bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is a Digital Object?
Authors: Hui Yuk
Published: July 2012

We find ourselves in a media‐intensive milieu comprising networks, images, sounds, and text, which we generalize as data and metadata. How can we understand this digital milieu and make sense of these data, not only focusing on their functionalities but also reflecting on our everyday life and existence? How do these material constructions demand a new philosophical understanding? Instead of following the reductionist approaches, which understand the digital milieu as abstract entities such as information and data, this article proposes to approach it from an embodied perspective: objects. The article contrasts digital objects with natural objects (e.g., apples on the table) and technical objects (e.g., hammers) in phenomenological investigations, and proposes to approach digital objects from the concept of “relations,” on the one hand the material relations that are concretized in the development of mark‐up languages, such as SGML, HTML, and XML, and on the other hand, Web ontologies, the temporal relations that are produced and conditioned by the artificial memories of data.
Toward a Philosophy of The Web
Authors: Monnin Alexandre , Halpin Harry
Published: July 2012

The advent of the Web is one of the defining technological events of the twentieth century, yet its impact on the fundamental questions of philosophy has not yet been explored, much less systematized. The Web, as today implemented on the foundations of the Internet, is broadly construed as the space of all items of interest identified by URIs. Originally a space of linked hypertext documents, today the Web is rapidly evolving as a universal platform for data and computation. Even swifter is the Web‐driven transformation of many previously unquestioned philosophical concepts of privacy, belief, intelligence, cognition, and even embodiment in surprising ways. The ensuing essays in this collection hope to explore the philosophical foundation of the World Wide Web and open the debate on whether or not the changes caused by the Web to technology and society warrant the creation of a philosophy of the Web.
EU Merger Remedies and Competition Concerns: An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Wang Wei , Rudanko Matti
Published: July 2012

The purpose of merger remedies is to relieve the potential competitive detriments as to preserve the efficiencies. The European Community (EC) Merger Remedies Notice requires remedies able to remove the identified competition concerns entirely and proportionately. The scope of each merger remedy package is confined by the competition concern in question. This study analyses, from an empirical point of view, the relationship between competition concerns and merger remedies. It reviews all remedies accepted in Phase II EU merger investigation and categorises them into seven sets according to their nature. Results of the empirical assessment present the frequencies of each remedy type accepted for resolving various competitions concerns and reveal that merger remedy design does vary for different competition concerns. Horizontal effects require divestiture remedies more. Other structural remedies, especially access commitment and supply commitment, have a good chance to be accepted in resolving vertical and conglomerate effects.
EU Constitutionalism in Flux: Is the Eurozone Crisis Precipitating Centralisation or Diffusion?
Authors: Scicluna Nicole
Published: July 2012

The Lisbon Treaty was supposed to mark the end of an almost‐decade‐long period of treaty reform. After the tumult of the failed Constitutional Treaty, the settlement it imposed struck a sustainable balance between the competing forces of centralisation and the diffusion that characterise European integration. Yet this constitutional settlement is now threatened by the Eurozone debt crisis and official responses to it, most notably the proposed fiscal compact. A prevalent view regards the crisis as an opportunity to complete the process of political and economic union that the Maastricht Treaty began. However, this article cautions against such a view, which would jettison the post‐Lisbon Treaty constitutional settlement in favour a peculiar kind of German‐led, intergovernmental centralisation. Whether the crisis response measures achieve their stated aims remains to be seen, but the integration project will be reconfigured in the process. Thus, EU constitutionalism is bound to remain in a state of flux.
Old Ideas and New Investments: Divergent Pathways to a Knowledge Economy in Denmark and Finland
Authors: ORNSTON DARIUS
Published: July 2012

This article identifies and explains two very different pathways to a knowledge economy, based on investment in training in Denmark and research in Finland. The fact that these ostensibly similar countries have pursued such divergent strategies cannot be explained using the established literature on employer organization, labor power resources, and small states. This article develops and resolves this puzzle by focusing on the interaction among organized actors. It argues that nineteenth‐century economic and geopolitical challenges generated two distinctive and enduring collective responses based on industry–labor cooperation in Denmark and state–industry cooperation in Finland. Those coalitions continue to shape the twenty‐first‐century experimentation, supporting investment in continuing education in Denmark and technological innovation in Finland. In explaining these differences, this article not only identifies an enduring and constructive role for strategic cooperation but also explains how it varies among ostensibly similar coordinated economies.
A Semantic Network Analysis of Changes in North Korea's Economic Policy
Authors: CHOI CHANGYONG , LECY JESSE D.
Published: July 2012

To shed light on the inner workings of policymaking in North Korea, this study examined the process behind economic policy change through an analysis of the official state economics journal. Semantic networks are used to trace the introduction and evolution of policies during four distinct economic periods in North Korean history between 1986 and 2009. Although reform is catalyzed by political and economic crises, the emergence of new policy topics occurs incrementally prior to change. Specifically, new policy discourse tends to emerge in gradual and cautious ways but policy change occurs swiftly in periods of crisis. During periods of stability, the state retreats to the centralized socialist economic system, often through coercion and force. This view of the policy process suggests that foundations of economic reforms in North Korea are yet weak and instable, and policy reform will continue to be vulnerable to the political influence of conservatives.
Physicians’ attitudes about interprofessional treatment of chronic pain: family physicians are considered the most important collaborators
Authors: Klinar Ivana , Ferhatovic Lejla , Banozic Adriana , Raguz Marija , Kostic Sandra , Sapunar Damir , Puljak Livia
Published: July 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 303–310

Physicians’ attitudes about interprofessional treatment of chronic pain: family physicians are considered the most important collaborators

Aims and objectives:  Interprofessional collaboration is the process in which different professional groups work together to positively impact health care. We aimed to explore physicians’ attitudes toward interprofessional collaboration in the context of chronic pain management with the implication that if attitudes are not positive, appropriate interventions could be developed.

Design:  A quantitative attitudes study.

Ethical issues:  The ethical committee approved the study.

Methods:  A web‐based survey about interprofessional treatment of chronic pain was administered to physicians. Outcome measures were as follows: physicians’ demographic and workplace information, previous experience of working within an interprofessional team, and attitudes towards interprofessional collaboration in chronic pain management.

Results:  There were 90 physicians who responded to the survey. Physicians had positive attitudes towards team work in the context of chronic pain, but they were undecided about sharing their role within an interprofessional team. The family physician was singled out as the most important as well as the most common collaborator in chronic pain treatment. Interprofessional educational seminars and workshops were suggested as methods for improving interprofessional collaboration.

Conclusions:  Interprofessional collaboration may be enhanced with continuing medical education that will bring together different healthcare professionals, enable them to exchange experiences and learn about their potential roles within a team.
Satisfaction with rehabilitation in relation to self‐perceived quality of life and function among patients with stroke – a 12 month follow‐up
Authors: Hansson Eva Ekvall , Beckman Anders , Wihlborg Anna , Persson Sylvia , Troein Margareta
Published: July 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 373–379

Satisfaction with rehabilitation in relation to self‐perceived quality of life and function among patients with stroke – a 12 month follow‐up

Background and Purpose:  Stroke causes complex disability and function, and perceived quality of life has been shown to correlate with satisfaction with care as well as with life in general among stroke patients. The aim of this study was to study the relation of satisfaction with how rehabilitation was provided with self‐perceived quality of life, self‐perceived function and rehabilitation received, 12 months after the incidence.

Method:  The subjects were assessed 12 months after the onset of stroke. The Barthel index was used to measure function, and the EuroQol‐5D to measure quality of life. To measure satisfaction with how rehabilitation was provided, a questionnaire from the Swedish Stroke Register was used.

Results:  Two hundred and eighty‐three patients participated in the follow‐up, 137 women and 146 men, aged between 42 and 95 years (mean age 75.2, SD 11.8). For the majority of patients rehabilitation was initiated at in‐hospital care (directly after onset). One hundred and sixty‐eight patients considered that rehabilitation was well provided for. Sixty‐six regarded that the rehabilitation was only partly provided for and 35 that it was not provided for at all. High value on Barthel Index was associated with satisfaction with how rehabilitation was provided for (OR 2.81). Also, rehabilitation on three or more levels was negatively associated with satisfaction with rehabilitation provision (OR 0.24) and so was being male (OR 0.49).

Conclusion:  In this study, patients with higher values on Barthel Index were more satisfied with how rehabilitation was provided for. However, male patients and patients who received rehabilitation on three or more levels of care were less satisfied. Given the assumption that patients with more severe dysfunction after stroke are being rehabilitated on more levels, this might imply that it is not the amount of rehabilitation that gives satisfaction but the patients self‐perceived function after rehabilitation.
Spherical particles of halophilic archaea correlate with exposure to low water activity – implications for microbial survival in fluid inclusions of ancient halite
Authors: Fendrihan S. , Dornmayr‐Pfaffenhuemer M. , Gerbl F. W. , Holzinger A. , Grösbacher M. , Briza P. , Erler A. , Gruber C. , Plätzer K. , Stan‐Lotter H.
Published: July 2012

Viable extremely halophilic archaea (haloarchaea) have been isolated from million‐year‐old salt deposits around the world; however, an explanation of their supposed longevity remains a fundamental challenge. Recently small roundish particles in fluid inclusions of 22 000‐ to 34 000‐year‐old halite were identified as haloarchaea capable of proliferation (Schubert BA, Lowenstein TK, Timofeeff MN, Parker MA, 2010, Environmental Microbiology, 12, 440–454). Searching for a method to produce such particles in the laboratory, we exposed rod‐shaped cells of Halobacterium species to reduced external water activity (aw). Gradual formation of spheres of about 0.4 μm diameter occurred in 4 m NaCl buffer of aw ≤ 0.75, but exposure to buffered 4 m LiCl (aw ≤ 0.73) split cells into spheres within seconds, with concomitant release of several proteins. From one rod, three or four spheres emerged, which re‐grew to normal rods in nutrient media. Biochemical properties of rods and spheres were similar, except for a markedly reduced ATP content (about 50‐fold) and an increased lag phase of spheres, as is known from dormant bacteria. The presence of viable particles of similar sizes in ancient fluid inclusions suggested that spheres might represent dormant states of haloarchaea. The easy production of spheres by lowering aw should facilitate their investigation and could help to understand the mechanisms for microbial survival over geological times.
Clinical Evaluation of New Generation Oxygenators With Integrated Arterial Line Filters for Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Onorati Francesco , Santini Francesco , Raffin Federica , Menon Tiziano , Graziani Maria S. , Chiominto Bartolomeo , Milano Aldo , Faggian Giuseppe , Mazzucco Alessandro
Published: July 2012

New generation oxygenators with integrated arterial line filters have been marketed to improve the efficacy of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Differences in designs, materials, coating surfaces, pore size of arterial filter, and static prime exist between the oxygenators. Despite abundant preclinical data, literature lacks clinical studies. From September 2010 to March 2011, 80 consecutive patients were randomized to CPB using Terumo Capiox FX25 (40 patients, Group‐T) or Sorin Synthesis (40 patients, Group‐S) oxygenators. Pressure drop and gas exchange efficacy were registered during CPB. High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), white blood cells (WBCs), fluid balance, activated clotting time, international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, platelets (PLTs), serum albumin, and total proteins were measured perioperatively at different timepoints. Clinical outcome was recorded. Repeated measure analysis of variance and nonparametric statistics assessed between‐groups and during time differences. The two groups showed similar baseline and intraoperative variables. No differences were recorded in pressure drop and gas exchange (group‐P and group*time‐P = N.S. for all) during CPB. Despite similar fluid balance (P = N.S. for static/dynamic priming and ΔVolume administered intraoperatively), Group‐T showed higher hs‐CRP (group‐P = 0.034), aPTT (group‐P = 0.0001), and INR (group‐P = 0.05), with lower serum albumin (group‐P = 0.014), total proteins (group‐P =  0.0001), fibrinogen (group‐P = 0.041), and PLTs (group‐P = 0.021). Group‐T also showed higher postoperative bleeding (group‐P = 0.009) and need for transfusions (P = 0.008 for packed red cells and P = 0.0001 for fresh frozen plasma and total transfused volumes). However, clinical outcome was comparable (P = N.S. for all clinical endpoints). Both oxygenators proved effective and resulted in comparable clinical outcomes. However, Sorin Synthesis seems to reduce inflammation and better preserve the coagulative cascade and serum proteins, resulting in lower transfusions and post‐CPB inflammatory response.
Centrifugal Pump and Roller Pump in Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Saczkowski Richard , Maklin Michelle , Mesana Thierry , Boodhwani Munir , Ruel Marc
Published: July 2012

Centrifugal pump (CP) and roller pump (RP) designs are the dominant main arterial pumps used in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Trials reporting clinical outcome measures comparing CP and RP are controversial. Therefore, a meta‐analysis was undertaken to evaluate clinical variables from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Keyword searches were performed on Medline (1966–2011), EmBase (1980–2011), and CINAHL (1981–2011) for studies comparing RP and CP as the main arterial pump in adult CPB. Pooled fixed‐effects estimates for dichotomous and continuous data were calculated as an odds ratio and weighted‐mean difference, respectively. The P value was utilized to assess statistical significance (P < 0.05) between CP and RP groups. Eighteen RCTs met inclusion criteria, which represented 1868 patients (CP = 961, RP = 907). The prevailing operation was isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CP = 88%, RP = 87%). Fixed‐effects pooled estimates were performed for end‐of‐CPB (ECP) and postoperative day one (PDO) for platelet count (ECP: P = 0.51, PDO: P = 0.16), plasma free hemoglobin (ECP: P = 0.36, PDO: P = 0.24), white blood cell count (ECP: P = 0.21, PDO: P = 0.66), and hematocrit (ECP: P = 0.06, PDO: P = 0.51). No difference was demonstrated for postoperative blood loss (P = 0.65) or red blood cell transfusion (P = 0.71). Intensive care unit length of stay (P = 0.30), hospital length of stay (P = 0.33), and mortality (P = 0.91) were similar between the CP and RP groups. Neurologic outcomes were not amenable to pooled analysis; nevertheless, the results were inconclusive. There was no reported pump‐related malfunction or mishap. The meta‐analysis of RCTs comparing CP and RP in adult cardiac surgery suggests no significant difference for hematological variables, postoperative blood loss, transfusions, neurological outcomes, or mortality.
Oxygen: the poison is in the dose
Authors: Winslow Robert M.
Published: July 2012

Cell‐free hemoglobin (Hb) has been blamed for a spectrum of problems, including vasoconstriction pancreatitis, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary hypertension in hemolytic anemia, malaria, and sickle cell anemia, and from Hb‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs). Toxicities have been attributed to scavenging of nitric oxide (NO). However, while NO scavenging may explain many in vitro effects, and some effects in animal models and clinical trials with HBOCs, key inconsistencies in the theory require alternative explanations.

This review considers the hypothesis that cell‐free Hb oversupplies oxygen to tissues, leading to oxygen‐related toxicity, possibly through formation of reactive oxygen species and local destruction of NO. Evidence for this hypothesis comes from various sources, establishing that tissue oxygen levels are maintained over very narrow (and low) levels, even at high oxygen consumption. Tissue is normally protected from excessive oxygen by its extremely low solubility in plasma, but introduction of cell‐free Hb, even at low concentration, greatly augments oxygen supply, engaging protective mechanisms that include vasoconstriction and ischemia.

The requirement to limit oxygen supply by cell‐free Hb suggests novel ways to modify it to overcome vasoconstriction, independent of the intrinsic reaction of Hb with NO. This control is essential to the design of a safe and effective cell‐free HBOC.
Does early initiation of therapeutic plasma exchange improve outcome in pediatric stem cell transplant–associated thrombotic microangiopathy?
Authors: Jodele Sonata , Laskin Benjamin L. , Goebel Jens , Khoury Jane C. , Pinkard Susan L. , Carey Patricia M. , Davies Stella M.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: The use of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant–associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA‐TMA) is controversial because the exact mechanism of injury in TA‐TMA is not yet understood.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The study objective was to retrospectively review the outcome of children receiving TPE for TA‐TMA at our institution. We hypothesized that patients initiating TPE earlier in their disease course would receive a greater benefit than those starting later, regardless of the therapeutic mechanism.

RESULTS: We identified 10 consecutive pediatric patients with TA‐TMA treated with TPE. Nine of these patients showed normalization of the laboratory variables associated with microangiopathy during their TPE course, but only five patients recovered renal function and survived TA‐TMA. The five survivors started TPE a median of 17 days (range, 4‐25 days) after TA‐TMA diagnosis while the five patients who died started TPE a median of 32 days (range, 17‐73 days) after TA‐TMA was diagnosed. Three of the five survivors had multiorgan failure at TA‐TMA diagnosis and completely recovered with early institution of TPE. These three survivors were able to discontinue renal replacement therapy, and all achieved a normal posttreatment creatinine. The five patients with later institution of TPE progressed to end‐stage renal disease and all died. There were no serious TPE‐related complications in either group.

CONCLUSION: This is the first report evaluating TPE response in regard to procedure initiation time after TA‐TMA diagnosis. Our data suggests that early initiation of TPE might be beneficial even in patients with multiorgan failure due to TA‐TMA.
Effect of storage on levels of nitric oxide metabolites in platelet preparations
Authors: Park Ji Won , Piknova Barbora , Kurtz James , Seetharaman Shalini , Wagner Stephen J. , Schechter Alan N.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO), a potent signaling molecule, is known to inhibit platelet (PLT) function in vivo. We investigated how the levels of NO and its metabolites change during routine PLT storage. We also tested whether the material of PLT storage containers affects nitrite content since many plastic materials are known to contain and release nitrite.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: For nitrite and nitrate measurement, leukoreduced apheresis PLTs and concurrent plasma (CP) were collected from healthy donors using a cell separator. Sixty‐milliliter aliquots of PLT or CP were stored in CLX or PL120 Teflon containers at 20 to 24°C with agitation and daily samples were processed to yield PLT pellet and supernatant. In a separate experiment, PLTs were stored in PL120 Teflon to measure NO generation using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR).

RESULTS: Nitrite level increased markedly in both PLT supernatant and CP stored in CLX containers at a rate of 58 and 31 nmol/L/day, respectively. However, there was a decrease in nitrite level in PLTs stored in PL120 Teflon containers. Nitrite was found to leach from CLX containers and this appears to compensate for nitrite consumption in these preparations. Nitrate level did not significantly change during storage.

CONCLUSION: PLTs stored at 20 to 24°C maintain measurable levels of nitrite and nitrate. The nitrite decline in nonleachable Teflon containers in contrast to increases in CLX containers that leach nitrite suggests that it is consumed by PLTs, residual white blood cells, or red blood cells. These results suggest NO‐related metabolic changes occur in PLT units during storage.
Effect of inositol hexaphosphate–loaded red blood cells (RBCs) on the rheology of sickle RBCs
Authors: Lamarre Yann , Bourgeaux Vanessa , Pichon Aurélien , Hardeman Max R. , Campion Yannick , Hardeman‐Zijp Marise , Martin Cyril , Richalet Jean‐Paul , Bernaudin Françoise , Driss Françoise , Godfrin Yann , Connes Philippe
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: The recent in vitro demonstration that inositol hexaphosphate–loaded red blood cells (IHP‐RBCs) may reduce the risks of sickling of sickle RBCs (SS RBCs) exposed to hypoxia make these modified RBCs potentially useful in transfused sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Hemorheologic properties of IHP‐RBCs, normal RBCs (AA RBCs), SS RBCs, SS RBCs plus AA RBCs, and SS RBCs plus IHP‐RBCs were compared under normoxia and/or after hypoxic challenges.

RESULTS: Although IHP‐RBCs have reduced deformability compared with SS RBCs or AA RBCs, IHP‐RBCs exhibited lower aggregability than AA RBCs and SS RBCs and, when mixed with SS RBCs, the aggregation level was below the one of SS RBCs alone or SS RBCs plus AA RBCs. Blood viscosity of SS RBC plus IHP‐RBC suspension was lower than the viscosity of SS RBCs alone and greater than viscosity of SS RBCs plus AA RBCs. The hypoxic challenge was detrimental for deformability and viscosity of SS RBCs alone or SS plus AA RBC suspension but not for SS plus IHP‐RBC suspension.

CONCLUSION: Our results support the fact that IHP‐RBCs could be useful in SCA by decreasing RBC aggregation and blunting the adverse effects of hypoxia on RBC deformability and blood viscosity.
Analysis of prolonged storage on coagulation Factor (F)V, FVII, and FVIII in thawed plasma: is it time to extend the expiration date beyond 5 days?
Authors: Tholpady Ashok , Monson Janet , Radovancevic Rajko , Klein Kimberly , Bracey Arthur
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: According to AABB standards, fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) should be thawed at 30 to 37°C and expire after 24 hours. An increase in the aggressive management of trauma patients with thawed plasma has heightened the risk of plasma waste. One way to reduce plasma waste is to extend its shelf life, given that the full range of therapeutic efficacy is maintained. We evaluated the effect of prolonged storage at 1 to 6°C on the activity of Factor (F)V, FVII, and FVIII in plasma thawed at 37 or 45°C.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Group O plasma from healthy donors (n = 20) was divided into 10 pairs and frozen and stored at not more than −18°C. One sample from each pair was thawed at 37 or 45°C, and all were stored at 1 to 6°C. Samples were analyzed for FV, FVII, and FVIII activity on Days 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20.

RESULTS: Plasma thawing time was 17% less at 45°C than at 37°C. No differences were observed between thawing groups in coagulation activity of FV, FVII, and FVIII during the 20‐day storage period (p > 0.12). In both groups, the activity of FV and FVIII decreased over time but remained within a normal range at 10 days.

CONCLUSION: Although levels of plasma clotting factors are reduced in storage, therapeutic levels of FV and FVIII are maintained in thawed plasma stored for up to 10 days at 1 to 6°C. Thawing of FFP at 45°C decreases thawing time but does not affect the activity of FV, FVII, and FVIII.
Leukapheresis in non–cytokine‐stimulated donors with a new apheresis system: first‐time collection results and evaluation of subsequent cryopreservation
Authors: Steininger Philipp A. , Smith Richard , Geier Christoph , Zimmermann Robert , Eckstein Reinhold , Strasser Erwin F.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Adoptive cell therapy based on mononuclear cells (MNCs) became an important modality of cancer immunotherapy. Data about collection results and donor response of leukapheresis with the Spectra Optia v.5.0 (Terumo BCT) in nonmobilized donors are required.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twelve MNC collections were performed using the Spectra Optia v.5.0 in non–cytokine‐stimulated donors. Leukapheresis products and peripheral blood samples from donors were assayed for CD45+, CD34+, CD3+, and CD14+ cells by flow cytometry. Prefreeze and postthaw cell counts, cell viability, and numbers of colony‐forming units were assessed in cryobags and compared to data from cryovials.

RESULTS: Leukapheresis yielded a mean of 5.26 × 109 ± 2.2 × 109 CD45+ cells, 1.5 × 109 ± 0.77 × 109 CD14+ monocytes, and 2.28 × 109 ± 1.2 × 109 CD3+ T cells by processing 6690 ± 930 mL of whole blood. A significant positive correlation between yield of CD3+ T cells and residual platelets (PLTs) and red blood cells (RBCs) was observed. This did not apply for CD34+ and CD14+ white blood cell subsets. Mean collection efficiencies for CD14+ monocytes and CD3+ T cells were 61.8 ± 17 and 37.2 ± 18%, respectively. Recovery of CD14+ cells after cryopreservation was 75.2 ± 8.2%, which was significantly lower than recovery of CD45+ cells (81.4 ± 5.5%; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION: This study of a small cohort demonstrates that the Spectra Optia v.5.0 is capable of collecting low product volumes with satisfactory MNC yields and low residual RBCs and PLTs in non–cytokine‐mobilized apheresis. Our data suggest that cryovials can serve as a representative surrogate for the primary product cryobag.
Voluntary Wheel Running Selectively Augments Insulin‐Stimulated Vasodilation in Arterioles from White Skeletal Muscle of Insulin‐Resistant Rats
Authors: Mikus Catherine R. , Roseguini Bruno T. , Uptergrove Grace M. , Matthew Morris E. , Scott Rector Randy , Libla Jessica L. , Oberlin Douglas J. , Borengasser Sarah J. , Taylor Angelina M. , Ibdah Jamal A. , Harold Laughlin Maurice , Thyfault John P.
Published: July 2012

Background

Exercise (RUN) prevents declines in insulin‐mediated vasodilation, an important component of insulin‐mediated glucose disposal, in rats prone to obesity and insulin resistance.

Objective

Determine whether RUN (1) improves insulin‐stimulated vasodilation after insulin resistance has been established, and (2) differentially affects arterioles from red and white muscle.

Methods

Insulin signaling and vasoreactivity to insulin (1–1000 μIU/mL) were assessed in 2A from the Gw and Gr of SED OLETF rats at 12 and 20 weeks of age (SED12, SED20) and those undergoing RUN (RUN20) or caloric restriction (CR20; to match body weight of RUN) from 12 to 20 weeks.

Results

Glucose and insulin responses to i.p. glucose were reduced in RUN20, elevated in SED20 (p < 0.05 vs. SED12), and maintained in CR20. Insulin‐stimulated vasodilation was greater in Gw but not Gr, 2As of RUN20 (p < 0.01 vs. all groups), and was improved by ET‐1 receptor inhibition in Gw 2As from SED20 and CR20 (p < 0.05). There were no differences in microvascular insulin signaling among groups or muscle beds.

Conclusions

RUN selectively improved insulin‐mediated vasodilation in Gw 2As, in part through attenuated ET‐1 sensitivity/production, an adaptation that was independent of changes in adiposity and may contribute to enhanced insulin‐stimulated glucose disposal.
Mechanical Properties and Deformation of Cubic Silicon Carbide Micropillars in Compression at Room Temperature
Authors: Shin Chansun , Jin Hyung‐Ha , Kim Weon‐Ju , Park Ji‐Yeon
Published: July 2012

We performed microcompression tests on silicon carbide (SiC) pillars with diameters ranging from 4.7 down to 0.65 μm at room temperature. The SiC micropillars were fabricated from a polycrystalline 3C‐SiC plate using lithography and plasma etching. The pillars exhibited elastic loading behavior until a catastrophic brittle fracture occurred. The compressive fracture strength was found to increase with a decrease in pillar diameter. This scale dependency can be attributed to the flaw sensitivity of brittle materials, and cracking seems to start at the grain boundaries. Ductile plasticity occurred in micropillars with a diameter of 0.65 μm. Cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy observation of the plastically deformed pillars showed that a slip occurred on the {111} planes. The critical resolved shear stress for a {111}<110> slip system was evaluated to be 4.9–7.3 GPa, which is consistent with the values obtained from numerical and theoretical studies in the literature.
Growth of Ca‐Doped Large Grain Gd–Ba–Cu–O Superconductors
Authors: Cheng Ling , Li Wei , Kou Bin Quan , Yao Xin , Ikuta Hiroshi
Published: July 2012

The effect of calcium doping on growing GdBa2Cu3Oz (GdBCO or Gd123) bulk superconductors using top‐seeded melt‐textured growth (TSMTG) method in air was studied. NdBCO thin films deposited on MgO substrate were effectively used as cold‐seeds because of their superheating natures, which allow them enduring a higher maximum processing temperature (Tmax) than that of a conventional TSMTG process. Several heavily Ca‐doped GdBCO (up to 3 wt% CaCO3) single domains were obtained without heterogeneous nucleation. Moreover, an interesting phenomenon of negative growth was observed during the cooling‐down process of Ca–GdBCO, which prevented the grain from further crystallization. The compositional analysis revealed that the Ca content has a declined tendency from the initial growth region toward the edge. It is deduced that the effective Ca distribution coefficient k > 1, which gives rise to a decreased peritectic temperature (Tp) with the reduction of the Ca content, is the main origin of the negative growth behavior. To overcome this obstacle, a two‐stage cooling procedure was developed, i.e., slow cooling followed by fast cooling, to compensate the loss of the growth driving force caused by the decrease of Tp. Consequently, a highly doped Ca–GdBCO bulk was grown with a size of 14 mm2.
Odontological Approach to Sexual Dimorphism in Southeastern France
Authors: Lladeres Emilie , Saliba‐Serre Bérengère , Sastre Julien , Foti Bruno , Tardivo Delphine , Adalian Pascal
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to establish a prediction formula to allow for the determination of sex among the southeastern French population using dental measurements. The sample consisted of 105 individuals (57 males and 48 females, aged between 18 and 25 years). Dental measurements were calculated using Euclidean distances, in three‐dimensional space, from point coordinates obtained by a Microscribe. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the prediction formula. Among 12 selected dental distances, a stepwise logistic regression analysis highlighted the two most significant discriminate predictors of sex: one located at the mandible and the other at the maxilla. A cutpoint was proposed to prediction of true sex. The prediction formula was then tested on a validation sample (20 males and 34 females, aged between 18 and 62 years and with a history of orthodontics or restorative care) to evaluate the accuracy of the method.
Cell fusion contributes to the rescue of apoptotic cardiomyocytes by bone marrow cells
Authors: Yang Wei‐Jian , Li Shu‐Hong , Weisel Richard D. , Liu Shi‐Ming , Li Ren‐Ke
Published: July 2012

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is an important contributor to the progressive cardiac dysfunction that culminates in congestive heart failure. Bone marrow cells (BMCs) restore cardiac function following ischaemia, and transplanted BMCs have been reported to fuse with cells of diverse tissues. We previously demonstrated that the myogenic conversion of bone marrow stromal cells increased nearly twofold when the cells were co‐cultured with apoptotic (TNF‐α treated) cardiomyocytes. We therefore hypothesized that cell fusion may be a major mechanism by which BMCs rescue cardiomyocytes from apoptosis. We induced cellular apoptosis in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes by treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The TUNEL assay demonstrated an increase in apoptosis from 4.5 ± 1.3% in non‐treated cells to 19.0 ± 4.4% (P < 0.05) in treated cells. We subsequently co‐cultured the apoptotic cardiomyocytes with BMCs and assessed cell fusion using flow cytometry. Fusion was rare in the non‐treated control cardiomyocytes (0.3%), whereas H2O2 treatment led to significantly higher fusion rates than the control group (P < 0.05), with the highest rate of 7.9 ± 0.3% occurring at 25 μM H2O2. We found an inverse correlation between cell fusion and completion of cardiomyocyte apoptosis (R2 = 0.9863). An in vivo mouse model provided evidence of cell fusion in the infarcted myocardium following the injection of BMCs. The percentage of cells undergoing fusion was significantly higher in mice injected with BMCs following infarction (8.8 ± 1.3%) compared to mice that did not undergo infarction (4.6 ± 0.6%, P < 0.05). Enhancing cell fusion may be one method to preserve cardiomyocytes following myocardial infarction, and this new approach may provide a novel target for cardiac regenerative therapies.
Sustained outcomes of a peer‐taught family education program on mental illness
Authors: Lucksted A. , Medoff D. , Burland J. , Stewart B. , Fang L. J. , Brown C. , Jones A. , Lehman A. , Dixon L. B.
Published: July 2012

Objective:  This study examines 6‐month follow‐up data from participants in a randomized trial of a peer‐driven 12‐session family support and education program, called family‐to‐family (FTF) and offered by the US National Alliance on Mental Illness, to determine whether improvements in distress, family functioning, coping and empowerment were sustained.

Method:  Individuals randomized to the FTF condition were assessed after program completion and then 3 months later on measures of distress, family functioning, coping, and empowerment. We used a multilevel regression model (sas proc mixed) to test for significant changes over time (baseline, 3 and 9 months).

Results:  All significant benefits that FTF participants gained between baseline and immediately post‐FTF were sustained at 9 months including reduced anxiety, improved family problem‐solving, increased positive coping, and increased knowledge. Greater class attendance was associated with larger increases in empowerment and reductions in depression and displeasure with ill relative.

Conclusion:  Evidence suggests that benefits of the FTF program were sustained for at least 6 months without any additional boosters or supports. Peer‐based programs may produce sustained benefits for individuals seeking help in addressing challenges and stresses related to having a family member with a mental illness.
Cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy: a rare cutaneous microangiopathy
Authors: Burdick Laura M. , Losher Sara , Somach Stephen C. , Billings Steven D.
Published: July 2012

Cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy is a rare microangiopathy of superficial dermal blood vessels. Patients present with telangiectatic macules, predominantly on the extremities. A skin biopsy specimen is necessary to distinguish cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy from generalized essential telangiectasia. Microscopically, cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy resembles the superficial telangiectasias of generalized essential telangiectasia but additionally shows hyaline material in thickened vessel walls. The amorphous pink material is periodic acid‐Schiff‐positive and resistant to diastase. We describe a series of four patients with cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy and highlight its clinical and histopathologic features.
CD20 gene deletion causes a CD20‐negative relapse in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Nakamaki Tsuyoshi , Fukuchi Kunihiko , Nakashima Hidetoshi , Ariizumi Hirotsugu , Maeda Takashi , Saito Bungo , Yanagisawa Kouji , Tomoyasu Shigeru , Homma Mayumi , Shiozawa Eisuke , Yamochi‐Onizuka Toshiko , Ota Hidekazu
Published: July 2012

In diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a CD20‐negative relapse is clinically significant because it is associated with chemo‐refractory phenotypes and loss of a therapeutic target. The alteration of the CD20 gene is reported as infrequent in CD20‐negative relapse in B‐cell lymphoma. We established a DLBCL cell line with loss of CD20 expression (SD07) from a patient at CD20‐negative relapse. She was initially diagnosed with CD20‐positive DLBCL and received repeated immuno‐chemotherapy that included rituximab. SD07, which has an immunoglobulin κ rearrangement identical to that of lymphoma cells at CD20‐negative relapse, showed homozygous deletion of the CD20 gene with loss of the copy number of 11q12. SD07 is the first case in which it is proven that the loss of CD20 expression in relapsed DLBCL is the result of deletion of the CD20 gene. Deletion of the CD20 gene is a molecular mechanism of CD20‐negative relapse in a subset of DLBCL.
Avulsion and replantation of a primary incisor tooth
Authors: Friedlander Lara T. , Chandler Nicholas P. , Drummond Bernadette K.
Published: July 2012

Avulsion of a primary tooth is a serious dental trauma, and the guidelines of the International Association of Dental Traumatology and textbooks in paediatric dentistry do not recommend replantation. Such management can result in severe damage to the supporting structures, and together with avulsion itself is commonly associated with developmental disturbances of the permanent tooth. We report the case of replantation in a 9‐month‐old child with a successful outcome, in a unique situation where conditions were optimal and careful long‐term follow up was possible.
Massachusetts emergency departments' resources and physicians' knowledge of management of traumatic dental injuries
Authors: Needleman Howard L. , Stucenski Keri , Forbes Peter W. , Chen Qiaoli , Stack Anne M.
Published: July 2012

Background

Hospital emergency departments (ED) are confronted with triaging and managing dental emergencies of both traumatic and non‐traumatic origin. However, the literature suggests that there exists inadequate knowledge of the management of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) among medical professionals who must be knowledgeable and have the appropriate resources needed to triage or treat patients presenting with TDI.

Aim

The aims of this study were to (i) evaluate the resources of Massachusetts emergency departments (MEDs) for TDI, (ii) determine the knowledge of management of TDI among MED physicians, and (iii) investigate potential factors that affect their knowledge.

Materials and methods

Surveys were mailed to MED directors and their physicians. The director survey contained questions regarding institutional information for each emergency department (ED). The physician survey contained questions about physician characteristics and tested their knowledge of managing dental trauma.

Results

A total of 72 surveys (16 MED directors and 56 physicians) were returned and included in the analysis. Only 50% of the MEDs had on‐site dental coverage, 43.8% had 24‐h off‐site dental coverage, and none had a formal written dental trauma protocol. MED physician's knowledge of the appropriate management of luxations and avulsions was generally good, but poor for dental fractures. The MED physician's knowledge for the emergent nature of the various injuries was generally good with that of avulsions being the best. Physicians were more likely to have a better knowledge of managing dental trauma if they were specialists in pediatric emergency medicine (P = 0.001) or their hospitals had an academic affiliation (P = 0.05).

Conclusions

Based on the findings from this study, educational campaigns must be undertaken to improve both the resources available to the ED, and the knowledge of physicians regarding emergency management of TDI. In addition, efforts should be made by local dental organizations to provide ED with lists of dentists who are knowledgeable and willing to be available 24 h day−1 to consult with and, if necessary, treat TDI. These efforts would enhance the long‐term outcomes for patients sustaining dental trauma who present to hospital ED.
Effect of the phenolic compounds apigenin and carnosic acid on oral carcinogenesis in hamster induced by DMBA
Authors: Gómez‐García FJ , López‐Jornet MP , Álvarez‐Sánchez N , Castillo‐Sánchez J , Benavente‐García O , Vicente Ortega V
Published: July 2012

Objective

To investigate oral carcinogenesis in hamster induced by the topical application of 7,12‐dimethyl benzanthracene (DMBA) to evaluate the different lesions produced and the possible preventive effects of the phenolic compounds apigenin (flavone) and carnosic acid (diterpene).

Materials and methods

Thirty‐two Syrian hamsters were divided into three groups: I: 0.5% DMBA (n = 12); II: 0.5% DMBA + potassium apigenin (n = 8); III: 0.5% DMBA + carnosic acid (n = 12). All the animals were sacrificed after 11 weeks, and a macroscopic and light microscopic study was made of the lesions.

Results

The largest number of neoplasms, showing the most aggressive biological behavior, corresponded to the control group. The group treated with potassium apigenin ranked second in tumor incidence, although the tumors were not very aggressive behavior. In the group treated with carnosic acid, only one malignancy was recorded, showing the smallest volume of all the recorded tumor lesions.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that both potassium apigenin and carnosic acid have chemoprotective effects against carcinogenesis induced by DMBA in hamster.
Clinical profile of Filipino patients with osteoarthritis seen at two arthritis clinics
Authors: Racaza Geraldine Zamora , Salido Evelyn Osio , Penserga Ester Gonzales
Published: July 2012

Aim

To describe a cohort of Filipinos with primary osteoarthritis (OA).

Method

Charts with diagnosis of OA from two arthritis clinics (Philippine General Hospital and a private clinic) from January 2008 to May 2011, were reviewed for demographics, clinical presentation, risk factors and management. Descriptive statistics were applied.

Results

Eight hundred and fifty‐nine (859) patients had primary OA. Female‐to‐male ratio was 3 : 1. Mean age at diagnosis was 63 years, onset at 59 years. Men consulted 10 months later. Mean body mass index was 27.1 kg/m2. Women were overweight, men, obese. Co‐morbid conditions included hypertension (53%), dyslipidemia (16%) and diabetes (13%). Women (94.7%) developed symptoms 12 years after menopause. One‐third of patients were of low socioeconomic status. Chief complaint was pain in 92.8%. Joint findings included crepitus (70.8%) and Heberden's nodes (13.0%) for knees and hands, respectively. Commonly involved joints were knees (62.5%), knees and hands (14.3%), and generalized joint involvement (13.5%). The hip was involved in 2.9% of cases. Radiographs showed Kellgren–Lawrence score of 2 in 56.6%. Less than 25% received physical therapy. Most prescribed drugs were glucosamine sulfate (45.5%), paracetamol (42.8%) and coxibs (40.6%). Less than 8% received intra‐articular treatment, or were referred for surgery.

Conclusion

We described a large cohort of Filipino OA patients. Clinical characteristics show more women than men, with knees as the most common and hips as the least involved joints. Medical management was based on a local practice guideline. Compared to the literature, this cohort had more overweight than obese subjects and low surgical referral. A coordinated registry with orthopedics and physiatry departments is currently underway.
Phylogenetic beta diversity in tropical forests: Implications for the roles of geographical and environmental distance
Authors: ZHANG Jin‐Long , SWENSON Nathan G. , CHEN Sheng‐Bin , LIU Xiao‐Juan , LI Zong‐Shan , HUANG Ji‐Hong , MI Xiang‐Cheng , MA Ke‐Ping
Published: July 2012

Various mechanistic theories of community assembly have been proposed ranging from niche‐based theory to neutral theory. Analyses of beta diversity in a phylogenetic context could provide an excellent opportunity for testing many of these hypotheses. We analyzed the patterns of phylogenetic beta diversity in tropical tree communities in Panama to test several community assembly hypotheses. In particular, the degree to which the phylogenetic dissimilarity between communities can be explained by geographical or environmental distance can yield support for stochastic or deterministic assembly processes, respectively. Therefore, we examined: (i) the existence of distance decay of phylogenetic similarity among communities and its degree of departure from that expected under a null model; and (ii) the relative importance of geographical versus environmental distance in predicting the phylogenetic dissimilarity of communities. We found evidence that the similarity in the phylogenetic composition of communities decayed with geographical distance and environmental gradients. Null model evidence showed that beta diversity in the study system was phylogenetically non‐random. Our results highlighted not only the role of local ecological mechanisms, including environmental filtering and competitive exclusion, but also biogeographical processes such as speciation, dispersal limitation, and niche evolution in structuring phylogenetic turnover. These results also highlight the importance of niche conservatism in structuring species diversity patterns.