bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entropy-based separation of yeast cells using a microfluidic system of conjoined spheres
Authors: Huang Kai-Jian , Qin S.-J. , Bai Zhong-Chen , Zhang Xin , Mai John D.
Published: November 2013

A physical model is derived to create a biological cell separator that is based on controlling the entropy in a microfluidic system having conjoined spherical structures. A one-dimensional simplified model of this three-dimensional problem in terms of the corresponding effects of entropy on the Brownian motion of particles is presented. This dynamic mechanism is based on the Langevin equation from statistical thermodynamics and takes advantage of the characteristics of the Fokker-Planck equation. This mechanism can be applied to manipulate biological particles inside a microfluidic system with identical, conjoined, spherical compartments. This theoretical analysis is verified by performing a rapid and a simple technique for separating yeast cells in these conjoined, spherical microfluidic structures. The experimental results basically match with our theoretical model and we further analyze the parameters which can be used to control this separation mechanism. Both numerical simulations and experimental results show that the motion of the particles depends on the geometrical boundary conditions of the microfluidic system and the initial concentration of the diffusing material. This theoretical model can be implemented in future biophysics devices for the optimized design of passive cell sorters.
Current-induced anisotropic memory effect in La5/8−yPryCa3/8MnO3 (y = 0.43) thin film
Authors: Liu Yuan-Bo , Sun Ji-Rong , Shen Bao-Gen
Published: November 2013

Current-induced anisotropic memory effect in the La5/8−yPryCa3/8MnO3 (y = 0.43) film has been investigated. It is found that large electrical currents result in a dramatic reduction in film resistivity, and only slightly rebounds after the removal of the current, giving rise to a memory effect. Even more, the change of resistivity, measured under small current after removing processing current, is considerably faster along the direction parallel than perpendicular to processing current, yielding an anisotropic memory effect. According to the dielectrophoresis model, conduction filaments in the two directions could be different, and they may be easily formed along the processing current, thus the change of resistivity is different in the two directions. The anisotropic memory effect can be erased by either magnetizing the sample to fully magnetic state or heating the sample to higher temperatures.
Highly polarized emission from electrical spin injection into an InGaAs quantum well with free carriers
Authors: Li C. H. , Kioseoglou G. , Petrou A. , Korkusinski M. , Hawrylak P. , Jonker B. T.
Published: November 2013

We report on a highly polarized emission from InGaAs/GaAs-quantum well light-emitting diodes in which we inject spin-polarized electrons from an Fe/Schottky contact. The emission spectra consist of the e1h1 free exciton (FX) and a feature 12 meV below FX attributed to band-to-band (BB) recombination. The FX exhibits a maximum circular polarization of 22%, with a magnetic-field dependence characteristic of spin injection from Fe. The BB emission on the other hand exhibits a polarization that is strongly bias and temperature dependent, with intriguing magnetic-field dependence: The polarization exhibits a maximum of 78% at 2.5 T and 2 K, then decreases linearly with field and reaches −78% at 7 T, attributed to magnetic-field dependent spin relaxation in the presence of excess electrons.
Total transmission and total reflection of acoustic wave by zero index metamaterials loaded with general solid defects
Authors: Wang Ziyu , Yang Fan , Liu LiBing , Kang Ming , Liu Fengming
Published: November 2013

This work investigates acoustic wave transmission property through a zero index metamaterials (ZIM) waveguide embedded with a general solid defect. Total transmission and total reflection can be achieved by adjusting the parameters of the solid defect. We comprehensively study how longitudinal/transverse wave speeds of the solid defect affect the acoustic wave propagation through the waveguide. A two-dimensional (2D) acoustic crystals system with zero index is used to realize these intriguing transmission properties. Thus, our work provides more possibilities to manipulate acoustic wave propagation through ZIM.
Saposins modulate human invariant Natural Killer T cells self-reactivity and facilitate lipid exchange with CD1d molecules during antigen presentation
Authors: Salio Mariolina , Ghadbane Hemza , Dushek Omer , Shepherd Dawn , Cypen Jeremy , Gileadi Uzi , Aichinger Michael C. , Napolitani Giorgio , Qi Xiaoyang , van der Merwe P. Anton , Wojno Justyna , Veerapen Natacha , Cox Liam R. , Besra Gurdyal S. , Yuan Weiming , Cresswell Peter , Cerundolo Vincenzo
Published: November 2013

Significance

Understanding how to optimize lipid-loading onto CD1d molecules is important to better harness invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells’ central role at the interface between innate and adaptive immunity. We report that the lipid transfer proteins saposins play an essential role in modulating human iNKT cell autoreactivity to antigen-presenting cells activated by inflammatory stimuli. Lipid-loading occurs in an endo-lysosomal compartment, where saposins work as “lipid editors,” capable of fine-tuning loading and unloading of CD1d molecules and increasing the off-rate of CD1d-bound lipids.
Phosphorylation of the Rab exchange factor Sec2p directs a switch in regulatory binding partners
Authors: Stalder Danièle , Mizuno-Yamasaki Emi , Ghassemian Majid , Novick Peter J.
Published: November 2013

Significance

Rab proteins control and coordinate the various biochemical reactions involved in membrane traffic. We investigate the role of phosphorylation in the regulation of Sec2p, an exchange protein that activates the Rab controlling the final stage of the secretory pathway. We show that phosphorylation directs a switch in the regulatory circuitry involving Sec2p that leads to maturation of the vesicles in preparation for fusion with the plasma membrane. This complex regulatory mechanism has been conserved from yeast to animal cells where it is used to direct the assembly of the cilium, a structure on the cell surface needed for cell signaling and the loss of which underlies a number of human diseases.
Jatropha as a biofuel crop and the economy of appearances: experiences from Kenya
Authors: Hunsberger Carol
Published: November 2013

Jatropha curcas, an oilseed shrub, raised hopes that it could produce biofuel in a ‘sustainable’ manner, though early results fell short of these expectations. Drawing on field research from 2009, this paper examines the political economy of jatropha in Kenya using Tsing's ‘economy of appearances’ concept. Tsing's observation that start-up enterprises perpetuate ‘myth’ and ‘spectacle’ to build momentum fits patterns observed in this case. Jatropha's promoters reinforced an optimistic discourse, defended it against dissent and linked jatropha to global, national and local goals. However, the emergence of stronger critiques raises questions about how long its positive appearances can be maintained.
Phosphorylation of the TOR ATP binding domain by AGC kinase constitutes a novel mode of TOR inhibition
Authors: Hálová Lenka , Du Wei , Kirkham Sara , Smith Duncan L. , Petersen Janni
Published: November 2013

TOR (target of rapamycin) signaling coordinates cell growth, metabolism, and cell division through tight control of signaling via two complexes, TORC1 and TORC2. Here, we show that fission yeast TOR kinases and mTOR are phosphorylated on an evolutionarily conserved residue of their ATP-binding domain. The Gad8 kinase (AKT homologue) phosphorylates fission yeast Tor1 at this threonine (T1972) to reduce activity. A T1972A mutation that blocked phosphorylation increased Tor1 activity and stress resistance. Nitrogen starvation of fission yeast inhibited TOR signaling to arrest cell cycle progression in G1 phase and promoted sexual differentiation. Starvation and a Gad8/T1972-dependent decrease in Tor1 (TORC2) activity was essential for efficient cell cycle arrest and differentiation. Experiments in human cell lines recapitulated these yeast observations, as mTOR was phosphorylated on T2173 in an AKT-dependent manner. In addition, a T2173A mutation increased mTOR activity. Thus, TOR kinase activity can be reduced through AGC kinase–controlled phosphorylation to generate physiologically significant changes in TOR signaling.
On the Petersson scalar product of arbitrary modular forms
Authors: Pasol Vicentiu , Popa Alexandru A.
Published: November 2013

We consider a natural extension of the Petersson scalar product to the entire space of modular forms of integral weight

k
⩾
2

k\geqslant 2

for a finite index subgroup of the modular group. We show that Hecke operators have the same adjoints with respect to this inner product as for cusp forms, and we show that the Petersson product is nondegenerate for

Γ
1

(
N
)

\Gamma _1(N)

and

k
>
2

k>2

. For

k
=
2

k=2

we give examples when it is degenerate and when it is nondegenerate.
Nursery systems for Patagonian grenadier off Western Patagonia: large inner sea or narrow continental shelf?
Authors: Niklitschek Edwin J. , Secor David H. , Toledo Pamela , Valenzuela Ximena , Cubillos Luis A. , Zuleta Alejandro
Published: November 2013

Niklitschek, E. J., Secor, D., Toledo, P., Valenzuela, X., Cubillos, L., and Zuleta, A. 2014. Nursery systems for Patagonian grenadier off Western Patagonia: large inner sea or narrow continental shelf? – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 71: 374–390. Adjacent to Chile's long and narrow continental shelf, the Patagonian Inner Sea (PES) is among the largest and most complex estuarine systems in the world. The PES harbours high concentrations of juveniles and adults of important groundfishes, which spawn within or in near proximity to it. A dominant view is that recruitment primarily originates here rather than in adjacent coastal regions. We used otolith stable isotopes to evaluate the relative contribution of several PES and continental shelf regions to recruitment of Patagonian grenadier, one of the most abundant groundfishes in the area. Seawater chemistry confirmed that δ13C and δ18O differentiated these nursery and feeding regions. Estimated recruitments from PES nurseries to adult feeding regions were important (10–35%), but lower than dominant contributions from shelf nurseries (64–85%). Stable isotope differences within otoliths indicated, however, that most adults had previously used PES habitats as subadults. Adults exhibited stronger homing to feeding habitats in the PES than to shelf regions, suggestive of seasonal site fidelity or partial migration behaviours. The proximity of principal spawning areas to the bifurcation of the West Wind Drift Current may cause large interannual and decadal variations in larvae transport and the relative contribution of different shelf and PES nurseries to recruitment.
Monitoring of Urinary Calcium and Phosphorus Excretion in Preterm Infants
Authors: Staub Eveline , Wiedmer Nicolas , Staub Lukas P. , Nelle Mathias , von Vigier Rodo O.
Published: November 2013

Objectives:

Premature babies require supplementation with calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) to prevent metabolic bone disease of prematurity. To guide mineral supplementation, 2 methods of monitoring urinary excretion of Ca and P are used: urinary Ca or P concentration and Ca/creatinine (Crea) or P/Crea ratios. We compare these 2 methods in regards to their agreement on the need for mineral supplementation.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of 230 premature babies with birth weight <1500 g, undergoing screening of urinary spot samples from day 21 of life and fortnightly thereafter. Hypothetical cutoff values for urine Ca or P concentration (1 mmol/L) and urine Ca/Crea ratio (0.5 mol/mol) or P/Crea ratio (4 mol/mol) were applied to the sample results. The agreement on whether to supplement the respective minerals based on the results with the 2 methods was compared. Multivariate general linear models sought to identify patient characteristics to predict discordant results.

Results:

A total of 24.8% of cases did not agree on the indication for Ca supplementation, and 8.8% for P. Total daily Ca intake was the only patient characteristic associated with discordant results.

Conclusions:

With the intention to supplement the respective mineral, comparison of urinary mineral concentration with mineral/Crea ratio is moderate for Ca and good for P. The results do not allow identifying superiority of either method on the decision as to which babies require Ca and/or P supplements.
Rearrangement, convection, convexity and entropy
Authors: Brenier Yann
Published: November 2013

The concepts of convexity and entropy play a crucial role in the mathematical theory of hyperbolic systems of conservation laws. We show that they also play an important role in the mathematical analysis of convection theory, through the mathematical concept of rearrangement.
Admissibility of weak solutions for the compressible Euler equations,
n
≥ 2
Authors: Slemrod Marshall
Published: November 2013

This paper compares three popular notions of admissibility for weak solutions of the compressible isentropic Euler equations of gas dynamics: (i) the viscosity criterion, (ii) the entropy inequality (the thermodynamically admissible isentropic solutions), and (iii) the viscosity–capillarity criterion. An exact summation of the Chapman–Enskog expansion for Grad’s moment system suggests that it is the third criterion that is representing the kinetic theory of gases. This, in turn, may shed some light on the ability to recover weak solutions of the Euler equations via a hydrodynamic limit.
Hierarchy of root functional trait values and plasticity drive early‐stage competition for water and phosphorus among grasses
Authors: Fort Florian , Cruz Pablo , Jouany Claire
Published: November 2013

The link between species' functional traits and competitive abilities has been described as a major factor structuring plant communities. However, two diverging hypotheses have been proposed to explain this process: competition‐trait similarity and competition‐trait hierarchy.

We performed a greenhouse experiment to determine whether grasses' root foraging strategies, from acquisitive or conservative functional groups, are linked to plant competitive ability and to test which hypothesis better explains interactions during the early stage of grass establishment under contrasting growth conditions.

Two grass species of each functional group were grown with and without a neighbour under two levels of water and phosphorus supplies. Three functional traits related to plant competitive ability were measured on all plants grown without neighbours: specific root length (SRL), root phosphorus use efficiency and root length density. Above‐ground biomass was measured on plants grown with and without neighbours to evaluate the intensity of plant interaction.

We demonstrated that for the three traits the intensity of interaction is driven mainly by hierarchical trait distance, that is, trait distance between target and neighbour, and not by trait similarity. Growth conditions strongly affected the significance of the relation between hierarchical distances and competition intensity. For the SRL hierarchical distance, this effect may be due to the most competitive species (with high SRL) being strongly impacted by water shortage, which modified the competitive hierarchy. Trait plasticity in response to stresses also appeared an important factor influencing the competitive ability of species, that is, species with the most plastic SRL in response to P stress were also the most competitive under P stress.

A strong hierarchy exists among grasses' competitive abilities in non‐limiting growth conditions that is linked to their root functional traits and investment in the root system. Consequently, our results support the trait hierarchy hypothesis in its ability to describe competitive interaction among grasses during early stages of establishment.

Our study provides evidence that root functional hierarchical trait distance and plasticity explain how grasses interact with their neighbours. This distance enables species to be ranked according to their competitive ability; however, this ranking may be influenced by the growth conditions and traits considered.
Hemerythrins in the microaerophilic bacterium Campylobacter jejuni help protect key iron–sulphur cluster enzymes from oxidative damage
Authors: Kendall John J. , Barrero‐Tobon Angelica M. , Hendrixson David R. , Kelly David J.
Published: November 2013

Microaerophilic bacteria are adapted to low oxygen environments, but the mechanisms by which their growth in air is inhibited are not well understood. The citric acid cycle in the microaerophilic pathogen Campylobacter jejuni is potentially vulnerable, as it employs pyruvate and 2‐oxoglutarate:acceptor oxidoreductases (Por and Oor), which contain labile (4Fe‐4S) centres. Here, we show that both enzymes are rapidly inactivated after exposure of cells to a fully aerobic environment. We investigated the mechanisms that might protect enzyme activity and identify a role for the hemerythrin HerA (Cj0241). A herA mutant exhibits an aerobic growth defect and reduced Por and Oor activities after exposure to 21% (v/v) oxygen. Slow anaerobic recovery of these activities after oxygen damage was observed, but at similar rates in both wild‐type and herA strains, suggesting the role of HerA is to prevent Fe‐S cluster damage, rather than promote repair. Another hemerythrin (HerB; Cj1224) also plays a protective role. Purified HerA and HerB exhibited optical absorption, ligand binding and resonance Raman spectra typical of μ‐oxo‐bridged di‐iron containing hemerythrins. We conclude that oxygen lability and poor repair of Por and Oor are major contributors to microaerophily in C. jejuni; hemerythrins help prevent enzyme damage microaerobically or during oxygen transients.
Gastric Digestion of Raw and Roasted Almonds In Vivo
Authors: Bornhorst Gail M. , Roman Maxine J. , Rutherfurd Shane M. , Burri Betty J. , Moughan Paul J. , Singh R. Paul
Published: November 2013

Almonds are an important dietary source of lipids, protein, and α‐tocopherol. It has been demonstrated that the physical form of almond kernels influences their digestion and absorption, but the role of thermal processes on the digestion of almonds has received little attention. The objectives of this study were to examine the gastric emptying and nutrient composition of gastric chyme from pigs (used as a model for the adult human) fed a single meal of either raw or roasted almonds over a 12‐h postprandial period (72 pigs total, 6 pigs at each diet–time combination). Concentrations of glucose, triacylglycerols, and α‐tocopherol in peripheral plasma during the 12‐h postprandial period were determined. For dry matter and lipid, the gastric emptying profile was not different between raw and roasted almonds. Roasting almonds also did not influence gastric pH, or plasma glucose or triacylglycerols levels. In contrast, the gastric emptying of protein was more rapid for raw almonds compared to roasted almonds (P < 0.01) and intragastric protein content exhibited segregation (P < 0.001) throughout the stomach, with raw almonds having a higher level of segregation compared to roasted almonds. Postprandial plasma α‐tocopherol levels were, on average 33% greater (P < 0.001) after consumption of raw almonds, most likely as a result of the higher concentration of α‐tocopherol in raw almonds compared to roasted almonds. Roasting of almonds did not influence the overall gastric emptying process, but did lead to differences in the distribution of protein in the stomach and to the gastric emptying of protein.
Effect of Natural Antioxidants, Irradiation, and Cooking on Lipid Oxidation in Refrigerated, Salted Ground Beef Patties
Authors: Schevey Christian T. , Toshkov Stoyan , Brewer M. Susan
Published: November 2013

Antioxidant effects of natural antioxidants in 73%‐lean ground beef patties during refrigeration were studied. Samples were subject to an antioxidant treatment (pomegranate extract, grape seed extract, butylated hydroxyanisole, or no treatment) and an irradiation treatment (0 or 1.5 kGy) before being evaluated for both uncooked and cooked indicators of lipid oxidation. Chemical evaluation of antioxidant activity were determined over 9 d through measurement of thiobarbituric reactive substances values. Physical evaluation of antioxidant activity was monitored by changes in physical color and sensory odor analysis on patties before and after cooking. Butylated hydroxyanisole extended the induction period of oxidation in all unirradiated beef patties better than the natural antioxidants. Panelists were able to distinguish a difference (in terms of oxidation attributes) between patty samples of different antioxidant and irradiation treatments while samples were uncooked, but unable to distinguish a difference between patties after cooking.
Bioprotection of Ready‐to‐eat Probiotic Artichokes Processed with Lactobacillus paracasei LMGP22043 against Foodborne Pathogens
Authors: Valerio Francesca , Lonigro Stella Lisa , Biase Mariaelena Di , de Candia Silvia , Callegari Maria Luisa , Lavermicocca Paola
Published: November 2013

The survival of 3 pathogens Listeria monocytogenes ATCC19115, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica ATCC13311, and Escherichia coli ATCC8739 was evaluated over time in ready‐to‐eat (RTE) artichoke products processed or not with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei LMGP22043. Both probiotic and standard products (final pH about 4.0; aw = 0.98) dressed with oil and packaged in modified atmosphere were inoculated with pathogens at a level of about 3 log CFU/g and stored at 4 ºC for 45 d. Pathogens decreased in the probiotic product in 2 descent phases, without shoulder and/or tailing as observed by fitting the models available in the GInaFit software to the experimental data. S. enterica subsp. enterica was completely inactivated after 14 and 28 d in probiotic and standard products, respectively; E. coli was inhibited in the probiotic food at day 4 (count <detection limit (DL) 1 log CFU/g), while in the standard product, it survived until the end of experiment. L. monocytogenes decreased in the probiotic product at day 1 reaching values below the DL after 14 d, while 21 d were needed in the standard product, and survived in both samples until the end of the experimental period. Therefore, the probiotic strain, representing always more than the 93% of lactic acid bacteria (about 7 log CFU/g) during the entire experimental period, combines the efficacy of a protective culture, which can control the development of pathogens during storage with probiotic benefits.
Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine internalization and its age‐related alterations in skeletal muscle progenitor cells
Authors: Nakamura Katsuyuki , Yamanouchi Keitaro , Nishihara Masugi
Published: November 2013

Aging causes phenotypic changes in skeletal muscle progenitor cells (Skm‐PCs), such as reduced myogenesis and increased adipogenesis due to alterations in their environment or niche. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), which is secreted into the niche of Skm‐PCs, inhibits adipogenesis and promotes myogenesis. We have previously reported that Skm‐PC responsiveness to SPARC declines with age, although the mechanism underlying this decline is unknown. In this study, we found that SPARC is internalized by Skm‐PCs and that this uptake increases with age. Internalization is dependent on integrin‐α5, a cell surface SPARC‐binding molecule, and clathrin‐mediated endocytosis. We also demonstrated that internalized SPARC is transported to Rab7‐positive endosomes. Skm‐PCs from old rats exhibited increased clathrin expression and decreased Rab7 expression exclusively in MyoD‐negative cells. In loss‐of‐function analyses, clathrin knockdown increased the anti‐adipogenic effect of SPARC, whereas Rab7 knockdown reduced it, indicating that alterations in SPARC internalization may mediate the age‐related decline in its anti‐adipogenic effect. These results provide insights into age‐related SPARC resistance in Skm‐PCs, which may lead to sarcopenia.
Case Studies in Bayesian Statistical Modelling and Analysis by ALSTON, C.L., MENGERSEN, K.L. and PETTITT, A.N.
Authors: Lee Jaeyong
Published: November 2013

EDITOR: TAESUNG PARK

Case Studies in Bayesian Statistical Modelling and Analysis

(C.L. Alston, K.L. Mengersen, and A.N. Pettitt)

Jaeyong Lee

Generalized Estimating Equations (2nd ed.)

(James W. Hardin and Joseph M. Hilbe)

Woncheol Jang

Spatio‐Temporal Design: Advances in Efficient Data Acquisition

(Jorge Mateu and Werner G. Müller)

Johan Lim

Handbook of Markov Chain Monte Carlo

(S. Brooks, A. Gelman, G. L. Jones, and X. Meng)

Hedibert Freitas Lopes
The association between postprandial urinary C‐peptide creatinine ratio and the treatment response to liraglutide: a multi‐centre observational study
Authors: Thong K. Y. , McDonald T. J. , Hattersley A. T. , Blann A. D. , Ramtoola S. , Duncan C. , Carr S. , Adamson K. , Nayak A. U. , Khurana R. , Hunter S. J. , Ali A. , Au S. , Ryder R. E. J.
Published: November 2013

Aims

The response to glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist treatment may be influenced by endogenous β‐cell function. We investigated whether urinary C‐peptide creatinine ratio assessed before or during liraglutide treatment was associated with treatment response.

Methods

A single, outpatient urine sample for urinary C‐peptide creatinine ratio was collected 2 h after the largest meal of the day among two separate groups: (1) subjects initiating liraglutide (0.6 → 1.2 mg daily) or (2) subjects already treated with liraglutide for 20–32 weeks. The associations between pretreatment and on‐treatment urinary C‐peptide creatinine ratio and HbA1c change at 32 weeks were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses (the ratio was logarithm transformed for multivariate analyses). Changes in HbA1c according to pretreatment urinary C‐peptide creatinine ratio quartiles are shown.

Results

One hundred and sixteen subjects (70 pretreatment, 46 on treatment) with Type 2 diabetes from 10 diabetes centres were studied. In univariate analyses, neither pretreatment nor on‐treatment urinary C‐peptide creatinine ratio correlated with HbA1c change (Spearman rank correlation coefficient, r = –0.17, P = 0.17 and r = –0.20, P = 0.19, respectively). In multi‐linear regression analyses, entering baseline HbA1c and log urinary C‐peptide creatinine ratio, pretreatment and on‐treatment log urinary C‐peptide creatinine ratio became significantly associated with HbA1c change (P = 0.048 and P = 0.040, respectively). Mean (sd) HbA1c changes from baseline in quartiles 1 to 4 of pretreatment urinary C‐peptide creatinine ratio were –3 ± 17 mmol/mol (–0.3 ± 1.6%) (P = 0.52), –12 ± 15 mmol/mol (–1.1 ± 1.4%) (P = 0.003), –11 ± 13 mmol/mol (–1.0 ± 1.2%) (P = 0.002) and –12±17 mmol/mol (–1.1±1.6%) (P=0.016), respectively.

Conclusions

Postprandial urinary C‐peptide creatinine ratios before and during liraglutide treatment were weakly associated with the glycaemic response to treatment. Low pretreatment urinary C‐peptide creatinine ratio may be more useful than higher values by predicting poorer glycaemic response.
Intensification of medication and glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes – the ADVANCE trial
Authors: van Dieren S. , Kengne A. P. , Chalmers J. , Beulens J. W. J. , Davis T. M. E. , Fulcher G. , Heller S. R. , Patel A. , Colagiuri S. , Hamet P. , Mancia G. , Marre M. , Neal B. , Williams B. , Peelen L. M. , van der Schouw Y. T. , Woodward M. , Zoungas S.
Published: November 2013

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess associations between patient characteristics, intensification of blood glucose‐lowering treatment through oral glucose‐lowering therapy and/or insulin and effective glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes.

Methods

11 140 patients from the Action in Diabetes and Vascular disease: preterAx and diamicroN‐MR Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) trial who were randomized to intensive glucose control or standard glucose control and followed up for a median of 5 years were categorized into two groups: effective glycaemic control [haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≤ 7.0% or a proportionate reduction in HbA1c over 10%] or ineffective glycaemic control (HbA1c > 7.0% and a proportionate reduction in HbA1c less than or equal to 10%). Therapeutic intensification was defined as addition of an oral glucose‐lowering agent or commencement of insulin. Pooled logistic regression models examined the associations between patient factors, intensification and effective glycaemic control.

Results

A total of 7768 patients (69.7%), including 3198 in the standard treatment group achieved effective glycaemic control. Compared to patients with ineffective control, patients with effective glycaemic control had shorter duration of diabetes and lower HbA1c at baseline and at the time of treatment intensification. Treatment intensification with addition of an oral agent or commencement of insulin was associated with a 107% [odds ratio, OR: 2.07 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.95–2.20)] and 152% [OR: 2.52 (95% CI: 2.30–2.77)] greater chance of achieving effective glycaemic control, respectively. These associations were robust after adjustment for several baseline characteristics and not modified by the number of oral medications taken at the time of treatment intensification.

Conclusions

Effective glycaemic control was associated with treatment intensification at lower HbA1c levels at all stages of the disease course and in both arms of the ADVANCE trial.
Long‐term survival in horses with strangulating obstruction of the small intestine managed without resection
Authors: Freeman D. E. , Schaeffer D. J. , Cleary O. B.
Published: November 2013

Reasons for performing study

Although many studies have described results after small intestinal resection and anastomosis in horses, few have described the outcome in horses with strangulating lesions managed without resection.

Objectives

To examine short‐ and long‐term recoveries in horses with strangulated small intestine that was judged to be viable during surgery and not resected.

Study design

Retrospective analysis of case records.

Methods

Data were reviewed from all cases (35 horses) with colic caused by small intestinal strangulation that underwent surgery between 1996 and 2011 at 2 university hospitals and that were managed without resection by 2 surgeons who used a clinical grading system to assess intestinal viability.Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to examine long‐term survival.

Results

Survival to discharge from the hospital was 100%, and post operative complications developed in 11 horses (31%). Three horses (8.6%) required repeat coeliotomy because of persistent pain with or without reflux, and they responded favourably to decompression of distended intestine. Ten horses died after discharge, and 12 were still alive at follow‐up from 20 to 192 months after surgery. Information was available on 13 horses after discharge, but these were eventually lost to follow‐up.Kaplan–Meier analyses yielded a median survival probability of 120 months.

Conclusions

A subjective method of assessing small intestinal viability in strangulated small intestine in horses, as used in this study, could reduce the need for resection and anastomosis, with the associated complications and costs. Also, the favourable post operative course in these horses provides strong evidence that early referral could avoid the need for resection and improve survival. The numbers of horses with the most severe changes that were not resected were too small to allow a conclusion that such segments should be left in place, and additional criteria might be needed to guide that decision in such cases.
Triple positive tumor markers predict recurrence and survival in early stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nakagawa Shigeki , Beppu Toru , Okabe Hirohisa , Sakamoto Keita , Kuroki Hideyuki , Mima Kosuke , Nitta Hidetoshi , Imai Katsunori , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Sakamoto Yasuo , Hashimoto Daisuke , Chikamoto Akira , Ishiko Takatoshi , Watanabe Masayuki , Baba Hideo
Published: November 2013

Aim

Hepatectomy is feasible for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with good hepatic function who meet the Milan criteria. Several studies have indicated that tumor markers of HCC, α‐fetoprotein (AFP), Lens culinaris agglutinin‐reactive fraction of AFP percentage and protein induced by vitamin K absence/antagonist‐II were good predictors of malignant potential. It is important to identify highly malignant cases of HCC, and the aim of this study was to clarify the impact of triple positive tumor markers as the prognostic factors for early stage HCC within the Milan criteria.

Methods

This study investigated 199 patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC within the Milan criteria between January 2001 and May 2009. Cumulative recurrence‐free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed according to the number of positive tumor markers.

Results

In patients with triple positive tumor markers, 5‐year RFS and OS was poor (17.1 and 61.4%, respectively). Multivariate analyses revealed independent risk factors for recurrence to be hepatitis C virus antibody positivity, non‐initial treatment for HCC and triple positive tumor markers, and the independent risk factors for OS were high indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min value, maximum tumor size and triple positive tumor markers. Pathologically invasive growth, microvascular invasion and moderate to poor differentiation were significantly related to the number of the three tumor markers.

Conclusion

Triple positive tumor markers for early stage HCC within the Milan criteria showed poor prognosis and malignant characteristics. These markers could be a useful predictor for the degree of malignant potential in early stage HCC.
Endodontic re‐instrumentation enhances hydroxyl ion diffusion through radicular dentine
Authors: dos Santos L. G. P. , Felippe W. T. , Teixeira C. S. , Bortoluzzi E. A. , Felippe M. C. S.
Published: November 2013

Aim

To evaluate the diffusion of hydroxyl ions from calcium hydroxide paste (CH) before root canal filling and after retreatment.

Methodology

After preparation of 60 root canals, the cementum layer was removed, and the canals and root surfaces were treated for smear layer removal. The apical third of roots was covered with adhesive. The canals were filled with CH, and the teeth were placed in individual vials containing 10 mL of distilled water, which had its pH measured after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days (pH1). The root canals were then divided into five groups and filled with Resilon/Real Seal (G1) or gutta‐percha and Endofill (G2), Sealapex (G3), AH Plus (G4) or MTA Fillapex (G5) sealers. After storage for 7 days, the root canals were retreated. The CH was again inserted into the canals, and the teeth were placed in new vials containing 10 mL of distilled water. The pH was again measured at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days (pH2). The initial and final pH readings (pH1 and pH2) were compared by anova, anova2 and Tukey's tests (P < 0.05).

Results

The pH1 and pH2 measurements increased with time. The measurements obtained after retreatment were significantly higher than those obtained before root canal filling.

Conclusions

Hydroxyl ions are able to diffuse through dentinal tubules. Regardless of the filling material, it was possible to re‐establish the permeability of dentine to ionic diffusion after retreatment. Time had a positive influence on ionic diffusion.
Unfortunately, Ambiguities Still Abound in How We Conceptualize Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Mishra Paresh , Schmidt Gordon B.
Published: November 2013

The idea of embedded versus peripheral corporate social responsibility (CSR) proposed by Aguinis and Glavas (2013) appears to be very intuitive and functional. After all, who can on face deny the argument that CSR will have the maximum positive outcomes when it is not just an add-on but is thoroughly integrated into the strategies, routines, and operations of the business? However, on closer inspection, there appear to be several problems with the embedded–peripheral dichotomy. Three major ambiguities of the embedded–peripheral dichotomy are focused on in this commentary. The first lies in the potential for significant ambiguity in whether a company falls in one category or the other based on how the totality of the organization's operations and functions are categorized. A company can have CSR built into their operations and strategies for part of their business (embedded) while have them not be built into their operations for different aspects of the operations or product strategies. The second ambiguity area is how CSR actions get defined as peripheral or embedded that does fit well with the actual importance level of the action to the organization. We look at an organization example (TOM Shoes) where peripheral CSR actions have significant impact on organizational success.
ASIA'S ROLE IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC ARCHITECTURE
Authors: KAWAI MASAHIRO , PETRI PETER A.
Published: November 2013

The global economic and financial landscape has been transformed over the past decade by the growing economic size and financial power of emerging economies. The new Group of Twenty summit process, which includes the largest emerging economies, has established high‐level international policy cooperation in this new setting. This article argues that effective global economic governance will also require changes in key global organizations—such as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Trade Organization, and the Financial Stability Board—and closer collaboration between global and regional organizations. We suggest that federalism be introduced on a global scale by creating hierarchies of global and regional organizations with overlapping ownership structures in various functional areas (as is already the case with the World Bank and regional development banks in the area of development finance). Asia could contribute to this transformation by building effective institutions to promote macroeconomic and financial stability and deepen regional trade and investment integration. Similar logic could be applied to a broader issue of providing international public goods, such as environmental and climate protection, communicable disease control, and disaster risk management. (JEL F02, F13, F33, F55, O59)
Useful Ethnographies
Authors: deRoche Constance
Published: November 2013

Books reviewed in this issue.

Sowing Change: The Making of Havana's Urban Agriculture, Adrianna Premat.
Defect in the uterine wall with prolapse of amniotic sac into it at 32 weeks' gestation in a primigravida woman without any previous uterine surgery
Authors: Mishina Miyuki , Hasegawa Junichi , Ichizuka Kiyotake , Oba Tomohiro , Sekizawa Akihiko , Okai Takashi
Published: November 2013

We experienced a case of uterine wall defect with amniocele in a primigravida woman without any history of uterine surgery. On admission due to acute abdominal pain at 32 weeks' gestation, an ultrasound examination showed a 9 × 7‐cm sized echogenic cystic area in the Morrison pouch. Color Doppler revealed a flow from the uterus into the cystic area through a myometrial defect. During the operation, a 1‐cm defect in the uterine myometrium was found on the right fundus. An intact amniotic sac was prolapsed into the abdominal cavity through the myometrial defect. This was an extremely rare case of unexplained uterine wall defect.
Labor progress indices and dynamics of the individual uterine contraction during the active stage of labor
Authors: Ophir Ella , Bornstein Jacob , Odeh Marwan , Kaminsky Svetlana , Shnaider Oleg , Megel Yuri , Barnea Ofer
Published: November 2013

Aim

To obtain and study new data on the dynamics of the labor process and to develop a contraction‐based index of labor progress.

Methods

This study was carried out at the Delivery Room, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Western Galilee Hospital, Nahariya, Israel, using a new device (Birth Track). We continuously monitored cervical dilatation (CD) and head descent (HD) in 30 nulliparaous women during active labor with (augmented group) and without (study group) oxytocin augmentation. This led to the development and validation of progress indices based on features extracted from continuous monitoring.

Results

There were no significant differences between the average of each parameter in the study and augmented groups, except for HD velocity. Average HD velocity was faster in the study group. Linear regression analyses demonstrated that head station (HS) amplitude and Toco amplitude were the best parameters for predicting HD velocity in both groups. In the study group, average HD velocity was also significantly related to Toco rate and contraction efficiency. In the augmented group, only a weak correlation with Toco rate was seen, and no correlation with contraction efficiency.

Conclusion

With the assistance of the Birth Track device, we can obtain continuous data on the labor process and indices to estimate the labor progress process without the use of vaginal (manual) examination.
An emerging double burden of disease: the prevalence of individuals with cardiovascular disease and cancer
Authors: Kreatsoulas C. , Anand S. S. , Subramanian S. V.
Published: November 2013

Objective

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are the two leading causes of death in the United States; at the same time, the number of survivors is increasing as therapies continue to improve. The primary objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and characteristics of individuals affected by both CVD and cancer.

Design and setting

We conducted a prevalence study using the 2009 and 2010 national Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System population survey. Data from a random sample of individuals (aged 25–99 years) from all states were collected. All participants provided information regarding their CVD and cancer status. Multivariable regression identified associations between participants’ characteristics and the prevalence of double disease burden.

Results

Amongst 442 964 study participants, the overall prevalence rates were 11% for CVD and 15% for cancer; 3% of participants reported being survivors of both CVD and cancer. The prevalence of CVD+cancer increased twofold by 65 years of age (odds ratio [OR] 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3–2.5) and doubled again at ≥75 years (OR 4.9, 95% CI 4.6–5.1) and was higher amongst men (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.6–1.7), multiracial individuals (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5–2.0) and those without a high school diploma (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2–1.4). Amongst individuals with CVD, 25% also reported having cancer, whilst 19% of all cancer survivors reported having CVD.

Conclusions

The prevalence of the double burden of disease increased with age; this is particularly important as the ‘baby boomers’ reach this high‐risk age group. Future studies should explore potential common upstream or downstream mechanisms of CVD and cancer as well as public health strategies to cope with the double burden of disease.
Posttraumatic Carotid Artery Dissection in Children: Not to be missed!
Authors: Orman Gunes , Tekes Aylin , Poretti Andrea , Robertson Courtney , Huisman Thierry A. G. M.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

Post‐traumatic carotid artery dissection (PTCAD) may result in acute arterial ischemic stroke (AIS). Pediatric PTCAD is rarely diagnosed prior to onset of neurological symptoms. We report on neuroimaging findings in a series of children with PTCAD.

METHODS

Five children with head or neck trauma were included in this study. Clinical histories were reviewed for mechanism of trauma, symptoms, complications, therapy, and outcome. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CT/MR angiography (CTA, MRA) studies were retrospectively evaluated for signs and complications of PTCAD and presence and extent of skull base fractures.

RESULTS

PTCAD was located at the level of the skull base in all children and was associated with a skull base fracture in two. The diagnosis was made in five children by combined MRI/MRA and in two by CTA. Air in the carotid canal suggested skull base injury with PTCAD in two children. PTCAD was complicated by AIS in three children.

CONCLUSION

PTCAD may result from neck and head trauma. To avoid secondary AIS, radiologists should be familiar with neuroimaging findings in children, especially as acute PTCAD may initially be clinically silent. Consequently, pediatric neuroradiologists should actively exclude PTCAD in children with head and neck trauma.
Oral lichen planus in Arab countries : a review
Authors: Al‐Nasser Lubna , El‐Metwally Ashraf
Published: November 2013

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disease of unknown etiology with a potential for malignant transformation. Little is known about the epidemiology of this condition in the Arab world. A computer‐based literature search was conducted using relevant keywords to retrieve studies conducted in Arab world pertaining to OLP, 28 articles were identified initially. After screening for exclusion criteria/retrieving full texts, a total of 15 articles were used for this review. Three studies were cross‐sectional and found a prevalence ranging from 0.35% to 1.7%. Studies about risk factors and prognostic markers were conducted in clinical settings, using a case–control design mostly (n = 9), cohort (n = 2), and clinical trial (n = 1). Genetic expressions of various proteins (e.g., BCL family), cultural determinants (Deram chewing), bacterial and viral infections [Helicobacter pylori and Hepatitis C virus (HCV)] were among factors investigated. Evidence extracted from these studies shows a possible link between OLP and Deram use, H. pylori and HCV Infections with a prevalence of the latter infection ranging from 14.7% to 26.3% in patients with OLP. However, paucity of population‐based studies limits generalizability of such evidence. Future studies in the Arab world should focus upon surveying the extent of OLP, identifying cultural risk factors, utilization of OLP genetic markers in diagnostic, and prognostic applications.
IN SEARCH OF CREATIVE CHAMPIONS IN HIGH‐TECH SPACES: A SPATIAL APPLICATION OF STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
Authors: Kourtit Karima , Nijkamp Peter
Published: November 2013

The business performance of firms in the creative high‐tech sector shows much variation. This paper examines whether the geographical location of such business firms influences the performance of these firms. The overarching analysis framework of this paper emerges from the recently developed Strategic Performance Management (SPM) concept for individual firms, which in the present study is extended with spatial meso‐attributes related to the location of these firms. SPM aims to improve the firms’ competitive performance through the application of strict internal management principles. Our study thus adopts a micro‐business perspective on the organizational determinants of a firm's economic performance and its links with distinct spatial entrepreneurship conditions and general economic moderator variables. The present study focuses on both large and small and medium‐sized (SME) firms, mainly operating in the creative high‐tech sector in the Netherlands. The research methodology uses stepwise the following analytical tools: multivariate analysis of an extensive micro‐ and meso‐data set on the internal performance of firms and regional covariates; Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and its recent extension to super‐efficient DEA for mapping out in a comparative way the achievements of both regions and firms; a GIS‐oriented statistical analysis to identify geographically discriminating factors in the firms’ performance; and the design and estimation of a Structural Equations Model (SEM) for assessing the performance of the firms concerned (using what is called the “flying disc” model). Our results show significant differences in the performance of large vis‐à‐vis SME firms that have adopted SPM, while their geographical position in the country, in general, also plays a significant role.