bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On-site Mental Health Professionals and Pediatric Residents in Continuity Clinic
Authors: Ragunanthan Braveen , Frosch Emily J. , Solomon Barry S.
Published: January 2017

The objective of the study was to examine differences in pediatric resident perceptions and practices related to child mental health conditions in continuity clinic settings with versus without on-site mental health professionals (MHPs). A 20-item questionnaire, based on the American Academy of Pediatrics Periodic Survey Number 59, was administered to pediatric residents in a medium-sized program from 2008 to 2011. Of 130 residents surveyed, compared with their peers, those practicing with the on-site MHPs were more likely to report mental health services as very available in their clinic (odds ratio [OR] = 39.7; P = .000). Residents with on-site MHPs inquired more frequently about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; OR = 2.96; P = .029) and referred more frequently for ADHD (OR = 3.68; P = .006), depression (OR = 2.82; P = .030), and behavioral problems (OR = 3.04; P = .012). On-site MHPs in continuity clinics offer great potential to improve resident education and patient care. Additional research is necessary to further understand their impact.
Conflict of Interest Theory and Specific Systems
Authors: Felker Lon S.
Published: January 2017

After examining conflict of interest theory and Axelrod's application of it to the postdiction of postwar Italian parliamentary coalitions, a replication of Axelrod's work is undertaken with Weimar Germany as the setting. Axelrod's theory is compared in terms of its predictability with other theories (the Von-Neumann-Morgenstern theory, Leiserson's bargaining theory, the basic and modified theories of William Riker, and De Swaan's policy distance theory). Axelrod's minimum-connected winning approach is shown to have a relatively higher predictive ability in postdicting Weimar coalition behavior. Some suggestions as to the modification of conflict-of-interest theory for application to “abnormal parliamentary periods” are offered in conclusion.
In quest of a single European Union voice in the United Nations General Assembly: The politics of Resolution 65/276
Authors: Blavoukos Spyros , Bourantonis Dimitris , Galariotis Ioannis
Published: January 2017

In May 2011, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed Resolution 65/276 that enhances the European Union (EU) institutional mode of representation in the UNGA and other multilateral fora operating under its auspices. This followed an earlier, failed attempt that caused much embarrassment and political turmoil in the EU. The article examines the politics of this resolution, tracing its background logic, its origins and the political interactions in the UN that eventually led to its almost consensual embracement. It accounts for the failure in the first stage of the negotiations and how the EU responded to it, adjusting its bargaining strategy accordingly. This case study contributes to the better understanding of the links between intra-EU coherence and EU effectiveness as an international actor. We posit that there is one additional dimension of EU coherence not fully captured in the relevant literature. We distinguish between genuine coherence and generated coherence. The former entails homogeneity, or at least a significant degree of a priori convergence among EU member-states. The latter refers to EU positions that have emerged after hard and protracted intra-EU negotiations. The two types differ in the degree of flexibility bestowed on the EU in international negotiations.
The Role of Education in Technology Use and Adoption: Evidence from the Canadian Workplace and Employee Survey
Authors: Riddell W. Craig , Song Xueda
Published: January 2017

Technology use and adoption by firms and workers is a critical component of the process of technological change. Relying on data from the Canadian Workplace and Employee Survey, this study assesses the causal effects of education on technology use and adoption by using instrumental variables for schooling derived from Canadian compulsory school attendance laws. The authors find that education increases the probability of using computers on the job, and that employees with more education spend more time using computers and have longer work experiences with computers than those with less education. Education does not, however, influence the use of computer-controlled and computer-assisted devices or other technological devices such as cash registers and sales terminals. These findings are consistent with the view that formal education increases the use of technologies that require or enable workers to carry out higher-order tasks, but not those involving routine workplace tasks.
Electrochemical properties of bi-component bundle of coaxial polyacrylonitrile/ polyaniline nanofibers containing TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Taghipoor Fatemeh , Semnani Dariush , Naghashzargar Elham , Rezaei Behzad
Published: January 2017

Electroactive actuators including materials or devices can respond to an electric field, current, or voltage with a corresponding change in their size or shape. Recent researches show an emerging interest in the electroactive polymers actuating systems because of their proper electrochemical properties for actuators and artificial muscles. The current research involves fabrication of core–sheath polyacrylonitrile (PAN)–polyaniline (PANi) nanofibers containing up to 15% TiO2 nanoparticles in core, as well as the investigation of the mechanical and electrochemical properties of the prepared nanofibrous bundles. In the first step, high electrical conductive PANi polymer was synthesized through the oxidative polymerization method. TiO2 nanoparticles were added to the core of nanofibers to improve both mechanical and electrical properties of the produced nanofibrous bundles. Synthesized PANi was used to produce aligned nanofibrous bundles comprising PAN–TiO2 (0–15%) as core and PAN–PANi as sheath with an average diameter of 199–350 nm. The structural and physical properties of nanofibrous bundles were studied by Fourier-transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Mechanical and cyclic voltammetric tests were performed on core–sheath PAN/PANi samples to evaluate the mechanical and electrochemical properties, respectively. According to the results, fabricated bundles of coaxial PAN–TiO2/ PAN–PANi nanofibers is highly recommended as a candidate for electroactive actuator because of high electrical conductivity. PAN/ PAN–PANi nanofibers demonstrate an oxidation/ reduction peak of 0.8 V with a maximum current of 14.0 × 10−5 A related to PANi and PAN–TiO2(10%)/ PAN–PANi has a maximum current of 11.0 × 10−5 A with a peak at 0.8 V because of the presence of PANi.
Introduction: Global Histories of Social Planning
Authors: Huber Valeska
Published: January 2017

Introducing the special section on histories of social planning in late colonial and postcolonial societies (1920s–60s), this article argues that we have to take the global origins and reverberations of discourses on planning seriously. It outlines the field of planning and the historiographical debates around it, which mainly centre on European, US and Soviet history. It then checks the viability of the concept for late colonial and postcolonial contexts. In this way, it demonstrates how planning discourses, for instance in recently decolonized states, became global and how they reflected back onto Europe and the USA for example. Beyond summarizing the contributions of the special section, this article raises wider issues concerning the potentials of a dialogue between European, Soviet and US American contemporary history and (post)colonial history. It shows how the paradigm of planning can be applied to settings outside of Europe, the Soviet Union and the USA, and how in turn postcolonial history can contribute to a new understanding of the global history of planning.
Loss of Function of Evc2 in Dental Mesenchyme Leads to Hypomorphic Enamel
Authors: Zhang H. , Takeda H. , Tsuji T. , Kamiya N. , Kunieda T. , Mochida Y. , Mishina Y.
Published: January 2017

Ellis-van Creveld (EvC) syndrome is an autosomal-recessive skeletal dysplasia, characterized by short stature and postaxial polydactyly. A series of dental abnormalities, including hypomorphic enamel formation, has been reported in patients with EvC. Despite previous studies that attempted to uncover the mechanism leading to abnormal tooth development, little is known regarding how hypomorphic enamel is formed in patients with EvC. In the current study, using Evc2/ Limbin mutant mice we recently generated, we analyzed enamel formation in the mouse incisor. Consistent with symptoms in human patients, we observed that Evc2 mutant mice had smaller incisors with enamel hypoplasia. Histologic observations coupled with ameloblast marker analyses suggested that Evc2 mutant preameloblasts were capable of differentiating to secretory ameloblasts; this process, however, was apparently delayed, due to delayed odontoblast differentiation, mediated by a limited number of dental mesenchymal stem cells in Evc2 mutant mice. This concept was further supported by the observation that dental mesenchymal-specific deletion of Evc2 phenocopied the tooth abnormalities in Evc2 mutants. Overall, our findings suggest that mutations in Evc2 affect dental mesenchymal stem cell homeostasis, which further leads to hypomorphic enamel formation.
Direct Gingival Fibroblast/Osteoblast Transdifferentiation via Epigenetics
Authors: Cho Y. , Kim B. , Bae H. , Kim W. , Baek J. , Woo K. , Lee G. , Seol Y. , Lee Y. , Ku Y. , Rhyu I. , Ryoo H.
Published: January 2017

Alveolar bone resorption caused by trauma or periodontal diseases has represented a challenge for both dental clinicians and researchers. In this study, we evaluate the osteogenic potential of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) through a direct transdifferentiation from HGFs to functional osteoblasts via epigenetic modification and osteogenic signaling with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in vitro and in vivo. HGF treatment with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) induced demethylation in the hypermethylated CpG islands of the osteogenic lineage marker genes RUNX2 and ALP, and subsequent BMP2 treatment successfully drove the fibroblasts to the osteoblasts’ lineage. Cell morphological changes viewed under microscopy and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red S (ARS) staining confirmed the osteoblastic change mediated by epigenetic modification as did real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), methylation-specific PCR (MSP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, which demonstrated the altered methylation patterns in the RUNX2 and ALP promoter regions and their effect on gene expression. Furthermore, micro–computed tomography (CT) analysis of in vivo mouse cell transplantation experiments showed high-density signal in the epigenetically modified HGF group; in addition, a significant amount of bone formation was observed in the transplanted material using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining as well. Collectively, our results indicate that epigenetic modification permits the direct programming of HGFs into functional osteoblasts, suggesting that this approach might open a novel therapeutic avenue in alveolar bone regeneration.
Function of Platelet-Induced Epithelial Attachment at Titanium Surfaces Inhibits Microbial Colonization
Authors: Maeno M. , Lee C. , Kim D.M. , Da Silva J. , Nagai S. , Sugawara S. , Nara Y. , Kihara H. , Nagai M.
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the barrier function of platelet-induced epithelial sheets on titanium surfaces. The lack of functional peri-implant epithelial sealing with basal lamina (BL) attachment at the interface of the implant and the adjacent epithelium allows for bacterial invasion, which may lead to peri-implantitis. Although various approaches have been reported to combat bacterial infection by surface modifications to titanium, none of these have been successful in a clinical application. In our previous study, surface modification with protease-activated receptor 4–activating peptide (PAR4-AP), which induced platelet activation and aggregation, was successful in demonstrating epithelial attachment via BL and epithelial sheet formation on the titanium surface. We hypothesized that the platelet-induced epithelial sheet on PAR4-AP–modified titanium surfaces would reduce bacterial attachment, penetration, and invasion. Titanium surface was modified with PAR4-AP and incubated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The aggregated platelets released collagen IV, a critical BL component, onto the PAR4-AP–modified titanium surface. Then, human gingival epithelial cells were seeded on the modified titanium surface and formed epithelial sheets. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)–expressing Escherichia coli was cultured onto PAR4-AP–modified titanium with and without epithelial sheet formation. While Escherichia coli accumulated densely onto the PAR4-AP titanium lacking epithelial sheet, few Escherichia coli were observed on the epithelial sheet on the PAR4-AP surface. No bacterial invasion into the interface of the epithelial sheet and the titanium surface was observed. These in vitro results indicate the efficacy of a platelet-induced epithelial barrier that functions to prevent bacterial attachment, penetration, and invasion on PAR4-AP–modified titanium.
Advancing Stage 2 Research on Measures for Monitoring Kindergarten Reading Progress
Authors: Clemens Nathan H. , Soohoo Michelle M. , Wiley Colby P. , Hsiao Yu-Yu , Estrella Ivonne , Allee-Smith Paula J. , Yoon Myeongsun
Published: January 2017

Although several measures exist for frequently monitoring early reading progress, little research has specifically investigated their technical properties when administered on a frequent basis with kindergarten students. In this study, kindergarten students ( N = 137) of whom the majority was receiving supplemental intervention for reading skills were monitored using Letter Sound Fluency, Phoneme Segmentation Fluency, Word Reading Fluency, Nonsense Word Fluency, Highly Decodable Passages, and Spelling on a biweekly basis between February and May. Acceptable reliability was observed for all measures. Analyses of slope validity using latent growth models, latent change score models, and slope differences according to level of year-end achievement indicated that the relation of slope to overall reading skills varied across the measures. A suggested approach to kindergarten students’ reading progress is offered that includes Letter Sound Fluency and a measure of word-reading skills to provide a comprehensive picture of student growth toward important year-end reading outcomes.
Legitimacy from Decision-Making Influence and Outcome Favourability: Results from General Population Survey Experiments
Authors: Arnesen Sveinung
Published: January 2017

Democracies are typically considered more legitimate than other types of regimes because they allow the citizens to participate in the policy decision-making process. Others argue that the policy output matters most, and citizen influence plays a lesser role. This study presents two survey experiments on the micro foundations of these two sources of political legitimacy, thus contributing to an emerging literature that experimentally investigates the effects of democratic procedures in small-scale settings. Respondents who saw the decision going in their favour found the decision much more acceptable than the respondents who preferred another outcome. Conversely, decision-making influence generally did not serve as a legitimising factor among the respondents. This result supports the argument that citizens prefer a stealth democracy where they are minimally involved in democratic decision-making processes.
Linking Democratic Preferences and Political Participation: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Gherghina Sergiu , Geissel Brigitte
Published: January 2017

An extensive body of literature discusses the disaffection of citizens with representative democracy and highlights increasing citizens’ preferences for political decision-makers beyond elected politicians. But so far, little research has been conducted to analyse the relations between citizens’ respective preferences and their political behaviour. To address this void in the literature, our article investigates the extent to which citizens’ preferences for certain political decision-makers (politicians, citizens or expert) have an impact on their retrospective and prospective political participation. Our analysis draws on data from a survey conducted in autumn of 2014 on a probability representative sample in Germany. Results indicate that respondents favouring politicians as decision-makers focus mainly on voting. Those who favour citizens as decision-makers are more willing to get involved in participatory procedures, while those inclined towards expert decision-making show mixed participation.
Mental Toughness in South African Youth
Authors: Cowden Richard G. , Clough Peter J. , Oppong Asante Kwaku
Published: January 2017

Young people are particularly vulnerable to health risk behaviors and interpersonal violence, stimulating scholars’ attention towards identifying factors that may reduce the likelihood that these actions will occur. Associated with positive outcomes in a variety of domains, mental toughness in young people might protect them from engaging in potentially deleterious interpersonal or health-risk behaviors, while potentially promoting positive psychological behaviors. Within this framework, the present study investigated the relationships between mental toughness, attitudes towards physical and psychological risk-taking, and trait forgiveness in a sample of 123 (males = 54, females = 69) South African youth ( M age = 23.97 years, SD = 4.46). Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated higher levels of mental toughness were associated with being more forgiving, ([Formula: see text] = .036), perceiving physical risk-taking more positively ([Formula: see text] = .062), but having more negative attitudes towards psychological risk-taking ([Formula: see text] = .036). These findings give credence to mental toughness as a psychological characteristic involved in youth risk-taking perceptions and interpersonal functioning. Future research might explore the integration of mental toughness into the development of future youth risk behavior interventions.
Increasing Incidence of Acute Hepatitis B Virus Infection Referrals to the Aberdeen Infection Unit: A Matter for Concern
Authors: Mackenzie A R , Molyneaux P J , Cadwgan A M , Laing R B S , Douglas J G , Smith C C
Published: January 2017

Objectives: To assess the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections presenting to a regional Infection Unit over a ten year period - with reference to the issues of injection drug use and strategies aimed at reducing transmission, notably needle exchange and immunisation programmes. Methods: A retrospective casenote review of all patients with acute HBV managed at the Infection Unit in Aberdeen between 1991–2000. Results: One hundred and nineteen (119) patients with acute HBV infection were managed during the period of review. The annual number of patients increased from a mean of 3.3/year during the years 1991–96 to 46 in 2000. The risk factors associated with HBV infection were being an injection drug user (IDU) in 57 (47–9%), heterosexual sex in 22 (18.5%), sex with an IDU in 4 (3.4%), men who had sex with men in to (8.4%), tattooing in 1 (0.8%), a needle stick injury in 1 (0.8%), trauma 1 (0.8%) and unknown in 23 (19.3%). Many of these patients had “dabbled” in drug use. Thirty-one (54.4%) of the IDU patients had previously been hospitalised with drug-related medical problems. Eighteen (31.6%) of the IDUs were receiving methadone at the time of presentation. Conclusions: There is an epidemic of HBV infection in the Grampian region of Scotland currently. Forty-six (65.7%) of the 70 infected patients diagnosed during 2000 were seen at the Infection Unit. The remainder had mild or asymptomatic disease and were managed in the community. This epidemic has occurred despite extensive use of local needle exchange facilities and might reflect missed opportunities to immunise IDUs against HBV infection. A co-ordinated approach is now in place to immunise IDUs and other high-risk groups, but the use of universal immunisation demands consideration.
Differences in Endothelial Function and Vascular Reactivity between Scottish and Arabic Populations
Authors: Elherik K E , Khan F , Belch J J F
Published: January 2017

Background: The endothelium is a major organ that plays a central role in the regulation of blood flow, resists thrombus formation and maintains blood fluidity. Environmental, dietary, but also genetic factors might affect endothelial cell function and vascular activity. Methods and Results: Endothelium-dependent and -independent vascular responses were evaluated in 42 male subjects from two different populations: 30 Scottish and 12 Arabic (transient visitors to UK) (20 – 41 years old). Endothelium-dependent and -independent vascular responses were measured in the forearm skin using laser Doppler imaging after iontophoresis of increasing doses of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, respectively. Endothelium-dependent responses were significantly greater in Arabic subjects compared with responses in Scottish subjects (mean ACh ratio 4.9 ± 1.2 v 3.8 ± 1.3, respectively, P = 0.013, ANOVA). Although there was no significant difference between the groups in endothelium-independent vascular responses (mean SNP ratio 3.4 ± 1.2 v 2.8 ± 1.2, respectively, P = 0.26, ANOVA), there was a trend however towards a higher peak SNP response in the Arabic group (5.3 ± 1.5 v 4.1 ± 1.9, respectively, P = 0.019). Conclusions: These results suggest that a significant difference exists in the endothelial function and vascular reactivity between these populations. Although the reasons for these differences are not clear, they may he related to differences in life styles, tradition, food intake, environmental and genetic factors.
Limited role of HLA DQ2/8 genotyping in diagnosing coeliac disease
Authors: Paul Siba P , Hoghton Matthew , Sandhu Bhupinder
Published: January 2017

The European guidelines for diagnosing coeliac disease in children were revised in 2012. These recommend that in symptomatic children, a diagnosis of coeliac disease can be made without small-bowel biopsies provided their anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) titre is >10 times of upper-limit-of-normal (>10×ULN) and anti-endomysial antibody is positive. In order to firm up the diagnosis in these children with very high anti-tTG titre, HLA-DQ2/DQ8 should be checked and be positive. Approximately 25–40% of white Caucasian population has HLA-DQ2/DQ8 haplotype. However, only 0.1–1% of the population will develop coeliac disease. Therefore, HLA-DQ2/DQ8 testing must not be done to ‘screen’ or ‘diagnose’ children with coeliac disease. Its use by paediatricians should be limited to children with anti-tTG>10×ULN, where the diagnosis of coeliac disease is being made on serology alone. A review of case referrals made to a tertiary paediatric gastroenterology centre in Southwest England demonstrated that HLA-DQ2/DQ8 testing is being requested inappropriately both in primary and secondary care suggesting a poor understanding of its role in diagnosis of coeliac disease. This article aims to clarify the role of HLA-DQ2/DQ8 testing for clinicians working in non-specialist settings.
A General Practitioner Electrocardiogram Service
Authors: Lorimer A. R. , Kennedy J. A.
Published: January 2017

A direct access electrocardiographic service for ambulant patients was opened to general practitioners in 1965. The reasons for an appointment system are presented and experiences discussed. The service has been helpful in the assessment of chest pain particularly in avoiding delay in diagnosis and return to work. Of 1,054 patients seen in 1966 and 1967, 288 (27.2%) had evidence of myocardial ischaemia and a recent myocardial infarction was present in 32 (3.2%).
Cancer as a Scottish Problem
Authors: Haddow A. J.
Published: January 2017

Cancer, responsible for about 1 death in 5 in Scotland, cost over £1 per head of population in 1965 and led to bed occupation of almost 2,000 bed years. Time lag (symptoms-doctor-hospital-treatment) is usuallv small. Age distribution is as in other European countries. Excluding accidents, cancer is the second most important cause of death in children. In relation to other countries Scotland's position is very poor and the lung cancer mortality in both sexes is the highest known. Lung cancer is the most important in males, breast cancer in females. Alimentary cancers come second in both sexes. In this century alimentary cancers increased till the thirties or forties and then declined. Cancers of pancreas, cervix uteri, ovary, prostate, kidney and bladder, together with leukaemia, have all increased. Cancer of the lung has increased elevenfold in women and fiftyfold in men. It now accounts for 9 to 12 per cent of all male deaths in cities and large towns
Clinical Studies on the Effect of Laevulose on the Rate of Metabolism of Ethyl Alcohol
Authors: Patel A. R. , Paton A. M. , Rowan T. , Lawson D. H. , Linton A. L.
Published: January 2017

A study of the effect of laevulose upon the rate of metabolism of ethyl alcohol was undertaken. The rate of disappearance of ethyl alcohol from the blood of normal volunteers was estimated under normal conditions and also following the administration of oral and intravenous laevulose. These results were compared with the rate of disappearance of ethyl alcohol from the blood of inebriated patients under normal circumstances and following intravenous laevulose.

The investigation confirms that ethyl alcohol is metabolised at a constant rate which varies from individual to individual and that the administration of laevulose significantly increases this rate of metabolism.

It is suggested that laevulose is helpful in the management of inebriated patients in whom there is clinical suspicion of accompanying head injury.
Coxsackie Virus Infection
Authors: Gray W. , Moffat Margaret A. J. , Schonell M. E. , Geddes A. M.
Published: January 2017

Seventy-six patients with recent Coxsackie infection were reviewed. The Coxsackie virus was considered to be aetiologically significant in patients with pleurodynia, meningitis, pericarditis, cardiomyopathy and orchitis. In patients with pneumonia or with a diagnosis of ‘non-specific illness' it was difficult to assess the significance of Coxsackie virus.
The Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Clarke B. F.
Published: January 2017

The precise aetiology of diabetes mellitus remains unknown. There is clearly both a genetic element which is almost certainly multifactorial, due to the multiple and additive effects of genes especially in younger patients, together with environmental factors, especially in older patients.

Evidence is increasing that the genetic element is associated with an underlying defect of the beta cells with a characteristic delayed and subnormal insulin secretion in response to glucose or other insulinogenic stimuli. The same hyposecretory response can often be found in many close relatives and in ‘prediabetes’ where standard carbohydrate tolerance is still normal.

The nature of the defect of the beta cell, its link with the genetic mechanism, and the mechanism leading to total islet failure in some diabetics is not known.

Many factors may be involved simultaneously in a single individual and apart from multiple genes, certain non-genetic factors such as obesity, pregnancy, infection and other stress which result in increased insulin antagonism, lead to additive strains on islet cell function, and may determine the onset of the overt disease in hereditarily predisposed individuals.
The Clinical Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Grennan David M. , El. Ghobarey Ahmed F. , Hadidi Tahsin , El-Badawey Samir , Hamid H. Abdel , Dick W. Carson , Buchanan W. Watson
Published: January 2017

The clinical features of' 78 patients with SLE seen in Cairo and Glasgow are reviewed. Raynaud's phenomenon was recorded more frequently here than in previous series. The value of serial measurements of anti-DNA antibodies, C 3 and C 4 in the management of SLE is discussed. Although antibodies to native DNA paralleled the disease course in only a minority of SLE patients anti-DNA antibodies were present during all major SLE exacerbations and could be diagnostically useful. Serious systemic infections complicating the management of SLE patients could occur and their diagnosis is discussed.
A Cause of Misleading Serum Amylase Concentrations in Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Donaldson L. A. , McIntosh W.
Published: January 2017

The operative discovery of acute pancreatitis associated with gross hyperlipidaemia but a normal or high elevated serum amylase concentration has been described. We report a case of acute pancreatitis in which serial dilutions of serum resulted in a 338 per cent rise in the serum amylase concentrations. The importance of appreciating this effect of hyperlipidaemia on the serum level measurements in patients with acute pancreatitis is re-emphasised.
A Comparison of Cyclosporin versus Azathioprine Treatment in Renal Transplants in Edinburgh
Authors: Notghi A. , Dick J. , Smith G. , Anderton J.L. , Chisholm G.D.
Published: January 2017

Three year graft survival rates were calculated for 66 patients on cyclosporin and prednisolone immunosuppression and compared to survival rates for 73 patients on azathioprine and prednisolone. There was a temporary early advantage for the cyclosporin treatment group up to four months post transplant. There was no further significant difference between the two treatment groups with graft survival rate of 81.4% in cyclosporin and 76.7% in azathioprine group at three years post transplant. Fewer of the patients on cyclosporin had acute episodes of rejection. There was no significant difference in serum creatinine or urea at one year, but the haemoglobin level was higher in cyclosporin treated patients. Cyclosporin does not appear to have increased the survival rate significantly in our centre where there is already a high graft survival with azathioprine.
Eight Year Study of Viral Isolates from Cot Deaths in Glasgow
Authors: Patrick W.J.A. , Carrington D. , Armstrong A.A. , Gibson A.A.M. , Urquhart G.E.D.
Published: January 2017

Over an eight year period 21 different viral strains excluding polioviruses were isolated in 44 (19%) of 237 cot deaths. The percentage of viral positive cases was significantly greater in over 16 week age groups and in cultures obtained less than 24 hours after death.
Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection in Sexually Active Women with No Known Sexual Contacts with Urethritis
Authors: Harrison N. , Smith I. W. , Young H.
Published: January 2017

During the period from March 1985 to March 1986, 216 consecutive patients with vaginal symptoms were screened for cervical infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and other sexually transmitted organisms. Eleven (5%) yielded C. trachomatis without a history of recent contact with males with urethritis.
Congenital Intraluminal Iliocaval Webs
Authors: Zahrani H.A. , Cuschieri R.J.
Published: January 2017

Congenital iliocaval webs are rare. We report two cases of congenital webs presenting with lower limb oedema in adolescent girls.
Adenocarcinoma of Unknown Primary Site (Acups) Presenting as a Psoas Abscess
Authors: Stewart I.C. , Blaikie K.J. , MacLeod H.M.
Published: January 2017

The presentation of a psoas abscess is commonly seen in conjunction with infection, especially tuberculous. Involvement of the psoas muscles with tumour, however, is extremely rare. We present a case in which adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site infiltrated the psoas muscle, thus mimicking a psoas abscess. A review of this unusual tumour type is discussed.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Thyrotoxicosis — A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Problem
Authors: Thomson J.A. , Wilson R. , Gray C.G. , Glen A.C.A. , Mack D.
Published: January 2017

We report a case of hyperemesis gravidarum complicated by thyrotoxicosis which was managed conservatively during pregnancy. Problems of diagnosing mild thyrotoxicosis in pregnancy are discussed. Although no specific antithyroid therapy was given, the patient had an uneventful pregnancy after the first trimester. Neither she nor her baby exhibited any subsequent features of thyroid dysfunction. This suggests that treatment of thyrotoxicosis in early pregnancy is not always required because of the spontaneous improvement which is likely to occur as pregnancy progresses.
Teenage Pregnancy in Scotland: Trends and Risks
Authors: Rosenberg K. , McEwan H.P.
Published: January 2017

Teenage pregnancy, considered to be associated with social and medical risks, is seen as a growing problem. Population based information from the Registrar General (Scotland) and Notification of Abortion permitted an analysis of the trends in the numbers, rates and outcomes of pregnancies among women aged less than 20 years. In addition, clinical information is available on all deliveries in Scottish hospitals from the standard hospital discharge document permitting analysis of the association of defined complications with age. Contrary to current perceptions, pregnancies and births among teenagers are not more frequent in 1988 when compared to 1975. There has been, however, a large increase in births to single women, a group with particular problems. The obstetric risks when compared to older women, are small and probably socially, not age related. These include a slightly higher rate of pre-term delivery and low birthweight and a later presentation for specialist antenatal care. The proportion of pregnancies affected by neural tube defects which are terminated is lower among women under 20. These medical risks are small, however, compared to the well-documented social and economic problems which will have long term and indirect effects on health.
The Potential Pitfall of Attributing Iron Deficiency Anaemia to Ulceration in a Barrett's Oesophagus
Authors: Allison M. C. , Baxter J. N. , Russell R. I.
Published: January 2017

We report a 58-year-old man with recurrent ulceration in a Barrett's oesophagus whose iron-deficiency anaemia was in fact due to a caecal carcinoma. Recent reports suggest an association between these two disorders. A Barrett's oesophagus should not be blamed for iron deficiency unless neoplasms of the colon have been excluded.
Phaeochromocytoma-Induced Myocardial Necrosis
Authors: Bourke S.J. , Wilkes G. , Maloney D.L.J. , Terry G.
Published: January 2017

A case is described in which acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary oedema occurred in a patient with normal coronary arteries as the result of metabolically induced coronary insufficiency in a phaeochromocytomic crisis.
Chronic Beryllium Pneumonitis: First Case Accepted by U.K. Register from Scotland
Authors: Monie R.D.H. , Roberts G.H.
Published: January 2017

We report the first case from Scotland of chronic beryllium pneumonitis to be accepted into the UK Beryllium Case Register. The exposure was due to ‘spot welding’ and this source causing disease has not been described previously.
Drifters, Party Boys and Incumbents: The Life Patterns of Male Street-based Sex Workers
Authors: Ellison Graham
Published: January 2017

This article is based on a qualitative study of male street-based prostitution. It suggests that the street-based sector is more varied, with sellers adopting a wider range of working practices, than is commonly acknowledged in the literature on male prostitution. Drawing on data from Manchester, England, I identify a number of ‘life patterns’ among male street sellers that reflect varied working practices based on issues around rational decision-making and the sex worker’s relationship to place and environment. The discussion has implications for urban policies around street-based sex work but also for a more general understanding of male sex work in an international and comparative perspective.
Studies on Chemically Modified Cotton
Authors: Pandey S. N. , Iyengar R. L. N.
Published: January 2017

Purified lint samples of 170-Co.2 cotton were treated with different molar solutions of LiOH and KOH at 20, 30, 40, and 55°C. Treated and untreated products were examined for various properties such as moisture regain, cellulose crystallinity, viscosity, tensile, mechanical, and optical properties in order to determine the effect of treatment temperature on these properties. Treatments with both chemicals produced marked changes in the properties depending upon the molarity of the solution. However, the changes were similar at different temperatures. Moisture regain was found to increase and crystallinity to decrease with decrease of temperature; relative viscosity, bundle strength at 0 gauge length, elongation, and toughness were found to be slightly higher at 20°C than at higher temperatures; n11 and birefringence were slightly higher for 30° than for 40°C.
A Scanning Electron-Microscope Study of Starches
Authors: Hall David M. , Sayre Joseph G.
Published: January 2017

The shapes and surface characteristics have been investigated for some root and tuber starches, using a scanning electron microscope. Considerable detail which is not apparent from ordinary light microscopy is obtained. The scanning electron microscope provides a superior technique for studying the surface details of starch. The results for nine root and tuber starches are reported
Behavior of Cotton and Polynosic Fabrics Treated by the Poly-Set Process
Authors: Ohe Hideo , Matsuki Shintaro , Terai Mamoru , Kuroda Haruki , Matsukawa Saburo
Published: January 2017

A study was made of the relations between crease recovery and various physical properties of cotton and polynosic fibers treated by the two-step poly-set process. These relations fall in two different groups (step I and step II) in the case of cotton; for polynosics, the relations show the same grouping in wet and alkali-swollen states.

In order to explain the different types of links that form in the poly-set process as well as the dominant influence of the water-sensitive links on treated polynosics in the dry state, it is postulated that the crease-recovery increment is due to new covalent links and those in place of the water-sensitive links. The different effects of MMM and DMEU finishes are discussed
Glass-Transition Temperatures of Polyamide Textile Fibers
Authors: Walters J. P. , Buchanan D. R.
Published: January 2017

Analysis of the detailed dynamic mechanical spectrum in the vicinity of the glass-transition temperature (Tg) of a series of polyamide textile fibers allows the prediction of their relative dyeabilities with a disperse dye, Celanthrene Fast Blue 2G, to an accuracy of about 1 K/S unit. The technique is sensitive enough to account for dyeing variations caused by annealing treatments or by drawing variations, as well as those caused by differences in molecular structure. From the position of the maximum in tan? as a function of temperature in a dynamic mechanical experiment, one definition of the Tg, it is possible to estimate semi-quantitatively whether or not a fiber will be dyeable at 100°C without carrier. In general, fibers whose Tg at 100% RH, as defined here, occurs at or below 100°C can be dyed to at least moderate shades without carrier.
Fiber Identification at the Microgram Level by Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Caelsson D. J. , Suprunciiuk T. , Wiles D. M.
Published: January 2017

A simple technique has been developed to enable ir characterization of a small (∼μg) quantity of a fiber mounted as a monofilament bundle between thin steel jaws. The versatility of the technique is illustrated both for thermoplastic filaments and for insoluble and infusible fibers derived from inherently flame-resistant polymers. Even spectra on hard, glassy filaments such as Kevlar® and E-glass were readily obtained.
Cotton as an Electret
Authors: Weiss Louis C. , Thibodeaux Devron P.
Published: January 2017

Research to enhance the storage of electrical charge in lint cotton led to imparting electret-like properties to cotton fibers. An electrostatic field introduced stored, oriented charges within a bundle of cotton fibers. The threshold values of temperature, time, and electric field for production of cotton electrets are defined, and specifications for measuring charge-density distribution are presented.

The electret nature of the phenomenon is substantiated by findings that cotton fibers exposed to electric fields at elevated temperatures show long-term, charge-retention properties that are enhanced by short-circuiting. These fibers also display a tendency to a charge-polarity reversal after being removed from the electric field. Furthermore, the waxes native to the single fiber seem to be the basis of this new cotton property. These waxes are related to one of the best known electret materials—carnauba wax. A similar effect with analogous characteristics has also been produced in polyester fibers. With both fibers the effect is less than that possessed by ideal electrets.
The Effect of Quench Rate during Thermal Bonding of Heterohesive Web Systems
Authors: Deakyne Clifford K. , Rebenfeld Ludwig , Whitwell John C.
Published: January 2017

The quench rates ( i.e. rates of cooling) during thermal bonding of heterohesive web systems were studied. Quench rates were varied over several orders of magnitude and are shown to be an important factor in web strength. Initially web strength increases with increasing quench rate, reaching a maximum which is followed by a decrease in web strength at extremely high rates, probably reflecting frozen-in stresses. These studies of heterohesive systems extend earlier studies on webs and complement studies of model crossed fiber systems.
The good European in the Great War: Thomas Mann’s Reflections of an Unpolitical Man and the politics of self, nation and Europe
Authors: Mann Peter Gordon
Published: January 2017

This article interprets Thomas Mann’s Reflections of an Unpolitical Man (1918) as a document of the reimagining of self, nation and Europe during the First World War. In this messy and mostly forgotten work, Thomas Mann created an identity that he adopted for the rest of his life: the artist-intellectual as the self-overcoming decadent and saviour of culture. He did this by mapping his heroic vision of Germany as the saviour of Europe onto his own artistic ethic of the self-overcoming decadent. I show how the Reflections allowed Mann to probe the unanswered questions operative in his own work and in his conflicting identities as an artist, an intellectual, a German and a European. Constructing the crisis of modernity according to the opposition of décadence v. Bildung, Mann called for a particularly German and artistic irony to mediate this conflict and preserve the authentic identities of self, nation and Europe. This heroic irony – used as a conservative defence of German culture during the war – would become, ironically, the basis of Mann’s endorsement of the Weimar Republic in 1922 and his future identity as a defender of liberal Europe.
Literary transnationalism: A Europeanist’s perspective
Authors: Morgan Peter
Published: January 2017

Literary transnationalism is a relatively new term critically mediating the relationships between national literatures and the wider forces of globalizing culture. ‘Literary’ or ‘critical’ ‘transnationalism’ describes aspects of literary circulation and movement that defy reduction to the level of the nation-state. The term originated in American Studies as a means of bringing American literary discourse into a new relationship with the world that it inhabits. Can the concept of ‘transnationalism’ help in broader discussions of world literature and literary globalization? Literary transnationalism in this sense would identify that point at which two or more geo-cultural imaginaries intersect, connect, engage with, disrupt or conflict with each other in literary form. In this article I discuss transnationalism in terms of its origins and intellectual history in order to suggest ways in which transnational theory might be developed as an analytical tool of both global breadth and historical depth with particular reference to European literature.
The “Terminal” Effects of Service Failure on Airlines: Examining Service Recovery with Justice Theory
Authors: Migacz Steven J. , Zou Suiwen (Sharon) , Petrick James F.
Published: January 2017

The objective of this research was to examine airline passengers’ service recovery assessments. In addition, the impact of loyalty was examined with relation to postrecovery satisfaction, word-of-mouth communication, and purchase intent. Rawls’s justice theory guided the study. Data were collected via self-reported measure from Mturk and revealed that air travelers’ level of satisfaction of service recovery was impacted by all three justice dimensions. It was further found that the most effective recovery strategy for airline management would likely be to focus on providing compensation beyond expectations. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
Diabetes Self-Care and Educational Needs in Tanzanian and Swedish Diabetic Patients: A Cross-Cultural Study
Authors: Smide Bibbi , Ekman Leif , Wikblad Karin
Published: January 2017

The aim was to compare self-care and perceived educational needs in adult Tanzanian and Swedish diabetic patients. One hundred and fifty Tanzanians were matched with Swedes ( n=150). All 300 patients filled in questionnaires about their self-care and educational needs. The comparison indicated the Tanzanians were almost as satisfied with their self-care as the Swedes, but Tanzanians were dissatisfied with the lack of drugs and wanted more diabetes education while the Swedes were more dissatisfied with their own self-care behaviour. None of the Tanzanians monitored their own blood glucose, whereas half the patients in the Swedish group did so weekly or monthly. The findings suggest that diabetes education in Tanzania should concentrate more on basic diabetes knowledge. In Sweden, however, the main points to be stressed should be life style and psychology.
Bacterial contamination and stethoscope disinfection practices: a cross-sectional survey of healthcare workers in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Rao Danish Ahmed , Aman Aiysha , Muhammad Mubeen Syed , Shah Ahmed
Published: January 2017

Stethoscopes routinely used for clinical examination of patients may potentially transfer micro-organisms and cause iatrogenic infections. This study was undertaken to detect the presence of microorganisms on stethoscopes used clinically in hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan and to ascertain the infection control practices of healthcare workers (HCWs). In a cross-sectional study, 118 samples were collected from public and private institutions. Samples were tested for the presence and sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms. Microorganisms were found on diaphragms of 33/64 (51.6%) and 19/57 (33.3%) stethoscopes in public and private sector hospitals, respectively. Methycillin resistance was identified in all staphylococcally contaminated samples. Only 33 (18%) respondents reported cleaning their stethoscopes regularly. We highlight the need for more and better on-the-job routines for decontaminating stethoscopes among HCWs in Karachi.
A Self-Limiting Midline Cerebellar Syndrome
Authors: De Silva H J , Gamage R , Herath H K N , Peiris J B , Abeysekera D T
Published: January 2017

Eight patients, aged 17 to 28 years, who developed a midline cerebellar syndrome 1 to 4 weeks after a successfully treated attack of falciparum malaria are described. Their symptoms reached a peak within 1 to 3 weeks. None of them had any evidence of cerebral involvement, even in the acute phase. Recovery was gradual, spontaneous and complete within 8 weeks of the onset of symptoms.