bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiosensitivity and capacity for radiation‐induced sublethal damage repair of canine transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) cell lines
Authors: Parfitt S. L. , Milner R. J. , Salute M. E. , Hintenlang D. E. , Farese J. P. , Bacon N. J. , Bova F. J. , Rajon D. A. , Lurie D. M.
Published: June 2011

Understanding the inherent radiosensitivity and repair capacity of canine transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) can aid in optimizing radiation protocols to treat this disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the parameters surviving fraction at 2 Gy (SF2), α/β ratio and capacity for sublethal damage repair (SLDR) in response to radiation. Dose–response and split‐dose studies were performed using the clonogenic assay. The mean SF2 for three established TCC cell lines was high at 0.61. All the three cell lines exhibited a low to moderate α/β ratio, with the mean being 3.27. Two cell lines exhibited statistically increased survival at 4 and 24 h in the dose–response assay. Overall, our results indicate that the cell lines are moderately radioresistant, have a high repair capacity and behave similarly to a late‐responding normal tissue. These findings indicate that the radiation protocols utilizing higher doses with less fractionation may be more effective for treating TCC.
A Noteworthy Absence: How and why Race and Racism is Ignored by Public Administration Scholarship
Authors: Witt Matthew T.
Published: July 2011

This article examines the substantial lack of inquiry by public administration scholarship into how race shapes and has been shaped by U.S. public institutions, laws and public administration. The paper finds that pertinent matters of racism have evolved in the shadow of public administrative practices, and that the relevance, each for the other, warrants substantially more inquiry.
Anglo‐Norman Administrations and Their Historians
Authors: Christelow Stephanie Mooers
Published: July 2011

This essay explores the ways in which historians of the past several decades have viewed and defined the development of English government following the Norman Conquest in 1066. Organization will turn on three related themes: the nature of interactions between local and royal administrations; the origins, purposes and functions of post‐Conquest institutions; and the degree to which centralization of royal power was achieved through administrative tactics. Recently, historians have argued that local governments exerted strong influence on central authority and that their administrative techniques were adapted to the goals of royal government; that Anglo‐Norman administrative structures and political institutions rested on continental and insular precedents; and that goals of centralization and the efficacy of central governments may have been misconstrued.
Differences in Spider Community Composition among Adjacent Sites during Initial Stages of Oak Woodland Restoration
Authors: Ryndock Jason A. , Stratton Gail E. , Brewer J. Stephen , Holland Marjorie M.
Published: June 2011

Fire suppression has altered the uplands of northern Mississippi (U.S.A.). Once blanketed by open oak woodlands, this region is now experiencing mesophytic tree invasion, canopy closure, reduced oak regeneration, and herbaceous understory loss. In an attempt to reestablish historical conditions, experimental restoration was initiated through thinning and burning treatments. Our study, part of a comprehensive monitoring effort, is the first to examine the impact of oak woodland restoration on the spider community and associated habitat structure. Samples measuring a variety of environmental variables and utilizing an array of spider collecting techniques were taken within four habitats located at the restoration site: fire‐suppressed forest, moderately treated forest, intensely treated forest, and old field. Two main conclusions resulted from this study. (1) Open‐habitat specialists responded positively to increased canopy openness regardless of the availability of herbaceous vegetation. (2) Woodland restoration increased spider diversity, perhaps through the formation of diverse habitat structure and/or by altering species dominance patterns. A rise in open‐habitat specialist diversity was observed as treatment intensity increased, with no compensatory reduction in the diversity of forest specialists. What remains to be seen is whether the continued transition to open woodland habitat will result in losses of forest specialist species. More aggressive overstory tree thinning is currently being administered to encourage the growth of herbaceous grasses and forbs, which will permit future tests of a hypothesized decline in forest specialists.
Thermodynamic Evaluation and Optimization of the Al2O3–SiO2–AlF3–SiF4 Reciprocal System Using the Modified Quasichemical Model
Authors: Lambotte Guillaume , Chartrand Patrice
Published: June 2011

All available thermodynamic and phase diagram data for the ternary reciprocal system Al2O3–SiO2–AlF3–SiF4 have been critically reviewed. The oxyfluoride liquid solution was modeled using the Modified Quasichemical Model in the Quadruplet Approximation and the most reliable data have been used to optimize the model parameters. The mullite solid solution was previously modeled using the Compound Energy Formalism. Data for fluor‐topaz have been critically reviewed and a new thermodynamic description has been obtained. Phase equilibrium with the gas phase in the reciprocal system at 1 bar is reproduced.
Synthesis and Characterization of YB4 Ceramics
Authors: Zaykoski J. A. , Opeka M. M. , Smith L. H. , Talmy I. G.
Published: June 2011

Yttrium tetraboride was synthesized by reactions of Y2O3 with B4C or with a B4C/C mixture. Fully dense YB4 ceramics were prepared by hot‐pressing at 1800°C and 20 MPa in He. The flexural strength and microhardness of the YB4 were about 300 MPa and 27 GPa, respectively. Pure YB4 showed considerable oxidation above 1200°C. The effect of SiC, AlN, and AlN/SiC on the properties of YB4 ceramics was characterized. No chemical interactions were identified in the YB4–SiC and YB4–AlN pseudo binaries. The addition of SiC improved the oxidation resistance below 1200°C. At higher temperatures, the low viscosity of a surface melt caused its continuous runoff and the loss of the oxidation‐protection capability of the scale. The addition of AlN/SiC improved the oxidation resistance compared to the ceramics containing only SiC, which was attributed to the presence of Al2O3 in the Y2O3–SiO2–B2O3 glass leading to an increase in its viscosity and preventing glass runoff. A significant improvement in the oxidation resistance of the YB4 ceramics and extension of their oxidation stability to 1400°C was accomplished by the introduction of AlN only.
Energy Transfer Enhancement in Eu3+, Tb3+‐Doped SiO2 Inverse Opal Photonic Crystals
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Yang Zhengwen , Sun Li , Li Bo , Zhou Ji
Published: June 2011

The energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+‐doped SiO2 (SiO2:Eu3+, Tb3+) inverse opal photonic crystals was investigated by photoluminescence and fluorescence lifetime. The results showed that the photonic band gap enhanced energy transfer from the donor Tb3+ to the acceptor Eu3+. When the fluorescence emission wavelength of Tb3+ overlaps the photonic band gap, the fluorescence intensity of Tb3+ is suppressed, and the fluorescence intensity of Eu3+ is increased because of the enhancement of energy transfer. In addition, the fluorescence lifetime of Tb3+ decreased.
Lateral and Normal Forces in Polymer‐Mediated Interaction of Alumina Surfaces
Authors: Yilmaz Hüseyin , Sato Kimiyasu , Sato Katsuya , Hotta Yuji , Watari Koji
Published: June 2011

Polymer‐mediated interaction forces between an α‐alumina particle and c‐sapphire surfaces in methylcellulose solutions were measured by the atomic force microscope colloid probe technique. The effect of water soluble methylcellulose on normal and lateral surface forces was probed to understand the binding action of methylcellulose polymers. Methylcellulose bridgings up to ~300 nm in length have been measured. However, pretreatment of surfaces with NH4+ salt of poly(acrylic acid) resulted in fewer bridging events, probably due to preferential adsorption. The presence of methylcellulose bridging in friction loops was also measured in the form of superimposed spikes.
Transcriptional insights on the regenerative mechanics of axotomized neurons in vitro
Authors: Ng Jian Ming Jeremy , Chen Minghui Jessica , Leung Jacqueline Y.K. , Peng Zhao Feng , Manikandan Jayapal , Qi Robert Z. , Chuah Meng Inn , West Adrian K. , Vickers James C. , Lu Jia , Cheung Nam Sang , Chung Roger S.
Published: June 2011

Axotomized neurons have the innate ability to undergo regenerative sprouting but this is often impeded by the inhibitory central nervous system environment. To gain mechanistic insights into the key molecular determinates that specifically underlie neuronal regeneration at a transcriptomic level, we have undertaken a DNA microarray study on mature cortical neuronal clusters maintained in vitro at 8, 15, 24 and 48 hrs following complete axonal severance. A total of 305 genes, each with a minimum fold change of ±1.5 for at least one out of the four time points and which achieved statistical significance (one‐way ANOVA, P < 0.05), were identified by DAVID and classified into 14 different functional clusters according to Gene Ontology. From our data, we conclude that post‐injury regenerative sprouting is an intricate process that requires two distinct pathways. Firstly, it involves restructuring of the neurite cytoskeleton, determined by compound actin and microtubule dynamics, protein trafficking and concomitant modulation of both guidance cues and neurotrophic factors. Secondly, it elicits a cell survival response whereby genes are regulated to protect against oxidative stress, inflammation and cellular ion imbalance. Our data reveal that neurons have the capability to fight insults by elevating biological antioxidants, regulating secondary messengers, suppressing apoptotic genes, controlling ion‐associated processes and by expressing cell cycle proteins that, in the context of neuronal injury, could potentially have functions outside their normal role in cell division. Overall, vigilant control of cell survival responses against pernicious secondary processes is vital to avoid cell death and ensure successful neurite regeneration.
Accuracy of cone beam computed tomography in assessing peri‐implant bone defect regeneration: a histologically controlled study in dogs
Authors: Fienitz Tim , Schwarz Frank , Ritter Lutz , Dreiseidler Timo , Becker Juergen , Rothamel Daniel
Published: June 2011

Objective: To assess the accuracy of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) in terms of buccal bone‐wall configuration and peri‐implant bone defect regeneration after guided bone regeneration (GBR).

Material and methods: Titanium implants were inserted into standardized box‐shaped defects in the mandible of 12 foxhounds. Defects of one side were augmented following the principle of GBR, while the other side was left untreated. Radiological evaluation was performed using CBCT and compared with histomorphometrical measurements of the respective site serving as a validation method.

Results: Non‐augmented control sites providing a horizontal bone width (BW) of<0.5 mm revealed a significantly lower accuracy between the radiological and the histological evaluation of the buccal defect depth (1.93 ± 1.59 mm) compared with the group providing a BW of >0.5 mm (0.7 ± 0.7 mm) (P<0.05, Mann–Whitney U‐test). In GBR‐treated defects, the subgroup <0.5 mm (1.49 ± 1.29 mm) revealed a significantly higher difference between CBCT and histology compared with >0.5 mm (0.82 ± 1.07) (P>0.05, Mann–Whitney U‐test). However, a radiological discrimination between original bone, integrated and non‐integrated bone substitute material was not reliable. Additionally, it was found that a minimum buccal BW of 0.5 mm was necessary for the detection of bone in radiology.

Conclusion: The evaluation of peri‐implant bone defect regeneration by means of CBCT is not accurate for sites providing a BW of <0.5 mm. Moreover, a safe assessment of the success of the GBR technique is not possible after the application of a radiopaque bone substitute material.

To cite this article: Fienitz T, Schwarz F, Ritter L, Dreiseidler T, Becker J, Rothamel D. Accuracy of cone beam computed tomography in assessing peri‐implant bone defect regeneration: a histologically controlled study in dogs. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23, 2012; 882–887. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02232.x
Innate Immunity in the Human Endometrium and Ovary
Authors: Sheldon Iain Martin , Bromfield John J.
Published: July 2011

Citation Sheldon IM, Bromfield JJ. Innate Immunity in the Human Endometrium and Ovary. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66 (Suppl. 1): 63–71

Problem  Microbial infections of the upper female genital tract perturb the function of the endometrium and ovary. Defense of these tissues is predominantly dependent on innate immunity. This review gives a perspective on innate immunity in the non‐pregnant upper female genital tract of women.

Method of study  Literature review of innate immunity in the human endometrium and ovary.

Results  The endometrium is defended against microbes by physical barriers, antimicrobial peptides, complement, Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), and other pattern recognition receptors. Endometrial epithelial and stromal cells express TLRs, which sense pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), leading to an inflammatory response with the influx of neutrophils and macrophages. Innate immunity in the endometrium is regulated by steroids, eicosanoids, and cytokines. Granulosa cells also express TLRs and respond to PAMPs.

Conclusion  Pattern recognition receptors have roles in endometrial and ovarian inflammation, and innate immunity is central to the defense of the endometrium against pathogens.
Childhood Immune Maturation and Allergy Development: Regulation by Maternal Immunity and Microbial Exposure
Authors: Jenmalm Maria C.
Published: July 2011

Citation Jenmalm MC. Childhood Immune Maturation and Allergy Development: Regulation by Maternal Immunity and Microbial Exposure. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66 (Suppl. 1): 75–80

Problem  The increasing allergy prevalence in affluent countries may be caused by reduced microbial stimulation, resulting in an abnormal post‐natal immune maturation. Most studies investigating the underlying mechanisms have focused on post‐natal microbial exposure. Also, the maternal microbial environment during pregnancy may program the immune development of the child, however.

Method of study  This review focuses on how maternal immunity and microbial exposures regulate childhood immune and allergy development.

Results  Prenatal environmental exposures may alter gene expression via epigenetic mechanisms, aiming to induce physiological adaptations to the anticipated post‐natal environment, but potentially also increasing disease susceptibility in the offspring. Although the importance of fetal programming mostly has been studied in cardiovascular and metabolic disease, this hypothesis is also very attractive in the context of environmentally influenced immune‐mediated diseases.

Conclusion  Efficacious preventive measures, required to combat the allergy epidemic, may be identified by determining how the immune interaction between mother and child is influenced by microbial factors.
Maternal Foxp3 Expressing CD4+ CD25+ and CD4+ CD25− Regulatory T‐Cell Populations are Enriched in Human Early Normal Pregnancy Decidua: A Phenotypic Study of Paired Decidual and Peripheral Blood Samples
Authors: Dimova Tanya , Nagaeva Olga , Stenqvist Ann‐Christin , Hedlund Malin , Kjellberg Lennart , Strand Magnus , Dehlin Eva , Mincheva‐Nilsson Lucia
Published: July 2011

Citation Dimova T, Nagaeva O, Stenqvist A‐Christin, Hedlund M, Kjellberg L, Strand M, Dehlin E, Mincheva‐Nilsson L. Maternal Foxp3 Expressing CD4+ CD25+ and CD4+ CD25− Regulatory T‐Cell Populations are Enriched in Human Early Normal Pregnancy Decidua: A Phenotypic Study of Paired Decidual and Peripheral Blood Samples. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66 (Suppl. 1): 44–56

Problem  Regulatory T cells (Treg cells), a small subset of CD4+ T cells maintaining tolerance by immunosuppression, are proposed contributors to the survival of the fetal semiallograft. We investigated Treg cells in paired decidual and peripheral blood (PB) samples from healthy women in early pregnancy and PB samples from non‐pregnant women.

Method of study  Distribution, location, cytokine mRNA, and phenotype were assessed in CD4+ CD25+ Treg cells from paired samples using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR.

Results  The presence and in situ distribution of CD4+ Foxp3+ Treg cells in decidua are hereby demonstrated for the first time. Three Foxp3+ cell populations, CD4+ CD25++ Foxp3+, CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+, and CD4+ CD25− Foxp3+, were enriched locally in decidua. In contrast, no statistically significant difference in numbers of circulating Treg cells between pregnant and non‐pregnant women was found. The Foxp3+ cells expressed the surface molecules CD45RO, CTLA‐4, CD103, Neuropilin‐1, LAG‐3, CD62L, and TGFβ1 mRNA consistent with Treg phenotype. The population of CD4+ CD25− Foxp3+ cells, not described in human decidua before, was enriched 10‐fold compared with PB in paired samples. Their cytokine expression was often similar to Th3 profile, and the Foxp3 mRNA expression level in CD4+ CD25− cells was stable and comparable to that of CD4+ CD25+ Treg cells implying that the majority of CD4+ CD25− Foxp3+ cells might be naïve Treg cells.

Conclusion  (i) There is a local enrichment of Treg cells in decidua (ii) The exclusive accumulation of decidual CD4+ CD25− Foxp3+ cells suggests an additional reservoir of Foxp3+ naïve Treg cells that can be converted to ‘classical’ Treg cells in uterus.
Functional variants of IL4 and IL6 genes and risk of tobacco‐related oral carcinoma in high‐risk Asian Indians
Authors: Gaur P , Mittal M , Mohanti BK , Das SN
Published: June 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 720–726

Background:  Tobacco‐related oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common cancers involving Indian males. We assessed the association of IL4 promoter –589 T>C, –33 T>C, and IL6–174 G>C functional genetic polymorphisms with tobacco‐related OSCC in Asian Indians.

Patients and Methods:  The IL4 and IL6 promoter polymorphisms were assessed in 140 patients with OSCC and 120 normal subjects by PCR–RFLP technique, and significance of the data was determined using chi‐square test.

Results:  The frequency of TC, CC genotype, and C allele at IL4 promoter sites –589 and –33 were higher in patients when compared with controls. Consequently, TC/CC genotypes and C allele at both sites appeared as susceptible. However, IL6–174 G>C single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) appeared to be protective in patients with OSCC. Of eight haplotypes, five were associated with two‐ to seven‐fold increased risk of tobacco‐related OSCC. These SNPs further showed heterogeneity among different ethnic population, but their distribution in Asian Indians stand closer to other Asian populations.

Conclusions:  In this study, IL4–589 CC, –33 CC genotype, and *C allele at both sites appeared to be susceptible, while IL6–174 CC genotype and *C allele appeared to be protective in patients with OSCC; hence, these SNPs may be a potential prognostic markers for tobacco‐related OSCC in Asian Indians.
“Standard of reasonable care” in dermatopathology
Authors: Kerl Helmut , Cerroni Lorenzo
Published: June 2011

Diagnoses in dermatopathology are capable of improvement. Clinical pictures should be evaluated along with skin biopsy specimens whenever possible.
Reliability of energy cost calculations in children with cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis and healthy controls
Authors: Bratteby Tollerz Linda U , Olsson Roger M , Forslund Anders H , Norrlin Simone E
Published: July 2011

Aim:  To study test–retest reliability of physiological cost index (PCI) and total cost index (TCI) in three groups of children. TCI modified PCI by excluding rest heart rate in calculation.

Methods:  Energy cost was evaluated from two consecutive walking tests, and results were compared between methods, tests and groups. Thirty‐nine children, eight with cerebral palsy, 11 with cystic fibrosis and 20 healthy controls, aged 5–16 years participated in the study conducted at the Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism laboratory, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. Heart rate was recorded during sitting and walking at self‐selected speed. PCI and TCI were calculated using both non‐steady‐state and steady‐state work heart rates. Test–retest reliability was analysed by mean of differences, pooled SD, coefficient of variation (CV%) and correlation coefficients.

Results:  Reliability was high for PCI and TCI. TCI showed consistently lower variation between tests than PCI for all groups. In the group with cerebral palsy, using non‐steady‐state showed highest reliability.

Conclusion:  Both PCI and TCI were reliable methods when calculating energy cost in children with cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis and controls. TCI seemed to be a suitable alternative in the evaluation of gait efficiency in children.
Understanding the psychology of geriatric edentulous patients
Authors: Mysore Ashwin R. , Aras Meena A.
Published: June 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00496.x

Understanding the psychology of geriatric edentulous patients

Objective:  This article focuses on understanding our older patients who require complete prosthodontic care. By breaking down the patient psychology to its component parts, it is easier to obtain a clear picture of this special cohort of patients. Considering the increase in number of geriatric edentulous patients, this knowledge will help the dentist serve the geriatric population better.

Background:  The role of psychology and personality in complete denture treatment is well documented. The geriatric patient who needs complete dentures has a psychological aspect that needs consideration. Although significant, these aspects may sometimes be ignored or considered irrelevant.

Materials and methods:  A review of relevant literature was carried out to obtain data on the psychology and personality of geriatric, complete denture patients and their behavioural changes. The obtained data was filtered and condensed to provide a short but comprehensive look at the geriatric edentulous patient’s psychology.

Conclusion:  When handling geriatric edentulous patients, the dentist must be confident of addressing and managing the psychology of these patients. A thorough understanding of the geriatric mental state thus becomes important and significant for the clinician.
Patient Poets: Pathography in Poetry
Authors: McEntyre Marilyn
Published: July 2011

For people suffering from illness or disability poetry can provide a powerful means both of coping and of communicating the ambiguities and inexplicabilities of their condition. Caregivers may find in poems written by patients kinds of information not accessible by means of conventional clinical dialogue, or even by means of narrative. The three poems by women that are featured here illustrate some of the ways poetic techniques and literary devices can be of practical value to both patient and caregiver, and offer all readers ways of imagining illness that could be arrived at in no other way.
Introduction
Authors: Auld Frances
Published: July 2011

This article introduces a series of essays exploring popular cinematic representations of the Anglo‐Saxon epic Beowulf. The Introduction recognizes the contributing authors, their critical perspectives, and the particular visual texts explored in the collection ‘Beowulf in the Dark’.
Going Public When Opinion Is Contested: Evidence from Presidents' Campaigns for Supreme Court Nominees, 1930‐2009
Authors: CAMERON CHARLES , PARK JEE‐KWANG
Published: July 2011

The standard “political capital” model of going public assumes presidents do not face mobilized opponents. But often presidents must fight against opponents who themselves go public. We propose studying such situations with an “opinion contest” framework and use new data on Supreme Court nominations to contrast the political capital and opinion contest approaches. From 1930 to 2009 presidents went public over Supreme Court nominees primarily when groups mobilized against the nominee. Republican presidents did so particularly when their nominee would move the Supreme Court's median to the right. When going public, presidents typically engaged in “crafted talk.” Finally, going public was associated with more negative votes in the Senate, not fewer, because presidents went public over Supreme Court nominees only when battling an active opposition.
Power or Posturing? Policy Availability and Congressional Influence on U.S. Presidential Decisions to Use Force
Authors: MARSHALL BRYAN W. , PRINS BRANDON C.
Published: July 2011

We examine two competing arguments relating to the role of Congress in explaining presidential decisions to use force from 1953 to 2000. We offer a policy availability rationale that suggests Congress matters in the decision to use force because presidents are motivated by their ability to influence legislative policy making. The models demonstrate that presidential success in Congress is the significant factor determining military action, not party control. Presidents employ force when their ability to influence policy is weak and avoid military actions when Congress supports the president's agenda. The results speak to the intersection of two important literatures, namely, presidential unilateralism and conventional theories on domestic politics and the use of force.
Evolution of aged persons mental health services in Victoria: The history behind their development
Authors: Loi Samantha , Hassett Anne
Published: July 2011

Aims:  This paper aims to describe the development of psychiatry of old age in Victoria, Australia, from the 1950s to the present. Social and political aspects which contributed to service development are discussed.

Methods:  A qualitative, narrative literature review was undertaken.

Conclusions:  Today there is a comprehensive statewide aged persons mental health service, comprising of inpatient and residential units and community teams.
Membrane and surface interactions of Alzheimer’s Aβ peptide – insights into the mechanism of cytotoxicity
Authors: Williams Thomas L. , Serpell Louise C.
Published: July 2011

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and its pathological hallmarks include the loss of neurones through cell death, as well as the accumulation of amyloid fibres in the form of extracellular neuritic plaques. Amyloid fibrils are composed of the amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ), which is known to assemble to form ‘toxic’ oligomers that may be central to disease pathology. Aβ is produced by cleavage from the amyloid precursor protein within the transmembrane region, and the cleaved peptide may retain some membrane affinity. It has been shown that Aβ is capable of specifically binding to phospholipid membranes with a relatively high affinity, and that modulation of the composition of the membrane can alter both membrane–amyloid interactions and toxicity. Various biomimetic membrane models have been used (e.g. lipid vesicles in solution and tethered lipid bilayers) to examine the binding and interactions between Aβ and the membrane surfaces, as well as the resulting permeation. Oligomeric Aβ has been observed to bind more avidly to membranes and cause greater permeation than fibrillar Aβ. We review some of the recent advances in studying Aβ–membrane interactions and discuss their implications with respect to understanding the causes of Alzheimer’s disease.
Incorporating teledermatology into emergency medicine
Authors: Muir Jim , Xu Cathy , Paul Sanjoy , Staib Andrew , McNeill Iain , Singh Philip , Davidson Samantha , Soyer H Peter , Sinnott Michael
Published: June 2011

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of using a store‐and‐forward Skin Emergency Telemedicine Service (SETS) to provide rapid specialist diagnostic and management advice for dermatological cases in an ED.

Methods: This pilot study was conducted at the Princess Alexandra Hospital between August 2008 and August 2009. Study subjects were consenting patients over 18 years of age who presented with a dermatological condition to the ED. The ED doctor sent the patient's history, examination findings and the digital images of the skin conditions to a secure email address, which automatically forwarded this to the teledermatologist. The teledermatologist reviewed the cases and sent advice on diagnosis and management to the referring ED doctor via email and/or telephone. Face‐to‐face follow‐up consultations with the patients were conducted within 2 weeks. The diagnostic and management concordance between ED doctors, teledermatologists and reviewing dermatologists were analysed.

Results: A total of 60 patients participated in the present study. SETS provided a rapid response with 56 (93%) of ED consultations receiving a dermatology opinion within 2 h. Face‐to‐face follow up occurred in 50 patients (83%). Statistical analysis showed significant levels of agreement between tele‐diagnosis and ED diagnosis of 71.2% (Kappa 0.42) and tele‐diagnosis and final clinical diagnosis of 98% (Kappa: 0.93). The clinical management concordance was 96% in complete agreement and 4% in relative agreement between the teledermatologists and reviewing dermatologists, based on chart review.

Conclusion: The present study has shown that SETS can provide rapid and accurate diagnostic and treatment advice from a specialist for dermatological presentations to the ED.
Degradation of Silicon Nitride Glow Plugs in Various Environments. Part 2: Gas Burner Rig
Authors: Oprea Carmen , Wong Frankie , Karimi Sharif Hamed , Blair Colin , Welch Alan , Troczynski Tom
Published: June 2011

In the development of advanced natural gas and hydrogen direct injection combustion engines, a challenge is providing reliable hot‐surface (glow plug, GP) ignition systems; most promising are GPs with silicon nitride‐based heaters. This paper presents experimental results of accelerated degradation tests of the GPs on natural gas‐burning rig, continuing previously published results on GP degradation in air. Degradation, ultimately leading to GP failure, occurs through the synergistic effects of electric field and chemical reactions in the combustion environment. The resulting microstructural modifications of the ceramic heater, studied by SEM/EDS, are a combination of sintering additive ions migration and surface oxidation.
Positron emission tomography for the evaluation and treatment of cardiomyopathy
Authors: Shah Palak , Choi Brian G. , Mazhari Ramesh
Published: June 2011

Congestive heart failure accounts for tremendous morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are numerous causes of cardiomyopathy, the most common of which is coronary artery disease. Positron emission tomography (PET) has an established and expanding role in the evaluation of patients with cardiomyopathy. The specific application of PET to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardiac sarcoidosis, and diabetic cardiomyopathy has been studied extensively and promises to be a useful tool for managing these patients. Furthermore, evaluating the efficacy of standard treatments for congestive heart failure is important as health care costs continue to rise. Recently, there have been significant developments in the field of cardiovascular stem cell research. Familiarity with the mechanisms by which stem cells benefit patients with cardiovascular disease is the key to understanding these advances. Molecular imaging techniques including PET/CT imaging play an important role in monitoring stem cell therapy in both animals and humans. These noninvasive imaging techniques will be highlighted in this paper.
The role of positron emission tomography in the evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Chandler Matthew B. , Zeddun Steven M. , Borum Marie L.
Published: June 2011

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Information obtained from a clinical history, physical exam, laboratory testing, imaging studies, and endoscopic evaluations must be combined to accurately diagnose IBD. Further testing often becomes necessary to evaluate symptom relapse in patients with an established IBD diagnosis. Endoscopy, while effective in assessing mucosal disease, is invasive and associated with inherent risks. Positron emission tomography (PET) is an effective, noninvasive tool for the evaluation of active inflammation. This review will focus on the role of PET imaging in the evaluation and management of IBD.
War, Sports, and the Construction of Masculinity in American Christianity
Authors: Dowland Seth
Published: July 2011

Since at least the late 19th century, American Christians have focused attention on the ways faith promotes (or inhibits) masculinity. ‘Muscular Christians’ in the late 19th century imagined Jesus as a robust, manly figure and encouraged the development of a vigorous, masculine faith on playing fields and battlefields. Subsequent generations of mainline Protestants and evangelicals also promoted American war efforts and latched on to amateur and professional athletics, even though critics pointed out how Christians ignored the violence, corruption, and scandal associated with the army and big‐time sports. The alliance of evangelical Christians and masculine institutions like the military and professional football has solidified in recent decades.
Writing the History of the English Bible: A Review of Recent Scholarship
Authors: Bagley Ellie G.
Published: July 2011

In honor of the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible (KJB), this article reviews recent scholarship in the growing, interdisciplinary field of the history and impact of the English Bible. Beginning with the early versions of the 16th and 17th century, the contributions of literary scholars and early modern historians are explained and assessed. While the rise of the KJB is given ample consideration, emerging work in other areas is also discussed, including Catholic biblical scholarship. In later periods, the global impact of the KJB and its subsequent decline in use is given attention, alongside newer versions both in traditional printed and online formats.
Platelet activation, coagulation activation and C‐reactive protein in simultaneous samples from the vascular access and peripheral veins of haemodialysis patients
Authors: MILBURN J. A. , FORD I. , CASSAR K. , FLUCK N. , BRITTENDEN J.
Published: July 2011

Introduction:  Most studies of haemodialysis (HD) patients compare venous blood samples from controls with samples from the vascular access (VA) of HD patients. We hypothesised that VA samples may be more prothrombotic compared with venous samples.

Methods:  Samples were taken simultaneously from the VA and the contralateral antecubital vein, from 26 patients immediately before HD. Platelet function was assessed by (1) flow cytometric measurement of P‐selectin expression and fibrinogen binding (±ADP) and 2)Ultegra rapid platelet function assay. Plasma soluble P‐selectin, von Willebrand factor antigen, high sensitivity C‐reactive Protein (hs‐CRP), thrombin‐antithrombin III complex and D‐dimer measured by ELISA.

Results:  Thrombin receptor activating peptide‐induced platelet aggregation (P < 0.001) and hs‐CRP (P < 0.001) were higher in VA compared with venous samples. Unstimulated platelet fibrinogen binding (P = 0.016) and ADP‐stimulated P‐selectin expression (P = 0.008) were lower in VA compared with venous samples. The significant difference in hsCRP persisted when patients taking and not taking antiplatelet therapy were analysed separately, but platelet activation remained significantly different only in the nonantiplatelet group.

Conclusion:  There are statistically significant differences between sampling sites, although samples from the VA do not appear to be more pro‐thrombotic. Future studies comparing HD patients with controls should ensure uniformity of sampling sites to prevent inaccurate conclusions being drawn.
Teletransmitted Monitoring of Blood Pressure and Bilingual Nurse Counseling–Sustained Improvements in Blood Pressure Control During 12 Months in Hypertensive Korean Americans
Authors: Kim Miyong T. , Han Hae‐Ra , Hedlin Haley , Kim Jiyun , Song Hee J. , Kim Kim B. , Hill Martha N.
Published: June 2011

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:605–612.©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

This paper reports the results of a clinical investigation to determine the sustainability of intervention effects to lower blood pressure (BP) that were obtained through a short‐term education via home telemonitoring of BP and regular counseling by bilingual nurses during 1 year. A total of 359 middle‐aged (40–64 years) Korean immigrants completed a 15‐month intervention that consisted of 6‐week behavioral education followed by home telemonitoring of BP and bilingual nurse telephone counseling for 12 months. The final analysis revealed a sharp increase in BP control rates sustained for more than 12 months. At baseline, only 30% of the sample achieved BP control (<140/90 mm Hg). After the initial education period (approximately 3 months), 73.3% of the participants had controlled BP levels. The levels of control were maintained and continuously improved during a 12‐month follow‐up period (83.2%, P<.001). These findings suggest that home telemonitoring of BP and tailored counseling are both useful tools to sustain or improve short‐term education effects.
Themes of delusions and hallucinations in first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Rajapakse Thilini , Garcia‐Rosales Alexandra , Weerawardene Saman , Cotton Sue , Fraser Richard
Published: June 2011

Aim: The study aims to examine the themes of delusions and hallucinations in a cohort of adolescent and young adult patients (aged 15–26 years) presenting with a first episode of psychosis.

Methods: Information was collected retrospectively from 143 randomly selected medical files, using a questionnaire.

Results: Over 70% of patients were found to have either delusions or hallucinations at initial presentation. Delusions of persecution, reference and second person auditory hallucinations were the most commonly reported psychotic symptoms at initial presentation.

Conclusions: Anxiety in the context of developmental life events may influence the presentation of patients in this age group. This patient group may also have a less well‐developed system of delusional beliefs compared with older patients with established illness. A better understanding of delusions and hallucinations in a first episode of psychosis may help early identification and engagement of these patients.
Working Abroad and Expatriate Adjustment: Three Disciplinary Lenses for Exploring the Psychological Transition Cycle of International Employees
Authors: Sussman Nan M.
Published: July 2011

Millions of people are working abroad in countries other than their native ones. Among the largest group are those relocated for temporary assignments by their employers. Expatriate employees go through a psychological transition cycle as they prepare to leave their home country, arrive, adapt, and work in the host country, depart, return and re‐adjust to their home country. Three social science disciplines, psychology, intercultural communications studies, and international management, have examined this progression of cultural transitions, recommended coping solutions and advanced our understanding of the process of working abroad. These literatures on expatriate adjustment are summarized in this article. An interdisciplinary approach is suggested which would pose research questions aimed at pragmatic solutions to the transition crises experienced by international employees.
Why Do We Like the iPhone? The Role of Evaluative Conditioning in Attitude Formation
Authors: Walther Eva , Weil Rebecca , Langer Tina
Published: July 2011

Evaluative conditioning (EC) is the change in liking due to the paring of an affectively meaningful and a neutral stimulus. Starting with the exemplary question of why we like the iPhone, this article provides an overview of past and present research and gives an outlook to future research on this topic. We outline four different theoretical EC accounts and discuss how each account is consistent with current empirical evidence.
‘Green‐Collar Crime’: Environmental Crime and Justice in the Sociological Perspective
Authors: Wolf Brian
Published: July 2011

One of the more neglected areas of research in the field of criminology are the crimes committed by ‘white collar’ offenders. An even more understudied area is the corporate crimes that are committed against the environment for profit. Despite this dearth of research, there have been several sociologically significant examinations into some of the more serious environmental crimes committed over the last three decades. While some of this research is theoretically underdeveloped, more recent studies have attempted to develop a coherent framework to study environmental crime. By linking and synthesizing two literatures in both white‐collar criminology and environmental justice, sociologists have begun to develop a framework for examining ‘green crimes’, the motivations, opportunity context, victimology, and enforcement issues. This article will be a survey of these studies and development literature along with some typological and definitional issues relevant to the subfield. This aims to map where criminology has been in the sub‐field of environmental crime and provides directions for where future research should be headed.
More Than a Piece of Paper? Protection Orders as a Resource for Battered Women
Authors: Fleury‐Steiner Ruth E. , Fleury‐Steiner Benjamin D. , Miller Susan L.
Published: July 2011

Nearly 2 million women are assaulted by a partner or ex‐partner each year in the United States (Tjaden and Thoennes 2000). Intimate partner violence is a complex social problem rooted in structural gender inequality, but that affects individual women in different ways (e.g.Crenshaw, 1991;Stark 2008). Battered women actively seek help in ending the violence from both formal and informal sources (e.g.Campbell et al. 1998;Stark 2008;Sullivan and Bybee 1999). As part of this process, many battered women will apply for a protection order against their batterer; nearly 1 million such orders are issued every year (Tjaden and Thoennes 2000). This article reviews the research on the effectiveness of such orders, including access and enforcement, and provides suggestions for further research and policy improvements.
Children’s Media Culture in a Digital Age
Authors: Poyntz Stuart R. , Hoechsmann Michael
Published: July 2011

Digital mediation is central to how children and youth grow up in the global North and in much of the global South today. In taking account of this situation, of late researchers have tended to draw on a sociology of the child in conjunction with an examination of how digitization is changing the experience of childhood itself. This article also begins by tracking key social, economic and cultural changes in young people’s lives. We then link these changes to the immersive media life many children around the world are living today, and note the worries this raises among parents, educators and others. To conclude, we identify the paradox of participation that is shaping children’s digital culture and forcing researchers and others to reconsider the relationships between consumerism and civic life.
Efficacy and safety of bronchoscopic laser therapy in patients with tracheal and bronchial obstruction: a retrospective single institution report
Authors: Hermes Andreas , Heigener David , Gatzemeier Ulrich , Schatz Joachim , Reck Martin
Published: June 2011

Purpose:  The aim of this retrospective study is to present data efficacy and safety of bronchoscopic laser therapy in patients with tracheal and bronchial obstruction.

Patients and Methods:  From February 2004 to April 2010, our electronic database was searched for all patients who had undergone bronchoscopic laser therapy. We collected data on age, gender, performance status, diagnosis leading to bronchoscopic laser treatment, number of procedures per patient, efficacy by means of extend of recanalisation and symptom improvement, additional interventions and procedure‐related complications.

Results:  Two hundred fifty‐six procedures were performed in 121 patients. 17% of obstructions were localised in the trachea, 57% in main bronchi and 26% in lobar bronchi including right intermedius bronchus. The sum of complete and partial recanalisation reached 95%, 80% and 68%, respectively. 26% of interventions in lobar bronchi were undertaken to treat haemoptysis which could be controlled in all cases. Moderate bleeding occurred in 6%; severe bleeding in 1%. Cardiac arrhythmias were seen in 2%. We observed one treatment‐related death (overall mortality 0.4%).

Conclusion:  Bronchoscopic laser therapy is a generally safe and effective method to regain airway patency in cases with tracheal or bronchial obstruction and to treat haemoptysis. We observed clinical improvement in terms of reduced dyspnea or controlled haemoptysis in 93% of our patients.

Please cite this paper as: Hermes A, Heigener D, Gatzemeier U, Schatz J and Reck M. Efficacy and safety of bronchoscopic laser therapy in patients with tracheal and bronchial obstruction: a retrospective single institution report. Clin Respir J 2012;6: 67–71.
Reassessing Tradeoffs Inherent to Simultaneous Maintenance and Production Planning
Authors: Batun Sakine , Maillart Lisa M.
Published: June 2011

Previous work has considered the simultaneous (as opposed to sequential) optimization of a maintenance policy and a production policy in a multi‐product setting with random yield and product mix constraints. One of the sequential approaches to which the simultaneous approach is compared is a so‐called first‐come‐first‐served (FCFS) approach, i.e., an approach that generates randomized production policies that do not depend on the deterioration state of the machine. However, the model formulation for this approach does not generate policies consistent with this FCFS notion. Therefore, we present a revised FCFS model and analyze its performance using an existing experimental design. The results suggest that previous work overestimates the degree to which a FCFS approach is suboptimal, and underestimates the value of simultaneously optimizing the maintenance and production decisions. Lastly, we conduct additional experiments which suggest that the joint impact of using both simultaneous optimization and a deterioration dependent production policy is quite significant.
Variables Associated with Repeated Suicide Attempt in a Criminal Justice Population
Authors: Hakansson Anders , Bradvik Louise , Schlyter Frans , Berglund Mats
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with repeated suicide attempts among criminal justice clients examined for substance abuse using the Addiction Severity Index. Among suicide attempters (n = 1,404), repeaters (two or more attempts, n = 770) were compared to nonrepeaters. In logistic regression, repetition was associated with younger age, opioid analgesics, somatic medication, overdose, maternal psychiatric problems, delirium tremens, cognitive problems, and violent behavior. As in other settings, factors associated with repetition differed from those associated with suicide attempts in general. In this setting, substance use complications and cognitive problems were connected to repetition and should be addressed in risk assessments.