bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Valuing quality attributes of Australian merino wool
Authors: Nolan Elizabeth , Farrell Terence , Ryan Madeleine , Gibbon Candice , Ahmadi‐Esfahani Fredoun Z.
Published: October 2013

We measure the relationship between clean prices of individual lots of wool sold at auction and a range of characteristics of the raw wool. Based on the data for 111,440 fleece lots sold in the 2008–2009 auction season, five hedonic models are estimated to determine the premiums and discounts associated with each wool characteristic in five micron categories. Several wool characteristics exhibited significant nonlinear relationships, and therefore, joint density functions were assessed where appropriate. The results indicate that fibre diameter has the greatest influence on price in all markets. Brand contamination, higher levels of unscourable colour and vegetable matter contamination were found to negatively influence price.
Why preferences and institutions change: A systematic process analysis of credit rating in Germany
Authors: Trampusch Christine
Published: October 2013

This article argues that a within‐case analysis of the causes and patterns of the institutionalisation of rating in the German financial system offers fresh insights into change in the major socioeconomic institutions of advanced capitalism. Using the method of systematic process analysis, the article explores the expansion of credit rating in the German banking system from three perspectives: historical (power), sociological (diffusion) and behavioural institutionalism (prospect theory). It demonstrates that the proliferation of credit rating resulted from a change of preference on the part of large banks. With Germany as a least likely case for successfully implementing rating, the study's main lesson is that institutional analysis may benefit from incorporating behavioural institutionalism into the analysis of preference change because this cites economic motivations as causes of preference shifts and institutional changes.
Creating and Supporting a Mixed Methods Health Services Research Team
Authors: Bowers Barbara , Cohen Lauren W. , Elliot Amy E. , Grabowski David C. , Fishman Nancy W. , Sharkey Siobhan S. , Zimmerman Sheryl , Horn Susan D. , Kemper Peter
Published: October 2013

Objective

To use the experience from a health services research evaluation to provide guidance in team development for mixed methods research.

Methods

The Research Initiative Valuing Eldercare (THRIVE) team was organized by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to evaluate The Green House nursing home culture change program. This article describes the development of the research team and provides insights into how funders might engage with mixed methods research teams to maximize the value of the team.

Results

Like many mixed methods collaborations, the THRIVE team consisted of researchers from diverse disciplines, embracing diverse methodologies, and operating under a framework of nonhierarchical, shared leadership that required new collaborations, engagement, and commitment in the context of finite resources. Strategies to overcome these potential obstacles and achieve success included implementation of a Coordinating Center, dedicated time for planning and collaborating across researchers and methodologies, funded support for in‐person meetings, and creative optimization of resources.

Conclusions

Challenges are inevitably present in the formation and operation of effective mixed methods research teams. However, funders and research teams can implement strategies to promote success.
Key innovations in ruminant evolution: a paleontological perspective
Authors: DeMIGUEL Daniel , AZANZA Beatriz , MORALES Jorge
Published: October 2013

Key innovations are newly acquired structures that permit the performance of a new function and open new adaptive zones, and are, therefore, of paramount significance for understanding the history of the Ruminantia, particularly its diversification through the Miocene. Here we review and discuss what is known about these evolutionary novelties, with special emphasis on the appearance and evolution of cranial appendages and high‐crowned (or hypsodont) teeth. Cranial appendages probably favored the diversification of pecorans by being structures strongly related to sexual selection, whereas the acquisition of hypsodont teeth could have expanded potential dietary breadth and allowed species to extend diets into the grazing range without eliminating browsing as a potential diet. When analyzed in conjunction with patterns of faunal diversity and in the context of climatic changes, it seems that the overall view that ruminant cranial appendages and hypsodonty may have started responding to increased patterns of seasonality and the opening‐up of ecosystems is roughly valid. Instead, they occurred through several distinct pulses and varied widely among continents. This review is, to our knowledge, the first to highlight that the evolution of these innovations has been far from constant and uniform through time. Furthermore, we identify that both a first attempt to increase hypsodonty starting in the early Miocene and a first evolution of antlers and pronghorns were interrupted as a consequence of wide climatic fluctuations in the early–middle Miocene transition.
The liver to abdominal area ratio (LAAR): a novel imaging score for prognostication in cirrhosis
Authors: Cross T. J. S. , Joseph M. , Fernando R. A. M. , Farrell C. , Mitchell J. D.
Published: October 2013

Background

Anecdotally, liver size is important in determining prognosis in patients with end‐stage liver disease (ESLD).

Aims

To assess if a ratio of liver area and abdominal area on cross‐sectional imaging could accurately predict mortality in ESLD.

Methods

A retrospective–prospective cohort study was performed on patients with ESLD in a training set. The censor point used was date of patient death or liver transplant (LT). The liver to abdominal area ratio (LAAR) was calculated using the formula {LAAR = [liver area (cm2)/abdominal area (cm2)] × 100}. A validation set was collected from a different institution.

Results

Three hundred and sixteen patients were identified. Complete imaging and survival data were available in 158 subjects, 100 male (63%). The LAAR score detected progression to death/LT in our cohort (P < 0.003). Its prognostic accuracy at 90, 360 and 720 days, using the optimal cut‐off (32.1), from baseline CT date to death/LT using the log‐rank test was P = 0.28, P = 0.06 (OR 1.347, 95% CI 0.94–1.94) and P < 0.0001 (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.25–2.85) respectively. On multivariate analysis, LAAR (P = 0.008), MELD (P = 0.004) and MELD‐Na (P = 0.03) were independently associated with the primary study outcome measurement at 720 days. The validation set of 52 patients confirmed the utility of the LAAR to determine risk of death or need for LT, AUROC 0.89 (0.78–0.97), and P < 0.0001.

Conclusions

The liver to abdominal area ratio (LAAR) score offers a new paradigm in disease modelling in end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) and offers prognostic accuracy at 2 years from computer tomography (CT) imaging.
Plerixafor on‐demand combined with chemotherapy and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor: significant improvement in peripheral blood stem cells mobilization and harvest with no increase in costs
Authors: Milone Giuseppe , Martino Massimo , Spadaro Andrea , Leotta Salvatore , Di Marco Annalia , Scalzulli Potito , Cupri Alessandra , Di Martina Valentina , Schinocca Elena , Spina Eleonora , Tripepi Giovanni
Published: October 2013

To date, no prospective study on Plerixafor ‘on‐demand’ in combination with chemotherapy and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) has been reported. We present an interim analysis of the first prospective study in which Plerixafor was administered on‐demand in patients affected by multiple myeloma and lymphoma who received high dose cyclophosphamide or DHAP (dexamethasone, cytarabine, cisplatin) plus G‐CSF to mobilize peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC). One hundred and two patients were evaluable for response. A cohort of 240 patients receiving the same mobilizing chemotherapy was retrospectively studied. Failure to mobilize CD34+ cells in peripheral blood was reduced by ‘on‐demand’ strategy compared to conventional mobilization; from 13·0 to 3·0% (P = 0·004). Failure to harvest CD34+ cells 2 × 106/kg decreased from 20·9 to 4·0% (P = 0·0001). The on‐demand Plerixafor strategy also resulted in a lower rate of mobilization failure (P = 0·03) and harvest failure (P = 0·0008) when compared to a ‘bias‐adjusted set of controls’. Evaluation of economic costs of the two strategies showed that the overall cost of the two treatments were comparable when salvage mobilizations were taken into account. When in combination with cyclophosphamide or DHAP plus G‐CSF, the ‘on‐demand’ use of Plerixafor showed, in comparison to conventionally treated patients, a significant improvement in mobilization of PBSC with no increase in overall cost.
Comparing two psychological interventions in reducing impulsive processes of eating behaviour: Effects on self‐selected portion size
Authors: van Koningsbruggen Guido M. , Veling Harm , Stroebe Wolfgang , Aarts Henk
Published: October 2013

Objective

Palatable food, such as sweets, contains properties that automatically trigger the impulse to consume it even when people have goals or intentions to refrain from consuming such food. We compared the effectiveness of two interventions in reducing the portion size of palatable food that people select for themselves. Specifically, the use of dieting implementation intentions that reduce behaviour towards palatable food via top‐down implementation of a dieting goal was pitted against a stop‐signal training that changes the impulse‐evoking quality of palatable food from bottom‐up.

Design

We compared the two interventions using a 2 × 2 factorial design.

Methods

Participants completed a stop‐signal training in which they learned to withhold a behavioural response upon presentation of tempting sweets (vs. control condition) and formed implementation intentions to diet (vs. control condition). Selected portion size was measured in a sweet‐shop‐like environment (Experiment 1) and through a computerized snack dispenser (Experiment 2).

Results

Both interventions reduced the amount of sweets selected in the sweet shop environment (Experiment 1) and the snack dispenser (Experiment 2). On average, participants receiving an intervention selected 36% (Experiment 1) and 51% (Experiment 2) fewer sweets than control participants. In both studies, combining the interventions did not lead to additive effects: Employing one of the interventions appears to successfully eliminate instrumental behaviour towards tempting food, making the other intervention redundant.

Conclusions

Both interventions reduce self‐selected portion size, which is considered a major contributor to the current obesity epidemic.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject? Exposure to temptations, such as unhealthy palatable food, often frustrates people's attainment of long‐term health goals. Current approaches to self‐control suggest that this is partly because temptations automatically trigger impulsive or hedonic processes that override the influence of more deliberate processes on behaviour. This perspective has stimulated the development of new interventions – which have so far been studied in isolation – aimed at decreasing the influence of impulsive or hedonic processes to decrease unhealthy eating behaviour.

What does this study add?

Linking sweets to stop signals and diet‐prime implementation intentions both reduce self‐selected portion size.

Combining the interventions does not lead to additive effects.

Each intervention reduces self‐selected portion size of sweets, making the other redundant.
SERCA2a gene therapy in heart failure: an anti‐arrhythmic positive inotrope
Authors: Sikkel Markus B , Hayward Carl , MacLeod Kenneth T , Harding Sian E , Lyon Alexander R
Published: October 2013

Therapeutic options that directly enhance cardiomyocyte contractility in chronic heart failure (HF) therapy are currently limited and do not improve prognosis. In fact, most positive inotropic agents, such as β‐adrenoreceptor agonists and PDE inhibitors, which have been assessed in HF patients, cause increased mortality as a result of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase2a (SERCA2a) is a key protein involved in sequestration of Ca2+ into the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) during diastole. There is a reduction of SERCA2a protein level and function in HF, which has been successfully targeted via viral transfection of the SERCA2a gene into cardiac tissue in vivo. This has enhanced cardiac contractility and reduced mortality in several preclinical models of HF. Theoretical concerns have been raised regarding the possibility of arrhythmogenic adverse effects of SERCA2a gene therapy due to enhanced SR Ca2+ load and induction of SR Ca2+ leak as a result. Contrary to these concerns, SERCA2a gene therapy in a wide variety of preclinical models, including acute ischaemia/reperfusion, chronic pressure overload and chronic myocardial infarction, has resulted in a reduction in ventricular arrhythmias. The potential mechanisms for this unexpected beneficial effect, as well as mechanisms of enhancement of cardiac contractile function, are reviewed in this article.
Molecular and phenotypic characterization of atypical Williams–Beuren syndrome
Authors: Euteneuer J. , Carvalho C.M.B. , Kulkarni S. , Vineyard M. , Mark Grady R. , Lupski J.R. , Shinawi M.
Published: October 2013

Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a multisystemic genomic disorder typically caused by a recurrent ˜1.5–1.8 Mb deletion on 7q11.23. Atypical deletions can provide important insight into the genotype–phenotype correlations. Here, we report the phenotypic and molecular characterization of a girl with a de novo 81.8 kb deletion in the WBS critical region, which involves the ELN and LIMK1 genes only. The patient presented at 2 months of age with extensive vascular abnormalities, mild facial dysmorphism and delays in her fine motor skills. We discuss potential molecular mechanisms and the role of ELN and LIMK1 in the different phenotypic features. We compare the findings in our patient with previously reported overlapping deletions. The phenotypic variability among these patients suggests that other factors are important in the phenotype and possibly include: position effects related to copy number variation size, variations in the non‐deleted alleles, genetic modifiers elsewhere in the genome, or reduced penetrance for specific phenotypes.
Histological and Histomorphometric Evaluation of Zirconia Dental Implants Modified by Femtosecond Laser versus Titanium Implants: An Experimental Study in Fox Hound Dogs
Authors: Calvo‐Guirado Jose Luis , Aguilar‐Salvatierra Antonio , Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael Arcesio , Negri Bruno , Fernández María Piedad Ramírez , Maté Sánchez de Val José Eduardo , Gómez‐Moreno Gerardo , Romanos Georgios E.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

This study applied femtosecond laser technology to zirconia dental implants (Bredent GmbH & Co.KG, Senden, Germany) to generate a surface texture of microgrooves over the entire intraosseous surface, analyzing its behavior in an in vivo model in comparison with titanium implants with sandblasted and acid‐etched surfaces.

Materials and Methods

The study used six American Fox Hound dogs. Each received four implants per hemi‐mandible, making a total of eight implants per animal. The 48 immediate loaded implants were divided into two groups of 24 titanium implants (control group) and 24 zirconia implants (study/test group), distributed randomly. Bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) values and crestal resorption were determined at 1 and 3 months, also measuring calcium, phosphorous, and carbon concentrations by means of energy dispersive x‐ray.

Results

BIC percentages after 30 days were 51.36% for titanium implants and 44.68% for zirconia implants. After 90 days, values increased to 61.73% in titanium and 47.94% in zirconia implants. After 30 days, there was more crestal bone lost in the titanium group (0.77 mm) compared with the zirconia group (0.01 mm). After 90 days, zirconia implants showed greater marginal bone resorption (1.25 mm) compared with the titanium group (0.37 mm).

Conclusions

The present study shows that zirconia implants with modified surfaces can produce good osseointegration values when compared with titanium implants in terms of BIC and crestal bone resorption at 1 and 3 months.
A bodyguard or a tastier meal? Dying caterpillar indirectly protects parasitoid cocoons by offering alternate prey to a generalist predator
Authors: Harvey Jeffrey A. , Weber Daniela , De Clercq Patrick , Gols Rieta
Published: October 2013

In some parasitic Hymenoptera the dying caterpillars remain attached or close to the parasitoid cocoons. It has been suggested that the caterpillars act as ‘bodyguards’ for the vulnerable cocoons and therefore protect them against predators and/or hyperparasitoids (the ‘usurpation hypothesis’). This hypothesis has been demonstrated in associations where the caterpillars remain active and/or aggressive after parasitism. However, in other associations the caterpillars are so physiologically depleted after parasitism that they are unable to physically defend the cocoons and instead sit atop them in a moribund state. In this study a generalist predator, the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris Say (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), was provided with cocoons of the gregarious endoparasitoid Cotesia glomerata L. and the solitary endoparasitoid Microplitis mediator Haliday (both Hymenoptera: Braconidae), in turn attended by their hosts, Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) and Mamestra brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), respectively. Cotesia glomerata produces broods of up to 40 cocoons and the dying caterpillars sit atop the cocoons where they exhibit little response to physical stimuli. Previous studies reported that dying P. brassicae caterpillars were ineffective bodyguards against two species of hyperparasitoids. In both associations, the dying host caterpillars were significantly preferred as food by P. maculiventris over the parasitoid cocoons. However, in absence of caterpillars, the bugs readily attacked the C. glomerata cocoons. Alternatively, the survival of M. mediator was very low, irrespective of whether a caterpillar was present or not. Caterpillars attacked by M. mediator are several times smaller than those attacked by C. glomerata. Consequently, the predators ran out of food much more quickly in the former and switched from one prey to the other. We show that in some host–parasitoid associations the dying caterpillars provide more visually apparent or nutritionally superior prey, rather than acting as bodyguards.
Chemical egg defence in the large milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus, derives from maternal but not paternal diet
Authors: Newcombe Devi , Blount Jonathan D. , Mitchell Christopher , Moore Allen J.
Published: October 2013

Many herbivorous insects sequester defensive compounds from their host‐plants and incorporate them into their eggs to protect them against predation. Here, we investigate whether transmission of cardenolides from the host‐diet to the eggs is maternal, paternal, or biparental in the large milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae). We reared individual bugs on either milkweed seeds [MW; Asclepias syriaca L. (Apocynaceae)] that contain cardenolides, or on sunflower seeds [SF; Helianthus annuus L. (Asteraceae)] that do not contain cardenolides. We mated females and males so that all four maternal/paternal diet combinations were represented: MW/MW, MW/SF, SF/MW, and SF/SF. Using larvae of the common green lacewing, Chrysoperla (Chrysopa) carnea (Stevens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), we conducted two‐choice predation trials to assess whether maternal, paternal, or biparental transmission of cardenolides into the eggs of O. fasciatus increased protection against predation. Furthermore, we used high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to assess putative cardenolide content of eggs from the various parental diet treatment groups. The predation trials suggested that regardless of male diet, eggs were afforded better protection when females had been raised on milkweed. However, many eggs were at least partially consumed. This suggests that although chemical defence of eggs does not guarantee protection to eggs on an individual basis, they may increase the probability that some eggs in a clutch are left intact thereby potentially conferring a fitness advantage to more offspring than if eggs are left unprotected. Based on HPLC analysis we found that maternal contribution of cardenolides was significantly greater than paternal contribution of cardenolides to the eggs, supporting the results of our predation trials that a maternal diet of milkweed makes eggs more distasteful than a paternal diet of milkweed.
Clonal evolution in CLL patients as detected by FISH versus chromosome banding analysis, and its clinical significance
Authors: Wawrzyniak Ewa , Kotkowska Aleksandra , Blonski Jerzy Z. , Siemieniuk‐Rys Monika , Ziolkowska Ewelina , Giannopoulos Krzysztof , Robak Tadeusz , Korycka‐Wolowiec Anna
Published: October 2013

The acquisition of new aberrations during the course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) named clonal evolution (CE) is usually detected by one of the two methods: chromosome banding analysis (CBA) and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I‐FISH). The purpose of this study was to compare the usefulness of FISH and CBA for detecting CE and to evaluate its influence on clinical outcome. FISH and CBA were performed at two time points: baseline and follow‐up. Thirty‐eight previously untreated patients with CLL were included in this study. CBA and I‐FISH revealed CE in 15 (39.5%) and 10 (26.3%) patients, respectively. High‐risk CE was detected in six cases by CBA and in five cases by I‐FISH. In four cases with CE‐dependent 17p abnormalities detected by CBA, metaphase FISH was needed for the confirmation of 17p13.1 deletion. Time from first‐line to second‐line treatment (TTST) and overall survival (OS) did not differ between patients with and without CE, irrespective of the CE‐detecting method used. However, shorter OS (P = 0.043) and TTST (P = 0.006) were observed for the patients with potentially relevant CE (rCE) detected by CBA, in which acquired aberrations were present in at least 20% of undivided cells and/or changed baseline karyotype to abnormal or complex and were not resulting from 13q deletion.

Our results suggest that some, but not all, CE‐dependent aberrations detected by CBA influence clinical outcome. Moreover, I‐FISH, which was aimed at detecting aberrations of prognostic significance, was found to be more precise than CBA in their detection, especially TP53 deletion.
Immunophenotypic and molecular features of ‘cuplike’ acute myeloid leukemias
Authors: Carluccio Paola , Mestice Anna , Pastore Domenico , Delia Mario , Ricco Alessandra , Russo‐Rossi Antonella , Casieri Paola , Liso Arcangelo , Martelli Maria Paola , Albano Francesco , Specchia Giorgina
Published: October 2013

Nuclear invaginations, also referred to as fishmouth or cuplike nuclei, have long been identified in microgranular APL, myelomonocytic and monocytic AMLs. More recently, this typical morphological feature has been associated with NPM1 and FLT3 mutations, as well as with the lack of CD34 and HLA‐DR expression. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the morphologic, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic, and molecular features of 68 patients with AML. A cuplike nuclear invagination was detected in more than 10% of blast cells in 15 (22%) cases. Our data show that a cuplike morphology is associated with FLT3‐ITD positivity, as well as with the loss of CD34 and HLA‐DR expression. The results were not significantly modified when a higher cutoff of cuplike cells was used. Our results are not sufficient to suggest that cuplike AML could represent a distinct subtype, but further investigations could yield a better characterization of this feature in patients with AML.
Curcumin up‐regulates phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 through microRNA‐mediated control of DNA methylation – a novel mechanism suppressing liver fibrosis
Authors: Zheng Jianjian , Wu Cunzao , Lin Zhuo , Guo Yong , Shi Liang , Dong Peihong , Lu Zhongqiu , Gao Shenmeng , Liao Yi , Chen Bicheng , Yu Fujun
Published: October 2013

Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) has been reported to play a role in the suppression of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Moreover, it has been demonstrated that hypermethylation of the PTEN promoter is responsible for the loss of PTEN expression during HSC activation. Methylation is now established as a fundamental regulator of gene transcription. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which can control gene expression by binding to their target genes for degradation and/or translational repression, were found to be involved in liver fibrosis. However, the mechanism responsible for miRNA‐mediated epigenetic regulation in liver fibrosis still remained unclear. In the present study, curcumin treatment significantly resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation and an increase in the apoptosis rate through the up‐regulation of PTEN associated with a decreased DNA methylation level. Only DNA methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3b) was reduced in vivo and in vitro after curcumin treatment. Further studies were performed aiming to confirm that the knockdown of DNMT3b enhanced the loss of PTEN methylation by curcumin. In addition, miR‐29b was involved in the hypomethylation of PTEN by curcumin. MiR‐29b not only was increased by curcumin in activated HSCs, but also was confirmed to target DNMT3b by luciferase activity assays. Curcumin‐mediated PTEN up‐regulation, DNMT3b down‐regulation and PTEN hypomethylation were all attenuated by miR‐29b inhibitor. Collectively, it is demonstrated that curcumin can up‐regulate miR‐29b expression, resulting in DNMT3b down‐regulation in HSCs and epigenetically‐regulated PTEN involved in the suppression of activated HSCs. These results indicate that miRNA‐mediated epigenetic regulation may be a novel mechanism suppressing liver fibrosis.
Braided thin‐walled biodegradable ureteral stent: Preliminary evaluation in a canine model
Authors: Zhang Ming Qing , Zou Ting , Huang Yi Chen , Shang Ya Feng , Yang Gang Gang , Wang Wen Zu , Zhou Jun Mei , Wang Lu , Chen Fang , Xie Hua
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To evaluate a novel designed degradable ureteral stent.

Methods

A total of 24 male Beagles, each with bilateral stents implanted (a biodegradable ureteral 4.5‐Fr stent and a standard 4‐Fr biostable stent) were divided into four groups. Intravenous pyelography, B‐mode ultrasonography, and blood and urine tests were carried out before the procedure (0 weeks), and at 1‐, 2‐, 3‐ and 4‐week intervals. Meanwhile, the mechanical characteristics of stents were tested, and scanning electron microscopy images of the biodegradable braided stents were obtained at different time‐points postoperatively. In addition, histopathological changes were compared between the two different stents.

Results

All biodegradable braided stents began degrading at 1 week, and had completely degraded by 4 weeks. Hydronephrosis was equivalent during the first 2 weeks, but less with the biodegradable stents than with the control biostable stents at 3 and 4 weeks. Preoperative and postoperative blood and urine results were similar. The mechanical properties of the biodegradable stents were better than conventional biostable stents. Scanning electron microscopy images obtained at different weekly intervals showed that stents degraded in a predictable fashion. Histological testing of the urinary tract showed that the stent‐related tissue reactivity of the two different stents were similar.

Conclusions

Our novel braided thin‐walled biodegradable stents provide temporary renal drainage as good as commercially available biostable stents. They also have good biocompatibility and physical characteristics. Therefore, they might have clinical application.
Interprofessional team dynamics and information flow management in emergency departments
Authors: Gilardi Silvia , Guglielmetti Chiara , Pravettoni Gabriella
Published: October 2013

Aim

In Emergency Departments, fragmentation and breakdown in information exchange can be important factors leading to adverse events. This article aims to consider the critical aspects of collaborative teamwork in Emergency Departments that may have an impact on the information flow.

Background

On the basis of Distributed Cognition Theory, we have assumed that cognitive outcomes in critical‐care settings are not confined to the thoughts of isolated individuals; rather, they are better understood as properties of a distributed cognitive system across the minds of the clinical team members and across the technological artefacts.

Design

We report on an exploratory ethnographic study of two Emergency Departments.

Methods

Data were collected over a period of four months in 2008 via observation and interviews.

Results

The results highlight a specific distribution of cognitive work between physicians and nurses. The nurse's roles as information highlighter, memory keeper and process organizer helped to ensure the information flow and to overcome some of the problems identified with the computer‐assisted communication process. Such distribution of cognitive work improved care quality, but it crossed established professional boundaries.

Conclusion

As cross‐boundary distribution of cognitive work in Emergency Departments can be perceived as role substitution, building an interprofessional working system is needed to avoid information breakdown in fast‐moving contexts. To realize an interprofessional working system, practice‐based training is required, aimed at developing a deep understanding of team cognition.
Chloride Released from Three Permeable Pavement Surfaces after Winter Salt Application
Authors: Borst Michael , Brown Robert A.
Published: October 2013

Few studies exist on how chloride from chloride‐based deicers is transported in infiltration‐based stormwater control measures. In 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) constructed a 0.4 ha parking lot in Edison, New Jersey, that was surfaced with permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP), pervious concrete (PC), and porous asphalt (PA). Each surface type has four equally sized, lined sections that direct all infiltrate to separate 5.7 m3 collection tanks. The USEPA acute criterion for aquatic life (860 mg/l) was exceeded in events immediately following a snow event. Concentrations of the infiltrate exceeded the detection limit (5 mg/l) year round but did not exceed the USEPA chronic toxicity (230 mg/l) after April. The chloride concentration decreased with cumulative rainfall since previous snow event, and a power regression described this relationship. In the power regression, the coefficient (b) described the initial concentration following a snow event, and the exponent (m) described the rate in which chloride was flushed through the system with infiltrating water. PC had the largest coefficient (5,664) and largest absolute exponent (−0.92), followed closely by PICP (b = 4,943 and m = −0.87), and distantly by PA (b = 2,907 and m = −0.67). The differences in release rate were proportional to the measured surface infiltration rates of 4,000; 2,400; and 200 cm/h for PC, PICP, and PA, respectively. These results will assist those who manage or regulate stormwater where receiving waters are chloride impaired.
On Monetary Policy and Stock Market Anomalies
Authors: Kontonikas Alexandros , Kostakis Alexandros
Published: October 2013

This study utilizes a macro‐based VAR framework to investigate whether stock portfolios formed on the basis of their value, size and past performance characteristics are affected in a different manner by unexpected US monetary policy actions during the period 1967–2007. Full sample results show that value, small capitalization and past loser stocks are more exposed to monetary policy shocks compared with growth, big capitalization and past winner stocks. Sub‐sample analysis, motivated by variation in the realized premia and parameter instability, reveals that the impact of monetary policy shocks on these portfolios is significant and pronounced only during the pre‐1983 period.
Book‐to‐Market Equity, Asset Correlations and the Basel Capital Requirement
Authors: Lee Shih‐Cheng , Lin Chien‐Ting , Yu Min‐Teh
Published: October 2013

This paper examines the effect of book‐to‐market equity (BE/ME) on asset correlations under the Basel capital requirement. We find that BE/ME captures variations in asset correlations after controlling for firm size, default probability and industry effects from 1987 to 2011. Obligors with higher BE/ME exhibit lower asset correlations compared to those with lower BE/ME. Decomposing BE/ME into assets‐in‐place and growth options based on the asset pricing literature shows that obligors with more assets‐in‐place or more fixed assets have higher BE/ME and lower asset correlations than those with more growth options. Overall, our findings suggest that BE/ME is an additional important factor that may improve the estimates of asset correlations and thereby banks’ capital adequacy.
Debt Financing and Earnings Management: An Internal Capital Market Perspective
Authors: Wang Hong‐Da , Lin Chan‐Jane
Published: October 2013

This paper investigates the role internal capital markets play in mitigating earnings management of group firms. We predict that the funding advantages of internal capital markets from business affiliates obscure solvency problems resulting from higher leverage for individual firms within a group, which in turn mitigates their incentives for earnings management. Using Taiwanese firms as a sample, we provide evidence that is consistent with such a prediction. In particular, we show that higher group profitability reduces its member firms’ sensitivity of earnings management to debt levels. Among business groups, earnings management in pyramidal groups is less sensitive to debt levels. We also find that the debt‐abnormal accrual curve becomes smoother as group profitability increases when considering the non‐monotonic relationship between firm leverage and earnings management.
Dimensionless Numbers of Structural and Process Similitude of a Whirlpool Hot Trub Separator
Authors: Diakun Jaroslaw , Jakubowski Marek
Published: October 2013

The paper presents an application of a dimension similitude theory in an analysis of the flow in a hot trub separator. It presents a procedure for derivation of dimensionless numbers based on a comprehensive analysis of all the forces occurring during fluid flow in a whirlpool. A combination of quotients of elementary forces has allowed to attain the dimensionless numbers. Among them, there are well‐known numbers such as the Reynolds and Strouhal numbers, and there is also one original number. Modifications of these numbers have been derived to describe process conditions characteristic for the flow in the whirlpool. Dimensionless numbers relating to the time and the secondary flow parameters occurring at the bottom of the tank have been highlighted. General forms of functions of the dimensionless numbers have been proposed for calculating the time of the whirling motion and the parameters of the flow that form the sediment cone.

Practical Applications

To this point, designing and assembling whirlpools has not incorporated the knowledge coming from analysis of flows inside the tank occurring during the process of separation.

All the information introduced by this publication may contribute to the improvement in designing tanks such as whirlpool.

Presented similarity numbers allow for scaling flow phenomena occurring in a cycling vat.
Peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenopathy masquerading as pancreatic malignancy: A single‐center experience
Authors: Kim Ji‐Beom , Lee Sang Soo , Kim Sung‐Han , Byun Jae Ho , Park Do Hyun , Lee Tae Yoon , Lee Byung Uk , Jeong Seung Uk , Seo Dong‐Wan , Lee Sung Koo , Kim Myung‐Hwan
Published: October 2013

Background and Aim

Peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenopathy is very rare and can be misdiagnosed with pancreatic or peripancreatic malignancies. The clinical characteristics and treatment outcome have not been well known. Herein, we investigated the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA), clinical features, and treatment outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 42 patients diagnosed with peripancreatic tuberculosis between December 2004 and January 2011 at the tertiary care hospital in Korea.

Results

Median age was 36 years (interquartile range, 30–55), and female was 66.7% (28/42). Nineteen patients (45.2%) had no symptoms, while the others had non‐specific various symptoms. Thirteen (31.0%) had a previous history of tuberculosis. Initial impressions of the mass were pancreatic cancer in 14 (33.3%) and tuberculous lymphadenopathy in 13 patients (31.0%). EUS‐FNA was performed in all 42 patients, with a diagnostic yield of pathologic examinations in 80.5%, polymerase chain reaction for tuberculosis in 42.9%, culture in 47.4%, and acid‐fast bacilli staining in 10.0%. Tuberculosis is confirmed in 28 (66.7%), and probable tuberculosis in 14 (33.3%). All patients received anti‐tuberculosis treatment, a 6‐months regimen in 12 (28.6%) and a 9‐months regimen in 28 (66.7%). Treatment response evaluated in 35 patients (83.3%) by computed tomography criteria showed complete response in 10 patients (28.6%), partial response in 23 (65.7%), stable disease in 1 (2.9%), and progressive disease in 1 (2.9%).

Conclusions

Peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenopathy is frequently mistaken for pancreatic malignancy. EUS‐FNA can be helpful for an accurate diagnosis. Complete resolution of the lesion, however, was not common on following imaging study after treatment.
Higher adherence with 3‐year entecavir treatment than lamivudine or telbivudine in treatment‐naïve Taiwanese patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Chien Rong‐Nan , Peng Cheng‐Yuan , Kao Jia‐Horng , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Lin Chun‐Che , Hu Chi‐Tan , Chen Chi‐Yi , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan , Lin Han‐Chieh , Chuang Wan‐Long ,   Taiwan NA‐Registry Group
Published: October 2013

Background and Aims

Oral nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) are effective in suppressing hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in treatment naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, little is known about the treatment modification and adherence on such patients with prolonged NA treatment.

Methods

In this multicenter observational study, a total of 600 NA‐naïve Taiwanese CHB patients aged 16 years and older were enrolled. The 600 patients were retrospectively identified by their NA treatment history from August 2008 to July 2009; this cohort was prospectively followed up over 3 years. During the 3‐year period, incidence of treatment modifications, reasons for modification, and rate of adherence were evaluated.

Results

Among the 583 evaluable patients, the initial NA treatment included entecavir (ETV) in 468 patients, telbivudine (LdT) in 67, and lamivudine (LVD) in 48. During the 3‐year treatment, 9.0% of ETV‐treated patients, 38.8% of LdT‐treated patients, and 54.2% of LVD‐treated patients had treatment modification. The main reasons for treatment modification were fulfilling stopping criteria in the ETV group (40.5%) and virological breakthrough in both the LdT (61.5%) and LVD (46.2%) groups. The proportion of patients with adherence rate (> 90%) at year 3 was 90.8% in the ETV group, 83.9% in the LdT group, and 83.9% in the LVD group.

Conclusions

Treatment‐naïve CHB patients with a 3‐year ETV treatment in Taiwan have the lower likelihood of treatment modification and better rate of adherence compared with those with LdT or LVD treatment.
Duodenal eosinophilia and early satiety in functional dyspepsia: Confirmation of a positive association in an Australian cohort
Authors: Walker Marjorie M , Aggarwal Kavita R , Shim Lisa SE , Bassan Milan , Kalantar Jamshid S , Weltman Martin D , Jones Michael , Powell Nicholas , Talley Nicholas J
Published: October 2013

Background and Aim

Functional dyspepsia (FD), defined by unexplained pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen, is common. Diagnosis and treatment of FD based on the symptom‐based Rome criteria remains challenging. Recently, eosinophilia in the duodenum has been implicated in the pathophysiology of FD in adults, specifically increased eosinophils in early satiety and postprandial distress, but the association remains controversial. The aim of this study was to characterize upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract pathology, specifically duodenal eosinophilia, in an Australian cohort of patients with FD.

Methods

Patients prospectively referred for an upper GI endoscopy (n = 55; mean age, 49.6 years; 61.8% female) were stratified to FD cases (n = 33) and controls (n = 22) using Rome II criteria. All subjects completed a validated bowel symptom questionnaire. The eosinophil count per square millimeter in the duodenal bulb (D1) and second part (D2) was assessed and Helicobacter pylori status determined by gastric histology. Associations with clinical symptoms were assessed.

Results

Cases and controls were demographically similar. Duodenal eosinophilia was significantly increased in subjects experiencing early satiety (P = 0.01) and postprandial fullness (P = 0.001). This association was seen in D2 but not D1. Abdominal pain was associated with eosinophilia in both D1 (P = 0.02) and D2 (P = 0.005). Smoking was also associated with higher eosinophil counts in D2 (P = 0.007) and symptoms of early satiety (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Duodenal eosinophilia occurs in a subset of FD. The potential role of duodenal eosinophils in FD has implications for diagnosis and therapeutic trials.
Thalamic synaptic transmission of sensory information modulated by synergistic interaction of adenosine and serotonin
Authors: Yang Ya‐Chin , Hu Chun‐Chang , Huang Chen‐Syuan , Chou Pei‐Yu
Published: October 2013

The thalamic synapses relay peripheral sensory information to the cortex, and constitute an important part of the thalamocortical network that generates oscillatory activities responsible for different vigilance (sleep and wakefulness) states. However, the modulation of thalamic synaptic transmission by potential sleep regulators, especially by combination of regulators in physiological scenarios, is not fully characterized. We found that somnogen adenosine itself acts similar to wake‐promoting serotonin, both decreasing synaptic strength as well as short‐term depression, at the retinothalamic synapse. We then combined the two modulators considering the coexistence of them in the hypnagogic (sleep‐onset) state. Adenosine plus serotonin results in robust synergistic inhibition of synaptic strength and dramatic transformation of short‐term synaptic depression to facilitation. These synaptic effects are not achievable with a single modulator, and are consistent with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio but a low level of signal transmission through the thalamus appropriate for slow‐wave sleep. This study for the first time demonstrates that the sleep‐regulatory modulators may work differently when present in combination than present singly in terms of shaping information flow in the thalamocortical network. The major synaptic characters such as the strength and short‐term plasticity can be profoundly altered by combination of modulators based on physiological considerations.

image

Mimicking a scenario of the sleep‐onset state, we found that wake‐promoting serotonin and local somnogen adenosine interact to produce robust inhibition of synaptic transmission and reverse the short‐term synaptic plasticity from depression to facilitation in the sensory thalamus, effects not achievable by one modulator alone but consistent with the expected electrophysiological characteristics at sleep. Thus, the relay of information through the thalamus can be finely tuned in a vigilance state‐dependent context‐specific manner by neuromodulators from both distant and local sources.
The anatomy of the caudal zona incerta in rodents and primates
Authors: Watson Charles , Lind Christopher R. P. , Thomas Meghan G.
Published: October 2013

The caudal zona incerta is the target of a recent modification of established procedures for deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease and tremor. The caudal zona incerta contains a number of neuronal populations that are distinct in terms of their cytoarchitecture, connections, and pattern of immunomarkers and is located at a position where a number of major tracts converge before turning toward their final destination in the forebrain. However, it is not clear which of the anatomical features of the region are related to its value as a target for DBS. This paper has tried to identify features that distinguish the caudal zona incerta of rodents (mouse and rat) and primates (marmoset, rhesus monkey, and human) from the remainder of the zona incerta. We studied cytoarchitecture, anatomical relationships, the pattern of immunomarkers, and gene expression in both of these areas. We found that the caudal zona incerta has a number of histological and gene expression characteristics that distinguish it from the other subdivisions of the zona incerta. Of particular note are the sparse population of GABA neurons and the small but distinctive population of calbindin neurons. We hope that a clearer appreciation of the anatomy of the region will in the end assist the interpretation of cases in which DBS is used in human patients.
Using Social‐Emotional and Character Development to Improve Academic Outcomes: A Matched‐Pair, Cluster‐Randomized Controlled Trial in Low‐Income, Urban Schools
Authors: Bavarian Niloofar , Lewis Kendra M. , DuBois David L. , Acock Alan , Vuchinich Samuel , Silverthorn Naida , Snyder Frank J. , Day Joseph , Ji Peter , Flay Brian R.
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

School‐based social‐emotional and character development (SECD) programs can influence not only SECD but also academic‐related outcomes. This study evaluated the impact of one SECD program, Positive Action (PA), on educational outcomes among low‐income, urban youth.

METHODS

The longitudinal study used a matched‐pair, cluster‐randomized controlled design. Student‐reported disaffection with learning and academic grades, and teacher ratings of academic ability and motivation were assessed for a cohort followed from grades 3 to 8. Aggregate school records were used to assess standardized test performance (for entire school, cohort, and demographic subgroups) and absenteeism (entire school). Multilevel growth‐curve analyses tested program effects.

RESULTS

PA significantly improved growth in academic motivation and mitigated disaffection with learning. There was a positive impact of PA on absenteeism and marginally significant impact on math performance of all students. There were favorable program effects on reading for African American boys and cohort students transitioning between grades 7 and 8, and on math for girls and low‐income students.

CONCLUSIONS

A school‐based SECD program was found to influence academic outcomes among students living in low‐income, urban communities. Future research should examine mechanisms by which changes in SECD influence changes in academic outcomes.