bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable Perovskite Semiconductor CH3NH3SnX3 (X: Cl, Br, or I) Characterized by X-ray and DTA
Authors: Yamada Koji , Nakada Kyosuke , Takeuchi Yonosuke , Nawa Kaori , Yamane Yohei
Published: August 2011

A series of perovskite halide solid solutions was synthesized and characterized by DTA and X-ray diffraction. The solid solution CH3NH3SnBr3−xClx (x = 0–3) changes its color from red, orange, yellow to a colorless state with increasing x. Although each highest temperature phase belongs to a cubic system, a slight trigonal distortion was observed above x = 1.0 at room temperature. Similar continuous solid solutions with black colors were confirmed for CH3NH3SnBr3−xIx (x = 0, 1, 2, and 3) keeping a cubic perovskite structure over the whole x region. On the other hand, continuous solid solutions CH3NH3SnI3−xClx could not be confirmed. The solid-state static 1H NMR suggested that the isotropic reorientation of the cation does not freeze even at 150 K for the perovskite having a large anionic sublattice. The characteristic changes of the color and the electric structure for these perovskites were discussed analytically on the basis of the tight-binding approach. This simple one-dimensional expression predicts that the tin(II) perovskite halide is a direct band gap semiconductor with tailorable properties.
The antenatal detection rate of major congenital heart disease in Scotland
Authors: Kilner H , Wong M , Walayat M
Published: August 2011

Ultrasonography has been used to detect fetal congenital heart disease since the 1980s, although there has been little uniformity in policy. In the UK, data published for 1993-1995 found an average detection rate of 23.4% with a Scottish rate of 9.6%. At the time of this study, 10 out of the 14 health boards in Scotland were implementing the 16-22-week fetal anomaly scan (FAS). The aims of this study were to determine the rate of antenatal diagnosis of major congenital heart disease (MCHD) throughout Scotland during 1 January to 31 December 2006, to document the regional differences in detection and to determine if implementation of a FAS significantly improved rates. Retrospective data were collected from the centralized Paediatric Cardiac Services in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The database contains information on all infants with cardiac disease in Scotland. All infants requiring cardiac intervention or dying in the first year of life were included. The results showed that the antenatal diagnosis rate for Scotland was 28% (95% CI 21.2%, 34.9%). The Scottish health boards that had implemented the FAS had a significantly higher antenatal detection rate (χ2 test P = 0.037). In conclusion, antenatal detection rate of MCHD varies widely throughout Scotland. Implementation of the FAS has made a significant difference to antenatal diagnosis
Evaluation of physician assistants in National Health Service Scotland
Authors: Farmer J , Currie M , Hyman J , West C , Arnott N
Published: August 2011

Physician assistants (PAs) have medical training and work supervised by a doctor. In 2006-2008 the Scottish Government piloted use of USA-trained PAs. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the impact and contribution made by PAs to delivering effective health care in National Health Service (NHS) Scotland. Mixed methods, longitudinally, including interviews, feedback forms and activity data collection. Data analysis used nVivo, SPSS and Excel. Participants were 15 USA-trained PAs, medical supervisors and team members, 20 patients, four NHS senior managers and three trade union representatives. Settings were four Scottish NHS Boards where PAs worked in primary care, out of hours clinics, emergency medicine, intermediate care and orthopaedics. Two minor patient safety issues arose. Patients were satisfied with PAs. Scope of practice did not replicate US working. Inability to prescribe was a hindrance. PAs tended to have longer consultations, but provided continuity and an educational resource. They were assessed to be mid-level practitioners approximating to nurse practitioner or generalist doctor. Valued features were generalism, medical background, confidence differential diagnosis and communication. Interviewees suggested PAs could fulfil roles currently filled by medical staff, potentially saving resources. In conclusion, there is potential for PAs to fulfil distinctive mid-level roles in the Scottish NHS adding value in continuity, communication and medical approach.
The relationship between body mass index and number of days spent in hospital in Scotland
Authors: Wulff J , Wild S H
Published: August 2011

In most countries in the Western world, more than 50% of adults are overweight or obese putting them at increased risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and other chronic disorders. It is not clear what impact increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity has on hospital admissions. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and number of days spent in hospital. The study was designed as a retrospective and prospective cohort study using nationally representative Health Survey data linked to NHS hospital admissions data. The study was set in Scotland. The participants were a nationally representative sample of 6968 (45%) men and 8700 (55%) women, of 16-74 years of age, living in private households whose BMI was recorded in the 1995 and 1998 Scottish Health Surveys. The outcome measure was the number of days spent in hospital between 1981 and 2004. The results showed that the proportion of participants in both normal weight (BMI 20-24.9 kg/m2) and overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2) categories was 37%, with 21% in the obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and 5% in the under-weight (BMI <20 kg/m2) categories. The median number of days spent in hospital between 1981 and 2004 was six. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for spending above the median numbers of days in hospital adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status and behavioural factors (i.e. smoking, alcohol drinking and physical activity) were 1.29 (1.06-1.56) for the <20 kg/m2 group, 1.00 (0.91-1.11) for the 25-29.9 kg/m2 group and 1.24 (1.10-1.38) for the ≤30 kg/m2 group compared with the 20-24.9 kg/m2 group. In conclusion, extremes of BMI category identified at a single point in time are associated with spending above the median number of days in hospital over a 20-year period after adjusting for demographic, behavioural and socioeconomic exposures.
A peculiar Scottish disorder
Authors: Mcintosh I B
Published: August 2011

A highly contagious behavioural affliction is now endemic in highland areas of Scotland. Pretravel advice ought to include a health warning to sport-lovers venturing north into wild, highlands of Gaeldom. It particularly affects young adults and predominates in men, although women are affected. The disorder can be acute or chronic and when severe, it can threaten one's life and limbs. Acute attacks may bring spontaneous recovery in months, but the chronic state can last for a life-time. Death will overtake some before it runs its inevitable course.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding: what's the score?
Authors: Reed B , Stanley A J
Published: August 2011

Upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage (UGIH) is a common medical emergency. Recent publications have emphasised the need for early risk assessment of patients with this condition to help direct management. Several risk scores have been developed for UGIH and are variably used in clinical practice. In this article, we discuss the various risk scoring systems for this condition and summarise the available evidence for their use.
Old herbal remedies and modern combination therapy
Authors: Butler A , Keating R
Published: August 2011

The use of herbs as cures for human ailments is as old as modern man, but has now been replaced by synthetic drugs. However, the mixture of bioactive substances found in many traditional herbal remedies has similarities with modern combination therapies, like those developed by Sir John Crofton in Edinburgh for the treatment of tuberculosis. It is suggested that, in the development of these therapies, it might be possible to learn from the drug ‘cocktails’ found in plants.
A trout fisherman with hypercalcaemia and skin lesions
Authors: Barwell N D , Peden N R
Published: August 2011

A 67-year-old trout fisherman presented with a six-week history of polyuria, polydipsia, dyspnoea on exertion and the development of subcutaneous extensor surface skin nodules. He was hypercalcaemic with acute renal impairment. Parathyroid hormone was suppressed and vitamin D levels were within normal limits. The patient had a past history of hypothyroidism, but thyroid replacement was adequate. Hypoadrenalism, myeloma and metastatic malignancy were excluded. Biopsy of a subcutaneous nodule revealed dermally based non-caseating granulomata, consistent with sarcoidosis. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme was elevated, and computerized tomography scanning of the chest and abdomen revealed widespread lymphadenopathy with multiple lung nodules and splenomegaly. Prednisolone therapy produced rapid resolution of his skin lesions and normalization of his bone and renal biochemistry. The mechanism of hypercalcaemia in sarcoidosis is poorly understood but is thought to involve parathyroid hormone-independent 1-hydroxylation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D within sarcoid lesions. This process may be exacerbated by exposure to UV light and it is of interest that this patient developed symptoms after a period of intense trout fishing in the good weather of April and May 2007.
Abnormal activated partial thromboplastin time and malignancy
Authors: Delicata M , Hambley H
Published: August 2011

Malignancy often results in clotting abnormalities. The aetiology of haemostasis problems in cancer is complex, and is still not completely understood. We describe a case of a patient with malignant mesothelioma, who was found to have elevated activated partial thromboplastin time, due to lupus anticoagulant. We suggest that patients with malignancy should have their coagulation checked prior to any invasive procedures.
Painless arm swelling
Authors: Murray E C
Published: August 2011

A case report of a patient presenting with painless arm swelling, which provides diagnostic challenge and interesting imaging on the conditions of syringomyelia and neuropathic osteoarthropathy, conditions with distinguishing clinical features and disabling consequences if misdiagnosed.
The impact of age on outcome after surgery for colorectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Widdison AL , Barnett S Wienand , Betambeau N
Published: August 2011

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) increases with age. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of age and age-related factors on post-operative mortality and survival following CRC resections.

METHODS

A prospectively collected database of 459 CRC resections was analysed.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 70 years (range: 25–95 years) and 54% were male. The relative proportion of female patients increased with age so that for patients aged over 77 more women were treated than men. The probability of undergoing an emergency resection (25%) did not change with age. In older patients the proportion of rectal cancers resected decreased and the proportion of hemicolectomies and Hartmann's operations performed increased. The 30-day mortality rate was 4% after elective and 11% after emergency resections. Most deaths were caused by medical complications, reflecting increased co-morbidity in the elderly. Post-operative mortality was 1% in patients under the age of 59. This increased by 3 percentage points every 10 years after elective resections and by 8 percentage points every 10 years after emergency resections. CRC-specific survival was independent of age whereas overall survival decreased so the likelihood of dying from CRC decreased with age: at age 50 half the deaths were from CRC, at age 70 a third and at age 80 a quarter.

CONCLUSIONS

CRC stage and the probability of presenting as an emergency did not change with age but older patients were more likely to be female and have colon cancer. Post-operative mortality progressively increased with age. Most deaths were caused by medical complications, reflecting increased co-morbidity. Older patients were less likely to die from CRC.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing provides a predictive tool for early and late outcomes in abdominal aortic aneurysm patients
Authors: Thompson AR , Peters N , Lovegrove RE , Ledwidge S , Kitching A , Magee TR , Galland RB
Published: August 2011

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine if cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) predicts 30-day and midterm outcomes when assessing suitability for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.

METHODS

Since July 2006 consecutive patients from a single centre identified with a large (≥5.5cm) AAA were sent for CPET. Follow-up was completed on 1 August 2009. Univariate logistical regression was used to compare CPET parameters with the Detsky score, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score and the Vascular Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (VPOSSUM) in predicting predefined early and late outcome measures.

RESULTS

Full data were available for 102 patients (93% male, median age: 75 years, interquartile range (IQR): 70–80 years, median follow up: 28 months, IQR: 18–33 months). Ventilatory equivalents for oxygen and APACHE II predicted postoperative inotrope requirement (p=0.018 and p=0.019 respectively). The Detsky score predicted the length of stay in the intensive care unit (p=0.008). Midterm (30-month) survival was predicted by the anaerobic threshold (p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

CPET provided the only means in this study of predicting both 30-day outcome and 30-month mortality. CPET could therefore become an increasingly important tool in determining the optimum management for AAA patients.
No need for WiST (women in suits and ties): patient views on work wear for the female surgeon
Authors: Gutierrez T , Pilgrim G , Dhillon S , Hopkins C
Published: August 2011

With the implementation of the 'bare below the elbows' (BBE) dress policy in hospitals, there has been considerable debate as to how to maintain the professional appearance of doctors, balancing being recognisable and hygienic. Recent articles in the Bulletin have examined this topic. However, we note that very little has been said about female doctors' work wear. Even though women make up 59% of the medical workforce, the focus within these articles was solely on male attire. We therefore decided to undertake our own study to identify public preferences for a female dress code within the hospital setting and how choice of work wear can impact on the patient's perception of his or her doctor.
An unusual application for a Urobag
Authors: Dehn Tom
Published: August 2011

A theatre team from the Royal Berkshire Hospital recently spent two weeks operating in north-west India, close to the Tibet border. To reach the clinic in the Spiti Valley, it is necessary to cross the lower Himalayas via the Rohtang Pass (altitude 3978 metres) and Kunzum Pass (altitude 4547 metres). Much of the route is unsurfaced and somewhat tortuous: the usual services associated with European motoring are absent, as is mobile phone coverage. At approximately 4pm, 40 kilometres from the nearest habitation, the diesel engine of our minibus suddenly stopped as a result of a rock penetrating the primary fuel filter while travelling over the potholed mountain passes.
Surgery in Peru
Authors: Herrera-Matta Jaime
Published: August 2011

Major surgical procedures in Peru are known to have been practised as far back as 700 BC. Trauma was an indication for these procedures, although some were done for religious reasons or as punishments. There is clear evidence that surgeons of the pre-Inca civilisation at Paracas, at the southern coast of Peru, carried out cranial trephination and limb amputations. They were not only skilful but successful – a 65–90% survival rate has been estimated from archaeological evidence. They had developed practical surgical instruments and techniques and were adept at using materials from their environment, fashioning limb prostheses and gold plates to cover trephination sites, and brewing anaesthetic from corn and other plants such as coca and cacti. This knowledge was transmitted by word of mouth up to the Inca civilisation and practised until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
Access to dental care: examining the issues
Authors: Batchelor Paul
Published: August 2011

The research committee and lay advisory group of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) recently hosted a joint symposium at the College with the aim of understanding issues around access in dentistry. Access – what exactly is the problem? brought together key thinkers with a variety of expertise to give their perspective on what is meant by access and to explore where the main issues lie. Also discussed was how the Department of Health currently views these issues and how patients use dental services in the UK. Clearly, problems concerning access to healthcare are not limited to dentistry; the symposium also included perspectives from medicine and examined issues facing dental care systems overseas, specifically in the US.
Retrograde intussusception through a loop ileostomy: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Khan MAS , Price R , Dewar EP
Published: August 2011

Intussusception through loop ileostomy is rare and must be treated without delay to avoid further complications. Retrograde intussusception is even rarer. We report a case of small bowel obstruction caused by retrograde intussusception through the distal limb of loop ileostomy in a male patient. A literature search is also carried out regarding this entity and published reports are discussed.
Giant sigmoid diverticulitis mimicking acute appendicitis
Authors: Anderton M , Griffiths B , Ferguson G
Published: August 2011

Giant colonic diverticula are a rare manifestation of diverticular disease and there are fewer than 150 cases described in the literature. They may have an acute or chronic presentation or may remain asymptomatic and be found incidentally. As the majority (over 80%) of giant diverticula are located in the sigmoid colon, they usually present with left-sided symptoms but due to the variable location of the sigmoid loop, right-sided symptoms are possible. We describe the acute presentation of an inflamed giant sigmoid diverticulum with right iliac fossa pain. We discuss both the treatment options for this interesting condition and also the important role of computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of abdominal pain in elderly patients.
Safe and adequate placement of nasogastric tubes in the presence of a cuffed tracheostomy tube
Authors: Parmar A , Macleod I , McDonald S , Tierney P
Published: August 2011

This case report and review of the literature aims to highlight the importance of the use of a chest radiograph to check the placement of nasogastric tubes after insertion in an awake patient with an inflated cuffed tracheostomy tube regardless of an acidic pH test.
Metachronous bilateral adrenal metastases following curative treatment for colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Thrumurthy SG , Jadav AM , Pitt M , Dobson M , Hearn A , Scott NA , Susnerwala SS
Published: August 2011

A delayed, metachronous presentation of bilateral adrenal metastases following colorectal cancer has never previously been reported. We describe the case of a 68-year-old man who underwent curative surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for a locally invasive sigmoid adenocarcinoma, only to be diagnosed with metachronous bilateral adrenal metastasis necessitating further resection and chemotherapy. We discuss the literature surrounding this pathology and highlight the importance of continual, vigilant radiological surveillance of the adrenal glands after curative treatment of colorectal carcinoma with or without subsequent adrenal metastasis.
Streptococcal necrotising myositis of obturator internus and piriformis in a type 2 diabetic patient presenting as sepsis of unknown origin
Authors: Sharma PR , McEvoy HC , Floyd DC
Published: August 2011

This report describes a case of necrotising myositis of the obturator internus and piriformis muscles. Necrotising myositis is a rare result of group A streptococcal infection. It is usually fatal and has not been described previously in the obturator internus and piriformis. We describe how, following presentation to an emergency department, rapid diagnosis was arrived at by clinically guided radiological investigation. The report considers the possible aetiology of the condition, the diagnosis and its management, and reviews the relevant literature.
Laparoscopic removal of a double gallbladder for cholelithiasis: a case report
Authors: Smelt JLC , Wright H , Sagar J , Nehra D
Published: August 2011

We describe the findings of symptomatic cholelithiasis in the double gallbladder of a 75-year-old woman, which was successfully removed laparoscopically. This report highlights the importance of this condition and the effectiveness of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in defining abnormal gallbladder anatomy.
Peritoneal mesothelioma masquerading as an inguinal hernia
Authors: Chakravartty S , Singh JC , Jayamanne H , Shah V , Williams GL , Stephenson BM
Published: August 2011

We report a case of an 80-year-old man who presented with a right inguinal hernia that appeared incarcerated. On exploration a sausage shaped mass was found in the sac, which was debulked and histologically shown to be a well differentiated malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Rare tumours may present as inguinal hernias and palliative debulking may be effective when they present in inguinal hernia sacs.
Management of synchronous tumours of the oesophagus and pancreatic head: a novel approach
Authors: Gyorki DE , Clarke NE , Hii MW , Banting SW , Cade RJ
Published: August 2011

Synchronous tumours of the oesophagus and pancreatic head are very rare. This report describes a unique case of an adenocarcinoma of the distal oesophagus and a neuroendocrine tumour of the pancreatic head diagnosed synchronously but successfully managed metachronously. Initially, the patient underwent an oesophagectomy, with a colonic reconstruction following some months later by pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. A staged resection was performed after a review of the literature suggested increased morbidity with synchronous major abdominal operations.
When good evidence is not enough: the role of context in bowel cancer screening policy in New Zealand
Authors: Flitcroft Kathy L. , Gillespie James A. , Carter Stacy M. , Trevena Lyndal J. , Salkeld Glenn P.
Published: August 2011

Bowel cancer is a serious health problem in developed countries. Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) and New Zealand (NZ) reviewed the same randomised controlled trial evidence on the benefits and harms of population-based bowel cancer screening. Yet only NZ, with the highest age standardised rate of bowel cancer mortality, decided against introducing a bowel cancer screening programme. This case study of policy making explores the unique resource, ethical, institutional and political environments in which the evidence was considered. It highlights the centrality of context in assessing the relative worth of evidence in policy making and raises questions about the suitability of knowledge utilisation strategies.
Integrating public input into healthcare priority-setting decisions
Authors: Mitton Craig , Smith Neale , Peacock Stuart , Evoy Brian , Abelson Julia
Published: August 2011

Decision makers are pressed to involve the public in priority setting. However, public input is only one form of evidence. So, how can information from the public be combined with other knowledge? The authors qualitatively analysed articles that explicitly address this question. We identified the other forms of information that tend to be used in conjunction with public input, the degree to which members of the public are asked to be the integrators of data, and techniques that recur in several settings. Three factors must be balanced when integrating public opinion into priority setting: first, balancing problem-solving and sense-making objectives; second, choosing between consensus-building and structured-conflict approaches; third, addressing many broad factors or a smaller set of focused alternatives.
Oral Fluid and Plasma Cannabinoid Ratios after Around-the-Clock Controlled Oral Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Administration
Authors: Milman Garry , Schwope David M , Schwilke Eugene W , Darwin William D , Kelly Deanna L , Goodwin Robert S , Gorelick David A , Huestis Marilyn A
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND

Oral fluid (OF) testing is increasingly important for drug treatment, workplace, and drugged-driving programs. There is interest in predicting plasma or whole-blood concentrations from OF concentrations; however, the relationship between these matrices is incompletely characterized because of few controlled drug-administration studies.

METHODS

Ten male daily cannabis smokers received around-the-clock escalating 20-mg oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, dronabinol) doses (40–120 mg/day) for 8 days. Plasma and OF samples were simultaneously collected before, during, and after dosing. OF THC, 11-hydroxy-THC and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH) were quantified by GC-MS at 0.5-μg/L, 0.5-μg/L, and 7.5-ng/L limits of quantification (LOQs), respectively. In plasma, the LOQs were 0.25 μg/L for THC and THCCOOH, and 0.5 μg/L for 11-hydroxy-THC.

RESULTS

Despite multiple oral THC administrations each day and increasing plasma THC concentrations, OF THC concentrations generally decreased over time, reflecting primarily previously self-administered smoked cannabis. The logarithms of the THC concentrations in oral fluid and plasma were not significantly correlated (r = −0.10; P = 0.065). The OF and plasma THCCOOH concentrations, albeit with 1000-fold higher concentrations in plasma, increased throughout dosing. The logarithms of OF and plasma THCCOOH concentrations were significantly correlated (r = 0.63; P < 0.001), although there was high interindividual variation. A high OF/plasma THC ratio and a high OF THC/THCCOOH ratio indicated recent cannabis smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

OF monitoring does not reliably detect oral dronabinol intake. The time courses of THC and THCCOOH concentrations in plasma and OF were different after repeated oral THC doses, and high interindividual variation was observed. For these reasons, OF cannabinoid concentrations cannot predict concurrent plasma concentrations.
Flat Laguerre planes of Kleinewillinghöfer type III.B
Authors: Schillewaert Jeroen , Steinke Günter F.
Published: August 2011

Kleinewillinghöfer classified Laguerre planes with respect to central automorphisms. Polster and Steinke investigated flat Laguerre planes and their so-called Kleinewillinghöfer types, that is, the Kleinewillinghöfer types with respect to the full automorphism group. For some of these types the existence question remained open. We provide strong necessary existence conditions for flat Laguerre planes of Kleinewillinghöfer type III.B and provide examples of such planes of types III.B.1 and III.B.3.
Valuations on function spaces
Authors: Ludwig Monika
Published: August 2011

A short survey is given on classification results for valuations on function spaces. Real valued, matrix valued and convex body valued valuations on Lebesgue spaces and on Sobolev spaces are considered.
Polycystic kidney disease-like domains of clostridial collagenases and their role in collagen recruitment
Authors: Eckhard Ulrich , Brandstetter Hans
Published: August 2011

Bacterial collagenases exhibit a multimodular domain organization. While the N-terminal collagenase unit harbors the catalytic zinc and suffices to degrade peptidic substrates, collagen substrates come in different types, explaining the requirement for accessory domains such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD)-like domains for efficient catalysis. How the recognition and unfolding of (micro-)fibrillar or triple-helical collagen is accomplished are only poorly understood. Here, we present the crystal structure of the PKD-like domain of collagenase G from Clostridium histolyticum. The β-barrel structure reveals a two-tier architecture, connected by kinked hinge segments. Together with sheet extension as a generic oligomerization mechanism, this explains the cooperativity among accessory domains as well as their adaptivity to varying substrates.
The influence of extended mercerization on some properties of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)
Authors: Almlöf Heléne , Kreutz Bjørn , Jardeby Kristina , Germgård Ulf
Published: August 2011

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is produced commercially in a two stage process consisting of a mercerization stage in which the pulp is treated with alkali in a water alcohol solution and a second etherification stage whereby monochloro-acetic acid is added to the pulp slurry. In this study, the influence of the conditions of an extended mercerization stage was evaluated on the etherification stage concerning the degree of substitution (DS) and the filterability of the resulting CMC. The parameters studied were: (1) the ratio of cellulose I and cellulose II in the original pulp, (2) the concentration of alkali, (3) the temperature and (4) the retention time in the mercerization stage. The DS results indicate that the NaOH concentration in the mercerization stage is the most important among the parameters studied. When the NaOH concentration in the mercerization stage was high (27.5%), cellulose II showed a lower reactivity than cellulose I with respect to the DS obtained in the resulting CMC. The results from the filtration ability of CMC water solutions are interpreted that the amount of cellulose II in the original pulp and the temperature has a negative influence, while the NaOH concentration in the mercerization stage has a positive influence on the filtration ability. Retention time between 1 h–48 h in the mercerization stage had no effect on the DS or the filtration value. The filtration ability was assumed to be highly influenced by the presence of poorly reacted cellulose segments. The CMC samples with the lowest filtration ability at a given DS can be assumed to have the highest degree of unevenly substituted segments.
A Combinatorial Proof of Guo's Multi-Generalization of Munarini's Identity
Authors: Yang Dan-Mei
Published: August 2011

We give a combinatorial proof of Guo's multi-generalization of Munarini's identity, answering a question of Guo.
Die eingebettete Vernunft
Authors: Millikan Ruth G.
Published: August 2011

Philosophers and laymen alike have traditionally assumed that whether you can reason well, make valid inferences, avoid logical mistakes and so forth is entirely a matter of how well the cogs in your head are fashioned and oiled. Partner to this is the assumption that careful reflection is always the method by which we discover whether an inference or reasoning process is correct. Against this, I argue that good reasoning needs constant empirical support; conceptual clarity is not an a priori, but a deeply empirical matter. Moreover, clear thinking is possible only as embedded in a cooperative external world.
Soma und Psyche
Authors: Shusterman Richard
Published: August 2011

After tracing some of the different interpretations of the Körper/Leib distinction in German phenomenology and philosophical anthropology, this paper compares these philosophical accounts of embodiment to the pragmatist approach of somaesthetics and its core concept of soma. Helmuth Plessner′s theory of embodiment gets particular attention because of its similarities to somaesthetics in terms of their shared emphasis on 1) the value of functional phasing between immanent spontaneity of simply living one′s body and more critically distanced somatic reflection, 2) the way somatic consciousness is essentially shaped by the roles one plays in a social world, and thus 3) on the variety of culturally styled bodies and forms of consciousness. The paper concludes with a discussion of the soma′s ontological status.
Psychopathologie der Hyperreflexivität
Authors: Fuchs Thomas
Published: August 2011

As a rule, mental illnesses are connected with increased self-observation, a narrowing of attention to one′s own person, and with the backward turn of thinking to what has already been done or has happened. These phenomena can be summed up in the concept of hyperreflexivity. In this paper, this concept is interpreted against the background of Plessner′s distinction between the lived and the objective body (Leib and Körper) as implying always already a component of self-alienation. This will be illustrated in a number of psychopathological conditions such as insomnia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, hypochondria and schizophrenia.
Anthropologische und evolutionäre Konzepte psychischer Störungen
Authors: Heinz Andreas , Kluge Ulrike
Published: August 2011

The disease status of mental disorders has been hotly debated and is still highly relevant for ethical and economic considerations regarding the human rights of psychiatric patients. Here we critically discuss traditional evolutionary and degenerative concepts of mental disorders and propose instead the differentiation between independent dimensions of mental health resources on the one hand and mental disorders on the other. We suggest that impairments of a minimal set of mental functions (e. g. concentration and memory) can serve as indicators of exogenous and endogenous psychoses, while other mental disorders (e. g. neuroses and personality disorders) cannot be diagnosed without a reference to setting and culture (Lebenswelt).
Symbolische Regeln
Authors: Stekeler-Weithofer Pirmin
Published: August 2011

Guido Kreis: Cassirer und die Formen des Geistes. Suhrkamp Verlag, Berlin 2010, 504 S.
Denken lernen Zug für Zug
Authors: Börchers Fabian
Published: August 2011

Christian Barth: Objectivity and the Language-Dependence of Thought. A Transcendental Defence of Universal Lingualism. Routledge, New York 2011, 258 S.
Geschichtsphilosophie in Geschichte und Gegenwart
Authors: Sommer Andreas Urs
Published: August 2011

Johannes Rohbeck: Aufklärung und Geschichte. Über eine praktische Geschichtsphilosophie der Zukunft, Akademie Verlag, Berlin 2010, 247 S.
Heideggerscher Vitalismus
Authors: Ruda Frank
Published: August 2011

Giorgio Agamben: Signatura rerum. Zur Methode. Suhrkamp Verlag, Frankfurt/M. 2009, 146 S.

Giorgio Agamben: Nacktheiten. S. Fischer Verlag, Frankfurt/M. 2010, 200 S.

Giorgio Agamben: Herrschaft und Herrlichkeit. Zur theologischen Genealogie von Ökonomie und Regierung (Homo sacer, II.2). Suhrkamp Verlag, Berlin 2010, 368 S.

Giorgio Agamben: Das Sakrament der Sprache. Eine Archäologie des Eides (Homo sacer, II .3), Suhrkamp Verlag, Berlin 2010, 98 S.
Emotionen im Fokus des Deutungsmusters Lustmord
Authors: Hoffmeister Maren
Published: August 2011

Anders als vielleicht zu erwarten sind Emotionen im Deutungsmuster Lustmord im Zeitraum von 1906–1939 kein Gegenstand der Motivanalyse. Der Wortteil “Lust” verliert im Deutungsmuster “Lustmord” den emotionalen Gehalt und wird auf triebhafte Sexualität reduziert. Emotion und Trieb besetzen eine ähnliche Funktionsstelle als Gegenspieler des Willens und der Ratio. In der Aufspürung der körperlichen Zeichen des zu kontrollierenden Triebes wird das Thema Emotion ersetzt. Zwar formulieren Täter ihre Gefühle, doch gehen diese Aussagen nicht in die kriminalistische Analyse noch in den juristischen Diskurs der Zeit bei Mehrfachmördern ein. Emotionen spielen nicht einmal in der psychiatrischen Begutachtung eine Rolle. Sobald dort der Zugriff auf die Zeichen des Triebes gelungen ist, wird die emotionale Gestimmtheit durch die Frage der Beherrschbarkeit des Triebes überlagert. Ab den 20er Jahren wird der Interdiskurs (Zeitung, Filme) zum Archiv der emotionalen Dimension. Verstärkt durch das kriminalistische Profiling der Moderne diffundiert die emotionale Signatur der Tat, die sich als erfolgreiche Analysekategorie zur Findung des Täters erwiesen hat, auch in psychiatrische Gutachten.
Selbsttötungen als Indikator für psychosoziale Lebensqualität? Eine Sondierung zu “suizidalen Strukturen” in der DDR
Authors: Grashoff Udo
Published: August 2011

In der bundesdeutschen Geschichtskultur häufig anzutreffende Interpretationen von suizidaler Verzweiflung unter den Bedingungen der SED-Diktatur werden hinterfragt anhand der Selbsttötungsstatistiken der DDR, welche seit 1963 geheim gehalten, nichtsdestotrotz aber mit preußischer Gründlichkeit Jahr für Jahr erstellt wurden. Es wird versucht, Einflüsse des politischen Systems auf die Selbsttötungshäufigkeit nachzuweisen bzw. auszuschließen. Als eine Art “Geländer” für die Gedankenführung dient die Selbsttötungs-Typologie von Émile Durkheim.
Kollektives Töten. Versuch, die menschliche Aggression als Ausdruck der conditio humana zu verstehen
Authors: Wirth Hans-Jürgen
Published: August 2011

In der Genozid-Forschung stehen sich zwei Erklärungsansätze diametral gegenüber: Während der eine von Hannah Arendts Diktum der “Banalität des Bösen” ausgeht und in den Handlungen der brutalsten Massenmörder nur das Verhalten von “ganz normalen Menschen” (Harald Welzer) sieht, die sich konform zur herrschenden Tötungsmoral verhielten, nimmt der entgegengesetzte, psychoanalytisch fundierte Ansatz die gleichen Handlungen als Ergebnis von schweren Charakterstörungen an. Beide Theorien werden als relevante Erklärungsansätze diskutiert, und es wird der Versuch unternommen, sie auf der komplexeren Ebene einer sozialpsychoanalytischen Theorie kollektiver Identitäten und kollektiver Traumata zu integrieren.
“Tötet mich, o meine Freunde ...”. Der Märtyrertod des ṣūfī al-Ḥallāğ in der islamischen Ikonographie
Authors: Canavas Constantin
Published: August 2011

Die vorliegende Studie schöpft aus dem islamischen Kulturraum und befasst sich mit der durch den Kalifen verordneten Hinrichtung des Mystikers (ṣūfī) al-Ḥallāğ im Jahr 309 n.H./922 n. Ch. in Bagdad, der Hauptstadt des abbasidischen Kalifats. Die Erhebung von al-Ḥallāğ zum Märtyrer des islamischen Glaubens (šahīd) ist gewiss eine umstrittene interpretatorische Inanspruchnahme theologisch verbürgter Kriterien. Umso stärker ideologisch geprägt ist allerdings die bildliche Repräsentation der Thematik vor dem Hintergrund der Aneignung und Instrumentalisierung theologischer Symbolik für politische Zwecke innerhalb des islamischen Kulturraums. Der Fokus der Studie ist vorwiegend an die persisch-islamische Ikonographie in der Periode vom 13. bis 16 Jh. gerichtet. Hier werden Konzepte nachgezeichnet, nach denen die Beziehungen zwischen der dominanten Herrschaftsideologie und der spirituellen Herausforderung durch den ṣūfī al-Ḥallāğ sowie die emotional geprägten öffentlichen Erwartungen hinsichtlich Gerechtigkeit, Erbarmen und Mitleid vor dem Hintergrund des grausamen Tötens repräsentiert werden.
Töten ohne Affekte, Töten ohne Akte? Anthropologische Figuren und militärisch organisierte Körper in der Literatur über den Ersten Weltkrieg
Authors: Lichau Karsten
Published: August 2011

Im Mittelpunkt des Beitrags steht die literarische Auseinandersetzung mit Formen des militärisch organisierten Tötens im Ersten Weltkrieg und mit der bereits vor 1914 einsetzenden Überhöhung des Krieges zur “Anthropologischen Figur” (Eva Horn): Diese Figur denkt “den Menschen” über “den Krieg”, und umgekehrt. Kultur- und Literaturwissenschaft haben die weite Verbreitung dieser Figur nachgewiesen und ihre Modelle beschrieben – den individuellen oder kollektiven (soldatischen) Einheits-Körper und seine letztlich dem Materialkrieg trotzende Handlungssouveränität, wie sie Ernst Jünger beschwört. Doch es lassen sich auch Gegenentwürfe finden: Meine Lektüre von Max Picards Der letzte Mensch zeichnet den Versuch nach, das Einheitsmodell und seine Elemente zu konterkarieren und damit die “Anthropologische Figur” zu unterlaufen.
Aktion und Prozess. Über den Exzess des Tötens: Serial Killer und Medien
Authors: Hammel Eckhard
Published: August 2011

Serial Killer sind männlichen Geschlechts. Als Handlungsfigur haben sie im Medium Film ein beachtliches Vorkommen erreicht. Im Seriellen und seiner verzeitlichenden Ritualisierung liegt eine Gemeinsamkeit zwischen Verbrechen und Mediengebrauch, die mit Freuds Beschreibung von Sadismus, Wiederholungszwang und Perversion skizziert wird. Weiterführende Hypothesen zur Produktion des Authentizitätseffekts schließen daran an.
Relationship of Maternal Snuff Use and Cigarette Smoking With Neonatal Apnea
Authors: Gunnerbeck Anna , Wikström Anna-Karin , Bonamy Anna-Karin Edstedt , Wickström Ronny , Cnattingius Sven
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND:

Maternal smoking is associated with disturbed cardiorespiratory control in the infant. Despite lacking knowledge of whether the harmful effects of smoking are caused by combustion products in tobacco smoke or by nicotine, it has been argued that nicotine-replacement therapy during pregnancy is safer than smoking.

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of this study was to investigate if the disturbances in cardiorespiratory control associated with maternal smoking are also seen in infants prenatally exposed to snuff. We hypothesized that prenatal nicotine exposure (via moist snuff) causes disturbances in autonomic control and thereby increases the risk of apnea in the newborn.

METHODS:

In a nationwide Swedish cohort study, we studied associations between maternal tobacco use during pregnancy and neonatal apnea. Of 609 551 live-born singleton infants, 7599 were born to snuff-using mothers, 41 391 and 16 928 were born to light (1–9 cigarettes per day) and heavy (≥10 cigarettes per day) smokers, respectively. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios, using 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS:

Compared with infants of nontobacco users, infants with prenatal exposure to snuff were at an increased risk of apnea even after adjustment for differences in gestational age (odds ratio: 1.96 [95% confidence interval: [1.30–2.96]) Smoking was associated with increased risk of apnea before, but not after, adjusting for gestational age.

CONCLUSIONS:

Snuff use during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of neonatal apnea than smoking. Maternal use of snuff or nicotine-replacement therapy cannot be regarded as an alternative to smoking during pregnancy.
Sleep Disorders in Children: A National Assessment of Primary Care Pediatrician Practices and Perceptions
Authors: Faruqui Firoza , Khubchandani Jagdish , Price James H. , Bolyard Dawn , Reddy Ramalinga
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVES:

To assess general pediatricians' screening practices for sleep-related issues and assess their knowledge on common sleep complaints in children, their perceived barriers to screening for sleep issues, and whether they have received training regarding sleep issues.

METHODS:

A national random sample (n = 700) of general pediatricians who were members of the American Academy of Pediatrics were sent a valid and reliable questionnaire on sleep problems in youth.

RESULTS:

A total of 346 pediatricians (49%) responded. The vast majority (96%) indicated that they believed it was their job to counsel patients/guardians regarding sleep hygiene, yet few pediatricians (18%) had ever received formal training on sleep disorders. Those who did not screen for sleep problems spent significantly less time with each patient and perceived significantly more barriers to screening. Pediatricians who had received training about sleep disorders had significantly higher knowledge scores on sleep problems, perceived significantly fewer barriers to screening, and reported significantly higher confidence scores regarding counseling patients/guardians on sleep problems.

CONCLUSION:

These findings support the need for formal education on sleep disorders for all pediatricians.
Decreasing Rate of Biliary Atresia in Taiwan: A Survey, 2004–2009
Authors: Lin Yi-Chun , Chang Mei-Hwei , Liao Shu-Fen , Wu Jia-Feng , Ni Yen-Hsuan , Tiao Mao-Meng , Lai Ming-Wei , Lee Hung-Chang , Lin Chieh-Chung , Wu Tzee-Chung , Lau Beng-Huat , Tsai Tong-Chi , Yang Yao-Jong , Chen An-Chyi , Shih Hsiang-Hung , Lee I-Hsien , Lee Wen-Chung , Chen Huey-Ling , Hsu Hong-Yuan , Chiou Shu-Ti ,   the Taiwan Infant Stool Color Card Study Group
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVES:

The pathogenesis of biliary atresia (BA) is unclear, but epidemiological studies may help to elucidate possible causes. The goals of this study were to identify BA incidence changes in Taiwan in 2004–2009 and to survey the factors that might influence incidence changes to elucidate the possible causes of BA.

METHODS:

A Taiwan national registry system for BA has been established since 2004. By using data from the national registry system for BA, we identified BA incidence changes in 2004–2009. We also evaluated the correlations between BA incidences and estimated rotavirus vaccine coverage rates and between BA incidences and the gross domestic product.

RESULTS:

A total of 185 patients with BA were identified in 2004–2009 in Taiwan, whereas the number of live births was 1 221 189. Compared with the incidence of BA in 2004–2006 (1.79 cases per 10 000 live births), the incidence of BA in 2007–2009 (1.23 cases per 10 000 live births) was decreased significantly (P = .01). BA incidences were negatively correlated with the gross domestic product (P = .02) and marginally negatively correlated with rotavirus vaccine coverage rates (P = .07).

CONCLUSIONS:

A significant decrease in BA incidence in Taiwan since 2007 has been noted and may be related to improvements in the general socioeconomic status and the popularity of rotavirus vaccination. Although more evidence is needed to establish a direct correlation, this phenomenon may shed light on possible causes of and preventive interventions for BA.
Prevention of Varicella: Update of Recommendations for Use of Quadrivalent and Monovalent Varicella Vaccines in Children
Authors:   Committee on Infectious Diseases
Published: August 2011

This Policy Statement was retired January 2015.

Two varicella-containing vaccines are licensed for use in the United States: monovalent varicella vaccine (Varivax [Merck & Co, Inc, West Point, PA]) and quadrivalent measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine (MMRV) (ProQuad [Merck & Co, Inc]). It is estimated from postlicensure data that after vaccination at 12 through 23 months of age, 7 to 9 febrile seizures occur per 10 000 children who receive the MMRV, and 3 to 4 febrile seizures occur per 10 000 children who receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and varicella vaccines administered concurrently but at separate sites. Thus, 1 additional febrile seizure is expected to occur per approximately 2300 to 2600 children 12 to 23 months old vaccinated with the MMRV, when compared with separate MMR and varicella vaccine administration. The period of risk for febrile seizures is from 5 through 12 days after receipt of the vaccine(s). No increased risk of febrile seizures is seen among patients 4 to 6 years of age receiving MMRV. Febrile seizures do not predispose to epilepsy or neurodevelopmental delays later in life and are not associated with long-term health impairment. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that either MMR and varicella vaccines separately or the MMRV be used for the first dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines administered at 12 through 47 months of age. For the first dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines administered at ages 48 months and older, and for dose 2 at any age (15 months to 12 years), use of MMRV generally is preferred over separate injections of MMR and varicella vaccines.