bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yield strength of twin-belt cast Al–Mg–Sc–Zr alloy after annealing
Authors: Sohi M. , Poole W. J. , Sinclair C. W. , Gallerneault M.
Published: August 2014

AA5xxx aluminium alloys are used in the automotive and packaging industries owing to their high strength and ductility. The addition of Sc and Zr to these alloys has shown promise for improving high temperature stability and therefore broadening the range of applications. This high temperature stability is due to the formation of fine Al3(Sc, Zr) precipitates during aging. In this work, two twin-belt cast Al–3Mg alloys, one with 0·4 Sc and the other without Sc, were annealed at 300 and 400°C. Hardness, tensile yield stress and electrical resistivity measurements were used to examine the evolution of microstructure and strength of the alloys. These results were then utilised to develop a yield stress–precipitation model to describe simultaneous precipitation hardening and recovery.
Promotion mechanism of electric current on SiCp/Al composite material deformation
Authors: Liu J. Y. , Zhang K. F.
Published: August 2014

To solve the problem of poor formability of SiCp/Al composite material, enhance the efficiency and reduce the consumption, current is adopted in hot forming process. Under the action of current, the plastic forming performance has made a huge improvement. It is verified that the detour flow and concentration of electrons may lead to a local liquid layer. In addition, the current flows through the crack tip can relax the stress concentration and prevent the propagation of crack. Otherwise, drifting electrons would collide with dislocation which generates electron wind force to make the dislocations arrange along the current direction. Therefore the electric current can enhance the formability of SiCp/Al composite material and improve the quality of forming part.
Double tracer gas single-breath washout: reproducibility in healthy subjects and COPD
Authors: Husemann Kim , Berg Nina , Engel Jennifer , Port Johannes , Joppek Christoph , Tao Ziran , Singer Florian , Schulz Holger , Kohlhäufl Martin
Published: August 2014

The applicability and interpretation of inert tracer gas washout tests is hampered by the lack of feasible protocols and reproducibility data. We assessed feasibility, variability and reproducibility of a new easy to perform double tracer gas (DTG) single-breath washout (SBW) test and compared this with conventional nitrogen washouts.

In 40 healthy nonsmokers and 20 patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we performed three N2vital capacity SBWs, three N2multiple-breath washouts and three tidal DTG-SBW tests. Follow-up was after 1 week, 1 month and 6 months. Main outcomes were the lung clearance index (LCI) (N2multiple-breath washout), slope of phase III (dN2) (N2vital capacity SBW) and slope of phase III (SIIIDTG) (DTG-SBW).

In healthy subjects, mean±sdLCI at baseline was 6.94±0.61, dN20.99±0.42% N2per litre and SIIIDTG−0.206±0.108 g·mol−1·L−1. In COPD, LCI and dN2were significantly higher (LCI 12.23±2.67, dN27.43±5.38% N2per litre; p<0.001) and SIIIDTGsignificantly steeper (−0.653±0.428 g·mol−1·L−1, p<0.001). Reproducibility was high for main outcome parameters: the intraclass correlation coefficient over 6 months was 0.77 (0.86 in COPD) for LCI, 0.82 (0.89) for dN2and 0.83 (0.93) for SIIIDTG.

The tidal DTG-SBW is a reproducible test in healthy and COPD subjects that seems attractive for use in routine clinical settings.
Tumour tissue sampling for lung cancer management in the era of personalised therapy: what is good enough for molecular testing?
Authors: Kim Lucia , Tsao Ming Sound
Published: August 2014

In the era of personalised cancer therapy, the demand for molecular profiling of the patient’s tumour is steadily increasing. In advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, testing for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements has become an essential component of clinical practice to select patients who are most likely to benefit from EGFR and ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors, respectively. Furthermore, obtaining tissue specimens from recurrent or metastatic tumours or from patients who develop resistance to initial effective therapies are essential for our understanding of the molecular basis of tumour progression and development of drug resistance. Therefore, the sampling of tumour tissue that is representative and is adequate in quantity and quality for pathological diagnosis and genomic profiling is crucial. In this review, we will discuss factors that should be considered in obtaining and processing biopsy specimens to enable routine molecular analysis in NSCLC patients.
Performance analysis of wireless communication system in general fading environment subjected to shadowing and interference
Authors: Stamenović Goran , Panić Stefan R , Rančić Dejan , Stefanović Časlav , Stefanović Mihajlo
Published: August 2014

In this paper, performance analysis of wireless communication over α−η−μ fading channels has been investigated. First, analysis has been carried out for the case when communication is subjected to the influence of co-channel interference. Closed-form expressions have been derived for the probability density function and cumulative distribution function of the received signal-to-interference ratio. Outage probability has been obtained for this case, in the function of various values of system parameters, and also for the case when selection diversity has been presented at the reception. Further, simultaneous multipath fading and shadowing occurrence has been analyzed, through deriving novel composite Gamma long-time faded α−η−μ fading distribution. First-order statistical parameters have been obtained in closed form, for this novel composite distribution, and capitalizing on them, standard performance measures have been efficiently evaluated, graphically presented and discussed in the function of system parameters.
Methods for measuring horizontal equity in health resource allocation: a comparative study
Authors: Tao Yi , Henry Kizito , Zou Qinpei , Zhong Xiaoni
Published: August 2014

ᅟ

There are many existing methodologies on measuring health equity, while seldom has method aiming at health resource allocation. We collected 6 method of measuring equity in health resource allocation. This paper presents key contents of methods on measuring horizontal equity in health service allocation, yet each method has its advantages and disadvantages as well as range of application, which may help researchers or government to make wise decision when choosing appropriate method for measuring equity. Through comparative analysis, we concluded that socioeconomic factors were considered in concentration index; although the Lorenz curve and Gini-coefficient are widely used, which exist uncertainty and incompleteness; overall inequality can be decomposed by Theil index, which is of significance for the planning of urban and rural areas; preferences on a certain class can be set artificially by Atkinson index; it is easy for Chi-square to analyze aided with statistical software; specific regional differences can be calculated by index of dissimilarity.

Classification codes

I1
Granulocyte functions are independent of arginine availability
Authors: Kapp Katharina , Prüfer Steve , Michel Christian S , Habermeier Alice , Luckner-Minden Claudia , Giese Thomas , Bomalaski John , Langhans Claus-Dieter , Kropf Pascale , Müller Ingrid , Closs Ellen I , Radsak Markus P , Munder Markus
Published: August 2014

Arginine depletion via myeloid cell arginase is critically involved in suppression of the adaptive immune system during cancer or chronic inflammation. On the other hand, arginine depletion is being developed as a novel anti-tumor metabolic strategy to deprive arginine-auxotrophic cancer cells of this amino acid. In human immune cells, arginase is mainly expressed constitutively in PMNs. We therefore purified human primary PMNs from healthy donors and analyzed PMN function as the main innate effector cell and arginase producer in the context of arginine deficiency. We demonstrate that human PMN viability, activation-induced IL-8 synthesis, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, generation of ROS, and fungicidal activity are not impaired by the absence of arginine in vitro. Also, profound pharmacological arginine depletion in vivo via ADI-PEG20 did not inhibit PMN functions in a mouse model of pulmonary invasive aspergillosis; PMN invasion into the lung, activation, and successful PMN-dependent clearance of Aspergillus fumigatus and survival of mice were not impaired. These novel findings add to a better understanding of immunity during inflammation-associated arginine depletion and are also important for the development of therapeutic arginine depletion as anti-metabolic tumor therapy.
Synthetic Glucocorticoid Reduces Human Placental System A Transport in Women Treated With Antenatal Therapy
Authors: Audette Melanie C. , Challis John R. G. , Jones Rebecca L. , Sibley Colin P. , Matthews Stephen G.
Published: August 2014

Context:

Synthetic glucocorticoids (sGCs) are routinely given to women with threatened preterm labor and have been linked to fetal growth restriction and developmental programming. Reductions in fetal growth are likely to be mediated by placental dysfunction, including altered nutrient transport. sGCs modify the system A neutral amino acid transporter in vitro, but there are no in vivo comparable data in human placenta.

Objective:

Because ∼30% of women who receive sGCs carry to term, our objective was to examine the short- and longer-term consequences of antenatal sGCs on placental system A transport.

Methods and Patients:

Placental tissue was collected from women treated with sGCs between 24 hours and 14 days before delivery (24h-14d), 14 days after treatment but before term (14d-term), or at term, compared with healthy term (control) deliveries to measure system A-mediated activity (Na+-dependent [14C]methylaminoisobutyric acid uptake per gram placenta) and mRNA expression.

Results:

After sGC treatment, system A activity was significantly reduced at term compared with both sGC placentas delivered 24h-14d and compared with controls. Placentae from women treated with sGCs who delivered between 14d-term also had significantly reduced system A activity compared with 24h-14d placentas. SLC38A1 and SLC38A2 mRNA expression was unaffected. However, SLC38A4 was significantly reduced by sGCs at term compared with placentas delivered between 14d-term.

Conclusion:

We conclude that women who are at risk of preterm labor and receive sGCs but deliver at term have significantly reduced placental system A amino acid transporter activity. Altered placental transporter function could affect fetal growth and may contribute to developmental programming reported in both animal and clinical studies.
Racial Differences In Peripheral Insulin Sensitivity and Mitochondrial Capacity in the Absence of Obesity
Authors: DeLany James P. , Dubé John J. , Standley Robert A. , Distefano Giovanna , Goodpaster Bret H. , Stefanovic-Racic Maja , Coen Paul M. , Toledo Frederico G. S.
Published: August 2014

Context:

African-American women (AAW) have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with Caucasian women (CW). Lower insulin sensitivity has been reported in AAW, but the reasons for this racial difference and the contributions of liver versus skeletal muscle are incompletely understood.

Objective:

We tested the hypothesis that young, nonobese AAW manifest lower insulin sensitivity specific to skeletal muscle, not liver, and is accompanied by lower skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity.

Participants and Main Outcome Measures:

Twenty-two nonobese (body mass index 22.7 ± 3.1 kg/m2) AAW and 22 matched CW (body mass index 22.7 ± 3.1 kg/m2) underwent characterization of body composition, objectively assessed habitual physical activity, and insulin sensitivity with euglycemic clamps and stable-isotope tracers. Skeletal muscle biopsies were performed for lipid content, fiber typing, and mitochondrial measurements.

Results:

Peripheral insulin sensitivity was 26% lower in AAW (P < .01), but hepatic insulin sensitivity was similar between groups. Physical activity levels were similar between groups. Lower insulin sensitivity in AAW was not explained by total or central adiposity. Skeletal muscle triglyceride content was similar, but mitochondrial content was lower in AAW. Mitochondrial respiration was 24% lower in AAW and correlated with skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity (r = 0.33, P < .05).

Conclusion:

When compared with CW, AAW have similar hepatic insulin sensitivity but a muscle phenotype characterized by both lower insulin sensitivity and lower mitochondrial oxidative capacity. These observations occur in the absence of obesity and are not explained by physical activity. The only factor associated with lower insulin sensitivity in AAW was mitochondrial oxidative capacity. Because exercise training improves both mitochondrial capacity and insulin sensitivity, we suggest that it may be of particular benefit as a strategy for diabetes prevention in AAW.
Dissemination of Law and Access to Justice at the Village Level: A Case Study of Barefoot Lawyers in the Villages of China
Authors: Xing Ying
Published: August 2014

At a time when professional law firms have widened the gap between the legal system and grassroots social life, “barefoot lawyers,” part-time legal workers in villages and towns, are paving the ways for people to “approach justice.” The emphasis on “welcoming law into the countryside” on the part of barefoot lawyers not only serves to fill gaps in the legal services system in the countryside, it also reestablishes the very concept of “legal services” in village society. That is, barefoot lawyers offer legal services based more on long-term human relationships than on money. Therefore, barefoot lawyers are essentially different from those unlicensed practitioners who seek only economic benefits, and they have remarkable significance in promoting the rule of law and shaping a citizen-society. The so-called “Zhou Guangli puzzle” arises for barefoot lawyers, however, owing to the conflict between the manner in which the state seeks to govern village society and the spontaneous ways in which local interests are expressed, legally and otherwise.
Grassroots Perspectives on Relocation: Threats and Opportunities
Authors: Lora-Wainwright Anna
Published: August 2014

Literature on land disputes typically portrays villagers as victims unable to protect their interests. While they sometimes protest against land expropriation, their efforts tend to be met with little success. Undoubtedly, villagers are in a position of relative powerlessness. However, their perspectives on urbanization, development, and displacement are complex. This article provides some ethnographic context for the widely discussed related topics of land disputes and compensation. Based on fieldwork in rural Sichuan, it examines how the selection of agricultural areas for industrialization and road building, entailing relocation of villagers, has been understood by local villagers. Rumors of possible relocation (and compensation for existing homes) have often translated into the speedy building of rather absurd house extensions to maximize compensation. In response, village officials and the county government have attempted to crack down on what they claim are illegal buildings. Some households have already been moved, conflicts loom large, and the village Communist Party secretary has caused even more controversy by building himself a huge house, hoping for a large compensation payment.

The article considers how villagers view relocation; the relative value they place on industry, development, and land; and discourses in which industrial development and tourism are concurrently evaluated. In the relative absence of a welfare state to protect them, rural residents regard land as the most fundamental guarantee of livelihood, and they are unwilling to surrender control over it. They resent the minimal compensation they are offered and suspect that local officials take bribes from investors and pocket a large share of the benefits. At the same time, they welcome the development of infrastructure and of transport, which they regard as a step toward improving living conditions and employment opportunities. Through their participation in (and rejection of) building practices, and their calls on the local state to offer better compensation, villagers are also reconfiguring their local moral universe. These negotiations are an instance when the legitimacy of the local government comes under scrutiny and tensions among villagers as well as between villagers and the local state come to the fore.
Effects of within-generation thermal history on flight performance ofCeratitis capitata: colder is better
Authors: Esterhuizen Nanike , Clusella-Trullas Susana , van Daalen Corne E. , Schoombie Ruben E. , Boardman Leigh , Terblanche John S.
Published: August 2014

The influence of thermal history on temperature-dependent flight performance was investigated in an invasive agricultural pest insect, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae). Flies were exposed to one of four developmental acclimation temperatures (Tacc: 15, 20, 25, 30°C) during their pupal stage and tested at these temperatures (Ttest) as adults using a full-factorial study design. Major factors influencing flight performance included sex, body mass, Ttest and the interaction between Ttest and Tacc. Successful flight performance increased with increasing Ttest across all acclimation groups (from 10% at 15°C to 77% at 30°C). Although Tacc did not affect flight performance independently, it did have a significant interaction effect with Ttest. Multiple comparisons showed that flies acclimated to 15°C and 20°C performed better than those acclimated to 25°C and 30°C when tested at cold temperatures, but warm-acclimated flies did not outperform cold-acclimated flies at warmer temperatures. This provides partial support for the ‘colder is better’ hypothesis. To explain these results, several flight-related traits were examined to determine if Tacc influenced flight performance as a consequence of changes in body or wing morphology, whole-animal metabolic rate or cytochrome c oxidase enzyme activity. Although significant effects of Tacc could be detected in several of the traits examined, with an emphasis on sex-related differences, increased flight performance could not be explained solely on the basis of changes in any of these traits. Overall these results are important for understanding dispersal physiology despite the fact that the mechanisms of acclimation-related changes in flight performance remain unresolved.
Out of the blue: the evolution of horizontally polarized signals inHaptosquilla(Crustacea, Stomatopoda, Protosquillidae)
Authors: How Martin J. , Porter Megan L. , Radford Andrew N. , Feller Kathryn D. , Temple Shelby E. , Caldwell Roy L. , Marshall N. Justin , Cronin Thomas W. , Roberts Nicholas W.
Published: August 2014

The polarization of light provides information that is used by many animals for a number of different visually guided behaviours. Several marine species, such as stomatopod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs, communicate using visual signals that contain polarized information, content that is often part of a more complex multi-dimensional visual signal. In this work, we investigate the evolution of polarized signals in species of Haptosquilla, a widespread genus of stomatopod, as well as related protosquillids. We present evidence for a pre-existing bias towards horizontally polarized signal content and demonstrate that the properties of the polarization vision system in these animals increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal. Combining these results with the increase in efficacy that polarization provides over intensity and hue in a shallow marine environment, we propose a joint framework for the evolution of the polarized form of these complex signals based on both efficacy-driven (proximate) and content-driven (ultimate) selection pressures.
Case Report: Double lumen tube insertion in a morbidly obese patient through the non-channelled blade of the King Vision™ videolaryngoscope
Authors: El-Tahan Mohamed , Doyle D. John , Khidr Alaa M , Hassieb Ahmed G
Published: August 2014

We describe the insertion of the double lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) using a non-channeled standard blade of the King VisionTM videolaryngoscope for one lung ventilation (OLV) in a morbidly obese patient with a predicted difficult airway, severe restrictive pulmonary function, asthma, and hypertension. The patient was scheduled for a video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy. The stylet of the DLT was bent to fit the natural curve of the #3 non-channeled blade of the King Vision™ videolaryngoscope. We conclude that the use of King Vision™ videolaryngoscope could offer an effective method of DLT placement for OLV.
Childhood sexual abuse: seeking meaning to traumatic experience
Authors: Somervell Austin
Published: August 2014

In exploring social role problems experienced by adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, this paper seeks to examine their social construction of reality through phenomenological and symbolic interactionist perspectives. This paper considers the psycho-social formation of destructive patterns and self sabotaging behaviour and places childhood sexual abuse within a mental health context. It also addresses the particular problems facing community psychiatric nurses working with this client group and recommends a model of intervention that can be integrated into community mental health practice.
Wound care in patients with diabetes — a podiatrist's viewpoint
Authors: Foster AVM
Published: August 2014

Podiatrists see the diabetic foot lesion as a unique entity. It is a wound that is usually painless, which is subject to the pressures of walking, and which occurs in an immunocompromised patient. Many diabetic foot patients, in addition to their lack of protective pain sensation, will also have peripheral vascular disease, poor vision due to diabetic retinopathy, and poor cardiac and renal function. Podiatrists, therefore, regard a diabetic foot with a break in the skin as a potential catastrophe. Just as it is dangerous to assume that diabetes is ever ‘mild’ it is dangerous to assume that any diabetic foot lesion is trivial. Hospital wards are full of diabetic patients with ‘mild’ diabetes who all have greatly increased mortality rates associated with their foot problems.
Beck's cognitive therapy: a critical analysis
Authors: Sloan Graham
Published: August 2014

This article highlights the central aims and main methods of Beck's cognitive therapy — a technique readily available to community nurses for use in a wide variety of clinical conditions. While specific methods used in cognitive therapy are multiple and varied, for the purpose of this article and as an introduction to this flexible approach, four key methods are described. The therapeutic use of the client-therapist relationship, providing education and a rationale for using the model, detecting automatic thoughts, and challenging automatic thoughts are regarded as the fundamental methods of cognitive therapy. Recent criticisms of cognitive therapy claim that: 1) its focus is on immediate symptom relief and it disregards personality restructuring; 2) its approach is superficial and mechanistic; 3) the therapeutic relationship is irrelevant; and 4) emotions are of minimal importance. However, careful examination of the methods used in cognitive therapy begin to illuminate misdirection of these criticisms. Indeed, these criticisms represent a misunderstanding of cognitive psychotherapy as a whole. In this paper, during session transcripts, for the purpose of confidentiality and anonymity the client's name and any other identifying information has been changed.
Air pollution and asthma — a review
Authors: Cutajar JA , Laing-Morton PA , Rice JN , Deacon AR
Published: August 2014

In the last 15 years, asthma has become more prevalent, and now affects 1 in 7 children in Britain (Lee and Manning, 1995). Air pollution has also been associated with changes in mortality and hospital admissions in the US, the UK and in other countries world-wide. Adverse respiratory effects related to exposure to air pollutants have been documented and this paper highlights the influence of air pollution on the increased prevalence of asthma in Britain. For this paper the health effects of air pollutants have been investigated by reviewing the literature, which is based on two main methodologies: panel studies (sensitive patients studied with daily symptoms); and event studies (population effects studied during air pollution events). Panel studies have mainly been performed in the USA and Canada. These studies have generally concentrated upon children with asthma. There are fewer event studies but they are more international (Anderson et al, 1995; Stieb et al, 1996; Wordley, et al, 1997). Panel studies have shown modest daily variation in symptoms and lung function which are more marked in children with asthma than non-asthmatic children (Advisory Group on the Medical Aspects of Air Pollution Episodes (AGMAAPE), 1992, 1993, 1995). Mainly, the event studies have identified small effects in lung function in susceptible patients during air pollution episodes. Air pollutants are associated with decreased lung function, wheezing and other asthma symptoms more significant in children with asthma than non-asthmatic children. Although air pollution is not thought to be causal, evidence indicates that it may aid in sensitising individuals and aggravate asthma.
Facilitation of diabetes care in general practice
Authors: Wilson Zeena , Noakes Helen
Published: August 2014

The Diabetes Resource Team (DRT) is an initiative set up to facilitate the development of diabetes management in primary care. This multi-professional team works with general practitioner (GP) practices across an area of South East London where there is a higher than average standardised mortality ratio for diabetes (Department of Health (DoH) 1991). The Team liaises and networks with four diabetes centres, key stakeholders and professionals to improve communication channels and reduce duplication.

This paper highlights the benefits of a team approach to developing diabetes care through facilitation. The Team uses a multifaceted approach, including courses and evening forums which offer ongoing assessment, training and support in order to consolidate knowledge and develop practice. The anticipated outcome of this work is to enable general practice to provide an effective service for individual patients in the most appropriate place.
Over-the-counter items bought by a sample of community nurse patients
Authors: Luker Karen , Hogg Cath , Austin Lynn , Ferguson Brian , Smith Kirsteen
Published: August 2014

As part of the evaluation of nurse prescribing in eight demonstration sites, interviews were conducted with a sample of the prescribing nurses' patients (n=148). Information obtained related to the number and range of medicinal items bought over-thecounter (OTC) in a one month period, as well as the reasons why patients chose particular products. Patient views regarding when items should be bought OTC and when obtained on a prescription were also explored. A number of similarities with other literature on self medication were observed and are discussed.
Community mental health nurses: muddled, bewildered and confused?
Authors: McFadyen John , Farrington Andy
Published: August 2014

Much has been written about community mental health nurses over the past two decades. Academics, educators, managers, doctors and clinical nurses have contributed to the literature. Studies concentrate, in the main, on describing services or studying service structure and provision. Few studies have attempted to find out what community mental health nurses themselves have to say on the matter. To discover what lies behind the current picture it would seem obvious, therefore, to ask nurses themselves what they think about matters and ‘hear the evidence from the horse's mouth’.
Liquid antibiotics in bone cement
Authors: Chang Y. H. , Tai C. L. , Hsu H. Y. , Hsieh P. H. , Lee M. S. , Ueng S. W. N.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare the elution characteristics, antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) loaded with powdered antibiotic, powdered antibiotic with inert filler (xylitol), or liquid antibiotic, particularly focusing on vancomycin and amphotericin B.

Methods

Cement specimens loaded with 2 g of vancomycin or amphotericin B powder (powder group), 2 g of antibiotic powder and 2 g of xylitol (xylitol group) or 12 ml of antibiotic solution containing 2 g of antibiotic (liquid group) were tested.

Results

Vancomycin elution was enhanced by 234% in the liquid group and by 12% in the xylitol group compared with the powder group. Amphotericin B elution was enhanced by 265% in the liquid group and by 65% in the xylitol group compared with the powder group. Based on the disk-diffusion assay, the eluate samples of vancomycin-loaded ALBC of the liquid group exhibited a significantly larger inhibitory zone than samples of the powder or the xylitol group. Regarding the ALBCs loaded with amphotericin B, only the eluate samples of the liquid group exhibited a clear inhibitory zone, which was not observed in either the xylitol or the powder groups. The ultimate compressive strength was significantly reduced in specimens containing liquid antibiotics.

Conclusions

Adding vancomycin or amphotericin B antibiotic powder in distilled water before mixing with bone cement can significantly improve the efficiency of antibiotic release than can loading ALBC with the same dose of antibiotic powder. This simple and effective method for preparation of ALBCs can significantly improve the efficiency of antibiotic release in ALBCs. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:246–51.
Periodontal Probing: A Review
Authors: Shayeb Kwthar Nassar A Al , Turner Wendy , Gillam David G
Published: August 2014

Periodontal probes are the main instruments that are used to assess the status of the periodontium, either for screening purposes or to evaluate periodontal changes throughout the treatment process. With increased knowledge and understanding of periodontal disease, the probes have evolved from a unidimensional manual shape into a more sophisticated computerised instrument. This is due to the need to increase the accuracy and reproducibility of readings and to improve efficiency (time, effort, money). Each probe has characteristic features that makes it unique and, in some cases, specific and limited to use. The aim of this paper is to present a brief introduction to periodontal disease and the methodology of measuring it, followed by probing limitations. The paper will also discuss the methodology of reducing probing error, examiner calibration and probing reproducibility.
Is There a Place for Lasers in Periodontal Therapy?
Authors: Wadia Reena
Published: August 2014

This article aims to provide an overview on the clinical applications of lasers in periodontics.
Ultrafast laser inscription of mid-IR directional couplers for stellar interferometry
Authors: Arriola Alexander , Mukherjee Sebabrata , Choudhury Debaditya , Labadie Lucas , Thomson Robert R.
Published: August 2014

We report the ultrafast laser fabrication and mid-IR characterization
(3.39 μm) of four-port evanescent field directional couplers. The
couplers were fabricated in a commercial gallium lanthanum sulfide
glass substrate using sub-picosecond laser pulses of 1030 nm light.
Straight waveguides inscribed using optimal fabrication parameters
were found to exhibit propagation losses of ∼0.8  dB·cm−1 . A series of couplers were inscribed
with different interaction lengths, and we demonstrate power-splitting
ratios of between 8% and 99% for mid-IR light with a wavelength of
3.39 μm. These results clearly demonstrate that ultrafast laser
inscription can be used to fabricate high-quality evanescent field
couplers for future applications in astronomical interferometry.
‘That’s love for you’: Destabilizing divides and re-imaging subjectivities in the romantic fiction of Eloisa James
Authors: Fordham Helen
Published: August 2014

Traditionally the critical literature has dismissed popular romance as formulaic escapism, compensatory literature and insidious cultural programming that produces a false consciousness amongst its passive readership. These assessments have become more inflected over the last twenty years in response to research that shows that there are different ways of reading romance, and with the growth in Romance Association reader surveys, which indicate that popular romance is read by fans drawn from across all demographics. Significantly, these results reveal that up to 45 per cent of readers are tertiary educated, effectively destabilizing the dominant cliché of the romance reader as ‘uneducated, unsophisticated or neurotic’ (Struve 2011: 1289). A more nuanced understanding of the romance reader has emerged and this is evident in the type of readership imagined in the work of Harvard-educated, Fordham University Professor of Literature Mary Bly, who also publishes historical popular romance as Eloisa James. A New York Times best-selling author, James’s stories not only promise her readers romance, but her work is distinctive for its ironic and comedic narratives and an intertextuality that includes references to Socrates, John Donne’s poetry and Shakespearian sonnets. These cultural references are deployed to tell more interesting stories, yet they transgress the literary divides that have held in place the critical disparagement of romance and enable a broader imaging of the function and appeal of romance. Drawing upon James’s work, this article argues that one of the reasons that romance remains popular with a diverse readership is that the genre enables readers to rehearse how two people can learn to live together. This requires an imagined experimentation with identities, which is not only a pleasurable escape but also part of a broader cultural and social dialectic renegotiating women’s subjectivities.
Australian rural romance as feminist romance?
Authors: O’Mahony Lauren
Published: August 2014

A short story originally published in 1900 by writer and poet Henry Lawson captured the perceived incompatibility of women and life in remote Australia with its refrain that the bush ‘was no place for a woman!’. The suggestion in Lawson’s story is that the bush could easily prove fatal to women and for men it could undo them, mentally and spiritually. Now at the start of the new millennium, many barriers to women living and working in rural Australia have been challenged or removed altogether. Yet, recent sociological research, such as that undertaken by Margaret Alston, argues that gender inequality is an ongoing problem in rural communities. For example, one persistent stereotype is that men undertake the meaningful work in rural life while women watch from the sidelines, simply ‘help’, or see their contribution downplayed or downright ignored. This article explores how a new breed of bestselling novels, variously dubbed ‘chook lit’ or ‘contemporary Australian rural romance’, use a romantic structure to represent gender inequality in a rural setting. The article draws examples from Jillaroo (Rachael Treasure, 2002), The Bark Cutters (Nicole Alexander, 2010) and North Star (Karly Lane, 2011) to show the varying approaches to the romance plot that construct gutsy heroines, depict important rural issues and leave readers with endings that, as in other romances, offer ‘a utopian projection which expresses a critical evaluation of the contemporary patriarchal order’ (Cranny-Francis 1990: 191). This article argues that contemporary Australian rural romances raise questions about the romance plot while critiquing aspects of gender inequality specific to the context. In turn, such novels may encourage and inspire female readers (if they so choose) to do more in rural life than sit on the fence watching the men.
‘Driven by Tens’: Obsession and cognitive difference in Toni Jordan’s romantic comedy Addition
Authors: Robertson Rachel
Published: August 2014

This article explores how contemporary romance can represent cognitive disability through a critical analysis of the representation of cognitive difference in the romantic comedy Addition by Australian author Toni Jordan. I argue that the novel presents a non-stereotypical representation of a protagonist with a cognitive disability who is still able to participate in a love relationship while experiencing significant impairment. I argue that such works of popular romantic fiction can act to challenge negative stereotypes around mental illness and encourage readers to reflect on their own beliefs and attitudes.
Desi love stories: Harlequin Mills & Boon’s Indian enterprise
Authors: Uparkar Shilpa
Published: August 2014

This article examines the way the latest Mills & Boon novels written by Indian authors exoticize and eroticize India for the native as well as the foreign audience. It will explore whether their romances, with the exception of Indian protagonists and the setting, are different from those published in the West. The article analyses how the authors have refashioned the present romance formula and enriched it with something particularly Indian. It will focus on how the use of Indian language together with English, wedding rituals, less explicit descriptions of sex, and a representation of Indian tradition and culture, hybridize the western romance genre.
Children of a lesser guild: An anarcho A–Z
Authors: Ogg Alex
Published: August 2014

One of the fallacies concerning the anarcho-punk movement, diligently dispelled by the recent work of Ian Glasper and others, is that it was a self-limiting oeuvre, peopled by the non-descript and musically unadventurous. While there was unarguably some sheep farming north of the Falklands latterly, that was far from the case originally; specifically in terms of the output of Crass Records, whose symbolically attired monochrome 45s surveyed an astonishing breadth of musical styles and ideas. Approximately three decades down the line we have a chance to look at new ‘product’ from two supposedly ‘anarcho’ bands who were equally innovative but sounded as distinct from each other in musical ethos as it is possible to imagine. Originally recording for the Subhumans’ Spiderleg imprint, Amebix’s thunderous early EPs and Arise album (Alternative Tentacles) still sound as if souls were being cheese-grated live in the studio and were hugely influential in bridging punk to dark metal, crust and beyond. Conversely Zounds’ winsome charms were rooted in a neo-folk musical vernacular that had trace elements of 1960s pop. Alex Ogg spoke first to Amebix’s Rob aka the Baron and subsequently to Steve Lake, whose The Redemption of Zounds is out now through Overground Records. The interviews were undertaken in 2011 and a small number of quotes from these exchanges were published in an article for commercial magazine Vive Le Rock.
Using AAC for Children with Speech-Language Disorders
Authors: Kim Young Tae ,   Korean Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Published: August 2014

This article provides a comprehensive summary of basic information on the AAC for children with speech-language disorders. It covers the nature and extent of the use of AAC in general, explains the ways of using AAC for children with communication disorders and discusses what we need to consider when to use AAC for those children. The purpose is to make available, in a single article, the information someone would need to be acquire a general understanding of how AAC could be applied and function for those specific population.
Development of Instructional Materials for Inclusive Class Using AAC
Authors: Kim Kyung Yang , Lee Soo Yeon , Park Eunhye ,   Korean Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Published: August 2014

Background & Objectives: In this study, we aimed to develop multimedia teaching materials that utilize picture symbols and speech generation features of AAC, for students with disabilities to be able to participate in the class of general elementary school. Method: Instructional materials using AAC were developed based on the following steps: 1) selection of target subject area and chapters, 2) PPT development using textbook contents, 3) modification of lesson plans, 4) preparation of AAC application according to the adapted lesson plan, 5) creation of literacy materials of selected core vocabularies from the chapter, and 6) making worksheets. Results: Various PPT materials and AAC boards for class participation and vocabulary learning were developed. The process and results of this study showed ways to use AAC for academic participation in inclusive education settings. Conclusion: Further research is necessary to study the effect of actual application of these instructional materials.
Transition-age Youth with Intellectual Disability who Uses AAC in the Workplace: A Case Study
Authors: Han Seon Kyoung , Kim Young Tae ,   Korean Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Published: August 2014

Background and Objectives: The purposes of this study were (1) to conduct both Korean Augmentative and Alternative Communication Assessment Protocols(KAAP) and Korean Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention Protocols (KAIP) and (2) to provide directions to AAC assessment and intervention for young adults who use AAC in the workplace. Method: One transitional-age youth with intellectual disability who uses augmentative and alternative communication(AAC) participated in this study. KAAP and KAIP were conducted to the student in the working environment. Results: The members of AAC team for the student were parents, a SLP, a special education teacher, and managers. The student was able to sit in a chair and point to the picture representing the message. He also was able to use conventional modes of communication such as leading, gestures, verbals, and vocalization. Visual supports were provided to anticipate the steps and rules in the workplace. A communication necklace and comma AAC were provided to communicate with communication partners in the workplace. Conclusion: The student increased the accuracy of functional communication skills and participated more frequently in the workplace after AAC intervention. AAC intervention should be explained to employers in the working environment to have more job opportunities for AAC users.
The 13C-glucose breath test is a valid non-invasive screening tool to identify metabolic syndrome in adolescents
Authors: Salas-Fernández Alejandra , Maldonado-Hernández Jorge , Martínez-Basila Azucena , Martínez-Razo Gabriel , Jasso-Saavedra Filiberto
Published: August 2014

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is an important risk factor in pediatric population for the early onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. New non-invasive tools are required to identify MS in at risk populations; the aim of this study was to determine an optimal cut-off point for the

A total of 136 adolescents between 10 and 16 years old were recruited. MS was defined as: waist circumference >90th percentile and at least two of the following; high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) <50 mg/dL, triglycerides >110 mg/dL, diastolic and/or systolic blood pressure >90th percentile adjusted by age, gender and height, and/or fasting glucose >100 mg/dL. After the ingestion of a glucose load of 1.75 g/kg of body weight (up to 75 g) and an oral dose of 1.5 mg of universally labeled

Our results demonstrate that the
Matrix metalloproteinases as biomarkers of disease: updates and new insights
Authors: Galliera Emanuela , Tacchini Lorenza , Corsi Romanelli Massimiliano M.
Published: August 2014

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a pivotal role in remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM) and are therefore of interest for new diagnostic tools for the clinical management of diseases involving ECM disruption. This setting ranges from the classical areas of MMP studies, such as vascular disease, cancer progression or bone disorders, to new emerging fields of application, such as neurodegenerative disease or sepsis. Increasing the knowledge about the role of MMPs in the pathogenesis of diseases where a clear diagnostic panel is still lacking could provide new insight and improve the identification and the clinical treatment of these human diseases. This review focuses on the latest descriptions of the clinical use of MMP as biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of different diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and metastasis, neurodegenerative disorders and sepsis.
How the direct oral anticoagulant apixaban affects hemostatic parameters. Results of a multicenter multiplatform study
Authors: Tripodi Armando , Padovan Lidia , Testa Sophie , Legnani Cristina , Chantarangkul Veena , Scalambrino Erica , Ludovici Silvia , Bassi Laura , Peyvandi Flora
Published: August 2014

Apixaban is a newly developed direct oral anticoagulant targeting activated factor X (FXa). The degree of interference of apixaban with coagulation parameters has not been thoroughly investigated.

Increasing amounts of apixaban were added to aliquots of a pooled normal plasma (PNP) to mimic a large range of concentrations (n=8) that are observed in treated patients. Upon preparation, samples were stored frozen and tested for a vast array of coagulation parameters (including procoagulant and anticoagulant factors) in three laboratories, using three widely used coagulation platforms (reagent/coagulometer combinations).

Results for each parameter were expressed as ratios of the value corresponding to each apixaban concentration to the value corresponding to the PNP without apixaban. By definition, ratios higher or lower than the unity define overestimation or underestimation, respectively. Prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times were barely prolonged by apixaban 200 ng/mL (ratios <1.29 or <1.19, respectively). Conversely, antithrombin was considerably overestimated when the measurement was made with FXa as target enzyme (ratios up to 1.43). Protein C and protein S were overestimated when measured as anticoagulant activities (ratios up to 1.20 or 1.95, respectively), and most measurements for individual coagulation factors (except fibrinogen) were considerably underestimated (ratios from 0.62 to 1.01).

This large multicenter multiplatform study investigating a common set of test plasmas shows that apixaban interferes with the measurement of most coagulation parameters requested for investigation of hemostasis and highlights the need for a careful interpretation of results obtained in patients under treatment.