bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing natural gas business: a case of Bharat Natural Gas Company Limited
Authors: Kumar Kar Sanjay , Sahu Subrat
Published: February 2012

Subject area

Marketing - value proposition and value delivery, switching cost, customer acquisition and retention, positioning, pricing, distribution and retailing, role of trust and transparency to build sustainable relationship in B2B context, and efficient service delivery.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate and graduate students in marketing, business administration, strategy, retailing, B2B marketing, services marketing and general management courses. Also, it can be used for executive management/training programmes.

Case overview

The case focuses on an existing scenario of a natural gas business in Gujarat, India, in order to provide understanding of marketing challenges, especially in the B2B context, faced by organisations in this evolving business environment. The case examines the strategies and policies implemented by the company and their impact on the customer. The case presents reactions and responses from the concerned customers. The case illustrates the criticalness of understanding customer expectations and designing and delivering customer centric strategies to sustain market leadership in an evolving and competitive market.

Expected learning outcomes

The case study enables the students to understand and analyse: the current business environment; the important factors impacting natural gas business; economic analysis of energy; opportunity and challenges for doing cleaner and greener business; role of cleaner fuel to reduce carbon footprint; and carbon credit impacting top line and bottom line of a customer. The case provides students the opportunity to understand and analyse the importance of switching costs to acquire a new customer; and devising and implementing marketing strategies to expand customer base and enter into new territories.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Mobile marketing at Telenor Pakistan – a MAD strategy?
Authors: Malik Yasmin
Published: February 2012

Subject area

Mobile marketing.

Study level/applicability

MBA, marketing level consultants.

Case overview

This is the first documented study on the development of a mobile marketing eco-system in Pakistan. The focus of the case is Telenor Pakistan - the first local operator to implement a comprehensive mobile marketing strategy via opt-in based consumer profiling. By positioning itself as a “media company” in the mobile marketing value chain, Telenor Pakistan aims to both enable and drive the mobile marketing eco-system at a time when operators are suffering from a decline in average revenue per user and are endeavouring to put into place strategies that will open up revenue streams based on services other than voice.

Expected learning outcomes

To develop a comprehensive understanding of the drivers and restrainers that affect the mobile marketing eco-system in emerging markets; and to examine to what extent operator-driven mobile marketing can create synergies within the mobile marketing value chain.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Discovery Ltd: entrepreneurship in its DNA
Authors: Beswick Claire , Urban Boris
Published: February 2012

Subject area

Entrepreneurship.

Study level/applicability

The case has been used at Master's level but it has direct application to any MBA programme or entrepreneurship module.

Case overview

Adrian Gore started Discovery in 1992 with seed-funding of R10 million from merchant banking group, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), as a health insurance company within the RMB stable. By 2009, Discovery had become a large, listed, financial services institution employing more than 5,000 people and comprising not only Discovery Health (DH), but also Discovery Life (DL), Discovery Invest (DI) and Discovery Vitality (a wellness programme). In addition, it had operations in the USA, where it licensed Vitality for use by employers and other health insurers, and in the UK where it operated two joint ventures with The Prudential plc – Pruhealth and Prulife.

Expected learning outcomes

To understand the similarities and differences between corporate and start-up entrepreneurship; to understand the entrepreneurial process within an established organization; to explore the environment within an established company in terms of how much it supports or constrains entrepreneurship; and to look at creative ways to overcome obstacles to entrepreneurship in established companies.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Future internet: on a continuous path for achieving “a vision beyond expectations”
Authors: Bodolica Virginia , Spraggon Martin , Shahid Anam
Published: February 2012

Subject area

Firm success, organizational structure and values, business challenges, corporate change, decision making.

Study level/applicability

Senior undergraduate courses in Organizational Behavior and Business Policy and Strategy.

Case overview

This case relates the story of growth of Future Internet, a small media firm launched in 1998 in Dubai, UAE. The case describes the past achievements of Future Internet along with the challenges met on the road, illustrates the key factors and core organizational values that were critical for its business success and discusses the new prospects that the company is seeking to explore in the future. As Future Internet is continuously searching to engage in a path of new business opportunities, what are the most viable strategic choices to be made for securing a sustainable corporate growth and development?

Expected learning outcomes

Discuss different aspects involved in the management of a small firm operating in a dynamic industry; assess the key factors that might contribute to explaining corporate success; and evaluate the effectiveness of managerial decision making over time (change in structure and values, opportunities' evaluation and selection of strategic options) to achieve sustainable development.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Long‐term outcome following imatinib therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia, with assessment of dosage and blood levels: the JALSG CML202 study
Authors: Ohnishi Kazunori , Nakaseko Chiaki , Takeuchi Jin , Fujisawa Shin , Nagai Tadashi , Yamazaki Hirohito , Tauchi Tetsuzo , Imai Kiyotoshi , Mori Naoki , Yagasaki Fumiharu , Maeda Yasuhiro , Usui Noriko , Miyazaki Yasushi , Miyamura Koichi , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Ohtake Shigeki , Naoe Tomoki ,   for the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group
Published: February 2012

A prospective multicenter Phase II study was performed to examine the efficacy and safety of imatinib therapy in newly diagnosed Japanese patients with chronic‐phase CML. Patients were scheduled to receive imatinib 400 mg daily. Plasma imatinib concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. In 481 evaluable patients, estimated 7‐year overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) at a median follow‐up of 65 months were 93% and 87%, respectively. Because imatinib dosage was reduced in many patients due mainly to adverse events, subgroup analysis was performed according to the mean daily dose during the first 24 months of treatment: ≥360 mg (400‐mg group; n = 294), 270–359 mg (300‐mg group; n = 90) and <270 mg (200‐mg group; n = 67). There were no significant differences in OS and EFS between the 300‐ and 400‐mg groups; however, cumulative rates of complete cytogenetic and major molecular responses differed significantly between the two groups. There were no significant differences in mean imatinib trough levels between these two groups for the patients in whom trough levels had been measured. Survival and efficacy in the 200‐mg group were markedly inferior to the former two groups. These results suggest that, although a daily dose of 400 mg imatinib is associated with better outcomes, 300 mg imatinib may be adequate for a considerable number of Japanese patients who are intolerant to 400 mg imatinib. Blood level monitoring would be useful to determine the optimal dose of imatinib. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 1071–1078)
Incidence of metachronous second primary cancers in Osaka, Japan: Update of analyses using population‐based cancer registry data
Authors: Tabuchi Takahiro , Ito Yuri , Ioka Akiko , Miyashiro Isao , Tsukuma Hideaki
Published: February 2012

Cancer survivors are at excess risk of developing second primary cancers, but the precise level of risk in Japanese patients is not known. To investigate the risk of survivors developing second primary cancers, we conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Osaka Cancer Registry. The study subjects comprised all reported patients aged 0–79 years who were first diagnosed with cancer between 1985 and 2004 in Osaka and who survived for at least 3 months, followed‐up through to December 2005. A metachronous second primary cancer was defined as any invasive second cancer that was diagnosed between 3 months and 10 years after the first cancer diagnosis. The main outcome measures were incidence rates per 100 000 person‐years, cumulative risk and standardized incidence ratios (SIR) of second primary cancer. Metachronous second primary cancers developed in 13 385 of 355 966 survivors (3.8%) after a median follow‐up of 2.5 years. Sex‐specific incidence rates of metachronous second primary cancer per 100 000 person‐years increased with age, and were higher among men than women (except for the 0–49 years age group), but these rates did not differ over the study period. The 10‐year cumulative risk was estimated as 13.0% for those who first developed cancer at 60–69 years of age (16.2% for men, 8.6% for women). The SIR among those with first cancer diagnosed at 0–39 and 40–49 years of age were 2.13 and 1.52, respectively, in both sexes, whereas the SIR among cancers of the mouth/pharynx, esophagus and larynx were much higher than one as for site relationships. We showed that cancer survivors in Osaka, Japan, were at higher risk of second primary cancers compared with the general population. Our findings indicate that second primary cancers should be considered as a commonly encountered major medical problem. Further investigations are required to advance our understanding to enable the development of effective measures against multiple primary cancers. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 1111–1120)
Final results of the phase II study of rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin, ciclosporin, methylprednisone, and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in patients with aplastic anaemia and myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Kadia Tapan M. , Borthakur Gautam , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Faderl Stefan , Jabbour Elias , Estrov Zeev , York Sergerrne , Huang Xuelin , Pierce Sherry , Brandt Mark , Koller Charles , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Ravandi Farhad
Published: February 2012

This report describes the final results of a Phase II clinical trial investigating the efficacy of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG), ciclosporin, steroids, and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (GCSF) in patients with untreated aplastic anaemia (AA), or low to intermediate‐risk and hypocellular myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We treated 24 patients each with AA and MDS with rATG (3·5 mg/kg/d × 5; reduced to 2·5 mg/kg/d × 5 in patients with MDS ≥55 years), ciclosporin (5 mg/kg orally daily × 6 months), steroids (1 mg/kg daily, tapered off over 1 month), and GCSF. The overall response rate in AA patients was 64% compared to 25% in MDS patients. The median time to response was 3 months in AA patients and 4 months in MDS patients. Pretreatment clinical characteristics, such as age, sex, blood counts, cellularity, cytogenetics, or HLA‐DR15 status, did not predict for response. Response to therapy, however, predicted for improved overall survival (OS), with a 3‐year OS of 89% vs. 43% in responders versus non‐responders, respectively (P < 0·001). Infusion reactions occurred in about half the patients and were manageable. Myelosuppression, elevation in liver enzymes, and infections were common. The early mortality in MDS patients was 13% vs. 0% in AA patients.
Management of autoimmune diseases after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Holbro Andreas , Abinun Mario , Daikeler Thomas
Published: February 2012

Autologous and allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an option for the treatment of malignant and non‐malignant diseases, including the severe autoimmune diseases. Intriguingly, the ‘new’ autoimmunity developing after transplantation is a constantly recognized phenomenon, which has to be differentiated from original disease relapse, toxicity, infection and graft‐versus‐host disease. The reported autoimmune diseases occurring in this setting are mainly antibody‐associated and organ‐specific, with scarce evidence in support for specific treatment options. This review focuses on current concepts on the pathogenesis, the available data on incidence, risk factors, manifestations and treatment of post‐HSCT autoimmune diseases.
Effect of continuous education for evidence‐based medicine practice on knowledge, attitudes and skills of medical students
Authors: Liabsuetrakul Tippawan , Sirirak Thanitha , Boonyapipat Sathana , Pornsawat Panumad
Published: February 2012

Objective  To assess the effect of the integration of evidence‐based medicine (EBM) in a medical curriculum using small‐group discussions with case scenario and problem‐based learning on the knowledge, attitudes and skills of medical students.

Method  A quasi‐experimental study was conducted in a medical school in southern Thailand during 2008–2009. EBM practice was begun before the completion of the fourth year using case scenario and continued through the fifth year using learner‐centred, problem‐based self‐practice. Knowledge improvement was measured by summative assessment using pre‐ and post‐tests after small‐group discussions with a case scenario. Attitudes and skills were measured by self‐rating assessments: before initiation of the course (T0) and after the course at week 1, 5, 13, 25 and 37 (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5), respectively. Data were analyzed using paired t‐test and linear mixed‐effects model fitted by maximum likelihood.

Results  One hundred fourteen students took the course, with a mean age of 22.1 years. Before and after knowledge scores showed a significant improvement (4.93 versus 7.43). The proportion of students who achieved the highest knowledge scores was higher (4% at pre‐test versus 54% at post‐test). Both self‐rated attitudes and skills after EBM practice increased dramatically from the initiation of the course (T0; P < 0.001). Compared with T1, significantly lower scores of attitudes and skills were observed at T2 and T3, but both were higher at T4 assessment.

Conclusions  Continuous EBM education through small‐group discussion and learner‐centred, problem‐based self‐practice can be a useful way to improve a medical student's knowledge, attitudes and skills.
Limitations of the model of porcine islet transplantation in diabetic nonhuman primates affecting long‐term survival and graft function
Authors: Graham Melanie , Schuurman Henk‐Jan
Published: February 2012

The model of porcine islet cell transplant to the diabetic macaque is well accepted to study efficacy in and immunological interference. This life‐supporting model is therefore considered an integral component in translational research, i.e. in efficacy‐toxicity studies before the phase transition to clinical trials. Diabetes reversal and graft survival >180 days has been achieved in incidental cases, but not in a consistent way. Especially later after transplantation complications can become manifest that are intrinsic to the model:

 There are metabolic incompatibilities in the insulin‐glucose homeostasis between species. Fasting glucose levels are lower in monkeys than in pigs or man, and on the other hand C‐peptide levels are higher. In most studies efficacy is associated with moderate hyperglycemia. Insulin secretory capacity in vitro and in vivo is much lower in pigs than in human or monkeys. Hence, the amount and quality of porcine islets needed in the pig‐to‐monkey transplant setting differ from those in the pig‐to‐human setting.

 The efficacy‐toxicity window of immunosuppressive drugs is smaller in nonhuman primates than in humans, in particular for small molecular weight xenobiotics. Chronic immunosuppression can induce gastrointestinal toxicity and cachexia, as a result of the high exposure to poorly absorbable drugs necessary to achieve acceptable systemic trough levels can result ingastrointestinal toxicity, with lipid wasting, malabsorption, and inflammation. This affects the diabetes model, namely a reduced challenge of the insulin‐producing machinery thanks to protein and carbohydrate malabsorption, wasting and body weight loss.

 Husbandry and management of nonhuman primates in chronic survival studies is complicated, in particular under conditions of metabolic perturbations and chronic immunosuppression. In our unit an animal refinement program has been implemented to achieve optimal well‐being. Under such conditions long‐term survival is facilitated, but also model limitations become more evident.

We conclude that there are intrinsic aspects in the pig‐to‐nonhuman primate model of life‐supporting islet transplantation that are not apparent in short‐term survival studies, but become manifest later after transplantation. If long‐term survival is achieved, it might not unequivocally reflect good graft function, but rather a condition of marginal graft challenge and insulin secreting activity. This phenomenon has consequences for the design and interpretation of pivotal preclinical studies in preparation for the phase transition to clinical trials.
Mechanical heart support at the Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin: Recent developments (2011)
Authors: Hennig Ewald , Hetzer Roland
Published: February 2012

Since the inception of the mechanical circulatory support (MCS) program at the Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin (DHZB) in 1987, more than 1600 patients have received support with 18 different designs of technical blood pump systems, in accordance with the respective state of the art. At the beginning, pulsatile pneumatic extracorporeal ventricular assist devices (VAD) and implantable pneumatic total artificial hearts (TAH) were available, followed by pulsatile electromechanical implantable devices. At this time the assist program was based on three objectives: bridging to recovery, bridging to heart transplantation (HTx) and for permanent support. Very soon (in 1995) patients of advanced age – over 65 years – were included in the program.

In 1998 rotary blood pumps with continuous flow entered the program, from 2006 edging out step by step the pulsatile systems. Today the implantable pulsatile systems have disappeared from the DHZB program, with the exception of the extracorporeal uni‐ or biventricular pneumatic EXCOR systems (Berlin Heart GmbH), which are the only systems available for newborns and children. The only approved total artificial heart is the CardioWest device, implanted in rare cases after explantation of the natural heart.

Miniaturized rotary blood pumps, axial flow turbines or centrifugal radial flow pumps are leading today's market. The size and configuration of one of these pumps, the hydrodynamically and magnetically levitated HeartWare HVAD, allowed its application as a biventricular implantable assist device. The worldwide first clinical implantation of this system was performed at the DHZB in 2009.

With the increasing number of patients needing immediate circulatory support and the stagnating or even decreasing number of donor hearts available for HTx, the extreme discrepancy means that other therapies are gaining increasing importance. The objectives of the MCS program therefore had to focus on permanent VADs, thus creating a growing population of long‐term outpatients with implanted systems, living with their families a near‐normal life.

Within a quarter century VAD implantation has grown from an experimental procedure into an established and generally accepted therapy. Facing the rapidly increasing population of patients with end‐stage heart failure and the stagnating number of heart transplants, the use of VAD technology may represent the most advanced progress in cardiac care in the coming years. Further minaturization of the devices will allow the treatment of patients with a wide age spectrum, from newborn children to the elderly, even with biventricular support.

The ultimate goal will be the development of a durable total artificial heart, based on the rotary blood pump technology, with transcutaneous energy transfer through the intact skin, guaranteeing the patients optimal quality of life for many years of support.
Quality of life in patients operated on for digestive neoplasia: a prospective study
Authors: Caro A. , Olona C. , Jiménez A. , Olona M. , Vicente V.
Published: February 2012

Aim  The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life in patients having surgery for a digestive neoplasm and to monitor how the patient’s perception evolves during the first 6 months after surgery.

Method  A prospective study was carried out on the pre and postoperative quality of life of patients undergoing surgery for a digestive system neoplasm between May 2009 and December 2010. Patients were asked to complete the Short Form (36) Health Survey questionnaire (SF‐36; spanish version 1.4).

Results  The study included 80 patients. At 1 month after surgery there was a statistically significant improvement in some domains of the SF‐36. At 6 months, a statistically significant improvement was seen in physical functioning, social functioning, mental health and in the two physical and mental domains. We also found statistically significant differences, with women having a worse quality of life.

Conclusion  Comparison of quality of life before and 6 months after surgical intervention showed improvement in both the psychological and the physical elements. This can be attributed to the fact that the patients have had time to recover from the surgery.
Glucose‐lowering treatment and clinical results in 163 121 patients with type 2 diabetes: an observational study from the Swedish national diabetes register
Authors: Ekström N. , Miftaraj M. , Svensson A. ‐M. , Andersson Sundell K. , Cederholm J. , Zethelius B. , Gudbjörnsdottir S. , Eliasson B.
Published: February 2012

Aims: To analyse clinical characteristics and treatment results in unselected type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, with non‐pharmacological treatment as well as the most commonly used pharmacological glucose‐lowering treatment regimens, in everyday clinical practice.

Methods: In this population‐based cross‐sectional study, information was linked from the Swedish National Diabetes Register, Prescribed Drug Register and Patient Register. T2DM patients with non‐pharmacological treatment and T2DM patients continuously using the 12 most common pharmacological treatment regimens were included in the study (n = 163121).

Results: There were statistically significant differences in clinical characteristics between the groups. Patients with insulin‐based treatment regimens had the longest duration of diabetes and more cardiovascular risk factors than the T2DM‐population in general. The proportion of patients reaching HbA1c ≤7% varied between 70.1% (metformin) and 25.0% [premixed insulin (PMI) + SU) in patients with pharmacological treatment. 84.8% of the patients with non‐pharmacological treatment reached target. Compared to patients on metformin, patients on other pharmacological treatments had a lower likelihood, with hazard ratios ranging from 0.58; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.54–0.63 to 0.97;0.94–0.99, of having HbA1c ≤7% (adjusted for covariates). Patients on insulin‐based treatments had the lowest likelihood, while non‐pharmacological treatment was associated with an increased likelihood of having HbA1c ≤7%.

Conclusion: This nation‐wide study shows insufficiently reached treatment goals for haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in all treatment groups. Patients on insulin‐based treatment regimens had the longest duration of diabetes, more cardiovascular risk factors and the highest proportions of patients not reaching HbA1c target.
Bringing home the bacon? Regional nutrition, stature, and gender in the industrial revolution1
Authors: Horrell Sara , Oxley Deborah
Published: February 2012

The impact of changing diet and resultant nutrition on living standards over the industrial revolution has been much debated, yet existing data have enabled only general trends to be identified. We use data from Eden's survey of parishes in 1795 and the Rural Queries of 1834 to go beyond average calorie intake, instead focusing on micronutrients and quality of diet. From this we discern regional differences in diet. In 1795 these differences were related to the availability of common land and the nature of women's work. Diet in both periods also maps onto stature. Using five datasets on height, we observe a positive impact of diet in 1795 on men's, women's, and boy's heights. By 1834 the impact is less evident; for men it remained, for women and boys it either no longer existed or became negative. This may indicate the superseding of nutritional factors by environmental ones, but it also hints at the emergence of a different relationship between height and nutrition for women and children compared with men. We speculate that this points to a shift in the intra‐household allocation of resources, but challenge the notion that the emergence of male breadwinning automatically led to universal female disadvantage.
Clinicopathological study of invasive extramammary Paget’s disease: subgroup comparison according to invasion depth
Authors: Shiomi T. , Noguchi T. , Nakayama H. , Yoshida Y. , Yamamoto O. , Hayashi N. , Ohara K.
Published: February 2012

Background  Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) is a distinct form of malignant skin neoplasm. Invasive EMPD is relatively rare and its detailed histopathological features have not been investigated to date.

Methods  Surgical specimens were obtained from 51 patients with primary invasive EMPD. Clinical data including lymph node status were retrieved from the patients’ medical records. Cases were divided into subgroups according to invasion depth: dermal invasion ≤1 mm (minimal invasion) and dermal invasion >1 mm in depth. Histological patterns (nodular/glandular pattern or micronodular pattern), lymphatic/venous invasion, mitosis and lymph node status were compared between the two groups.

Results  The invasive EMPDs included 26 cases (51.0%) with dermal invasion ≤1 mm (minimal invasion) and 25 cases (49.0%) with dermal invasion >1 mm in depth. Lymph node metastasis was detected in 2/26 (7.7%) patients with minimally invasive EMPD. Nodular/glandular pattern (72.0%), lymphatic/venous invasion (52.0%), mitosis (88.0%) and nodal metastasis (88.0%) were all significantly more frequent in cases with dermal invasion >1 mm, compared to EMPDs with dermal invasion ≤1 mm (minimal invasion) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion  These results suggest that invasive EMPD can be divided according to invasion depth, with a cut‐off depth of 1 mm. This might represent the basis for a useful, EMPD‐specific staging system.
Clinical and instrumental assessment of the effects of a new product based on hydroxypropyl chitosan and potassium azeloyl diglycinate in the management of rosacea
Authors: Berardesca Enzo , Iorizzo Matilde , Abril Elva , Guglielmini Giancarlo , Caserini Maurizio , Palmieri Renata , Piérard Gérald E
Published: February 2012

Background  Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting mostly facial skin. Its origin is multifactorial. Important steps in its treatment are avoidance of any triggering factor and control of skin inflammation.

Aim  To assess the benefit of topical applications of a new product (P‐3075).

Patients/Methods  A randomized, multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, pilot study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a cream (P‐3075) based on 5% potassium azeloyl diglycinate (PAD, Azeloglicina®) and 1% hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCH). Forty‐two patients (rosacea stages I and II) were enrolled and randomized, 28 in the P‐3075 group and 14 in the placebo group. They were asked to apply the cream twice daily for 4 weeks. The main assessments were the objective quantification of erythema and skin hydration using the Mexameter® and Corneometer® devices, respectively. Clinical signs and symptoms were evaluated on a four‐point scale.

Results  The P‐3075 cream applied for 28 days was effective in skin protection by reducing erythema, evaluated both instrumentally and clinically. In addition, the clinical assessments of other symptoms such as flushing, stinging, and burning supported the beneficial effect of the P‐3075 cream.

Conclusions  The anti‐inflammatory and moisturizing effects of potassium azeloyl diglycinate combined with the protective properties of HPCH allow the new product to be a good candidate for controlling signs and symptoms of rosacea.
A Network‐based Analysis of the 1861 Hagelloch Measles Data
Authors: Groendyke Chris , Welch David , Hunter David R.
Published: February 2012

SummaryIn this article, we demonstrate a statistical method for fitting the parameters of a sophisticated network and epidemic model to disease data. The pattern of contacts between hosts is described by a class of dyadic independence exponential‐family random graph models (ERGMs), whereas the transmission process that runs over the network is modeled as a stochastic susceptible‐exposed‐infectious‐removed (SEIR) epidemic. We fit these models to very detailed data from the 1861 measles outbreak in Hagelloch, Germany. The network models include parameters for all recorded host covariates including age, sex, household, and classroom membership and household location whereas the SEIR epidemic model has exponentially distributed transmission times with gamma‐distributed latent and infective periods. This approach allows us to make meaningful statements about the structure of the population—separate from the transmission process—as well as to provide estimates of various biological quantities of interest, such as the effective reproductive number,R. Using reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo, we produce samples from the joint posterior distribution of all the parameters of this model—the network, transmission tree, network parameters, and SEIR parameters—and perform Bayesian model selection to find the best‐fitting network model. We compare our results with those of previous analyses and show that the ERGM network model better fits the data than a Bernoulli network model previously used. We also provide a software package, written inR, that performs this type of analysis.
Can strict volume control be the key for treatment and prevention of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in hemodialysis patients?
Authors: Gungor Ozkan , Kircelli Fatih , Kitis Omer , Asci Gulay , Toz Huseyin , Ok Ercan
Published: February 2012

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare but if diagnosed late an irreversible disease. The majority of the patients present with severe hypertension, and effective blood pressure control is the mainstay of therapy. In this case report, we present three cases with PRES, treated successfully with strict volume control policy and propose that strict volume control policy may be a key element for the treatment of PRES.
Phosphate removal model: An observational study of low‐flux dialyzers in conventional hemodialysis therapy
Authors: Wang Mengjing , Li Haiming , Liao Huimin , Yu Yongfu , You Li , Zhu Jianguo , Huang Bihong , Yuan Li , Hao Chuanming , Chen Jing
Published: February 2012

Precise assessing phosphate removal by hemodialysis (HD) is important to improve phosphate control in patients on maintenance HD. We reported a simple noninvasive model to estimate phosphate removal within a 4‐hour HD. One hundred sixty‐five patients who underwent HD 4 hours per session using low‐flux dialyzers made of polysulfone (1.2 m2) or triacetate (1.3 m2) were enrolled. Blood flows varied from 180 to 300 mL/min. Effluent dialysate samples were collected during the 4‐hour HD treatment to measure the total phosphate removal. Predialysis levels of serum phosphate, potassium, hematocrit, intact parathyroid hormone, total carbon dioxide (TCO2), alkaline phosphatase, clinical and dialysis characteristics were obtained. One hundred thirty‐five observations were randomly selected for model building and the remaining 30 for model validation. Total amount of phosphate removal within the 4‐hour HD was mostly 15–30 mmol. A primary model (model 1) predicting total phosphate removal was Tpo4 = 79.6 × C45 (mmol/L) − 0.023 × age (years) + 0.065 × weight (kg) − 0.12 × TCO2 (mmol/L) + 0.05 × clearance (mL/min) − 3.44, where C45 was phosphate concentration in spent dialysate measured at the 45 minute of HD and clearance was phosphate clearance of dialyzer in vitro conditions offered by manufacturer's data sheet. Since the parameter TCO2 needed serum sample for measurement, we further derived a noninvasive model (model 2):Tpo4 = 80.3 × C45 − 0.024 × age + 0.07 × weight + 0.06 × clearance − 8.14. Coefficient of determination, root mean square error, and residual plots showed the appropriateness of two models. Model validation further suggested good and similar predictive ability of them. This study derived a noninvasive model to predict phosphate removal. It applies to patients treated by 4‐hour HD under similar conditions.
Nucleation and Growth of Nanocrystals in Glass‐Ceramics: An In Situ SANS Perspective
Authors: Fernandez‐Martin Cristina , Bruno Giovanni , Crochet Anne , Ovono Ovono Delavand , Comte Monique , Hennet Louis
Published: February 2012

We studied the nucleation and growth of nano‐sized crystals on two glass‐ceramic systems: a conventional lithium‐aluminosilicate (LAS) and a (Mg,Zn) spinel. We combined several techniques: in situ Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and laboratory X‐ray diffraction (XRD). We observed by SANS, and confirmed by DSC, that during a temperature ramp, transient phenomena occur between the regions of nucleation and growth in the LAS, which do not follow classic kinetic theories. In contrast, the spinel material shows a smooth transition during the temperature ramp between the nucleation and the growth stages, and follows a more conventional growth pattern. In the spinel system the initial phase separation plays a very important role in determining the crystalline phase distribution in the glassy matrix, as crystallites are confined only in one phase.
Large Strain Response in the Ternary Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–BaTiO3–SrTiO3 Solid Solutions
Authors: Wang Feifei , Xu Min , Tang Yanxue , Wang Tao , Shi Wangzhou , Leung Chung Ming
Published: February 2012

A ternary solid solution (0.935‐x)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.065BaTiO3–xSrTiO3 was designed and fabricated using a conventional fabrication process. Temperature and composition dependence of the ferroelectric, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties were systematically investigated and a schematic phase diagram was established. The SrTiO3 substitution was found to induce a transition from ferroelectric to relaxor pseudocubic phases. Around a critical composition x of 0.22, large strain response of ~0.2% (under a moderate field of 4 kV/mm) with normalized strain of 490 pm/V was obtained. The large unipolar strain response would be of great interest for environmental‐friendly “on‐off” actuators.
What makes child workers go to school? A case study from West Bengal
Authors: Pal Manoranjan , Pal Jadab K. , Tiwari Hare Ram , Bharati Premananda
Published: February 2012

Based on data from 327 households comprising at least one child labourer in 2008, this paper investigates the effects of different socio‐economic and demographic variables on the relationship between child labour and schooling. The results show that the socio‐demographic variables, capturing the “enlightenment” of the parents (e.g. education) do not have much influence on children's school attendance, whereas the economic variables, capturing the standard of living of the households, have a strong influence on whether the children go to school.
Labour market reforms in Japan and the Republic of Korea: A comparative case study of policy‐making in the 2000s
Authors: Yun Ji‐Whan
Published: February 2012

As from the late 1990s, Japan and the Republic of Korea embarked upon labour market reforms that have often been presented as a simple process of flexibilization. Taking Polanyi's perspective of “double movement”, however, this paper explores how these countries combined “more market” with the pursuit of social stability. Reviewing legislative activities concerned with employment liberalization and income maintenance, the author analyses the different approaches taken by Japan and Korea in reforming their dual labour markets. In conclusion, he argues that their divergent reform paths originated in differences between the two countries' policy‐making mechanisms and environments.
Occupational contact allergy to cocamidopropyl betaine and its impurities
Authors: Suuronen Katri , Pesonen Maria , Aalto‐Korte Kristiina
Published: February 2012

Background. Contact allergy to cocamidopropyl betaine has been attributed to its impurities dimethylaminopropylamine and cocamidopropyl dimethylamine.

Objectives. To describe patients with positive patch test reactions to cocamidopropyl betaine‐related compounds in an occupational dermatology clinic.

Methods. We reviewed the 2002–2009 patch test records at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health for allergic reactions to cocamidopropyl betaine, dimethylaminopropylamine, cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, and oleamidopropyl dimethylamine.

Results. Irritant reactions to at least one of the test substances were seen in 39% of the 1092 patients tested. Fifteen (1.3%) patients showed allergic reactions: 13 to cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, 11 to dimethylaminopropylamine, 8 to oleamidopropyl dimethylamine, and 2 to cocamidopropyl betaine. Concomitant reactions to cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, dimethylaminopropylamine and oleamidopropyl dimethylamine were common. Ten of the 15 patients were diagnosed with occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by cocamidopropyl betaine‐related compounds. The sources of occupational exposure included hair care products, hair colours, perm wave solutions, and liquid soaps. Multiple contact allergies and exposure to several irritant factors were common, and all patients had hand eczema.

Conclusions. Patch test reactions to cocamidopropyl betaine‐related compounds are difficult to interpret, owing to extremely common irritant reactions. Cocamidopropyl betaine itself is probably not an allergen. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by cocamidopropyl betaine‐related compounds is relatively rare and, unlike non‐occupational cocamidopropyl betaine‐related allergy, typically manifests as hand dermatitis.
Slip Casting of a Si3N4‐Based System
Authors: Hostaša Jan , Silvestroni Laura , Piancastelli Andreana , Sciti Diletta , Martino Daniela Di , Esposito Laura
Published: February 2012

Silicon oxynitride ceramics were prepared by aqueous slip casting in plaster moulds. The colloidal behavior of slurries prepared with various dispersants was optimized through the electrokinetic sonic amplitude and rheological measurements. Samples with dimensions up to 5 × 10 × 2 cm were produced and the optimal processing and sintering conditions were determined. The flexural strength and dielectric constant of selected samples were similar to the values reported in literature for materials obtained with more expensive shaping techniques. The results showed that the preparation of large silicon oxynitride components by slip casting is feasible.
Bimodal effect of retinoic acid on melanocyte differentiation identified by time‐dependent analysis
Authors: Inoue Yu , Hasegawa Seiji , Yamada Takaaki , Date Yasushi , Mizutani Hiroshi , Nakata Satoru , Matsunaga Kayoko , Akamatsu Hirohiko
Published: February 2012

Retinoic acid (RA) is considered to control melanocytes; however, its precise mechanism remains unclear because of a bimodal effect, which promotes or inhibits melanin synthesis depending on the cell type, culture condition of melanocytes and skin conditions. In this study, we examined the effects of RA throughout each stage of differentiation of melanocytes using a mouse embryonic stem cell culture system to induce melanocytes. The results showed that RA has significantly different effects depending on the stage of differentiation of melanocytes. More specifically, RA promoted differentiation in earlier stages, wherein embryonic stem cells became melanoblasts via neural crest cells, and inhibited differentiation in later stages, wherein melanoblasts became melanocytes. It was revealed for the first time that melanocytes show markedly different reactions to RA depending on the stage of differentiation.
Melanocortin‐1 receptor‐mediated signalling pathways activated by NDP‐MSH and HBD3 ligands
Authors: Beaumont Kimberley A. , Smit Darren J. , Liu Yan Yan , Chai Eric , Patel Mira P. , Millhauser Glenn L. , Smith Jennifer J. , Alewood Paul F. , Sturm Richard A.
Published: February 2012

Binding of melanocortin peptide agonists to the melanocortin‐1 receptor of melanocytes results in eumelanin production, whereas binding of the agouti signalling protein inverse agonist results in pheomelanin synthesis. Recently, a novel melanocortin‐1 receptor ligand was reported. A β‐defensin gene mutation was found to be responsible for black coat colour in domestic dogs. Notably, the human equivalent, β‐defensin 3, was found to bind with high affinity to the melanocortin‐1 receptor; however, the action of β‐defensin as an agonist or antagonist was unknown. Here, we use in vitro assays to show that β‐defensin 3 is able to act as a weak partial agonist for cAMP signalling in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells expressing human melanocortin‐1 receptor. β‐defensin 3 is also able to activate MAPK signalling in HEK cells stably expressing either wild type or variant melanocortin‐1 receptors. We suggest that β‐defensin 3 may be a novel melanocortin‐1 receptor agonist involved in regulating melanocyte responses in humans.
Immigrant Children and Families and the Public Child Welfare System: Considerations for Legal Systems
Authors: Dettlaff Alan J.
Published: February 2012

Recent research findings have provided new information on children of immigrants who come to the attention of the child welfare system. This article reviews the current knowledge regarding the involvement of children of immigrants in this system, their exposure to risk factors, and their experience of maltreatment. The article also presents the challenges child welfare and legal systems face when children of immigrants enter the child welfare system that may impact their well‐being, and concludes with recommendations for legal systems to work in collaboration with child welfare systems to facilitate positive outcomes for children in immigrant families.
The pathophysiological basis of chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in the mouse: vasoconstrictor and structural mechanisms contribute equally
Authors: Cahill Edwina , Rowan Simon C. , Sands Michelle , Banahan Mark , Ryan Donal , Howell Katherine , McLoughlin Paul
Published: February 2012

Chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension is characterized by a sustained increase in pulmonary arterial pressure due to abnormally elevated pulmonary vascular resistance. This increased vascular resistance was previously thought to be due largely to changes in the structure of the pulmonary vasculature, i.e. lumen narrowing due to wall hypertrophy and loss of vessels. Recently, this model has been challenged by the demonstration that hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in the rat is caused almost completely by sustained vasoconstriction. The contribution of this vasocontriction to hypoxic pulmonary hypertension has not been examined directly in other species. We exposed groups of mice to hypoxia (10% O2) or normoxia for 3 weeks, following which the lungs were removed post mortem, and vascular resistance was measured in an isolated, ventilated, perfused preparation. Mean pulmonary vascular resistance was significantly increased in hypoxic compared with control normoxic lungs. The rho kinase inhibitor Y27635 (10−4m) (Tocris Bioscience, Bristol, United Kingdom.) significantly reduced the mean (±SEM) hypoxia induced increase by 45.4 (10.8)%, implying that structural vascular changes acounted for the remainder of the hypoxic increase. Stereological quantification showed a significant reduction in the mean lumen diameter of the fully relaxed vessels in hypoxic lungs compared with normoxic control lungs; there was no intra‐acinar vessel loss. Thus, in contrast to the rat, hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in the mouse is due to two mechanisms contributing equally: sustained vasoconstriction and structural lumen narrowing of intra‐acinar vessels. These important species diferences must be considered when using genetically mutated mice to investigate the mechanisms underlying pulmonary hypertension.
Study of Cavitation Erosion Pits on 1045 Carbon Steel Surface in Corrosive Waters
Authors: Karrab S. A. , Doheim M. A. , Aboraia Mohammed S. , Ahmed S. M.
Published: February 2012

Cavitation erosion resistance of steels is important in many applications. The investigation of such resistance, under different conditions, should be very useful. Cavitation erosion tests were carried out on carbon steel AISI-1045 using an ultrasonic induced cavitation facility. Cavitation erosion pits and their effect on the localized corrosion were investigated in detail in three different corrosive media: distilled water, tap water, and 3% NaCl water.

The results of the investigation using SEM indicated the formation of three types of pits on cavitating specimen surfaces: corrosion pits, erosion pits, and erosion-corrosion pits. The corrosion pits have different shapes, however, the lamellar structure is the dominant structure, and has a large size of about 100 μm. The erosion pits that were formed by the cavitation microjet impacts have sizes of a few micrometers. The erosion-corrosion pits were similar to the corrosion pits, except the erosion pits formed on the corrosion pit surface due to dissolution. The eroded surface removal was the largest in the case of saline water.
Highly Compressible Porous Media Flow near a Wellbore: Effect of Gas Acceleration
Authors: Jin Yan , Ping Chen Kang , Chen Mian
Published: February 2012

A fundamental study on porous medium flow of a highly compressible gas near a wellbore is carried out. The effect of gas acceleration is assessed quantitatively. It is shown that gas acceleration induced by the converging flow introduces a quadratic drag on the flow; acceleration due to volumetric-expansion causes the pressure curve to steepen near the wellbore and the flow to become choked at high flow-rates. When the flow is choked, the pressure gradient at the wellbore wall becomes unbounded. It is also shown that for any given mass flow-rate, the well pressure predicted from the model considering acceleration effect is significantly below that calculated from the Darcy-Forchheimer model. Implications of these results to petroleum engineering are discussed.