bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foundational Semantics II: Normative Accounts
Authors: García‐Carpintero Manuel
Published: May 2012

Descriptive semantic theories purport to characterize the meanings of the expressions of languages in whatever complexity they might have. Foundational semantics purports to identify the kind of considerations relevant to establish that a given descriptive semantics accurately characterizes the language used by a given individual or community. Foundational Semantics I presents three contrasting approaches to the foundational matters, and the main considerations relevant to appraise their merits. These approaches contend that we should look at the contents of speakers’ intuitions; at the deep psychology of users and its evolutionary history, as revealed by our best empirical theories; or at the personal‐level rational psychology of those subjects. Foundational Semantics II examines a fourth view, according to which we should look instead at norms enforced among speakers. The two papers aim to determine in addition the extent to which the approaches are really rival, or rather complementary.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation and cerebrovascular events: the current state of the art
Authors: Hynes Brian G. , Rodés‐Cabau Josep
Published: May 2012

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has revolutionized the care of high‐risk patients with severe calcific aortic stenosis. Those considered at high or prohibitive risk of major adverse outcomes with open surgical aortic valve replacement may now be offered an alternative less‐invasive therapy. Despite the rapid evolution and clinical application of this new technology, recent studies have raised concerns about adverse cerebrovascular event rates in patients undergoing TAVI. In this review, we explore the current data both in relation to procedure‐related silent cerebrovascular ischemic events, as well as clinically apparent stroke. The timing of neurological events and their prognostic implications are also examined. Finally, potential mechanisms of TAVI‐related cerebrovascular injury are described, in addition to efforts to minimize their occurrence.
Optimal lipid targets for the new era of cardiovascular prevention
Authors: Ramjee Vimal , Eapen Danny J. , Sperling Laurence S.
Published: May 2012

Optimal lipid targets (OLT) should be the goal for all individuals treated in the new era of cardiovascular (CV) disease prevention. Evidence supports that average LDL cholesterol (LDL‐C) values in Westernized populations are not optimal. Lessons from nature and science support a physiologic LDL‐C target of <70 mg/dL. Clinical trial evidence further supports optimal LDL‐C targets, although several critical questions remain unanswered. Using a calculated LDL‐C may have limitations in clinical practice. Non‐HDL‐C cholesterol may be a better predictor of outcomes, and should therefore be provided on all laboratory reports. Specific HDL cholesterol (HDL‐C) targets are significantly more complicated. Although a low HDL‐C predicts a less favorable outcome independent of LDL‐C level, an HDL‐C level > 50 mg/dL is associated with lower CV risk. Clinical trials on HDL‐C have thus far been disappointing. OLT should be the goal for all individuals as an important part of addressing global CV risk.
Controversies in blood pressure goal guidelines and masked hypertension
Authors: Phillips Robert A.
Published: May 2012

In uncomplicated hypertension, <140/90 mmHg is the treatment goal for individuals aged 18–79 and between 140 mmHg and 150 mmHg in those 80 years of age. Inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, as well as calcium channel blockers, are universally accepted as first‐line therapy in uncomplicated hypertension, but controversy exists over the role of thiazide diuretics and beta blockers. Because at similar blood pressure (BP) levels, African Americans have more target organ damage than whites, a lower goal of <135/85 mmHg is recommended. In patients with coronary artery disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, <130/80 mmHg is recommended. Masked hypertension, defined as normal clinic BP with a high average self‐monitored or ambulatory BP, is prevalent in those with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea. Masked hypertension is associated with worse outcome. Ambulatory BP monitoring for those at risk for masked hypertension needs to be incorporated into guidelines.
Atrial fibrillation, stroke, and quality of life
Authors: Chinitz Jason S. , Castellano Jose M. , Kovacic Jason C. , Fuster Valentin
Published: May 2012

Contemporary management of atrial fibrillation imposes many challenges, particularly in the setting of our aging population. In addition to well‐recognized consequences, such as stroke and mortality, emerging evidence relates atrial fibrillation to elevated risk of dementia, posing further therapeutic challenges. As the incidence of atrial fibrillation rises with age, the balance of controlling stroke risk and limiting major hemorrhage on anticoagulation has become increasingly critical in elderly patients. Appreciation of more extensive risk factors has made it possible to identify patients at very low risk of thromboembolism and higher risk of bleeding. However, practice guidelines in the United States and abroad have occasionally divergent viewpoints regarding how to best manage patients in various risk strata. Options for stroke prevention have expanded with novel antithrombotics and promising mechanical alternatives to anticoagulation, which may be at least as effective in preventing stroke without increasing bleeding risk. Catheter ablation has demonstrated impressive success at preventing atrial fibrillation recurrence in selected patients, and has the potential to further improve outcomes. In addition, the role of antiplatelet medications in patients deemed unsuitable for anticoagulation has been better clarified, although novel agents require further study to assess their impact on thromboembolism. High‐bleeding risks associated with the concomitant use of multiple antithrombotics remains a major obstacle in patients with indications for both antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy.
Umbilical cord blood for cardiovascular cell therapy: from promise to fact
Authors: Roura Santiago , Pujal Josep‐Maria , Bayes‐Genis Antoni
Published: May 2012

Endothelial recovery and cell replacement are therapeutic challenges for cardiovascular medicine. Initially employed in the treatment of blood malignancies due to its high concentration of hematological precursors, umbilical cord blood (UCB) is now a non‐controversial and accepted source of both hematopoietic and non‐hematopoietic progenitors for a variety of emerging cell therapies in clinical trials. Here, we review the current therapeutic potential of UCB, focusing in recent evidence demonstrating the ability of UCB‐derived mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into the endothelial lineage and to develop new vasculature in vivo.
A bird's‐eye view of cell therapy and tissue engineering for cardiac regeneration
Authors: Soler‐Botija Carolina , Bagó Juli R. , Bayes‐Genis Antoni
Published: May 2012

Complete recovery of ischemic cardiac muscle after myocardial infarction is still an unresolved concern. In recent years, intensive research efforts have focused on mimicking the physical and biological properties of myocardium for cardiac repair. Here we show how heart regeneration approaches have evolved from cell therapy to refined tissue engineering. Despite progressive improvements, the best cell type and delivery strategy are not well established. Our group has identified a new population of cardiac adipose tissue–derived progenitor cells with inherent cardiac and angiogenic potential that is a promising candidate for cell therapy to restore ischemic myocardium. We also describe results from three strategies for cell delivery into a murine model of myocardial infarction: intramyocardial injection, implantation of a fibrin patch loaded with cells, and an engineered bioimplant (a combination of chemically designed scaffold, peptide hydrogel, and cells); dual‐labeling noninvasive bioluminescence imaging enables in vivo monitoring of cardiac‐specific markers and cell survival.
An added value for the hemoglobin content in reticulocytes (CHr) and the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in the diagnosis of iron deficiency in postpartum anemic women
Authors: RAMAKERS C. , Van Der WOUDE D. A. A. , VERZIJL J. M. , PIJNENBORG J. M. A. , Van WIJK E. M.
Published: May 2012

Introduction: To evaluate the use of reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) to identify truly iron‐deficient women with postpartum anemia (PPA), in order to reduce unnecessary iron supplementation.

Methods: Three hundred women with more than 500 mL of blood loss or clinical signs of anemia were divided in a control (Hb ≥ 10.5 g/dL,N = 150) and postpartum anemia group (PPA, Hb < 10.5 g/dL;N = 150). PPA women were given ferrous fumarate for a period of 4 weeks. Efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by comparing Hb, CHr, and MCV at baseline (T0) and after 4 weeks (T4). Using standard iron deficiency cut off values for MCV (80 fL) and CHr (28 pg) atT0, we divided the PPA group of both parameters into two subgroups, one suggestive for iron deficiency and one suggestive for noniron deficiency.

Results: Irrespective of the parameter or the subdivision, delta Hb concentrations (T4–T0) showed a similar increase in all PPA subgroups investigated. Both parameters in the PPA subgroups below their respective cut off value showed a significant improvement toward normalization, while the MCV and CHr in the PPA subgroups above their respective cut off value did not show any significant increase.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that the etiology of the anemia in postpartum anemic women is not always iron deficiency. Using a combination of Hb, MCV and CHr, we increased the stringency to identify truly iron‐deficient postpartum anemic women, thereby reducing unnecessary iron supplementation in those women with sufficient iron stores.
Effects of Sauna Alone and Postexercise Sauna Baths on Blood Pressure and Hemodynamic Variables in Patients With Untreated Hypertension
Authors: Gayda Mathieu , Paillard François , Sosner Philippe , Juneau Martin , Garzon Mauricio , Gonzalez Mariel , Bélanger Manon , Nigam Anil
Published: May 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012;00:00–00 ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The effects of sauna alone vs exercise and sauna on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and central hemodynamic variables were measured in 16 patients with untreated hypertension assigned to a control period, sauna, or exercise and sauna. Exercise and sauna had positive effects on 24‐hour systolic and mean blood pressure in patients with untreated hypertension. Exercise and sauna and sauna alone reduce total vascular resistance, with positive effects lasting up to 120 minutes after heat exposure.
Caught Between Culture, Society, and Globalization: Youth Marginalization in Post‐industrial Japan
Authors: Norasakkunkit Vinai , Uchida Yukiko , Toivonen Tuukka
Published: May 2012

In this article, we review the controversies regarding how representative Japanese psychological patterns are of an interdependent orientation and discuss understanding these controversies in the context of seeing Japanese youth as being marginalized in their own society. We review specific studies on shifting values and motivational patterns at the individual level and incorporate a sociological perspective to understand the causes of these patterns at the social‐structural level. We argue that traditional cultural practices are maintained to protect the senior elites of Japan at a cost of increasing the rift between culture, society, and post‐industrial trends. The unsustainability of this rift then ends up asymmetrically marginalizing Japanese youth who bear the brunt of the cost of institutional resistance to globalization pressures. Therefore, the “demotivation” and psychological distancing from interdependent norms among marginalized Japanese youth are not the causes of marginalization, but rather, are an outcome of it. Thus, we argue that psychology of globalization and the psychology of marginalization can go hand‐in‐hand, especially for societies with dominant institutions that are interdependent, relatively inflexible, seniority‐based, and are entering a post‐industrial economy due to globalization demands.
Use of a fibrin adhesive for conjunctival closure in trabeculectomy
Authors: Martinez‐de‐la‐Casa José M. , Rayward Omar , Saenz‐Frances Federico , Mendez Carmen , Bueso Enrique Santos , Garcia‐Feijoo Julián
Published: May 2012

Purpose:  To assess the safety and efficacy of a fibrin tissue adhesive (Tissucol Duo®) used to close the conjunctiva in trabeculectomy.

Methods:  A nonrandomized prospective study including 57 patients with chronic simple glaucoma who underwent trabeculectomy surgery. All the trabeculectomies were conducted by the same surgeon using the same surgical technique with the exception that conjunctival closure was achieved by either running Nylon 10/0 suture (n = 29) or using the fibrin glue (n = 28). Preoperative and postoperative data were obtained on intraocular pressure (IOP), number of hypotensive medications used, self‐reported discomfort and complications arising during and after surgery.

Results:  No differences were detected between the two patient groups regarding the intraocular pressure reduction achieved during follow‐up. In the first 2 weeks of follow‐up, reported discomfort assessed using a visual analogue scale was significantly lower in the Tissucol Duo® group. Two patients in the Tissucol Duo® group suffered conjunctival dehiscence and suturing was required at 24 hours postsurgery. Remaining complications were similar in the two groups.

Conclusion:  The use of Tissucol Duo® seems to be a safe and efficient option for conjunctival closure in trabeculectomy that simplifies the surgical procedure and reduces patient discomfort in the immediate postoperative period.
INFECTIOUS SPONDYLODISCITIS IN PATIENTS WITH CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERS FOR HAEMODIALYSIS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: Sánchez José Luis Cobo , Revuelta Magdalena Gándara , Mantecón María Eugenia Cuadrado , Alonso Rosa Ana Sainz , Cano María Soraya Sánchez
Published: May 2012

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of infectious spondylodiscitis associated with central venous catheters (CVC) for haemodialysis.

Methods: Descriptive and retrospective research. Clinical histories of 830 patients with a CVC for haemodialysis in our unit were reviewed from January 1999 to December 2010. Clinical data associated with spondylodiscitis were collected.

Results: Five out of 830 patients reported infectious spondylodiscitis associated with their CVC for haemodialysis. Of the five cases, the average age was 66 years (range 59–72 years), there were four females and one male. Three had diabetic nephropathy. Site of CVC: four jugular, one femoral. Signs and symptoms: fever and leucocytosis 100%, lumbar pain 85%; positive blood cultures 60%; computed axial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showing signs suggestive of spondylodiscitis or epidural abscess 100%.

Conclusions: Although rare, infectious spondylodiscitis is a serious complication in haemodialysis patients with a CVC as vascular access. It is essential that any alarming sign of infection to be recorded daily and appropriate treatment to initiate in order to avoid fatal complications.
Revised Chronostratigraphic Framework of the Metamorphic Strata in the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt, South China and its Tectonic Implications
Authors: Linzhi GAO , Xiaozhong DING , Chuanheng ZHANG , Jun CHEN , Yaorong LIU , Hang ZHANG , Xanxue LIU , Weihua PANG
Published: May 2012

In a re‐study of regional geology by the China Geological Survey (CGS), the key problem is in the stratigraphical division and correlation. According to the new isotopic dating of the Meso‐ and Neoproterozoic in China, there have been great changes in the strata correlation and tectonic explanation. The authors obtained four zircon sensitive high resolution ion micro‐probe (SHRIMP) U‐Pb datings from the bentonite of the Lengjiaxi Group (822±10 Ma, 823±12 Ma and 834±11 Ma) and Banxi Group (802.6±7.6 Ma) in north Hunan Province, which is considered to be the middle part of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt. On the basis of the zircon dating mentioned above, the end of the Wuling orogen is first limited in the period from 822 Ma to 802 Ma in one continued outcrop (Lucheng section) in Linxiang city, Hunan Province. Combining a series of new zircon U‐Pb datings in the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, several Neoproterozoic volcanic events and distribution of the metamorphic rocks in the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt have been distinguished. In the context of the global geodynamics, it is useful to set up a practical and high precision chronological framework and basic and unified late Precambrian section in South China.
Petrological Implication of the Albite Rims in the Felsic Gneisses of the Fuping Complex
Authors: Liudong REN , Chonghui YANG , Lilin DU
Published: May 2012

The albite rim is present in most felsic gneisses of the Fuping Complex. The presence of the rim indicates the coexistence of plagioclase and K‐feldspar in the rock. The rim is formed immediately after the myrmekite, and both textures were derived from the alteration of K‐feldspar. The difference is that that there is no quartz present in the rim, and the rim is nearly albite and the anorthite content of the rim plagioclase is substantially lower than that of the myrmekite plagioclase. Formed at 400–500°C the albite rim was derived from the K‐feldspar composition adjustment in the late or post‐magmatism stage. As the temperature decreased, the equilibrium between K‐feldspar and plagioclase could be maintained, and reactions between the minerals occurred. The leucocratic veins in the complex show distinguished magma or migmatitic characteristics. The rim might form in the late magma or deuteric stage. The formation of the rim implies obvious granitic magma‐ or melt‐injection activity. Typical metamorphic rocks cannot produce the rims. Anatexis after medium‐high grade metamorphism might be subordinate. If present, the anatexis is water‐present, but the rim texture cannot be taken as the symbol of anatexis.
Genetic Mechanism of Dolomitization in Fengcheng Formation in the Wu‐Xia area of Junggar Basin, China
Authors: Shifa ZHU , Xiaomin ZHU , Huapeng NIU , Xuefang HAN , Yueqian ZHANG , Xincai YOU
Published: May 2012

The dolomitic rocks of the Fengcheng Formation are considered to be formed under special geologic conditions, and are significant hydrocarbon reservoir rocks in the Wu‐Xia area in the Junggar Basin. Analyses of petrologic characteristics and stable isotope composition indicate that the dolomitizing host rock is volcanic and the dolomitizing fluids probably consists of brine from shore‐shallow lakes with great evaporation and salinity in the Fengcheng Formation, which have formed under arid climatic conditions, as well as residual Mg‐rich seawater from the underlying Jiamuhe Formation and Carboniferous. Dust tuff in the area has significant plagioclase content. Anorthite and labradorite hydrolysis by CO2 can be coupled with calcite precipitation. Late Mg‐rich brine percolated and replaced calcite formed in the early time, which lead to precipitate dolostones with different occurrences, such as graniphyric, random bedded or lumpy. The diagenetic dolostones with different occurrences resulting from particular formation conditions occurred in different tectonic settings. The dolomitizing fluid has been driven by the thermal convection flow generated by volcanic eruptions. At the same time, the overthrusts of the Wu‐Xia growth fault have speeded up the flow of deep Mg‐rich water upwards, and induced the water to quickly penetrate and horizontally migrate in the strata. Fracture is the major and the most important reservoir space in dolomitic reservoir of the Fengcheng Formation. Fracture and fault plays a decisive role in controlling the formation of dolostone and the distribution of favorable reservoirs. The deliverability of oil and gas is determined by the development and match relations of dissolved pores and fractures to a certain degree.
Serdar Somuncu: Reframing Integration through a Transnational Politics of Satire
Authors: Bower Kathrin
Published: May 2012

Following the success of Knobi Bonbon, the first Turkish German cabaret founded by Şinasi Dikmen and Muhsin Omurcu in 1985, Turkish German comedy has become standard fare on the German stage. Among the younger generation of Turkish German performers, Serdar Somuncu has distinguished himself through biting political satire targeting both German and Turkish societies and through his zealous engagement with the German past. Beginning with hisMein Kampfprogram in 1996, Somuncu developed a series of performances criticizing GermanVergangenheitsbewältigung, the corrosive power of popular media, and failures of political leadership in Germany and Turkey. With escalating vehemence in hisHasspredigershows, Somuncu rails against the miasma of critical lassitude that renders the public susceptible to demagoguery, prejudice, and chauvinism and seeks to inoculate his audience against such influences by enacting a transnational politics of satire.
Abundance of anammox bacteria in different wetland soils
Authors: Humbert Sylvia , Zopfi Jakob , Tarnawski Sonia‐Estelle
Published: May 2012

The diversity and activity of anammox bacteria has been studied in various environments, but knowledge about their abundance and population dynamics is scarce and particularly lacking for soils. A SYBR Green qPCR protocol was developed for the quantification of anammox bacterial 16S rRNA gene copies using newly designed primers. This primer set allows specific detection of all currently known anammox candidate genera including members of a new anammox cluster. Seven wetland soils were investigated and anammox bacterial 16S rRNA gene copy numbers of 4.01 × 104 to 6.74 × 106 per gram of fresh soil were detected. Anammox bacteria were also quantified along a Gleysol profile at three different sampling dates. Anammox 16S rRNA gene abundance increased significantly with soil depth and varied only little between seasons, suggesting that anammox bacteria represent a minor but stable microbial population in this soil.
Mitigating Inequalities of Influence among States in Global Decision Making
Authors: Hoffman Steven J.
Published: May 2012

International institutions should be as equal as they claim to be, especially since many of them assert superordinate normative authority based on having egalitarian governance structures. However, when defining equality with respect to states’ real‐world influence in determining substantive outcomes, it is evident that there is an equality‐influence gap between the rhetoric of parity among states and the reality of international politics. This is problematic because it undermines trust in those international institutions that falsely claim to embody equality among states when empirically they do not. Focusing on the United Nations System, this paper identifies three main causes of this disproportional influence among states in global decision making: (a) external imbalances in political capital; (b) internal economic barriers; and (c) surreptitious influence through non‐state actors, funding and training. Six pragmatic strategies are proposed for mitigating these inequalities: (1) building capacity for leadership in global advocacy; (2) supporting global networks owned by developing countries; (3) equalizing multi‐party partnerships; (4) facilitating evidence‐informed global decision making; (5) enhancing accountability and independent evaluation; and (6) encouraging further discussion on institutional reforms. Notwithstanding sovereign equality’s deep flaws, it is hoped that challenging the egalitarian presumptions of global decision making will encourage further debate on this issue among those who can act upon it.

Policy Implications

 Inequalities of influence among states should be mitigated in order to avert the moral fraud and distrust that results from international institutions' claims of superordinate normative authority based on fictional sovereign equality.

 NGOs can help mitigate inequalities but they can also inadvertently deepen them by prioritizing the interests of the powerful states, wealthy elites and private industries that frequently fund them and to whom they are legally accountable.

 It is both desirable and possible to achieve more equal decision making in global governance, especially throughout the United Nations System which celebrates the principle of sovereign equality and benefits from an institutional architecture that naturally supports it.

 Mitigating this equality‐influence gap may help foster better global decision making and a more peaceful, secure and prosperous international society.
Liver and diabetes. A vicious circle
Authors: Loria Paola , Lonardo Amedeo , Anania Frank
Published: May 2012

The complex and bi‐directional relationship linking the liver and diabetes has recently gained intense new interest. This critical review of the published work aims to highlight the most recent basic and clinical data underlying the development of type 2 diabetes, in those with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Moreover, the potentially detrimental effects of type 2 diabetes in liver injury are also discussed in each of the two sections of the present paper. Fatty liver and diabetes share insulin resistance as their chief pathogenic determinant. The roles of the hypothalamus, the intestinal microbiome, white adipose tissue and inflammation are discussed in detail. Molecular insights into hepatocyte insulin resistance as the initiator of systemic insulin resistance are also presented with full coverage of the danger of fatty acids. Lipotoxicity, apoptosis, lipoautophagy, endoplasmic reticular stress response and recent developments in genetics are discussed. Closing the circle, special emphasis is given to biochemical pathways and clinical evidence supporting the role of type 2 diabetes as a risk factor for the development of progressive liver disease, including non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis and primary liver cancer. In conclusion, data support non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease as a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes which is, in turn, a major contributor to progressive liver disease. This pathway leading from fatty liver to type 2 diabetes and back from the latter to the progressive liver disease is a vicious circle.
Clinical utility of serum fucosylated hemopexin in Japanese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kobayashi Sayo , Nouso Kazuhiro , Kinugasa Hideaki , Takeuchi Yasuto , Tomoda Takeshi , Miyahara Koji , Hagihara Hiroaki , Kuwaki Kenji , Onishi Hideki , Nakamura Shinichiro , Ikeda Fusao , Miyake Yasuhiro , Shiraha Hidenori , Takaki Akinobu , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: May 2012

Aim:  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common clinical problem all over the world. Fucosylated hemopexin (Fuc‐Hpx) is a newly reported glycoprotein for the diagnosis of HCC, however, its clinical implications are unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the clinical utility of Fuc‐Hpx in Japanese patients with HCC.

Methods:  The sera from 331 HCC patients, 45 with liver cirrhosis (LC), 85 with chronic hepatitis (CH) and 22 healthy people were examined for the expression of Fuc‐Hpx; the level was compared with clinical parameters as well as hemopexin (Hpx) expression. The expressions of Fuc‐Hpx in 12 HCC tissues and corresponding adjacent non‐cancerous liver tissues were also examined.

Results:  No correlation was observed between Hpx and Fuc‐Hpx level. The median Fuc‐Hpx levels in healthy people and CH, LC and HCC patients were 3.8, 3.7, 6.1 and 7.6 AU/mL, respectively (CH vs LC, P = 0.002; CH vs HCC, P < 0.001; LC vs HCC, P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that low albumin, low prothrombin time and the presence of HCC were significantly correlated with high Fuc‐Hpx (P = 0.013, =0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Among the HCC patients, albumin was correlated with high Fuc‐Hpx; however, none of the tumor factors, such as tumor size, tumor number and tumor stage, was correlated with Fuc‐Hpx level. The expression of Fuc‐Hpx in cancer tissue was not different from that in non‐cancerous tissue.

Conclusion:  Fuc‐Hpx is a valuable biomarker for HCC but it might be a marker for hypercarcinogenic liver rather than a marker for tumor‐bearing liver.
Changes in sequences of core region, interferon sensitivity‐determining region and interferon and ribavirin resistance‐determining region of hepatitis C virus genotype 1 during interferon‐alpha and ribavirin therapy, and efficacy of retreatment
Authors: Kozuka Ritsuzo , Enomoto Masaru , Hai Hoang , Ogawa Tomohiro , Nakaya Mika , Hagihara Atsushi , Fujii Hideki , Kobayashi Sawako , Iwai Shuji , Morikawa Hiroyasu , Tamori Akihiro , Kawada Norifumi
Published: May 2012

Aim:  Some regions associated with sensitivity to interferon‐α and ribavirin have been identified in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome, including amino acid 70 in the core region (core a.a. 70), a.a. 2209–2248 (interferon sensitivity‐determining region, ISDR) and a.a. 2334–2379 (interferon and ribavirin resistance‐determining region, IRRDR).

Methods:  We examined changes in the sequences of these regions in 25 patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection who had not had sustained virological response (SVR) to interferon‐α and ribavirin for 24–48 weeks and subsequently received retreatment for 48–72 weeks.

Results:  At baseline, the core a.a. 70 was mutant (resistant) type in seven patients. At the start of retreatment, the core a.a. 70 had changed from sensitive to resistant type in 2 patients, and SVR was not achieved by retreatment. The ISDR variations were resistant type (0–1 mutations) in 17 patients at baseline. After 2 weeks of treatment, amino acid change was found in two patients; in one, the substitutions returned to baseline status after treatment, and in the other, the substitution persisted. At the start of retreatment, ISDR sequences had changed from resistant to sensitive type in two patients and SVR was achieved and from sensitive to resistant type in three patients and SVR was not achieved. The IRRDR variations were resistant type (<6 mutations) in 19 patients at baseline and at the start of retreatment.

Conclusion:  Sequences of the core region and ISDR sometimes change during anti‐HCV therapy, potentially affecting the outcomes of retreatment.
On the Use of Buy Up as a Model of Customer Choice in Revenue Management
Authors: Cooper William L. , Li Le
Published: May 2012

We consider settings in which a revenue manager controls bookings over a sequence of flights. The revenue manager uses a buy‐up model to select booking limits and updates estimates of the model parameters as data are accumulated. The buy‐up model we consider is based upon a simple model of customer choice, wherein each low‐fare customer who is not able to purchase a low‐fare ticket will, with a fixed probability, “buy up” to the high fare, independent of everything else. We analyze the evolution of the parameter estimates (e.g., the buy‐up probability) and chosen booking limits in situations where the buy‐up model is misspecified, that is, in situations where there is no setting of its parameters for which its objective function gives an accurate representation of expected revenue as a function of the booking limit. The analysis is motivated by the common situation in which a revenue manager does not know precisely how customers behave but nevertheless uses a parametric model to make decisions. Under some assumptions, we prove that the booking limits and parameter estimates converge and we compare the actual expected revenue at the limiting values with that associated with the booking limits that would be chosen if the revenue manager knew the actual behavior of customers. The analysis shows that the buy‐up model often works reasonably well even when it is misspecified, and also reveals the importance of understanding how parameter estimates of misspecified models vary as functions of decisions.
Distributing a Product Line in a Decentralized Supply Chain
Authors: Shao Jing , Krishnan Harish , Thomas McCormick S.
Published: May 2012

Although there is a rich literature on single product distribution in decentralized supply chains, the incentive problems that arise in distributing a product line have largely not been investigated. In practice, most manufacturers distribute a line of products with different features and qualities and not just a single product. Consider a manufacturer who distributes a product line through competing downstream retailers. In this setting, we investigate how and why the retailers' price and inventory decisions deviate from the centrally optimal decisions. Due to substitution between different product variants, as well as between different retailers, the incentive problems associated with distributing a product line are more complicated than that of distributing a single product. We characterize retailers' incentive distortions under a residual‐claimancy contract, and construct contracts that achieve channel coordination. We show that retail price floors or inventory buybacks, appropriately tailored to each product variant, are among the contracts that can achieve coordination. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate how the optimal contract terms (such as wholesale prices and buyback prices) for each variant are influenced by the parameters of an underlying consumer choice model.
Offshore Outsourcing, Yield Uncertainty, and Contingency Responses
Authors: Kouvelis Panos , Li Jian
Published: May 2012

In this article, we study an offshore outsourcing arrangement for a buyer of a produced good in the presence of supply yield uncertainty. We analyze the performance of contingency responses to the realized yield information at the end of production and prior to its delivery to the destination market. The contingency responses considered are: (i) Emergency Production via which an emergency order is placed with another fast and perfectly reliable offshore supplier; (ii) Emergency Production and Delivery via which an expedited shipping of (partial or total) good units is used on top of Emergency Production. Within a periodic review inventory system with uncertain demand setting, we theoretically characterize the optimal decisions on the cycle order size, the emergency order size, and the way to split the available good units between the fast and slow shipping modes. We provide comparative statics on how the choices of these quantities are affected by each other and by the demand and yield uncertainties. We use numerical examples to illustrate the values of such contingency responses and the impact of other factors on the cost of meeting demand.
Cytologically atypical anal sac adenocarcinoma in a dog
Authors: Sakai Hiroki , Murakami Mami , Mishima Hiroyuki , Hoshino Yuki , Mori Takashi , Maruo Kohji , Yanai Tokuma
Published: May 2012

A 10‐year‐old intact female Shetland Sheepdog with tenesmus had a subcutaneous mass at the left ventral aspect of the anus. On cytologic examination, 2 types of cells were observed. Most of the cells were oval to polygonal and had elliptical or elongate nuclei and a moderate amount of pale to basophilic cytoplasm. The remaining cells had round to oval nuclei and pale to basophilic cytoplasm. Cells of both types were loosely adhered to each other and were arranged in rosette‐like structures. Both neoplastic cell types had fine homogenous chromatin and either a small indistinct nucleolus or no visible nucleolus. Mild anisokaryosis and anisocytosis were observed. Histologically, the mass consists of glandular structures formed by cuboidal cells admixed with bundles of spindle cells. Eosinophilic PAS‐ and Alcian blue‐positive secretory material was found in the center of some glandular structures. Both neoplastic cell types had positive staining with paradoxical concanavalin A and expressed cytokeratin, but not vimentin, S‐100, α‐smooth muscle actin, or desmin. Based on location and histologic and immunohistochemical features, the final diagnosis was adenocarconoma of the apocrine gland of the anal sac, which should be included as a cytologic differential diagnosis when spindle cells and typical epithelial cells are observed in masses in the region of the anal sac of dogs.
The Evolution of Trade and Scientific Collaboration Networks in the Global Wine Sector: A Longitudinal Study Using Network Analysis
Authors: Cassi Lorenzo , Morrison Andrea , Ter Wal Anne L.J.
Published: May 2012

abstract

Throughout the past three decades, the global pattern of wine production has undergone fundamental changes, most notably the emergence of New World producers. This article presents a detailed account of the sector's changing global organization from 1974 to 2004 by applying network analysis methods to the evolution of international trade and scientific collaboration networks. We argue that there is a strong mutual interdependence of trade and scientific knowledge production, as a result of which we expect the geographic configuration of global knowledge and trade networks to coevolve. Our results show that, over time, only a few New World wine producers developed trade and scientific collaboration networks that resemble those of traditional Old World producers. They also show that structures of trade and scientific collaboration networks are more alike for Old World than for New World producers, which suggests that, contrary to our expectations, it is particularly Old World producers who may have mainly benefited from participation in international scientific collaboration.
Encouraging Students to Engage With Native Speakers During Study Abroad
Authors: Cadd Marc
Published: May 2012

Students, their parents, and educators trust that a study‐abroad experience is the best way to increase linguistic proficiency. The professional literature, however, shows a much more complex picture. Gains in linguistic proficiency appear to depend on variables such as whether the students experience a homestay or dormitory, the length of time studying abroad, their previous knowledge of the language, etc. Interaction with native speakers also seems to vary widely. The present article examines whether requiring students abroad to interact with native speakers improves students’ self‐assessed self‐confidence in using the language, their willingness to use the language, and their perceived gains in speaking ability.
Cultural Engineering Under Authoritarian Regimes: Islamization of Universities in Postrevolutionary Iran
Authors: Golkar Saeid
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this article is to analyze the efforts that have been made to Islamize Iranian universities, specifically since the emergence of hardliners in 2005. After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the Islamic regime relentlessly intensified its efforts to Islamize universities to train a new generation of ideologically driven students. In the three decades following the Revolution, three major periods of university Islamization have been implemented. The Cultural Revolution, which started in 1980, was the first step in the Islamization of Iran's universities: to cleanse the higher education systems from students and professors who criticized the new established Islamic regime. By increasing the number of students and the development of universities throughout Iran in the Rafasanjai era, the second wave of the Islamization of the university was triggered by Ayatollah Khamenei in 1994. During the reform era, the Islamization of universities slowed because of the many confrontations between the Supreme Leader and the reformist administrations. With the victory of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the 2005 presidential election, the Islamization of universities intensified. While there are a few publications about the Islamization of universities, they mainly focused on the first and second decades following the 1979 Revolution. Focusing on the third period, this article will investigate the different strategies and tactics for the Islamization of universities, as well as reasons for its failures.
Social‐Civilian Apparatuses of Hamas, Hizballah, and Other Activist Islamic Organizations
Authors: Pascovich Eyal
Published: May 2012

The aim of this article is to examine the social‐civilian activities of activist Islamic organizations in general, and of the Palestinian Hamas and Lebanese Hizballah in particular. As opposed to the common approach in academic and semiacademic publications, some of them aiming to promote political and propagandist goals, this article claims that the connection between the organizations' social‐civilian activities and their military and political apparatuses is not so close, although it does exist indirectly, and that these activities come first and foremost to answer religious commandments and social needs. This conclusion arises from examining the religious and historical roots of Hamas's and Hizballah's social‐civilian apparatuses and from comparing them with those of parallel organizations that are nonviolent.
Conceptualizations of Slope: A Review of State Standards
Authors: Stanton Michael , Moore‐Russo Deborah
Published: May 2012

Since slope is a fundamental topic that is embedded throughout the U.S. secondary school curriculum, this study examined standards documents for all 50 states to determine how they address the concept of slope. The study used eleven conceptualizations of slope as categories to classify the material in the documents. The findings indicate that all of the slope conceptualization categories were evidenced in the standards documents with the vast majority of state documents addressing five or more of the eleven conceptualizations. Results are reported on the most and least commonly documented conceptualizations of slope. The findings provide evidence that there tends to be consensus among the states as to the conceptualizations of slope that should be addressed. Suggestions are made for future work both to consider the initial conceptualizations of slope that students hold or most readily form when introduced to the concept as well as to consider if (or how) slope instruction takes into account students' initial conceptualizations of slope.
Assessing K‐5 Teacher Leaders' Mathematical Understanding: What Have the Test Makers and the Test Takers Learned?
Authors: Ellington Aimee J. , Whitenack Joy W. , Inge Vickie L. , Murray Megan K. , Schneider Patti J.
Published: May 2012

This article describes the design and implementation of an assessment instrument for Numbers and Operations, the first course in a program to train elementary mathematics specialists. We briefly describe the course and its content, and then we elaborate on the process we used to develop the assessment instrument and the corresponding rubric for evaluating particular items. We discuss the assessment process and its significant role in the course. We highlight particular items from the instrument to describe the gains teachers made in their understanding of fundamental mathematical ideas. We also use these items to argue for the importance of this course in helping mathematics specialists explore the content that underpins the elementary curriculum. The results are presented which indicate that course participants made significant gains as a consequence of their course experiences.
Biodegradable donepezil lipospheres for depot injection: optimization and in-vivo evaluation
Authors: Yehia Soad A , Elshafeey Ahmed H , Elsayed Ibrahim
Published: May 2012

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to develop an injectable depot liposphere delivery system with high loading capacity for controlled delivery of donepezil to decrease dosing frequency and increase patient compliance.

Methods

A 32 full factorial design was employed to study the effect of lipid type and drug-to-lipid ratio on the yield, encapsulation efficiency, mean diameter and the time required for 50% drug release (t50%). The pharmacokinetic behaviour of the lipospheres in rabbits was studied using tandem mass spectrometry.

Key findings

The yields of preparations were in the range of 66.22–90.90%, with high encapsulation efficiencies (89.68–97.55%) and mean particle size of 20.68–35.94 µm. Both lipid type and drug-to-lipid ratio significantly affected t50% (P < 0.0001), where the lipids can be arranged: glyceryl tripalmitate > compritol > cetyl alcohol, and the drug-to-lipid ratios can be arranged: 1 : 40 > 1 : 20 > 1 : 10. The flow time of lipospheres through 19-gauge syringe needle was less than 6 s indicating good syringeability. The mean residence time of the subcutaneous and intramuscular lipospheres was significantly higher than the solution (almost 20 fold increase), with values of 11.04, 11.34 and 0.53 days, respectively (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Subcutaneous and intramuscular delivery of donepezil glyceryl tripalmitate lipospheres achieves depot release, allowing less frequent dosing.
Management of long-term hypothyroidism: a potential marker of quality of medicines reconciliation in the intensive care unit†
Authors: Barrett Nicholas A , Jones Andrew , Whiteley Craig , Yassin Sarah , McKenzie Cathrine A
Published: May 2012

Objective

Significant errors can be made during medication prescribing, dispensing and administration. One source of error and potential for harm is unintentional omission. Medicines reconciliation seeks to reduce the impact of this between transfer of care. In long-term hypothyroidism, patients are dependent upon levothyroxine and there are few contraindications to its prescription. We considered levothyroxine prescription in long-term hypothyroidism as a marker of medicines reconciliation on admission and during stay in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

A retrospective chart review was undertaken in a tertiary referral university ICU with all patients who were receiving long-term levothyroxine therapy identified. Notes were reviewed for the presence of thyroid-replacement prescription and for thyroid function tests, in addition to demographic, length of stay and mortality data.

Key findings

Thyroid-replacement therapy was not prescribed for more than 7 days in 23/133 (17.3%) patients and omitted entirely in three patients. A further 28/133 (21.1%) patients were intolerant of enteral feeding for more than 7 days and were thus unable to have oral levothyroxine administered. None of these patients received parenteral therapy. Thyroid function tests were performed in 104/133 (78.2%) patients.

Conclusions

Prescription of chronic therapy, in this case thyroid-replacement therapy, was inadequate. This highlights the need for a progressive medicines-reconciliation process embedded within the daily ICU programme.
Structures de Hodge–Pink pour les φ/𝔖-modules de Breuil et Kisin
Authors: Genestier Alain , Lafforgue Vincent
Published: May 2012

In this article, we apply the methods of our work on Fontaine’s theory in equal characteristics to the φ/𝔖-modules of Breuil and Kisin. Thanks to a previous article of Kisin, this yields a new and rather elementary proof of the theorem ‘weakly admissible implies admissible’ of Colmez and Fontaine.