bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Hospital Disaster Preparedness for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Using an Internet-Based, Long-Distance Tabletop Drill
Authors: Valesky Water , Silverberg Mark , Gillett Brian , Roblin Patricia , Adelaine John , Wallis Lee A. , Smith Wayne , Arquilla Bonnie
Published: September 2011

Introduction: The State University of New York at Downstate (SUNY) conducted a web-based long-distance tabletop drill (LDTT) designed to identify vulnerabilities in safety, security, communications, supplies, incident management, and surge capacity for a number of hospitals preceding the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The tabletop drill simulated a stampede and crush-type disaster at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa in anticipation of 2010 FIFA World Cup. The LDTT, entitled “Western Cape-Abilities”, was conducted between May and September 2009, and encompassed nine hospitals in the Western Cape of South Africa. The main purpose of this drill was to identify strengths and weaknesses in disaster preparedness among nine state and private hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa. These hospitals were tasked to respond to the ill and injured during the 2010 World Cup.

Methods: This LDTT utilized e-mail to conduct a 10-week, scenario-based drill. Questions focused on areas of disaster preparedness previously identified as standards from the literature. After each scenario stimulus was sent, each hospital had three days to collect answers and submit responses to drill controllers via e-mail.

Results: Data collected from the nine participating hospitals met 72% (95%CI = 69%–75%) of the overall criteria examined. The highest scores were attained in areas such as equipment, with 78% (95%CI = 66%–86%) positive responses, and development of a major incident plan with 85% (95% CI = 77%–91%) of criteria met. The lowest scores appeared in the areas of public relations/risk communications; 64% positive responses (95% CI = 56%–72%), and safety, supplies, fire and security meeting also meeting 64% of the assessed criteria (95% CI = 57%–70%). Surge capacity and surge capacity revisited both met 76% (95% CI = 68%–83% and 68%–82%, respectively).

Conclusions: This assessment of disaster preparedness indicated an overall good performance in categories such as hospital equipment and development of major incident plans, but improvement is needed in hospital security, public relations, and communications ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The great regulator
Authors: Hunter Philip
Published: September 2011

RNA research has made huge progress in the past decade, but its commercial success has been limited. Even so, some RNA‐based regulatory mechanisms are now sufficiently well understood to yield new drugs and therapies.
Stemness characteristics and osteogenic potential of sheep amniotic epithelial cells
Authors: Mattioli Mauro , Gloria Alessia , Turriani Maura , Mauro Annunziata , Curini Valentina , Russo Valentina , Tetè Stefano , Marchisio Marco , Pierdomenico Laura , Berardinelli Paolo , Colosimo Alessia , Muttini Aurelio , Valbonetti Luca , Barboni Barbara
Published: September 2011

We set out to characterize stemness properties and osteogenic potential of sheep AEC (amniotic epithelial cells). AEC were isolated from 3‐month‐old fetuses and expanded in vitro for 12 passages. The morphology, surface markers, stemness markers and osteogenic differentiation were inspected after 1, 6 and 12 passages of expansion, with an average doubling time of 24 h. AEC clearly expressed the stemness markers Oct‐3/4 (octamer‐binding protein‐3/4), Nanog, Sox2 and TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) and displayed low levels of global DNA methylation. Culture had moderate effects on cell conditions; some adhesion molecules progressively disappeared from the cell surface, and the expression of Sox2 and TERT was slightly reduced while Nanog increased. No changes occurred in the levels of DNA methylation. Cells organized in 3D spheroids were used for IVD (in vitro differentiation). Within these structures the cells developed a complex intercellular organization that involved extensive intercellular coupling despite continuous cell migration. Marked deposition of calcein in the ECM (extracellular matrix), increased ALP (alkaline phosphatase) activity, expression of bone‐related genes (osteocalcin) and the matrix mineralization shown by Alizarin Red staining demonstrate that AEC can undergo rapid and extensive osteogenic differentiation. AEC introduced in experimental bone lesions survived in the site of implantation for 45 days and supported consistent bone neoformation, thus showing promising potential applications in osteogenic regenerative medicine.
Using a Clinical Approach To Answer “What Communication Apps Should We Use?”
Authors: Gosnell Jessica , Costello John , Shane Howard
Published: September 2011

It would be impossible (and not the intent of this paper) to conduct a comprehensive review of every communication application (app) that exists as of this writing. Rather, a clinical framework for comparing and selecting apps will be offered to assist speech-language pathologists in answering the popular question “What communication apps should we use?” While this platform and certain apps may indeed represent a reasonable match to the strengths and needs of some individuals, it is important that the needs of an individual be considered on a case-by-case basis using a thorough and clinically based approach. To this end, the clinical application of a chart detailing features believed to represent critical and fundamental considerations for a broad profile of people evidencing complex communication needs will be discussed and highlighted through case examples.
Synthesis and luminescence properties of electrodeposited ZnO films
Authors: Manzano C. V. , Alegre D. , Caballero-Calero O. , Alén B. , Martín-González M. S.
Published: September 2011

Zinc oxide (ZnO) films have been grown on gold (111) by electrodeposition using two different OH− sources, nitrate and peroxide, in order to obtain a comparative study between them. The morphology, structural and optical characterization of the films were investigated depending on the solution used (nitrate and peroxide) and the applied potential. Scanning electron microscopy pictures show different morphologies in each case. X-ray diffraction confirms that the films are pure ZnO oriented along the (0002) direction. ZnO films have been studied by photoluminescence to identify the emission of defects in the visible range. A consistent model that explains the emissions for the different electrodeposited ZnO films is proposed. We have associated the green and yellow emissions to a transition from the donor OH− to the acceptor zinc vacancies (VZn−) and to interstitial oxygen (Oi0), respectively. The orange-red emission is probably due to transitions from the conducting band to Oi− and OZn0 defects and the infrared emission to transition from these Oi−/2− and OZn0/− defects to the valence band.
Laser wakefield acceleration of electron beams beyond 1 GeV from an ablative capillary discharge waveguide
Authors: Lu Haiyang , Liu Mingwei , Wang Wentao , Wang Cheng , Liu Jiansheng , Deng Aihua , Xu Jiancai , Xia Changquan , Li Wentao , Zhang Hui , Lu Xiaoming , Wang Cheng , Wang Jianzhou , Liang Xiaoyan , Leng Yuxin , Shen Baifei , Nakajima Kazuhisa , Li Ruxin , Xu Zhizhan
Published: September 2011

Laser wakefield acceleration of electrons well beyond 1 GeV and optical guiding of ultraintense laser pulses of peak powers up to 160 TW over a 4-cm long ablative capillary discharge plasma channel were experimentally demonstrated. Electron beams, with energies up to 1.8 GeV, were generated by using the 130 TW, 55 fs driving laser pulses. A comparison of oxygen-containing acrylic resin (C:O:H = 4:2:7) capillary and no oxygen-containing polyethylene (C:O:H = 1:0:2) capillary measurements suggests that the injection of electron into the laser wakefield is assisted by the ionization of oxygen K-shell electrons.
Charge trapping and detrapping in polymeric materials: Trapping parameters
Authors: Zhou Tian-chun , Chen George , Liao Rui-jin , Xu Zhiqiang
Published: September 2011

Space charge formation in polymeric materials can cause some serious concern for design engineers as the electric field may severely be distorted, leading to part of the material being overstressed. This may result in material degradation and possibly premature failure at the worst. It is therefore important to understand charge generation, trapping, and detrapping processes in the material. Trap depths and density of trapping states in materials are important as they are potentially related to microstructure of the material. Changes in these parameters may reflect the aging taken place in the material. In the present paper, characteristics of charge trapping and detrapping in low density polyethylene (LDPE) under dc electric field have been investigated using the pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) technique. A simple trapping and detrapping model based on two trapping levels has been used to qualitatively explain the observation. Numerical simulation based on the above model has been carried out to extract parameters related to trapping characteristics in the material. It has been found that the space charge decaying during the first few hundred seconds corresponding to the fast changing part of the slope was trapped with the shallow trap depth 0.88 eV, with trap density 1.47 × 1020 m−3 in the sample volume measured. At the same time, the space charge that decays at longer time corresponding to the slower part of the slope was trapped with the deep trap depth 1.01 eV, with its trap density 3.54 × 1018 m−3. The results also indicate that trap depths and density of both shallow and deep traps may be used as aging markers as changes in the material will certainly affect trapping characteristics in terms of trap depth and density.
Fishnet metastructure for efficiency enhancement of a thin film solar cell
Authors: Ji Liming , Varadan Vasundara V.
Published: September 2011

We propose embedment of a fishnet metastructure in the back passivation layer for enhancing the efficiency of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin film solar cells. Incident light excites a plasmon resonance that results in frequency dependent effective impedance for the embedding layer so that the input impedance satisfies impedance matching condition. Reflection is very low under this condition. A planar 20 nm-thick fishnet structure is embedded in the back passivation layer of the solar cell to enhance light absorption near the bandgap of a-Si:H. This enhancement remains over a wide range of incident angles. Detailed electromagnetic modeling of the absorption in different layers of the solar cell is performed. Only absorption in the a-Si:H is included in computing the photocurrent generation. 64% of the total absorbed energy at resonance is in the silicon layer and this absorption is uniformly distributed inside the silicon. Based on the enhancement of photocurrent density near the bandgap of a-Si:H, we obtained 14.8% enhancement in total short circuit current at normal incidence and the estimated PV efficiency of the solar cell with the fishnet is 7.43% at normal incidence compared to 6.36% without fishnet. The fishnet can be tuned to provide absorption enhancement at any desired frequency where the intrinsic absorption of the semiconductor is low.
Plasticity in Cu(111)/Cu46Zr54 glass nanolaminates under uniaxial compression
Authors: Arman B. , Brandl C. , Luo S. N. , Germann T. C. , Misra A. , Çağin T.
Published: September 2011

We perform large-scale molecular dynamics simulations to investigate plasticity in Cu/Cu46Zr54 glass nanolaminates under uniaxial compression. Partial and full dislocations are observed in the Cu layers, and screw dislocations are seen near the amorphous-crystalline interfaces (ACIs). Nucleation of shear bands in a glass layer is directly induced by the dislocations in the neighboring crystalline Cu layer through ACIs, and they grow from the ACIs into the glass layer and absorb ambient shear transformation zones. Plasticity in the glass layers is realized via pronounced, stable shear banding.
A numerical study of broadband absorbers for visible to infrared detectors
Authors: Keasler C. A. , Bellotti E.
Published: September 2011

We have studied the electromagnetic response of micro-structured surfaces realized with pillar arrays intended to provide a broadband (0.5–5.0 μm) absorption enhancement for HgCdTe photovoltaic detector arrays. We have considered both square and hexagonal lattice pillar configurations. Using a finite-difference time-domain approach we have found that the absorption enhancement is weakly dependent on the pillar lattice type, but the lattice period does have a significant impact on the enhancement. The use of these micro-structured surfaces makes it possible to eliminate the need for anti-reflection coatings on the detector back-side while maintaining negligible reflectance over a broad spectral band.
Zero-phonon emission and magnetic polaron parameters in EuTe
Authors: Henriques A. B. , Galgano G. D. , Abramof E. , Diaz B. , Rappl P. H. O.
Published: September 2011

A phonon structure in the photoluminescence of EuTe was discovered, with a well-defined zero-phonon emission line (ZPL). The ZPL redshifts linearly with the intensity of applied magnetic field, indicating spin relaxation of the photoexcited electron, and saturates at a lower magnetic field than the optical absorption bandgap, which is attributed to formation of magnetic polarons. From the difference in these saturation fields, the zero-field polaron binding energy and radius are estimated to be 43 meV and 3.2 (in units of the EuTe lattice parameter), respectively.
Heat loads on JET plasma facing components from ICRF and LH wave absorption in the SOL
Authors: Jacquet P. , Colas L. , Mayoral M.-L. , Arnoux G. , Bobkov V. , Brix M. , Coad P. , Czarnecka A. , Dodt D. , Durodie F. , Ekedahl A. , Frigione D. , Fursdon M. , Gauthier E. , Goniche M. , Graham M. , Joffrin E. , Korotkov A. , Lerche E. , Mailloux J. , Monakhov I. , Noble C. , Ongena J. , Petrzilka V. , Portafaix C. , Rimini F. , Sirinelli A. , Riccardo V. , Vizvary Z. , Widdowson A. , Zastrow K.-D.
Published: September 2011

In JET, lower hybrid (LH) and ion cyclotron resonance frequency (ICRF) wave absorption in the scrape-off layer can lead to enhanced heat fluxes on some plasma facing components (PFCs). Experiments have been carried out to characterize these heat loads in order to: (i) prepare JET operation with the Be wall which has a reduced power handling capability as compared with the carbon wall and (ii) better understand the physics driving these wave absorption phenomena and propose solutions for next generation systems to reduce them. When using ICRF, hot spots are observed on the antenna structures and on limiters close to the powered antennas and are explained by acceleration of ions in RF-rectified sheath potentials. High temperatures up to 800 °C can be reached on locations where a deposit has built up on tile surfaces. Modelling which takes into account the fast thermal response of surface layers can reproduce well the surface temperature measurements via infrared (IR) imaging, and allow evaluation of the heat fluxes local to active ICRF antennas. The flux scales linearly with the density at the antenna radius and with the antenna voltage. Strap phasing corresponding to wave spectra with lower k
∥ values can lead to a significant increase in hot spot intensity in agreement with antenna modelling that predicts, in that case, an increase in RF sheath rectification. LH absorption in front of the antenna through electron Landau damping of the wave with high N
∥ components generates hot spots precisely located on PFCs magnetically connected to the launcher. Analysis of the LH hot spot surface temperature from IR measurements allows a quantification of the power flux along the field lines: in the worst case scenario it is in the range 15–30 MW m−2. The main driving parameter is the LH power density along the horizontal rows of the launcher, the heat fluxes scaling roughly with the square of the LH power density. The local electron density in front of the grill increases with the LH launched power; this also enhances the intensity of the LH hot spots.
The human gut virome: Inter-individual variation and dynamic response to diet
Authors: Minot Samuel , Sinha Rohini , Chen Jun , Li Hongzhe , Keilbaugh Sue A. , Wu Gary D. , Lewis James D. , Bushman Frederic D.
Published: September 2011

Immense populations of viruses are present in the human gut and other body sites. Understanding the role of these populations (the human “virome”) in health and disease requires a much deeper understanding of their composition and dynamics in the face of environmental perturbation. Here, we investigate viromes from human subjects on a controlled feeding regimen. Longitudinal fecal samples were analyzed by metagenomic sequencing of DNA from virus-like particles (VLP) and total microbial communities. Assembly of 336 Mb of VLP sequence yielded 7175 contigs, many identifiable as complete or partial bacteriophage genomes. Contigs were rich in viral functions required in lytic and lysogenic growth, as well as unexpected functions such as viral CRISPR arrays and genes for antibiotic resistance. The largest source of variance among virome samples was interpersonal variation. Parallel deep-sequencing analysis of bacterial populations showed covaration of the virome with the larger microbiome. The dietary intervention was associated with a change in the virome community to a new state, in which individuals on the same diet converged. Thus these data provide an overview of the composition of the human gut virome and associate virome structure with diet.
Antitumor activity of type III interferon alone or in combination with type I interferon against human non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Fujie Hitomi , Tanaka Toshiaki , Tagawa Masatoshi , Kaijun Niu , Watanabe Mika , Suzuki Takashi , Nakayama Katsutoshi , Numasaki Muneo
Published: September 2011

The antitumor activities of type III interferon (IFN) (interleukin [IL]‐28 and IL‐29) and the combination of type III IFN and type I IFN (IFN‐α) were evaluated using human non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The expression of type III and type I receptor complexes was detected in NSCLC lines. IL‐29 significantly inhibited the in vitro growth of a wide range of NSCLC lines in a dose‐dependent fashion. To a lesser degree, IL‐28A also displayed growth inhibitory activity. Antitumor activity of type III IFN is associated with cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase and apoptosis. IL‐29 upregulated cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p21Waf1/Cip1 in cells sensitive, but not insensitive, to antiproliferative activity, and knockdown of p21 with small interfering RNA largely attenuated the antiproliferative effect. Intratumoral and systemic administration of IL‐29 inhibited OBA‐LK1 and LK‐1, but not A549, tumor growth in severe combined immunodeficiency mice. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated marked upregulated p21 and downregulated Ki‐67 expression in tumors treated with IL‐29. The interferon combination of IL‐29 and IFN‐α displayed a more effective antiproliferative effect and a more intense p21 expression than each reagent alone in vitro. Furthermore, interferon combination therapy suppressed in vivo NSCLC growth more effectively than interferon monotherapy. These findings demonstrate that type III IFN can mediate direct antitumor activities via increased p21 expression and induction of apoptosis and cooperate with type I IFN to elicit more efficient direct antitumor activities, and suggest the possibility that type III IFN might improve the efficacy and reduce the side‐effects of type I IFN cancer therapy. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1977–1990)
Postoperative respiratory and analgesic effects of dexmedetomidine or morphine for adenotonsillectomy in children with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Zhuang P. J. , Wang X. , Zhang X. F. , Zhou Z. J. , Wang Q.
Published: September 2011

The postoperative respiratory and analgesic effects of dexmedetomidine and morphine have not been compared in children with sleep apnoea having adenotonsillectomy. In a randomised double‐blind study we recruited 60 children, aged 2–13 years, who received either intravenous dexmedetomidine 1 μg.kg−1 or morphine 100 μg.kg−1 on anaesthetic induction. End‐tidal carbon dioxide, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale score and supplementary morphine administration were recorded every 15 min for 60 min postoperatively. Over 60 min, mean (SD) end‐tidal carbon dioxide was consistently lower with dexmedetomidine compared with morphine (5.4 (0.7) kPa vs 6.0 (0.6) kPa, respectively; p = 0.001). Mean (SD) pain scores were higher with dexmedetomidine (8.1 (2.0) immediately postoperatively and 6.7 (1.0) at 60 min vs 7.6 (1.8) and 6.3 (0.7), respectively, with morphine (p = 0.023)). More patients required supplementary morphine with dexmedetomidine (13/30 (43%) vs 21/30 (70%); p = 0.037). Postoperatively, dexmedetomidine produced less respiratory depression than morphine, but less effective analgesia.

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Getting the fundamentals of movement: a meta‐analysis of the effectiveness of motor skill interventions in children
Authors: Logan S. W. , Robinson L. E. , Wilson A. E. , Lucas W. A.
Published: September 2011

The development of fundamental movement skills (FMS) is associated with positive health‐related outcomes. Children do not develop FMS naturally through maturational processes. These skills need to be learned, practised and reinforced. The objective was to determine the effectiveness of motor skill interventions in children. The following databases were searched for relevant articles: Academic Search Premier, PsycArticles, PsycInfo, SportDiscus and ERIC. No date range was specified and each search was conducted to include all possible years of publication specific to each database. Key terms for the search included motor, skill, movement, intervention, programme or children. Searches were conducted using single and combined terms. Pertinent journals and article reference lists were also manually searched. Inclusion criteria: (1) implementation of any type of motor skill intervention; (2) pre‐ and post‐qualitative assessment of FMS; and (3) availability of means and standard deviations of motor performance. A significant positive effect of motor skill interventions on the improvement of FMS in children was found (d= 0.39, P < 0.001). Results indicate that object control (d= 0.41, P < 0.001) and locomotor skills (d= 0.45, P < 0.001) improved similarly from pre‐ to post‐intervention. The overall effect size for control groups (i.e. free play) was not significant (d= 0.06, P= 0.33). A Pearson correlation indicated a non‐significant (P= 0.296), negative correlation (r=−0.18) between effect size of pre‐ to post‐improvement of FMS and the duration of the intervention (in minutes). Motor skill interventions are effective in improving FMS in children. Early childhood education centres should implement ‘planned’ movement programmes as a strategy to promote motor skill development in children.
Systematic ethnography of school‐age children with bleeding disorders and other chronic illnesses: exploring children's perceptions of partnership roles in family‐centred care of their chronic illness
Authors: Pritchard Kennedy A.
Published: September 2011

Purpose In this qualitative study, school‐age children between 7 and 11 years, living with a bleeding disorder or other chronic illness, defined how they understand their partnership role in family‐centred care (FCC), and recommended FCC strategies.

Methods This systematic ethnography had three phases: unstructured interviews explored how children understood FCC partnership roles (phase I); document review provided FCC institutional context (phase II); and validation interviews generated FCC partnership recommendations (phase III). This study took place within the area served by a Western Canadian children's hospital. Interviews were held at the hospital or children's home. In phase I, purposive sampling was used to recruit children receiving outpatient care for a bleeding disorder (n= 4) or another chronic illness (n= 4). In phase II, policies and legislation were compared with how children understand their FCC partnership role. In phase III, validation interviews were conducted with children (n= 3) to confirm domains and generate FCC supporting strategies. Data collection and analysis were based on domain analysis and qualitative ethnographic content analysis.

Results Phase I outcomes included seven domains regarding how children understood their role as partners in FCC:my best interests, virtues, talking and listening, being involved, knowing, making decisionsandbeing connected. Phase II outcomes revealed how these domains were represented in institutional contexts. Phase III outcomes confirmed domains and generated key strategies to support children's role as FCC partners throughgraphic representation of FCC as a treasure map, interactive workshopandonline game.

Conclusions School‐age children, living with a bleeding disorder or other chronic illness, similarly want to learn how to be FCC partners by developing competence as healthcare team members, identifying their own best interests, learning how to communicate with ‘grown‐ups’, clarifying roles and goals, and guided opportunities for decision making. Facilitating school‐age children's FCC partnership roles is worthy to explore in youth transition programmes.
A statement on cefazolin immediate hypersensitivity: data from a large database, and focus on the cross‐reactivities
Authors: Pipet A. , Veyrac G. , Wessel F. , Jolliet P. , Magnan A. , Demoly P. , Bousquet P. J.
Published: September 2011

Background

More perioperative cefazolin use has resulted in an increased risk of cefazolin‐associated reactions.

Objective

The aim of this article is to study immediate reactions to cefazolin and attempt to determine possible allergic cross‐reactivity with other ß‐lactams using data from the Drug Allergy and Hypersensitivity Database (DAHD).

Methods

All 25 cefazolin‐associated reactions in the DAHD were reviewed. The cases identified were then investigated according to the European Network for Drug Allergy (ENDA) recommendations by skin testing and challenges.

Results

A total of 10 individuals with proven IgE‐mediated cefazolin hypersensitivity were identified between January 1999 and July 2009. All the index reactions were compatible with an acute IgE‐mediated process, six with anaphylaxis, two with systemic allergic reactions without hypotension, and two with urticaria/angioedema. Cefazolin skin tests were positive in seven individuals and cefazolin challenges were positive in three more individuals. In the eight cefazolin allergic patients who had challenges with other ß‐lactams, there was no positive reaction noted.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

In this cohort of patients with IgE‐mediated reactions to cefazolin, a majority tolerated amoxicillin and several patients tolerated other cephalosporins. This implies that the R1 side‐chain may play an essential role in IgE‐mediated reactions to cefazolin. No clear rule to predict cross‐reactivity with other ß‐lactams could be determined. More research on IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity to cefazolin and other cephalosporins is needed.
Validity of HMGB1 measurement in epithelial lining fluid in patients with COPD
Authors: Kanazawa Hiroshi , Tochino Yoshihiro , Asai Kazuhisa , Ichimaru Yukikazu , Watanabe Tetsuya , Hirata Kazuto
Published: September 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (4): 419–426

Background  It has been known that high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory disorders in the lung. We attempted to determine the validity of measurement of HMGB1 levels in epithelial lining fluid (ELF) from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Materials and methods  We measured HMGB1 levels in ELF separately obtained from central or peripheral airways using a bronchoscopic microsampling technique in 14 non‐smokers, 13 smokers without COPD and 30 smokers with COPD. We also evaluated whether those levels were correlated with the indexes of pulmonary function and grade of low‐attenuation area (LAA) on high‐resolution computed tomographic scans.

Results  HMGB1 levels in ELF from central airways did not significantly differ among the three groups. However, HMGB1 levels in peripheral airways were significantly higher in COPD patients than in non‐smokers and smokers without COPD. Both the concentrations of interleukin‐8 and human polymorphonuclear elastase in peripheral airways were also significantly higher in COPD patients. Moreover, those levels were significantly correlated with HMGB1 level. In addition, HMGB1 level in peripheral airways was closely correlated with the degree of airflow obstruction and grade of LAA in COPD patients.

Conclusions  HMGB1 levels in peripheral airways were elevated in smokers without COPD, as compared with non‐smokers, and those levels were further augmented in COPD patients. Those levels were associated with the severity of COPD. Therefore, HMGB1 in peripheral airways may be a potentially interesting target for new pharmacological treatments in COPD patients.
Field measurements of normal and shear fracture compliance
Authors: Hobday C. , Worthington M.H.
Published: September 2011

Field estimates of the normal and shear compliance of water saturated fractures were obtained from a seismic experiment carried out on a wave‐cut platform of Upper Caithness Flagstone on the North coast of Scotland. The rocks are cut by two orthogonal sets of vertical fractures. Vertical geophones were glued to the rock surface and seismic waves were generated by striking the surface with a sledge hammer. First arrival traveltimes were obtained for source‐receiver distances up to 30 m. Differences of compressional velocity with direction across the platform were interpreted as resulting from the compliance of the fractures intersected by the transmitted waves. The average normal compliance for fractures at this site is 4.0 × 10−12± 1.0 × 10−12 m/Pa. There is much less certainty about the precise value of shear compliance. However, the normal/shear compliance ratio is determined to be ≤0.1.
Calculating CO2 and H2O eddy covariance fluxes from an enclosed gas analyzer using an instantaneous mixing ratio
Authors: Burba George , Schmidt Andres , Scott Russell L. , Nakai Taro , Kathilankal James , Fratini Gerardo , Hanson Chad , Law Beverly , McDermitt Dayle K. , Eckles Robert , Furtaw Michael , Velgersdyk Michael
Published: September 2011

Eddy covariance flux research has relied on open‐ or closed‐path gas analyzers for producing estimates of net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O). The two instruments have had different challenges that have led to development of an enclosed design that is intended to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses of both traditional designs. Similar to the closed‐path analyzer, the enclosed design leads to minimal data loss during precipitation events and icing, and it does not have surface heating issues. Similar to the open‐path design, the enclosed design has good frequency response due to small flux attenuation loss in the short intake tube, does not need frequent calibration, has minimal maintenance requirements, and can be used in a very low power configuration. Another important feature of such a design is the ability to output instantaneous mixing ratio, or dry mole fraction, so that instantaneous thermal and pressure‐related expansion and contraction, and water dilution of the sampled air have been accounted for. Thus, no density corrections should be required to compute fluxes during postprocessing. Calculations of CO2 and H2O fluxes via instantaneous mixing ratio from the new enclosed CO2/H2O gas analyzer were tested in nine field experiments during 2009–2010 in a wide range of ecosystems and setups. Fluxes computed via a mixing ratio output from the instrument without applying density corrections were compared to those computed the traditional way using density corrections. The results suggest that with proper temperature, water vapor, and pressure measurements in the cell, gas fluxes can be computed confidently from raw covariance of mixing ratio and vertical wind speed, multiplied by a frequency response correction. This has important implications for future flux measurements, because avoiding hourly density corrections could have the advantages of increasing flux measurement quality and temporal resolution, reducing the magnitude of minimum detectable flux, unifying data processing steps, and assuring better intercomparison between different sites and networks.
Effect of tumbling time and cooking temperature on quality attributes of cooked ham
Authors: Li Chunbao , Szczepaniak Slawomir , Steen Liselot , Goemaere Olivier , Impens Sandra , Paelinck Hubert , Zhou Guanghong
Published: September 2011

This study evaluates effect of tumbling time and cooking temperature on cooking rate, cooking loss (CL), colour, water activity and water‐holding capacity of cooked restructured ham rolls. In experiment were investigated three tumbling times (2, 4 and 6 h) at constant temperature (+4 °C) and three cooking temperatures (76, 86 and 96 °C). It was observed that CL decreased (P < 0.01) from 5.41% to 3.22% with tumbling time (2 h vs. 6 h) but increased (P < 0.01) from 2.35% to 7.25% along with cooking temperature (76 °C vs. 96 °C). In contrast, pH value increased (P < 0.01) from 6.18 to 6.24 with tumbling time (2 h vs. 6 h) but decreased (P < 0.01) from 6.22 to 6.17 along with cooking temperature (76 °C vs. 96 °C). In addition, high temperature had higher efficiency for thermal lethality than low temperature (F0 values were 19 and 92 min at 96 and 76 °C, respectively). Intermediate tumbling (4 h) and cooking (86 °C) could be preferential.
Effect of mode of delivery and feeding practices on acquisition of oral Streptococcus mutans in infants
Authors: THAKUR RACHNA , SINGH MOUSUMI G. , CHAUDHARY SEEMA , MANUJA NAVEEN
Published: September 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 197–202

Objective.  It is a well‐established fact that colonization of S. mutans occurs early in life. The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between mode of delivery and other associating factors with colonization of oral S. mutans in the infants.

Methods.  The newborns were divided into two groups according to the mode of delivery: Infants who were delivered by either caesarean section (Group‐C) or vaginally (Group‐V). A total number of 60 mother–infant pairs were included and followed for 1 year. The swab samples were collected for the detection of S. mutans.

Results.  Analysis of data demonstrated the possible influence of prolonged bottle feeding (P = 0.007), socioeconomic status (P = 0.00030) and tasting of food by the mothers (P = 0.0065) on the initial acquisition of S. mutans in the oral cavity of infants.

Conclusion.  The causes for initial acquisition of oral S. mutans in infants were postnatal factors like feeding and oral hygiene practices.
School nurses’ perspectives on managing mental health problems in children and young people
Authors: Pryjmachuk Steven , Graham Tanya , Haddad Mark , Tylee Andre
Published: September 2011

Aims and objectives.  To explore the views of school nurses regarding mental health problems in young people and their potential for engaging in mental health work with this client group.

Background.  Mental health problems in children and young people are an important public health issue. Universal children’s services play a key role in identifying and managing these problems and, while school nurses have an important function in this work, little is known about their views on this aspect of their role.

Design.  A qualitative research design employing focus group methodology.

Method.  School nurses (n = 33) were purposively sampled from four school nursing teams in two English cities for a series of focus groups. The focus group data were audio‐recorded, transcribed and subsequently analysed using ‘framework’.

Results.  Four principal themes emerged from the data. In these themes, school nurses were found to value their involvement with the mental health of young people, recognising this as an important area of practice. Several obstacles to their work in this area were identified: heavy workloads, professional rivalries, a lack of confidence and limited education and training opportunities. The importance of support from local specialist mental health teams was emphasised.

Conclusions.  School nurses can be engaged in mental health work though, as public health specialists, their role should focus on health promotion, assessment, signposting and early intervention activities. To facilitate mental health work, school nurses are able to draw on established interpersonal skills and supportive networks; however, workload and a lack of confidence need to be managed and it is important that they are supported by constructive relationships with local specialist mental health teams.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study has implications for nurses and healthcare practitioners interested in enhancing the mental health of children and young people in school settings.
Ethnic factors in mental health service utilisation among people with intellectual disability in high‐income countries: systematic review
Authors: Durà‐Vilà G. , Hodes M.
Published: September 2011

Background  An emerging literature suggests that ethnic and cultural factors influence service utilisation among people with intellectual disability (ID), but this has not previously been reviewed.

Aims  To investigate possible ethnic variation in uptake of mental health services in children, adolescents and adults with ID in high‐income countries.

Method  A systematic review using main databases of studies that consider ethnic influences on mental health utilisation of people with ID. Methodological quality of studies was assessed.

Results  Nine studies that reached selection criteria were identified. Six studies that compared two or more ethnic groups found a variation in levels of mental health service utilisation. The most consistent finding was that South Asian children, adolescents and adults with ID in the UK had lower use of mental health services than White British comparison groups.

Conclusion  Ethnic influences on mental health service utilisation were identified. Understanding their significance and potential negative consequences requires further investigation.
Adipose zinc‐α2‐glycoprotein is a catabolic marker in cancer and noncancerous states
Authors: Rydén M. , Agustsson T. , Andersson J. , Bolinder J. , Toft E. , Arner P.
Published: September 2011

Abstract.  Rydén M, Agustsson T, Andersson J, Bolinder J, Toft E, Arner P (Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Norrlands University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden; and Ersta Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden). Adipose zinc‐α2‐glycoprotein is a catabolic marker in cancer and noncancerous states. J Intern Med 2012; 271: 414–420

Objective.  Zinc‐α2‐glycoprotein (ZAG) has been proposed as a tumour‐derived cancer cachexia factor. However, ZAG is produced by some normal tissues, including white adipose tissue (WAT), and high serum ZAG levels are present in nonmalignant conditions. We determined whether human WAT contributes to serum ZAG levels and how serum and WAT‐secreted ZAG levels correlate with catabolism in patients with cancer and in obese subjects undergoing a very low‐calorie diet (VLCD) for 11 days.

Design/subjects.  ZAG levels in serum and in conditioned medium from WAT/adipocytes were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. ZAG release from WAT in vivo was determined in 10 healthy subjects. The correlation between ZAG and cachexia was studied in 34 patients with newly diagnosed gastrointestinal cancer. The impact of a VLCD on ZAG release and serum levels was assessed in 10 obese women.

Results.  ZAG was released from abdominal WAT and adipocytes in vitro. However, the arteriovenous differences in vivo showed that there was no significant contribution of WAT to the circulating levels. WAT‐secreted but not serum ZAG correlated positively with poor nutritional status but not with fat mass (or body mass index) in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. In obese subjects on a VLCD, ZAG secretion from WAT increased significantly whereas serum levels remained unaltered.

Conclusions.  ZAG is released from human WAT, but this tissue does not contribute significantly to the circulating levels. WAT‐secreted ZAG correlates with nutritional status but not with fat mass in both cancer and nonmalignant conditions. Adipose ZAG is therefore a local factor activated primarily by the catabolic state per se.
A nationwide cohort study of the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in coeliac disease
Authors: Ludvigsson J. F. , Inghammar M. , Ekberg M. , Egesten A.
Published: September 2011

Abstract.  Ludvigsson JF, Inghammar M, Ekberg M, Egesten A (Örebro University Hospital, Örebro; Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; and Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden). A nationwide cohort study of the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in coeliac disease. J Intern Med 2012; 271: 481–489.

Objective.  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continues to be an important cause of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs in the western world. Although smoking is an important trigger of COPD, other factors such as chronic inflammation and malnutrition are known to influence its development. Because coeliac disease (CD) is characterized both by dysregulated inflammation and malnutrition, the possibility of an association between CD and COPD was investigated.

Methods.  Through biopsy data from all Swedish pathology departments, we identified 10 990 individuals with CD who were biopsied between 1987 and 2008 (Marsh 3: villous atrophy). As controls, 54 129 reference individuals matched for age, sex, county and calendar year of first biopsy were selected. Cox regression analysis was then performed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for having a diagnosis of COPD according to the Swedish Patient Register.

Results.  During follow‐up, 380 individuals with CD (3.5%) and 1391 (2.6%) controls had an incident diagnosis of COPD, which corresponds to an HR of 1.24 (95% CI: 1.10–1.38) and an excess risk of COPD of 79/100 000 person‐years in CD. The risk increase remained 5 years after biopsy (HR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.00–1.37). Risk estimates did not change with adjustment for type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, country of birth or level of education. Men with CD were at a higher risk of COPD (HR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.18–1.62) than women with CD (HR = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.94–1.30). Of note, CD was also associated with COPD before CD diagnosis (odds ratio = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.02–1.46).

Conclusion.  Patients with CD seem to be at a moderately increased risk of COPD both before and after CD diagnosis.
Genetic polymorphisms in oestrogen receptor‐binding sites affect clinical outcomes in patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen‐deprivation therapy
Authors: Huang C.‐N. , Huang S.‐P. , Pao J.‐B. , Hour T.‐C. , Chang T.‐Y. , Lan Y.‐H. , Lu T.‐L. , Lee H.‐Z. , Juang S.‐H. , Wu P.‐P. , Huang C.‐Y. , Hsieh C.‐J. , Bao B.‐Y.
Published: September 2011

Abstract.  Huang C‐N, Huang S‐P, Pao J‐B, Hour T‐C, Chang T‐Y, Lan Y‐H, Lu T‐L, Lee H‐Z, Juang S‐H, Wu P‐P, Huang C‐Y, Hsieh C‐J, Bao B‐Y (Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung; Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung; Taipei City Hospital, Taipei; Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung; China Medical University, Taichung; National Taiwan University Hospital; Oriental Institute of Technology; National Taiwan University, Taipei; China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan). Genetic polymorphisms in oestrogen receptor‐binding sites affect clinical outcomes in patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen‐deprivation therapy. J Intern Med 2012; 271: 499–509.

Background.  Accumulating evidence indicates that oestrogens have significant direct effects on normal prostate development and carcinogenesis. The majority of the biological activities of oestrogens are mediated through the oestrogen receptor (ER), which functions as a hormone‐inducible transcription factor to regulate target gene expression by binding to oestrogen response elements (EREs) in the regulatory regions of target genes. Sequence variants in EREs might affect the ER–ERE interaction and subsequent physiological activities. Therefore, we tested whether common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inside EREs are related to the clinical outcomes of androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with prostate cancer.

Methods.  We systematically evaluated 49 ERE SNPs predicted using a genome‐wide database in a cohort of 601 men with advanced prostate cancer treated with ADT. The prognostic significance of these SNPs on disease progression, prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM) and all‐cause mortality (ACM) after ADT was assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis and a Cox regression model.

Results.  Based on multiple hypothesis testing, BNC2 rs16934641 was found to be associated with disease progression; in addition, TACC2 rs3763763 was associated with PCSM, and ALPK1 rs2051778 and TACC2 rs3763763 were associated with ACM. These SNPs remained significant in multivariate analyses that included known clinicopathological predictors. Moreover, a combined genotype effect on ACM was observed when ALPK1 rs2051778 and TACC2 rs3763763 were analysed in combination. Patients with a greater number of unfavourable genotypes had a shorter time to ACM during ADT (P for trend <0.001).

Conclusion.  The incorporation of ERE SNPs into models with known predictors might improve outcome prediction in patients with prostate cancer receiving ADT.
Philopatry and within‐colony movements in Columbian ground squirrels
Authors: ARNAUD COLINE M. , DOBSON F. STEPHEN , MURIE JAN O.
Published: September 2011

Philopatry and dispersal result in selection of habitat locations that may differ in resources and social environment and thus should influence fitness components like survival and reproduction. We examined short‐distance movements of young and adult females from natal or previous nesting sites within a colony of Columbian ground squirrels (Urocitellus columbianus) in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada, over a 17‐year period. Females of all ages were strongly philopatric, yet a few (10–15%) exhibited movements that took them to new home ranges. We tested three hypotheses to explain the pattern of female natal and breeding movements: (1) that movements of philopatric females promote proximity to close kin; (2) that range shifts favour close kin via bequeathal of territory and (3) that dispersers move to lower density areas where competition for resources is lower. Tests of these three hypotheses revealed that: (1) philopatry and movements of young and older philopatric females led to proximity to mothers and local presence of close kin; (2) breeding dispersal did not result in bequeathal of home range to daughters, but movements of philopatric females suggested that they shared space with close kin and (3) adult females moved to new ranges with lower local densities, though dispersing females also left ranges where local density was significantly lower than for philopatric females. Natal and breeding movements among years produced two opportunities for territorial females: close spatial proximity to close kin via short philopatric movements, and habitats with fewer competitors via longer dispersal movements.