bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prosthetic metal implants and airport metal detectors
Authors: Ismail A , Dancey A , Titley OG
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Metal detectors have been present in airports and points of departure for some time. With the introduction of heightened security measures in response to fears of an increased threat of terrorism, they may become more prevalent in other public locations. The aim of this study was to ascertain which prosthetic devices activated metal detector devices used for security purposes.

Methods

A range of prosthetic devices used commonly in orthopaedic and plastic surgery procedures were passed through an arch metal detector at Birmingham Airport in the UK. Additionally, each item was passed under a wand detector. Items tested included expandable breast prostheses, plates used in wrist and hand surgery, screws, K-wires, Autosuture™ ligation clips and staples.

Results

No prostheses were detected by the arch detector. The expandable implants and wrist plates were the only devices detected by passing the wand directly over them. No device was detected by the wand when it was under cover of the axillary soft tissue. Screws, K-wires, Autosuture™ clips and staples were not detected under any of the study conditions.

Conclusions

Although unlikely to trigger a detector, it is possible that an expandable breast prosthesis or larger plate may do so. It is therefore best to warn patients of this so they can anticipate detection and further examination.
Iatrogenic postoperative brachial plexus compression secondary to hypertrophic non-union of a clavicle fracture
Authors: Thavarajah D , Scadden J
Published: March 2013

The brachial plexus is related intimately to the clavicle such that injury can occur primarily and most commonly at the time of trauma through traction or it can occur secondarily, mainly owing to hypertrophic non-union with exuberant callus formation, causing compression of the plexus. The movement-dependent rearrangement of the subclavicular space is restricted with rigid internal fixation, thereby placing inappropriate pressure on the plexus from the deep hypertrophic tissue. This case highlights another cause of brachial plexopathy of which to be aware.
Assessing the effectiveness of retrograde autologous priming of the cardiopulmonary bypass machine in isolated coronary artery bypass grafts
Authors: Kearsey C , Thekkudan J , Robbins S , Ng A , Lakshmanan S , Luckraz H
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Currently, around 35–80% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery in the UK receive a blood transfusion. Retrograde autologous priming (RAP) of the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit has been suggested as a possible strategy to reduce blood transfusion during cardiac surgery.

Methods

Data from 101 consecutive patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafts (where RAP was used) were collected prospectively and compared with 92 historic patients prior to RAP use in our centre.

Results

Baseline characteristics (ie age, preoperative haemoglobin [Hb] etc) were not significantly different between the RAP and non-RAP groups. The mean pump priming volume of 1,013ml in the RAP group was significantly lower (p<0.001) than that of 2,450ml in the non-RAP group. The mean Hb level at initiation of bypass of 9.1g/dl in patients having RAP was significantly higher (p<0.001) than that of 7.7g/dl in those who did not have RAP. There was no significant difference between the RAP and non-RAP groups in transfusion of red cells, platelets and fresh frozen plasma, 30-day mortality, re-exploration rate and predischarge Hb level. The median durations of cardiac intensive care unit stay and in-hospital stay of 1 day (interquartile range [IQR]: 1–2 days) and 5 days (IQR: 4–6 days) in the RAP group were significantly shorter than those of the non-RAP group (2 days [IQR: 1–3 days] and 6 days [IQR: 5–9 days]).

Conclusions

In the population group studied, RAP did not influence blood transfusion rates but was associated with a reduction in duration of hospital stay.
Prediction of outcome of non-operative treatment of acute scaphoid waist fracture
Authors: Davis TRC
Published: March 2013

Fifteen per cent of acute fractures of the scaphoid waist fail to unite if treated non-operatively in plaster, resulting in persistent loss of function. Suspected risk factors for non-union include proximal fracture fragment avascularity and assessments of fracture displacement and comminution. This series of studies investigated whether one can accurately identify which scaphoid waist fractures will unite with plaster treatment. They suggest that proximal fracture fragment vascularity is not a predictor of outcome. In contrast, assessments of fracture displacement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) but not scaphoid series radiographs can be used to predict outcome. Undisplaced fractures are benign and unite reliably with 4–8 weeks’ treatment in plaster. Displaced fractures with 3mm or more gapping have a significant non-union rate if treated in plaster and might be better treated operatively. Use of MRI/CT may allow reliable, cost effective treatment of acute fractures through the scaphoid waist.
Maxillary dentinogenic ghost cell tumour
Authors: Biggs TC , Hayes SM , Harries PG , Salib RJ
Published: March 2013

Dentinogenic ghost cell tumours are extremely rare, and pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges as this case clearly demonstrates. An awareness of different clinical presentations and distinct histopathological features is important in establishing an early definitive diagnosis and instituting appropriate management. Furthermore, there is little precedent in the literature to guide management in such a case, and we therefore consider this report to be noteworthy and instructive in this respect.
Patella distal pole avulsion secondary to osteomyelitis in a healthy adult
Authors: Voon V , Arshad H , Davis B
Published: March 2013

Primary haematogenous patella osteomyelitis in an adult is a rare condition. Cases published in the literature relate predominantly to the paediatric population or are associated with risk factors such as intravenous drug abuse, human immunodeficiency virus and penetrating trauma. The rarity of this condition and its atypical presentation should be borne in mind while treating a patient with anterior knee pain. It is crucial to evaluate radiography of diagnostic quality carefully.
The diagnostic value of white cell count, C-reactive protein and bilirubin in acute appendicitis and its complications
Authors: Panagiotopoulou I G , Parashar D , Lin R , Antonowicz S , Wells AD , Bajwa FM , Krijgsman B
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Inflammatory markers such as white cell count (WCC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and, more recently, bilirubin have been used as adjuncts in the diagnosis of appendicitis. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the above markers in acute and perforated appendicitis as well as their value in excluding the condition.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 1,169 appendicectomies was performed. Patients were grouped according to histological examination of appendicectomy specimens (normal appendix = NA, acute appendicitis = AA, perforated appendicitis = PA) and preoperative laboratory test results were correlated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area analysis (area under the curve [AUC]) was performed to examine diagnostic accuracy.

Results

ROC analysis of all laboratory variables showed that no independent variable was diagnostic for AA. Good diagnostic accuracy was seen for AA when all variables were combined (WCC/CRP/bilirubin combined AUC: 0.8173). In PA, the median CRP level was significantly higher than that of AA (158mg/l vs 30mg, p<0.0001). CRP also showed the highest sensitivity (100%) and negative predictive value (100%) for PA. CRP had the highest diagnostic accuracy in PA (AUC: 0.9322) and this was increased when it was combined with WCC (AUC: 0.9388). Bilirubin added no diagnostic value in PA. Normal levels of WCC, CRP and bilirubin could not rule out appendicitis.

Conclusions

CRP provides the highest diagnostic accuracy for PA. Bilirubin did not provide any discriminatory value for AA and its complications. Normal inflammatory markers cannot exclude appendicitis, which remains a clinical diagnosis.
The impact of trauma centre designation on open tibial fracture management
Authors: Stammers J , Williams D , Hunter J , Vesely M , Nielsen D
Published: March 2013

Introduction

The British Orthopaedic Association/British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons guidelines for the management of open tibial fractures recommend early senior combined orthopaedic and plastic surgical input with appropriate facilities to manage a high caseload. The aim of this study was to assess whether becoming a major trauma centre has affected the management of patients with open tibial fractures.

Methods

Data were obtained prospectively on consecutive open tibial fractures during two eight-month periods: before and after becoming a trauma centre.

Results

Overall, 29 open tibial fractures were admitted after designation as a major trauma centre compared with 15 previously. Of the 29 patients, 21 came directly or as transfers from another accident and emergency deparment (previously 8 of 15). The time to transfer patients admitted initially to local orthopaedic departments has fallen from 205.7 hours to 37.4 hours (p=0.084). Tertiary transferred patients had a longer hospital stay (16.3 vs 14.9 days) and had more operations (3.7 vs 2.6, p=0.08) than direct admissions. As a trauma centre, there were improvements in time to definitive skeletal stabilisation (4.7 vs 2.2 days, p=0.06), skin coverage (8.3 vs 3.7 days, p=0.06), average number of operations (4.2 vs 2.3, p=0.002) and average length of hospital admission (26.6 vs 15.3 days, p=0.05).

Conclusions

The volume and management of open tibial fractures, independent of fracture grade, has been directly affected by the introduction of a trauma centre enabling early combined senior orthopaedic and plastic surgical input. Our data strongly support the benefits of trauma centres and the continuing development of trauma networks in the management of open tibial fractures.
Functional anatomy of the distal radioulnar joint in health and disease
Authors: Lees VC
Published: March 2013

The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is critical to the function of the forearm as a mechanical unit. This paper is concerned with the concepts and observations that have changed understanding of the function of the DRUJ, notably with respect to the biomechanics of this joint. The DRUJ has been shown to be important in acting to distribute load and removal of the ulna head leads to the biomechanical equivalent of a one-bone forearm. The soft tissues with topographical relations to the distal forearm and DRUJ have also been investigated in our experimental series with findings including the description of a clinical disorder termed subluxation-related ulna neuropathy syndrome.
Primary hyperparathyroidism with water clear cell content: the impact of histological diagnosis on clinical management and outcome
Authors: Ezzat T , Maclean GM , Parameswaran R , Phillips B , Komar V , Mihai R , Sadler G , Courtney S
Published: March 2013

Water clear cell hyperplasia (WCCH) and water clear cell adenomas (WCCA) of the parathyroid glands are rare causes of primary hyperparathyroidism. We report in this series one case of WCCH and two cases of WCCA representing 0.3% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism presenting to our institution. Increased parathyroid cellular water content was responsible for relatively larger parathyroid gland sizes. However, this was not associated with higher biochemical markers or more severe clinical presentations. Histological distinction between WCCH and WCCA is difficult but important since patients with WCCH who have had a parathyroidectomy via a unilateral neck exploration may carry an increased risk of future disease recurrence.
Challenging boundaries: an enhanced recovery programme for radical cystectomy
Authors: Mukhtar S , Ayres BE , Issa R , Swinn MJ , Perry MJA
Published: March 2013

Introduction

The implementation of enhanced recovery programmes (ERPs) in colorectal surgery has seen improvements in the length of inpatient stay with no increase in complications. We investigated the role of ERP in radical cystectomy at our institution.

Methods

Prospective data were collected from 26 consecutive patients prior to the introduction of the ERP and 51 patients who underwent open radical cystectomy within an ERP. Individuals in the ERP cohort did not receive bowel preparation or nasogastric drainage but received preoperative carbohydrate drinks, perioperative epidural analgesia and immediate mobilisation on day 1. Primary outcome measures included duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and length of hospital stay. Secondary outcome measures included the time to the passage of flatus and faeces, and time to mobilisation. Other measures that were analysed included operation time and complications.

Results

Baseline characteristics for both groups were similar. The median length of hospital stay fell from 11.5 days to 10.4 days and the mean ICU stay dropped from 2.4 days to 1.0 days (p=0.01). Time to removal of nasogastric tube, and time to passage of flatus and faeces were significantly shorter in the ERP group, as was the time to full oral diet. Clavien complication rates and 30-day mortality rates were similar in both groups. There were no readmissions.

Conclusions

ERP in radical cystectomy is safe and not associated with any increase in complications or readmissions. It is associated with reductions in ICU stay, and could also reduce length of hospital stay and duration of postoperative ileus.
Long-term results of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with and without stenting
Authors: Mohamad SH , Khan I , Shakeel M , Nandapalan V
Published: March 2013

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the short and long-term results of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with and without silicone stenting in chronic dacrocystorhinitis due to postsaccal blockage.

Methods

The study involved a case series of consecutive 89 patients (128 eyes) who underwent endoscopic DCR. All patients were operated on by the senior author. The stent group comprised 63 eyes (44 patients), for which the DCR was performed between September 2002 and September 2005. The non-stent group with 65 eyes (45 patients) underwent the DCR between October 2005 and December 2006. The follow-up duration was up to 33 months after surgery. The statistical significance (p-value) was calculated using the chi-squared test.

Results

The short-term success rate at six months’ follow-up was 70% in the stent group and 97% in the non-stent group (p=0.0005) while the long-term success rate at 33 months was only 57% in stent group compared with 89% in the non-stent group (p=0.0003).

Conclusions

In this study, the non-stent group showed a higher success rate than the stent group on both short and longterm follow-up. Our study suggests that postoperative stents are not necessary for primary DCR and may be associated with a worse outcome.
Using therapeutic mammoplasty to extend the role of breast-conserving surgery in women with larger or ptotic breasts
Authors: Currie A , Chong K , Davies GL
Published: March 2013

Introduction

The equivalence of breast-conserving surgery followed by postoperative radiotherapy against mastectomy is now firmly established in patients with early breast cancer. The results of surgery in large-breasted women can be poor, with radiation-induced fibrosis, chronic pain and poor cosmesis contributing to long-term psychological and physical morbidity. Therapeutic mammoplasty offers an alternative management strategy to both enhance the role of breast-conserving surgery and provide better outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective note review was undertaken of all patients undergoing therapeutic mammoplasty for breast malignancy between 2007 and 2011. All cases were performed using a Wise pattern-reduction technique. Histology and pathological outcomes were assessed. Postoperative outcomes reviewed included wound infection, seroma and need for further intervention.

Results

During the study period, 20 patients underwent therapeutic mammoplasty with a mean follow-up duration of 36 months. The mean weight of the lumpectomy specimen was 330g. The average cancer size was 34mm, with a mean margin clearance of 7mm. There was one episode of wound infection and three of delayed wound healing at the T-junction. One patient required a mastectomy for involved margins. There were no recurrences at the most recent follow-up visit.

Conclusions

Therapeutic mammoplasty offers a tailored approach to women with larger breasts and early breast cancers with good cosmetic results and oncological outcomes.
Damage control – trauma care in the first hour and beyond: a clinical review of relevant developments in the field of trauma care
Authors: Sharrock AE , Midwinter M
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Trauma provision in the UK is a topic of interest. Regional trauma networks and centres are evolving and research is blossoming, but what bearing does all this have on the care that is delivered to the individual patient? This article aims to provide an overview of key research concepts in the field of trauma care, to guide the clinician in decision making in the management of major trauma.

Methods

The Ovid MEDLINE®, EMBASE™ and PubMed databases were used to search for relevant articles on haemorrhage control, damage control resuscitation and its exceptions, massive transfusion protocols, prevention and correction of coagulopathy, acidosis and hypothermia, and damage-control surgery.

Findings

A wealth of research is available and a broad range has been reviewed to summarise significant developments in trauma care. Research has been categorised into disciplines and it is hoped that by considering each, a tailored management plan for the individual trauma patient will evolve, potentially improving patient outcome.
The Harold Ellis Prize 2012: In Austere Financial Times Which Procedures Should be Rationed and Who Should Decide?
Authors: Keohane Emma
Published: March 2013

On 23rd November 2012, 14 nervous medical students from schools all over the country congregated at The Royal College of Surgeons of England to participate in the presentation stage of the Harold Ellis Prize. The presentation title given was: In austere financial times, which procedures should be rationed and who should decide?
One-Stop Triple Imaging: The Way Forward in Head and Neck Cancer Management?
Authors: Randhawa PS , Jie J Lee Yi , Lechner M , Rimmer J , Beale T , Morley S , Vaz F
Published: March 2013

Head and neck (H&N) cancer affects approximately 8–15 per 100,000 of the UK population. It has been suggested that the delay in diagnosing cancer has been a major factor in the poorer survival rates in the UK compared with some other countries in Europe.
Low Volume of Exposure Affects Trainees' Confidence in Chest Drain Placement
Authors: Barlow T , Sanders B , Barlow D
Published: March 2013

Since the turn of the century, various implementations have potentially decreased the exposure of doctors in training to practical procedures. These include Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) and the European Working Time Regulations (EWTR). Both these measures resulted in training that was shorter in terms of the hours worked per week and the total length of time taken to reach consultancy, as well as doctors spending less time away from their own specialty.
An Assessment of the Reliability and Validity of Shortlisting in General Surgery Training Selection
Authors: Griffiths GD , Ausobsky J , Steger A , Waghorn A , Cochrane L
Published: March 2013

Shortlisting is a recognised means of preliminary selection that reduces the number of applicants who progress to interview. It is generally based on an assessment of a structured application form or the applicants' curriculum vitae. Various criteria are used to determine the selection but there is usually a scoring system based on the desirable criteria in the person specification. It has the advantage of making the interview process more manageable by reducing the total number of interviews required and also by pre-determining the exact number of appointments.
In Pursuit of Great Surgery: Sports Psychology
Authors: Parks RM , Deall C , Arya P , Elsayed S
Published: March 2013

The 'four Cs' (concentration, confidence, control and commitment) are considered the key mental qualities required for success in competitive sports. The increased stress of competing can cause the body to react physically and mentally, producing negative thoughts and decreasing performance. This has led to an increase in the concept of sports psychology, with the development of psychological methods to allow the participant to overcome pre-competition anxieties to confer a positive advantage.
General Surgery Logbook Survey
Authors: Allum W , Hornby S , Khera G , Fitzgerald E , Griffiths G
Published: March 2013

Application for a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in general surgery includes assessment of a validated logbook. The content of a satisfactory logbook has long been an area of contention. The logbook allows trainees to record their operative experience and to show the level of supervision. It is tempting to set a specific number of procedures to be completed by the end of training. However, such a number must be evidence based rather than chosen subjectively.
The Impact of the European Working Time Regulations and Modernising Medical Careers on Out-of-hours ENT Cover
Authors: Smith ME , Lakhani R , Bhat N
Published: March 2013

The implementation of the European Working Time Regulations (EWTR), coupled with the ongoing impact of Modernising Medical Careers (MMC), has necessitated a significant redevelopment of out-of-hours cover for surgical specialties in the UK. A review of the literature related to the provision of out-of-hours ENT cover gives an insight into the impact of these changes on a comparatively small surgical specialty. A 2008 survey revealed that three-quarters of junior doctors providing ENT out-of-hours care were crosscovering specialties other than ENT – a figure up from just over half of junior doctors in 2005, prior to stricter EWTR rules. Of all 'first-on-call' doctors for ENT, only 19–32% have prior ENT experience. Consequently, ENT services are provided frequently by inexperienced, non-enT doctors covering multiple other specialties, often as part of a 'hospital-at-night' team.
Radiation Exposure During Internal Fixation of Extracapsular Femoral Neck Fractures by Today's Trainees
Authors: Rushton PRP , Srinivasan SCM
Published: March 2013

The use of intraoperative fluoroscopy screening is often crucial to the success of fracture fixation in orthopaedic trauma surgery. Given the possible link to carcinogenesis as well as other complications, limited exposure to and protection from radiation is mandated both for staff and patients. Governing bodies in several countries, including the UK, dictate that exposures be kept as low as reasonably practicable.
An Audit of Student Satisfaction with Under Graduate ENT Surgery Teaching
Authors: Carr ERM , Jones M , Pankhania M , Ali K , Pau H
Published: March 2013

At our institution, ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery is taught to fourth- and final-year medical students in a four-week long special senses module. This module is a joint ENT and ophthalmology placement. It is structured as an introductory week of lectures and practical sessions followed by a three-week period spent in ENT and ophthalmology clinics and theatres.
Microsurgery in Nepal: a week on 'ear camp' with the Britain Nepal Otology Service
Authors: Blanchford H
Published: March 2013

In December 2012, I was privileged to be given the opportunity to assist on the 49th Britain Nepal Otology Service (BRINOS) 'ear camp' in Nepal, a country where 40 per cent of the population are estimated to live in poverty. In the BRINOS initiative, a collaboration of ENT specialists, nurses and community ear assistants (CEAs) apply their skills in thrice-yearly ear surgery camps to the enormous task of reducing morbidity from ear disease.
Time to step up to the plate
Authors: Williams Norman
Published: March 2013

This month we hosted the Hunterian Oration and dinner. It was a splendid occasion that showed the College at its very best. The Oration, delivered biennially, celebrates Hunter's remarkable contribution to the science and practice of surgery and is regarded as the most prestigious lecture awarded by our College. The lecturer is therefore chosen very carefully from a number of outstanding individuals who have made a significant contribution to their sphere of work.
Nothing but the Tooth
Authors: Berkovitz Barry KB
Published: March 2013

May 18 will be a day of celebration here in the College, marking the bicentenary of the opening of the Hunterian Museum. It will remind us of how fortunate we are in having this world-class resource within our walls. Until the 1980s access to it was restricted mainly to members of the medical and dental professions. However, following an impressive refurbishment and re-opening in 2005, it is now open on an increasing scale to the general public, with over 70,000 of them visiting in the past year. Their ongoing positive response encourages us to share our artefacts and to show how relevant the museum is today. Our ever-changing displays aim to do this by not only educating visitors on the history of surgery, but also informing them on the latest developments in the subject.
Development of oral surgery competency: undergraduate foundation training
Authors: Balmer Colette
Published: March 2013

The National Health Service globally is currently undergoing significant scrutiny in terms of cost effectiveness, and services in the secondary care sector are being rationalised and, where possible, relocated into a primary care setting. The new commissioning bodies are keen to further develop and continue this trend. Dental services will be commissioned nationally by the NHS Commissioning Board although the implementation will be maintained at a more local level.
Postgraduate training and educational opportunities for oral surgery in the UK
Authors: Renton Tara , McArdle Louis
Published: March 2013

The National Health Service globally is currently undergoing significant scrutiny in terms of cost effectiveness, and services in the secondary care sector are being rationalised and, where possible, relocated into a primary care setting. The new commissioning bodies are keen to further develop and continue this trend. Dental services will be commissioned nationally by the NHS Commissioning Board although the implementation will be maintained at a more local level.
Quality assurance in intermediate minor oral surgery commissioning: using a practical skills exercise as part of the accreditation of performers
Authors: Hall-Scullin Emma , Taylor Nicholas , Thayer Tom , Catleugh Melanie
Published: March 2013

A model of accreditation for dentists with a special interest (DwSIs) in minor oral surgery (MOS) was developed when commissioning a new MOS service. The aim of accreditation was to ensure quality in the service provided by performers. The integrated assessment of prospective performers included an interview, review of evidence of experience, a practice inspection and a practical skills exercise (PSE). Success in the accreditation process was contingent on success in all four parts. This paper focuses on the delivery and utility of the PSE. Prospective performers were asked to complete two simulated MOS exercises on pig jaws, which were assessed according to national criteria.1
Level 3 service delivery: implementation of the oral surgery review
Authors: Renton Tara
Published: March 2013

The relatively new specialty of oral surgery really has the opportunity to blossom and expand with new developments and innovations evolving in the National Health Service (NHS). This paper aims to address how we may implement the forward-facing Medical Education England (MEE) review of oral surgery services,1 highlighting both opportunities and challenges.
The advantages and disadvantages of providing minor oral surgery in primary care
Authors: Patel Jayendra
Published: March 2013

The National Health Service (NHS) has recently been faced with increasing government targets at the same time as increasing spending cuts. Within the current fiscal constraints, the NHS is expected to deliver quality services while at the same time ensuring value for money.1Since 1995 there have been developments to move the delivery of specialist dental care into the primary healthcare sector. This followed a report by the Chief Dental Officer (CDO) for England, who reviewed the arrangements for specialist training in dentistry.2To keep in line with Europe, the CDO also recommended an increase in the provision of specialist dental care provided in the primary care setting.
Still a woman’s job: the division of housework in couples living with dementia
Authors: Boyle Geraldine
Published: March 2013

Progress towards gender equality within intimate relationships has been slow, evident in the persistent unequal division of household labour. Previous studies have primarily focused on non-disabled couples, but research into couples where women were physically disabled has similarly shown a lack of gender equity in housework. However, there was a gap in the evidence in relation to whether men do more housework when women develop dementia. This article presents findings from a qualitative study in England, which explored the everyday decisions made by married couples where one partner had dementia. The author examines the division of labour within the couples and identifies whether women exercised any control over who did the housework. As it was found that men were often reluctant to undertake housework when their wives developed dementia, the author concludes that gender inequality in domestic labour tends to persist, irrespective of cognitive disability.
Infertility and relationships: the importance of constructions in context
Authors: Kok Bregje Christina de
Published: March 2013

In low- and middle-income countries, infertility is a neglected but highly stigmatising condition, which often leads to extramarital affairs, polygamy and divorce. I conducted interviews in Malawi with women with a fertility problem and used discursive psychology to analyse how they described and constructed (extra)marital relationships. Surprisingly, several respondents constructed their relationships as good, and descriptions minimised the significance and blameworthiness of husbands’ affairs. This contrasts with the literature’s portrayal of conjugal relationship problems as among the main hardships that infertile women endure. Attention to participants’ own orientations to relationship ‘trouble’ is important. Furthermore, discursive practices, such as not complaining or not blaming one’s spouse for affairs, appear to limit possibilities for ‘speaking out’ and ‘acting up’. Interventions could facilitate alternative accounts and constructions. This study illuminates local practices of family and intimacy, how people ‘do’ relationships and intimacy in interaction, and the shared expectations concerning marital relationships and social categories (eg, ‘spouse’) that the respondents draw on. This is important: sexual and reproductive health interventions should consider relationships and their context-specific meanings.
On the other side of couplehood: single women in Sweden exploring life without a partner
Authors: Evertsson Lars , Nyman Charlott
Published: March 2013

This article describes Swedish women’s experiences of life as single. Data showed that singlehood was not actively chosen but rather a situation that participants ended up in due to separation from a partner. However, once single, participants chose to remain single. The lack of gender equality in traditional cohabiting couplehood made participants wary about entering a new cohabiting couple relationship. Living apart together (LAT) relationships were identified as a possible way to combine gender-equal intimacy with personal freedom and independence. Data suggested that the increased number of single women may not necessarily point to an increased desirability of singleness per se, nor to a rejection of coupled intimacy. Singlehood was rather a rejection of the limitations associated with cohabiting couplehood. The article highlights the importance of the Swedish welfare state for making it possible for women to remain single, even those with dependent children.
Differentiating the self: the kinship practices of middle-aged gay men in Manchester
Authors: Simpson Paul
Published: March 2013

Middle-aged gay men in Manchester differentiate themselves through accounts of ‘friendship family’ from relating/kinship associated with heterosexuals and younger gay men. In this article, based on interviews with 27 men aged 39–61, I explore narratives of friendship family. This critical space enables development/mobilisation of the resources of ageing – ‘ageing capital’ – needed to reclaim self-worth in the face of homophobia and gay ageism. It helped men to develop the emotional and political resources to question heteronormative family and practice non-monogamy. However, in the struggle for dominance over meaning/representation, generational claims to differentiation could reinforce reverse ageism. Young gay men were constructed as threat, insubstantial or vulnerable, obliging a duty of care to avoid exploiting them. The discursive strategies men deployed could limit/thwart the use of ageing capital and undermine men’s claims that ageing involves a linear path towards enhanced awareness of self, other and authoritative knowledge of the relations of gay culture.
Who’s (really) in charge? Mothers and executive responsibility in ‘non-traditional’ families
Authors: Ranson Gillian
Published: March 2013

While fathers are becoming increasingly involved in the day-to-day work of caring for their children, mothers have tended to retain overall responsibility for children and family life – even when they are in full-time employment and delegate much of the daily care of children to others. Less is known about the sharing of this executive responsibility in cases where fathers are alternate caregivers, or where fathers’ share of caregiving equals or exceeds that of mothers. This article explores this question by drawing on a Canadian study of ‘non-traditional’ couples in which mothers were either primary breadwinners with caregiver partners, or in dual-earner relationships where partners equally shared most caregiving work. Three main variations in the sharing of overall executive responsibility are described. The most common case, where responsibility was shared along with other dimensions of caregiving work, suggested that ‘mothering’ and ‘fathering’ as separate (and gendered) practices were also being reconfigured.
My home is where my husband is: Chinese wives’ attitudes towards family migration to the United Kingdom
Authors: Wei Wenchao
Published: March 2013

With the increasing outflow of migrants from the People’s Republic of China, many professional Chinese men have been coming to the United Kingdom (UK) for further education and employment. Their wives frequently migrate to the UK as following spouses, to assist their husbands with their educational and career advancement. Based on qualitative data, this article explores women’s attitudes to family migrations triggered by their husbands. Although their perceptions of their roles as wives contributed to the reasons behind the decisions of these women to migrate to the UK, most were able to successfully transform their personal sacrifice into a bargaining chip with their husbands in future decision-making processes.
‘I like rough pubs’: exploring places of safety and danger in violent and abusive relationships
Authors: Mannay Dawn
Published: March 2013

Visual and creative methods of data production have become commonplace in social research studies. However, when researchers come to publish this work, the creativity of their data is often constrained by academic conventions that impose dense, dry, flat prose as the communicative exemplar. The priorities of publishing can hinder our ability to write in an accessible way but when we are writing as a project of social justice it is important to engage both cognitively and emotionally with an audience. Drawing on research with mothers and daughters residing in a marginalised area in south Wales, this article focuses on narratives of violence and domestic abuse. Moving from a contextualisation of the topic, to a creative presentation of participants’ stories, the article explores the process of liberation through writing; and the ways in which poetic writing exploits reflection and can inspire an audience to make changes.
Mush time: communality and the temporal rhythms of family life
Authors: Baraitser Lisa
Published: March 2013

In this short piece, I respond to the invitation to write differently about families, relationships and societies by drawing out an anecdotal approach to theorising family time. The anecdote I use highlights the temporal dimensions of family life, and the ways that time can be ‘mushed’, resisting the rhythms of late-capitalist domestic life. By ‘mushing’ time, ‘the ‘kids’ in the anecdote propose an alternative undifferentiated experience of communality, which links with wider generational concerns with how communality may only emerge when narratives of national progress are countered, and attention is turned to ‘mush’.
The Effect of Antimonate, Arsenate, and Phosphate on the Transformation of Ferrihydrite to Goethite, Hematite, Feroxyhyte, and Tripuhyite
Authors: Bolanz Ralph Michael , Bläss Ulrich , Ackermann Sonia , Ciobotă Valerian , Rösch Petra , Tarcea Nicolae , Popp Jürgen , Majzlan Juraj
Published: March 2013

Iron oxides, typical constituents of many soils, represent a natural immobilization mechanism for toxic elements. Most iron oxides are formed during the transformation of poorly crystalline ferrihydrite to more crystalline iron phases. The present study examined the impact of well known contaminants, such as P(V), As(V), and Sb(V), on the ferrihydrite transformation and investigated the transformation products with a set of bulk and nano-resolution methods. Irrespective of the pH, P(V) and As(V) favor the formation of hematite (α-Fe2O3) over goethite (α-FeOOH) and retard these transformations at high concentrations. Sb(V), on the other hand, favors the formation of goethite, feroxyhyte (d’-FeOOH), and tripuhyite (FeSbO4) depending on pH and Sb(V) concentration. The elemental composition of the transformation products analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy show high loadings of Sb(V) with molar Sb:Fe ratios of 0.12, whereas the molar P:Fe and As:Fe ratios do not exceed 0.03 and 0.06, respectively. The structural similarity of feroxyhyte and hematite was resolved by detailed electron diffraction studies, and feroxyhyte was positively identified in a number of the samples examined. These results indicate that, compared to P(V) and As(V), Sb(V) can be incorporated into the structure of certain iron oxides through Fe(III)-Sb(V) substitution, coupled with other substitutions. However, the outcome of the ferrihydrite transformation (hematite, goethite, feroxyhyte, or tripuhyite) depends on the Sb(V) concentration, pH, and temperature.
Structure and Photoluminescence of Composites Based on CDS Enclosed in Magadiite
Authors: Chen Yufeng , Yu Gensheng , Li Fei , Wei Junchao
Published: March 2013

In order to extend the application of magadiite to optical fields (rather than the usual focus on adsorption, catalysis, ion exchange, etc.), a magadiite-CdS (Mag-CdS) composite was synthesized from Na-magadiite by ion exchange. Various techniques were used to characterize the composite. X-ray diffraction results indicated that the Mag-CdS composite retained the host magadiite structure in spite of decrease in the intensity of the X-ray diffraction peak of the host magadiite. The analytical results confirmed the formation of the Mag-CdS composite, along with the modification of the optical properties of CdS by the host magadiite.
Spectral and Hydration Properties of Allophane and Imogolite
Authors: Bishop Janice L. , Rampe Elizabeth B. , Bish David L. , Abidin Zaenal , Baker Leslie L. , Matsue Naoto , Henmi Teruo
Published: March 2013

Allophane and imogolite are common alteration products of volcanic materials. Natural and synthetic allophanes and imogolites were characterized in the present study in order to clarify the short-range order of these materials and to gain an understanding of their spectral properties. Spectral analyses included visible/near-infrared (VNIR), and infrared (IR) reflectance of particulate samples and thermal-infrared (TIR) emissivity spectra of particulate and pressed pellets. Spectral features were similar but not identical for allophane and imogolite. In the near-infrared (NIR) region, allophane spectra exhibited a doublet near 7265 and 7120 cm−1 (1.38 and 1.40 μm) due to OH2v, a broad band near 5220 cm−1 (1.92 μm) due to H2Ov+δ, and a band near 4560 cm−1 (2.19 μm) due to OHv+δ. Reflectance spectra of imogolite in this region included a doublet near 7295 and 7190 cm−1 (1.37 and 1.39 μm) due to OH2v, a broad band near 5200 cm−1 (1.92 μm) due to H2Ov+δ, and a band near 4565 cm−1 (2.19 μm) due to OHv+δ. A strong broad band was also observed near 3200–3700 cm−1 (~2.8–3.1 μm) which is a composite of OHv, H2Ov, and H2O2δ vibrations. Visible/near-infrared spectra were also collected under two relative humidity (RH) conditions. High-RH conditions resulted in increasing band strength for the H2O combination modes near 6900–6930 cm−1 (1.45 μm) and 5170–5180 cm−1 (1.93 μm) in the allophane and imogolite spectra due to increased abundances of adsorbed H2O molecules. Variation in adsorbed H2O content caused an apparent shift in the bands near 1.4 and 1.9 μm. A doublet H2Oδ vibration was observed at 1600–1670 cm−1 (~6.0–6.2 μm) and a band due to OH bending for O3SiOH was observed at ~1350–1485 cm−1 (~6.7–7.4 μm). The Si-O-Al stretching vibrations occurred near 1030 and 940 cm−1 (~9.7 and 10.6 μm) for allophane and near 1010 and 930 cm−1 (~9.9 and 10.7 μm) for imogolite. OH out-of-plane bending modes occurred near 610 cm−1 (16.4 μm) for allophane and at 595 cm−1 (16.8 μm) for imogolite. Features due to Si-O-Al bending vibrations were observed at 545, 420, and 335 cm−1 (~18, 24, and 30 μm) for allophane and at 495, 415, and 335 cm−1 (~20, 24, and 30 μm) for imogolite. The emissivity spectra were obtained from pressed pellets of the samples, which greatly enhanced the spectral contrast of the TIR absorptions. Predicted NIR bands were calculated from the mid-IR fundamental stretching and bending vibrations and compared with the measured NIR values. Controlled-RH X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments were also performed in order to investigate changes in the mineral structure with changing RH conditions. Both allophane and imogolite exhibited decreasing low-angle XRD intensity with increasing RH, which was probably a result of interactions between H2O molecules and the curved allophane and imogolite structures.
High-Temperature Transformation of Asbestos Tailings by Carbothermal Reduction
Authors: Huang Zhao-Hui , Li Wen-Juan , Pan Zi-He , Liu Yan-Gai , Fang Ming-Hao
Published: March 2013

The production and industrial use of asbestos cement and other asbestos-containing materials have been restricted in most countries because of the potential detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Chrysotile is the most common form of asbestos and investigations into how to recycle this serpentine phyllosilicate mineral have attracted extensive attention. Chrysotile asbestos tailings can be transformed thermally, at high temperature, by in situ carbothermal reduction (CR). The CR method aims to maximize use of the chrysotile available and uses high temperatures and carbon to change the mineral form and structure of the chrysotile asbestos tailings. When chrysotile asbestos is employed as the raw material and coke (carbon) powder is used as the reducing agent for CR transformation, stable, high-temperature composites consisting of forsterite, stishovite, and silicon carbide are formed. Forsterite (Mg2SiO4) was the most abundant crystalline phase formed in samples heat treated below 1500ºC. At 1600ºC, forsterite was exhausted through decomposition and β-SiC formed by reduction of stishovite. A larger proportion of β-SiC was generated as the carbon content was increased. This research revealed that both temperature and carbon addition play key roles in the transformation of chrysotile asbestos tailings.
Local decay of waves on asymptotically flat stationary space-times
Authors: Tataru Daniel
Published: March 2013

In this article we study the pointwise decay properties of solutions to the wave equation on a class of stationary asymptotically flat backgrounds in three space dimensions. Under the assumption that uniform energy bounds and a weak form of local energy decay hold forward in time we establish a $t^{-3}$ local uniform decay rate for linear waves. This work was motivated by open problems concerning decay rates for linear waves on Schwarzschild and Kerr backgrounds. In the Schwarzschild case, such a decay rate has been heuristically derived by Price. Our results apply to both of these cases.
A metaplectic Casselman-Shalika formula for GL r
Authors: Chinta Gautam , Offen Omer
Published: March 2013

We provide formulas for various bases of spherical Whittaker functions on the $n$-fold metaplectic cover of ${\rm GL}_r$ over a $p$-adic field and show that there is a basis of symmetric functions in the complex parameter. In addition we relate a specific spherical Whittaker function to the $p$-power part of the Weyl group multiple Dirichlet series for the root system of type $A_{r-1}$ constructed from $n$th order Gauss sums. We also show that the zonal spherical functions can be computed explicitly in terms of Hall-Littlewood polynomials as in Macdonald's formula for ${\rm GL}_r$.
New entire positive solution for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation: Coexistence of fronts and bumps
Authors: Santra Sanjiban , Wei Juncheng
Published: March 2013

In this paper we construct new kinds of positive solutions of $$ \Delta
u-u+u^{p}=0\quad{\rm on}\ {\Bbb R}^2 $$ when $p> 2$. These solutions have
the following asymptotic behavior $$
u(x,z)\sim\omega(x-f(z))+\sum_{i=1}^{\infty}\omega_0((x,
z)-\xi_i\vec{e}_1) $$ as $L\rightarrow +\infty$ where $\omega$ is a unique
positive homoclinic solution of $\omega''-\omega+\omega^{p}=0$ in
$\Bbb{R}$; $\omega_{0}$ is the two dimensional positive solution and
$\vec{e}_1 = (1,0)$ and $\xi_j$ are points such that $\xi_j = jL + {\cal
O} (1)$ for all $j\geq 1$. This represents a first result on the {\it
coexistence} of fronts and bumps. Geometrically, our new solutions
correspond to {\it triunduloid} in the theory of CMC surface.
Separate holomorphic extension along lines and holomorphic extension from the sphere to the ball
Authors: Baracco Luca
Published: March 2013

We give positive answer to a conjecture by Agranovsky. A continuous function on the sphere which has separate holomorphic extension along the complex lines which pass through three non-aligned interior points is the trace of a holomorphic function in the ball.
Hyperbolicity of cycle spaces and automorphism groups of flag domains
Authors: Huckleberry Alan
Published: March 2013

If $G_0$ is a real form of a complex semisimple Lie group $G$ and $Z$ is a
compact $G$-homogeneous projective algebraic manifold, then $G_0$ has only
finitely many orbits on $Z$. Complex analytic properties of open
$G_0$-orbits $D$ (flag domains) are studied. Schubert incidence-geometry
is used to prove the Kobayashi hyperbolicity of certain cycle space
components ${\cal C}_q(D)$. Using the hyperbolicity of ${\cal C}_q(D)$ and
analyzing the action of ${\rm Aut}_{\cal{O}}(D)$ on it, an exact
description of ${\rm Aut}_{\cal{O}}(D)$ is given. It is shown that, except
in the easily understood case where $D$ is holomorphically convex with a
nontrivial Remmert reduction, it is a Lie group acting smoothly as a group
of holomorphic transformations on $D$. With very few exceptions it is just
$G_0$.