bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criminal policy and legislative techniques in criminal law on biotechnology
Authors: Romeo-Casabona Carlos María
Published: November 2011

La question de l’utilité voire de l’efficacité du droit pénal comme outil de lutte contre les conduites socialement indésirables qui résulteraient de la biotechnologie, a été abordée. Cette discussion nécessite d’être appréhendée à l’aune d’un autre débat, beaucoup plus vaste, concernant la légitimité des moyens d’intervention du droit pénal post-moderne face aux nouveaux dangers et risques relatifs à des activités plus complexes au sein de la société. Il est vrai qu’il apparaît difficile d’établir de manière concrète et compréhensible une relation entre les biens légaux et la plupart de ces activités. Au lieu de cela, le profil de ces biens demeure imprécis et vague, notamment si ces derniers sont de nature collective. Il apparaît également que l’objectif consiste en la simple prévention de certains risques indéterminés sans que ceux-ci soient susceptibles de porter préjudice aux biens légaux, créant par la même une certaine distance entre le droit pénal et le principe afflictif. Dans cette perspective, il est également avancé que le droit pénal est devenu un simple moyen punitif permettant de gérer les risques en général et s’est transformé en une sorte de « Droit Administratif » tant les caractéristiques susvisées constituent les devoirs de ce droit. Si tel est le cas, le droit pénal perdra assurément son effet préventif. Relégué à une fonction purement symbolique, il manquera indéniablement d’authenticité. Les difficultés que présentent les nouvelles infractions dans le domaine des biotechnologies exigent que le législateur agisse avec une extrême délicatesse. L’efficacité de la réponse préventive s’agissant de ces infractions, leur justification politico-juridique ainsi que le fait qu’elles puissent être ou non ignorées en raison de leur effet purement symbolique dépendra finalement de la technique législative utilisée. Il s’agira notamment de déterminer si cette dernière établit des définitions ainsi que des sanctions appropriées et pertinentes pour ce type d’incriminations.
Le groupe european criminal policy initiative et le « manifeste pour une politique criminelle européenne »
Authors: Leblois-Happe Jocelyne
Published: November 2011

Bien qu’elle refuse de déduire du droit à la vie un «  droit diamétralement opposé, à savoir un droit à mourir  », la Cour européenne des droits de l’Homme n’hésite pas à consacrer un droit de choisir sa mort en tant que résultante de l’«  autonomie personnelle  » issue de l’article 8 de la Convention. Malgré tout, la marge d’appréciation reconnue aux États dans la mise en œuvre de ce droit vient en nuancer l’effectivité sans, pour autant, dissiper les craintes liées à la reconnaissance d’un tel «  droit négatif  ».
La démocratie et les orientations de la culture politique des citoyens ordinaires. Typologie pour le monde arabe et peut-être pour d'autres régions
Authors: Tessler Mark , Gao Eleanor
Published: November 2011

Résumé Les auteurs de cet article s’appuient sur des enquêtes menées récemment en Jordanie, dans les territoires palestiniens et en Algérie, pour examiner les relations entre six orientations normatives et comportementales mises en évidence dans la littérature consacrée aux transitions vers la démocratie: l’attachement à l’égalité entre les sexes, la tolérance, la confiance entre les individus, la participation à la vie civique, l’intérêt pour la politique et la connaissance de la politique. L’analyse factorielle montre que ces orientations forment deux grappes conceptuelles distinctes et indépendantes: la dimension du « pluralisme », qui comprend l’attachement à l’égalité entre les sexes et la tolérance; et la dimension de l’« engagement », qui comprend la confiance entre les individus, la participation à la vie civique, l’intérêt pour la politique et la connaissance de la politique. La dichotomisation et la juxtaposition de ces deux dimensions définissent quatre types d’orientation de la culture politique des citoyens ordinaires: (1) l’orientation démocratique (niveau élevé de pluralisme et d’engagement); (2) l’indifférence (niveau élevé de pluralisme, faible niveau d’engagement); (3) l’activisme (faible niveau de pluralisme, niveau élevé d’engagement); (4) le parochialisme (faible niveau de pluralisme et d’engagement). Après avoir présenté cette typologie qui permet de cartographier les normes et les types de comportement importants pour la démocratie, les auteurs l’utilisent pour comparer la répartition des citoyens jordaniens, palestiniens et algériens et essaient d’expliquer les différences constatées entre les citoyens des trois pays.
La résistance à la mondialisation : vue de la périphérie de l'économie mondiale
Authors: Drainville André C.
Published: November 2011

Résumé Au centre de l’économie mondiale, les forces sociales ont été à l’abri des processus d’instauration d’un ordre international pendant plus d’un siècle avant d’y être exposées d’une manière abrupte dans la phase de mondialisation actuelle. Dans ce contexte, la résistance prend l’aspect d’un nouveau mouvement politique, avec ses propres finalités et tactiques, et devient un sujet de référence véritable, quoique éthéré (« nous » qui partout faisons partie du mouvement altermondialiste). « Un autre monde est possible », mais pour assurer son avènement, « nous » devons agir politiquement comme il convient. À la périphérie, les forces sociales se sont toujours constituées dans leur rencontre avec l’ordre mondial. « Nous », qui que nous puissions être, étions là avant. Sur cette toile de fond historique, la résistance actuelle n’est pas définie par la forme politique qu’elle peut prendre, ni par le sujet au nom duquel un ordre mondial différent est aujourd’hui conçu ou prôné, mais par la manière dont d’autres forces sociales, à d’autres moments, ont défini leur rapport à l’ordre mondial. En se plaçant sous ces deux angles complémentaires, on peut mieux saisir la profondeur de la résistance actuelle à la mondialisation néolibérale et rechercher les voies d’une mobilisation de son potentiel de transformation.
Central Corneal Thickness and Biomechanical Changes After Clear Corneal Phacoemulsification
Authors: de Freitas Valbon Bruno , Ventura Marcelo Palis , da Silva Renata Siqueira , Canedo Ana Laura , Velarde Guillermo Coca , Ambrósio Renato
Published: November 2011

PURPOSE:

To evaluate central corneal thickness (CCT) and ocular biomechanical properties in patients before and after clear corneal phacoemulsification.

METHODS:

Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc), and Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) were measured with the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA; Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments) in 36 consecutive patients (47 eyes) who underwent clear corneal phacoemulsification. Central corneal thickness was measured with the Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH). All measurements were performed prior to surgery and at follow-up at 1, 7, and 30 days postoperatively.

RESULTS:

Central corneal thickness was higher at 1 and 7 days compared to preoperatively (
P
<.05) but not at 30 days. Corneal hysteresis was lower at 1 day than preoperatively (
P
<.05) but not at 7 and 30 days. Corneal resistance factor was lower at 1, 7, and 30 days compared to preoperatively (
P
<.05). Corneal-compensated IOP was slightly lower at 1, 7, and 30 days compared to preoperatively, but was not statistically significant (
P
>.05). Goldmann-correlated IOP was statistically significantly lower at 1 and 7 days than preoperatively (
P
<.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Clear corneal phacoemulsification led to a change in ocular biomechanical properties. The increase in CCT after phacoemulsification was followed by a reduction in CRF and CH. Mean IOPcc was similar before and after phacoemulsification, indicating that IOPcc may be a more accurate indicator of true IOP than IOPg.
VISA Is Required for B Cell Expression of TLR7
Authors: Xu Liang-Guo , Jin Lei , Zhang Bi-Cheng , Akerlund Linda J. , Shu Hong-Bing , Cambier John C.
Published: November 2011

B cells play a critical role in the initialization and development of the systemic lupus erythematosus that is dependent on the expression of the endosomal ssRNA receptor TLR7. Previous studies have established that B cell expression of TLR7 is controlled by the type I IFN secreted by plasmacytoid dendritic cells. In this article, we report that VISA, also known as MAVS, IPS-1, and CardIf, essential for RIG-I/MDA5-mediated signaling following sensing of cytosolic RNA, regulate B cell expression of TLR7 and CD23. We found that B cells from a VISA−/− mouse express reduced TLR7 but normal basal levels of type I IFN. We also show that although IFN-β and TLR7 agonists synergize to promote TLR7 expression in VISA−/− B cells, they do not fully complement the defect seen in VISA−/− cells. Cell transfer experiments revealed that the observed effects of VISA−/− are B cell intrinsic. The reduced TLR7 expression in B cells is correlated with impaired TLR7 agonist-induced upregulation of activation markers CD69 and CD86, cell proliferation, production of IFN-α, TNF, and IL-12, and NF-κB activation. Finally, studies indicate that genetic background may influence the observed phenotype of our VISA−/− mice, because VISA−/− B cells differ in CD23 and TLR7 expression when on C57BL/6 versus 129Sv-C57BL/6 background. Thus, our findings suggest an unexpected link between VISA-mediated cytosolic RLR signaling and autoimmunity.
Altered B Cell Homeostasis Is Associated with Type I Diabetes and Carriers of the PTPN22 Allelic Variant
Authors: Habib Tania , Funk Andrew , Rieck Mary , Brahmandam Archana , Dai Xuezhi , Panigrahi Anil K. , Luning Prak Eline T. , Meyer-Bahlburg Almut , Sanda Srinath , Greenbaum Carla , Rawlings David J. , Buckner Jane H.
Published: November 2011

The PTPN22 genetic variant 1858T, encoding Lyp620W, is associated with multiple autoimmune disorders for which the production of autoantibodies is a common feature, suggesting a loss of B cell tolerance. Lyp620W results in blunted BCR signaling in memory B cells. Because BCR signal strength is tightly coupled to central and peripheral tolerance, we examined whether Lyp620W impacts peripheral B cell homeostasis in healthy individuals heterozygous for the PTPN221858T variant. We found that these subjects display alterations in the composition of the B cell pool that include specific expansion of the transitional and anergic IgD+IgM−CD27− B cell subsets. The PTPN22 1858T variant was further associated with significantly diminished BCR signaling and a resistance to apoptosis in both transitional and naive B cells. Strikingly, parallel changes in both BCR signaling and composition of B cell compartment were observed in type 1 diabetic subjects, irrespective of PTPN22 genotype, revealing a novel immune phenotype and likely shared mechanisms leading to a loss of B cell tolerance. Our combined findings suggest that Lyp620W-mediated effects, due in part to the altered BCR signaling threshold, contribute to breakdown of peripheral tolerance and the entry of autoreactive B cells into the naive B cell compartment.
The Effectiveness of Nutrition Education and Labeling in Dutch Supermarkets
Authors: Steenhuis Ingrid , van Assema Patricia , van Breukelen Gerard , Glanz Karen
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

Nutrition education and labeling may help consumers to eat less fat. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of nutrition education with and without shelf labeling on reduced fat intake in Dutch supermarkets.

Methods.

The design consisted of a randomized, pretest-posttest, experimental control group design. In total, 2203 clients of 13 supermarkets were included in the sample. Total fat intake of clients and behavioral determinants of eating less fat were measured by a questionnaire. A mixed-effect regression model was used for the analysis.

Results.

No significant effects were found for the educational intervention, alone or with the labeling, on total fat intake and the psychosocial determinants of eating less fat.

Conclusion.

Nutrition education and labeling of low-fat food products in supermarkets did not prove to be effective strategies. The fact that the supermarket is a highly competitive environment may have accounted for this lack of effect.
Estimating the Economic Impact of Secondhand Smoke on the Health of a Community
Authors: Zollinger Terrell W. , Saywell Robert M. , Overgaard Amanda D. , Jay Stephen J. , Holloway Angela M. , Cummings Sandra F.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

This study provides a model to estimate the health-related costs of secondhand smoke exposure at a community level.

Model Development.

Costs of secondhand smoke–related mortality and morbidity were estimated using national attributable risk values for diseases that are causally related to secondhand smoke exposure for adults and children. Estimated costs included ambulatory care costs, hospital inpatient costs, and loss of life costs based on vital statistics, hospital discharge data, and census data.

Application of the Model.

The model was used to estimate health-related costs estimates of secondhand smoke exposure for Marion County, Indiana. Attributable risk values were applied to the number of deaths and hospital discharges to determine the number of individuals impacted by secondhand smoke exposure.

Results.

The overall cost of health care and premature loss of life attributed to secondhand smoke for the study county was estimated to be $53.9 million in 2000—$10.5 million in health care costs and $20.3 million in loss of life for children compared with $6.2 million in health care costs and $16.9 million in loss of life for adults. This amounted to $62.68 per capita.

Conclusions.

This method may be replicated in other counties to provide data needed to educate the public and community leaders about the health effects and costs of secondhand smoke exposure.
Self Exposure to Secondhand Smoke among Prenatal Smokers, Abstainers, and Nonsmokers
Authors: Dunn Caroline L. , Pirie Phyllis L. , Hellerstedt Wendy L.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

Prenatal smoking cessation will not eliminate health risks if women continue to be exposed to passive smoking. This study compared the risks of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure for low-income prenatal nonsmokers, abstainers, and smokers.

Methods.

A questionnaire was administered to 225 pregnant women. Exposure to six sources of SHS was compared across smoking groups using chi-square and multivariate logistic regression.

Results.

In adjusted analyses, patterns of SHS exposure were consistent. Abstainers were at lower risk of exposure than smokers for all sources except for having a partner who smoked. Abstainers were at higher risk of exposure than nonsmokers for most sources. For example, 11.7% of nonsmokers were exposed to <4 hours of SHS daily compared with 33.3% of abstainers (adjusted odds ratio = .32, 95% confidence interval = .12–.88). Mean number of exposures for nonsmokers, abstainers, and smokers were 1.4, 2.7, and 4.2, respectively (p < .001).

Discussion.

Interventions need to address the full range of health risks posed by cigarette smoke exposure during pregnancy.
Review of the Studies Cited in the DataBase Section of the American Journal of Health Promotion
Authors: Adams Troy B. , Keup Sarah M. , Anderson David R. , Brockmann April M.
Published: November 2011

Purpose of the Review.

To analyze the characteristics of the articles reviewed in the DataBase section of the American Journal of Health Promotion and to summarize this review in tabular format.

Data Sources.

All 350 entries in the American Journal of Health Promotion DataBase section beginning with issue 1:3 (Winter 1987) through issue 17:3 (January/February 2003) were included in this review.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria.

Every study summarized in the DataBase section was included. Five duplicate sets of entries existed in the DataBase section. One entry from each set was excluded based upon author consensus. Thus, this review includes 345 unique entries.

Data Extraction Methods.

All data reported in the DataBase section (e.g., sample sizes, measurement tools, study duration), as well as additional data derived directly from the studies (i.e., cross-sectional versus longitudinal study design, unit of analysis, and study topic) were entered in SPSS 11.5 for PC (SPSS, Inc, Chicago, Illinois).

Data Synthesis.

Data were synthesized to identify the frequency of entry by research question, research design and internal validity rating, unit of analysis, measurement tool(s), and health topics addressed.

Major Conclusions.

The majority of articles included in the DataBase received the highest research design rating, had robust sample sizes, and were of a meaningful duration. Additionally, a wide variety of topics were addressed. Overall, these strengths indicate that a solid foundation of research has been established on many of the most critical issues facing the health promotion field.
Spatial scales of the magnetic ramp at the Venusian bow shock
Authors: Dimmock A. P. , Walker S. N. , Zhang T. L. , Pope S. A.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Typically multi-spacecraft missions are ideally suited to the study of shock spatial scales due to the separation of temporal and spatial variations. These missions are not possible at all locations and therefore in-situ multi-spacecraft measurements are not available beyond the Earth. The present paper presents a study of shock spatial scales using single spacecraft measurements made by the Venus Express spacecraft. The scales are determined based on previous knowledge of shock overshoot scales measured by the ISEE and Cluster missions. The study encompasses around 60 crossings of the Venusian bow shock from 2006 to 2009. The statistical relationship between the shock ramp spatial scales, overshoot and upstream shock parameters are investigated. We find that despite somewhat different solar wind conditions our results are comparable with those based on multi-spacecraft missions at the terrestrial bow shock.
Bronchial Artery Embolization in Patients Presenting with Massive Hemoptysis: Initial Experience from a Rural Tertiary Centre of Central India
Authors: Singhal Sameer , Banode Pankaj
Published: November 2011

Introduction. Patients presenting with massive hemoptysis in outpatient department (OPD) need urgent care. Conservative management of massive hemoptysis carries a mortality rate of 50%–100%. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) has become an established procedure in the management of massive and recurrent hemoptysis. Here, we are presenting our experience of bronchial artery embolization in 11 patients presented in outpatient department with massive hemoptysis. Material and Methods. In our hospital-based cross-sectional study, 11 patients had undergone procedure for bronchial artery embolization in the Department of Interventional Radiology (TIFAC-CORE). Recruitment was done by using consecutive sampling in which the patients were chosen on a strict “first come, first chosen” basis and willing to undergo the procedure. Results. Bronchial arteriography and embolization were well tolerated by our patients. An immediate control of active bleeding was achieved with embolization in 10 cases (91%). 1 patient had recurrent hemoptysis after one month and ultimately required surgical resection for mycetoma. Conclusion. Patients with massive hemoptysis due to pulmonary TB can best be treated with BAE. Recurrence of massive hemoptysis is infrequent. However, if it does occur, then patients are best treated with surgery.
Mass Casualty Response in the 2008 Mumbai Terrorist Attacks
Authors: Roy Nobhojit , Kapil Vikas , Subbarao Italo , Ashkenazi Isaac
Published: November 2011

Objectives: The November 26-29, 2008, terrorist attacks on Mumbai were unique in its international media attention, multiple strategies of attack, and the disproportionate national fear they triggered. Everyone was a target: random members of the general population, iconic targets, and foreigners alike were under attack by the terrorists.

Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study of the distribution of terror victims to various city hospitals, critical radius, surge capacity, and the nature of specialized medical interventions was gathered through police, legal reports, and interviews with key informants.

Results: Among the 172 killed and 304 injured people, about four-fifths were men (average age, 33 years) and 12% were foreign nationals. The case-fatality ratio for this event was 2.75:1, and the mortality rate among those who were critically injured was 12%. A total of 38.5% of patients arriving at the hospitals required major surgical intervention. Emergency surgical operations were mainly orthopedic (external fixation for compound fractures) and general surgical interventions (abdominal explorations for penetrating bullet/shrapnel injuries).

Conclusions: The use of heavy-duty automatic weapons, explosives, hostages, and arson in these terrorist attacks alerts us to new challenges to medical counterterrorism response. The need for building central medical control for a coordinated response and for strengthening public hospital capacity are lessons learned for future attacks. These particular terrorist attacks had global consequences, in terms of increased security checks and alerts for and fears of further similar “Mumbai-style” attacks. The resilience of the citizens of Mumbai is a critical measure of the long-term effects of terror attacks.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:273–279)
Early American Avant‐Garde Cinema
Authors: Horak Jan‐Christopher
Published: November 2011

Avant‐garde film movements can only be historically circumscribed if they are constituted in terms of production, distribution, exhibition, and reception. Their place in the history of cinema should not only be gauged according to their individual aesthetic achievements, but also in terms of the myriad contexts of their reception. In addition to my own work, histories of the avant‐garde by Paul Arthur, David James, and Scott MacDonald have employed such a strategy. In contrast, avant‐garde film histories by P. Adams Sitney and Jonas Mekas have served polemical argument and the aesthetic legitimization of filmmakers enshrined in their canon, thus eliminating discontinuities and dead ends, which necessarily mark a film form based on individual modes of production. Contemporary reception of such work was sporadic, exhibition venues rising and falling — oftentimes victims of larger economic forces — while publications dedicated to the film avant‐garde, too, appear more fragile than those catering to commercial markets.
The Screwball Comedy
Authors: Rothman William
Published: November 2011

When the “talkie” sounded the death knell for what film historians like to call “the Golden Age of Silent Cinema,” no one could foresee that it was ringing in a new “Golden Age.” The expressive cinematic qualities epitomized by F. W. Murnau'sSunrise(1927) seemed incompatible with the primitive sound equipment. The awkwardness of the static camera setups of the earliest talking pictures was exacerbated by stagy acting that resulted, in part, from the studios' belief that talking pictures required theatrically trained voices. As the novelty of talking pictures wore off, attendance slumped. With the economy falling off a cliff, the expensive conversion to sound threatened to bankrupt Hollywood.
Authorship and Billy Wilder
Authors: Sklar Robert
Published: November 2011

The thirty years' war over authorship in film culture, fought from the 1950s through the 1980s, may seem as remote in retrospect as the original Thirty Years' War of the seventeenth century. Who were its partisans? What was at stake? Did anyone win or lose, or did it just peter out from exhaustion or from some sort of truce? And does any of it still matter?
A study on using of protease for removal of animal glue adhesive in textile conservation
Authors: Ahmed Harby E. , Kolisis Fragiskos N.
Published: November 2011

Animal glue has been used to fix historical textiles on paper, wood panels, or other rigid support materials. It is often present in shrunk, cracked, rigid, and brittle form because of the aged condition artifacts and may not provide enough adhesion for effective support causing damage to historical textiles. The biotechnological application of enzymes seems to be a very promising approach in the restoration of historical objects. In this experimental work, undertaken with modern linen and silk fabrics, interesting results have been obtained for the removal of animal glue by using the protease enzyme from Aspergillus oryzae. An extensive study was done in the enzymatic activity and efficiency for the removal of the animal glue from the textiles, as well as the effects of this treatment on mechanical and optical parameters of the textile fibers. The effect of protease on fibers is measured by Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis, scanning electron microscope, the CIE‐Lab values, ASTM method D5035, and XRD. The results showed that using protease in adhesive removal presented good results with a safe and a short treatment time when compared with the conventional methods. No significant changes on the linen and silk fabrics are observed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The effect of solvent mixture on the properties of solvent cast polylactic acid (PLA) film
Authors: Byun Youngjae , Whiteside Scott , Thomas Ron , Dharman Mahalaxmi , Hughes Jeremy , Kim Young Teck
Published: November 2011

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of various solvents on the crystallinity and thermal expansion stability of PLA film. Three different PLA films were produced by the solvent casting technique; PLA in chloroform (PLA‐C), PLA in methylene chloride (PLA‐M), and PLA in methylene chloride: acetonitrile = 50: 50 (PLA‐MA). The PLA‐MA had higher % crystallinity, 46.15, than the PLA‐C, 24.03, and the PLA‐M, 14.25. With this increase in crystallinity, the PLA‐MA had improved thermal expansion stability as shown by very low accumulated dimensional changes at 20 to 100°C. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction identified multiple crystalline structures for the PLA‐MA. Film barrier properties were also measured. PLA‐MA had the lowest oxygen permeability. However, there was no significant difference in water vapor permeability among the three PLA films. The mechanical property tests revealed that the PLA‐C and PLA‐M were ductile while the PLA‐MA was brittle in behavior. The PLA‐MA was very hazy as compared with the PLA‐C and PLA‐M. This work has shown that the PLA‐MA had increased % crystallinity and, more importantly, it had improved thermal expansion stability which can be very beneficial for the flexible packaging industry. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of modified clay on the morphology and electric properties of PC/ABS‐MWCNT composites
Authors: Besco Stefano , Modesti Michele , Lorenzetti Alessandra , Donadi Stefano , McNally Tony
Published: November 2011

Composites of MWCNTs and an organically modified partially synthetic layered silicate (OMLS) with PC/ABS were prepared by melt blending and the relationship between morphology and electric properties as a function of composite composition examined. The concept of double percolation was investigated and confirmed, as a consequence of CNT preferential segregation within one polymer phase (PC). A role of OMLS in hindering the formation of an effective electrically conductive network was observed above a certain clay loading, resulting in a shifting of electrical percolation threshold towards higher values. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
H∞ Static Output Feedback Control of 2‐D Discrete Systems in FM Second Model
Authors: Feng Zhi‐Yong , Xu Li , Wu Min , She Jin‐Hua
Published: November 2011

The problem of H∞ static output feedback (SOF) control of two‐dimensional (2‐D) discrete systems described by the Fornasini‐Marchesini (FM) second model is investigated in this paper. First, by applying the 2‐D Bounded Real Lemma, the 2‐D H∞ SOF control problem is formulated in terms of a bilinear matrix inequality (BMI). Then, by combining the slack variable technique with two kinds of existing LMI methods, respectively, less conservative sufficient LMI conditions are proposed for the BMI formulation. The relation of these two kinds of LMI conditions are revealed by analyzing the choices of coordinate transformation matrices involved in the first kind of LMI conditions. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and merits of the proposed methods.
A review of the anatomy of the hip abductor muscles, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fascia lata
Authors: Flack Natasha Amy May Sparks , Nicholson Helen D. , Woodley Stephanie Jane
Published: November 2011

The hip abductor muscles have the capability to contribute to numerous actions, including pelvic stabilization during gait, and abduction and rotation at the hip joint. To fully understand the role of these muscles, as well as their involvement in hip joint dysfunction, knowledge of their anatomical structure is essential. The clinical literature suggests anatomical diversity within these muscles, and that gluteus medius (GMed) and gluteus minimus (GMin), in particular, may be comprised of compartments. This systematic review of the English literature focuses on the gross anatomy of GMed, GMin, and tensor fascia lata (TFL) muscles. Although studies of this muscle group have generated useful descriptions, comparison of results is hindered by methodological limitations. Furthermore, there is no single comprehensive anatomical investigation of all three muscles. Several aspects of the morphology of attachment sites are unknown or unclear. There is little data on fascicle orientation, the interface between fascicles and tendons, and the specific patterning of the superior gluteal nerve. Consequently, the existence of anatomical compartmentalization within the hip abductor muscles is difficult to assess. Further research of the architecture and innervation of the hip abductor muscle group is required; a better understanding of the precise anatomy of these muscles should improve our understanding of their specific functions and their contribution to the pathogenesis of disorders affecting the hip joint. Clin. Anat. 25:697–708, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transoral robotic surgery of the oropharynx: Clinical and anatomic considerations
Authors: Moore Eric J. , Janus Jeff , Kasperbauer Jan
Published: November 2011

Transoral robotic surgery provides a mechanism to approach tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract through a natural body orifice—the mouth. The technique has been applied most often to malignant tumors of the oropharynx. The use of this technique, however, forces the surgeon to view the anatomy from a different vantage point. Head and neck surgeons are accustomed to the oropharynx from lateral to medial. The transoral approach forces surgeons to consider the anatomy from the oral cavity and oropharynx medial perspective. This article will discuss the relevant anatomy, operative goals, robotic technique, and clinical considerations of transoral robotic surgery of the oropharynx. Clin. Anat. 25:135–141, 2012. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MBNL1–RNA Recognition: Contributions of MBNL1 Sequence and RNA Conformation
Authors: Fu Yuan , Ramisetty Sreenivasa Rao , Hussain Nejmun , Baranger Anne M.
Published: November 2011

Muscleblind‐like proteins (MBNL) are RNA‐binding proteins that bind to the poly(CUG) and poly(CCUG) sequences that are the causative agents of myotonic dystrophy. It has been suggested that as a result of binding to the repeating RNA sequences, MBNL1 is abnormally expressed and translocated, which leads to many of the misregulated events in myotonic dystrophy. In this work, steady‐state fluorescence quenching experiments suggest that MBNL1 alters the structure of helical RNA targets upon binding, which may explain the selectivity of MBNL1 for less structured RNA sites. The removal of one pair of zinc fingers greatly impairs the binding affinity of MBNL1, which indicates that the two pairs of zinc fingers might possibly interact with RNA targets cooperatively. Alanine scanning mutagenesis results suggest that the binding energy may be distributed across the protein. Overall, the results presented here suggest that small molecules that stabilize the helical structure of poly(CUG) and poly(CCUG) RNAs will inhibit the formation of complexes with MBNL1.
Frequency and impact of bleeding in elective coronary stent clinical trials—Utility of three commonly used definitions
Authors: Fleming Lisa M. , Novack Victor , Novack Lena , Cohen Sidney A. , Negoita Manuela , Cutlip Donald E.
Published: November 2011

Background: Bleeding events are common after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and have been shown to increase mortality in studies of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and anti‐thrombotic therapy. Despite this evidence, bleeding has not been included as a traditional major endpoint in clinical trials of low‐risk populations enrolled in PCI clinical trials. Thus, the impact of specific bleeding definitions has not been evaluated fully among these patients. Methods and Results: Using patient‐level pooled data from sirolimus and zotarolimus drug‐eluting stent clinical trials, we identified bleeding events using three common definitions of bleeding, ACUITY, TIMI, and GUSTO, and assessed the impact on mortality and MI at 12 months after PCI. The GUSTO, ACUITY, and TIMI classifications identified bleeding rates of 2.3%, 1.9%, and 2.1%, respectively. The GUSTO criteria classified all 118 suspected bleeding events. There were 22 (18.6%) and 8 (6.8%) suspected bleeding events that did not meet ACUITY and TIMI criteria, respectively. The combined endpoint of all‐cause death or myocardial infarction (MI) at 12 months was significantly higher for patients with a bleeding event compared with those who did not bleed [hazard ratio 1.95 (95% CI 1.06–3.60)]. Conclusion: There is a substantial variability in the utility and inclusiveness of three widely used bleeding definitions in identifying clinically significant bleeding events in clinical trials of low risk patients undergoing PCI with DES. Patients with bleeding after elective PCI have an increased one‐year risk of death or MI compared to those patients who do not bleed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wire fractures in Solysafe® septal occluders: A single center experience
Authors: Gielen Stephen , Riede Frank T. , Schuler Gerhard , Dähnert Ingo
Published: November 2011

Objectives: To determine the incidence of device fractures (DF) after implantation of a Solysafe® Septal Occluder (iSSO) and to assess the spectrum of associated problems. Background: In August 2010, after initial unpublished reports on DF, the manufacturer issued an “urgent field safety notice,” prompting all medical care providers to re‐examine all patients after iSSO. Methods: Prospective single center study. Extended follow‐up examination, including standardized fluoroscopy (sF), was performed in all patients after iSSO. Results: A total of 111 patients had undergone iSSO at our institution between June 2005 and July 2010. Median age and body weight were 50 years (9.3–79.6) and 75 kg (29–122), respectively. Indications for iSSO were (1) patent foramen ovale in patients with a history of cryptogenic stroke (n = 84; 76%) and (2) hemodynamically significant atrial septal defect of the secundum type (n = 27; 24%). A total of 113 devices were implanted. Complete follow‐up was available in 103 patients (92.8%). Median follow‐up was 1.9 years (0–5.2). There were no postimplantation neurological events or symptoms. The closure rate was 97.1%. DF was suspected on a chest X‐ray in one patient and documented in 10 patients by sF. The overall probability of freedom from DF was 82.3% after 5 years. One patient had embolization of a device fragment to the right pulmonary artery. So far, all patients with DF have been managed conservatively. Conclusions: The incidence of DF after iSSO is unacceptably high. sF is imperative for accurate diagnosis of DF. Further, follow‐up is needed to determine the risk of clinical complications and to optimize management. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo comparison of a polymer‐free Biolimus A9‐eluting stent with a biodegradable polymer‐based Biolimus A9 eluting stent and a bare metal stent in balloon denuded and radiated hypercholesterolemic rabbit iliac arteries
Authors: Waksman Ron , Pakala Rajbabu , Baffour Richard , Seabron Rufus , Hellinga David , Chan Rosanna , Su Shih‐Horng , Kolodgie Frank , Virmani Renu
Published: November 2011

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a polymer‐free Biolimus A9‐eluting stent [BioFreedom™ (BF)], compared with that of a biodegradable polymer‐based Biolimus A9‐eluting stent [BioMatrix Flex™ (BMF)] and a bare metal stent (BMS) in balloon denuded and radiated hypercholesterolemic rabbit iliac arteries. Methods: Rabbits were fed with 1% cholesterol diet (n = 14) for 14 days, both iliac arteries were balloon denuded and radiated, and then rabbits were switched to 0.15% cholesterol diet. After 4 weeks, BF (n = 8), BMF (n = 8), and BMS (n = 8) were deployed in denuded and radiated areas. Four weeks later animals were euthanized, arterial segments were processed for morphometry. Results: The neointimal area in vessels implanted with BF stents was significantly less than that seen in vessels implanted with BMS (0.90 mm2 ± 0.14 vs. 1.29 mm2 ± 0.23, P <0.01). Percent fibrin and fibrin score were higher with BMF stents compared to BMS (P <0.03 and <0.04) and giant cell number was significantly higher with both BMF and BF stents (P < 0.01 for both). Percent endothelialization was significantly higher and % uncovered struts were lower with BMS compared to either BMF or BF stents (P < 0.05 for both). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that compared to BMS, BF stents significantly decreased neointimal hyperplasia. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparison between dual axis rotational coronary angiography and conventional coronary angiography
Authors: Grech Marvin , Debono Joseph , Xuereb Robert G. , Fenech Albert , Grech Victor
Published: November 2011

Background: Coronary angiography remains the gold standard for the investigation of coronary artery disease, and is carried out in multiple, predefined stationary views, at different angulations around the patient, for both left and right coronary arteries. Dual axis rotational coronary angiography (DARA) is an alternative technique wherein the c‐arm rotates around the patient in a preprogrammed single acquisition, exposing the entire coronary artery at different angulations. The DARA system has been recently installed in the Cardiac Catheterisation Suite at Mater Dei Hospital, Malta, where a monoplane and a biplane machine are available. This study was carried out in order to compare DARA with conventional single and biplane coronary imaging, with respect to radiation dose, contrast loads, and procedure time. Methods: This study was carried out over the period from September to December 2010. Four hundred sixty‐three patients were studied. Patients referred for the investigation of native coronary anatomy, for whatever indication, were consented and included, and randomly assigned to one of four groups depending on which machine and modality was used: monoplane conventional, monoplane DARA, biplane conventional, and biplane DARA. Results: DARA was statistically significantly superior in dose area product, fluoroscopy time, amount of contrast used, and procedure time. These reductions ranged between 12 (contrast used) and 71% (procedure time). Conclusions: The advantages of such systems are obvious to both patient and healthcare provider, and DARA may prove to be an important and useful tool in the refinement of diagnostic coronary angiography by reducing patient contrast and radiation doses and reducing procedure time. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of 2‐year clinical outcomes between zotarolimus‐, sirolimus‐, and paclitaxel‐eluting stents in real life clinical practice
Authors: Kim Ji‐Hyun , Park Kyung Woo , Lim Woo‐Hyun , Shin Dong‐Ho , Na Sang‐Hoon , Koo Bon‐Kwon , Youn Tae‐Jin , Chae In‐Ho , Choi Dong‐Ju , Kim Hyo‐Soo
Published: November 2011

Background: There are few studies comparing the long‐term efficacy and safety of the zotarolimus‐eluting stent (ZES) with sirolimus‐ (SES) and paclitaxel‐eluting stents (PES) in the unselected cohorts that were subject to real life clinical practice. Methods: Total 2,769 patient who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with the three drug‐eluting stents (DES) between April 2006 and July 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 1,152 patients were treated with SES, 810 with PES, and 807 with ZES. The primary analysis endpoint was cumulative rate of target‐lesion failure (TLF) at 24 months, defined as the composite of cardiac death, target‐vessel‐related myocardial infarction (MI), and target‐lesion revascularization (TLR). Results: At 24 months, the incidence of TLF was significantly lower in the SES group compared with the ZES (7.6% vs. 11.3%, HR = 0.66, CI = 0.49–0.88, P = 0.005) or the PES group (7.6% vs. 10.2%, HR = 0.74, CI = 0.55–0.99, P = 0.048), while similar between the PES and the ZES groups (HR = 0.89, CI = 0.66–1.20, P = 0.443). The difference was mostly driven by higher rate of TLR in the ZES and PES groups compared with the SES group, mostly within the first year post‐PCI. However, the rate of hard endpoints (cardiac death or nonfatal MI) was similar among the three groups. These results were reproduced in the propensity score‐matched cohort.Conclusions: This observational study shows that the use of SES is superior to PES or ZES for the TLF in the overall and matched analysis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic Changes of Stipa bungeana Steppe Species Diversity as Better Indicators for Soil Quality and Sustainable Utilization Mode in Yunwu Mountain Nature Reserve, Ningxia, China
Authors: Cheng Jie , Cheng Jimin , Hu Tianming , Shao Hongbo , Zhang Jianming
Published: November 2011

Due to serious degradation of typical Stipa bungeana steppe community on the Loess Plateau, a 26‐year (1982–2007) experiment has been carried out by methods of forbidden grazing, cutting, and rotational grazing. Our results show that the process of succession of long‐term enclosed S. bungeana community can be divided into two stages: 1980–1996, the forward succession stage, when the species diversity and biomass reach the peak (33.7 species/m2 and 1349.41 g/m2, respectively); 1997–2007, the slow succession stage, when the gradually thickening of litter layer (litter depth reaches 3–5 cm) directly causes the reduction of species diversity and biomass to 19.1 species/m2 and 863.19 g/m2, respectively. While under the cutting and rotational grazing methods, grassland succession can be divided into four stages: 1st–5th year, the continuing growth stage; 6th–9th year, the vigorous competing stage; 10th–15th year, the aggregation growth stage of constructive species with biomass reaching the peak (1444.19 g/m2); and 16th–23rd year, stable growth stage of constructive species, which form sub‐climax and are eventually dominated by S. bungeana, with the species diversity and biomass of 25–27 species/m2 and 956.76–1165.35 g/m2, respectively. The constructive species suddenly change in the 24th year, and the population of S. grandis increases rapidly to 21 m−2 accounting for 25% of the total plant population. Long‐term enclosure leads to decreased species diversity and biomass and is not beneficial for grassland renewing. The species diversity and biomass of degraded grassland continuously decrease to 10 species/m2 and 392.1 g/m2 due to long‐term artificial failure and transitionally grazing, leading to harden soil with slow rainfall infiltration, where plants can only sustain life under the drought condition. Therefore, reasonable cutting and rotational grazing are the methods of choice for the gradual increase of species diversity and promotion of the natural renewal and forward succession of the grassland on Loess Plateau. These results provide reliable information for the diversity dynamic change as better indictors of soil quality and sustainable utilization mode.
Céad Mile Fáilte
Authors: Binions Russell
Published: November 2011

Dr. Russell Binions shares some personal recollections and reflections on EuroCVD 18 held in Kinsale, just south of Cork, where everyone experienced Céad Mile Fáilte – a hundred thousand welcomes − of Irish hospitality.
Sepsis leads to a reduced antigen‐specific primary antibody response
Authors: Mohr Arno , Polz Johannes , Martin Elisabeth M. , Grießl Sybille , Kammler Anja , Pötschke Christian , Lechner Anja , Bröker Barbara M. , Mostböck Sven , Männel Daniela N.
Published: November 2011

Immunosuppression, impaired cytokine production and high susceptibility to secondary infections are characteristic for septic patients, and for mice after induction of polymicrobial septic peritonitis by sublethal cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Here, we demonstrate that CLP markedly altered subsequent B‐cell responses. Total IgG and IgM levels, as well as the memory B‐cell response, were increased in septic mice, but antigen‐specific primary antibody production was strongly impaired. We found that two days after CLP, CD11b+ splenocytes were activated as demonstrated by the increased expression of activation markers, expression of arginase and production of NO by immature myeloid cells. The in vivo clearance of a bacterial infection was not impaired. DCs demonstrated reduced IL‐12 production and altered antigen presentation, resulting in decreased proliferation but enhanced IFN‐γ production by CD4+ cells. CD4+ T cells from mice immunized on day 2 after CLP showed reduced Th1 and Th2 cytokine production. In addition, there was an increase in Treg cells. Interestingly, levels of immature B cells decreased but levels of mature B cells increased two days after CLP. However, adoptive transfer of naïve CD4+ T cells, naïve B cells, or naïve DCs did not rescue the antigen‐specific antibody response.
Naphthaldehyde–Urea/Thiourea Conjugates as Turn‐On Fluorescent Probes for Al3+ Based on Restricted C=N Isomerization
Authors: Maity Debabrata , Govindaraju T.
Published: November 2011

We have synthesized naphthaldehyde–carbonohydrazone (NC) and naphthaldehyde–thiocarbonohydrazone (NTC) Schiff base ligands by the condensation reaction of 2‐hydroxy naphthaldehyde with urea and thiourea, respectively. Both these Schiff base ligands show blue turn‐on fluorescence in the presence of aluminum(III), as a result of a restricted C=N isomerization mechanism. Aluminum(III) can be detected in the presence of most of the competing metal ions by using NC and NTC. The association constant (log Ka) of NC and NTC for Al3+ in acetonitrile was calculated to be 14.5 and 14.1, respectively.
Cooperative Aliphatic PNP Amido Pincer Ligands – Versatile Building Blocks for Coordination Chemistry and Catalysis
Authors: Schneider Sven , Meiners Jenni , Askevold Bjorn
Published: November 2011

In this review, the coordination chemistry of electron‐rich metal complexes with the simple aliphatic, anionic diphosphanylamido ligand {N(CH2CH2PR2)2}– is covered and compared with other commonly used, anionic PEP (E = C, N) pincer ligands. The strong π‐basicity of this ligand enables both the stabilization of electronically and coordinatively highly unsaturated complexes and their use as cooperating ligands in bifunctional stoichiometric bond activation reactions and catalysis. Versatile ligand backbone dehydrogenation gives access to related enamido and dienamido ligands {(R2PCHCH)N(CH2CH2PR2)}– and {N(CHCHPR2)2}–, respectively. This oxidative functionalization enables fine‐tuning of the ligand donor properties and thereby of the structural features, electronic structure, and reactivity of the respective complexes, which is discussed for several examples.