bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining the aetiology of erectile dysfunction in men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Authors: Mehta Akanksha , Stember Doron S. , O'Brien Keith , Mulhall John P.
Published: February 2013

Men presenting with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) frequently report concomitant erectile dysfunction (ED), but the underlying cause of ED in this patient population has not been previously studied. This study prospectively investigated the aetiology of ED in men with CPPS. The study population comprised 46 men with penile pain or dysorgasmia, and concomitant ED. All participants completed the NIH‐CPSI and international index of erectile function‐ erectile function domain (IIEF‐EFD) questionnaires, and underwent penile duplex Doppler ultrasonography (DUS), following intracavernosal trimix injection, to evaluate erectile hemodynamic parameters. Pearson's correlation between NIH‐CPSI and IIEF‐EFD scores, and between NIH‐CPSI score and the erectile response to trimix injections was investigated. The prevalence of mild, moderate and severe CPPS symptoms was 26, 48 and 26% respectively. The severity of ED was mild, moderate or severe in 15, 61 and 24% of men respectively. NIH‐CPSI and IIEF‐EFD scores were negatively correlated (r = −0.32, p = 0.002). Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end‐diastolic velocity (EDV) were normal in 96 and 100% of men respectively. The majority of men (78%) required ≥2 trimix injections to attain an adequate erection for DUS. NIH‐CPSI scores and the number of trimix injections needed were positively correlated (r = 0.22, p = 0.035). The aetiology of erectile dysfunction in men who present with CPPS and concomitant ED is almost always psychogenic. Penile DUS in this population of men is fraught with the potential for error, and frequently necessitates more than one dose of a vasoactive agent.
Maturity, size at age and predator–prey relationships of winter skate Leucoraja ocellata in the southern Gulf of St Lawrence: potentially an undescribed endemic facing extirpation
Authors: Kelly J. T. , Hanson J. M.
Published: February 2013

The goals of this study were to document the size and age structure, size at maturity, ovarian fecundity and diet of the endangered population of winter skate Leucoraja ocellata that resides in the southern Gulf of St Lawrence (SGSL). The maximum size observed for SGSL L. ocellata was 68 cm total length (LT) but >99% of animals caught were <60 cm LT. Fifty per cent of male and female L. ocellata were fully mature at 40 and 42 cm LT, respectively, age c. 5 years. The oldest individual caught was age 11 years, but 98% of the 561 individuals examined were ≤age 8 years, indicating a short reproductive life span. Ovarian fecundity was low; no more than 29 ova >10 mm diameter were ever observed. At 40 cm LT, the diet changed from one dominated by shrimp Crangon septemspinosa and gammarid amphipods to one dominated by fishes (mainly sand lance Ammodytes spp. and rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax) and Atlantic rock crab Cancer irroratus. Sufficient differences were observed between SGSL L. ocellata and other populations in their size‐at‐maturity pattern and maximum size to propose the taxonomic re‐evaluation of the population.
Irsogladine maleate for the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis in hepatitis C virus patients on pegylated‐interferon and ribavirin: A pilot study
Authors: Hayashi Nobuhiko , George Joseph , Shiroeda Hisakazu , Saito Takashi , Toshikuni Nobuyuki , Tsuchishima Mutsumi , Arisawa Tomiyasu , Tsutsumi Mikihiro
Published: February 2013

Background and Aim

Aphthous stomatitis is one of the adverse effects associated with interferon (IFN) that forces dose reduction of IFN and there is no established therapy. This study was aimed to investigate whether irsogladine maleate, which enhances the functions of intercellular communication through the gap junctions, is effective for the treatment of aphthous stomatitis developed in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients on pegylated‐interferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin.

Methods

Nineteen patients with HCV were treated with PEG‐IFN and ribavirin for 48 weeks. Ten out of 19 patients developed aphthous stomatitis during treatment with PEG‐IFN and ribavirin. Within 1–2 weeks after development of aphthous stomatitis, 4 mg irsogladine maleate was orally administered daily to all patients and the therapeutic and adverse effects of irsogladine maleate were examined on every week. The degree of aphthous stomatitis was evaluated by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0.

Results

Out of 10 patients, aphthous stomatitis was evaluated as grade 3 in three patients (30%) and grade 2 in seven patients (70%) by CTCAE. CTCAE grade was improved to 0 after 1 week in six patients, after 2 weeks in two patients, and after 3 weeks in two patients after the start of administration of irsogladine maleate. Aphthous stomatitis has not recurred in patients who had been on irsogladine maleate continuously during treatment of PEG‐IFN and ribavirin.

Conclusions

Irsogladine maleate is effective for the treatment of aphthous stomatitis developing during PEG‐IFN and ribavirin administration in HCV patients.
TOURISM, RESIDENTS’ WELFARE AND ECONOMIC CHOICE: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Meleddu Marta
Published: February 2013

Over the past decades, tourism development has raised economics, social and environmental issues, particularly for host communities. This paper provides a wide ranging review of the existing literature aimed at underpinning empirical tourism research with a robust economic framework. So far, tourism research has mostly focused on either quantitative or qualitative approaches that lack a strong economic theoretical setting. Most of the literature on resident's welfare analysis concentrates on their attitudes and perceptions without taking explicitly into account their preferences about policy development based on a cost‐benefit assessment. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to draw connections within the current body of research to explain the relationship between residents and tourism activity, as well as consumer theory and economic choice. In this way, it is possible to construct a multidimensional framework that allows one to analyse residents’ welfare in a systematic and more comprehensive manner.
Judicial Independence across Democratic Regimes: Understanding the Varying Impact of Political Competition
Authors: Aydın Aylin
Published: February 2013

One of the most prominent explanations of the creation and maintenance of independent judiciary is the “insurance theory” that proposes a positive relationship between political competition and judicial independence. But, does intense political competition inevitably lead to higher levels of judicial independence across all types of democracies? Conducting a large-N cross-country analysis over 97 democratic countries, this study shows that as democratic quality across countries changes, the impact of political competition on judicial independence changes as well. The empirical findings reveal that while in advanced democracies high levels of political competition enhances judicial independence, in developing democracies political competition significantly hampers the independence of the courts.
The Indirect Influence of Politics on Tort Liability of Public Authorities in English Law
Authors: Priel Dan
Published: February 2013

The scope of negligence liability of public authorities in English law has undergone significant changes in the Post-World War II period, first expanding and then, from the mid-1980s, retracting. This article tries to explain why this happened not by focusing, as is common in most commentary on this area of law, on changing doctrinal “tests,” but rather by tying it to changes in the background political ideology. My main contention is that political change has brought about a change in the law, but that it did so by affecting the scope of the political domain, and by implication, also the scope of the legal one. More specifically, I argue that Britain's Post-War consensus on the welfare state has enabled the courts to expand state liability in accordance with emerging notions of the welfare state without seeming to take the law into controversial territory. When Thatcher came to power, the welfare state was no longer in consensus, thus making further development of legal doctrines on welfarist lines appear politically contentious. The courts therefore reverted back to older doctrines that seemed less politically charged in the new political atmosphere of the 1980s.
An Analysis of Policy-Based Congressional Responses to the U.S. Supreme Court's Constitutional Decisions
Authors: Blackstone Bethany
Published: February 2013

While Congress can attempt to overrule constitutional decisions of the Supreme Court by initiating the constitutional amendment process, an amendment is rarely a practicable option. Instead, Congress regularly tries to modify the impact of constitutional decisions with ordinary legislation. I analyze policy-based responses to the Supreme Court's constitutional decisions that were initiated in Congress between 1995 and 2010. For each responsive proposal, I consider the relationship between the proposed legislation and the Court's legal holding and the relationship between the proposal and the public policy associated with the Court's decision. I find that Congress enjoys considerable success in reversing the policy impacts of the Court's decisions but is limited in its ability to overcome the Court's legal rules.
Combustion Phasing Effect on Cycle Efficiency of a Diesel Engine Using Advanced Gasoline Fumigation
Authors: Northrop William F. , Fang Wei , Huang Bin
Published: February 2013

Advanced premixed compression ignition (CI) combustion using fumigation has been shown to yield significant improvements in indicated efficiency over traditional diesel combustion strategies while simultaneously reducing engine-out soot and NOx emissions. To better interpret these findings, a breakdown of the ways in which actual performance deviates from ideal engine cycles is helpful. Nonideal combustion phasing is one cause of such deviations. In this paper, the centroid of the calculated apparent heat release rate is used to estimate an adjusted maximum possible thermal efficiency based on constant volume combustion using an effective compression ratio concept. Using these metrics, experimental engine data are evaluated from a single cylinder direct-injection diesel engine operating in premixed CI mode enabled by gasoline fumigation and a diesel pilot injection. Indicated gross cycle efficiency was found to be higher for premixed fumigation compared with a conventional diesel condition at the same load. A key finding of the work is that the peak indicated cycle efficiency for fumigated premixed CI combustion occurs with combustion phased very close to top dead center. Shorter heat release duration and lower heat losses from the cylinder are thought to be the cause of differences in cycle efficiency between conventional combustion and premixed CI fumigation modes.
Advances in Identification of Clinical Yeast Isolates by Use of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Buchan Blake W. , Ledeboer Nathan A.
Published: February 2013

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based identification is being adopted by clinical laboratories for routine identification of microorganisms. To date, the majority of studies have focused on the performance and optimization of MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of bacterial isolates. We review recent literature describing the use of MALDI-TOF MS for the routine identification of a variety of yeasts and yeast-like isolates. Specific topics include the effect of optimized or streamlined extraction methods, modified scoring thresholds, expanded reference libraries, and the possibility of conducting antifungal susceptibility testing using MALDI-TOF MS.
Distinct activity of BK channel β1-subunit in cerebral and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells
Authors: Zheng Yun-Min , Park Sang Woong , Stokes Lindsay , Tang Qiang , Xiao Jun-Hua , Wang Yong-Xiao
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to test a hypothesis that the functional activity of big-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels is different in cerebral and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMCs and PASMCs). Using patch-clamp recordings, we found that the activity of whole cell and single BK channels were significantly higher in CASMCs than in PASMCs. The voltage and Ca2+ sensitivity of BK channels were greater in CASMCs than in PASMCs. Targeted gene knockout of β1-subunits significantly reduced BK currents in CASMCs but had no effect in PASMCs. Western blotting experiments revealed that BK channel α-subunit protein expression level was comparable in CASMCs and PASMCs; however, β1-subunit protein expression level was higher in CASMCs than in PASMCs. Inhibition of BK channels by the specific blocker iberiotoxin enhanced norepinephrine-induced increase in intracellular calcium concentration in CASMCs but not in PASMCs. Systemic artery blood pressure was elevated in β1−/− mice. In contrast, pulmonary artery blood pressure was normal in β1−/− mice. These findings provide the first evidence that the activity of BK channels is higher in cerebral than in PASMCs. This heterogeneity is primarily determined by the differential β1-subunit function and contributes to diverse cellular responses in these two distinct types of cells.
Crossed reflex reversal during human locomotion
Authors: Gervasio Sabata , Farina Dario , Sinkjær Thomas , Mrachacz-Kersting Natalie
Published: February 2013

During human walking, precise coordination between the two legs is required in order to react promptly to any sudden hazard that could threaten stability. The networks involved in this coordination are not yet completely known, but a direct spinal connection between soleus (SOL) muscles has recently been revealed. For this response to be functional, as previously suggested, we hypothesize that it will be accompanied by a reaction in synergistic muscles, such as gastrocnemius lateralis (GL), and that a reversal of the response would occur when an opposite reaction is required. In the present study, surface EMGs of contralateral SOL and GL were analyzed after tibial nerve (TN), sural nerve (SuN), and medial plantar nerve (MpN) stimulation during two tasks in which opposite reactions are functionally expected: normal walking (NW), just before ipsilateral heel strike, and hybrid walking (HW) (legs walking in opposite directions), at ipsilateral push off and contralateral touchdown. Early crossed facilitations were observed in the contralateral GL after TN stimulation during NW, and a reversal of such responses occurred during HW. These results underline the functional significance of short-latency crossed responses and represent the first evidence for short-latency reflex reversal in the contralateral limb for humans. Muscle afferents seem to mediate the response during NW, while during HW cutaneous afferents are likely involved. It is thus possible that different afferents mediate the crossed response during different tasks.
Pd‐Doped SnO2‐Based Sensor Detecting Characteristic Fault Hydrocarbon Gases in Transformer Oil
Authors: Chen Weigen , Zhou Qu , Gao Tuoyu , Su Xiaoping , Wan Fu
Published: February 2013

Methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), ethylene (C2H4), and acetylene (C2C2) are important fault characteristic hydrocarbon gases dissolved in power transformer oil. Online monitoring these gaseous components and their generation rates can present the operational state of power transformer timely and effectively. Gas sensing technology is the most sticky and tricky point in online monitoring system. In this paper, pure and Pd‐doped SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrothermal method and characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, respectively. The gas sensors were fabricated by side‐heated preparation, and their gas sensing properties against CH4, C2H6, C2H4, and C2H2 were measured. Pd doping increases the electric conductance of the prepared SnO2 sensors and improves their gas sensing performances to hydrocarbon gases. In addition based on the frontier molecular orbital theory, the highest occupied molecular orbital energy and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy were calculated. Calculation results demonstrate that C2H4 has the highest occupied molecular orbital energy among CH4, C2H6, C2H4, and C2H2, which promotes charge transfer in gas sensing process, and SnO2 surfaces capture a relatively larger amount of electric charge from adsorbed C2H4.
Long Course Hyperbaric Oxygen Stimulates Neurogenesis and Attenuates Inflammation after Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lee Ying-Sheng , Chio Chung-Ching , Chang Ching-Ping , Wang Liang-Chao , Chiang Po-Min , Niu Kuo-Chi , Tsai Kuen-Jer
Published: February 2013

Several studies have provided evidence with regard to the neuroprotection benefits of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy in cases of stroke, and HBO also promotes bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) proliferation and mobilization. This study investigates the influence of HBO therapy on the migration of BMSCs, neurogenesis, gliosis, and inflammation after stroke. Rats that sustained transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were treated with HBO three weeks or two days. The results were examined using a behavior test (modified neurological severity score, mNSS) and immunostaining to evaluate the effects of HBO therapy on migration of BMSCs, neurogenesis, and gliosis, and expression of neurotrophic factors was also evaluated. There was a lower mNSS score in the three-week HBO group when compared with the two-day HBO group. Mobilization of BMSCs to an ischemic area was more improved in long course HBO treatments, suggesting the duration of therapy is crucial for promoting the homing of BMSCs to ischemic brain by HBO therapies. HBO also can stimulate expression of trophic factors and improve neurogenesis and gliosis. These effects may help in neuronal repair after ischemic stroke, and increasing the course of HBO therapy might enhance therapeutic effects on ischemic stroke.
Novel Bioactivity of Ellagic Acid in Inhibiting Human Platelet Activation
Authors: Chang Yi , Chen Wei-Fan , Lin Kuan-Hung , Hsieh Cheng-Ying , Chou Duen-Suey , Lin Li-Jyun , Sheu Joen-Rong , Chang Chao-Chien
Published: February 2013

Pomegranates are widely consumed either as fresh fruit or in beverage form as juice and wine. Ellagic acid possesses potent antioxidative properties; it is known to be an effective phytotherapeutic agent with antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic qualities. Ellagic acid (20 to 80 μM) exhibited a potent activity in inhibiting platelet aggregation stimulated by collagen; however, it did not inhibit platelet aggregation stimulated by thrombin, arachidonic acid, or U46619. Treatment with ellagic acid (50 and 80 μM) significantly inhibited platelet activation stimulated by collagen; this alteration was accompanied by the inhibition of relative[Ca2+]imobilization, and the phosphorylation of phospholipase C (PLC)γ2, protein kinase C (PKC), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and Akt, as well as hydroxyl radical (OH●) formation. In addition, ellagic acid also inhibited p38 MAPK and Akt phosphorylation stimulated by hydrogen peroxide. By contrast, ellagic acid did not significantly affect PKC activation and platelet aggregation stimulated by PDBu. This study is the first to show that, in addition to being considered a possible agent for preventing tumor growth, ellagic acid possesses potent antiplatelet properties. It appears to initially inhibit the PLCγ2-PKC cascade and/or hydroxyl radical formation, followed by decreased phosphorylation of MAPKs and Akt, ultimately inhibiting platelet aggregation.
A Systematic Review of the Efficacy ofCentella asiaticafor Improvement of the Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Authors: Chong Nyuk Jet , Aziz Zoriah
Published: February 2013

We aimed to assess the efficacy ofCentella asiaticafor improvement of the signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). We searched 13 electronic databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomised controlled trials assessing the efficacy ofCentella asiaticafor CVI. Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed the risks of bias of included studies and extracted data. The treatment effects of similar studies were pooled whenever appropriate. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooling of data of similar studies showed thatCentella asiaticasignificantly improved microcirculatory parameters such as transcutaneous partial pressure of CO2and O2, rate of ankle swelling and venoarteriolar response. Three out of the eight studies did not provide quantitative data. However, these studies reported that patients treated withCentella asiaticashowed significant improvement in CVI signs such as leg heaviness, pain and oedema. Our results show thatCentella asiaticamay be beneficial for improving signs and symptoms of CVI but this conclusion needs to be interpreted with caution as most of the studies were characterised by inadequate reporting and thus had unclear risks of bias, which may threaten the validity of the conclusions.
Hepatitis C Transmission after Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Ferhi Karim , Rouprêt Morgan , Mozer Pierre , Ploussard Guillaume , Haertig Alain , de La Taille Alexandre
Published: February 2013

Prostate biopsy is a current and well-codified procedure; antibiotic prophylaxis and rectal enema limit the risk of infection. To date, there has been no reported viral transmission between patients due to a contaminated ultrasound probe. In this study, we report the case of a patient who contracted the hepatitis C virus after transrectal prostate biopsy as part of an individual screening for prostate cancer.
Synthesis of New Zirconium(IV) Complexes with Amino Acid Schiff Bases: Spectral, Molecular Modeling, and Fluorescence Studies
Authors: Singh Har Lal , Singh Jangbhadur
Published: February 2013

New zirconium(IV) complexes were synthesized with bidentate ligands and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, molecular weight determinations, IR, electronic, NMR (1H and 13C), fluorescence and molecular modeling studies. All the complexes are 1 : 2 electrolytes in nature and may be formulated as [Zr(L)2Cl2] (where L is Schiff bases of amino acids and substituted isatin). The analytical data showed that the Schiff-base ligand acts as bidentate toward zirconium ion via the azomethine nitrogen and carboxylate oxygen. The conductivity values between 8.5–12.6 Ω−1, mol−1, cm2 in DMF imply the presence of nonelectrolyte species. On the basis of spectral and molecular modeling studies, the resulting complexes are proposed to have octahedral geometries.
Rotordynamic Faults: Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Prognosis
Authors: Walker Ryan , Perinpanayagam Sureshkumar , Jennions Ian K.
Published: February 2013

Diagnosis and condition monitoring in rotating machinery has been a subject of intense research for the last century. Recent developments indicate the drive towards integration of diagnosis and prognosis algorithms in future integrated vehicle health management (IVHM) systems. With this in mind, this paper concentrates on highlighting some of the latest research on common faults in rotating machines. Eight key faults have been described; the selected faults include unbalance, misalignment, rub/looseness, fluid-induced instability, bearing failure, shaft cracks, blade cracks, and shaft bow. Each of these faults has been detailed with regard to sensors, fault identification techniques, localization, prognosis, and modeling. The intent of the paper is to highlight the latest technologies pioneering the drive towards next-generation IVHM systems for rotating machinery.
Should all acutely ill medical patients be treated with antithrombotic drugs?
Authors: Perri Ludovica , Loffredo Lorenzo , Violi Francesco
Published: February 2013

After reports from observational studies suggesting an association between acutely ill medical patients and venous thromboembolism (VTE), interventional trials with anticoagulants drugs have demonstrated a significant reduction of VTE during and immediately after hospitalisation. Although several guidelines suggest the clinical relevance of reducing this outcome, there is a low tendency to use anticoagulants in patients hospitalised for acute medical illness. We speculated that such underuse may be dependent on a low perception that patients included in the trials are actually at risk of thromboembolism. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the clinical settings included in the interventional trials and their relationship with thrombotic risk. Analysis of interventional trials revealed that the majority of patients included in the trials (about 80%) were affected by heart failure, acute respiratory syndrome or infections. Among these three illnesses, literature data shows an association with venous thrombosis only in patients with acute infections; this finding was, however, supported only by retrospective study. On the contrary, there is scarce or no evidence that heart failure and acute respiratory syndrome are associated with venous thrombosis. These data underscore the need of better defining the thrombotic risk profile of acutely ill medical patients included in interventional trials with anticoagulants.
Возвращаясь к вопросу о характере государственного “переворота 3 хута”
Authors: Тер-Оганов Н.К.
Published: February 2013

Among those main problems, related to the modern history of Iran that haven’t been explored properly neither by the Western, nor by the Soviet students, the issue of the character of 1921’s Coup d’etat still preserves its scientific actuality. The examination of character of the Coup d’etat of 1921 in Iran has a significant importance for the impartial assessment and analyses of the principal moments that took place in the socio-political development of the Iranian society during the crises of Qajar monarchy. Despite of assertion of some Soviet authors, the Coup d’etat of 1921 wasn’t a result of some structural changes in the Iranian society, but it was imposed by the foreign force and had definite political character. Nevertheless, it became a turning point on the way leading to the regime change and establishment of the modern social relations in Iran.
The story of artesunate–mefloquine (ASMQ), innovative partnerships in drug development: case study
Authors: Wells Susan , Diap Graciela , Kiechel Jean-René
Published: February 2013

Background

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is a not-for profit organization committed to providing affordable medicines and access to treatments in resource-poor settings. Traditionally drug development has happened “in house” within pharmaceutical companies, with research and development costs ultimately recuperated through drug sales. The development of drugs for the treatment of neglected tropical diseases requires a completely different model that goes beyond the scope of market-driven research and development.

Artesunate and mefloquine are well-established drugs for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, with a strong safety record based on many years of field-based studies and use. The administration of such artemisinin-based combination therapy in a fixed-dose combination is expected to improve patient compliance and to reduce the risk of emerging drug resistance.

Case description

DNDi developed an innovative approach to drug development, reliant on strong collaborations with a wide range of partners from the commercial world, academia, government institutions and NGOs, each of which had a specific role to play in the development of a fixed dose combination of artesunate and mefloquine.

Discussion and evaluation

DNDi undertook the development of a fixed-dose combination of artesunate with mefloquine. Partnerships were formed across five continents, addressing formulation, control and production through to clinical trials and product registration, resulting in a safe and efficacious fixed dose combination treatment which is now available to treat patients in resource-poor settings. The south-south technology transfer of production from Farmanguinhos/Fiocruz in Brazil to Cipla Ltd in India was the first of its kind. Of additional benefit was the increased capacity within the knowledge base and infrastructure in developing countries.

Conclusions

This collaborative approach to drug development involving international partnerships and independent funding mechanisms is a powerful new way to develop drugs for tropical diseases.
Effects of donepezil 23 mg on Severe Impairment Battery domains in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease: evaluating the impact of baseline severity
Authors: Ferris Steven , Cummings Jeffrey , Christensen Daniel , Doody Rachelle , Farlow Martin , Sabbagh Marwan , Liu Liang , Mackell Joan , Fain Randi
Published: February 2013

Introduction

The US Food and Drug Administration approved a 23 mg daily dose of donepezil for treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on outcomes from a large trial comparing the 23 mg/day dose with the standard 10 mg/day dose. Results from this study indicated that after 24 weeks, donepezil 23 mg/day provided significant cognitive benefits over donepezil 10 mg/day, measured using the Severe Impairment Battery (SIB). In the analyses reported herein, we further characterize the range of cognitive domains impacted by treatment with donepezil 23 mg/day.

Methods

A post hoc analysis was conducted using data from a 24-week, randomized, double-blind trial comparing donepezil 23 mg/day versus 10 mg/day in 1,467 patients with moderate to severe AD (baseline Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score 0 to 20). Changes from baseline to week 24 in the nine SIB domain scores were analyzed in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (baseline MMSE 0 to 20), in patients with more severe baseline AD (MMSE 0 to 16), and in severity strata based on baseline MMSE scores (0 to 5, 6 to 10, 11 to 15, 16 to 20).

Results

In the ITT population, changes in six of the nine SIB domains favored donepezil 23 mg/day over donepezil 10 mg/day. LS mean treatment differences were significant for the language, visuospatial ability, and construction domains. In the more advanced cohort of patients (MMSE 0 to 16 at baseline), LS mean treatment differences were statistically significant favoring donepezil 23 mg/day in five of the nine domains: language, memory, visuospatial ability, attention, and construction. Descriptive analysis of LS mean changes in SIB domain scores in the four baseline severity strata showed variable patterns of response; overall, cognitive benefits of donepezil 23 mg/day were greatest in patients with MMSE scores of 0 to 15.

Conclusions

These results suggest that donepezil 23 mg/day provides benefits over 10 mg/day across a range of cognitive domains. The magnitude of benefit and domains impacted varied depending on the stage of AD; significant benefits with higher dose donepezil were most apparent at more advanced stages of AD and were most prominent in the language domain.
A Comparison of the Theoretical Relationship between HDL Size and the Ratio of HDL Cholesterol to Apolipoprotein A-I with Experimental Results from the Women's Health Study
Authors: Mazer Norman A , Giulianini Franco , Paynter Nina P , Jordan Paul , Mora Samia
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND

HDL size and composition vary among individuals and may be associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. We investigated the theoretical relationship between HDL size and composition using an updated version of the spherical model of lipoprotein structure proposed by Shen et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1977;74:837–41.) and compared its predictions with experimental data from the Women's Health Study (WHS).

METHODS

The Shen model was updated to predict the relationship between HDL diameter and the ratio of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) to apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) plasma concentrations (HDL-C/ApoA-I ratio). In the WHS (n = 26 772), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) was used to measure the mean HDL diameter (dmean,NMR) and particle concentration (HDL-P); HDL-C and ApoA-I (mg/dL) were measured by standardized assays.

RESULTS

The updated Shen model predicts a quasilinear increase of HDL diameter with the HDL-C/ApoA-I ratio, consistent with the dmean,NMR values from WHS, which ranged between 8.0 and 10.8 nm and correlated positively with the HDL-C/ApoA-I ratio (r = 0.608, P < 2.2 × 10−16). The WHS data were further described by a linear regression equation: dWHS = 4.66 nm + 12.31(HDL-C/Apo-I), where dWHS is expressed in nanometers. The validity of this equation for estimating HDL size was assessed with data from cholesteryl ester transfer protein deficiency and pharmacologic inhibition. We also illustrate how HDL-P can be estimated from the HDL size and ApoA-I concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a large-scale experimental examination of the updated Shen model. The results offer new insights into HDL structure, composition and remodeling and suggest that the HDL-C/ApoA-I ratio might be a readily available biomarker for estimating HDL size and HDL-P.
Interactions between sea urchin grazing and prey diversity on temperate rocky reef communities
Authors: Byrnes Jarrett E. K. , Cardinale Bradley J. , Reed Daniel C.
Published: February 2013

While we frequently observe that increasing species richness within a trophic level can increase the rates of predation or herbivory on lower trophic levels, the general impacts of prey diversity on consumption rates by their predators or herbivores remains unclear. Here we report the results of two field experiments that examined how subcanopy sessile species richness affects rates of consumption by sea urchins. We crossed a natural gradient of species richness in a benthic subtidal community of understory macroalgae and sessile invertebrates against two experimental gradients of urchin density (0–50 and 0–14 individuals) in 0.5‐m2 fenced plots. We found that the percent cover of macroalgae and invertebrates consumed by urchins was greater at higher levels of sessile prey species richness. However, this positive association between prey richness and sea urchin consumption was only apparent at low urchin densities; at high urchin densities nearly all algal and invertebrate biomass was consumed irrespective of sessile species richness. The positive relationship between prey richness and urchin consumption was also stronger when the abundance of prey species was more even (i.e., higher Simpson's evenness). Collectively, our results show that the consumptive impacts of urchins on kelp forest understory communities increases as a function of species diversity (both prey richness and evenness), but that prey diversity becomes irrelevant when urchins reach high densities.
Measurement interpretation and information measures in general probabilistic theory
Authors: Wu Zhaoqi , Zhu Chuanxi , Zhang Xiaozhi
Published: February 2013

The incompatibility of dynamics postulate (unitary evolution) and the measurement postulate (wave-packet collapse) of quantum mechanics has recently been solved by Zurek from an information transfer perspective. Luo gave his derivation by relaxing the repeatability postulate. In this paper, we reconsider Luo’s derivation in the setting of general probabilistic theory (GPT). We also introduce the concept of sub- and super-fidelity in GPT and discuss their properties.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors, a New Option for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Albai Oana , Timar Bogdan , Diaconu Laura , Timar Romulus
Published: February 2013

Objective: Despite the diversity of antidiabetic medication currently available, lessthan half of the patients with type 2 diabetes meet the therapeutic targetsrecommended by the guidelines: HbA1c <7%, or even <6.5%. This study aimed toinvestigate the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetesmellitus, with inadequate glycemic control, as well as the effects on cardiovascularrisk factors. Material and method: The study included 348 patients, 161 men(46.3%) and 187 women (53.7%), with mean age of 56.1 ± 6.2 years, who startedtreatment with sitagliptin, combined with either metformin, sulphonylurea or both.Results and discussions: Sitagliptin improved glycemic control reducing averageHbA1c with 1.1%; the average weight decreased with 1.7 kg after 24 weeks oftreatment, and the lipid profile improved significantly. Conclusions: Sitagliptinoffers a new therapeutic option in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with theadvantage of a single dose oral administration.
Game Optimization Theory and Application in Distribution System Expansion Planning, Including Distributed Generation
Authors: Li Ran , Ma Huizhuo , Wang Feifei , Wang Yihe , Liu Yang , Li Zenghui
Published: February 2013

Based on Game Theory and Multi-objective optimization problems (MOP), Game Optimization Theory (GOT) is discussed in this paper. Optimization Stability Analysis (OSA), Distance Entropy Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (DEMPSO) and Fuzzy Multi-weights Decision-making Method (FMW) are proposed as well. Game Optimization Theory, which is a comprehensive system, could not only handle multi-objective optimization problems effectively, but also could offset the disadvantages of traditional optimization theories, such as lack of framework and the insufficient consideration of relevant elements. In this paper GOT is used for the first time in solving the distribution systems planning (DSP) issue by implementing distributed generation. The proposed model integrates costs, losses, and voltage index to achieve optimal size and site of distributed generation. The model allows minimizing total system costs, system power losses and maximizing voltage improvement. A detailed DSP example is used for verifying the effectiveness and reasonableness of GOT in this context.
Effects of climate change on mast‐flowering cues in a clonal montane herb, Veratrum tenuipetalum (Melanthiaceae)
Authors: Iler Amy M. , Inouye David W.
Published: February 2013

• Premise of the study: Climate change threatens to alter the timing and magnitude of abiotic cues that synchronize mast flowering, such as temperature and precipitation. Climate change may therefore alter the frequency of masting, in turn affecting species in the community that use pulsed resources.

• Methods: We used 29‐yr (1984–2012) records of climate and flowering to investigate proximate flowering cues for the clonal, mast‐flowering herb Veratrum tenuipetalum. Because clonal reproduction is tied to flowering in Veratrum, we used a parallel record of ramet abundance to examine the effects of masting on long‐term ramet abundance.

• Key results: Cool summer temperatures 2 years before flowering were associated with a higher percentage of flowering in Veratrum populations, consistent with its life history. Ramet abundance increased by 9.5% ± 5.6% on average following mast years compared to an average loss of 0.73% ± 1.1% in nonmast years, and ramet abundance increased over the time frame of our records.

• Conclusions: Ramet abundance has increased over the time frame of our records mainly because of clonal reproduction in masting years. If summer temperatures continue to increase at our site and Veratrum does not alter its climate thresholds, we predict that masting will become less frequent in this species, with consequent reduction in opportunities for both sexual and clonal reproduction.
Environmental Pediatrics
Authors: Magzamen Sheryl , Van Sickle David , Rose Laura D. , Cronk Christine
Published: February 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Review the effect of environmental exposures with the potential to cause harm on the health of children.

2.

Discuss the role pediatricians play in addressing environmental exposures in clinical practice.

3.

Determine how physicians can act individually and through professional and advocacy groups to improve childhood health outcomes by influencing environmental policy decisions.

Pediatricians now treat many childhood health problems that are caused or exacerbated by environmental factors. In fact, nearly all pediatricians report a past experience with a patient who was affected by an unhealthy exposure.
1
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that more than 3 million children worldwide die each year due to environment-related causes.
2
The rapid physiological development during the pre- and postnatal period leaves children highly susceptible to the effects of deleterious environmental exposures. Exposures during critical windows of development likely have a cascading effect that can influence health and well-being throughout a child’s lifetime. Environmental influences also contribute to the health disparities among communities of color in our country.
Workplace Safety and Personnel Well-Being
Authors: Fagbe T. , Adekola O. D.
Published: February 2013

Information Technology (IT) has emerged as the global driving force behind business success, improved performance, ease of operations, and accuracy. The growth of a business cannot be separated from the security and safety of the business environment, where the health of employees and facilities must be guaranteed. Therefore, this paper examines the role of IT in the management of workplace safety and personnel well-being in a challenging economy. The paper covers IT application in a safe working environment, personnel health, machinery safety, occupational hazards, risks, and accidents. This paper also addresses challenges that hinder the use of IT in the administration of health safety and environment issues. It concludes with a strategy for an effective utilization of this important tool in the development of health safety and environment.
Intellectual Capital Explains a Country’s Resilience to Financial Crisis
Authors: Lin Carol Yeh-Yun
Published: February 2013

From Resource-Based View (RBV), this chapter introduces intellectual capital as a valuable resource leading to competitive advantage at both organizational and national levels. The chapter elaborates on National Intellectual Capital (NIC) policy implications, using financially-strained countries such as Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain as examples. The co-development of NIC and GDP per capita (ppp) of four southern European countries and four Greater China economies during 2005-2010 are also presented and compared. This NIC development study discloses systematic warning signs starting in 2000 for those countries that were later in deep financial trouble, much earlier than the outburst of 2008 global financial crisis. “Intellectual capital explains a country’s resilience to financial crisis” is observed from the comparison. Consequently, in an era when intangible assets have become a key competitive advantage, investing in national intellectual capital development is investing in future national development and well-being.
The Role of Intellectual Capital in Business Model Innovation
Authors: Roos Göran
Published: February 2013

The Australian Manufacturing Environment has over a short time changed from being low or medium cost to becoming high cost. In the previous environment, success could be achieved through imitation and efficiency focus whereas in the new environment efficiency becomes a table stake where the basis for success becomes innovation. Innovation requires enablers, strategy, and management systems to deliver, and the innovative focus must be on both value creating innovations and value appropriating innovations. One of the key tools in appropriating value is business models. The effectiveness of business model innovations to manufacturing firms in this changed environment is investigated, and it is found that business model innovations are highly effective but that the dimensions expressed in the literature, which mainly focuses on ICT-based or dependent firms, are insufficient for manufacturing firms. Based on the literature and the empirical study, an improved business model framework is proposed.
Complex Adaptive Systems Thinking Approach for Intelligence Base in Support of Intellectual Capital Management
Authors: Rabaey Marc
Published: February 2013

This chapter introduces Complex Adaptive Systems Thinking (CAST) into the domain of Intellectual Capital (IC). CAST is based on the theories of Complex Adaptive System (CAS) and Systems Thinking (ST). It argues that the CAST, combined with Intelligence Base offers a potentially more holistic approach to managing the Intellectual Capital of an organization. Furthermore, the authors extend this IC management with additional dimensions proper to a social entity such as an organization. New organizational design methods are needed and the capability approach is such a method that supports IC in virtual and real organizations. The characteristics of Intellectual Capital are discussed in the iterative process of inquiry and the Cynefin Framework, guaranteeing a holistic view on the organization and its environment.
Behaviour Monitoring and Interpretation
Authors: Gottfried Björn
Published: February 2013

This chapter describes the field of Behaviour Monitoring and Interpretation, BMI for short, which defines a framework for the analysis and design of systems for the monitoring and interpretation of human behaviour. As an example scenario which is analysed by means of that framework, a pedestrian navigation and service tool is presented. This scenario is about a mobile user who is wearing a hearing-aid similar device that instructs him while walking through the city. The navigation assistant can be equipped with specific application constraints in order to enrich the navigation system with an application context. The navigation system guides the user through the environment while taking care of the application constraints. One application context is a child at pre-school age: within this context the idea is to guide the child along a safe path to kindergarten. There are many challenges involved in the development of such a pedestrian navigation system. This chapter focuses on the analysis of the behaviour of the user that determines how the navigation assistant can provide help in an appropriate way. By this means, principles underlying the field of behaviour monitoring and interpretation are explained. More specifically, how the BMI framework aids in analysing is shown along with how top-down and bottom-up processes are to be involved in behaviour recognition; additionally, how the framework supports the identification of information fusion at different abstraction layers is shown.