bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Burden of Long‐Term Survivorship After Severe Sepsis in Older Americans
Authors: Iwashyna Theodore J. , Cooke Colin R. , Wunsch Hannah , Kahn Jeremy M.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To ascertain the absolute number of Medicare beneficiaries surviving at least 3 years after severe sepsis and to estimate their burden of cognitive dysfunction and disability.

Design

Retrospective cohort analysis of Medicare data.

Setting

All short‐stay inpatient hospitals in the United States, 1996 to 2008.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older.

Measurements

Severe sepsis was detected using a standard administrative definition. Case‐fatality, prevalence, and incidence rates were calculated.

Results

Six hundred thirty‐seven thousand eight hundred sixty‐seven Medicare beneficiaries were alive at the end of 2008 who had survived severe sepsis 3 or more years earlier. An estimated 476,862 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 455,026–498,698) had functional disability, with 106,311 (95% CI = 79,692–133,930) survivors having moderate to severe cognitive impairment. The annual number of new 3‐year survivors after severe sepsis rose 119% during 1998 to 2008. The increase in survivorship resulted from more new diagnoses of severe sepsis rather than a change in case‐fatality rates; severe sepsis rates rose from 13.0 per 1,000 Medicare beneficiary‐years to 25.8 (P < .001), whereas 3‐year case fatality rates changed much less, from 73.5% to 71.3% (P < .001) for the same cohort. Increasing rates of organ dysfunction in hospitalized individuals drove the increase in severe sepsis incidence, with an additional small contribution from population aging.

Conclusions

Sepsis survivorship, which has substantial long‐term morbidity, is a common and rapidly growing public health problem for older Americans. There has been little change in long‐term case‐fatality, despite changes in practice. Clinicians should anticipate more‐frequent sequelae of severe sepsis in their patient populations.
Exposures from Chrysotile‐Containing Joint Compound: Evaluation of New Model Relating Respirable Dust to Fiber Concentrations
Authors: Brorby G. P. , Sheehan P. J. , Berman D. W. , Bogen K. T. , Holm S. E.
Published: May 2012

The potential for fiber exposure during historical use of chrysotile‐containing joint compounds (JCC) has been documented, but the published data are of limited use for reconstructing exposures and assessing worker risk. Consequently, fiber concentration distributions for workers sanding JCC were independently derived by applying a recently developed model based on published dust measurements from sanding modern‐day (asbestos‐free) joint compound and compared to fiber concentration distributions based on limited historical measurements. This new procedure relies on factors that account for (i) differences in emission rates between modern‐day and JCC and (ii) the number of fibers (quantified by phase contrast microscopy [PCM]) per mass of dust generated by sanding JCC, as determined in a bench‐scale chamber study using a recreated JCC, that convert respirable dust concentrations to fiber concentrations. Airborne respirable PCM‐fiber concentration medians (and 95% confidence intervals) derived for output variables using the new procedure were 0.26 (0.039, 1.7) f/cm3 and 0.078 (0.013, 0.47) f/cm3, and corresponding total fiber concentrations were 1.2 (0.17, 9.2) f/cm3 and 0.37 (0.056, 2.5) f/cm3, in enclosed and nonenclosed environments, respectively. Corresponding estimates of respirable and total PCM fiber concentrations measured historically during sanding of asbestos‐containing joint compound—adjusted for differences between peak and time‐weighted average (TWA) concentrations and documented analytical preparation and sampling artifacts—were 0.15 (0.019, 0.95) f/cm3 and 0.86 (0.11, 5.4) f/cm3, respectively. The PCM‐fiber concentration distributions estimated using the new procedure bound the distribution estimated from adjusted TWA historical fiber measurements, suggesting reasonable consistency of these estimates taking into account uncertainties addressed in this study.
Bayesian Data Analysis of Severe Fatal Accident Risk in the Oil Chain
Authors: Eckle Petrissa , Burgherr Peter
Published: May 2012

We analyze the risk of severe fatal accidents causing five or more fatalities and for nine different activities covering the entire oil chain. Included are exploration and extraction, transport by different modes, refining and final end use in power plants, heating or gas stations. The risks are quantified separately for OECD and non‐OECD countries and trends are calculated. Risk is analyzed by employing a Bayesian hierarchical model yielding analytical functions for both frequency (Poisson) and severity distributions (Generalized Pareto) as well as frequency trends. This approach addresses a key problem in risk estimation—namely the scarcity of data resulting in high uncertainties in particular for the risk of extreme events, where the risk is extrapolated beyond the historically most severe accidents. Bayesian data analysis allows the pooling of information from different data sets covering, for example, the different stages of the energy chains or different modes of transportation. In addition, it also inherently delivers a measure of uncertainty. This approach provides a framework, which comprehensively covers risk throughout the oil chain, allowing the allocation of risk in sustainability assessments. It also permits the progressive addition of new data to refine the risk estimates. Frequency, severity, and trends show substantial differences between the activities, emphasizing the need for detailed risk analysis.
“La Iglesia” in Politics? Religion and Latino Public Opinion*
Authors: Martini Nicholas F.
Published: May 2012

Objective

This article explores how religion shapes Latino opinion regarding religion and public life.

Methods

This article uses a 2006 national survey of Latinos (N = 4,016) conducted by the Pew Research Center. The data are investigated through logistic regression and ordered logit.

Results

Religion does have a substantial influence on how Latinos view the role of the church in politics. Specifically, Latinos with higher levels of religious behavior and more orthodox beliefs were significantly more supportive of religion being involved in politics. Religious affiliation also mattered.

Conclusion

Religion is a powerful influence on how Latinos feel about the role of religion in politics. This influence mirrors findings from studies of the general population (Jelen and Wilcox, 1995; Guth et al., 2006; Smidt, 2007), giving support to the notion that there is little difference between Latinos and the general population when it comes to the influence of religion.
Latino Heterogeneity and the Politics of Education: The Role of Context*
Authors: Meier Kenneth J. , Melton Erin K.
Published: May 2012

Objective

The sheer size of the Latino population in the United States has resulted in increased scholarly attention to the role Latinos play in the U.S. political system. A less‐studied phenomenon, however, is whether the diversity of Latinos matters for electoral representation. This analysis tests how Latino homogeneity might influence representation by evaluating three contingencies: Latino majority versus minority status, electoral structure, and partisan versus nonpartisan election rules.

Methods

This study combines original survey data with data gathered by the U.S. Census on the national origin of Latinos in the United States.

Results

Latino homogeneity affects the chances of gaining representatives; however, this impact is evident only when Latinos constitute a numerical minority, hold at‐large elections, and engage in nonpartisan contests.

Conclusion

Theories of representation must move beyond traditional assessments of context and examine how the seemingly negligible characteristics of minority populations might affect their prospects for politics.
¿Compañero o Extranjero? Anti‐Immigrant Nativism among Latino Americans*
Authors: Knoll Benjamin R.
Published: May 2012

Objective

This study develops and tests a model of anti‐immigrant nativism among Latino Americans in the United States.

Methods

Several variables unique to Latinos (e.g. ancestral country of origin, panethnicity, and American assimilation) are incorporated into a model of Latino‐American anti‐immigrant nativism.

Results

In brief, Latino nativism is driven largely by American cultural assimilation and geographic proximity to other Latino Americans.

Conclusion

These results suggest that as the Latino‐American population in the United States continues to grow and assimilate, the pro‐immigrant bias of the Latino population will decline and perhaps eventually disappear altogether.
Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Paradoxical Behavior of Dobutamine Stress Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Fernandes Andre Mauricio S. , Rathi Vikas K. , Biederman Robert W. W. , Andrade Dafne C. , Borges Igor C.
Published: May 2012

A 62‐year‐old woman with mitral regurgitation (MR) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and dobutamine stress CMR imaging, a widely used method to analyze left ventricular function and MR volumes. During dobutamine provocation at escalating doses, the left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD) decreased, with a corresponding decrease in MR. At peak dobutamine dose, the LVEDD further decreased, with near complete relief of MR. Upon cessation of dobutamine provocation, the MR returned to predobutamine level. This case thereby demonstrates that MR may be reversible under certain conditions.
Assessment of Left Atrial Function in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Athlete's Heart: A Left Atrial Myocardial Deformation Study
Authors: Gabrielli Luigi , Enríquez Andrés , Córdova Samuel , Yáñez Fernando , Godoy Iván , Corbalán Ramon
Published: May 2012

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common cause of sudden death in athletes and differentiating this condition from the nonpathological “athlete's heart” remains a challenge. The development of pathological left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with left atrial (LA) dilatation and dysfunction. LA strain and strain rate by two‐dimensional (2D) speckle tracking are novel indices of LA function and might contribute to differentiate physiological from pathological LVH among athletes with underdiagnosed HCM. Methods: We evaluated 20 patients with nonobstructive HCM, 20 highly trained athletes and 20 healthy controls matched for age, gender, and body surface area. All patients underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram with evaluation of LA strain: s‐wave (LASs); and strain rate: s‐wave (LASRs) and a‐wave (LASRa). Results: LV mass index, LA volume index, and ejection fraction were comparable between patients with HCM and athletes. Patients with HCM had a significantly lower LASs (19 + 8% vs. 43 + 8%, P < 0.01), LASRs (0.7 + 0.2 s‐1 vs. 1.6 + 0.2 s‐1, P < 0.01), and LASRa (–0.8 + 0.1 s‐1 vs. –1.4 + 0.3 s‐1, P < 0.01) compared to athletes. Among hypertrophic subjects, independent predictors of hypertrophy related to HCM were LASs and E/é ratio. Conclusions: LA myocardial deformation is significantly impaired in patients with HCM compared to athletes and healthy controls. LA strain and strain rate assessed by 2D speckle tracking should be incorporated in the evaluation of trained athletes with LVH and LA dilatation.
Tissue Doppler Time Intervals Predict the Occurrence of Rehospitalization in Chronic Heart Failure: Data from the Daunia Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Correale Michele , Totaro Antonio , Greco Carmen Adriana , Musaico Francesco , De Rosa Fiorella , Ferraretti Armando , Ieva Riccardo , Di Biase Matteo , Brunetti Natale Daniele
Published: May 2012

Background: Patients with chronic heart failure (HF) are often rehospitalized; rehospitalization identifies subjects with a poorer quality of life and a worse prognosis. Estimates of the time intervals by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in patients with chronic HF has not been fully investigated, despite recent studies having explored the prognostic role of TDI‐derived parameters in major cardiac diseases, such as HF. We, therefore, aimed to assess the prognostic value of time intervals evaluated by TDI in patients with chronic HF. Methods: A total of 249 patients with chronic HF enrolled in the Daunia Heart Failure Registry underwent echocardiography assessment and were followed prospectively for a mean 284 ± 210 days. Conventional echocardiography and TDI parameters were calculated; time intervals were calculated by TDI: ST (systolic time), ET (ejection time), FT (filling time), and ICT (isovolumic contraction time). We also have calculated ICT/ET and tissue myocardial performance index ([ICT+IRT]/ET). Results: At univariate analysis, ET (RR: 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71–0.90, P < 0.001), ST (RR: 0.88, 95% CI 0.78–0.99, P < 0.05), FT (RR: 0.88, 95% CI 0.78–0.99, P < 0.05), ICT/ET (RR: 1.21, 95% CI 1.07–1.37, P < 0.01) were related to the occurrence of rehospitalization during follow‐up. At multivariate Cox regression analysis, correlations remained significant for ET and ST (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Time intervals assessed by TDI may be helpful in predicting the risk of rehospitalization in subjects with chronic HF.
Of Ghosts and Gangsters: Capitalist Cultural Production and the Hong Kong Film Industry
Authors: Martin Sylvia J.
Published: May 2012

This article contends that ghosts and gangsters are not merely popular genres in the Hong Kong film industry; they are also legitimate participants in the film production process itself, influencing financial, creative, and logistical resources and decisions. Film personnel's accounts of the possession and protection of their bodies by members of the cosmological and criminal underworlds, particularly in location filming in graveyards and gangster turf as well as ritual payments and appeasements made to the underworlds, reveal the diverse risks and cultural practices in film production. This article argues that despite the rationalization of commercial filmmaking, “enchantments” in the form of religion and feudalistic crime linger within capitalist production.
Investigation of Green Up‐Conversion Behavior in Y6W2O15:Yb3+,Er3+ Phosphor and its Verification in 973‐nm Laser‐Driven GaAs Solar Cell
Authors: Lin Han‐Yu , Chen Hsin‐Nan , Wu Tzung‐Han , Wu Chih‐Shan , Su Yan‐Kuin , Chu Sheng‐Yuan
Published: May 2012

The green up‐conversion (UC) behavior was observed in a new phosphor Y6W2O15:Er3+. Taking the concentration quenching and sensitization effect into consideration, we obtained the optimized phosphor Y5.86W2O15:0.05Yb3+,0.09Er3+. With the adhesion of Y5.86W2O15:0.05Yb3+,0.09Er3+ phosphor layer, the spectral response was first observed in a 973‐nm laser‐driven GaAs solar cell. A maximum output power of 0.339 μW was measured using a 300‐μm UC phosphor layer on illumination with a 973‐nm laser at 145.65 W/cm2. These results verified the UC effect of the Y5.86W2O15:0.05Yb3+,0.09Er3+ phosphor synthesized herein.
Visualiser l'évolution de la législation contre les discriminations et les inégalités et élargir la notion d'inégalité dans le droit international du travail
Authors: SHEPPARD Colleen
Published: May 2012

L'auteur examine l'évolution de la relation entre le concept de discrimination dans le droit international du travail et la réalité des inégalités socio‐économiques au travail. Conçue au départ comme un principe juridique limité imposant de traiter àégalité des personnes dans des situations similaires, la non‐discrimination a étendu sa portée aux discriminations indirectes découlant de règles, normes ou pratiques neutres en apparence. L'extension s'est poursuivie pour traiter d'inégalités au travail touchant certaines catégories, du fait de contraintes structurelles marchandes, familiales ou communautaires, pour aboutir à une convergence entre législation et discrimination et recourir à la loi pour réduire les inégalités de classe et la pauvreté.
Stabilité de l'économie réelle et emploi en Amérique latine: les effets régressifs des flux financiers
Authors: FFRENCH‐DAVIS Ricardo
Published: May 2012

L'auteur étudie les réformes réalisées en Amérique latine depuis les années 1990. Les prix ont été stabilisés, mais la croissance insuffisante et l'instabilitééconomique ont freiné l'investissement productif et l'emploi. Les crises répétées ont eu des effets récessifs et ont essoufflé la formation de capital et la création d'emplois décents. Les flux financiers ont été les premiers déterminants de cette situation. La reprise de 2010 marque un retour à l'évolution positive de 2004–2008, mais avec un fort degré de précarité et de graves erreurs de politique macroéconomique.
Temps partiel et genre: est‐ce le travailleur ou l'emploi qui prime?
Authors: KJELDSTAD Randi , NYMOEN Erik H.
Published: May 2012

Se fondant sur le concept de genre, les auteurs examinent les caractéristiques des travailleurs et des emplois à temps partiel en Norvège. Le temps partiel choisi long est le plus fréquent et le plus féminisé, exprimant un ajustement des employeurs aux préférences des femmes. Le temps partiel choisi court, moins marqué par le sexe, est associé aux études ou à la retraite progressive; il répond au besoin de flexibilité dans les services de soins et à faibles qualifications. Le temps partiel subi relève du second marché du travail (contrats temporaires, origine non occidentale) et affecte plus les femmes que les hommes.
Mutual replacement of species in space in a grassland community: is there an evidence for functional complementarity of replacement groups?
Authors: Herben Tomáš , Březina Stanislav , Hadincová Věra , Krahulec František , Skálová Hana
Published: May 2012

Many plant communities show strong fine‐scale spatiotemporal dynamics due to frequent natality and mortality events. This process is often non‐random, implying that the community can be broken into groups within which species mutually replace each other in time and are distinct from the other such groups. We examined whether such groups fill separate niches and are functionally complementary in a species‐rich mountain grassland.

We used cluster analysis of fine‐scale spatial data time series to discern which species were more likely to replace each other in space. Next, a four‐year removal experiment (removing one group in each experimental treatment, or similar amount of biomass across all groups) was used to determine whether simultaneous occurrence of all these groups would maintain a greater total biomass than if an entire group were eliminated.

The results do not support the hypothesis that the simultaneous presence of groups of species that replace each other in space is necessary for the community to attain its maximum biomass. However, the experiment showed strong differences among the replacement groups in their capacity for opportunistic behaviour: some groups responded quickly to space made available by removal while others did not. Furthermore, there were strong differences between groups composed primarily of grasses and groups composed primarily of dicots. In spite of the large differences among these groups, they are not functionally complementary. We therefore conclude that replacement processes in this grassland community more closely resemble a neutral process with sets of species differing in the speed at which they fill empty spaces.
Species traits and the response of open‐habitat species to forest edge in landscape mosaics
Authors: Fonderflick Jocelyn , Besnard Aurélien , Martin Jean‐Louis
Published: May 2012

Human driven changes in land‐use have increased the need to understand how landscape structure affects species distribution. We studied how forest edges affected the distribution of birds in grasslands recently encroached by forest patches. We investigated how species’ biological traits influenced their response to vegetation change near forest edges. We censured birds along 300‐m line transects run into the open habitat perpendicularly to forest edges. We recorded habitat variables and landscape context along each transect and characterized edges and forest patches.

We recorded 33 bird species in 153 transects for a total of 654 individuals. We analyzed species response to edges with generalized linear mixed models. Habitat preference was prevalent to explain species response to forest edges. The abundance of open‐habitat birds such as skylark Alauda arvensis decreased significantly in the vicinity of edges. This negative response extended within 150 m from the edge. The effect was disproportionately higher in open‐habitat species with high conservation concern. The abundance of species feeding or/and breeding in both forest and open habitat, such as woodlarks Lullula arborea, sharply increased near edges (positive edge response). Abundance of shrub and non‐shrub dependent species increased with distance to edge. The two species groups did no differ in abundance/distance to edge relationship. Intensity of species response to forest edges varied among transects in relation to transect vegetation characteristics. Edge length or aspect, diet and nest height had no direct effect. We discuss the possible role of variation in resources and nest predation risk to explain observed patterns.
Floral display and habitat quality affect cost of reproduction in Primula farinosa
Authors: Euler Tove von , Ågren Jon , Ehrlén Johan
Published: May 2012

Costs of reproduction should depend on resource availability and on reproductive effort, which in turn may depend on traits influencing reproductive success. Therefore, variation in both habitat quality and reproductive traits should be considered when assessing reproductive costs. We investigated the effect of habitat quality and floral display on the costs of reproduction in the perennial herb Primula farinosa. In the study area, P. farinosa occurs in habitats that differ in water availability, which strongly influences plant performance. Furthermore, it displays a scape length dimorphism, with two distinct scape morphs differing in attractiveness to pollinators and reproductive success. To test the hypothesis that the cost of fruit production is higher in the long‐scaped than in the short‐scaped morph, and depends on water availability, we manipulated reproductive investment in eight P. farinosa populations along a gradient of soil moisture. Fruit set was higher in long‐scaped individuals, and prevention of fruit set increased flower production in the following year among long‐scaped, but not among short‐scaped plants. Furthermore, costs of fruit production were evident at low and high moisture levels but not at intermediate levels. The results demonstrate an association between a genetically determined difference in floral display and cost of reproduction, and suggest that costs of reproduction are non‐linearly related to water availability. They thus indicate links between the evolution of plant reproductive traits and plant life histories, and between habitat quality and optimal life history.
What are the possible benefits of small size for energy‐constrained ectotherms in cold stress conditions?
Authors: Ismail Mohannad , Vernon Philippe , Hance Thierry , Pierre Jean‐Sébastien , van Baaren Joan
Published: May 2012

In stressful environments, two main hypotheses have been proposed to explain the consequences of body size: (1) the absolute energy demand hypothesis (AED), which predicts that larger individuals are at a disadvantage under stressful conditions; (2) the relative efficiency hypothesis (RE), which predicts the reverse. We compared the effects of cold stress on different fitness traits of large and small individuals of the parasitoid wasp Aphidius ervi (Hymenoptera: Aphidiinae). For that, we exposed nymphs of this wasp to 5 treatment conditions as follows (control at 20°C; 7C1 and 7C2: constant cold temperature of 7°C for 1 and 2 weeks respectively; 4C1 and 4C2: constant cold temperature of 4°C for 1 and 2 weeks respectively).

After cold stress, only the large females that emerged in the 7C2 and 4C2 treatments displayed a reduction in the fitness traits studied (longevity, egg load at emergence, life‐time fecundity). The decrease in lipid content in large adults may have been responsible for their lower fitness. Our results thereby supported the AED hypothesis. Furthermore, the small females in these treatments produced more eggs at emergence than the control females. This highlights the fact that in stressful environments, small females switch their reproductive strategy from a synovigenic strategy (in which females mature new eggs after emergence) to a more pro‐ovigenic one (in which females emerge with more mature eggs).
Diagnostic PCR of dermatophytes – an overview
Authors: Gräser Yvonne , Czaika Viktor , Ohst Torsten
Published: May 2012

The prevalence of onychomycosis is increasing steadily, sevenfold alone in the US within the last twenty years. An important aspect in this development is the demographic development of the human population of the industrial countries like Germany. A fast and accurate laboratory diagnosis is essential for successful treatment because 50% of the cases are misdiagnosed when relying on the clinical appearance only. The current diagnosis of dermatophytosis, based on direct microscopy and culture of the clinical specimen, is problematic given the lacking specificity of the former and the length of time needed for the latter. Molecular techniques can help to solve these problems. In recent years, a number of in‐house PCR assays have been developed to identify dermatophytes directly from clinical specimens. Based on the “Mikrobiologisch‐infektiologischen Qualitätsstandards (MIQ) für Nukleinsäure‐Amplifikationstechniken” and the MIQE guideline (Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real‐Time PCR Experiments) 11 studies are reviewed which were published between 2007 and 2010. The present article evaluates the quality of the PCR assays regarding false positive and false negative results due to contamination, PCR format, statistical analysis, and diagnostic performance of the studies. It shows that we are only at the beginning of providing high quality PCR diagnosis of dermatophytes.
Survival Rates for Porcelain Laminate Veneers with Special Reference to the Effect of Preparation in Dentin: A Literature Review
Authors: BURKE F. J. TREVOR
Published: May 2012

The porcelain laminate veneer is an elective restoration, often placed in the absence of disease for purely esthetic reasons. As such, it would appear desirable that the success rate of the technique was 100%. It is therefore the purpose of this paper to review the literature on porcelain laminate veneer survival by searching dental databases containing clinical trials of porcelain veneer restorations. References of selected trials were also screened to identify relevant studies. Each paper that was included was examined to ascertain if preparation into dentin affected survival. A total of 24 papers were included in the review. It was concluded that survival rates of porcelain laminate veneers are rarely 100%, and there is reasonable evidence indicating that a veneer preparation into dentin adversely affects survival.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A review of the literature has indicated that porcelain laminate veneer survival is rarely 100%. Accordingly, patients should be made aware of this before embarking on this elective restorative technique. Clinicians should also be aware that the ideal preparation for porcelain veneers remains within enamel.

(J Esthet Restor Dent 24:257–265, 2012)
Mapping breastfeeding services: a method to inform effective implementation and evaluation of evidence‐based policy in practice
Authors: Dyson Lisa , McCormick Felicia , Entwistle Francesca , Duncan Helen , Chaplin Stephen , Renfrew Mary J.
Published: May 2012

This paper aims to introduce a method for mapping local service provision to local demographic and health outcome data, to inform evidence‐based policy and practice in public health. A mapping exercise was conducted in London, England with the aims of: (1) describing services provided for breastfeeding women in primary and tertiary health care sectors and government, voluntary and private sectors; and (2) linking this information with routine data on deprivation, breastfeeding rates and health outcomes. Quantitative data on local breastfeeding services were collected via an online questionnaire by a designated ‘mapping lead’ in each locality. Data were collected at the level of individual health care organisations on the provision, nature and management of breastfeeding services, and related organisational inputs such as leadership, staffing, accreditation and policy. Demographic and health outcome data were identified from existing routine national data collections. Ninety‐one per cent of eligible acute and primary care organisations participated in the mapping exercise. A range of mapping tools and profile were developed and launched in 2009 (http://atlas.chimat.org.uk/IAS/dataviews/view?viewId=66). These tools can be used for descriptive analyses of service provision on the basis of local need. Comparative analyses on the impact of service provision on breastfeeding or health outcomes will be feasible from 18 months of data collection onwards. This case study has demonstrated the potential utility of this mapping method to inform effective implementation and evaluation of public health policy in practice consistent with the World Health Organisation framework. Formal evaluation of the utility of the tools is recommended.
The second fundamental theorem of positive economics
Authors: Mukherji Anjan
Published: May 2012

The paper examines what result, apart from the existence of competitive equilibrium, may be called a Fundamental Theorem of Positive Economics. It is shown first that if, for any distribution of the aggregate endowment, the matrix sum of the Jacobian of the excess demand function plus its transpose, evaluated at equilibrium, has maximal rank, then equilibrium will be locally asymptotically stable. It is next shown that redistributing resources will always make a competitive equilibrium price configuration stable provided that the rank condition referred to earlier holds at zero‐trade competitive equilibria: this is the Second Fundamental Theorem of Positive Economics.
Anti‐Inflammatory Property of n‐Hexadecanoic Acid: Structural Evidence and Kinetic Assessment
Authors: Aparna Vasudevan , Dileep Kalarickal V. , Mandal Pradeep K. , Karthe Ponnuraj , Sadasivan Chittalakkottu , Haridas Madathilkovilakathu
Published: May 2012

Ester bond hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids by Phospholipase A2 and consequent release of fatty acids are the initiating steps of inflammation. It is proposed in this study that the inhibition of phospholipase A2 is one of the ways to control inflammation. Investigations are carried out to identify the mode of inhibition of phospholipase A2 by the n‐hexadecanoic acid. It may help in designing of specific inhibitors of phospholipase A2 as anti‐inflammatory agents. The enzyme kinetics study proved that n‐hexadecanoic acid inhibits phospholipase A2 in a competitive manner. It was identified from the crystal structure at 2.5 Å resolution that the position of n‐hexadecanoic acid is in the active site of the phospholipase A2. The binding constant and binding energy have also been calculated using Isothermal Titration Calorimetry. Also, the binding energy of n‐hexadecanoic acid to phospholipase A2 was calculated by in silico method and compared with known inhibitors. It may be concluded from the structural and kinetics studies that the fatty acid, n‐hexadecanoic acid, is an inhibitor of phospholipase A2, hence, an anti‐inflammatory compound. The inferences from the present study validate the rigorous use of medicated oils rich in n‐hexadecanoic acid for the treatment of rheumatic symptoms in the traditional medical system of India, Ayurveda.
Modeling the Binding Affinity of p38α MAP Kinase Inhibitors by Partial Least Squares Regression
Authors: Basant Nikita , Durante Caterina , Cocchi Marina , Menziani M. Cristina
Published: May 2012

The p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase is activated by environmental stress and cytokines and plays a role in transcriptional regulation and inflammatory responses. Factors influencing the activity and selectivity of the p38α mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitors have been investigated in this paper by inspecting the binding orientation and the possible residue‐inhibitor interactions in the binding site. The binding pattern of a set of 45 different inhibitors against p38α mitogen‐activated protein kinase was studied through Molecular Dynamic Simulations of the protein‐inhibitor complexes. Further, Partial Least Squares regression was used to develop a Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship model to predict the binding affinities of ligands. The selected model successfully predicted the test set with a Root Mean Square Error of Prediction of 1.36. The regression coefficients and the Variable Importance in Projection plots highlighted the residue‐inhibitor interactions which exhibited the largest absolute effect on the ligand binding, such as the van der Waals interaction with LYS50, ILE81, ASP165; electrostatic interactions with SER29, LEU164; hydrogen bonds with MET106; and total energy interaction with SER29 and LEU83.
Discovery, Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyun , Ji Jianfeng , Huang Dandan , Zhu Yan , Tang Chunlei , Yang Xuan , Qian Hai , Huang Wenlong
Published: May 2012

Chemical‐based common feature pharmacophore modelling of Niemann Pick C1 Like 1 inhibitors was performed to provide some insights on the important pharmacophore features essential for Niemann Pick C1 Like 1 inhibition using Discovery Studio V2.5. After in‐house database screening, a new series of substituted oxazolidinones, selected from the top ranked hits, have been synthesized and evaluated as novel cholesterol absorption inhibitors. All compounds demonstrated effect of different degrees in lowering the total cholesterol in serum, especially compounds 1a, 2a and 2d, the potency of which was comparable to that of ezetimibe. It was also found that 1a, 1d and 2d could raise high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels markedly. Interestingly, compounds 2a–2f appeared to have the moderate potential to lower triglyceride levels, which were superior to that of normal cholesterol absorption inhibitors including ezetimibe.
Outcomes following treatment for patients with cranial nerve involvement from nasopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Yap Mei Ling , Choo Bok Ai , Chan Yiong Huak , Lu Jay Jiade , Mun Lee Khai , Tham Ivan WK
Published: May 2012

Introduction: Patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) commonly present with cranial nerve (CN) involvement, which can cause significant morbidity. We aimed to characterise the pattern of involvement and outcomes of these patients, as well as determine if these differed according to the mode of diagnosis.

Methods: Patients were included if they had non‐distant metastatic NPC, presented with CN involvement and completed radiotherapy treatment between 2002 and 2008. The clinical response was categorised as complete response, partial response, stable or progressive disease. The radiological response was assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. The loco‐regional control and disease‐free survival rates were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results: Forty‐seven patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. CN lesions were diagnosed on clinical examination in 15% of patients, radiologically in 40% and both clinically and radiologically in 45% of patients. A complete or partial response of the CN lesions was seen clinically in 82% and radiologically in 95% of patients. The 3‐year local relapse free survival was 64.3%, distant metastasis‐free survival was 46.1% and overall survival was 82.8%. There were no differences in outcomes between patients with clinically versus radiologically detected CN lesions.

Conclusion: Most of these patients are likely to undergo clinical and/or radiological resolution of the nerve lesions following chemoradiotherapy, but the outcome was not determined by the mode of diagnosis (radiological or clinical).
Kinder lernen Deutsch: The Steering Committee Turns 25 and Changes its Name to Deutsch an Schulen
Authors: Busch Iris Katharina
Published: May 2012

The Kinder Lernen Deutsch (KLD) Steering Committee looks back at 25 years of successful work in many directions of early language learning. At the same time, the committee looks ahead and identifies new projects and areas of expansion, thus changing its name to Deutsch an Schulen (DaS). It is in the interest of every German teacher at every level to support and encourage elementary school German programs and articulation in the K‐12 sequence.
German Literature and Culture under Revue: Learner Autonomy and Creativity through the Theme‐Based Theater Practicum
Authors: Koerner Morgan
Published: May 2012

This article proposes a theatrically oriented, thematically structured course model for the upper level undergraduate German curriculum. The traditional focus on staging a single play in the German foreign language theater practicum neglects theater's potential to explore other literary genres and cultural texts and runs the danger of becoming an overly teacher‐centered endeavor. But a thematically organized theater practicum supplants the dramatic text as the sole unifying element and creates more space for students to determine the shape and content of the final performance. Based on experience with teaching three iterations of such a course, I introduce strategies from drama pedagogy and creative writing that can be used to explore literary and cultural texts and simultaneously generate material for a final, cabaret‐style production. Via specific examples, I consider how theater strategies can provide an engaging yet critical pathway into second‐language literature and culture and make a case for further experimentation with theater as both a medium and a method in German literature and culture courses.
“Jetzt machen wir hier mal Multikulti”: Fostering Critical Engagement with Multiculturalism through Peer‐Assisted Language Learning
Authors: Schallié Charlotte , Thorson Helga
Published: May 2012

In this article we present an integrated curricular model for addressing the transition from the intermediate to the advanced language level through peer‐assisted learning activities in the post‐secondary German classroom. In a series of group projects between students in second‐ and third‐year conversation courses, we employed a learner‐centered approach that encouraged reciprocal peer mentoring. Both the contemporary focus on multiculturalism and the format involving collaborative work between students in two different language courses were critical components of our project. Engaging with contemporary political and cultural discourses in a peer‐assisted learning environment, course participants obtained important skill sets, which served to enrich their linguistic, cultural, cognitive, and interpersonal competencies.
Fostering Integrative Motivation among Introductory‐Level German Students through a Language Partners Program
Authors: Shaver Annis N.
Published: May 2012

Many students enroll in language classes with the instrumentally motivated goal of satisfying a requirement. This article argues that instructors can influence students’ motivation toward more integrative motivation by helping them make connections with the language community. The “Language Partner” program established for a small German program has proven to be successful in moving the motivation of beginning German students in the direction of integrative motivation. Regularly‐scheduled sessions with German speakers give students an opportunity to experience and manipulate the language in authentic contexts. The results of a survey are presented which point toward the success of the program and confirm the benefits for students.
A comparison of articaine 4% and lignocaine 2% in block and infiltration analgesia in children
Authors: Arrow P
Published: May 2012

Background:  Articaine administered through buccal infiltration (BI) has been suggested as providing adequate posterior mandibular analgesia. This study compared the efficacy of articaine 4% with 1:100 000 adrenaline (test) and lignocaine 2% with 1:80 000 adrenaline (control), delivered either through an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) or BI for routine restorative procedures in mandibular posterior teeth among children.

Methods:  Children enrolled within the Western Australian School Dental Service and in need of restorative care on contralateral mandibular posterior teeth were eligible. Consenting children were randomly allocated to test and control techniques, and to type of local anaesthetic. Using the faces pain scale, pain reports from analgesia administration and from dental treatment were elicited. Analgesia success and pain reports were compared by anaesthetic technique and type.

Results:  Fifty‐seven children were recruited into the study; 29 allocated to IANB. Analgesia success for IANB 100%; BI 67%; p < 0.001. Analgesia success for BI with articaine 71%; lignocaine 64%, p > 0.05. Analgesia success was associated with fewer reports of painful dental treatment, p = 0.005.

Conclusions:  There was higher success and less painful treatment with IANB. There was no statistically significant difference in local analgesia success between articaine and lignocaine when delivered via BI.
Investigation of Zoonotic Infections Among Auckland Zoo Staff: 1991–2010
Authors: Forsyth M. B. , Morris A. J. , Sinclair D. A. , Pritchard C. P.
Published: May 2012

Investigation was undertaken to assess the occurrence of zoonotic infection among staff at Auckland Zoological Park, New Zealand, in 1991, 2002 and 2010. Serial cross‐sectional health surveys in 1991, 2002 and 2010 comprising a health questionnaire, and serological, immunological and microbiological analysis for a range of potential zoonotic infections were performed. Laboratory results for zoo animals were also reviewed for 2004–2010 to assess the occurrence of potential zoonotic infections. Veterinary clinic, animal handler, grounds, maintenance and administrative staff participated in the surveys, with 49, 42 and 46 participants in the 1991, 2002 and 2010 surveys, respectively (29% of total zoo staff in 2010). A small number of staff reported work‐related infections, including erysipelas (1), giardiasis (1) and campylobacteriosis (1). The seroprevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus and Toxoplasma gondii closely reflected those in the Auckland community. No carriage of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was detected, and most of those with anti‐HBV antibodies had been vaccinated. Few staff had serological evidence of past leptospiral infection. Three veterinary clinic staff had raised Chlamydophila psittaci antibodies, all <1 : 160 indicating past exposure. Two staff (in 1991) had asymptomatic carriage of Giardia lamblia and one person (in 2010) had a dermatophyte infection. After 1991, positive tests indicating exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis were <10%, comparable to the general New Zealand population. Zoo animals had infections with potential zoonotic agents, including G. lamblia, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and T. gondii, although the occurrence was low. Zoonotic agents pose an occupational risk to zoo workers. While there was evidence of some zoonotic transmission at Auckland Zoo, this was uncommon and risks appear to be adequately managed under current policies and procedures. Nevertheless, ongoing assessment of risk factors is needed as environmental, human and animal disease and management factors change. Policies and procedures should be reviewed periodically in conjunction with disease monitoring results for both animals and staff to minimise zoonotic transmission.
Investigation of the Concurrent Emergence of Salmonella enteritidis in Humans and Poultry in British Columbia, Canada, 2008–2010
Authors: Taylor M. , Leslie M. , Ritson M. , Stone J. , Cox W. , Hoang L. , Galanis E. ,   Outbreak Investigation Team
Published: May 2012

An increase in the rate of human infections with Salmonella enteritidis (SE) occurred between 2007 and 2010 in British Columbia (BC). During the same time period, an increase in SE from poultry‐sourced isolates and increased clinical severity in poultry were also observed in BC. This article describes a multi‐sectoral collaboration during a 3‐year investigation, and the actions taken by public health and animal health professionals. Human cases were interviewed, clusters were investigated, and a case–control study was conducted. Environmental investigations were conducted in food service establishments (FSE). Suspect foods were tested. Laboratory data from poultry‐sourced isolates were analysed. Five hundred and eighty‐four human cases of SE with the same pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis pattern were identified between May 2008 and August 2010. Seventy‐three percentage of cases reported consumption of eggs. The odds of egg consumption were 2.4 times higher for cases than controls. Implicated FSE were found to use ungraded eggs, which had been distributed illegally. Investigation suggested that there were multiple suppliers of these eggs. Collaboration between public health and animal health professionals led to data sharing, improved understanding of SE, engagement with the poultry industry and public communication. Multi‐disciplinary, multi‐sectoral and multi‐pronged investigations are recommended to identify the likely source of illness in large, protracted foodborne outbreaks caused by commonly consumed foods.
Shifts in Innovation Power to Brazil and India: Insights from the Auto and Software Industries
Authors: Lema Rasmus , Quadros Ruy , Schmitz Hubert
Published: May 2012

The global innovation map is changing. Until a few years ago innovation activities were concentrated in the US, Europe and Japan. Not anymore. The rising powers of China, India and Brazil are encroaching on the innovation stronghold of the old powers. This report explores how deep the change goes and how we can explain it. Most of the literature explains this shift in innovation power by concentrating on factors within the rising powers, such as their investment in high‐level education, their low labour cost, their big and expanding internal markets and others. This report concentrates on explanatory factors that emanate from the old powers, notably the organisational decomposition of the innovation process (ODIP). The empirical focus is on the global value chains that link Brazilian auto and Indian software suppliers with lead firms in the US and Europe. The report shows that subsidiaries and independent suppliers in Brazil and India were involved in advanced innovation capabilities: they engaged not only in ‘applied’ development, but also in ‘systemic’ development of products and services. In other words, the build‐up of innovation capabilities goes further than is generally recognised. Most of the report is then concerned with unravelling the processes through which this occurs, showing that ODIP emanating from US and European lead firms has knock‐on effects within Brazil and India. The research also distinguishes between different types of ODIP showing that the biggest organisational and geographical changes occur when innovation and production activities are tightly integrated. The resulting build‐up of innovation capability is only partially visible in conventional R&D indicators. The causal connection between ODIP in the old powers and increase of innovation capabilities in the new powers is not one way. The accumulation of innovation capabilities in the new powers increases the possibilities for further rounds of ODIP in the old powers.