bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SSSR Presidential Address Public Religions and the Postsecular: Critical Reflections
Authors: Beckford James A.
Published: March 2012

The term “postsecular” is proliferating in the writings of scholars working in the humanities and social sciences. This article assesses the variety of meanings attributed to the term, groups them in six clusters of ideas, and raises questions about the tensions that exist between some of its different meanings. Taking the central idea that religions enjoy relatively high visibility in the public sphere of postsecular societies, the article then considers how well this applies to the case of Britain. It argues that the visibility of religion in Britain's public sphere—far from being postsecular in any of the current meanings of the term—is actually associated with the state's “interpellation” of selected religions as partners in the delivery of public policies for managing diversity, combating inequality, and promoting social enterprise.
Quantitative Measurement of Ultraviolet‐Induced Damage in Cellular DNA by an Enzyme Immunodot Assay
Authors: Wakizaka A. , Nishizawa Y. , Aiba N. , Okuhara E. , Takahashi S.
Published: March 2012

A simple enzyme immunoassay procedure was developed for the quantitative determination of 254‐nm uv‐induced DNA damage in cells. With the use of specific antibodies to uv‐irradiated DNA and horseradish peroxidase‐conjugated antibody to rabbit IgG, the extent of damaged DNA in uv‐irradiated rat spleen mononuclear cells was quantitatively measurable. Through the use of this method, the amount of damaged DNA present in 2 × 10(5) cells irradiated at a dose of 75 J/m2 was estimated to be 7 ng equivalents of the standard uv‐irradiated DNA. In addition, when the cells, irradiated at 750 J/m2, were incubated for 1 h, the antigenic activity of DNA decreased by 40%, suggesting that a repair of the damaged sites in DNA had proceeded to some extent in the cells.
Lipid‐Coated Particles–A New Approach to Fix Membrane‐Bound Enzymes onto Carrier Surfaces
Authors: Rothe U. , Aurich H.
Published: March 2012

A new method to covalently link phosphatidylethanolamine via the headgroup at the surface of cell‐size spherical polymer particles is described. Because the density of the reactive groups linked to the polymer beads is extremely high, a dense, tightly bonded lipid monolayer is formed. When a solubilized lipid is added to the suspension of monolayer‐coated polymer beads, the spontaneous formation of a bilayer‐like structure is observed. The upper layer of lipid can be removed by washing with detergent solution or organic solvents, ethanol or butanol, and can be replaced in a relipidation step by any other phospholipid; thus, an asymmetric lipid bilayer structure can be formed. Membrane‐bound enzymes such as alanine aminopeptidase or dipeptidyl peptidase IV may be inserted with their hydrophobic anchor segments in a stable and enzymatically active form in this artificial system. Incorporation of integral membrane enzymes such as bacteriorhodopsin with membrane‐spanning domains and bulky segments at both sides of the membrane succeeded only when a hydrophilic spacer of appropriate length (e.g., pentaalanine) was introduced between the carrier surface and the lipid headgroups.
Modification of Partial Pressure of Oxygen (P50) in Mammalian Red Blood Cells by Incorporation of An Allosteric Effector of Hemoglobin
Authors: Bailleul C. , Villereal Borrelly‐ , Chassaigne M. , Ropars C.
Published: March 2012

Internalization of inositol hexaphosphate (IHP) in mammalian red blood cells (RBC) produces a modification of the hemoglobin‐oxygen affinity, leading to a rightward shift of the dissociation curve. The process of incorporation, based on an osmotic shock, has been tested on RBC of different species. Two dialysis protocols have been defined to transform RBC, the first one for small volumes in a cellulose bag and the other for larger volumes using a commercially available dialysis device. Different optimal conditions must be used for each species. Most of the cellular characteristics of the transformed RBC having encapsulated IHP are similar to those of native cells. For several species, such modified RBC could be reinfused and used for physiological studies.
Enzymes Responsible for Off‐Flavor and Off‐Aroma in Blanched and Frozen‐Stored Vegetables1
Authors: Velasco P. J. , Lim M. H. , Pangborn R. M. , Whitaker J. R.
Published: March 2012

Plant foods, stabilized by heating (blanching) until all peroxidase activity is destroyed and then frozen, may be stored frozen for 1 to 2 years without significant deterioration of texture, color, flavor, or nutritional quality. Peroxidase is a convenient enzyme probe of adequate blanching. However, it is not the enzyme responsible for quality deterioration. Better quality products, with lower energy utilization, may be possible with less heat treatment by using the enzyme(s) responsible for quality deterioration as the detector for adequate blanching. To determine the enzyme(s) responsible for aroma and flavor deterioration, we identified the key aroma constituent(s) by sensory evaluation, isolated the enzyme(s) thought to be responsible, and added these enzymes, including peroxidase and catalase, back to blanched pureed vegetable singly and in all combinations. Following incubation, a trained sensory panel evaluated the aroma of the samples in relation to blanched and unblanched samples treated in the same manner. Lipoxygenase was identified as the key enzyme in English green peas and green beans, cystine lyase in cauliflower and broccoli, and probably lipoxygenase in corn‐on‐the‐cob. There may be another enzyme not yet identified involved.
Changes in Bargaining over Immovable Assets within Rural Households in the Colombian Andes
Authors: FARAH‐QUIJANO MARÍA A.
Published: March 2012

Based on quantitative and qualitative data collected from different generational cohorts, this article reveals a progressive tendency over the last 70 years towards joint household decision‐making regarding land and housing in a rural municipality in the Colombian Andes. This shift is linked to changing social norms relating to household headship. It highlights the need to acknowledge diverse realities in the Latin American context and to avoid stereotypes of rigid gender divides and women's privation and ‘powerlessness’ in rural communities.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Making of a Market for ‘Sustainable Fish’
Authors: PONTE STEFANO
Published: March 2012

Market‐based instruments of fishery governance have been promoted in the past two decades on the basis of two widespread expectations: that complying with sustainability standards will lead to environmental benefits; and that certifications will not discriminate against specific social groups, countries or regions. This paper assesses whether these assumptions hold through the analysis of how the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label for capture fisheries has managed ‘supply’, ‘demand’ and ‘civic’ concerns in the market for sustainability certifications. The MSC has created and now dominates the market for ‘sustainable fish’, but success has been accompanied by serious challenges. The MSC has so far failed to convincingly show that its certification system has positive environmental impacts, and it has marginalized Southern fisheries, especially in low‐income countries. As an institutional solution to the global fishery crisis, the MSC seems to be better tuned to the creation of a market for ‘sustainable fish’ rather than ‘sustainable fisheries’.
The Political Economy of Household Commodity Production in the Louisiana Shrimp Fishery
Authors: MARKS BRIAN
Published: March 2012

The Louisiana shrimp fishery is marked by the ownership and operation of vessels by familial households, an open‐access management regime, and socially embedded inter‐firm relationships among shrimpers, docks and processors. These elements of the contemporary fishery were constituted through historically and geographically specific processes of change in harvesting and processing technology, the social organization of labour processes and market exchanges, and the politics of fishery management in the state. These processes shaped producers' responses to a severe socio‐economic crisis in the 2000s, a cost–price squeeze of collapsing shrimp prices and mounting production expenses. Shrimpers' households kept boats operating in the short term at the expense of living standards and intergenerational continuity, rising fuel prices and falling shrimp prices slashed shrimpers' income from harvesting wild shrimp, and business relations grew more distant, tenuous and conflictual as enterprises each sought their share of a much smaller surplus.
Sharing or Appropriation? Share Systems, Class and Commodity Relations in Scottish Fisheries
Authors: McCALL HOWARD PENNY
Published: March 2012

Fishing share systems that distribute ‘fishing surplus’ among crew are widespread in global fisheries. One recent analysis identifies the New England ‘lay’ share system as a form of ‘non‐capitalism’ because of the way that surpluses are shared (St Martin 2007). Through ethnographic, historical and economic analysis of Scottish commercial nephrops trawler fisheries, this paper demonstrates that fishing share systems are adaptable to the exploitation of labour. While share systems seem to have their origins in shared ownership of fishing boats and gear, it is the present lack of this link in Scotland that has created the conditions for labour itself to become a commodity and share systems to function as a variable and casual wage. This paper argues that the dependence of the fishery on commodity production and its reliance on labour as a commodity makes it fully capitalist, even in the presence of a share system, and explores the social and ecological consequences of the development of these more conventionally capitalist class relations.
Episiotomy characteristics and risks for obstetric anal sphincter injuries: a case‐control study
Authors: Stedenfeldt M , Pirhonen J , Blix E , Wilsgaard T , Vonen B , Øian P
Published: March 2012

Please cite this paper as: Stedenfeldt M, Pirhonen J, Blix E, Wilsgaard T, Vonen B, Øian P. Episiotomy characteristics and risks for obstetric anal sphincter injuries: a case‐control study. BJOG 2012;119:724–730.

Objectives  To investigate the association between the geometrical properties of episiotomy and obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) because episiotomies angled at 40–60° are associated with fewer OASIS than episiotomies with more acute angles.

Design  Case–control study.

Setting  University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø and Nordland Hospital, Bodø, Norway.

Sample  Seventy‐four women who had one vaginal birth and episiotomy. Cases (n = 37) have sustained OASIS at birth, while controls (n = 37) had not. The groups were matched for instrumental delivery.

Methods  Two groups of women with history of only one vaginal birth were compared. Episiotomy scar was identified and photographed and relevant measures were taken. Data were analysed using conditional logistic analysis.

Main outcome measures  Mean episiotomy angle, length, depth, incision point.

Results  The risk of sustaining OASIS decreased by 70% (odds ratio [OR] 0.30; 95% CI 0.14–0.66) for each 5.5‐mm increase in episiotomy depth, decreased by 56% (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.23–0.86) for each 4.5‐mm increase in the distance from the midline to the incision point of the episiotomy, and decreased by 75% (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.10–0.61) for each 5.5‐mm increase in episiotomy length. Lastly, there was no difference in mean angle between groups but there was a “U‐shaped” association between angle and OASIS (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.02–4.28) with an increased risk (OR 9.00; 95% CI 1.1–71.0) of OASIS when the angle was either smaller than 15°or >60°.

Conclusion  The present study showed that scarred episiotomies with depth > 16 mm, length > 17 mm, incision point > 9 mm lateral of midpoint and angle range 30–60° are significantly associated with less risk of OASIS. Shrinkage of tissue must be considered.
Pulmonary hypertension and pregnancy—a review of 12 pregnancies in nine women
Authors: Curry RA , Fletcher C , Gelson E , Gatzoulis MA , Woolnough M , Richards N , Swan L , Steer PJ , Johnson MR
Published: March 2012

Please cite this paper as: Curry R, Fletcher C, Gelson E, Gatzoulis M, Woolnough M, Richards N, Swan L, Steer P, Johnson M. Pulmonary hypertension and pregnancy—a review of 12 pregnancies in nine women. BJOG 2012;119:752–761.

Objective  To report outcomes in a recent series of pregnancies in women with pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Design  Retrospective case note review.

Setting  Tertiary referral unit (Chelsea and Westminster and Royal Brompton Hospitals).

Sample  Twelve pregnancies in nine women with PH between 1995 and 2010.

Methods  Multidisciplinary review of case records.

Main outcome measures  Maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity.

Results  There were two maternal deaths (1995 and 1998), one related to pre‐eclampsia and one to arrhythmia. Maternal morbidity included postpartum haemorrhage (five cases), and one post‐caesarean evacuation of a wound haematoma. There were no perinatal deaths, nine live births and three first‐trimester miscarriages. Mean birthweight was 2197 g, mean gestational age was 34 weeks (range 26–39), and mean birthweight centile was 36 (range 5–60). Five babies required admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, but were all eventually discharged home. All women were delivered by caesarean section (seven elective and two emergency deliveries), under general anaesthetic except for one emergency and one elective caesarean performed under regional block.

Conclusions  Maternal and fetal outcomes for women with PH may be improving. However, the risk of maternal mortality remains significant, so that early and effective counselling about contraceptive options and pregnancy risks should continue to play a major role in the management of such women when they reach reproductive maturity.
Sex differences in brain proteomes of neuron‐specific STAT3‐null mice after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Di Domenico Fabio , Casalena Gabriella , Jia Jia , Sultana Rukhsana , Barone Eugenio , Cai Jian , Pierce William M. , Cini Chiara , Mancuso Cesare , Perluigi Marzia , Davis Catherine M. , Alkayed Nabil J. , Butterfield Allan D.
Published: March 2012

J. Neurochem.(2012)121, 680–692.

Signal transduction and activator of transcription‐3 (STAT3) plays an important role in neuronal survival, regeneration and repair after brain injury. We previously demonstrated that STAT3 is activated in brain after cerebral ischemia specifically in neurons. The effect was sex‐specific and modulated by sex steroids, with higher activation in females than males. In the current study, we used a proteomics approach to identify downstream proteins affected by ischemia in male and female wild‐type (WT) and neuron‐specific STAT3 knockout (KO) mice. We established four comparison groups based on the transgenic condition and the hemisphere analyzed, respectively. Moreover, the sexual variable was taken into account and male and female animals were analyzed independently. Results support a role for STAT3 in metabolic, synaptic, structural and transcriptional responses to cerebral ischemia, indeed the adaptive response to ischemia/reperfusion injury is delayed in neuronal‐specific STAT3 KO mice. The differences observed between males and females emphasize the importance of sex‐specific neuronal survival and repair mechanisms, especially those involving antioxidant and energy‐related activities, often caused by sex hormones.
Molecular systematics of the caracaras and allies (Falconidae: Polyborinae) inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data
Authors: FUCHS JÉRÔME , JOHNSON JEFF A. , MINDELL DAVID P.
Published: March 2012

The Polyborinae is the most diverse subfamily of the Falconidae in terms of both morphology and behaviour, and includes falconet‐shaped birds (Spiziapteryx), arboreal omnivores (Daptrius, Ibycter), as well as terrestrial generalists and scavengers (Caracara, Milvago and Phalcoboenus). The Polyborinae are endemic to the New World, with all but one species (Caracara cheriway) being restricted to Central and South America. Using over 7300 bp of mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data, we aim to clarify the taxonomy and biogeography of the Polyborinae. The genus Milvago was unexpectedly found to be polyphyletic, with Chimango Caracara Milvago chimango being related to the genus Phalcoboenus and Yellow‐headed Caracara Milvago chimachima being sister to Daptrius. Furthermore, very low genetic divergence was found among the four species of the genus Phalcoboenus, with the lowest divergence being between White‐throated Caracara Phalcoboenus albogularis and Mountain Caracara Phalcoboenus megalopterus. Our divergence time analyses revealed that the Polyborinae started to diversify in the Miocene, at about 14 Ma, and that the generalist/scavenger behaviour in the Falconidae appeared between 14 and 6.6 Ma. All speciation events within the caracaras occurred during the Pleistocene. This situation differs from the general pattern described for forest birds, in which most diversification events are older, occurring primarily in the Pliocene and Miocene.
Predation risk of eggs and nestlings relative to nest‐site characteristics of the Bull‐headed Shrike Lanius bucephalus
Authors: MATSUI SHIN , TAKAGI MASAOKI
Published: March 2012

Appropriate nest‐site selection is one of the most important ways to minimize loss of reproductive investment due to predation. We determined the environmental characteristics associated with nest predation during the incubation and nestling periods of arboreal nesting Bull‐headed Shrikes on the oceanic Minami‐Daito Island where the predator community has low species diversity and includes only three introduced mammals: Ship Rat Rattus rattus, Japanese Weasel Mustela itatsi and Feral Cat Felis catus. Egg predation declined with increasing grassland cover around nests, whereas nestling predation declined with increasing nest concealment and nest height. Our results suggest that effective nest‐site characteristics for avoiding nest predation differ during the incubation and nestling periods and are dependent on the predator species and their search strategies, at least in habitats with low predator species diversity.
Comparing equity and self‐expansion theory approaches to relational maintenance
Authors: LEDBETTER ANDREW M. , STASSEN‐FERRARA HEATHER M. , DOWD MEGAN M.
Published: March 2012

Focusing on relational maintenance in heterosexual romantic dyads, this investigation compares the equity theory approach with self‐expansion theory, an alternative approach predicting maintenance behavior when a partner includes the other in the sense of the self. Results supported both theoretical explanations, albeit support for self‐expansion theory was more consistent, predicting all maintenance behavior types. Although relational maintenance constructs were statistically comparable between men and women, a sex difference emerged regarding maintenance behavior's predictors, with self‐expansion theory a stronger explanation for men but not women. The discussion considers how these results inform the distinction between exchange‐ and communally oriented conceptualizations of relationships, as well as development of a communicative theory of relational maintenance.
Experimental Test of the Effects of a Non‐Native Invasive Species on a Wintering Shorebird
Authors: ESTELLE VERONICA , GROSHOLZ EDWIN D.
Published: March 2012

Abstract: The abundance of nearly one‐quarter of the world's shorebird species is declining. At the same time, the number of non‐native species in coastal ecosystems is increasing rapidly. In some cases, non‐native species may affect negatively the abundance and diversity of shorebird prey species. We conducted an experimental study of the effects of the introduced European green crab(Carcinus maenas)on prey consumption by wintering Dunlin(Calidris alpina)in a central California estuary. We placed green crabs and Dunlin sequentially in field enclosures and measured changes in density of benthic invertebrate prey (e.g. polychaetes and small clams), Dunlin biomass, and gut contents of both Dunlin and crabs and observed foraging behavior of Dunlin. Green crabs significantly affected Dunlin foraging success through both direct and indirect multitrophic linkages. In enclosures with high densities of green crabs, crab foraging reduced the availability of polychaetes, and Dunlin consumed significantly fewer polychaetes compared with Dunlin in enclosures without crabs. High densities of green crabs were also associated with increased availability of small clams. Dunlin consumed significantly more small clams compared with Dunlin in enclosures without crabs. In our literature survey of studies of effects of non‐native invasive species on shorebirds, we found three prior experiments that addressed the effect of non‐native invasive species on shorebirds. Results of two of these studies showed positive direct effects of non‐native invertebrates on shorebirds, 1 showed negative direct effects of a non‐native plant on shorebirds through habitat conversion, and none showed indirect effects of non‐native invertebrates. We suggest future management of shorebirds explicitly examine how non‐native marine species, particularly invertebrates, directly and indirectly affect shorebirds.
Hunting, Law Enforcement, and African Primate Conservation
Authors: N’GORAN PAUL K. , BOESCH CHRISTOPHE , MUNDRY ROGER , N’GORAN ELIEZER K. , HERBINGER ILKA , YAPI FABRICE A. , KÜHL HJALMAR S.
Published: March 2012

Abstract: Primates are regularly hunted for bushmeat in tropical forests, and systematic ecological monitoring can help determine the effect hunting has on these and other hunted species. Monitoring can also be used to inform law enforcement and managers of where hunting is concentrated. We evaluated the effects of law enforcement informed by monitoring data on density and spatial distribution of 8 monkey species in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. We conducted intensive surveys of monkeys and looked for signs of human activity throughout the park. We also gathered information on the activities of law‐enforcement personnel related to hunting and evaluated the relative effects of hunting, forest cover and proximity to rivers, and conservation effort on primate distribution and density. The effects of hunting on monkeys varied among species. Red colobus monkeys (Procolobus badius) were most affected and Campbell's monkeys (Cercopithecus campbelli) were least affected by hunting. Density of monkeys irrespective of species was up to 100 times higher near a research station and tourism site in the southwestern section of the park, where there is little hunting, than in the southeastern part of the park. The results of our monitoring guided law‐enforcement patrols toward zones with the most hunting activity. Such systematic coordination of ecological monitoring and law enforcement may be applicable at other sites.
Organizing Self‐Organizing Systems
Authors: Chertow Marian , Ehrenfeld John
Published: March 2012

Industrial symbiosis examines cooperative management of resource flows through networks of businesses known in the literature as industrial ecosystems. These industrial ecosystems have previously been portrayed as having characteristics of complex adaptive systems, but with insufficient attention to the internal and external phenomena describing their genesis. Drawing on biological, ecological, organizational, and systems theory, a discontinuous three‐stage model of industrial symbiosis is presented. The model proceeds from a random formative stage involving numerous actors engaging in material and energy exchanges, to conscious recognition and intentional pursuit of network benefits, to institutionalization of beliefs and norms enabling successful collaborative behavior. While there is much variation, with no single path to this outcome, the recognition of benefits is seen as an emergent property characteristic of these self‐organized systems that move beyond the initial stage.
Effect of Airborne‐Particle Abrasion and Aqueous Storage on Flexural Properties of Fiber‐Reinforced Dowels
Authors: Petrie Cynthia S. , Walker Mary P.
Published: March 2012

Purpose: A great range of clinical failures have been observed with fiber‐reinforced dowels, often attributed to fracture or bending of the dowels. This study investigated flexural properties of fiber‐reinforced dowels, with and without airborne‐particle abrasion, after storage in aqueous environments over time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the mode of failure of dowels.

Materials and Methods: Two dowel systems (ParaPost Fiber Lux and FibreKor) were evaluated. Ten dowels of each system were randomly assigned to one of six experimental groups: 1 – control, dry condition; 2 – dowels airborne‐particle abraded and then stored dry; 3 – dowels stored for 24 hours in aqueous solution at 37°C; 4 – dowels airborne‐particle abraded followed by 24‐hour aqueous storage at 37°C; 5 – dowels stored for 30 days in aqueous solution at 37°C; 6 – dowels airborne‐particle abraded followed by 30‐day aqueous storage at 37°C. Flexural strength and flexural modulus were tested for all groups according to American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D4476. One failed dowel from each group was randomly selected to be evaluated with SEM equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to characterize the failure pattern. One intact dowel of each system was also analyzed with SEM and EDS for baseline information.

Results: Mean flexural modulus and strength of ParaPost Fiber Lux dowels across all conditions were 29.59 ± 2.89 GPa and 789.11 ± 89.88 MPa, respectively. Mean flexural modulus and strength of FibreKor dowels across all conditions were 25.58 ± 1.48 GPa and 742.68 ± 89.81 MPa, respectively. One‐way ANOVA and a post hoc Dunnett's t‐test showed a statistically significant decrease in flexural strength as compared to the dry control group for all experimental groups stored in water, for both dowel systems (p < 0.05). Flexural modulus for both dowel systems showed a statistically significant decrease only for dowels stored in aqueous solutions for 30 days (p < 0.05). Airborne‐particle abrasion did not have an effect on flexural properties for either dowel system (p > 0.05). SEM and EDS analyses revealed differences in composition and failure mode of the two dowel systems. Failed dowels of each system revealed similar failure patterns, irrespective of the experimental group.

Conclusions: Aqueous storage had a negative effect on flexural properties of fiber‐reinforced dowels, and this negative effect appeared to increase with longer storage times. The fiber/resin matrix interface was the weak structure for the dowel systems tested.
“What—Me Worry?”1“Why So Serious?”:2 A Personal View on the Fukushima Nuclear Reactor Accidents
Authors: Gallucci Raymond
Published: March 2012

Infrequently, it seems that a significant accident precursor or, worse, an actual accident, involving a commercial nuclear power reactor occurs to remind us of the need to reexamine the safety of this important electrical power technology from a risk perspective. Twenty‐five years since the major core damage accident at Chernobyl in the Ukraine, the Fukushima reactor complex in Japan experienced multiple core damages as a result of an earthquake‐induced tsunami beyond either the earthquake or tsunami design basis for the site. Although the tsunami itself killed tens of thousands of people and left the area devastated and virtually uninhabitable, much concern still arose from the potential radioactive releases from the damaged reactors, even though there was little population left in the area to be affected. As a lifelong probabilistic safety analyst in nuclear engineering, even I must admit to a recurrence of the doubt regarding nuclear power safety after Fukushima that I had experienced after Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. This article is my attempt to “recover” my personal perspective on acceptable risk by examining both the domestic and worldwide history of commercial nuclear power plant accidents and attempting to quantify the risk in terms of the frequency of core damage that one might glean from a review of operational history.
Bifurcation Angioplasty Using Drug Eluting Stents of Post‐AF Ablation Severe Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
Authors: JARIWALA PANKAJ , SEITZ JULIEN , BOUVIER ERIK , PIECHAUD JEAN F.
Published: March 2012

A 53‐year‐old man with long‐standing persistent AF underwent multiple ablation procedures. A presentation with hemoptysis led to a left pulmonary artery wedge angiography and thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan, which revealed a tight bifurcation stenosis of the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV). This was treated by angioplasty with drug‐eluting stents to avoid restenosis by bare‐metal stent implantation in small diameter PVs as already described. After predilatation, two 4 × 32‐mm and a 3 × 20‐mm Taxus® Liberté stents (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) were deployed across upper and lower LSPV branches and the ostio‐antral segment. Twenty‐two month follow‐up CT angiography showed patent stents in the LSPV, without in‐stent restenosis (no arrhythmia or hemoptysis at 24‐month follow‐up). (PACE 2012; 35:e330–e333)
Continuous versus Intermittent Monitoring of Ventricular Rate in Patients with Permanent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: ZIEGLER PAUL D. , KOEHLER JODI L. , VERMA ATUL
Published: March 2012

Background:

Ventricular rate control (VRC) is an important treatment strategy for patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). We assessed the prevalence of poor VRC and the adequacy of various intermittent monitoring regimens to accurately characterize VRC during permanent AF.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed data from dual chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D) patients in the Medtronic Discovery™ Link having permanent AF (AF burden >23 hours/day) and ≥365 consecutive days of device data. Poor VRC was defined as a day with the mean ventricular rate during AF >100 beats/minute (bpm) for ICD patients and >90 bpm for CRT‐D patients. Intermittent monitoring regimens were simulated from continuous device data by randomly selecting subsets of days in which data were available for analysis. Assessments of poor VRC were computed after replicating 1,000 simulations.

Results:

ICD (n = 1,902, age = 71 ± 10) and CRT‐D (n = 3,397, age = 72 ± 9) patients were included and followed for 365 days. The prevalence of poor VRC was 24.8% among ICD patients and 28.6% among CRT‐D patients. Significantly more patients were identified as having poor VRC with continuous monitoring compared to all intermittent monitoring regimens (sensitivity range = 8%–31%). Furthermore, 11.6% of ICD patients and 17.9% of CRT‐D patients experienced ≥7 days with poor VRC, to which the sensitivities of annual 7‐ and 21‐day recordings were <7% and <20%, respectively.

Conclusions:

A significant proportion of permanent AF patients experience poor VRC that would be missed with random intermittent monitoring. Whether improved knowledge of VRC with continuous monitoring will lead to improved outcomes compared to intermittent monitoring requires further study. (PACE 2012;1–7)
Upon a Failure to Equal Entry and Exit Wounds: A Possible Case of Tandem Bullets in View of the Literature
Authors: Ersoy Gokhan , Gurler Ahmet Selcuk , Ozbay Mehmet
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Forensic medicine specialists take account of the projectiles remaining in the body when determining whether there are an equal number of entry and exit wounds. The absence of projectiles should suggest blank cartridges, a single exit wound despite several firings and bullet embolization, whereas the presence of more projectiles than expected may indicate tandem projectiles and multiple projectiles entering through the same hole. Radiological examination of the whole body, follow‐up of the bullet trajectories, examination of the clothes, and examination of the gun and projectiles play a key role in solving difficult cases. We review such situations based on a case of tandem bullets. Two 7.65‐mm bullets created lethal wounds entering through a 32‐year‐old victim’s neck followed the same trajectory to a certain point and diverted. We discussed the possibilities in cases that show inequalities between entry and exit wounds, in light of relevant literature.
Anatomical Placement of the Human Eyeball in the Orbit—Validation Using CT Scans of Living Adults and Prediction for Facial Approximation*
Authors: Guyomarc’h Pierre , Dutailly Bruno , Couture Christine , Coqueugniot Hélène
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Accuracy of forensic facial approximation and superimposition techniques relies on the knowledge of anatomical correlations between soft and hard tissues. Recent studies by Stephan and collaborators (6,8,10) reviewed traditional guidelines leading to a wrong placement of the eyeball in the orbit. As those statements are based on a small cadaver sample, we propose a validation of these findings on a large database (n = 375) of living people. Computed tomography scans of known age and sex subjects were used to collect landmarks on three‐dimensional surfaces and DICOM with TIVMI. Results confirmed a more superior and lateral position of the eyeball relatively to the orbital rims. Orbital height and breadth were used to compute regression formulae and proportional placement using percentages to find the most probable position of the eyeball in the orbit. A size‐related sexual dimorphism was present but did not impact on the prediction accuracy.
Accuracy and Reliability of Cone Beam Computed Tomography of the Jaws for Comparative Forensic Identification: A Preliminary Study*
Authors: Murphy Michael , Drage Nicholas , Carabott Romina , Adams Catherine
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Conventional computed tomography is an emerging modality in forensic identification but is not sufficiently accurate for use in dental identification primarily because of problems with metallic dental restoration–induced streak artifact. In this study, the accuracy and reliability of recording forensic information from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of the jaws when compared to conventional panoramic radiographs has been analyzed under experimental conditions. Information could be recorded with near‐perfect repeatability and reproducibility. Information could also be recorded accurately, the sensitivity being 96.6% (95% CI, 95.1–98.1) and specificity being 98.4% (95% CI, 96.2–100). The metal dental restoration–induced streak artifact was at a level that permitted, in most cases, accurate observations. This is considered an important step in validating CBCT as a tool in comparative dental identification of bodies. It may have a role in mass fatalities and in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents, but further studies are required to assess the feasibility of this.
A Search for Obligatory Paternal Alleles in a DNA Database to Find an Alleged Rapist in a Fatherless Paternity Case
Authors: Barash Mark , Reshef Ayeleth , Voskoboinik Lev , Zamir Ashira , Motro Uzi , Gafny Ron
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  A sexual assault case resulted in a pregnancy, which was subsequently aborted. The alleged father of the fetus was unknown. Maternal and fetal types were obtained using the 11‐locus AmpFℓSTR® SGM Plus® kit. The national DNA database was searched for the paternal obligatory alleles and detected two suspects who could not be excluded as father of the male fetus. Additional typing using the AmpFℓSTR® Minifiler™ kit, containing three additional autosomal loci, was not sufficient to exclude either suspect. Subsequent typing using the PowerPlex® 16, containing four additional loci, and Y‐Filer™ kits resulted in excluding one suspect. Searching a database for paternal obligatory alleles can be fruitful, but is fraught with possible false positive results so that finding a match must be taken as only preliminary evidence.
Orthodontic Surgery and Professional Liability: The Homozygote Twin Case*
Authors: Nuzzolese Emilio , Cirulli Nunzio
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  A professional liability lawsuit of an orthodontic case is presented through its medico‐legal assessment. The patient underwent an orthodontic treatment combined with several maxillo‐facial surgical interventions. Several temporomandibular joint complications followed, plus he was unhappy with aesthetic results and modifications to his facial features. He wanted to verify from a medico‐legal point of view the treatment received as he believed something was not done lege artis. The result of the orthodontic assessment was that there were no indications for such surgical interventions, along with other professional negligence: no psychological support given and no indications as to the aesthetic results postsurgery. It was decided to carry out an orthodontic assessment also on his homozygote twin brother, who was discovered to have the same malocclusion. His medico‐legal assessment did not substitute the evidence obtained from the deceased, but gave added weight to the final technical conclusion.
Examination of Heterogeneous Crossing Sequences Between Toner and Rollerball Pen Strokes by Digital Microscopy and 3‐D Laser Profilometry
Authors: Montani Isabelle , Mazzella Williams , Guichard Marion , Marquis Raymond
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  The determination of line crossing sequences between rollerball pens and laser printers presents difficulties that may not be overcome using traditional techniques. This research aimed to study the potential of digital microscopy and 3‐D laser profilometry to determine line crossing sequences between a toner and an aqueous ink line. Different paper types, rollerball pens, and writing pressure were tested. Correct opinions of the sequence were given for all case scenarios, using both techniques. When the toner was printed before the ink, a light reflection was observed in all crossing specimens, while this was never observed in the other sequence types. The 3‐D laser profilometry, more time‐consuming, presented the main advantage of providing quantitative results. The findings confirm the potential of the 3‐D laser profilometry and demonstrate the efficiency of digital microscopy as a new technique for determining the sequence of line crossings involving rollerball pen ink and toner.
Reversible paraneoplastic encephalitis in three patients with ovarian neoplasms
Authors: TANYI JANOS L. , MARSH EVELYN B. , DALMAU JOSEP , CHU CHRISTINA S.
Published: March 2012

Anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a recently described potentially lethal but treatable disorder that often occurs as a paraneoplastic manifestation of ovarian teratomas. We report three women with this disorder who presented with subacute onset of delirium, seizures and autonomic instability. Anti‐NMDA receptor antibodies were detectable in the serum or cerebrospinal fluid of each patient. Ovarian masses were detected in two patients, and subsequently excised. In the third patient, an empirical bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy was performed and revealed a microscopic neoplasm. All patients experienced slow reversal of the neurological symptoms following surgery and immunotherapy. Our experience suggests that prompt syndrome recognition followed by tumor removal and immunotherapy usually results in neurological recovery.
A direct method to determine the strength of the dermal–epidermal junction in a mouse model for epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Sproule Thomas J. , Roopenian Derry C. , Sundberg John P.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) describes a spectrum of rare, incurable, inherited mechanobullous disorders unified by the fact that they are caused by structural defects in the basement membrane zone which disrupt adhesion between the epidermis and dermis. Mouse models provide valuable tools to define the molecular basis of these diseases and to test novel therapeutic approaches. There is need for rapid, quantitative tests that measure the integrity of dermal–epidermal adhesions in such models. To address this need, we describe a novel quantitative method to determine the mechanical strength of the adhesion between tail skin epidermis and dermis. We show that this test reliably measures the force required to cause dermal–epidermal separation in tails of mice that are genetically predisposed to a form of non‐Herlitz Junctional EB which develops as the result of a hypomorphic mutation in the laminin gamma 2 gene (Lamc2jeb). This simple, quantitative method of directly measuring the tensile strength of dermal–epidermal adhesion provides a novel dimension to the pathophysiological screening, evaluation, and therapeutic treatment of mice that may develop progressive forms of EB and potentially other disorders that compromise cutaneous integrity.
Common transcriptional effects in the mouse striatum following chronic treatment with heroin and methamphetamine
Authors: Piechota M. , Korostynski M. , Sikora M. , Golda S. , Dzbek J. , Przewlocki R.
Published: March 2012

The molecular alterations that underlie the long‐lasting behavioural effects of drugs of abuse, such as psychomotor sensitization and physical dependence, are still not known. Moreover, it is not known which molecular effects are similar for addictive drugs from various pharmacological classes. In this study, we utilized whole‐genome microarray profiling to evaluate the detailed time‐course of transcriptional alterations in the mouse striatum during chronic treatment with heroin (HER) and methamphetamine (METH) and after period of spontaneous withdrawal. We identified 27 genes regulated by chronic drug administration. The overlap between lists of HER‐ and METH‐induced genes was highly significant. The most substantial impact on the gene expression profile was observed for circadian genes (Per1,Per2andNr1d1). However, changing the treatment scheme from diurnal to nocturnal was sufficient to attenuate the drug‐induced changes in circadian gene mRNA levels. Both of the drugs caused a dose‐dependent induction in glucocorticoid‐dependent genes with relatively long mRNA half‐lives (Fkbp5,Sult1a1andPlin4). The analysis also showed a drug‐regulated group of transcripts enriched in the nucleus accumbens and includes well known (Pdyn,CartptandRgs2) as well as new (Fam40bandInmt) candidate genes. All identified alterations in the striatal transcriptome were transient and persisted up to 6 days after withdrawal. Behavioural sensitization, however, was maintained throughout the 12‐day withdrawal period for both HER and METH. We suggest that transient gene expression alterations during drug treatment and in the early period of withdrawal are involved in the establishment of persistent neuroplastic alterations responsible for the development of drug addiction.
Association betweenCYP1A2gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and clinical responses to clozapine in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia
Authors: Rajkumar Anto P. , Poonkuzhali B. , Kuruvilla Anju , Srivastava Alok , Jacob Molly , Jacob K. S.
Published: March 2012

Objectives

Despite clozapine's superior clinical efficacy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), its adverse effects, need for periodic leukocyte monitoring, cost and variable clinical outcomes mandate a clinical need to predict its treatment response. Although cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) is the principal determinant of metabolism of clozapine, the role ofCYP1A2gene in the clinical response to clozapine is uncertain. Hence, we investigated its association with treatment responses and adverse events of clozapine in TRS.

Methods

We evaluated four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in theCYP1A2gene, clinical responses and serum clozapine levels in 101 consecutive patients with TRS on stable doses of clozapine. We defined clozapine responsea prioriand investigated allelic and genotypic associations. We assessed the socio-demographic and clinical profiles, premorbid adjustment, traumatic life events, cognition and disability of the participants, using standard assessment schedules for appropriate multivariate analyses.

Results

Our results revealed thatCYP1A2gene SNP (*1C, *1D, *1Eand*1F) were not associated with clozapine treatment response, adverse effects, serum clozapine levels or with disability (pvalues > 0.10).

Conclusion

AsCYP1A2gene SNP do not help to predict the clinical response to clozapine, routine screening for them prior to start clozapine is currently unwarranted. We suggest future longitudinal genome-wide association studies investigating clinical and pharmacogenetic variables together.
Doing Building Work: Methods at the Interface of Geography and Architecture
Authors: JACOBS JANE M. , CAIRNS STEPHEN , STREBEL IGNAZ
Published: March 2012

This paper summarises the methodological approach taken in an interdisciplinary project involving geographers and architects. The project charted the diverse afterlives of the modernist‐inspired, state‐sponsored, residential high‐rise, and did so drawing on two cases: Red Road Estate in Glasgow and Bukit Ho Swee Estate in Singapore. In offering a specific account of, and reflection upon, the methodologies used in the High‐rise Project, we hope to advance the methodological repertoire of human geography generally and contribute further to the new wave of scholarship on geography and architecture.
Psychological Traumas of War: Training School Counselors as Home‐Front Responders
Authors: Waliski Angie , Kirchner JoAnn E. , Shue Valorie M. , Bokony Patti A.
Published: March 2012

Purpose: With nearly 3 million US troops having deployed for Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) since the conflicts began, an estimated 2 million children have been separated from a parent. This manuscript describes a collaborative project between a state's Veterans Healthcare System, a branch of the American Counseling Association, and a medical university on the OEF/OIF/OND deployment experience.

Methods: The project sought to educate school counselors about experiences of OEF/OIF/OND families and learn from their observations as home‐front responders in public schools during a 2‐day summer workshop. This manuscript describes the framework of the workshop, pre/post evaluation results, and implications for counselors, educators, and supervisors.

Findings: School counselors identified childcare and parenting, emotions and behaviors, finances, and barriers to counseling services as challenges for military children and families. Following the workshop, school counselors reported a greater knowledge concerning understanding aspects of outreach for schools and communities in working with veterans and their families. They also reported a better understanding of the impact of war on military families and knowledge of local and state resources for this population. Specifically, attendees felt they could better identify issues and needs of OEF/OIF/OND families with young children, recommend parenting skills to assist these families, and recognize their psychiatric or medical issues.

Conclusion: In addressing the mental health disparities of military children experiencing combat‐related parental separation, it is important to identify protective environments that could provide prevention interventions for this population. Collaboration between the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Department of Education could help support military families and a society facing continued conflicts abroad.