bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ternary Nitrides InxFe4–xN (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8): Synthesis, Magnetic Properties, and Theoretical Considerations
Authors: Burghaus Jens , Kleemann Julian , Dronskowski Richard
Published: January 2011

The recently published synthesis of the presumably daltonide phase InFe3N has been re‐investigated. A two‐step ammonolysis reaction gives access to the phase‐pure berthollide InxFe4–xN (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8), which adopts a perovskite‐like structure in space group Pm$\bar{3}$m. There is a Vegard‐type behavior of the lattice parameter over the entire compositional range, and a similar trend is found for the magnetic saturation moment, which decreases while the indium content increases. Susceptibility measurements and hysteretic loops (10 K, 290 K) evidence that In0.8Fe3.2N is a ferromagnetic nitride.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Characterization of a Novel Metallo‐Organically‐Templated Pentaborate with Mixed Ligands
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Yu , Sun Jiangbo , Cui Miao , Meng Changgong
Published: January 2011

A novel metallo‐organically templated pentaborate with layered framework, [Cd(TETA)(C2H3O2)][B5O6(OH)4] (1) (TETA = triethylenetramine), was synthesized under mild solvothermal conditions. The structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and further characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The structure consists of an isolated polyborate anion [B5O6(OH)4]– and the cadmium complex cation of [Cd(TETA)(C2H3O2)]+, which contains both organic amine and organic acid ligands. The [B5O6(OH)4]– units are connected together by hydrogen bonds, and a 2D sheet‐like framework with rectangle‐like 12‐membered boron rings are formed. The [Cd(TETA)(C2H3O2)]+ complex cations are located in the free space between the layers and connect the adjacent borate layers through hydrogen bonds to form a three‐dimensional supramolecular network. The luminescent properties of the compound were studied for the first time in the series of metallo‐organically‐templated pentaborates, and a blue luminescence occurs with an emission maximum at 468 nm upon excitation at 397 nm.
Investigations on Macrocyclic Complexes Containing [Fe2S2] Clusters: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Liu Xu‐Feng , Yin Bang‐Shao
Published: January 2011

Two macrocyclic complexes containing [Fe2S2] clusters [(μ‐SCH2)2Fe2(CO)5]2(NCH2CH2N)(Ph2PCH2CH2CH2PPh2) (1) and [(μ‐SCH2)2Fe2(CO)5]2(NCH2CH2N)(Ph2PCH2CH2CH2CH2PPh2) (2) were prepared from reactions of [(μ‐SCH2)2Fe2(CO)6]2(NCH2CH2N) with Ph2PCH2CH2CH2PPh2 (dppp) or Ph2PCH2CH2CH2CH2PPh2 (dppb) in the presence of the CO‐removing agent Me3NO·2H2O. Complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by elemental analysis and IR and NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the X‐ray structure of 2 showed the molecule to contain a 16 atom macrocycle, which is joined together by an ethylene group and a bidentate ligand dppb.
Sonochemical Synthesis of a Novel Nanoscale Lead(II) Coordination Polymer: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Thermal Properties, and DFT Calculations of [Pb(dmp)(μ‐N3)(μ‐NO3)]n with the Novel Pb2(μ‐N3)2(μ‐NO3)2 Unit
Authors: Shaabani Behrouz , Mirtamizdoust Babak , Viterbo Davide , Croce Gianluca , Hammud Hassan , Hojati‐Lalemi Pejman , Khandar Aliakbar
Published: January 2011

A new nanostructured coordination polymer of divalent lead with the ligand 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline (dmp), [Pb(dmp)(μ‐N3)(μ‐NO3)]n (1), was synthesized by sonochemical methods. The polymer was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. Compound 1 was structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The single‐crystal analysis shows that the coordination number of PbII ions is seven, (PbN4O3) has a “stereo‐chemically active” electron lone pair, and the coordination sphere is hemidirected. The chains interact with each other through π–π stacking interactions to create a 3D framework. The structure of the title complex was optimized by density functional calculations. The calculated structural parameters and the IR spectrum of the title complex are in agreement with the crystal structure.
Trends in prescribing of psychotropic medications for inpatient adolescents in Israel: A 10 years retrospective analysis
Authors: Gilat Y. , Ben-Dor D.H. , Magen A. , Wolovick L. , Vekslerchik M. , Weizman A. , Zalsman G.
Published: January 2011

We examined the trends in prescribing psychotropic drugs to children and adolescents within an inpatients adolescent psychiatric ward in Israel. Data of 414 subjects, ranging from 12- to 22-year-old, covering the years 1997, 2002 and 2007, was examined retrospectively. Analyzed variables included the number and type of drug prescriptions per patient at discharge, the subjects’ age at discharge and the number of diagnoses per patient at discharge. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was used to evaluate changes between the three calendar years, along the 10-year study period, while Pearson χ2 test was performed for categorical variables. Over the study period the mean age at discharge decreased significantly, by about a year and a half, the mean number of diagnoses increased significantly, from 1.6 to 2.4 diagnoses per patient and the total number of drugs prescribed at discharge increased significantly from 1.48 to 1.93 per patient. Overall, the number of patients who were prescribed mood stabilizers increased by 14%, those who were prescribed antidepressants increased by almost 24%, almost 16% in antipsychotics prescriptions and 51.5% in prescriptions of atypical antipsychotics. Typical antipsychotic prescriptions decreased by 35.5% and accordingly, the number of patients who were prescribed agents for the treatment of extra-pyramidal side effects decreased by almost 24%. Due to a low number of inpatients with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), no significant statistical conclusion could be drawn regarding trends in psychostimulant prescriptions. Our findings agree with other published studies from the last two decades. The growing use of psychotropic agents in children and adolescents merit a continuous concern with regard to their effects on the developing brain and impact on quality of life and to authorizing these drugs for use in specific young age subgroups.
Activity‐induced dendrite and dendritic spine development in human amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice
Authors: Alpár Alán , Ueberham Uwe , Lendvai Dávid , Naumann Nicole , Rohn Susanne , Gáti Georgina , Arendt Thomas , Gärtner Ulrich
Published: January 2011

The amyloid precursor protein is essential for proper neuronal function but an imbalance in processing or metabolism or its overexpression lead to severe malfunction of the brain. The present study focused on dendritic morphology of hippocampal neurons in mice overexpressing the wild‐type human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP). In addition, we examined whether enhanced physical activity may affect hAPP‐related morphological changes. Overexpression of hAPP resulted in significant enlargement of dendrites, especially within the basal dendritic field but had no effect on spine density. Enhanced physical activity only moderately potentiated hAPP induced changes in dendritic size. Physical activity dependent increases in spine density were, however, augmented by hAPP overexpression. The results suggest that enhanced levels of wild‐type hAPP do not result in degenerative changes of neuronal morphology, but rather promote dendritic growth.
Cost‐effectiveness and quality of life associated with heavy menstrual bleeding among women using the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system
Authors: Blumenthal Paul D. , Dawson Lindsey , Hurskainen Ritva
Published: January 2011

Objective

To review the literature for economic and health‐related quality of life outcomes data associated with the use of the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding.

Methods

We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases simultaneously using the Ovid interface to review the literature in a systematic manner for economic and health‐related quality of life outcomes data associated with the use of the LNG‐IUS in women with heavy menstrual bleeding. Articles were then selected for further review based on the relevance of their titles and/or abstracts. We identified 17 articles for inclusion in this review.

Results

Treating heavy menstrual bleeding with the LNG‐IUS was found to be cost‐effective in various countries and settings. Moreover, irrespective of the measuring instrument used, health‐related quality‐of‐life outcomes were found to be improved to a degree similar to that achieved with endometrial ablation or hysterectomy. In some cases, the LNG‐IUS appeared to be more effective and less costly than the surgical options.

Conclusion

The LNG‐IUS is a cost‐effective treatment option for heavy menstrual bleeding when pharmacologic treatment is indicated.
Length of the endometrial cavity and intrauterine contraceptive device expulsion
Authors: Bahamondes M. Valeria , Monteiro Ilza , Canteiro Renata , Fernandes Arlete dos Santos , Bahamondes Luis
Published: January 2011

Objective

To evaluate the correlation between endometrial cavity length and expulsion rate in acceptors of the TCu380A intrauterine device (IUD) or the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS).

Methods

The study included 235 nulligravida and parous women who received a TCu380A IUD or LNG‐IUS and who were observed for up to 1 year. The length of the uterine cavity was measured by uterine sounding and ultrasonography.

Results

The endometrial cavity was shorter than 3.2 cm in 2 LNG‐IUS users and at least 3.2 cm long in 87 LNG‐IUS users, with expulsions occurring in 0 (0.0%) and 2 (2.3%) of these women, respectively (P > 0.999). Among the TCu380A IUD users, the endometrial cavity was shorter than 3.6 cm in 63 women and at least 3.6 cm long in 83 women, with expulsions occurring in 3 (4.8%) and 5 (6.0%) of these women, respectively (P > 0.999). The mean length of the endometrial cavity—evaluated via ultrasonography—among the 10 women whose devices were expelled was 3.9 ± 0.3 cm, compared with 3.9 ± 0.0 cm in those who retained their devices (P = 0.799).

Conclusion

The present results do not support the hypothesis of an association between uterine length and risk of intrauterine contraceptive expulsion.
Adequacy of visual inspection with acetic acid in women of advancing age
Authors: Cremer Miriam , Conlisk Elizabeth , Maza Mauricio , Bullard Kimberley , Peralta Ethel , Siedhoff Matthew , Alonzo Todd , Felix Juan
Published: January 2011

Objective

The present study assessed the adequacy and predictive performance of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) in women over the age of 50 years and compared the specificity and sensitivity of VIA with that of the conventional cytology.

Methods

In total, 588 Salvadoran women ages 50–79 underwent VIA, Pap smear, and cervical biopsy. VIA was considered adequate if the squamocolumnar junction was completely visible. A positive biopsy was defined as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or worse.

Results

Age was negatively correlated with VIA adequacy (P = 0.04). Nevertheless, the majority of women—even in the older age groups—had adequate examinations. The adequacy of VIA was positively correlated with gravida (P = 0.01) and was higher in women who had been treated by cryotherapy (P = 0.02). The rate of positive biopsies was unexpectedly low (n = 6 [1%]) making it difficult to assess the predictive performance of VIA. In this small sample, the sensitivities of VIA (17%) and Pap (33%) were low; the high number of false negatives could not be fully explained by inadequacy of the examinations.

Conclusions

Adequacy of VIA declined with age. However, the squamocolumnar junction was visible to the naked eye in the majority of women, indicating that they are good candidates for VIA.
An analysis of global research funding for the frontotemporal dementias: 1998–2008
Authors: Walentas Christopher D. , Shineman Diana W. , Horton Antony R. , Boeve Bradley F. , Fillit Howard M.
Published: January 2011

Background

To better understand the status of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) research, and identify opportunities to accelerate translational research, we analyzed international funding for FTD and related dementias between 1998 and 2008.

Methods

Search terms were compiled to define the clinical spectrum of FTD and all known mechanisms. Funders were asked to return grants that contained these search terms in the title or abstract. Grants were classified according to the most reasonably achieved stated aim using a classification scheme of research activities that was developed to map grants along the continuum from basic research to clinical trials of treatments.

Results

This analysis captured 613 grants ($432,167,275), from 19 private and public funders from 7 countries and the European Union. National Institutes of Health contributed $360 million (MM), 53% of grants and 83% of total funding. Foundations contributed $43 MM, 35% of grants and 10% of total funding, an increase in recent years. A total of $319 MM (74%, funding) went toward basic research, of which 10% was dedicated to preclinical treatment development, clinical treatment evaluation, and developing detection, diagnostic, and imaging technologies and reagents.

Conclusions

FTD received moderate funding over the past decade, which has decreased almost five‐fold during this period. A sizable proportion of FTD funding supported mechanisms shared with Alzheimer's disease. Few programs advanced past validating target models and into drug discovery and preclinical development, indicating that the knowledge gained from recent research has still not advanced into treatment development. Quantitative analysis of funding highlighted under‐resourced areas as well as redundant efforts, enabling a more strategic approach toward advancing FTD drug discovery and development.
Ultrasonographic study of the feline sciatic nerve
Authors: Haro Paulina , Gil Francisco , Laredo Francisco , Ayala Maria D , Belda Eliseo , Soler Marta , Agut Amalia
Published: January 2011

This study was conducted to describe the ultrasonographic appearance and technique for the evaluation of sciatic nerve (ScN) in cats. An anatomical study was carried out using six feline cadavers to determine anatomic landmarks. An ultrasonographic ‘in vitro’ study was performed using eight pelvic limbs from four fresh feline cadavers to assess the ScN in three regions (glutea, femoralis and popliteal) using a 4–13 MHz linear transducer. Five healthy adult experimental cats were employed for an ‘in vivo’ ultrasonographic study of the ScN using the same protocol described for the ‘in vitro’ study. The ultrasonographic images of the ScN were well correlated with those obtained in the anatomical study. The ScN was easily identified in all the approaches. The ScN was observed as a hypoechoic structure with internal echoes, outlined by hyperechoic lines. This study shows the usefulness of ultrasound to evaluate the entire pathology of the ScN in the cat.
Efficiency meets accountability: Performance implications of supply chain configuration, control, and capabilities⋆
Authors: Parmigiani Anne , Klassen Robert D. , Russo Michael V.
Published: January 2011

The public increasingly holds firms accountable for social and environmental outcomes, such as product toxicity problems and human rights violations, throughout their global supply chains. How can companies improve the social and environmental performance within their supply chains, particularly as other competitive pressures, such as cost and quality, continue to escalate? Starting from an efficient versus responsive supply chain framework, we develop an integrative model that blends together elements of supply chain configuration, stakeholder management, and capability development. Specifically, we spotlight the dimensions of control and accountability that collectively determine stakeholder exposure, and show how this new construct affects the linkages between supply chain capabilities, configuration, and performance. In particular, this analysis reveals that the nature of stakeholder exposure determines how social/environmental technical and relational capabilities impact social and environmental outcomes. We conclude with implications for research and practice, discussing how current supply chain theories must be extended to incorporate external stakeholders, to clarify strategies and identify potential pitfalls, and to better predict performance outcomes.
Acute cerebral infarction in a patient with nodular glomerulopathy—Atypical features and differential diagnosis
Authors: Yeh Shih‐Meng , Lee Jia‐Jung , Hung Chi‐Chih , Chen Hung‐Chun
Published: January 2011

Nodular glomerulopathy is a pattern of glomerular injury observed under light microscopy that could result from several diseases presented as nephrotic syndrome clinically. Compared with venous thrombosis, cerebral infarction resulting from arterial thrombosis is relatively rare in these patients. We report an interesting case of severe nephrotic syndrome complicated with acute cerebral infarction, and renal biopsy revealed nodular glomerulopathy under light microscopy. Immunofluorescent staining was positive for λ light chain (predominant) and κ light chain, mainly in mesangial areas, and electron microscopic study showed massive amorphous acellular deposits also in mesangial areas with some local extension to subendothelial space. Congo red stain gave negative results under polarized light. The case was concluded as an atypical presentation of light chain deposition disease both pathologically and clinically.
Do Natural Resources Fuel Authoritarianism? A Reappraisal of the Resource Curse
Authors: HABER STEPHEN , MENALDO VICTOR
Published: January 2011

A large body of scholarship finds a negative relationship between natural resources and democracy. Extant cross-country regressions, however, assume random effects and are run on panel datasets with relatively short time dimensions. Because natural resource reliance is not an exogenous variable, this is not an effective strategy for uncovering causal relationships. Numerous sources of bias may be driving the results, the most serious of which is omitted variable bias induced by unobserved country-specific and time-invariant heterogeneity. To address these problems, we develop unique historical datasets, employ time-series centric techniques, and operationalize explicitly specified counterfactuals. We test to see if there is a long-run relationship between resource reliance and regime type within countries over time, both on a country-by-country basis and across several different panels. We find that increases in resource reliance are not associated with authoritarianism. In fact, in many specifications we generate results that suggest a resource blessing.
Maternal plasma fatty acid composition and pregnancy outcome in adolescents
Authors: Wheeler Simon J. , Poston Lucilla , Thomas Jane E. , Seed Paul T. , Baker Philip N. , Sanders Thomas A. B.
Published: January 2011

Adolescents are at a greater risk of adverse pregnancy outcome, including spontaneous preterm delivery and fetal growth restriction, and typically have a poorer-quality diet than adults have. In the present study, we addressed the hypothesis that low maternal dietary intake ofn-3 long-chain PUFA (LCP) status adversely influences pregnancy outcome. A total of 500 adolescents (14–18 years) were recruited at ≤ 20 weeks' gestation. The frequency of consumption of oily fish was determined by questionnaire (at recruitment and during the third trimester). The fatty acid composition of plasma lipids during the third trimester was determined in 283 subjects. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to derive components, which were divided into tertiles. The pregnancy outcomes were then compared by tertile, adjusting for potentially confounding variables. Of the participants, 69 % reported never eating oily fish during pregnancy, although consumption was not associated with a shorter duration of gestation (P = 0·33), lower customised birth weight (P = 0·82) or higher incidence of small-for-gestational age (SGA) birth (P = 0·55). PCA of the fatty acid composition of maternal plasma lipids identified a ‘low PUFA:SFA (P:S) ratio’ component and a ‘highn-3 LCP’ component. There were no differences between tertiles of the ‘highn-3 LCP’ component and gestational age at delivery (P = 0·62), customised birth weight (P = 0·38) or incidence of SGA birth (P = 0·25), nor were there any associations between the ‘low P:S’ ratio component and pregnancy outcome. Lower proportions ofn-3 LCP in plasma lipids are not associated with greater risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in UK adolescents.
Relative validity of adolescent dietary patterns: a comparison of a FFQ and 3 d food record
Authors: Ambrosini Gina L. , O'Sullivan Therese A. , de Klerk Nicholas H. , Mori Trevor A. , Beilin Lawrence J. , Oddy Wendy H.
Published: January 2011

Interest in empirically derived dietary patterns has increased over the past decade. However, relatively few studies have evaluated dietary patterns using different dietary methods, or in young populations. We quantitatively compared dietary patterns from a FFQ with those from a 3 d food record (FR) in a cohort of adolescents. Subjects from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study completed a semi-quantitative FFQ and a 3 d FR at 14 years of age (n 783). Major dietary patterns were identified using exploratory factor analysis on thirty-eight food groups. Dietary pattern z-scores were compared using 95 % limits of agreement (LOA) and Spearman's r. Two major dietary patterns were identified in the FFQ and FR: a ‘Healthy’ pattern, which was high in fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains and grilled or canned fish, and a ‘Western’ pattern, which was high in take-away foods, confectionery, soft drinks, crisps and fried potato. The nutrient profiles of these dietary patterns were similar when estimated by the FFQ and FR. The LOA between dietary pattern scores from the FFQ and FR were − 1·69 to 1·75 (‘Healthy’) and − 1·89 to 1·82 (‘Western’). Minor differences in agreement were observed when boys and girls were analysed separately. Spearman's correlation coefficients between the FFQ and the FR were r 0·45 (‘Healthy’) and r 0·36 (‘Western’). Comparable dietary patterns may be obtained from the FFQ and FR using exploratory factor analysis. This supports the use of major dietary patterns identified using the FFQ in this adolescent cohort.
Effect of hydrolysed egg protein on brain tryptophan availability
Authors: Mitchell E. Siobhan , Slettenaar Marieke , Quadt Frits , Giesbrecht Timo , Kloek Joris , Gerhardt Cindy , Bot Arjen , Eilander Ans , Wiseman Sheila
Published: January 2011

Serotonin synthesis critically depends on plasma levels of tryptophan (TRP). Earlier studies have shown that for mood and cognitive benefits to occur, the ratio between TRP and other large neutral amino acids (LNAA) has to be increased by approximately 40 %. The present study investigated the dose-dependent effects of a TRP-rich hydrolysed protein (egg-protein hydrolysate, EPH) on the plasma TRP:LNAA. Moreover, it was investigated whether EPH could increase TRP:LNAA in the presence of 2 g of milk protein (MP). In a randomised double-blind crossover design, plasma amino acids were measured every 30 min for 3·5 h after ingestion of a drink containing either three different doses of 4, 8 and 12 g EPH containing 270, 560 or 800 mg of TRP, respectively, the combination of 4 g EPH and 2 g MP (74 mg TRP), or 4 g MP (148 mg TRP) in twenty healthy subjects with a mean age of 52 years. All three EPH doses caused significant increases of TRP:LNAA above 40 % at 30, 60 and 90 min after consumption in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the 4 g EPH, the increase in TRP:LNAA in the 4 g EPH with 2 g MP condition was significantly lower at 60 min (63 v. 44 %, P < 0·001) and did not differ significantly at 90 min (58 v. 53 %, P>0·05). The present study showed that a low dose of 4 g EPH with even the addition of 2 g MP was sufficient to increase the ratio of TRP:LNAA above 40 %. Thus, EPH offers a viable ingredient to increase TRP availability.
Consumption of plant sterols in Belgium: consumption patterns of plant sterol-enriched foods in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Sioen Isabelle , Matthys Christophe , Huybrechts Inge , Van Camp John , De Henauw Stefaan
Published: January 2011

The present study describes the consumption of foods enriched with plant sterols (PS) and supplements containing PS, and evaluates PS intakes via the current consumption and for specific consumption scenarios. A market inventory was performed to collate different PS-enriched food items and supplements available in Belgium. An FFQ was developed to investigate the consumption of PS-enriched foods and supplements. A total of 139 pre-school children (2·5–7 years old) and 569 adults (308 women and 261 men) living in Flanders (the northern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium) participated in the study. Of these, 21 % (Flemish pre-school children) and 28·5 % (Flemish adults) consume PS-enriched food products, leading to a mean PS intake in the consumer group of 0·70 (sd 0·61) g/d for pre-school children and 1·51 (sd 1·42) g/d for adults. Of the adult PS consumers, 23·2 % did not suffer from elevated blood cholesterol levels; 50 % of them had a PS intake less than or equal to 1 g/d and 16·4 % had a PS intake above 3 g/d and 7·8 % even had an intake above 4 g/d. Scenario studies assessed the intake when all Belgian adults would consume PS-enriched margarines without (scenario 1) or with (scenario 2) a daily consumption of a PS-enriched yoghurt drink. This resulted in an intake above 3 g/d in 17 % (women) and 29 % (men) for scenario 1 and 40 % (women) and 53 % (men) for scenario 2. The results indicate that PS-enriched food products are also consumed by the non-target group. Efficient communication tools are needed to inform consumers better about the target group of PS-enriched products, the advised dose per day and alternative dietary strategies to lower the blood cholesterol level.
Chromium and iron content in duplicate meals at a university residence: daily intake and dialysability
Authors: Cabrera-Vique Carmen , Mesías Marta
Published: January 2011

The objective of the present study was to determine total Cr and Fe content and the corresponding mineral dialysable fraction in a total of sixty-three duplicate meals. Samples of breakfast, lunch and dinner were taken over twenty-one consecutive days at a female university residence in Granada (Spain). Cr content in the duplicate daily meals ranged from 98·50 to 120·80 μg, with a mean of 110·00 μg, and Fe levels ranged from 9·50 to 40·00 mg, with a mean content of 18·50 mg. The mean Cr and Fe dialysable fractions ranged from 0·50 to 1·50 % and from 7·75 to 11·80 %, respectively. Possible correlations with energy and other nutrient intakes were also evaluated. Adherence of the meals to the Mediterranean dietary patterns was tested, and these findings reveal that a balanced and varied diet based on a Mediterranean-style diet plan provides adequate levels and bioaccessibility of Cr and Fe for young women, which is especially important to avoid mineral deficiencies.
JUDICIAL DECISION-MAKING AND TRANSNATIONAL LAW: A SURVEY OF COMMON LAW SUPREME COURT JUDGES
Authors: Flanagan Brian , Ahern Sinéad
Published: January 2011

This is a survey study of 43 judges from the British House of Lords, the Caribbean Court of Justice, the High Court of Australia, the Constitutional Court of South Africa, and the Supreme Courts of Ireland, India, Israel, Canada, New Zealand and the United States on the use of foreign law in constitutional rights cases. We find that the conception of apex judges citing foreign law as a source of persuasive authority (associated with Anne-Marie Slaughter, Vicki Jackson and Chris McCrudden) is of limited application. Citational opportunism and the aspiration to membership of an emerging international ‘guild’ appear to be equally important strands in judicial attitudes towards foreign law. We argue that their presence is at odds with Ronald Dworkin's theory of legal objectivity, and is revealed in a manner meeting his own methodological standard for attitudinal research.

Wordsworth's words, written about the French Revolution, will, I hope, still ring true: Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive. But to be young was very heaven.

– Justice Stephen Breyer's assessment of ‘the global legal enterprise now upon us’ before the American Society of International Law (2003)
CHOICE OF LAW REGARDING THE VOLUNTARY ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE ROME I REGULATION
Authors: Hartley Trevor C
Published: January 2011

The voluntary assignment of contractual (and non-contractual) obligations in conflict of laws is governed by article 14 of the Rome I Regulation. Under this, the validity of the assignment as between the assignor and assignee is governed by the law applicable to the contract between them (paragraph 1 of article 14). On the other hand, the assignability of the claim and the relationship between the debtor and the assignee are governed by the law applicable to the obligation assigned (paragraph 2 of article 14). Certain issues are, however, outside the scope of article 14 as it stands at present. These are the question of priorities between competing assignments (if the same obligation is assigned twice to different assignees) and the rights of third parties (mainly creditors of the assignor). This article examines the precise scope of the two existing paragraphs and considers the arguments that might be relevant in deciding what law should govern the issues at present not covered by either paragraph, a question that has become more pressing in view of the fact that negotiations will soon begin on a possible amendment of article 14 to deal with it.
JUDICIAL SCRUTINY OF MERGER DECISIONS IN THE EU, UK AND GERMANY
Authors: Harker Michael , Peyer Sebastian , Wright Kathryn
Published: January 2011

The appropriate role of the courts in controlling the discretion of merger authorities has become one of the key issues in European merger law and policy in recent years. This article investigates judicial review of merger decisions, taking a comparative approach by examining cases from the EU, UK and Germany. We observe an apparent increase in the willingness of the EU and UK courts to scrutinize merger decisions, and a long-standing tradition of close scrutiny in Germany. In respect of the EU and UK, we consider agency theory offers a convincing explanation—that increased scrutiny is explained by the need to enhance the credibility of merger policy. In Germany, the constitutional basis of judicial review differs significantly, and the relatively close scrutiny exercised by the court is better explained by the very different constitutional context.
Repair of nasal septal perforation using inferior turbinate graft
Authors: Mansour Hesham A K A
Published: January 2011

Objective:

Nasal septal perforation can cause troublesome symptoms. Surgical repair is indicated in symptomatic patients. Many approaches and techniques have been described, each with its advantages and indications.

Method:

The study included six patients with symptomatic nasal septal perforations sized 1–2.5 cm horizontally by 0.5–1.5 vertically. Patient symptoms included nasal crusts (all patients), nasal obstruction (five), cacosmia (three) and recurrent epistaxis (three). Patients underwent endonasal endoscopic repair using an inferior turbinate free graft applied between the mucoperichondrium of both septum sides. Follow up ranged from six months to two years.

Results:

Five patients (83 per cent) had complete perforation closure and one had partial closure. All patients were symptom-free post-operatively.

Conclusion:

This endoscopic endonasal approach, using an inferior turbinate free graft, is effective in closing small and medium-sized nasal septal perforations.
Epley's manoeuvre versus Epley's manoeuvre plus labyrinthine sedative as management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: prospective, randomised study
Authors: Sundararajan I , Rangachari V , Sumathi V , Kumar K
Published: January 2011

Introduction:

We report a prospective, randomised study of 51 patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo treated with Epley's manoeuvre alone or Epley's manoeuvre plus labyrinthine sedative, at Sundaram Medical Foundation, Chennai, India.

Aim:

To compare the efficacy of Epley's manoeuvre versus Epley's manoeuvre plus labyrinthine sedative in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Materials and methods:

Consecutive patients were selected based on history and positive Dix–Hallpike test. Patients were randomised to receive either Epley's manoeuvre alone or Epley's manoeuvre plus labyrinthine sedative for one week. Both groups were followed up for four weeks.

Results:

Univariate analysis showed that one- and four-week outcomes were influenced by the number of episodes, symptom duration and treatment type. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the one-week outcome was significantly influenced by symptom duration and treatment type, while the four-week outcome was significantly influenced by symptom duration alone. Patients receiving Epley's manoeuvre alone showed better recovery than those receiving both Epley's manoeuvre and labyrinthine sedative.

Conclusion:

Labyrinthine sedatives do not aid recovery from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo when used in addition to Epley's manoeuvre.
Detection of tympanic membrane movement using film patch with integrated strain gauge, assessed by optical coherence tomography: experimental study
Authors: Just T , Zehlicke T , Specht O , Sass W , Punke C , Schmidt W , Lankenau E , Behrend D , Pau H W
Published: January 2011

Objective:

We report an ex vivo and in vivo experimental study of a device designed to measure tympanic membrane movement under normal and pathological conditions, assessed using optical coherence tomography.

Materials and methods:

We designed two types of flexible, round film patch with integrated strain gauge, to be attached to the tympanic membrane in order to measure tympanic membrane movement. Tympanic membrane attachment was assessed using optical coherence tomography. The devices were tested experimentally using an ex vivo model with varying middle-ear pressure.

Results:

Optical coherence tomography reliably assessed attachment of the film patch to the tympanic membrane, before and after middle-ear pressure changes. Strain gauge voltage changes were directly proportional to middle-ear pressure recordings, for low pressure changes. Tympanic membrane perforations smaller than 2 mm could be sealed off with the film patch.

Conclusion:

Attachment of the film patch with integrated strain gauge to the tympanic membrane was not ideal. Nevertheless, the strain gauge was able to precisely detect small pressure changes within the middle ear, in this experimental model.
Laryngeal carcinoma metastasis to the orbit: case report
Authors: Galm T , Kulkarni A , Ahmad I
Published: January 2011

Objective:

We present the first report in the all English literature of a case of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma metastasis to the orbit.

Method:

Case report of orbital metastasis from laryngeal carcinoma; clinical, radiological and pathological findings are discussed.

Result:

A 75-year-old man presented to the ENT department with a five-week history of left orbital pain, swelling and reduced vision. Past medical history included laryngectomy, bilateral neck dissection and post-operative radiotherapy for T4 N2c M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottis, 10 months earlier. Imaging showed an orbital mass extending along the roof and lateral aspect of the orbit into the optic canal and superior orbital fissure, and further posteriorly into the left cavernous sinus with meningeal enhancement in the left anterior cranial fossa. Histopathological analysis after biopsy showed the mass to be consistent with metastatic poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion:

After searching the all English literature, we report what is, to our best knowledge, the first case of laryngeal carcinoma metastasis to the orbit. Despite its rarity and poor prognosis, such a metastasis should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of an orbital mass, as timely recognition can improve the patient's quality of life.
Mucocele of a pneumatised uncinate process: first reported case
Authors: Burrows S A
Published: January 2011

Objective:

We report a unique case of a mucocele of a pneumatised uncinate process.

Method:

Clinical, radiological and intra-operative findings are presented.

Results:

A 43-year-old woman was referred to our ENT department suffering from persistent symptoms of left-sided sinusitis. Although an initial computed tomography scan suggested a lacrimal duct mass, dacrocystography showed free flow through the nasolacrimal duct. The patient underwent surgery, revealing a mucocele within a pneumatised uncinate process.

Conclusion:

This patient's clinical, radiological and intra-operative findings illustrate how variations in sinus anatomy can pose a diagnostic challenge.
Metastasis of follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma masquerading as primary temporal bone tumour
Authors: Hugh S C , Enepekides D , Wong J , Yeung R , Lin V Y W
Published: January 2011

Objective:

We describe the first published case of papillary thyroid carcinoma metastatic to the temporal bone.

Case report:

A 64-year-old woman presented with a large left temporal bone mass centred in the jugular foramen, initially thought to be a paraganglioma or schwannoma. She was simultaneously being investigated for a left-sided thyroid nodule, which was found to be unremarkable on repeated fine needle aspiration cytology. A biopsy of the temporal bone mass indicated that it was of thyroid origin. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy, which enabled a final diagnosis of follicular-variant papillary thyroid carcinoma with metastasis to the temporal bone.

Conclusion:

Although biopsy is not the usual management for many types of temporal bone mass, pathological investigation is recommended if the tumour has an atypical growth rate, location, spread and/or radiological features. Metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma to the skull base is extremely rare, and correct diagnosis is essential in order to pursue an effective treatment plan.
Involvement of host cell heparan sulfate proteoglycan inTrypanosoma cruziamastigote attachment and invasion
Authors: BAMBINO-MEDEIROS R. , OLIVEIRA F. O. R. , CALVET C. M. , VICENTE D. , TOMA L. , KRIEGER M. A. , MEIRELLES M. N. , PEREIRA M. C. S.
Published: January 2011

Cell surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) play an important role in the attachment and invasion process of a variety of intracellular pathogens. We have previously demonstrated that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) mediate the invasion of trypomastigote forms ofTrypanosoma cruziin cardiomyocytes. Herein, we analysed whether GAGs are also implicated in amastigote invasion. Competition assays with soluble GAGs revealed that treatment ofT. cruziamastigotes with heparin and heparan sulfate leads to a reduction in the infection ratio, achieving 82% and 65% inhibition of invasion, respectively. Other sulfated GAGs, such as chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate and keratan sulfate, had no effect on the invasion process. In addition, a significant decrease in infection occurred after interaction of amastigotes with GAG-deficient Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, decreasing from 20% and 28% in wild-type CHO cells to 5% and 9% in the mutant cells after 2 h and 4 h of infection, respectively. These findings suggest that amastigote invasion also involves host cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans. The knowledge of the mechanism triggered by heparan sulfate-bindingT. cruziproteins may provide new potential candidates for Chagas disease therapy.
Alf Howard
Authors: Bemrose Anna
Published: January 2011

Alf Howard, (Fig. 1) died on 4 July 2010. He was the last surviving member of Sir Douglas Mawson's 1929–1931 British, Australian and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition (BANZARE) that made further extensive claims to sovereignty defining the limits of what was to become Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT) in 1933. He was also the last survivor to have served aboard the coal-fired three-masted wooden ship Discovery built in Dundee for Captain Robert Falcon Scott's 1901–1904 National Antarctic Expedition.
Factor endowments, markets and vertical integration. The development of commercial wine production in Argentina, Australia and California, c1870-1914
Authors: Simpson James
Published: January 2011

Grape quality and the nature of market demand played a major role in determining the organizational structure of the wine industry in the three decades prior to 1914. In contrast to Europe where grape growing and winemaking were specialist activities, in the New World winemaking and selling were often integrated. This encouraged the appearance of large industrial wineries producing wines that could be branded. Differences within the New World itself can be attributable to the nature of demand and, in particular, to whether wine was considered an article of primary consumption (Argentina), or whether it competed with other, more popular alcoholic beverages such as beer and spirits (Australia and California).
The post always rings twice? The Algerian War, poststructuralism and the postcolonial in IR theory
Authors: SAJED ALINA
Published: January 2011

This article makes the case for rethinking the relation between poststructuralism and postcolonialism, by building on the claims advanced by Robert Young, Azzedine Haddour and Pal Ahluwalia that the history of deconstruction coincides with the collapse of the French colonial system in Algeria, and with the violent anti-colonial struggle that ensued. I choose to examine narratives of theorists such as Derrida, Lyotard, and Cixous because not only they provide the link between colonial violence, the poststructuralist project that ensued, and postcolonialism, but also because the problems I identify with their projects are replicated by much poststructuralist work in International Relations (IR). I signal that one of the most significant consequences of conducting poststructuralist research without attention to postcolonial horizons lies in the idealisation of the marginalised, the oppressed or the native without attending to the complexity of her position, voice or agency. Bringing these theories together aims to highlight the need for a dialogue, within IR, between poststructuralism's desire to disrupt the disciplinarity of the field, and postcolonialism's potential to transcend the self-referential frame of IR by introducing perspectives, (hi)stories, and voices from elsewhere.
Ruthless player or development partner? Britain's ambiguous reaction to China in Africa
Authors: GALLAGHER JULIA
Published: January 2011

British reactions to China's increasing engagement with Africa in recent years have been manifested in particularly negative and reductive ways tending to depict China's presence in Africa as destructive and self-serving, in contrast to Britain's more enlightened, supportive approach. However, more recently official discourse has begun to stress the shared outlook between British and Chinese objectives, emphasising Chinese moves towards a more constructive, development-focused approach in Africa. This article discusses the ways in which China in Africa is viewed in British political circles and assesses the degree to which such views resonate with the British sense of its own idealised identity. It suggests that the two narratives represent two sides of a dual ‘liberal’ approach to the problem of ‘non-liberal’ actors in international politics: first the tendency to reject and see them as outside the international order; and second the attempt to rehabilitate them and bring them within it. The article concludes by exploring a number of reasons for the particular ways in which Britain, China and Africa are configured, arguing that this dual conception represents a sense of ambiguity about the potential universality of liberalism.
The legitimation of international organisations: examining the identity of the communities that grant legitimacy
Authors: SYMONS JONATHAN
Published: January 2011

‘Legitimacy’ is commonly cited as one of three fundamental mechanisms of social control within both domestic politics and international society. However, despite growing attention to the legitimacy of global governance, little consideration has been given to the identity of the political communities that must grant legitimacy to an international organisation or to the conditions under which legitimacy is valuable for the functioning of that organisation. In raising and responding to these questions, this article rejects the argument that actors must gain legitimacy among all subject social constituencies within their political realm of action. Instead, the importance of legitimacy within a particular constituency is a variable. The article labels this variable a ‘legitimacy nexus’ and outlines five factors that are hypothesised to contribute to calibrating a legitimacy nexus. The plausibility of the proposed schema is explored through discussion of the role of legitimacy in the trade regime and analysis of the origins of the International Labour Organization's anomalous tripartite representative structure.
Alternative accountability after the ‘naughts’
Authors: STEELE BRENT J.
Published: January 2011

The article posits that in global politics, and in the scholarly subfield of international ethics, we should begin moving away from intentions and intentionality when considering accountability. Intentionality is problematic in at least three respects – analytically it is hard to determine; normatively it is difficult because we must invest our trust in authority; and it comes coupled with the problematic relationship between means and ends. This article explores these issues through three sections. First, it engages some of the purposes but also overall problems with ‘intentions’ in world politics (and especially the debate as it has progressed in the field of international ethics). The second section reviews recent theses on accountability, before moving towards an alternative aspect of accountability which already exists in world politics, termed in this article ‘the accountability of the scar’. This last form of accountability refers to the physical damage produced by violence, with reference to three domains – the anthrobiological, the architectural, and the agentic sphere. Two examples of the scar come to us from the different context of the Emmett Till case of 1955 and the more fluid, and recent case of Iranian protestor Neda Agha-Soltan.
The boundaries of transnational democracy: alternatives to the all-affected principle
Authors: KARLSSON SCHAFFER JOHAN
Published: January 2011

Recently, theorists have sought to justify transnational democracy by means of the all-affected principle, which claims that people have a right to participate in political decision-making that affects them. I argue that this principle is neither logically valid nor feasible as a way of determining the boundaries of democratic communities. First, specifying what it means to be affected is itself a highly political issue, since it must rest on some disputable theory of interests; and the principle does not solve the problem of how to legitimately constitute the demos, since such acts, too, are decisions which affect people. Furthermore, applying the principle comes at too high a cost: either political boundaries must be redrawn for each issue at stake or we must ensure that democratic politics only has consequences within an enclosed community and that it affects its members equally. Secondly, I discuss three possible replacements for the all-affected principle: (a) applying the all-affected principle to second-order rules, not to decisions; (b) drawing boundaries so as to maximise everyone's autonomy; (c) including everyone who is subject to the law. I conclude by exploring whether (c) would support transnational democracy to the extent that a global legal order is emerging.