bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iodopovidone is as effective as doxycycline in producing pleurodesis in rabbits
Authors: GUO Yubiao , TANG Kejing , BILACEROGLU Semra , KALOMENIDIS Ioannis , SALLENG Kenneth J. , LANE Kirk B. , LIGHT Richard W.
Published: December 2009

Background and objective:  The mechanism by which iodopovidone achieves pleurodesis is unknown. This study investigated whether iodopovidone is as effective as doxycycline in producing pleurodesis and whether systemic corticosteroids diminish its efficacy.

Methods:  Four groups of seven New Zealand rabbits were assigned to the following intrapleural treatment groups: 2 mL of 2% iodopovidone, 2 mL of 4% iodopovidone, 2 mL of 4% iodopovidone plus 0.8 mg/kg triamcinolone intramuscularly weekly and 10 mL/kg doxycycline in 2 mL. Pleural fluid was collected 24, 48 and 72 h after intrapleural injections and analysed for WCC, protein and LDH levels. The rabbits were killed 2 weeks after the injections. Pleurodesis was graded macroscopically on a scale from 1 to 8. The degree of microscopic pleural fibrosis and pleural inflammation was graded from the HE stain slides.

Results:  The mean volume of pleural fluid as well as the mean total WCC was significantly lower in the steroid‐treated group than in the other groups. The degree of the resulting pleurodesis was similar in the 2% iodopovidone (7.00 ± 1.29), 4% iodopovidone (7.71 ± 0.76) and doxycycline (7.14 ± 0.90) groups (P > 0.05) whereas the pleurodesis score of the steroid group (3.71 ± 1.98) was significantly lower than all other groups (P < 0.05). The degree of microscopic pleural fibrosis and pleural inflammation was significantly lower in the steroid group than in the 2% iodopovidone or 4% iodopovidone group.

Conclusions:  Both 2% and 4% iodopovidone can induce pleurodesis as efficaciously as doxycycline in rabbits. Systemic corticosteroids significantly decrease the efficacy of iodopovidone in producing pleurodesis.
Current clinical trials for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: KLINGSBERG Ross C. , MUTSAERS Steven E. , LASKY Joseph A.
Published: December 2009

Most pulmonary consultants are called upon to discuss IPF management with their patients. The gravity of IPF treatment discussion is immense in view of the data that 3‐ and 5‐year mortality rates are approximately 50% and 80%, respectively. Although IPF occurs in older patients with comorbid diseases, most patients with IPF die as a direct consequence of their lung fibrosis. Here, the results of recently completed IPF trials and the rationale for ongoing studies are succinctly reviewed. There are a number of novel agents in clinical trials that are in the earlier stages of development, and there is new evidence supporting palliative therapies, which may help in managing symptoms of IPF, such as cough, without necessarily altering the course of the disease. The information provided herein should facilitate informed physician–patient dialogue.
Public health management of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection in Australia: A failure!
Authors: WATERER Grant W. , HUI David S. , JENKINS Christine R.
Published: December 2009

In April 2009, severe cases of pneumonia preceded by influenza‐like illness were noted to occur in Mexico and North America. A novel influenza A (H1N1) virus was identified as the cause and it rapidly evolved into a pandemic, leading to a large number of cases in Australia despite implementation of public health control measures. In this paper, two senior academics discuss the management of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection in Australia from the public health perspective.
The impact of case discussion at a multidisciplinary team meeting on the treatment and survival of patients with inoperable non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Bydder S. , Nowak A. , Marion K. , Phillips M. , Atun R.
Published: December 2009

Patients with inoperable non‐small cell lung cancer diagnosed and managed at a single institution over a one‐year period were identified. Those whose case had been discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting had better survival than those whose case was not discussed (mean survival; 280 days vs. 205 days, log‐rank P= 0.048).
Spontaneous spinal infections in older people
Authors: Hutchinson C. , Hanger C. , Wilkinson T. , Sainsbury R. , Pithie A.
Published: December 2009

Back pain is common in the elderly. Spinal infection is a rare, but possibly increasing, cause. We describe a retrospective case note review of 41 patients aged 65 years and over with spontaneous spinal infections over a 6‐year period. The incidence was 9.8/100 000/year. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common isolate. The mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 34 days. Most patients presented with back pain and elevated CRP. Differentiation between discitis and other spinal infections does not appear to be important, as clinical characteristics and outcomes are similar.
The prognostic values of soft tissue sonography for adult cellulitis without pus or abscess formation
Authors: Huang M.‐N. , Chang Y.‐C. , Wu C.‐H. , Hsieh S.‐C. , Yu C.‐L.
Published: December 2009

The current practice for cellulitis in diagnosis and treatment is mainly based on subjective clinical judgement without validated objective guidance. For patients with non‐purulent cellulitis needing intravenous antibiotic treatment in hospital, we found soft tissue sonography performed around 4 days after initiation of antibiotics might have prognostic values. The patients with soft tissue sonographic pattern of subcutaneous thickening alone had shorter duration of antibiotic treatment and higher rate of early treatment response to antibiotics than those with the pattern of cobblestone appearance. Larger‐scale research may be warranted to validate the prognostic roles of sonography in cellulitis management.
Registering wishes about organ and tissue donation: personal discussion during licence renewal may be superior to online registration
Authors: Lawlor M. , Kerridge I.
Published: December 2009

Consent to organ and tissue donation is higher when the deceased has indicated a wish to donate. The Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR) is the national register of preferences regarding donation. The AODR has a number of limitations; it has no mechanism for requiring individuals to register their wishes, while the online format both raises concerns about the validity of the consent obtained and precludes personal discussion of fears and concerns about donation. A solution to these limitations is to utilize state‐based agencies that administer driving licences. This strategy ties the donation decision to an existing task (renewal of driving licences), and provides an opportunity for a personalized intervention at the time the decision is being made.
Effect of environmental variables on eukaryotic microbial community structure of land‐fast Arctic sea ice
Authors: Eddie Brian , Juhl Andrew , Krembs Christopher , Baysinger Charles , Neuer Susanne
Published: December 2009

Sea ice microbial community structure affects carbon and nutrient cycling in polar seas, but its susceptibility to changing environmental conditions is not well understood. We studied the eukaryotic microbial community in sea ice cores recovered near Point Barrow, AK in May 2006 by documenting the composition of the community in relation to vertical depth within the cores, as well as light availability (mainly as variable snow cover) and nutrient concentrations. We applied a combination of epifluorescence microscopy, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and clone libraries of a section of the 18S rRNA gene in order to compare the community structure of the major eukaryotic microbial phylotypes in the ice. We find that the community composition of the sea ice is more affected by the depth horizon in the ice than by light availability, although there are significant differences in the abundance of some groups between light regimes. Epifluorescence microscopy shows a shift from predominantly heterotrophic life styles in the upper ice to autotrophy prevailing in the bottom ice. This is supported by the statistical analysis of the similarity between the samples based on the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis banding patterns, which shows a clear difference between upper and lower ice sections with respect to phylotypes and their proportional abundance. Clone libraries constructed using diatom‐specific primers confirm the high diversity of diatoms in the sea ice, and support the microscopic counts. Evidence of protistan grazing upon diatoms was also found in lower sections of the core, with implications for carbon and nutrient recycling in the ice.
Reforming the European Common Fisheries Policy: a case for capacity and effort controls
Authors: Cotter John
Published: December 2009

I summarize the total allowable catch (TAC) fishery management system, which forms part of the European Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) as complicated, inaccurate and ineffective. Total allowable effort (TAE), i.e. limits on fishing capacity and days‐at‐sea, provides a simpler, readily enforceable control to protect all species affected by a fishery. Fishing capacity of vessels in each region‐gear fleet could be capped through limits on engine power, gear, crew, and fittings, and/or reducing allowances of days‐at‐sea for large, powerful vessels. Two basic, fishery‐dependent indicators are put forward to assess sustainability of a fishery dependably even in the absence of fishery‐independent data. One is socio‐economic, the other is ecological. Fishery working groups within each marine region would recommend a TAE to sustain their fishery while also protecting the most critically affected species or processes. Regional working groups would supervise a consistent approach across the different fisheries in their region. A pan‐European group would set policy, implement external agreements, set rules for trading TAE if necessary and harmonize fishing opportunities across regions. To ease negotiations on TAEs with the fishing industry when an ecosystem needs to recover, I propose compensation payments funded by re‐direction of existing CFP subsidies that promote fishing.
Tobacco as a production platform for biofuel: overexpression of Arabidopsis DGAT and LEC2 genes increases accumulation and shifts the composition of lipids in green biomass
Authors: Andrianov Vyacheslav , Borisjuk Nikolai , Pogrebnyak Natalia , Brinker Anita , Dixon Joseph , Spitsin Sergei , Flynn John , Matyszczuk Paulina , Andryszak Karolina , Laurelli Marilyn , Golovkin Maxim , Koprowski Hilary
Published: December 2009

When grown for energy production instead for smoking, tobacco can generate a large amount of inexpensive biomass more efficiently than almost any other agricultural crop. Tobacco possesses potent oil biosynthesis machinery and can accumulate up to 40% of seed weight in oil. In this work, we explored two metabolic engineering approaches to enhance the oil content in tobacco green tissues for potential biofuel production. First, an Arabidopsis thaliana gene diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) coding for a key enzyme in triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis, was expressed in tobacco under the control of a strong ribulose‐biphosphate carboxylase small subunit promoter. This modification led to up to a 20‐fold increase in TAG accumulation in tobacco leaves and translated into an overall of about a twofold increase in extracted fatty acids (FA) up to 5.8% of dry biomass in Nicotiana tabacum cv Wisconsin, and up to 6% in high‐sugar tobacco variety NC‐55. Modified tobacco plants also contained elevated amounts of phospholipids. This increase in lipids was accompanied by a shift in the FA composition favourable for their utilization as biodiesel. Second, we expressed in tobacco Arabidopsis gene LEAFY COTYLEDON 2 (LEC2), a master regulator of seed maturation and seed oil storage under the control of an inducible Alc promoter. Stimulation of LEC2 expression in mature tobacco plants by acetaldehyde led to the accumulation of up to 6.8% per dry weight of total extracted FA. The obtained data reveal the potential of metabolically modified plant biomass for the production of biofuel.
Development of motion processing in children with autism
Authors: Annaz Dagmara , Remington Anna , Milne Elizabeth , Coleman Mike , Campbell Ruth , Thomas Michael S. C. , Swettenham John
Published: December 2009

Recent findings suggest that children with autism may be impaired in the perception of biological motion from moving point‐light displays. Some children with autism also have abnormally high motion coherence thresholds. In the current study we tested a group of children with autism and a group of typically developing children aged 5 to 12 years of age on several motion perception tasks, in order to establish the specificity of the biological motion deficit in relation to other visual discrimination skills. The first task required the recognition of biological from scrambled motion. Three quasi‐psychophysical tasks then established individual thresholds for the detection of biological motion in dynamic noise, of motion coherence and of form‐from‐motion. Lastly, individual thresholds for a task of static perception – contour integration (Gabor displays) – were also obtained. Compared to controls, children with autism were particularly impaired in processing biological motion in relation to any developmental measure (chronological or mental age). In contrast, there was some developmental overlap in ability to process other types of visual motion between typically developing children and the children with autism, and evidence of developmental change in both groups. Finally, Gabor display thresholds appeared to develop typically in children with autism.
Metabolic surgery: an evolution through bariatric animal models
Authors: Ashrafian H. , Bueter M. , Ahmed K. , Suliman A. , Bloom S. R. , Darzi A. , Athanasiou T.
Published: December 2009

Metabolic surgery was developed through the application and experience gained from bariatric or weight loss procedures. Much of our knowledge from the procedures comes from the study of animal models, where they have revealed anatomic feasibility, systemic physiological elements and cellular metabolic effects. The first generation of operation included the jejunoileal bypass and partial ileal bypass that led to the development of the current procedures including Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion, adjustable gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy. These operations carry significant metabolic benefits and can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Further insights from these animal models can reveal genetic, molecular and systemic effects that can enhance and develop the next generation of metabolic operations.
PROCREATIVE BENEFICENCE – CUI BONO?
Authors: ELSTER JAKOB
Published: December 2009

Recently, Julian Savulescu and Guy Kahane have defended the Principle of Procreative Beneficence (PB), according to which prospective parents ought to select children with the view that their future child has ‘the best chance of the best life’. I argue that the arguments Savulescu and Kahane adduce in favour of PB equally well support what I call the Principle of General Procreative Beneficence (GPB). GPB states that couples ought to select children in view of maximizing the overall expected value in the world, not just the welfare of their future child. I further argue that Savulescu and Kahane's claim that PB has significantly more weight than competing moral principles, such as GPB, lacks justification. A possible argument for PB having significant weight builds on a principle of parental partiality towards one's own children. But this principle does not support PB; it supports a Principle of Sibling‐Oriented Procreative Beneficence (SPB), according to which parents selecting a child should maximize the benefit of all their children. Indeed, PB itself will in some cases be self‐effacing in favour of SPB.
The effect of estimation method and sample size in multilevel structural equation modeling
Authors: Hox Joop J. , Maas Cora J. M. , Brinkhuis Matthieu J. S.
Published: December 2009

Multilevel structural equation modeling (multilevel SEM) has become an established method to analyze multilevel multivariate data. The first useful estimation method was the pseudobalanced method. This method is approximate because it assumes that all groups have the same size, and ignores unbalance when it exists. In addition, full information maximum likelihood (ML) estimation is now available, which is often combined with robust chi‐squares and standard errors to accommodate unmodeled heterogeneity (MLR). In addition, diagonally weighted least squares (DWLS) methods have become available as estimation methods. This article compares the pseudobalanced estimation method, ML(R), and two DWLS methods by simulating a multilevel factor model with unbalanced data. The simulations included different sample sizes at the individual and group levels and different intraclass correlation (ICC). The within‐group part of the model posed no problems. In the between part of the model, the different ICC sizes had no effect. There is a clear interaction effect between number of groups and estimation method. ML reaches unbiasedness fastest, then the two DWLS methods, then MLR, and then the pseudobalanced method (which needs more than 200 groups). We conclude that both ML(R) and DWLS are genuine improvements on the pseudobalanced approximation. With small sample sizes, the robust methods are not recommended.
Differences in nigro‐striatal impairment in clinical variants of early Parkinson’s disease: evidence from a FP‐CIT SPECT study
Authors: Rossi C. , Frosini D. , Volterrani D. , De Feo P. , Unti E. , Nicoletti V. , Kiferle L. , Bonuccelli U. , Ceravolo R.
Published: December 2009

Introduction:  In idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD), two different clinical phenotypes are usually distinguished: a tremor dominant variant (TD) and an akinetic‐rigid type (ART). TD patients are characterized by a slower disease progression and a minor cognitive impairment. Striatal density of DAT, as quantified by FP‐CIT SPECT, has been reported to correlate with rigidity and akinesia but not with tremor.

Objective:  To evaluate FP‐CIT uptake in TD and ART phenotypes.

Methods:  We retrospectively evaluated from our database the pre‐synaptic nigro‐striatal function of 24 patients with TD‐PD and 38 patients with ART‐PD who underwent a FP‐CIT SPECT within 1 year from disease onset.

Results:  Disease duration, age at the time of SPECT scan and disease severity as measured with Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating scale part III (UPDRS III) were not statistically different between the two groups. Putamen contralateral to the most clinically affected side showed a lower FP‐CIT uptake in ART patients compared to TD patients. No statistically significant differences emerged when considering bilateral caudate and ipsilateral putaminal uptake, as well as asymmetry indices and caudate/putamen ratios. FP‐CIT contralateral putaminal uptake correlated with the severity of rigidity and hypokinesia but not with tremor.

Conclusions:  These data suggest that other neurotransmitter systems apart from the nigro‐striatal dopaminergic system are involved in the generation of Parkinsonian tremor, and they are consistent with previous evidence of a lack of correlation between tremor severity and FP‐CIT uptake. Putaminal relative sparing in TD patients could partially explain the slower disease progression reported in this PD phenotype.
Neurologic complications of Churg–Strauss syndrome – a prospective monocentric study
Authors: Wolf J. , Bergner R. , Mutallib S. , Buggle F. , Grau A. J.
Published: December 2009

Background:  Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare systemic vasculitis. Case series with a focus on neurologic involvement are not common. With this study, we intended to evaluate the frequency and types of neurologic manifestations and complications at time of diagnosis and during follow‐up of patients with CSS.

Methods:  In this monocentric study, consecutive patients of our hospital with first diagnosis of CSS based on the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology were included between 2001 and 2007. Each patient underwent a periodic follow‐up with clinical and electrophysiologic examination. Data were obtained prospectively.

Results:  Fourteen patients were included. All patients had a hypereosinophilia and a history of asthma. Twelve of 14 patients had a neurologic involvement, mainly as an acute or subacute multiplex mononeuropathy (eight patients) or an axonal polyneuropathy (three patients). Three patients suffered from a neuropathy of cranial nerves, and two patients had a cerebral infarct. Mean follow‐up period was 31 months. With immunosuppressive therapy, 13 patients had no additional neurologic complications, one patient suffered from a cerebral infarct. Initial neurologic symptoms as a result of peripheral neuropathy improved, but sequelae of axonal damage were persistently detectable.

Conclusions:  Even at time of diagnosis of a CSS, neurologic manifestations are common, especially as a multiplex mononeuropathy. With a consequent immunosuppressive therapy, new neurologic complications can be avoided for the most part.
Cut‐off scores in MMSE: a moving target?
Authors: Morgado J. , Rocha C. S. , Maruta C. , Guerreiro M. , Martins I. P.
Published: December 2009

Background:  Cognitive tests are known to be influenced by language, culture and education. In addition, there may be an impact of ‘epoch’ in cognition, because there is secular increase in scores of IQ tests in children. If we assume this is a long lasting process, then it should persist later in life.

Methods:  To test this hypothesis, we compared the performance of two cohorts of individuals (≥50 years of age), evaluated 20 years apart using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Results:  Study population included 135 participants in 1988 and 411 in 2008. MMSE scores were higher in 2008 than in 1988 for literacy x age‐matched subgroups, the difference being significant for participants with lower literacy. Score variance was explained by literacy (β = 0.479, t = 14.598, P = 0.00), epoch (β = 0.34, t = 10.33, P = 0.00) and age (β = −0.142, t = −4.184, P = 0.00).

Conclusion:  The present results are in accordance with a lifelong secular improvement in cognitive performance. The operational cut‐off values may change with time, which may have clinical impact in the diagnosis of disorders like mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
Epidural blood patch in Trendelenburg position pre‐medicated with acetazolamide to treat spontaneous intracranial hypotension
Authors: Ferrante E. , Arpino I. , Citterio A. , Wetzl R. , Savino A.
Published: December 2009

Background:  Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is characterized by orthostatic headache, diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure. Treatment ranges from conservative management, such as bed rest, overhydration and caffeine, to invasive procedures, such as the autologous epidural blood patch (EBP), computed tomography (CT)‐guided fibrin glue injection at the site of the leak and open surgical intervention. EBP has emerged as the treatment of choice for SIH when initial conservative measures fail to bring relief.

Methods:  Forty‐two patients with SIH were treated with lumbar autologous EBP in Trendelenburg position preceded by pre‐medication with acetazolamide.

Results:  A complete recovery was obtained in all patients after one (90%), two (5%) or three (5%) EBPs. After EBP, two patients (5%) also performed evacuation of bilateral chronic subdural hematoma with mass effect.

Conclusions:  Spontaneous intracranial hypotension can be effectively cured by lumbar autologous EBP in Trendelenburg position pre‐medicated with acetazolamide.
Security Zones and New York City's Shrinking Public Space
Authors: NÉMETH JEREMY , HOLLANDER JUSTIN
Published: December 2009

Urban scholars lament the loss of public space due to heightened security and behavioral controls borne of economic priorities and anti‐terror concerns after September 11th 2001. Owners and managers of government buildings, banks and courthouses have closed streets and fitted the surrounding space with concrete barriers, bollards and moat‐like structures to prevent potential terror attacks. These are reasonable protections in emergency situations, but, as threat levels fall, these zones fail to incorporate a diversity of users, privatizing the space for those with security clearance. The ubiquity of these zones encourages us to consider them as a new type of land use. To test this statement, we describe the results of site visits to two high‐profile New York City neighborhoods (one with numerous civic buildings, the other populated with corporate headquarters). Using a simple tool we developed, we find that 27% of aggregate non‐building area in the two districts is now in a security zone. Interestingly, the percentage of space within each district that can be classed as a security zone is reasonably similar, providing insight into the way in which terror targets are internally and externally defined and justified. We argue that this new type of land use is an important and permanent feature of twenty‐first century global cities.

Les chercheurs en sciences urbaines regrettent la perte d’espace public, incriminant souvent les contrôles accrus de sécurité et de comportement suscités par des priorités économiques ou des préoccupations anti‐terroristes depuis le 11 septembre 2001. Propriétaires et gestionnaires de bâtiments publics, banques et tribunaux ont fermé des rues et équipé l’espace environnant d’obstacles en béton, de plots et de quasi‐fossés afin de parer aux attaques terroristes potentielles. Ces protections sont normales en situations d’urgence, mais lorsque la menace décroît, les zones concernées ne parviennent pas à diversifier leurs usagers, l’espace étant réservé aux détenteurs de droits d’accès. L’ubiquité de ces zones pousse à les considérer comme un nouveau type d’occupation des sols. Pour vérifier cette affirmation, nous présentons les résultats de visites dans deux quartiers éminents de New York, l’un regroupant de nombreux bâtiments publics, l’autre une multitude de sièges sociaux. Au moyen d’un outil simple développé par nos soins, nous constatons que 27% de la surface cumulée non bâtie dans les deux secteurs sont désormais dans une zone sécurisée. Il faut noter que, dans chaque secteur, la proportion de l’espace qui peut être classé en zone sécurisée est relativement similaire, donnant un éclairage sur la façon dont les cibles terroristes sont définies et justifiées sur les plans intérieur et extérieur. Selon nous, ce nouveau type d’occupation des sols constitue un caractère important et permanent des villes planétaires du xxie siècle.
Assessment of aflatoxin M1 levels in selected dairy products in north‐western Iran
Authors: MOHAMADI HAMID , ALIZADEH MOHAMAD , RAHIMI JAMSHID , QASRI SHAHAB
Published: December 2009

The purpose of this survey was to evaluate the natural occurrence and content of aflatoxin M1, AFM1, in dairy products marketed in Urmia. During September 2007, 40 samples of pasteurised milk, 40 samples of ultra high temperature‐treated (UHT) milk, 40 samples of creamy cheese and 40 samples of Iranian Feta cheese were collected from different supermarkets in Urmia city. AFM1 contents were determined by the competitive enzyme‐linked imunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. All milk samples analysed showed a mean of AFM1 concentrations lower than the permissible level of 50 ng/kg in Iran (23.22 and 19.53 ng/kg in pasteurised milk and UHT milk respectively). The mean levels of AFM1 contamination were 43.31 ng/kg in Feta cheeses and 21.96 ng/kg in creamy cheeses. The potential risk of human exposure to aflatoxin M1 via consumption of milk and milk products is well known. Dairy products must therefore be evaluated for aflatoxin and kept free from fungal contamination as much as possible.
History of Family Involvement with Child Protective Services as a Risk Factor for Bullying in Ontario Schools
Authors: Mohapatra Satya , Irving Hyacinth , Paglia‐Boak Angela , Wekerle Christine , Adlaf Edward , Rehm Jürgen
Published: December 2009

Background:  The relationship between history of family involvement with child protective services (CPS) and bullying was examined.

Method:  Data were obtained from 2,516 pupils aged 12–19 in the 2007 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. The association between self‐reported history of family involvement with CPS and bullying was estimated using negative binomial hurdle regression models.

Results:  Females who reported family CPS involvement were more likely to have bullied and been bullied compared with females without CPS involvement. Among males, family CPS involvement was only significantly associated with bully victimisation.

Conclusion:  A history of family CPS involvement was a risk factor for bullying victimisation and perpetration.
Identification of Hospital Catchment Areas Using Clustering: An Example from the NHS
Authors: Gilmour Stuart John
Published: December 2009

Objective. To develop a method of hospital market area identification using multivariate data, and compare it with existing standard methods.

Data Sources. Hospital Episode Statistics, a secondary dataset of admissions data from all hospitals in England, between April 2005 and March 2006.

Study Design. Seven criteria for catchment area definition were proposed. K‐means clustering was used on several variables describing the relationship between hospitals and local authority districts (LADs) to enable the placement of every LAD into or out of the catchment area for every hospital. Principal component analysis confirmed the statistical robustness of the method, and the method was compared against existing methods using the seven criteria.

Principal Findings. Existing methods for identifying catchment areas do not capture desirable properties of a hospital market area. Catchment areas identified using K‐means clustering are superior to those identified using existing Marginal methods against these criteria and are also statistically robust.

Conclusions. K‐means clustering uses multivariate data on the relationship between hospitals and geographical units to define catchment areas that are both statistically robust and more informative than those obtained from existing methods.
Managing Care? Medicare Managed Care and Patient Use of Cardiologists
Authors: Huesch Marco D.
Published: December 2009

Objective. To examine the impact of Medicare managed care (MMC) versus Medicare fee for service (MFFS) on stent patients' use of physicians with lower resource use and better outcomes.

Data Sources/Study Setting. Retrospective secondary data from 2003 through 2006 for 67,476 patients without acute myocardial infarction, staying 2 or more days in hospital, and treated by 486 physicians in Florida performing 10 or more cases per quarter.

Study Design. Analysis was at the patient level. Multivariate logistic models estimated the probability of an MMC patient using a physician with a particular risk‐adjusted profile rank with respect to hospital peers.

Principal Findings. No differences were found in usage of physicians with shorter admissions. Compared with MFFS, MMC patients were significantly less likely to use physicians whose average mortality was the lowest/lowest quartiles/below median among facility peers, and more likely to use a physician ranked below median on live discharges directly home (not needing home health care, skilled nursing care, or a subacute hospital convalescence). Similar results were found with emergency admissions, and where physicians both attended and treated.

Conclusions. Florida percutaneous coronary interventions patients insured by MMC used physicians with worse outcome profiles than those of MFFS patients. Results were not consistent with hospital care differences, physician–patient, or payor–physician selection, but they were consistent with selection of unobservably sicker members into MMC and concentration of MMC among physicians.
Falling into the Coverage Gap: Part D Drug Costs and Adherence for Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan Beneficiaries with Diabetes
Authors: Fung Vicki , Mangione Carol M. , Huang Jie , Turk Norman , Quiter Elaine S. , Schmittdiel Julie A. , Hsu John
Published: December 2009

Objective. To compare drug costs and adherence among Medicare beneficiaries with the standard Part D coverage gap versus supplemental gap coverage in 2006.

Data Sources. Pharmacy data from Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans.

Study Design. Parallel analyses comparing beneficiaries aged 65+ with diabetes in an integrated MAPD with a gap versus no gap (n=28,780); and in a network‐model MAPD with a gap versus generic‐only coverage during the gap (n=14,984).

Principal Findings. Drug spending was 3 percent (95 percent confidence interval [CI]: 1–4 percent) and 4 percent (CI: 1–6 percent) lower among beneficiaries with a gap versus full or generic‐only gap coverage, respectively. Out‐of‐pocket expenditures were 189 percent higher (CI: 185–193 percent) and adherence to three chronic drug classes was lower among those with a gap versus no gap (e.g., odds ratio=0.83, CI: 0.79–0.88, for oral diabetes drugs). Annual out‐of‐pocket spending was 14 percent higher (CI: 10–17 percent) for beneficiaries with a gap versus generic‐only gap coverage, but levels of adherence were similar.

Conclusions. Among Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes, having the Part D coverage gap resulted in lower total drug costs, but higher out‐of‐pocket spending and worse adherence compared with having no gap. Having generic‐only coverage during the gap appeared to confer limited benefits compared with having no gap coverage.
New Keynesian Macroeconomics and the Term Structure
Authors: BEKAERT GEERT , CHO SEONGHOON , MORENO ANTONIO
Published: December 2009

This article complements the structural New Keynesian macro framework with a no‐arbitrage affine term structure model. Whereas our methodology is general, we focus on an extended macro model with unobservable processes for the inflation target and the natural rate of output that are filtered from macro and term structure data. We find that term structure information helps generate large and significant parameters governing the monetary policy transmission mechanism. Our model also delivers strong contemporaneous responses of the entire term structure to various macroeconomic shocks. The inflation target shock dominates the variation in the “level factor” whereas monetary policy shocks dominate the variation in the “slope and curvature factors.”
Time Patience and Specialization Patterns in the Presence of Asset Trade
Authors: ONO YOSHIYASU , SHIBATA AKIHISA
Published: December 2009

Specialization patterns in an open‐economy two‐sector growth model with endogenous capital accumulation are examined in the presence of free international lending and borrowing. Without free international lending and borrowing it is known that, whereas the less (time‐)patient country decumulates real capital, the more patient country accumulates real capital and eventually specializes in a capital‐intensive industry. However, free trade of international financial assets causes a dramatic change in long‐run specialization patterns. In this case the less patient country may well specialize in the capital‐intensive industry and the more patient country in the labor‐intensive industry.
Inflation Dynamics in the U.S.: Global but Not Local Mean Reversion
Authors: NOBAY BOB , PAYA IVAN , PEEL DAVID A.
Published: December 2009

A stylized fact of U.S. inflation dynamics is one of extreme persistence and possible unit root behavior. If so, the implications for macroeconomics and monetary policy are somewhat unpalatable. Our econometric analysis proposes a parsimonious univariate representation of the inflation process for the last 60 years, the nonlinear exponential smooth autoregressive. The empirical results confirm a number of the key features such as global stationarity, local unit root behavior, and lower persistence in the post‐1983 period than in the pre‐1983 period. We compare the forecasting ability of our model with that of competing univariate models and find that the nonlinear model outperforms the linear autoregressive model in the pre‐1983 period and the random walk in the post‐1983 period at short horizons.
Decomposing the Relationship Between Contiguity and Militarized Conflict
Authors: Reed William , Chiba Daina
Published: December 2009

It is well known that the majority of militarized conflicts and wars have been fought by neighbors. Yet, much remains to be learned about the relationship between shared borders and militarized conflict. This article decomposes the effects of territorial contiguity into ex ante “observable” and “behavioral” effects. It provides powerful empirical evidence for the claim that although neighbors are more likely to experience conflict because of ex ante differences in observable variables such as economic interdependence, alliance membership, joint democracy, and the balance of military capabilities, most conflicts between neighbors occur because of differences in how neighbors and nonneighbors respond to the observable variables.
Socratic Political Philosophy in Xenophon's Symposium
Authors: Pangle Thomas L.
Published: December 2009

This interpretative commentary recovers the largely overlooked significance of a work that illuminates, by portraying in a subtle comic drama, the new perspective on existence, the new way of life, that Socrates introduced in and through his founding of political philosophy. The famous “problem of Socrates” as a turning point of world history (Nietzsche) remains a cynosure of controversy and puzzlement. How did Socrates understand the character of, and the relation between, civic virtue and his own philosophic virtue? What is the meaning of Socratic “eros”? What kind of educative influence did Socrates intend to have, on and through his varied followers and associates? And what diverse effects did he actually have? Xenophon's Symposium, viewed in the context of his other writings, affords a playful, but thereby deeply revealing, perspective—from the viewpoint of a slightly skeptical intimate.
Testing for Interaction in Binary Logit and Probit Models: Is a Product Term Essential?
Authors: Berry William D. , DeMeritt Jacqueline H. R. , Esarey Justin
Published: December 2009

Political scientists presenting binary dependent variable (BDV) models often hypothesize that variables interact to influence the probability of an event, Pr(Y). The current typical approach to testing such hypotheses is (1) estimate a logit or probit model with a product term, (2) test the hypothesis by determining whether the coefficient for this term is statistically significant, and (3) characterize the nature of any interaction detected by describing how the estimated effect of one variable on Pr(Y) varies with the value of another. This approach makes a statistically significant product term necessary to support the interaction hypothesis. We show that a statistically significant product term is neither necessary nor sufficient for variables to interact meaningfully in influencing Pr(Y). Indeed, even when a logit or probit model contains no product term, the effect of one variable on Pr(Y) may be strongly related to the value of another. We present a strategy for testing for interaction in a BDV model, including guidance on when to include a product term.
The Novel Electrophysiology of Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms: Insight from Noncontact Unipolar Electrograms
Authors: LO LI‐WEI , HIGA SATOSHI , LIN YENN‐JIANG , CHANG SHIH‐LIN , TUAN TA‐CHUAN , HU YU‐FENG , TSAI WEN‐CHIN , TSAO HSUAN‐MING , TAI CHING‐TAI , ISHIGAKI SUGAKO , OYAKAWA ASUKA , MAEDA MINETAKA , SUENARI KAZUYOSHI , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: December 2009

Unipolar Characteristics of CFAEs. Background: The noncontact mapping (NCM) system possesses the merit of global endocardial recording for unipolar and activation mapping.

Objective:
We aimed to evaluate the unipolar electrogram characteristics and activation pattern over the bipolar complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE) sites during atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods:
Twenty patients (age 55 ± 11 years old, 15 males) who underwent NCM and ablation of AF (paroxysmal/persistent = 13/7) were included. Both contact bipolar (32–300 Hz) and NCM virtual unipolar electrograms (0.5–300 Hz) were simultaneously recorded along with the activation pattern (total 223 sites, 11 ± 4 sites/patient). A CFAE was defined as a mean bipolar cycle length of ≤ 120 ms with an intervening isoelectric interval of more than 50 ms (Group 1A, n = 63, rapid repetitive CFAEs) or continuous fractionated activity (Group 1B, n = 59, continuous fractionated CFAEs), measured over a 7.2‐second duration. Group 2 consisted of those with a bipolar cycle length of more than 120 ms (n = 101).

Results:
The Group 1A CFAE sites exhibited a shorter unipolar electrogram cycle length (129 ± 11 vs 164 ± 20 ms, P < 0.001), and higher percentage of an S‐wave predominant pattern (QS or rS wave, 63 ± 13% vs 35 ± 13%, P < 0.001) than the Group 2 non‐CFAE sites. There was a linear correlation between the bipolar and unipolar cycle lengths (P < 0.001, R = 0.87). Most of the Group 1A CFAEs were located over arrhythmogenic pulmonary vein ostia or nonpulmonary vein ectopy with repetitive activations from those ectopies (62%) or the pivot points of the turning wavefronts (21%), whereas the Group 1B CFAEs exhibited a passive activation (44%) or slow conduction (31%).

Conclusions:
The bipolar repetitive and continuous fractionated CFAEs represented different activation patterns. The former was associated with an S wave predominant unipolar morphology which may represent an important focus for maintaining AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 640‐648, June 2010)
Enhanced Ferroelectric and Dielectric Properties of CoFe2O4–Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3 Multiferroic Composite Thick Films
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhu Weiguang , Chen Xiaofeng , Wang Zhihong
Published: December 2009

CoFe2O4–Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3 (CFO–PZT) multiferroic composite thick films sandwiched by PZT composite films were prepared by sol–gel processing and spin‐coating technique. It is shown that although the deeply buried CoFe2O4 spinel ferrite phase could not be detected in X‐ray diffraction patterns, the stable magnetic properties of films confirm its existence in the films. In addition, EDX results also detected CoFe2O4 composite from the cross section of thick films but was not observed on its surface. The structure of CFO–PZT composite thick films could be made denser by introducing enough PZT sol–gel for infiltration after each coated, composite layer and ferroelectric and dielectric properties of composite thick films were, hence, improved remarkably with stable magnetic properties. All the improvements were attributed to the optimized dense microstructure for CFO–PZT composite films.
Effects of Surface Chemistry on the Nanomechanical Properties of Commercial Float Glass
Authors: Kolluru Pavan V. , Green David J. , Pantano Carlo G. , Muhlstein Christopher L.
Published: December 2009

Nanoindentation was used to evaluate the mechanical properties of commercial float glass surfaces that were subjected to various surface cleaning treatments and other short‐term corrosion conditions. The changes in the plane strain elastic modulus
, where νs and Es are the Poisson ratio and Young modulus of the specimen, respectively) and hardness after exposure to dilute hydrochloric acid (pH 0.9), reverse osmosis water (pH 7.1), and commercial cleaning solutions (pH 9.5) were found to be 0.5%–9% and 2%–35%, respectively. Similarly, weathering in a humid atmosphere and leaching in hot deionized water also had a distinct effect on the measured properties of the float glass surfaces. Moreover, both the surface cleaning treatments and the short‐term corrosion exposures affected the tin side of the float glass differently than the air side. This work suggests that many of the discrepancies in the literature on the effect of tin concentration on the nanomechanical properties of float glass surfaces are likely due to variability in the surface cleaning and exposure history of the samples and calibration glasses that have been used.
Controlled Precipitation of Lead Sulfide Quantum Dots in Glasses Using the Femtosecond Laser Pulses
Authors: Liu Chao , Kwon Yong Kon , Heo Jong , Kim Bok Hyeon , Sohn Ik‐bu
Published: December 2009

We report the controlled precipitation of PbS quantum dots (QDs) in glasses using multiple irradiation of the femtosecond laser pulses followed by thermal treatment. Upon the irradiation of femtosecond laser, PbS QDs were found to preferentially precipitate in the irradiated area after thermal treatment. Photoluminescence spectra showed PbS QDs in the irradiated area emitted at the long wavelength side, and transmission electron microscope images also confirmed that PbS QDs formed in the irradiated area were larger than those formed in the nonirradiated area. This controlled precipitation of PbS QDs can lead to the development of advanced optical materials.
When Good People Do Bad Things: Confronting Western Water Culture
Authors: Groenfeldt David
Published: December 2009

Shirley Fiske and Niel Tashima are contributing editors of “Anthropology Works”, the AAA Committee on Practicing, Applied and Public Interest Anthropology column in Anthropology News.
Human Rights in the Heart of Texas
Authors: Speed Shannon
Published: December 2009

Shannon Speed is contributing editor of “Human Rights Forum”, the AAA Committee for Human Rights column in Anthropology News.
Collaborative Ethics: Development and Implementation
Authors: Emmelhainz Celia , Collins Claire Aliki , Laporte Catharina , Krzton Ali
Published: December 2009

Liam Frink is contributing editor of “Ethical Currents”, the AAA Committee on Ethics column in Anthropology News.
A New Museum‐Based Research Curriculum: Smithsonian Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology
Authors: Greene Candace S , Kisin Eugenia
Published: December 2009

“The Social Lives of Things”, by Eugenia Kisin

“Integrating Training and Research”, by Candace S Greene
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Role of Regulatory and Angiogenic Cytokines in Invasion of Trophoblastic Cells
Authors: Dubinsky Valeria , Poehlmann Tobias G. , Suman Pankaj , Gentile Teresa , Markert Udo R. , Gutierrez Gabriela
Published: December 2009

Citation Dubinsky V, Poehlmann TG, Suman P, Gentile T, Markert UR, Gutierrez G. Role of regulatory and angiogenic cytokines in invasion of trophoblastic cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 193–199

Problem  Trophoblast invasion is a temporally and locally restricted process, which regulates implantation and oxygen arrival to the embryo through the dialog with spiral artery endothelium. Trophoblast factors with angiogenic potential are activated by hypoxia. Their capacities to induce proliferation, migration, and invasion of trophoblastic cells have been investigated.

Method of study  The expression of interleukin (IL)‐6, CD126, CD130, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) has been silenced in JEG‐3 choriocarcinoma cells by using siRNA. Silencing efficacy has been assessed by ELISA, PCR or Western blotting. Proliferation has been measured by flow cytometry, migration by a transwell assay, and invasion by a Matrigel assay.

Results  Proliferation was significantly reduced by silencing of CD126 or CD130, migration by silencing of IL‐6, VEGF, or HIF‐1α, and invasion by silencing of IL‐6 and HIF‐1α.

Conclusion  The expression of IL‐6, VEGF, and HIF‐1α in trophoblastic cells is involved in the control of trophoblast invasion and migration.