bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obligate Symbionts Activate Immune System Development in the Tsetse Fly
Authors: Weiss Brian L. , Maltz Michele , Aksoy Serap
Published: February 2012

Many insects rely on the presence of symbiotic bacteria for proper immune system function. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon are poorly understood. Adult tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) house three symbiotic bacteria that are vertically transmitted from mother to offspring during this insect’s unique viviparous mode of reproduction. Larval tsetse that undergo intrauterine development in the absence of their obligate mutualist, Wigglesworthia, exhibit a compromised immune system during adulthood. In this study, we characterize the immune phenotype of tsetse that develop in the absence of all of their endogenous symbiotic microbes. Aposymbiotic tsetse (Glossina morsitans morsitans [GmmApo]) present a severely compromised immune system that is characterized by the absence of phagocytic hemocytes and atypical expression of immunity-related genes. Correspondingly, these flies quickly succumb to infection with normally nonpathogenic Escherichia coli. The susceptible phenotype exhibited by GmmApo adults can be reversed when they receive hemocytes transplanted from wild-type donor flies prior to infection. Furthermore, the process of immune system development can be restored in intrauterine GmmApo larvae when their mothers are fed a diet supplemented with Wigglesworthia cell extracts. Our finding that molecular components of Wigglesworthia exhibit immunostimulatory activity within tsetse is representative of a novel evolutionary adaptation that steadfastly links an obligate symbiont with its host.
Strategies to reduce medication errors in pediatric ambulatory settings
Authors: Mehndiratta S
Published: February 2012

Worldwide, a large number of children are prescribed drugs on an outpatient basis. Medication errors are fairly common in these settings. Though this matter has been well recognized as a cause of concern, limited data is available from ambulatory settings. Medication errors can be defined as errors that may occur at any step, starting from ordering a medication, to dispensing, administration of the drug and the subsequent monitoring. The outcomes of such errors are variable and may range between those that are clinically insignificant to a life-threatening event. The reasons for these medication errors are multi-factorial. Children are unable to administer medications to themselves and also require a strict weight-based dosing regimen. The risk factors associated with medication errors include complex regimens with multiple medications. Overdosing and under-dosing (10-fold calculation errors), an increased or a decreased frequency of dosing or an inappropriate duration of administration of the medication, are frequently detected errors. The lack of availability of proper formulations adds to the confusion. The low level of literacy among the caregivers can aggravate this problem. There is a lack of proper reporting and monitoring mechanisms in most ambulatory settings, hence these errors remain unrecognized and often go unreported. This article summarizes the current available literature on medication errors in ambulatory settings and the possible strategies that can be adopted to reduce the burden of these errors in order to improve child care and patient safety. Voluntary, anonymous reporting can be introduced in the healthcare institutions to determine the incidence of these errors.
Two smalls in one: Coincident small cell carcinoma and small lymphocytic lymphoma in a lymph node diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy
Authors: Afify Alaa , Das Shweta , Mingyi Chen
Published: February 2012

Background:

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia / small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL / SLL) is one of the most common lymphoproliferative disorders in western countries. Patients with SLL / CLL are at increased risk of site-specific secondary cancers. We present a unique case of a 71-year-old male, with a history of SLL / CLL, who presented with pulmonary symptoms and a mediastinal mass. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the mediastinal lymph node revealed synchronous SLL / CLL and small cell carcinoma (SCC).

Materials and Methods:

The patient underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest and endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial fine needle aspiration of the mediastinal lymph node (4R). The sample was submitted for cytopathology, immunohistochemical stains, and flow cytometry evaluation.

Results:

Fine needle aspiration of the mediastinal lymph node revealed neoplastic cells, in clusters and singly, with cytological features suggestive of small cell carcinoma. The immunohistochemistry results confirmed this diagnosis. Small-to-medium, mature-appearing lymphocytes were also present in the background. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that these lymphocytes possessed an immunophenotype consistent with CLL / SLL.

Conclusions:

This case illustrates the importance of a pathologist's awareness of the possibility of concurrent lymphoma and metastatic carcinoma in a lymph node. When evaluating lymph nodes, pathologists must strive to identify both foreign cells and subtle lymphoid changes. As demonstrated by our case, ancillary techniques (such as immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry) can be critical to making a complete and accurate diagnosis. The diagnosis of small cell carcinoma in the enlarged lymph node, primarily harboring CLL / SLL, is of critical importance for decision-making and treatment purposes, in addition to having a significant adverse impact on the overall survival.
Nutritional screening for risk prediction in patients scheduled for abdominal operations
Authors: Kuppinger D , Hartl W H , Bertok M , Hoffmann J M , Cederbaum J , Küchenhoff H , Jauch K-W , Rittler P
Published: February 2012

Background

Increased risks related to surgery might reflect the nutritional status of some patients. Such a group might benefit from perioperative nutritional support. The purpose of this study was to identify the relative importance of nutritional risk screening along with established medical, anaesthetic and surgical predictors of postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Methods

This prospective observational study enrolled consecutive eligible patients scheduled for elective abdominal operations. Data were collected on nutritional variables (body mass index, weight loss, food intake), age, sex, type and extent of operation, underlying disease, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade and co-morbidities. A modified composite nutritional screening tool (Nutritional Risk Screening, NRS 2002) currently recommended by European guidelines was used. Relative complication rates were calculated with multiple logistic regression and cumulative proportional odds models.

Results

Some 653 patients were enrolled of whom 132 (20·2 per cent) sustained one or more postoperative complications. The frequency of this event increased significantly with a lower food intake before hospital admission. No other individual or composite nutritional variable provided comparable or better risk prediction (including NRS 2002). Other factors significantly associated with severe postoperative complications were ASA grade, male sex, underlying disease, extent of surgical procedure and volume of transfused red cell concentrates.

Conclusion

In abdominal surgery, preoperative investigation of feeding habits may be sufficient to identify patients at increased risk of complications. Nutritional risk alone, however, is not sufficient to predict individual risk of complications reliably.
Nodular lymphocyte‐predominant Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Subhawong Andrea P. , Ali Syed Z. , Tatsas Armanda D.
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND:

Nodular lymphocyte‐predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL), a rare subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma, is an indolent tumor with frequent instances of disease recurrence but a favorable prognosis. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there are only limited descriptions of NLPHL in the cytology literature because it was only formally recognized as a distinct entity in 1994.

METHODS:

In the current study, all cases of NLPHL diagnosed on excisional biopsy (n = 6 cases) at the study institution between 2000 and 2011 that had undergone previous fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) were reviewed, with a focus on cytomorphologic features.

RESULTS:

Four of 6 cases were termed benign on FNA; however, there was retrospective recognition of characteristic LP cells in all cases. Unlike classical Hodgkin lymphoma, the tumor cells of NLPHL were often found to be mononucleate and presented in a background of small lymphocytes. Other features identified included epithelioid histiocytes and numerous bare atypical nuclei.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cases of NLPHL are commonly misdiagnosed as benign reactive lymphoid tissue and therefore a careful search using high magnification for LP cells is recommended in the evaluation of lymph node FNAs. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2012;. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Workplace drug testing, different matrices different objectives
Authors: Tsanaclis Lolita M. , Wicks John F. C. , Chasin Alice A. M.
Published: February 2012

Drug testing is used by employers to detect drug use by employees or job candidates. It can identify recent use of alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs as a screening tool for potential health and safety and performance issues.

Urine is the most commonly used sample for illicit drugs. It detects the use of a drug within the last few days and as such is evidence of recent use; but a positive test does not necessarily mean that the individual was impaired at the time of the test. Abstention from use for three days will often produce a negative test result.

Analysis of hair provides a much longer window of detection, typically 1 to 3 months. Hence the likelihood of a falsely negative test using hair is very much less than with a urine test. Conversely, a negative hair test is a substantially stronger indicator of a non‐drug user than a negative urine test.

Oral fluid (saliva) is also easy to collect. Drugs remain in oral fluid for a similar time as in blood. The method is a good way of detecting current use and is more likely to reflect current impairment. It offers promise as a test in post‐accident, for cause, and on‐duty situations.

Studies have shown that within the same industrial settings, hair testing can detect twice as many drug users as urine testing. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intermolecular Insertion of Dialkynylphosphanes into the M–C Bond of Cyclopalladated Rings through Activation by Cyclometallated Amines
Authors: Chen Shuli , Pullarkat Sumod A. , Li Yongxin , Leung Pak‐Hing
Published: February 2012

A series of chiral ortho‐platinated and ‐palladated complexes derived from N,N,α‐trimethylbenzylamine has been prepared. The dialkynylphosphane PhP(C≡CMe)2 coordinated regiospecifically as a P→M monodentate ligand to these cyclometallated units in the positions trans to the nitrogen donors of the metallacycles. Upon introduction of selected chirality on the benzylamine unit and subsequent monitoring by using NMR spectroscopy, the P→Pt bond was found to be thermodynamically stable and kinetically inert. The P→Pd bond must be kinetically labile since the palladium complexes readily undergo a facile ligand redistribution process. Nevertheless, both ortho‐metallated units activated one of the C≡C bonds towards an intermolecular Pd–C bond insertion reaction into another cyclopalladated ring. No intramolecular insertion reaction occurred within the same molecule. Coordination of PhP(C≡CMe)2 to the ortho‐palladated unit also protected the organopalladium ring from intermolecular attack by other coordinated dialkynylphosphanes. The Pt–C bonds in cycloplatinated rings are not reactive toward the insertion reaction, although they are good reaction activators for coordinated dialkynylphosphanes.
Multiple description coding over multiple correlated erasure channels
Authors: Zhao Songqing , Tuninetti Daniela , Ansari Rashid , Schonfeld Dan
Published: February 2012

This paper examines the use of Multiple Description Coding (MDC) for information transmission over multiple correlated erasure channels. It addresses the problem of optimal rate allocation between descriptions to attain the minimum possible average distortion at the receiver. The rate allocation problem is formulated on the basis of rate‐distortion theory for the general case of unbalanced MDC and under the constraint that the total coding rate is fixed. The channel parameters, that is, erasure rates, for which MDC outperforms Single Description Coding are characterised. It is shown that MDC is optimal when the channel erasure rates are comparable and the total coding rate is large. A heuristic approximation for optimal rate allocation is also presented, which can be readily used in practice to determine the relative rates between descriptions needed to achieve the minimal average distortion. The relationship between the optimal average distortion and the erasure correlation is explored. It is shown that for some cases, such as for equal average erasure probabilities, the average distortion decreases as the channel correlation increases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incidental versus clinically evident thyroid cancer: A 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Minuto Michele N. , Miccoli Mario , Viola David , Ugolini Clara , Giannini Riccardo , Torregrossa Liborio , Antonangeli Lucia , Aghini‐Lombardi Fabrizio , Elisei Rossella , Basolo Fulvio , Miccoli Paolo
Published: February 2012

Background

The incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer in patients undergoing surgery for presumed benign thyroid disease (incidental thyroid cancer) is not negligible. The purpose of this study was to verify if incidental thyroid cancers have a different clinical course than the clinically evident thyroid cancer.

Methods

A group of patients with incidental thyroid cancer (n = 95) has been compared to a control group with clinically evident thyroid cancer (n = 93). Both the histology and the outcome after a 5‐year follow‐up have been compared.

Results

At the univariate analysis, the groups demonstrated significant differences in many pathologic features, remnant ablation (p < .001), and persistent disease (p = .006). Nevertheless, the multivariate analysis revealed that the outcome was not influenced by the preoperative or the incidental diagnosis.

Conclusion

Incidental thyroid cancers show a different pathological pattern when compared to clinically evident thyroid cancers. Nonetheless, the final outcome is not influenced by preoperative or postoperative diagnosis. Hence, patients with incidental thyroid cancer should follow the same postoperative protocols of patients with clinically evident thyroid cancer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
The Wonderland of Counselor Education
Authors: Meyering Ralph A.
Published: February 2012

All in the golden afternoon

Full leisurely we glide;

For both our oars, with little skill

By little arms are plied,

While little hands made vain pretence

Our wanderings to guide

(From Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll, Introduction)
A first principles approach to identifying polymers for use in two‐phase partitioning bioreactors
Authors: Parent J. Scott , Capela Marinha , Dafoe Julian T. , Daugulis Andrew J.
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Two‐phase partitioning bioreactors (TPPBs) employ an immiscible phase to partition toxic substrates/products to/away from cells to reduce cytotoxicity and improve bioprocess performance. Initially, immiscible organic solvents were used as the sequestering phase, and their selection included consideration of solute–solvent affinity, which can be predicted through first principles consideration of solute activity and phase equilibrium thermodynamics. Polymers can replace organic solvents in such systems, however, their selection has largely been via heuristic means, and a more fundamental approach is necessary for future success in rational polymer identification.

RESULTS: Material properties (polymer crystallinity, solubility parameter, and glass transition temperature Tg) were examined across several polymers and polyaromatic hydrocarbons as target solutes. All were shown to influence solute–polymer affinity.

CONCLUSION: This first attempt at identifying physical/chemical properties that affect solute–polymer partitioning has been able to demonstrate some clear trends, and has allowed us to formulate a polymer selection guide, based on first principles, to facilitate the selection of solute–polymer pairs for solid–liquid TPPB applications. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantification of turbulent heat fluxes for adaptation strategies within urban planning
Authors: Goldbach Anja , Kuttler Wilhelm
Published: February 2012

With the objective of quantifying turbulent heat fluxes in areas with various types of urban land use to improve living and environmental conditions through better urban planning, comparative energy balance measurements using the eddy‐covariance (EC) technique were conducted in Oberhausen (Germany) between 15 August 2010 and 15 April 2011. The results of this paper show that the sensible heat flux (QH) is 20% higher and that the latent heat flux (QE) is 90% lower at an urban site (URB) compared to a suburban site (SUB). Green spaces in cities counteract the growing thermal stresses on city dwellers and therefore represent a possible urban climate mitigation measure. This positive effect may be reduced or lost entirely during long periods of drought. The Bowen ratio (QH/QE) increased from 0.65 to 2.8 with decreasing soil moisture at the SUB, and the monthly average QE value decreased from 94 W m−2 (August 2010, heavy precipitation) to only 47 W m−2 (March 2011, dry period), providing impressive evidence of this relationship. Considering the aspects of urban climate, the creation of urban green spaces can only be effective if an optimum water supply is provided. Furthermore, additional planning recommendations are given for urban planners within cities located at mid‐latitudes, as derived from the measured results. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Finite strain formulation of a strain space multiple mechanism model for granular materials
Authors: Iai Susumu , Ueda Kyohei , Tobita Tetsuo , Ozutsumi Osamu
Published: February 2012

This paper presents the finite strain formulation of a strain space multiple mechanism model for granular materials. Because the strain space multiple mechanism model has an appropriate micromechanical background in which the branch and complementary vectors are defined in the material (or referential) coordinate, the finite strain formulation is carried out by following the change in these vectors, in direction and magnitude, associated with deformation in the material. By applying the methodology for compressible materials established in the finite strain continuum mechanics, decoupled formulation that decomposes the kinematic mechanisms into volumetric and isochoric components is adopted for the strain space multiple mechanism model. Lagrangian (material) description of integrated form is given by a relation between the second Piola–Kirchhoff effective stress tensor and the Green–Lagrange strain tensor; Eulerian (spatial) description by a relation between the Cauchy effective stress tensor and the Euler–Almansi strain tensor. In particular, the volumetric strain is defined as a logarithm of Jacobian determinant. Lagrangian (material) description of incremental form is derived through the material time derivative of the integrated form. The counterpart in the spatial description is derived through the Lie time derivative, given as a relation between the Oldroyd stress rate of Kirchhoff stress and the rate of deformation tensor (sometimes called stretching in the literatures). An example is shown to discuss the applicability of the finite strain formulation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactive Oxygen Species in a Non‐thermal Plasma Microjet and Water System: Generation, Conversion, and Contributions to Bacteria Inactivation—An Analysis by Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Wu Haiyan , Sun Peng , Feng Hongqing , Zhou Haixia , Wang Ruexue , Liang Yongdong , Lu Jingfen , Zhu Weidong , Zhang Jue , Fang Jing
Published: February 2012

Hydroxyl radical (•OH) and singlet oxygen (1O2) were detected by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy in a direct current He/O2 (2%) non‐thermal plasma microjet‐water system. ${}^{ \bullet }{\rm O}_{{\rm 2}}^{- } $ is shown to be the precursor of •OH. The concentrations of 1O2 and •OH are evaluated to be around 6 × 10−4 and 1.2 × 10−5 M, respectively. The survival rates of S. aureus exposed to plasma for 20 s in 1 ml H2O, SOD (100 U, for scavenging ${}^{ \bullet }{\rm O}_{{\rm 2}}^{- } $), D‐Man (0.15 M, for scavenging •OH), and L‐His (0.15 M, for scavenging •OH and 1O2) solutions were 0.7, 1.6, 13.4, and 40.9%, respectively, indicating that 1O2 contributes the most to the inactivation.

magnified image
How to evaluate process safety culture
Authors: Forest Jerry J.
Published: February 2012

It may seem that organizational culture is subjective and therefore difficult to measure. This article will show that an objective approach can be taken to survey and define process safety culture. With this data, gap analysis can be performed that compares survey data to the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) essential elements of process safety. This gap analysis can be used to identify strengths and weaknesses so that process safety performance can be improved.

The survey method used, employs the CCPS process safety pillars, and categorizes responses according to the pillar elements, principles, and essential features required for excellence. The appropriate data collecting technique is shown that will give statistically meaningful results. Examples are given of grouping results by safety pillar categories and demographics of the survey population. Finally, a gap analysis method is shown that compares the survey results to CCPS essential elements so that improvement plans can be made. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012
Nanospace charge polarization of monatomic‐layered platinum cluster disk constructed on silicon(111)‐7 × 7 surface
Authors: Yasumatsu Hisato , Murugan Palanichamy , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki
Published: February 2012

We studied geometric and electronic structures of a platinum cluster disk consisting 30 Pt atoms on the Si(111)‐7 × 7 surface by STM experiments (see left panel) and first principles calculations. It was found that the high stability of the cluster disk on the Si surface originates from the platinum–silicide bonds as strong as ∼45 eV per cluster, which are formed by electron transfer from the 5d orbital of the Pt atoms to the 3s and 3p ones of the Si atoms. This finding gives an essential interpretation to the experimental discovery that valence electrons in an occupied molecular orbital of the Pt30/Si system are distributed in a wider region than the locations of the Pt atoms. It appeared that electron accumulation at the interface between the cluster and the substrate induces two‐dimensional charge polarization in a nanospace as shown in right panel due to a combination of a metallic nature of the cluster disk and a highly resistive nature of the Si surface.

magnified image

STM image (left) of a monatomic‐layered platinum cluster disk, Pt30, constructed on the Si(111) surface. Schematic image (right) of two‐dimensional charge polarization; the Pt‐5d electrons are distributed out of the cluster, so that the centre and the periphery of the cluster are charged positively and negatively, respectively.
A reliable method by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry to quantify and confirm simultaneously the presence of solvent metabolites in workers' urine
Authors: Gagné Sébastien
Published: February 2012

Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used for the biological monitoring of workers occupationally exposed to solvents. The method was developed using a triple quadrupole to investigate the relevant urinary metabolites of styrene, namely mandelic acid and phenylglyoxylic acid. The method provides quantitative and qualitative data to give additional assurance about the nature of the contaminant analyzed in workers' urine. A full scan and a product ion scan were acquired within the chromatographic peak acquired in MRM. For the two metabolites, the repeatability was 96%, the precision ≥97%, and the accuracy ≥93 ± 3%. The quantitative performances were not influenced by the inclusion of simultaneous full scan acquisition as compared to a usual quantitative approach. Footprints of each substance of interest were obtained at each injection, and full scan data can be interrogated for the presence of interferences and other contaminants. The method developed has been submitted to random real samples from both non‐occupationally and occupationally exposed workers. The urines of non‐occupationally exposed workers were all free of mandelic acid, phenylglyoxylic acid and putative interferences showing the high selectivity of the method. However, the urines of occupationally exposed workers were robustly quantified. The levels of mandelic acid and phenylglyoxylic acid ranged between 0.2 and 9 mM, and the footprints of each metabolite and structural information were acquired in parallel with the quantitative results, thus providing unquestionable data about the nature of the contaminant and the levels reported. The combination of qualitative information acquired simultaneously with quantitative results provides the structural information needed in case of questions, without any harmful effect on the robustness and throughput of the quantitative analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Further analysis of pairing‐based traitor tracing schemes for broadcast encryption
Authors: Wu Tsu‐Yang , Tseng Yuh‐Min
Published: February 2012

Pairing‐based public key systems have recently received much attention because bilinear property contributes to the designs of many cryptographic schemes. In 2002, Mitsunari et al. proposed the first pairing‐based traitor tracing scheme with constant‐size ciphertexts and private keys. However, their scheme has been shown to be insecure for providing traitor tracing functionality. Recently, many researches still try to propose efficient pairing‐based traitor tracing schemes in terms of ciphertext and private key sizes. In this paper, we present a security claim for the design of pairing‐based traitor tracing schemes. For a pairing‐based traitor tracing scheme with constant‐size ciphertexts and private keys, if the decryption key is obtained by some pairing operations in pairing‐based public key systems, the scheme will suffer from a linear attack and cannot provide the traitor tracing functionality. Finally, we apply our security claim to attack a pairing‐based traitor tracing scheme proposed by Yang et al. to demonstrate our result. Our security claim can offer a notice and direction for designing pairing‐based traitor tracing schemes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A facile, one‐step method for the determination of accessible surface primary amino groups on solid carriers
Authors: Qu Zhenyuan , Xu Hong , Ning Puwen , Gu Hongchen
Published: February 2012

Amino‐functionalized microspheres are emerging as promising candidates for biomedical applications. Quantification of surface amino groups is of great significance to achieve a rational surface design and to facilitate subsequent bioconjugation. In this paper, we describe a facile method [named as subtractive 2‐iminothiolane (ITL)/bicinchnoninic acid (BCA) method] to determine the accessible surface primary amino groups using BCA and ITL on the basis of the rapid color reaction between ITL and BCA at ambient temperature. ITL was used to quantitatively label the surface amino groups, and the ITL consumed by the amino groups was determined by BCA in a solution reaction. The amino density of amino‐functionalized silica microspheres, polystyrene microspheres and magnetic microspheres were determined. The present method we proposed exhibits great simplicity (one‐step labeling and immediate detection without washing procedure) with high precision (standard error <5% for each concentration point of standards) and specificity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating vaccination coverage for the trivalent measles–mumps–rubella vaccine from trivariate serological data
Authors: Goeyvaerts Nele , Hens Niel , Theeten Heidi , Aerts Marc , Damme Pierre Van , Beutels Philippe
Published: February 2012

The effectiveness of childhood immunization programs depends on the vaccination coverage actually achieved. Routinely collected coverage data are not always available, and comparability between countries is often compromised because of different data collection methods. In 2000, Gay developed a method to estimate trivalent vaccination coverage from readily available trivariate serological data on the basis of parametric assumptions related to the rate of seroconversion for each vaccine component and probabilities of natural exposure to infection. Gay's work was indirectly published in a paper by Altmann and Altmann, who derived exact solutions for the parameters on the basis of Gay's modeling equations. In this paper, we propose a general likelihood‐based marginal model framework to extend Gay's model by relaxing two of its main assumptions. We use the Bahadur model for trivariate binary data to explicitly account for an association between the disease‐specific exposure probabilities. We fit several correlation structures to measles, mumps, and rubella serology from Belgium and Ireland. For both countries, we estimate a small positive pairwise exposure correlation, which improves the fit to the data. However, the effect on the estimated vaccination coverage and its associated variability is fairly moderate. For both Belgium and Ireland, all models reveal that the vaccination coverage achieved during the first 15 years since the introduction of measles, mumps, and rubella immunization is insufficient to eliminate measles. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of oxidized corn starch in a screw extruder under alkali‐free conditions
Authors: Dai Yangyong , Dong Haizhou , Hou Hanxue , Qi Xiaoyan , Zhang Hui
Published: February 2012

To promote water solubility of oxidized starch prepared by the dry process, a twin screw extruder was used as a reactor in the present study. Through single‐factor experiments and orthogonal experiment, the effects of barrel temperature, moisture content, addition amount of NaOCl, and screw speed on the carboxyl content (CC) and water solubility index (WSI) of oxidized corn starch were investigated. The results indicated that high screw speed, medium barrel temperature, and low moisture content could lead to high WSI of oxidized corn starch produced by extrusion. The reaction efficiency and solubility of oxidized starch prepared by reactive extrusion under the optimal condition were all improved greatly, especially the WSI was very high (99.56%). Preparation of oxidized starch by reactive extrusion under alkali‐free conditions could be described as a rapid (only several minutes), continuous, reduced addition amount of NaOCl, eco‐friendly new dry technology.
Effects of productivity, disturbance, and ecosystem size on food‐chain length: insights from a metacommunity model of intraguild predation
Authors: Takimoto Gaku , Post David M. , Spiller David A. , Holt Robert D.
Published: February 2012

Traditionally, productivity and disturbance have been hypothesized as important determinants of food‐chain length. More recently, growing empirical evidence suggests a strong role of ecosystem size. To theoretically explore the effects of basal productivity, disturbance, and ecosystem size on food‐chain length, we develop and analyze a metacommunity model of intraguild predation (IGP). The model finds that, when local IGP is weak, increasing basal productivity, weakening disturbance, and increasing ecosystem size will generally increase food‐chain length. When local IGP is strong, by contrast, increasing basal productivity or weakening disturbance favors intraguild predators and hinders the coexistence of intraguild predators and intraguild prey, limiting food‐chain length. In contrast, increasing ecosystem size can promote coexistence even when local IGP is strong, increasing food‐chain length through inserting intraguild prey and changing the degree of omnivory by intraguild predators. Intraguild prey needs to be the superior colonizer to intraguild predators for this to occur. We discuss that these theoretical predictions appear consistent with empirical patterns.
Influence of Maternal Diet During Early Pregnancy on the Fatty Acid Profile in the Fetus at Late Pregnancy in Rats
Authors: Fernandes Flavia Spreafico , Tavares do Carmo Maria das Graças , Herrera Emilio
Published: February 2012

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of different dietary fatty acids during the first half of pregnancy on the fatty acid composition of maternal adipose tissue and of maternal and fetal plasma at mid‐ and late‐pregnancy. Pregnant rats received soybean‐, olive‐, fish‐, linseed‐ or palm‐oil diets from conception to day 12 of gestation. Virgin rats receiving the same treatments were studied in parallel. At day 12, some rats were sacrificed and others were returned to the standard diet and studied at day 20. At day 12, the concentrations of most fatty acids in plasma reflected the dietary composition and individual fatty acids in lumbar adipose tissue of pregnant rats correlated with those in the diet. At day 20, the plasma concentration of each fatty acid was higher in pregnant than in both virgin rats and day‐12 pregnant rats. The composition in 20‐day pregnant (but not in virgin) rats resembled the diet consumed during the first 12 days. Fatty acid concentration in fetal plasma was also influenced by the maternal diet during the first 12 days of pregnancy, and long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC‐PUFA) concentrations correlated with those in the mothers. In conclusion, during the first half of pregnancy maternal adipose tissue stores dietary‐derived fatty acids, which are released into blood during late pregnancy enabling LC‐PUFA to become available to the fetus.
Isolated ACTH deficiency in self referred patients for LOH syndrome: two case reports
Authors: Sato Yoshikazu , Tanda Hitoshi , Nakajima Hisao , Nitta Toshikazu , Akagashi Keigo , Hanzawa Tatsuo , Tobe Musashi , Haga Kazunori , Uchida Kousuke , Honma Ichiya
Published: February 2012

We experienced two cases of isolated ACTH deficiency (IAD) in patients self referred for late‐onset hypogonadism (LOH) syndrome. IAD is secondary adrenal insufficiency due to lack of secretion of ACTH and delayed diagnosis of this rare condition may be life‐threatening. The predominant symptoms of IAD, such as general malaise and weakness, resemble those of LOH syndrome creating the possibility that IAD may be referred as LOH syndrome. Two middle aged men with severe general malaise visited our clinic requesting evaluation for LOH syndrome. Previous treatments had been ineffective and based on varying incorrect diagnoses by previous doctors. The patients self referred themselves for LOH syndrome. Some of their symptoms were consistent with LOH syndrome but others were atypical, in particular, the severity of malaise and appetite loss. Hormonal assays were compatible with adrenal insufficiency secondary to ACTH deficiency. Steroid replacement dramatically improved their symptoms. The clinical course of our two patients and points of differential diagnosis between IAD and LOH syndrome are reported here.
Process mapping of PTA and stent placement in a university hospital interventional radiology department
Authors: de Bucourt Maximilian , Busse Reinhard , Güttler Felix , Reinhold Thomas , Vollnberg Bernd , Kentenich Max , Hamm Bernd , Teichgräber Ulf K.
Published: February 2012

Objective

To apply the process mapping technique in an interdisciplinary approach in order to visualize, better understand, and efficiently organize percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stent placement procedures in a university hospital’s interventional radiology department.

Methods

After providing an overview of seven established mapping techniques for medical professionals, the process mapping technique was chosen and applied in an interdisciplinary approach including referrers (physicians, nurses, and other staff in referring departments, e.g., vascular surgery), providers (interventional radiologists, nurses, technicians, and staff of the angiography suite), and specialists of the hospital’s controlling department.

Results

A generally binding and standardized process map was created, describing the entire procedure for a patient in whom the radiological intervention of PTA or stent treatment is contemplated from admission to the department of vascular surgery until discharge after successful treatment. This visualization tool assists in better understanding (especially given natural staff fluctuation over time) and efficiently organizing PTA and stent procedures.

Conclusion

Process mapping can be applied for streamlining workflow in healthcare, especially in interdisciplinary settings. By defining exactly what a business entity does, who is responsible, to what standard a process should be completed, and how the success can be assessed, this technique can be used to eliminate waste and inefficiencies from the workplace while providing high-quality goods and services easily, quickly, and inexpensively.

Main Messages

• Process mapping can be used in a university hospital’s interventional radiology department.

• Process mapping can describe the patient’s entire process from admission to PTA/stent placement until discharge.

• Process mapping can be used in interdisciplinary teams (e.g., referrers, providers, and controlling specialists).

• Process mapping can be used in order to more efficiently organize PTA and stent placement procedures.

• Process mapping can assist in better understanding and efficiently organizing procedures in standardized fashion.
Surgical treatment of melorheostosis: Report of two cases
Authors: Chou Shih‐Hsiang , Chen Chung‐Hwan , Chen Jian‐Chih , Chien Song‐Hsiung , Cheng Yuh‐Min
Published: February 2012

Melorheostosis is a rare disease that usually burdens the patient with painful disability or soft tissue compromise. The treatment is usually symptomatic and conservative. Patients with severe and complicated forms of the disease may require surgery. Involvement of the distal part of a limb usually carries more morbidity, such as tumefaction pain, cosmetic and psychosocial or functional problems that render conservative treatment unsatisfactory to patients. In our series, surgical debulking or decompression of the mass effect provided prompt symptom relief.
Molecular and morphological characterization of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) from Chilean vineyards
Authors: Correa M.C.G. , Germain J-F. , Malausa T. , Zaviezo T.
Published: February 2012

Mealybugs are major pests of grapevines worldwide. They cause economic losses by lowering the cosmetic value of fruits, reducing yields, transmitting viruses and resulting in the quarantine or rejection of produce in international trade. Knowledge of the species present in a vineyard is important for the adjustment of management strategies. We surveyed and accurately characterized the mealybugs infesting vineyards in one of the main production areas of Chile; 164 mealybugs were sampled from 26 vineyards in four regions of Chile and identified by DNA sequencing for two markers (cytochrome oxidase I and internal transcribed spacer 2) and morphological examination.Pseudococcus viburni(Signoret) was the most common species, followed byPseudococcus meridionalisPrado andPseudococcus cribataGonzález. Molecular variability at the COI and ITS2 loci was observed in bothP. viburniandP. cribata. A comparison of haplotypes ofP. viburniworldwide provides support for a recent hypothesis that this species is native to South America, a finding with direct consequences for management. NeitherPseudococcus longispinus(Targioni & Tozzetti) norPlanococcus ficusSignoret were found.
Research agenda: Priorities for future research in second language assessment
Authors: Stoynoff Stephen
Published: February 2012

In a recent state-of-the-art (SoA) article (Stoynoff 2009), I reviewed some of the trends in language assessment research and considered them in light of validation activities associated with four widely used international measures of L2 English ability. This Thinking Allowed article presents an opportunity to revisit the four broad areas of L2 assessment research (conceptualizations of the L2 construct, validation theory and practice, the application of technology to language assessment, and the consequences of assessment) discussed in the previous SoA and to propose tasks I believe will promote further advances in L2 assessment. Of course, the research tasks I suggest represent a personal stance and readers are encouraged to consider additional perspectives, including those expressed by Bachman (2000), Chalhoub-Deville & Deville (2005), McNamara & Roever (2006), Shaw & Weir (2007), and Stansfield (2008). Moreover, readers will find useful descriptions of current research approaches to investigating L2 assessments in Lumley & Brown (2005), Weir (2005a), Chapelle, Enright & Jamieson (2008), Lazaraton (2008), and Xi (2008).
Another America: Russian mental discoveries of the North-west Pacific region in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries
Authors: Winkler Martina
Published: February 2012

This article explores Russian perceptions of ‘America’ as they emerged in the eighteenth century when traders, explorers, and scholars approached the North American continent from the Pacific side. It argues that these perceptions were fundamentally different from the European mental discovery of America via the Atlantic. Rather than imagining a ‘new world’, the protagonists saw the north-west American coastline as a part of the North Pacific basin, which, in turn, was considered a part of the Russian empire. Only in the early nineteenth century did Russian geographic and cultural concepts change, becoming more similar to those of Europeans and to contemporary ideas of continents and global structures.
Effects of mesoscale processes on phytoplankton chlorophyll off Baja California
Authors: Espinosa‐Carreón T. Leticia , Gaxiola‐Castro Gilberto , Beier Emilio , Strub P. Ted , Kurczyn J. A.
Published: February 2012

Using satellite sea surface height (SSH) and chlorophyll (CHL), the year 2000 is analyzed to characterize the effects of mesoscale circulation patterns on phytoplankton spatial variability in the California Current (CC) off Baja California. Satellite data are combined with and compared to in situ field measurements (chlorophyll‐a and hydrographic variables) along vertical alongshore sections located ∼130 km offshore between ∼24.5° −33°N. Monthly average maps of SSH and surface geostrophic velocities depict the characteristics of mesoscale meanders and eddies, which correspond well with the subsurface hydrographic and velocity fields. Satellite‐derived pigment (CHL) represent in situ fields in the upper 0–20 m (overall r = 0.53; p < 0.05), but their representation of peak values in Deep Chlorophyll Maxima (DCM) at ∼50 m depth are inaccurate. DCM are traced in all three seasons (January–July), descending from near the surface (north of 31°N) to 50 m over a large extent of the transect to the south, approximately following the 24.7–25.1 isopycnals as they and the isotherms deepen to the south. In January, phytoplankton chlorophyll concentrations in the DCM are relatively uniform, originating during upwelling events that occur farther north, then following the equatorward flow of the CC. During April and July, the discrete maxima in the DCM occur at the centers of cyclonic meanders and the chlorophyll concentrations inside these maxima are enhanced as a result of local coastal upwelling off Baja California. Phytoplankton blooms created by coastal upwelling spread offshore and subduct along the 24.7–25.1 isopycnals, creating the DCM along the inner part of the meandering jet.
Evidence for Language-Specific Influence on the Preference of Stress Patterns in Infants Learning an Iambic Language (Hebrew)
Authors: Segal Osnat , Kishon-Rabin Liat
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The ability of infants to develop recognition of a common stress pattern that is language specific has been tested mainly in trochaic languages with a strong-weak (SW) stress pattern. The goals of the present study were: (a) to test Hebrew-learning infants on their stress pattern preference in the Hebrew language, for which the weak-strong (WS) stress pattern is the common one, and (b) to test whether the infants would generalize any preference for the common stress pattern in Hebrew to English words, which belong to a different rhythmic class.

Method

Fifty-six 9-month-old Hebrew-learning infants were tested on their preference for SW and WS stress patterns using Hebrew and English bisyllabic words with the Head-Turn Preference Procedure.

Results

The infants showed preference for WS Hebrew words but not for SW English words.

Conclusion

Hebrew-learning infants recognize the common stress pattern in their native language, supporting language-specific distributional learning by infants. This recognition, however, is not generalized to a foreign language with different prosodic characteristics.
Identifying a Comparison for Matching Rough Voice Quality
Authors: Patel Sona , Shrivastav Rahul , Eddins David A.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Perceptual estimates of voice quality obtained using rating scales are subject to contextual biases that influence how individuals assign numbers to estimate the magnitude of vocal quality. Because rating scales are commonly used in clinical settings, assessments of voice quality are also subject to the limitations of these scales. Instead, a matching task can be used to obtain objective measures of voice quality, thereby facilitating model development and tools for clinical use.

Method

Twenty-seven individuals participated in a rating task or at least 1 of 3 matching tests (named after their modulation functions: SINE, SQUARE, POWER) to quantify the degree of roughness in dysphonic voice stimuli. Participants evaluated the roughness of 34 voice samples using an amplitude-modulated complex carrier.

Results

The matching thresholds were highly correlated with the ratings estimates. Reliability of thresholds did not significantly differ across tasks, but linear regressions showed that the POWER test resulted in larger perceptual distances.

Conclusions

A matching task can be used to obtain reliable estimates of roughness in dysphonic voices. The POWER comparison is recommended because the variability in matching thresholds across the range of roughness was evenly distributed, and the perceptual distances between stimuli were maximized.