bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional Strain Determination and Myocardial Infarction Detection by Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography with Varied Temporal Resolution
Authors: Zhu Meihua , Streiff Cole , Panosian Jill , Zhang Zhijun , Song Xubo , Sahn David J. , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: May 2014

Background

Three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is a promising method for strain determination; however, there are temporal resolution concerns. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of 3DE on longitudinal and circumferential strain (LS, CS) determination and infarction detection under variable frame rates (FR) and “heart rates” (stroke rates [SR]) conditions.

Methods

Latex balloons were sewn into the left ventricle (LV) of 20 freshly harvested pig hearts which were then passively driven by a pulsatile pump apparatus at stroke volumes (SV) 30–70 mL. The hearts were pumped at 2 normal limits of human heart rate. Full‐volume data were acquired before and after a simulated myocardial infarction (MI) at the 2 most commonly used FRs. LS and CS values were evaluated against sonomicrometry.

Results

Longitudinal strain and CS derived from high FR acquisitions showed statistically superior correlations with sonomicrometry data (LS: R2 = 0.85, CS: R2 = 0.84) than strain values from low FR (LS: R2 = 0.78, CS: R2 = 0.76) (all P < 0.01). After MI induction, LS and CS at different FRs were significantly decreased while maintaining excellent correlations with sonomicrometry data (all P < 0.001). There is no statistical difference of strain values between different SR acquisitions.

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional wall‐motion tracking has the ability to accurately determine regional myocardial deformation and detect MI. Different heart rates within a physiologically relevant range have no effect on 3D strain accuracy. Strain values calculated from higher frame rate acquisitions were found to have a slightly better accuracy.
Analysis of Left Atrial Performance in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus without Overt Cardiac Disease and Inducible Ischemia: High Prevalence of Increased Systolic Force Related to Enhanced Left Ventricular Systolic Longitudinal Function
Authors: Mazzone Carmine , Cioffi Giovanni , Faganello Giorgio , Faggiano Pompilio , Candido Riccardo , Cherubini Antonella , Tarantini Luigi , De Feo Stefania , Di Lenarda Andrea
Published: May 2014

Objectives

In patients with chronic pressure overload, higher left atrial systolic force (LASF) is associated with high‐risk cardiovascular (CV) phenotype, with increased left ventricular (LV) mass, concentric hypertrophy, and diastolic dysfunction. In hypertension and aortic stenosis, LASF predicts increased rate of CV events independent of traditional risk factors. Moreover, LASF is an independent predictor of heart failure in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Limited data are available about LASF and its relationship with LV systolic function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

We used baseline clinic and echocardiographic data from 333 patients recruited in the SHORTWAVE study evaluating LV and left atrial performance in T2DM patients without cardiac disease. LASF was calculated by Manning's method and defined high when exceeded 16 Kdynes (90th percentile of LASF found in 120 healthy subjects used as controls).

Results

Mean LASF was 15.8 Â ± 9.4 Kdynes/cm2 and showed a close positive correlation with peak mitral annular systolic velocity (function of LV longitudinal fibers), independent of E/E′, age, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and concentric geometry (multiple R = 0.57, P < 0.0001). Such independent correlation (tested in patients with and without concomitant hypertension) was confirmed at multiple logistic regression analysis where patients were dichotomized for having high (119 = 36%) or normal LASF.

Conclusions

High LASF is present in one third of T2DM patients without overt cardiac disease and is positively and independently related to an increased LV longitudinal shortening function, suggesting a close interaction between LV systolic and diastolic function.
Resistance to Bemisia tabaci biotype B of Solanum pimpinellifolium is associated with higher densities of type IV glandular trichomes and acylsugar accumulation
Authors: Silva Karla F.A.S. , Michereff‐Filho Miguel , Fonseca Maria E.N. , Silva‐Filho José G. , Texeira Ana C.A. , Moita Antônio Williams , Torres Jorge B. , Fernández‐Muñoz Rafael , Boiteux Leonardo S.
Published: May 2014

Advances in tomato breeding for pest resistance have been achieved via gene introgression from wild Solanum (section Lycopersicon) species (Solanaceae). Ninety‐nine F3 families derived from an interspecific cross using as parental lines Solanum lycopersicum L. ‘LAM‐148' (susceptible standard) and Solanum pimpinellifolium L. ‘TO‐937‐15’ (multiple pest resistance accession with type IV glandular trichomes and acylsugar accumulation) were evaluated for their resistance against the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) biotype B in free‐choice and no‐choice tests for oviposition and adult colonization. The parental lines and eight F3 families with contrasting levels of resistance against the whitefly were selected and investigated in additional assays, which included the estimation of trichome densities and foliar acylsugar levels. The F3 families BTR‐302 and BTR‐331 exhibited low amounts of eggs of whitefly and transgressive segregation for type IV glandular trichome density with values greater than that of TO‐937‐15 plants. However, the tested families did not surpass the total foliar acylsugar content found in TO‐937‐15. BTR‐331 exhibited low colonization in the free‐choice test and it was the least preferred F3 family in the no‐choice test. The higher resistance levels of BTR‐331 were associated with a positive combination of higher type IV trichome density and higher acylsugar levels. Some F3 families displayed reduced fruit set due to the presence of flowers with style exertion of the antheridial‐cone. Fruit weight at harvest stage of the selected families (from 4.9 to 14.5 g) was lower than that of LAM‐148 (139.5 g) but higher than that of TO‐937‐15 plants (1.3 g). Therefore, although difficult to reach due to the simultaneous segregation of many polygenic traits, the combination of high B. tabaci resistance levels with superior horticultural traits is feasible. These results confirm TO‐937‐15 as a source of biotype B resistance. From the breeding standpoint, the genetic similarity between S. lycopersicum and S. pimpinellifolium would allow a more efficient resistance introgression by facilitating recombination and minimizing the potentially undesirable linkage drag associated with this trait.
Aphid‐induced plant volatiles affect the attractiveness of tomato plants to Bemisia tabaci and associated natural enemies
Authors: Tan Xiao‐Ling , Liu Tong‐Xian
Published: May 2014

An in‐depth understanding of plant‐mediated interactions between herbivores and their natural enemies is essential in community ecology and co‐evolution, and for developing sustainable pest management strategies. The influence of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)‐induced tomato plant [Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae)] volatile compounds on the olfactory responses of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), three predator species [Coccinella septempunctata L., Propylea japonica (Mulstant) (both Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and Orius sauteri (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)], two whitefly parasitoid species [Encarsia formosa (Gahan) and Encarsia sophia (Girault & Dodd) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)], and one aphid parasitoid species [Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae)] were examined in two‐choice tests using a four‐arm olfactometer. Tomato plants were experimentally manipulated for aphid density, duration of aphid feeding, and interval between aphid removal and the behavioral test. We also compared the systemic effects of aphid feeding on the olfactory behavior of whiteflies and natural enemies according to three relative leaf positions: the aphid‐infested leaf itself and two adjacent leaves (above and below). Bemisia tabaci were deterred by the odors of the leaves infested with aphids in all treatments. All six natural enemies were attracted to the leaves infested with aphids. Bemisia tabaci deterrence by volatiles was greater for leaves at the highest aphid density, and with increasing duration of exposure to aphid feeding. In contrast, the attraction to leaves was greater for the three parasitoids than for the three predators both with increasing aphid density and increasing duration of plant exposure to aphids. There was no significant influence of leaf position on preference of B. tabaci, the two species of lady beetles, and the aphid parasitoid. The two Encarsia species were attracted to the leaf above the aphid‐infested leaves, indicating that systemic volatiles were released by adjacent leaves. On the other hand, O. sauteri was only attracted by the aphid‐infested leaf itself. Our results showed that M. persicae‐infested host plants emitted volatiles that could inhibit the colonization by B. tabaci and also attract natural enemies of both aphids and whiteflies. The results of this study may need to be considered further for optimizing pest management methods.
Design and selection of trap color for capture of the tea leafhopper, Empoasca vitis, by orthogonal optimization
Authors: Bian Lei , Sun Xiao‐Ling , Luo Zong‐Xiu , Zhang Zheng‐Qun , Chen Zong‐Mao
Published: May 2014

The tea leafhopper, Empoasca vitis (Göthe) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is a major pest of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze (Theaceae). In this study, the RGB color model was used to describe the colors of sticky traps. The most effective color for attraction of E. vitis was investigated by orthogonal optimization. The selected color was verified in tea gardens and the most effective height for positioning of color sticky traps for capturing tea leafhoppers was investigated. After the determination of the effect of the three color parameters and their interactions by orthogonal optimization, the color gold (RGB: 255, 215, 0) was selected as the most effective color to trap tea leafhoppers. In tea gardens, more leafhoppers were captured using gold sticky traps (RGB: 226, 204, 4) than using commercially available yellow sticky traps. The most effective height of gold sticky traps for trapping leafhoppers was 40–60 cm above the tea canopy. Few lady beetles were captured at this height. We conclude that the orthogonal optimization method is a convenient and efficient method to screen digitally generated colors for attracting and trapping of pests.
Aphid and host‐plant genotype × genotype interactions under elevated CO2
Authors: RYAN GERALDINE D. , EMILJANOWICZ LISA , HÄRRI SIMONE A. , NEWMAN JONATHAN A.
Published: May 2014

1. Elevated CO2 can alter plant physiology and morphology, and these changes are expected to impact diet quality for insect herbivores. While the plastic responses of insect herbivores have been well studied, less is known about the propensity of insects to adapt to such changes. Genetic variation in insect responses to elevated CO2 and genetic interactions between insects and their host plants may exist and provide the necessary raw material for adaptation.

2. We used clonal lines of Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) aphids to examine genotype‐specific responses to elevated CO2. We used the host plant Schedonorus arundinaceus (tall fescue; Schreb), which is capable of asexual reproduction, to investigate host plant genotype‐specific effects and possible host plant‐by‐insect genotype interactions. The abundance and density of three R. padi genotypes on three tall fescue genotypes under three concentrations of CO2 (ambient, 700, and 1000 ppm) in a controlled greenhouse environment were examined.

3. Aphid abundance decreased in the 700 ppm CO2 concentration, but increased in the 1000 ppm concentration relative to ambient. The effect of CO2 on aphid density was dependent on host plant genotype; the density of aphids in high CO2 decreased for two plant genotypes but was unchanged in one. No interaction between aphid genotype and elevated CO2 was found, nor did we find significant genotype‐by‐genotype interactions.

4. This study suggests that the density of R. padi aphids feeding on tall fescue may decrease under elevated CO2 for some plant genotypes. The likely impact of genotype‐specific responses on future changes in the genetic structure of plant and insect populations is discussed.
The fear circuit of the mouse forebrain: connections between the mediodorsal thalamus, frontal cortices and basolateral amygdala
Authors: Mátyás Ferenc , Lee JoonHyuk , Shin Hee‐Sup , Acsády László
Published: May 2014

A large forebrain circuit, including the thalamus, amygdala and frontal cortical regions, is responsible for the establishment and extinction of fear‐related memories. Understanding interactions among these three regions is critical to deciphering the basic mechanisms of fear. With the advancement of molecular and optogenetics techniques, the mouse has become the main species used to study fear‐related behaviours. However, the basic connectivity pattern of the forebrain circuits involved in processing fear has not been described in this species. In this study we mapped the connectivity between three key nodes of the circuit, i.e. the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA), the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus (MD) and the medial prefrontal cortex, which were shown to have closed triangular connectivity in rats. In contrast to rat, we found no evidence for this closed loop in mouse. There was no major input from the BLA to the MD and little overlap between medial prefrontal regions connected with both the BLA and MD. The common nodes in the frontal cortex, which displayed reciprocal connection with both the BLA and MD were the agranular insular cortex and the border zone of the cingulate and secondary motor cortex. In addition, the BLA can indirectly affect the MD via the orbital cortex. We attribute the difference between our results and earlier rat studies to methodological problems rather than to genuine species difference. Our data demonstrate that the BLA and MD communicate via cortical sectors, the roles in fear‐related behaviour of which have not been extensively studied. In general, our study provides the morphological framework for studies of murine fear‐related behaviours.
Effect of high‐fructose corn syrup on Streptococcus mutans virulence gene expression and on tooth demineralization
Authors: Sun Minmin , Kang Qiongyi , Li Tingting , Huang Lili , Jiang Yuntao , Xia Wenwei
Published: May 2014

High‐fructose corn syrup‐55 (HFCS‐55) has been widely welcomed in recent years as a substitute for sucrose on the basis of its favourable properties and price. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of HFCS‐55 on the expression of Streptococcus mutans UA159 virulence genes and on tooth demineralization. Real‐time reverse‐transcription PCR (real‐time RT‐PCR) and microhardness evaluations were performed to examine gene expression and enamel demineralization, respectively, after treatment with HFCS‐55 and/or sucrose. Significant up‐regulation of glucosyltransferase B (gtfB) by HFCS‐55 was found. A mixture of HFCS‐55 and sucrose could positively enhance expression of glucan‐binding protein (gbp) genes. Regarding acidogenicity, expression of the lactate dehydrogenase (ldh) gene was unaffected by HFCS‐55. A notable finding in this study was that 5% HFCS‐55 significantly enhanced expression of the intracellular response gene of the two‐component VicRK signal transduction system (vicR). Demineralization testing showed that the microhardness of teeth decreased by a greater extent in response to HFCS‐55 than in response to sucrose. The results indicate that HFCS‐55 can enhance S. mutans biofilm formation indirectly in the presence of sucrose and that HFCS‐55 has a more acidogenic potential than does sucrose. Summing up the real‐time PCR and demineralization results, HFCS‐55 appears to be no less cariogenic than sucrose in vitro — at least, not under the conditions of our experiments.
Regulation of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 protein stability by gp78‐associated endoplasmic‐reticulum‐associated degradation
Authors: Choi Kwangman , Kim Hyeongki , Kang Hyunju , Lee So‐Young , Lee Sang Jun , Back Sung Hoon , Lee Seo Hyun , Kim M. Sun , Lee Jeong Eun , Park Ju Young , Kim Jiye , Kim Sunhong , Song Jae‐Hyung , Choi Yura , Lee Suui , Lee Hyun‐Jun , Kim Jong Heon , Cho Sungchan
Published: May 2014

Triacylglycerol (TG) is the major form of stored energy in eukaryotic organisms and is synthesized by diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). DGAT2, one of the two DGAT enzymes, is barely detectable in cells, even though its mRNA transcripts are maintained at considerable levels. However, little is known about how DGAT2 expression is altered by protein stability. DGAT2 was highly unstable in cells and was rapidly degraded by proteasomes in an ubiquitin‐dependent manner. Deletion mutation analysis identified transmembrane domain 1 (TMD1) as a protein degradation signal. TMD1 is also important for ER localization of DGAT2. Moreover, DGAT2 interacted with p97/VCP, a crucial component of the ER‐associated degradation (ERAD) pathway, and polyubiquitinated DGAT2 accumulated following treatment with an ERAD inhibitor. Furthermore, gp78, an E3 ligase involved in ERAD, regulates the degradation of DGAT2 through direct interactions and ubiquitination. Consequently, the stabilization of DGAT2 increased the number of lipid droplets in hepatic cells. Therefore, DGAT2 is regulated by gp78‐associated ERAD at the post‐translational level.

Structured digital abstract

DGAT2 physically interacts with gp78 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

DGAT2 physically interacts with VCP by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
Determination of fracture mechanics parameters by measurements of local displacements due to crack length increment
Authors: Matvienko Y. G. , Pisarev V. S. , Eleonsky S. I. , Chernov A. V.
Published: May 2014

New experimental technique for a determination of the stress intensity factor and the non‐singular T‐stress is developed, verified and implemented. The approach is based on combining the crack compliance method and optical interferometric measurements of local deformation response on small crack length increment. Initial experimental information has a form of in‐plane displacement component values, which are measured by electronic speckle‐pattern interferometry at some specific points located near a crack tip. The first four coefficients of Williams' series are derived. A determination of initial experimental data at the nearest vicinity of crack/notch tip is the main feature of the developed approach. In this case, it is not necessary to use complex numerical models, which are connected with geometrical parameters and loading conditions of the object under study in a stage of experimental data interpretation. Moreover, an availability of high‐quality interference fringe patterns, which are free from rigid body motions, serves as a reliable indicator of real stress state in the vicinity of the crack tip. Experimental verification of the proposed method is performed for specially designed specimen of double cantilever beam type. Distributions of the stress intensity factor and the T‐stress for two cracks in different residual stress fields in the vicinity of friction stir welding joints are presented as an example.
Mapping the genome ofMiscanthus sinensisforQTLassociated with biomass productivity
Authors: Gifford Justin M. , Chae Won Byoung , Swaminathan Kankshita , Moose Stephen P. , Juvik John A.
Published: May 2014

In light of rising energy costs, lignocellulosic ethanol has been identified as a renewable alternative to petroleum‐based transportation fuels. In an attempt to reach government mandated ethanol production levels, potential plant biofeedstock candidates have been investigated, and cold‐tolerant, perennial accessions within the C4grass genusMiscanthushave been identified as leading contenders in the Midwestern US. To facilitate the development of improved cultivars through marker‐assisted breeding, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) study was conducted on a full‐sib, F1mapping population segregating for flowering time, height, leaf width, and yield using a genetic map consisting of 846 segregatingSNPandSSRmarkers. This was a 3 year study investigating the genetic architecture underlying traits important to biomass production in a population of 221 progeny from a cross betweenM. sinensis‘Grosse Fountaine’ andM. sinensis‘Undine’ established in the spring of 2010; 72QTLs withLODscores above the genome‐wide, permuted threshold equivalent to aP‐value of 0.05 were identified across 13 traits. Of the 36QTLs identified in 2011, 22 were detected again the following year. Both the use of spring emergence and vigor rating as a covariate to account for variation related to differences in establishment increased the power to detectQTLs in the 2 year establishment period. Finally, a dry period in the middle of the 2012 growing season suggested that yield declines were due to a decrease in tiller diameter.
Governance, Quality Conventions, and Product Innovation in a Value Chain: The Case of the Spanish Salted Fish Market
Authors: Larsen Heidi Bjønnes
Published: May 2014

In the literature on governance of value chains, innovation deserves further attention. This paper investigates the role of product and marketing innovations in making an industry or a region a market leader. What kinds of innovations, who has the power to implement them, and who is involved in the innovation process vary depending on the extent of integration in the value chain and its governance. Quality management in the value chain should be central to the product innovation process. Against the backdrop of this institutional framework, the paper examines the Iberian salted fish market.
Revisiting Inequality and Growth: Evidence for Developing Countries
Authors: Amarante Veronica
Published: May 2014

This article studies the relationship between economic growth and income inequality using panel data for a sample of Latin American countries in the period 1960–2000. Different estimation techniques and specifications are tested. Results indicate that the level of inequality has had a different effect on growth in the region, depending on the level of gross domestic product per capita. Even within a sample of developing countries, the effect of inequality on growth is negative for poorer countries, whereas for richer ones higher inequality may favour economic growth. Overall, our results are not robust to different specification techniques, and coefficients are in some cases only weakly significant, underlying the difficulties in finding a strong and robust relationship between income inequality and economic growth.
“Space Obesity”: The Effect of Remoteness on County Obesity
Authors: Guettabi Mouhcine , Munasib Abdul
Published: May 2014

We test if remoteness of a county is one of the environmental factors that contribute to obesity. First, we employ geographically weighted regressions (GWRs) that allow us to observe local or regional patterns. We find that county obesity rate is spatially non‐stationary, remoteness affects county obesity rates, and there are spatial heterogeneities in how distance affects county obesity rates. Next, we refine our estimates of the effect of remoteness on county obesity rate using a random effect model that accounts for county‐level unobserved heterogeneity. Even after accounting for these heterogeneities and state fixed effects, we find measurable impact of remoteness on county obesity rate. Splitting the sample into metro and non‐metro counties, we find that remoteness matters more for the obesity rates in the metro counties.
Patient and public involvement: how much do we spend and what are the benefits?
Authors: Pizzo Elena , Doyle Cathal , Matthews Rachel , Barlow James
Published: May 2014

Background and objectives

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is seen as a way of helping to shape health policy and ensure a patient‐focused health‐care system. While evidence indicates thatPPIcan improve health‐care decision making, it also consumes monetary and non‐monetary resources. Given the financial climate, it is important to start thinking about the costs and benefits ofPPIand how to evaluate it in economic terms.

Design

We conducted a literature review to assess the potential benefits and costs of involvement and the challenges in carrying out an economic evaluation ofPPI.

Results

The benefits ofPPIinclude effects on the design of new projects or services, onNHSgovernance, on research design and implementation and on citizenship and equity. Economic evaluation ofPPIactivities is limited. The lack of an appropriate analytical framework, data recording and understanding of the potential costs and benefits ofPPI, especially from participants' perspectives, represent serious constraints on the full evaluation ofPPI.

Conclusions

By recognizing the value ofPPI, health‐care providers and commissioners can embed it more effectively within their organizations. Better knowledge of costs may prompt organizations to effectively plan, execute, evaluate and target resources. This should increase the likelihood of more meaningful activity, avoid tokenism and enhance organizational efficiency and reputation.
Participation of chronic patients in medical consultations: patients' perceived efficacy, barriers and interest in support
Authors: Henselmans Inge , Heijmans Monique , Rademakers Jany , van Dulmen Sandra
Published: May 2014

Aims

Chronic patients are increasingly expected to participate actively in medical consultations. This study examined (i) patients' perceived efficacy and barriers to participation in consultations, (ii) patients' interest in communication support and (iii) correlates of perceived efficacy and barriers, with an emphasis on differences across providers' disciplines.

Methods

A representative panel of chronic patients (n = 1314) filled out the short Perceived Efficacy in Patient‐Provider Interaction scale and were questioned about barriers to participation and interest in communication support. Potential correlates included socio‐demographic (age, sex, education, living situation), clinical (discipline care provider, type of illness, comorbidity, illness duration, functional disabilities, health consultations in last year) and personal characteristics (information preference, health literacy, level of general patient activation).

Results

Most patients felt efficacious in consultations, although 46% reported barriers to participation and 39% had an interest in support. Barriers most frequently recognized were ‘not wanting to be bothersome’, ‘perception there is too little time’ and ‘remembering subjects only afterwards’. Patients most frequently endorsed relatively simple support. Patients perceived the least barriers and were least likely to endorse support when seeing a nurse. In multivariate models, consistent risk factors for low efficacy and perceived barriers were low health literacy and a low general patient activation.

Conclusions

Many chronically ill patients feel confident in medical interactions. Still, a significant number might benefit from support. Often this concerned more generally vulnerable patients, that is, the low literate and generally less activated. Relatively simple supportive interventions are likely to be endorsed and might overcome frequent barriers.
Non‐O1, non‐O139 Vibrio cholerae bacteraemia in an Australian population
Authors: Trubiano J. A. , Lee J. Y. H. , Valcanis M. , Gregory J. , Sutton B. A. , Holmes N. E.
Published: May 2014

This retrospective case series identifies the largest cohort of non‐O1, non‐O139 Vibrio cholerae bacteraemia in an Australian population from 2000 to 2013. We examine the risk factors, epidemiology, clinical presentations and mortality of non‐O1, non‐O139 V. cholerae bacteraemia in Victoria and compare them with published cases in the literature. This case series highlights the pathogenic potential of non‐O1, non‐O139 V. cholerae and identifies possible associations with host (underlying chronic liver disease and malignancy) and environmental factors (contaminated water supply and raw seafood). Clinicians should be aware of the morbidity and mortality associated with invasive non‐O1, non‐O139 V. cholerae infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
Twenty‐eight day Holter monitoring is poorly tolerated and insensitive for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation detection in cryptogenic stroke
Authors: Tu H. T. , Spence S. , Kalman J. M. , Davis S. M.
Published: May 2014

This pilot study in a prospective cohort of 20 cryptogenic stroke patients showed that a significant proportion has paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undetected by 24‐h Holter monitoring. However, longer monitoring with 28‐day Holter was poorly tolerated and still insufficiently sensitive for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation detection. Further studies are urgently needed to elucidate the optimal timing, method and duration of cardiac rhythm monitoring following ischaemic stroke.
Low‐molecular‐weight heparin biosimilars: potential implications for clinical practice
Authors: Nandurkar H. , Chong B. , Salem H. , Gallus A. , Ferro V. , McKinnon R.
Published: May 2014

A working group of clinicians and scientists was formed to review the clinical considerations for use of low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) biosimilars. LMWH are biological molecules of significant complexity; the full complexity of chemical structure is still to be elucidated. LMWH biosimilars are products that are biologically similar to their reference product and rely on clinical data from a reference product to establish safety and efficacy. The complex nature of LMWH molecules means that it is uncertain whether a LMWH biosimilar is chemically identical to its reference product; this introduces the possibility of differences in activity and immunogenicity. The challenge for regulators and clinicians is to evaluate the level of evidence required to demonstrate that a LMWH is sufficiently similar to the reference product. The consensus opinion of the working group is that prior to clinical use a LMWH biosimilar should have proven efficacy and safety, similar to the reference product with prospective studies, which should be confirmed with a proactive post‐marketing pharmacovigilance programme.
Pemphigus vulgaris is characterized by low IgG reactivities to specific self‐antigens along with high IgG reactivity to desmoglein 3
Authors: Fattal Ittai , Rimer Jacob , Shental Noam , Molad Yair , Gabrielli Armando , Livneh Avi , Sarig Ofer , Goldberg Ilan , Gafter Uzi , Domany Eytan , Cohen Irun R.
Published: May 2014

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune skin disease, which has been characterized by IgG autoantibodies to desmoglein 3. Here we studied the antibody signatures of PV patients compared with healthy subjects and with patients with two other autoimmune diseases with skin manifestations (systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma), using an antigen microarray and informatics analysis. We now report a previously unobserved phenomenon – patients with PV, compared with the healthy subjects and the two other diseases, show a significant decrease in IgG autoantibodies to a specific set of self‐antigens. This novel finding demonstrates that an autoimmune disease may be associated with a loss of specific, healthy IgG autoantibodies and not only with a gain of specific, pathogenic IgG autoantibodies.
Portfolio Quality and Mutual Fund Performance
Authors: Gallagher David R. , Gardner Peter A. , Schmidt Camille H. , Walter Terry S.
Published: May 2014

This study investigates how the quality of stocks owned by mutual funds affects the performance of those funds during 2000–2009. The quality of a stock is positively related to its size, while quality is inversely related to volatility. Evidently, stocks in the lowest quality decile perform particularly poorly amidst volatile market conditions with a mean monthly Daniel, Grinblatt, Titman and Wermers (DGTW) alpha 1.93% [25.73% per annum (pa)] less than high‐quality stocks. Furthermore, funds which hold the lowest quality stocks exhibit substantial underperformance, particularly during market downturns, with funds in the lowest decile of quality incurring a mean monthly DGTW alpha 0.96% (12.14% pa) lower than their higher quality counterparts. Interestingly, we discover a trend to funds investing in higher quality stocks over time.
Strategic competition and optimal parallel import policy
Authors: Roy Santanu , Saggi Kamal
Published: May 2014

Abstract In a two‐country Hotelling type duopoly model of price competition, we show that parallel import (PI) policy can act as an instrument of strategic trade policy. The home firm’s profit is higher when it cannot price discriminate internationally if and only if the foreign market is sufficiently bigger than the domestic one. The key mechanism in the model is that the home firm’s incentive to keep its domestic price close to the optimal monopoly price affects its behavior during price competition abroad. We also analyze the welfare implications of PI policies and show that our key insights extend to quantity competition.
Wage posting: evidence from job ads
Authors: Brenčič Vera
Published: May 2014

Abstract Recent studies of search theory examine how employers use a wage‐setting mechanism – either by bargaining or through the posting of a non‐negotiable wage offer in a job ad – to facilitate search. We contribute to this literature by examining wage posting in job ads in the US, the UK, and Slovenia. Despite considerable differences in the incidence of wage posting, employers in all three markets are less likely to post a wage offer when searching for skilled workers. The decision on whether or not to post a wage offer is only weakly related to the outcomes of employers’ search.
Imports and the structure of retail markets
Authors: Raff Horst , Schmitt Nicolas
Published: May 2014

Abstract We construct a model of trade with heterogeneous retailers to examine the effects of trade liberalization on retail market structure, imports and social welfare. We are especially interested in investigating the transmission of lower import prices into consumer prices and the effects of retail market regulation. The paper shows that changes in import prices may have large effects on consumer prices and import volumes when changes in retail market structure are taken into account, and that restrictions on retailing, as they occur in several countries, may significantly alter this transmission mechanism by reducing imports and raising consumer prices.
Labour unions and multi‐product firms in closed and open economies
Authors: Egger Hartmut , Koch Michael
Published: May 2014

Abstract This paper sets up a general oligopolistic equilibrium model with multi‐product firms and union wage setting. In this model, we conduct two policy experiments. First, we show that deunionization induces a general decline in firm scale and scope, the respective reduction being more pronounced in non‐unionized industries. Second, we study the consequences of trade liberalization, and show that access to foreign markets lowers firm scope in all industries as well as the scope differential between unionized and non‐unionized firms. Adjustments in firm scale turn out to be less clear‐cut and, inter alia, depend on the degree of product differentiation.
Temperature‐Stable Relative Permittivity from −70°C to 500°C in (Ba0.8Ca0.2)TiO3–Bi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3–NaNbO3 Ceramics
Authors: Zeb Aurang , Bai Yang , Button Tim , Milne Steven J.
Published: May 2014

Temperature‐stable relaxor dielectrics have been developed in the solid solution system: 0.45Ba0.8Ca0.2TiO3–(0.55 − x)Bi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3–xNaNbO3. Ceramics of composition x = 0 have a relative permittivity ɛr = 950 ± 15% over a wide temperature range from +70°C to 600°C. Modification with NaNbO3 at x = 0.2 decreases the lower limiting temperature to −70°C, but also decreases relative permittivity such that ɛr ~ 600 ± 15% over the temperature range −70°C to 500°C. For composition x = 0.3, the low‐temperature dispersion in loss tangent, tan δ, (at 1 kHz) shifts to lower temperature, giving tan δ values ≤0.02 across the temperature range −60°C to 300°C in combination with ɛr ~ 550 ± 15%. Values of dc resistivity for all samples are of the order of 1010 Ω m at 250°C and 107 Ω m at 400°C.
Zirconium Diboride with High Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Lonergan Jason M. , Fahrenholtz William G. , Hilmas Greg E.
Published: May 2014

Thermal properties were characterized for zirconium diboride produced by reactive hot pressing and compared to ZrB2 ceramics that were hot pressed from commercial powders. No sintering additives were used in either process. Thermal conductivity was calculated from measured values of heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, and density for temperatures ranging from 298 to 2273 K. ZrB2 produced by reactive hot pressing achieved near full density, but had a small volume fraction of ZrO2, whereas hot‐pressed ZrB2 contained porosity and carbon inclusions. Reactive hot pressing produced a ceramic with higher thermal diffusivity and heat capacity, resulting in thermal conductivities of 127 W·(m·K)−1 at 298 K and 80 W·(m·K)−1 at 2273 K, which were up to ~30% higher than typically reported for hot‐pressed ZrB2.
Terahertz Time‐Domain Spectroscopy of 0.73Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.27PbTiO3 Single Crystal
Authors: Yong Zehui , He Lianxing , Li Bo , Hu Mingzhe , Lam Chi Hang , Wang Yu
Published: May 2014

Lead magnesium niobate titanate is an important ferroelectric material. In this study, the terahertz (THz) transmission properties of a 0.73Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.27PbTiO3 single crystal were investigated using a time‐domain spectroscopy method. Complex refractive index and dielectric dispersion functions were determined from the amplitude and phase information derived from time‐domain responses. Based on calculations, it was concluded that the room‐temperature dielectric constant of the single crystal equal to ~30 at 1 THz. This result could be a useful reference for development of ferroelectric‐material‐based THz components and devices.
Magnetic and Dielectric Properties of Nanostructured BiFeO3 Prepared by Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Lu Shih‐Zong , Qi Xiaoding
Published: May 2014

Polycrystalline BiFeO3 was synthesized at 400°C–700°C. Distinctive difference in the magnetic and dielectric properties was observed between the samples sintered at 400°C–500°C and those sintered at 600°C–700°C. The former showed ferromagnetic‐like hysteresis loops with an increased magnetization of 0.54 emu/g, whereas the later showed linear loops with a small magnetization of 0.065 emu/g. Although X‐ray did not identify any secondary phase, the suspected trace of some magnetic phase (Fe3O4) in the samples was conceded by the occurrence of an exchange bias. The difference in dielectric response between the two groups of samples arose mainly from a different conductivity at the grain boundaries. Owing to Fe3O4 coating at grain surface, the 400°C–500°C sintered samples behaved like a single parallel R–C circuit, whereas the dielectric response of the samples sintered at 600°C–700°C was represented by a series of two parallel R‐C units for grains and grain boundaries, respectively. Two dielectric relaxation peaks observed at <700 Hz and 0.3~6 MHz in the high‐temperature sintered samples were attributed to the Maxwell–Wagner relaxation and electron hopping, respectively.
Chemical Processes During Energy‐Saving Preparation of Lightweight Ceramics
Authors: Kazantseva Lidia K. , Rashchenko Sergey V.
Published: May 2014

Lightweight glass‐ceramic material similar to foam glass was obtained at 700°C–800°C directly from alkali‐activated silica clay and zeolitized tuff without preliminary glass preparation. It was characterized by low bulk density of 100–250 kg/m3 and high pore size homogeneity. Chemical processes occurring in alkali‐activated silica clay and zeolitized tuff were studied using X‐ray diffraction, thermal gravimetry, IR‐spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Pore formation in both compositions is caused by dehydration of hydrated sodium polysilicates (Na2O·mSiO2·nH2O), formed during alkali activation. Additional pore‐forming gas source in alkali‐activated zeolitized tuff is trona, Na3(CO3)(HCO3)·2H2O, formed during interaction between unbound NaOH and CO2 and H2O from air. Influence of mechanical activation of raw materials on chemical processes occurring in alkaline compositions was also studied.
Crystallography of Interfaces and Grain Size Distributions in Sr‐Doped LaMnO3
Authors: Liu Qinyuan , Bhattacharya Sudip , Helmick Lam , Donegan Sean P. , Rollett Anthony D. , Rohrer Gregory S. , Salvador Paul A.
Published: May 2014

Grain‐boundary plane distributions (GBPDs), grain size distribution (GSDs), and upper tail departure from log‐normal GSDs were quantified in dense and porous La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 samples to understand expected microstructures in solid oxide fuel cells. Samples were sintered at 1450°C for 4 h and then annealed between 800°C and 1450°C. The GBPDs and normalized GSDs reached steady state during sintering and little variation occurred during annealing. The GBPDs were nearly isotropic, with the relative areas of {001} planes being slightly higher than random (and the relative areas of {111} planes being less than random). The porous sample had an almost identical GBPD, whereas the almost isotropic pore boundary plane distribution was essentially opposite to the GBPD. The upper tails of the experimental GSDs, and several theoretical distributions, were characterized using peaks‐over‐threshold analysis. Dense samples, and all normal grain growth models, exhibit lower frequencies of large grains in the upper tail than would a log‐normal distribution, and the experimental distributions are similar to the Mullins distribution. Porous samples, however, have an anomalous increased frequency of large grains in the upper tail, as compared to all the model distributions, even though other metrics of the microstructure indicate the dense and porous systems are similar.
Medical and nursing diagnoses: a critical comparison
Authors: Chiffi Daniele , Zanotti Renzo
Published: May 2014

Rationale

Diagnostic systems exist in many disciplines. Strengths and weaknesses of such diagnostic systems vary considerably within and among disciplinary domains of the health sciences. The logical framework behind each diagnostic process involves identifying a condition, seeking causes, establishing a prognosis and a treatment. Notably, a clinical diagnosis is a judgment focused on thepresent, aiming to cluster events associated with a disease. Diagnostic judgment focuses on thepastwhen it attempts to isolate possible causes, and towards thefuturewhen it indicates prognoses and treatments.

Aims and objectives

The paper suggests ways to differentiate nursing diagnosis from medical diagnoses, discussing ontology and abductive reasoning for doctors and nurses.

Conclusions

The proposed logical framework has been applied to a nursing taxonomy‐based diagnostic system in order to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses consistently with the epistemology of a diagnostic judgment.
How evidence‐based medicine is failing due to biased trials and selective publication
Authors: Every‐Palmer Susanna , Howick Jeremy
Published: May 2014

Evidence‐based medicine (EBM) was announced in the early 1990s as a ‘new paradigm’ for improving patient care. Yet there is currently little evidence that EBM has achieved its aim. Since its introduction, health care costs have increased while there remains a lack of high‐quality evidence suggesting EBM has resulted in substantial population‐level health gains. In this paper we suggest that EBM's potential for improving patients' health care has been thwarted by bias in the choice of hypotheses tested, manipulation of study design and selective publication. Evidence for these flaws is clearest in industry‐funded studies. We argue EBM's indiscriminate acceptance of industry‐generated ‘evidence’ is akin to letting politicians count their own votes. Given that most intervention studies are industry funded, this is a serious problem for the overall evidence base. Clinical decisions based on such evidence are likely to be misinformed, with patients given less effective, harmful or more expensive treatments. More investment in independent research is urgently required. Independent bodies, informed democratically, need to set research priorities. We also propose that evidence rating schemes are formally modified so research with conflict of interest bias is explicitly downgraded in value.
Assessment of the pregnancy education programme with ‘EDUMA2’ questionnaire in Madrid (Spain)
Authors: Fernández y Fernández‐Arroyo Matilde , Muñoz Isabel , Torres Jorge
Published: May 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

The prenatal education promotes the empowerment of parents during pregnancy and postnatal period. This study aimed to assess the quality of educational sessions held in the third trimester of pregnancy as part of the parenting education programme for Spanish National Health System in Madrid.

Methods

The design is a cross‐sectional study in 41 primary care centres in the autonomous community of Madrid, which is one of the 17 autonomous communities that constitute the Spanish State, each wick medical responsibilities. The participants are a representative probability sample of 928 attendees to the programme. The assessment instrument is ‘EDUMA2’ questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.829) of 56 variables. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. The project was approved by the Research and Ethics Committees of the University Hospital of La Paz.

Results

The uptake efficiency immigration risk is 14.7%, and lack of social support is 8.7%. The functionality in organization, teaching and methodology is high in 90.5%. The learning effectiveness of health habits, care and techniques is significant and greater than 60% in the 14 parameters studied. Satisfaction is very high at 67.5%. The immediate impact in terms of control or safety increase is significant and greater than 71% and significantly greater than 40% and for increasing the bonding with the baby.

Conclusions

No jobs found with which to compare. The assessment of the programme with adequate psychometric characteristics questionnaire allows designing strategies and research to improve the quality of prenatal education.