bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of intermittent high glucose on BeWo choriocarcinoma cells in culture
Authors: Masumoto Akio , Takamoto Norio , Masuyama Hisashi , Akahori Yoichiro , Inoue Seiji , Hiramatsu Yuji
Published: May 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular effects of intermittent high glucose on the human BeWo placental choriocarcinoma cell line, used as a model of the effects of glucose fluctuation in diabetic pregnancies.

Materials and Methods:  BeWo cells were subjected to three different glucose conditions for 48 h: 7 mmol/L (control), 42 mmol/L (high glucose), or 7 and 42 mmol/L glucose (intermittent, alternated every 6 h). Cell viability was assessed using cell counts, a cell proliferation assay, and a cell viability assay. Apoptosis was also studied using a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end‐labeling assay and by immunocytochemistry of fractin, the N‐terminal fragment of actin, which can distinguish apoptotic from necrotic cells. Furthermore, the expression of the well‐known survival factors of trophoblast cells, heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor and leptin, was evaluated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses.

Results:  Intermittent high‐glucose conditions significantly decreased cell viability and enhanced apoptosis compared with control or continuous high‐glucose conditions. Furthermore, the expression of heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor, but not that of leptin, was significantly increased under intermittent high‐glucose conditions compared to its expression under either control or continuous high‐glucose conditions.

Conclusions:  These data indicate that intermittent high glucose is more deleterious to BeWo cells than continuous high‐glucose conditions. Although further in vitro and in vivo study is necessary, excess fluctuation of glucose levels in the placental circulation might be involved in the impairment of placental development leading to the placental dysfunction.
Gravid hysterectomy following history of recurrent ruptured uterus: Case report
Authors: Bedaiwy Mohamed Ali , Grob Natalia M. , Redline Raymond W. , Pinkerton Jay , Perriera Lisa K. , Lazebnik Noam
Published: May 2011

The risk of uterine rupture and its associated morbidities increases as the incidence of cesarean deliveries increases. There is little evidence guiding the management of pregnancy termination in patients with a history of uterine rupture.

A 21‐year‐old woman with a history of a classical cesarean delivery and four subsequent uterine ruptures presented for termination of pregnancy at 17 weeks and 2 days. Ultrasound study noted anterior wall implantation of the placenta covering the classical cesarean scar as well as the subsequent cesarean section scars. A scheduled gravid hysterectomy was performed to complete the pregnancy termination and avoid recurrent uterine rupture. Pathological examination revealed marked attenuation and fibrosis of the anterior uterine wall with diffuse placenta accreta and focal placenta percreta justifying the decision for hysterectomy in this young patient.

We therefore suggest that gravid hysterectomy rather than dilatation and evacuation should be considered for pregnancy termination in patients with history of recurrent uterine rupture and suspicion for abnormal placentation.
Case of asymptomatic portal vein thrombosis after cesarean delivery
Authors: Shimada Etsuko , Makio Yasuo , Akizawa Yoshika , Kawamichi Yayoi , Mitani Minoru , Matsuda Yoshio
Published: May 2011

We report a case of acute portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after a cesarean delivery. The patient was admitted for treatment of severe pre‐eclampsia. On the second day after cesarean delivery, the elevations of aspartic aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were observed. Thereafter, acute PVT was diagnosed with ultrasonography. Although early anticoagulant therapy seems to be effective in the treatment of acute PVT, close observation must be made due to the risk of bleeding.
Intra‐abdominal adhesion formation: Does surgical approach matter? Questionnaire survey of South Asian surgeons and literature review
Authors: Hackethal Andreas , Sick Claudia , Szalay Gabor , Puntambekar Shailesh , Joseph Kurian , Langde Swapnil , Oehmke Frank , Tinneberg Hans‐Rudolf , Muenstedt Karsten
Published: May 2011

Aim:  The impact of postsurgical intra‐abdominal adhesions, which represent a considerable burden for patients and health services, is often underestimated. Various factors influence adhesion formation, including the surgical approach. This study aimed to further understand the condition by investigating surgeons' perceptions of adhesion formation, particularly differences after laparoscopic and open surgery, and by performing a selective literature review.

Materials and Methods:  South Asian surgeons attending endoscopy symposia in India and in Germany completed Likert‐scale‐based questionnaires on awareness of adhesion formation and associated consequences in gynecology. MEDLINE and PubMed were searched for articles published in 2000–2010 comparing laparoscopy and laparotomy in relation to adhesion formation. The results of the questionnaire study were then considered in view of findings from this review.

Results:  In total, 43.1% (97/225) of questionnaires were completed. Respondents considered that laparoscopy caused fewer adhesions than laparotomy for all gynecological procedures. Although they believed their knowledge of adhesion formation was satisfactory, they widely underestimated the risk, giving estimated rates of 12.5% after laparoscopy and 36.3% after laparotomy. Twenty‐eight studies were identified in the review. Most concluded that laparoscopy was less likely to cause adhesions than laparotomy but further statistical analysis was precluded because so many different definitions and classifications of adhesions had been used.

Conclusions:  The risk of adhesion formation was widely underestimated in the study group. Both the questionnaire study and the review concluded that laparoscopy results in less adhesion than laparotomy but further statistical comparison necessitates the development of standard definitions and classifications of adhesions.
Bilateral serous retinal detachment as a complication of acquired peripartum thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura bout
Authors: Kovács Eszter Márta , Molvarec Attila , Rigó Jr János , Szabó Antal
Published: May 2011

We report a case of a 26‐year‐old primigravid woman, believed to have HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count) syndrome, which turned out to be a thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) bout. At the 40th gestational week, based on the clinical picture of HELLP syndrome, a cesarean section was performed and a dysmature male newborn was delivered. Afterwards, clinical symptoms and laboratory abnormalities persisted. Severe ADAMTS13 deficiency with the presence of inhibitory anti‐ADAMTS13 antibodies revealed acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura bout, which was complicated with bilateral vision decrease due to bilateral retinal detachment. At the first ophthalmological examination, ultrasonography and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of the serous retinal detachment. After the diagnosis of acquired TTP bout, the patient was treated with multiple plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin with rapid improvement of the clinical and laboratory parameters. The ophthalmologic complications disappeared later without sequelae. At the 18‐month examination, substantial visual acuity improvement without serous retinal detachment and full best corrected visual acuity were observed.
Cardiovascular risk factors in healthy women with previous small for gestational age infants
Authors: Paradisi Giancarlo , Mattoli Maria Vittoria , Tomei Claudia , Zuppi Cecilia , Lulli Paola , Quagliozzi Lorena , Caruso Alessandro
Published: May 2011

Aim:  To investigate whether healthy women with a previous pregnancy complicated by a small for gestational age (SGA) infant have normal endothelial function, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and normal inflammation parameters.

Material and Methods:  Brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD, endothelium‐dependent) was measured in 16 subjects with previous SGA, and in 15 controls (CTR) with previous normal pregnancies. Lipid panel, glucose, insulin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐alpha), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (s‐ICAM), soluble vascular (s‐VCAM‐1) adhesion molecule‐1 (s‐VCAM‐1), and androgens were also measured.

Results:  FMD was reduced in women with previous SGA compared to controls (P < 0.0001). SGA women showed increased insulin resistance (P < 0.0001), s‐ICAM‐1 (P = 0.008), TNF‐alpha (P = 0.02), testosterone (P = 0.03), and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.01) than CTR.

Conclusion:  Endothelial dysfunction, reduced insulin sensitivity and subclinical inflammation are present in otherwise healthy women with previous SGA. These abnormalities show that the presence of a SGA infant in the obstetric history should be considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease later in life.
Increases in bone turnover marker levels at an early phase after starting zoledronic acid predicts skeletal‐related events in patients with prostate cancer with bone metastasis
Authors: Izumi Kouji , Mizokami Atsushi , Itai Shingo , Shima Takashi , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Miwa Sotaro , Maeda Yuji , Konaka Hiroyuki , Koh Eitetsu , Namiki Mikio
Published: May 2011

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Bone turnover markers such as BAP and 1CTP in patients with SRE or metastatic bone progression were significantly higher at a later phase after starting treatment with zoledronic acid compared with those without SRE or progression. However, there are no evident biomarkers predicting SRE or survival at an early phase after starting zoledronic acid treatment.

The increase in serum 1CTP and BAP levels at an early phase after starting zoledronic acid treatment predicts short SRE‐free survival and overall survival. The measurement of bone turnover markers may be useful for physicians to inform patients of their prognosis and to determine the subsequent treatment plan.

OBJECTIVE

• To examine whether bone turnover markers could be predictive markers of the probability of newly arising skeletal‐related events (SRE) after the start of zoledronic acid treatment in patients with prostate cancer with bone metastasis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• In all, 30 patients with prostate cancer with bone metastasis were treated with zoledronic acid infusion every 4 weeks.

• Serum C‐terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (1CTP), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels were measured at the start of zoledronic acid treatment to establish baseline values, and every 4 weeks thereafter.

• To judge in the early phase whether zoledronic acid is effective in these patients, we retrospectively compared 1CTP, BAP, and PSA levels at 1, 3, and 6 months after starting zoledronic acid treatment with those at baseline.

RESULTS

• SRE‐free survival of patients with increases of 1CTP levels at 1 and 3 months and BAP levels at 3 months were significantly poorer than those of patients with decreases in 1CTP or BAP levels (P = 0.001, P = 0.042, and P = 0.004, respectively).

• Overall survival of patients with increases of 1CTP levels at 1 and 3 months and of BAP levels at 6 months were significantly poorer than those of patients with decreases of 1CTP or BAP levels (P = 0.013, P = 0.027, and P = 0.035, respectively).

CONCLUSION

• The measurement of 1CTP and BAP levels at an early phase after starting zoledronic acid treatment may be useful for physicians to inform patients of their prognosis and to determine the subsequent treatment plan.
Intratesticular pressure after testicular torsion as a predictor of subsequent spermatogenesis: a rat model
Authors: Moritoki Yoshinobu , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Mizuno Kentaro , Kamisawa Hideyuki , Kohri Kenjiro , Hayashi Yutaro
Published: May 2011

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Testicular torsion results in atrophy rates of more than 25% despite prompt surgical management, and there is no reliable intraoperative critieria to judge the viability of the testis, except the testicular appearance after scrotal incision. We demonstrated that less reduction of ITP after detorsion correlated with worse subsequent spermatogenesis. This result suggests that ITP can be the index to determine removal of the affected testis during surgery.

OBJECTIVE

• To assess the correlation between intratesticular pressure (ITP) after testicular torsion and subsequent testicular function using a rat model and to show that ITP at surgery is a useful predictor of future spermatogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

• Fourteen rats were divided into a torsion group (n= 7) and a control group with sham operation (n= 7).

• Torsion was created by 720° rotation of the left testis in a counter‐clockwise direction.

• Using a handheld compartment monitor, the ITP of the torsed testes was measured three times: before torsion (pre‐torsion), just before torsion repair (pre‐detorsion) and 5 min after torsion repair (post‐detorsion).

• We evaluated the correlation between ITP and testicular weight, epididymal sperm count or pathological findings, such as the seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) and the modified Johnsen’s score, 4 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

• Mean (se) pre‐torsion, pre‐detorsion and post‐detorsion ITP values in the torsion group were 5.9 (2.5), 19.7 (10.7) and 8.2 (4.8) cm H2O, respectively.

• The ITP in torsed testes significantly increased after torsion (P < 0.01) and decreased after detorsion (P < 0.01).

• Strong correlations were observed between the reduction of ITP after detorsion and testicular weight (r= 0.87, P < 0.05), epididymal sperm count (r= 0.94, P < 0.05), STD (r= 0.87, P < 0.05) or the Johnsen’s score (r= 0.99, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

• A smaller reduction in ITP after detorsion can be a risk factor for subsequent disturbance of spermatogenesis, suggesting that ITP can be an index for determining whether the affected testis should be removed after testicular torsion.
Patient safety: nursing students' perspectives and the role of nursing education to provide safe care
Authors: Vaismoradi M. , Salsali M. , Marck P.
Published: May 2011

VAISMORADI M., SALSALI M. & MARCK P. (2011) Patient safety: nursing students' perspectives and the role of nursing education to provide safe care. International Nursing Review58, 434–442

Background and Aim:  Nurses as the largest group of healthcare providers are in the best position to improve patient safety. In preparing future nurses, nurse educators have an important role in developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes among nursing students related to patient safety. The aim of this study was to explore Iranian nursing students' perspectives regarding patient safety and the role of nursing education in developing their capabilities to provide safe care.

Methods:  A purposeful sampling strategy was used to recruit 17 junior and senior nursing students for qualitative, semi‐structured interviews. Content analysis of the interview transcripts was conducted to identify several relevant themes.

Findings:  Three main themes emerged from the data analysis: ‘safety as patient comfort’, ‘not being knowledgeable or experienced enough’ and ‘being helped to internalise the principles and values of patient safety’. The third theme consisted of two categories: ‘adopting a humanistic approach towards patients’ and ‘practising conscientiously in the workplace’.

Conclusion:  The present study adds insights on how nursing students understand and may be helped to internalise concepts of patient safety within their practice. Nursing education curriculum designers need to go beyond theoretical concepts of patient safety education and devise strategies to increase the application of safety knowledge and competencies in nursing practice.
A survey of psychiatrists' and registered nurses' levels of mental health literacy in a Chinese general hospital
Authors: Liu W. , Gerdtz M.F. , Liu T.Q.
Published: May 2011

LIU W., GERDTZ M.F. & LIU T.Q. (2011) A survey of psychiatrists' and registered nurses' levels of mental health literacy in a Chinese general hospital. International Nursing Review58, 361–369

Background:  Mental health literacy (MHL) is the term used to describe people's knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid in the recognition, management or the prevention of illness. Health professionals' levels of MHL will shape the therapeutic relationship in which they work in partnership with patients. Studies have been conducted in Australia and Singapore to determine levels of MHL among members of the general public and health professionals. To date, no such studies have been published in Chinese populations.

Aim:  The study aims to compare levels of MHL between registered nurses and psychiatrists in a Chinese general hospital. The paper reports participants' diagnosis and beliefs about interventions used to manage depression and schizophrenia.

Methods:  A descriptive cross‐sectional survey was undertaken among a group of psychiatrists and registered nurses in the psychiatric department of one large teaching hospital in China (n = 70). Participants completed the survey by rating written vignettes related to depression and schizophrenia.

Results:  The psychiatrists were highly accurate in correctly diagnosing both depression and schizophrenia; the registered nurses were less so for diagnosing depression. In terms of treatment options, the two groups reached a broad agreement on beliefs about the use of mental health interventions, but differed significantly in the use of some specific mental health interventions.

Conclusions:  This study provides preliminary information about levels of MHL among Chinese mental health professionals and describes their attitudes towards the helpfulness of interventions used to restore mental health and well‐being. Future large‐scale studies are required to identify factors that influence beliefs about the use of mental health interventions. The findings have implications for further education of registered nurses in the specialization of mental health nursing in China.
Strategies to develop the nursing process and nursing care plans in the health system in Bolivia
Authors: Fernández‐Sola C. , Granero‐Molina J. , Aguilera‐Manrique G. , Peredo‐de Gonzales M.H. , Castro‐Sánchez A.M. , Pérez Galdeano A.
Published: May 2011

FERNÁNDEZ‐SOLA C., GRANERO‐MOLINA J., AGUILERA‐MANRIQUE G., PEREDO‐DE GONZALES M.H., CASTRO‐SÁNCHEZ A.M. & PÉREZ GALDEANO A. (2011) Strategies to develop the nursing process and nursing care plans in the health system in Bolivia. International Nursing Review58, 392–399

Background:  Care plans provide guidelines to offer all patients the same quality assistance. Care plans constitute a base where every stage of the nursing process can be recorded, which will save time when handling documentation. Bolivian nurses are very keen to participate in this global trend in order to grasp the opportunity offered by the international cooperation programmes carried out between Spain and South America.

Aims:  To identify obstacles and enablers encountered when implementing the nursing process and to set clear strategies and actions so as to develop the nursing process and care plans in Santa Cruz department (Bolivia) both in hospitals and universities.

Methods:  The participatory action research was conducted between the Autonomous University of Gabriel René Moreno (Bolivia) and the University of Almería (Spain). The procedure for data collection included meetings with key informants, interviews, observation and workshops. Data were analysed using the constant comparison and categorized by common themes.

Results:  Lack of time and instruments, shortage of resources and the need for continuous training came up as obstacles, whereas enablers were the nurses' involvement, the university–hospital coordination and the support given by institutions. Actions taken were the creation of a care plan unit, the implementation of a training programme, design of instruments and meetings held with authorities and institutional representatives.

Conclusions:  Conducting action research schemes within international cooperation programmes signifies an excellent opportunity for the nursing system in less‐developed countries to be included in international plans with the aim of standardizing the nursing practice.
Global patterns of stream detritivore distribution: implications for biodiversity loss in changing climates
Authors: Boyero Luz , Pearson Richard G. , Dudgeon David , Ferreira Verónica , Graça Manuel A. S. , Gessner Mark O. , Boulton Andrew J. , Chauvet Eric , Yule Catherine M. , Albariño Ricardo J. , Ramírez Alonso , Helson Julie E. , Callisto Marcos , Arunachalam Muthukumarasamy , Chará Julián , Figueroa Ricardo , Mathooko Jude M. , Gonçalves Jr José F. , Moretti Marcelo S. , Chará‐Serna Ana Marcela , Davies Judy N. , Encalada Andrea , Lamothe Sylvain , Buria Leonardo M. , Castela José , Cornejo Aydeé , Li Aggie O. Y. , M'Erimba Charles , Villanueva Verónica Díaz , del Carmen Zúñiga María , Swan Christopher M. , Barmuta Leon A.
Published: May 2011

Aim  We tested the hypothesis that shredder detritivores, a key trophic guild in stream ecosystems, are more diverse at higher latitudes, which has important ecological implications in the face of potential biodiversity losses that are expected as a result of climate change. We also explored the dependence of local shredder diversity on the regional species pool across latitudes, and examined the influence of environmental factors on shredder diversity.

Location  World‐wide (156 sites from 17 regions located in all inhabited continents at latitudes ranging from 67° N to 41° S).

Methods  We used linear regression to examine the latitudinal variation in shredder diversity at different spatial scales: alpha (α), gamma (γ) and beta (β) diversity. We also explored the effect of γ‐diversity on α‐diversity across latitudes with regression analysis, and the possible influence of local environmental factors on shredder diversity with simple correlations.

Results  Alpha diversity increased with latitude, while γ‐ and β‐diversity showed no clear latitudinal pattern. Temperate sites showed a linear relationship between γ‐ and α‐diversity; in contrast, tropical sites showed evidence of local species saturation, which may explain why the latitudinal gradient in α‐diversity is not accompanied by a gradient in γ‐diversity. Alpha diversity was related to several local habitat characteristics, but γ‐ and β‐diversity were not related to any of the environmental factors measured.

Main conclusions  Our results indicate that global patterns of shredder diversity are complex and depend on spatial scale. However, we can draw several conclusions that have important ecological implications. Alpha diversity is limited at tropical sites by local factors, implying a higher risk of loss of key species or the whole shredder guild (the latter implying the loss of trophic diversity). Even if regional species pools are not particularly species poor in the tropics, colonization from adjacent sites may be limited. Moreover, many shredder species belong to cool‐adapted taxa that may be close to their thermal maxima in the tropics, which makes them more vulnerable to climate warming. Our results suggest that tropical streams require specific scientific attention and conservation efforts to prevent loss of shredder biodiversity and serious alteration of ecosystem processes.
Rights, Recognition and Judgment: Reflections on the Case of Welfare and Asylum
Authors: Morris Lydia
Published: May 2011

This article begins with Marshall's essay on citizenship and its significance in confirming equal social standing, seen here as a precursor to work on rights and recognition. Taylor and Honneth are taken as exemplars of a dialogical perspective, whereby recognition through rights can provide a source of identity formation, though Honneth's approach is broader in scope, being less confined to the issue of cultural rights. This work is argued to be complementary to the status-based approach to rights found in Lockwood's work on civic stratification, and the insights derived from both authors provide the basis for interrogation of a legal case history on UK withdrawal of welfare from in-country asylum claimants. Analysis of this history draws attention to the role of judgment in forging a link between rights and recognition.
Effects of Chinese Imports on Relative Wages: Microevidence from Chile*
Authors: Álvarez Roberto , Opazo Luis
Published: May 2011

The increasing prominence of China in world trade raises important questions about the impact of this on importer countries. In this paper, we address the issue of how import competition from China has affected relative wages in the Chilean manufacturing industry. Using plant‐level data for the period 1996–2005, we find that increasing imports from China have depressed relative wages in sectors with higher Chinese‐import penetration. Our results show a significant reduction of relative wages, between 4 and 25 percent, for those sectors that have experienced the largest increases in Chinese imports. We also find that this effect is particularly strong for small firms, while large firms are unaffected.
Identity, Utility, and Cooperative Behaviour: An Evolutionary Perspective*†
Authors: Wichardt Philipp C.
Published: May 2011

This paper provides an argument for the advantage of a preference for identity‐consistent behaviour from an evolutionary point of view. Within a stylized model of social interaction, it is shown that the development of cooperative social norms is greatly facilitated if the agents possess a preference for identity‐consistent behaviour. As compliance with cooperative norms (in the long run) has a positive effect on the agents’ pay‐offs, it is argued that such a preference is evolutionarily advantageous. Notably, the argument, which assumes that agents always act in accordance with their preferences, also accounts for the cost of those features that are crucial for the selection process.
Search Theory: The 2010 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences
Authors: Albrecht James
Published: May 2011

This paper surveys search theory with an emphasis on the contributions of the 2010 laureates for the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, Peter Diamond, Dale Mortensen, and Christopher Pissarides.
A result concerning runs when tossing a fair coin
Authors: Gabhe A.S. , Bhanu K.S. , Deshpande M.N.
Published: May 2011

We establish an interesting connection between the number of runs and the length of the first run when tossing a fair coin.
Using carbon emissions data to ‘heat up’ descriptive statistics
Authors: Brooks Robert
Published: May 2011

This article illustrates using carbon emissions data in an introductory statistics assignment. The carbon emissions data has desirable characteristics including: choice of measure; skewness; and outliers. These complexities allow research and public policy debate to be introduced.
ANALYTIC APPROXIMATIONS FOR MULTI‐ASSET OPTION PRICING
Authors: Alexander Carol , Venkatramanan Aanand
Published: May 2011

We derive general analytic approximations for pricing European basket and rainbow options on N assets. The key idea is to express the option’s price as a sum of prices of various compound exchange options, each with different pairs of subordinate multi‐ or single‐asset options. The underlying asset prices are assumed to follow lognormal processes, although our results can be extended to certain other price processes for the underlying. For some multi‐asset options a strong condition holds, whereby each compound exchange option is equivalent to a standard single‐asset option under a modified measure, and in such cases an almost exact analytic price exists. More generally, approximate analytic prices for multi‐asset options are derived using a weak lognormality condition, where the approximation stems from making constant volatility assumptions on the price processes that drive the prices of the subordinate basket options. The analytic formulae for multi‐asset option prices, and their Greeks, are defined in a recursive framework. For instance, the option delta is defined in terms of the delta relative to subordinate multi‐asset options, and the deltas of these subordinate options with respect to the underlying assets. Simulations test the accuracy of our approximations, given some assumed values for the asset volatilities and correlations. Finally, a calibration algorithm is proposed and illustrated.
Why Are You Betraying Your Class?
Authors: Margalit Avishai
Published: May 2011

Abstract: Social justice concerns us on two counts: One, what is social justice? Two, given that we know the answer to one, then the question is: how can social justice be implemented? Answering the first question requires hitting the right balance between two values: liberty and equality. My concern here, however, is with the second question, the question of implementation rather than with what social justice consists of. I assume that the right balance between liberty and equality is somehow a given. To implement the structural changes that a just society requires calls for a historical agent that can bring about such changes. The working class was a good candidate to be such a historical agent. The working class was suitable for this historical task because it was the class that had the most to gain from a just society and it was a very large class of people. The working class was singled out for this task not for being a particularly virtuous class but by being the class that had the most to gain from a change in the status quo. But the working class is rapidly disappearing; in the developed countries, it has shrunk considerably. Thus, the implementation of social justice is now left without an effective historical agent to carry it through.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ is inhibited by histone deacetylase 4 in cortical neurons under oxidative stress
Authors: Yang Yang , Qin Xiaocui , Liu Shuhu , Li Jianjun , Zhu Xinhong , Gao Tianming , Wang Xuemin
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 429–439.

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) serves an essential protective function in neurons. Although PPARγ activation is known to reduce brain tissue damage in distinct models of brain diseases, the regulation of PPARγ activity in neurons is unclear. Here, we report that histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) mediates PPARγ inhibition in cultured cortical neurons under oxidative stress. Our data indicate that HDAC4 physically interacts with PPARγ and represses PPARγ transcription activity in cultured cortical neurons. Upon H2O2 treatment, HDAC4 translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where it inhibits PPARγ transcription. This inhibition rendered neurons more vulnerable to H2O2 insult. In contrast, knockdown of HDAC4 by introduction of a specific microRNA abolishes the oxidative stress‐induced repression of PPARγ in neurons and also reduces the number of dead neurons induced by H2O2. Furthermore, over‐expression of PPARγ protects neurons from either HDAC4 over‐expression‐ or H2O2‐induced damage. These data suggest that HDAC4 works to repress PPARγ transcription and regulates neuronal death by inhibiting PPARγ pro‐survival activity.
Potential Mechanisms for Muscle‐Powered Cardiac Support
Authors: Trumble Dennis R.
Published: May 2011

Biomechanical actuation of an implanted ventricular assist device (VAD) is an attractive means of providing long‐term circulatory support. Studies show that energy from electrically stimulated skeletal muscle can, in principle, be used to provide tether‐free cardiac assistance without the need for percutaneous drivelines or bulky energy transmission hardware. A mechanical prosthesis designed to harness the contractile power of in situ skeletal muscle has been developed in this laboratory that collects energy from the latissimus dorsi muscle and transmits it in the form of hydraulic power. In order to use this technique to pump blood however, a practical means to deliver this energy to the bloodstream must be devised. Presented here are six prospective mechanisms designed to accomplish this task, five of which also eliminate blood contacting surfaces that often lead to thromboembolic complications in chronic VAD patients.
The Effect of Proximity to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Subsequent Hurricane Outlook and Optimistic Bias
Authors: Trumbo Craig , Lueck Michelle , Marlatt Holly , Peek Lori
Published: May 2011

This study evaluated how individuals living on the Gulf Coast perceived hurricane risk after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It was hypothesized that hurricane outlook and optimistic bias for hurricane risk would be associated positively with distance from the Katrina‐Rita landfall (more optimism at greater distance), controlling for historically based hurricane risk and county population density, demographics, individual hurricane experience, and dispositional optimism. Data were collected in January 2006 through a mail survey sent to 1,375 households in 41 counties on the coast (n = 824, 60% response). The analysis used hierarchal regression to test hypotheses. Hurricane history and population density had no effect on outlook; individuals who were male, older, and with higher household incomes were associated with lower risk perception; individual hurricane experience and personal impacts from Katrina and Rita predicted greater risk perception; greater dispositional optimism predicted more optimistic outlook; distance had a small effect but predicted less optimistic outlook at greater distance (model R2= 0.21). The model for optimistic bias had fewer effects: age and community tenure were significant; dispositional optimism had a positive effect on optimistic bias; distance variables were not significant (model R2= 0.05). The study shows that an existing measure of hurricane outlook has utility, hurricane outlook appears to be a unique concept from hurricane optimistic bias, and proximity has at most small effects. Future extension of this research will include improved conceptualization and measurement of hurricane risk perception and will bring to focus several concepts involving risk communication.
Learning Disabilities and the LRE Mandate: An Examination of National and State Trends
Authors: McLeskey James , Landers Eric , Hoppey David , Williamson Pamela
Published: May 2011

This study was conducted to examine changes in the identification rates and national and state placement practices for school age students with learning disabilities (LD) between 1990–1991 and 2008–2009. Findings revealed that while identification rates of students with LD declined by about 4 percent during this time, general education placements increased over 166 percent, pullout placements declined by more than 50 percent, while students educated in highly restrictive separate class and separate school settings declined by approximately 60 percent. Unlike earlier studies, most states made at least some progress toward educating students with LD in less restrictive settings. Much of the change in placement practices for students with LD occurred since 2000.
Empirical Research on Ethnic Minority Students: 1995–2009
Authors: Vasquez III Eleazar , Lopez Angel , Straub Carrie , Powell Selma , McKinney Tracy , Walker Zachary , Gonzalez Tiphanie , Slocum Timothy A. , Mason Lee , Okeeffe Breda V. , Bedesem Peña L.
Published: May 2011

Ethnic minority disproportionality has been a topic of extensive discussion and research for many years. In 1997, Artiles, Trent, and Kuan conducted a seminal review of the special education research literature to identify how often researchers report and disaggregate data in ways that would support conclusions about specific ethnic minority groups. These authors found alarmingly low rates of publication on identifiable minority groups. The purpose of this review is to replicate the work of Artiles et al. and extend this literature analysis to the subsequent 15‐year period (1995–2009). We found increases in the proportion of articles reporting ethnic minority information 15 years following the Artiles et al. publication. Discussion focuses on the gap in our knowledge of evidence‐based practices for ethnic minority students in special education.
A Review of the Literature: Fraction Instruction for Struggling Learners in Mathematics
Authors: Misquitta Radhika
Published: May 2011

Fractions are an essential foundational skill for future mathematics success (NMAP, 2008). The purpose of this article was to review current instructional practices for teaching fractions to struggling learners and to examine the quality and effectiveness of contemporary research with a view to indicating directions for future research. A comprehensive search of literature published between 1990 and 2008 resulted in the identification of 10 empirical studies that targeted fraction skills for struggling learners. Results indicated that three interventions, found to be effective for improving outcomes in mathematics for struggling learners, were also effective for teaching fractions: graduated sequence, strategy instruction, and direct instruction. In addition, explicit instruction was identified as necessary for improving students’ performance in fractions. Overall, this review highlighted the paucity of research in this critical mathematical content area.
Prognostic Significance of Atrial Arrhythmias in a Primary Prevention ICD Population
Authors: VAN GELDER ISABELLE C. , PHAN HUY M. , WILKOFF BRUCE L. , BROWN MARK L. , ROGERS TYSON , PETERSON BRETT J. , BIRGERSDOTTER‐GREEN ULRIKA M.
Published: May 2011

Introduction
: We investigated whether primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients with atrial arrhythmias are at higher risk for ICD shocks and mortality compared to patients without atrial arrhythmias in a subanalysis of the PREPARE study.

Methods and Results
: Details of the PREPARE study design and results have been previously reported. We now included 537 of the 700 patients enrolled in PREPARE. These patients had a dual or biventricular device and at least one device follow‐up after implantation. Continuously collected device diagnostics data were used to classify patients into two groups during follow‐up: with (n = 133) or without (n = 404) atrial tachycardia/atrial fibrillation (AT/AF). The primary outcomes were ICD shocks and mortality. Subjects were followed for a mean of 333 ± 73 (range 5–365) days. During a follow‐up of 1 year, ICD shocks occurred in 44 (8%) patients. Significantly, more patients with AT/AF received a shock (13.0% vs 6.9%, P = 0.03), with inappropriate shocks accounting for the majority of the difference (6.9% vs 2.6%, P = 0.02). There was no difference in prevalence of shocks between patients with and without a history of AF. Mortality was similar in patients with and without AT/AF, whether detected during the study or prior to the study. In addition, the 34 subjects with high average ventricular rate (≥110 beats per minute) during AT/AF had a higher risk of an inappropriate shock (21.0% vs 2.1%, P < 0.01).

Conclusion
: Primary prevention ICD patients with AT/AF are more likely to receive shocks, especially inappropriate shocks. Mortality was not higher in AT/AF patients. (PACE 2011; 34:1070–1079)
Marked QT Prolongation and Ventricular Tachycardia of a Transient Nature in Young Children with Cardiomyopathy
Authors: MAH DOUGLAS , WANG ALICIA , WU AMY , ALEXANDER MARK E. , WALSH EDWARD P.
Published: May 2011

Significant prolongation of the QT interval in pediatric patients with cardiomyopathy is rare. We report two cases of dilated myopathy with transient and dramatic QT prolongation. Both had associated ventricular arrhythmias, with one having torsade de pointes, and the other nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. Normalization of their QTc occurred as their ventricular function improved.

(PACE 2012; 35:247–250)
Predictors of Unusual ECG Characteristics in Cavotricuspid Isthmus‐Dependent Atrial Flutter Ablation
Authors: HOFFMAYER KURT S. , YANG YANFEI , JOSEPH STEPHEN , MCCABE JAMES M. , BHAVE PRASHANT , HSU JONATHAN , NG RAMFORD K. , LEE BYRON K. , BADHWAR NITISH , LEE RANDALL J. , TSENG ZIAN H. , OLGIN JEFFREY E. , NARAYAN SANJIV M. , MARCUS GREGORY M. , SCHEINMAN MELVIN M.
Published: May 2011

Background:
 An unusual 12‐lead electrocardiographic pattern may be present in patients with cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)‐dependent flutter.

Objective:
 Using baseline patient characteristics and echocardiography, we sought to study predictors of unusual electrocardiogram (ECG) characteristics in patients with CTI‐dependent atrial flutter.

Methods:
 This was a dual‐center, retrospective cohort study of 147 patients undergoing electrophysiology study and ablation for CTI‐dependent atrial flutter.

Results:
 Among this cohort, 23 patients (16%) had unusual 12‐lead ECG characteristics. Using multivariate logistic regression, we found two clinical predictors for having an unusual ECG pattern. A clockwise (CW) pattern at time of electrophysiology study was the strongest predictor of an unusual ECG pattern (odds ratio 15.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.0–59.4, P < 0.005). In addition, patients with decreased systolic function had a 3.5 greater odds (95% CI 1.1–11.5, P = 0.037) of having an unusual ECG pattern.

Conclusions:
 Our data demonstrate that among patients suffering from CTI‐dependent atrial flutter who are referred for ablation, 16% will have unusual ECG patterns. Patients with CW atrial activation and left ventricle dysfunction have greater odds of manifesting unusual patterns by surface electrocardiogram. (PACE 2011; 34:1251–1257)
First‐year oral health and dentistry student perceptions of future professional work
Authors: Anderson V. , Kang M. , Foster Page L.
Published: May 2011

Objectives:  To explore and compare how pre‐doctoral dentistry (BDS) and oral health (BOH) students characterise their future professional work at the start and end of their first‐year professional programme.

Materials and methods:  All BDS and BOH students were given an anonymous survey on the first and last days of their 2009 course. Start and end surveys (ES) were completed by 75% of BDS (51) and 83% of BOH students (33). This paper examines students’ responses to two questions asking them to identify a situation characterising their future professional work and a professional difficulty they would likely encounter. Student responses were analysed inductively to identify key themes and confirm each theme’s ‘weighting’ based on frequency of mention.

Results:  Students’ answers to both questions revealed eight characterisations of future professional work involving the following: restorative tasks, patient‐related concerns, patient emotion and behaviour, population‐level/public health concerns, disease prevention and monitoring, communication, teamwork and self‐management. In ES responses, BDS students emphasised restorative tasks as central to a dentist’s work, and in both surveys perceived ‘dealing with patients’ as a central difficulty. In contrast, BOH students’ answers to both questions revealed a patient care emphasis, and in both surveys, BOH students emphasised patient‐related concerns as a likely difficulty.

Conclusion:  Bachelor of Dentistry students characterised their work as primarily interventive, and BOH students, as primarily patient‐centred, communicative, and preventive. Whilst BDS students apparently valued restorative capabilities, BOH students valued the ability to ensure patient well‐being. Further research will examine students’ differing perceptions and how these change over time.
Ant–aphid mutualism: the influence of ants on the aphid summer cycle
Authors: Tegelaar Karolina , Hagman Mattias , Glinwood Robert , Pettersson Jan , Leimar Olof
Published: May 2011

There are few longtime studies on the effects on aphids of being tended by ants. The aim of this study is to investigate how the presence of ants influences settling decisions by colonizing aphids and the post‐settlement growth and survival of aphid colonies. We conducted a field experiment using the facultative myrmecophile Aphis fabae and the ant Lasius niger. The experiment relied on natural aphid colonization of potted plants of scentless mayweed Tripleurospermum perforatum placed outdoors. Ants occurred naturally at the field site and had access to half of the pots and were prevented from accessing the remainder. The presence of winged, dispersing aphids, the growth and survival of establishing aphid colonies, and the presence of parasitoids were measured in relation to presence or absence of ants, over a period of five weeks. The presence of ants did not significantly influence the pattern of initial host plant colonization or the initial colony growth, but ant‐tended aphids were subject to higher parasitism by hymenopteran parasitoids. The net result over the experimental period was that the presence of ants decreased aphid colony productivity, measured as the number of winged summer migrants produced from the colonized host plants. This implies that aphids do not always benefit from the presence of ants, but under some conditions rather pay a cost in the form of reduced dispersal.
Relationship between quadriceps femoris muscle volume and muscle torque at least 18 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Konishi Y. , Oda T. , Tsukazaki S. , Kinugasa R. , Fukubayashi T.
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate motor unit recruitment in the quadriceps femoris (QF) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and repair. Subjects included 24 patients at ≥18 months after ACL reconstruction and 22 control subjects with no history of knee injury. A series of cross‐sectional magnetic resonance images were obtained to compare the QF of patients' injured side with that of their uninjured sides and that of uninjured control subjects. Muscle torque per muscle volume was calculated as isokinetic peak torque divided by QF muscle volume (cm3). The mean muscle torque per unit volume of the injured side of patients was not significantly different from that of the uninjured side or control subjects (one‐way ANOVA) Results of the present study were contrary to the results of a previous study that evaluated patients at ≤12 months after ACL reconstruction. The present study found that high‐threshold motor unit recruitment was restored at ≥18 months after ACL reconstruction. Thus, clinicians must develop techniques that increase the recruitment of high‐threshold motor units in the QF from the period immediately after the injury until approximately 18 months after ACL reconstruction.