bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes Toward Information About Genetic Risk for Cognitive Impairment After Cancer Chemotherapy: Breast Cancer Survivors Compared With Healthy Controls
Authors: Andrykowski Michael A. , Burris Jessica L. , Walsh Erin , Small Brent J. , Jacobsen Paul B.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The trend toward personalized medicine will involve cancer treatment increasingly being tailored to the genetic characteristics of individuals. However, the availability of genetic information does not imply this information is desired or would impact treatment decision making.

Methods

One hundred sixty breast cancer survivors (BC group) and 205 healthy controls (HC group) were randomly assigned to respond to two different clinical scenarios varying in genetic-related risk of cognitive impairment (CI; little v very likely) and severity of CI (little v moderate problem) after chemotherapy. Ratings of the importance of being told this genetic information (information importance) and the likelihood this information would affect their decision to receive chemotherapy (information impact) were obtained.

Results

Results indicated the importance ascribed to genetic information was greatest when CI likelihood and severity were both high or low (P < .05). Information impact ratings were not sensitive to differences in CI likelihood or severity; the BC group was less likely to indicate genetic information would affect their decision to receive chemotherapy than the HC group (P < .001).

Conclusion

Results suggest lessened enthusiasm for genetic information that maintains or increases uncertainty about a specific course of action and highlight the importance of including clinically relevant groups in treatment decision-making research that employs hypothetical scenarios. Although women generally believe it is important to receive genetic information, they might benefit from assistance (eg, decision aid) in the difficult task of integrating information about survival and risk for adverse late effects from cancer treatment.
Phase II Study of the Anti-Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte–Associated Antigen 4 Monoclonal Antibody, Tremelimumab, in Patients With Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chung Ki Y. , Gore Ira , Fong Lawrence , Venook Alan , Beck Stephen B. , Dorazio Prudence , Criscitiello Peggy J. , Healey Diane I. , Huang Bo , Gomez-Navarro Jesus , Saltz Leonard B.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Safety and efficacy of tremelimumab (CP-675,206), a fully human anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) monoclonal antibody, were assessed in patients with treatment-refractory colorectal cancer.

Patients and Methods

A single-arm, multicenter, phase II trial was conducted in patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤ 1 and measurable colorectal carcinoma for whom standard treatments for metastatic disease had failed. Patients received 15 mg/kg tremelimumab intravenously every 90 days until progression. Primary end point was objective response status (per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors). Secondary end points included safety, duration of response, progression-free survival, and overall survival.

Results

Forty-seven patients who had received extensive prior therapies (all had received fluoropyrimidines, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan; most [91%] had also received cetuximab) were treated. Grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were diarrhea (n = 5; 11%), ulcerative colitis (n = 1; 2%), fatigue (n = 1; 2%), autoimmune thrombocytopenia (n = 1; 2%), and hypokalemia (n = 1; 2%), which resolved spontaneously or with interventions. Six patients discontinued because of an AE; two were considered treatment related. Of 45 response-evaluable patients, 44 did not reach second dose (43 progressive disease; one discontinuation). Twenty-one patients (45%) lived ≥ 180 days after enrollment. One patient (2%; 90% CI, < 1% to 10%) had a stable pelvic mass and substantial regression in an adrenal mass (partial response). This patient received five tremelimumab doses; response duration was 6 months (enrollment to disease progression, 15 months).

Conclusion

Tremelimumab did not demonstrate clinically meaningful single-agent activity in this patient population, although the number of survivors at 6 months and the one patient with confirmed partial response are potentially interesting. Further study of tremelimumab in combination with other agents may be warranted.
Babes in the Woods
Authors: Gallagher-Ross Jacob
Published: May 2010

Jacob Gallagher-Ross introduces the text of Big Art Group's SOS, a piece recently staged at the Kitchen in New York City. He analyzes and situates the company's mediatized aesthetic within the context of contemporary consumer culture and the economic implosion of 2008.
SOS
Authors: Nelson Jemma , Manson Caden , Nelson Jemma
Published: May 2010

© 2010 Caden Manson and Jemma Nelson. All rights reserved. No part of this play may lawfully be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical—including photocopying, recording (as well as videotaping), typescript, manuscript, or transmission and storage in a retrieval system—without prior permission from the producer, Big Art Group (www.bigartgroup.com).

caution: Professionals and amateurs are hereby warned that, being fully protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America, the British Commonwealth, including the Dominion of Canada, and all other countries of the Copyright Union, this play is subject to royalty. All rights, including professional, amateur, motion picture, recitation, lecturing, public reading, radio and television broadcasting, and translation into foreign languages, are strictly reserved. Particular emphasis is laid on the questions of readings, permission for which must be secured from the producer, Big Art Group.
Uncreative Writing
Authors: Keithley Karinne
Published: May 2010

Karinne Keithley's essay introduces the script of Nature Theater of Oklahoma's Romeo and Juliet, placing it within a genealogy of American thought that begins with Emerson and Thoreau and continues through the artistic experiments of John Cage and of the Judson Dance Theatre.
Closure in Detective Fiction
Authors: Segal Eyal
Published: May 2010

This essay explores closure in the detective story, a genre that is generally recognized as a paradigm case of strong closure and thus has a special claim to notice in a general study of narrative closure. The essay starts by outlining a theoretical model of narrative closure based on a synthesis of Barbara Herrnstein Smith's approach to the problem of closure with Meir Sternberg's rhetorical-functionalist approach to the definition and understanding of narrative in terms of three major types of interest (suspense, curiosity, and surprise). The essay then proceeds to extend this model to the closural mechanisms operating in the detective story and the reasons for their special force.To round out the picture, the argument concludes by examining two detective novels with unconventionally open endings: Anthony Berkeley's The Poisoned Chocolates Case and Chester Himes's Blind Man with a Pistol serve to illustrate the other pole on the closure/openness spectrum.
Implied Author, Overall Consideration, and Subtext of “Désirée's Baby”
Authors: Shen Dan
Published: May 2010

This essay explores how to infer from a text the image of the implied author. It examines Kate Chopin's “Désirée's Baby” (1893), which has been widely regarded as an indictment of racism but which an “overall consideration” of the implied author's choices will lead us to see as a racist text. Through the interaction of various details in the text, the implied author suggests three racist dichotomies: (1) white characters' nondiscrimination versus black characters' discrimination, (2) positive slavery under white masters versus negative slavery under a black master, and (3) superior whites versus inferior blacks. This implied racist stance reflects the historical context of Chopin's personal experiences, but it contrasts with the quite different racial stances of the implied authors of some other Chopin narratives with different thematic designs. The complexity of the narratives under the name “Kate Chopin” offers an opportunity not only to gain a better understanding of the concept of implied author but also to clarify the relations (connections as well as disparities) among textual, intertextual, and extratextual evidence in literary interpretation in general.
A cross-disciplinary approach to understanding neural stem cells in development and disease
Authors: Henrique Domingos , Bally-Cuif Laure
Published: May 2010

The Company of Biologists recently launched a new series of workshops aimed at bringing together scientists with different backgrounds to discuss cutting edge research in emerging and cross-disciplinary areas of biology. The first workshop was held at Wilton Park, Sussex, UK, and the chosen theme was ‘Neural Stem Cells in Development and Disease’, which is indeed a hot topic, not only because of the potential use of neural stem cells in cell replacement therapies to treat neurodegenerative diseases, but also because alterations in their behaviour can, in certain cases, lie at the origin of brain tumours and other diseases.
Exergy efficiency of a solar photovoltaic array based on exergy destructions
Authors: Sarhaddi F , Farahat S , Ajam H , Behzadmehr A
Published: May 2010

In this article, an attempt has been made to investigate the exergetic performance of a solar photovoltaic (PV) array. A detailed energy and exergy analysis has been carried out to calculate the operating and electrical parameters, exergy destruction components, and exergy efficiency of a typical PV array. The operating and electrical parameters of a PV array include PV array temperature, overall heat loss coefficient, open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, maximum power point voltage, maximum power point current, etc. Some corrections have been done on the overall heat loss coefficient. Further, a new equation for the exergy efficiency of a PV array has been derived in terms of exergy destruction components. A computer simulation program has also been developed in order to calculate the operating and electrical parameters of a PV array. The results of numerical simulation are in good agreement with the experimental measurements noted in the previous literature. Furthermore, the new exergy efficiency obtained in this article is in fair agreement with the one given by the previous literature. Finally, parametric studies have been carried out. It is observed that PV array temperature has a great effect on the exergy efficiency, and the exergy efficiency can be improved if the heat can be removed from the PV array surface. On the other hand, design parameters such as PV array area have a little effect on the exergy efficiency.
Vitamin E regulates adipocytokine expression in a rat model of dietary-induced obesity
Authors: Shen Xiu-Hua , Tang Qing-Ya , Huang Juan , Cai Wei
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the antioxidant vitamin E (VE) on adiponectin and leptin expression in obese rats. Thirty weaning male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups as follows: (1) a control group, fed with normal chow; (2) a diet-induced obesity group (DIO), fed with a high-fat diet and (3) an intervention group, fed with a high-fat diet supplemented with VE (350 mg/kg). After 10 weeks of being fed according to these group assignments, rats were weighed and euthanized. Blood and adipose tissues were then immediately collected; mRNA and protein levels of leptin and adiponectin were measured by realtime reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including serum levels of 8-epi-prostaglandin-F2 α (8-epi-PGF2 α) and glutathione peroxidase activity, were also examined. Adiponectin and leptin levels were lower in the DIO group than in the control group. VE intervention increased the expression of both leptin and adiponectin ( P values < 0.05). Association analysis showed that serum leptin levels correlated positively with body fat mass ( r = 0.601, P < 0.05). Both serum leptin and adiponectin levels were associated with the presence of serum 8-epi-PGF2 α (leptin, r = 0.513, P < 0.05; adiponectin, r = −0.422, P < 0.05). Administration of VE decreases leptin and adiponectin expression in obese rats. This finding is consistent with the view that antioxidants can play an important role in the treatment of obesity-related diseases.
Magnetic measurements of peripheral nerve function using a neuromagnetic current probe
Authors: Wijesinghe Ranjith S
Published: May 2010

The progress made during the last three decades in mathematical modeling and technology development for the recording of magnetic fields associated with cellular current flow in biological tissues has provided a means of examining action currents more accurately than that of using traditional electrical recordings. It is well known to the biomedical research community that the room-temperature miniature toroidal pickup coil called the neuromagnetic current probe can be employed to measure biologically generated magnetic fields in nerve and muscle fibers. In contrast to the magnetic resonance imaging technique, which relies on the interaction between an externally applied magnetic field and the magnetic properties of individual atomic nuclei, this device, along with its room-temperature, low-noise amplifier, can detect currents in the nano-Ampere range. The recorded magnetic signals using neuromagnetic current probes are relatively insensitive to muscle movement since these probes are not directly connected to the tissue, and distortions of the recorded data due to changes in the electrochemical interface between the probes and the tissue are minimal. Contrary to the methods used in electric recordings, these probes can be employed to measure action currents of tissues while they are lying in their own natural settings or in saline baths, thereby reducing the risk associated with elevating and drying the tissue in the air during experiments. This review primarily describes the investigations performed on peripheral nerves using the neuromagnetic current probe. Since there are relatively few publications on these topics, a comprehensive review of the field is given. First, magnetic field measurements of isolated nerve axons and muscle fibers are described. One of the important applications of the neuromagnetic current probe to the intraoperative assessment of damaged and reconstructed nerve bundles is summarized. The magnetic signals of crushed nerve axons and the determination of the conduction velocity distribution of nerve bundles are also reviewed. Finally, the capabilities and limitations of the probe and the magnetic recordings are discussed.
Aldosterone receptor inhibition alters the viscoelastic biomechanical behavior of the aortic wall
Authors: Gkizas Spyridon I , Apostolakis Efstratios , Pagoulatou Eirini , Mavrilas Dimostenis , Papachristou Dionysios J , Koletsis Efstratios , Papalois Apostolos , Papadaki Helen , Alexopoulos Dimitrios
Published: May 2010

Dynamic mechanical disturbances in the aortic wall may lead to progressive aortic dilation and possibly aneurysmal formation. Here, we investigated the previously unexplored effects of aldosterone inhibition on aortic wall viscoelastic properties in hyperlipidemic rabbits. Thirty-six New Zealand male rabbits, fed a standard diet for four weeks, were separated into three groups: control (C; n = 10), standard diet; eplerenone (A; n = 12), hyperlipidemic diet plus 100 mg/kg/d eplerenone (last 4 weeks); and vehicle (V; n = 14), hyperlipidemic diet (no eplerenone). After eight weeks, animals were sacrificed and rectangular strips from the aortic wall, cut in radial and axial orientations, were prepared. Fresh, saline-wetted strips at 37°C were subjected to cyclic sinusoidal elongation from zero to 20% of the resting length at a frequency of 1 Hz. The dynamic biomechanical viscoelastic characteristics, ‘elastin phase’ low modulus ( EL), ‘collagen phase’ high modulus ( EH) and dissipated-energy index, were determined. Aortic tissue preparations were also examined histologically. Eplerenone increased aldosterone concentrations but did not affect blood pressure, cholesterol or potassium concentrations. There was a significant reduction of EH (from 3.40 to 1.80 MPa; P < 0.01) and EL (from 0.46 to 0.27 MPa; P < 0.05) in group A in the radial direction compared with group C. In the axial direction EL significantly increased in group A compared with group V (from 0.42 to 1.11 MPa; P < 0.01). Energy dissipation was not significantly different among groups, although there was a trend toward higher values in group A for both directions. Histological assessments revealed no significant differences in collagen or elastic fibers among groups. In conclusion, aldosterone receptor inhibition altered the viscoelastic properties of the aortic wall in hyperlipidemic rabbits without detectable microscopic changes in elastic or collagen fibers, an effect that progressively might predispose to dilation and/or aneurysmal formation.
Periodic heart rate decelerations in premature infants
Authors: Flower Abigail A , Moorman J Randall , Lake Douglas E , Delos John B
Published: May 2010

The pacemaking system of the heart is complex; a healthy heart constantly integrates and responds to extracardiac signals, resulting in highly complex heart rate patterns with a great deal of variability. In the laboratory and in some pathological or age-related states, however, dynamics can show reduced complexity that is more readily described and modeled. Reduced heart rate complexity has both clinical and dynamical significance – it may provide warning of impending illness or clues about the dynamics of the heart's pacemaking system. In this paper, we describe simple and interesting heart rate dynamics that we have observed in premature human infants – reversible transitions to large-amplitude periodic oscillations – and we show that the appearance and disappearance of these periodic oscillations can be described by a simple mathematical model, a Hopf bifurcation.
Assessment of strength of individual digits in persons with osteoarthritis of the hand
Authors: MacIntyre Norma J , Wessel Jean , MacDermid Joy C , Galea Victoria
Published: May 2010

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which individual digit strength measures correlate with overall hand strength, pain and function in persons with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand, and thereby judge whether individual digit strength measures are relevant to the clinical assessment of hand disability in this population.

Methods

One hundred and four community-dwelling persons with OA of the dominant hand (84 women) participated in this cross-sectional study. Correlations between measures of hand strength (grip: digit and total; pinch: tripod, wide key and narrow key), dexterity and self-reported pain and function (subscales of the Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation) were investigated.

Results

Although OA involved radial digits more than ulnar digits, radial digit strength contributes more to total grip (59% versus 41%). Correlations between total grip and digit strength varied from excellent (digits 3 and 4: r = 0.93 and 0.88, respectively) to moderate (digits 2 and 5: r = 0.75 and 0.74, respectively). Correlations between pinch and individual digit strength (digits 2 and 3) were moderate ( r = 0.66–0.74). Correlations between measures of different constructs (strength, pain and physical function) did not exceed 0.41.

Conclusions

Individual digit strength is not linked with OA involvement of that digit. At most, strength of individual digits explains just over half of the variance in total grip strength and pinch strength. Assessment of individual digit grip strength appears to provide unique information regarding hand disability in persons with OA.
A survey of the state of telemedicine in Western Australia
Authors: Bahaadinbeigy Kambiz , Yogesan Kanagasingam , Wootton Richard
Published: May 2010

To provide a baseline for future planning we conducted a survey of the use of telemedicine in the state of Western Australia. A questionnaire was designed, validated and posted to all public and private health-care facilities in Western Australia (metropolitan hospitals, country hospitals and nursing posts). Of the 132 questionnaires sent out, 102 were returned (77% response rate). Seven of the responding hospitals (all public) were classified as mainly providers of telehealth services and 95 (both public and private) were mainly receivers. Of these 95 receivers of services, 58 facilities (61%) reported that they had access to videoconferencing for telehealth purposes. The most common purposes for which videoconferencing was used were reported to be education (76% of those using videoconferencing), wound care (55%) and psychiatry (53%). The most common store-and-forward application was tele-ECG, which was reported by more than half (54%) of respondents. Eighty-five percent of public health-care facilities reported the use of telehealth (either videoconferencing or store-and-forward) in comparison with 24% of those in the private sector. There was a tendency for facilities further away from Perth to be users of more telehealth services: the correlation between distance and the number of telehealth services received was significant (Spearman's rho = 0.54, P < 0.001). The survey showed that about 73% of responding health-care facilities in Western Australia were using telemedicine.
Smart self management: assistive technology to support people with chronic disease
Authors: Zheng Huiru , Nugent Chris , McCullagh Paul , Huang Yan , Zhang Shumei , Burns William , Davies Richard , Black Norman , Wright Peter , Mawson Sue , Eccleston Christopher , Hawley Mark , Mountain Gail
Published: May 2010

We have developed a personalised self management system to support self management of chronic conditions with support from health-care professionals. Accelerometers are used to measure gross levels of activity, for example walking around the house, and used to infer higher level activity states, such as standing, sitting and lying. A smart phone containing an accelerometer and a global positioning system (GPS) module can be used to monitor outdoor activity, providing both activity and location based information. Heart rate, blood pressure and weight are recorded and input to the system by the user. A decision support system (DSS) detects abnormal activity and distinguishes life style patterns. The DSS is used to assess the self management process, and automates feedback to the user, consistent with the achievement of their life goals. We have found that telecare and assistive technology is feasible to support self management for chronic conditions within the home and local community environments.
Titers of lentiviral vectors encoding shRNAs and miRNAs are reduced by different mechanisms that require distinct repair strategies
Authors: Liu Ying Poi , Vink Monique A. , Westerink Jan-Tinus , Ramirez de Arellano Eva , Konstantinova Pavlina , Ter Brake Olivier , Berkhout Ben
Published: May 2010

RNAi-based gene therapy is a powerful approach to treat viral infections because of its high efficiency and sequence specificity. The HIV-1-based lentiviral vector system is suitable for the delivery of RNAi inducers to HIV-1 susceptible cells due to its ability to transduce nondividing cells, including hematopoietic stem cells, and its ability for stable transgene delivery into the host cell genome. However, the presence of anti-HIV short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) cassettes can negatively affect the lentiviral vector titers. We show that shRNAs, which target the vector genomic RNA, strongly reduced lentiviral vector titers but inhibition of the RNAi pathway via saturation could rescue vector production. The presence of miRNAs in the vector RNA genome (sense orientation) results in a minor titer reduction due to Drosha processing. A major cause for titer reduction of miRNA vectors is due to incompatibility of the cytomegalovirus promoter with the lentiviral vector system. Replacement of this promoter with an inducible promoter resulted in an almost complete restoration of the vector titer. We also showed that antisense poly(A) signal sequences can have a dramatic effect on the vector titer. These results show that not all sequences are compatible with the lentiviral vector system and that care should be taken in the design of lentiviral vectors encoding RNAi inducers.
Does Motivation to Migrate Matter? Voluntary and Forced African Migrants and Their Acculturation Preferences in New Zealand
Authors: Udahemuka Martine , Pernice Regina
Published: May 2010

As there is no research on forced migration of African migrants to New Zealand, in particular on the interrelations among psychological motives to migrate and psychological acculturation preferences, the present study aims to address this gap. One hundred and five forced and voluntary African migrants to New Zealand completed a questionnaire, which included two measures (a) the Psychological Motives to Migrate (Tharmaseelan, 2005) and (b) the Psychological Acculturation Index (Mace, 2004). Demographic information, including data on the New Zealand government immigration categories through which the migrant gained entry and length of time in New Zealand, was also collected. Multivariate analyses indicated that motivations to migrate do matter when it comes to acculturation preferences. Further, it was found that psychological motives to migrate were better predictors of acculturation preferences than the government immigration categories. Specifically, voluntary migrants (those motivated by ‘family life improvement’ and ‘exploration’) preferred to adapt to New Zealand culture, while forced migrants (those motivated by ‘escaping’) had a higher preference to maintain their culture of origin. Duration of time in New Zealand was correlated with acculturation preferences. Implications of the findings point to the importance of assessing motivations to migrate from a psychological perspective.
Towards a Culturally Appropriate Mental Health System: Sudanese-Australians' Experiences with Trauma
Authors: Copping Alicia , Shakespeare-Finch Jane , Paton Douglas
Published: May 2010

Australia is fortunate to welcome approximately 13,000 humanitarian entrants per year, most of whom have experienced protracted violence, hardship and life in refugee camps. The majority of humanitarian migrants were raised in cultural contexts very different to that of Australia, contributing to the increasing diversity of this region. With this diversity comes a responsibility to ensure every Australian receives culturally appropriate mental healthcare. Those who are forced into migration have experienced trauma and the stress of acculturation often compounds this trauma. This study investigated the experience of trauma from the perspectives of Sudanese-Australians. Grounded theory methodology was employed to extract themes from interviews with 15 Sudanese-Australians aged between 19 and 49 years. Results demonstrated four overarching themes: support, religion, strength and new possibilities. The data within these themes are compared and contrasted with previous literature that has examined notions of trauma, distress and growth in western populations. Conclusions drawn from these results highlight the need to build inclusive practices that support diversity into existing trauma services in Australia.
Review of Refugee Mental Health Assessment: Best Practices and Recommendations
Authors: Davidson Graham R. , Murray Kate E. , Schweitzer Robert D.
Published: May 2010

This article focuses on mental health assessment of refugees in clinical, educational and administrative-legal settings in order to synthesise research and practice designed to enhance and promote further development of culturally appropriate clinical assessment services during the refugee resettlement process. It specifically surveys research published over the last 25 years into the development, reliability measurement and validity testing of assessment instruments, which have been used with children, adolescents and adults from refugee backgrounds, prior to or following their arrival in a resettlement country, to determine whether the instruments meet established crosscultural standards of conceptual, functional, linguistic, technical and normative equivalence. The findings suggest that, although attempts have been made to develop internally reliable, appropriately normed tests for use with refugees from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, matters of conceptual and linguistic equivalence and test–retest reliability are often overlooked. Implications of these oversights for underreporting refugees' mental health needs are considered. Efforts should also be directed towards development of culturally comparable, valid and reliable measures of refugee children's mental health and of refugee children's and adults' psychoeducational, neuropsychological and applied memory capabilities.
A Fibre Optic Sensor for Ambiguity Measurement of Apparent Strain Produced by Electrical Strain Gauge-Transient-Heating-Effect
Authors: El-Wakad Mohamed-Tarek I. , Elsarnagawy Tarek
Published: May 2010

Strain gauges are useful sensors in many engineering and medical applications. When using one gauge for the measurement in quarter-bridge configurations, the elctrical current flowing delivers power to the electrical strain gauge which causes a temperature rise (transient heat effect or THE), with a strain signal appearing as drift of the zero baseline. Fibre optic sensors on the other side are used to measure temperature as well as strain or force. The aim of this study is to evaluate the rise in temperature produced by the electrical strain gauge and to determine the equivalent apparent strain accordingly as a step towards using the reading to correct for the error due to the THE. The results of this study show that the optical fibre sensor is more sensitive compared to the semiconductor sensor used as a reference temperature sensor. The results also show the feasibility of determining the equivalent apparent strain values through reverse calculation of number of fringes resulting from the fibre optic sensor due to the temperature change. This was as an initial step to implement those values in the measuring electronic circuitry in order to eliminate the drift in the zero baselines.
Modellbasierte und messtechnische Validierung von Umschalteinrichtungen in Durchflusskalibriereinrichtungen für Flüssigkeiten
Authors: Mathies Nicolaus , Engel Rainer , Baade Hans-Joachim
Published: May 2010

In vielen Branchen wie Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft, Medizin und Umwelttechnik kommt den Messgrößen Durchfluss und Volumen strömender Flüssigkeiten und deren exakten Erfassung eine bedeutende Rolle zu. Diese Messgrößen müssen überall dort erfasst werden, wo Produkte in flüssiger Form als Handelsgüter mengenmäßig bestimmt werden. Die Anwendungen reichen von Getränkeabfüllungen über flüssige Lebensmittel bis zu Trinkwasser und Kraftstoffen. In verfahrenstechnischen Anwendungen sind diese Messgrößen die Grundlage für die Herstellung definierter Mengen bzw. Mengenverhältnisse, wodurch definierte Produkteigenschaften erzielt werden. Mit steigenden Kosten entsteht ein immer stärkerer Anspruch an die absolute Genauigkeit der zum Einsatz kommenden Durchflussmessgeräte, deren Kalibrierung — sofern kleinste Messunsicherheiten verlangt sind — derzeit mehrheitlich auf Prüfständen mit gravimetrischen Messanlagen erfolgt [1,2]. Für den Nachweis der erreichten Messunsicherheit liegt das Hauptaugenmerk auf der Analyse der maßgeblichen Einflussgrößen. Der Bestimmung der systematischen Messabweichung und der Unsicherheit der Umschalteinrichtung kommt hierbei eine besondere Bedeutung zu [3,4,5]. In der Praxis gibt es für deren Analyse verschiedene Methoden. Im Folgenden werden diese Analysemethoden anhand der mit einem Freistrahl arbeitenden Umschalteinrichtung des Hydrodynamischen Prüffeldes der Physikalisch-Technischen Bundesanstalt in Braunschweig [2,4] angewendet und verglichen.
The Pavlova Wars: How a Creationist Model of Recipe Origins Led to an International Dispute
Authors: leach helen m.
Published: May 2010

As in biology, debates between evolutionists and creationists can occur in historical disciplines dealing with the origins of technological devices and processes. In food history, the popular belief that dishes are invented, in particular by chefs, reflects an underlying creationist model. In the case of the pavlova cake, this model demands a sole creator, time and place of invention. Since this dish is iconic in both Australia and New Zealand, disputes over its origin culminated in what the media termed the ““Pavlova Wars,”” despite the evidence from cookbook analysis for progressive parallel evolution of pavlovas from meringue cakes. Beyond this prominent example, the originality (or otherwise) of recipes is critical in contemporary contexts such as copyright law. While copyright legislation follows an evolutionary model of recipe origins, many authors of cookbooks have asserted the originality of their recipes. Yet even in eighteenth century Britain, when claims and counterclaims of plagiarism were even more common than today, there were cookbooks that treated recipes as a common good to be handed on to inexperienced cooks. This may be an example of a pre-Darwinian debate between creationists and evolutionists.
The Cultural Politics of Eating in Shenzhen
Authors: o'donnell mary ann
Published: May 2010

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, construction in Shenzhen symbolized both the transformation of Chinese socialism and the concomitant integration of Chinese society into global capitalist networks. This article tells the story of Shenzhen from the perspective of this first generation of immigrants, the so-called Old Shenzheners, who use nostalgia about food to define, debate, and ultimately retreat from conversations about what Shenzhen culture was and what it ought to be. Their food nostalgia is part of a larger cultural tradition of Chinese alimentary politics and has allowed Shenzheners to indigenize capitalist globalization to make the city their own. Old Shenzheners' food nostalgia represents an important moment in the Chinese transition to a post socialist political economy, redefining what it means to be both Chinese and global in a post––cold war world order.
The Tomato Queen of San Joaquin
Authors: albala ken
Published: May 2010

The life of Tillie Lewis exemplifies key moments in American food history from the rise of the canning industry to wartime rations to the craze for diet food. Her biography was consciously manipulated and fashioned through the years to make it a quintessential rags-to-riches story. Nonetheless, her accomplishments stand out, marking her as a brilliantly successful woman in an industry dominated by men.
Parallel Genetic and Proteomic Screens Identify Msps as a CLASP–Abl Pathway Interactor in Drosophila
Authors: Lowery L A , Lee H , Lu C , Murphy R , Obar R A , Zhai B , Schedl M , Van Vactor D , Zhan Y
Published: May 2010

Regulation of cytoskeletal structure and dynamics is essential for multiple aspects of cellular behavior, yet there is much to learn about the molecular machinery underlying the coordination between the cytoskeleton and its effector systems. One group of proteins that regulate microtubule behavior and its interaction with other cellular components, such as actin-regulatory proteins and transport machinery, is the plus-end tracking proteins (MT+TIPs). In particular, evidence suggests that the MT+TIP, CLASP, may play a pivotal role in the coordination of microtubules with other cellular structures in multiple contexts, although the molecular mechanism by which it functions is still largely unknown. To gain deeper insight into the functional partners of CLASP, we conducted parallel genetic and proteome-wide screens for CLASP interactors in Drosophila melanogaster. We identified 36 genetic modifiers and 179 candidate physical interactors, including 13 that were identified in both data sets. Grouping interactors according to functional classifications revealed several categories, including cytoskeletal components, signaling proteins, and translation/RNA regulators. We focused our initial investigation on the MT+TIP Minispindles (Msps), identified among the cytoskeletal effectors in both genetic and proteomic screens. Here, we report that Msps is a strong modifier of CLASP and Abl in the retina. Moreover, we show that Msps functions during axon guidance and antagonizes both CLASP and Abl activity. Our data suggest a model in which CLASP and Msps converge in an antagonistic balance in the Abl signaling pathway.
Allelic Variation in Cell Wall Candidate Genes Affecting Solid Wood Properties in Natural Populations and Land Races of Pinus radiata
Authors: Dillon S K , Nolan M , Li W , Bell C , Wu H X , Southerton S G
Published: May 2010

Forest trees are ideally suited to association mapping due to their high levels of diversity and low genomic linkage disequilibrium. Using an association mapping approach, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers influencing quantitative variation in wood quality were identified in a natural population of Pinus radiata. Of 149 sites examined, 10 demonstrated significant associations (P < 0.05, q < 0.1) with one or more traits after accounting for population structure and experimentwise error. Without accounting for marker interactions, phenotypic variation attributed to individual SNPs ranged from 2 to 6.5%. Undesirable negative correlations between wood quality and growth were not observed, indicating potential to break negative correlations by selecting for individual SNPs in breeding programs. Markers that yielded significant associations were reexamined in an Australian land race. SNPs from three genes (PAL1, PCBER, and SUSY) yielded significant associations. Importantly, associations with two of these genes validated associations with density previously observed in the discovery population. In both cases, decreased wood density was associated with the minor allele, suggesting that these SNPs may be under weak negative purifying selection for density in the natural populations. These results demonstrate the utility of LD mapping to detect associations, even when the power to detect SNPs with small effect is anticipated to be low.
Ankyloglossia, Exclusive Breastfeeding, and Failure to Thrive
Authors: Forlenza Gregory P. , Paradise Black Nicole M. , McNamara Elayne G. , Sullivan Sandra E.
Published: May 2010

A 6-month-old term boy was hospitalized to evaluate the cause of his failure to thrive, mandated as part of an investigation by the Department of Children and Families after an allegation of medical neglect was made. On admission the patient was below birth weight, and a medical workup for failure to thrive was pursued; however, he was noted to have severe ankyloglossia and was an exclusively breastfed infant. The only interventions during his hospitalization were frenotomy and assistance to the mother to increase her milk supply. The infant immediately experienced weight gain and has continued to show slow, but steady, weight gain as an outpatient. We illustrate here many of the controversies concerning ankyloglossia.
Primary Care Physician Supply and Children's Health Care Use, Access, and Outcomes: Findings From Canada
Authors: Guttmann Astrid , Shipman Scott A. , Lam Kelvin , Goodman David C. , Stukel Therese A.
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVES:

To describe the relationship of primary care physician (PCP) supply for children and measures of health care access, use, and outcomes.

METHODS:

We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study of all Ontario children from 2003 to 2005. We used health administrative data to calculate county-level supply (full-time equivalents [FTEs]) of PCPs. We modeled the relationship of supply to (1) recommended primary care visits, (2) emergency department (ED) use, and (3) ambulatory care–sensitive condition admissions and adjusted for neighborhood income. We used population-based surveys to describe access.

RESULTS:

The county-level PCP supply ranged from 1720 to 4720 children per FTE. Of the children, 45.4% live in the highest-supply areas (<2000 children per FTE) and 8% in the lowest-supply areas (>3000 children per FTE). Compared with high-supply counties, the lowest had significantly lower rates of primary care visits (2716 vs 7490 per 1000) and higher proportions of newborns without early follow-care (58.2% vs 14.5%). Low-supply areas had higher rates of ED visits (440 vs 179 per 1000) and admissions. A stepwise gradient existed for every decrease in supply for most measures. Self-reported access barriers were most evident in areas with >3500 children per FTE (32.8% without a physician).

CONCLUSIONS:

Under universal insurance there are differences in access to, and outcomes of, primary care related to local physician supply after controlling for neighborhood income. The most pronounced effect is on primary and ED care use, but there are implications for acute and chronic disease control. Physician distribution is a critical issue to address in policies to improve access to care.
A Controlled, Longitudinal Study of the Social Functioning of Youth With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Noll Robert B. , Kiska Raechel , Reiter-Purtill Jennifer , Gerhardt Cynthia A. , Vannatta Kathryn
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the peer relationships of adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) and demographically similar comparison peers who did not have a chronic illness 2 years after an initial evaluation. As a result of ongoing medical challenges associated with SCD and the psychological demands of adolescence, we hypothesized that children with SCD would be viewed by peers as more sensitive and isolated, they would have fewer friends, and they would be less well liked than comparison peers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

At follow-up, peer (n = 2067) and teacher (n = 120) reports of social functioning were obtained for 60 children with SCD and 66 comparison peers. Social reputation (What is the child like?) and social acceptance (Is the child liked?) were evaluated cross-sectionally and longitudinally at the 2-year follow-up (ages 10–17).

RESULTS:

Relative to comparison peers, children with SCD were perceived as less aggressive by peers and teachers. No significant differences were found between groups on measures of friendship or social acceptance. Results of longitudinal analyses indicated that teacher-reported levels of sensitive and isolated behavior increased over time for comparison peers but remained stable for children with SCD.

CONCLUSIONS:

In general, the social functioning of children with SCD remained stable over time and was not suggestive of emergent social dysfunction. Findings are discussed within a developmental psychopathology framework, possible protective effect of SCD for youth from high-risk environments, and implications regarding pain management for these youth.
Emerging Battery-Ingestion Hazard: Clinical Implications
Authors: Litovitz Toby , Whitaker Nicole , Clark Lynn , White Nicole C. , Marsolek Melinda
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVES:

Recent cases suggest that severe and fatal button battery ingestions are increasing and current treatment may be inadequate. The objective of this study was to identify battery ingestion outcome predictors and trends, define the urgency of intervention, and refine treatment guidelines.

METHODS:

Data were analyzed from 3 sources: (1) National Poison Data System (56535 cases, 1985–2009); (2) National Battery Ingestion Hotline (8648 cases, July 1990–September 2008); and (3) medical literature and National Battery Ingestion Hotline cases (13 deaths and 73 major outcomes) involving esophageal or airway button battery lodgment.

RESULTS:

All 3 data sets signal worsening outcomes, with a 6.7-fold increase in the percentage of button battery ingestions with major or fatal outcomes from 1985 to 2009 (National Poison Data System). Ingestions of 20- to 25-mm-diameter cells increased from 1% to 18% of ingested button batteries (1990–2008), paralleling the rise in lithium-cell ingestions (1.3% to 24%). Outcomes were significantly worse for large-diameter lithium cells (≥20 mm) and children who were younger than 4 years. The 20-mm lithium cell was implicated in most severe outcomes. Severe burns with sequelae occurred in just 2 to 2.5 hours. Most fatal (92%) or major outcome (56%) ingestions were not witnessed. At least 27% of major outcome and 54% of fatal cases were misdiagnosed, usually because of nonspecific presentations. Injuries extended after removal, with unanticipated and delayed esophageal perforations, tracheoesophageal fistulas, fistulization into major vessels, and massive hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS:

Revised treatment guidelines promote expedited removal from the esophagus, increase vigilance for delayed complications, and identify patients who require urgent radiographs.
Preventing Battery Ingestions: An Analysis of 8648 Cases
Authors: Litovitz Toby , Whitaker Nicole , Clark Lynn
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVES:

Outcomes of pediatric button battery ingestions have worsened substantially, predominantly related to the emergence of the 20-mm-diameter lithium cell as a common power source for household products. Button batteries lodged in the esophagus can cause severe tissue damage in just 2 hours, with delayed complications such as esophageal perforation, tracheoesophageal fistulas, exsanguination after fistulization into a major blood vessel, esophageal strictures, and vocal cord paralysis. Thirteen deaths have been reported. The objective of this study was to explore button battery ingestion scenarios to formulate prevention strategies.

METHODS:

A total of 8648 battery ingestions that were reported to the National Battery Ingestion Hotline were analyzed.

RESULTS:

Batteries that were ingested by children who were younger than 6 years were most often obtained directly from a product (61.8%), were loose (29.8%), or were obtained from battery packaging (8.2%). Of young children who ingested the most hazardous battery, the 20-mm lithium cell, 37.3% were intended for remote controls. Adults most often ingested batteries that were sitting out, loose, or discarded (80.8%); obtained directly from a product (4.2%); obtained from battery packaging (3.0%); or swallowed within a hearing aid (12.1%). Batteries that were intended for hearing aids were implicated in 36.3% of ingestions. Batteries were mistaken for pills in 15.5% of ingestions, mostly by older adults.

CONCLUSIONS:

Parents and child care providers should be taught to prevent battery ingestions. Because 61.8% of batteries that were ingested by children were obtained from products, manufacturers should redesign household products to secure the battery compartment, possibly requiring a tool to open it.