bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UNSTEADY CAVITATION SIMULATION IN TRANSIENT PROCESS OF TURBINE FLOW METER
Authors: CHEN GANG , LIU SHUHONG , CAO GUANGJUN
Published: May 2010

In a turbine flow meter, cavitation will take place when local pressure falls below the vapor pressure of liquid products and it usually speeds up the rotor at the given high flow rate. In order to study its effects on meter factor, numerical simulation on transient unsteady turbulent flow is carried out based on the mixture homogeneous two phase cavitation model which is deduced from the theory of evaporation and condensation on a plane. The momentum source terms from the variation rotating speed of transient processes and the cavitation mass transport source terms are introduced into the transient unsteady governing equations. The results show that the meter factor grows with the increase of the cavitation number and meter factor will be affected by cavitation.
PERIODIC SOLUTIONS FOR A CLASS OF FUZZY BAM NEURAL NETWORKS WITH DISTRIBUTED DELAYS AND VARIABLE COEFFICIENTS
Authors: LI YONGKUN , YANG LI , WU WANQIN
Published: May 2010

In this paper, we consider a class of fuzzy BAM neural networks with distributed delays and variable coefficients. By using Brouwer fixed point theorem and differential inequality, we obtain some sufficient conditions for the existence and global exponential stability of periodic solutions for a class of fuzzy BAM neural networks with distributed delays and variable coefficients. In addition, we also present an illustrative example to show the effectiveness of obtained results.
Acute Appendicitis Together with Chylous Ascites: Is It a Coincidence?
Authors: Akbulut Sami , Yilmaz Davut , Bakir Sule , Cucuk Erdal , Tas Mahmut
Published: May 2010

Acute chylous ascites is a rarely seen clinical picture, therefore, examination findings are often confused with acute appendicitis. To the best of our knowledge, there is no publication to date showing the occurrence of them together. This study presents the treatment plan for a 25-year-old male patient with both acute chylous ascites and appendicitis. Surgical findings were retrocaecal appendicitis, evident lymphangiectasia in the proximal segment of jejunum, and approximately 3 lt of chylous fluid. An appendectomy was performed and drainage was applied. Low-fat total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and octreotide treatment were administered for 7 days postoperatively. We also present a general review of some studies on chylous ascites, which have been published in the English language medical literature since 1910.
The Influence of Neocate in Paediatric Short Bowel Syndrome on PN Weaning
Authors: De Greef E. , Mahler T. , Janssen A. , Cuypers H. , Veereman-Wauters G.
Published: May 2010

Clinical management of short bowel syndrome remains a multistage process. Although PN is crucial, early introduction of enteral feeding is mandatory. We describe retrospectively 4 patients with an ultrashort bowel who could be weaned off PN on very short terms after introduction of an amino-acid-based formula (Neocate). Patient 1 had congenital short bowel with 50 cm small bowel and 30 cm colon. He had persistent diarrhoea on a semielementary formula. When Neocate was introduced he could be weaned from PN within 6 months. Patient 2 needed multiple surgical interventions because of NEC at D 27. He maintained 40 cm small bowel and an intact colon and remained PN dependent on semielemental formula. After introducing Neocate, PN could be weaned within 3 months. In the next 2 patients, Neocate was introduced as initial enteral feeding after bowel resection following antenatal midgut volvulus. Patient 3 had 20 cm small bowel and an intact colon. PN was weaned after 2 months. Patient 4 had 9 cm small bowel and an intact colon. PN was weaned after 13 months. In all patients Ileocaecal valve (ICV) was preserved. No consensus is reached on the type of formula to use for short bowel syndrome. Compared to recent data in the literature, the weaning period in these 4 patients was significantly shortened on an aminoacid based formula. The reason for this may lie in the antiallergic properties of this formula. We recommend the use of an amino-acid-based formula to induce earlier weaning of PN.
Assessing Local Turbulence Strength from a Time Series
Authors: Humi Mayer
Published: May 2010

We study the possible link between “local turbulence strength” in a flow which is represented by a finite time series and a “chaotic invariant”, namely, the leading Lyaponuv exponent that characterizes this series. To validate a conjecture about this link, we analyze several time series of measurements taken by a plane flying at constant height in the upper troposphere. For each of these time series we estimate the leading Lyaponuv exponent which we then correlate with the structure constants for the temperature. In addition, we introduce a quantitative technique to educe the scale contents of the flow and a methodology to validate its spectrum.
Kinetics and Mechanism of the Reaction between Chromium(III) and 2,3‐Dihydroxybenzoic Acid in Weak Acidic Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Petrou Athinoula L. , Thoma Vladimiros , Tampouris Konstantinos
Published: May 2010

The reaction between chromium(III) and 2,3‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,3‐DHBA) takes place in at least three stages, involving various intermediates. The ligand (2,3‐DHBA)‐to‐chromium(III) ratio in the final product of the reaction is 1 : 1. The first stage is suggested to be the reaction of with the ligand in weak acidic aqueous solutions that follows an Id mechanism. The second and third stages do not depend on the concentrations of chromium(III), and their activation parameters are ΔH≠ 2(obs) = 61.2 ± 3.1 kJmol−1, ΔS≠ 2(obs) = −91.1 ± 11.0 JK−1mol−1, ΔH≠ 3(obs) = 124.5 ± 8.7 kJmol−1, and ΔS≠ 3(obs) = 95.1 ± 29.0 JK−1mol−1. These two stages are proposed to proceed via associative mechanisms. The positive value of ΔS≠ 3(obs) can be explained by the opening of a four‐membered ring (positive entropy change) and the breaking of a hydrogen bond (positive entropy change) at the associative step of the replacement of the carboxyl group by the hydroxyl group at the chromium(III) center (negative entropy change in associative mechanisms). The reactions are accompanied by proton release, as shown by the pH decrease.
A Man with an Umbilicated Papule of the Hand: What Is Your Diagnosis?
Authors: Sarma Deba P. , Cox Meredith , Walter Paige , Crisler William , Huerter Christopher
Published: May 2010

Introduction. Ecthyma contagiosum is a zoonotic disease caused by the parapoxvirus that causes “sore mouth” in sheep and goats and orf in human.Case Presentation. A 61-year-old sheep farmer presented with a painful non-pruritic lesion on the left hand that had been present for approximately 5 weeks. Physical examination demonstrated a 1 cm pearly, umbilicated papule with raised borders. A biopsy showed an asymmetrical nodule with parakeratotic crust and acanthosis with thin epidermal strands extending deeply in the underlying dermis. Marked edema, capillary proliferation and extensive lymphocytic infiltration was also present. One red intranuclear inclusion was identified in an epidermal keratinocyte. A diagnosis of human orf (ecthyma contagiosum) was made.Conclusion. Infected sheep and freshly vaccinated sheep or goats are the reservoir for human infection. After an incubation period of 3–7 days, parapoxvirus infections produce 1–3 painful lesions measuring 1-2 cm in diameter. The natural history of the disease is complete resolution and no treatment is indicated. Prevention of echthyma contagiosum in ruminants through vaccination is thought to be the best way to control infection.
Positive Solutions for System of Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations in Two Dimensions with Delay
Authors: Babakhani Azizollah
Published: May 2010

We investigate the existence and uniqueness of positive solution for system of nonlinear fractional differential equations in two dimensions with delay. Our analysis relies on a nonlinear alternative of Leray‐Schauder type and Krasnoselskii′s fixed point theorem in a cone.
A Styrene-alt-Maleic Acid Copolymer Is an Effective Inhibitor of R5 and X4 Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection
Authors: Pirrone Vanessa , Passic Shendra , Wigdahl Brian , Rando Robert F. , Labib Mohamed , Krebs Fred C.
Published: May 2010

An alternating copolymer of styrene and maleic acid (alt-PSMA) differs from other polyanionic antiviral agents in that the negative charges ofalt-PSMA are provided by carboxylic acid groups instead of sulfate or sulfonate moieties. We hypothesized thatalt-PSMA would have activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) comparable to other polyanions, such as the related compound, poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS). In assays using cell lines and primary immune cells,alt-PSMA was characterized by low cytotoxicity and effective inhibition of infection by HIV-1 BaL and IIIB as well as clinical isolates of subtypes A, B, and C. In mechanism of action assays, in which each compound was added to cells and subsequently removed prior to HIV-1 infection (“washout” assay),alt-PSMA caused no enhancement of infection, while PSS washout increased infection 70% above control levels. These studies demonstrate thatalt-PSMA is an effective HIV-1 inhibitor with properties that warrant further investigation.
Porphyromonas gingivalisandTreponema denticolaMixed Microbial Infection in a Rat Model of Periodontal Disease
Authors: Verma Raj K. , Rajapakse Sunethra , Meka Archana , Hamrick Clayton , Pola Sheela , Bhattacharyya Indraneel , Nair Madhu , Wallet Shannon M. , Aukhil Ikramuddin , Kesavalu Lakshmyya
Published: May 2010

Porphyromonas gingivalisandTreponema denticolaare periodontal pathogens that express virulence factors associated with the pathogenesis of periodontitis. In this paper we tested the hypothesis thatP. gingivalisandT. denticolaare synergistic in terms of virulence; using a model of mixed microbial infection in rats. Groups of rats were orally infected with eitherP. gingivalisorT. denticolaor mixed microbial infections for 7 and 12 weeks.P. gingivalisgenomic DNA was detected more frequently by PCR thanT. denticola. Both bacteria induced significantly high IgG, IgG2b, IgG1, IgG2a antibody levels indicating a stimulation of Th1 and Th2 immune response. Radiographic and morphometric measurements demonstrated that rats infected with the mixed infection exhibited significantly more alveolar bone loss than shaminfected control rats. Histology revealed apical migration of junctional epithelium, rete ridge elongation, and crestal alveolar bone resorption; resembling periodontal disease lesion. These results showed thatP. gingivalisandT. denticolaexhibit no synergistic virulence in a rat model of periodontal disease.
Influence of Zinc Supplementation in Acute Diarrhea Differs by the Isolated Organism
Authors: Patel Archana B. , Dibley Michael J. , Mamtani Manju , Badhoniya Neetu , Kulkarni Hemant
Published: May 2010

Zinc supplementation is recommended in all acute diarrheas in children from developing countries. We aimed to assess whether zinc supplementation would be equally effective against all the common organisms associated with acute diarrheas. We used data on 801 children with acute diarrhea recruited in a randomized, double blind controlled trial (ISRCTN85071383) of zinc and copper supplementation. Using prespecified subgroup analyses, multidimensionality reduction analyses, tests of heterogeneity, and stepwise logistic regression for tests of interactions, we found that the influence of zinc on the risk of diarrhea for more than 3 days depended on the isolated organism—beneficial inKlebsiella, neutral inEsherichia coliand parasitic infections, and detrimental in rotavirus coinfections. Although we found similar results for the outcome of high stool volume, the results did not reach statistical significance. Our findings suggest that the current strategy of zinc supplementation in all cases of acute diarrheas in children may need appropriate fine tuning to optimize the therapeutic benefit based on the causative organism, but further studies need to confirm and extend our findings.
Iron Chelation Therapy with Deferasirox Results in Improvement of Liver Enzyme Level in Patients with Iron Overload-Associated Liver Dysfunction
Authors: Miura Yasuo , Matsui Yusuke , Kaneko Hitomi , Watanabe Mitsumasa , Tsudo Mitsuru
Published: May 2010

Iron chelation therapy (ICT) has been applied for the patients with iron overload-associated liver dysfunction since it is one of the causes of death in patients with intractable hematological diseases requiring multiple red blood cell transfusions. Recently, deferasirox (DSX), a novel, once-daily oral iron chelator, was demonstrated to have similar efficacy to the conventional continuous infusion of deferoxamine on a decrease in serum ferritin (SF) level in heavily transfused patients. We show three cases of transfusion-mediated iron-overloaded patients with an elevated serum alanine aminotransaminase (ALT). All three patients who received the ICT with DSX showed a decrease in ALT level in association with a decrease in SF level. It is suggested that DSX therapy could be considered to expect the improvement of liver damage for iron-overloaded patients with an abnormal ALT level.
Vertical and Horizontal Gradients in Aerosol Black Carbon and Its Mass Fraction to Composite Aerosols over the East Coast of Peninsular India from Aircraft Measurements
Authors: Suresh Babu S. , Krishna Moorthy K. , Satheesh S. K.
Published: May 2010

During the Integrated Campaign for Aerosols, gases and Radiation Budget (ICARB) experiment of ISRO‐GBP, altitude profiles of mass concentrations of aerosol black carbon (MB) and total (composite) aerosols (MT) in the lower troposphere were made onboard an aircraft from an urban location, Chennai (13.04  ∘N, 80.17  ∘E). The profiling was carried out up to 3 km (AGL) in eight levels to obtain higher resolution in altitude. Besides, to explore the horizontal gradient in the vertical profiles, measurements were made at two levels [500 m (within ABL) and 1500 m (above ABL)] from ~10  ∘N to 16  ∘N and ~80  ∘E to 84  ∘E. The profiles showed a significant vertical extent of aerosols over coastal and offshore regions around Chennai with BC concentrations (~2 μg m−3) and its contribution to composite aerosols remaining at the same level (between 8 to 10% for FBC) as at the surface. Even though the values are not unusually high as far as an urban location is concerned, but their constancy throughout the vertical column will have important implications to climate impact of aerosols.
Possible Heterochromatin Horizontal Spread through Non-Homologous Chromosome Associations in Pachytene Chromocenters of Ctenomys Rodents
Authors: Novello A. , Villar S. , Urioste J.
Published: May 2010

Heterochromatin patterns were analyzed in the genus Ctenomys from Uruguay which exhibits high karyotype variability. Different amounts and localizations of heterochromatin were observed in species and populations analyzed. While species as C. rionegrensis presented heterochromatic arms in all the chromosomes of the karyotype, other species like C. torquatus showed only few chromosomes with pericentric heterochromatin. At the pachytene stage, bivalents merge in densely stained chromocenters. We detected in these chromocenters the typical highly repeated DNA of this genus after in situ hybridization, the M31 chromodomain through immunofluorescence as well as dense Giemsa staining after C-banding. In species that present low amounts of heterochromatin, only 1 or 2 chromocenters were observed in which bivalents merge as observed in C. rionegrensis. After BRCA1 immunodetection we observed in early pachytene cells positive spots located over heterochromatic chromocenters that strongly suggest heterochromatic DNA repair. Mechanical stress mainly due to increasing chromatin compactness before metaphase I might be a mechanism to spread heterochromatin between different chromosomes within a karyotype.
HPV-Mediated Genome Instability: At the Roots of Cervical Carcinogenesis
Authors: Boccardo E.
Published: May 2010

Human papillomaviruses are small DNA viruses that cause hyperproliferative lesions of the mucosa and skin. Some HPV types, collectively known as high-risk types, are etiologically associated to cervical cancer and other anogenital malignancies. Infection by these HPV types has been associated to genomic instability, a hallmark of most human malignancies. High-risk HPV types express two oncoproteins, E6 and E7, which target specific cellular factors to promote cell proliferation. Furthermore, these proteins induce structural and numerical chromosome alterations and modulate cellular response to DNA damage. These observations are discussed in the context of cervical carcinogenesis.
Genetic Diversity of Neotropical Primates: Phylogeny, Population Genetics, and Animal Models for Infectious Diseases
Authors: Moreira M.A.M. , Bonvicino C.R. , Soares M.A. , Seuánez H.N.
Published: May 2010

The classification of neotropical primates has been controversial, and different arrangements have been proposed based on disparate taxonomic criteria and on the traits selected for elucidating phylogenetic reconstructions, like morphologic characters, nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA. Population studies of some neotropical primates have been useful for assessing their extant genetic variability and for understanding their social structure and dynamics. Finally, neotropical primates have become valuable models for some human infectious deseases, especially for HIV studies related to viral resistance. In this review, we comment on these aspects that make neotropical primates a group of highly valuable species for basic and applied research.
New Ventures in the Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects of Macrocyclic Lactones, Abamectin and Ivermectin
Authors: Molinari G. , Soloneski S. , Larramendy M.L.
Published: May 2010

Abamectin and Ivermectin are 2 closely related members of the Avermectin family of 16-membered macrocyclic lactones derived from the actinomycete Streptomyces avermectinius which exhibit extraordinary anthelmintic activity. They are used worldwide in veterinary and human medicine as well as in agriculture. In the present review we summarized the results published so far for estimating the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity exerted by both compounds in several cellular systems. Although both compounds do not induce in vitro and in vivo gene mutations in either bacterial or mammalian cells, there is no concrete evidence of a clear clastogenic effect exerted both in vitro and in vivo in mammalian cells. However, reports indicating that both anthelmintic agents are able to induce single DNA-strand breaks in vitro and inhibit cell growth either in vitro or in in vivo bioassays, are scarce. Taking into account the similarity of the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity exerted by both antibiotics, and that only Abamectin has been classified so far as a class II toxicity pesticide by the EPA, the necessity of reconsideration for a further hazard evaluation of Ivermectin by an international regulatory agency(ies) is strongly recommended.
Close Encounters: RIDGEs, Hyperacetylated Chromatin, Radiation Breakpoints and Genes Differentially Expressed in Tumors Cluster at Specific Human Chromosome Regions
Authors: Folle G.A. , Liddle P. , Lafon-Hughes L. , Di Tomaso M.V.
Published: May 2010

Through analysis of published data we positioned along human chromosome idiograms (850 bands) hyperacetylated H4 chromatin (H4+a), regions of increased gene expression (RIDGEs), antiRIDGEs, ionizing radiation breakpoints, integration sites of highly expressed GFP reporter constructs and candidate genes differentially expressed in tumor tissues. Highly expressed regions of the human genome (especially RIDGEs) seem to be more sensitive to radiation damage. Comparatively, antiRIDGEs appear as radiation resistant. Tumor deregulated genes tend to cluster along and in the neighborhood of RIDGEs. We detected 35 clusters of genes differentially expressed in tumor tissues which colocalize with RIDGEs; 23 of these clusters also exhibit radiation damage. RIDGEs also accumulate highly expressed GFP reporter construct integration sites, evolutionary breakpoints as well as amplicons and/or deletion-prone chromosome segments in tumors. This could indicate that abnormal gene (up- or down-) regulation might require high-throughput transcription nuclear micro-environments to occur. Our results suggest that the human genome is a combination of regions with marked disparities regarding the topology of increased gene expression, ionizing radiation damage, evolutionary breakpoints, integration sites, and abnormal gene regulation.
Diffuse Centromere and Chromosome Polymorphism in Haplogyne Spiders of the Families Dysderidae and Segestriidae
Authors: Diaz M.O. , Maynard R. , Brum-Zorrilla N.
Published: May 2010

The karyotypes of several individuals of Dysdera crocata C.L. Koch 1838 (Dysderidae), Ariadna boesenbergi Keyserling 1877, and Segestria ruficeps Guérin 1832 (Segestridae) are described. Diffuse centromeres were observed in the 3 species. D. crocata and A. boesenbergi exhibit chromosome number polymorphism, with the presence of trivalent chromosomes in the first metaphase in some individuals. They also show testicular cysts with polyploid spermatogonia and spermatocytes. The haploid chromosome number for these 2 species varies between n = 3 + X and n = 6 + X. The first meiotic division in D. crocata is equational while the second meiotic division is reductional for trivalents and the X chromosome. The first meiotic division in A. boesenbergi is equational for trivalents, and reductional for the X, while the second division is reductional for hemi-trivalents and equational for the X. In S. ruficeps the haploid chromosome number is n = 6 + X1X2, and the first division is reductional for the Xs. The evolution of karyotypes within haplogyne spiders is discussed in relation to the origin of diffuse centromeres.
Asynchronously Replicating Eu/Heterochromatic Regions Shape Chromosome Damage
Authors: Di Tomaso M.V. , Martínez-López W. , Palitti F.
Published: May 2010

In order to shed more light on the influence of DNA replication on the formation and distribution of chromosome aberrations, breakpoints (BP) produced by UV-C and AluI were assigned either to the early replicating short euchromatic arm (Xpe) or to the late replicating long heterochromatic arm (Xqh) of the Chinese hamster (CHO9) X chromosome. Early (ES) or late (LS) S-phase cells were assessed by pulse incorporating the base analogue 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) immediately after UV-C irradiation (30 J/m2) or AluI (20 U) poration followed by BrdU immunodetection with FITC-tagged antibodies in metaphase spreads. Short (30 s) UV-C exposures (1 J/m2/s) induced BP preferentially in Xqh in LS cells and a random distribution of BP along Xpe and Xqh in ES cells. However, BP induced by long (5 min) UV-C exposures (0.1 J/m2/s) clustered according to arm replication time (Xpe during ES and Xqh along LS). Giemsa-stained metaphases showed elevated frequencies of UV-C induced chromatid-type aberrations and gaps, especially in cells exposed to longer UV-C irradiation. BP induced by AluI clustered in Xpe in ES but distributed randomly during LS. In contrast to UV-C, AluI did not produce an increase in the yield of gaps, neither in ES nor in LS cells. Putative mechanisms underlying the observed distributions of chromosome damage in replicating CHO9 cells exposed to UV-C and AluI are discussed.
Cytogenetics and Genome Evolution in the Subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)
Authors: Panzera F. , Pérez R. , Panzera Y. , Ferrandis I. , Ferreiro M.J. , Calleros L.
Published: May 2010

The subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae), vectors of Chagas disease, includes over 140 species. Karyotypic information is currently available for 80 of these species. This paper summarizes the chromosomal variability of the subfamily and how it may reveal aspects of genome evolution in this group. The Triatominae present a highly conserved chromosome number. All species, except 3, present 20 autosomes. The differences in chromosome number are mainly caused by variation in the number of sex chromosomes, due to the existence of 3 sex systems in males (XY, X1X2Y and X1X2X3Y). However, inter- and intraspecific differences in the position, quantity and meiotic behavior of constitutive heterochromatin, in the total genome size, and in the location of ribosomal 45S rRNA clusters, have revealed considerable cytogenetic variability within the subfamily. This cytogenetic diversity offers the opportunity to perform cytotaxonomic and phylogenetic studies, as well as structural, evolutionary, and functional analyses of the genome. The imminent availability of the complete genome of Rhodnius prolixus also opens new perspectives for understanding the evolution and genome expression of triatomines. The application of fluorescence in situ hybridization for the mapping of genes and sequences, as well as comparative analyses of genome homology by comparative genomic hybridization will be useful tools for understanding the genomic changes in relation to evolutionary processes such as speciation and adaptation to different environments.
Mitochondrial Genome Instability in Cancer
Authors: Bianchi N.O.
Published: May 2010

The relevant role of mitochondrial mutations in cancer is the most frequent conclusion found in most early publications on the subject. However, it is now clear that this assumption was in many cases based on circumstantial or even flawed evidence. Presently, we know that normal mitochondria structure and functions depend on the concerted interaction between mitochondrial (mt)-genes and different groups of nuclear genes. Thus, somatic mutations of mt- or nuclear genes controlling mitochondrial physiology would influence the cancer transformation process through a disruption of nuclear↔mitochondrial gene interactions. In this regard, somatic mt-mutations influencing carcinogenesis have been detected in preneoplastic lesions. Furthermore, an abnormal respiration process with the subsequent increase in reactive oxygen species production seems to be one of the basic mechanisms favoring oncogenesis. Many mt-genes exhibit inherited polymorphisms associated with their mitochondrial phylogenetic history. In this report we shall summarize data showing that some of these ethnic mt- mutations may increase or alternatively decrease the susceptibility to various forms of malignancy. The interference of mt-mutations with anticancer therapies and the use of body fluids for the analysis of mt-mutations to obtain tumor samples avoiding invasive techniques are two promising fields to be further investigated.
Narrative rather than Idiographic Approaches as Counterpart to the Nomothetic Approach to Assessment
Authors: Thornton Tim
Published: May 2010

As part of its Institutional Program on Psychiatry for the Person, the World Psychiatric Association has called for an idiographic element to be added to psychiatric diagnosis to complement criteriological and dimensional elements. Such a call, however, prompts the question of what kind of additional element this is. Just what is meant by idiographic understanding and how, exactly, does it complement, by being distinct from, other elements within psychiatric diagnostic judgement? The first half of this paper continues discussion from an earlier paper [Thornton: Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2008;258 (suppl 5):104–109] to consider the idea, inspired by Wilhelm Windelband’s rectoral address of 1894, that idiographic judgement is distinct because it is a special kind of ‘individualised’ judgement about individuals. I argue, however, that the most promising interpretation of this idea falls prey to Wilfrid Sellars argument against the Myth of the Given and thus it cannot be a genuine complement to criteriological diagnosis. In addition to this idea, however, ‘idiographic’ has also been used to label narrative judgement. The second half of the paper highlights how narrative judgement, shorn of any connection to metaphysical theories of the self, is an essentially normative form of judgement that contrasts with, and can thus complement, criteriological diagnosis.
Perceptions and Strategies in the Negotiation Process: A Cross Cultural Examination of U.S. and Malaysia
Authors: Tessema Mussie , Ready Kathryn
Published: May 2010

This article examines empirical findings of American (n=457) and Malaysian (n=347) college students regarding their perceptions and strategies utilized in the negotiation process. Several hypotheses comparing differences in cross-cultural negotiation styles, perceptions and strategies in negotiation are analyzed. The findings indicate that Malaysian students (from a collectivist culture) tend to have different negotiation perceptions, strategies and styles from those of their American counterparts (from an individualist culture). Specific differences are found in negotiation perceptions, risk taking, individual vs. group orientation, support of family culture, skill comfort level and gender differences. The importance of maintaining relationships with the other party during the negotiation was important in both groups, and both groups felt that they were effective negotiators. The findings extend previous research on cross-cultural negotiation styles with a discussion of specific process and strategy differences. Managerial implications of these findings and future research directions are also discussed.
On therapy - extra
Authors: Daoud Ramy
Published: May 2010

I worked in medicine for many years before I was drawn to psychiatry. My encounters with patients with physical ailments prefigured those encounters I would have as a psychiatrist. The cognition of pain. The search for meaning. The elicitation of a story. The laying of hands on where it hurts. The re-cognition of pain. Sometimes I would cut it out. Sometimes I would cover it up. Sometimes I could do neither. In these instances, I am reminded of Mural by the Palestinian poet of exile, Darwish. I find it quite a haunting piece, lingering in the back of my mind before, during, between sessions with patients. A patient knocks at the door of therapy. Therapy: ‘the dialogue of dreamers' where the patient ‘shuns body and self … to finish that first journey towards meaning, which burnt me, and disappeared.’ Disappeared into absence and no space, where ‘nothing hurts at the door of doom’. In no space, and no time, that insistent voice says ‘one day I shall become …’. And they come, knocking at the door of therapy. Therapy is a space-time, an en-closure where dis-closure unfolds through language/thoughts (‘one day I shall become a thought’), that threatens to ‘split [the patient's nascent sense of being like] a burgeoning blade of grass’. A battle-field, between ‘neither being nor nothingness’. Therapy, language, the act of re-telling one's story seems to me like a sword ‘wresting being from non-being’, that promises an ‘epiphany’. That epiphany that comes on the wings of the words: ‘This is your name’. Darwish's ‘epiphany’ reminds me of Heidegger's Da-sein and the ecstasy of temporality. Being which temporalises itself yet unites past, present and future ‘selves’. I believe Darwish wishes to leave this activity of being open: ‘I know this epiphany, and know I'm on my way towards what I don't know’.
A psychiatrist is …
Authors: Craddock Nick
Published: May 2010

… a medical specialist who helps people with abnormal thinking, mood and behaviour. Aware of the importance of developmental context and psychological, social and cultural factors, the psychiatrist brings particular knowledge of biological factors, including somatic illness, to the multi-professional team. Embracing complexity, the psychiatrist is a critical but pragmatic thinker who seeks evidence, advocates research and uses comprehensive diagnosis to guide effective risk assessment and treatment. Acknowledging the important contributions of non-medical colleagues, and aware of the limitations of medical approaches, the psychiatrist provides clinical leadership, teaching and supervision when required, always placing patient interests at the heart of actions.
Outcome of first-episode schizophrenia in India: longitudinal study of effect of insight and psychopathology
Authors: Saravanan Balasubramanian , Jacob K. S. , Johnson Shanthi , Prince Martin , Bhugra Dinesh , David Anthony S.
Published: May 2010

Background

Transcultural studies have found lack of insight to be an almost invariable feature of acute and chronic schizophrenia, but its influence on prognosis is unclear.

Aims

To investigate the relationship between insight, psychopathology and outcome of first-episode schizophrenia in Vellore, India.

Method

Patients with a DSM–IV diagnosis of schizophrenia (η = 131) were assessed prospectively at baseline and at 6-month and 12-month follow-up. Demographic and clinical measures included insight, psychopathology, duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and social functioning. Linear and logistic regression was used to measure predictors of outcome.

Results

Follow-up data were available for 115 patients at 1 year. All achieved remission, half of them with and half without residual symptoms. Changes in psychopathology and insight during the first 6 months and DUP strongly predicted outcome (relapse or functional impairment), controlling for baseline measures.

Conclusions

Outcome of schizophrenia in this setting is driven by early symptomatic improvement and is relatively favourable, in line with other studies from low- and middle-income countries. Early improvement in insight might be a useful clinical guide to future outcome. Reduction of DUP should be a target for intervention.
What's so special about conversion disorder? A problem and a proposal for diagnostic classification
Authors: Kanaan Richard A. , Carson Alan , Wessely Simon C. , Nicholson Timothy R. , Aybek Selma , David Anthony S.
Published: May 2010

Conversion disorder presents a problem for the revisions of DSM–IV and ICD–10, for reasons that are informative about the difficulties of psychiatric classification more generally. Giving up criteria based on psychological aetiology may be a painful sacrifice but it is still the right thing to do.
Cigarette smoking and depression: a question of causation
Authors: Munafò Marcus R. , Araya Ricardo
Published: May 2010

Cigarette smokers frequently describe the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of smoking, but evidence suggests that cigarette smoking may itself increase negative affect, so that the causal direction of this association remains unclear. Although increasingly sophisticated analyses of epidemiological data may help to answer this question, observational data can never unequivocally provide evidence of causation. Here we discuss the potential utility of genetic information in determining the causal basis of the relationship of cigarette smoking and depression.
Black-skies planning? Prioritising mental health services in times of austerity
Authors: McDaid David , Knapp Martin
Published: May 2010

During the period of austerity that we now face, the National Health Service (NHS), including mental health services, will have to make efficiency savings at a time when demand for services is likely to rise. It is critical to highlight that investment in evidence-based prevention, early intervention and treatment for mental disorders can have economic benefits that go far beyond the health sector. Many potential areas for efficiency savings, such as resources invested in management and administration, are relevant across the whole of the health system. The economic downturn may, however, also present a specific opportunity for radical innovation within the mental health system.
Cognitive-behavioural skills training for medical students: development and evaluation
Authors: Kearley Karen , Croft Alison
Published: May 2010

Aims and method

The effective management of patients with anxiety, depression or somatisation, who commonly present across all medical disciplines, requires an understanding of both pharmacological and psychological approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). However, there is little research addressing effective ways of delivering CBT training that is relevant for doctors. We provided CBT skills training that included supervised casework to medical students at Oxford University and assessed participants' experiences.

Results

The training was feasible, sustainable and highly valued. Students reported marked improvements in knowledge and skills related to CBT and felt more convinced of its effectiveness for patients and its relevance for doctors. They also gained generic medical skills and an increased understanding of mental health problems.

Clinical implications

Supervised casework appears to be an effective format for learning. It allowed students enhanced responsibility for patient care and an opportunity to practise using cognitive-behavioural strategies, some of which would be transferable to medical consultations.
Deprivation of liberty: Mental Capacity Act safeguards versus the Mental Health Act
Authors: Cairns Ruth , Richardson Genevra , Hotopf Matthew
Published: May 2010

The Mental Capacity Act deprivation of liberty safeguards have been criticised for their complexity and unclear interface with existing mental health law. The new legislation, which was implemented in April 2009, is likely to pose a challenge to clinical teams.
Coercion in psychiatric care: where are we now, what do we know, where do we go?
Authors: Newton-Howes Giles
Published: May 2010

Coercion is a subjective response to a particular intervention and has been considered an unfortunate but necessary part of the care of people with psychiatric illness. Its ethical underpinnings, evidence base and clinical implications are not commonly considered in day-to-day care; however, this requires reconsideration as the potential for an increase in coercion stretches beyond the boundaries of the hospital into the community. Much of the research that has been undertaken highlights the prevalence of coercion, the ‘grey zone’ between compulsory interventions and the experience of patients and patient outcomes in the light of coercion. Policy makers need to consider the evidence for interventions that increase the experience of coercion in order to reduce its impact. Clinicians need to understand the principles of procedural justice, minimise the use of legal detention and be mindful that implied consent for one intervention may lead to experiences of coercion involving linked management strategies.
Zirconium-substituted Hexaaluminates La0.8ZrxNiAl11O19−δ for Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Dong , Zhou Guangdong , Cheng Tiexin
Published: May 2010

A study on zirconium-modified hexaaluminates La0.8ZrxNiAl11O19−δ (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10) for CO2 reforming of CH4 was carried out. The modifier zirconium improved the catalytic activity, especially the conversions of CH4 and CO2 reached 93.4% and 97.7% over La0.8Zr0.04NiAl11O19−δ. Both the XPS and TPR data indicated the presence of Ni3+ and Ni2+. It was found that the Ni3+/Ni2+ ratio depended upon the amount of the Zr, which facilitated the formation of highly dispersed active Ni0 species.
Racemization-free Monomer: α-Hydroxyisobutyric Acid from Bio-based Lactic Acid
Authors: Watanabe Kohtaro , Andou Yoshito , Shirai Yosihito , Nishida Haruo
Published: May 2010

In order to solve the important problem of the racemization of poly(l-lactic acid), a high yield of racemization-free monomer: a-hydroxyisobutyric acid (HIBA) was synthesized from bio-based lactic acid by methylation using specific bases with bulky side groups. Obtained HIBA can be converted into poly(tetramethylglycolide), which is racemization-free and has higher melting and glass transition points than poly(l-lactic acid).
Synthesis, Structure, and Reaction of Tetraethyldilithiostannole
Authors: Saito Masaichi , Kuwabara Takuya , Kambayashi Chika , Yoshioka Michikazu , Ishimura Kazuya , Nagase Shigeru
Published: May 2010

Reduction of tetraethyldiphenylstannole 3 with lithium afforded tetraethyldilithiostannole 2, and its considerable aromatic character was evaluated by X-ray diffraction analysis and theoretical calculations. Reaction of 2 with t-butyl chloride provided 1,1′-dilithiobistannole 4. This reaction mode is different from that of dilithiotetraphenylstannole 1 and is of considerable interest.
Cyclopropanation of Olefins with Diazo Compounds Catalyzed by a Dicopper-substituted Silicotungstate [γ-H2SiW10O36Cu2(μ-1,1-N3)2]4−
Authors: Kamata Keigo , Kimura Toshihiro , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: May 2010

The dicopper-substituted γ-Keggin silicotungstate (TBA)4[γ-H2SiW10O36CuII2(μ-1,1-N3)2] (I, TBA = tetra-n-butylammonium) could act as an efficient precatalyst for the chemoselective cylopropanation of olefins with diazo compounds. Various kinds of olefins were efficiently converted to the corresponding cyclopropane derivatives in good yields.
Photocatalytic Oxidation of Aqueous Ammonia in the Presence of Oxygen over Platinum-loaded TiO2
Authors: Mikami Ikko , Aoki Satoshi , Miura Yasuyuki
Published: May 2010

The oxidation of aqueous ammonia over a platinum-loaded TiO2 photocatalyst was investigated for the purpose of purifying waste water. The reaction rate for the decomposition of aqueous ammonia was significantly increased by the addition of oxygen to the reaction system. Selectivity for nitrite and nitrate, which should be minimized, was reduced when oxygen was added at lower pressure or a higher concentration of ammonia was used.
Synthesis and Characterization of Chloride-incorporated Dodecavanadate from Dicopper Complex of Macrocyclic Octadecavanadate
Authors: Kurata Taisei , Hayashi Yoshihito , Isobe Kiyoshi
Published: May 2010

A chloride-incorporated dodecavanadate, [V12O32(Cl)]5− (1) has been synthesized from a dicopper macrocyclic complex, [Cu2V8O24]4− (2). By using hydrogen cyanide with a chloride guest anion, two copper cations are removed and the presence of chloride anion template affords a new bowl-shaped dodecavanadate, 1, with chloride anion at the center. The 1:1 mixture of 1 and [V12O32(CH3CN)]4− (3) in acetonitrile shows no 51V NMR signal scrambling at room temperature suggesting the tight binding of the chloride anion inside the anionic bowl molecule. The dissociation of the chloride anion was only observed at higher temperatures.
Semiartificial Polysaccharide Can Provide a Unique Nanospace for the Construction of Supramolecular Dye-assembly
Authors: Sugikawa Kouta , Numata Munenori , Sada Kazuki , Shinkai Seiji
Published: May 2010

We have revealed unique template effects of a semiartificial polysaccharide on the self-assembly of anionic cyanine dyes. The inner space of the polysaccharide acts not only as a nanotemplate for the dye assembly but also as a protective space from unfavorable photobleaching.
Amine-buffered Phase Separating Tetraethoxysilane–Water Binary Mixture: A Simple Precursor of Sol–Gel Derived Monolithic Silica Gels and Glasses
Authors: Kuwatani Shungo , Maehana Ryohei , Kajihara Koichi , Kanamura Kiyoshi
Published: May 2010

Amines are used as pH control agents to form macroporous silica gels utilizing macroscopic phase separation of acid-catalyzed tetraethoxysilane–water binary mixture. The wide pKa variety of amines from basic to acidic regions is suitable to buffer the solution at neutral pH range, at which the phase separation becomes prominent. This method allows monolithic silica gels and glasses to be prepared reproducibly from alkoxide-based solutions with minimal use of pH control agents.
Muscle healing and nerve regeneration in a muscle contusion model in the rat
Authors: Khattak M. J. , Ahmad T. , Rehman R. , Umer M. , Hasan S. H. , Ahmed M.
Published: May 2010

The nervous system is known to be involved in inflammation and repair. We aimed to determine the effect of physical activity on the healing of a muscle injury and to examine the pattern of innervation. Using a drop-ball technique, a contusion was produced in the gastrocnemius in 20 rats. In ten the limb was immobilised in a plaster cast and the remaining ten had mobilisation on a running wheel. The muscle and the corresponding dorsal-root ganglia were studied by histological and immunohistochemical methods.

In the mobilisation group, there was a significant reduction in lymphocytes (p = 0.016), macrophages (p = 0.008) and myotubules (p = 0.008) between three and 21 days. The formation of myotubules and the density of nerve fibres was significantly higher (both p = 0.016) compared with those in the immobilisation group at three days, while the density of CGRP-positive fibres was significantly lower (p = 0.016) after 21 days.

Mobilisation after contusional injury to the muscle resulted in early and increased formation of myotubules, early nerve regeneration and progressive reduction in inflammation, suggesting that it promoted a better healing response.
Treatment of late-stage Freiburg’s disease using a temporary metal interpositional device
Authors: Sansone V. , Morandi A. , Dupplicato P. , Ungaro E.
Published: May 2010

There are few reports of the surgical treatment for late stage Freiburg’s disease with flattening of the metatarsal head and osteoarthritis. We describe the results of the surgical treatment of ten consecutive patients with advanced stage Freiburg’s disease (Smillie’s stage V), using a technique that has not been published previously.
Ulnar translocation after excision of a Campanacci grade-3 giant-cell tumour of the distal radius
Authors: Puri A. , Gulia A. , Agarwal M. G. , Reddy K.
Published: May 2010

Between June 2005 and March 2008, 14 patients with a Campanacci grade-3 giant-cell tumour of the distal radius were treated by en bloc resection and reconstruction by ulnar translocation with arthrodesis of the wrist. The mean length of radius resected was 7.9 cm (5.5 to 15). All the patients were followed to bony union and 12 were available at a mean follow-up of 26 months (10 to 49).

The mean time to union was four months (3 to 7) at the ulnocarpal junction and five months (3 to 8) at the ulnoradial junction. All except one patient had an excellent range of pronation and supination. The remaining patient developed a radio-ulnar synostosis. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 26 (87%, range 20 to 28). Three patients had a soft-tissue recurrence, but with no bony involvement. They underwent a further excision and are currently well and free from disease.

Ulnar translocation provides a local vascularised bone graft to reconstruct the defect left after excision of the distal radius for giant cell tumour. It avoids the need for a microvascular procedure while retaining rotation of the forearm and good function of the hand.
Whiplash injury
Authors: Rooker J. , Bannister M. , Amirfeyz R. , Squires B. , Gargan M. , Bannister G.
Published: May 2010

We have reviewed 22 patients at a mean of 30 years (28 to 31) after a whiplash injury. A complete recovery had been made in ten (45.5%) while one continued to describe severe symptoms. Persistent disability was associated with psychological distress but both improved in the period between 15 and 30 years after injury. After 30 years, ten patients (45.5%) were more disabled by knee than by neck pain.