bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An approach to standardize transient expression of GUS in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) using the Sonication-Assisted Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated Transformation (SAAT) method
Authors: Debnath Anirban Jyoti , Basu Debabrata , Sikdar Samir Ranjan
Published: October 2014

Sonication-Assisted Agrobacterium-mediated Transformation (SAAT) dramatically improved Agrobacterium infection efficiency in Sesamum indicum (sesame) cotyledon. Different parameters of this method such as the duration of sonication, Agrobacterium concentration and acetosyringone concentration during co-cultivation was standardized to develop a balanced protocol that gave optimum β-glucuronidase (GUS) expression with minimal tissue damage. Nine seconds was identified as the optimum duration for sonication. Agrobacterium concentration having OD600 nm 1.0 was found not to induce tissue damage. Usage of 100 μM acetosyringone, which facilitates T-DNA transfer by activating the vir gene in Agrobacterium, increased the transient GUS activity. The optimized protocol facilitated 85.56 ± 0.35% transient GUS activity. Mimicking SAAT by increasing the concentration of acetosyringone during the co-cultivation period to 400 μM in the conventional Agrobacterium-mediated transformation gave only 32.22 ± 1.53% GUS activity. The results suggest that not only acetosyringone but also other compounds were released during formation of micro-wound by sonication that increased the infection efficiency.
EMS, sodium azide and gamma rays induced meiotic anomalies in Delphinium malabaricum (Huth) Munz
Authors: Kolar Firdose R. , Pai Sandeep R. , Dixit Ghansham B.
Published: October 2014

Meiotic cell division is a dynamic cellular process controlled by a large number of genes that act from premeiotic to postmeiotic mitosis. Mutation in these genes may cause anomalies that impair plant fertility. In this study, an attempt has therefore been made to understand the effects of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS), sodium azide (SA) and gamma rays on the meiotic configuration of Delphinium malabaricum. The results demonstrated that the mutagens cause various types of cytological aberrations, such as univalents, chromatin bridges, laggards, fragments, stickiness and multinucleated cells. The maximum aberrations were found at higher doses/concentrations of the mutagens. The highest percentage of pollen mother cells showing abnormalities was induced by EMS followed by gamma rays and SA. The mutagen impact on chromosomal anomalies increased the frequency of pollen sterility.
Quality and Fortificant Retention of Rice Noodles as Affected by Flour Particle Size
Authors: Malahayati Nura , Muhammad Kharidah , Bakar Jamilah , Karim Roselina
Published: October 2014

Rice noodles, which are widely consumed noodles in Southeast Asia, were evaluated as a potential carrier for fortificants such as vitamin A, folic acid, and iron. Because flour particle size was found to affect the noodle properties, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of five different particle sizes (≤63, 80, 100, 125, and 140 µm) of dry‐milled rice flour on the cooking quality, microstructure, texture, and sensory characteristics of the rice noodles. The retention of fortificant in the noodles at every stage of processing as affected by the flour particle size was also determined. It was found that the rice noodles produced from flour with the smallest particle size studied (≤63 µm) had the best quality and were the most liked by the consumers. In addition, the noodles had the most compact and regular structure, which could be attributed to having the most severely gelatinized starch. This starch would have caused the least leaching of the fortificant into the surrounding water during the boiling stage of the rice noodle processing. Retention of iron in the cooked fortified rice noodles prepared from flour with the smallest particle size was high at around 87%, whereas that of vitamin A and folic acid were below 15%. Because the losses of the fortificant from the rice noodles were mostly owing to the boiling process, further improvements of the rice noodle processing conditions are required for reduction of the vitamin losses.
Reconsidering Leaf Wetness Duration Determination for Plant Disease Management
Authors: Rowlandson Tracy , Gleason Mark , Sentelhas Paulo , Gillespie Terry , Thomas Carla , Hornbuckle Brian
Published: October 2014

Relationships between leaf wetness and plant diseases have been studied for centuries. The progress and risk of many bacterial, fungal, and oomycete diseases on a variety of crops have been linked to the presence of free water on foliage and fruit under temperatures favorable to infection. Whereas the rate parameters for infection or epidemic models have frequently been linked with temperature during the wet periods, leaf wetness periods of specific time duration are necessary for the propagule germination of most phytopathogenic fungi and for their penetration of plant tissues. Using these types of relationships, disease-warning systems were developed and are now being used by grower communities for a variety of crops. As a component of Integrated Pest Management, disease-warning systems provide growers with information regarding the optimum timing for chemical or biological management practices based on weather variables most suitable for pathogen dispersal or host infection. Although these systems are robust enough to permit some errors in the estimates or measurements of leaf wetness duration, the need for highly accurate leaf wetness duration data remains a priority to achieve the most efficient disease management.
Developmental constraints in cave beetles
Authors: Cieslak Alexandra , Fresneda Javier , Ribera Ignacio
Published: October 2014

In insects, whilst variations in life cycles are common, the basic patterns typical for particular groups remain generally conserved. One of the more extreme modifications is found in some subterranean beetles of the tribe Leptodirini, in which the number of larval instars is reduced from the ancestral three to two and ultimately one, which is not active and does not feed. We analysed all available data on the duration and size of the different developmental stages and compared them in a phylogenetic context. The total duration of development was found to be strongly conserved, irrespective of geographical location, habitat type, number of instars and feeding behaviour of the larvae, with a single alteration of the developmental pattern in a clade of cave species in southeast France. We also found a strong correlation of the size of the first instar larva with adult size, again regardless of geographical location, ecology and type of life cycle. Both results suggest the presence of deeply conserved constraints in the timing and energy requirements of larval development. Past focus on more apparent changes, such as the number of larval instars, may mask more deeply conserved ontogenetic patterns in developmental timing.
The balanced scorecard’s missing link to compensation
Authors: Alexandra Albertsen Oana , Lueg Rainer
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to review the literature on the balanced scorecard (BSC) system. The BSC may well be one of the most popular performance measurement systems, but this is not synonymous with successful. The inventors of the BSC, Kaplan and Norton, actually emphasize that a BSC can only really impact the organizational performance if it is linked to the actors’ intrinsic and extrinsic incentives. As BSC has existed for more than 20 years, the authors find it relevant to survey the extant literature which elaborates on the BSC-incentives link within organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper identifies 117 empirical studies from leading academic journals published between 1992 and 2012 and then assesses 30 of these studies, which present the BSC-compensation link within the BSC literature. The authors analyze both research design (authors’ perspective) and the actual findings in the field (organizations’ perspective).

Findings

– First, it was found that only 30 of 117 empirical studies have a research design that is comprehensive enough to capture a full BSC as suggested by Kaplan and Norton, and only six of these studies elaborate on the link between the BSC and compensation. Second, extant research lacks valid constructs for the BSC and focuses too much on planning (ex-ante) with the BSC and not sufficiently on evaluation and control (ex-post). Third, the authors demonstrate that empirical BSC literature relies very strongly on field research in small and medium enterprises compared to similar research. Overall, the authors claim that the “relevance” of the BSC remains unproven.

Originality/value

– The authors synthesize the empirical BSC literature and derive a future research agenda.
The view from industry: LIS students on placement
Authors: Pymm Bob , Juznic Primoz
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to report on the outcomes of a survey of organisations in Australia and Slovenia hosting undergraduate Library and Information Studies (LIS) students on professional placement to better understand the reasons behind organisations accepting students, the workload implications and their satisfaction with the process.

Design/methodology/approach

– Hosting organisations were asked to complete a survey on various aspects of the placement process.

Findings

– For both countries, hosts reported favourably on their experience, and virtually, all felt that while it was a real commitment of time and resources on their part, it was a responsibility they were happy to take on. There was little difference between the two cohorts, suggesting that the findings from this research may be an accurate picture of the situation for LIS placements hosts more generally. The positive view of the placement and the belief in its role in LIS education is further strengthened by this study.

Research limitations/implications

– The research suggests that hosting students is not seen as an onerous task, but one which brings benefits to both parties. This will be useful in promoting student placements when looking for new host opportunities.

Originality/value

– This study has added to the limited literature in the LIS field on the experience of host organisations. Obtaining similar results across two countries added to the reliability of the findings which will help inform those planning future student placements.
Internalization theory, entrepreneurship and international new ventures
Authors: Verbeke Alain , Amin Zargarzadeh M. , Osiyevskyy Oleksiy
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The aim of the article is to establish robust linkages between internalization theory and the empirical phenomenon of international new ventures (INVs). Here, the focus is on firm-specific advantages (FSAs) critical to early new venture internationalization.

Design/methodology/approach

– On the conceptual level, we explain how the INV literature can easily be accommodated using an internalization theory lens, and we formulate hypotheses to that effect. On the empirical level, we use the Kauffman Firm Survey (KFS) dataset, which includes a panel of 4,928 US-based new businesses founded in 2004, tracked over their early years of operations. We use logistic regressions building upon pooled cross-sections, and including lagged dependent variables.

Findings

– INV-type foreign expansion is a special case of international growth, easily and credibly predicted by internalization. No new theory beyond internalization theory is needed to explain this phenomenon.

Originality/value

– The early stages of the Uppsala model, in terms of requisite resources accumulation and recombination, may have been undertaken at the individual level, by founding entrepreneurs, in the pre-stage of the new venture, and are “invisible” when focusing on organizational experience built up in the new venture. Here, particular founding entrepreneurs’ characteristics function as FSAs.
Social enterprise as poverty reducing strategy for women
Authors: Fotheringham Sarah , Saunders Chad
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of social enterprise as a strategy for poverty reduction for women.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature synthesis on the topic was conducted and patterns, linkages and gaps were examined among key themes to identify how social enterprise can potentially serve as a poverty reduction strategy for women.

Findings

– The paper presents the findings in terms of specific factors contributing to women’s poverty and hypothesizes mechanisms through which social enterprises can mitigate or address these factors in practice. The paper organizes these findings in an integrative framework that highlights the need to ensure a solid policy foundation is in place before a number of key support mechanisms are enabled, which then facilitate specific types of work that can then grow in a sustainable manner.

Research limitations/implications

– While the mechanisms and proposed framework are based on the extant literature, additional empirical investigation is required.

Practical implications

– Women are disproportionately burdened by poverty and the framework presented provides a very practical tool to guide the design of new or diagnosing existing social enterprises targeting poverty reduction for women.

Social implications

– Without a strategic approach, the risk is either perpetuating the status quo, or worse, placing those women engaged in social enterprises in a worse financial and social position.

Originality/value

– There is limited research on the poverty reducing role of social enterprise for women and the proposed mechanisms and integrative framework presented provide a means of synthesizing our current knowledge while providing the basis for future investigations.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor prescribing before, during and after pregnancy: a population‐based study in six European regions
Authors: Charlton RA , Jordan S , Pierini A , Garne E , Neville AJ , Hansen AV , Gini R , Thayer D , Tingay K , Puccini A , Bos HJ , Nybo Andersen AM , Sinclair M , Dolk H , de Jong‐van den Berg LTW
Published: October 2014

Objective

To explore the prescribing patterns of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) before, during and after pregnancy in six European population‐based databases.

Design

Descriptive drug utilisation study.

Setting

Six electronic healthcare databases in Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy (Emilia Romagna/Tuscany), Wales and the rest of the UK.

Population

All women with a pregnancy ending in a live or stillbirth starting and ending between 2004 and 2010.

Methods

A common protocol was implemented across databases to identify SSRI prescriptions issued (UK) or dispensed (non‐UK) in the year before, during or in the year following pregnancy.

Main outcome measures

The percentage of deliveries in which the woman received an SSRI prescription in the year before, during or in the year following pregnancy. We also compared the choice of SSRIs and changes in prescribing over the study period.

Results

In total, 721 632 women and 862 943 deliveries were identified. In the year preceding pregnancy, the prevalence of SSRI prescribing was highest in Wales [9.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI95), 9.4–9.8%] and lowest in Emilia Romagna (3.3%; CI95, 3.2–3.4%). During pregnancy, SSRI prescribing had dropped to between 1.2% (CI95, 1.1–1.3%) in Emilia Romagna and 4.5% (CI95, 4.3–4.6%) in Wales. The higher UK pre‐pregnancy prescribing rates resulted in higher first trimester exposures. After pregnancy, SSRI prescribing increased most rapidly in the UK. Paroxetine was more commonly prescribed in the Netherlands and Italian regions than in Denmark and the UK.

Conclusions

The higher SSRI prescribing rates in the UK, compared with other European regions, raise questions about differences in the prevalence and severity of depression and its management in pregnancy across Europe.
Regulating bidder participation in auctions
Authors: Bhattacharya Vivek , Roberts James W. , Sweeting Andrew
Published: October 2014

Regulating bidder participation in auctions can potentially increase efficiency compared to standard auction formats with free entry. We show that the relative performance of two such mechanisms, a standard first‐price auction with free entry and an entry rights auction, depends nonmonotonically on the precision of information that bidders have about their costs prior to deciding whether to participate in a mechanism. As an empirical application, we estimate parameters from first‐price auctions with free entry for bridge‐building contracts in Oklahoma and Texas and predict that an entry rights auction increases efficiency and reduces procurement costs significantly.
Dysregulation of circulating CD4+CXCR5+ T cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Qijin , Zhai Xiao , Chen Xiao , Lu Jiancan , Zhang Yaping , Huang Qin
Published: October 2014

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by a chronic low‐grade inflammatory state. Follicular helper T cells (Tfh) play critical roles in inducing B‐cell activation and producing various cytokines, whereas circulating CD4+CXCR5+ T cells (CTfh) may act as a counterpart to measure Tfh cell disorders. In this study, we investigated whether Tfh could be involved in the development of T2DM by assessing CTfh in peripheral blood. CTfh and it subtypes were determined by measuring CD3, CD4, CXCR5, CXCR3, and CCR6 in 68 T2DM patients and 60 healthy controls using flow cytometry. Results showed that proportion of CTfh in the peripheral CD4+ T cells was significantly increased in T2DM patients (8.5 ± 0.5%) than in controls (4.5 ± 0.3%) (p < 0.001). Further study revealed that the balance of CTfh subtypes was greatly dysregulated, in which percentage of Th17 subtype was significantly increased in patients. Investigating the correlation between CTfh and risk factors of T2DM demonstrated that proportion of CTfh were significantly elevated in patients with body mass index (BMI) over 24.0 (p = 0.005). Interestingly, patients with abdominal obesity had further increase in CTfh than those without abdominal obesity. This study suggests the involvement of CTfh in T2DM, especially in T2DM‐related obesity.
Laparoscopic mesh repair of a Morgagni hernia using the double‐crown technique: A case study
Authors: Kaida Takeshi , Ikeda Atsushi , Shimoda Hirofumi , Sako Hiroyuki , Uchida Hiroshi , Wada Masahiro , Ikeda Ken , Okusawa Seijiro , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: October 2014

We report a case of Morgagni hernia in which the patient underwent laparoscopic mesh repair. A 65‐year‐old woman presented with an abnormal shadow in the right lower lung field on a routine medical checkup. CT showed that the transverse colon passed between the liver and abdominal wall, and herniated into the thoracic cavity. Simple closure was precluded by the large hernial orifice. We therefore performed laparoscopic repair using a Parietex Optimized Composite Mesh. The double‐crown technique was used to fix the margin of the mesh to the region around the hernial orifice. Our procedure for repair of a Morgagni hernia with a large hernial orifice is safe and minimally invasive, and it may effectively prevent recurrence.
Power calculation for comparing diagnostic accuracies in a multi‐reader, multi‐test design
Authors: Kim Eunhee , Zhang Zheng , Wang Youdan , Zeng Donglin
Published: October 2014

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis is widely used to evaluate the performance of diagnostic tests with continuous or ordinal responses. A popular study design for assessing the accuracy of diagnostic tests involves multiple readers interpreting multiple diagnostic test results, called the multi‐reader, multi‐test design. Although several different approaches to analyzing data from this design exist, few methods have discussed the sample size and power issues. In this article, we develop a power formula to compare the correlated areas under the ROC curves (AUC) in a multi‐reader, multi‐test design. We present a nonparametric approach to estimate and compare the correlated AUCs by extending DeLong et al.'s (1988, Biometrics 44, 837–845) approach. A power formula is derived based on the asymptotic distribution of the nonparametric AUCs. Simulation studies are conducted to demonstrate the performance of the proposed power formula and an example is provided to illustrate the proposed procedure.
Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) with Adaptive Randomization for Quality Improvement in Depression Treatment Program
Authors: Cheung Ying Kuen , Chakraborty Bibhas , Davidson Karina W.
Published: October 2014

Implementation study is an important tool for deploying state-of-the-art treatments from clinical efficacy studies into a treatment program, with the dual goals of learning about effectiveness of the treatments and improving the quality of care for patients enrolled into the program. In this article, we deal with the design of a treatment program of dynamic treatment regimens (DTRs) for patients with depression post-acute coronary syndrome. We introduce a novel adaptive randomization scheme for a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial of DTRs. Our approach adapts the randomization probabilities to favor treatment sequences having comparatively superior Q-functions used in Q-learning. The proposed approach addresses three main concerns of an implementation study: it allows incorporation of historical data or opinions, it includes randomization for learning purposes, and it aims to improve care via adaptation throughout the program. We demonstrate how to apply our method to design a depression treatment program using data from a previous study. By simulation, we illustrate that the inputs from historical data are important for the program performance measured by the expected outcomes of the enrollees, but also show that the adaptive randomization scheme is able to compensate poorly specified historical inputs by improving patient outcomes within a reasonable horizon. The simulation results also confirm that the proposed design allows efficient learning of the treatments by alleviating the curse of dimensionality.
Reduced filaggrin expression is accompanied by increased Staphylococcus aureus colonization of epidermal skin models
Authors: van Drongelen V. , Haisma E. M. , Out‐Luiting J. J. , Nibbering P. H. , El Ghalbzouri A.
Published: October 2014

Background

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by a reduced skin barrier function, reduced filaggrin (FLG) expression as well as increased colonization by Staphylococcus aureus.

Objective

This study focused on the possible involvement of FLG in epidermal colonization by S. aureus and/or whether it affects the epidermal defence mechanisms, including the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and enzymes involved in stratum corneum barrier lipid synthesis. Furthermore, IL‐31 has been shown to reduce FLG expression, but its effects on bacterial colonization and on the expression of AMPs and enzymes involved in the barrier lipid synthesis are not known.

Material and Methods

We established N/TERT‐based epidermal models (NEMs), after FLG knockdown (FLG‐KD) and/or cultured with IL‐31, that were colonized with S. aureus for 24 h.

Results

Both FLG‐KD and IL‐31 supplementation resulted in significantly increased epidermal S. aureus colonization, as well as in an up‐regulation of S. aureus‐induced IL‐8 expression. IL‐31, but not FLG‐KD, prevented S. aureus‐induced up‐regulation of mRNA expression for the AMPs human β‐defensin 2 and ‐3 and RNAse7, whereas psoriasin expression remained unchanged. Furthermore, the S. aureus colonization induced changes in mRNA expression of ELOVL4 was not affected by FLG‐KD, but was blocked by IL‐31. Expression of SCD‐1 and Gcase mRNA was reduced by IL‐31, but not by FLG‐KD.

Conclusion

This study shows that NEMs, with FLG‐KD and/or cultured in the presence of IL‐31, mimic the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis in several aspects, including enhanced bacterial colonization, increased inflammatory and reduced protective responses.
Sex ratio of congenital abnormalities in the function of maternal age: A population‐based study
Authors: Csermely Gyula , Urbán Robert , Czeizel Andrew E , Veszprémi Béla
Published: October 2014

Maternal age effect is well‐known in the origin of numerical chromosomal aberrations and some isolated congenital abnormalities (CAs). The sex ratio (SR), i.e. number of males divided by the number of males and females together, of most CAs deviates from the SR of newborn population (0.51). The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the possible association of maternal age with the SR of isolated CAs in a population‐based large dataset of the Hungarian Case‐Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities, 1980–1996. First, SR of 24 CA entities/groups was estimated in 21 494 patients with isolated CA. In the next step SR of different maternal age groups was compared to the mean SR of the given CA‐groups. The SR of four CA‐groups showed some deviation in certain maternal age groups. Cases with anencephaly had female excess in young mothers (<25 years). Cases with skull's CAs particularly craniosynostosis had a male excess in cases born to women over 30 years. Two other CA groups (cleft lip ± palate and valvar pulmonic stenosis within the group of right‐sided obstructive defect of heart) had significant deviation in SR of certain maternal age groups from the mean SR, but these deviations were not harmonized with joining age groups and thus were considered as a chance effect due to multiple testing. In conclusion, our study did not suggest that in general SR of isolated CAs might be modified by certain maternal age groups with some exception such as anencephaly and craniosynostosis.
CD8‐positive peripheral T‐cell lymphoma with aberrant expression of CD20 and concurrent in situ follicular lymphoma
Authors: Sagasta Amaia , Molina‐Urra Ricardo , Martinez Daniel , Gonzalez‐Farre Blanca , Marti Esther , Herranz Maria Jose , Estrach Teresa , Campo Elias , Colomo Lluis
Published: October 2014

A case of a 78‐year‐old woman with a CD8‐positive peripheral T‐cell lymphoma with aberrant expression of CD20 associated with follicular lymphoma in situ (FLIS) is reported. The neoplasm presented initially as cutaneous macules, papules, plaques and nodules. A skin biopsy was performed and the diagnosis of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCl) with aberrant expression of CD20 was made. The staging procedures included an excisional inguinal lymph node biopsy that showed findings similar to those of the previous diagnosis. In addition, FLIS was identified. The clinicopathologic features of PTCLs with aberrant CD20 expression involving the skin as well as this uncommon association are reviewed.
If it does not significantly change HbA1c levels why should we waste time on it? A plea for the prioritization of psychological well‐being in people with diabetes
Authors: Jones A. , Vallis M. , Pouwer F.
Published: October 2014

Despite improvements in pharmacological treatments and methods of care and care delivery, the burden of living with diabetes remains an ongoing challenge, as many people with diabetes are at increased risk of mental health disorders, psychological disturbances and functional problems associated with living with diabetes. Person‐centred collaborative care that also meets the psychological needs of the individual is not available to many people with diabetes. The present article examines the role of psychological factors in the onset of diabetes and in relation to living with diabetes. It is argued that the pursuit of psychological well‐being is worthy of individual attention in the care of people with diabetes and should not be contingent upon attainment of somatic indices of health. The barriers to attaining this goal are examined, including the costs of treating (or not treating) psychological problems in people with diabetes. Recommendations on how to improve diabetes care are offered, including psychological interventions that are both evidence‐based and cost‐effective.
How safe is metabolic/diabetes surgery?
Authors: Aminian A. , Brethauer S. A. , Kirwan J. P. , Kashyap S. R. , Burguera B. , Schauer P. R.
Published: October 2014

Although recent studies have shown the impressive antidiabetic effects of laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), the safety profile of metabolic/diabetes surgery has been a matter of concern among patients and physicians. Data on patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent LRYGB or one of seven other procedures between January 2007 and December 2012 were retrieved from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database and compared. Of the 66 678 patients included, 16 509 underwent LRYGB. The composite complication rate of 3.4% after LRYGB was similar to those of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and hysterectomy. The mortality rate for LRYGB (0.3%) was similar to that of knee arthroplasty. Patients who underwent LRYGB had significantly better short‐term outcomes in all examined variables than patients who underwent coronary bypass, infra‐inguinal revascularization and laparoscopic colectomy. In conclusion, LRYGB can be considered a safe procedure in people with diabetes, with similar short‐term morbidity to that of common procedures such as cholecystectomy and appendectomy and a mortality rate similar to that of knee arthroplasty. The mortality risk for LRYGB is one‐tenth that of cardiovascular surgery and earlier intervention with metabolic surgery to treat diabetes may eliminate the need for some later higher‐risk procedures to treat diabetes complications.
PRODUCT DIVERSITY, DEMAND STRUCTURES, AND OPTIMAL TAXATION
Authors: Lewis Vivien , Winkler Roland
Published: October 2014

This article studies optimal taxation in a general equilibrium macroeconomic model with endogenous entry. We compare the constant elasticity of substitution (CES) model to three alternative demand structures: oligopolistic competition in prices, oligopolistic competition in quantities, and translog preferences. Our economy is characterized by two distortions: a labor distortion due to the misalignment of markups on goods and leisure, and an entry distortion due to the misalignment of the consumer surplus effect and the profit destruction effect of entry. The two distortions interact in determining the wedge between the market‐driven and optimal level of product diversity. We show how optimal labor and entry taxes depend on the prevailing demand structure, the nature and size of entry costs, and the degree of substitutability between goods. (JELE22, E61, E62)
Difference in vacuum‐formed mouthguard thickness according to heating condition
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Koide Kaoru , Takahashi Mutsumi
Published: October 2014

Aim

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences of the vacuum‐formed mouthguard thickness by the heating condition within the proper heating temperature.

Materials and methods

The material used in this study was a mouthguard sheet of 3.8‐mm ethylene vinyl acetate. The sheets were formed by vacuum forming using a vacuum‐pressure former. Three heating conditions were prepared: The sheet was heated until the center was displaced by 10, 15, and 20 mm from baseline. We measured mouthguard thickness at the labial surface of the central incisor, buccal surface of the first molar, and occlusal surface of the first molar. Differences in thickness in different regions of mouthguards formed under different heating conditions were analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance and Bonferroni method.

Results

We found that mouthguard thickness differed in different regions of the central incisors and the first molars (P < 0.01). The incisal (cusp) region was thinner than the cervical region. There was statistically significant difference among the heating conditions at the buccal surface of the first molar (P < 0.01), and the thickness became larger as the sheet was heated. Mouthguard thickness at the labial surface of the central incisor and occlusal surface of the first molar did not differ among the three heating conditions.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the best heating condition within the proper temperature was the condition that the sheet was heated until its center displaced by 20 mm. This finding is necessary knowledge when forming a mouthguard sheet.
Post traumatic immediate GBR: alveolar ridge preservation after a comminuted fracture of the anterior maxilla
Authors: Kim Yongsoo , Leem Dae Ho
Published: October 2014

Without a proper intervention, a crushed alveolar process fracture can cause significant dimensional changes on affected hard and soft tissue that lead to difficult circumstances for post traumatic bone augmentation and dental implant placement. We present herein the cases of immediate guided bone regeneration (GBR) for the maxillary anterior alveolar process with comminuted fracture. Shortly after the hospital visit, guided bone regeneration was conducted for three patients using only xenograft material and bone fragments from traumatic site, without an additional donor site. Resorbable collagen membrane was used on the bone graft site, and titanium mesh was also used if significant bone loss were expected. Radiographic evaluation 6 months after GBR confirmed that all three cases had sufficiently preserved alveolar bone which is clinically required for implant placement. Dental implant installation was carried out for two patients and no specific findings were noted in follow‐up after the placement. In this method, additional operation sites for bone collection are not necessary and the number of surgical steps before implant placement can be reduced. Furthermore, this immediate intervention can effectively minimize the alveolar ridge shrinkage of anterior maxilla after injury.
The function of chromatin modifiers in lineage commitment and cell fate specification
Authors: Signolet Jason , Hendrich Brian
Published: October 2014

Proteins that modify the structure of chromatin are known to be important for various aspects of metazoan biology including development, disease and possibly ageing. Yet functional details of why these proteins are important, i.e. how their action influences a given biological process, are lacking. While it is now possible to describe the biochemistry of how these proteins remodel chromatin, their chromatin binding profiles in cell lines, or gene expression changes upon loss of a given protein, in very few cases has this easily translated into an understanding of how the function of that protein actually influences a developmental process. Given that many chromatin modifying proteins will largely exert their influence through control of gene expression, it is useful to consider developmental processes as changes in the gene regulatory network (GRN), with each cell type exhibiting a unique gene expression profile. In this essay we consider the impact of two abundant and highly conserved chromatin modifying complexes, namely the nucleosome remodelling and deacetylation (NuRD) complex and the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), on the change in GRNs associated with lineage commitment during early mammalian development. We propose that while the NuRD complex limits the stability of cell states and defines the developmental trajectory between two stable states, PRC2 activity is important for stabilizing a new GRN once established. Although these two complexes display different biochemical activities, chromatin binding profiles and mutant phenotypes, we propose a model to explain how they cooperate to facilitate the transition through cell states that is development.
Endometrial stromal sarcoma – the new genetic paradigm
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Han , Nucci Marisa R
Published: October 2014

Endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) is a gynaecological sarcoma that is composed of cells that resemble those of proliferative‐phase endometrial stroma. The 2014 World Health Organization tumour classification system separates ESS into low‐grade and high‐grade types, which are histologically, genetically and clinically distinct from undifferentiated uterine sarcoma (UUS). Low‐grade ESSs frequently contain chromosomal rearrangements that result in JAZF1–SUZ12 fusion or equivalent genetic fusions. Although most low‐grade ESSs show classic histological features that closely resemble those of proliferative‐phase endometrial stroma, there are several histological variants that are associated with the same genetic fusions as seen in the classic type. High‐grade ESS is defined by the presence of YWHAE–NUTM2A/B (YWHAE–FAM22A/B) fusions. High‐grade ESSs are clinically more aggressive than low‐grade ESSs, but are associated with a lower mortality rate than UUSs. The histological and immunophenotypic features of these different types of ESS, and their diagnostic considerations, are the subjects of this review.
Raloxifene modulates regulators of osteoclastogenesis and angiogenesis in an oestrogen deficiency periapical lesion model
Authors: Gomes‐Filho J. E. , Wayama M. T. , Dornelles R. C. M. , Ervolino E. , Yamanari G. H. , Lodi C. S. , Sivieri‐Araújo G. , Dezan‐Júnior E. , Cintra L. T. A.
Published: October 2014

Aim

To analyse the local regulatory mechanisms of osteoclastogenesis and angiogenesis during the progression of periapical lesions in female rats with oestrogen deficiency and treatment with raloxifene (RLX).

Methodology

Female Wistar rats were distributed into groups: SHAM‐veh, subjected to sham surgery and treated with a vehicle; OVX‐veh, subjected to ovary removal and treated with a vehicle; and OVX‐RLX, subjected to ovary removal and treated with RLX. Vehicle or RLX was administered orally for 90 days. During treatment, the dental pulp of mandibular first molars was exposed to the oral environment for induction of periapical lesions, which were analysed after 7 and 30 days. After the experimental periods, blood samples were collected for measurement of oestradiol, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase. The rats were euthanized and the mandibles removed and processed for immunohistochemical detection of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α) and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP). Data were compared using Kruskal–Wallis followed by Dunn test (nonparametric values) and anova followed by the Tukey's test (parametric values).

Results

The plasma concentration of oestradiol showed hypo‐oestrogenism in the rats subjected to ovary removal. On day 7, alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium and phosphorus were higher in the OVX‐RLX group than in the OVX‐veh group (P < 0.001), but immunolabelling for RANKL and HIF‐1α was lower in OVX‐RLX group (P < 0.001). On day 30, the OVX‐veh group had higher immunolabelling for RANKL than the OVX‐RLX group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the immunoreactivity of OPG and BALP between any groups at either time‐point (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

RLX therapy reversed the increased levels of the local regulators of both osteoclastogenesis and angiogenesis induced by oestrogen deficiency.
Dissolution Rates of Solid Oxides into Molten Slags
Authors: Huang Fuxiang , Liu Jiang , Maruoka Nobuhiro , Kitamura Shin‐ya , Ishikawa Akira
Published: October 2014

To reduce refractory damage during steelmaking, precise control of slag composition is important. Usually, the formation and decomposition rates of interfacial layer are considered to be rate‐controlling steps. The influence of the interfacial layer on the dissolution rate was investigated. The reagents were mixed and sintered to make an oxide that simulated the interfacial layer. The sample was added to molten slag stirred by Ar gas, and the dissolution rate was determined from the change in slag composition. The results revealed the importance of the effects of the density and composition of the interfacial layer on the dissolution rate.
Looking Behavior at Test and Relational Memory in 6‐Month‐Old Infants
Authors: Chong Hui Jun , Richmond Jenny L. , Wong Johnny , Qiu Anqi , Rifkin‐Graboi Anne
Published: October 2014

Small‐scale eye‐tracking research lends support to behavioral studies of relational memory by 6 months of life. Here, in the largest eye‐tracking test of relational memory to date (n = 276), we replicate these findings and examine the impact of excluding data based on looking behavior characteristics at test. Past work examining infants' preferential looking toward arbitrary‐paired objects and scenes has excluded infants from analysis based upon “insufficient looking” at test. Yet, research suggests that variation in looking behavior may be associated with looking patterns during encoding, as well as trait‐like differences in visual and cognitive processing. Similar to past research, we observed evidence for relational memory among 6‐month‐olds. In keeping with past research, when infants were excluded based on “insufficient looking,” we observed evidence for relational memory only when infants were tested immediately. However, when exclusion criteria were relaxed, infants specifically demonstrated preferential looking during a presumably more difficult delay‐plus‐interference condition. Moreover, analyses revealed that looking behavior during encoding was associated with looking behavior at test. Together, results suggest that infants do possess rudimentary relational memory capabilities, but that experimenters' ability to detect these capabilities is influenced by both experimental conditions and individual differences in looking behavior.
Successful treatment of PASH syndrome with infliximab, cyclosporine and dapsone
Authors: Staub J. , Pfannschmidt N. , Strohal R. , Braun‐Falco M. , Lohse P. , Goerdt S. , Leverkus M.
Published: October 2014

Background

The group of autoinflammatory syndromes associated with Pyoderma gangrenosum, Acne, and Suppurative Hidradenitis are poorly defined and difficult to control with currently available treatment modalities.

Objectives

We describe a patient with PASH syndrome and report about the successful multimodal treatment with infliximab, cyclosporine, and dapsone.

Methods

A review of the available literature to date about this group of autoinflammatory diseases was performed. We performed genetic analysis for PSTPIP1 mutations associated with PAPA syndrome.

Results

A 22‐year‐old woman presented to our department with pyoderma gangrenosum, concomitant acne, and suppurative hidradenitis. She had previously been treated unsuccessfully with etanercept, adalimumab, fumaric acid and the IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA) anakinra without prolonged remission. Treatment with intravenous infliximab in combination with cyclosporine and dapsone lead to sudden and prolonged improvement of the clinical symptoms that we classified as PASH syndrome. We review the literature about this group of diseases and report the third case of PASH syndrome to date.

Conclusion

PASH syndrome and associated diseases should be considered whenever hidradenitis suppurativa is found in association with pyoderma gangrenosum. We provide a systematic overview about PASH syndrome and suggest a novel multimodal therapeutic regimen beyond isolated inhibition of TNF or IL‐1.
Randomized, three‐arm study to optimize lamivudine efficacy in hepatitis B e antigen‐positive chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Liang Xieer , Cheng Jun , Sun Yongtao , Chen Xinyue , Li Tong , Wang Hao , Jiang Jianning , Chen Xiaoping , Long Hui , Tang Hong , Yu Yanyan , Sheng Jifang , Chen Shijun , Niu Junqi , Ren Hong , Shi Junping , Dou Xiaoguang , Wan Mobin , Jiang Jiaji , Xie Qing , Shi Guangfeng , Ning Qin , Chen Chengwei , Tan Deming , Ma Hong , Sun Jian , Jia Jidong , Zhuang Hui , Hou Jinlin
Published: October 2014

Background and Aim

Data about the efficacy of de novo combination therapies, or optimization strategy by adding the other drug based on the virological response at week 24 of low genetic barrier antiviral agents is still limited. This study aimed to compare the efficacy at week 104 of lamivudine monotherapy (MONO), lamivudine plus adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) combination therapy (COMBO), and lamivudine optimization strategy (OPTIMIZE).

Methods

Adult patients without antiviral therapy within 6 months before screening with hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐DNA ≥ 105 copies/mL, alanine aminotransferase 1.3–10 times upper limit of normal and compensated hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were randomized into three groups with 1:1:1 ratio. Patients in OPTIMIZE group started with lamivudine 100 mg q.d., and ADV 10 mg q.d. was added to suboptimal responders (HBV‐DNA > 1000 copies/mL at week 24) from week 30 to week 104, whereas patients with early virological response (HBV‐DNA ≤ 1000 copies/mL at week 24) continued MONO until week 104. For all the patients receiving MONO, ADV would be added if virological breakthrough was confirmed.

Results

At week 104, more patients in COMBO and OPTIMIZE groups achieved HBV‐DNA < 300 copies/mL (53.3% [64/120] and 48.3% [58/120]), with less lamivudine resistance (0.8% and 6.7%) compared with MONO group (HBV‐DNA < 300 copies/mL 34.8% [41/118], lamivudine resistance 58.5%). Patients under MONO with early virological response showed superior efficacy at week 104 (HBV‐DNA < 300 copies/mL 73.1% [38/52], HBeAg seroconversion 40.4% [21/52]). All regimens were well tolerated.

Conclusion

Combination therapy of lamivudine plus ADV exhibited effective viral suppression and relatively low resistance in HBeAg‐positive CHB patients. In lamivudine‐treated patients with suboptimal virological response at week 24, promptly adding on ADV is necessary to prevent resistance development.
Chronic hepatitis C virus infection and lymphoproliferative disorders: Mixed cryoglobulinemia syndrome, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, and B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Caviglia Gian Paolo , Sciacca Claudio , Abate Maria Lorena , Olivero Antonella , Rosso Chiara , Touscoz Giovanni Antonio , Ciancio Alessia , Rizzetto Mario , Smedile Antonina
Published: October 2014

Background and Aim

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has been associated with lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) such as mixed cryoglobulinemia syndrome (MCS), monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL). The aim of the present study is to assess MCS, MGUS, and B‐NHL prevalence in a cohort of CHC‐infected patients and to evaluate the association of demographic, clinical, and virologic factors with the presence of LPDs.

Methods

A total of 121 CHC patients with LPDs (50 M, 71 F; mean age 61.5 ± 11.8) and 130 CHC patients without extrahepatic manifestations (60 M, 70 F; mean age 60.4 ± 9.2) were retrospectively enrolled from a cohort of 1313 CHC patients between January 2006 and December 2013. Patients with LPDs included: 25 patients with MCS (9 M, 16 F; mean age 60.2 ± 1.4), 55 patients with MGUS (18 M, 37 F; mean age 61.3 ± 12.1), and 41 patients with B‐NHL (23 M, 18F; mean age 62.5 ± 11.0)

Results

Patients with MCS (25/1313; 1.9%), MGUS (55/1313; 4.2%), and B‐LNH (41/1313; 3.1%) did not differ in age, severity of liver disease, HCV genotype, and response to antiviral therapy. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, a positive association was found between the presence of cirrhosis and MGUS (odds ratio [OR] = 2.8924, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2693–6.5909; P = 0.012) and between cirrhosis and B‐NHL (OR = 3.9407, 95%CI 1.7226–9.0153; P = 0.001), whereas no association with MCS diagnosis emerged.

Conclusion

Despite the pathogenetic mechanism of HCV‐associated LPDs is still unclear, cirrhosis is an additional risk factor for the development of lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with chronic HCV infection.