bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serving Two Masters: The Association between Audit Committee Internal Audit Oversight and Internal Audit Activities
Authors: Abbott Lawrence J. , Parker Susan , Peters Gary F.
Published: March 2010

SYNOPSIS: In this paper, we investigate the association between the audit committee’s oversight of the internal audit function (IAF) and the nature of IAF activities. The importance of internal controls and of the roles of both the audit committee and the internal audit function in monitoring control activities have grown in recent years. Despite the importance of these topics, relatively little regulatory or best practices guidance addresses the distribution of IAF activities and amount of audit committee involvement with the IAF. We hypothesize that when the balance of oversight over the IAF lies with the audit committee (vis-a`-vis management), the committee will steer the IAF toward a more internal-controls-oriented focus. Our hypothesis is based on the existing practice guidance in this area and the relative incentives of management and the audit committee.

To test our hypothesis, we survey 134 chief internal auditors from Fortune 1000 firms regarding the amount of internal audit resources allocated across internal audit activities in fiscal year 2005. We then construct a composite measure of audit committee oversight contingent on the relative control that the audit committee has over IAF vis-a`-vis management. Our composite measure is derived from three key facets of the audit committee/internal audit relationship: reporting duties, termination rights, and budgetary control. Consistent with our hypothesis, we document a strong, positive association between our audit committee oversight variable and the amount of IAF budget allocated to internal-controls-based activities.
CFO Gender and Accruals Quality
Authors: Barua Abhijit , Davidson Lewis F. , Rama Dasaratha V. , Thiruvadi Sheela
Published: March 2010

SYNOPSIS: The authors examine the association between chief financial officer (hereafter, CFO) gender and the quality of accruals. Based on findings in prior research on gender differences in a variety of decision settings—risk-taking attitudes, financial judgments, and regulatory compliances—they hypothesize that firms with female CFOs will have higher quality of accruals. The empirical findings, based on a sample of 1,559 (1,222) firms in 2005 (2004), support this hypothesis. The study shows that companies with female CFOs have lower performance-matched absolute discretionary accruals and lower absolute accrual estimation errors, after controlling for other factors that prior research has shown to be associated with accruals.
Non‐cigarette tobacco use among women and adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: ENGLAND LUCINDA J. , KIM SHIN Y. , TOMAR SCOTT L , RAY CECILY S , GUPTA PRAKASH C. , EISSENBERG THOMAS , CNATTINGIUS SVEN , BERNERT JOHN T. , TITA ALAN THEVENET N. , WINN DEBORAH M. , DJORDJEVIC MIRJANA V. , LAMBE MATS , STAMILIO DAVID , CHIPATO TSUNGAI , TOLOSA JORGE E.
Published: March 2010

Although cigarette smoking remains the most prevalent form of tobacco use in girls and in women of reproductive age globally, use of non‐cigarette forms of tobacco is prevalent or gaining in popularity in many parts of the world, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Sparse but growing evidence suggests that the use of some non‐cigarette tobacco products during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this paper we review the literature on the prevalence of non‐cigarette tobacco product use in pregnant women and in women of reproductive age in high‐, middle‐, and low‐income countries and the evidence that maternal use of these products during pregnancy has adverse health effects. In addition, we communicate findings from an international group of perinatal and tobacco experts that was convened to establish research priorities concerning the use of non‐cigarette tobacco products during pregnancy. The working group concluded that attempts to develop a public health response to non‐cigarette tobacco use in women are hindered by a lack of data on the epidemiology of use in many parts of the world and by our limited understanding of the type and magnitude of the health effects of these products. We highlight research gaps and provide recommendations for a global research agenda.
Advice given by health‐care professionals to mothers concerning subsequent pregnancy after stillbirth
Authors: RÅDESTAD INGELA , HUTTI MARIANNE , SÄFLUND KARIN , ONELÖV ERIK , WREDLING REGINA
Published: March 2010

We studied the advice mothers with stillbirths were given concerning a suitable time to become pregnant. A questionnaire was sent in 2001 to mothers with a stillbirth at one of five hospitals in the Stockholm region in Sweden. At three months follow‐up, 33 mothers participated and at 12 months 31. The advices varied from waiting one to 12 months. Eleven mothers were advised to trust their own feelings of readiness and six were advised to wait until they had dealt with their grief before becoming pregnant. At one year post‐loss, most of the mothers felt that a suitable time for a subsequent pregnancy was as soon as the mother herself wanted. Mothers whose baby had died in utero were given radically different kinds of advice concerning a suitable time for a subsequent pregnancy. The best advice seems to be that the mother should wait until she, herself, feels ready.
Procedure for the Design of a Hybrid-Series Vehicle and the Hybridization Degree Choice
Authors: Capata Roberto , Coccia Antonino
Published: March 2010

For years, the interest of the UDR1 research group has focused on the development of a Hybrid Series (HS) vehicle, different from the standard one thanks to the use of a Gas Turbine set (GT) as a thermal engine. The reason for this choice resides in the opportunity to reduce weight and dimensions, in comparison to a traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). It is not possible to use the GT engine set directly for the vehicle traction, therefore the UDR1 HS configuration shows the GT set connected with the electric generator only. The result is that the traction is purely electric. The resulting engine configuration is a commonly defined Hybrid Series. Many efforts are spent in the definition of a generic scientific method to define the correct ratio (Degree of Hybridization) between the installed power of the battery pack and that of the GT electric generator, which simultaneously guarantees the life of the battery pack and the capacity of the vehicle to complete a common mission without lack of energy or stopping. This article reports a method to define the power ratio between battery pack and GT generator, applied to a recent commission for the development of a mini city bus.
Punishment, Cooperation, and Cheater Detection in “Noisy” Social Exchange
Authors: Bornstein Gary , Weisel Ori
Published: March 2010

Explaining human cooperation in large groups of non-kin is a major challenge to both rational choice theory and the theory of evolution. Recent research suggests that group cooperation can be explained by positing that cooperators can punish non-cooperators or cheaters. The experimental evidence comes from public goods games in which group members are fully informed about the behavior of all others and cheating occurs in full view. We demonstrate that under more realistic information conditions, where cheating is less obvious, punishment is much less effective in enforcing cooperation. Evidently, the explanatory power of punishment is constrained by the visibility of cheating.
Beer and its Non-Alcoholic Compounds: Role in Pancreatic Exocrine Secretion, Alcoholic Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Carcinoma
Authors: Gerloff Andreas , Singer Manfred V. , Feick Peter
Published: March 2010

: In this article we provide an overview of the newest data concerning the effect of non-alcoholic constituents of alcoholic beverages, especially of beer, on pancreatic secretion, and their possible role in alcoholic pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma. The data indicate that non-alcoholic constituents of beer stimulate pancreatic enzyme secretion in humans and rats, at least in part, by direct action on pancreatic acinar cells. Some non-alcoholic compounds of beer, such as quercetin, resveratrol, ellagic acid or catechins, have been shown to be protective against experimentally induced pancreatitis by inhibiting pancreatic secretion, stellate cell activation or by reducing oxidative stress. Quercetin, ellagic acid and resveratrol also show anti-carcinogenic potential in vitro and in vivo. However, beer contains many more non-alcoholic ingredients. Their relevance in beer-induced functional alterations of pancreatic cells leading to pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer in humans needs to be further evaluated.
Surface Engineering and Patterning Using Parylene for Biological Applications
Authors: Tan Christine P. , Craighead Harold G.
Published: March 2010

Parylene is a family of chemically vapour deposited polymer with material properties that are attractive for biomedicine and nanobiotechnology. Chemically inert parylene “peel-off” stencils have been demonstrated for micropatterning biomolecular arrays with high uniformity, precise spatial control down to nanoscale resolution. Such micropatterned surfaces are beneficial in engineering biosensors and biological microenvironments. A variety of substituted precursors enables direct coating of functionalised parylenes onto biomedical implants and microfluidics, providing a convenient method for designing biocompatible and bioactive surfaces. This article will review the emerging role and applications of parylene as a biomaterial for surface chemical modification and provide a future outlook.
Marine Metagenomics: New Tools for the Study and Exploitation of Marine Microbial Metabolism
Authors: Kennedy Jonathan , Flemer Burkhardt , Jackson Stephen A. , Lejon David P. H. , Morrissey John P. , O’Gara Fergal , Dobson Alan D. W.
Published: March 2010

The marine environment is extremely diverse, with huge variations in pressure and temperature. Nevertheless, life, especially microbial life, thrives throughout the marine biosphere and microbes have adapted to all the divergent environments present. Large scale DNA sequence based approaches have recently been used to investigate the marine environment and these studies have revealed that the oceans harbor unprecedented microbial diversity. Novel gene families with representatives only within such metagenomic datasets represent a large proportion of the ocean metagenome. The presence of so many new gene families from these uncultured and highly diverse microbial populations represents a challenge for the understanding of and exploitation of the biology and biochemistry of the ocean environment. The application of new metagenomic and single cell genomics tools offers new ways to explore the complete metabolic diversity of the marine biome.
Pharmacological Effects of Rutaecarpine as a Cardiovascular Protective Agent
Authors: Jia Sujie , Hu Changping
Published: March 2010

Many studies indicate that traditional Chinese herbs are beneficial in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Evodia rutaecarpa (‘Wu-Chu-Yu’)remains the most popular and multi-purpose herb traditionally used in China for treatment of headache, abdominal pain, postpartum hemorrhage, dysentery and amenorrhea. Rutaecarpine is one of the intriguing indolopyridoquinazoline alkaloids isolated from ‘Wu-Chu-Yu’. Rutaecarpine has been shown to have cardiovascular biological effects such as inotropic and chronotropic, vasorelaxant, anti-platelet aggregation and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, it has been reported that rutaecarpine has beneficial effects on some cardiovascular diseases. This review summarizes data on the cardiovascular pharmacological actions of rutaecarpine the published over the recent years, aiming to provide more evidence supporting its use in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Synthesis of Certain Pyrimidine Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents and Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Mohamed Mosaad S. , Awad Samir M. , Sayed Amira Ibrahim
Published: March 2010

A variety of novel bicyclic and tricyclic pyrimidine derivatives was obtained via reaction of 6-amino-2-thioxo-1H-pyrimidine-4-one (1) with a different reagents. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of some of the synthesized compounds were tested.
The Effects of Pregnenolone 16α-Carbonitrile Dosing on Digoxin Pharmacokinetics and Intestinal Absorption in the Rat
Authors: Lowes Simon , Haslam Iain S. , Fihn Britt-Marie , Hilgendorf Constanze , Karlsson Johan E. , Simmons Nicholas L. , Ungell Anna-Lena
Published: March 2010

The effect of Pgp induction in rats by pregnenolone 16α-carbonitrile (PCN) (3 days, 35 mg/kg/d, p.o.) on digoxin pharmacokinetics and intestinal transport has been assessed. After intravenous or oral digoxin dosing the arterial and hepatic portal vein (oral) AUC(0-24h) were significantly reduced by PCN pre-treatment. Biliary digoxin clearance increased 2-fold following PCN treatment. PCN significantly increased net digoxin secretion (2.05- and 4.5-fold respectively) in ileum and colon but not in duodenum or jejunum. This increased secretion correlated with increased Pgp protein expression in ileum and colon. Both intestinal and biliary excretion therefore contribute to altered digoxin disposition following PCN.
Coverage-Guaranteed Sensor Node Deployment Strategies for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Fan Gaojuan , Wang Ruchuan , Huang Haiping , Sun Lijuan , Sha Chao
Published: March 2010

Deployment quality and cost are two conflicting aspects in wireless sensor networks. Random deployment, where the monitored field is covered by randomly and uniformly deployed sensor nodes, is an appropriate approach for large-scale network applications. However, their successful applications depend considerably on the deployment quality that uses the minimum number of sensors to achieve a desired coverage. Currently, the number of sensors required to meet the desired coverage is based on asymptotic analysis, which cannot meet deployment quality due to coverage overestimation in real applications. In this paper, we first investigate the coverage overestimation and address the challenge of designing coverage-guaranteed deployment strategies. To overcome this problem, we propose two deployment strategies, namely, the Expected-area Coverage Deployment (ECD) and BOundary Assistant Deployment (BOAD). The deployment quality of the two strategies is analyzed mathematically. Under the analysis, a lower bound on the number of deployed sensor nodes is given to satisfy the desired deployment quality. We justify the correctness of our analysis through rigorous proof, and validate the effectiveness of the two strategies through extensive simulation experiments. The simulation results show that both strategies alleviate the coverage overestimation significantly. In addition, we also evaluate two proposed strategies in the context of target detection application. The comparison results demonstrate that if the target appears at the boundary of monitored region in a given random deployment, the average intrusion distance of BOAD is considerably shorter than that of ECD with the same desired deployment quality. In contrast, ECD has better performance in terms of the average intrusion distance when the invasion of intruder is from the inside of monitored region.
Wind Technology: A Framework for the Evaluation of Innovations’ Impacts on the Diffusion Potential
Authors: Dinica Valentina
Published: March 2010

This paper proposes a framework based on which innovations in wind power technologies can be evaluated from the standpoint of their contribution to diffusion expansion. The framework helps build up a missing link between the technical literature on innovations and policy-oriented contributions concerned with the diffusion potential of wind power in national energy systems. The ideas are applied for the evaluation of wind technology innovations adopted in Spain. The framework can help policy-makers prioritize their innovation objectives and funding, so as to support the adoption of innovations that deserve the highest priority, given the country’s resources and energy system characteristics.
Diagnosis of the σ-, π- and (σ+π)-Aromaticity by the Shape of the NICSzz-Scan Curves and Symmetry-Based Selection Rules
Authors: Tsipis Athanassios C. , Depastas Ioannis G. , Tsipis Constantinos A.
Published: March 2010

The NICSzz-scan curves of aromatic organic, inorganic and “all-metal” molecules in conjunction with symmetry-based selection rules provide efficient diagnostic tools of the σ-, π- and/or double (σ + π)-aromaticity. The NICSzz-scan curves of σ-aromatic molecules are symmetric around the z-axis, having half-band widths approximately less than 3 Å with the induced diatropic ring current arising from Tx,y-allowed transitions involving exclusively σ-type molecular orbitals. Broad NICSzz-scan curves (half-band width approximately higher than 3 Å) characterize double (σ + π)-aromaticity, the chief contribution to the induced diatropic ring current arising from Tx,y-allowed transitions involving both σ- and π-type molecular orbitals. NICSzz-scan curves exhibiting two maxima at a certain distance above and below the molecular plane are typical for (σ + π)-aromatics where the π-diatropic ring current overwhelms the σ-type one. In the absence of any contribution from the σ-diatropic ring current, the NICSzz(0) value is close to zero and the molecule exhibits pure π-aromaticity.
Darunavir/ritonavir and efavirenz exert differential effects on MRP1 transporter expression and function in healthy volunteers
Authors: Lee Lawrence S , Soon Gaik H , Shen Ping , Yong Eu-Leong , Flexner Charles , Pham Paul
Published: March 2010

Background

The efflux transporter MRP1 actively transports antiretrovirals and reduces intracellular accumulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We studied MRP1 expression and function in healthy volunteers treated with darunavir/ritonavir and efavirenz.

Methods

Seven healthy HIV-negative volunteers were recruited. PBMCs were collected at baseline, 9 days after administration of darunavir (900 mg) and ritonavir (100 mg) once daily, 9 days after coadministration of darunavir/ritonavir and efavirenz (600 mg) once daily and 13 days after administration of efavirenz alone. MRP1 expression was measured in PBMCs using flow cytometry with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated antibody against MRP1m6. MRP1 expression was also measured in CD4+ T-cells with a phycoerythrin-conjugated antibody against CD4. MRP1 efflux function was assessed by incubating PBMCs with carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA) and comparing CFDA fluorescence with and without the modulators MK571 and probenecid.

Results

MRP1 expression was reduced after darunavir/ ritonavir administration (geometric mean ratio [GMR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.51–0.65; P<0.001) and darunavir/ritonavir plus efavirenz coad-ministration (GMR 0.74, 95% CI 0.64–0.84; P=0.001), but not after efavirenz administration alone (GMR 0.82, 95% CI 0.64–1.06; P=0.10). MRP1 protein expression was 41% higher in CD4+ T-cells. MRP1 efflux function was increased after efavirenz administration (GMR 3.13, 95% CI 2.73–3.59; P<0.001) and darunavir/ritonavir plus efavirenz coadministration (GMR 4.35, 95% CI 3.35–5.68; P<0.001), but not after darunavir/ritonavir administration (GMR 1.06,§ 95% CI 0.80–1.42; P=0.42).

Conclusions

Darunavir/ritonavir and efavirenz treatment exerted differential effects on MRP1 expression and function. These effects could potentially alter antiviral activity, especially in CD4+ T-cells.
Minimally Important Difference for Patient-reported Outcomes in Psoriatic Arthritis: Health Assessment Questionnaire and Pain, Fatigue, and Global Visual Analog Scales
Authors: KWOK TIFFANY , POPE JANET E.
Published: March 2010

Objective.

To determine the minimally important difference (MID) for the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), pain, fatigue, sleep, and global visual analog scale (VAS; 0–100 mm) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) using a patient-reported overall health status anchor. Patient-reported outcomes are often used to gauge the effect of PsA in clinical trials. There is currently no knowledge about the MID for patient-reported outcomes in PsA.

Methods.

Patients with a diagnosis of PsA who had answered questions about outcomes at 2 consecutive visits and an overall health status question (“How would you describe your overall status since your last visit: much better, better, the same, worse, much worse?”) were included. MID was calculated as the mean change between visits for those who rated their disease as “better” or “worse.”

Results.

Two hundred patients met inclusion criteria, of whom 17.5% rated their status as “better” and 25.0% rated their status as “worse” than the previous visit. MID estimates for improvement/worsening (SD) respectively were −0.131 (0.411)/0.131 (0.309) for HAQ-DI, −9.37 (24.37)/13.96 (22.05) for pain VAS, −8.15 (23.52)/3.63 (27.62) for fatigue VAS, −10.97 (29.74)/13.81 (27.32) for sleep VAS, and −8.41 (21.17)/11.53 (21.03) for global VAS. Spearman’s r correlation coefficients between the anchor and mean change were 0.374 (HAQ-DI), 0.448 (pain VAS), 0.239 (fatigue VAS), 0.326 (sleep VAS), 0.490 (global VAS); p < 0.01.

Conclusion.

This is the first study investigating MID of patient-reported outcomes in PsA. MID for HAQ-DI, pain, and global VAS were shown to be the best predictors for a patient’s perception of overall changes in disease status.
Development and Evaluation of a Nursing Portal
Authors: Welsh Sally , Houston Susan
Published: March 2010

Access to information has tripled in the last 5 years, and the average person’s ability to use new knowledge is limited. Methods that support the organization and use of information are needed to facilitate access to this knowledge. To address this challenge within the authors’ institution, a nursing portal was designed, implemented, and evaluated. The Technology Acceptance Model was used to guide this process. Staff nurses received education on the functions and use of the nursing portal. The nurses also completed an online survey about the ease of use and usefulness of the nursing portal. Nurses reported that the nursing portal facilitated timely retrieval of information and decision-making. Staff education has been a key component of the success of the nursing portal.
Continuing Education Needs of Nurses in a Voluntary Continuing Nursing Education State
Authors: Nalle Maureen A. , Wyatt Tami H. , Myers Carole R.
Published: March 2010

Background:

Understanding the personal and professional motivations that shape learning needs is fundamental to high-quality continuing nursing education (CNE). This statewide survey assessed nurses’ CNE needs, learning priorities, perceived benefits and barriers, and motivation for voluntary CNE participation.

Methods:

An online needs assessment accessed through state professional organizations’ websites and various health care facilities was available to all registered nurses in the state. The needs assessment included demographic and professional characteristics and items related to CNE preferences and barriers.

Results:

Among 672 nurses, motivating factors for CNE participation varied and priority learning needs included leadership and management, evidence-based practice, and advanced practice issues. CNE program costs, travel, and time away from work were key barriers to participation.

Conclusion:

CNE participation is influenced by personal, professional, and organizational factors. In the absence of state mandates, policy changes are needed to promote CNE and overcome persistent barriers to participation.
Does Increasing Education Increase the Probability of Promotion? The Case of Registered Nurses in Canada
Authors: Buhr Karen J.
Published: March 2010

Little research has examined the effect of education on promotional opportunities for nurses. This article adds to the literature by addressing this question. This study uses data from the confidential master files from the 2001 Canadian Census on Individuals. The results of this study show that there is an increased probability of promotion to supervisory positions for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree. For both the male and female samples it was found that having a bachelor of nursing certification yields a 4% higher probability of promotion to a supervisory position compared with other educational credentials. Existing studies found that increases in education yield higher earnings, and this study also shows that increases in education can result in higher probabilities of promotion to supervisory positions. This can be viewed as another benefit of increased educational credentials for individuals in the nursing profession.
Continuing Nursing Education: Enhancing Professional Development
Authors: Dickerson Pamela S.
Published: March 2010

Are you aware of current issues that will have an impact on the future of continuing nursing education? It is easy to get focused on day-to-day operations and lose sight of the bigger picture of the evolving role of continuing nursing education in enhancing professional development. This column reviews current frames of reference for continuing nursing education and foundational work that is guiding our future.
Visual Acuity Outcomes With SA60D3, SN60D3, and ZM900 Multifocal IOL Implantation After Phacoemulsification
Authors: Ngo Cheryl , Singh Mandeep , Sng Chelvin , Loon Seng-Chee , Chan Yiong-Huak , Thean Lennard
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE:

To assess the near and distance visual acuity achieved with implantation of the ReSTOR SA60D3 and SN60D3 (Alcon Laboratories Inc) and Tecnis ZM900 (Abbott Medical Optics [AMO]) multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) after cataract surgery.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective study of 108 eyes of 54 patients who underwent uneventful bilateral phacoemulsification of cataract and IOL implantation at an ophthalmic center in Singapore by a single surgeon. Inclusion criteria were visually significant cataracts, corneal astigmatism <2.00 diopters, and no other ocular diseases. Patients received the SA60D3, SN60D3, or ZM900 multifocal IOL in both eyes. Binocular near and distance visual acuity outcomes were assessed 3 months after second-eye surgery.

RESULTS:

No difference in mean postoperative uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity for distance among the groups was noted. The ZM900 lens was significantly better than both ReSTOR lenses for uncorrected near vision with 96.7% achieving N5 compared to 75% of SA60D3 patients and 83.3% of SN60D3 patients (
P
=.003). For distance corrected near vision, 100% of ZM900 patients achieved N5 compared to 83.3% for each the SA60D3 and SN60D3 IOLs (
P
=.005). No significant difference between both ReSTOR lenses for near vision was noted.

CONCLUSIONS:

All three IOLs provide similar uncorrected and best corrected distance visual acuity. However, the ZM900 IOL provides better binocular distance corrected and uncorrected near acuity than the SA60D3 or SN60D3. The ZM900 IOL group was more myopic preoperatively compared to the other two groups, which may be a contributing factor. [
J Refract Surg.
2010;26:177–182.]
Contribution of Optical Zone Decentration and Pupil Dilation on the Change of Optical Quality After Myopic Photorefractive Keratectomy in a Cat Model
Authors: Bühren Jens , Yoon Geunyoung , MacRae Scott , Huxlin Krystel
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE:

To simulate the simultaneous contribution of optical zone decentration and pupil dilation on retinal image quality using wavefront error data from a myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) cat model.

METHODS:

Wavefront error differences were obtained from five cat eyes 19±7 weeks (range: 12 to 24 weeks) after spherical myopic PRK for −6.00 diopters (D) (three eyes) and −10.00 D (two eyes). A computer model was used to simulate decentration of a 6-mm sub-aperture relative to the measured wavefront error difference. Changes in image quality (visual Strehl ratio based on the optical transfer function [VSOTF]) were computed for simulated decentrations from 0 to 1500
µ
m over pupil diameters of 3.5 to 6.0 mm in 0.5-mm steps. For each eye, a bivariate regression model was applied to calculate the simultaneous contribution of pupil dilation and decentration on the pre- to postoperative change of the log VSOTF.

RESULTS:

Pupil diameter and decentration explained up to 95% of the variance of VSOTF change (adjusted R
2
=0.95). Pupil diameter had a higher impact on VSOTF (median β= −0.88,
P
<.001) than decentration (median β=−0.45,
P
<.001). If decentration-induced lower order aberrations were corrected, the impact of decentration further decreased (β= −0.26) compared to the influence of pupil dilation (β= −0.95).

CONCLUSIONS:

Both pupil dilation and decentration of the optical zone affected the change of retinal image quality (VSOTF) after myopic PRK with decentration exerting a lower impact on VSOTF change. Thus, under physiological conditions pupil dilation is likely to have more effect on VSOTF change after PRK than optical zone decentration. [
J Refract Surg.
2010;26:183–190.]
Adjustable Intracorneal Ring in a Lamellar Pocket for Keratoconus
Authors: Daxer Albert
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE:

No theory or method currently exists to preoperatively predict the optimal position of an intracorneal implant for the treatment of keratoconus, or a surgical system or technique to adjust and optimize the position of the implant after its implantation. A surgical technique for adjusting the position of the implant inside the cornea is presented, and by adjusting the position of the implant after its insertion into a corneal pocket, the surgical results in keratoconus treatment may be improved.

METHODS:

After the formation of a closed pocket of 9 mm in diameter and 300 µm in depth within the corneal stroma, a flexible full-ring implant is inserted into the corneal pocket via a narrow incision tunnel. After insertion and evaluation of the clinical data, the implant position can be adjusted inside the pocket to achieve an optimal treatment result.

RESULTS:

The procedure is quick and easy to perform. An adjustment of the implant position of only 0.5 mm towards the apex of the cone may dramatically improve the surgical result.

CONCLUSIONS:

The presented technique enables the surgeon to access all three degrees of freedom possible in theory, which are associated with intracorneal implants in a corneal stroma, including implant diameter, implant thickness, and implant position. This is of particular importance for the treatment of irregularly shaped corneas such as in keratoconus. [
J Refract Surg
. 2010;26:217–221.]
Assessment of the variation of the moisture content in the Pinus pinaster Ait. using the non destructive GPR technique
Authors: Rodríguez-Abad I. , Martínez-Sala R. , Capuz Lladró R. , Díez Barra R. , García-García F.
Published: March 2010

The moisture content variations in wood have a significant influence in wood’s physicochemical properties, as well as in its electromagnetic properties and to specific effects upon waves’ characteristics. In particular, this paper focuses on the analysis of the Ground-penetrating Radar’s (GPR) using an antenna of 1.6GHz central frequency capacity to register the velocity and the amplitude of the electromagnetic waves’ variation during the drying process of Pinus pinaster Ait timber joists. The results showed that when timber MC descends, the propagation velocity and amplitude of both the direct and the reflected wave increased. The high correlation found between the variables studied demonstrates GPR efficiency and the innovative application of this technique as a non-destructive evaluation tool for timber structures, particularly when studying its moisture content.
Neutrophilic dermatoses in a patient with collagenous colitis
Authors: Barco Didac , Barnadas Maria A. , Roé Esther , Sancho Francisco J. , Ricart Elena , Alomar Agustín
Published: March 2010

We report the case of a 75-year old woman with collagenous colitis who presented with erythematous and edematous plaques on the periorbital and eyelid regions, accompanied by oral ulcers. Histopathology showed a dermal neutrophilic infiltrate plus mild septal and lobular panniculitis with lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils. Five years earlier she had presented a flare of papules and vesicles on the trunk, together with oral ulcers; a skin biopsy revealed a neutrophilic dermal infiltrate and Sweet’s syndrome was diagnosed. Both the neutrophilic panniculitis and the Sweet’s syndrome were accompanied by fever, malaise and diarrhea. Cutaneous and intestinal symptoms disappeared with corticoid therapy. The two types of neutrophilic dermatoses that appeared in periods of colitis activity suggest that intestinal and cutaneous manifestations may be related.
Diagnosis of brain death
Authors: Machado Calixto
Published: March 2010

Brain death (BD) should be understood as the ultimate clinical expression of a brain catastrophe characterized by a complete and irreversible neurological stoppage, recognized by irreversible coma, absent brainstem reflexes, and apnea. The most common pattern is manifested by an elevation of intracranial pressure to a point beyond the mean arterial pressure, and hence cerebral perfusion pressure falls and, as a result, no net cerebral blood flow is present, in due course leading to permanent cytotoxic injury of the intracranial neuronal tissue. A second mechanism is an intrinsic injury affecting the nervous tissue at a cellular level which, if extensive and unremitting, can also lead to BD. We review here the methodology of diagnosing death, based on finding any of the signs of death. The irreversible loss of cardio-circulatory and respiratory functions can cause death only when ischemia and anoxia are prolonged enough to produce an irreversible destruction of the brain. The sign of such loss of brain functions, that is to say BD diagnosis, is fully reviewed.
Microemboli monitoring by trans-cranial doppler in patient with acute cardioemboliogenic stroke due to atrial myxoma
Authors: Telman Gregory , Mesica Orit , Kouperberg Efim , Cohen Oved , Bolotin Gil , Agmon Yoram
Published: March 2010

This is the first reported attempt to examine the emboliogenic potential of cardiac myxoma in patients with acute stroke through the monitoring of microembolic signals (MES) by transcranial doppler. A 43-year old woman was brought to the emergency department because of acute onset of generalized tonic-clonic seizures and left hemiplegia. A CT scan of the brain demonstrated a large acute infraction in the territory of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) and another smaller one in the territory of the posterior cerebral artery on the same side. Trans-cranial doppler (TCD) microemboli monitoring did not reveal MES. Transesophagial echocardiography (TEE) identified a 5 cm left atrial mass, which was highly suspected to be an atrial myxoma attached to the interatrial septum and prolapsed through the mitral valve. After the TEE results were obtained, another TCD monitoring was performed. Again, there were no MES found in either of the MCAs. Our findings showed the absence of MES on two consecutive TCD examinations, suggesting a spontaneous occurrence, rather than the permanent presence, of embolization, even in the most acute phase of stroke. Thus, the tendency of myxomas to spontaneously produce multiple emboli emphasizes the need for the surgical excision of myxomas.
Primary pure gastric yolk sac tumor
Authors: Magni Elena , Sonzogni Angelica , Zampino Maria Giulia
Published: March 2010

We describe here a case of pure gastric yolk sac tumor (YST). A 62-year-old patient underwent gastrectomy with D2 dissection. The histological report confirmed the diagnosis of YST and that two of the 14 regional lymph nodes removed were metastatic. Three courses of PEB regimen chemotherapy were delivered subsequently. Three months later the patient experienced dysphagia from stenosis of the anastomosis and a computerized tomography scan showed tumor recurrence with peritoneal nodules; the patient died one year after surgery. The origin of gastric YST is unclear but involvement of migrating germ cells during embryonic development or multipotential neoplastic protoepithelial cells of the gastric mucosa have been suggested. Generally the prognosis of gastric YST is poor and the standard therapeutic approach beyond surgery is still uncertain.
Multicentric extra-abdominal desmoid tumors arising in bilateral lower limbs
Authors: Shimoyama Tokiko , Hiraoka Koji , Shoda Takanori , Hamada Tetsuya , Fukushima Nobuhiro , Nagata Kensei
Published: March 2010

Extra-abdominal desmoid tumors preferentially affect the shoulders, arms, backs, buttocks, and thighs of young adults. Multicentric occurrence is rather rare but seems to be another distinctive feature of extra-abdominal desmoid tumors. In this article we report a rare case of multicentric extra-abdominal desmoid tumors arising in bilateral lower limbs.
Rosai-Dorfman disease of the colon presented as small solitary polypoid lesion
Authors: Ide Munenori , Asao Takayuki , Yoshida Takatomo , Hirato Junko , Shimura Tatsuo , Morinaga Nobuhiro , Shitara Yoshinori , Ishizaki Masatoshi , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: March 2010

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) was formerly known as “sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy”, and cases involving the gastrointestinal tract are rare. We present a case of pure extranodal RDD, resected as a polypoid lesion in colonoscopic study. The patient was a 62-year old woman with a history of sigmoidectomy for unexplained peritonitis. Microscopic study of the polypoid lesion showed the submucosal mass with histological and immunological features of RDD. The whole body computed tomography revealed neither lymphadenopathy nor tumor-like mass.
Multiple myeloma presenting as CEA-producing rectal cancer
Authors: Talamo Giampaolo , Barochia Amitkumar , Zangari Maurizio , Loughran Thomas P
Published: March 2010

We report the case of a 57-year-old patient with multiple myeloma, characterized by extramedullary involvement of the rectum at presentation. Malignant plasma cells were found to produce carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a tumor antigen more commonly associated with rectal adenocarcinomas.
Primary retroperitoneal mullerian adenocarcinoma
Authors: Elnemr Ayman , Yonemura Yutaka , Shinbo Masaya , Nishino Eisei
Published: March 2010

Mullerian tumors are extremely rare malignancies in the retroperitoneum. We report a case of a 46-year old woman who presented with an eight year history of lower abdominal mass. Ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a 15×10 cm cystic mass in the left lower retroperitoneum. As serial percutaneous needle aspiration cytology was negative for malignancy, she was observed for seven years. Eleven months ago, the mass was excised. The histopathology was reported as mucinous adenocarcinoma of the retroperitoneum. Six cycles of intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy was administered during the last six months after diagnosis of recurrence by aspiration cytology and high serum tumor markers (CEA, CA19-9). A few days ago, positron emission tomographic (PET) scanning showed evidence of local recurrence and single vertebral metastasis, so she was admitted again for systemic chemotherapy. Meticulous revision of additional sections of the tumor revealed papillary, serous, mucinous, and endometrioid subtypes of the mullerian adenocarcinoma. To our knowledge, there has been no similar case described in the literature.
Hibernoma of the axillary region: a rare benign adipocytic tumor
Authors: Honoki Kanya , Morita Kouhei , Kasai Takahiko , Fujii Hiromasa , Kido Akira , Tsukamoto Shinji , Nonomura Akitaka , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: March 2010

Hibernoma is a rare benign tumor considered to arise from remnants of fetal brown adipose tissue. It tends to occur in sites where brown fat persists beyond fetal life, such as the interscapular region, but can occur in sites where brown fat is usually absent in adults. Clinically, hibernomas are slow-growing, asymptomatic tumors. However, unlike lipomas, MRI findings sometimes mislead clinicians to diagnose a malignant neoplasm. We describe a 63-year-old male with an axillary hibernoma involving the brachial neurovascular bundles and mimicking a well-differentiated liposarcoma, from which it should be distinguished.
THE EFFECT OF FEEDING DIETS CONTAINING WHITE FISHMEAL ON ACCEPTABILITY AND FLAVOR INTENSITY OF ROASTED BROILER CHICKENS
Authors: DEAN PAUL , PROUDFOOT F. G. , LARMOND ELIZABETH , AITKEN J. R.
Published: March 2010

Diets containing 0, 3, 9, 14 and 19% white fishmeal and a diet containing 15% high-fat fishmeal were fed to the females of a commercial strain of broilers. Activated charcoal at the 0.5% level was added to the six finisher diets for one-half of the birds. The effect of starving birds for 24 and 72 hours after being fed the 19% fishmeal finisher diet was also evaluated; the starved birds were fed a ration containing 0% fishmeal from 63 to 72 days of age. The broilers were roasted without seasonings. A piece of dark meat and white meat with its skin from each of the diets was presented to 10 judges. This was repeated 10 times. Each judge was asked to state if the sample was acceptable or not, and to rate its flavor from no off-flavor to extreme fishy flavor. Tests were also run on cooking losses, color, moisture, texture and ether extract. Significant differences were found between the control (0% fishmeal) and the 15% high-fat and 19% fishmeal broilers for acceptability and flavor intensity. There were no significant differences found between birds fed charcoal and those not fed charcoal, nor were there any between the days of cooking for acceptability or flavor intensity. Cooking loss, color, percent fat, percent moisture and texture were not significantly affected by diets or charcoal. Starving the birds for 24 hours did not affect the acceptability or flavor intensity. Starving them for 72 hours did have a significant, favorable effect on the acceptability and flavor intensity.
TISSUE DEVELOPMENT IN SWINE AS INFLUENCED BY LIVEWEIGHT, BREED, SEX AND RATION
Authors: RICHMOND R. J. , BERG R. T.
Published: March 2010

Carcasses of 73 pigs taken from an experiment which involved 144 barrows and gilts of Duroc × Yorkshire, Hampshire × Yorkshire and Yorkshire × Yorkshire breeding, fed either a high energy (HE) (3652 kcal DE/kg) or a low energy (LE) (2757 kcal DE/kg) ration, and slaughtered at 68, 91 and 114 kg liveweight, were dissected to study tissue development and carcass composition in pigs. To establish a starting point, an additional nine barrows and eight gilts of the same breed groups were slaughtered at 23 kg liveweight. A normal pattern of tissue growth was shown to occur, bone growth being relatively slow and muscle growth relatively fast. Fat deposition paralleled muscle growth from 68 to 91 kg liveweight, after which fat deposition exceeded muscle growth in absolute amount. Breed of sire tended to influence the carcass, muscle and fat weight per day of age as well as the proportions of lean and fat in the carcass. Gilts had more muscle per day of age and a greater percentage of muscle and less of fat than barrows. Barrows had a greater carcass weight and more fat per day of age than gilts. The LE ration resulted in higher percentage of muscle and lower percentage of fat in the carcass than did the HE ration. At all slaughter weights, the differences in the proportions of muscle, fat and bone between barrows and gilts were similar to the differences resulting from the HE and LE rations. Carcasses from gilts slaughtered at 114 kg liveweight were equal in composition to those from barrows slaughtered at 91 kilograms. Similarly, pigs fed the LE ration at 114 kg had equal carcass composition to HE-fed pigs at 91 kilograms. The data indicated that there may be some justification for extending the weight range in the Canadian grading system such that carcasses of superior composition outside the present weight range would be recognized on their merit. Some interactions occurred among breed, sex and ration groups reflecting differences in energy intake and partitioning of nutrients for tissue growth.
A RAPID MICRO-DIGESTION PROCEDURE FOR NEUTRAL AND ACID DETERGENT FIBER
Authors: WALDERN D. E.
Published: March 2010

A micro-digestion procedure for the determination of neutral (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) employing 0.35 g of sample was developed. Four roughages and corn grain were digested by the standard Van Soest macro acid and neutral detergent fiber methods, and by the micro method. Differences between two-thirds of the means for NDF and ADF, as determined by the two methods, were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Absolute differences between means for all samples analyzed were small, with a range from 2.82 to 1.41 percentage units for NDF and 0.85 to 0.14 percentage units for ADF. Neutral detergent fiber determinations of corn grain were completed without filtration problems when the micro-digestion method was employed, in contrast to the difficult filtrations encountered with the macro method. Standard deviations of means for samples digested by the micro method were small except for corn grain.
EFFECT OF CAFFEINE ON GROWTH, FEED EFFICIENCY AND LEANNESS OF GROWING PIGS AND ITS INTERACTION WITH CALCIUM, ZINC AND CORN OIL
Authors: CUNNINGHAM H. M.
Published: March 2010

A series of four experiments was conducted to determine the effectiveness of caffeine in promoting increased leanness and feed efficiency in self-fed pigs. A level of 1.5 g of caffeine per kg of feed was one of the most effective levels tested in increasing carcass leanness, but some pigs developed a skin rash which restricted growth rate and reduced feed efficiency. This was accentuated by high levels of dietary zinc or calcium and, in one of two experiments, by a level of 3% corn oil. When a level of 1.0 g/kg of caffeine was used, there was no skin rash, little or no reduction in growth rate, and a slight but nonsignificant increase in feed efficiency. Depth of backfat was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) and the carcass protein: fat ratio was 14–16% higher than in controls. No advantage was found in gradually increasing the caffeine content of the ration from 0.5 g/kg at weaning to 1.5 g/kg eight weeks later, compared with feeding 1.0 g/kg throughout the entire growing, finishing period.
STUDY OF THE MECHANISM OF INHIBITION OF KETOGENESIS BY PROPIONATE IN BOVINE LIVER
Authors: BUSH R. S. , MILLIGAN L. P.
Published: March 2010

Propionate caused an inhibition of ketogenesis from butyrate by bovine liver slices. When succinate, fumarate and aspartate were included in the incubation mixtures as sources of oxaloacetate, they were not as inhibitory as propionate. The possibility of competition between propionate and butyrate for cofactors required for activation was discounted when neither ATP (17 mM), nor carnitine (3.5 mM), added to expand the coenzyme A (CoA) pool, relieved the antiketogenic effect of propionate. The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA pathway appeared to be the major route for formation of acetoacetate from acetoacetyl-CoA in liver extracts, on the basis of enzyme assays. At a concentration of 0.5 mM, propionyl-CoA caused an apparent decrease of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase activity of 46%, whereas propionate and methylmalonyl-CoA were not effective. At a concentration of 15 mM, propionate resulted in 30% inhibition of synthase activity. Propionyl-CoA did not affect the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase. It was suggested that in bovine liver the antiketogenic effect of propionate is achieved, at least in part, through inhibition of formation of acetoacetate from acetoacetyl-CoA.