bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Management of Resources
Authors: Bridoux Flore , Smith Ken G. , Grimm Curtis M.
Published: December 2011

This article contributes to the understanding of competitive dynamics and resource management by studying empirically the element of time in the relationship between resource management actions and firm performance. It shows that four types of actions identified on the basis of the literature on competitive dynamics and resource management, namely, actions to structure, bundle, and leverage resources in product and regulatory arenas, differ in the time they take to positively affect firm performance, in the persistence of this positive impact, and in their total impact on performance over time. Better understanding of the temporal dimension of the action–performance relationship is important for theory and practice. On the theory side, time is a dimension of competitive strategy that has long been argued to be important but that is often neglected by researchers. In particular, existing theories in competitive strategy offer very few arguments that can be used to predict the timing of the impact of firm actions on performance. Regarding practice, managers need to know which actions can improve their firm performance in the short, medium, or long term and how sustainable the improvement is likely to be.
Progress in global climate change politics? Reasserting national state territoriality in a ‘post-political’ world
Authors: Kythreotis Andrew Paul
Published: December 2011

This paper builds on previous geographical and social science work at the boundaries of climate change by (re)asserting the significance of the territoriality of the national state in global climate negotiations. Using the post-political consensus as a theoretical framework and drawing upon examples from climate change negotiations like Kyoto and Copenhagen, it argues that it is too premature to fetishize the consensus of, and collectivism between, national states in global climate politics. As geographers, ‘territoriality’, both as a material and discursive device, is fundamental in, and constitutive of, how we interpret and understand climate change and the politics thereof.
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Males With Duchenne or Becker Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Nabukera Sarah K. , Romitti Paul A. , Campbell Kimberly A. , Meaney F. John , Caspers Kristin M. , Mathews Katherine D. , Sherlock Stacey M. Hockett , Puzhankara Soman , Cunniff Christopher , Druschel Charlotte M. , Pandya Shree , Matthews Dennis J. , Ciafaloni Emma ,   and the MD STARnet
Published: December 2011

Use of complementary and alternative medicine by males with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy was examined using interview reports from caregivers enrolled in the population-based Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network. Of the 200 caregivers interviewed, 160 (80%) reported “ever” using complementary and alternative medicine for their affected children. Mind-body medicine (61.5%) was most frequently used, followed by biologically based practices (48.0%), manipulative and body-based practices (29.0%), and whole medical systems (8.5%). Caregivers reporting use of whole medical systems had higher education and income levels compared with nonusers; affected males had shorter disease duration. Caregivers reporting use of mind-body medicine, excluding aquatherapy, had higher education level compared with nonusers. Overall, complementary and alternative medicine use was high; disease duration, education, and income levels influenced use. These findings have implications for developing clinical care protocols and monitoring possible interactions between complementary and alternative medicine and conventional medical therapies.
Propionic Acidemia Associated With Visual Hallucinations
Authors: Shuaib Taghreed , Al-Hashmi Nadia , Ghaziuddin Mohammad , Megdad Eman , Abebe Dejene , Al-Saif Amr , Doubi Alaa , Aldhalaan Hesham , Abouzied Mohei Eldin , Al-Owain Mohammed
Published: December 2011

Propionic acidemia, an autosomal recessive disorder, is a common form of organic aciduria resulting from the deficiency of propionyl-CoA carboxylase. It is characterized by frequent and potentially lethal episodes of metabolic acidosis often accompanied by hyperammonemia. A wide range of brain abnormalities have been reported in propionic acidemia. We report recurrent visual hallucinations in 2 children with propionic acidemia. Four visual hallucination events were observed in the 2 patients. Three episodes were preceded by an intercurrent illness, and 2 were associated with mild metabolic decompensation. The 2 events in one patient were associated with a seizure disorder with abnormal electroencephalogram. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal basal ganglia and faint temporo-occipital swelling bilaterally. This is probably the first report of visual hallucinations in propionic acidemia and should alert the treating clinicians to look for visual hallucinations in patients with organic acidurias, especially in an unusually anxious child.
Does the Concentration of Parolees in a Community Impact Employer Attitudes Toward the Hiring of Ex-Offenders?
Authors: Atkin Cassandra A. , Armstrong Gaylene S.
Published: December 2011

Finding legitimate employment upon release from prison is an important, yet daunting, aspect of offender reentry. Researchers have argued that negative employer attitudes toward hiring ex-offenders act as a barrier during the job search process. This study explored existing attitudes of employers in their willingness to hire ex-offenders in the current labor market and determined whether these attitudes were dependent on the concentration of ex-offenders in the surrounding geographical community. Mail surveys and follow-up telephone contacts with a random sample of businesses that typically employ ex-offenders within 12 Texas zip-codes (six high parolee concentrations, six low parolee concentrations) were conducted. Respondents indicated a general willingness to hire ex-offenders, which did not vary by concentration of parolees in the surrounding area but was found to vary by the conviction offense. Other significant predictors included the respondent’s age and arrest history, whether their business was currently hiring, and whether the business had previously hired an ex-offender.
Effect of thermal conductive fillers on the properties of polypropylene composites
Authors: Nurul MS , Mariatti M
Published: December 2011

We investigated the effects of various fillers such as carbon nanotube (CNT), synthetic diamond (SND), boron nitride (BN), and copper (Cu) on the properties of polypropylene (PP) composites. The thermal conductivity and stability of PP were enhanced upon the addition of thermally conductive fillers. Young’s modulus increased with filler loading, while tensile strength increased at up to 2 vol.% then decreased with elongation in all filler types. The morphology of the composite samples showed agglomeration and void content in PP/Cu composites, leading to the deterioration of thermal and mechanical properties at high-volume loading. Findings indicate that PP/CNT has better thermal and mechanical properties compared with the other types of fillers.
Non-uniform rational B-splines-based aerodynamic shape design optimization with the DLR TAU code
Authors: Martín M J , Andrés E , Widhalm M , Bitrián P , Lozano C
Published: December 2011

With the improving capabilities of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for the prediction of aerodynamic performance, CFD tools are now being increasingly used for aerodynamic design optimization in the aerospace industry. In this article, an automated optimization framework is presented to address inviscid aerodynamic design problems. Key aspects of this framework include the use of the continuous adjoint methodology to make the computational requirements independent of the number of design variables, and computer-aided design-based shape parameterization, which uses the flexibility of non-uniform rational B-splines to handle complex configurations.
Effects of surveillance failure on airborne-based continuous descent approach
Authors: Itoh E , Everdij M , Bakker G J (B) , Blom H
Published: December 2011

For higher density operation in terminal manoeuvring area, Airborne Surveillance Application System (ASAS) is seen as a promising option in the future air traffic management (ATM). One idea of recent interest in ASAS application is Interval Management (IM), which is expected to support energy-saving arrivals, commonly referred as Continuous Descent Approach (CDA). The questions are how the IM application achieves safety and capacity in the CDA environment, and how to identify any potential emergent behaviour that should be taken into account in the operation design. The motivation for this study is the need to properly understand the nominal and non-nominal behaviour of many aircraft when the ASAS application is applied to the CDA environment.

For this purpose, this study has conducted a preliminary safety assessment of the ASAS speed control for multiple trailing aircraft in CDA operation. This article focuses on ASAS surveillance failure as one of the critical events during flight. Using Stochastically and Dynamically Coloured Petri Net (SDCPN), ASAS core components and their interactions are modelled. Through Monte Carlo simulation via the SDCPN models, the impact of the ASAS surveillance failure on the airborne-based CDA operation is assessed.
Theoretical–experimental study of shock wave-assisted metal forming process using a diaphragmless shock tube
Authors: Nagaraja S R , Prasad J K , Jagadeesh G
Published: December 2011

The use of high-velocity sheet-forming techniques where the strain rates are in excess of 102/s can help us solve many problems that are difficult to overcome with traditional metal-forming techniques. In this investigation, thin metallic plates/foils were subjected to shock wave loading in the newly developed diaphragmless shock tube. The conventional shock tube used in the aerodynamic applications uses a metal diaphragm for generating shock waves. This method of operation has its own disadvantages including the problems associated with repeatable and reliable generation of shock waves. Moreover, in industrial scenario, changing metal diaphragms after every shot is not desirable. Hence, a diaphragmless shock tube is calibrated and used in this study. Shock Mach numbers up to 3 can be generated with a high degree of repeatability (±4 per cent) for the pressure jumps across the primary shock wave. The shock Mach number scatter is within ±1.5 per cent. Copper, brass, and aluminium plates of diameter 60 mm and thickness varying from 0.1 to 1 mm are used. The plate peak over-pressures ranging from 1 to 10 bar are used. The midpoint deflection, circumferential, radial, and thickness strains are measured and using these, the Von Mises strain is also calculated. The experimental results are compared with the numerical values obtained using finite element analysis. The experimental results match well with the numerical values. The plastic hinge effect was also observed in the finite element simulations. Analysis of the failed specimens shows that aluminium plates had mode I failure, whereas copper plates had mode II failure.
Subcentury scale variability in height-increment and tree-ring width chronologies of Scots pine since ad 745 in northern Fennoscandia
Authors: Lindholm Markus , Jalkanen Risto
Published: December 2011

Height-increment and tree-ring width data of Scots pine from northern Fennoscandia were updated and their sample replication increased considerably. Standard chronologies as well as low-frequency chronologies were built and compared during their common period in ad 745–2007. The two chronologies correlate significantly ( r = 0.58) with each other and have several extreme years in common, e.g. 1089 and 1601. The low-frequency chronologies indicate four significant periods of above-average growth and eight periods of below-average growth, which occur in both chronologies. These include the early 20th century growth surges that occurred during 1917–1955 in height increment and during 1919–1961 in ring width. In both chronologies, this latest increasing trend unequivocally turns to a fall and comes to an end by the 1960s. Tree-ring chronologies of Scots pine from northern Sweden and the Khibiny Low Mountains region (northwestern Russia) as well as from Siberia show coincidence in the decadal- to century-scale with our chronologies.
Analysis of Expert Readers in Three Disciplines
Authors: Shanahan Cynthia , Shanahan Timothy , Misischia Cynthia
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study is to describe educationally relevant differences in literacy use among three subject-matter disciplines—history, chemistry, and mathematics. These analyses were drawn from an investigation of the teaching of disciplinary literacy in high schools. The purpose of the overall project was to improve the literacy-teaching preparation in a secondary preservice teacher education program, but this study sought to identify specific features of literacy and literacy use only in the three disciplines. It is the first expert-reader study to consider the reading of mathematicians and chemists (though other kinds of scientists have been studied in this way). To conduct this investigation, three teams were assembled, one for each discipline, including two disciplinary experts (historians, chemists, and mathematicians), two teacher educators who prepare high school teachers to teach those disciplines, and two high school teachers from each discipline. Using think-aloud protocols, transcripts from focus group discussions, a recursive process of member checking, and a cross-disciplinary consideration of reading approaches identified in each discipline, the study identified important differences in the reading behaviors of the six disciplinary experts. Although much of the work was based on think-aloud protocols and interviews with the disciplinary experts, the teachers and teacher educators participated with the disciplinary experts in focus-group discussions of the protocols, and their reactions and insights helped the disciplinary experts to articulate their approaches and to determine implications of the reading behaviors that were observed. Differences were evident in sourcing, contextualization, corroboration, close reading and rereading, critical response to text, and use of text structure or arrangement and graphics.
Self-fulfilling processes at a global level: The evolution of human resource management practices in Korea, 1987–2007
Authors: Bae Johngseok
Published: December 2011

This article analyzes the evolution of human resource management practices in Korea as a self-fulfilling process at a global level. Korean human resource management practices have experienced two paradigm shifts, in 1987 and 1997, going from a seniority-based, paternalistic employment relationship to a performance-based, market-like relationship. These revolutionary changes in human resource management practices occurred when Korean society underwent major social upheavals, which created the conditions for accepting ‘new’ norms and practices. The rapid diffusion of American-style management ideologies and practices to Korean firms can be explained by a self-fulfilling diffusion process taking place through international organizations and local institutions. This study makes a contribution to the literature of organizational learning by conceptualizing the global management diffusion process as a learning process. Further implications are discussed in the line of the change of management discourse.
Exploiting receptive multilingualism in institutional language learning: The case of Italian in the Austrian secondary school system
Authors: Vetter Eva
Published: December 2011

This contribution begins with a terminological discussion of ‘receptive multilingualism’ and related concepts. Subsequently, approaches to developing receptive competences in Romance languages in general, and Italian in particular, as well as their potential and possible shortcomings, are presented. Against the background of European multilingualism and particularly the Common European Framework’s concept of plurilingualism, the article opts for a broad approach to receptive multilingualism which foregrounds the interactive component. Second, the potential of the Austrian secondary school system for integrating receptive multilingualism is discussed against the background of the current curricula. Finally, a small-scale study involving future teachers of Italian investigates how far they are or are not familiar with the acquisition of receptive competences.
Developing Women Leaders on Campus
Authors: Bonebright Denise A. , Cottledge Anitra D. , Lonnquist Peg
Published: December 2011

The Problem.

Despite significant gains in the number of women leaders in higher education, there are still challenges for developing women leaders in higher education.

The Solution.

Effective collaboration between women’s centers and other campus organizations that support women’s leadership can provide opportunities to overcome these barriers. This article presents leadership development programs offered by the Women’s Center at the University of Minnesota, focusing on those facilitated in partnership with the university’s Office of Human Resources. Several lessons emerged from the review: the value of collaborative relationships, the importance of emphasis on individual and system-level leadership, and the need for ongoing assessment and evaluation of the climate for women leaders within postsecondary institutions.

The Stakeholders.

These lessons, and the principles used in implementing them, reveal practices that may be useful for other Women’s Centers, HR departments, and internal and external entities who seek to develop more women leaders in higher education.
Generation of subject-specific, dynamic, multisegment ankle and foot models to improve orthotic design: a feasibility study
Authors: Oosterwaal Michiel , Telfer Scott , Tørholm Søren , Carbes Sylvain , van Rhijn Lodewijk W , Macduff Ross , Meijer Kenneth , Woodburn Jim
Published: December 2011

Background

Currently, custom foot and ankle orthosis prescription and design tend to be based on traditional techniques, which can result in devices which vary greatly between clinicians and repeat prescription. The use of computational models of the foot may give further insight in the biomechanical effects of these devices and allow a more standardised approach to be taken to their design, however due to the complexity of the foot the models must be highly detailed and dynamic.

Methods/Design

Functional and anatomical datasets will be collected in a multicentre study from 10 healthy participants and 15 patients requiring orthotic devices. The patient group will include individuals with metarsalgia, flexible flat foot and drop foot.

Each participant will undergo a clinical foot function assessment, 3D surface scans of the foot under different loading conditions, and detailed gait analysis including kinematic, kinetic, muscle activity and plantar pressure measurements in both barefoot and shod conditions. Following this each participant will undergo computed tomography (CT) imaging of their foot and ankle under a range of loads and positions while plantar pressures are recorded. A further subgroup of participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the foot and ankle.

Imaging data will be segmented to derive the geometry of the bones and the orientation of the joint axes. Insertion points of muscles and ligaments will be determined from the MRI and CT-scans and soft tissue material properties computed from the loaded CT data in combination with the plantar pressure measurements. Gait analysis data will be used to drive the models and in combination with the 3D surface scans for scaling purposes. Predicted plantar pressures and muscle activation patterns predicted from the models will be compared to determine the validity of the models.

Discussion

This protocol will lead to the generation of unique datasets which will be used to develop linked inverse dynamic and forward dynamic biomechanical foot models. These models may be beneficial in predicting the effect of and thus improving the efficacy of orthotic devices for the foot and ankle.
High Resolution Melt (HRM) analysis is an efficient tool to genotype EMS mutants in complex crop genomes
Authors: Lochlainn Seosamh Ó , Amoah Stephen , Graham Neil S , Alamer Khalid , Rios Juan J , Kurup Smita , Stoute Andrew , Hammond John P , Østergaard Lars , King Graham J , White Phillip J , Broadley Martin R
Published: December 2011

Background

Targeted Induced Loci Lesions IN Genomes (TILLING) is increasingly being used to generate and identify mutations in target genes of crop genomes. TILLING populations of several thousand lines have been generated in a number of crop species including Brassica rapa. Genetic analysis of mutants identified by TILLING requires an efficient, high-throughput and cost effective genotyping method to track the mutations through numerous generations. High resolution melt (HRM) analysis has been used in a number of systems to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion/deletions (IN/DELs) enabling the genotyping of different types of samples. HRM is ideally suited to high-throughput genotyping of multiple TILLING mutants in complex crop genomes. To date it has been used to identify mutants and genotype single mutations. The aim of this study was to determine if HRM can facilitate downstream analysis of multiple mutant lines identified by TILLING in order to characterise allelic series of EMS induced mutations in target genes across a number of generations in complex crop genomes.

Results

We demonstrate that HRM can be used to genotype allelic series of mutations in two genes, BraA.CAX1a and BraA.MET1.a in Brassica rapa. We analysed 12 mutations in BraA.CAX1.a and five in BraA.MET1.a over two generations including a back-cross to the wild-type. Using a commercially available HRM kit and the Lightscanner™ system we were able to detect mutations in heterozygous and homozygous states for both genes.

Conclusions

Using HRM genotyping on TILLING derived mutants, it is possible to generate an allelic series of mutations within multiple target genes rapidly. Lines suitable for phenotypic analysis can be isolated approximately 8-9 months (3 generations) from receiving M3 seed of Brassica rapa from the RevGenUK TILLING service.
Dynamic lactate indices as predictors of outcome in critically ill patients
Authors: Nichol Alistair , Bailey Michael , Egi Moritoki , Pettila Ville , French Craig , Stachowski Edward , Reade Michael C , Cooper David James , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Dynamic changes in lactate concentrations in the critically ill may predict patient outcome more accurately than static indices. We aimed to compare the predictive value of dynamic indices of lactatemia in the first 24 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) admission with the value of more commonly used static indices.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of a prospectively obtained intensive care database of 5,041 consecutive critically ill patients from four Australian university hospitals. We assessed the relationship between dynamic lactate values collected in the first 24 hours of ICU admission and both ICU and hospital mortality.

Results

We obtained 36,673 lactate measurements in 5,041 patients in the first 24 hours of ICU admission. Both the time weighted average lactate (LACTW24) and the change in lactate (LACΔ24) over the first 24 hours were independently predictive of hospital mortality with both relationships appearing to be linear in nature. For every one unit increase in LACTW24 and LACΔ24 the risk of hospital death increased by 37% (OR 1.37, 1.29 to 1.45; P < 0.0001) and by 15% (OR 1.15, 1.10 to 1.20; P < 0.0001) respectively. Such dynamic indices, when combined with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, improved overall outcome prediction (P < 0.0001) achieving almost 90% accuracy. When all lactate measures in the first 24 hours were considered, the combination of LACTW24 and LACΔ24 significantly outperformed (P < 0.0001) static indices of lactate concentration, such as admission lactate, maximum lactate and minimum lactate.

Conclusions

In the first 24 hours following ICU admission, dynamic indices of hyperlactatemia have significant independent predictive value, improve the performance of illness severity score-based outcome predictions and are superior to simple static indices of lactate concentration.
Filmed v. live social contact interventions to reduce stigma: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Clement Sarah , van Nieuwenhuizen Adrienne , Kassam Aliya , Flach Clare , Lazarus Anisha , De Castro Melanie , McCrone Paul , Norman Ian , Thornicroft Graham
Published: December 2011

Background

Direct social contact interventions are known to reduce mental health stigma. Filmed social contact may be equally effective and have practical and cost advantages.

Aims

To compare the effectiveness of a DVD, a live intervention and a lecture control, in reducing stigma, testing the hypotheses that: (a) DVD and live interventions will be equally effective; and (b) the interventions with social contact (DVD/live) will be more effective than the lecture. Cost-effectiveness, process and acceptability are also assessed.

Method

Student nurses were randomised to: (a) watch a DVD of service users/informal carers talking about their experiences, (b) watch a similar live presentation, or (c) attend a lecture. Primary outcomes were changes in attitudes (using the Mental Illness: Clinicians Attitudes Scale, MICA), emotional reactions (using the Emotional Reactions to Mental Illness Scale, ERMIS), intended proximity (using the Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale, RIBS), and knowledge (using the Social Contact Intended Learning Outcomes, SCILO), immediately after the intervention and at 4-month follow-up.

Results

For the 216 participants, there were no differences between the DVD and live groups on MICA, ERMIS or RIBS scores. The DVD group had higher SCILO (knowledge) scores. The combined social contact group (DVD/live) had better MICA and RIBS scores than the lecture group, the latter difference maintained at 4 months. The DVD was the most cost-effective of the interventions, and the live session the most popular.

Conclusions

Our hypotheses were confirmed. This study supports the wider use of filmed social contact interventions to reduce stigma about mental illness.
Christian Multiculturalism and Unlearned History in Marilynne Robinson'sGilead
Authors: Douglas Christopher
Published: December 2011

Marilynne Robinson's Gilead is a kind of companion volume to Toni Morrison's Beloved, recollecting through tropes of memory the history of American slavery: as with Morrison's novel, these histories are to be productive of contemporary identities. Gilead in particular helps fashion a contemporary Christian multicultural identity suitably cleansed of the complexity of what Frederick Douglass had earlier called “Christian slavery.” Gilead's fashioning of a liberal Christian multiculturalism in response to the conservative evangelical and fundamentalist Christian resurgence of the last few decades, however, is premised on ignoring the very genealogy of that resurgence, whose antecedents lay in the Christian beliefs and practices the novel is determined not to recognize.
Reprivileging Reading
Authors: Allen Ira James
Published: December 2011

This essay explores intersections between reading and privilege and moves out from a survey of faculty reading practices to consider what is at stake in distinguishing between “real” and “instrumental” reading. Allen argues that, as privileged subjects, teachers can best help students approach reading as the negotiation of uncertainty when teachers themselves undertake such negotiation. That is, instructors do well to consciously inhabit and emotionally integrate their own contradictory desires for reading—the desire for institutional viability associated with instrumental reading, on the one hand, and the desire for the leisured thought of real reading, on the other.
Evaluation of 25-hydroxy vitamin D assay on the immunodiagnostic systems iSYS analyser
Authors: Cluse Zee N , Fudge Andrew N , Whiting Malcolm J , McWhinney Brett , Parkinson Ian , O'Loughlin Peter D
Published: December 2011

Background

We evaluated the recently released chemiluminescence assay for 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) on the Immunodiagnostic Systems iSYS (IDS-iSYS) automated analyser.

Methods

The IDS-iSYS comparison was performed using patient samples previously measured for 25-OHD by a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method (n = 119) and an IDS enzyme immunoassy (IDS-EIA) method ( n = 64). Limit of detection and limit of quantification were determined from a precision profile. Imprecision was assessed using quality control material and pooled serum. External QAP material (Vitamin D External Quality Assessment Scheme, UK) was analysed to establish inaccuracy. Linearity was assessed by two dilution studies. Cross-reactivity was determined by three serial dilution studies of patient samples with known 25-OHD2 concentrations.

Results

The IDS-iSYS correlated well with both established methods (iSYS = 1.03LC-MS/MS − 6.53, R2 = 0.82 and iSYS = 1.07IDS-EIA − 1.61, R2 = 0.86). Imprecision of the iSYS assay for IDS control material was 13.4% at 32 nmol/L, 10% at 78 nmol/L, 9.4% at 161 nmol/L, and for the pooled material 9.3% at 72 nmol/L and 5.6% at 158 nmol/L. The evaluation found the assay to be highly accurate (IDS-iSYS = 0.93ALTM + 3.79, R2 = 0.94) and linear (obs1 = 0.93exp1 − 5.05, R2 = 0.99 ( P = 0.256); and obs2 = 0.97exp2 + 6.07, R2 = 0.97 ( P = 0.654); ALTM, all-laboratory trimmed mean). Cross-reactivity studies demonstrated no significant difference to the calculated total 25-OHD as measured by LC-MS/MS.

Conclusions

Even though the imprecision of the iSYS was found to be greater than that of the LC-MS/MS and EIA methods, the performance characteristics of the IDS-iSYS 25-OHD assay are suitable for routine diagnostic purposes on a high throughput automated analyser.
Clinical usefulness of blood metal measurements to assess the failure of metal-on-metal hip implants
Authors: Sampson Barry , Hart Alister
Published: December 2011

In April 2010, a Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency safety alert concerning all metal-on-metal (MOM) hip replacements recommended measuring chromium and cobalt concentrations when managing patients with painful prostheses. The need for this review is illustrated by the recent surge in requests for these blood tests from orthopaedic surgeons following this alert. The aim is to provide guidance to laboratories in assessing these requests and advising clinicians on interpretation. First, we summarize the basic terminology regarding the types of hip replacements, with emphasis on the MOM type. Second, we describe the clinical concerns over implant-derived wear debris in the local tissues and distant sites. Analytical aspects of the measurement of the relevant metal ions and what factors affect the levels measured are discussed. The application of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry techniques to the measurement of these metals is considered in detail. The biological effects of metal wear products are summarized with local toxicity and systemic biological effects considered, including carcinogenicity, genotoxicity and systemic toxicity. Clinical cases are used to illustrate pertinent points.
Locally applied platelet-derived growth factor accelerates fracture healing
Authors: Bordei P.
Published: December 2011

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is known to stimulate osteoblast or osteoprogenitor cell activity. We investigated the effect of locally applied PDGF from poly-d,l-lactide (PDLLA)-coated implants on fracture healing in a rat model. A closed fracture of the right tibia of four-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 40) was stabilised with implants coated with a biodegradable PDLLA versus implants coated with PDLLA and PDGF. Radiographs were taken throughout the study, and a marker of DNA activity, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), was injected before the rats were killed at three, seven and ten days. The radiographs showed consolidation of the callus in the PDGF-treated group compared with the control group at all three time points. In the PDGF-treated group, immunohistochemical staining of BrdU showed that the distribution of proliferating cells in all cellular events was higher after ten days compared with that at three and seven days.

These results indicate that local application of PDGF from biodegradable PDLLA-coated implants significantly accelerates fracture healing in experimental animals. Further development may help fracture healing in the clinical situation.
Identifying orthopaedic surgeons of the future
Authors: Alvand A. , Auplish S. , Khan T. , Gill H. S. , Rees J. L.
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of training on the arthroscopic performance of a group of medical students and to determine whether all students could be trained to competence. Thirty-three medical students with no previous experience of arthroscopy were randomised to a ‘Trained’ or an ‘Untrained’ cohort. They were required to carry out 30 episodes of two simulated arthroscopic tasks (one shoulder and one knee). The primary outcome variable was task success at each episode. Individuals achieved competence when their learning curve stabilised. The secondary outcome was technical dexterity, assessed objectively using a validated motion analysis system. Six subjects in the ‘Untrained’ cohort failed to achieve competence in the shoulder task, compared with one in the ‘Trained’ cohort. During the knee task, two subjects in each cohort failed to achieve competence. Based on the objective motion analysis parameters, the ‘Trained’ cohort performed better on the shoulder task (p < 0.05) but there was no significant difference for the knee task (p > 0.05).

Although specific training improved the arthroscopic performance of novices, there were individuals who could not achieve competence despite focused training.These findings may have an impact on the selection process for trainees and influence individual career choices.
Exhaled Endogenous Particles Contain Lung Proteins
Authors: Bredberg Anna , Gobom Johan , Almstrand Ann-Charlotte , Larsson Per , Blennow Kaj , Olin Anna-Carin , Mirgorodskaya Ekaterina
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND

We recently developed a novel, noninvasive method for sampling nonvolatile material from the distal airways. The method is based on the collection of endogenous particles in exhaled air (PEx). The aim of this study was to characterize the protein composition of PEx and to verify that the origin of PEx is respiratory tract lining fluid (RTLF).

METHOD

Healthy individuals exhaled into the sampling device, which collected PEx onto a silicon plate inside a 3-stage impactor. After their extraction from the plates, PEx proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE and then analyzed by LC-MS. Proteins were identified by searching the International Protein Index human database with the Mascot search engine.

RESULTS

Analysis of the pooled samples identified 124 proteins. A comparison of the identified PEx proteins with published bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) proteomic data showed a high degree of overlap, with 103 (83%) of the PEx proteins having previously been detected in BAL. The relative abundances of the proteins were estimated according to the Mascot exponentially modified protein abundance index protocol and were in agreement with the expected protein composition of RTLF. No amylase was detected, indicating the absence of saliva protein contamination with our sampling technique.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data strongly support that PEx originate from RTLF and reflect the composition of undiluted RTLF.
Junction Site Analysis of Chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 Genes in 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Chen Wuyan , Xu Zhi , Sullivan Annie , Finkielstain Gabriela P , Van Ryzin Carol , Merke Deborah P , McDonnell Nazli B
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND

Chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes, caused by homologous recombination between CYP21A2 (cytochrome P450, family 21, subfamily A, polypeptide 2) and its highly homologous pseudogene CYP21A1P (cytochrome P450, family 21, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 pseudogene), are common in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD). A comprehensive junction site analysis of chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes is needed for optimizing genetic analysis strategy and determining clinical relevance.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis of chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes in a cohort of 202 unrelated 21-OHD patients. Targeted CYP21A2 mutation analysis was performed, and genotyping of chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes was cross-confirmed with Southern blot, RFLP, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analyses. Junction sites of chimera genes were determined by sequencing the long-PCR products amplified with primers CYP779f and Tena32F. An updated bioinformatics survey of Chi-like sequences was also performed.

RESULTS

Of 100 probands with a chimeric allele, 96 had a chimera associated with the severe classic salt-wasting form of CAH, and the remaining 4 carried an uncommon attenuated chimera with junction sites upstream of In2G (c.293–13A/C>G), which is associated with a milder phenotype. In addition to 6 of 7 reported chimeras, we identified a novel classic chimera (CH-8) and a novel attenuated chimera (CH-9). Attenuated chimeras explained prior genotype–phenotype discrepancies in 3 of the patients. Sequencing the CYP779f/Tena32F amplicons accurately differentiated between classic and attenuated chimeras. The bioinformatics survey revealed enrichment of Chi-like sequences within or in the vicinity of intron 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Junction site analysis can explain some genotype–phenotype discrepancies. Sequencing the well-established CYP779f/Tena32F amplicons is an unequivocal strategy for detecting attenuated chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes, which are clinically relevant.
Psychiatric Hospitals and Workplace Smoking Bans: A Biological and Sociological Commentary
Authors: Edjoc Rojiemiahd
Published: December 2011

Smoking is widely known as an architect of well-documented, negative health outcomes. The advent of legislated actions to ban work- and public-place smoking has reduced the overall smoking prevalence in Canada and around the world. However, what is often overlooked are patients with psychiatric illness who are confined in psychiatric institutions and are not able to take advantage of designated smoking areas. The aim of this commentary is to raise awareness of potential inequitable conditions that are inherent in workplace smoking restrictions particularly for psychiatric patients. A biological and social equity perspective will frame the discourse of the issue.
Compensatory lengthening in West Slavic
Authors: Sukač Roman
Published: December 2011

It is argued that “compensatory lengthening” of o-stems in West Slavic at the end of Proto-Slavic period is only a cover term for different processes. Former APb forms of *stolъ’ type undergo pretonic lengthening, resyllabification and yer loss in several cycles. Former APc forms *bogъ type are resyllabified, may obtain moraic coda and after the loss of yer and the transfer of mora they become lengthened. Former APa of the *klinъ type undergo Kortlandt’s lengthening rule, are resyllabified and the yer is lost. All processes are connected with the rise of rhythmicity and bisyllabic maximally bimoraic domain. Forms are later incorporated into newly created quantitative paradigms which are results of the prosodic transformation of Proto-Slavic accentual paradigms.
Effect of zafirlukast on capsular contracture around silicone implants in rats
Authors: Bastos Érika Malheiros , Sabino Neto Miguel , Garcia Élvio Bueno , Veiga Daniela Francescato , Han Yuri Anna , Denadai Rafael , Santos Rafael de Almeida , Ferreira Lydia Masako
Published: December 2011

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of zafirlukast on capsular contracture around silicone implants by measuring the pressure within the implant, using a rat experimental model. METHODS: Forty adult female Wistar rats were used. Each one received two silicone implants, one with smooth-surface and the other with textured-surface. They were randomly divided into four groups (n=10). The rats of control group I were sacrificed after the implants. The remaining animals were subjected to a daily regimen of intra-peritoneal injection for a period of 90 days and they were distributed as follows: control group II received 0.9% physiological saline solution; experimental group I received zafirlukast 1.25 mg/kg; and experimental group II received zafirlukast 5 mg/kg. The measurement of intra-implant pressure of control group I was determined on the surgery day and in other groups on the ninetieth day, after being sacrificed. RESULTS: In the evaluation of textured implants there was an increase of internal pressure in the control group II, and there was no increase in the experimental groups. Compared to the controls there were not significant differences in smooth implants. CONCLUSION: Zafirlukast reduced the risk of developing capsular contracture around silicone implants with textured surface.
The role of N-acetyl-cysteine in the lung remote injury after hepatic ischemia and reperfusion in rabbits
Authors: Castro Angela Potter de , Castro Junior Miguel Angelo Martins de , Lauz Susi , Facin Emilio , Simões Manuel de Jesus , Fagundes Djalma José
Published: December 2011

PURPOSE: To study the lesions in the lung of rabbits caused by ischemia/reperfusion hepatic (I/R) after the use of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). METHODS: Twenty-four rabbits distributed in two groups: control group GI (n = 12) 5% glucose solution and experiment group GII (n = 12) NAC. The animals were pre-anesthetized with 1% acepromazine maleate and anesthetized with ketamine 10% and 2% xylazine intramuscularly. The GI and GII were given glucose solution intravenously or NAC 15min before occlusion of the hepatic pedicle (30 min). After the period of reperfusion of 24h (n = 6) or 48h (n = 6), liver and lung samples were collected for histology and immunohistochemistry to assess the impairment of cell. RESULTS: The animals of GII and GII-24h-48h showed parenchyma liver close to normal, when using NAC. The GII and GII-24h-48h showed lower thickness of alveolar cells that GI and GI-24h-48h. The expression of caspase 3 in lung cells GII presented smaller value compared to the GI group. CONCLUSION: N-acetyl-cysteine administered 15min prior to the injury ischemia/reperfusion had a significant protective role by minimizing lung injury and apoptotic morphology in the period observed.
A Comparative Study of Root Defect Coverage Using an Acellular Dermal Matrix With and Without a Recombinant Human Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor
Authors: Carney Christopher M. , Rossmann Jeffrey A. , Kerns David G. , Cipher Daisha J. , Rees Terry D. , Solomon Eric S. , Rivera‐Hidalgo Francisco , Beach M. Miles
Published: December 2011

Background: The objective of this case series is to compare root defect coverage results and healing responses of bilateral recession defects treated with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) with and without recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor (rhPDGF).

Methods: Seventeen patients with 40 bilateral gingival recession defects were compared. Each defect was ≥2 mm and treated with ADM and a coronally advanced flap. Using split‐mouth design, the control‐side ADM was hydrated in sterile saline, whereas the test‐side ADM was hydrated in rhPDGF. The patients were evaluated at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Standardized measurements were taken preoperatively at 3 and 6 months. Healing was clinically assessed at 1 week and 1 month post‐surgically.

Results: Both test and control groups showed significant gain in root defect coverage over the 6‐month period for all individuals, with the test group showing a 69.0% gain and the control group showing a 76.7% gain. Patients divided into Miller Class I and Class III defects were also found to have a significant gain in root defect coverage over 6 months. The test group showed 84.1% gain, and the control group showed 84.7% gain for Miller Class I defects. For Miller Class III defects, the test group showed 51.5% gain, and the control group showed a 60.8% gain. One week after surgery, 35% of the test group showed better healing, whereas 15% of the control group showed better healing. One month after surgery, 20% of the test group showed better healing, whereas 15% of the control group showed better healing.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this case series, there were no statistically or clinically significant differences in root defect coverage, keratinized tissue, clinical attachment level, or clinical healing for treatment of root recession with a coronally advanced flap and ADM with and without rhPDGF.
Local Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor–Like Growth Factors in Human Testis and Its Role in Spermatogenesis
Authors: Shiraishi Koji , Matsuyama Hideyasu
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT: Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro‐TESE) has revealed that spermatogenesis in nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients is heterogeneous, even in the same testis, but there is no information regarding growth factors to support spermatogenesis. We investigated the involvement of epidermal growth factor (EGF)–like growth factors, which play important roles in cell proliferation and differentiation in NOA patients who underwent micro‐TESE. Testicular samples were obtained from 5 fertile men (15 samples), 5 prostate cancer patients receiving maximum androgen blockade (10 samples), and 13 NOA patients who underwent micro‐TESE (50 samples). The expression of the mRNA for EGF, heparin binding (HB)–EGF, amphiregulin, epiregulin, betacellulin, and transforming growth factor (TGF)–α were analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis and adjusted using the expression of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase. Heterogeneous expression of these EGF‐like growth factors were observed even in the same testis. The expression of HB‐EGF, amphiregulin and TGF‐α in NOA and prostate cancer patients was significantly lower than observed in fertile controls. In NOA patients, expression in the testicular sample comprising mature sperm was significantly higher than those without mature sperm, indicating that HB‐EGF, amphiregulin, and TGF‐α are considered to participate in creating a suitable niche for spermatogenesis. Considering the findings that ablation of gonadotropin inhibited and human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation increased these EGF‐like growth factors, the expressions are presumably under gonadotropin regulation.