bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Time slip’ phenomenon in adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders: Case series
Authors: Tochimoto Shinnichi , Kurata Koichi , Munesue Toshio
Published: April 2011

In recent years, it has been noticed that adolescent and adult patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) sometimes visit psychiatric medical institutions. In some cases, these patients commit an act of violence and are dealt with by psychiatric emergency and forensic psychiatric services. In this report, we present two cases with ASD who visited a psychiatric emergency service because of the ‘time slip’ phenomenon, and discuss the clinical significance of this phenomenon.
Understanding the pathological features of focality, grade and tumour volume of early‐stage prostate cancer as a foundation for parenchyma‐sparing prostate cancer therapies: active surveillance and focal targeted therapy
Authors: Mouraviev Vladimir , Villers Arnauld , Bostwick David G. , Wheeler Thomas M. , Montironi Rodolfo , Polascik Thomas J.
Published: April 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

The recent shift of pathological stage migration towards earlier forms suggested great potential for the introduction of focal therapy into urological practice. A body of the literature showed increasing frequency of unilateral and unifocal lesions that can be efficiently treated with tumour ablative techniques.

The internal panel of experts has done a comprehensive review of the largest mostly single institution studies and their own trials with the aim of evaluating a value of main pathological features of early stage prostate cancer as a background to developing a concept of focal therapy. Analysis data including latest developments will help to better understand the purpose, meaning and patient selection of different kinds of focal targeted ablation of prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE

• To better understand the biology and incidence of the cancer foci within the prostate through a comprehensive literature review and a review of our own data, to establish the current level of knowledge regarding the pathological foundation for active surveillance (AS) or focal therapy (FT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• A systematic review of the literature was performed, searching PubMed® from January 1994 to July 2009.

• Electronic searches were limited to the English language using the keywords ‘prostate cancer’, ‘histopathology’, ‘radical prostatectomy’, ‘pathological stage’ and ‘focal therapy’.

• The authors’ own data were also analysed and are presented.

RESULTS

• Recent data have shown a significant pathological stage migration towards earlier disease comprising unilateral pT2a/b prostate cancer (PCa).

• The cancer volume of the clinically significant tumour (index lesion) has been proposed as a driving force of PCa progression and therefore should be identified and treated at an early stage.

• In general, most satellite lesions do not appear to be life‐threatening.

• Other pathological features, such as Gleason score, extraprostatic extension and the spatial distribution of PCa within the prostate, remain important selective criteria for AS or FT.

CONCLUSION

• The present study reviews the current knowledge of cancer focality, aggression and tumour volume. Further research is needed to better understand the biologic behaviour of each of the tumour foci within a cancerous prostate, and to employ this information to selected patients for no therapy (AS), parenchyma‐preserving approaches (FT) or whole gland radical therapy.
A MATCHED PAIRS ANALYSIS OF STATE GROWTH DIFFERENCES
Authors: GOFF BRIAN , LEBEDINSKY ALEX , LILE STEPHEN
Published: April 2011

The American states have provided a rich laboratory in which to examine influences on economic growth, physical capital, human capital, and a variety of policy variables. Existing studies typically use broad cross sections of all states or particular regional subsamples. Pairwise matching is an alternative design for better controlling of omitted variables. We estimate a growth model of U.S. states for 1997–2005 before and after applying different pairwise matching techniques. Our results indicate that sample estimates based on pairwise matching substantially improve the overall ability of the growth model to identify the growth‐enhancing effects of lower tax burdens in general and lower individual income‐tax rates in particular. These effects are more pronounced with narrower matching criteria. (JEL H00, C29, O40)
THE VALUE OF IN‐STREAM WATER TEMPERATURE FORECASTS FOR FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
Authors: HUANG BIAO , LANGPAP CHRISTIAN , ADAMS RICHARD M.
Published: April 2011

Water temperature is an important factor affecting aquatic life within the stream environment. Cold water species, such as salmonids, are particularly susceptible to elevated water temperatures. This paper examines the economic value of short‐term water temperature forecasts for salmonid management. Forecasts may have economic value if they allow the water resource manager to make better water allocation decisions. This study considers two applications: water releases for management of Chinook salmon in the Klamath River and leasing water from agriculture for management of steelhead trout in the John Day River. We incorporate biophysical models and water temperature distribution data into a Bayesian framework to simulate changes in fish populations and the corresponding benefit from recreational fishing and opportunity cost of water under different temperature forecast accuracies. Simulation results indicate that use of the forecasts results in increased fish production and that marginal costs decline and net benefits increase as forecast accuracy increases, suggesting that provision and use of such stream temperature forecasts would have value to society.(JELQ22, Q25, Q28, Q50)
PRO Versus Null SE: Case, Tense, and Empty Categories in Tongan
Authors: Otsuka Yuko
Published: April 2011

Abstract. This paper examines the null arguments occurring in adverbial‘o‐clauses in Tongan, whose characteristics are distinct from other kinds of empty categories attested in the language. I argue (a) that the empty category in question should be understood as a phonetically null SE anaphor and (b) that local‐ and medium‐distance binding of SE anaphors must be licensed by Agree with the functional category that assigns the primary case (i.e., T in accusative languages and v in ergative languages). The study also observes that‘o‐clauses are similar to telicto‐clauses in English as well as control subjunctives in Balkan languages in that they contain anaphoric tense, and suggests that some instances of what has been regarded as PRO in the literature might be better understood as an instance of a null SE.
THE DYNAMIC INTERACTION BETWEEN CORPORATE AND REGIONAL CULTURES: THE CASE OF SOUTHEAST NETHERLANDS
Authors: VAN REINE PETER PRUD'HOMME , DANKBAAR BEN
Published: April 2011

Culture is widely recognised as an important factor explaining innovative performance both at the level of individual organisations and at the level of regions. Such explanations run the danger of ending up with a rather static definition of culture. This paper presents a dilemma approach of innovation culture that acknowledges the complexity, dynamics and tensions between contradictory elements of culture. Six dilemmas of innovation culture are distinguished. Interaction between the ways in which regions and companies deal with these dilemmas will influence innovative performance at both levels. The approach is applied in an analysis of the region Southeast Netherlands. The findings emphasise the need to establish a dynamic balance in the different dilemmas of culture. Intermediary organisations can play an important role in bringing companies and regions together in this balancing act. Openness to outside influences (disturbing whatever balance has been reached), appears crucial to maintain innovative performance over time.
LOCAL ECONOMIC STRUCTURE AND SECTORAL EMPLOYMENT GROWTH IN GERMAN CITIES
Authors: ILLY ANNETTE , SCHWARTZ MICHAEL , HORNYCH CHRISTOPH , ROSENFELD MARTIN T.W.
Published: April 2011

This study systematically examines the impact of fundamental elements of urban economic structure on sectoral employment growth in German cities (“urban growth”). We test four elements simultaneously – sectoral specialisation, diversification of economic activities, urban size and the impact of local competition. To account for the effect of varying spatial delimitations in the analysis of urban growth, we further differentiate between cities and planning regions as geographical units. Our regression results show a U‐shaped relationship between localisation economies and urban growth and positive effects of local competition on urban growth. With respect to diversification, we find positive effects on urban growth on the city level, but insignificant results on the level of the planning regions. The impact of urban size also differs between free cities and planning regions; in the former, a U‐shaped relationship is found, whereas the effect is inversely U‐shaped for the latter.
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE: NEW RECORDINGS OF MEGALITHIC ART IN NORTH‐WEST IRELAND
Authors: HENSEY ROBERT , ROBIN GUILLAUME
Published: April 2011

In this paper new and previously known passage tomb art in north‐west Ireland is recorded using an innovative recording technique. The use of this method, which involves vector drawing from digital photographs taken with oblique lighting (VeDPOL), has clarified and increased the instances of megalithic carving in the north‐west of Ireland. At two monuments – Listoghil and Heapstown Cairn – the new recordings have allowed us to contextualize the art within the broader corpus of passage tomb motifs. Additionally, it is proposed that one of the carvings from Listoghil is of later prehistoric origin and not Neolithic as previously believed. Finally, and most importantly, this paper highlights a group of motifs recently found at Cairn B in the Carrowkeel‐Keashcorran complex. This discovery demonstrates for the first time that megalithic art was a feature of all four major passage tomb complexes in Ireland.
MORE EARLY HELLADIC SEALINGS FROM GERAKI IN LACONIA, GREECE
Authors: WEINGARTEN J. , MACVEAGH THORNE S. , PRENT M. , CROUWEL J.H.
Published: April 2011

In 2002, excavations conducted by the University of Amsterdam at the acropolis site of Geraki (Laconia) revealed a storage room attached to the EH II defensive wall, apparently a casemate built into that wall. Along with pottery and abundant destruction debris were many fragments of clay sealings, some stamped with seal impressions. Sealings had already been discovered at Geraki in 1997 (OJA 18.4, 1999 = Geraki I). Together with the new sealings, Geraki becomes second only to Lerna in terms of the quantity of published sphragistic material from the EH II Aegean. This report considers their significance in terms both of recent finds in the Aegean islands and western Anatolia and their implications for exchange relations across the Aegean. Two appendices describe the formation of the contexts of the new sealings, and a further 12 sealings found elsewhere on the site, suggesting still other areas with sealing activity on the acropolis.
Locating Distributed Leadership
Authors: Thorpe Richard , Gold Jeff , Lawler John
Published: April 2011

This special issue addresses a number of the key themes that have been surfacing from the literature on distributed leadership (DL) for some time. Together with those papers selected to be included in this special issue, the authors set out both to explore and contribute to a number of the current academic debates in relation to DL, while at the same time examining the extent to which research on DL has permeated the management field. The paper examines a number of key concepts, ideas and themes in relation to DL and, in so doing, highlights the insights offered through new contributions and interpretations. The paper offers a means by which forms of DL might be conceptualized to be better incorporated into researchers' scholarship and research, and a framework is presented which considers a number of different dimensions of DL, how it may be planned, and how it may emerge, together with how it may or may not align with other organizational activities and aspects.
Younger generations' dependence on the elderly in low‐income Brazilian families
Authors: Da Exaltação Coutrim Rosa Maria
Published: April 2011

The labour market in developing countries such as Brazil has been characterised by an increase in the number of informal workers. There are several categories of informal workers, with large differences among them in terms of income. There are many jobs typical of poor people on city streets: vendors of small novelties (which, in most big cities nowadays, are confined to places for these vendors called camelódromos) such as car guards, popcorn vendors, and recycling material separators. We see elderly people together with young and middle‐aged men and women who take care of their tents, boxes or even set goods to sell on the street on pieces of cloth. The latter are not registered with City Hall in Belo Horizonte, the state capital of Minas Gerais, where they are known as toreros. The subject of this study was the population of informal workers, such as vendors of small novelties on the streets, street peddlers (registered or not), recycling material separators, bootblacks and lottery ticket vendors in Belo Horizonte. The study concludes that the role of elderly informal workers is crucial in meeting extended families' basic needs.
Neuroplastin‐65 and a mimetic peptide derived from its homophilic binding site modulate neuritogenesis and neuronal plasticity
Authors: Owczarek Sylwia , Soroka Vladislav , Kiryushko Darya , Larsen Marianne Hald , Yuan Qionglan , Sandi Carmen , Berezin Vladimir , Bock Elisabeth
Published: April 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 984–994.

Neuroplastin‐65 (Np65) is a brain‐specific cell adhesion molecule belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. Homophilic trans‐interaction of Np65 mediates adhesion between cells and modulates synaptic plasticity. This interaction solely occurs through the first immunoglobulin (Ig) module of Np65, but the exact binding mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we identify the homophilic binding motif of Np65 and show that a synthetic peptide modeled after this motif, termed enplastin, binds to Np65. We demonstrate that both Np65‐ and enplastin‐induced intracellular signaling depends on fibroblast growth factor receptor, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase, and cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration. In addition, we show that interference with Np65 homophilic binding by enplastin has an inhibitory effect on Np65‐mediated neurite outgrowth in vitro and on the initial phase of spatial learning in rats.
Multiple inhibitory actions of lidocaine on Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptors transplanted to Xenopus oocytes
Authors: Alberola‐Die Armando , Martinez‐Pinna Juan , González‐Ros José Manuel , Ivorra Isabel , Morales Andrés
Published: April 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 1009–1019.

Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic that blocks sodium channels, but also inhibits several ligand‐gated ion‐channels. The aim of this work was to unravel the mechanisms by which lidocaine blocks Torpedo nicotinic receptors transplanted to Xenopus oocytes. Acetylcholine‐elicited currents were reversibly blocked by lidocaine, in a concentration dependent manner. At doses lower than the IC50, lidocaine blocked nicotinic receptors only at negative potentials, indicating an open‐channel blockade; the binding site within the channel was at about 30% of the way through the electrical field across the membrane. In the presence of higher lidocaine doses, nicotinic receptors were blocked both at positive and negative potentials, acetylcholine dose–response curve shifted to the right and lidocaine pre‐application, before its co‐application with acetylcholine, enhanced the current inhibition, indicating all together that lidocaine also blocked resting receptors; besides, it increased the current decay rate. When lidocaine, at low doses, was co‐applied with 2‐(triethylammonio)‐N‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl) acetamide bromide, edrophonium or 1,5‐bis(4‐allyldimethylammoniumphenyl)pentan‐3‐one dibromide, which are quaternary‐ammonium molecules that also blocked nicotinic receptors, there was an additive inhibitory effect, indicating that these molecules bound to different sites within the channel pore. These results prove that lidocaine blocks nicotinic receptors by several independent mechanisms and evidence the diverse and complex modulation of this receptor by structurally related molecules.
Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin – a pilot study
Authors: Kota Bhavani P. , Abdul Mohi I. M. , Allen John D. , Kalagara Madan , Roufogalis Basil D.
Published: April 2011

Emerging evidence from preclinical, clinical and epidemiological studies suggests that vitamin D3 plays vital roles in several diseases in addition to bone disorders. According to new medical evidence, it is being recommended that vitamin D3 intake to be increased for maximal benefits in human health. However, it is necessary to consider potential side effects of increased intake of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 exerts its actions through the vitamin D receptor, which is known to be an important regulator of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp). As P‐gp plays a significant role in limiting drug bioavailability, we undertook a study to compare single‐dose digoxin (a P‐gp substrate) pharmacokinetics in eight healthy male subjects before and after vitamin D3 supplementation (1000 IU per day). The geometric mean ratios for AUC0–3h, AUC0–48h and Cmax were 1.06 (90% CI 0.92, 1.21) and 1.02 (90% CI 0.97, 1.08) and 1.03 (95% CI 0.86, 1.24), respectively. The median for digoxin Tmax was 0.75 h before and after vitamin D3 ingestion. The mean plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) levels remained constant after the intake of vitamin D3 (15.4 ± 3.7 and 14.4 ± 3.6 ng/mL, respectively), while there was a modest but statistically significant increase in plasma calcium levels, from 9.32–9.68 mg/dL (P = 0.0277). These results suggest that vitamin D3 supplementation (1000 IU per day) in human volunteers does not produce a P‐gp‐mediated drug interaction with orally administered digoxin.
Volumetric Misfit in CAD/CAM and Cast Implant Frameworks: A University Laboratory Study
Authors: Almasri Riad , Drago Carl J. , Siegel Sharon Crane , Hardigan Patrick C.
Published: April 2011

Purpose: To compare the volumetric misfit between implant restorative platforms of implants and implant frameworks manufactured with two different technologies. One set of implant frameworks was made with a CAD/CAM protocol and a tactile probe; the second protocol consisted of frameworks made with the lost‐wax technique and conventional casting technology.

Materials and Methods: In this laboratory study, an acrylic resin model with five “inter‐foraminal” implants was used as the “patient” model. Implant level impressions were made, and 10 definitive master casts were fabricated. The casts were verified using an index made on the patient model. Five cast high palladium noble alloy and five CAD/CAM titanium alloy frameworks were fabricated. The patient's implants and the frameworks’ implant restorative platforms were scanned with a tactile probe, and the data were digitized. The digitized implant restorative platforms of the frameworks were fit onto the patient's digitized implants via a software program, in a process called “lofting.” This computerized procedure simulated a 1‐screw test; the process was performed on both sides. The volumetric misfit between the implant restorative platforms of the frameworks and the patient's implants were measured. A Welch's t‐test was used to determine significant differences (p < 0.05) between the misfit of the two technologies. Wilcoxon Signed‐Rank tests were used to evaluate differences between the right and left sides.

Results: On average, the volumetric misfit of the CAD/CAM frameworks was 1.8 mm3 less than the volumetric misfit of the cast alloy frameworks (p < 0.05). The Wilcoxon Signed‐Rank tests showed no significant differences between the right and left sides within both systems (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: The scanning technology and computer software program used in this study demonstrated that the CAD/CAM implant frameworks had statistically significantly less volumetric misfit when compared with the cast implant frameworks. There were no significant differences between the right and left 1‐screw tests within the same type of frameworks.
Human Capital: Theoretical and Empirical Insights
Authors: BOTTONE GERMANA , SENA VANIA
Published: April 2011

There is nothing more difficult to plan, more

Doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to manage

Than the creation of a new system.

For the initiator has the enmity of all who would

Profit by the preservation of the old system, and

Merely lukewarm defenders in those who should gain

By the new one.

N. Machiavelli (1513)

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we want to challenge the notion of “human capital” as “education, training and work experience” and suggest that it is the “quality of the workforce” that matters, here defined as the set of characteristics that allow workers to function in a specific institutional and historical context. Our main conclusion is that the quality of the workforce is affected by the institutional environment where the workers live and that therefore it can vary across countries and institutional contexts. Second, we want to show the empirical relevance of this last point by testing the extent to which the quality of institutions (here proxied by the governance indicators of Kaufmann et al. (2007)) can affect the quality of the workforce (proxied by the percentage of the working age population registered in a lifelong learning program). Our empirical analysis is conducted on a data‐set of 11 European countries observed over the period 1996–2006. The results indicate that countries with better governance indicators are also endowed with a more qualified workforce.
Characterization of blood components separated from donated whole blood after an overnight holding at room temperature with the buffy coat method
Authors: Lu Fa Qiang , Kang Wei , Peng Yu , Wang Wei Ming
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND: With buffy coat (BC) processing of whole blood (WB) donations, increase in WB storage time to facilitate overnight holding before the separation of blood components would be a logistically attractive development. This study undertakes a comparative in vitro characterization of blood components prepared from WB samples that were either processed within 8 hours or stored overnight at room temperature before processing by the BC method.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The WB units (400 mL) collected were either processed within 8 hours (fresh blood) or stored overnight (overnight blood) at room temperature. WB units were separated into individual‐component red blood cells (RBCs), BC, and plasma. The in vitro quality of these blood components (RBCs, pooled platelet concentrates [PCs], and plasma) was analyzed during storage.

RESULTS: Levels of 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate (2,3‐DPG) were found to be significantly lower immediately after processing, compared with the fresh WB samples, in RBCs that had been separated from an overnight‐hold sample. However, this difference was not apparent after 14 days of storage. In pooled PCs, measurements for glucose, lactate, PO2, PCO2, extent of shape change, and hypotonic shock response were similar. The platelet yield in PCs prepared from an overnight‐hold WB sample was significantly higher, while CD62P expression and annexin V binding were lower (p < 0.05). For frozen plasma (FP), no significant differences were observed for the coagulation factors (F)II, FVII, FV, F IX, FX, and FXI; fibrinogen; and von Willebrand factor content between the 8‐ and 24‐hour FP. The FVIII was the component that was most sensitive to the prolongation of production time and it only had 80% of the activity of the 8‐hour FP.

CONCLUSION: These data suggest that blood components (RBCs, pooled PCs, and FP) separated from WB that has been stored overnight at room temperature by the BC method are of acceptable quality.
Defining and Applying Sustainability: Connecting Sociocultural, Economic and Biological Concepts
Authors: Clay Patricia M , Olson Julia
Published: April 2011

[sustainability, biological anthropology, fisheries management, food system, sustainable fishery, Community Supported Agriculture, food and nutrition, ecology and environment]
Socio‐environmental Sustainability: Lessons from Environmental Justice Activism
Authors: McKee Emily
Published: April 2011

[public affairs, ethical currents, socio‐environmental activiism, Negev, Bustan]

Liam Frink is contributing editor of Ethical Currents, the AN column of the AAA Committee on Ethics.
Bipolar disorder and adiposity: a study using whole body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans
Authors: Williams Lana J. , Pasco Julie A. , Jacka Felice N. , Henry Margaret J. , Dodd Seetal , Nicholson Geoffrey C. , Kotowicz Mark A. , Berk Michael
Published: April 2011

Williams LJ, Pasco JA, Jacka FN, Henry MJ, Dodd S, Nicholson GC, Kotowicz MA, Berk M. Bipolar disorder and adiposity: a study using whole body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans.

Objective:Previous research has demonstrated a relationship between adiposity and bipolar disorder, although data are derived predominantly from patient samples and use indirect methods of assessing adiposity. This study investigated the association between bipolar disorder and several indices of adiposity, including body fat mass as measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), in a community-based sample.

Methods:In this study, 21 women with bipolar disorder and 523 healthy controls were drawn from an age-stratified, random, community-based sample of women (20–93 years) participating in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Bipolar disorder was diagnosed utilising a semi-structured clinical interview. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist and hip circumference) were taken and fat mass was determined from whole body DXA scans (Lunar DPX-L).

ResultsThose with bipolar disorder tended to have greater adiposity. Age-adjusted mean (95% CI) values for bipolar versus controls according to adiposity indices were weight 75.6 (68.9–82.3) versus 72.6 (71.3–74.0) kg, waist circumference 89.8 (84.1–95.6) versus 87.3 (86.1–88.5) cm, waist:hip ratio 0.85 (0.82–0.87) versus 0.84 (0.83–0.84), body mass index 27.6 (25.1–30.1) versus 27.5 (27.0–28.0) kg/m2, fat mass 31.4 (26.5–36.3) versus 28.6 (27.5–29.5) kg and %body fat 40.4 (36.9–43.9) versus 38.0 (37.3–38.7)%; allp> 0.05. Further adjustment for height, smoking, alcohol, psychotropic medication, energy intake or physical activity did not influence these patterns.

ConclusionAlthough a pattern suggestive of greater adiposity among those with bipolar disorder was observed, no significant differences were detected. We cannot exclude the possibility of a type II error. Further research with a larger sample may produce more conclusive results.
Comparison of a morphine and midazolam combination with morphine alone for paediatric displaced fractures: a randomized study
Authors: Wille‐Ledon Chrystèle , Chappuy Hélène , Giraud Carole , Tréluyer Jean‐Marc , Chéron Gérard
Published: April 2011

Aim:  To compare the efficacy of sublingual midazolam with oral morphine versus that of oral morphine with placebo in a paediatric population attending an emergency department (ED) with acute long‐bone fractures.

Methods:  A sample of children aged 5–16 years with clinically deformed closed long‐bone fractures was randomized to groups receiving either oral morphine (0.5 mg/kg)/sublingual placebo or oral morphine (0.5 mg/kg)/sublingual midazolam (0.2 mg/kg). The main exclusion criteria were narcotic or benzodiazepine use, significant head injury, multiple organ failure, femoral fracture and allergy. Pain scores were rated on a 100‐mm visual analogue scale (VAS) at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min.

Results:  Fifty‐eight children were enrolled (mean age: 10.5 years, SD 2.7). Fractures concerned the radius or ulna in 43 cases (74.1%), the humerus (22.4%) and the tibia or fibula (3.5%). No significant difference in VAS scores was observed between the two treatment arms (p = 0.72). Drowsiness was significantly more frequent in the midazolam group (p = 0.007) during the first 2 h after administration. No serious adverse event was observed.

Conclusion:  The analgesic performances of morphine and the combination of morphine with midazolam assessed by VAS were similar in children presenting at the ED with a long‐bone fracture.
Nature and the Supernatural in la nouvelle théologie: The Recovery of a Sacramental Mindset
Authors: Boersma Hans
Published: April 2011

A sacramental ontology, informed by a ressourcement of the Church Fathers, informs the theology of the mid-twentieth-century Catholic movement of nouvelle théologie. Rejecting the neo-Thomist separation between nature and the supernatural, the nouvelle theologians focused on the sacramental presence of supernatural grace in natural realities. To be sure, differences among these ressourcement theologians cannot be denied: de Lubac and Bouillard emphasized the a-scending character of human participation in divine grace, while Balthasar and Chenu stressed the de-scent of the Incarnation into the created realities of time and space. Nonetheless, the four theologians shared a deep appreciation for the Greek Fathers, which enabled them to counter the neo-scholastic separation between nature and the supernatural with a sacramental ontology.
Passionalist or Rationalist? The emotions in Aquinas’ moral theology
Authors: Ferry Leonard Donald Gordon
Published: April 2011

Interest in the passions and their contribution to the moral life is enjoying a resurgence in the study of Thomas Aquinas. But much of that interest assumes that Aquinas’ position is simply propassion. This is certainly true of Robert Miner's exhaustive study, Thomas Aquinas on the Passions. In this essay, however, I question the adequacy of this assumption on two related grounds. First, I examine the implications for Aquinas’ account of the morality of the emotions of his use of the political analogy to account for the structural relation between passion and reason. Second, I suggest that accounts of the passions must consider the experiential differences in the passions of post-lapsarian agents. I conclude that Aquinas’ account of the role of emotion in the moral life is decidedly less positive than Miner's presentation suggests.
Oesophageal button battery injuries: Think again
Authors: Jarugula Rajeev , Dorofaeff Tavey
Published: April 2011

We present the cases of two infants with complications following accidental button battery ingestion with delayed presentations to medical care. Both cases had button batteries recognized as oesophageal foreign bodies and removed appropriately but the time delay resulted in significant morbidity as they developed spinal erosion and tracheo‐oesophageal fistula, respectively. Close follow up is required of all children with delayed removal of button batteries as the injury initiated by the battery can lead to a chronic inflammation with significant injury to the surrounding structures.
Assessment of Sexual Dysfunction and Sexually Related Personal Distress in Patients Who Have Undergone Orthotopic Liver Transplantation for End-Stage Liver Disease
Authors: Park Eugene S. , Villanueva Carlos A. , Viers Boyd R. , Siref Andy B. , Feloney Michael P.
Published: April 2011

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction (SD) status post-orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) for end-stage liver disease (ESLD) has long been recognized. To date, there are no studies examining how sexually related personal distress (SRPD) impacts sexual function in this population.

Aims

To assess SD and SRPD in men and women who have undergone OLT for ESLD and to compare them with previously published reports on subjects without SD.

Methods

283 subjects (182 men and 101 women) who underwent OLT since 2005 were mailed a survey. Men received the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Female Sexual Distress Scale—Revised (FSDS-R). Women received the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the FSDS-R. All surveys asked about the presence of a current sexual partner.

Main Outcome Measures

Total and subscale scores on the IIEF, the FSFI, and the FSDS-R.

Results

Ninety-six patients (33.9%) completed and returned the surveys consisting of 34 women (33.7%) and 62 men (34.0%). Also, 83.9% of men and 88.2% of women reported having an available sexual partner. Two-thirds of men and three-quarters of women were sexually active. In all domains, IIEF demonstrates that men have mild to moderate SD. FSFI demonstrates that women also have SD. Both genders reported relatively mild SRPD based on FSDS-R. Compared to previously published controls, all domain values were lower in both genders.

Conclusion

The IIEF, FSFI, and SDS-R results demonstrate that men and women who undergo OLT do exhibit mild to moderate SD. Their distress, though, is also mild to moderate, as evidenced by a high rate of continued sexual activity after OLT. Therefore, although SD may be widely prevalent in people who undergo OLT, aggressive intervention may not be warranted so long as the level of sexual distress remains low.
Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide on Erectile Function and Its Possible Mechanism(s) of Action
Authors: Liaw Roeswita Leono , Srilatha Balasubramanian , Adaikan P. Ganesan
Published: April 2011

Introduction

The current pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction (ED) relies significantly on the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, but quite a proportion of ED patients are resistant to this therapy, necessitating a search for an alternative treatment. We reviewed available published data to analyze current evidence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a novel pharmacotherapeutic agent with supportive role in sexual function.

Aim

To discuss the role of H2S in erectile function, its possible mechanism of action, and how this knowledge may be exploited for therapeutic use.

Methods

Pubmed and Medline search was conducted to identify original articles and reviews.

Main Outcome Measures

Data from peer-reviewed publications.

Results

Animal studies using different species, including in vitro study done in humans, show evidence of H2S's pro-erectile effects. The mechanism behind is still unclear, but evidence in literature points out the involvement of K+ATP channel, modulation of protein with anti-erectile effects, as well as involvement of the nitrergic pathway through a complex cross-talk. A new drug called H2S-donating sildenafil (ACS6), which incorporated an H2S-donating moiety in sildenafil, has been developed. While more studies are still needed, this heralded a new pharmacotherapeutical approach, which is multipronged in nature.

Conclusions

Given the mounting evidence of H2S's role in erectile function and how it appears to achieve its pro-erectile effects through different mechanisms, H2S represents a potentially important treatment alternative or adjunct to PDE5 inhibitors.
Risky Sexual Behavior Among Patients in Turkey with Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Heroin Addiction
Authors: Hariri Aytul Gursu , Karadag Figen , Gokalp Peykan , Essizoglu Altan
Published: April 2011

Aim

Risky sexual behavior associated with such sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as hepatitis B and C, herpes, Treponema pallidum, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is more frequent among psychiatric patients and parenteral drug abusers than the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate risky sexual behavior in psychiatric outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCH), bipolar disorder, and heroin addiction (HA), and to compare them with those observed in healthy controls.

Methods

The study group (N = 485; 234 females and 251 males) consisted of patients that consecutively presented to Bakırkoy State and Training Hospital for Psychiatric and Neurological Diseases in Istanbul and normal healthy controls.

Main Outcome Measures

The chi-squared test was used for comparisons between groups and categorical variables. One-way analysis of variance (post-hoc Bonferroni test) was used for demographic data. A 22-item questionnaire for collecting demographic, illness history, and sexual activity data, and a structured 23-item form for collecting data on risky sexually behavior were administered to the participants.

Results

In all, 10% of the participants had a positive history for STIs. The majority of risky sexual behaviors was observed among the HA patients. The frequency of being sexually assaulted and having homosexual acts among the SCH group were higher. None of the patients had a positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test result. The frequency of positivity for hepatitis B and C markers was highest among the HA patients.

Conclusions

The provision of information and training about all STIs and risky sexual behavior should become routine in the treatment of mentally ill patients, especially those that abuse drugs.
Expression of Aquaporin Water Channels in the Vagina in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Kim Sun-Ouck , Oh Kyung Jin , Lee Hyun Suk , Ahn Kyuyoun , Kim Soo Wan , Park Kwangsung
Published: April 2011

Introduction

Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane proteins that facilitate water movement across biological membranes. This study builds on a previous report on the distinct localization of AQPs in the rat vagina.

Aim

The purposes of this study were to investigate the localization and expression of the AQPs in the vaginal tissue of premenopausal women.

Methods

Anterior vaginal tissue was collected during transvaginal uterine myomectomy or hysterectomy from 10 premenopausal women (mean age, 40 years) for Western blot and immunohistochemistry.

Main Outcome Measures

The expression and cellular localization of AQP1–9 were determined in the human vagina by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Immunolabeling showed that AQP1 was mainly expressed in the capillaries and venules of the vagina, AQP2 was expressed in the cytoplasm of the epithelium, AQP3 was mainly associated with the plasma membrane of the vaginal epithelium, and both AQP5 and AQP6 were expressed in the cytoplasm throughout all vaginal epithelium. Western blot analysis revealed bands at 28 kDa for AQP1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 proteins. However, AQP4, 7, 8, and 9 were not detected.

Conclusions

The distinct localization of AQPs in the human vagina suggests that AQP1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 may play an important role in vaginal lubrication in women.
Relationship between Functional Properties and Aggregation Changes of Whey Protein Induced by High Pressure Microfluidization
Authors: Liu Cheng‐Mei , Zhong Jun‐Zhen , Liu Wei , Tu Zong‐Cai , Wan Jie , Cai Xiao‐Fei , Song Xin‐Yun
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  Aggregation changes of whey protein induced by high‐pressure microfluidization (HPM) treatment have been investigated in relation with their functional properties. Whey protein was treated with HPM under pressure from 40 to 160 MPa. Functional properties (solubility, foaming, and emulsifying properties) of whey protein concentrate (WPC) ultrafiltered from fluid whey were evaluated. The results showed significant modifications in the solubility (30% to 59%) and foaming properties (20% to 65%) of WPC with increasing pressure. However, emulsifying property of WPC treated at different pressures was significantly worse than untreated sample. To better understand the mechanism of the modification by HPM, the HPM‐induced aggregation changes were examined using particle size distribution, scanning electron microscopy, and hydrophobicity. It was indicated that HPM induced 2 kinds of aggregation changes on WPC: deaggregation and reaggregation of WPC, which resulted in the changes of functional properties of WPC modified by HPM.
Effect of Season on Fatty Acid Composition and n‐3/n‐6 Ratios of Zander and Carp Muscle Lipids in Altinapa Dam Lake
Authors: Guler G.O. , Aktumsek A. , Cakmak Y.S. , Zengin G. , Citil O.B.
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  In this study, seasonal variations on total fatty acid composition of carp, Cyprinus carpio, and zander, Sander lucioperca, muscle lipids in Altinapa Dam Lake were determined. Fish samples in 2 seasons (summer and winter) were obtained from Altinapa Dam Lake in Konya, Turkey. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were found to be higher during the cold season than in the hot both in zander and carp. Whereas the Docosahexaenoic acid was high in zander both in summer and winter, in carp it was high only during wintertime. Zander contained more n‐3 fatty acids during the cold season compared to carp. Especially, the n‐3:n‐6 ratios in zander were 3.89 and 3.84 in summer and winter, respectively. In conclusion, seasonal variations affected fatty acid composition of zander and carp in Altinapa Dam Lake.

Practical Application:  Fish oil is very important for human health because it contains long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially n‐3 PUFAs. No reports have been published about the effects of seasonal variations on the fatty acid composition of important species of carp and zander in Altinapa Dam Lake. In view of these facts, it is believed that carrying out a systematic work on lipid profile of carp and zander in this dam lake is necessary. Therefore, the aim of this work is to characterize and compare carp and zander muscle lipids in terms of their fatty acid in different seasons of the year. As a result, fatty acid compositions of 2 fish species muscle lipids have been identified. This is important for the consumers’ health.
Prediction of Effect of Natural Antioxidant Compounds on Hazelnut Oil Oxidation by Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy Inference System and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Yalcin Hasan , Ozturk Ismet , Karaman Safa , Kisi Ozgur , Sagdic Osman , Kayacier Ahmed
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  In this study, natural compounds including gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, β‐carotene, and retinol were used as antioxidant agents in order to prevent and decrease oxidation in hazelnut oil. Quercetin showed the strongest antioxidative effect among the antioxidative agents, during storage. The accuracy of adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and artificial neural network (ANN) models was studied to estimate the oil samples’ peroxide value (PV), free fatty acid (FFA), and iodine values (IV). The root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and determination coefficient (R2) statistics were used to evaluate the models’ accuracy. Comparison of the models showed that the ANFIS model performed better than the ANN and multiple linear regressions (MLR) models for estimating the PV, FFA, and IV. The values of R2 and RMSE were found to be 0.9966 and 2.51, 0.6269 and 88.55, 0.5120 and 101.8 for the ANFIS, ANN, and MLR models for PV in testing period, respectively. The MLR was found to be insufficient for estimating various properties of the oil samples.

Practical Application:  Fuzzy logic and fuzzy inference systems are common and effective modeling techniques among the mathematical models. They have no expert dependency for the generation of rules and nonadaptive fuzzy set design. They can be used to solve problems without using accurate mathematical models. There are numerous studies about the modeling and identification of food characteristics using the fuzzy inference system (FIS) in the food engineering field. Many model food studies have been performed to determine the antioxidative effects of different plant extracts, phenolic compounds, and carotenoids in a model oil system. However, there is no report in the literature on antioxidative effects of gallic acid (phenolic acid), ellagic acid (polyphenolic acid), quercetin (flavonol), β‐carotene, and retinol in hazelnut oil. For this reason, in our study these natural compounds were used as antioxidant agents and their effectiveness on oxidation parameters were determined during a long storage period.
Myelomatous pleural effusion: A rare presentation of multiple myeloma
Authors: Shameem Mohammad , Akhtar Jamal , Khan Nafees Ahmad , Baneen Ummul , Bhargava Rakesh , Ahmed Zuber , Shahid Mohammad
Published: April 2011

Myelomatous pleural effusion is a very rare presentation of multiple myeloma. A 65‐year‐old male patient presented to us with complaints of dyspnea and left‐sided chest pain. His contrast enhanced computed tomography of the thorax showed left‐sided pleural effusion with multiple pleural nodules. His pleural fluid cytology shows malignant plasma cells with eccentric nuclei and cart wheel chromatin and a few cells showing binucleation and multinucleation suggestive of plasma cell myeloma. His pleural fluid and serum electrophoresis showed a distinct band in the gamma globulin region (M‐spike). On immunofixation of pleural fluid and serum, immunoglobulin G lambda light chain band was detected. Bone marrow aspiration showed sheets of malignant plasma cells with large and binucleated cells suggestive of multiple myeloma. The patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma presenting as myelomatous pleural effusion. Intercostal tube drainage and then pleurodesis with talc was performed.
Compressive Creep Testing of Thermal Barrier Coated Nickel-Based Superalloys
Authors: Karaivanov Ventzislav G. , Slaughter William S. , Siw Sean , Chyu Minking K. , Alvin Mary Anne
Published: April 2011

Turbine airfoils have complex geometries and, during service operation, are subjected to complex loadings. In most publications, results are typically reported for either uniaxial, isothermal tensile creep or for thermal cyclic tests. The former generally provides data for creep of the superalloy and the overall performance, and the later provide data for thermal barrier coating (TBC) spallation as a function of thermally grown oxide thickness, surface roughness, temperature, and thermal mismatch between the layers. Both tests provide valuable data but little is known about the effect of compressive creep strain on the performance of the superalloy/protective system at elevated temperatures. In conjunction with computational model development, laboratory-scale experimental validation was undertaken to verify the viability of the underlying damage mechanics concepts for the evolution of TBC damage. Nickel-based single crystal René N5 coupons that were coated with a ∼150–200 μm MCrAlY bond coat and a ∼200–240 μm 7-YSZ APS top coat were used in this effort. The coupons were exposed to 900°C, 1000°C, and 1100°C, for periods of 100 h, 300 h, 1000 h, and 3000 h in slotted silicon carbide fixtures. The difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion of the René N5 substrate and the test fixture introduces thermally induced compressive stress in the coupon samples. Exposed samples were cross sectioned and evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Performance data were collected based on image analysis. Energy-dispersive X-ray was employed to study the elemental distribution in the TBC system after exposure. To better understand the loading and failure mechanisms of the coating system under loading conditions, nanoindentation was used to study the mechanical properties (Young’s modulus and hardness) of the components in the TBC system and their evolution with temperature and time. The effect of uniaxial in-plane compressive creep strain on the rate of growth of the thermally grown oxide layer, the time to coating failure in TBC systems, and the evolution in the mechanical properties are presented.