bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“If Looks Would Kill Then I Would Be Dead”: Intimate Partner Abuse and Breast Cancer in Older Women
Authors: Sawin Erika Metzler , Parker Barbara
Published: April 2011

The objective of this study was to describe the experiences of older women diagnosed with breast cancer while experiencing intimate partner abuse (IPA), determined by scores on the Women’s Experience With Battering (WEB) Scale. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 11 women ages 51 to 84 (mean age = 64.8). Data were analyzed using hermeneutic phenomenological analysis. Themes that emerged were Cancer and Control, Negative Relationship Changes, Changes in Intimacy, and Moving On. Older women simultaneously experiencing IPA and breast cancer have unique needs due to the complex interplay among three factors: age, IPA, and breast cancer. Gerontological nurses should be aware of issues surrounding older women with breast cancer and older women experiencing IPA. Assessment of older breast cancer patients should take into consideration patients’ social support network and quality of intimate partner support.
Effects of Student Participation in Hand Hygiene Monitoring on Knowledge and Perception of Infection Control Practices
Authors: Waltman Patricia A. , Schenk Laura K. , Martin Tina M. , Walker Jean
Published: April 2011

Studies report that students in health care professions do not retain knowledge of infection control and demonstrate poor hand hygiene compliance. This study describes the effect of a multifaceted approach (education, skills training, and monitoring) on nursing students’ knowledge of infection control principles, opinions, hand hygiene practices, and value of nursing research in evidence-based practice. Students participated in hand hygiene monitoring of health care workers with 900 observations. Students demonstrated strong knowledge of hand hygiene principles: 63% reported that hand hygiene monitoring positively influenced their own compliance. Although posters have been identified as effective prompts, students did not perceive poster reminders as effective in prompting handwashing. Students reported that hand hygiene activities helped them value the role of the nurse in research and evidence-based practice. This study may help educators clarify misconceptions that result in student noncompliance in hand hygiene practices.
Transpupillary Nd:YAG Laser Cystotomy for Iris Pigment Epithelial Cysts with Secondary Progressive Angle Closure
Authors: Kathil Pratima , Chin Kimberly J. , Ghaznawi Neelofar , Finger Paul T.
Published: April 2011

Two patients were diagnosed as having unilateral iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cysts that were documented to enlarge and induce angle closure. Transpupillary IPE cystotomies were performed using the Nd:YAG laser as a prophylactic measure to prevent angle-closure glaucoma. Anterior chamber anatomy and cyst dimensions were assessed before, during, and after long-term follow-up using slit-lamp biomicroscopy, gonioscopy, and 20- or 35-MHz high-frequency ultrasound imaging. Cystotomy resulted in immediate, visible deflation of both IPE cysts with subsequent resolution of angle closure. The cyst contents appeared clear and no secondary inflammation or glaucoma occurred. No evidence of cyst recurrence has been noted during 3 and 8 years of follow-up, respectively. Transpupillary Nd:YAG laser cystotomy offered a minimally invasive and effective treatment for angle closure induced by progressive IPE cysts.
Image Quality Affects Macular and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Measurements on Fourier-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Huang Jingjing , Liu Xing , Wu Ziqiang , Sadda Srinivas
Published: April 2011

Background and Objective:

To investigate whether image quality is an important determinant of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular thickness measurements on Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Patients and Methods:

Seventy-five and 56 normal subjects were recruited in RNFL and macular thickness arms of the study, respectively. Each participant was scanned three times using both the 3D OCT-1000 (version 3.01, Mark II; Topcon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) and the Cirrus OCT (version 3.0, Model 4000; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, CA). The scans for each participant were arranged in order of increasing image qualities, which were correlated with RNFL and macular thicknesses. Subgroup analyses were performed with identical versus different and high versus low image quality metrics.

Results:

Higher image quality was significantly correlated with greater RNFL thickness measurements on the 3D OCT-1000, and when the signal strength was less than 7 on the Cirrus device. Image quality metrics were negatively correlated with measured macular thicknesses on Cirrus OCT but not on 3D OCT-1000.

Conclusion:

Image quality metrics should be considered when evaluating thickness measurements derived from Fourier-domain OCT devices.
Morphologic Study of the Drainage Pathway Using a Tracer After a Bypass Filtering Procedure in Rabbit Eyes
Authors: Lei Jianqin , Sun Naixue , Zhao Xiaoge , Kang Qianyan , Chen Li , Fan Xiaojuan
Published: April 2011

Background and Objective:

To study the drainage pathway using a tracer after a modified filtering surgery in rabbit eyes.

Materials and Methods:

The authors performed trabeculectomy combined with deep sclerectomy on one eye (TS group) and trabeculectomy on the other eye (T group) of 20 rabbits. Cationic ferritin was injected intracamerally just before killing the rabbits at postsurgical week 2, 4, 8, 12, or 24. The opposite side of the surgical site was used as the control. Histologic study was conducted under light microscopy.

Results:

In both groups, significantly more intrascleral and episcleral drainage vessels were observed than in the paired controls (
P
< .001). Intrascleral drainage canals were more often manifested in the TS group than in the T group (
P
< .05), especially after week 12.

Conclusion:

Intrascleral and episcleral outflow were the main drainage routes after filtering surgeries in this model. Compared with trabeculectomy, the modified surgery was superior for forming an intrascleral “bleb” and seemed to be better maintained at a later stage.
Can Topical Ketorolac 0.5% Improve the Function of Ahmed
®
Glaucoma Drainage Devices?
Authors: Scott Garrett R. , Weizer Jennifer S. , Moroi Sayoko E. , Bruno Christina A. , Musch David C. , Niziol Leslie M. , Lee Paul P. , Stein Joshua D.
Published: April 2011

Background and Objective:

To determine whether postoperative use of topical ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% affects intraocular pressure (IOP) following Ahmed glaucoma drainage device (New World Medical, Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, CA) implantation.

Patients and Methods:

Patients undergoing Ahmed implantation at the University of Michigan from January 2002 to June 2008 were reviewed. Fourteen eyes received ketorolac after surgery; 50 eyes did not. Preoperative and postoperative IOP and glaucoma medications were recorded for both groups; the two-sided Student’s
t
test was used to compare these parameters.

Results:

Mean preoperative IOP was similar in the two groups (35.1 ± 11.9 vs 37.0 ± 12.2 mm Hg;
P
= .60). At postoperative month 6, the ketorolac group had significantly lower IOP compared with the no ketorolac group (13.1 ± 3.7 vs 19.5 ± 9.3 mm Hg, respectively;
P
= .0003). There was no difference in the number of glaucoma medications postoperatively between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Ketorolac may lead to lower postoperative IOP following Ahmed implantation.
Using a polyploid meiosis stability (PMeS) line as a parent improves embryo development and the seed set rate of a tetraploid rice hybrid
Authors: He Y.-C. , Ge J. , Wei Q. , Jiang A.-M. , Gan L. , Song Z.-J. , Cai D.-T.
Published: April 2011

He, Y.-C., Ge, J., Wei, Q., Jiang, A.-M., Gan, L., Song, Z.-J. and Cai, D.-T. 2011 Using a polyploid meiosis stability (PMeS) line as a parent improves embryo development and the seed set rate of a tetraploid rice hybrid. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 325–335. Polyploidy is widely accepted to play an important role in the evolution and breeding of plant species. However, a low seed set rate significantly hindered the development of polyploid rice breeding. Our results show that the seed set rate in polyploid meiosis stability (PMeS) line HN2026-4X was above 80%, but less than 40% in the other two tetraploid lines (4X indicates a tetraploid line and 2X indicates a diploid line). Furthermore, the seed set rate of Balilla-4X×HN2026-4X was also higher (67.18%) compared with that of Balilla-4X×NJ11-4X (37.26%), suggesting that the PMeS trait was transmitted to the next generation. The significantly higher seed set rate was attributed to the high pollen fertility and viability, as well as the normal meiosis of the HN2026-4X line as a male parent and also to successful embryogenesis. Investigations into embryo microstructure suggested that the embryo development pattern in Balilla-4X×HN2026-4X appeared normal at all stages, but many changes were discovered in Balilla-4X×NJ11-4X. The embryos were mainly defective at the four following stages: 1 d after pollination (DAP), 2–3 DAP, 4-5 DAP, and 10-15 DAP. The pattern of embryo developmental failure was similar in the two hybrids, but the abortive frequency in Balilla-4X×HN2026-4X was significantly lower than that of Balilla-4X×NJ11-4X at the respective stages. Additionally, aberrant fertilization, poor endosperm development, and abnormal embryo polarization also contributed to the low seed set in the hybrid of Balilla-4X×NJ11-4X. This study suggests that the PMeS line is a valuable resource, which could be used to develop tetraploid rice hybrids with superior yield.
NH4+ -N/NO3− -N ratios on growth and NO3− -N remobilization in root vacuoles and cytoplasm of lettuce genotypes
Authors: Wang Bo , Shen Qirong
Published: April 2011

Wang, B. and Shen, Q. R. 2011. NH4+ -N/NO3− -N ratios on growth and NO3−-N remobilization in root vacuoles and cytoplasm of lettuce genotypes. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 411–417. Aerobically growing crops generally prefer nitrate (NO3−) to ammonium (NH4+), but partial replacement of NO3− by NH4+ usually makes crops grow better. Five cultivars of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) frequently cultivated in southeast China, including Ny, Sx1, Rw, Nct and Nrnct, were hydroponically grown in four ratios of NH4-N:NO3-N: 0:100, 10:90, 25:75 and 50:50. Based on biomass of roots and shoots of plants, Sx1 was a mostly sensitive genotype, while Nrnct was a mostly insensitive genotype to partial NO3− replacement by NH4+ among the five cultivars. Total root surface area, root length, SPAD readings and net photosynthesis rate of Sx1 and Nrnct were found to be highest at 25:75 of NH4-N:NO3-N. Sx1 had a greater improvement than Nrnct under moderate NH4+ nutrition (NH4-N:NO3-N=25:75). The capacities of NO3− release and remobilization from vacuoles to cytoplasm of Sx1 were stronger than those of Nrnct. The results suggest that we can improve the utilization of nitrogen and decrease the NO3− content in lettuce through planting the appropriate lettuce cultivar in a proper NH4-N/NO3-N ratio.
First report of redbacked cutworm damage to cow cockle [Vaccaria hispanica (Mill.) Rauschert], a potential new crop for western Canada
Authors: Willenborg Christian , Dosdall Lloyd
Published: April 2011

Willenborg, C. J. and Dosdall, L. M. 2011. First report of redbacked cutworm damage to cow cockle [ Vaccaria hispanica(Mill.) Rauschert], a potential new crop for western Canada. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 425–428. We report the effects of redbacked cutworm Euxoa ochrogaster (Guenée) on cow cockle [Vaccaria hispanica (Mill.) Rauschert] plant height, seed yield, and 1000-seed weight (TSW). Euxoa ochrogaster damage to plots varied considerably among genotypes, with some genotypes exhibiting <10% damage and others >45%. Seed yield also varied significantly among genotypes and exhibited a strong linear relationship with the extent of E. ochrogaster damage. This is the first known report of any insect pest feeding on cow cockle. Results suggest that E. ochrogaster has the potential to cause significant losses in cow cockle crops.
Inheritance of resistance to oat stem rust in the cultivars Ronald and AC Gwen
Authors: Fetch J. Mitchell , Fetch T.
Published: April 2011

Mitchell Fetch, J. and Fetch Jr., T. 2011. Inheritance of resistance to oat stem rust in the cultivars Ronald and AC Gwen. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 419–423. Oat stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis Pers. f. sp. avenae Eriks. and E. Henn., causes sporadic epidemics and yield losses in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan. Oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars registered for production in this area possess resistance to stem rust, but their genetic composition is unknown. Race TJJ (NA67), first detected in 1998, is virulent on most Pg genes; thus, it is desirable to know the gene(s) that are present in currently grown oat varieties. The hulled cultivar Ronald and the hulless cultivar AC Gwen were selected for characterization of inheritance of stem rust resistance, and crossed to the susceptible cultivar Triple Crown. Race BLD (NA1) was used to evaluate F1 plants and F2 populations. All F1 plants were resistant, indicating the presence of at least one dominant gene. Pooled F2 populations fit a 13:3 (resistant:susceptible) ratio for both Ronald (χ2 =0.31, P =0.58) and AC Gwen (χ2 =3.32 and P =0.07), indicating the presence of one dominant and one recessive gene. Segregation ratios in pooled F3 families fit a 7:8:1 (homozygous resistant:segregating:homozygous susceptible) ratio with race BLD (χ2 =0.84, P =0.66 for Ronald; χ2 =1.99, P =0.37 for AC Gwen), a 1:2:1 ratio (segregating families with 1:3 ratio) with race TJD (χ2 =2.87, P =0.24 for Ronald; χ2 =3.45, P =0.18 for AC Gwen), and a 1:2:1 ratio (segregating families with 3:1 ratio) with race FDJ (χ2 =1.33, P =0.51 for Ronald; χ2 =2.04, P =0.36 for AC Gwen). These results and reactions to known races of Puccinia graminis f. sp. avenae indicate that both Ronald and AC Gwen possess the dominant gene Pg2 and recessive gene Pg13. This genetic study characterized the stem rust resistance in Ronald and AC Gwen, and confirmed the limited base of stem rust resistance in Canadian oat cultivars.
Nitrogen remobilization and post-anthesis nitrogen uptake in relation to elevated grain protein concentration in durum wheat
Authors: Suprayogi Y. , Clarke J. M. , Bueckert R. , Clarke F. R. , Pozniak C. J.
Published: April 2011

Suprayogi, Y., Clarke, J. M., Bueckert, R., Clarke, F. R. and Pozniak, C. J. 2011. Nitrogen remobilization and post-anthesis nitrogen uptake in relation to elevated grain protein concentration in durum wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 273–282. Grain protein concentration is an important end-use suitability factor in durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.) Husn.] through its effect on cooking quality. Genetic differences in grain protein concentration are exploited in Canadian durum breeding programs, but the physiological basis of these differences remains unknown. Eighteen durum genotypes varying in grain protein concentration were grown at three pre-selected Saskatchewan locations that differ for soil nitrogen (N). These included check cultivars and six low- and six high-protein doubled haploid (DH) selections from the cross DT695×Strongfield (low- by high-protein). Plants were sampled at the anthesis, milk, dough and physiological maturity developmental stages, and dry matter and N concentration of plant parts were determined. The high-protein selections expressed 0.6 to 1.1 percentage units higher grain protein concentration than the low selections over the three environments (P<0.05), but yielded less grain than the low selections in two of the three environments. Remobilization of N from vegetative organs to grain varied with environment and accounted for 73 to 98% of grain N, the remainder made up from post-anthesis N uptake. The high-protein selections showed greater post-anthesis N uptake than the low selections in two of three environments (P<0.01), but lower N remobilization from vegetative organs to the grain than the low selections in the same environments (P<0.05). Subtle differences in N and dry matter partitioning accounted for the observed differences in grain protein concentration.
Distribution Algebras on p-adic Groups and Lie Algebras
Authors: Moy Allen
Published: April 2011

When F is a p-adic field, and is the group of F-rational points of a connected algebraic F-group, the complex vector space of compactly supported locally constant distributions on G has a natural convolution product that makes it into a ℂ-algebra (without an identity) called the Hecke algebra. The Hecke algebra is a partial analogue for p-adic groups of the enveloping algebra of a Lie group. However, has drawbacks such as the lack of an identity element, and the process is not a functor. Bernstein introduced an enlargement . The algebra consists of the distributions that are left essentially compact. We show that the process is a functor. If is a morphism of p-adic groups, let be the morphism of ℂ-algebras. We identify the kernel of in terms of Ker. In the setting of p-adic Lie algebras, with g a reductive Lie algebra, m a Levi, and the natural projection, we show that maps G-invariant distributions on to NG(m)-invariant distributions on m. Finally, we exhibit a natural family of G-invariant essentially compact distributions on g associated with a G-invariant non-degenerate symmetric bilinear form on g and in the case of SL(2) show how certain members of the family can be moved to the group.
Admissible Sequences for Twisted Involutions in Weyl Groups
Authors: Haas Ruth , Helminck Aloysius G.
Published: April 2011

LetW be a Weyl group, Σ a set of simple reflections inW related to a basis Δ for the root system Φ associated with W and θ an involution such that θ(Δ) = Δ. We show that the set of θ- twisted involutions in W, = {w ∈ W | θ(w) = w–1} is in one to one correspondence with the set of regular involutions . The elements of are characterized by sequences in Σ which induce an ordering called the Richardson–Springer Poset. In particular, for Φ irreducible, the ascending Richardson–Springer Poset of , for nontrivial θ is identical to the descending Richardson–Springer Poset of .
Similarity and Coincidence Isometries for Modules
Authors: Glied Svenja
Published: April 2011

The groups of (linear) similarity and coincidence isometries of certain modules Γ in d-dimensional Euclidean space, which naturally occur in quasicrystallography, are considered. It is shown that the structure of the factor group of similarity modulo coincidence isometries is the direct sum of cyclic groups of prime power orders that divide d. In particular, if the dimension d is a prime number p, the factor group is an elementary abelian p-group. This generalizes previous results obtained for lattices to situations relevant in quasicrystallography.
The Secondary Chern–Euler Class for a General Submanifold
Authors: Nie Zhaohu
Published: April 2011

We define and study the secondary Chern–Euler class for a general submanifold of a Riemannian manifold. Using this class, we define and study the index for a vector field with non-isolated singularities on a submanifold. As an application, we give conceptual proofs of a result of Chern.
Description of Entire Solutions of Eiconal Type Equations
Authors: Chang Der-Chen , Li Bao Qin
Published: April 2011

The paper describes entire solutions to the eiconal type non-linear partial differential equations, which include the eiconal equations (X1(u))2+ (X2(u))2= 1 as special cases, whereX1=p1∂/∂z1+p2∂/∂z2,X2=p3∂/∂z1+p4∂/∂z2are linearly independent operators withpjbeing arbitrary polynomials inC2.
Convergence Rates of Cascade Algorithms with Infinitely Supported Masks
Authors: Yang Jianbin , Li Song
Published: April 2011

We investigate the solutions of refinement equations of the form

where the function ϕ is in Lp(ℝs)(1 ≤ p ≤ ∞), a is an infinitely supported sequence on ℤs called a refinement mask, and M is an s × s integer matrix such that limn→1M–n = 0. Associated with the mask a and M is a linear operator Qa,M defined on Lp(ℝs) by Qa,Mϕ0 := Σα∈ℤsa(α)ϕ0(M · –α). Main results of this paper are related to the convergence rates of in Lp(ℝs) with mask a being infinitely supported. It is proved that under some appropriate conditions on the initial function ϕ0, converges in Lp(ℝs) with an exponential rate.
Physical fractionation of aquatic viral assemblages
Authors: Brum Jennifer R. , Steward Grieg F.
Published: April 2011

Aquatic viruses are extraordinarily diverse and have major influences on plankton ecology and evolution, but the majority of these viruses remain uncharacterized. Most viruses have not been cultivated and cultivationindependent means to explore viral diversity have provided only a fragmented view of viral genomic information. In this study, ultracentrifugation and chromatographic methods were evaluated for their ability to fractionate aquatic viruses based on their differing physical properties with the aim of physically enriching subsets of aquatic viruses for further study. Centrifugation in continuous cesium chloride gradients, strong and weak anion‐exchange chromatography, and size‐exclusion chromatography with Sephacryl S‐1000 were found to separate aquatic viruses based on their differing buoyant densities, surface charges, and sizes, respectively. Sucrose density gradients, cation‐exchange chromatography, and size‐exclusion chromatography using controlled‐pore glass were found to have insufficient resolution to effectively separate viral assemblages. Using the successful methods listed above, we were able to separate complex assemblages of viruses into fractions that had distinguishable subsets of the viruses present in the original community as determined by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis. Strong anion‐exchange chromatography was particularly effective at separating viruses in the samples and resulted in one to six dominant viral genome bands in most fractions. Our results suggest that individual populations of viruses may be physically enriched, and possibly isolated, from complex assemblages without cultivation. These fractionation methods are expected to improve our ability to characterize the genotypes and phenotypes of the uncultivated majority of viruses in aquatic environments.
Novel methodology for in situ carbon dioxide enrichment of benthic ecosystems
Authors: Campbell Justin E. , Fourqurean James W.
Published: April 2011

Future climate change will likely represent a major stress to shallow aquatic and coastal marine communities around the world. Most climate change research, particularly in regards to increased pCO2 and ocean acidification, relies on ex situ mesocosm experimentation, isolating target organisms from their environment. Such mesocosms allow for greater experimental control of some variables, but can often cause unrealistic changes in a variety of environmental factors, leading to “bottle effects.” Here we present an in situ technique of altering dissolved pCO2within nearshore benthic communities (e.g., macrophytes, algae, and/or corals) using submerged clear, open‐top chambers. Our technique utilizes a flow‐through design that replicates natural water flow conditions and minimizes caging effects. The clear, open‐top design additionally ensures that adequate light reaches the benthic community. Our results show that CO2 concentrations and pH can be successfully manipulated for long durations within the open‐top chambers, continuously replicating forecasts for the year 2100. Enriched chambers displayed an average 0.46 unit reduction in pH as compared with ambient chambers over a 6‐month period. Additionally, CO2 and HCO3− concentrations were all significantly higher within the enriched chambers. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this technique in comparison to other ex situ mesocosm designs used for climate change research.
Is renovation riskier than new construction? An observational comparison of risk factors for stepladder‐related falls
Authors: Ronk Christopher J. , Dennerlein Jack T. , Hoffman Elaine , Perry Melissa J.
Published: April 2011

Background

Stepladder‐related injuries at construction sites have increased in recent years. We aimed to quantify the prevalence of stepladder‐related fall hazards in general construction and to compare the risks on renovation worksites to new construction build sites.

Methods

Eighteen worksites were visited, resulting in the observation of 771 stepladders. Eight of the sites were new builds and ten were renovation projects.

Results

High compliance with best practices was not observed for several factors, including having hands free while climbing (46%) and using minimum forces (72%). There was a notable trend toward more hazards on renovation build projects than on new construction sites; however, these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

There was not sufficient evidence to show that stepladder fall hazards are more prevalent on renovation projects than on new build projects. Having hands free while climbing and using minimum forces were two practices needing more wide‐scale adoption regardless of construction job type. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:579–585, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of traumatic occupational fatalities in China
Authors: Tao Zhang , Ming‐Xiao Wang , Miao‐Rong Xie , Ming‐Qiu Jia
Published: April 2011

Background

A descriptive epidemiologic analysis of the characteristics of workplace‐based multiple fatality incidents in China can contribute to a scientific basis for the prevention and control of such fatal incidents as well for as the facilitation of medical assistance during these episodes.

Methods

We used data on workplace‐based multiple fatality incidents spanning January 1, 2001–December 31, 2008 as collected by the National Work Safety Administration of China to analyze event frequency, type, number of deaths, mortality rate (per million persons), and regional distribution.

Results

A total of 17,277 workplace‐based multiple fatality incidents were reported between 2001 and 2008, which were associated with 62,850 deaths and 30,418 injuries. The most common types or settings associated with workplace‐based multiple fatality incidents were road traffic accidents (>3 deaths only; total 23,464 deaths), coal mine explosions (23,418 deaths), and incidents involving shipping (3,978 deaths).

Conclusion

The risk for workplace‐based multiple fatality incidents in China is one of the highest in the world. Prevention is critical and should be strengthened. Our results may provide useful information help to improve prevention and control measures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:560–564, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study of relaxations in poly(methyl methacrylate)–magneto electrets by thermally stimulated depolarization current and surface‐charge‐decay mechanisms
Authors: Tewari A. S. , Qureshi M. S. , Dubey R. N. , Malik M. M.
Published: April 2011

The effect of the forming temperature and the magnetic field was investigated for the charge retention and stability of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)–magneto electret (ME) samples with thermally stimulated discharge currents (TSDCs) and a surface‐charge‐decay mechanism. The measurements were performed on a pristine PMMA sample with a thickness of 20 mm. The comparative studies of charge decay with TSDC indicated a strong resemblance between the results of the two techniques of MEs of PMMA and were characterized by two TSDC peaks, that is, an α peak at 110°C and a ρ peak at 160°C. The low‐temperature peak (i.e., the α peak) was associated with dipolar relaxation, and the high‐temperature peak (i.e., the ρ peak) was attributed to the self‐motion of space charges in PMMA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Radiation‐induced effects in gamma‐irradiated PLLA and PCL at ambient and dry ice temperatures
Authors: Walo Marta , Przybytniak Grażyna , Nowicki Andrzej , Świeszkowski Wojciech
Published: April 2011

The effect of γ‐rays sterilization at ambient (23°C) and at dry ice temperatures (−78°C) on two biodegradable semicrystalline polyesters, namely poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL), was studied. The radical processes generated by irradiation were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, whereas postradiation changes were monitored for 5 months by scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and apparent viscosity measurements. It was confirmed that the radiation sterilization initiates degradation in both studied polymers, however, the effect is smaller in PCL than in PLLA, and that the range of changes might be limited by lowering temperature of the exposure to γ‐rays. Newly formed oxygen containing functional groups confirmed by EPR and thermogravimetric analysis methods are produced in the irradiated polyesters. In PCL, the process might give rise to thermally induced cross‐linking via oxygen containing intermolecular bridges. During storage, in both irradiated materials, morphology determined by differential scanning calorimetry is changing ‐ PCL ability toward crystallization decreases insignificantly, whereas in PLLA the tendency is opposite ‐ on irradiation a contribution of crystalline phase is growing considerably, from 18 and 19% to 41 and 31% for PLLA irradiated at 23°C and at −78°C, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Greater rates of cartilage loss in painful knees than in pain‐free knees after adjustment for radiographic disease stage: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Eckstein Felix , Cotofana Sebastian , Wirth Wolfgang , Nevitt Michael , John Markus R. , Dreher Donatus , Frobell Richard ,   Osteoarthritis Initiative Investigators Group
Published: April 2011

Objective

To investigate whether rates of cartilage loss differ in knees with frequent baseline pain versus those without pain, after adjustment for radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) stage.

Methods

One knee in each of 718 Osteoarthritis Initiative participants was examined: 310 with calculated Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grade 2, 299 with calculated K/L grade 3, and 109 with calculated K/L grade 4. Twelve‐month change in (subregional) cartilage thickness was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Change in cartilage thickness in the central subregion of the weight‐bearing medial femoral condyle and ordered value 1 (OV1) were selected as primary end points. Frequent knee symptoms were defined as pain, aching, or stiffness on most days of at least 1 month during the previous year.

Results

The mean 12‐month rate of change in cartilage thickness in the central subregion of the medial femoral condyle was −12 μm (standardized response mean [SRM] −0.15) in knees without pain (n = 146), −27 μm (SRM −0.25) in those with infrequent pain (n = 255), and −54 μm (SRM −0.32) in those with frequent pain (n = 317). Rates differed significantly between frequently painful knees and pain‐free knees after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and calculated K/L grade (P = 0.011, R2 = 2.6%, partial R2 for frequent pain = 1.4%). Similar results were found in stratified samples of calculated K/L grade 2/calculated K/L grade 3 knees, and in analyses restricted to knees with consistent pain frequency between baseline and followup. OV1 results showed similar trends but were not significant.

Conclusion

Knees with frequent pain display greater rates of medial cartilage loss longitudinally than knees without pain, with or without adjustment or stratification for radiographic disease stage. Enrollment of participants with frequent knee pain in clinical trials can increase the observed rate of structural progression (i.e., cartilage loss) and sensitivity to change.
The relationship between oral contraceptive use and functional outcome in women with recent‐onset inflammatory polyarthritis: Results from the Norfolk Arthritis Register
Authors: Camacho E. M. , Lunt M. , Farragher T. M. , Verstappen S. M. M. , Bunn D. K. , Symmons D. P. M.
Published: April 2011

Objective

Use of oral contraceptives (OCs) may prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis, but the influence of OC use on disease outcome is unresolved. The purpose of this study was to examine functional outcome and OC use in women with inflammatory polyarthritis (IP).

Methods

The Norfolk Arthritis Register (NOAR) is an inception cohort of patients with recent‐onset IP. We studied patient‐reported history of OC use in 663 women who were born after 1945 and who had not used OCs during followup. OC use during followup was additionally investigated in 265 women who were <50 years old and had not undergone menopause or hysterectomy during followup. All patients were recruited to the NOAR between 1990 and 2004. Functional ability was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), with adjustment for age at symptom onset.

Results

The median followup was 4.9 years. In the investigation analyzing OC use before symptom onset, patients who had used OCs before symptom onset had lower HAQ scores throughout followup than patients who had not taken OCs before symptom onset (difference in score at 5‐year followup −0.35; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] −0.51, −0.19). Patients who were taking OCs at baseline had lower HAQ scores over time than women who were not taking OCs at baseline but had previously done so (mean difference −0.21; 95% CI −0.40, −0.02). In the investigation analyzing OC use during followup, OC use during followup was associated with lower HAQ scores over time than no OC use during followup (mean difference −0.06; 95% CI −0.16, 0.03); however, this was only significant for women with moderate or severe functional disability at the previous assessment (mean difference −0.23; 95% CI −0.40, −0.07). Further adjustment for potential confounders and exclusion of hormone replacement therapy users had little impact.

Conclusion

OC use is generally associated with a beneficial functional outcome in IP, and use before and at symptom onset appeared to have the most consistent benefit.
Chemical reactors sequencing
Authors: Chebbi Rachid
Published: April 2011

The procedure introduced, based on a mathematical approach, provides a systematic way of finding the sequencing of reactors in series providing the minimum total reactor volume. Using the proposed procedure along with Levenspiel graphical method provides both a systematic way of solving the sequencing problem and a visual interpretation of the results. Trial and error calculations are needed with standard methods to obtain conversions in cases reactor volumes are given. A method is available in the literature to determine the conversions in continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) in series, given the CSTRs volumes. The direct method proposed eliminates the need for initial guesses and trial and error calculations for both PFRs and CSTRs, using newly defined plots. Detailed spreadsheet calculations are provided to illustrate the direct procedure for calculating conversions, given the reactors volumes in a sequence, whether the sequencing is optimum or not. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:195–199, 2014; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.20545
Highly integrated gradient pulse generator for magnetic resonance imaging system
Authors: Tang Weinan , Wang Weimin
Published: April 2011

A gradient pulse generator for magnetic resonance imaging is presented. It has the ability to yield arbitrary gradient pulses on the fly and provide reconfigurable calculations including scaling, axis rotation, pre‐emphasis, and gradient offsetting in real time along X, Y, and Z gradient channels. The versatility has been obtained by incorporating all required digital functions into a single field programmable gate array chip. The development of the hardware is eased by employing a high‐level tool—the System Generator—using the MathWorks model‐based Simulink environment. In addition, an easy‐to‐use method is developed for pre‐emphasis calibration. As expected, the described device is highly integrated, low cost, simple to use and interface, and has been demonstrated successfully in conjunction with a home‐built magnetic resonance system to perform imaging experiments. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 39B: 59–63, 2011
A theoretical method for the use of a phantom to enhance image reconstruction in MRI
Authors: Forbes Lawrence K. , Brideson Michael A. , While Peter T.
Published: April 2011

A simple technique is proposed in which a phantom could be used to calibrate an image acquired during an magnetic resonance imaging scan. The method corrects for the effects of nonlinearities in the gradient fields, and in principle does so exactly. The mathematics behind the technique is discussed, and a simple tutorial example is presented as an illustration. The technique is then tested on an actual (photographic) image, and it is shown to be able to recover much of the original picture, even in the presence of strongly nonlinear gradients. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 39B: 98–108, 2011
How visual space maps in the optic neuropils of a crab
Authors: De Astrada Martín Berón , Medan Violeta , Tomsic Daniel
Published: April 2011

The Decapoda is the largest order of crustaceans, some 10,000 species having been described to date. The order includes shrimps, lobsters, crayfishes, and crabs. Most of these are highly visual animals that display complex visually guided behaviors and, consequently, large areas of their nervous systems are dedicated to visual processing. However, our knowledge of the organization and functioning of the visual nervous system of these animals is still limited. Beneath the retina lie three serially arranged optic neuropils connected by two chiasmata. Here, we apply dye tracers in different areas of the retina or the optic neuropils to investigate the organization of visual space maps in the optic neuropils of the brachyuran crab Chasmagnathus granulatus. Our results reveal the way in which the visual space is represented in the three main optic neuropils of a decapod. We show that the crabs' optic chiasmata are oriented perpendicular to each other, an arrangement that seems to be unique among malacostracans. Crabs use retinal position in azimuth and elevation to categorize visual stimuli; for instance, stimuli moving above or below the horizon are interpreted as predators or conspecifics, respectively. The retinotopic maps revealed in the present study create the possibility of relating particular regions of the optic neuropils with distinct behavioral responses elicited by stimuli occurring in different regions of the visual field. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:1631–1639, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The hepcidin circuits act: Balancing iron and inflammation
Authors: Maliken Bryan D. , Nelson James E. , Kowdley Kris V.
Published: April 2011

Hepcidin is a peptide hormone that regulates iron homeostasis and acts as an antimicrobial peptide. It is expressed and secreted by a variety of cell types in response to iron loading and inflammation. Hepcidin mediates iron homeostasis by binding to the iron exporter ferroportin, inducing its internalization and degradation via activation of the protein kinase Jak2 and the subsequent phosphorylation of ferroportin. Here we have shown that hepcidin-activated Jak2 also phosphorylates the transcription factor Stat3, resulting in a transcriptional response. Hepcidin treatment of ferroportin-expressing mouse macrophages showed changes in mRNA expression levels of a wide variety of genes. The changes in transcript levels for half of these genes were a direct effect of hepcidin, as shown by cycloheximide insensitivity, and dependent on the presence of Stat3. Hepcidin-mediated transcriptional changes modulated LPS-induced transcription in both cultured macrophages and in vivo mouse models, as demonstrated by suppression of IL-6 and TNF-α transcript and secreted protein. Hepcidin-mediated transcription in mice also suppressed toxicity and morbidity due to single doses of LPS, poly(I:C), and turpentine, which is used to model chronic inflammatory disease. Most notably, we demonstrated that hepcidin pretreatment protected mice from a lethal dose of LPS and that hepcidin-knockout mice could be rescued from LPS toxicity by injection of hepcidin. The results of our study suggest a new function for hepcidin in modulating acute inflammatory responses. (HEPATOLOGY 2011 )
The case for assessing complex general education student learning outcomes
Authors: Penn Jeremy D.
Published: April 2011

This chapter gives a brief history of general education assessment, responds to common criticisms of general education assessment, and makes a case for assessing general education as a critical element of our responsibility as faculty members.
Which test? Whose scores? Comparing standardized critical thinking tests
Authors: Hatcher Donald L.
Published: April 2011

This chapter presents suggestions for assessing critical thinking based on eighteen years of assessing the critical thinking component of Baker University's freshman critical thinking and writing sequence. The data indicate that an institution can expect assessment results to depend on which test one chooses and whose scores are reported.
How We know it when we see it: Conceptualizing and assessing integrative and applied learning‐in‐use
Authors: Mentkowski Marcia , Sharkey Stephen
Published: April 2011

We examine the concept of integrative and applied learning from various perspectives, emphasize transfer of that learning to unfamiliar and unimagined settings, and describe crucial metacognitive strategies, including learned abilities used as frameworks for performance, reflection, and self‐assessment that foster learning that lasts. We follow with examples of Alverno approaches for assessing these complex capacities across a curriculum.
Future directions for assessing complex general education student learning outcomes
Authors: Penn Jeremy D.
Published: April 2011

This chapter examines how changes to faculty members' roles, changes to students' expectations for higher education, and increasing demand for accountability affect general education assessment practices. An agenda for future research on general education assessment is proposed.
Analysis of carriers of hepatitis B virus from a tertiary referral hospital: Does the viral load change during the natural course of infection?
Authors: Aakanksha  , Asim Mohammad , Sharma P.K. , Das B.C. , Kar P.
Published: April 2011

This study was designed to determine the prevalence, forms of transmission, mutational profile and viral load at baseline of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers in Delhi. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive patients were enrolled and evaluated clinically for liver function, serological markers for hepatitis B and HBV DNA quantitation. Tests were carried out again 1 year later and the results were compared. Liver biopsy was carried out on all carriers with active viral replication. HBV DNA‐positive samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction single‐stranded conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) to screen mutations in the Precore, core, and the X‐gene prior to sequencing analysis. Among the 100 patients examined, HBeAg was detected in 23% and 40% were HBV DNA‐positive. Of the 40 HBV DNA‐positive cases, 8 had precore/core mutations, [G1896A (10%), T2066A (12.5%), T2050C (10%), and G1888A (7.5%)]. No X gene mutants were detected. Reduction in viral load was higher in HBeAg‐positive patients, as compared to HBeAg‐negative patients, over 1 year. At follow‐up, 2/8 HBV mutants corresponded with altered liver function and morphological changes suggestive of chronic hepatitis. One patient was re‐designated as DNA‐negative on follow‐up and had wild‐type virus infection with a relatively low viral load. The predominant route for HBV transmission was determined to be parenteral. Twenty percent of the HBV carriers were infected with precore and core mutant HBV. Although the clinical and biochemical profiles of these HBV carriers remained largely stable on follow‐up, there was evidence of spontaneous reduction in the mean viral load over the 1‐year study period. J. Med. Virol. 83:1151–1158, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antigenic and genetic variation in the hemagglutinins of H1N1 and H3N2 human influenza a viruses in the Shanghai area from 2005 to 2008
Authors: Ren Xiao‐wei , Ju Li‐wen , Yang Ji‐xing , Lv Xi‐hong , Jiang Lu‐fang , Zhao Nai‐qing , Jiang Qing‐wu
Published: April 2011

Continued rapid evolution of the influenza A virus is responsible for annual epidemics and occasional pandemics in the Shanghai area. In the present study, the representative strains of A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 influenza viruses isolated in the Shanghai area from 2005 to 2008 were antigenically and genetically characterized. The antigenic cartography method was carried out to visualize the hemagglutination‐inhibition data. Antigenic differences were detected between circulating A/H1N1 strains isolated from 2005 to 2006 and the epidemic A/H1N1 strains isolated in 2008, which were found to be associated with the amino acid substitution K140E in HA1. The present vaccine strain A/Brisbane/59/2007 is considered to be capable of providing sufficient immunity against most of the circulating A/H1N1 viruses isolated in 2008 from the Shanghai population. The study showed that there were significant antigenic differences between the epidemic A/H3N2 strains isolated in 2007 and 2008, suggesting that antigenic drift had occurred in the A/H3N2 strains isolated in 2008. The P194L mutation was thought to be responsible for the antigenic evolution of influenza A/H3N2 viruses isolated from Shanghai in 2008. Evidence of antigenic drift suggests that the influenza A/H3N2 vaccine component needs to be updated. J. Med. Virol. 83:1113–1120, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sexual behavior and HPV infection in British women, by postal questionnaires and telephone interviews
Authors: Almonte Maribel , Silva Isabel dos Santos , Asare Akua , Gilham Clare , Sargent Alexandra , Bailey Andrew , Turner Andrew , Desai Mina , Kitchener Henry C. , Peto Julian
Published: April 2011

Sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses (HPVs), most frequently HPV 16, are the primary cause of cervical carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sexual behavior and prevalence and acquisition of HPV infection among British women attending regular cervical screening who responded to postal questionnaires and/or telephone interviews. A total of 1,880 women who had been tested for HPV in the ARTISTIC (A Randomized Trial In Screening To Improve Cytology) trial were randomized to three methods of data collection: group 1 (questionnaire including sexual history, no interview), group 2 (questionnaire excluding sexual history, short interview including sexual history), and group 3 (questionnaire and long interview including sexual history in both). Questions on sexual history included age at first sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases, lifetime (total and regular) sexual partners, and number of partners in the last 5 years (total and new). Demographics, reproductive, cervical screening, and smoking history were also collected in questionnaires. The overall participation rate was 35%. There was good agreement (87.4–95.5%) on sexual behavior answers in questionnaires and interviews in women in group 3 and no significant differences between data obtained by questionnaire or interview. Odds ratios (OR) for both HPV prevalence and acquisition increased consistently with increasing numbers of lifetime sexual partners, regular partners, and new partners in the last 5 years (recent partners). No significant association was found for other characteristics investigated. The effect of recent sexual partners on HPV acquisition (OR for 2+ recent partners: 4.4, 95% CI: 1.7–11.2) was stronger than that of earlier (>5 years ago) partners (OR for 2+ earlier partners: 2.2, 95% CI: 0.7–6.7) suggesting that most incident HPV infections are newly acquired rather than recurrent. J. Med. Virol. 83:1238–1246, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.