bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrition standards for away‐from‐home foods in the USA
Authors: Cohen D. A. , Bhatia R.
Published: February 2012

Away‐from‐home foods are regulated with respect to the prevention of food‐borne diseases and potential contaminants, but not for their contribution to dietary‐related chronic diseases. Away‐from‐home foods have more calories, salt, sugar and fat, and include fewer fruits and vegetables than recommended by national nutrition guidelines. Thus, frequent consumption of away‐from‐home foods contributes to obesity, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In light of this, many localities are already adopting regulations or sponsoring programs to improve the quality of away‐from‐home foods. We review the rationale for developing nutritional performance standards for away‐from‐home foods in light of limited human capacity to regulate intake or physiologically compensate for a poor diet. We offer a set of model performance standards to be considered as a new area of environmental regulation. Models for voluntary implementation of consumer standards exist in the environmental domain and may be useful templates for implementation. Implementing such standards, whether voluntarily or via regulations, will require addressing a number of practical and ideological challenges. Politically, regulatory standards contradict the belief that adults should be able to navigate dietary risks in away‐from‐home settings unaided.
BUY‐LOW AND SELL‐HIGH INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Authors: Zervos Mihail , Johnson Timothy C. , Alazemi Fares
Published: February 2012

Buy‐low and sell‐high investment strategies are a recurrent theme in the considerations of many investors. In this paper, we consider an investor who aims at maximizing the expected discounted cash‐flow that can be generated by sequentially buying and selling one share of a given asset at fixed transaction costs. We model the underlying asset price by means of a general one‐dimensional Itô diffusion X, we solve the resulting stochastic control problem in a closed analytic form, and we completely characterize the optimal strategy. In particular, we show that, if 0 is a natural boundary point of X, e.g., if X is a geometric Brownian motion, then it is never optimal to sequentially buy and sell. On the other hand, we prove that, if 0 is an entrance point of X, e.g., if X is a mean‐reverting constant elasticity of variance (CEV) process, then it may be optimal to sequentially buy and sell, depending on the problem data.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Index ETFs on Spot‐Futures Pricing and Liquidity: Evidence from the CAC 40 Index
Authors: Deville Laurent , Gresse Carole , de Séverac Béatrice
Published: February 2012

This paper investigates how the introduction of an Exchange‐Traded Fund (ETF) directly or indirectly impacts the underlying‐index spot‐futures pricing. Using intraday data for financial instruments related to the CAC 40 index, we do not find that the spot‐futures price efficiency improvement observed after ETF introduction is explained either by the direct effect of ETF shares being used in arbitrage trades or by the indirect effect of ETF trading improving the liquidity of index stocks in the short‐run. Some of our findings suggest that the efficiency improvement could rather result from a structural change in the way index traders distribute across index markets, with the ETF market absorbing the liquidity demand from some hedgers or passive index traders.
Gender Mainstreaming: An Assessment of Its Conceptual Value for Gender Equality
Authors: Bendl Regine , Schmidt Angelika
Published: February 2012

Evaluations of gender mainstreaming show that there has been limited change to gender equality and it has been very fragmented across EU countries. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to evaluate the heuristic and conceptual value of the term gender mainstreaming as a metaphor for gender equality. Our results from applying an image‐schematic model of metaphor evaluation show that gender mainstreaming represents a nonsensical metaphor for gender equality. We conclude with recommendations for reconceptualizing gender mainstreaming.
Becoming ‘Real’ Entrepreneurs: Women and the Gendered Normalization of ‘Work’
Authors: Bourne Kristina A. , Calás Marta B.
Published: February 2012

This article focuses on the way in which women entrepreneurs legitimate their place in a gendered economy by reifying a divide between ‘real work’ and ‘not‐real work’. Using ethnographic approaches to follow the everyday lives of several women who own and operate small businesses in the USA, our article documents three gendering practices the women use for ‘becoming real workers:’ embodied, spatial and temporal. The study shows that women entrepreneurs become ‘productive workers’ by recasting reproductive work as non‐productive or not‐real work. At the end, we explore two possible alternative conceptualizations of ‘work’ that could contribute to dissolving this gendered divide.
DIRECTED SEARCH AND FIRM SIZE*
Authors: Tan Serene
Published: February 2012

Standard directed search models predict that larger firms pay lower wages than smaller firms, contrary to the data. This article proposes one way to obtain this positive size–wage differential in a directed search setting. I posit that there is an optimal size associated with a firm: A firm suffers a penalty by not operating at its optimal size. I show that if this penalty is sufficiently large the size–wage differential will be obtained. My model also gives a new way to look at the data because it highlights the importance of the distinction between intended and realized firm sizes.
Survival of individuals with cerebral palsy born in Victoria, Australia, between 1970 and 2004
Authors: REID SUSAN M , CARLIN JOHN B , REDDIHOUGH DINAH S
Published: February 2012

Aim  This study used data collected prospectively since 1986 from a population‐based cerebral palsy registry to explore the rates, predictors, trends, and causes of mortality for individuals born in Victoria, Australia, between 1970 and 2004.

Method  Data were extracted for 3507 individuals (1972 males; 1535 females). The probability of survival before 31 May 2010 was determined using the Kaplan–Meier method; age‐specific mortality rates were calculated per 1000 person‐years and related to population rates. Using Cox proportional hazards regression, relative risks of mortality were estimated for different categories of chosen demographic and clinical variables. Causes were tabulated according to the direct cause of death.

Results  There were 418 deaths. Crude mortality was 20% at the age of 40 years. Relative to the population, mortality was highest in children aged under 15 years and decreased to twice the population rate at the age of 35 years. The strongest independent predictor of mortality was no independent ambulation (adjusted hazard ratio 6.2 [95% confidence interval 3.3–11.8]); additional predictors were severe intellectual impairment (3.0 [1.7–5.2]), epilepsy (1.4 [1.1–1.9]), deafness (2.6 [1.4–4.7]), and term birth (1.8 [1.3–2.4]). No improvement in survival was seen over time (unadjusted hazard ratio 1.00 [95% CI 0.99–1.01]). Respiratory causes were the most common direct causes of death.

Interpretation  Rates, predictors, and causes of death for individuals with cerebral palsy in Victoria were similar to those found in other population cohorts. Lack of improvement in survival since 1970 was an unexpected finding that warrants further investigation.
Hopanoids in marine cyanobacteria: probing their phylogenetic distribution and biological role
Authors: SÁENZ J. P. , WATERBURY J. B. , EGLINTON T. I. , SUMMONS R. E.
Published: February 2012

Cyanobacteria are key players in the global carbon and nitrogen cycles and are thought to have been responsible for the initial rise of atmospheric oxygen during the Neoarchean. There is evidence that a class of membrane lipids known as hopanoids serve as biomarkers for bacteria, including many cyanobacteria, in the environment and in the geologic record. However, the taxonomic distributions and physiological roles of hopanoids in marine cyanobacteria remain unclear. We examined the distribution of bacteriohopanepolyols (BHPs) in a collection of marine cyanobacterial enrichment and pure cultures and investigated the relationship between the cellular abundance of BHPs and nitrogen limitation in Crocosphaera watsonii, a globally significant nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium. In pure culture, BHPs were only detected in species capable of nitrogen fixation, implicating hopanoids as potential markers for diazotrophy in the oceans. The enrichment cultures we examined exhibited a higher degree of BHP diversity, demonstrating that there are presently unaccounted for marine bacteria, possibly cyanobacteria, associated with the production of a range of BHP structures. Crocosphaera watsonii exhibited high membrane hopanoid content consistent with the idea that hopanoids have an important effect on the bulk physical properties of the membrane. However, the abundance of BHPs in C. watsonii did not vary considerably when grown under nitrogen‐limiting and nitrogen‐replete conditions, suggesting that the role of hopanoids in this organism is not directly related to the physiology of nitrogen fixation. Alternatively, we propose that high hopanoid content in C. watsonii may serve to reduce membrane permeability to antimicrobial toxins in the environment.
The quasi‐yarn‐dyed effect: triple dyeing of woven polyester/cationic dyeable polyester/viscose rayon blend fabrics by chemical treatments in the laboratory and on a pilot and an industrial scale
Authors: Özen Ilhan , Kurucu Adem , Türksever Hakan
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to carry out triple dyeing of woven polyester/cationic dyeable polyester/viscose rayon blend fabrics with the required colour fastness and physical properties. The feel and final appearance of the fabric were achieved by partial removal of the viscose rayon moiety of the fabric through optimised causticisation treatments. The results of the triple dyeings obtained from laboratory and small‐scale experiments were successfully scaled up in authentic processing equipment. The final product, which has a yarn‐dyed effect, readily satisfied the requirements related to the colour fastness and physical properties.
Narrowband Ultraviolet B Phototherapy in Childhood Vitiligo: Evaluation of Results in 28 Patients
Authors: Percivalle Serena , Piccinno Roberta , Caccialanza Massimo , Forti Stella
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Phototherapy using narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) is considered among the treatments of choice in vitiligo, even in childhood. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the profile of safety and effectiveness of such therapy in a group of children. An open, uncontrolled study was performed on 28 children with vitiligo who were receiving narrow band UVB phototherapy. The children were classified according to vitiligo type and phototype. Family history and presence of thyroid disease were investigated. Eighteen patients had received other treatments that was stopped 3 months before starting phototherapy. Phototherapy was administered twice a week. The mean duration of therapy was 10 ± 3.4 months. The mean total dose administered was 156.12 ± 79.4 J/cm2. Photographs of lesions were taken before and at the end of treatment. The response to phototherapy was expressed as percentage of repigmentation. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Fourteen percent of patients showed excellent response, 28.6% good response, 25% moderate response, and 28.6% mild response; the remaining 3.5% were not responsive. No side effects were observed except mild erythema requiring a decrease in dosage in a few patients. The results of the present study confirm those of other authors, with better results than adults probably related to good adherence of patients and their families. Nevertheless, high cumulative doses are not necessarily related to a good response. Therefore, we suggest stopping treatment after 6 months in nonresponding cases.
Epidemiology of Skin Disorders in Ethiopian Children and Adolescents: An Analysis of Records from the Italian Dermatological Centre, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2005 to 2009
Authors: Marrone Rosalia , Vignally Pascal , Rosso Annalisa , Didero Daniele , Pizzini Emma , Dassoni Federica , Pajno Maria Chiara , Maiani Elisa , Franco Gennaro , Calcaterra Roberta , Morrone Aldo , Mirisola Concetta
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Skin disorders are an important problem in children living in developing countries, but only a few epidemiologic investigations on pediatric dermatoses are available in the literature. Our study is an analysis of the range and frequency of skin diseases presenting to the Italian Dermatological Center in a pediatric Ethiopian population. A retrospective analysis was performed on 17,967 medical records of children aged 0 to 18 years attending the Italian Dermatological Centre in Mekele (Ethiopia) from January 2005 to December 2009. Infections and infestations accounted for 47% of the disorders seen; fungal infections were the most common (44.1%), followed by bacterial and parasitic diseases. Dermatitis constituted the second most common diagnostic category (24.7%) of the disorders seen, and contact dermatitis was the most common diagnosis (48.8%). Pigmentary disorders and disorders of skin appendages were more common in girls, whereas fungal and parasitic infections were more common in boys. Bacterial and parasitic infections were more common in children younger than 1 year old, fungal infections in those aged 1 to 5.9, and disorders of skin appendages and pigmentary disorders in those aged 15 to 18. These findings demonstrate that most of the disorders seen could be easily managed in clinical practice with appropriate skill development. It is crucial to ensure that training of medical students and pediatricians focuses on accurate recognition, diagnosis, and management of these common skin diseases and that families, teachers, health workers, and nurses be educated about the most common signs of prevalent skin diseases to help facilitate appropriate care.
Effect of Medicare Reimbursement Reduction for Imaging Services on Osteoporosis Screening Rates
Authors: McAdam‐Marx Carrie , Unni Sudhir , Ye Xiangyang , Nelson Scott , Nickman Nancy A.
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To determine bone mineral density (BMD) testing rates and the proportion of women diagnosed after BMD screening vs an osteoporosis‐related fracture before and after reductions in Medicare reimbursement for office‐based imaging services in 2007, which was projected to save $2.8B over 5 years.

Design

Retrospective observational analysis of administrative medical claims reimbursement data.

Setting

Analysis of data from a medical claims data set.

Participants

A cohort of 405,093 women (average age 74.1 ± 6.7) aged 65 and older with employer‐sponsored Medicare supplemental coverage.

Measurements

BMD testing and the incidence of participants whose first diagnosis for osteoporosis occurred with BMD screening vs as a result of osteoporosis‐related fracture were identified by calendar year.

Results

Thirty‐eight percent of participants received one or more BMD tests during the study period. The proportion of women who received a BMD test was 12.9% in 2005, 11.4% in 2006, 11.8% in 2007, and 11.6% in 2008. Although testing rates varied, results were consistent with testing guidelines and did not decrease at a rate relative to reimbursement reductions, as had been anticipated.

Conclusion

BMD screening rates did not substantially decline in Medicare‐eligible women in the 2 years after reimbursement reductions. Meanwhile, the proportion of women diagnosed after a fracture increased, although the nature of this increase is unclear.
Barthel Index—Enhanced Feedback for Effective Cardiac Treatment (BI—EFFECT) Study: Contribution of the Barthel Index to the Heart Failure Risk Scoring System Model in Elderly Adults with Acute Heart Failure in the Emergency Department
Authors: Javier Martín‐Sánchez F. , Gil Víctor , Llorens Pere , Herrero Pablo , Jacob Javier , Fernández Cristina , Miró Òscar ,   for the Acute Heart Failure Working Group of the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine Investigation Group
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To evaluate whether the Enhanced Feedback for Effective Cardiac Treatment (EFFECT) scale for 30‐day prediction of mortality is applicable to elderly adults with acute heart failure (AHF) in emergency departments (EDs) and whether discriminatory power is added with the inclusion of the Barthel Index (BI) to this scale (BI‐EFFECT scale).

Design

BI‐EFFECT is a multipurpose, nonintervention, multicenter cohort study.

Setting

Twenty EDs.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older with AHF.

Measurements

Information on baseline and episode characteristics and 30‐day mortality was collected, and participants were categorized according to the EFFECT scale. Baseline degree of functional dependence was measured using the BI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were made of the EFFECT and BI‐EFFECT scales to predict mortality.

Results

One thousand sixty‐eight participants were included. Thirty‐day mortality was 5.1% and was directly and independently associated with high and very high risk categories of the EFFECT scale and with severe dependence. These two variables remained significant after adjustment of the model for both (OR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.8–11.1 and OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.6–5.4, respectively). The EFFECT and the BI‐EFFECT scales had significant ROC curves (area under the ROC curve (AUC) = 0.69, 95% CI = from 0.62 to 0.76; and AUC = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.69–0.81, respectively), and the difference in discriminatory power between the second and the first was also statistically significant (P = .02).

Conclusion

The EFFECT scale may be applied in the elderly population, and inclusion of functional status according to the BI in the new BI‐EFFECT scale significantly improves the model for the prediction of 30‐day mortality.
Low High‐Density Lipoprotein 3 Reduces the Odds of Men Surviving to Age 85 During 53‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Williams Paul T.
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To identify high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions associated with longevity in men.

Design

Fifty‐three‐year prospective follow‐up of Gofman's Livermore Cohort between 1954 and 2008.

Setting

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Participants

One thousand one hundred forty‐four men who consented to the study, had analytic ultracentrifuge measurements of lipoprotein subfractions at baseline, and were old enough at baseline to have survived to age 85 during follow‐up.

Measurements

Survival was determined according to participant contact, Social Security Death Index, and National Death Index.

Results

Three hundred ninety men survived to 85 years old (34.1%). Survivors were less likely than nonsurvivors to be in the lowest HDL3 (% (standard error) 18.5% (2.0%) vs 27.3% (1.6%), P < .001) and HDL2 (22.1% (2.1%) vs 27.7% (1.6%), P = .04) quartiles. Logistic regression analyses showed that the lowest HDL3 quartile significantly predicted shorter longevity (P = .002), whereas the linear increases per mg/dL of HDL3 did not (P = .38), suggesting a risk threshold proximal to the 25th percentile. Men who were above the 25th HDL3 percentile had 70% greater odds of surviving until age 85 than those below this level, which persisted when adjusted for HDL2, very low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and standard risk factors. Proportional hazard analyses of survival before age 85 showed that being in the lowest HDL3 quartile increased age‐adjusted cancer risk by 39% (P = .05) and noncancer risk by 23% (P = .04) when adjusted for other risk factors. Survivors also smoked less (mean ± SD 0.31 ± 0.48 vs 0.57 ± 0.56 packs/d, P < .001), had lower systolic (118.36 ± 11.08 vs 122.81 ± 13.55 mmHg, P < .001) and diastolic (70.61 ± 8.59 vs 73.14 ± 9.22 mmHg, P < .001) blood pressures and lower LDL mass (359.55 ± 80.42 vs 374.37 ± 86.10 mg/dL, P = .009) and total cholesterol concentrations (229.51 ± 43.21 vs 235.89 ± 45.40 mg/dL, P = .04) than nonsurvivors.

Conclusion

Low HDL3 reduces the odds of extended survival in men, independent of HDL2, other lipoproteins, and standard risk factors.
A Competency‐Based Medical Student Curriculum: Taking the Medication History in Older Adults
Authors: van Zuilen Maria H. , Kaiser Robert M. , Mintzer Michael J.
Published: February 2012

Older adults are the largest consumers of prescription medications. Taking multiple medications, which interact with medical, psychological, and socioeconomic factors, increases a person's risk of nonadherence and adverse events. A curriculum was developed to train medical students to identify these risks and make recommendations for improving medication safety. The curriculum, consisting of a self‐study computer tutorial, a small‐group simulated‐patient (SP) experience, and an online competency assessment, was implemented in the students' second year of training. Groups (N = 28) of five to seven students interviewed the SP and were assessed on their ability to identify medication concerns (N = 18) and make recommendations (N = 18) on improving medication safety. On average, student groups identified 16.1 concerns and made 15.4 recommendations. On the competency assessment several months later, students were given a case scenario and again asked to identify concerns (N = 7) and make recommendations (N = 7). Students (N = 176) were required to achieve a preset performance standard on the assessment. A high percentage (97.2%) of students achieved the standard (a score of 8/14) on their first attempt; the remainder achieved the standard on their second attempt. Student evaluations indicated high levels of satisfaction with the curriculum. The learning objectives, competency assessment, and instructional activities were closely aligned. Instructional activities provided students with an opportunity to practice the competency in a nonthreatening environment. The SP session materials are available through MedEdPORTAL and can readily be incorporated by other institutions into existing curricula.
The History of Articulators: The Wonderful World of “Grinders,” Part 2
Authors: Starcke Edgar N. , Engelmeier Robert L.
Published: February 2012

This is the second article in a three‐part series on the history of denture grinding devices. The first article reviewed the earliest attempts to mechanically grind the occlusion of artificial teeth from the manipulation of simple articulators to very elaborate and complex machines powered by hand cranks. This article explores motor‐driven grinders, most driven by way of a belt‐driven pulley powered by an external source. A few were self‐contained; that is, the motor was mounted on the grinder base. There were basically two types of grinders: those with cast holders for mounting processed dentures and those with provisions for using articulators for that purpose.
Value of Two‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking and Real Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography for the Identification of Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients Referred for Routine Echocardiography
Authors: Saha Samir K. , Kiotsekoglou Anatoli , Toole Rena S. , Moggridge James C. , Nichols Kenneth J. , Govind Satish , Gopal Aasha S.
Published: February 2012

Background: While speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) can be used to study longitudinal, circumferential, and radial function, real time 3D echocardiography (3DE) generates dynamic time–volume curves, offering a wide array of new parameters for characterizing mechanical and volumetric properties of the left ventricle (LV). Our aim was to investigate the merit of these new techniques to separate normal from abnormal echocardiograms as well as to identify subclinical disease in reportedly normal subjects. Methods: Eighty‐one patients (mean age 61 ± 16 years) underwent standard 2D echocardiography (2DE) enhanced by 2DSTE and 3DE. The data included LV volumes and ejection fraction (EF), velocities, strain/strain rate, and peak ejection/filling rates. The patients were divided into Group 1: normal (n = 42) and Group 2: abnormal (n = 39) on the basis of an expert interpretation of the resting 2DE. Results: Global longitudinal strain (%) was 17 ± 4 in Group1 and 14 ± 4 in Group2 (P < 0.002). Strain rates (SR, 1/sec) at peak systole (1.1 ± 0.2 vs 0.9 ± 0.3, P < 0.001) and early diastole (1.3 ± 0.3 vs 0.9 ± 0.3, P < 0.001) were also higher in Group1. Three‐dimensional peak ejection and filling rates (EDV/sec) were significantly higher in Group1 (−2.5 ± 0.4 vs −2.1 ± 0.7, and 1.8 ± 0.2 vs 1.5 ± 0.5, P < 0.002, P < 0.001, respectively). The best discriminatory power for predicting a normal 2DE was systolic SR with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 54% using a cutoff value of 1.09. Interestingly, 19/41 (46%) of Group1 patients had systolic SR < 1.09, suggesting subclinical disease. Conclusions: 2DSTE and 3DE can discriminate between normal and abnormal echocardiograms and have the potential to detect subclinical LV dysfunction.

(Echocardiography 2012;29:588‐597)
Clinical Asthma Phenotypes: Is There an Impact on Myocardial Performance?
Authors: Zedan Magdy , Attia Alsawah Gehan , El‐Assmy Mohamed M. , Hasaneen Bothina , Zedan Mohamed M. , Nasef Nehad Abdelsalam
Published: February 2012

Background: Asthma is a systemic disease, which affects various body systems. We aimed to assess the impact of clinical asthma phenotypes on myocardial performance in asthmatic children using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Methods: We enrolled 58 children with moderate persistent asthma and 62 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Asthmatic children were classified according to clinical asthma phenotypes into shortness of breath group (n = 26) and wheezy group (n = 32). Pulmonary function tests, and conventional and TDI echocardiography were performed. Results: TDI echocardiography assessment of the studied groups showed that asthmatic children as a group had significant left and right ventricular dysfunction when compared with healthy controls. Children in the shortness of breath group had a significant diastolic dysfunction of both ventricles in the form of lower tricuspid and mitral annular early myocardial diastolic velocity (Em), early to late myocardial diastolic velocity (Em/Am) ratio, and prolonged isovolumetric relaxation time when compared with wheezy group (P < 0.001). In the shortness of breath group, TDI‐derived myocardial performance index (MPI) of both ventricles was significantly higher when compared with wheezy group (P < 0.001) reflecting global myocardial dysfunction. Conventional echocardiography of both ventricles showed RV diastolic dysfunction in the form of a significantly lower tricuspid E/A ratio in the shortness of breath group when compared with wheezy group. Conclusion: Clinical asthma phenotypes have an impact on myocardial function especially those presented with shortness of breath. Thus, measurement of MPI by TDI can detect subclinical changes in the cardiac performance in asthmatic children.

(Echocardiography 2012;29:528‐534)
Partial Anomalous Left Pulmonary Artery along with Aortic Coarctation in an Infant with Kabuki Syndrome
Authors: Bhat Aarti H. , Davenport Jennifer , Cocalis Mark
Published: February 2012

We report an antenatally diagnosed fetal coarctation delivered prematurely and confirmed to have coarctation as well as additional nonobstructing anomalous left pulmonary artery branch (aLPA) from right pulmonary artery (RPA) and significant dysmorphic features. The baby underwent an uncomplicated arch repair, but had numerous multisystem and growth related issues prompting a diagnosis of Kabuki syndrome (KS) at 1 year of age. While coarctation and hypoplastic left heart syndrome are observed in this syndrome, this is the second reported case of aLPA in KS and the first with the forme fruste of left‐sided obstruction as well as aLPA in this group of patients. (Echocardiography 2012;29:E145‐E147)
Delineation of Anatomy of the Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva with Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography: The Advantage of the Added Dimension
Authors: Chandra Sharad , Vijay Sudarshan Kumar , Dwivedi Sudhanshu Kumar , Saran Ram Kirti
Published: February 2012

The rupture of sinus of Valsalva is a rare complication of infective endocarditis. Three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography represents an important adjunctive tool to demonstrate the ruptured sinus of Valsalva with better delineation of its characteristics. We present an adult patient with rupture of right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm due to infective endocarditis of the aortic valve, in whom the two‐dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiogram erroneously localized the site of rupture into the right atrium. Whereas, 3D transthoracic echocardiogram accurately delineated the site of rupture into the right ventricle and it was confirmed on subsequent cardiac catheterization and angiogram. In addition, 3D echocardiography clearly showed the size and shape of the defect, which helped in successful transcatheter closure of the defect with amplatzer duct occluder device. (Echocardiography 2012;29:E148‐E151)
The Application of Bismuth‐Based Oxides in Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Liu Zhike , Yan Feng
Published: February 2012

Bismuth‐based ferroelectric oxide films including BiFeO3, Bi2WO6 and BiVO4 with different band structure are prepared by pulsed laser deposition method and used as n‐type semiconductors in photovoltaic devices. The oxide films are combined with p‐type organic semiconductor poly(3‐hexylthiophene) to form bilayer heterojunctions and their photovoltaic effects are systematically studied. Compared with some other oxide semiconductors, such as ZnO or TiO2, the bismuth‐based oxides exhibit wider absorption spectra and can induce higher external quantum efficiency, open circuit voltage, and power conversion efficiency of the hybrid devices, indicating that bismuth‐based oxides are promising materials for photovoltaic devices.
C–S–H Gels: Interpretation of 29Si MAS‐NMR Spectra
Authors: García‐Lodeiro Ines , Fernández‐Jiménez Ana , Sobrados Isabel , Sanz Jesus , Palomo Angel
Published: February 2012

The detection of bridging tetrahedra, or Q2(L), in the silica chains constituting C–S–H gels is controversial. While some authors maintain that 29Si MAS‐NMR can be used to distinguish between Q1 and Q2 units but not between the silicon environments associated with Q2 (intermediate position) and Q2(L) (intermediate and bridging position) units, others claim the contrary. The present article addresses this issue with a report on 29Si MAS‐NMR studies of a number of calcium silicate hydrate gels. The findings showed that nuclear magnetic resonance can differentiate between Q2 and Q2(L) units in highly polymerized C–S–H gels with mean chain lengths (MCL) of over 12 and Ca/Si ratios of <1. At higher Ca/Si ratios, however, the MCL declined, with the concomitant rise in Q1 units. Under these conditions, in which it was practically impossible to distinguish between Q2 and Q2(L), the presence of a single signal for all Q2 units was assumed.
Effect of Chloride Ion Concentration on the Galvanic Corrosion of α Phase Brass by Eccrine Sweat
Authors: Meekins Andrew , Bond John W. , Chaloner Penelope
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry measurement of the relative concentration of sodium, chloride, calcium, and potassium ions in eccrine sweat deposits from 40 donors revealed positive correlations between chloride and sodium (ρ = 0.684, p < 0.01) and chloride and calcium ions (ρ = 0.91, p < 0.01). Correlations between ion concentration and the corrosion of α phase brass by the donated sweat were investigated by visual grading of the degree of corrosion, by measuring the copper/zinc ratio using energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and from a measurement of the potential difference between corroded and uncorroded brass when a large potential was applied to the uncorroded brass. An increasing copper/zinc ratio (indicative of dezincification) was found to correlate positively to both chloride ion concentration and visual grading of corrosion, while visual grading gave correlations with potential difference measurements that were indicative of the preferential surface oxidation of zinc rather than copper.
Cost of male diapause indirectly affects female reproductive performance
Authors: Sadakiyo Shou , Ishihara Michihiro
Published: February 2012

We evaluated the cost of diapause in both females and males separately in the multivoltine bruchid Acanthoscelides pallidipennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). We artificially generated diapause (D) and non‐diapause (ND) individuals and compared the reproductive traits among all combinations of D and ND pairs. Diapause in both sexes had negative effects on the female pre‐oviposition period and fecundity, but not on egg volume. Females mated to D males had longer pre‐oviposition period and lower fecundity than females mated to ND males. These results showed that reproductive performance of a female could be influenced by the diapause experience not only of herself but also of the male with whom she mated.
Themes and Theologies in Catholic Social Teaching over Fifty Years
Authors: Dorr Donal
Published: February 2012

This article has three sections, covering three themes in CST. In the first I sketch out the development of an integral humanistic approach and then go on to suggest that the ‘flip’ side of this is an unduly anthropocentric stance on ecological issues by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict. In the second section I give an account of official Catholic teaching on justice for women and their equality with men. I suggest that over the past fifty years there have been major advances on this issue. But John Paul's concept of the complementarity of women and men raises great difficulties—particularly insofar as it is used as one of the main justifications for Vatican insistence that the Church does not have the authority to ordain women. In the third section I examine Vatican views on the appropriate means which Church authorities and the Church membership should use in working to promote justice. Should Church leaders limit themselves to clarifying the nature of authentic development, pointing out various forms of injustice, calling for change, and suggesting an alternative ‘economy of communion’? May they ever go further than such ‘education of consciences’, by encouraging the poor to struggle for justice, and by themselves confronting oppressive governments?
The State Made Flesh: Catholic Social Teaching and the Challenge of UK Asylum Seeking
Authors: Rowlands Anna
Published: February 2012

This article explores the relationship between official Catholic Social Teaching on forced migration and contemporary issues in forced migration as they are experienced in a UK context. Using the work of Hannah Arendt on judgement and responsibility and Charles Taylor's analysis of the dynamics of democratic exclusion this paper concludes with a suggestion for two areas for further analysis: theological reflection on the dialectics of inclusion and exclusion in democratic nation-states; further attention to the neglected category of commutative justice as it relates to migration experience and the terms of the common good.
Non traumatic lower extremity amputations in younger patients: an 11‐year retrospective study
Authors: Chin Jessica WS , Teague Laura , McLaren Ann‐Marie , Mahoney James L
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing non traumatic lower extremity amputations ≤65 years to identify the specific needs of these younger patients. A retrospective study was conducted to determine the demographics, comorbidity and mortality with below‐knee amputations and above‐knee amputations from 1998 to 2008. A total of 203 amputations were performed on 176 patients who were ≤65 years. Major comorbidities and associated physical findings were peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, pain, gangrene, hypertension, ulcer, local wound infection and hypercholesterolemia. Compared to patients who were not deceased post‐amputation, those deceased had a higher prevalence of diabetes, renal failure, coronary artery disease (CAD) and sepsis. Significant predictors of mortality were renal failure (hazard ratio [HR] = 4·19; 95% CI 1·96–8·93), CAD (HR = 3·33; 95% CI 1·42–7·81) and amputation site (above‐knee) (HR = 3·26; 95% CI 1·51–7·04). This study showed that younger patients may benefit from an interdisciplinary approach in treating local foot ulcers aggressively and optimising their cardiovascular, renal and diabetic risk factors.
A Low‐Loss Fully Embedded Stripline Parallel Coupled BPF for Applications using the 60 GHz Band
Authors: Schulz Alexander , Rentsch Sven , Xia Lei , Mueller Robert , Mueller Jens
Published: February 2012

This article presents a low‐loss fully embedded bandpass filter (BPF) using low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) for multilayer System‐in‐Package (SiP) and Multi‐Chip‐Module (MCM) applications, for example, wireless applications for the unlicensed 60 GHz band. Critical coupling gaps of conventional bandpass filters in this frequency range, which are not suitable for screen printing, could be eased by introducing coupling plates in adjacent layers. The four‐layer BPF is designed for Du Pont's 9k7 LTCC system, and occupies a substrate area of 5.6 × 2.1 × 0.42 mm3 including transitions and a shielding via fence. The filter, including the two grounded coplanar waveguide transmission line (CPWg) to stripline transitions, has a measured insertion loss of 1.5 dB at the center frequency 58 GHz, and a return loss of less than −10 dB over the 11 GHz 3 dB passband.
Family Decision Making and Resource Protection Adequacy
Authors: BABIARZ PATRYK , ROBB CLIFF A. , WOODYARD ANN
Published: February 2012

This study examines the correlation between resource protection and the intrahousehold distribution of bargaining power. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, the analysis quantifies potential changes in the surviving individual's living standard to evaluate the adequacy of resource protection. Individuals who generate a larger share of family income, are more financially knowledgeable, or have the “final say” in family decisions leverage their bargaining power to secure higher protection of their hypothetical widowhood living standard. Consequently, spouses with more bargaining power are less likely to experience declines of their living standard in the event of their spouse passing away and are more likely to be overprotected.
The influence of species interactions on geographic range change under climate change
Authors: Hellmann Jessica J. , Prior Kirsten M. , Pelini Shannon L.
Published: February 2012

The fossil record tells us that many species shifted their geographic distributions during historic climate changes, but this record does not portray the complete picture of future range change in response to climate change. In particular, it does not provide information on how species interactions will affect range shifts. Therefore, we also need modern research to generate understanding of range change. This paper focuses on the role that species interactions play in promoting or preventing geographic ranges shifts under current and future climate change, and we illustrate key points using empirical case studies from an integrated study system. Case studies can have limited generalizability, but they are critical to defining possible outcomes under climate change. Our case studies emphasize host limitation that could reduce range shifts and enemy release that could facilitate range expansion. We also need improvements in modeling that explicitly consider species interactions, and this modeling can be informed by empirical research. Finally, we discuss how species interactions have implications for range management by people.
Dams in the Cadillac Desert: downstream effects in a geomorphic context
Authors: Sabo John L. , Bestgen Kevin , Graf Will , Sinha Tushar , Wohl Ellen E.
Published: February 2012

This paper was motivated by the 25th anniversary of the publication of Marc Reisner's book, Cadillac Desert: The American West and its Disappearing Water. Dams are ubiquitous on rivers in the United States, and large dams and storage reservoirs are the hallmark of western U.S. riverscapes. The effects of dams on downstream river ecosystems have attracted much attention and are encapsulated in the serial discontinuity concept (SDC). In the SDC, dams create abrupt shifts in continua of downstream changes in physical and biotic properties. In this paper, we develop a framework for understanding how channel geometry and network structure influence how the physical components of habitat and the biota rebound from discontinuities set up by large dams. We apply this framework to data describing the flow regime, temperature, sediment flux, and fish community composition below Garrison Dam on the Missouri River, Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, and Flaming Gorge Dam on the Green River. Sediment flux in dam tailwaters is under strong control by channel geometry. By contrast, dam‐related changes in temperature and flow variation are not significantly modulated by channel geometry or tributary inputs if flow volumes are small (Missouri and Colorado River tributaries). Instead, small tributaries provide near‐native conditions (flow and temperature variation) and, as such, provide key refuges for biota from novel habitats in mainstem rivers below large dams. Unregulated tributaries that are large relative to their respective mainstem (e.g., Yampa River) provide refuges as well as significant amelioration of flow and temperature effects from upstream dams. Finally, the proportion of native fish increases with distance from dam and exhibits sharp increases near tributary junctions. These results suggest that tributaries—even minor ones in terms of relative discharge—act as key refugia for native species in regulated river networks. Moreover, large, unregulated tributaries are key to restoring continuity in physical habitat and the biota in large regulated rivers.
The role of strategies in motor learning
Authors: Taylor Jordan A. , Ivry Richard B.
Published: February 2012

There has been renewed interest in the role of strategies in sensorimotor learning. The combination of new behavioral methods and computational methods has begun to unravel the interaction between processes related to strategic control and processes related to motor adaptation. These processes may operate on very different error signals. Strategy learning is sensitive to goal‐based performance error. In contrast, adaptation is sensitive to prediction errors between the desired and actual consequences of a planned movement. The former guides what the desired movement should be, whereas the latter guides how to implement the desired movement. Whereas traditional approaches have favored serial models in which an initial strategy‐based phase gives way to more automatized forms of control, it now seems that strategic and adaptive processes operate with considerable independence throughout learning, although the relative weight given the two processes will shift with changes in performance. As such, skill acquisition involves the synergistic engagement of strategic and adaptive processes.
Pathology of Lacunar Ischemic Stroke in Humans—A Systematic Review
Authors: Bailey Emma L. , Smith Colin , Sudlow Cathie L. M. , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: February 2012

Twenty‐five percent of ischemic strokes are lacunar in type, but the cause remains unclear. Pathological descriptions of lacunar lesions are available but have not been systematically assessed. We therefore systematically summarized studies describing lacunar lesions by extracting data on the number of patients and lesions, clinical details, pathological methods, brain regions and/or vessels examined, and both parenchymal and vascular findings.

Among 39 papers describing >4000 lesions (>50% from one study), 15 papers examined patients with a clinical lacunar syndrome. Terminology varied, many studies only reported macroscopic pathology and many lesions were cavitated (ie, old). Aside from symptomatic lesions occurring more often in the internal capsule or caudate nucleus, we found no other differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Perivascular edema and thickening, inflammation and disintegration of the arteriolar wall were common, whereas vessel occlusion was rare.

The causal mechanisms of lacunar stroke remain poorly defined because of methodological inconsistencies and challenges. Standardised pathological definitions based on well‐characterized post‐mortem derived material supported by detailed clinical and imaging data are needed.
Molecular Beacon Probes of Oligonucleotides Photodamaged by Psoralen
Authors: Shire Zahra J. , Loppnow Glen R.
Published: February 2012

Ultraviolet A (UVA)‐irradiated 4′‐hydroxymethyl‐4,5′,8‐trimethyl psoralen (HMT) in the presence of a poly‐dT17 and dA7TTA8 oligonucleotides produces HMT–dT17 and HMT–dA7TTA8 adducts in aqueous solution. In this article, we determine whether these HMT–dT17 and HMT–dA7TTA8 adducts can be detected with a molecular beacon (MB) probe. We measure the degree of damage in dT17 and dA7TTA8 solutions containing UVA‐activated HMT via monitoring the decrease in MB fluorescence. Photoproduct formation is confirmed by MALDI‐TOF MS (matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐fight mass spectrometry measurements) and absorption spectroscopy. The MB fluorescence decreases upon UVA irradiation in the presence of HMT with a single‐exponential time constants of 114.2 ± 6.5 min for HMT–dT17 adducts and 677.8 ± 181.8 min for HMT–dA7TTA8 adducts. Our results show that fluorescent MB probes are a selective, robust and accurate tool for detecting UVA‐activated HMT‐induced DNA damage.
Prevalence and clinical pattern of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in a semi‐urban area of Bangladesh
Authors: Azam, Shaiful , Dipti Tanjeem , Rahman Shahana
Published: February 2012

Objective

To determine the prevalence and clinical pattern of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in a semi‐urban area of Bangladesh.

Methodology

A cross‐sectional study was carried out among 16 270 children who were selected by using multistage sampling technique from a community of approximately 105 986 children in the Narayanganj district, Bangladesh. Duration of the study was from November 2008 to December 2009. Examinations of the suspected JIA patients were done by the authors in the community as well as in the pediatric rheumatology follow‐up clinic at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Results

The estimated point prevalence of JIA was 60.5 per 100 000 children. In total 10 patients were identified among 16 270 children. Girl : boy ratio was 2.3 : 1.0. The subgroup distribution showed oligoarticular JIA in the majority of patients (60%).

Conclusions

Prevalence of JIA in this study in a semi‐urban area of Bangladesh was consistent with established population‐based studies in developed countries. Clinical pattern of JIA patients also had similarities with reports from Western countries.