bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects upon children in Jordan of the imprisonment of their fathers
Authors: Al Gharaibeh Fakir
Published: March 2008

English

This study examined the effects upon children in Jordan of fathers being imprisoned. Interviews were conducted with 26 mothers of children and NUDIST was used for qualitative data analysis. As elsewhere, the study confirmed that children are adversely affected and stigmatized: problems related to emotional development, behaviour and schooling were evident.

French

Cette étude examine les effets sur les enfants de Jordanie de l'emprisonnement de leurs pères. Des entretiens ont été conduits avec 26 mères d'enfants et le système d'analyses de données NUDIST a été utilisée pour l'analyse des données qualitatives. Comme partout ailleurs, l'étude confirme que les enfants sont affectés profondément et stigmatisés : les problèmes liés au développement affectif, de comportement les difficultés scolaires sont évidentes.

Spanish

Este estudio examinó los efectos que tienen sobre los niños en Jordania el encarcelamiento de sus padres. Se realizaron entrevistas a 26 madres y se utilizó NUDIST para el anÁlisis cualitativo de los datos. Como en todas partes, el estudio confirmó que los niños son afectados negativamente y estigmatizados: se hicieron evidentes los problemas relacionados al desarrollo emocional, el comportamiento y la asistencia a la escuela.
Beyond Tutoring
Authors: Saddler Bruce , Staulters Merry
Published: March 2008

One of the greatest challenges facing teachers is accommodating struggling, diverse, and at-risk readers. Even with the use of effective, research-based techniques, many children fail to make adequate progress in reading and may need additional assistance. One way to provide this assistance is through tutoring. This article outlines a successful after-school reading project that utilized university graduate students as tutors for struggling readers. The authors discuss both challenges and solutions associated with the project.
Understanding and Developing Academic and Behavioral Interventions for Students With Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Killu Kim , Crundwell R. Marc A.
Published: March 2008

Despite significant advances in practices for effectively designing and delivering instruction for students with disabilities, educators continue to face challenges addressing the needs of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Little information is available for educators on accommodations and modifications that would serve the needs of these students and address the unique challenges they present in the classroom. The educational, social, and behavioral needs of students with bipolar disorder are discussed along with suggestions for providing effective accommodations and modifications in the classroom.
Using Clickers in Nonmajors- and Majors-Level Biology Courses: Student Opinion, Learning, and Long-Term Retention of Course Material
Authors: Crossgrove Kirsten , Curran Kristen L.
Published: March 2008

Student response systems (clickers) are viewed positively by students and instructors in numerous studies. Evidence that clickers enhance student learning is more variable. After becoming comfortable with the technology during fall 2005–spring 2006, we compared student opinion and student achievement in two different courses taught with clickers in fall 2006. One course was an introductory biology class for nonmajors, and the other course was a 200 level genetics class for biology majors. Students in both courses had positive opinions of the clickers, although we observed some interesting differences between the two groups of students. Student performance was significantly higher on exam questions covering material taught with clickers, although the differences were more dramatic for the nonmajors biology course than the genetics course. We also compared retention of information 4 mo after the course ended, and we saw increased retention of material taught with clickers for the nonmajors course, but not for the genetics course. We discuss the implications of our results in light of differences in how the two courses were taught and differences between science majors and nonmajors.
Information Fluency for Undergraduate Biology Majors: Applications of Inquiry-based Learning in a Developmental Biology Course
Authors: Gehring Kathleen M. , Eastman Deborah A.
Published: March 2008

Many initiatives for the improvement of undergraduate science education call for inquiry-based learning that emphasizes investigative projects and reading of the primary literature. These approaches give students an understanding of science as a process and help them integrate content presented in courses. At the same time, general initiatives to promote information fluency are being promoted on many college and university campuses. Information fluency refers to discipline-specific processing of information, and it involves integration of gathered information with specific ideas to form logical conclusions. We have implemented the use of inquiry-based learning to enhance and study discipline-specific information fluency skills in an upper-level undergraduate Developmental Biology course. In this study, an information literacy tutorial and a set of linked assignments using primary literature analysis were integrated with two inquiry-based laboratory research projects. Quantitaitve analysis of student responses suggests that the abilities of students to identify and apply valid sources of information were enhanced. Qualitative assessment revealed a set of patterns by which students gather and apply information. Self-assessment responses indicated that students recognized the impact of the assignments on their abilities to gather and apply information and that they were more confident about these abilities for future biology courses and beyond.
Eu2+-doped Thioaluminates: New Candidates for White LEDs
Authors: Yu Ruijin , Wang Jing , Zhang Xinmin , Yuan Haibin , Zhang Jianhui , Su Qiang
Published: March 2008

Three Eu2+-doped thioaluminate phosphors with different light-emitting colors, green, bluish-green, and blue were synthesized by the evacuated sealed quartz ampoule method. Under UV excitation, CaAl2S4:Eu2+ (CAS), SrAl2S4:Eu2+ (SAS), and BaAl2S4:Eu2+ (BAS) exhibit strong emission bands peaked at 516, 496, and 470 nm, respectively. The fabricated LEDs of CAS, SAS, and BAS show intense green, bluish-green, and blue lighting. They are all believed to be good phosphor candidates for creating white light in phosphor-converted white LEDs.
What is the role of cerebrospinal fluid ferritin in the diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage in computed tomography-negative patients?
Authors: Watson Ian D , Beetham Robert , Fahie-Wilson Michael N , Holbrook Ian B , O'Connell Daniel M
Published: March 2008

Background

Spectrophotometry of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for bilirubin is the recommended method for investigation in suspected cases of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), when a computed tomography (CT) of the head is negative for blood. There is a potential need for a simpler alternative. Measurement of CSF ferritin might fulfil this need.

Method

We have measured ferritin in the CSF from 252 patients with suspected SAH who were negative on a CT of the head for blood, recruited on a consecutive intention to recruit basis from four centres. CSF spectrophotometry was performed on all samples. A positive outcome was taken as an aneurysm found on angiography that was treated or a discharge diagnosis of non-aneurysmal SAH.

Results

A final diagnosis of aneurysmal SAH was made in six patients, an arteriovenous malformation in one and non-aneurysmal SAH in nine. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that at 6.4 μg/L, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 1.0, 0.48, 0.12 and 1.0, respectively. At 12 μg/L, these values were 0.81, 0.91, 0.38 and 0.98, respectively.

Conclusions

At an appropriate negative predictive value (1.0) for a rule-out test, ferritin has too low a specificity to function as a stand-alone test and we cannot recommend it as an initial screen to be followed by spectrophotometry.
Hyperhomocysteinaemia and parameters of antioxidative defence in Tunisian patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Kerkeni Mohsen , Added Faouzi , Farhat Mohamed Ben , Miled Abdelhedi , Trivin François , Maaroufi Khira
Published: March 2008

Background

An imbalance between oxidative damage and antioxidative protection in association with the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis has been suggested. The aim of this study was to test the parameters of antioxidative defence and to assess their association with hyperhomocysteinaemia and the severity of coronary heart disease (CHD) in Tunisian patients.

Methods

The study population included 100 patients with CHD and 120 healthy controls. The severity of CHD was expressed as the number of affected vessels. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and total antioxidant status (TAS) concentrations were measured using commercially available methods. Plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration was determined by direct chemiluminescence assay. Serum zinc (Zn) was measured by a colorimetric method.

Results

Compared with healthy control subjects, patients with CHD had significantly lower activities of SOD ( P < 0.01), GPx ( P < 0.001), and serum Zn concentrations ( P < 0.001) and significantly higher tHcy concentration ( P < 0.001). However TAS concentrations were not significantly different between the groups. SOD and GPx activities were negatively correlated with tHcy concentration ( P < 0.05, P < 0.001, respectively). Patients with hyperhomocysteinaemia showed a lower GPx and SOD activities than patients with normohomocysteinaemia. Antioxidant enzyme activities tended to be decreased in CHD patients presenting with 0- to 3-vessel stenosis.

Conclusions

This study indicates that low activity of GPx, SOD and Zn concentration are associated with CHD patients. We hypothesize that hyperhomocysteinaemia and low antioxidant enzyme activities may increase the extent of CHD.
Are patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia well managed in lipid clinics? An audit of eleven clinics from the Department of Health Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Cascade Testing project
Authors: Hadfield S G , Horara S , Starr B J , Yazdgerdi S , Bhatnagar D , Cramb R , Egan S , Everdell R , Ferns G , Jones A , Marenah C B , Marples J , Prinsloo P , Sneyd A , Stewart M F , Sandle L , Wang T , Watson M S , Humphries S E
Published: March 2008

Background

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an autosomal co-dominant disorder which is relatively common, leads to high levels of LDL-cholesterol and if untreated to early coronary heart disease. An audit of current practice at National Health Service Trusts in England was undertaken to determine whether FH patients meet the diagnostic criteria for FH; are being offered appropriate advice and treatment; and to what extent their families are contacted and offered testing for the disorder.

Methods

Medical records of known FH patients (over 18 years of age and diagnosed before 31 December 2003) were accessed to obtain information on diagnosis, treatment and family tracing.

Results

The records of 733 FH patients were examined, 79% met the UK ‘Simon Broome’ register criteria for the diagnosis of definite or possible FH. Analyses showed that patients were usually offered appropriate advice and treatment, with 89% being on a statin. However, the audit indicated a high variability in family tracing between the sites, with significant differences in the frequency of inclusion of a family pedigree in the notes (range 1–71%, mean 35%); the general practitioner (GP) being advised that first-degree relatives should be tested (range 4–52%, mean 27%); and the proportion of relatives contacted and tested (range 6–50%, mean 32%).

Conclusion

FH patients are well cared for in lipid clinics in England, are being given appropriate lifestyle advice and medication, but an increase in recording of LDL-cholesterol levels may lead to improvements in their management. Practice in family tracing appears to vary widely between clinics.
Automated assay for plasma D-lactate by enzymatic spectrophotometric analysis with sample blank correction
Authors: Herrera Daniel Juan , Morris Kevin , Johnston Chris , Griffiths Paul
Published: March 2008

Background

D-lactate is essentially a product of bacterial metabolism, and its assessment in plasma has been mainly used to diagnose D-lactic acidosis in patients with short bowel syndrome. In the last few years, there has been growing interest in the use of subclinical elevations of D-lactate concentrations as a diagnostic tool in a variety of clinical conditions such as ischaemia, trauma or infection.

Methods

An endpoint enzymatic spectrophotometric assay to measure plasma D-lactate with a sample blank correction was validated on our routine clinical chemistry analyser (Olympus AU640). An ultrafiltration procedure was used in samples with a high L-lactate dehydrogenase (L-LDH) activity in order to avoid underestimation of the D-lactate concentration, when a sample blank was processed.

Results

The intra- and inter-assay imprecision were <5.1% and <13.3%, respectively and the mean recovery for the D-lactate assay was 95% (range 88–103%). Samples with L-LDH activity greater than 1500 IU/L required the use of ultrafiltration devices. Plasma D-lactate concentration in our ‘non-diseased’ paediatric population showed a non-Gaussian distribution – 95th percentile equal to 19 μmol/L – and no difference based on gender or age was observed.

Conclusion

We have established an accurate, sensitive and precise routine assay for D-lactate measurement in plasma. The assay was used to formulate paediatric reference ranges and will be used to assist clinicians to evaluate ‘D-lactate toxicity’ in patients with a variety of conditions such as short bowel syndrome, small bowel transplantation and as an early marker of intestinal ischaemia.
The development of a system for the reporting, classification and grading of quality failures in the clinical biochemistry laboratory
Authors: O'Kane Maurice J , Lynch P L Mark , McGowan Noel
Published: March 2008

Background

There is no agreed system for the reporting, classification and grading of the severity of quality failures in the clinical biochemistry laboratory.

Methods

A ‘Quality Query’ reporting system was set up to log all quality failures identified by staff and service users. Quality failures were classified into three major groups of the preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical phases with appropriate subcategories in each group. The severity of each quality failure was graded using a five-point scoring system incorporating both actual (‘A’) and potential (‘P’) score elements. The ‘A’ score measured the actual adverse impact of the quality failure on patient care, while the ‘P’ score measured the ‘worst case’ potential outcome that might have resulted. The system was assessed over a 19-month period.

Results

Three hundred and ninety-seven Quality Query reports were completed (0.085% of all requests). Breakdown by cause: pre-analytical phase – 88.9%, analytical phase – 9.6%, post-analytical phase – 1.5%. The quality failure severity ‘A’ scores were skewed towards a low adverse impact on patient care: 72.7% allocated an ‘A’ score of 1 (least severe grade). The ‘P’ scores were skewed towards a high potential impact on patient care: 65.9% allocated a ‘P’ score of 5 (most severe grade).

Conclusions

The Quality Query reporting system proved easy to integrate into routine laboratory practice. Although the great majority of quality failures had minimal adverse impact on patient care, the potential for adverse outcomes was much higher. This system generates important information on laboratory performance and helps inform risk management priorities.
An apparent phaeochromocytoma and abnormal thyroid function tests
Authors: King T F J , Shea P O , Sullivan E P O , Srinivasan R , Griffin A , Fitzgerald R , Tormey W , Smith D
Published: March 2008

A 41-year-old lady presented with classical symptoms of a phaeochromocytoma and markedly elevated urinary adrenaline concentration. Urinary fractionated metanephrine and normetanephrine concentrations were within the normal reference range. Computed tomography of the abdomen/pelvis and I123 meta-iodobenzylguanidine scans were negative. Factitious adrenaline use was established as the diagnosis.
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in an Italian man: clinical manifestation and genetic analysis
Authors: Vendrame Francesco , Verrienti Antonella , Parlapiano Claudio , Filetti Sebastiano , Dotta Francesco , Morano Susanna
Published: March 2008

In Western countries, thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare condition with only sporadic cases described so far. Here, we describe a 29-year-old Italian man who presented with leg weakness and hypokalaemia. Treatment with intravenous potassium resulted in a rapid resolution of symptoms. TPP as the underlying cause was suggested by suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), elevated free T3 and free T4, and the presence of TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAB). Genetic analysis showed no mutations in the candidate exons of calcium ( CACN1AS), potassium ( KCNE3) and sodium ( SCN4A) channel genes. However, we identified the presence of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 1491C > T and 1551 T > C, in exon 11 of the CACN1AS gene. Although the 1491C > T SNP is not apparently involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, the 1551 T > C SNP has been associated with TPP in Asians and reported in only one case in European Caucasians. Further investigations are needed to clarify whether such polymorphisms have a role in the disease pathogenesis in Caucasians.
Faecal occult blood tests – eliminate, enhance or update?
Authors: Fraser Callum G
Published: March 2008

Traditional guaiac-based faecal occult blood tests (FOBT) are commonly performed investigations in laboratories, wards, clinics and general practices. Although there is much evidence that use of FOBT in asymptomatic population screening programmes for colorectal (bowel) cancer does reduce mortality, there is little, if any, evidence of the value of FOBT in symptomatic individuals. In contrast, recent evidence-based guidelines are unequivocal that most of those presenting with symptoms should have bowel visualization and that the only laboratory test required is the full blood count. Moreover, recent literature shows that there are significant problems in sample collection for FOBT and in analysis of FOBT. In view of these facts, it is suggested that FOBT be ceased in all clinical settings except in asymptomatic population screening programmes. An alternative to elimination of FOBT would be laboratory-led improvement of knowledge on the appropriateness of requests, the FOBT used, the quality of FOBT sample collection and the standard of analysis, but this would require significant efforts and resources, which probably could be better spent elsewhere. A favoured option is that FOBT be replaced by faecal immunochemical tests since these undoubtedly have many clinical and laboratory advantages and fewer problems in both performance and interpretation.
Self-reported reasons among HIV-infected patients for missing clinic appointments
Authors: Park Wan Beom , Kim Ji Yeon , Kim Sung-Han , Kim Hong Bin , Kim Nam Joong , Oh Myoung-Don , Choe Kang Won
Published: March 2008

Summary

Although adherence to clinic visits is important for successful clinical outcome in HIV treatment, little is known about the reasons patients with HIV miss appointments. We prospectively monitored the self-reported reasons for missed clinic appointments among HIV patients at a university hospital in South Korea from June through December 2006. Of the 1562 scheduled clinic visits, 131 (8%) of appointments were missed. Work schedule, forgetfulness and lack of motivation were the primary reasons given for missed appointments. Considering these factors when scheduling appointments may improve adherence to clinic attendance among HIV-infected patients.
Slips, breaks and ‘falls’: condom errors and problems reported by men attending an STD clinic
Authors: Crosby Richard , Yarber William L , Sanders Stephanie A , Graham Cynthia A , Arno Janet N
Published: March 2008

Summary

The objective was to comprehensively assess the prevalence of condom-use errors and problems among male clients attending a public sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic. Men ( n = 278) attending an STD clinic completed an anonymous questionnaire. Seven errors and six problems were assessed. Summative scores were tested for associations with three key variables. Of 834 condom-protected events: 19% were associated with ‘fit and feel’ problems, 15% involved breakage, 14% involved lost erection, 9% were associated with lost erection while applying condoms, 8% involved slippage during withdrawal and 7% involved slippage during sex. A mean of 6.4 errors/problems were observed. None of these summative variables (total errors, total problems or total of errors and problems) were significantly associated with age, minority status or whether men indicated they had ever been taught how to use condoms. Multiple types of condom-use errors and problems may be highly prevalent among high-risk men attending public STD clinics.
Human papillomavirus type-distribution in the cervix of Chinese women: a meta-analysis
Authors: Bao Y P , Li N , Smith J S , Qiao Y L
Published: March 2008

Summary

The aim of the study was to determine human papillomavirus (HPV) type-distribution in the cervix of Chinese women, and to estimate the potential future impact of HPV prophylactic vaccines for cervical cancer prevention in China. A total of 32 studies using polymerase chain reaction for HPV detection were included in the meta-analysis, including 2844 invasive cervical cancer (ICC), 820 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), 432 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and 2902 women with normal cytology/histology. The overall and type-specific HPV prevalence of 18 HPV types (HPV 6, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 70, 73 and 82 of different cervical stages) were estimated. Overall HPV prevalence was 83.7%, 66.2%, 61.3% and 11.2% in ICC, HSIL, LSIL and normal, respectively. HPV 16 was the predominant type in all cervical stages. Estimated HPV 16/18-positive fractions in ICC, HSIL, LSIL and normal were 69.7%, 45.5%, 32.23% and 4.6%, respectively. HPV-16/18 vaccine has the 69.7% potential prevention in ICC. HPV 58 and 52 were the priority HPV types in Chinese women.
Syndromic approach to sexually transmitted infections in Tunisian women: bacteriological validation
Authors: Zribi M , Mansour K Ben , Abid F , Masmoudi A , Fendri C
Published: March 2008

Summary

The World Health Organization emphasizes an integrated primary care approach using syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections. The objective of our study was to evaluate the quality of care of the syndromic management of sexually transmitted disease in women in Rabta hospital in Tunisia. Algorithms have been developed for: cervicitis due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia (algorithm 3a), vaginitis due to Trichomonas vaginalis or Chlamydia trachomatis (algorithm 3b) and vaginitis due to Candida (algorithm 3c). A total of 116 women were enrolled in the study during February 2003 to April 2004.

The prevalence of each bacterium was Chlamydia (10%), N. gonorrhoeae (1%), Treponema pallidum (1%), T. vaginalis (5%) and Candida (21%). Algorithm ‘3a’ had a sensitivity of 45%, a specificity of 42% and positive predictive value (PPV) of 11.9%. Algorithm ‘3b’ had a sensitivity of 35.7%, a specificity of 68.9% and PPV of 20.8%. Algorithm ‘3c’ had a sensitivityof 12%, a specificity of 88% and PPV of 33.3%. To improve the sensitivity of the syndromic approach, we suggest improving the quality of history taking.
Hepatitis B testing and vaccination in patients recently diagnosed with HIV infection
Authors: Steedman N M , McMillan A
Published: March 2008

Summary

The British HIV Association currently recommends vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) for all susceptible HIV-infected individuals, therefore a retrospective analysis was performed on case notes from all patients diagnosed with HIV infection in our department for a one-year period from 1st August 2005; in each case HBV serological testing and vaccination status were recorded. Fifty-one patients were diagnosed with HIV infection during the study period, however, serological testing for HBV infection had been undertaken in only 76% of susceptible patients by 12 months following their HIV diagnosis. At the time of analysis only 31% of patients were adequately vaccinated against HBV, with recorded HBV surface antibody titres of >100 IU/L. HBV remains a considerable cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals and this study suggests that prevention or detection of HBV infection requires increased vigilance on the part of physicians managing HIV-positive patients.
A retrospective audit of the management and complications of pelvic inflammatory disease
Authors: Evans Derek T P , Jaleel Henna , Kinsella Matthew T , Aggarwal Ved
Published: March 2008

Summary

Our objective was to examine the management of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in Southend Hospital against the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV guidelines. In addition, we reviewed the Genito-Urinary (GU) Medicine and Gynaecology notes for patients who failed treatment for PID in GU medicine. This was to reveal their complications and subsequent management. Thirty of 249 patients diagnosed with PID failed treatment. Chlamydia was found in 30% of these patients, gonorrhoea in 10%, with the rest being categorized into presumed anaerobic/other aetiology. Appropriate antibiotic regimens were used in 96.6% of patients and the 66.7% of contacts who were traced and treated. Eighteen of the 30 patients had a laparoscopy. Findings were: confirmed PID in 5.6%; endometriosis in 27.8%, adhesions with no evidence of PID in 27.8%; and 38% had no abnormalities found. Laparoscopy has an important role in excluding other pathology in patients who have failed to respond to appropriate conservative management.
Vitamin D intoxication: a cause of hypocalcaemia and acute renal failure in a HIV patient
Authors: Tuon F F , Nihei C H , Gryschek R C , Seguro A C
Published: March 2008

Summary

Hypercalcaemia in patients with HIV infection is usually associated with specific conditions such as lymphoma and granulomatous diseases. We described a case of severe hypercalcaemia consequent to vitamin D intoxication and secondary renal failure in a HIV patient under tenofovir using. Serum creatinine and calcium returned to near normal levels after vitamin D discontinuation, saline and furosemide administration. Some aspects of the drug-induced nephropathy are discussed.
Malignant melanoma masquerading as Kaposi's sarcoma
Authors: Fernando K A , Fernando J J R
Published: March 2008

Summary

A homosexual HIV-negative man was referred to the genitourinary medicine department with a histological diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma. Repeat biopsy confirmed that this was in fact malignant melanoma.
Immune reconstitution syndrome associated with leprosy: two cases
Authors: Deps Patricia D , Gripp Carolina G , Madureira Brunela P R , Lucas Elton A
Published: March 2008

Summary

Few cases of leprosy as immune reconstitution syndrome have been reported in patients with HIV/AIDS. Two cases of leprosy as immune reconstitution syndrome in AIDS persons are described, and clinical features, diagnostic criteria and pathogenesis are discussed.
Lymphogranuloma venereum in the UK in 2003
Authors: Greene Linda , Rubinstein Luciana , Gaffney Justin , Rebec Monica , Alexander Sarah , Ison Catherine
Published: March 2008

Summary

Lymphogranuloma venereum in the United Kingdom was detected in 2004, following the introduction of enhanced surveillance. This report describes a previously undiagnosed case, detected retrospectively in a sample obtained in 2003 from a male patient with high-risk behaviour, indicating that this previously rare disease in Europe, was present in the UK in 2003.
Norms-Based Intellectual Property Systems: The Case of French Chefs
Authors: Fauchart Emmanuelle , von Hippel Eric
Published: March 2008

In this paper we propose that norms-based intellectual property (IP) systems exist today and are an important complement to or substitute for law-based IP systems. Norms-based IP systems, as we define them, operate entirely on the basis of implicit social norms that are held in common by members of a given community. Within that community, they offer functionality similar to contemporary law-based IP systems with respect to both the nature of rights protected and the effectiveness of the protection provided.

We document the existence of a norms-based IP system among a sample of accomplished French chefs. These chefs consider recipes they develop to be a very valuable form of IP. At the same time, recipes are not a form of innovation that is effectively covered by law-based IP systems. Via grounded research, we identify three strong implicit social norms related to the protection of recipe IP. Via quantitative research, we find that accomplished chefs enforce these norms and apply them in ways that enhance their private economic returns from their recipe-related IP.

In our discussion, we compare the attributes of norms-based and law-based IP systems, arguing that each has different advantages and drawbacks. We also point out that the existence of norms-based IP systems means that many information commons may prove to be criss-crossed by norms-based fences, with community access controlled by community IP owners.
Book Reviews: Interpreting Diffuse Reflectance and Transmittance
Authors: Wilhelm Peter
Published: March 2008

Please forward book reviews to the Book Review Editor, Alexander Scheeline, Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801.
New Raman Spectrometer Using a Digital Micromirror Device and a Photomultiplier Tube Detector for Rapid On-Line Industrial Analysis. Part II: Choice of Analytical Methods
Authors: Quyen Nguyen The , Jouan Michel D. , Dao Nguyen Quy , Da Silva Edouard , Ai Phuong Duong
Published: March 2008

In this paper, the performances of four improved analytical methods (backward stepwise selection of peak intensities, sum of characteristic peaks of a component, moving window partial least squares, and genetic algorithms) using wavelength selection for the analysis of xylene mixtures by Raman spectroscopy are tested for further use on the new “digital micromirror device associated with a photomultiplier tube” Raman spectrometer. It is shown that the errors of prediction using only a few selected points (from 4 to 49 depending on the method) are almost the same as when using the whole spectral range (1050 points). Compared to the last two methods, the “backward stepwise selection of peak intensities” and “sum of characteristic peaks of a component” methods are robust under industrial conditions and appear to be well suited for chemical quantitative analysis with the new Raman spectrometer, which allows the measurements of the total intensity to be made simultaneously for a number of pre-selected frequencies. Results show that the errors of prediction can be near to or even lower than 2%.
Fiber-Optic Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy for Trace Analysis on Surfaces of Varying Roughness. Part II: Acetaminophen on Stainless Steel
Authors: Perston Benjamin B. , Hamilton Michelle L. , Harland Peter W. , Thomson Mary A. , Melling Peter J. , Williamson Bryce E.
Published: March 2008

Investigations of the effects of surface roughness on the utility of grazing-angle Fourier transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) as a method for quantifying trace contamination of metal surfaces have been extended to acetaminophen, a model active pharmaceutical agent, on 316 stainless steel. The effects are more complicated than for the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on stainless steel; they include a strong surface-finish dependence of sensitivity and nonlinear behavior at surface loadings above ∼1–2 μg cm−2. Using data from samples in the loading range 0–0.5 μg cm−2, unbiased partial least squared calibrations can be readily achieved for individual surface finishes with detection limits of LD ≈ 0.15 μg cm−2. However, as found for SDS on stainless steel, models built using data from samples of mixed surface roughness are more problematic.
Narrow-Line Waveguide Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy of Aspirin and Aspirin Precursors
Authors: Laman N. , Harsha S. Sree , Grischkowsky D.
Published: March 2008

Low frequency vibrational modes of pharmaceutical molecules are dependent on the molecule as a whole and can be used for identification purposes. However, conventional Fourier transform far-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) often result in broad, overlapping features that are difficult to distinguish. The technique of waveguide THz-TDS has been recently developed, resulting in sharper spectral features. Waveguide THz-TDS consists of forming an ordered polycrystalline film on a metal plate and incorporating that plate in a parallel-plate waveguide, where the film is probed by THz radiation. The planar order of the film on the metal surface strongly reduces the inhomogeneous broadening, while cooling the waveguide to 77 K reduces the homogeneous broadening. This combination results in sharper absorption lines associated with the vibrational modes of the molecule. Here, this technique has been demonstrated with aspirin and its precursors, benzoic acid and salicylic acid, as well as the salicylic acid isomers 3- and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Linewidths as narrow as 20 GHz have been observed, rivaling single crystal measurements.
Molecular Spectroscopic Study of River Nile Sediment in the Greater Cairo Region
Authors: Ibrahim Medhat , Hameed Ali Jameel , Jalbout Abraham
Published: March 2008

The greater Cairo region is the most populated area in Egypt. The aquatic environment of the Nile River in this area is being affected by industrial activities. The study of the molecular structure of sediment may provide a good trace for such changes. Both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and density functional theory (DFT) were used to study the effect of industrial waste disposal south of Cairo on the molecular structure of Nile River sediment. Four seasonal samples were collected from six sites covering 75 km along the Nile River. Grain sizes of 200 μm, 125 μm, 65 μm, and 32 μm, respectively, were examined. The results indicate that hydrated aluminum hydroxide controls the distribution of organic matter in the different grain sizes. Furthermore, the hydration of phenol may take place in grain sizes lower than 200 μm, which is indicated by the OH stretching at 3550 cm−1 and verified by the obtained model. The formation of metal carboxylate bonds at 1638 cm−1 (asymmetric) and 1382 cm−1 (symmetric) indicate the possible interaction between heavy metals and other organic structures, mainly humic substances.
Stromal-derived factor-1α induces a non-canonical pathway to activate the endocrine-linked Tac1 gene in non-tumorigenic breast cells
Authors: Corcoran Kelly E , Malhotra Ashwani , Molina Carlos A , Rameshwar Pranela
Published: March 2008

The chemokine Stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) interacts with seven transmembrane (TM) G-protein-coupled receptor (GPR), CXCR4. SDF-1α is linked to inflammation, chemoattraction, cancer metastasis, and hematopoiesis. Tachykinin (Tac1) peptides bind seven transmembrane (TM), GPR and are involved in tumor promotion. SDF-1α regulates Tac1 expression in non-tumorigenic breast cells through a bimodal pattern with repression at high levels through nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) activation. This study focuses on the mechanism of activation at low SDF-1α in MCF12A non-tumorigenic breast cells. Reporter gene assays with the 5′ flanking region of Tac1 (exon 1 omitted) and co-transfection with the repressor of cAMP response element (CREB) (ICER), and transfection with the CRE sites mutated, verified critical roles for CRE sites in SDF-1α-mediated Tac1 activation. Western blots and functional assays with specific inhibitors indicated that SDF-1α phosphorylated CREB (P-CREB) via Gαi2-PI3K-protein kinase C (PKC)ζ-p38-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and no evidence of cAMP–PKA pathway. This observation is different from previous studies that reported CREB-phosphorylated PKA pathway in the activation of Tac1 in bone marrow stromal cells. This suggests cell specificity in Tac1 expression. In conclusion, this study reports on a non-canonical pathway in Tac1 activation by SDF-1α. This finding is significant, since Tac1 is relevant to breast cancer metastasis, to bone marrow where stromal cells have a significant facilitating function.
USING INDICES OF HAPPINESS TO EXAMINE THE INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENTS FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Authors: Moore Kimberly , Delaney Jennifer A. , Dixon Mark R.
Published: March 2008

The present study extends the growing behavioral literature on indices of happiness for persons with developmental disabilities to the geriatric population. Data on indices of emotional affect (i.e., happiness) were collected prior to, during, and after each resident was exposed to environmental enhancement activities of various durations. Results showed that every activity improved each resident's level of happiness when compared to pre‐ and postactivity levels. These outcomes suggest that indexing affect may be as useful for nursing home residents as it has been for individuals with developmental disabilities.
COMPARING FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS AND PAIRED‐CHOICE ASSESSMENT RESULTS IN CLASSROOM SETTINGS
Authors: Berg Wendy K. , Wacker David P. , Cigrand Karla , Merkle Steve , Wade Jeanie , Henry Kim , Wang Yu‐Chia
Published: March 2008

The results of a functional analysis of problem behavior and a paired‐choice assessment were compared to determine whether the same social reinforcers were identified for problem behavior and an appropriate response (time allocation). The two assessments were conducted in classroom settings with 4 adolescents with mental retardation who engaged in severe problem behavior. Each student's classroom teacher served as the therapist for all phases of assessment. The two assessment procedures identified the same social reinforcers for problem and appropriate behavior for 3 of 4 participants.
THE EFFECTS OF PROGRAMMING COMMON STIMULI FOR ENHANCING STIMULUS GENERALIZATION OF ACADEMIC BEHAVIOR
Authors: Mesmer Eric M. , Duhon Gary J. , Dodson Kayce G.
Published: March 2008

Programming common stimuli is a strategy for generalizing behavior across settings (Stokes & Baer, 1977). The present study programmed common stimuli (i.e., goal statement and use of a pictorial icon) to generalize the effects of a reinforcement‐based intervention for students identified as either developmentally delayed or emotionally disturbed. Results supported the effectiveness of the strategy in producing generalized responding from training to the generalization setting. The importance of methodological rigor in future research exploring generalization and the need to compare generalization strategies are discussed.
TREATING EXCESSIVELY SLOW RESPONDING OF A YOUNG MAN WITH ASPERGER SYNDROME USING DIFFERENTIAL REINFORCEMENT OF SHORT RESPONSE LATENCIES
Authors: Tiger Jeffrey H. , Bouxsein Kelly J. , Fisher Wayne W.
Published: March 2008

Fjellstedt and Sulzer‐Azaroff (1973) used differential reinforcement of short latencies to decrease a child's latency to comply with instructions. We replicated this contingency with a young man diagnosed with Asperger syndrome across two tasks (question answering and math problem solving). We added a differential reinforcement contingency to teach the participant to discriminate between math problems that could be answered rapidly and those that required more time for accurate performance.
Comparison of Different Methods of Assessing Alveolar Ridge Dimensions Prior to Dental Implant Placement
Authors: Chen Lung‐Cheng , Lundgren Tord , Hallström Hadar , Cherel Fabrice
Published: March 2008

Background: The aim of this study was to compare ridge‐mapping measurement before surgical flap reflection and measurement using images from cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) to direct caliper measurement following surgical exposure of the bone.

Methods: Sixteen subjects with 25 sites for planned implant placement or ridge augmentation were recruited. An acrylic stent was fabricated for each subject. The stent provided three buccal/lingual pairs of consistent measurement points for each implant site located 4, 7, and 10 mm from the summit of the alveolar soft tissue. Two independent examiners participated.

Results: Comparisons of bucco‐lingual ridge width using ridge‐mapping versus direct caliper measurements showed that 94% and 89% of the pairs of measurement deviations were within ± 1 mm for examiners 1 and 2, respectively. The corresponding comparison of CBCT images versus direct caliper measurements showed 70% and 55% agreement for examiners 1 and 2, respectively. CBCT image measurements provided lower levels of agreement than ridge‐mapping measurements because of the more frequent and larger magnitudes of deviations compared to direct caliper measurements.

Conclusions: Most often, ridge mapping provides measurements of the bucco‐lingual ridge width consistent with those obtained by direct caliper measurement following surgical exposure of the bone. As applied in this study, CBCT was less consistent compared to direct caliper measurements and did not provide any additional, significant diagnostic information.
Immediate Placement and Loading of Dental Implants: A Human Histologic Case Report
Authors: Guida Luigi , Iezzi Giovanna , Annunziata Marco , Salierno Antonio , Iuorio Giovanni , Costigliola Giorgio , Piattelli Adriano
Published: March 2008

Background: The possibility of immediately loading postextraction implants was proposed recently. However, histologic evidence of osteointegration in such cases is still lacking. In this case report, two implants placed into fresh extraction sites, one immediately loaded and the other one unloaded, were compared clinically and histologically.

Methods: Two teeth in need of extraction and localized in two symmetric quadrants of one patient were extracted, and dental implants were placed immediately into fresh extraction sites. One of them was connected with a healing abutment (control), whereas the other one was loaded immediately (test) with a resin crown in occlusion with the antagonist teeth. Clinical examinations were made, and radiographs were taken at follow‐up visits. After 6 months, control and test implants were removed, together with the peri‐implant bone, and a histomorphometric analysis was made.

Results: Both implants appeared radiographically osseointegrated and clinically stable at retrieval. Mineralized tissue was found at the implant interface. The percentage of bone‐to‐implant contact in the control and test implants was 58% ± 4.0% and 52% ± 3.2%, respectively. In the loaded implant, a more compact, mature, well‐organized peri‐implant bone was found with many areas of remodeling and some osteons, whereas the bone tissue surrounding the unloaded implant was constituted of only thin bone trabeculae.

Conclusions: Immediate loading did not seem to impair osseointegration of an immediate postextraction implant compared to an unloaded postextraction one. Further studies with a larger number of samples are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
Local Expression of Interleukin‐10 and mCD14 in Relation to the −1087 IL‐10 and −159 CD14 Gene Polymorphisms in Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Donati Mauro , Liljenberg Birgitta , Padyukov Leonid , Berglundh Tord
Published: March 2008

Background: Associations between different gene polymorphisms and severe chronic periodontitis have been demonstrated. However, the influence of such genetic variations on the production of related proteins needs to be clarified. The aim of the present investigation was to study the local expression of interleukin (IL)‐10 and membrane‐bound CD14 (mCD14) in relation to the −1087 IL‐10 and −159 CD14 gene polymorphisms in subjects with chronic periodontitis.

Methods: Fifty‐three white subjects with generalized and severe chronic periodontitis volunteered. Twenty milliliters of blood was collected by venipuncture from each subject. DNA was isolated, and genotype analysis of the −1087 IL‐10 and −159 CD14 gene polymorphisms was performed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction endonuclease mapping techniques. A gingival biopsy from one randomly selected diseased proximal site was also obtained from each subject. The biopsies were embedded, snap frozen, and prepared for immunohistochemical analysis. The inflammatory lesion was identified in the sections, and the proportions of IL‐10+ and CD14+ cells were determined.

Results: The proportion of IL‐10+ cells in the peripheral area of the periodontitis lesions was significantly larger in subjects with the −1087 IL‐10 GG genotype than in subjects with the AG or AA genotype. However, the local expression of the mCD14 receptor did not vary between subjects with different −159 CD14 genotypes.

Conclusions: It is suggested that IL‐10 expression in chronic periodontitis lesions is associated with a distinct genotype. The observation adds to our understanding of interactions between genetic and environmental factors in the development of human diseases.
Thickness of Posterior Palatal Masticatory Mucosa: The Use of Computerized Tomography
Authors: Song Ji‐Eun , Um Yoo‐Jung , Kim Chang‐Sung , Choi Seong‐Ho , Cho Kyoo‐Sung , Kim Chong‐Kwan , Chai Jung‐Kiu , Jung Ui‐Won
Published: March 2008

Background: Periodontal plastic surgery is used to fulfill the esthetic and functional demands of patients. The palatal masticatory mucosa is the main donor site for connective tissue, and the thickness of the graft tissue obtained is an important factor for the success of this technique. The aim of this study was to measure the thickness of masticatory mucosa in the posterior palatal area using computerized tomography (CT).

Methods: The thickness measurements were performed on the images of 100 adult subjects who underwent CT on the maxilla for implant surgery. Twenty‐four standard measurement points were defined in the hard palate according to the gingival margin and the middle palatal suture. The radiographic measurements were used after calibration. The data were analyzed to determine the differences in the mucosal thickness according to gender, age, tooth position, and depth of the palatal vault.

Results: The overall mean thickness of the palatal masticatory mucosa was 3.83 ± 0.58 mm (range: 2.29 to 6.25 mm). Females had significantly thinner mean masticatory mucosa (3.66 ± 0.52 mm) than males (3.95 ± 0.60 mm) (P <0.0001). The thickness of the palatal masticatory mucosa increased with age. The mean thickness according to tooth site was 3.46 mm (maxillary canine), 3.66 mm (first premolar), 3.81 mm (second premolar), 3.13 mm (first molar), 3.31 mm (the base of the interproximal papilla of the first and second molars), and 3.39 mm (second molar). There was an overall increase in the thickness of the palatal masticatory mucosa as the distance from the gingival margin to the middle palatine suture increased, with the exception of the Ca‐d (a point at 12 mm from the gingival margin of the canine) region. There was no significant difference in the thickness of the palatal masticatory mucosa between the groups with high or low palatal vaults.

Conclusions: The palatal masticatory mucosa thickness increased from the canine to premolar region but decreased at the first molar region and increased again in the second molar region, with the thinnest area at the first molar region and the thickest at the second premolar region. The canine to premolar region seems to be the most appropriate donor site that contains a uniformly thick mucosa. CT can be considered an alternative method for the measurement of palatal soft tissue thickness.