bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OPTIMAL DYNAMIC PRICING FOR USED PRODUCTS IN REMANUFACTURING OVER AN INFINITE HORIZON
Authors: LI GENDAO , SUN BAOFENG
Published: December 2013

The return of used products (cores) is the beginning of remanufacturing. Although an appropriate pricing policy can effectively manage the returns, a static pricing policy cannot match the returns and demands because of the high uncertainties in both sides, which in turn results in high inventory cost or lost-sale cost. In this paper, we apply a dynamic pricing policy commonly used in retail setting to the core acquisition management in remanufacturing and study the pricing problem for used products with the objective of minimizing average cost over an infinite horizon. We formulate the pricing problem as a continuous-time Markov decision process and characterize the structural properties of the optimal policy. We also conduct a numerical study to investigate the benefit of dynamic pricing.
FORMAL AND MODEL DRIVEN DESIGN OF A HIGH SPEED DATA TRANSMISSION CHANNEL
Authors: JI ZHONGKAI , MA JIANGUO , FAUST OLIVER
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a formal and model driven design approach for a high speed data transmission channel. The formal process algebra communicating sequential processes (CSP) was used to specify the system functionality. Automated model checking established, beyond reasonable doubt, important system properties, such as freedom from deadlock and livelock. Once these properties were established, the functionality was translated into an implementation which realizes high speed data transmission between two independent IC chips. Normal and failure case testing ensured that the implementation complies with the specification. This work shows how formal and model driven design methodologies speed up the process of turning ideas into physical problem solutions. More specifically, formal modeling gave us firm understanding and deep insight of the system functionality which enabled us to implement and to select correct system components.
A CONTEMPORARY APPROACH FOR EVALUATION OF THE BEST MEASUREMENT CAPABILITY OF A FORCE CALIBRATION MACHINE
Authors: KUMAR HARISH
Published: December 2013

The present paper discusses the procedure for evaluation of best measurement capability of a force calibration machine. The best measurement capability of force calibration machine is evaluated by a comparison through the precision force transfer standards to the force standard machines. The force transfer standards are calibrated by the force standard machine and then by the force calibration machine by adopting the similar procedure. The results are reported and discussed in the paper and suitable discussion has been made for force calibration machine of 200 kN capacity. Different force transfer standards of nominal capacity 20 kN, 50 kN and 200 kN are used. It is found that there are significant variations in the .uncertainty of force realization by the force calibration machine according to the proposed method in comparison to the earlier method adopted.
COMPARISON BETWEEN A REFERENCE TORQUE STANDARD MACHINE AND A DEADWEIGHT TORQUE STANDARD MACHINE TO BE USED IN TORQUE CALIBRATION
Authors: MENG FENG , ZHANG ZHIMIN , LIN JING
Published: December 2013

The paper describes the reference torque standard machine with high accuracy and multifunction, developed by our institute, and introduces the structure and working principle of this machine. It has three main functions. The first function is the hydraulic torque wrench calibration function. The second function is torque multiply calibration function. The third function is reference torque standard machine function. We can calibrate the torque multipliers, hydraulic wrenches and transducers by this machine. A comparison experiment has been done between this machine and a deadweight torque standard machine. The consistency between the 30 kNm reference torque machine and the 2000 Nm dead-weight torque standard machine under the claimed uncertainties was verified.
DENSITY MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR WEIGHTS OF 1 kg TO 20 kg USING HYDROSTATIC WEIGHING
Authors: LEE YONG JAE , LEE WOO GAB , ABDURAHMAN MOHAMMED , KIM KWANG PYO
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a density measurement system to determine density of weights from 1 kg to 20 kg using hydrostatic weighing. The system works based on Archimedes principle. The density of reference liquid is determined using this setup while determining the density of the test weight. Density sphere is used as standard density ball to determine density of the reference liquid. A new immersion pan is designed for dual purpose to carry the density sphere and the cylindrical test weight for weighing in liquid. Main parts of the setup are an electronic balance, a thermostat controlled liquid bath, reference weights designed for bottom weighing, dual purpose immersion pans and stepping motors to load and unload in weighing process. The results of density measurement will be evaluated as uncertainties for weights of 1 kg to 20 kg.
FORCE CALIBRATION OF NANO UNIVERSAL TESTING MACHINE USING MILLIGRAM WEIGHTS
Authors: WU CHUNG-LIN , TUAN CHING-FEN
Published: December 2013

This paper presents an approach for calibrating the force transducer on the nano universal testing machine using milligram weights. Previous research on force calibration of such a system focused on the range from 10 mN to 200 mN, ignoring forces below 10 mN. The main purpose of this study is to analyze and calculate the uncertainty of force measurements within the range from 0.2 mN to 10 mN. The ABA calibration method in accordance with OIML R111-1 is adopted to determine the uncertainty in force measurement. The results indicate that the maximum relative uncertainty of force measurement is 7.0 × 10−3 with a 95% confidence level. The investigation can be used as the basis for evaluating measurement uncertainty of the system in small force range.
SIMPLIFIED DYNAMIC MODEL FOR HIGH-SPEED CHECKWEIGHER
Authors: YAMAKAWA YUJI , YAMAZAKI TAKANORI
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we concern with the dynamic behaviors of a high speed mass measurement system with conveyor belt (a checkweigher). The goal of this paper is to construct a simple model of the measurement system so as to duplicate a response of the system. The checkweigher with electromagnetic force compensation can be approximated by the combined spring-mass-damper systems as the physical model, and the equation of motion is derived. The model parameters (a damping coefficient and a spring constant) can be obtained from the experimental data for open-loop system. Finally, the validity of the proposed model can be confirmed by comparison of the simulation results with the realistic responses. The simple dynamic model obtained offers practical and useful information to examine control scheme.
AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION SYSTEM FOR 20 kg WEIGHTS BY ROBOT AND WEIGHT MAGAZINE
Authors: LEE MIN-SOO , KWAK WOON-YOUNG
Published: December 2013

This paper presents the method that can calibrate the weights (10 kg ~ 20 kg) automatically by a 3-axis robot, three weight carrier magazines. So the operators do not need to take an effort to align weight on the pan of the balance manually during calibration procedure, and can calibrate the weights automatically during night. The weight calibration system consists of a 3-axis robot, a weight magazine, and operating software to avoid temperature and air flow effect from human. At first the calibration system moves weight on the magazine to the pan of balance. Second measures the mass of the weight, and then moves the weight to the original position on the magazine automatically. This automatic moving method not only avoids the introduction of excess uncertainty, but also improves productivity. Hereafter the similar system can be applied to the calibration of other range weights (1 mg ~ 5 g).
THE IMPACT OF INSTITUTIONAL AND SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS ON FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: EVIDENCE FROM JAPAN
Authors: LUCKE NAVINA , KARMANN ALEXANDER , EICHLER STEFAN
Published: December 2013

We examine the determinants of Japanese foreign direct investment (FDI) focusing on institutional and social factors. Using panel data on 59 countries from 1995 to 2008, we find that host countries with free and open markets and greater cultural distance from Japan attract Japanese FDI. Good institutions, such as a well-developed legal framework and an effective government, are important in promoting Japanese FDI to emerging economies, whereas fewer regulatory restrictions, lower tax burden, and more religious diversity attract Japanese FDI to developed countries. We find that corruption stimulates Japanese FDI to developed countries, which is contrary to most previous research.
Motor learning of novel dynamics is not represented in a single global coordinate system: evaluation of mixed coordinate representations and local learning
Authors: Berniker Max , Franklin David W. , Flanagan J. Randall , Wolpert Daniel M. , Kording Konrad
Published: December 2013

Successful motor performance requires the ability to adapt motor commands to task dynamics. A central question in movement neuroscience is how these dynamics are represented. Although it is widely assumed that dynamics (e.g., force fields) are represented in intrinsic, joint-based coordinates (Shadmehr R, Mussa-Ivaldi FA. J Neurosci 14: 3208–3224, 1994), recent evidence has questioned this proposal. Here we reexamine the representation of dynamics in two experiments. By testing generalization following changes in shoulder, elbow, or wrist configurations, the first experiment tested for extrinsic, intrinsic, or object-centered representations. No single coordinate frame accounted for the pattern of generalization. Rather, generalization patterns were better accounted for by a mixture of representations or by models that assumed local learning and graded, decaying generalization. A second experiment, in which we replicated the design of an influential study that had suggested encoding in intrinsic coordinates (Shadmehr and Mussa-Ivaldi 1994), yielded similar results. That is, we could not find evidence that dynamics are represented in a single coordinate system. Taken together, our experiments suggest that internal models do not employ a single coordinate system when generalizing and may well be represented as a mixture of coordinate systems, as a single system with local learning, or both.
The Drosophila neuropeptides PDF and sNPF have opposing electrophysiological and molecular effects on central neurons
Authors: Vecsey Christopher G. , Pírez Nicolás , Griffith Leslie C.
Published: December 2013

Neuropeptides have widespread effects on behavior, but how these molecules alter the activity of their target cells is poorly understood. We employed a new model system in Drosophila melanogaster to assess the electrophysiological and molecular effects of neuropeptides, recording in situ from larval motor neurons, which transgenically express a receptor of choice. We focused on two neuropeptides, pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) and small neuropeptide F (sNPF), which play important roles in sleep/rhythms and feeding/metabolism. PDF treatment depolarized motor neurons expressing the PDF receptor (PDFR), increasing excitability. sNPF treatment had the opposite effect, hyperpolarizing neurons expressing the sNPF receptor (sNPFR). Live optical imaging using a genetically encoded fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based sensor for cyclic AMP (cAMP) showed that PDF induced a large increase in cAMP, whereas sNPF caused a small but significant decrease in cAMP. Coexpression of pertussis toxin or RNAi interference to disrupt the G-protein Gαo blocked the electrophysiological responses to sNPF, showing that sNPFR acts via Gαo signaling. Using a fluorescent sensor for intracellular calcium, we observed that sNPF-induced hyperpolarization blocked spontaneous waves of activity propagating along the ventral nerve cord, demonstrating that the electrical effects of sNPF can cause profound changes in natural network activity in the brain. This new model system provides a platform for mechanistic analysis of how neuropeptides can affect target cells at the electrical and molecular level, allowing for predictions of how they regulate brain circuits that control behaviors such as sleep and feeding.
Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a Patient with Haemophilia A
Authors: Reddy S. Ashwin , Hoole Stephen P. , Besser Martin W.
Published: December 2013

Haemophilia A is a rare genetic condition leading to coagulation factor VIII deficiency and thus predisposing to bleeding diathesis. Due to advances in treatment, life expectancy of haemophilia A sufferers is increasing, and the incidence and prevalence of coronary artery disease are rising. There have been many reported cases of acute myocardial infarction in such patients, who subsequently undergo elective percutaneous coronary intervention. We present the case of a 55-year-old gentleman presenting with an acute anterior full-thickness myocardial infarction who required emergency primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
The Final Stage of Gravitationally Collapsed Thick Matter Layers
Authors: Nicolini Piero , Orlandi Alessio , Spallucci Euro
Published: December 2013

In the presence of aminimal length, physical objects cannot collapse to an infinite density, singular, matter point. In this paper, we consider the possible final stage of the gravitational collapse of “thick” matter layers. The energy momentum tensor we choose to model these shell-like objects is a proper modification of the source for “noncommutative geometry inspired,” regular black holes. By using higher momenta of Gaussian distribution to localize matter at finite distance from the origin, we obtain new solutions of the Einstein equation which smoothly interpolates between Minkowski’s geometry near the center of the shell and Schwarzschild’s spacetime far away from the matter layer. The metric is curvature singularity free. Black hole type solutions exist only for “heavy” shells; that is,M ≥Me, whereMeis the mass of the extremal configuration. We determine the Hawking temperature and a modified area law taking into account the extended nature of the source.
SIRT1 Limits the Function and Fate of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Tumors by Orchestrating HIF-1α–Dependent Glycolysis
Authors: Liu Guangwei , Bi Yujing , Shen Bo , Yang Hui , Zhang Yan , Wang Xiao , Liu Huanrong , Lu Yun , Liao Jiongbo , Chen Xi , Chu Yiwei
Published: December 2013

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) display an immature phenotype that may assume a classically activated (M1) or alternatively activated phenotype (M2) in tumors. In this study, we investigated metabolic mechanisms underlying the differentiation of MDSCs into M1 or M2 myeloid lineage and their effect on cancer pathophysiology. We found that SIRT1 deficiency in MDSCs directs a specific switch to M1 lineage when cells enter the periphery from bone marrow, decreasing the suppressive function in favor of a proinflammatory M1 phenotype associated with tumor cell attack. Glycolytic activation through the mTOR–hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway was required for differentiation to the M1 phenotype, which conferred protection against tumors. Our results define the essential nature of a SIRT1–mTOR/HIF-1α glycolytic pathway in determining MDSC differentiation, with implications for metabolic reprogramming as a cancer therapeutic approach. Cancer Res; 74(3); 727–37. ©2013 AACR.
Genetic Profiling to Determine Risk of Relapse-Free Survival in High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Barnett Christine M. , Heinrich Michael C. , Lim Jeong , Nelson Dylan , Beadling Carol , Warrick Andrea , Neff Tanaya , Higano Celestia S. , Garzotto Mark , Qian David , Corless Christopher L. , Thomas George V. , Beer Tomasz M.
Published: December 2013

Purpose: The characterization of actionable mutations in human tumors is a prerequisite for the development of individualized, targeted therapy. We examined the prevalence of potentially therapeutically actionable mutations in patients with high-risk clinically localized prostate cancer.

Experimental Design: Forty-eight samples of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded prostatectomy tissue from a neoadjuvant chemotherapy trial were analyzed. DNA extracted from microdissected tumor was analyzed for 643 common solid tumor mutations in 53 genes using mass spectroscopy–based sequencing. In addition, PTEN loss and erythroblast transformation-specific–related gene (ERC) translocations were examined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) in associated tissue microarrays. Association with relapse during 5 years of follow-up was examined in exploratory analyses of the potential clinical relevance of the genetic alterations.

Results: Of the 40 tumors evaluable for mutations, 10% had point mutations in potentially actionable cancer genes. Of the 47 tumors evaluable for IHC, 36% had PTEN loss and 40% had ERG rearrangement. Individual mutations were not frequent enough to determine associations with relapse. Using Kaplan–Meier analysis with a log-rank test, the 16 patients who had PTEN loss had a significantly shorter median relapse-free survival, 19 versus 106 months (P = 0.01).

Conclusions: This study confirms that point mutations in the most common cancer regulatory genes in prostate cancer are rare. However, the PIK3CA/AKT pathway was mutated in 10% of our samples. Although point mutations alone did not have a statistically significant association with relapse, PTEN loss was associated with an increased relapse in high-risk prostate cancer treated with chemotherapy followed by surgery. Clin Cancer Res; 20(5); 1306–12. ©2013 AACR.
Availability of Binaural Cues for Bilateral Implant Recipients and Bimodal Listeners with and without Preserved Hearing in the Implanted Ear
Authors: Gifford René H. , Dorman Michael F. , Sheffield Sterling W. , Teece Kate , Olund Amy P.
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine the availability of binaural cues for adult, bilateral cochlear implant (CI) patients, bimodal patients and hearing preservation patients using a multiple-baseline, observational study design. Speech recognition was assessed using the Bamford-Kowal-Bench Speech-in-Noise (BKB-SIN) test as well as the AzBio sentences [Spahr AJ, et al: Ear Hear 2012;33:112-117] presented in a multi-talker babble at a +5 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Test conditions included speech at 0° with noise presented at 0° (S₀N₀), 90° (S₀N90) and 270° (S₀N270). Estimates of summation, head shadow (HS), squelch and spatial release from masking (SRM) were calculated. Though nonwwe of the subject groups consistently showed access to binaural cues, the hearing preservation patients exhibited a significant correlation between summation and squelch whereas the bilateral and bimodal participants did not. That is to say, the two effects associated with binaural hearing - summation and squelch - were positively correlated only for the listeners with bilateral acoustic hearing. This finding provides evidence for the supposition that implant recipients with bilateral acoustic hearing have access to binaural cues, which should, in theory, provide greater benefit in noisy listening environments. It is likely, however, that the chosen test environment negatively affected the outcomes. Specifically, the spatially separated noise conditions directed noise toward the microphone (mic) port of the behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid and implant processor. Thus, it is possible that in more realistic listening environments for which the diffuse noise is not directed toward the processor/hearing aid mic, hearing preservation patients have binaural cues for improved speech understanding.
The genus Dicksonia (Dicksoniaceae) in the western Pacific
Authors: Noben Sarah , Lehnert Marcus
Published: December 2013

A revision of Dicksonia (Dicksoniaceae) in the western Pacific led to the recognition of five species. On New Caledonia, we recognize D. munzingeri and D. perriei as new to science, and the previously described D. baudouini and D. thyrsopteroides. Dicksonia baudouini is easily distinguished from the other species on the island by its persistent spreading hairs on petioles and frond axes. Dicksonia thyrsopteroides, D. munzingeri and D. perriei are mainly distinguished by the characteristics of their petioles but also by the extent of hemidimorphism and the persistence of dead fronds at the trunk. Dicksonia brackenridgei from Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa matches D. thyrsopteroides in most morphological characters (e.g. hemidimorphism, morphology of fertile segments, petiole) but has similarities to D. baudouini (stalked pinnae, scabrous petioles and axes) as well.
A proposal to distinguish several taxa in the Brazilian tree fern Cyathea corcovadensis (Cyatheaceae)
Authors: Lehnert Marcus , Weigand Anna
Published: December 2013

A proposal is made to recognize the following species within Cyathea corcovadensis as currently circumscribed: Cyathea corcovadensis sensu stricto, C. feeana and C. miersii. A common characteristic of the three species is a weak leaf dimorphism, which is most evident in C. miersii where it leads to a high variability of the dissection of the lamina. Cyathea corcovadensis and C. feeana are distinct from C. miersii and other Brazilian tree ferns in having entire pinnules and abruptly reduced, pinnule-like apices on the pinnae. Both species differ from each other in relative and absolute measures of pinnule size and the position of the sori. Cyathea miersii includes all material with pinnatifid pinnules and either abruptly or gradually reduced pinnae. The possibility that it may represent a hybrid complex of C. corcovadensis and/or C. feeana with the common C. atrovirens is discussed.
Astragalus ramakianus, a new name for the Persian Astragalus turgidus Podlech (Leguminosae)
Authors: Venkatachalam Sampath Kumar , KARTHIKEYAN SARAVANAM
Published: December 2013

Astragalus Linnaeus (1753: 755) is the largest genus of flowering plants, comprising about 2400 species in the old world and 500 in the new world (Podlech & Zarre 2013). The Old world species are placed under 136 sections by Podlech & Zarre (l. c.) in their revisionary study of this genus. These sections were broadly grouped under 3 categories: annuals (21 sections with 86 species), perennials with simple basifixed hairs (75 sections with 1393 species) and perennials with bifurcate hairs (40 sections with 919 species).
Terataki, a new genus of Staphylinini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) from South America
Authors: CHATZIMANOLIS STYLIANOS
Published: December 2013

A new genus of Xanthopygina is described here as Terataki gen. n. and includes the following species: Te. badiipennis comb. n., Te. caterinoi sp. n., Te. erithracus comb. n. and Te. liliputanum comb. n. Lectotypes are designated for Creophilus badiipennis Nordmann, C. chloris Nordmann, C. erithracus Nordmann and Polyphematiana liliputana Bernhauer. Creophilus chloris is shown to be a junior synonym of C. erithracus and Trigonopselaphus nobilis Wendeler a junior synonym of C. badiipennis. A key and illustrations of structural features are provided for the identification of specimens.
Impact of Assimilating Ocean Velocity Observations Inferred from Lagrangian Drifter Data Using the NCOM-4DVAR*
Authors: Carrier Matthew J. , Ngodock Hans , Smith Scott , Jacobs Gregg , Muscarella Philip , Ozgokmen Tamay , Haus Brian , Lipphardt Bruce
Published: December 2013

Eulerian velocity fields are derived from 300 drifters released in the Gulf of Mexico by The Consortium for Advanced Research on Transport of Hydrocarbon in the Environment (CARTHE) during the summer 2012 Grand Lagrangian Deployment (GLAD) experiment. These data are directly assimilated into the Navy Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM) four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVAR) analysis system in a series of experiments to investigate their impact on the model circulation. The NCOM-4DVAR is a newly developed tool for data analysis, formulated for weak-constraint data assimilation based on the indirect representer method. The assimilation experiments take advantage of this velocity data along with other available data sources from in situ and satellite measurements of surface and subsurface temperature and salinity. Three different experiments are done: (i) A nonassimilative NCOM free run, (ii) an assimilative NCOM run that utilizes temperature and salinity observations, and (iii) an assimilative NCOM run that uses temperature and salinity observations as well as the GLAD velocity observations. The resulting analyses and subsequent forecasts are compared to assimilated and future GLAD velocity and temperature/salinity observations to determine the performance of each experiment and the impact of the GLAD data on the analysis and the forecast. It is shown that the NCOM-4DVAR is able to fit the observations not only in the analysis step, but also in the subsequent forecast. It is also found that the GLAD velocity data greatly improves the characterization of the circulation, with the forecast showing a better fit to future GLAD observations than those experiments without the velocity data included.
Evaluation of the novel ultrasound score for large joints in psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: six month experience in daily clinical practice
Authors: Schäfer Valentin S , Fleck Martin , Kellner Herbert , Strunk Johannes , Sattler Horst , Schmidt Wolfgang A , Ehrenstein Boris , Backhaus Marina , Hartung Wolfgang
Published: December 2013

Background

To evaluate the utility of the recently introduced SOLAR score (sonography of large joints in Rheumatology), which has been validated in RA patients, in a cohort of patients with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) presenting with involvement of large peripheral joints.

Methods

The recently established SOLAR score has been designed to determine the degree of inflammation in the shoulder, the elbow, the hip and the knee joint in patients suffering from RA. Since large joints are frequently involved in PsA and AS, synovitis and synovial vascularity were scored semiquantitatively (grade 0–3) by grey scale (GSUS) and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) utilizing the validated scoring system. Each joint was scanned from different angles, the knee joint for example was divided into four areas to score for synovitis: the suprapatellar longitudinal, the medial longitudinal, the lateral longitudinal, and the posterior region. Each area was scored from 0–3, so a maximum score of 12 could be achieved. PsA and AS patients presenting with peripheral joint disease involving large joints were examined at baseline, 3 and 6 months after initiation of local or systemic therapy (DMARDs/Biologics). For evaluation of the inflammatory status, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was determined.

Results

A cohort of 126 patients were enclosed, and 83 of these were followed for 6 months. At baseline before modification of the therapy, patients received DMARDs (n = 83), DMARDs plus biologics (n = 30), or biologic monotherapy (n = 29). Following intervention, all US scores demonstrated a marked improvement. The GSUS and the PDUS scores for all joint areas, except the PDUS score of the hip, exhibited a significant improvement (p < 0.05), while the GSUS of the knee showed even a highly significant (p < 0.001) change. The ESR displayed a significant decrease from 27 to 19 mm (p < 0.002) representing good treatment response.

Conclusion

The SOLAR score, which has been recently introduced for RA patients, is a very suitable instrument for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of large joint involvement in PsA and AS patients and allows for treatment monitoring.
Intraoperative parathyroid hormone level in parathyroidectomy: Which patients benefit from it?
Authors: Zawawi Faisal , Mlynarek Alex M , Cantor Arielle , Varshney Rickul , Black Martin J , Hier Michael P , Rochon Louise , Payne Richard J
Published: December 2013

Background

Intraoperative parathyroid hormone level (IOPTH) is withdrawn during parathyroidectomy to confirm the success of the procedure. Recently, the importance of IOPTH has been put to question. The purpose of this study is to determine whether IOPTH is necessary for all patients undergoing parathyroidectomy in the presence of frozen section.

Materials and methods

A cohort study of parathyroidectomies was performed in three university affiliated hospitals during 2007-2012. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1: Patients with two preoperative concordant imaging localizing a hyperactive gland. Group 2: Patients without two concordant imaging. A comparison of benefit of IOPTH was carried out. Frozen section results were also analyzed to determine sensitivity and predictability of a parathyroid adenoma.

Results

The study considered 221 patients having parathyroidectomies for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Of them, 10 were excluded due to incomplete data. Among the remaining, 186 had 2 concordant imaging preoperatively localizing an adenoma. 93.5% of whom were found intraoperatively in that location. IOPTH was not found to be of importance in 98.92% of the preoperative localized adenomas in the presence of frozen section. IOPTH added an estimate of 30.9 minutes on average to the surgery time.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the added operating time associated with IOPTH may not be justified for patients undergoing parathyroidectomy who have 2 concordant imaging preoperatively in the presence of frozen section. This study suggests a simple algorithm, The McGill Parathyroid Protocol (MPP), to help in approaching PHPT patients undergoing parathyroidectomy.
Association between allergic rhinitis and asthma in a Northern Alberta cohort
Authors: Jeffery Caroline C , Bhutani Mohit , Vliagoftis Harissios , Wright Erin D , Seikaly Hadi , Côté David WJ
Published: December 2013

Background

Many published epidemiologic studies confirm a marked increase in the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis. The link between allergic rhinitis and asthma has been extensively studied and approximately 75% of patients with asthma have allergic rhinitis. The proportion of patients with asthma in populations of allergic rhinitis patients has not been well studied.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of undiagnosed asthma in a specific population of patients presenting to an Otolaryngologist with symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Study design

Prospective cohort study. Methods: Patients presenting with symptoms of allergic rhinitis to two tertiary care Rhinology practices in Northern Alberta were asked to undergo allergy skin testing, serum IgE quantification, and pulmonary functional testing. Patients with previous asthma screening or known history of reactive airway disease or asthma were excluded.

Results

107 patients with allergic rhinitis symptoms were recruited between September 2010 to January 2013. Patients predominantly had perennial or persistent rhinitis (64.5%) with moderate-severe symptoms (50.5%). While only 14.9% of patients had abnormal IgE levels, 68.8% had positive skin testing. Abnormal pulmonary function tests were obtained in 39.1% of patients and 26.1% of patients were diagnosed with asthma.

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of undiagnosed asthma in patients presenting to tertiary Rhinology care with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis symptoms. Screening lung function testing should be considered in this patient population.
Iron biofortification of rice using different transgenic approaches
Authors: Masuda Hiroshi , Aung May Sann , Nishizawa Naoko K
Published: December 2013

More than 2 billion people suffer from iron (Fe) deficiency, and developing crop cultivars with an increased concentration of micronutrients (biofortification) can address this problem. In this review, we describe seven transgenic approaches, and combinations thereof, that can be used to increase the concentration of Fe in rice seeds. The first approach is to enhance the Fe storage capacity of grains through expression of the Fe storage protein ferritin under the control of endosperm-specific promoters. Using this approach, the concentration of Fe in the seeds of transformants was increased by approximately 2-fold in polished seeds. The second approach is to enhance Fe translocation by overproducing the natural metal chelator nicotianamine; using this approach, the Fe concentration was increased by up to 3-fold in polished seeds. The third approach is to enhance Fe influx to the endosperm by expressing the Fe(II)-nicotianamine transporter gene OsYSL2 under the control of an endosperm-specific promoter and sucrose transporter promoter, which increased the Fe concentration by up to 4-fold in polished seeds. The fourth approach is introduction of the barley mugineic acid synthesis gene IDS3 to enhance Fe uptake and translocation within plants, which resulted in a 1.4-fold increase in the Fe concentration in polished seeds during field cultivation. In addition to the above approaches, Fe-biofortified rice was produced using a combination of the first, second, and third approaches. The Fe concentration in greenhouse-grown T2 polished seeds was 6-fold higher and that in paddy field-grown T3 polished seeds was 4.4-fold higher than in non-transgenic seeds without any reduction in yield. When the first and fourth approaches were combined, the Fe concentration was greater than that achieved by introducing only the ferritin gene, and Fe-deficiency tolerance was observed. With respect to Fe biofortification, the introduction of multiple Fe homeostasis genes is more effective than the introduction of individual genes. Moreover, three additional approaches, i.e., overexpression of the Fe transporter gene OsIRT1 or OsYSL15, overexpression of the Fe deficiency-inducible bHLH transcription factor OsIRO2, and knockdown of the vacuolar Fe transporter gene OsVIT1 or OsVIT2, may be useful to further increase the Fe concentration of seeds.
Becoming poor and the cutback in the demand for health services in Israel
Authors: Deutsch Joseph , Lazar Adi , Silber Jacques
Published: December 2013

Background

This paper examines whether individuals facing the threat of poverty are curtailing their consumption of various goods and services in a given order and, if among the expenditures that are cut back, there are also health expenditures. The location of individuals in this order of cutback is then used to derive the degree of their deprivation and the factors that affect the extent of this deprivation.

Methods

This order of curtailment of expenditures is obtained on the basis of an algorithm originally devised to derive the order of acquisition of durable goods. Having found the order of curtailment of expenditures on the basis of the 2003 Israel Social Survey, we then estimate an ordered logit regression whose latent dependent variable is assumed to measure the individual degree of deprivation.

Results

The results of this estimation show that, other things constant, the individual latent level of deprivation increases with the size of the household, first increases and then decreases with the age of the individual, is higher when the individual has children under the age of five, has a low educational level, a low income, and when he/she is separated or divorced. Finally, deprivation is found to be lower among individuals with good health.

Conclusion

Discovering the order of curtailment of expenditures, including health expenditures, of individuals facing economic difficulties and finding the determinants of the extent of such deprivation should help policy makers focus their attention on the population subgroups that are most likely to curtail their health expenditures when facing economic difficulties.
Computational neuroscience in research for depression
Authors: Juckel Georg
Published: December 2013

Depression is a common and hazardous mental disorder, which has been pathophysiologically associated with alterations of neurocircuitries involving medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and thalamus. Recent progress in computational neuroscience, particularly in the field of in silico psychopharmacology suggests the increasing potential of mathematical modeling in providing insights on the dynamics of these neuronal networks, which in turn may lead to further develop and clarify the present models of the pathophysiology of depression. Moreover, computational approaches provide well-defined non-invasive frameworks for investigation of the clinically common poly-pharmacological treatment strategies, which take us one step closer to the development of novel agents that will potentially result in diagnostic and prognostic indicators to be used in individualized treatment strategies.
Frequency and genetic spectrum of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) in southern New Zealand
Authors: Wheeler Benjamin J , Patterson Nicola , Love Donald R , Prosser Debbie , Tomlinson Paul , Taylor Barry J , Manning Patrick
Published: December 2013

Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is a monogenic form of diabetes, consisting of a heterogeneous group of autosomal dominant inherited disorders. Typical onset is in individuals prior to twenty five years, and presentation can mimic type 1 or 2 diabetes. Molecular genetic testing can allow precise identification of the different MODY sub-types. Making a specific diagnosis of MODY can have important implications for the guidance of appropriate treatment, prognosis and genetic counselling.

We present the cases of three children and their families diagnosed with MODY over the past two years. These families highlight the features of three of the more common MODY subtypes, including two with novel mutations, one of which segregates in a kindred that is strongly affected by both MODY and classic autoimmune mediated diabetes. To date, we have identified a prevalence of MODY in the paediatric diabetes population of the lower South Island, New Zealand, of approximately 2.5%. This prevalence, along with increasing access to molecular genetic testing, highlights the importance of consideration of MODY in atypical diabetes presentations in the paediatric/adolescent population.
Tissue-specific and ubiquitous gene knockouts by TALEN electroporation provide new approaches to investigating gene function inCiona
Authors: Treen Nicholas , Yoshida Keita , Sakuma Tetsushi , Sasaki Haruka , Kawai Narudo , Yamamoto Takashi , Sasakura Yasunori
Published: December 2013

Custom designed nucleases can simplify gene targeting experiments and have the potential to allow these techniques to be performed in a wide range of organisms. Transcriptional activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) are starting to fulfill this potential with the advantages of low cost and fast construction times. Here, we report that TALENs are highly effective at inducing mutations in specific genomic loci in the ascidian chordate Ciona intestinalis. In Ciona there are well-established methods to introduce exogenous DNA by electroporation, and we show that this method can be used to introduce constructs that can express TALENs ubiquitously or in specific tissues. Our current protocols enable the rapid analysis of hundreds of TALEN-induced mutants. TALEN electroporations result in a high rate of mutations. These mutations can result in gene knockouts that recapitulate previously described functions of Fgf3 and Hox12. We show that TALENs can work efficiently to cause tissue-specific knockouts and demonstrate this by knocking out Hox12 in the epidermis and Fgf3 in neural tissues. We also use tissue-specific knockouts to reveal a new function of Fgf3 during ascidian larval metamorphosis.
Chemical Solution Route to Thin Epitaxial Gallium Nitride Films
Authors: Xiong Jie , Xu Wenli , Feng Xiaohui , Guo Pei , Zhao Xiaohui , Tao Bowan
Published: December 2013

Epitaxial GaN films are fabricated by a chemical solution approach of metal–organic decomposition (MOD) for the first time. The precursors employed are metal–organic compounds, which are dissolved in noninteracting solvents to form a stable and homogeneous anhydrous precursor solution with desired stoichiometry. The microstructure and photoluminescence of as-grown GaN film were characterized by high-resolution X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and room-temperature photoluminescence measurements. The reported simple, low-cost, highly controllable, reproducible solution-deposition technique enables extensive fundamental investigation and industrial applications of nitrides and carbides.
Negative pressure wound therapy for management of the surgical incision in orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Karlakki S. , Brem M. , Giannini S. , Khanduja V. , Stannard J. , Martin R.
Published: December 2013

Objectives

The period of post-operative treatment before surgical wounds are completely closed remains a key window, during which one can apply new technologies that can minimise complications. One such technology is the use of negative pressure wound therapy to manage and accelerate healing of the closed incisional wound (incisional NPWT).

Methods

We undertook a literature review of this emerging indication to identify evidence within orthopaedic surgery and other surgical disciplines. Literature that supports our current understanding of the mechanisms of action was also reviewed in detail.

Results

A total of 33 publications were identified, including nine clinical study reports from orthopaedic surgery; four from cardiothoracic surgery and 12 from studies in abdominal, plastic and vascular disciplines. Most papers (26 of 33) had been published within the past three years. Thus far two randomised controlled trials – one in orthopaedic and one in cardiothoracic surgery – show evidence of reduced incidence of wound healing complications after between three and five days of post-operative NPWT of two- and four-fold, respectively. Investigations show that reduction in haematoma and seroma, accelerated wound healing and increased clearance of oedema are significant mechanisms of action.

Conclusions

There is a rapidly emerging literature on the effect of NPWT on the closed incision. Initiated and confirmed first with a randomised controlled trial in orthopaedic trauma surgery, studies in abdominal, plastic and vascular surgery with high rates of complications have been reported recently. The evidence from single-use NPWT devices is accumulating. There are no large randomised studies yet in reconstructive joint replacement. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:276–84.
Developing a Fully Integrated Medical Transport Record to Support Comparative
Effectiveness Research for Patients Undergoing Medical Transport
Authors: Reimer Andrew P. , Madigan Elizabeth
Published: December 2013

The consolidation of health care systems to develop centers of clinical excellence
has led to an increased reliance on medical transport to move patients requiring
time-sensitive interventions and specialized treatments. There is a paucity of outcomes
data, specifically comparative effectiveness research, related to the efficacy of
different transport services and the overall morbidity and mortality of patients that
undergo medical transfer. The rapid development of electronic medical record (EMR) use
has also occurred with transport charting. However, limited studies have incorporated
transport chart data in outcomes analyses. We have begun development of a fully
integrated medical transport record, combining transport and hospitals EMRs, to support
research efforts and develop clinical decision support tools for transported patients.
In this paper, we describe the elements necessary to develop a fully integrated medical
transport EMR to support the conduct of comparative effectiveness research, outline the
current limitations and challenges, and provide insight into the future direction in
developing clinical decision support tools for patients requiring transport.
Sex Offender Residency Requirements: An Effective Crime Prevention Strategy or a False Sense of Security?
Authors: Bratina Michele P.
Published: December 2013

Several high-profile cases have emerged in recent years generating public and political concern for effective sex offender management. The general response has been to implement a series of legislative crime prevention measures designed to restrict the movement of sex offenders with public safety in mind. One of the more recent prevention strategies includes sex offender residency restrictions. The problem with the approach to sex offender management is that methodologically strong empirical evaluations of crime prevention strategies pertaining to this group of offenders are relatively non-existent. Given the changing composition of contemporary law enforcement and the focus on evidence-based practices, criminal justice officials and policy-makers would certainly benefit from exploring more effective crime prevention strategies in this context. This paper aims to present the effectiveness of residency requirements through a review of the most current literature and empirical research. Theoretical underpinnings related to sexual violence and the effectiveness of residency requirements are also discussed and empirical evaluations are assigned a score that is based on the Scientific Methods Scale.
Cross-Nation Comparison of the Intolerance to Police Misconduct: Findings from a Thai Police Cadet Survey
Authors: Khruakham Seksan , Lee Joongyeup
Published: December 2013

Despite the relatively severe magnitude of police corruption in Thailand, no study of officers' attitudes toward misconduct has been implemented. Using data from a survey of Thai police cadets, the current study examines how they perceive the seriousness of misconduct. Also, the current methodology allows cross-nation comparison with regard to relative rank in the tolerance to misconduct. The findings indicate that, although the order of the tolerance ranks is similar across nations, the absolute level of tolerance among Thai police cadets is higher than in other countries for most of the misconduct scenarios. Discussion on the limitations of the study and policy implications follows.
An Evaluation of a Multiyear Gun Buy-Back Programme: Re-Examining the Impact on Violent Crimes
Authors: Phillips Scott W. , Kim Dae-Young , Sobol James J.
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study is to examine gun buy-backs as a policy response to gun-related crime. It improves upon past studies by examining a city that has used multiple gun buy-backs as a standard crime prevention approach, allowing the multiple intervention points to be assessed. Further, the study examined crime data over a longer period and included a comparison group of similar crime trends without a gun. Total crime, homicide, robbery and assault data spanning several years are subject to an interrupted time-series analysis. Non-gun crimes served as control variables. Examining the first two intervention dates indicated that the gun buy-back programme had no impact on reducing crimes. Specifically, the gun buy-back programme in the study location reduced gun homicide levels, but results failed to reach statistical significance. When the third intervention date was examined, the gun buy-back programme resulted in a significant decrease in gun robbery levels, controlling for non-gun robbery levels and unemployment rates.

The results for gun robbery suggest that gun buy-back programmes may take years to affect crime numbers, although future research is warranted.