bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Sensor Developments for Measuring the Surface Strains in Prestressed Concrete Members
Authors: Wu C.‐H. , Zhao W. , Beck T. , Peterman R.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Conventionally, transfer‐length strain measurements are performed using mechanical gauges such as the Whittemore gauge, or demountable mechanical (DEMEC) strain gauges, and others devices using ‘contact’ measuring principles. These methods involve tedious surface preparation, and are also prone to significant human errors and inaccuracies. Furthermore, these mechanical sensors can only detect lateral displacements. This paper presents a new optical sensor of measuring prestress concrete surface strains. It makes use of the laser‐speckle displacement that is detected by cross correlating the associated optical signals from a Charged‐Coupled Device (CCD) sensor. The sensor was designed to be able to measure the surface displacement components without being affected by other surface motions that are generally present during the concrete detensioning process. Experiments were conducted on a compressed concrete beam and a real prestressed concrete member during the manufacturing process. The results from the optical strain sensor showed good consistency with contact measurements made by using both a foil strain gauge and a Whittemore gauge.
METAL‐INDUCED REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES PRODUCTION IN CHLAMYDOMONAS REINHARDTII (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Szivák Ilona , Behra Renata , Sigg Laura
Published: March 2009

Toxic effects of metals appear to be partly related to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause oxidative damage to cells. The ability of several redox active metals [Fe(III), Cu(II), Ag(I), Cr(III), Cr(VI)], nonredox active metals [Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II)], and the metalloid As(III) and As(V) to produce ROS at environmentally relevant metal concentrations was assessed. Cells of the freshwater alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii P. A. Dang. were exposed to various metal concentrations for 2.5 h. Intracellular ROS accumulation was detected using an oxidation‐sensitive reporter dye, 5‐(and‐6)‐carboxy‐2′,7′‐dihydrodifluorofluorescein diacetate (H2DFFDA), and changes in the fluorescence signal were quantified by flow cytometry (FCM). In almost all cases, low concentrations of both redox and nonredox active metals enhanced intracellular ROS levels. The hierarchy of maximal ROS induction indicated by the increased number of stained cells compared to the control sample was as follows: Pb(II) > Fe(III) > Cd(II) > Ag(I) > Cu(II) > As(V) > Cr(VI) > Zn(II). As(III) and Cr(III) had no detectable effect. The effective free metal ion concentrations ranged from 10−6 to 10−9 M, except in the case of Fe(III), which was effective at 10−18 M. These metal concentrations did not affect algal photosynthesis. Therefore, a slightly enhanced ROS production is a general and early response to elevated, environmentally relevant metal concentrations.
Contextual Factors and the Extreme Right Vote in Western Europe, 1980–2002
Authors: Arzheimer Kai
Published: March 2009

Research on the voters of the extreme right in Western Europe has become a minor industry, but relatively little attention has been paid to the twin question of why support for these parties is often unstable, and why the extreme right is so weak in many countries. Moreover, the findings from different studies often contradict each other. This article aims at providing a more comprehensive and satisfactory answer to this research problem by employing a broader database and a more adequate modeling strategy. The main finding is that while immigration and unemployment rates are important, their interaction with other political factors is much more complex than suggested by previous research. Moreover, persistent country effects prevail even if a whole host of individual and contextual variables is controlled for.
Agency Problems, the 17th Amendment, and Representation in the Senate
Authors: Gailmard Sean , Jenkins Jeffery A.
Published: March 2009

A prominent change in American electoral institutions occurred when the 17th Amendment to the Constitution established direct election of U.S. Senators as of 1914. How did this change the political agency relationship between the mass electorate and U.S. Senators? We develop theoretical expectations about the representational effects of direct election by a relatively inexpert mass electorate and indirect election by a relatively expert political intermediary, based on principal‐agent theory. The chief predictions are that the representative will be more responsive to the mass electorate under direct election, but will also have more discretion to pursue his or her own ends. We use the 17th Amendment as a quasi‐experiment to test the predictions of the theory. Statistical models show strong support for both predictions. Moreover, the 17th Amendment is not associated with similar changes in the U.S. House of Representatives—as expected, since the amendment did not change House electoral institutions.
A Comparative Analysis of Political Communication Systems and Voter Turnout
Authors: Baek Mijeong
Published: March 2009

This article explores how political communication institutions affect cross‐national differences in voter turnout in democratic elections. It demonstrates how the structure and means of conveying political messages—gauged by media systems, access to paid political television advertising, and campaign finance laws—explain variations in turnout across 74 countries. Relying on a “mobilization” perspective, I argue that institutional settings that reduce information costs for voters will increase turnout. The major empirical findings are twofold. First, campaign finance systems that allow more money (and electioneering communication) to enter election campaigns are associated with higher levels of voter turnout. Second, broadcasting systems and access to paid political television advertising explain cross‐national variation in turnout, but their effects are more complex than initially expected. While public broadcasting clearly promotes higher levels of turnout, it also modifies the effect of paid advertising access on turnout.
Power Sharing and Leadership Dynamics in Authoritarian Regimes
Authors: Svolik Milan W.
Published: March 2009

I examine a fundamental problem of politics in authoritarian regimes: the dictator and the ruling coalition must share power and govern in an environment where political influence must be backed by a credible threat of violence. I develop a model of authoritarian politics in which power sharing is complicated by this conflict of interest: by exploiting his position, the dictator may acquire more power at the expense of the ruling coalition, which may attempt to deter such opportunism by threatening to stage a coup. Two power‐sharing regimes, contested and established dictatorships, may emerge as a result of strategic behavior by the dictator and the ruling coalition. This theory accounts for the large variation in the duration of dictators' tenures and the concentration of power in dictatorships over time, and it contributes to our understanding of the dynamics of power sharing and accountability in authoritarian regimes.
Reflections of an Ethnographic Filmmaker‐Maker: An Interview with Paul Henley, Director of the Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology, University of Manchester
Authors: FLORES CARLOS Y.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT  Two decades ago the Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology (GCVA) at the University of Manchester, U.K., was created. Since then it has become one of the most acclaimed postgraduate visual anthropology schools in the world, providing a space for theoretical debate and training in ethnographic filmmaking techniques. Conceived originally as a master's program under the sponsorship of Granada Television and the University of Manchester, it has now extended training to the Ph.D. level to students from around the world. In this interview, Professor Paul Henley, GCVA‘s director since its inception, reflects on the last 20 years of the Granada Centre, ethnographic filmmaking, the state of the art in theory and practice in visual anthropology, and new possibilities and challenges for the future. [Keywords: visual anthropology, ethnographic filmmaking, documentary, Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology]
The Elephant in the Living Room That No One Wants to Talk About: Why U.S. Anthropologists Are Unable to Acknowledge the End of Culture
Authors: Tanaka Greg
Published: March 2009

Findings from a four‐year action research project at a highly diverse, West Coast U.S. university reveal that a large percentage of white students cannot trace their identities to a particular nation in Europe and are, as a result, unable to name the shared meanings of a particular ethnic culture. Each time Latino, Asian American, and African American classmates describe their families' ethnic histories, it is the European American student who feels dissociated. Extracted from a polyphonic novelistic ethnography, this essay focuses on an exchange among three students at a town hall meeting and explores the ramifications for social cohesion when members of “the dominant group” appear to be experiencing declining subjectivity. This reflection also raises two larger disciplinary questions: (1) How can 10,000 U.S. anthropologists continue to deploy the concept of culture at field sites outside the United States when so many in their own population cannot claim an ethnic culture of their own? and (2) Given the recent turn in events in the U.S. political scene, shouldn't anthropologists now begin developing new constructs for social analysis after race and culture? [culture concept, subjectivity, soul]
Small Subunit rRNA Phylogenies Show that the Class Nassophorea is Not Monophyletic (Phylum Ciliophora)
Authors: GONG JUN , STOECK THORSTEN , YI ZHENZHEN , MIAO MIAO , ZHANG QIANQIAN , ROBERTS DAVID McL. , WARREN ALAN , SONG WEIBO
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT. The hypostome ciliates have been generally classified into two classes, Phyllopharyngea and Nassophorea. The status of Nassophorea and its relationship with Phyllopharyngea is one of the most controversial issues in ciliate systematics. Here we focus on the phylogenetic interrelationships of Nassophorea and Phyllopharyngea based on small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences. The three nassophorean subgroups, synhymeniids, microthoracids, and nassulids, each emerged as monophyletic, with synhymeniids as a sister group of Phyllopharyngea, and microthoracids as a sister of the synhymeniids+Phyllopharyngea clade in all phylogenies. The exact placement of the nassulids, however, remains uncertain. Following a detailed analysis of phenotypic characters, we hypothesize that: (1) the Phyllopharyngea could have evolved from synhymeniids, with the further development of their subkinetal microtubules as one of the major events; and (2) the development of monokinetid structures, as well as the reduction and specialization of the cyrtos and cortex, might have occurred during the diversifications of the microthoracids, synhymeniids, and Phyllopharyngea from a common ancestor. Expanding the class Phyllopharyngea to include the synhymeniids as a subclass, and designating a new subclass Subkinetalia n. subcl. for the group comprising cyrtophorians, chonotrichians, rhynchodians, and suctorians, are proposed.
Eu2+‐Doped Glass Ceramics Containing BaF2 Nanocrystals as a Potential Blue Phosphor for UV‐LED
Authors: Luo Qun , Fan Xianping , Qiao Xvsheng , Yang Hui , Wang Minquan , Zhang Xianghua
Published: March 2009

The Eu2+‐doped glass ceramics containing BaF2 nanocrystals were prepared and their luminescence properties were investigated. The excitation spectra of Eu2+‐doped glass ceramics showed an excellent overlap with the main emission region of an ultraviolet light‐emitting diode (UV‐LED) centered at 380 nm. The 450 nm emission of Eu2+ in glass ceramics under the 385 nm excitation was much stronger than that in glass. The Eu2+‐doped glass ceramics containing BaF2 nanocrystals may be used as a potential blue‐emitting phosphor for UV‐LED.
Agglomeration Control of Nd:YAG Nanoparticles Via Freeze Drying for Transparent Nd:YAG Ceramics
Authors: Gong Hua , Tang Ding‐Yuan , Huang Hui , Ma Jan
Published: March 2009

Neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) nanopowders were synthesized by the carbonate coprecipitation method. The effects of freeze drying and conventional oven drying of the precursor on the agglomeration of the Nd:YAG nanopowders were compared. The optical properties of the Nd:YAG nanopowders and the corresponding sintered Nd:YAG transparent ceramics were also investigated. The Nd:YAG nanopowders synthesized from freeze‐dried precursor showed better dispersion and narrower particle size distribution compared with the powders synthesized from conventional oven drying. As a result, the Nd:YAG nanopowders synthesized from freeze‐dried precursor have good sinterability, and Nd:YAG transparent ceramics were fabricated by vacuum sintering at 1750°C for 5 h.
Perspectives on the AAA Code of Ethics
Authors: Frink Lisa
Published: March 2009

“AAA's Relation to Its Own Code of Ethics,” by Terrence Turner

Lisa Frink is contributing editor of “Ethical Currents,” the AAA Committee on Ethics column in Anthropology News.
Preparing for Work in the Billion‐Dollar CRM Industry
Authors: Doelle William H , Altschul Jeffrey H
Published: March 2009

Shirley Fiske is contributing editor of “Anthropology Works,” the AAA Committee on Practicing, Applied and Public Interest Anthropology column in Anthropology News.
Morphometric Investigation of Death by Asphyxia
Authors: Giorgetti Raffaele , Bellero Roberto , Giacomelli Luciano , Tagliabracci Adriano
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of distinguishing deaths by asphyxia from those due to natural causes by comparing morphometric measurements in lungs. The study population comprised 27 subjects: 14 cases of death by asphyxia (hanging or drowning) and 13 cases of sudden natural death. Eighty parenchyma sections were used for each subject. Data were collected by computerized image analysis. Measurements aimed at quantifying, as percentages, pulmonary parenchyma (mean values of positive‐fraction areas [PFA] and their standard deviations). Subjects who died of natural causes and of drowning showed a relative internal homogeneity compared to those who hanged. Results show significant discrimination between drowned subjects and those dying of natural causes (mean of PFA p = 0.01) and between hanged and drowned subjects (SD of PFA p = 0.04). Attention must be paid to the possible role played by senile emphysema. The method is proposed as a complementary tool in forensic cases.
Apoptosis pathways and their therapeutic exploitation in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Fulda Simone
Published: March 2009

Introduction

Pancreatic cancer

Apoptosis pathways

Exploiting apoptosis pathways for pancreatic cancer therapy

Conclusions

Resistance to apoptosis (programmed cell death) is a characteristic feature of human malignancies including pancreatic cancer, which is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the western world. Defects in this intrinsic cell death program can contribute to the multistep process of tumorigenesis, because too little cell death can disturb tissue homeostasis. Further, blockade of apoptosis pathways can cause treatment failure, because intact apoptosis signalling cascades largely mediate therapy‐induced cytotoxicity. The elucidation of apoptosis pathways in pancreatic carcinoma over the last decade has resulted in the identification of various molecular defects. How apoptosis pathways can be exploited for the treatment of pancreatic cancer will be discussed in this review.
Presenilin‐2 dampens intracellular Ca2+ stores by increasing Ca2+ leakage and reducing Ca2+ uptake
Authors: Brunello Lucia , Zampese Enrico , Florean Cristina , Pozzan Tullio , Pizzo Paola , Fasolato Cristina
Published: March 2009

We have previously shown that familial Alzheimer’s disease mutants of presenilin‐2 (PS2) and, to a lesser extent, of presenilin‐1 (PS1) lower the Ca2+ concentration of intracellular stores. We here examined the mechanism by which wild‐type and mutant PS2 affect store Ca2+ handling. By using HeLa, SH‐SY5Y and MEFs as model cells, and recombinant aequorins as Ca2+ probes, we show evidence that transient expression of either wild‐type or mutant PS2 increases the passive Ca2+ leakage: both ryanodine‐ and IP3‐receptors contribute to Ca2+ exit out of the ER, whereas the ribosome translocon complex is not involved. In SH‐SY5Y cells and MEFs, wild‐type and mutant PS2 potently reduce the uptake of Ca2+ inside the stores, an effect that can be counteracted by over‐expression of SERCA‐2B. On this line, in wild‐type MEFs, lowering the endogenous level of PS2 by RNA interference, increases the Ca2+‐loading capability of intracellular stores. Furthermore, we show that in PS double knockout MEFs, reduction of Ca2+ stores is mimicked by the expression of PS2‐D366A, a loss‐of‐function mutant, uncleaved because also devoid of presenilinase activity but not by co‐expression of the two catalytic active fragments of PS2. In summary, both physiological and increased levels of wild‐type and mutant PS2 reduce the Ca2+ uptake by intracellular stores. To exert this newly described function, PS2 needs to be in its full‐length form, even if it can subsequently be cleaved.
Platelet‐poor plasma stimulates the proliferation but inhibits the differentiation of rat osteoblastic cells in vitro
Authors: Hamdan Ahmad Abdel‐Salam , Loty Sabine , Isaac Juliane , Bouchard Philippe , Berdal Ariane , Sautier Jean‐Michel
Published: March 2009

Introduction: Recent studies have shown that the use of platelet preparations in bone and implant surgery might stimulate bone formation. However, the biological mechanisms are not well understood. Moreover, few studies have attempted to evaluate the effect of platelet‐poor plasma (PPP), which is a product of the platelet‐rich plasma preparation process.

Objective: Thus, this study investigated the behavior of osteoblasts isolated from fetal rat calvaria cultivated in the presence of homologous PPP.

Material and Methods: PPP was obtained by centrifugation of the rat mother's blood and used in replacement of fetal calf serum, which is classically used in primary culture procedures. Proliferation was measured by an MTT assay at 24, 48, and 72 h. Real‐time PCR was performed to study the expression of Runx2, Dlx5, and osteocalcin (OC) on days 0 (4 h), 1, 3, 7, and 12.

Results: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) biochemical activity was evaluated on days 0 (4 h), 1, 3, 7, and 12. Observations by phase‐contrast microscopy showed that osteoblasts were able to differentiate until the mineralization of the matrix in the presence of PPP. PPP enhanced the proliferation significantly compared with the control group (P≤0.001). PCR results showed that Runx2, Dlx5, and OC were expressed by cells in the experimental group at lower levels compared with the control group. Biochemical assay of ALP showed a lower activity in the experimental group compared with the control group (P<0.001).

Conclusion: These results suggest that, in the presence of homologous PPP, rat osteoblastic cells are able to maintain their phenotype, with a higher rate of proliferation. However, PPP seems to inhibit osteoblastic differentiation.
Neural fibrolipoma without macrodactyly: a subcutaneous rare benign tumor
Authors: Venkatesh Kusuma , Saini Monika L. , Rangaswamy Ranganna , Murthy Sridhar
Published: March 2009

Neural fibrolipoma, also known as lipofibromatous hamartoma of nerves and neurolipomatosis, is a rare subcutaneous benign lesion involving the upper extremity with a marked predilection for median nerve. In one‐third of the cases, it is associated with macrodactyly (enlargement of one or several digits of hands or feet), diminished sensation, paraesthesias and compression neuropathy. A 23‐year‐old male presented with a gradually increasing mass in the right palm without associated macrodactyly or neurodeficit. The surgical specimen showed a 20 × 18 × 3 cm, grey yellow fusiform mass. Cut section revealed presence of fibrofatty tissue within and around the enlarged nerve. Microscopy established the relation of nerve enlargement to infiltration of epineurium and perineurium by fibroadipose tissue separating normal nerve fascicles. Limited excision was the mainstay of conservative treatment. Neural fibrolipomas are a rare entity. Knowledge of characteristic histological and radiological findings is necessary for diagnosis and treatment.
Folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma of the nipple: a case report
Authors: Badr AbdullGaffar , Lakshmiah Ganapathy Raman
Published: March 2009

Folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma (FCH) is a relatively rare and recently described lesion of the skin. Mostly, it involves the skin of the head and neck area. It is considered by most authors as a form of non‐neoplastic cutaneous hamartoma comprising follicular, sebaceous and stromal elements. However, few regard it as a sebaceous trichofolliculoma, i.e. a variant of trichofolliculoma. FCH of the nipple of female breast is a very rare lesion with only one previous case reported so far in the literature. We report a similar case with a brief review of the literature.
Unique epidermolytic bullous dermatosis with associated lethal cardiomyopathy related to novel desmoplakin mutations
Authors: Asimaki Angeliki , Syrris Petros , Ward Deirdre , Guereta Luis G. , Saffitz Jeffrey E. , McKenna William J.
Published: March 2009

Background:  Desmoplakin plays a vital role in cell adhesion, linking the transmembrane desmosomal complex to the cytoskeletal network. Clues to the biological significance of desmoplakin have emerged from the embryonic lethal phenotype of null mice and from naturally occurring human desmoplakin mutations, which cause cardiocutaneous phenotypes.

Index case:  In this study, we describe a child who presented with the unique constellation of bullous dermatosis, profound plantar keratoderma, alopecia totalis and cardiomyopathy leading to sudden cardiac death at the age of 9 years.

Results:  This complex cardiocutaneous phenotype is associated with compound heterozygosity for two novel nonsense desmoplakin mutations. Histological examination of a plantar skin biopsy showed full thickness epidermal acantholysis with superimposed spongiosis, hyperorthokeratosis and focal parakeratosis. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative confocal microscopy showed abnormal tissue distribution and reduced levels of expression for plakoglobin, desmoplakin and connexin 43 at epidermal junctional sites.

Conclusions:  Interpretation of the changes in the context of the two mutations provides insight into the mechanism of clinical cell adhesion disease.
Expression of COUP‐TF‐interacting protein 2 (CTIP2) in human atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis skin
Authors: Ganguli‐Indra Gitali , Liang Xiaobo , Hyter Stephen , Leid Mark , Hanifin Jon , Indra Arup K.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter‐transcription factor‐interacting protein 2 (CTIP2) is a transcriptional regulator that is highly expressed in skin during mouse development, as well as in proliferating cells of adult mouse skin. We investigated expression of CTIP2 along with proliferation marker Ki‐67 in normal human skin, and in skin from atopic dermatitis (AD), and in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) samples by immunohistochemistry (IHC). We discovered for the first time that CTIP2 was expressed in proliferating basal and suprabasal layer in normal human epidermis. CTIP2 expression was dramatically increased in the epidermis from the AD and ACD samples compared with normal samples, and was labelled in both proliferating basal and suprabasal layers. Altogether our results suggest that CTIP2 expression could be linked to disease progression and/or maintenance in AD and ACD patients.
R.S. PETERS AND JÜRGEN HABERMAS: PRESUPPOSITIONS OF PRACTICAL REASON AND EDUCATIONAL JUSTICE
Authors: Martin Christopher
Published: March 2009

Abstract The contribution of philosophical ethics to the development of a just conception of education becomes increasingly complex under modern conditions of democratic pluralism. This is because the justification of moral policies for education faces the skeptical challenge of showing how the substantive moral principles upon which a policy rests do not arbitrarily privilege one culturally situated conception of justice over others. In this essay, Christopher Martin argues that this challenge highlights how any legitimate moral point of view on education requires public justification, where a valid moral policy must be demonstrated to be worthy of recognition in a public setting and justified through the reciprocal exchange of reasons. He develops the scope and nature of public justification through an analysis of R.S. Peters’s Ethics and Education and the work of Jürgen Habermas. Both Peters and Habermas argue that public justification entails necessary and unavoidable presuppositions of practical reason, presuppositions that form the basis of a procedural theory of moral justification. Martin discusses the implications of such a procedural approach for the development of educational policy.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor-Induced Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Ricca Valdo , Bandini Elisa , Mannucci Edoardo , Lotti Francesco , Boddi Valentina , Rastrelli Giulia , Sforza Alessandra , Faravelli Carlo , Forti Gianni , Maggi Mario
Published: March 2009

Introduction

Sexual dysfunctions are often present in subjects with mood disturbances; however. antidepressants can induce per se sexual dysfunctions.

Aim

To explore the relationship between the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), non-SSRIs antidepressants and benzodiazepines (BDZ), hormonal parameters, and reported sexual dysfunction (as assessed by the Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction [SIEDY]) in male subjects with comparable psychopathological symptoms (as assessed by the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire [MHQ] a self-reported test for the screening of mental disorders in a non-psychiatric setting).

Methods

A consecutive series of 2,040 (mean age 51 ± 13 years) male patients with sexual dysfunction was studied.

Main Outcome Measures

Several hormonal and biochemical parameters were investigated, along with SIEDY and the MHQ.

Results

Higher prolactin was observed only in patients using SSRIs, whereas no other hormonal difference was found after adjustment for confounders. Use of SSRIs was associated with a twofold risk for patient hypoactive sexual desire and with a higher impairment of reported erectile function. However, no difference in penile blood flow was observed. A very high risk (sevenfold) for delayed ejaculation (DE) was observed in SSRI users. Interestingly, the association with the mild, but not severe, form of DE was observed also in subjects using non-SSRI antidepressants (3.35 [1.48–7.59]; P < 0.005). Different life stressors and relational parameters were also associated with SSRI use. SSRI users reported less enjoyment with masturbation and decreased partner desire and climax. Conversely, a lack of significant association was observed among BDZ or non-SSRI antidepressant users and all the aforementioned life-stressors and relational parameters.

Conclusions

SSRIs can negatively affect all the steps of the male sexual response cycle (desire–arousal–excitement–orgasm). SSRI-associated sexual dysfunction has a deleterious effect on both auto- and couple-erotic performances. Conversely, other antidepressants and BDZ are less often associated with sexual impairment.
Parent Reactions to a School‐Based Body Mass Index Screening Program
Authors: Johnson Suzanne Bennett , Pilkington Lorri L. , Lamp Camilla , He Jianghua , Deeb Larry C.
Published: March 2009

Background:  This study assessed parent reactions to school‐based body mass index (BMI) screening.

Methods:  After a K‐8 BMI screening program, parents were sent a letter detailing their child’s BMI results. Approximately 50 parents were randomly selected for interview from each of 4 child weight–classification groups (overweight, at risk of overweight, normal weight, underweight) to assess parent recall of the letter, reactions to BMI screening, and actions taken in response to the child’s BMI results.

Results:  Most parents found the BMI screening letter easy to read and had poor recall of numerical information (eg, the child’s BMI percentile) but good recall of the child’s weight classification (eg, normal weight or overweight). Most parents, and ethnic‐minority parents in particular, supported school‐based BMI screening. Parents of children whose weight was outside of the normal range were more likely to recall receiving the letter and talking to the child and the child’s doctor about it. Parents who recalled their child as being overweight were more likely to report changing the child’s diet and activity level. Most parents, and ethnic‐minority parents in particular, wanted their child to participate in an after‐school exercise program. An overweight condition in parents, but not children, was associated with an interest in family‐based cooking and exercise classes.

Conclusions:  Most parents, and ethnic‐minority parents in particular, viewed school‐based BMI screening and after‐school exercise programs favorably. Parents reported taking action in response to a BMI result outside of the normal range. Parents who were overweight themselves were particularly interested in family cooking and exercise classes.
Development of new nuclear markers and characterization of single nucleotide polymorphisms in kelp gull (Larus dominicanus)
Authors: DE MENDONÇA DANTAS GISELE PIRES , GODINHO RAQUEL , MORGANTE JOÃO STENGHEL , FERRAND NUNO
Published: March 2009

The present study seeks to develop nuclear markers for the kelp gull (Larus dominicanus). We hereby report the characterization of 12 independent nuclear introns, where 104 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 8138 sequenced base pairs were observed. These SNP markers are the first to be designed for genotyping a gull species. The markers will provide useful tools for understanding which processes act or acted upon kelp gulls to cause their low genetic variability in mitochondrial DNA. In addition, these markers open a new opportunity for population genetic and evolutionary studies in the Laridae group.
The Newsvendor Model with Consumer Search Costs
Authors: Petruzzi Nicholas C. , Wee Kwan E. , Dada Maqbool
Published: March 2009

We study the newsvendor problem when consumers are heterogeneous either in their valuations of the newsvendor's product, in their valuations of an outside option available to them, or in both valuations. In this context, we observe that the outside option, which represents the value that a given consumer associates with choosing not to purchase the newsvendor's product, may be interpreted as a search cost. Taking into consideration whether consumers' valuations differ on either one dimension of heterogeneity or on both dimensions, we develop a framework for classifying newsvendor models that incorporate demand‐management effects. In particular, we show that this framework includes both the newsvendor model with price‐dependent demand and the newsvendor model with endogenous demand as special cases. In addition to making a conceptual contribution by developing and drawing insights from this framework, we make technical contributions by providing more general sufficient conditions under which the underlying optimization problems are well behaved.
Optimal Reserve Prices in Name‐Your‐Own‐Price Auctions with Bidding and Channel Options
Authors: Cai Gangshu (George) , Chao Xiuli , Li Jianbin
Published: March 2009

Few papers have explored the optimal reserve prices in the name‐your‐own‐price (NYOP) channel with bidding options in a multiple channel environment. In this paper, we investigate a double‐bid business model in which the consumers can bid twice in the NYOP channel, and compare it with the single‐bid case. We also study the impact of adding a retailer‐own list‐price channel on the optimal reserve prices. This paper focuses on achieving some basic understanding on the potential gain of adding a second bid option to a single‐bid system and on the potential benefits of adding a list‐price channel by the NYOP retailer. We show that a double‐bid scenario can outperform a single‐bid scenario in both single‐channel and dual‐channel situations. The optimal reserve price in the double‐bid scenario is no less than that in the single‐bid case. Furthermore, the addition of a retailer‐own list‐price channel could push up the reserve prices in both single‐bid and double‐bid scenarios.
Optimizing methods in immunocytochemistry: one laboratory's experience
Authors: Valli Victor , Peters Elisabeth , Williams Cara , Shipp Lisa , Barger Anne , Chladny Jane , Hoffmann Walter
Published: March 2009

Abstract: The addition of immunocytochemical staining procedures to a diagnostic cytology service enables greater specificity of interpretation for many common disease conditions, especially neoplastic diseases. However, well‐tested immunohistochemical techniques may require modification for cytologic specimens, and other considerations are necessary when working with air‐dried cells. In this article, we describe our experience in evaluating options for sample transport and handling, and discuss methods for obtaining control cells from a variety of tissues for use in immunocytochemical staining. Important immunocytochemical principles and techniques, including fixation, antigen retrieval, and use of primary and secondary antibodies in manual and automated staining systems are described as used in our laboratory for cytologic specimens. Although we emphasize methods relevant to diagnostic laboratories receiving samples from external clients, the information is also applicable to any laboratory interested in adding or enhancing immunocytochemical services.
Estimation of intestinal permeability in healthy dogs using the contrast medium iohexol
Authors: Klenner Stefanie , Coenen Manfred , Failing Klaus , Hewicker‐Trautwein Marion , Ternes Waldemar , Verspohl Jutta , Spillmann Thomas
Published: March 2009

Background:Iohexol is a nonradioactive marker that has been used successfully to test intestinal permeability in humans with inflammatory bowel disease. There is evidence in dogs that iohexol shares a similar permeability pathway as51chromium‐EDTA, the gold standard marker.

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine an optimal oral iohexol dosage for an intestinal permeability serum test (IPST) and to use the test to estimate intestinal permeability in healthy dogs.

Methods:Eight clinically healthy dogs free of gastrointestinal, liver, and pancreatic disease were used in the study. Dosages of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mL/kg of Omnipaque‐350 (iohexol) were administered to 2 dogs at weekly intervals. Iohexol concentration was determined in serum samples obtained hourly for 6 hours after administration by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Using the optimal dosage, iohexol was administered to 8 dogs twice, 6–36 days (mean 10 days) apart, and coefficients of variation (CVs) for iohexol concentration were calculated.

Results:A dosage of 2.0 mL/kg was chosen as optimal for the IPST, based on ease of iohexol detection in serum, intestinal contrast, and clinical effects of iohexol. Following administration of this dose to healthy dogs, mean (±SD) serum iohexol concentrations were 8.74±4.38, 11.89±5.67, 12.40±5.47, 9.23±5.54, 7.61±5.13, and 5.27±2.67 μg/mL at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hours after iohexol administration, respectively. CVs between the 2 test days were 28–45%.

Conclusions:Using the iohexol dosage established in this study, the iohexol IPST was easy to perform as a marker for intestinal permeability in dogs. Further studies to establish reference intervals and evaluate the diagnostic value of the iohexol IPST in dogs with gastrointestinal disease are warranted.
Different immunophenotypical apoptotic profiles characterise megakaryocytes of essential thrombocythaemia and primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Florena A M , Tripodo C , Di Bernardo A , Iannitto E , Guarnotta C , Porcasi R , Ingrao S , Abbadessa V , Franco V
Published: March 2009

Aims:

Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) share some clinical and pathological features, but show different biological behaviour and prognosis. The latest contributions to understanding the nature of these disorders have focused on bone marrow microenvironment remodelling and proliferative stress, recognising megakaryocytes (MKCs) as “key-cells”. The aim of this study was to investigate the apoptotic profile of ET and PMF MKCs in order to further characterise the biology of these disorders.

Methods:

Bone marrow biopsy samples from 30 patients with ET, and 30 patients with PMF, were immunophenotypically studied for the expression of pro-apoptotic (Fas, Fas-L, Bax, Bad) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase)) molecules and the “executioner” molecule caspase-3. The fraction of MKCs undergoing apoptosis was assessed by deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling.

Results:

Only the mitochondrial pathway seemed to be involved in MKC apoptosis. The anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-XL was predominantly found in ET MKCs (50.5% of ET MKCs versus 35% of PMF MKCs; p = 0.036), while pro-apoptotic molecules Bax and Bad showed a prevalent expression in PMF MKCs (30.5% of ET MKCs versus 55% of PMF MKCs; 41% of ET MKCs versus 52% of PMF MKCs; p = 0.001 and p = 0.068, respectively). A significant fraction of PMF MKCs were committed to apoptosis according to caspase-3 expression and TUNEL, while only few ET cells were committed to apoptosis. hTERT was significantly more expressed in PMF (32% of ET MKCs versus 46% of PMF MKCs; p = 0.022), in agreement with the proliferative nature of this disease.

Conclusions:

It was found that ET and PMF MKCs, which barely differ in terms of morphology and aggregation, are characterised by markedly different apoptotic profiles. The rather high apoptotic fraction of PMF was able to support the fibrotic nature of this process, while the anti-apoptotic profile of ET cells fits well with their “steady” maturative state.
Should healthcare professionals respect autonomy just because it promotes welfare?
Authors: Molyneux D
Published: March 2009

Respect for autonomy is an important moral principle within medical ethics. However, the question of whether the normative importance of respect for autonomy is derived from other moral principles (such as welfare) or has independent moral value is debatable. In this paper it is argued that the normative importance of autonomy is derived from both welfare and non-welfare considerations. Welfare considerations provide two types of reason to respect autonomy, one related to the role of autonomy in creating welfare and one related to its role in constituting welfare. In addition, autonomy seems to have normative importance that is unrelated to welfare considerations. This type of normative role is difficult to defend within medical ethics, because most non-welfare justifications of autonomy work for only a proportion of the autonomous decisions that patients make and give no clear guidance on how to respond to autonomous yet welfare-reducing treatment requests. A recent account of autonomy (Stephen Darwall’s “demand” account) provides a nuanced defence of autonomy that does not rely on welfare considerations. Darwall’s approach seems to work well within medical ethics and provides a principled explanation of how to respond to autonomous patient requests for treatment options that may not be in their best medical interests. It is argued that to fully respect autonomy within a medical consultation, practitioners must consider non-welfare autonomy as well as instrumental and intrinsic welfare-related autonomy.
Different views on ethics: how animal ethics is situated in a committee culture
Authors: Ideland M
Published: March 2009

Research that includes non-human animal experimentation is fundamentally a dilemmatic enterprise. Humans use other animals in research to improve life for their own species. Ethical principles are established to deal with this dilemma. But despite this ethical apparatus, people who in one way or another work with animal experimentation have to interpret and understand the principles from their individual points of view. In interviews with members of Swedish animal ethics committees, different views on what the termethicsreally means were articulated. For one member, the difficult ethical dilemma of animal experimentation is the lack of enriched cages for mice. For another, the ethical problem lies in regulations restraining research. A third member talks about animals’ right not to be used for human interests. These different views on “ethics” intersect once a month in the animal ethics committee meetings. There is no consensus on what constitutes the ethical problem that the members should be discussing. Therefore, personal views on whatethicsmeans, and hierarchies among committee members, characterise the meetings. But committee traditions and priorities of interpretation as well are important to the decisions. The author discusses how “ethics” becomes situated and what implications this may have for committees’ decisions.
Autonomy, religion and clinical decisions: findings from a national physician survey
Authors: Lawrence R E , Curlin F A
Published: March 2009

Background:

Patient autonomy has been promoted as the most important principle to guide difficult clinical decisions. To examine whether practising physicians indeed value patient autonomy above other considerations, physicians were asked to weight patient autonomy against three other criteria that often influence doctors’ decisions. Associations between physicians’ religious characteristics and their weighting of the criteria were also examined.

Methods:

Mailed survey in 2007 of a stratified random sample of 1000 US primary care physicians, selected from the American Medical Association masterfile. Physicians were asked how much weight should be given to the following: (1) the patient’s expressed wishes and values, (2) the physician’s own judgment about what is in the patient’s best interest, (3) standards and recommendations from professional medical bodies and (4) moral guidelines from religious traditions.

Results:

Response rate 51% (446/879). Half of physicians (55%) gave the patient’s expressed wishes and values “the highest possible weight”. In comparative analysis, 40% gave patient wishes more weight than the other three factors, and 13% ranked patient wishes behind some other factor. Religious doctors tended to give less weight to the patient’s expressed wishes. For example, 47% of doctors with high intrinsic religious motivation gave patient wishes the “highest possible weight”, versus 67% of those with low (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3 to 0.8).

Conclusions:

Doctors believe patient wishes and values are important, but other considerations are often equally or more important. This suggests that patient autonomy does not guide physicians’ decisions as much as is often recommended in the ethics literature.
A randomised clinical trial of transnasal endoscopy versus fluoroscopy for the placement of nasojejunal feeding tubes in patients with severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Zhihui T , Wenkui Y , Weiqin L , Zhiming W , Xianghong Y , Ning L , Jieshou L
Published: March 2009

Objectives

To compare transnasal endoscopy with fluoroscopy for the placement of nasojejunal feeding tubes (NJTs) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.

Methods

100 patients were randomised to receive NJTs by transnasal endoscopy or fluoroscopy. Successful placement was confirmed by abdominal radiograph.

Results

The success rate was 96% using transnasal endoscopy and 94% using fluoroscopy (p>0.05). The mean (SEM) time to perform a successful procedure was 12.7 (5.1) min for transnasal endoscopy and 7.9 (5.9) min for fluoroscopy (p<0.05). No complications were reported using fluoroscopy, whereas there was one case of tachypnoea and four cases of abdominal distension related to transnasal endoscopy (p<0.05). For transnasal endoscopy, the mean (SEM) visual analogue scale comfort score was 3.2 (1.3) before, 8.7 (1.5) during, and 3.6 (1.3) after a successful procedure. The corresponding values for fluoroscopy were 3.1 (1.2), 5.4 (1.6) and 3.7 (1.4). The difference in scores during the procedure was significant (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Transnasal endoscopic and fluoroscopic placement of NJTs can safely and accurately be performed in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. The results of this study show no significant difference in success and complication rates between the two procedures. However, the procedure time for fluoroscopic placement was shorter than for transnasal endoscopic placement, and patients experienced less discomfort.
Hyperamylasaemia in ureteric colic
Authors: Al-Abed Y A , Ghani K R , Carr T W , Young A J , Ball A J
Published: March 2009

Hyperamylasaemia is classically associated with acute pancreatitis. Hyperamylasaemia may be associated with many other clinical conditions. However, ureteric colic has never been reported to cause hyperamylasaemia. We describe a 47-year-old woman who presented with an atypical history of left ureteric colic. Radiological investigations confirmed an upper ureteric stone with urinary extravasation. At presentation, the serum amylase was elevated but normalised after 24 h. In conclusion, ureteric colic may cause hyperamylasaemia and this is likely a result of pancreatic irritation due to urinary extravasation. Patients presenting with ureteric colic and elevated concentrations of serum amylase should raise the clinical suspicion of urinary extravasation.
Towards a Unified Approach to Information-Disturbance Tradeoffs in Quantum Measurements
Authors: Buscemi Francesco , Horodecki Michał
Published: March 2009

We show that the global balance of information dynamics for general quantum measurements given in [F. Buscemi, M. Hayashi, and M. Horodecki, Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 210504 (2008)] makes it possible to unify various and generally inequivalent approaches adopted in order to derive information-disturbance tradeoffs in quantum theory. We focus in particular on those tradeoffs, constituting the vast majority of the literature on the subject, where disturbance is defined either in terms of average output fidelity or of entanglement fidelity.