bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Like Mother, Like Daughter? Analyzing Maternal Influences upon Women's Entrepreneurial Propensity
Authors: Greene Francis J. , Han Liang , Marlow Susan
Published: October 2011

Within the phenomenon of entrepreneurship, the extant literature suggests that the normative actor is embodied by and through stereotypical masculinized characteristics. In this paper, we contextualize entrepreneurship as self–employment in order to explore how such stereotypical characterizations might influence women's attitudes toward this activity. However, rather than analyzing the confirmatory effects of stereotypes, we critically evaluate the effect of counterstereotypical characterizations upon women's propensity for self–employment. Drawing upon life–span data, we explore whether self–employed mothers disconfirm masculinized stereotypes and so act as positive role models for their daughters. As hypothesized, we found that maternal self–employment has a counterstereotypical effect and so positively influences daughters to become self–employed. These data indicate, however, that this effect is tempered by personal stereotypes held by daughters; moreover, it is shaped by significant life events (marriage, parenthood, education, and prior managerial experience). By using a robust data set, this paper contributes to our understanding of how stereotypes and role expectations influence women's propensity toward entrepreneurial activity.
The Development of Social Capital and Financing of Entrepreneurial Firms: From Financial Bootstrapping to Bank Funding
Authors: Jonsson Sara , Lindbergh Jessica
Published: October 2011

This paper uses a three–dimensional perspective on social capital to investigate how entrepreneurs develop their social capital when relying on bootstrapping strategies becomes insufficient and financing needs to be acquired from external debt and equity financiers. Findings from six case studies of entrepreneurs in the fashion industry show that to acquire funding, due to perceived deficiency in the existing network, entrepreneurs develop the structural dimension by adding relationships based on function. However, when seeking financial information that is perceived as sufficient in the existing network, they do so by developing cognitive and relational dimensions to preexisting network ties.
The Socio–Cognitive Dynamics of Entrepreneurial Ideation
Authors: Gemmell Robert M. , Boland Richard J. , Kolb David A.
Published: October 2011

How do entrepreneurs obtain the creative ideas they need to develop innovative new products? We interviewed 32 technology entrepreneurs to generate a grounded theory as to how technology entrepreneurs use social behaviors, techniques, and cognitive processes to generate, validate, and refine ideas for new products, processes, or services. The results reveal a complex, cyclical, and recursive multilevel social process emphasizing active and social experimentation. Greatest ideational productivity occurs when “trusted partners” exchange and refine ideas through a form of shared cognition. The findings will be useful to researchers and practitioners interested in entrepreneurship, social creativity, and management team dynamics.
Improvement in Nonlinear Properties and Electrical Stability of ZnO Varistors with B2O3 Additives by Nano‐Coating Method
Authors: Cheng Lihong , Li Guorong , Yuan Kaiyang , Meng Lei , Zheng Liaoying
Published: October 2011

The nonlinear properties and electrical stability of ZnO varistors were improved with B2O3 additive using nano‐coating method. The microstructural morphology and nonlinear electrical properties with increasing B2O3 contents were studied using SEM and C–V measurements. The influence of B2O3 on grains and grain boundaries was investigated using impedance spectroscopy. The activation energy was calculated, and the dc stability tests were carried out. The results indicate that the B2O3 increases barrier height, enhances nonlinear characteristic, and decreases degradation rate coefficient. The effect of B2O3 on the nonlinear coefficient is derived from its low melting point. Finally, an explanation of oxygen absorption and desorption mechanism was proposed for the improvement of electrical properties.
Hydration of Blended Portland Cements Containing Calcium‐Aluminosilicate Glass Powder and Limestone
Authors: Moesgaard Mette , Poulsen Søren L. , Herfort Duncan , Steenberg Mette , Kirkegaard Lise Frank , Skibsted Jørgen , Yue Yuanzheng
Published: October 2011

This work investigates the hydration of blended Portland cement containing 30 wt% Na2O–CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 (NCAS) glass particles either as the only supplementary cementitious material (SCM) or in combination with limestone, using 29Si MAS NMR, powder XRD, and thermal analyses. The NCAS glass represents a potential alternative to traditional SCMs, used for reduction of the CO2 emission associated with cement production. It is found that the NCAS glass takes part in the hydration reactions after about 2 weeks of hydration and a degree of reaction of ~50% is observed after 90 days of hydration. The hydrated glass contributes to the formation of the calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) phase, consuming a part of the Portlandite (Ca(OH)2) formed during hydration of the Portland cement. Furthermore, the presence of the glass and limestone particles, alone or in combination, results in an accelerated hydration for alite (Ca3SiO5), the main constituent of Portland cement. A higher degree of limestone reaction has been observed in the blend containing both limestone and NCAS glass as compared to the limestone–Portland mixture. This reflects that limestone reacts with a part of the alumina released from the hydrating glass, forming the calcium monocarboaluminate hydrate phase. Moreover, it may explain the synergy effect of using a combination of these two SCMs on the late compressive strength which is significantly higher compared to similar Portland cement blends using only NCAS glass or limestone as an SCM.
The cytocompatibility and osseointegration of the Ti implants with XPEED® surfaces
Authors: Lee Sun‐Young , Yang Dong‐Jun , Yeo Shinil , An Hyun‐Wook , Ryoo Kyung Ho , Park Kwang‐Bum
Published: October 2011

Objectives

This study evaluated cytocompatibility and osseointegration of the titanium (Ti) implants with resorbable blast media (RBM) surfaces produced by grit‐blasting or XPEED® surfaces by coating of the nanostructured calcium.

Material and methods

Ti implants with XPEED® surfaces were hydrothermally prepared from Ti implants with RBM surfaces in a solution containing alkaline calcium. The surface characteristics were evaluated by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and surface roughness measuring system. Apatite formation was measured with SEM after immersion in modified‐simulated body fluid and the amount of calcium released was measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission. The cell proliferation was investigated by MTT assay and the cell attachment was evaluated by SEM in MC3T3‐E1 pre‐osteoblast cells. Thirty implants with RBM surfaces and 30 implants with XPEED® surfaces were placed in the proximal tibiae and in the femoral condyles of 10 New Zealand White rabbits. The osseointegration was evaluated by a removal torque test in the proximal tibiae and by histomorphometric analysis in the femoral condyles 4 weeks after implantation.

Results

The Ti implants with XPEED® surfaces showed a similar surface morphology and surface roughness to those of the Ti implants with RBM surfaces. The amount of calcium ions released from the surface of the Ti implants with XPEED® surfaces was much more than the Ti implants with RBM surfaces (P < 0.05). The cell proliferation and cell attachment of the Ti implants showed a similar pattern to those of the Ti implants with RBM surfaces (P > 0.1). Apatite deposition significantly increased in all surfaces of the Ti implants with XPEED® surfaces. The removable torque value (P = 0.038) and percentage of bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC%) (P = 0.03) was enhanced in the Ti implants with XPEED® surfaces.

Conclusion

The Ti implants with XPEED® surfaces significantly enhanced apatite formation, removal torque value, and the BIC%. The Ti implants with XPEED® surfaces may induce strong bone integration by improving osseointegration of grit‐blasted Ti implants in areas of poor quality bone.
Response of human bone marrow stromal cells, MG‐63, and SaOS‐2 to titanium‐based dental implant surfaces with different topography and surface energy
Authors: Hempel Ute , Hefti Thomas , Dieter Peter , Schlottig Falko
Published: October 2011

Objectives

Osseointegration is dependent on different parameters of the implant surface like surface roughness and physicochemical properties. In vitro studies using a wide variety of surface parameters and cell lines make it difficult to address the influence of a single parameter. With this study the influence of surface topography and energy on different osteoblast derived cell lines, namely MG‐63 and SaOS‐2 and of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) were investigated.

Material and methods

Cells were cultured on polished (POL) and sandblasted/hot acid etched (SBA) titanium surfaces which were partly alkaline treated (SBA NaOH). Cell morphology, metabolic activity, tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) activity and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) formation were determined.

Results

Impaired spreading was found on both SBA surfaces. Proliferation after 4 and 7 days increased on POL compared to both SBA surfaces. TNAP activity of hMSC and MG‐63 was increased on POL compared to both SBA surfaces whereas SaOS‐2 did not discriminate between the three surfaces. PGE2 formation of hMSC and MG‐63 was on both SBA surfaces after 2 days significantly higher than on POL.

Conclusions

The results of this study show that surface roughness has a distinct influence on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. However, variations in physicochemical properties seem to have little influence under the used experimental conditions. It is suggested that more sever and long‐lasting modifications of surface chemistry would have an influence on osteoblastic cells.
In vivo assessment of peripheral vascular function by tcpo2 and skin blood flow modelling
Authors: Rodrigues Luis Monteiro , Pinto Pedro Contreiras , Fluhr Joachim W.
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  There are multiple techniques and methods to assess peripheral vascular function in vivo but not without limitations. More discriminative, sensitive and also practical evaluation strategies are needed to fully characterize the peripheral vascular function. In the present work, a new quantitative descriptor, the ‘elimination half‐life time’ was developed from flow‐related variables as a non‐invasive microcirculatory rate parameter to describe vascular dynamics. Fifty‐four healthy volunteers and six type 2 diabetic patients, both genders, were submitted to a dynamical procedure consisting in the inhalation of a 100% saturated atmosphere of oxygen for 10 min. The tcpO2 and microcirculatory blood flow [Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF)] were measured in a randomly selected leg with a Periflux 5000 system before, during and after the procedure. A monocompartmental model was adjusted to tcpO2 and LDF data. The tcpO2 constant elimination rate, expressed as the Oxygen elimination half‐life, was used as an indicator of the vulnerability of peripheral tissue and compared in healthy versus non‐healthy individuals. Under normal conditions, the saturated ventilation increases the tissue’s O2 availability, as an expression of the natural capacity to adjust the tissue hemodynamics to new metabolical/perfusion conditions. Diabetic patients are expected to suffer vascular impairment and ischemia. Under O2 overloading conditions, those hypoxic territories tend to uptake all the delivered oxygen, expressed as a significant increase in the O2 elimination half‐life. This approach allows to propose ‘elimination half‐life time’ as the first quantitative descriptive parameter combining miogenic, hemodynamic and metabolic aspects of the microcirculatory physiology and to help to identify the individual’s vascular vulnerability.
Different characteristics of reactive oxygen species production by human keratinocyte cell line cells in response to allergens and irritants
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Byamba Dashlkhumbe , Wu Wen H. , Kim Tae‐Gyun , Lee Min‐Geol
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Keratinocytes mount immune responses through the secretion of a variety of inflammatory cytokines, soluble proteins and reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the role of ROS in keratinocytes in response to allergens and irritants has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the (i) ROS production; (ii) potential sites of ROS production; (iii) expression of cell surface molecules; (iv) secretion of cytokines; and (v) ROS‐dependent protein carbonylation in chemical‐treated human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) cells. Treatment of HaCaT cells with 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and benzalkonium chloride (BKC) increased ROS levels in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner, as determined with dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (CM‐H2DCFDA), without reducing cell viability. Potential sources of ROS production were evaluated with pretreatment of diphenylene iodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase; rotenone, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex or allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. The DNCB‐induced ROS was related to both NADPH oxidase and mitochondrial electron transport chain complex. Conversely, BKC‐induced ROS was related to NADPH oxidase only. Western blotting using an anti‐DNP antibody revealed ROS‐dependent protein carbonylation in response to DNCB but not BKC. Both DNCB and BKC increased the secretion of IL‐1α from HaCaT cells; however, ROS production as well as other changes, except DNCB‐induced secretion of IL‐1α, was not inhibited by antioxidants. Although the role of ROS in keratinocytes in response to chemicals was inconclusive, our results suggest that the characteristics of ROS produced by keratinocytes in response to chemicals might differ.
TWEAK/Fn14 pathway: an immunological switch for shaping tissue responses
Authors: Burkly Linda C. , Michaelson Jennifer S. , Zheng Timothy S.
Published: October 2011

Summary:  Our immune system performs the vital function of recognizing and eliminating invading pathogens and malignancies. There is an increasing appreciation that the immune system also actively mediates tissue responses under both physiological and pathological conditions, significantly impacting the inflammatory, fibrogenic, and regenerative components. Likewise, there is a growing understanding of how epithelial, endothelial, and other non‐hematopoietic tissue cell types actively contribute to the interplay that shapes tissue responses. While much of the molecular basis underlying the immune regulation of tissue responses remains to be delineated, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily ligand/receptor pair of TNF‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and fibroblast growth factor‐inducible molecule 14 (Fn14) has now emerged as a key piece of this puzzle. In this review, we first discuss how the usually ‘dormant’ TWEAK/Fn14 pathway becomes activated specifically in injury and disease contexts. We then summarize how TWEAK‐mediated Fn14 signaling triggers a wide range of activities in tissue parenchymal and stromal cells as well as progenitor cells. Finally, we review recent experimental evidence that further supports the functional dichotomy of TWEAK/Fn14 activation in physiological versus pathological tissue responses and its potential therapeutic implications. Whereas transient TWEAK/Fn14 activation promotes productive tissue responses after injury, excessive or persistent TWEAK/Fn14 activation drives pathological tissue responses, leading to progressive damage and degeneration.
Roles of tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 3 (TRAF3) and TRAF5 in immune cell functions
Authors: Hildebrand Joanne M. , Yi Zuoan , Buchta Claire M. , Poovassery Jayakumar , Stunz Laura L. , Bishop Gail A.
Published: October 2011

Summary:  A large and diverse group of receptors utilizes the family of cytoplasmic signaling proteins known as tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)‐associated factors (TRAFs). In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest and exploration of the roles played by TRAF3 and TRAF5 in cellular regulation, particularly in cells of the immune system, the cell types of focus in this review. This work has revealed that TRAF3 and TRAF5 can play diverse roles for different receptors even in the same cell type, as well as distinct roles in different cell types. Evidence indicates that TRAF3 and TRAF5 play important roles beyond the TNFR‐superfamily (SF) and viral mimics of its members, mediating certain innate immune receptor and cytokine receptor signals, and most recently, signals delivered by the T‐cell receptor (TCR) signaling complex. Additionally, much research has demonstrated the importance of TRAF3‐mediated cellular regulation via its cytoplasmic interactions with additional signaling proteins. In particular, we discuss below evidence for the participation by TRAF3 in a number of the regulatory post‐translational modifications involving ubiquitin that are important in various signaling pathways.
The signaling networks of the herpesvirus entry mediator (TNFRSF14) in immune regulation
Authors: Steinberg Marcos W. , Cheung Timothy C. , Ware Carl F.
Published: October 2011

Summary:  The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily member herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) (TNFRSF14) regulates T‐cell immune responses by activating both inflammatory and inhibitory signaling pathways. HVEM acts as both a receptor for the canonical TNF‐related ligands, LIGHT [lymphotoxin‐like, exhibits inducible expression, and competes with herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D for HVEM, a receptor expressed on T lymphocytes] and lymphotoxin‐α, and as a ligand for the immunoglobulin superfamily proteins BTLA (B and T lymphocyte attenuator) and CD160, a feature distinguishing HVEM from other immune regulatory molecules. The ability of HVEM to interact with multiple ligands in distinct configurations creates a functionally diverse set of intrinsic and bidirectional signaling pathways that control both inflammatory and inhibitory responses. The HVEM system is integrated into the larger LTβR and TNFR network through extensive shared ligand and receptor usage. Experimental mouse models and human diseases indicate that dysregulation of HVEM network may contribute to autoimmune pathogenesis, making it an attractive target for drug intervention.
TL1A and DR3, a TNF family ligand‐receptor pair that promotes lymphocyte costimulation, mucosal hyperplasia, and autoimmune inflammation
Authors: Meylan Françoise , Richard Arianne C. , Siegel Richard M.
Published: October 2011

Summary:  DR3 (TNFRSF25) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily expressed primarily on lymphocytes and is a receptor for the TNF family cytokine TL1A (TNFSF15). DR3 costimulates T‐cell activation, but it is unique among these receptors in that it signals through an intracytoplasmic death domain and the adapter protein TRADD (TNFR‐associated death domain). TL1A costimulates T cells to produce a wide variety of cytokines and can promote expansion of activated and regulatory T cells in vivo. Studies in mice deficient in DR3 or TL1A or in animals treated with antibodies that block the activity of TL1A have revealed a specific role for DR3 in enhancing effector T‐cell proliferation at the site of tissue inflammation in autoimmune disease models. DR3 appears to be required in autoimmune disease models dependent on a variety of different T‐cell subsets and also invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. Chronic expression of TL1A induces a distinct interleukin‐13‐dependent pathology in the small intestine marked by goblet cell hyperplasia and other features associated with allergic and anti‐parasitic responses. These studies suggest that TL1A may be a viable target for therapies designed to inhibit the T‐cell‐dependent component of diverse autoimmune diseases.
Polymorphisms of Dioxin Receptor Complex Components and Detoxification‐Related Genes Jointly Confer Susceptibility to Advanced‐Stage Endometriosis in the Taiwanese Han Population
Authors: Wu Cheng‐Hsuan , Guo Chao‐Yu , Yang Jyuer‐Ger , Tsai Horng‐Der , Chang Yu‐Jun , Tsai Pei‐Chien , Hsu Chao‐Chin , Kuo Pao‐Lin
Published: October 2011

Citation Wu C‐H, Guo C‐Y, Yang J‐G, Tsai H‐D, Chang Y‐J, Tsai P‐C, Hsu C‐C, Kuo P‐L. Polymorphisms of dioxin receptor complex components and detoxification‐related genes jointly confer susceptibility to advanced‐stage endometriosis in the Taiwanese Han population. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 160–168

Problem  To establish a multilocus model for studying the effect of dioxin receptor complex components and detoxification‐related enzymes on advanced endometriosis.

Method of study  Six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and two deletion polymorphisms from eight genes (CYP1A1, CYP1B1, GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, AhR, ARNT, and AhRR) were genotyped.

Results  In the single SNP analysis, GSTM1 null type and AhRR variant type were associated with a significantly increased risk of endometriosis [odds ratio (OR) = 2.38 and 2.45, respectively]. Using multiple SNPs in the logistic regression for covariates, wild‐type AhR and mutant AhRR combination was significantly higher in patients (67.8%) than in controls (48.0%) (OR = 2.76). On the other hand, mutant AhRR in combination with GSTM1 null genotype was significantly higher in patients (35.5%) than in controls (19.3%) (OR = 6.12).

Conclusion  Polymorphisms of dioxin receptor complex components and detoxification‐related genes jointly confer susceptibility to advanced‐stage endometriosis in the Taiwanese Han population.
Negative Emotions and Cytokines in Maternal and Cord Serum at Preterm Birth
Authors: Fransson Emma , Dubicke Aurelija , Byström Birgitta , Ekman‐Ordeberg Gunvor , Hjelmstedt Anna , Lekander Mats
Published: October 2011

Problem  This study investigates whether affectivity differs between mothers delivering preterm and term and whether maternal and umbilical cord serum cytokines differ between these groups. Further, whether there are associations between mothers’ emotions and maternal and cord cytokines at preterm and term birth.

Method of study  Twenty‐seven mothers delivering preterm and 37 mothers delivering at term reported positive/negative affect and previous depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Blood samples from mothers in labor and cord samples (23 preterm and 33 term) were analyzed for cytokines.

Results  Maternal IL‐8 was lower at preterm delivery compared with term. In the preterm group only, associations were found between negative emotions and maternal IL‐6, IL‐8 and cord IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐13, and IL‐18.

Conclusion  The findings indicate associations in preterm delivery between negative emotions and both maternal and neonate immune activity. Future studies should investigate whether such associations are part of the etiology of preterm delivery.
Active restoration of woody canopy dominants in degraded South African semi‐arid thicket is neither ecologically nor economically feasible
Authors: van der Vyver Marius L. , Cowling Richard M. , Campbell Eileen E. , Difford Mark
Published: October 2011

Question

Will the planting of nursery‐propagated woody canopy species within severely degraded Arid Subtropical Thicket once dominated by the succulent shrub Portulacaria afra (Spekboom) be an efficient restoration strategy to employ in addition to the current restoration protocol of planting a monoculture of P. afra truncheons?

Location

Krompoort, a farm located on the northern footslopes of the Groot Winterhoek mountains, near Kirkwood, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Methods

We planted, in degraded, intact and three differently aged post‐restoration (P. afra truncheons) sites, nursery‐propagated individuals of two woody canopy dominants (Pappea capensis and Searsia longispina), and two inter‐canopy shrubs (Lycium ferocissimum and Rhigozum obovatum) in Sep 2008 (spring). The experiment was repeated again in May 2009 (autumn) and a succulent canopy species (P. afra) was added. We assessed restoration success in terms of the survival of planted individuals after 24 mo (spring planting) and 12 mo (autumn planting). The estimated cost of a restoration effort to establish two woody canopy dominant species with the large‐scale planting of P. afra was calculated and compared with that of the already established protocol of planting only P. afra truncheons.

Results

Survival after spring (24 mo) and autumn (12 mo) plantings of the two woody canopy species was less than 5%, whereas survival of L. ferocissimum was low (19%), R. obovatum good (70%) and P. afra excellent (100%). Contrary to expectations, survival was not related to a gradient of intactness encompassing degraded, restoration and intact treatments that are associated with increasing biomass and soil carbon. The costs of incorporating the four woody canopy species into the restoration programme's protocol were 2.4 times the costs of restoring with P. afra alone.

Conclusions

Planting propagules of canopy species other than P. afra is likely to render the programme economically unfeasible, depending on the price of carbon. We conclude that biodiversity goals for the restoration programme are better achieved via spontaneous recruitment of woody canopy and other species, even though this may take more than 40 yr post restoration.
Clinical Evaluation of Immediate Loading of Electroeroded Screw‐Retained Titanium Fixed Prostheses Supported by Tilted Implant: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Acocella Alessandro , Ercoli Carlo , Geminiani Alessandro , Feng Changyong , Billi Mauro , Acocella Gabriele , Giannini Domenico , Sacco Roberto
Published: October 2011

Statement of problem: Immediate occlusal loading of dental implants in the edentulous mandible has proven to be an effective, reliable, and predictable treatment protocol. However, there is limited long‐term data available in the literature, when an electroeroded definitive cast‐titanium fixed prosthesis is used for this treatment protocol.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of dental implants (Astra Tech Dental, Mölndal, Sweden) in the edentulous mandible immediately loaded with an electroeroded cast‐titanium screw‐retained fixed prosthesis.

Materials and Methods: Forty‐five patients received five implants each in the interforaminal area. All the implants were inserted with torque up to 40 Ncm and the distal implants were distally tilted approximately 20 to 30 degrees to minimize the length of posterior cantilevers. Implants were loaded within 48 hours of placement with an acrylic resin‐titanium screw‐retained prosthesis fabricated by electroerosion.

Results: Two of the 225 inserted implants failed after 3 and 16 months of healing, respectively, with a cumulative survival rate of 99.1% and a prosthetic survival rate of 97.8%.

Conclusion: Immediate loading of tilted dental implants inserted in the edentulous mandible with a screw‐retained titanium definitive prosthesis fabricated with electrical discharge machining provide reliable and predictable results.
Description of the new allele HLA‐DQB1*04:03:02
Authors: Longhi E. , Frison S. , Mantovani M. , Carella G. , Malagoli A. , Poli F.
Published: October 2011

A new variant of HLA‐DQB1*04:03 allele officially designated as HLA‐DQB1*04:03:02 was detected in two unrelated Caucasoid individuals by polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐specific primers and SBT. The new allele nucleotide sequence differs from HLA‐DQB1*04:03:01 for a single silent point mutation in exon 2 at position 159, codon 21.
Association of ORMDL3, STAT6 and TBXA2R gene polymorphisms with asthma
Authors: Kavalar M. S. , Balantic M. , Silar M. , Kosnik M. , Korosec P. , Rijavec M.
Published: October 2011

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood. It is well known that genetic variability contributes to asthma risk. One of the most replicated asthma candidate genes is ORM1‐like 3 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (ORMDL3), which has been associated with childhood asthma susceptibility. Another asthma candidate gene is signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), a regulator of IgE class switching. Gene coding thromboxane A2 receptor (TBXA2R), involved in chronic airway inflammation, has been associated with asthma in several genetic studies. We have studied the association of polymorphism rs4795405 in ORMDL3, rs324011 in STAT6 as well as rs8113232 and rs3786989 in TBXA2R with asthma risk, various asthma phenotypes and asthma‐related symptoms. The study group consisted of 154 children with asthma, in whom clinical parameters were measured and whose asthma control and atopic status were determined. A control group comprised 71 healthy children. Genotyping was performed using an allelic discrimination assay. The ORMDL3 polymorphism rs4795405 was suggestively associated with asthma risk. Furthermore, it was significantly associated with nonatopic asthma and asthma without rhinitis. No association was detected between the STAT6 polymorphism rs324011 or the TBXA2R polymorphisms rs8113232 and rs3786989 and asthma susceptibility. However, an association between rs324011 in STAT6 with recurrent wheezing in early childhood and a suggestive association between rs8113232 in TBXA2R with rhinitis in children with asthma were observed. Our results confirmed ORMDL3 as a candidate gene for childhood asthma susceptibility. STAT6 and TBXA2R polymorphisms were not associated with asthma risk, but they were associated with asthma‐related symptoms.
Postacute Stroke Rehabilitation Utilization: Are There Differences Between Rural‐Urban Patients and Taxonomies?
Authors: Jia Huanguang , Cowper Diane C. , Tang Yuhong , Litt Eric , Wilson Lauren
Published: October 2011

Purpose: To assess the association between Veterans Affairs (VA) stroke patients’ poststroke rehabilitation utilization and their residential settings by using 2 common rural‐urban taxonomies.

Methods: This retrospective study included all VA stroke inpatients in 2001 and 2002. Rehabilitation utilization referred to rehabilitation therapy received 12‐months poststroke hospitalization. Patients’ urban, rural, or isolated/highly rural status was determined using the Rural‐Urban Commuting Areas (RUCA) and VA Rural Urban (VARU) definitions based on patient residential ZIP code. Logistic regression models were fit for the rehabilitation outcome, adjusting for potential risk factors.

Findings: Among the 8,296 stroke patients, 69.6%/61.1% were categorized as urban, 21.3%/37.5% as rural, and 9.1%/1.4% as isolated/highly rural by the RUCA/VARU definitions, respectively. Compared with their urban counterparts, the rural and/or isolated/highly rural patients were significantly more likely to be older, white, married, living further from the VA hospitals, not hospitalized for stroke directly from home, and not intubated. Compared with the rural patients, odds of receiving rehabilitation therapy were 1.2 times (RUCA) and 1.1 times (VARU) by the urban patients, and 0.53 times (VARU only) by the highly rural patients, after risk adjustment. The above comparisons were significant at P < .05.

Conclusions: With both taxonomies, the rural patients were less likely to receive postacute stroke rehabilitant therapy than their urban counterparts. With the VARU, the highly rural patients were less likely to receive rehabilitation care than their rural counterparts. Different taxonomy may lead to different rural‐urban classification yields and different yields may lead to different outcomes and conclusions.
The Association of Sleep Duration and Depressive Symptoms in Rural Communities of Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas
Authors: Chang Jen Jen , Salas Joanne , Habicht Katherine , Pien Grace W. , Stamatakis Katherine A , Brownson Ross C.
Published: October 2011

Purpose: To determine the association between sleep duration and depressive symptoms in a rural setting.

Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional study using data from Wave 3 of the Walk the Ozarks to Wellness Project including 12 rural communities in Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee (N = 1,204). Sleep duration was defined based on average weeknight and weekend hours per day: short (<7), optimal (7‐8), and long (>8). The primary outcome was self‐reported elevated depressive symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted prevalence odds ratios (aPOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Findings: Elevated depressive symptoms were common in this rural population (17%). Depressive symptoms were more prevalent among subjects with short (26.1%) and long (24%) sleep duration compared to those with optimal (11.8%) sleep duration. After adjusting for age, gender, race, education, employment status, income, and BMI, short sleep duration was associated with increased odds of elevated depressive symptoms (aPOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.49, 3.01), compared to optimal sleep duration. Conversely, the association between long sleep duration and depressive symptoms was not statistically significant after covariate adjustment. Similar findings were observed when we excluded individuals with insomnia symptoms for analysis.

Conclusions: This study suggests that short sleep duration (<7 hours per night) and depressive symptoms are common among rural populations. Short sleep duration is positively associated with elevated depressive symptoms. The economic and health care burden of depression may be more overwhelming among rural populations, necessitating the need to target modifiable behaviors such as sleep habits to improve mental health.
Endurance but not resistance training increases intra‐myocellular lipid content and β‐hydroxyacyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase activity in active elderly men
Authors: Ngo K. T. A. , Denis C. , Saafi M. A. , Feasson L. , Verney J.
Published: October 2011

Aim:  Endurance and resistance training (ET and RT, respectively) in older subjects have been proven beneficial against metabolic or cardiovascular disorders and against sarcopaenia respectively. Like ET, RT may also increase muscle oxidative capacities. In addition, it could be questioned whether RT, similarly to ET, is able to increase muscle energetic stores such as intra‐myocellular lipids (IMCL) and glycogen contents. To evaluate a possible ET‐ and RT‐induced parallel increase in oxidative capacity and energetic stores, active elderly men (72 ± 2 years) were submitted to a 14‐week training programme (three times week−1) combining lower body endurance and upper body resistance.

Methods:  Muscle samples were collected in ET vastus lateralis (VLat) and RT deltoid (Del) muscles before and after training. IMCL and glycogen contents were assessed by histochemistry (Oil Red O and periodic acid‐Schiff staining, respectively) and by biochemical assay for glycogen. Citrate synthase (CS, marker of mitochondrial citric acid cycle), β‐hydroxyacyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase (β‐HAD, beta‐oxidation) and phosphofructokinase (PFK, glycolytic pathway) activities were determined and so was the capillary interface index (LC/PF).

Results:  Both training regimens significantly increased CS and LC/PF in ET‐VLat and RT‐Del. IMCL content and β‐HAD activity increased (P < 0.05) only in ET‐VLat, whereas PFK activity increased (P < 0.05) only in RT‐Del. Glycogen content was not significantly altered in response to training in both muscles.

Conclusion:  Unlike RT, which induced an increase in PFK, ET is able to increase IMCL content and β‐oxidation capacity in active elderly men, even though both training may improve CS activity and LC/PF.
A double‐blind randomised controlled trial assessing the efficacy of topical lidocaine in extended flexible endoscopic nasal examinations
Authors: Bonaparte J.P. , Javidnia H. , Kilty S.
Published: October 2011

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2011, 36, 550–557

Objective:  To test the hypothesis that using lidocaine nasal spray will result in improved pain and comfort outcomes during an extended flexible endoscopic nasal examination.

Design:  A split‐body, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomised trial. After receiving a rinse of oral mouthwash (Listerine®), patients were randomised to receive placebo in one nasal cavity and 30 mg of topical lidocaine in the other.

Setting:  A tertiary care centre outpatient Otolaryngology clinic.

Participants:  Twenty‐two patients who required an extended bilateral flexible endoscopic nasal examination. An extended nasal examination consisted of an examination of a minimum of two osteomeatal regions on each side of the nasal cavity.

Main outcome measures:  Discomfort and pain were assessed using a 100‐mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Our study utilised the definition of pain based on International Association for the Study of Pain. Pain was defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Discomfort was defined as the overall unpleasant experience of the procedure. This included all aspects of the examination such as the pain or other negative sensations associated with the examination, any side effects associated with the application of the nasal sprays as well as any anxiety associated with the examination. A Wilcoxon sign‐rank test was used for the primary outcome measures.

Results:  There was a significant reduction in discomfort scores on the treatment side of the nasal cavity compared with the control side (median VAS score of 18.6 mm versus 44.6 mm; P = 0.01). The change in pain between the treatment side compared with the control side did not reach our definition of statistical significance (5.1 mm versus 9.2 mm; P = 0.05). Patients with an active or uncontrolled inflammatory disorder of the nasal cavity experienced a significantly greater reduction in pain compared to those without an inflammatory condition (median change of the VAS score, −15.6 versus +1.0; P = 0.01).

Conclusions:  After a rinse with oral mouthwash, the use of lidocaine results in a significant reduction in the discomfort associated with an extended bilateral flexible endoscopic nasal examination. Patients undergoing such an examination would benefit from the application of lidocaine after masking the negative flavour using oral mouthwash.
Efficient aerobic succinate production from glucose in minimal medium with Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Litsanov Boris , Kabus Armin , Brocker Melanie , Bott Michael
Published: October 2011

Corynebacterium glutamicum, an established industrial amino acid producer, has been genetically modified for efficient succinate production from the renewable carbon source glucose under fully aerobic conditions in minimal medium. The initial deletion of the succinate dehydrogenase genes (sdhCAB) led to an accumulation of 4.7 g l−1 (40 mM) succinate as well as high amounts of acetate (125 mM) as by‐product. By deleting genes for all known acetate‐producing pathways (pta‐ackA, pqo and cat) acetate production could be strongly reduced by 83% and succinate production increased up to 7.8 g l−1 (66 mM). Whereas overexpression of the glyoxylate shunt genes (aceA and aceB) or overproduction of the anaplerotic enzyme pyruvate carboxylase (PCx) had only minor effects on succinate production, simultaneous overproduction of pyruvate carboxylase and PEP carboxylase resulted in a strain that produced 9.7 g l−1 (82 mM) succinate with a specific productivity of 1.60 mmol g (cdw)−1 h−1. This value represents the highest productivity among currently described aerobic bacterial succinate producers. Optimization of the production conditions by decoupling succinate production from cell growth using the most advanced producer strain (C. glutamicumΔpqoΔpta‐ackAΔsdhCABΔcat/pAN6‐pycP458Sppc) led to an additional increase of the product yield to 0.45 mol succinate mol−1 glucose and a titre of 10.6 g l−1 (90 mM) succinate.
Glacier Variability (1967‐2006) in the Teton Range, Wyoming, United States1
Authors: Edmunds Jake , Tootle Glenn , Kerr Greg , Sivanpillai Ramesh , Pochop Larry
Published: October 2011

Edmunds, Jake, Glenn Tootle, Greg Kerr, Ramesh Sivanpillai, and Larry Pochop, 2011. Glacier Variability (1967‐2006) in the Teton Range, Wyoming, United States. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(1): 187‐196. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2011.00607.x

Abstract:  Glacier area and volume changes were quantified through the use of historical aerial photographs in Wyoming’s Teton Range. Glacier area changes in the Teton Range were estimated for three glaciers using unrectified aerial photography from 1967 to 2006. The total surface area of the three glaciers was 0.53 km2 in 1967 and 0.40 km2 in 2006, a decrease of 25% during the 39‐year period. The smallest glacier, Teepe, experienced the greatest area loss (60 ± 3%), whereas the largest glacier, Teton Glacier, lost 17 ± 3% of the 1967 area. For the current research, aerial photography from 1967 to 2002 was used to estimate glacier volume loss using stereoscopy techniques. The aerial photographs provide a finer resolution when compared with other datasets including satellite imagery (e.g., Landsat). Volume loss for the three glaciers was estimated to be 3.20 ± 0.46 million cubic meters over the period of 1967 to 2002. In assessing the primary climatic driver of the glacier ice loss, observed summer (June, July, and August) temperature data showed a statistically significant increase in temperatures when comparing the period of study (1968 to 2006) with historical temperatures from 1911 to 1967. When comparing spring (April 1st Snow Water Equivalent) snowpack for the period of study with historical records beginning in 1931, a significant difference in snowpack was not observed.
Intraoperative microwave inactivation in‐situ of malignant tumors in the scapula
Authors: Hu Yong‐cheng , Ji Jing‐tao , Lun Deng‐xing
Published: October 2011

Objective:  To explore the feasibility and effect of microwave in situ inactivation of malignant primary or metastatic tumors in the scapula.

Methods:  Seventeen patients (12 men, 5 women, mean age 48 years [range, 13–59 years]) with malignant primary or metastatic tumors involving the scapula were treated by microwave inactivation between June 1998 and February 2008. There were12 malignant primary bone and 5 metastatic tumors. In 14 cases Area Sl was involved and in 3 cases both Areas S1 and S2. All 17 cases were by making a dorsal arc‐ or “∩‐” shaped incision to expose the tumor, protecting the surrounding soft tissues with a copper grid, and then heated the tumors locally with 2450 MHz microwave to 50°C for 20 min, after which all or some of the necrotic tumor tissue was removed, preserving the support role of the scapula.

Results:  The operation time was 60–180 min (mean 120 min) and blood loss was 300–1000 mL (mean 460 mL). No serious intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred in any patient. The patients were followed up for 3 months to 10 years (mean 4.2 years). Three patients with Ewing's sarcoma in the scapula had pulmonary, cerebral and systemic multiple metastases and died 8∼24 months after surgery. Three patients with malignant fibrous histiocytoma died of pulmonary and systemic multiple metastases 10∼22 months after surgery; one patient had recurrence 6 months after surgery and survived with tumor. Five patients with metastatic tumor in the scapula died of non‐scapular metastatic tumor 6∼14 months after surgery. The other five patients with primary malignant bone tumors had no recurrence or metastasis during follow‐up. Three cases had restricted extension of the shoulder joint with unrestricted protraction and retroflexion after surgery.

Conclusion:  In situ microwave inactivation features simple surgery, reliable effects and patient acceptability, making it an ideal surgical method for malignant tumors in the scapula.
Adding vancomycin to bone cement: research on its influence on mechanical and fixation strength using rabbit femoral prostheses
Authors: Yang Yu‐hui , Wang Jin‐cheng , Pei Yan‐ling
Published: October 2011

Objective:  To compare the influence of different methods of adding vancomycin on the strength of bone cement used for fixing rabbits' femoral prostheses.

Methods:  Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits (36 femora) were allocated to three groups of six rabbits (12 femora) each: a control group, an experimental group 1 and experimental group 2. The bone cement used in the control group was mixed manually without vancomycin; in experimental group 1 it was mixed manually with 5% (2 g/40 g) vancomycin; and in experimental group 2 it was mixed in a vacuum with 5% (2 g/40 g) vancomycin. The cement combinations were then used to fill the marrow cavity of rabbit femurs to fix prostheses. An electronic universal testing machine (EUTM) was used to test the pullout force of the prostheses with bone cement 48 hours later. Student's paired t‐test was used for statistical analysis.

Results:  It was found that the maximum load of pullout force was 559.3 ± 82.3 N in the control group; 523.6 ± 86.5 N in experimental group 1; and 645.1 ± 105.9 N in experimental group 2. Statistical analysis showed there was no significant difference between the control group and experimental group 1 (P > 0.05). However, there were significant differences between the control group and experimental group 2 (P < 0.05); and between experimental group 1 and experimental group 2 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  When bone cement and vancomycin were mixed manually in a low concentration (<5%) vancomycin had no influence on the strength of the bone cement. However, bone cement and vancomycin mixed at the same concentrations in a vacuum did have a statistically significant effect on the strength of the bone cement.
Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration of a lung mass via a transesophageal approach using endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscope
Authors: Verma Akash , Kang Yeh Rim , Kim Hojoong , Um Sang‐Won
Published: October 2011

Diagnostic accuracy, safety and minimal invasiveness are well established advantages of the endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) technique when used for lung cancer staging. Combining it with transesophageal ultrasound can offer complete mediastinal staging, extending the reach of this technique to lymph node stations that are inaccessible even by mediastinoscopy. Traditionally this has been achieved by arranging a bronchoscopist and gastroenterologist to perform the procedure on two separate occasions using two separate expensive systems. Performing the procedure with a single physician (pulmonologist) using a single scope offers logistical advantages. For this reason, the practice of fine needle aspiration (FNA) via both the transbronchial and transesophageal approach by a pulmonologist using the single EBUS scope has emerged and is likely to grow and become widely accepted in future. The present case reports illustrate the additional applicability of allowing direct puncture of a lung mass using transesophageal FNA done by a pulmonologist using a single EBUS scope as a part of the combined approach.
ON THE IMPULSIVE BEVERTON–HOLT EQUATION AND EXTINCTION CONDITIONS IN POPULATION DYNAMICS
Authors: DE LA SEN M. , ALONSO‐QUESADA S.
Published: October 2011

Abstract This paper is devoted to investigate extinction and nonextinction conditions of the extended Beverton–Holt equation (BHE) for dynamics of populations in Ecology when potential discontinuities at sampling points are included in the model. The proposed model is described by means of four sequences of parameters. Two of them are the intrinsic growth rate and the carrying capacity sequences which are included in the basic BHE model. The other two ones, namely, the harvesting (i.e., the hunting or fishing quota) and the internal consumption (which can include positive and negative migrations in the considered population habitat) sequences are included to parameterize the model discontinuities. Such discontinuities are related to impulses in the corresponding continuous‐time logistic equation. The obtained results establish how the harvesting quota and/or the internal consumption has to be fixed to guarantee the population nonextinction or, eventually, its extinction. Finally, some controllability results related to the search of a carrying capacity sequence such that the solution of the proposed impulsive BHE tracks a reference one are obtained.