bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitral Regurgitation and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Vinereanu Dragos
Published: September 2010

Secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) is frequent in patients with severely depressed left ventricular function. It increases mortality, and decreases exercise capacity. Its main mechanisms are multifactorial, related to apical and outward displacement of the papillary muscles, secondary to an enlarged and a more spherical left ventricle, causing increased subvalvar traction; mitral annular dilatation; and poor contraction of the left ventricle, with a slowed rate of rise of intraventricular pressure and slow closure of the leaflets. Since mechanical dyssynchrony is a major contributor factor to secondary MR, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) could be considered as an alternative therapeutic option for MR, alone or in combination with surgical correction. Effects of CRT on secondary MR are acute and long‐term, due to the reverse remodeling of the left ventricle. CRT reduces systolic MR by 30–40%, both at rest and during exercise, and abolishes diastolic MR, by increase of the closing forces and decrease of the tethering forces, acting on the mitral valve; decrease of the mitral annular dilatation represents a minor mechanism. Patients more likely to benefit should have moderate‐to‐severe MR (but not too severe), of nonischemic etiology, and high interpapillary muscles dyssynchrony. Effects are similar in patients with sinus rhythm and in patients with atrial fibrillation, and in patients with broad and narrow QRS complexes, provided that they have similar extent of dyssynchrony. Biventricular mode is the pacing modality of choice.
Assessment of Systolic and Diastolic Left Ventricular and Left Atrial Function Using Vector Velocity Imaging in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Burri Manjula V. , Nanda Navin C. , Lloyd Steven G. , Hsiung Ming Chon , Dod Harvinder S. , Beto Robert J. , Bhardwaj Ravinda , Jain Abnash , Jackson John , Agarwal Amrish , Chaurasia Preeti , Prasad A.N. Ravi , Manda Jayaprakash , Pothineni Koteswara R.
Published: September 2010

Five adult patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) diagnosed by usual criteria were studied with velocity vector imaging (VVI) on admission and at follow‐up, when their LV function had improved, as assessed by 2D TTE wall‐motion score (WMS) index. Averaged peak segmental longitudinal strain (S) in systole, and velocity (V) and strain rate (SR) in both systole and diastole were measured from apical 4‐ (A4C) and 2‐chamber views (A2C) in all patients. The data obtained by VVI were analyzed separately for involved and uninvolved segments, which were independently assessed by WMS. In the involved segments, systolic S, V, SR, and diastolic SR improved (P‐value < 0.05) on follow‐up. Diastolic V showed a trend toward improvement but did not reach statistical significance. In the uninvolved segments, none of the parameters improved significantly either during systole or diastole. In three of these five patients, left atrial (LA) walls were also studied by placing region of interest (ROI) points in the middle of each wall. Peak segmental LA systolic and diastolic V and SR as well as systolic S were obtained for both involved and uninvolved LA walls which were assessed independently using WMS similar to LV. In the involved LA walls, none of the atrial systolic and diastolic parameters changed significantly but all parameters with the exception of systolic V showed a tendency toward improvement during follow‐up. Among the uninvolved LA walls, none changed significantly but atrial systolic SR and, diastolic V and SR tended to increase during follow‐up. Our retrospective study using VVI demonstrates that TC patients also have LV systolic and diastolic longitudinal dysfunction, not just systolic radial dysfunction as assessed by traditional 2D TTE indices. Longitudinal LA dysfunction may also be present.
Redefining the Gap between Theory and Practice: Should Anthropologists Try to Change the World?
Authors: Wortham Stanton
Published: September 2010

Liam Frink is contributing editor of “Ethical Currents,” the AAA Committee on Ethics column in Anthropology News.
Modulation of exogenous antibiotic activity by host cathelicidin LL‐37
Authors: LESZCZYŃSKA KATARZYNA , NAMIOT ANDRZEJ , JANMEY PAUL A. , BUCKI ROBERT
Published: September 2010

Leszczyńska K, Namiot A, Janmey PA, Bucki R. Modulation of exogenous antibiotic activity by host cathelicidin LL‐37. APMIS 2010; 118: 830–6.

The increasing number of infections caused by drug‐resistant bacteria has spurred efforts to develop new therapeutic strategies. When applied locally, exogenous antibiotics work in an environment rich in endogenous antibacterial molecules such as the cathelicidin peptide LL‐37, which has increased expression at infection sites because of the stimulatory effects of bacterial wall products on neutrophils and other cell types. To test for possible additive effects of exogenous and endogenous antibacterial agents, we evaluated the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) to assess the antibacterial activity of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (AMC), tetracycline (T), erythromycin (E) and amikacin (AN) against different clinical isolates of Staphyloccocus aureus in combination with synthetic LL‐37. These studies revealed that the antibacterial activity of AMC was strongly potentiated when added in combination with LL‐37. However, in the presence of LL‐37, we did not observe any decrease in the MIC values of T and E, particularly against methicillin‐resistant S. aureus and macrolide‐lincosamide‐streptogramin B (MLSB) (+)/β‐lactamase (+) strains, indicating a lack of synergistic action between these molecules. Interaction between exogenous antibiotics and host antibacterial molecules should be considered to provide optimal treatment, especially in cases of topical infections accompanied by increasing expression of host antibacterial molecules.
Exacerbation of Leishmania (Viannia) shawi infection in BALB/c mice after immunization with soluble antigen from amastigote forms
Authors: PASSERO LUIZ FELIPE DOMINGUES , DA COSTA BORDON MARIA LUIZA ANTUNES , DE CARVALHO ANA KELY , MARTINS LUCIANO MOURA , CORBETT CARLOS EDUARDO PEREIRA , LAURENTI MÁRCIA DALASTRA
Published: September 2010

Passero LFD, da Costa Bordon MLA, de Carvalho AK, Martins LM, Corbett CEP, Laurenti MD. Exacerbation of Leishmania (Viannia) shawi infection in BALB/c mice after immunization with soluble antigen from amastigote forms. APMIS 2010; 118: 973–81.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of immunization with soluble amastigote (AmaAg) and promastigote (ProAg) antigens from Leishmania (Viannia) shawi on the course of infection in BALB/c mice. After immunization with AmaAg, the challenged group showed greater lesion size and parasite load in the skin and lymph nodes, associated with diminished interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10, interferon (IFN)‐γ and nitrate levels in the supernatant of lymph node cell cultures, together with increases in transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β concentrations and humoral immune response. In contrast, immunization with ProAg led to smaller lesion size with reduced numbers of viable parasites in the skin. Protection was associated with increases in IL‐12, IFN‐γ, TGF‐β and nitrates and decreases in IL‐4 and IL‐10 levels. Concerning humoral immune response, a significant reduction in anti‐leishmania immunoglobulin G was verified in the ProAg‐challenged group. Analysis of these results suggests that AmaAg induced a suppressive cellular immune response in mice, favouring the spread of infection, whereas ProAg induced partial protection associated with increased cellular immune response.
Actual and potential tree‐line in the North Atlantic region, especially in Greenland and the Faroes
Authors: Ødum Søren
Published: September 2010

Betula pubescens Ehrh. s.l. is the only forest‐forming tree‐species which has spread naturally to Iceland and southwesternmost Greenland. No trees have immigrated naturally to the Faroe Isles. Afforestation experiments and gardening have resulted in successful introduction of several tree species. Recent experiments comprise planting of Rocky Mountains tree‐line species in SW‐Greenland northward to Søndre Strømfjord (67°N), and the introduction to the Faroe Isles (62°N) of trees and shrubs from cool temperate forests of the southern hemisphere, e.g. Nothofagus spp. and Embothrium coccineum Forst. (Proteaceae).
Moss production in a black spruce Picea mariana forest with permafrost near Fairbanks, Alaska, as compared with two permafrost‐free stands
Authors: Skre O. , Oechel W. C.
Published: September 2010

During the 1975 and 1976 seasons the net primary production of five common bryophytes in different stands of mature vegetation near Fairbanks, Alaska was investigated.

Overall annual moss production at the intensive black spruce site was about 120 g m−1 yr−1 or about twice as high as the corresponding annual spruce production. Maximum rates of net photosynthesis varied from 2.7 mg CO2 g−1 h−1 in Polytrichum commune Hedw. to 0.6 mg CO2 g−1 h−1 in Sphagnum nemoreum Scop. The photosynthesis of overwintered leaves early in the season was low and as a result of new growth a steady increase in net photosynthesis occurred throughout the season. Leaf water content was found to be the most important limiting factor for growth under natural conditions.

There was a strong increase in growth and photosynthesis of Sphagnum nemoreum after application of N and P, indicating nutrient deficiency.
Photoperiodic reactions in conifer species
Authors: Ekberg Inger , Eriksson Gösta , Dormling Ingegerd
Published: September 2010

In Picea abies seedlings the critical night length for bud‐set was determined for provenances from different latitudes, longitudes and altitudes within the natural range of the species. The clinal variation of this character was demonstrated. Inheritance studies indicated that this character is controlled by many genes with predominantly additive effects.

In seedlings of Pinus sylvestris and Pinus contorta, growth cessation and bud‐set took place in all light regimes, thus, even under continuous illumination. A photoperiodic optimum for height growth was determined. The photoperiodic influence on such characters as recurrent flushing of shoots, needle growth, dry matter production and frost resistance was demonstrated for northern and southern populations of the two Pinus species. Shorter nights were needed to induce a particular photoperiodic response in the northern populations as compared with those from the south.

The importance of reliable phenological characters for assessing frost hardiness in provenance and progeny trials by means of early tests, is discussed.
Genetic adaptation of plants in the subarctic environment
Authors: Tigerstedt P. M. A.
Published: September 2010

The general feature when the northern limit of distribution of spruce Picea abies L. and meadow fescue Festuca pratensis Huds. is approached, is that individuals tend to become more homozygous at their gene loci, but different alleles are still retained in the populations. This is due to the fact that individuals within populations differ strongly in their genotypes – i.e. not one but many different genotypes are retained also at the species margin. This polymorphism in the marginal populations is probably due to some form of frequency dependent selection. Clines in gene frequency are much more pronounced in spruce than in meadow fescue probably due to a much higher environmental autocorrelation in the spruce case with its very long generation interval.
Phylogenetic habitat filtering influences forest nucleation in grasslands
Authors: Duarte Leandro da Silva
Published: September 2010

Because species–environment interactions are mediated by phenotypic tradeoffs, the maintenance of ancestral traits in some phylogenetic clades and the emergence of evolutionary novelties in others are likely to limit the types of habitats that species occupy, generating phylogenetic habitat filtering. To test for phylogenetic habitat filtering in woody sapling communities in vegetation patches scattered in southern Brazilian grasslands, I estimated if patches of different sizes encompassed species of different phylogenetic groups. I analyzed patch composition with principal coordinates of phylogenetic structure (PCPS), extracted from a matrix of phylogeny‐weighted species composition, and compared these results against net relatedness index (NRI) analyses. NRI analysis revealed that most communities were phylogenetically random, and that patches of different sizes did not differ from each other with respect to NRI. The first four PCPS contained ≅ 91% of total variation in phylogeny‐weighted species composition. In the first two PCPS, scores of large patches differed from those of small and medium patches, which did not differ from each other. Large patches were associated with basal plant clades, whereas small patches were mostly related to asterids, and medium patches were phylogenetically diverse. Phylogenetic habitat filtering was detected only by PCPS analysis, possibly because NRI analysis does not take into account the habitat specificity of species. Taking phylogenetic habitat filtering into account in comparative studies likely enhances our capability to understand the ways that plants interact with their environment.
Molecular epidemiology and spatial distribution of Selenomonas spp. in subgingival biofilms
Authors: Drescher Julia , Schlafer Sebastian , Schaudinn Christoph , Riep Birgit , Neumann Konrad , Friedmann Anton , Petrich Annett , Göbel Ulf B. , Moter Annette
Published: September 2010

Drescher J, Schlafer S, Schaudinn C, Riep B, Neumann K, Friedmann A, Petrich A, Göbel UB, Moter A. Molecular epidemiology and spatial distribution of Selenomonas spp. in subgingival biofilms. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 466–474. © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

The aetiology of periodontal disease has been a field of intensive research in the past decades. Along with a variety of other putative pathogens, different members of the genus Selenomonas have repeatedly been associated with both generalized aggressive periodontitis and chronic periodontitis. For the present study, a specific oligonucleotide probe targeting the majority of all oral Selenomonas spp. was designed. Their prevalence was determined, using dot‐blot hybridization, in a total of 742 subgingival samples collected from patients with generalized aggressive (n = 62) and chronic periodontitis (n = 82), and from periodontitis‐resistant subjects (n = 19). In addition, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and electron microscopy were performed to analyze the spatial arrangement of Selenomonas in subgingival biofilms collected from patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis. In the samples from patients, Selenomonas spp. showed a lower prevalence in both diseased groups compared with other putative pathogens, and a relatively high prevalence in the periodontitis‐resistant group. Consequently, Selenomonas spp. do not seem to be suitable diagnostic marker organisms for periodontal disease. By contrast, FISH and electron microscopic analysis of periodontal carriers revealed that Selenomonas spp. appeared in large numbers in all parts of the collected biofilms and seemed, if present in a site from patients, to make a relevant contribution to their structural organization.
Surface free‐energy measurements as indicators of the bonding characteristics of single‐step self‐etching adhesives
Authors: Inoue Naoki , Tsujimoto Akimasa , Takimoto Masayuki , Ootsuka Eiichiro , Endo Hajime , Takamizawa Toshiki , Miyazaki Masashi
Published: September 2010

Inoue N, Tsujimoto A, Takimoto M, Ootsuka E, Endo H, Takamizawa T, Miyazaki M. Surface free‐energy measurements as indicators of the bonding characteristics of single‐step self‐etching adhesives. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 525–530. © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

This study examined the surface free‐energy of dentin treated with the single‐step self‐etching adhesives Bond Force, Clearfil tri‐S Bond, and G‐Bond Plus. The labial dentin surfaces of bovine mandibular incisors were wet ground with #180‐, #600‐, and #2,000‐grit silicon carbide paper. The adhesives were applied to the ground dentin, and then rinsed with acetone and distilled water. The surface free‐energies were determined by measuring the contact angles of three test liquids placed on the adhesive‐treated dentin. The surface free‐energies of the samples treated with the G‐Bond Plus and Clearfil tri‐S Bond adhesives increased as the surface roughness decreased. No significant differences in the surface free‐energy were found for the samples treated with the Bond Force adhesive, regardless of the surface roughness. These results indicated that dentin surfaces treated with adhesives did not promote a higher surface‐energy state, and that differences in the components of surface energy were apparent for the adhesives tested.
Changes in Wives' Employment When Husbands Stop Working: A Recession‐Prosperity Comparison
Authors: Mattingly Marybeth J. , Smith Kristin E.
Published: September 2010

American families are experiencing the effects of the “Great Recession.” Most of the job losses are accruing to men, so families may find it strategic for wives to enter the labor force, or increase their work hours. We consider this possibility using the May 2008 and 2009 Current Population Survey, and compare findings to May 2004 and 2005 data, a time of relative prosperity. We find that wives of husbands who stopped working during the recession were more likely to increase work hours, and more likely to commence or seek work. During the Great Recession years, the effect for wives entering the labor force is significantly greater than during the earlier years of relative prosperity.
In God We Trust: Qualitative Findings on Finances, Family, and Faith From a Diverse Sample of U.S. Families
Authors: Marks Loren D. , Dollahite David C. , Baumgartner Jennifer
Published: September 2010

Employing qualitative interviews with a diverse national sample of 184 religious families (N =445 individuals), we present an in‐depth look at how participants (a) view and frame their faith‐based financial giving, (b) how they contribute to and receive from their faith communities, and (c) how the blending of faith and finances influences their marital and parental relationships.
Measurement and Management of Pain in Older People
Authors: Helme Robert D. , Gibson Stephen J.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. The successful treatment of chronic pain requires meticulous diagnosis and a comprehensive assessment of pain, suffering and disability. Pharmacological strategies form the mainstay of management approaches for chronic pain. However, it is important to offer an integrated and tailored management program in order to address all of the factors which contribute to the patient's pain problem. This may include physical therapies, such as a graded exercise program, attention to posture and the use of TENS, as well as psychological strategies suggested by cognitive‐behavioral treatment approaches. In cases where conventional treatment efforts fail, multidisciplinary pain management clinics for older persons have been shown to be effective, although negative referral bias and ageist community attitudes may limit access to these services. Age should not be regarded as a barrier to effective pain management and continuing education of both therapists and older persons themselves is needed in order to reinforce this view.
Spatial heterogeneity in species richness and species composition
Authors: Shiyomi Masae , Chen Jun , Yasuda Taisuke
Published: September 2010

Visually detecting and measuring actual spatial heterogeneity is relatively easy using traits of grassland vegetation communities, e.g. ‘quantitative’ traits such as spatial heterogeneity in biomass, vegetation cover and frequency of occurrence for each species. In the present paper, we consider substantively ‘qualitative’ aspects of vegetation, such as species richness (number of species) and species composition (numerically expressed using the Bray–Curtis measure [S‐value]). We constructed two frequency distributions of number of species and S‐values based on observations of many small quadrats in two grassland systems. At the same time, we mathematically generated a hypothetical community in which all plant individuals of each species occupy arbitrary (random) positions in proportion to the abundance of each species in the surrounding area (referred to as the ‘null distribution’). This hypothetical community was expressed using two frequency distributions of number of species and S‐values per quadrat, and observed and null distributions of these variables were then compared. The difference between observed and null distributions was indicative of the level of spatial heterogeneity in terms of number of species and species composition of the grassland vegetation. We explain this concept using a simple artificial example and actual grassland vegetation data.
GCN: a gaseous Galactic halo stream?
Authors: Jin Shoko
Published: September 2010

We show that a string of H i clouds that form part of the high-velocity cloud complex known as GCN is a probable gaseous stream extending over more than 50° in the Galactic halo. The radial velocity gradient along the stream is used to deduce transverse velocities as a function of distance, enabling a family of orbits to be computed. We find that a direction of motion towards the Galactic disc coupled with a mid-stream distance of ∼20 kpc provides a good match to the observed sky positions and radial velocities of the H i clouds comprising the stream. With an estimated mass of 105 M⊙, its progenitor is likely to be a dwarf galaxy. However, no stellar counterpart has been found amongst the currently known Galactic dwarf spheroidal galaxies or stellar streams and the exact origin of the stream is therefore currently unknown.
EFFECT OF WASHING WITH CITRIC ACID OR SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE ON THE VISUAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF MUSHROOMS (AGARICUS BISPORUS L.)
Authors: SIMÓN A. , GONZÁLEZ‐FANDOS E.
Published: September 2010

The effect of washing with a solution of 10 g/L citric acid or 100 mg/L acidified sodium hypochlorite solution (pH 6.5) on the visual and microbiological quality of whole mushrooms when stored at 3C for up to 13 days was evaluated. The washed mushrooms were compared with water‐washed and untreated mushrooms. The color, bacterial blotch incidence and Pseudomonas counts were determined. Washing with citric acid reduced Pseudomonas counts by 2 log units throughout storage and avoided bacterial blotch during 13 days of storage at 3C, but color deterioration was observed. Washing with sodium hypochlorite hardly reduced Pseudomonas and did not avoid bacterial blotch, and even produced mushroom browning. The effect of the washing treatments depended on the initial condition of the mushrooms used.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Hypochlorite has been traditionally used to reduce microbial contamination. However, washing with acidified hypochlorite is not effective in reducing the microbial counts in mushrooms during storage. This treatment does not avoid bacterial blotch and causes color deterioration. Therefore, this washing treatment cannot be recommended in mushrooms.

Washing with citric acid has a beneficial effect on reducing microbial counts and extending the shelf life of mushroom. However, it cannot be recommended for washing whole mushrooms because it leads to color deterioration. This treatment could be effective if it is followed by anti‐browning treatment.
EFFECT OF SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE COATING ON QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF CUT RAW HAN‐WOO (KOREAN COW) BEEF, AEROBICALLY PACKAGED AND HELD REFRIGERATED
Authors: SHON JINHAN , EO JI‐HYUN , EUN JONG‐BANG
Published: September 2010

Soy protein isolate (SPI)‐based edible coating was used to reduce oxidative degradation of Han‐Woo (Korean cow) beef stored at 4C for 5 days in aerobic packaging. The SPI coating reduced (P < 0.05) thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances and peroxide value (PV) formation compared with control beefs. At 5 days of storage, the percent inhibition of TBARS and PV for SPI‐coated beefs compared with the control was 28.5 and 32.2%, respectively. SPI coating prevented loss of Hunter L and a values of beef compared with the control after 2 days of storage. The ability of the SPI coating to provide a moisture barrier for the beefs was reduced (P < 0.05). In addition, a reduction of moisture loss by 31.4% compared with the control was achieved by SPI coating after 5 days of storage. However, SPI coating of beefs did not inhibit the growth of either total plate counts or Listeria monocytogenes during storage. Overall, SPI coating can effectively be used as a natural antioxidative coating to extend the shelf life of beef by reducing oxidation and moisture loss during refrigerated storage in aerobic packaging.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Oxidative and microbiological degradation are major problems faced by the food industry today. As the educated consumer is highly health conscious, any effort in extending the shelf life will have to be nonchemical, and preferably natural. Our research investigated the possibility of using soy protein as a final coating material to enhance the freshness of beef packed aerobically during refrigerated storage. Soy protein‐based edible coating used in this present study was capable of acting as a natural antioxidative and moisture barrier coating for meat products to maintain the quality and the shelf‐life during refrigerated storage.
Nanotechnology for Food Applications: More Questions Than Answers
Authors: BUZBY JEAN C.
Published: September 2010

This article highlights the scientific evidence to date on a variety of nanotechnology issues important to consumers with a focus on food applications. Nanotechnology is technology at the atomic or macromolecular levels on the scale of approximately 1–100 nm. There are unlimited potential applications of nanotechnology for food, dietary supplements and food contact materials. However, there are more questions than answers about the safety risks of nanotechnology, its environmental, health and other impacts, and its costs and benefits. Benefits and costs will likely be specific to the nanomaterials used, the application and other conditions (e.g., temperature).
Insurance Demand Anomalies and Regulation
Authors: SCHWARCZ DANIEL
Published: September 2010

In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that risk aversion alone cannot explain individuals' demand for insurance. From the perspective of risk aversion, individuals tend to purchase insurance when they should not, refuse to purchase insurance when they should, prefer sub‐optimal payouts and allow irrelevant considerations to influence their insurance preferences. This article considers the normative implications of these insurance demand anomalies. It argues that while they are generally the result of consumer mistakes, they may also reflect sophisticated decision making. Given these conflicting explanations, the article explores a spectrum of “libertarian paternalistic” regulatory interventions in insurance markets.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH: Self‐care and quality of life among patients with heart failure
Authors: Britz Jody A. , Dunn Karen S.
Published: September 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this cross‐sectional, descriptive study was to determine if there were specific self‐care deficits among patients with heart failure at the time of discharge in an acute care setting, which may be related to a decreased quality of life.

Data Sources: Patients admitted with acute, chronic congestive heart failure were recruited to complete both the Self‐care of Heart Failure Index and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaires. Data analyses were conducted to determine if there were any significant relationships between self‐care abilities and quality of life.

Conclusions: Results from this study were promising as “self‐care confidence” and perceived better health were found to be significantly related to improved quality of life. Heart failure is a chronic disease that requires patients to develop confidence in their self‐care abilities to maintain and improve quality of life.

Implications for practice: Findings from this research study suggest that nurse practitioners need to first identify patients with heart failure who lack the self‐care confidence required to manage their condition at home, and then focus on specific educational interventions to build confidence in self‐care prior to discharge.
CASE STUDY: Diagnostic challenge: Myasthenia gravis in the emergency department
Authors: Abbott Susan A.
Published: September 2010

Purpose: To describe an instructive case of neurological disease encountered by a nurse practitioner (NP) student in the emergency department (ED). Characteristics, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic considerations, and appropriate testing options for myasthenia gravis (MG) are included.

Data sources: Findings from the history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing of a 41‐year‐old male with neck weakness and pain. Review of published literature about MG.

Conclusions: MG is a pure motor syndrome characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigue and is exacerbated by sustained muscle use. It is usually caused by an autoimmune process that is chronic and progressive. Multiple patient encounters with the healthcare system often occur prior to diagnosis. Many viable treatment options now exist that can enhance quality of life and improve function.

Implications for practice: The NP must include MG in the differential diagnosis with any report of fluctuating muscle weakness or other neurological, upper gastrointestinal, respiratory, or ophthalmic complaint. The key diagnostic finding is a specific muscle weakness that can be reproduced and exacerbated with sustained muscle use. These considerations will lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
UNDERSTANDING THE INFLUENCE OF VICTIM GENDER IN DEATH PENALTY CASES: THE IMPORTANCE OF VICTIM RACE, SEX‐RELATED VICTIMIZATION, AND JURY DECISION MAKING*
Authors: WILLIAMS MARIAN R. , DEMUTH STEPHEN , HOLCOMB JEFFERSON E.
Published: September 2010

Using data from the Baldus, Woodworth, and Pulaski (1990) study of Georgia's death penalty system, we examine the influence of victim gender in death penalty cases. Furthermore, to improve our understanding of the meaning of victim gender, we consider 1) the joint effects of victim gender and victim race, 2) victimization characteristics that might explain victim gender effects, and 3) the impact of victim gender at different decision‐making stages in the death penalty case process. We find that both victim gender and race are associated with death sentencing outcomes and that an examination of the joint effects of victim gender and race reveals considerable differences in the likelihood of receiving a death sentence between the most disparate victim race–gender groups. In particular, it seems that black male victim cases are set apart from all others in terms of leniency afforded to defendants. We also show that the effect of victim gender is explained largely by gender differences in the sexual nature of some homicides. An examination of prosecutorial and jury decision making reveals that although victim gender has little impact on prosecutorial decisions, it has a meaningful impact on jury decisions.
ARREST TRAJECTORIES ACROSS A 17‐YEAR SPAN FOR YOUNG MEN: RELATION TO DUAL TAXONOMIES AND SELF‐REPORTED OFFENSE TRAJECTORIES*
Authors: WIESNER MARGIT , CAPALDI DEBORAH M. , KIM HYOUN K.
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of different operationalizations of offending behavior on the identified trajectories of offending and to relate findings to hypothesized dual taxonomy models. Prior research with 203 young men from the Oregon Youth Study identified six offender pathways, based on self‐report data (Wiesner and Capaldi, 2003). The current study used official records data (number of arrests) for the same sample. Semiparametric groupbased modeling indicated three distinctive arrest trajectories: high‐level chronics, low‐level chronics, and rare offenders. Both chronic arrest trajectory groups were characterized by relatively equal rates of early onset offenders, which indicates, therefore, some divergence from hypothesized dual taxonomies. Overall, this study demonstrated limited convergence of trajectory findings across official records versus selfreport measures of offending behavior.
IMMIGRATION POLICY, BORDER SECURITY, AND MIGRANT DEATHS: AN IMPACT EVALUATION OF LIFE‐SAVING EFFORTS UNDER THE BORDER SAFETY INITIATIVE*
Authors: GUERETTE ROB T.
Published: September 2010

Research Summary:

Subsequent to U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) efforts to control illegal immigration throughout the 1990s, concern arose over an apparent increase in deaths of illegal migrants as they began to undertake more treacherous routes to enter the United States from Mexico. In response, the Border Safety Initiative (BSI) was created to increase safety along the southwest border. Using multiple data sources, including the USBP BSI Incident Tracking System, this study evaluated the impact of life‐saving efforts performed under the BSI program. Results indicate that there has been no overall reduction in the rate of migrant deaths since BSI has been in operation. However, an evaluation of BORSTAR search and rescue teams and the 2003 Lateral Repatriation Program (LRP), which returned apprehended migrants from Tucson sector to less hazardous places along the border, were found to be effective in preventing migrant deaths.

Policy Implications:

Critics of U.S. immigration policy claim that the only way reductions in migrant deaths along the U.S.‐Mexico border can be achieved is through liberalization of immigration policy and relaxing of border security. Yet, for more than a decade, U.S. policy makers have increased restrictions on immigration and have tightened security at the borders. Considering this, alternative means must be deployed in order to save migrant lives in the near term rather than waiting for a reversal of immigration policy. This study suggests that proactive life‐saving measures implemented through a harm‐reduction strategy can have some impact on saving migrant lives.
Taxonomy of two oxypodine genera, Porocallus Sharp and Rhomphocallus Assing, in Korea (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)
Authors: PARK Jong‐Seok , AHN Kee‐Jeong
Published: September 2010

A taxonomic study of the genera Porocallus Sharp and Rhomphocallus Assing in Korea is presented. The genus Rhomphocallus and two species, Rhomphocallus princeps (Sharp) and Rhomphocallus maruyamai Assing, are reported for the first time in Korea. Porocallus insignis Sharp is recorded for the first time in South Korea. Diagnoses, illustrations of habitus and line drawings of diagnostic characters are provided.
Immature stages of Glyphocassis spilota (Gorham) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) from Korea
Authors: CHO Hee Wook , LEE Jong Eun
Published: September 2010

Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations of the immature stages of Glyphocassis spilota (Gorham) are presented for the first time. Taxonomic remarks and notes on its biology are also provided.
Molecular phylogeny of Camponotus ants in Korea
Authors: KIM Ki‐Gyong , KIM Byung‐Jin
Published: September 2010

The molecular phylogeny of 12 species of Camponotus ants in Korea was examined using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers as inputs for an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and cluster analysis to describe the relationships between species. For comparison, morphometric data (based on 10 morphological characters) were also gathered for phylogenetic analysis. Assessments of similarity between species were made, and the results of these assessments are compared for the molecular and morphological data sets. In the morphometric analysis, the following groups were identified: (i) C. atrox, C. kiusuensis, C. japonicus and C. concavus (93% similarity); (ii) C. sp. 1 (be diverging at 80% similarity); (iii) C. jejuensis, C. sp. 3, C. itoi, C. nawai and C. tokioensis (94.5% similarity); and (iv) C. nipponensis and C. quadrinotatus (94.5% similarity). Formica fusca was 73.5% similar to the 12 Camponotus species studied here. The group comprising C. nawai and C. tokioensis had the highest similarity index (97.36%), followed by the group comprising C. jejuensis and C. sp. 3 (95%), then C. atrox and C. kiusuensis (94.5%), and then C. nipponensis and C. quadrinotatus (93.5%). In the molecular analysis the following groups were identified: (i) C. atrox and C. jejuensis (30% similarity); (ii) C. concavus, C. japonicus and C. itoi (25% similarity); (iii) C. kiusuensis, C. nawai, C. sp. 3, C. nipponensis, C. quadrinotatus and C. sp. 1 (24% similarity); and (iv) C. tokioensis (be diverging at 23% similarity). The most closely related group in the molecular analysis was C. nawai and C. sp. 3 (75% similarity), followed by C. concavus and C. japonicus (50.5% similarity), then C. atrox and C. jejuensis (30%), and then C. quadrinotatus and C. sp. 1. Camponotus tokioensis was the least closely related to other species among the 12 species studied. Although C. jejuensis and C. tokioensis were found to be 93.6% similar on the basis of morphometric data, molecular data indicated only 23% similarity, the lowest similarity index between any two species considered here. Camponotus jejuensis has marked morphological similarities to C. tokioensis, but on the basis of molecular data gathered in the present study, we refute the proposal that they are synonyms or sister species.
Effects of added nitrogen on leaf nitrogen concentration and population dynamics of insects associated with Rumex obtusifolius L.
Authors: KWON Ohseok
Published: September 2010

A series of experiments was designed to study the effects of changes in leaf nitrogen (N) concentration on population dynamics of a range of insects associated with Rumex obtusifolius. During the study period, the N concentration in leaves fluctuated between 2 and 6% dry weight. The insects at both study sites showed a pattern of shift in time for peak population density (time‐shift). This suggests that the insect community dynamics might be closely related to the allocation and distribution of resources by the host‐plant. The elevated N concentration in the host‐plant did not change the temporal order of the peak population densities of the insects, although it may determine the time for the optimal exploitation of resources by each insect species.
Ecological synopsis for Chironomus flaviplumus (Diptera: Chironomidae) in the Jung‐rang stream
Authors: KIM Myoung Chul , PARK Jae Heung , HAN Sung Sik
Published: September 2010

In this study, we conducted field sampling to assess the relative influences of water and substrate quality on benthic macroinvertebrate communities living in the Jung‐rang stream, Korea. We collected macroinvertebrates and assessed physicochemical variables from three sites in the stream between May 2001 and January 2002. Sites were located approximately within 20 km from the headwater. The structure of the benthic macroinvertebrate communities may be strongly affected by the physical conditions inherent to the environment in which they live. In this stream, we detected profound differences in water temperature (18 ∼ 19.75°C), the concentrations of suspended solids (3.935 ∼ 7.87 mg/L), and demand for chemical oxygen (10.575 ∼ 14.425 mg/L). Nonylphenol concentrations ranging from 0.375 to 0.55 ng/mL were found in the water, and the sediments were measured to contain between 2.45 and 3.425 ng/mL. We identified a total of 20 macroinvertebrate species, including seven species of Chironomidae, the most abundant of which was Chironomus flaviplumus. At none of the sites did we find any significant differences in the structure of the communities. Using canonical correspondence analysis for the relation of species and environmental variables, chemical oxygen demand and suspended sediment gradients (SS) had significant preferences for site 1 with SS. The results of our study suggest that physico‐chemical variables exerted complex effects on the structure of the benthic community in the Jung‐rang stream. This study supports the contention that physico‐chemical analyses as well as community analysis are valuable tools to assess the effect of pollution on the ecological condition of a stream. Chironomids, in particular, showed a high degree of tolerance against contaminants.
Sensilla on the aedeagus of the ground beetle Carabus (Ohomopterus) arrowianus arrowianus (Breuning) (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: KIM Jung Lark , SOTA Teiji
Published: September 2010

Sensilla on the aedeagus of the ground beetle Carabus (Ohomopterus) arrowianus arrowianus (Breuning) were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. On the aedeagus, a total of six types of sensillum were confirmed: five basiconic and one coeloconic. The external features and distributional patterns of the sensilla are described.
Spider silk as a resource for future biotechnologies
Authors: SPONNER Alexander
Published: September 2010

Insect silks have been used by mankind for millennia to produce textiles and in particular, the cocoon silk of Bombyx mori was the base of one of the most important industries in history. In fact, B. mori is probably the only domesticated insect if not invertebrate in its true and strict sense, comparable to cattle and other livestock that humans have known and bred since the Neolithic period. In contrast, reports regarding the use of spider silk throughout history have the character of travellers’ tales or anecdotes, and serious attempts to exploit these biomaterials on a large scale have not been undertaken until recently. Indeed, the cannibalism of these carnivores makes their farming difficult and the production of significant yields of spider silk virtually impossible. Only today, with recombinant technologies available, does this problem seem to have been overcome. But why use spider silk at all – if we have the infrastructure to produce significant yields of silk from Bombyx? In contrast to most insects, spiders do not spin from labial glands, and many spiders possess different types of gland, most of them active throughout the whole lifespan. Typical orb‐weavers (Araneoidea) for instance possess up to seven different types of silk gland to produce different silk fibers and glues. Each of these products has evolved for a particular use and the respective material properties are highly adapted to that use. As the group of Araneae is about 400 million years old, the oldest fossil orb‐weaver is dated about 150 million years, and the use of silk is crucial to a spider's survival, we can expect that evolution will have “squeezed out every iota” to achieve optimum performance at minimum cost. Indeed, some dragline silks such as the major ampullate silks of some Nephila species show amazing mechanical properties that, in terms of toughness, are far superior to Bombyx silk. Labels like “stronger than steel” or “even better than Kevlar” were attached to them, and the Canadian‐based biotech company Nexia created the trademark “bio‐steel” for their prospective product. The discovery of these exceptional mechanical properties of those protein fibers triggered intense research on spider silk, with the goal of their commercial exploitation. But there is more to Arachne's weave and science is beginning to pick up those threads.
Taxonomy of the genus Scathophaga Meigen (Diptera: Scathophagidae) in Korea
Authors: SUH Sang Jae , KWON Yong Jung , JO Tae‐Ho
Published: September 2010

Three species of the genus Scathophaga–S. mellipes (Coquillet), S. scybalaria (Linnaeus) and S. stercoraria (Linnaeus) – are treated in this study. Of these, S. scybalaria (Linnaeus) is reported for the first time from Korea. A key to the Korean species, their domestic localities and some illustrations are given.
Evidence review and ENT‐UK consensus report for the use of aminoglycoside‐containing ear drops in the presence of an open middle ear
Authors: Phillips J.S. , Yung M.W. , Burton M.J. , Swan I.R.C.
Published: September 2010

Background and objectives of review:  The use of aminoglycoside drops in the presence of a perforation/grommet is still a common practice amongst the UK ENT community, in spite of theoretical risk of ototoxicity. Mindful of the need to produce clinical guidelines based on the best available evidence, it was the intention of the Clinical Audit and Practice Advisory Group of the British Association of Otolaryngologists – Head and Neck Surgeons (ENT‐UK) to produce evidence‐based guidelines. In the absence of good evidence, intentions were shifted towards producing consensus guidelines using validated methodology.

Type of review:  Literature review, review of international guidelines and consensus guidelines.

Search strategy:  A MEDLINE literature search (1966 to August 2006) was conducted, using the following strategies: ‘ototoxicity and drops’, ‘ototoxic and drops’, ‘vestibulotoxicity and drops’, ‘vestibulotoxic and drops’, ‘cochleotoxicity and drops’, ‘cochleotoxic and drops’. Foreign language articles were not excluded.

Results of the literature review:  The inclusion of foreign language articles and manually searching the reference sections of identified articles revealed further evidence not considered in previous reviews on this subject. However, the available ‘evidence’ that does exist remains to be of poor quality, consisting of data from a number of case reports and small case series. Prospective studies into the ototoxic effects of aminoglycoside ear drops either support their use but lack power to statistically confirm this, or are performed in conditions that are not representative of normal clinical conditions.

Evaluation method:  In the light of issues raised from the literature review, a questionnaire was produced. The questionnaire was initially completed by council members of the British Society of Otology, then revised and presented at a meeting of the British Society of Otology, where a consensus panel was formed.

Conclusions:  ENT‐UK recommends that when treating a patient with a discharging ear, in whom there is a perforation or patent grommet: if a topical aminoglycoside is used, this should only be in the presence of obvious infection. Topical aminoglycosides should be used for no longer than 2 weeks. The justification for using topical aminoglycosides should be explained to the patient. Baseline audiometry should be performed, if possible or practical, before treatment with topical aminoglycosides.