians. Historically, the classification of human rights into two groups, with the relegation of socio-economic rights into a lower category of human rights, emerged and developed mainly after the 1950s during the Cold War and ultimately led to the adoption of two separate UN Covenants, with different formulation and enforcement mechanisms for each set of rights; the causes and purposes of that classification are well-documented (Cranston 1973; Alston 1990; Sadurski 2005) and profoundly political. Scholars and judges have taken significant steps in the last thirty years to cast light on the legal nature of socio-economic rights. Nonetheless, there is still incredulity concerning not only their normative constitutional role, but also their judicial enforceability. Although much ink has been spilt, socio-economic rights are a hot topic again today, due to the current global economic recession and the – often controversial – state actions (or non-actions) that affect the social welfare of millions. Is there any role for the judiciary within this conquered-by-state-policy realm? The goal of this paper is to defend the justiciability of socio-economic rights. To this end, I will present the arguments against their justiciability, after which I will comparatively examine the socio-economic rights jurisprudence, being careful not to get lost in the jurisprudential labyrinth.
Modes of Representing the Holocaust: a Discussion of the Use of Animation in Art Spiegelman's Maus and Oryl Yadin and Sylvie Bringas's Silence
Authors: Copley Jessica
Published: March 2012

Since Theodor Adorno’s famous dictum that ‘to write poetry after Auschwitz is barbaric’, the issue of whether it is ethical to represent the Holocaust in art, and if so, the means by which it is ethical to do so, has constituted one of the major polemical discourses of our time. Prominent questions such as ‘Who has the right to try and represent the Holocaust?’, ‘How should we represent the Holocaust?’ and ‘How can we address the issue of responsibility in a post-war world?’ have motivated artistic representations and the critics who discuss these representations. In this essay, I aim to consider the success of two works which employ the somewhat controversial format of animation in dealing with aspects of testimony, trauma, language and responsibility. The first, Art Spiegelman’s 1984 comic book strip Maus, anthropomorphised Germans into cats and Jews into mice in order to narrate events experienced by Spiegelman’s father, Vladek, during the war and the postbellum father-son relationship. Although Maus was initially criticised for its use of the comic book format, traditionally viewed as adolescent, it later went on to receive the Pulitzer Prize for its literary success and as such provided a benchmark for the potential of animated formats. The second, Orly Yadin and Sylvie Bringas’s 1998 animated short film Silence, combines two styles of animation and a small amount of archival footage to tell the story of Tana Ross, a child survivor of Theresienstadt (Terezin) who, hidden by her grandmother during the war, escaped Auschwitz.
Hans Lindquist, Corpus Linguistics and the Description of English (Edinburgh University Press, 2009): a Detailed Evaluation
Authors: Prinzl Marlies
Published: March 2012

In Corpus Linguistics and the Description of English Hans Lindquist offers another introductory book to corpus linguistics, but aims it specifically at ‘university students of English at intermediate to advanced levels who have a certain background in grammar and linguistics, but who have not had the opportunity to use computer corpora to any great extent’ (Lindquist 2009, xvi). He proposes that the book, especially certain sections of it, may also be of interest to students of literature. Corpus Linguistics and the Description of English comprises ten chapters. Chapters 1-5 cover the basics, introducing corpus linguistics as a discipline, discussing its methods and explaining key terms, while Chapter 6-10 delve into more specific and different subject matters ranging from corpus-based metaphor studies to the applications of corpora in sociolinguistics. Readers new to corpus linguistics would therefore benefit from reading the first section of the book, but might opt to peruse only chapters relevant to their studies from the second part. That said, Chapters 6-10 provide a valuable overview of the different possibilities within corpus linguistics for anyone new to the field. All chapters are set up in an identical fashion and include, in addition to a discussion of the topic covered, a chapter summary, study questions, suggestions for further reading as well as online corpus exercises on the books supplementary webpage.
Diverging Fortunes: Recent Developments in Income Inequality across Russian Regions
Authors: Mahler Christian
Published: March 2012

Russia’s regions have been experiencing increasing inequality in per capita income after transition, with spatial inequality accounting for one-third of total inequality which constitutes the highest level of spatial inequality within Europe (Yemtsov). While inequality is not uncommon in large and versatile countries with heterogeneous ethnicities and vast differences in economic capability (Gerry and Mickiewicz), the entrenchment of inequality poses questions regarding the ability and intent of Russian institutions in tackling this divergence. Much research has been done on the issue of inequality in Russia in recent years; this paper will discuss the causes that drive increasing spatial inequality after the transition from command to market economy, and will look at the more recent developments and trends in spatial inequality in Russia.
The Importance of the Image: Images in Philosophy
Authors: Meijns C.
Published: March 2012

Images do not find a tender home in philosophy. The main job of a philosopher is that of giving and assessing arguments in order to understand the world better, and most of this work is done by thinking, speaking, or writing things out as text. An image makes a bad argument, because, strictly speaking, it is neither premise nor conclusion. One occasionally finds that images permeate into philosophical discussions, often precisely to get a clearer view on how problematic aspects of reality might be understood. Three main roles for images can be distinguished in the literature: as models, test cases, or objects of inquiry.
Nanoworld in 3-D
Authors: Torrisi Antonio
Published: March 2012

The 3-D version of James Cameron’s last movie, “Avatar”, has been considered a breakthrough in the cinematographic world and I, personally, still remember the strong impact of the experience of watching this film at the IMAX-3D cinema. The 3-D movies must all be grateful to the advent of stereoscopic photography, which dates back to 1838, when Sir Charles Wheatstone invented the first 3-D stereoscope. Stereoscopy creates an illusion of depth by using eyeglasses to combine two perspectives (2-D images) which differ by a minor deviation. Although it has only recently been applied for entertainment and in photogrammetry, its basic principles were already noted by the Greek Mathematician Euclid in 300 BC. As beautiful as it can be, it also reveals the great capacity for illusion in the human brain.
Alan Irwin, Citizen Science
Authors: Mowat Hannah
Published: March 2012

As one follows the climate negotiations, year after year, one cannot help but feel frustrated, and wonder how we got to this impasse between policy-makers – who are advocating techno-fixes to engineer our way out of the problem, and citizens – who are pushing for democratic, sustainable, people-oriented solutions. To illustrate this, I present two dichotomous initiatives to the climate change crisis: on one hand, the Cochabamba People’s agreement, calling for a ‘global referendum or popular consultation on climate change in which all are consulted’ and the Copenhagen Accord on the other where a handful of world leaders – technocrats – tried to take the planet’s future into their own hands.
Bernardo Atxaga, Obabakoak
Authors: Hulme Harriet
Published: March 2012

In 1992, Bernardo Atxaga’s Obabakoak, a collection of short stories about a mythical village in the Basque Country, was translated into English, to great acclaim. Nearly twenty years later, in January 2011, the announcement of a ceasefire by Basque Separatist group ETA has led to a number of articles, each accompanied by a picture of three masked figures, fists raised, in front of a poster emblazoned with ETA’s motto, Bietan Jarrai (“Keep up on both”). While the ‘mythology’ of this image concentrates and accentuates elements of violence and hostility, Obabakoak offers a different perspective, one which encourages us, as readers, to look beyond the masks.
Coloured Filters Enhance the Visual Perception of Social Cues in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Ludlow Amanda K. , Taylor-Whiffen Elaine , Wilkins Arnold J.
Published: March 2012

Coloured filters have been found to reduce visual distortion of text in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We investigated the effect of the overlays on the “mind in the eye” task in children with ASD and controls matched for age, gender, and nonverbal IQ. Children were shown photographs of the periocular region of various faces and were asked to judge which emotion was being expressed in the eyes. In children with ASD, the perception of the emotion was significantly improved when the photograph was covered by a coloured overlay. The improvement was significantly greater than in the controls, who showed no significant effect of the overlay. A perceptual impairment may contribute to the social difficulties shown in ASD.
Monitoring Organic Reactions by Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography
Authors: Yang Chun , Chang Chunyang , Wang Jun , Qu Qishu , Hu Xiaoya , Wang Yang
Published: March 2012

A method was established to monitor organic reactions by micellar capillary electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). After optimizing conditions such as the composition of the solvents, the surfactant, and the apparent pH (pH*) of the system, the method was utilized to analyze the reaction of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and allyl amine. The main products were identified in the electropherograms. The reaction procedure was monitored in real time. This method was found to have common applicability, being able to separate and detect nonaqueous soluble, nonionic, and low-UV-Vis absorbance compounds. It provides a rapid and low-cost way to understand organic reactions and to direct synthesis works.
Corporate Wrongdoing and the Art of the Accusation
Authors: Faulkner Robert
Published: March 2012

This book addresses an old and basic question: what is the moral order of the market? Corporate Wrongdoing and the Art of the Accusation is an exploration of accusations of wrongdoing and the revelations these accusations expose about the dark side of capitalism and modern corporations.
Changing France
Authors: Green Anne
Published: March 2012

Focusing on cultural areas such as exhibitions, transport, food, dress and photography, Changing France shows how apparently trivial aspects of modern life provided Second Empire writers with a versatile means of thinking about deeper issues.
A New India?
Authors: Nayyar Deepak
Published: March 2012

This volume critically examines the notion of a new India by recognizing that India is changing remarkably and by exposing the many economic, social, and political contradictions that are integral to contemporary India.
Imagined Mobility
Authors: Baas Michiel
Published: March 2012

This book critically examines the history and current issues on the migration of Indian students to Australia.
Screen Writings
Authors: Cardullo Bert
Published: March 2012

'Screen Writings: Partial Views of a Total Art, Classic to Contemporary' offers close readings of individual films intended to explain how moviemakers use the resources of the medium to pursue complex and significant humanistic goals.
A 'Short Treatise' on the Wealth and Poverty of Nations (1613)
Authors: Serra Antonio
Published: March 2012

A Short Treatise on the Wealth and Poverty of Nations presents, for the first time, an English translation of Antonio Serras Breve Trattato (1613), one of the most famous tracts in the history of political economy.
LC‐MS Data Processing with MAVEN: A Metabolomic Analysis and Visualization Engine
Authors: Clasquin Michelle F. , Melamud Eugene , Rabinowitz Joshua D.
Published: March 2012

MAVEN is an open‐source software program for interactive processing of LC‐MS‐based metabolomics data. MAVEN enables rapid and reliable metabolite quantitation from multiple reaction monitoring data or high‐resolution full‐scan mass spectrometry data. It automatically detects and reports peak intensities for isotope‐labeled metabolites. Menu‐driven, click‐based navigation allows visualization of raw and analyzed data. Here we provide a User Guide for MAVEN. Step‐by‐step instructions are provided for data import, peak alignment across samples, identification of metabolites that differ strongly between biological conditions, quantitation and visualization of isotope‐labeling patterns, and export of tables of metabolite‐specific peak intensities. Together, these instructions describe a workflow that allows efficient processing of raw LC‐MS data into a form ready for biological analysis. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 37:14.11.1‐14.11.23. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Negotiating weight and body image in the UAE: Strategies among young emirati women
Authors: Trainer Sarah
Published: March 2012

Objectives:

The goal of this study was to evaluate weight, nutritional status, and attitudes toward weight and health among a cohort of young women drawn from local populations in the United Arab Emirates.

Methods:

This sample was composed of 103 female Emiratis, aged 18–30. Eighty of the women were students at Zayed University (ZU) in Dubai and 23 were students at UAE University (UAEU) in Al Ain. Research was divided into two phases. Methods included the collection of weight and height measurements (to analyze BMIs) and body fat percentages; 24‐h food and activity recalls; semistructured, structured, and unstructured interviews; and participant observation.

Results:

The distribution of BMIs in this sample was skewed toward underweight and normal weight in the ZU sample and split evenly between underweight‐to‐normal and overweight‐to‐obese in the UAEU sample, a finding that stands in contrast to the high rates of overweight and obesity reported in other age cohorts in local populations. This lower distribution of BMIs was correlated with widely expressed concern over body image, whereas reported interest in nutrition was much lower. Dietary patterns reflected attempts to manage weight. There was a marked trend toward nutritionally poor diets and sedentary living.

Conclusions:

Obesity and overweight among young women in the Emirati population do not appear to be as significant a problem as they are in older populations. However, several other health‐related causes for concern emerged in this study, including extreme dieting strategies, insufficient micronutrient and protein intake, and widespread inactivity. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cigarette smoking in building trades workers: The impact of work environment
Authors: Chin Dal Lae , Hong OiSaeng , Gillen Marion , Bates Michael N. , Okechukwu Cassandra A.
Published: March 2012

Background

Blue‐collar workers smoke at higher rates than white‐collar workers and the general population. Occupational factors may contribute to smoking behavior in this group. However, little is known about the role of occupational factors in explaining cigarette‐smoking patterns.

Methods

This study used cross‐sectional data from the MassBUILT smoking cessation intervention study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the association of occupational factors with current cigarette smoking among 1,817 building trades workers.

Results

Current cigarette smoking was significantly associated with the following occupational factors: union commitment (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.00–1.12); exposure to dust (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.15–1.95), exposure to chemicals (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.11–1.79); and concern about exposure to occupational hazards (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.91–0.95).

Conclusion

The findings highlight the need to explicate the pathways by which occupational factors may contribute to current smoking behavior among building trades workers. Smoking cessation programs for this population should consider work‐related occupational factors along with individual approaches. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:429–439, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Randomized clinical trial comparing infrahepatic inferior vena cava clamping with low central venous pressure in complex liver resections involving the Pringle manoeuvre
Authors: Zhu P , Lau W-Y , Chen Y-F , Zhang B-X , Huang Z-Y , Zhang Z-W , Zhang W , Dou L , Chen X-P
Published: March 2012

Background

Control of bleeding remains key to successful hepatic resection. The present randomized clinical trial compared infrahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) clamping with low central venous pressure (CVP) during complex hepatectomy using portal triad clamping (PTC).

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing complex hepatectomy were allocated randomly to PTC combined with infrahepatic IVC clamping or to PTC with low CVP. Primary outcome was blood loss during parenchymal transection. Secondary outcomes were intraoperative surgical and haemodynamic parameters, postoperative recovery of liver and renal function, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and duration of hospital stay.

Results

Between January 2008 and September 2010, 192 patients were randomized. Compared with low CVP, infrahepatic IVC clamping significantly decreased blood loss during parenchymal transection (mean(s.e.m.) 243(158) versus 372(197) ml; P < 0·001), was associated with faster recovery of liver function, and caused less impairment in renal function and fewer haemodynamic changes. The degree of cirrhosis correlated positively with CVP (R2 = 0·963, P = 0·019) and with infrahepatic IVC pressure (R2 = 0·950, P = 0·025). For patients with moderate or severe cirrhosis, infrahepatic IVC clamping was more efficacious in controlling blood loss during parenchymal transection (mean(s.e.m.) 2·9(1·8) versus 6·1(2·4) ml/cm2; P < 0·001).

Conclusion

PTC combined with infrahepatic IVC clamping is more efficacious in controlling bleeding during complex hepatectomy than PTC with low CVP, especially in patients with moderate to severe cirrhosis. Registration number: NCT01355887 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Structure of Sodiated Polyglycines
Authors: Balaj O. Petru , Semrouni David , Steinmetz Vincent , Nicol Edith , Clavaguéra Carine , Ohanessian Gilles
Published: March 2012

The intrinsic folding of peptides about a sodium ion has been investigated in detail by using infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy and a combination of theoretical methods. IRMPD spectroscopy was carried out on sodiated polyglycines Gn‐Na+ (n=2–8), in both the fingerprint and NH/OH stretching regions. Interplay between experimental and computational approaches (classical and quantum) enables us to decipher most structural details. The most stable structures of the small peptides up to G6‐Na+ maximize metal–peptide interactions with all peptidic CO groups bound to sodium. In addition, direct interactions between peptide termini are possible for G6‐Na+ and larger polyglycines. The increased flexibility of larger peptides leads to more complex folding and internal peptide structuration through γ or β turns. A structural transition is found to occur between G6‐Na+ and G7‐Na+, leading to a structure with sodium coordination that becomes tri‐dimensional for the latter. This transition was confirmed by H/D exchange experiments on Gn‐Na+ (n=3–8). The most favorable hydrogen‐bonding pattern in G8‐Na+ involves direct interactions between the peptide termini and opens the way to salt‐bridge formation; however, there is only good agreement between experimental and computational data over the entire spectral range for the charge solvation isomer.
Design and Synthesis of Piezochromic Materials Based on Push–Pull Chromophores: A Mechanistic Perspective
Authors: Chen Fengkun , Zhang Jie , Wan Xinhua
Published: March 2012

Computational analysis predicts that intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) exists in anthraquinone imide (AQI) derivatives with electron‐donating substituents at the 6‐position, such as 4‐methoxylphenyl, 4‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl, and thiophene. However, for those with electron‐withdrawing ones, no clear ICT interaction could be observed. We predicted, on the basis of the simulation results, that AQI derivatives with electron‐donating substituents would be piezochromic. To verify this hypothesis, the corresponding AQI derivatives with various substituents were synthesized. Absorption spectra recorded with a diffuse reflectance method on powders revealed that 4‐methoxylphenyl‐, 4‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl‐, and thiophene‐substituted AQI exhibited piezochromism, but not 4‐nitrophenyl‐substituted AQI, which is in good agreement with the simulation results. Interestingly, redshifts of both the lower and higher energy absorption bands were observed along with redshifts of the emission spectra. However, XRD patterns before and after being pressed presented no significant changes, which was different from known piezochromic molecules described in the literature. An unprecedented mechanism in which enhanced ICT from better conjugation between the donor and acceptor segments induced by the decrease of θ under pressure could be responsible for the piezochromism of aryl‐substituted AQIs is proposed.
Rubidium Polyhydrides Under Pressure: Emergence of the Linear H3− Species
Authors: Hooper James , Zurek Eva
Published: March 2012

The structures of compressed rubidium polyhydrides, RbHn with n>1, and their evolution under pressure are studied using density functional theory calculations. These phases, which start to stabilize at only P=2 GPa, consist of Rb+ cations and one or more of the following species: H− anions, H2 molecules, and molecules. The latter motif, the simplest example of a three‐center four‐electron bond, is found in the most stable structures, RbH5 and RbH3, which metallize above 200 GPa. At the highest pressures studied, our evolutionary searches find an RbH6 phase which contains polymeric ()∞ chains that show signs of one‐dimensional liquid‐like behavior.
New Types of Reactivity of α,β‐Unsaturated N,N‐Dimethylhydrazones: Chemodivergent Diastereoselective Synthesis of Functionalized Tetrahydroquinolines and Hexahydropyrrolo[3,2‐b]indoles
Authors: Sridharan Vellaisamy , Ribelles Pascual , Estévez Verónica , Villacampa Mercedes , Ramos M. Teresa , Perumal Paramasivan T. , Menéndez J. Carlos
Published: March 2012

The indium trichloride‐catalyzed reaction between aromatic imines and α,β‐unsaturated N,N‐dimethylhydrazones in acetonitrile afforded 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinolines bearing a hydrazone function at C4 through a one‐pot diastereoselective domino process that involves the formation of two CC bonds and the controlled generation of two stereocenters, one of which is quaternary. This reaction constitutes the first example of an α,β‐unsaturated dimethylhydrazone that behaves as a dienophile in a hetero Diels–Alder reaction. The related reaction between anilines, aromatic aldehydes, and methacrolein dimethylhydrazone in CHCl3 with BF3⋅Et2O as catalyst afforded polysubstituted 1,2,3,3a,4,8b‐hexahydropyrrolo[3,2‐b]indoles as major products through a fully diastereoselective ABB′C four‐component domino process that generates two cycles, three stereocenters, two CC bonds, and two CN bonds in a single operation.
Preeclampsia and Hypertensive Disease in Pregnancy: Their Contributions to Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Valdiviezo Carolina , Garovic Vesna D. , Ouyang Pamela
Published: March 2012

More women than men die each year of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Sex‐specific factors, including pregnancy‐related disorders, should be considered when assessing cardiovascular (CV) risk in women. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have been associated with CV risk later in life and may identify women in whom earlier primary prevention may reduce their risk. This article reviews the physiologic changes in blood pressure during pregnancy, current definitions of hypertensive diseases of pregnancy and preeclampsia, and postulated pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to preeclampsia that might contribute to later CV risk. Also summarized are studies providing evidence on the association between hypertensive diseases of pregnancy and future CV risk. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.