bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequential Resection of the Distal Clavicle and Its Effects on Horizontal Acromioclavicular Joint Translation
Authors: Beitzel Knut , Sablan Nicholas , Chowaniec David M. , Obopilwe Elifho , Cote Mark P. , Arciero Robert A. , Mazzocca Augustus D.
Published: December 2011

Background: Reconstructions of the coracoclavicular (CC) ligament in an open or arthroscopically assisted procedure are often combined with a resection of the distal clavicle to prevent or treat osteoarthritic degenerations of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. However, increased horizontal translation leading to symptomatic instability may be associated with resection of the distal clavicle.

Hypothesis: Horizontal translation increases in direct correlation to subsequent resection of the distal clavicle.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Twelve fresh-frozen specimens (mean age, 82.0 ± 5 years) were examined using a servohydraulic testing system. A 70-N force was applied in the anterior, posterior, and superior directions, and the translations were quantified for all directions. After native testing, sequential resection of the distal clavicle at 5 and 10 mm was performed after incision of the inferior capsule, and anterior-posterior loads were retested. Finally, the AC ligaments were incised, and repeated testing was performed.

Results: Native mean (± standard deviation) anterior translation was 7.90 ± 2.62 mm. After section of the inferior AC capsule, anterior translation was 8.05 ± 2.62 mm ( P = 1.0). After clavicle resection of 5 mm, anterior translation was 10.75 ± 2.38 mm ( P = .122), and after resection of 10 mm, anterior translation was significantly increased to 11.6 ± 2.37 mm ( P = .012). Complete AC capsule sectioning led to significantly greater amounts of anterior translation (12.12 ± 3.0 mm; P = .003). Posterior translation for the native specimen was 8.88 ± 2.63 mm. Sectioning of the inferior AC capsule resulted in 9.21 ± 2.71-mm translation ( P = 1.0). After clavicle resection of 5 mm, posterior translation was 10.42 ± 2.42 mm ( P = 1.0), and after 10-mm resection, it was 11.31 ± 2.86 mm ( P = .39). Sectioning of the complete AC capsule led to significantly greater amounts of posterior translation (12.31 ± 3.12 mm; P = .043).

Conclusion: Ten millimeters of resection increased anterior translation of the distal clavicle with both the superior and posterior AC capsules as well as the CC ligaments intact. Both anterior and posterior translations increased after 10-mm resection and complete AC capsule sectioning.

Clinical Relevance: These results suggest that resection of the distal clavicle leads to increased horizontal translation despite an intact superior and posterior AC capsule. Only sparing resection of the distal clavicle should be performed and only if strictly indicated. Violation of the AC capsule further increases horizontal translation and should therefore be avoided, or if indicated in AC joint dislocations, a reconstruction of the AC capsule should be considered.
Numerical investigation of temperature field of different mechanisms in laser forming
Authors: Shi Yongjun , Yi Peng , Liu Yancong
Published: December 2011

In laser forming, deformation of a plate is different when different mechanisms play dominant roles. A deformation field depends on a temperature field that is related to process parameters, material properties and plate size. Numerical investigations of temperature distribution with different process parameters were carried out when different mechanisms were active. A critical temperature for generating plastic deformation was investigated. Four temperature feature parameters were defined based on the temperature distribution characteristics of the high-temperature zone. The numerical results show that the temperature gradient is obviously different under different mechanism conditions. The temperature distribution features for the different mechanisms have a larger difference, which is helpful for the discrimination of different mechanisms according to the temperature field in real industrial applications.
‘Oh, I’ve known a lot of Irish people’: Reading groups and the negotiation of literary interpretation
Authors: Peplow David
Published: December 2011

Reading groups are an increasingly popular phenomenon in contemporary life, offering a space for readers to share literary and personal experiences. Although there is a growing body of research into reading groups, few studies have considered in detail the language used by readers as they debate the meaning of texts. This article offers a close analysis of interaction in reading groups, focusing on a meeting held by a book club in 2009. Employing a mixed-methodology approach, combining conversation analysis and communities of practice, this study analyses the reading group’s interaction in fine detail while also accounting for elements of group dynamics that influence the talk in this specific community of readers. I consider how members go about articulating their interpretations of the stories in the context of the reading group, focusing on the way that members present these interpretations as reasonable and valid. Three features of interaction are found to be important to this: category entitlement, the ‘oh’-preface and X then Y structures. I conclude that the interpretations offered in the reading group are necessarily socially situated and are inextricable from the interactive context in which they are produced.
What Do Students Learn When Collaboratively Using A Computer Game in the Study of Historical Disease Epidemics, and Why?
Authors: Kennedy-Clark Shannon , Thompson Kate
Published: December 2011

The use of computer games and virtual environments has been shown to engage and motivate students and can provide opportunities to visualize the historical period and make sense of complex visual information. This article presents the results of a study in which university students were asked to collaboratively solve inquiry-based problems related to historical disease epidemics using game-based learning. A multimethod approach to the data collection was used. Initial results indicated that students attended to visual information with more specificity than text-based information when using a virtual environment. Models of student’s decision-making processes when interacting with the world confirmed that students were making decisions related to these visual elements, and not the inquiry process. Building on theories from the learning sciences, such as learning from animations/visualizations and computer-supported collaborative learning, in this article, the authors begin to answer the question of why students learned what they did about historical disease epidemics.
Fluorine-, yttrium- and lanthanide-rich cerianite-(Ce) from carbonatitic rocks of the Kerimasi volcano and surrounding explosion craters, Gregory Rift, northern Tanzania
Authors: Zaitsev A. N. , Chakhmouradian A. R. , Siidra O. I. , Spratt J. , Williams C. T. , Stanley C. J. , Petrov S. V. , Britvin S. N. , Polyakova E. A.
Published: December 2011

Cerianite-(Ce), ideally CeO2, occurs as rounded grains up to 5 μm across in a block of highly altered calcite carbonatite lava from the Kerimasi volcano, and as euhedral crystals up to 200 μm across in carbonatite-derived eluvial deposits in the Kisete and Loluni explosion craters in the Gregory Rift, northern Tanzania. X-ray powder diffraction data (a = 5.434(5) Å) and Raman spectroscopy (minor vibration modes at 184 and 571 cm—1 in addition to a strong signal at 449 cm—1) suggest the presence of essential amounts of large cations and oxygen vacancies in the Kisete material. Microprobe analyses reveal that the mineral contains both light and heavy trivalent rare earth elements (REE) (7.9-15.5 wt.% LREE2O3 and 4.9-9.7 wt.% HREE2O3), and that it is enriched in yttrium (7.1 — 14.5 wt.% Y2O3) and fluorine (2.2—3.5 wt.%). Single-crystal structure refinement of the mineral confirms a fluorite-type structure with a cation—anion distance of 2.3471(6) Å. The cerianite-(Ce) is considered to be a late-stage secondary mineral in the carbonatitic rocks.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors are potent inducers of gene expression in latent EBV and sensitize lymphoma cells to nucleoside antiviral agents
Authors: Ghosh Sajal K. , Perrine Susan P. , Williams Robert M. , Faller Douglas V.
Published: December 2011

Induction of EBV lytic-phase gene expression, combined with exposure to an antiherpes viral drug, represents a promising targeted therapeutic approach to EBV-associated lymphomas. Short-chain fatty acids or certain chemotherapeutics have been used to induce EBV lytic-phase gene expression in cultured cells and mouse models, but these studies generally have not translated into clinical application. The recent success of a clinical trial with the pan-histone deacetylase (pan-HDAC) inhibitor arginine butyrate and the antiherpes viral drug ganciclovir in the treatment of EBV lymphomas prompted us to investigate the potential of several HDAC inhibitors, including some new, highly potent compounds, to sensitize EBV+ human lymphoma cells to antiviral agents in vitro. Our study included short-chain fatty acids (sodium butyrate and valproic acid); hydroxamic acids (oxamflatin, Scriptaid, suberoyl anilide hydroxamic acid, panobinostat [LBH589], and belinostat [PXD101]); the benzamide MS275; the cyclic tetrapeptide apicidin; and the recently discovered HDAC inhibitor largazole. With the exception of suberoyl anilide hydroxamic acid and PXD101, all of the other HDAC inhibitors effectively sensitized EBV+ lymphoma cells to ganciclovir. LBH589, MS275, and largazole were effective at nanomolar concentrations and were 104 to 105 times more potent than butyrate. The effectiveness and potency of these HDAC inhibitors make them potentially applicable as sensitizers to antivirals for the treatment of EBV-associated lymphomas.
Gender and socioeconomic disparities in BMI trajectories in the Seychelles: a cohort analysis based on serial population-based surveys
Authors: Rossi Isabelle A , Rousson Valentin , Viswanathan Bharathi , Bovet Pascal
Published: December 2011

Background

The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic status (SES) tends to change over time and across populations. In this study, we examined, separately in men and women, whether the association between BMI and SES changed over successive birth cohorts in the Seychelles (Indian Ocean, African region).

Methods

We used data from all participants in three surveys conducted in 1989, 1994 and 2004 in independent random samples of the population aged 25-64 years in the Seychelles (N = 3'403). We used linear regression to model mean BMI according to age, cohort, SES and smoking status, allowing for a quadratic term for age to account for a curvilinear relation between BMI and age and interactions between SES and age and between SES and cohorts to test whether the relation between SES and BMI changed across subsequent cohorts. All analyses were performed separately in men and women.

Results

BMI increased with age in all birth cohorts. BMI was lower in men of low SES than high SES but was higher in women of low SES than high SES. In all SES categories, BMI increased over successive cohorts (1.24 kg/m2 in men and 1.51 kg/m2 for a 10-year increase in birth cohorts, p < 0.001). The difference in BMI between men or women of high vs. low SES did not change significantly across successive cohorts (the interaction between SES and year of birth of cohort was statistically not significant). Smoking was associated with lower BMI in men and women (respectively -1.55 kg/m2 and 2.46 kg/m2, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Although large differences exist between men and women, social patterning of BMI did not change significantly over successive cohorts in this population of a middle-income country in the African region.
Damage index in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus in Egypt
Authors: Salah Samia , Lotfy Hala M , Mokbel Abir N , Kaddah Ahmed M , Fahmy Nouran
Published: December 2011

Background

To investigate the prevalence of cumulative organ damage among Egyptian children with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) and the relationships between the organ damage and the demographic data, clinical variables, and disease activity.

Methods

A total of 148 patients with jSLE have been followed in the pediatric rheumatology clinic and section at Cairo University. These patients were evaluated by retrospective chart review. The organ system damage due to SLE was measured using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI). Risk factors for damage were also studied including demographic criteria as well as clinical and laboratory manifestations.

Results

Overall, 43.9% of the patients had damage within a mean of 6.57 ± 3.59 years of disease diagnosis. Neuropsychiatric (NPS-21%) and renal (16.9%) system involvement were observed most frequently, followed by cardiovascular (11.5%), skin (9.5%), pulmonary (6.1%), and ocular (4.8%), with a mean SDI score of 0.93 ± 1.37. In our study, the presence of neuropsychiatric manifestations at diagnosis showed the strongest association with the presence of later disease damage.

The number of SLE diagnostic criteria at presentation was strongly associated with the total SDI score, and the renal damage was significantly more prevalent in patients with age at disease diagnosis below 10 years of age. A higher mean disease duration was found in patients with musculoskeletal damage.

Conclusion

We found that cumulative organ damage, as measured by the SDI, was present in 43.9% of Egyptian patients with juvenile-onset SLE. The damage was significantly more likely in patients who had more SLE diagnostic criteria at time of disease presentation and NPS manifestations at the time of diagnosis.
Improving energy efficiency through multimode transmission in the downlink MIMO systems
Authors: Xu Jie , Qiu Ling , Yu Chengwen
Published: December 2011

Adaptively adjusting system parameters including bandwidth, transmit power and mode to maximize the "Bits per-Joule" energy efficiency (BPJ-EE) in the downlink MIMO systems with imperfect channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT) is considered in this article. By mode, we refer to choice of transmission schemes i.e., singular value decomposition (SVD) or block diagonalization (BD), active transmit/receive antenna number and active user number. We derive optimal bandwidth and transmit power for each dedicated mode at first, in which accurate capacity estimation strategies are proposed to cope with the imperfect CSIT caused capacity prediction problem. Then, an ergodic capacity-based mode switching strategy is proposed to further improve the BPJ-EE, which provides insights into the preferred mode under given scenarios. Mode switching compromises different power parts, exploits the trade-off between the multiplexing gain and the imperfect CSIT caused inter-user interference and improves the BPJ-EE significantly.
Forensically informative nucleotide sequencing (FINS) for the authentication of Chinese medicinal materials
Authors: Li Ming , Zhang Kalin Yan-Bo , But Paul Pui-Hay , Shaw Pang-Chui
Published: December 2011

Chinese medicinal materials may be authenticated by molecular identification. As a definitive approach to molecular identification of medicinal materials, forensically informative nucleotide sequencing (FINS) comprises four steps, namely (1) DNA extraction from biological samples, (2) selection and amplification of a specific DNA fragment, (3) determination of the sequence of the amplified DNA fragment and (4) cladistic analysis of the sample DNA sequence against a DNA database. Success of the FINS identification depends on the selection of DNA region and reference species. This article describes the techniques and applications of FINS for authenticating Chinese medicinal materials.
Effects of BRCA2 deficiency on telomere recombination in non-ALT and ALT cells
Authors: Sapir Ester , Gozaly-Chianea Yaghoub , Al-Wahiby Suliman , Ravindran Sainu , Yasaei Hemad , Slijepcevic Predrag
Published: December 2011

Background

Recent studies suggest that BRCA2 affects telomere maintenance. Interestingly, anti cancer treatments that involve BRCA2 and telomerase individually are currently being explored. In the light of the above recent studies their combinatorial targeting may be justified in the development of future treatments. In order to investigate effects of BRCA2 that can be explored for this combinatorial targeting we focused on the analysis of recombination rates at telomeres by monitoring T-SCEs (Telomere Sister Chromatid Exchanges).

Results

We observed a significant increase in T-SCE frequencies in four BRCA2 defective human cell lines thus suggesting that BRCA2 suppresses recombination at telomeres. To test this hypothesis further we analyzed T-SCE frequencies in a set of Chinese hamster cell lines with or without functional BRCA2. Our results indicate that introduction of functional BRCA2 normalizes frequencies of T-SCEs thus supporting the notion that BRCA2 suppresses recombination at telomeres. Given that ALT (Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres) positive cells maintain telomeres by recombination we investigated the effect of BRCA2 depletion in these cells. Our results show that this depletion causes a dramatic reduction in T-SCE frequencies in ALT positive cells, but not in non-ALT cells.

Conclusion

BRCA2 suppresses recombination at telomeres in cells that maintain them by conventional mechanisms. Furthermore, BRCA2 depletion in ALT positive cells reduces high levels of T-SCEs normally found in these cells. Our results could be potentially important for refining telomerase-based anti-cancer therapies.
Sensitization to cereals and peanut evidenced by skin prick test and specific IgE in food‐tolerant, grass pollen allergic patients
Authors: Martens Maria , Schnoor Heidi J , Malling Hans‐Jørgen , Poulsen Lars K
Published: December 2011

Background

The botanical relation between grass and cereal grains may be relevant when diagnosing food allergy to cereals. The aim was to investigate the diagnostic specificity of skin prick test (SPT) and specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) tests to cereals and peanut in grass pollen allergic subjects without history of, and clinically reactions to foods botanically related to grass.

Methods

70 subjects (41 females; mean age 32 years) and 20 healthy controls (13 females; mean age 24 years) were tested by open food challenge (OFC) with cereals and peanut. SPT and sIgE both with Immulite® (Siemens) and ImmunoCAP® (Phadia) to grass and birch pollen, cereals, peanut and bromelain were performed.

Results

Of the 65 OFC‐negative subjects 29‐46% (SPT, depending on cut‐off), 20% (Immulite) and 38% (ImmunoCAP) had positive results to one or more of the foods tested. Controls were negative in all tests. Cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) as evidenced by reaction to bromelain could explain only a minority of the measured IgE‐sensitizations.

Conclusion

Grass pollen allergic patients with documented food tolerance to cereals and peanut may express significant sensitization. False‐positive cereal or peanut allergy diagnoses may be a quantitatively important problem both in routine clinical work and epidemiological studies.
Effects of Wnt3A and mechanical load on cartilage chondrocyte homeostasis
Authors: Thomas Rhian S , Clarke Alan R , Duance Victor C , Blain Emma J
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Articular cartilage functions in withstanding mechanical loads and provides a lubricating surface for frictionless movement of joints. Osteoarthritis, characterised by cartilage degeneration, develops due to the progressive erosion of structural integrity and eventual loss of functional performance. Osteoarthritis is a multi-factorial disorder; two important risk factors are abnormal mechanical load and genetic predisposition. A single nucleotide polymorphism analysis demonstrated an association of hip osteoarthritis with an Arg324Gly substitution mutation in FrzB, a Wnt antagonist. The purpose of this study was two-fold: to assess whether mechanical stimulation modulates β-catenin signalling and catabolic gene expression in articular chondrocytes, and further to investigate whether there is an interplay of mechanical load and Wnt signalling in mediating a catabolic response.

Methods

Chondrocytes were pre-stimulated with recombinant Wnt3A for 24 hours prior to the application of tensile strain (7.5%, 1 Hz) for 30 minutes. Activation of Wnt signalling, via β-catenin nuclear translocation and downstream effects including the transcriptional activation of c-jun, c-fos and Lef1, markers of chondrocyte phenotype (type II collagen (col2a1), aggrecan (acan), SOX9) and catabolic genes (MMP3, MMP13, ADAMTS-4, ADAMTS-5) were assessed.

Results

Physiological tensile strain induced col2a1, acan and SOX9 transcription. Load-induced acan and SOX9 expression were repressed in the presence of Wnt3A. Load induced partial β-catenin nuclear translocation; there was an additive effect of load and Wnt3A on β-catenin distribution, with both extensive localisation in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Immediate early response (c-jun) and catabolic genes (MMP3, ADAMTS-4) were up-regulated in Wnt3A stimulated chondrocytes. With load and Wnt3A there was an additive up-regulation of c-fos, MMP3 and ADAMTS-4 transcription, whereas there was a synergistic interplay on c-jun, Lef1 and ADAMTS-5 transcription.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that load and Wnt, in combination, can repress transcription of chondrocyte matrix genes, whilst enhancing expression of catabolic mediators. Future studies will investigate the respective roles of abnormal loading and genetic predisposition in mediating cartilage degeneration.
ABOUT ALL: STUDIES IN Nineteenth-Century AMERICAN ENGLISH I
Authors: Ellis Michael , Montgomery Michael
Published: December 2011

This article argues that American English before the twentieth century has been significantly under-documented, even in works like the Dictionary of American English, because of the inaccessibility of manuscript evidence, specifically from personal correspondence. It outlines a recently initiated project, the Corpus of American Civil War Letters (CACWL), which provides such evidence from the letters and diaries of little-educated soldiers in the conflict and their family members on the home front. In examining two compounds involving all (the pronoun you all ‘you (plural)’ and the preposition all to ‘except for’), the article demonstrates the usefulness of a large body of manuscripts to establish the general currency of the first form in the American South by 1860 and to identify the first known usages of the second form in American English. This initial case study confirms the value of both CACWL and the Southern Plantation overseers Corpus for both lexicography and for documenting the history of the English language.
Differential regulation of adherens junction dynamics during apical–basal polarization
Authors: Huang Juan , Huang Lynn , Chen Yi-Jiun , Austin Erin , Devor Caitlin E. , Roegiers Fabrice , Hong Yang
Published: December 2011

Adherens junctions (AJs) in epithelial cells are constantly turning over to modulate adhesion properties under various physiological and developmental contexts, but how such AJ dynamics are regulated during the apical–basal polarization of primary epithelia remains unclear. Here, we used new and genetically validated GFP markers of Drosophila E-cadherin (DE-cadherin, hereafter referred to as DE-Cad) and β-catenin (Armadillo, Arm) to quantitatively assay the in vivo dynamics of biosynthetic turnover and membrane redistribution by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) assays. Our data showed that membrane DE-Cad and Arm in AJs of polarizing epithelial cells had much faster biosynthetic turnover than in polarized cells. Fast biosynthetic turnover of membrane DE-Cad is independent of actin- and dynamin-based trafficking, but is microtubule-dependent. Furthermore, Arm in AJs of polarizing cells showed a faster and diffusion-based membrane redistribution that was both quantitatively and qualitatively different from the slower and exchange-based DE-Cad membrane distribution, indicating that the association of Arm with DE-Cad is more dynamic in polarizing cells, and only becomes stable in polarized epithelial cells. Consistently, biochemical assays showed that the binding of Arm to DE-Cad is weaker in polarizing cells than in polarized cells. Our data revealed that the molecular interaction between DE-Cad and Arm is modulated during apical–basal polarization, suggesting a new mechanism that might be crucial for establishing apical–basal polarity through regulating the AJ dynamics.
Penetrating abdominal aortic ulcers: case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Kazan Viviane , Jamil Tahir , Beyrouti Rahma , Nazzal Munier
Published: December 2011

Atherosclerotic abdominal aortic ulcers are uncommon in contrast to those of the thoracic aorta. They present with a variety of symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the methods of diagnosis. Treatment is made easier with the use of endovascular techniques, which have less mortality and morbidity than open repair. In this paper, we present three cases of penetrating aortic ulcers presenting with abdominal pain. In two of those cases, the diagnosis was made by MRI and missed by CT scan. We present a review of the literature.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in the presence of a heparin-bonded bypass graft
Authors: Wheatcroft M D , Greco E , Tse L , Roche-Nagle G
Published: December 2011

The use of prosthetic grafts in below-knee bypasses may be necessary in patients with no available autologous vein and critical limb ischemia not amenable to angioplasty. Such conduits, however, have generally yielded disappointing results. A new, heparin-bonded, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft (Gore Propaten vascular graft) designed to provide resistance to thrombosis may be associated with decreased early graft failure and increased patency. A concern with exposure to heparin, and therefore heparin-bonded prostheses, is the development of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Although rare, this requires prompt graft removal. We present a case to highlight this serious complication and review the literature on this topic.
Statin treatment is associated with reduced toll-like receptor 4 immunohistochemical expression on carotid atherosclerotic plaques: a novel effect of statins
Authors: Katsargyris Athanasios , Klonaris Chris , Tsiodras Sotirios , Bastounis Elias , Giannopoulos Athanasios , Theocharis Stamatios
Published: December 2011

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been recently implicated in inflammatory pathways involved in carotid plaque destabilization. Given that statins have plaque stabilization and inflammation reduction effects, we investigated whether TLR4 expression on carotid atherosclerotic plaques correlates with statin intake. Carotid atherosclerotic plaques were obtained on 140 patients (preoperative statin intake, n = 70). TLR4 immunohistochemical expression was investigated in endothelial cells (ECs), macrophages (MACs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of carotid atheroma. TLR4 positivity, over-expression and intensity of immunostaining were compared in statin versus no-statin users. The results of this study showed that statin users had a significantly lower expression of TLR4 in ECs ( P = 0.02, 0.001, 0.006 for TLR4 positivity, increased intensity and over-expression, respectively). Similarly, TLR4 positivity was less pronounced in carotid plaque MACs of statin users ( P = 0.03). No carotid specimen with increased EC TLR4 intensity or over-expression was observed among statin users. The prevalence of any cerebrovascular accident was 61.4% in the ‘no statin’ versus 18.6% in the ‘statin’ group (odds ratio for statin use: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.07–0.31, P < 0.001). In conclusion, statin treatment is associated with attenuated TLR4 expression on human carotid atherosclerotic plaques and a reduced risk of carotid-related cerebrovascular events. TLR4 may potentially mediate statins' plaque stabilization effects. Further investigation is necessary.
Primary subclavian vein thrombosis and its long-term effect on quality of life
Authors: Bosma J , Vahl A C , Coveliers H M E , Rauwerda J A , Wisselink W
Published: December 2011

We aimed to compare the long-term results of three different strategies for treatment of patients with primary (spontaneous or effort related) subclavian vein thrombosis (PSVT). We followed 45 consecutive patients who had been treated for PSVT receiving either oral anticoagulant therapy only ( n = 14, group 1); thrombolysis followed by anticoagulant therapy ( n = 14, group 2); or thrombolysis, transaxillary first rib resection and anticoagulant therapy ( n = 17, group 3). Endpoints were persisting symptoms and quality of life (QoL). The latter was assessed with the EuroQol (EQ-5D) questionnaire at the end of follow-up. The design is a case-control study with three different groups. Predictors for residual symptoms and QoL were analyzed with logistic and linear regression analysis. Patients in groups 2 and 3 had significantly less pain, swelling and fatigue in the afflicted limb at six weeks. There was no difference in pain ( P = 0.90), swelling ( P = 0.58), fatigue ( P = 0.61), functional impairment ( P = 0.61), recurrence ( P = 0.10) or QoL ( P = 0.25) between groups at the end of follow-up (mean follow-up 57 months [range 2–176, SD ± 46]). Treatment strategy was not predictive of QoL ( P = 0.91, analysis of variance). No differences in long-term symptoms or QoL between patients with successful and unsuccessful thrombolysis were present. In conclusion, thrombolysis with or without first rib resection does not appear to contribute to lasting symptom reduction and improvement of QoL in this study. The effect of thrombolysis may be limited to short-term symptom relief. Transaxillary first rib resection was not associated with improved late outcome (symptoms, QoL) and did not reduce recurrence rate.
Convex Approximations of a Probabilistic Bicriteria Model with Disruptions
Authors: Rengarajan Tara , Dimitrov Nedialko , Morton David P.
Published: December 2011

We consider a multiperiod system operation problem with two conflicting objectives, minimizing cost and risk. Risk stems from uncertain disruptions to the system during operation. Whereas a general model would hedge against disruptions in each time period, we study special cases in which only a modest number of disruptions occur. To optimize for risk, we employ a convex approximation based on constraint sampling. We develop a stratified sampling scheme based on distributional information on the time of disruption. We establish that our scheme yields significant savings in sampling costs—up to an order of magnitude in the number of time periods—over naive sampling. Moreover, in the absence of distributional information, we exhibit a sampling strategy that has comparable performance to optimal stratification. We numerically demonstrate that stratification improves cost over naive sampling, improving the solution's proximity to the efficient frontier of the bicriteria problem.
Liquid intrusion and alternative methods for the characterization of macroporous materials (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Rouquerol Jean , Baron Gino , Denoyel Renaud , Giesche Herbert , Groen Johan , Klobes Peter , Levitz Pierre , Neimark Alexander V. , Rigby Sean , Skudas Romas , Sing Kenneth , Thommes Matthias , Unger Klaus
Published: December 2011

This document deals with the characterization of porous materials having pore widths in the macropore range of 50 nm to 500 μm. In recent years, the development of advanced adsorbents and catalysts (e.g., monoliths having hierarchical pore networks) has brought about a renewed interest in macropore structures. Mercury intrusion–extrusion porosimetry is a well-established method, which is at present the most widely used for determining the macropore size distribution. However, because of the reservations raised by the use of mercury, it is now evident that the principles involved in the application of mercury porosimetry require reappraisal and that alternative methods are worth being listed and evaluated. The reliability of mercury porosimetry is discussed in the first part of the report along with the conditions required for its safe use. Other procedures for macropore size analysis, which are critically examined, include the intrusion of other non-wetting liquids and certain wetting liquids, capillary condensation, liquid permeation, imaging, and image analysis. The statistical reconstruction of porous materials and the use of macroporous reference materials (RMs) are also examined. Finally, the future of macropore analysis is discussed.
The Effect of Marketer-Suggested Serving Size on Consumer Responses: The Unintended Consequences of Consumer Attention to Calorie Information
Authors: Mohr Gina S. , Lichtenstein Donald R. , Janiszewski Chris
Published: December 2011

Nutritional labels are mandatory on virtually all packaged food items sold in the United States. The nutritional information on these labels is reported on a “per-serving-size” basis. However, unbeknownst to many consumers, current Food and Drug Administration regulations allow manufacturers some discretion in setting serving sizes—a factor that the authors hypothesize has implications for consumer behavior. For example, adopting a smaller serving size allows marketers to reduce the reported calories, fat, sugar, and carbohydrates in a product serving, which in turn can influence the anticipated consequences of consumption. Three studies show that manipulating the serving size, and thus calories per serving, for equivalent consumption amounts influences the anticipated guilt of consumption, purchase intentions, and choice behavior. However, the results also show that individual difference and context variables, which heighten consumer attention to nutritional information in general, often focus attention on calorie information but not serving size. This leads to the counterintuitive finding that more nutritionally vigilant consumers are more heavily influenced by serving size manipulations. The authors discuss the managerial and public policy implications.
Ambassadors in Overalls
Authors: Garcia Matt
Published: December 2011

In “Ambassadors in Overalls: Mexican Guest Workers and the Future of Labor,” Matt Garcia explores this the legacy of the Bracero Program, a bilateral agreement initiated in 1942 between the United States and Mexico that invited male Mexican nationals to do mostly farm labor in California and throughout the rest of the nation. Presumed to have ended in 1964, Garcia explores how guest worker programs of this type have continued to the present in multiple forms and in numerous countries. In the United States, they are often proposed as a solution to the problem of our broken immigration system in spite of a record of failure to ensure safe and fair working conditions for participants. Increasingly, Garcia argues, these programs are shaping the way we all live, work, and belong in this world.
Amnesty or Abolition?
Authors: Hernández Kelly Lytle
Published: December 2011

Convicts and undocumented immigrants are similarly excluded from full social and political membership in the United States. Disfranchised, denied core protections of the social welfare state and subject to forced removal from their homes, families, and communities, convicts and undocumented immigrants, together, occupy the caste of outsiders living within the United States. This essay explores the rise of the criminal justice and immigration control systems that frame the caste of outsiders. Reaching back to the forgotten origins of immigration control during the era of black emancipation, this essay highlights the deep and allied inequities rooted in the rise of immigration control and mass incarceration.
Pay Me No Mind
Authors: Hinch Jim
Published: December 2011

The work of artist and former East L.A. gang member Fabian Debora highlights the religiosity of Los Angeles' myriad immigrant communities. Debora paints within the Chicano tradition but, like many young contemporary Chicano artists, looks beyond the movement's historic focus on political activism and Chicano identity. Debora draws inspiration from his immigrant-rich Boyle Heights neighborhood, where religious institutions such as Debora's Delores Mission Catholic parish form part of an immense citywide immigrant religious infrastructure. Debora's work suggests that L.A.'s current role as America's immigration capital has spiritual as well as cultural and political ramifications.
Beyond Hollywood
Authors: Simmon Scott
Published: December 2011

California’s forgotten movie heritage is on view in the National Film Preservation Foundation’s Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938 DVD set. Included among the 40 films are such fictional ones as The Sergeant (1910, the first surviving narrative film shot in Yosemite), Salomy Jane (1914, from the San Francisco-based California Motion Picture Corp.) and Over Silent Paths (1910, shot in the San Fernando Valley when it was still a desert). Even more revealing are the nonfiction types, including Romance of Water (1931, from the L.A. Department of Water and Power), Sunshine Gatherers (1921, from Del Monte), and two 1916 travelogues that document the beginning of auto tourism: Seeing Yosemite with David A. Curry and Lake Tahoe, Land of the Sky. These once-forgotten films stand as testimony to the complexity of the West—as a concept, a landscape, a borderland, a tourist destination, a burgeoning economy, and an arena for clashing cultures.
Epidemiological Study on Risk Factors for Anxiety Disorder among Chinese Doctors
Authors: Sun Wei , Fu Jialiang , Chang Ying , Wang Lie
Published: December 2011

Epidemiological Study on Risk Factors for Anxiety Disorder among Chinese Doctors: Wei SUN, et al. Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, China Medical University, P.R. China—

Objectives

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health problem. However, few studies are available pertaining to this problem among Chinese doctors, a special occupational population exposed to high stress, especially during the implementation of health system reform. The aim of this study was to assess anxiety disorder among Chinese doctors and clarify its risk factors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 7 teaching hospitals of China Medical University. Questionnaires pertaining to anxiety disorder indicated by the Zung Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and demographic characteristics, health status, lifestyle factors, work conditions and work‐related psychological status were distributed to all registered doctors during April‐June 2009. There were 1,134 effective respondents (effective response rate 71.2%), and these respondents became our subjects (539 male doctors and 595 female doctors).

Results

The average standard scores of SAS for the male and female doctors were 46.8 and 46.7. General linear model analysis indicated that SAS was associated with, in standardized estimate (β) sequence, cynicism, emotional exhaustion, professional efficacy, sleeping problem, chronic diseases and physical exercise in men and with professional efficacy, emotional exhaustion, cynicism, sleeping problem, chronic diseases, job satisfaction, alcohol consumption and meals in women. Work‐related psychological status contributed the most to the model R‐square.

Conclusion

Chinese doctors were at considerably high risk of anxiety disorder and job burnout and sleeping problem had prominent roles. Interventions such as preventing exhaustion at work and improving sleep quality should be given attention during health care system reform with the aim of lessening anxiety disorder in doctors in China.
Research of autobiographical memory: The Autobiographical Interview (AI) Method (Healthy memory and Alzheimer’s disease)
Authors: Szőllősi Ágnes , Kónya Anikó
Published: December 2011

Levine, Svoboda és munkatársai (2002) olyan félig strukturált Önéletrajzi Interjút fejlesztettek ki az egyedi, specifikus önéletrajzi emlékek vizsgálatára, amely képes kiemelni az emlék elbeszéléséből az eseményspecifikus tartalmakat. Jelen vizsgálat célja e módszer magyar nyelvű adaptációja. Az eljárás segítségével három egészséges életkori csoport került összehasonlításra: fiatalok (20–27 év: 25 fő), középkorúak (45–55 év: 25 fő) és idősek (60–79 év: 16 fő), valamint egy emlékezetsérült klinikai betegcsoport: kezdeti stádiumú Alzheimer-kórban szenvedő betegek (60–80 év: 16 fő). Megerősítést kapott, hogy egészséges személyeknél a kor előrehaladtával romlik az önéletrajzi események elbeszélésének epizodikus gazdagsága. Továbbá, hogy az Alzheimer-kór kezdeti stádiumában sokkal nagyobb mértékben sérül az epizodikus emlékezés képessége, mint hasonló életkorú egészséges idős személyeknél.
Weighed, Measured, and Still Searching: Bevacizumab in the Treatment of Unselected Patients with Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Lopes Gilberto , Dent Rebecca
Published: December 2011

The review of Alvarez et al. on the controversial role of bevacizumab in the treatment of advanced breast cancer, presented in this issue of The Oncologist, is examined.
Quantification of dissolved methane in UASB reactors treating domestic wastewater under different operating conditions
Authors: Souza C. L. , Chernicharo C. A. L. , Aquino S. F.
Published: December 2011

This paper aimed at measuring the concentration of methane dissolved in effluents from different UASB reactors (pilot-, demo- and full-scale) treating domestic wastewater, in order to calculate the degree of saturation of such greenhouse gas and evaluate the losses of energetic potential in such systems. The results showed that methane saturation degrees, calculated according to Henry's law, varied from ∼1.4 to 1.7 in the different reactors, indicating that methane was oversaturated in the liquid phase. The overall results indicated that the losses of dissolved methane in the anaerobic effluents were considerably high, varying from 36 to 41% of total methane generated in the reactor. These results show that there is considerable uncontrolled loss of methane in anaerobic wastewater treatment plants, implying the need of research on technologies aimed at recovering such energetic greenhouse gas.
Profiling of Autoantibodies in IgA Nephropathy, an Integrative Antibiomics Approach
Authors: Sigdel Tara K. , Woo Sang Hoon , Dai Hong , Khatri Purvesh , Li Li , Myers Bryan , Sarwal Minnie M. , Lafayette Richard A.
Published: December 2011

Background and objectives

IgG commonly co-exists with IgA in the glomerular mesangium of patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) with unclear clinical relevance. Autoantibody (autoAb) biomarkers to detect and track progression of IgAN are an unmet clinical need. The objective of the study was to identify IgA-specific autoAbs specific to IgAN.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

High-density protein microarrays were evaluated IgG autoAbs in the serum of IgAN patients (n = 22) and controls (n = 10). Clinical parameters, including annual GFR and urine protein measurements, were collected on all patients over 5 years. Bioinformatic data analysis was performed to select targets for further validation by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

One hundred seventeen (1.4%) specific antibodies were increased in IgAN. Among the most significant were the autoAb to the Ig family of proteins. IgAN-specific autoAbs (approximately 50%) were mounted against proteins predominantly expressed in glomeruli and tubules, and selected candidates were verified by IHC. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of our study demonstrated that IgG autoAb levels (matriline 2, ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2W, DEAD box protein, and protein kinase D1) might be used in combination with 24-hour proteinuria to improve prediction of the progression of IgAN (area under the curve = 0.86, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

IgAN is associated with elevated IgG autoAbs to multiple proteins in the kidney. This first analysis of the repertoire of autoAbs in IgAN identifies novel, immunogenic protein targets that are highly expressed in the kidney glomerulus and tubules that may bear relevance in the pathogenesis and progression of IgAN.
Exploring the Relationships between Strategy, Innovation, and Management Control Systems: The Roles of Social Networking, Organic Innovative Culture, and Formal Controls
Authors: Chenhall Robert H. , Kallunki Juha-Pekka , Silvola Hanna
Published: December 2011

This paper is concerned with the relationship between strategy, management control systems (MCS), and innovation. MCS are described in terms of a package of controls that is comprised of social networking, organic innovative culture, and formal controls. We develop a path model that proposes that product differentiation is associated with more extensive innovation. It is argued that this association is explained, in part, by paths from product differentiation to the three dimensions of MCS, and then paths from these MCS dimensions to innovation. Using a survey of Russian enterprises we confirm that product differentiation is associated with innovation. Also, product differentiation is associated with each dimension of the MCS. Organic innovative culture and formal controls have direct paths to innovation, while social networking has an effect on innovation by acting indirectly through its connection with organic innovative culture.

JEL Classification: M41.
Oral health-related quality of life and dental implants — preliminary study
Authors: Kriz Pavel , Seydlova Michaela , Dostalova Tatjana , Valenta Zdenek , Chleborad Karel , Zvarova Jana , Feberova Jitka , Hippmann Radek
Published: December 2011

Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is multifaceted and involves many factors. One of them is the use of dental implants. It was the aim of our study to assess whether implant therapy might improve OHRQoL. We consulted patients with at least one Astra Tech implant. Each patient completed oral health questionnaires, which were then statistically evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test and Analysis of Covariance from a functional and aesthetic point of view. Differential response on individual scales was assessed using multivariate approach. All twelve marginal Wilcoxon tests showed an overall improvement in OHQoL (α = 0.05). On the aesthetic scale, OHRQoL was found to be associated with marital status, aesthetic reasons for undergoing surgery and number of front teeth replaced by implants. On the functional scale, three covariates were statistically significantly and appeared to have affected the levels of OHRQoL. The most significant explanatory effect was observed for the number of front teeth replaced via implantation, followed by the presence of chewing problems. Marital status was also found to have significantly affected the OHRQoL functional scale. Significant implant-related improvements in both scales were observed in patients with at least one implant in the front dental area.