bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Quantitative Wall‐Motion Analysis and Strain for Detection of Coronary Stenosis with Three‐Dimensional Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography
Authors: Parker Katherine M. , Clark Alexander P. , Goodman Norman C. , Glover David K. , Holmes Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2014

Background

Quantitative analysis of wall motion from three‐dimensional (3D) dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) could provide additional diagnostic information not available from qualitative analysis. In this study, we compare the effectiveness of 3D fractional shortening (3DFS), a measure of wall motion computed from 3D echocardiography (3DE), to strain and strain rate measured with sonomicrometry for detecting critical stenoses during DSE.

Methods

Eleven open‐chest dogs underwent DSE both with and without a critical stenosis. 3DFS was measured from 3DE images acquired at peak stress. 3DFS was normalized by subtracting average 3DFS during control peak stress (∆3DFS). Strains in the perfusion defect (PD) were measured from sonomicrometry, and PD size and location were measured with microspheres.

Results

A ∆3DFS abnormality indicated the presence of a critical stenosis with high sensitivity and specificity (88% and 100%, respectively), and ∆3DFS abnormality size correlated with PD size (R2 = 0.54). The sensitivity and specificity for ∆3DFS were similar to that for area strain (88%, 100%) and circumferential strain and strain rate (88%, 92% and 88%, 86%, respectively), while longitudinal strain and strain rate were less specific. ∆3DFS correlated significantly with both coronary flow reserve (R2 = 0.71) and PD size (R2 = 0.97), while area strain correlated with PD size only (R2 = 0.67), and other measures were not significantly correlated with flow reserve or PD size.

Conclusion

Quantitative wall‐motion analysis using ∆3DFS is effective for detecting critical stenoses during DSE, performing similar to 3D strain, and provides potentially useful information on the size and location of a perfusion defect.
Mesophyll cell‐sucking herbivores (Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) on rainforest trees in Papua New Guinea: local and regional diversity of a taxonomically unexplored guild
Authors: BAJE LEONTINE , STEWART ALAN J. A. , NOVOTNY VOJTECH
Published: May 2014

Host specificity of a guild of sucking insects tapping leaf mesophyll cells (Auchenorrhyncha: Typhlocybinae) was surveyed for the first time in the tropics, on 65 woody species from a lowland rainforest in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Typhlocybinae species were host specific, feeding on 1–3 (median 1) plant species. Their assemblages did not functionally connect populations of different plant species, as an overwhelming majority (> 99%) of tree species pairs coexisting in the same forest did not share any typhlocybine species.

Cell‐sucking typhlocybines were more specialised than phloem‐ and xylem‐sucking Auchenorrhyncha. Typhlocybines were also more specialised in PNG than on trees in temperate Europe, even after standardisation for different phylogenetic diversity of tropical and temperate trees.

The cell‐sucking guild was species poor, with 0–5 (median 1) typhlocybine species per tree species. Their distribution among tree species conformed to a Poisson distribution, suggesting that tropical typhlocybine assemblages are not saturated with species.

Early succession plants supported a higher number of typhlocybine species than primary forest hosts but this preference could not be explained by successional trends in specific leaf area, foliar nitrogen content, wood density, tree abundance, or tree size.

The effective specialisation of typhlocybines on 65 plant species E = 0.79 was extrapolated to the entire known flora of PNG and used to estimate that there may be at least 2775 typhlocybine species in PNG, in comparison to the global total of only 4508 taxonomically described species, including merely 40 from PNG.
Self‐medication in insects: current evidence and future perspectives
Authors: ABBOTT JESSICA
Published: May 2014

1. Self‐medication is an ability to consume or otherwise contact biologically active organic compounds specifically for the purpose of helping to clear a (parasitic) infection or reduce its symptoms. Consumption of these compounds may either take place before the infection is contracted (prophylactic consumption) or after the infection is contracted (therapeutic consumption).

2. An important insight is that self‐medication is a form of adaptive plasticity, and as such, consumption of the medicinal substance when uninfected must impose a fitness cost (otherwise the substance would be universally consumed). This distinguishes self‐medication from several closely related phenomena such as microbiome effects or compensatory diet choice.

3. A number of recent studies have convincingly demonstrated self‐medication within several different, distantly‐related, insect taxa. Here I review evidence of self‐medication in the wooly bear caterpillar Grammia incorrupta Edwards, the armyworm Spodoptera Guenée, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, the monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus Kluk, and the honey bee Apis mellifera Linnaeus.

4. These studies show not only that self‐medication is possible, but that the target of the medication behaviour may in some cases be kin rather than self. They also reveal very few general patterns. I therefore end by discussing future prospects within the field of insect self‐medication.
Botryosphaeriaceae associated with die‐back of Schizolobium parahyba trees in South Africa and Ecuador
Authors: Mehl J. W. M. , Slippers B. , Roux J. , Wingfield M. J.
Published: May 2014

Die‐back of Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum is a serious problem in plantations of these trees in Ecuador. Similar symptoms have also been observed on trees of this species in various parts of South Africa. The most common fungi isolated from disease symptoms on S. parahyba var. amazonicum in both locations were species of the Botryosphaeriaceae. The aim of this study was to identify these fungi from both Ecuador and South Africa, and to test their pathogenicity in greenhouse and field trials. Isolates obtained were grouped based on culture morphology and identified using comparisons of DNA sequence data for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor 1α (TEF‐1α) gene regions. The β‐tubulin‐2 (BT2) locus was also sequenced for some isolates where identification was difficult. Three greenhouse trials were conducted in South Africa along with a field trial in Ecuador. Neofusicoccum parvum was obtained from trees in both areas and was the dominant taxon in South Africa. Lasiodiplodia theobromae was the dominant taxon in Ecuador, probably due to the subtropical climate in the area. Isolates of Neofusicoccum vitifusiforme (from South Africa only), Neofusicoccum umdonicola and Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae (from Ecuador only) were also obtained. All isolates used in the pathogenicity trials produced lesions on inoculated plants, suggesting that the Botryosphaeriaceae contribute to the die‐back of S. parahyba trees. While the disease is clearly not caused by a single species of the Botryosphaeriaceae in either region, N. parvum has been introduced into at least one of the regions. This species has a broad host range and could have been introduced on other hosts.
Contrasting effects of rising CO2 on primary production and ecological stoichiometry at different nutrient levels
Authors: Verspagen Jolanda M. H. , Van de Waal Dedmer B. , Finke Jan F. , Visser Petra M. , Huisman Jef
Published: May 2014

Although rising CO2 concentrations are thought to promote the growth and alter the carbon : nutrient stoichiometry of primary producers, several studies have reported conflicting results. To reconcile these contrasting results, we tested the following hypotheses: rising CO2 levels (1) will increase phytoplankton biomass more at high nutrient loads than at low nutrient loads, but (2) will increase their carbon : nutrient stoichiometry more at low than at high nutrient loads. We formulated a mathematical model to predict dynamic changes in phytoplankton population density, elemental stoichiometry and inorganic carbon chemistry in response to rising CO2. The model was tested in chemostat experiments with the freshwater cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. The model predictions and experimental results confirmed the hypotheses. Our findings provide a novel theoretical framework to understand and predict effects of rising CO2 concentrations on primary producers and their nutritional quality as food for herbivores under different nutrient conditions.
Deconstructing Socioemotional Wealth
Authors: Miller Danny , Le Breton–Miller Isabelle
Published: May 2014

There have appeared of late numerous important articles elaborating on and researching the concept of socioemotional wealth, within the last year in Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, others published in journals ranging from Administrative Science Quarterly to Family Business Review. Given the increasing popularity and generality of the concept, it is perhaps worth revisiting it to assess its potential for enhancing our understanding of family firms. We shall examine the socioemotional wealth concept and the challenges it poses for researchers, and propose some conceptual and methodological notions for increasing its utility.
NMR observation of HIV‐1 gp120 conformational flexibility resulting from V3 truncation
Authors: Moseri Adi , Schnur Einat , Noah Eran , Zherdev Yuri , Kessler Naama , Singhal Sinha Eshu , Abayev Meital , Naider Fred , Scherf Tali , Anglister Jacob
Published: May 2014

The envelope spike of HIV‐1, which consists of three external gp120 and three transmembrane gp41 glycoproteins, recognizes its target cells by successively binding to its primary CD4 receptor and a coreceptor molecule. Until recently, atomic‐resolution structures were available primarily for monomeric HIV‐1 gp120, in which the V1, V2 and V3 variable loops were omitted (gp120core), in complex with soluble CD4 (sCD4). Differences between the structure of HIV gp120core in complex with sCD4 and the structure of unliganded simian immunodeficiency virus gp120core led to the hypothesis that gp120 undergoes a major conformational change upon sCD4 binding. To investigate the conformational flexibility of gp120, we generated two forms of mutated gp120 amenable for NMR studies: one with V1, V2 and V3 omitted (mutgp120core) and the other containing the V3 region [mutgp120core(+V3)]. The TROSY‐1H‐15N‐HSQC spectra of [2H,13C,15N]Arg‐labeled and [2H,13C,15N]Ile‐labeled unliganded mutgp120core showed many fewer crosspeaks than the expected number, and also many fewer crosspeaks in comparison with the labeled mutgp120core bound to the CD4‐mimic peptide, CD4M33. This finding suggests that in the unliganded form, mutgp120core shows considerable flexibility and motions on the millisecond time scale. In contrast, most of the expected crosspeaks were observed for the unliganded mutgp120core(+V3), and only a few changes in chemical shift were observed upon CD4M33 binding. These results indicate that mutgp120core(+V3) does not show any significant conformational flexibility in its unliganded form and does not undergo any significant conformational change upon CD4M33 binding, underlining the importance of V3 in stabilizing the gp120core conformation.
Small ubiquitin‐related modifier‐1 modification regulates all‐trans‐retinoic acid‐induced differentiation via stabilization of retinoic acid receptor α
Authors: Zhou Qian , Zhang Lei , Chen Zibo , Zhao Pingge , Ma Yaxi , Yang Bo , He Qiaojun , Ying Meidan
Published: May 2014

Small ubiquitin‐related modifier‐1 (SUMO‐1) modification has been implicated in many important cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, apoptosis, cellular proliferation, and development, but its role in all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA)‐induced differentiation processes of cancer cells remains unclear. Here, we report for the first time that ATRA‐induced differentiation of leukemia and osteosarcoma is accompanied by a decrease in the level of SUMO‐1 protein. Our results also demonstrated that depletion or inhibition of SUMO‐1 blocks ATRA‐induced differentiation, suggesting that SUMO‐1 is critical for the differentiation effect of ATRA. Further studies indicated that SUMO‐1‐promoted ATRA‐induced differentiation might be associated with the stabilization of retinoic acid receptor α (RARα), protecting it from degradation. Moreover, our results suggested that Lys399 is a major site for SUMO‐1 conjugation of RARα. We also found that RARα enhanced the transcription of its target genes, which might also contribute to the enhanced differentiating effects of ATRA; however, mutation of Lys399 of RARα inhibits the extents of both SUMO‐1 modification and ATRA‐induced differentiation. Together, these results indicate that SUMO‐1 modification of RARα is a potent mechanism for balancing proliferation and differentiation by controlling the stability of RARα in cancer cells. SUMO‐1 modification may thus serve an important role in controlling ATRA‐induced cell differentiation in cancers.

Structured digital abstract

SUMO1
 physically interacts with RAR-alpha by anti bait coip (1, 2, 3)

SUMO-1 physically interacts with RAR-alpha by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

SUMO1 and RAR-alpha colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)
Calculation of the energy J‐integral in plastic zone ahead of a crack tip by infrared scanning
Authors: Iziumova A. , Plekhov O.
Published: May 2014

The work is devoted to the experimental study of the energy dissipation in titanium OT‐4 under fatigue crack propagation. To investigate a spatial and time temperature evolution at fatigue crack tip, a set of experiments was carried out using specimens with pre‐grown centered fatigue crack. The temperature evolution was monitored by infrared camera. To estimate the values of heat dissipation and J‐integral for cracks with the pronounced plastic zone, an original mathematical algorithm for experimental data treatment was developed. The algorithm includes spatial‐time filtering and relative motion compensation procedures. The value of J‐integral was calculated using the HRR‐solution for stress distribution near the fatigue crack tip and an approximate equation relating the J‐integral to the value of the plastic work.
A nonlinear fatigue damage‐healing model for copper film by LSP
Authors: Zhang L‐H. , Shang D‐G. , Liu X‐D. , Sun Y‐J. , Guo Y‐B. , Liu F‐Z. , Chen T.
Published: May 2014

The healing variable and enhancement variable were first defined by the fatigue ductility, and then based on the relationship of the damage variable, the healing variable and the enhancement variable, a nonlinear fatigue damage‐healing model was proposed for predicting the fatigue life of the healed copper film by laser shock peening (LSP). The nonlinear fatigue damage cumulative process was considered in the model for the original specimen without LSP under constant and variable amplitude loadings. The results showed that the proposed nonlinear fatigue damage‐healing model can predict the residual fatigue life for the damaged copper film specimen well.
The Significance of Distance in Innovation Biographies—The Case of Law Firms
Authors: Stein Axel
Published: May 2014

The objective of this paper is to illustrate the trajectories of innovation biographies in the service economy utilising the geographic heuristics of physical and relational distances. Drawing on the theoretical literature on the significance of proximity and distance to economic activities, the paper examines three case studies in the law sector. The analysis focuses on the role of the term “innovation” within law businesses and on the interplay of proximities and distances in the case studies.
Effect of Natural Disasters on Local Nonprofit Activity
Authors: Pena Anita A. , Zahran Sammy , Underwood Anthony , Weiler Stephan
Published: May 2014

Disaster damage levels are matched to county‐level nonprofit activity indicators. Using dynamic panel‐data estimation, nonprofit net assets (and nonprofit revenue to a lesser extent) defined at this local level are found to be positively correlated with disaster event damage levels, consistent with a post‐disaster giving mechanism. Magnitudes are relatively small, suggesting a distributed downstream flow of benefits to local nonprofits from larger national organizations. Furthermore, disaster damage at a lag is associated with only minor increases in the count of local nonprofit organizations at the county level. The relative impacts of assets and nonprofit counts in particular indicate that existing nonprofits have the established credibility and networks to be reliable conduits for post‐disaster asset flows. If local nonprofits are an indicator of regional social capital, the findings suggest that disasters reveal the resilience of social capital structures in the face of crisis along the focal dimension of nonprofit activity.
Factors that affect the decision to undergo amniocentesis in women with normal Down syndrome screening results: it is all about the age
Authors: Grinshpun‐Cohen Julia , Miron‐Shatz Talya , Ries‐Levavi Liat , Pras Elon
Published: May 2014

Background

Risk for foetal Down syndrome (DS) increases as maternal age increases. Non‐invasive screening (maternal serum triple test) for DS is routinely offered to pregnant women to provide risk estimates and suggest invasive amniocentesis for definitive pre‐natal diagnosis to high‐risk women.

Objective

We examined women's decision process with regard to pre‐natal screening, and specifically, the degree to which they take into account triple serum screening results when considering whether or not to undergo amniocentesis.

Design

Semi‐structured phone interviews were conducted to assess recall of DS screening results, understanding of risk estimates and their effect on women's decision whether to undergo amniocentesis. The study included 60 pregnant Israeli women (half younger than 35 and half advanced maternal age – AMA), with normal DS screening results and no known ultrasound abnormalities.

Results

Age appeared to determine the decision process. The vast majority of AMA women had amniocentesis, many of them before receiving their DS screening results. Most AMA participants knew that their risk estimate was ‘normal’, but still considered themselves at high risk due to their age. Procedure‐related risk (miscarriage) and other factors only had a minor effect on their decision. A minority of younger women had amniocentesis. Younger women mentioned procedure‐related risk and having normal screening results as the main factors affecting their decision not to have amniocentesis.

Conclusion

Age 35 is an anchor for the pre‐determination regarding performing or avoiding amniocentesis. AMA women mention ‘age’ as their main reason to have amniocentesis and considered it an independent risk factor.
Values and preferences for oral antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation: physician and patient perspectives
Authors: Alonso‐Coello Pablo , Montori Victor M. , Díaz M. Gloria , Devereaux Philip J. , Mas Gemma , Diez Ana I. , Solà Ivan , Roura Mercè , Souto Juan C. , Oliver Sven , Ruiz Rafael , Coll‐Vinent Blanca , Gich Ignasi , Schünemann Holger J. , Guyatt Gordon
Published: May 2014

Background

Exploration of values and preferences in the context of anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) remains limited. To better characterize the distribution of patient and physician values and preferences relevant to decisions regarding anticoagulation in patients with AF, we conducted interviews with patients at risk of developing AF and physicians who manage patients with AF.

Methods

We interviewed 96 outpatients and 96 physicians in a multicenter study and elicited the maximal increased risk of bleeding (threshold risk) that respondents would tolerate with warfarin vs. aspirin to achieve a reduction in three strokes in 100 patients over a 2‐year period. We used the probabilistic version of the threshold technique.

Results

The median threshold risk for both patients and physicians was 10 additional bleeds (10 P = 0.7). In both groups, we observed large variability in the threshold number of bleeds, with wider variability in patients than clinicians [patient range: 0–100, physician range: 0–50]. We observed one cluster of patients and physicians who would tolerate <10 bleeds and another cluster of patients, but not physicians, who would accept more than 35.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest wide variability in patient and physician values and preferences regarding the trade‐off between strokes and bleeds. Results suggest that in individual decision making, physician and patient values and preferences will often be discordant; this mandates tailoring treatment to the individual patient's preferences.
High rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence in HIV‐infected individuals with spontaneous HCV RNA clearance
Authors: Peters L , Mocroft A , Soriano V , Rockstroh JK , Kirkby N , Reiss P , Katlama C , Zakharova N , Flisiak R , Lundgren JD ,   EuroSIDA in EuroCoord
Published: May 2014

Objectives

Following resolution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, recurrence has been shown to occur in some persons with repeated exposure to HCV. We aimed to investigate the rate and factors associated with HCV RNA recurrence among HIV‐1‐infected patients with prior spontaneous HCV RNA clearance in the EuroSIDA cohort.

Methods

All HIV‐infected patients with documented prior spontaneous HCV clearance, and at least one subsequently collected plasma sample, were examined. The last sample was tested for HCV RNA and those with HCV RNA ≥ 615 IU/mL were defined as having HCV recurrence and their characteristics were compared with those of patients who were still aviraemic. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with HCV recurrence.

Results

Of 191 eligible patients, 35 [18.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 12.8–23.8%] had HCV recurrence. Thirty‐three (94.3%) were injecting drug users (IDUs). The median time between the first and last samples was 3.6 years (interquartile range 2.0–5.8 years). After adjustment, those on combination antiretroviral therapy [odds ratio (OR) 0.44; 95% CI 0.20–0.99; P = 0.046] and older persons (OR 0.51 per 10 years older; 95% CI 0.28–0.95; P = 0.033) were less likely to have HCV RNA recurrence, whereas IDUs were over 6 times more likely to have HCV RNA recurrence compared with non‐IDUs (OR 6.58; 95% CI 1.48–29.28; P = 0.013).

Conclusions

Around 1 in 5 HIV‐infected patients with prior spontaneous HCV RNA clearance had detectable HCV RNA during follow‐up. Our findings underline the importance of maintaining focus on preventive measures to reduce IDU and sharing of contaminated needles. Clinicians should maintain a high degree of vigilance to identify patients with new HCV infection early.
Intracellular neutrophil myeloperoxidase level in pediatric patients: significant age and gender variability
Authors: Nikulshin S. , Tolstikova I. , Bartule A. , Kviluna D. , Gravele D. , Gardovska D.
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an enzyme produced by neutrophil leukocytes and released upon activation, killing pathogens and causing tissue damage. As neutrophils in neonates are functionally immature, cellular MPO content in children may be age‐related and different from adults. Hematological analyzer ADVIA 2120i (Siemens AG), while routinely assessing neutrophil count, measures their MPO content by means of myeloperoxidase index (MPXI). No pediatric reference range for MPXI has been published.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of MPXI values in 51 303 consecutive routine blood tests of nonhematologic pediatric patients, looking for age‐ and gender‐related variability. Nonparametric statistical analysis (Spearman rho and Mann–Whitney U‐test) was used for evaluation.

Results

Neutrophil MPO content was highly significantly lower during the first month of life (P << 0.001) and rose to average pediatric values by day 28. Unexpectedly, the study revealed a highly significant gender difference (P << 0.001), MPXI being lower in boys from birth to adulthood.

Conclusions

We found previously unreported highly significant age‐ and gender‐related variations of neutrophil MPO in children in hospital setting. There are possible clinical implications, particularly concerning neutrophil immunity of neonates and gender‐related difference in vascular events in adults. The finding may be considered for refining automatic cell counting in infants.
Does the presence of von Willebrand factor in FVIII‐deficient plasma influences the measurement of FVIII inhibitor titres in haemophilia A patients?
Authors: Pouplard C. , Desconclois C. , Sobas F. , Aillaud M. F. , Ternisien C. , Caron C.
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Reliable measurement of FVIII inhibitor is critical in the follow‐up of haemophilia A patients. We performed a multicentre study to evaluate whether the presence of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in FVIII‐deficient plasma (FVIII‐DP) influences FVIII inhibitor titres.

Methods

Six French haematology laboratories participated in this study. Three samples with varying FVIII inhibitor titres (1, 5 and 15 BU/mL) and one sample without any detectable FVIII inhibitor were tested using four different procedures for FVIII inhibitor assay. The Nijmegen method and a modified assay with imidazole were performed using FVIII‐DP with and without VWF in the control mixture and as substrate plasma in the FVIII one stage assay (OSA). Each mixture (reference and test) was incubated for two hours at 37 °C with buffered normal pool plasma.

Results

Higher inhibitor titres were measured in 5 and 15 BU/mL samples when assays were performed with the Nijmegen method and FVIII‐DP without VWF. When samples were diluted in imidazole buffer, similar inhibitor titres, close to expected values, were measured whether VWF was present in the FVIII‐DP or not. The data obtained were also more accurate when residual FVIII activity levels between 40% and 60% were used to calculate inhibitor titres, despite a linear type I reaction kinetics.

Conclusion

These results support the hypothesis that reliable FVIII inhibitor titres can be measured without the use of FVIII‐DP containing VWF when an imidazole‐modified assay is used.
Performance evaluation of the new hematology analyzer Sysmex XN‐series
Authors: Seo J. Y. , Lee S.‐T. , Kim S.‐H.
Published: May 2014

Introduction

The Sysmex XN‐series is a new automated hematology analyzer designed to improve the accuracy of cell counts and the specificity of the flagging events.

Methods

The basic characteristics and the performance of new measurement channels of the XN were evaluated and compared with the Sysmex XE‐2100 and the manual method. Fluorescent platelet count (PLT‐F) was compared with the flow cytometric method. The low WBC mode and body fluid mode were also evaluated. For workflow analysis, 1005 samples were analyzed on both the XN and the XE‐2100, and manual review rates were compared.

Results

All parameters measured by the XN correlated well with the XE‐2100. PLT‐F showed better correlation with the flow cytometric method (r2 = 0.80) compared with optical platelet count (r2 = 0.73) for platelet counts <70 × 109/L. The low WBC mode reported accurate leukocyte differentials for samples with a WBC count <0.5 × 109/L. Relatively good correlation was found for WBC counts between the manual method and the body fluid mode (r = 0.88). The XN made less flags than the XE‐2100, while the sensitivities of both instruments were comparable.

Conclusion

The XN provided reliable results on low cell counts, as well as reduced manual blood film reviews, while maintaining a proper level of diagnostic sensitivity.
Detection of malignant B lymphocytes by PCR clonality assay using direct lysis of cerebrospinal fluid and low volume specimens
Authors: Liu L. , Cao F. , Wang S. , Zhou J. , Yang G. , Wang C.
Published: May 2014

Introduction

The diagnosis of lymphoid malignancies is often challenging in paucicellular specimens. PCR may also be limited by insufficient cells for DNA isolation and incomplete coverage of gene rearrangements. This study aims to evaluate a PCR method for IgH clonality using direct cell lysates.

Methods

PCR amplification used cell lysate from detergent‐based lysis and BIOMED‐2 primers. CSF specimens were tested for 20 patients with primary CNS lymphoma or systemic lymphoma suspected for CNS involvement. Cytology and flow cytometry analysis was performed in parallel with PCR.

Results

Direct lysis produced a better yield than the column‐based method for DNA isolation. PCR using lysate showed an efficiency of clonality detection from a minimum of 20 tumor cells. PCR clonality was found in nine of the 20 CSFs, and positive PCR was concordant with both cytology and flow cytometry in seven cases. There were two cases positive for PCR, but indeterminate for flow cytometry because of insufficient cell events. Of the eleven PCR‐negative cases, two were considered as false negative, as flow cytometry showed positive for malignant cells. The PCR was also performed successfully with a specimen from the anterior chamber of the eye.

Conclusion

PCR clonality with direct cell lysis of CSF is feasible, and it may overcome the limitation of DNA isolation. This PCR method may be particularly useful for small volume and low cell CSF when flow cytometry is inconclusive.
Refeeding syndrome is uncommon in alcoholics admitted to a hospital detoxification unit
Authors: Manning S. , Gilmour M. , Weatherall M. , Robinson G. M.
Published: May 2014

The refeeding syndrome is increasingly recognised. It is a serious change in electrolytes when nutrition is reintroduced to malnourished patients. Alcohol dependence is a risk factor for the refeeding syndrome. We report a prospective cohort study of 36 alcoholics hospitalised for withdrawal management. We found no evidence of refeeding syndrome in any patient after 3 days of hospitalisation, despite hypomagnesaemia, a risk factor for the refeeding syndrome being prevalent (44% of subjects). Low thiamine levels were infrequent affecting 3/29 (10%). We recommend that in alcoholics admitted for managed withdrawal, risk of refeeding syndrome appears to be low, and routine testing of repeat electrolytes appears unnecessary.
Risk capital, private credit, and innovative production
Authors: Ang James B. , Madsen Jakob B.
Published: May 2014

Abstract Although ideas production plays a critical role for growth, there has been only a modicum of research on the role played by financial forces in fostering new inventions. Drawing on Schumpeterian growth theory, this paper tests the roles of risk capital and private credit in stimulating knowledge production. Using panel data for 77 countries over the period 1965–2009, we find that countries with more developed financial systems are more innovative. A stronger patent protection framework, on the other hand, curbs innovative production.
Second thoughts on the exporter productivity premium
Authors: Schröder Philipp J.H. , Sørensen Allan
Published: May 2014

Abstract Contrary to the prevailing interpretation, this paper shows that the central models of trade with heterogeneous firms (Melitz 2003; Bernard et al. 2003) exhibit ambiguous predictions for the exporter productivity premium. This prospect arises because of differences between theoretical and empirical representations of firm productivity. Instead of marginal productivity, we examine in both models the theoretical equivalent of empirically observable productivity (value‐added per employee). Given the presence of fixed export costs or heterogeneous mark‐ups and trade costs, the observable productivity of exporters in proximity to the export‐indifferent firm turns out to be lower than that of non‐exporters; that is, the productivity distributions overlap. The paper reviews empirical literature that reports non‐positive exporter productivity premia in firm‐level data and discusses implications for empirical research on exporter performance, including learning and the role of non‐parametric regressions (stochastic dominance, quantile regressions), fixed costs, and productivity distributions.
Do tax cuts generate twin deficits? A multi‐country analysis
Authors: Boileau Martin , Normandin Michel
Published: May 2014

Abstract We study the effects of tax shocks on the budget and external deficits for 16 industrialized countries over the post‐1970 period. Our structural approach is based on a small open economy model where a tax cut affects the external deficit by two distinct channels. The demographic channel works through the overlapping‐generation structure of the model. The forecasting channel works through the dynamic structure of the model. Our empirical analysis documents that tax shocks generate twin deficits, and that both channels play important roles in explaining the positive comovement between the budget and external deficits.
New targets for increasing endogenous testosterone production: clinical implications and review of the literature
Authors: Le B. , Chen H. , Zirkin B. , Burnett A.
Published: May 2014

Over the past several decades, our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of testosterone production has increased significantly. Concurrently, the medical treatment of hypogonadism, particularly in the ageing male has increased. This review article consolidates some of our insights into the regulatory mechanisms of endogenous testosterone production and examines promising new targets that may allow endogenous production of testosterone to be re‐established in males with primary hypogonadism. We examined the published scientific literature regarding regulatory mechanisms of testosterone biosynthesis with a focus on Leydig cell physiology and small‐molecule regulation that resulted in increased testosterone production. We identified several pathways that have been manipulated pharmacologically to increase Leydig cell testosterone production, including phosphodiesterases, the cholesterol translocator protein, the electron transport chain of mitochondria, cyclooxygenases and osteocalcin. Manipulation of these pathways with small molecules has helped further our understanding of the regulatory pathways of testosterone biosynthesis. Herein, we identified five future targets that might promote increased endogenous testosterone production through the Leydig cell instead of relying on exogenous testosterone administration.
Low Cost Porous Alumina with Tailored Microstructure and Thermal Conductivity Prepared using Rice Husk and Sucrose
Authors: Mohanta Kalyani , Kumar Ajay , Parkash Om , Kumar Devendra
Published: May 2014

This study demonstrates a cost‐effective way to fabricate porous ceramics with tailored porosity and pore microstructure using 5–40 wt% rice husk (RH) in <75 μm, 75–180 μm, 180–355 μm, 355–420 μm, and 420–600 μm size, as pore former. Sucrose, used as binder, also acted as a pore former. Porous alumina compacts with 20%–66% volume fraction porosity and 50–516 μm pore size (length) were successfully fabricated. Microstructure of samples reveal randomly oriented elongated coarse pores and fine pores (avg. size 4 μm), created during burnout of RH and sucrose, respectively. Samples with isolated and/or interconnected pores were fabricated using this process. Thermal conductivity of the samples prepared was measured using Transient Plane Source (TPS) technique. Thermal conductivity ranges from 1.2 to 24 W/mK. Experimental results agree closely with predictions made based on Effective Medium Theory (EMT) for a two‐phase system.
Ce3+/Pr3+: YAGG: A Long Persistent Phosphor Activated by Blue‐Light
Authors: Wang Bo , Lin Hang , Yu Yunlong , Chen Daqin , Zhang Rui , Xu Ju , Wang Yuansheng
Published: May 2014

The requirement of using ultraviolet light to stimulate afterglow luminescence has seriously restricted indoors/outdoors applications of most persistent materials developed hitherto. Herein, efficient blue‐light‐activated Ce3+, Pr3+: YAGG phosphors, showing optimized long‐persistent luminescence lasting for 1 h, were prepared and investigated in detail with the aid of X‐ray diffraction refinement, steady‐state/persistent photoluminescence spectra, room/low‐temperature persistent decay curves, and three‐dimensional thermo‐luminescence spectra. Notably, the afterglow properties were found highly dependent on the Ga content which greatly alters both the host band gap energy and the Ce3+: 5d level structure and thus is beneficial to the electrons' photoionization and trapping processes. Moreover, Pr3+ additive was found not only prolonged the afterglow lifetime of Ce3+ through improving concentration of carriers captured at the trap, but also served as the red‐emissive centers for color tuning. The persistent energy transfer from Ce3+ to Pr3+ was experimentally demonstrated for the first time.
Sm‐Doped LaSi3N5: Synthesis, Computed Electronic Structure, and Band Gaps
Authors: Ibrahim Ismail A.M. , Lenčéš Zoltán , Benco Ľubomír , Hrabalová Monika , Šajgalík Pavol
Published: May 2014

LaSi3N5‐based phosphor doped with Sm was prepared by the nitridation of LaSi‐Si‐Si3N4‐Sm2O3 powder mixture. The emission spectrum shows two main bands with maxima at 595 nm in the orange region and at ~650 nm in the red region. The excitation spectrum of Sm‐doped LaSi3N5 shows a maxima at 585, 570, and 405 nm. First‐principles density‐functional theory calculations were performed using Vienna ab initio simulation package to enhance the understanding of the electronic structure of the stoichiometric LaSi3N5 and Sm‐doped LaSi3N5. The electronic structure and band gaps were calculated in 2 × 1 × 2 supercell with 144 atoms using the more precise screened Coulomb hybrid functional HSE06. Both La3+/Sm3+ and La3+/Sm2+ substitutions were calculated. The calculated band gap of Sm(III)‐doped LaSi3N5 is 2.01 eV, in reasonable agreement with the experimental value of 2.12 eV, but corresponds to the unrealistic transition between the N, Si p states, and unoccupied Sm 4f states. The band gap of 1.43 eV calculated for Sm(II)‐doped LaSi3N5 is smaller than the available experimental value, but corresponds to the correct transition between nonbonding Sm 4f states and empty La 5d states. Optical properties are found to be governed by f electrons of the Sm(II) dopant.
Influence of Temperature and Material Deposit on Material Removal Uniformity during Optical Pad Polishing
Authors: Suratwala Tayyab , Feit Michael D. , Steele William A. , Wong Lana L.
Published: May 2014

The effects of temperature and material deposit on workpiece material removal spatial uniformity during optical pad polishing are described. Round and square‐fused silica workpieces (25–265 mm in size) were polished on a polyurethane pad using ceria slurry under various conditions. Using a nonrotated workpiece on a rotating lap, elevated temperatures (as measured by IR imaging), due to frictional heating at the workpiece–lap interface, were observed having a largely radial symmetric profile (relative to the lap center) on both the workpiece and lap with a peak temperature corresponding to the workpiece center. A 3D steady‐state thermal model of the polishing process, which accounts for the frictional heating and effective heat transfer from various surfaces, quantitatively describes the observed thermal profiles. The temperature spatial uniformity, which affects the material removal spatial uniformity, can be significantly improved using a rotated workpiece and a specially designed compensating septum during polishing. Next, using a rotating workpiece and lap, the workpiece surface develops two types of mid‐range structure: (1) fine ripples (sub‐mm scale length) that run circumferentially with respect to the lap, which have been attributed to microscopic islands of slurry on the lap leading to radial material removal nonuniformities; and (2) a center depression (cm scale length) which has been attributed to nonlinear slurry & glass products buildup at a specific radial lap location. A polishing simulator model (called Surface Figure or SurF), which accounts for workpiece wear, pad wear, and now deposition on the pad, correctly simulates the preferential material deposit on the pad and the center depression structure developed on the workpiece. Strategies, such as time averaging through kinematics and diamond conditioning, for preventing both these nonuniformities are demonstrated.
Flash Sintering of Nanocrystalline Zinc Oxide and its Influence on Microstructure and Defect Formation
Authors: Schmerbauch Christoph , Gonzalez‐Julian Jesus , Röder Robert , Ronning Carsten , Guillon Olivier
Published: May 2014

We report the sintering behavior of nanocrystalline zinc oxide under external AC electric field between 0 and 160 V/cm. In situ acquisition of density by means of laser dilatometry, evaluation of specimen temperature, real‐time measurement of electric field and current help analyze this peculiar behavior. Field strength and blocking electrodes significantly affect densification and microstructure, which was evaluated in the vicinity of the flash event and for the fully sintered material. High current densities flow through the sample at high electric fields, entailing a sudden increment of the temperature estimated to several hundreds of K and an exaggerated grain growth. In contrast, low current density flows through the sample at lower electric fields, which guarantees normal grain growth and highest final density. Macroscopic photoluminescence measurements give insights into the development of the defect structure. Electric fields are expected to enhance defect mobility, explaining the high densification rates observed during the sintering process.
Optical Property of Dy3+‐and Ce3+‐Doped Si–B–Na–Sr Glasses
Authors: He Wanyi , Wang Xiangfu , Zheng Jin , Yan Xiaohong
Published: May 2014

Novel Dy3+ and Ce3+ doped Si–B–Na–Sr (SBNS) glasses were synthesized by melt‐quenching technique. Excited by 327 nm, the 0.5Dy3+‐and 0.5Ce3+‐doped SBNS exhibits white emission with Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage coordinates of (0.308, 0.280). Basic optical characterizations have been performed by measuring the absorption and emission spectra and calculating Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters, radiative probability, luminescence branching ratio, cross sections, and effective bandwidth. The Judd–Ofelt parameters Ω2, Ω4, and Ω6 indicate a high asymmetrical environment and covalent environment in the optical glass. The emission color of Ce3+ and Dy3+ codoped transparent glass can be tuned from blue to white through energy transfer from Ce3+ to Dy3+ ions. The resulting glass may have potential application in white‐light‐emitting source.
Children's relative age in class and use of medication for ADHD: a Danish Nationwide Study
Authors: Pottegård Anton , Hallas Jesper , Hernández‐Díaz  , Zoëga Helga
Published: May 2014

Background

Previous studies from North America and Iceland have shown that the youngest children within a grade are up to twice as likely to be diagnosed and treated for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with their older classmates. We aimed to investigate whether younger age in class is associated with an increased probability of being prescribed medication for ADHD among school‐aged children in Denmark.

Methods

We followed all Danish children between 2000 and 2012 from 1st through 6th grade (7–12 years). Among children who started school on their age‐assigned grade level, we estimated the prevalence proportion ratio (PPR) of receiving ADHD medication between the youngest children in class (born in October–December) and the oldest in class (born in January–March), specified by grade level, calendar year and gender. As a sensitivity analysis, we added children not on their age‐assigned grade level to the main calculations.

Results

We identified 932,032 eligible children for the main analysis, of whom 17.3% were among the youngest and 26.5% among the oldest in class. In total, 1.2% eligible children filled at least one prescription for ADHD medication in 2000–2012. The average PPR over the study period was 1.08 (95% CI, 1.04–1.12) and remained stable across subgroups and sensitivity analyses. Overall, 40% of children born October–December had entered school a year after their age‐assigned grade level.

Conclusions

Contrary to previous study results, we observed almost no relative age effect on medication use for ADHD among children in Denmark. We postulate that this may be due to the high proportion of relatively young children held back by 1 year in the Danish school system and/or a generally low prevalence of ADHD medication use in the country.
Cost‐effectiveness of classroom‐based cognitive behaviour therapy in reducing symptoms of depression in adolescents: a trial‐based analysis
Authors: Anderson Rob , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Sayal Kapil , Phillips Rhiannon , Taylor John A. , Spears Melissa , Araya Ricardo , Lewis Glyn , Millings Abigail , Montgomery Alan A. , Stallard Paul
Published: May 2014

Background

A substantial minority of adolescents suffer from depression and it is associated with increased risk of suicide, social and educational impairment, and mental health problems in adulthood. A recently conducted randomized controlled trial in England evaluated the effectiveness of a manualized universally delivered age‐appropriateCBTprogramme in school classrooms. The cost‐effectiveness of the programme for preventing low mood and depression for all participants from a health and social care sector perspective needs to be determined.

Methods

A trial‐based cost‐effectiveness analysis based on a cluster‐randomized controlled trial (trial registration –ISRCTN19083628) comparing classroom‐basedCBTwith usual school provision of Personal Social and Health Education. Per‐student cost of intervention was estimated from programme records. The study was undertaken in eight mixed‐sexUKsecondary schools, and included 3,357 school children aged 12 to 16 years (in the two trial arms evaluated in the cost‐effectiveness analysis). The main outcome measures were individual self‐reported data on care costs, Quality‐Adjusted Life‐Years (QALYs, based on theEQ‐5D health‐related quality‐of‐life instrument) and symptoms of depression (Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) at baseline, 6 and 12 months.

Results

Although there was lower quality‐adjusted life‐years over 12 months (−.05QALYs per person, 95% confidence interval −.09 to −.005,p = .03) withCBT, this is a ‘clinically’ negligible difference, which was not found in the complete case analyses. There was little evidence of any between‐arm differences inSMFQscores (0.19, 95%CI−0.57 to 0.95,p = .62), or costs (£142, 95%CI−£132 to £415,p = .31) per person forCBTversus usual school provision.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that the universal provision of classroom‐basedCBTis unlikely to be either more effective or less costly than usual school provision.