bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Extruded and Toasted Milk Protein Concentrates
Authors: Banach J. C. , Clark S. , Lamsal B. P.
Published: April 2013

Important functional properties of milk protein concentrate with 80% protein (MPC80), modified with low‐ and high‐shear extrusion, or low‐temperature toasting were compared. The effect of high‐ and low‐shear profile screws in a corotating twin‐screw extruder, and 4 different ramped temperature profiles with die temperatures of 65, 75, 90, and 120 °C were compared. Extrudates were pelletized, dried, and ground to a fine powder. Toasting was done at 75 and 110 °C for 4 h for milk protein modification. Extruded and toasted MPC80 had reduced protein solubility and surface hydrophobicity. Extrusion decreased water‐holding capacity (WHC). Toasted MPC80 had increased WHC when treated at 75 °C, but WHC decreased when heated at 110 °C. The treatments had no strong influence on gel strength. Reduced and nonreduced sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed peptide structural changes that occurred due to processing, especially for whey proteins. Results are discussed in terms of potential for application of extruded or toasted MPC80 in high‐protein nutrition bar applications.
Sweet Wine Production by Two Osmotolerant Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains
Authors: García‐Martínez Teresa , de Lerma Nieves López , Moreno Juan , Peinado Rafael A. , Millán M. Carmen , Mauricio Juan C.
Published: April 2013

The use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to produce sweet wine is difficult because yeast is affected by a hyperosmotic stress due to the high sugar concentrations in the fermenting must. One possible alternative could be the coimmobilization of the osmotolerant yeast strains S. cerevisiae X4 and X5 on Penicillium chrysogenum strain H3 (GRAS) for the partial fermentation of raisin musts. This immobilized has been, namely, as yeast biocapsules. Traditional sweet wine (that is, without fermentation of the must) and must partially fermented by free yeast cells were also used for comparison. Partially fermented sweet wines showed higher concentration of the volatile compounds than traditionally produced wines. The wines obtained by immobilized yeast cells reached minor concentrations of major alcohols than wines by free cells. The consumption of specific nitrogen compounds was dependent on yeast strain and the cellular immobilization. A principal component analysis shows that the compounds related to the response to osmotic stress (glycerol, acetaldehyde, acetoin, and butanediol) clearly differentiate the wines obtained with free yeasts but not the wines obtained with immobilized yeasts.
Soft hammerstone percussion use in bidirectional blade‐tool production at Acila 36 and in bifacial knapping at Shagra (Qatar)
Authors: Pelegrin Jacques , Inizan Marie‐Louise
Published: April 2013

A new observation of the flint industry from site 36 at Acila (Qatar) reveals that its blade production, issued from bidirectional cores, was practised using the ‘soft‐stone direct percussion technique’. In addition to the similarity of the knapping method (shape of the blade core, intended light straight blades used as tanged arrowhead point blanks), the technique used to produce this ‘Blade Arrowhead Culture’ first described by H. Kapel about fifty years ago, provides yet another argument for a Levantine origin.

Soft‐stone percussion was also detected as the main shaping technique of foliate and tanged and barbed points in the more recent Qatari site of Shagra.
The Neolithic period in the Central Region of the Emirate of Sharjah (UAE)
Authors: Uerpmann Hans‐Peter , Uerpmann Margarethe , Kutterer Adelina , Jasim Sabah A.
Published: April 2013

Stratified sites at Jebel Faya in the Central Region of the Emirate of Sharjah provide evidence for successive ‘facies’ of the Neolithic period. The oldest facies — found at FAY‐NE 1 — yielded 14C dates in the late ninth millennium cal BC and is characterised by blade arrowheads which are morphologically similar to PPNB points. With 14C dates from the late eighth and early seventh millennia cal BC, a techno‐complex of large flint artefacts from FAY‐NE10 represents the second Neolithic facies in the area. A sheep tooth from FAY‐NE10, associated to the third facies — characterised by trihedral rods — provides evidence for a Neolithic economy. The respective layer contains numerous small fragments of cremated human bone. It dates to around 6000 cal BC. The fourth facies corresponds to the well‐known ‘Arabian Bifacial Tradition’ and has radiocarbon dates from just before 5000 cal BC to just after 4000 cal BC. The Final Neolithic — found at shell‐middens on the coast of the Gulf of Oman — is to date not represented in the interior.
Considering marine transgression as a mechanism for enforced migration and the littoral Gulf ʿUbaid phenomenon
Authors: Cuttler Richard
Published: April 2013

ʿUbaid pottery was famously recorded by H.R. Hall during the excavation of a tell mound at Al ʿUbaid, and for nearly half a century became associated with the origins of urbanisation and developments in social hierarchy in southern Mesopotamia. The discovery in 1968 of ʿUbaid pottery around the western Gulf littoral, some 1000 km to the south of Mesopotamia, raised questions regarding the nature of interaction between these two societies. This paper considers the origins of this interaction and the effects of geomorphology, hydrology and the palaeoenvironment on regional migration. The extent to which topography and marine transgression were a catalyst for migration is also discussed as well as how, or if, such factors influenced post‐transgression settlement dynamics.
Ownership Structure, Intensive Board Monitoring, and Firm Value: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Byun Hee Sub , Lee Ji Hye , Park Kyung Suh
Published: April 2013

This article measures proxies for intensive board monitoring using Korean corporate governance data. We find that intensive board monitoring has a positive effect on firm value in Korea. We also explore the relationship between controlling shareholders' ownership and intensive board monitoring efficiency. We confirm that direct ownership by controlling shareholders moderates the relationship between intensive board monitoring and firm value. For firms with greater disparity between controlling shareholders' control rights and cash flow rights, the effect of intensive board monitoring on firm value decreases. These results suggest that the interplay among various internal control mechanisms affects corporate governance efficiency.
Sentinel node biopsy and large (≥3 cm) breast cancer
Authors: Beumer Jesse D. , Gill Grantley , Campbell Ian , Wetzig Neil , Ung Owen , Farshid Gelareh , Uren Roger , Stockler Martin , Gebski Val
Published: April 2013

Background

Sentinel node biopsy is an accurate method for staging the axilla in early (small) breast cancers. However, data for the role of this technique for large breast cancers remain limited.

Method

From the Royal Adelaide Hospital Sentinel Node database and the SNAC trial database, 100 subjects were identified with clinically node negative, large (≥3 cm) primary breast cancer who had undergone sentinel node biopsy and immediate axillary clearance. The pathology results from the sentinel node and axillary specimens were analysed.

Results

Average tumour size was 3.91 cm (range 3–10 cm) and 65 of 100 cases had metastatic disease in the axillary nodes. A sentinel node was successfully identified in 93 out of 100 cases with an average of 1.75 sentinel nodes sampled. Sixty‐two per cent (58 out of 93) were sentinel node positive and 43% (43 out of 100) had a positive non‐sentinel node. The false negative rate following successful sentinel node identification was 4.9% (3 out of 61).

Conclusion

Sentinel node biopsy was an accurate tool for staging the axilla with a false negative rate comparable to that seen in small tumours. However, given the increased incidence of metastases with larger cancers, further prospective investigation is warranted.
Development of neuromotor functions in very low birth weight children from six to 10 years of age: patterns of change
Authors: Natalucci Giancarlo , Schneider Michel , Werner Helene , Caflisch Jon A , Bucher Hans U , Jenni Oskar G , Latal Beatrice
Published: April 2013

Aim

To assess patterns of change for different neuromotor functions in very low birth weight (VLBW) children during school age and to identify factors associated with improvement.

Methods

In a longitudinal study, we examined 65 prospectively enrolled VLBW children (38 female, 59%) without cerebral palsy at age six and 10 years. Measures included the evaluation of timed motor performance and motor overflow (MO) for the motor components of the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment (pure motor‐, adaptive fine‐ and gross motor tasks, static balance) and a standardized neurological examination. Variables associated with improvement were assessed by multiple regression analyses.

Results

Between six and 10 years, adaptive fine motor tasks (40% vs. 17% of children scoring below 10th percentile) and MO (77% vs. 55%) improved significantly (both p<0.01), while all other components remained stable (pure motor 23% vs. 25%, adaptive gross motor 26% vs. 34%, static balance 18% vs. 20%, respectively). Mild neurological abnormalities at 6 years of age were associated with less improvement.

Conclusion

Neuromotor functions improve in some children potentially reflecting catch up of maturational delay. However, the majority of neuromotor functions remain abnormal in a significant proportion of VLBW children.
Effect of plant phenolic compounds on biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Plyuta Vladimir , Zaitseva Julia , Lobakova Elena , Zagoskina Natalia , Kuznetsov Alexander , Khmel Inessa
Published: April 2013

In the natural environment, bacteria predominantly exist in matrix‐enclosed multicellular communities associated with various surfaces, referred to as biofilms. Bacteria in biofilms are extremely resistant to antibacterial agents thus causing serious problems for antimicrobial therapy. In this study, we showed that different plant phenolic compounds, at concentrations that did not or weakly suppressed bacterial growth, increased the capacity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 to form biofilms. Biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa PAO1 was enhanced 3‐ to 7‐fold under the action of vanillin and epicatechin, and 2‐ to 2.5‐fold in the presence of 4‐hydroxybenzoic, gallic, cinnamic, sinapic, ferulic, and chlorogenic acids. At higher concentrations, these compounds displayed an inhibiting effect. Similar experiments carried out for comparison with Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58 showed the same pattern. Vanillin, 4‐hydroxybenzoic, and gallic acids at concentrations within the range of 40 to 400 μg/mL increased the production of N–3‐oxo‐dodecanoyl‐homoserine lactone in P. aeruginosa PAO1 which suggests a possible relationship between stimulation of biofilm formation and Las Quorum Sensing system of this bacterium. Using biosensors to detect N‐acyl‐homoserine lactones (AHL), we demonstrated that the plant phenolics studied did not mimic AHLs.
Risk factors for depression and anxiety among pregnant women in Hospital Tuanku Bainun, Ipoh, Malaysia
Authors: Fadzil Ariff , Balakrishnan Kartini , Razali Rosdinom , Sidi Hatta , Malapan Thinakaran , Japaraj Robert Peter , Midin Marhani , Nik Jaafar Nik Ruzyanei , Das Srijit , Manaf Mohd Rizal Abdul
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Anxiety and depression are prevalent during pregnancy. Estimates of the prevalence of anxiety and depression during pregnancy vary according to the criteria used, variable methodologies and population characteristics.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey design was used. A total of 175 antenatal mothers participated. Their socio‐demographic and obstetric histories were recorded. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) were used.

Results

The prevalence of anxiety and depression disorders among antenatal mothers using diagnostic clinical interview were 9.1% and 8.6%, respectively. Factors associated with antenatal anxiety were marital status (being unmarried), positive history of mental illness, gestational age (<20 weeks), unplanned pregnancy and depressive comorbidity. However, only gestational age of less than 20 weeks and depressive disorder remained significant factors in the multivariate analysis.

Discussion

The prevalence rate of antenatal depression detected by HADS screening was comparable to the rate from diagnostic interview, but there was a slight overestimation for antenatal anxiety. Nonetheless, HADS as a screening tool offers a practical solution for detecting these two conditions in a busy antenatal clinic or a large epidemiological survey. In view of the deleterious effects of antenatal anxiety and depression on mothers and children, these two conditions should be screened and managed appropriately.
Sexual desire disorder in female healthcare personnel in Malaysia
Authors: Grewal Gurdeep Singh , Gill Jesjeet Singh , Sidi Hatta , Gurpreet Kaur , Jambunathan Stephen Thevanathan , Suffee Nusrat J.
Published: April 2013

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for female sexual desire disorder (FSDD) among healthcare personnel at selected healthcare facilities in Malaysia.

Methods

Two hundred and one female healthcare workers from three large tertiary hospitals were selected by stratified random sampling to participate in this cross‐sectional study. Validated questionnaires were used to assess depression, anxiety, and sexual function in women and erectile dysfunction (ED) in their partners.

Results

The prevalence of FSDD was 18.9%. Women with low sexual desire were more likely to have higher educational attainment (OR = 3.06; 95% CI; 1.22–7.66), lower frequency of sexual intercourse (OR = 12.81; 95% CI; 4.43–37.83), two or more children (OR = 3.05; 95% CI; 1.02–9.09), duration of marriage of 20 years or more (OR = 2.62; 95% CI; 1.27–5.40), and a spouse with ED (OR = 2.86; 95% CI; 1.08–7.56).

Discussion

FSDD is common among female healthcare personnel in Malaysia, affecting nearly one in five women. The implication of low sexual desire is important in terms of contributing to a meaningful sexual relationship, and indirectly affects the quality of life of the healthcare personnel.
Risk and associated factors of female sexual orgasmic disorder in women with hypertension in Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Latif Rozimah , Muhamad Rosediani , Kanagasundram Sharmilla , Sidi Hatta , Nik Jaafar Nik Ruzyanei , Midin Marhani , Das Srijit , Ng Chong Guan
Published: April 2013

Introduction

The objective of this study was to examine the risk of female sexual orgasmic disorder among a group of women with hypertension in Malaysia. The associated factors were also examined.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study involved 348 hypertensive women attending the primary care or hypertension clinic in a teaching hospital in Malaysia. Female sexual orgasmic disorder was assessed using the Orgasmic subscale of the Malay Version of the Female Sexual Function Index (MVFSFI). Basic socio‐demographic data of the subjects was collected using a predesigned questionnaire. Medical records were reviewed to gather patients' medical information.

Results

The risk of female sexual orgasmic disorder among hypertensive women was 14.1%. Univariate analysis found that older age, longer duration of marriage, lower educational level, and menopause were associated with higher risk of female sexual orgasmic disorder. These factors were not significant in multivariate analysis.

Discussion

The risk of female sexual orgasmic disorder was relatively low in Malaysian women with hypertension. No risk factors were associated with female sexual orgasmic disorder in the current study.
Phases of female sexual response cycle among Malaysian women with Infertility: A factor analysis study
Authors: Seen Heng Yeoh , Sidi Hatta , Nik Jaafar Nik Ruzyanei , Razali Rosdinom , Ram Hari
Published: April 2013

Introduction

This cross‐sectional study aimed to determine the construct of the phases of the female sexual response cycle (SRC) among women attending an infertility clinic in a Malaysian tertiary center.

Methods

The sexual response phases were measured with a validated Malay version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The correlation structure of the items of the SRC phases (i.e. desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction and pain) was determined using principal component analysis (PCA), with varimax rotation method. The number of factors obtained was decided using Kaiser's criteria.

Results

A total of 150 married women with a mean age of 32 years participated in this study. Factor loadings using PCA with varimax rotation divided the sexual domains into three components. The first construct comprised sexual arousal, lubrication and pain (suggesting a mechanical component). The second construct were orgasm and sexual satisfaction (suggesting a physical achievement). Sexual desire, suggesting a psychological component, stood on its own as the third.

Discussion

The findings suggest that three constructs could be identified and in favor of the Basson model (a non‐linear concept of SRC) for Malaysian women's sexual functioning. Understanding this would help clinicians to strategize the treatment approach of sexual dysfunction in women with infertility.
Maternal psychological state during the transition to motherhood: A longitudinal study
Authors: Mortazavi Forough , Chaman Reza , Mousavi Seyed Abbas , Khosravi Ahmad , Ajami Mohammad‐Esmaeil
Published: April 2013

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the psychological state of women and its associated factors in the third trimester of pregnancy and at 8 weeks postpartum and to explore the changes in psychological state between these two time points.

Methods

This survey study was carried out on 358 pregnant women visiting urban health centers in Shahroud, northeast Iran, in 2011. The women were followed at 8 weeks postpartum. In the third trimester of pregnancy, the participants completed the 28‐item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐28) and two other questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics and frequent psychosocial stressors. They also completed the GHQ‐28 and an obstetric information form at 8 weeks postpartum. The cutoff score for GHQ‐28 in Iran has been calculated as 24, which denotes probable psychological health problems.

Results

The mean total GHQ score decreased from 23.7 in the third trimester of pregnancy to 18.8 postpartum (P < 0.001). The proportion of women with a GHQ‐28 score of 24 or higher in the third trimester of pregnancy and postpartum were 42% and 26%, respectively. Multiparity, caring for other family members, financial problems, and anxiety about personal and fetal health were the predictors of psychological health problems in the third trimester of pregnancy. The two predictors for postpartum psychological health problems were psychological health problems in the third trimester of pregnancy and the method of infant feeding at 8 weeks postpartum.

Discussion

The prevalence of psychological symptoms was high among women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Psychological state of women improved after childbirth.
New treatments for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Chang Ming‐Yang , Ong Albert C. M.
Published: April 2013

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited kidney disease and results from mutations in PKD1 or PKD2. Cyst initiation and expansion arise from a combination of abnormal cell proliferation, fluid secretion and extracellular matrix defects and results in kidney enlargement and interstitial fibrosis. Since its first description over 200 years ago, ADPKD has been considered an untreatable condition and its management is limited to blood pressure reduction and symptomatic treatment of disease complications. Results of the recently reported TEMPO 3/4 trial thus represent a paradigm shift in demonstrating for the first time that cystic disease and loss of renal function can be slowed in humans. In this paper, we review the major therapeutic strategies currently being explored in ADPKD including a range of novel approaches in preclinical models. It is anticipated that the clinical management of ADPKD will undergo a revolution in the next decade with the translation of new treatments into routine clinical use.
Development and content validation of a surgical safety checklist for operating theatres that use robotic technology
Authors: Ahmed Kamran , Khan Nuzhath , Khan Mohammed Shamim , Dasgupta Prokar
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To identify and assess potential hazards in robot‐assisted urological surgery.

To develop a comprehensive checklist to be used in operating theatres with robotic technology.

Methods

Healthcare Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (HFMEA), a risk assessment tool, was used in a urology operating theatre with innovative robotic technology in a UK teaching hospital between June and December 2011.

A 15‐member multidisciplinary team identified ‘failure modes’ through process mapping and flow diagrams.

Potential hazards were rated according to severity and frequency and scored using a ‘hazard score matrix’.

All hazards scoring ≥8 were considered for ‘decision tree’ analysis, which produced a list of hazards to be included in a surgical safety checklist.

Results

Process mapping highlighted three main phases: the anaesthesia phase, the operating phase and the postoperative handover to recovery phase.

A total of 51 failure modes were identified, 61% of which had a hazard score ≥8.

A total of 22 hazards were finalised via decision tree analysis and were included in the checklist.

The focus was on hazards specific to robotic urological procedures such as patient positioning (hazard score 12), port placement (hazard score 9) and robot docking/de‐docking (hazard score 12).

Conclusions

HFMEA identified hazards in an operating theatre with innovative robotic technologies which has led to the development of a surgical safety checklist.

Further work will involve validation and implementation of the checklist.
Voice problems due to virilization in adult women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21‐hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Nygren Ulrika , Nyström Helena Filipsson , Falhammar Henrik , Hagenfeldt Kerstin , Nordenskjöld Agneta , Södersten Maria
Published: April 2013

Objective

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder in which the lack of 21‐hydroxylase results in cortisol and aldosterone insufficiency and an overproduction of adrenal androgens. High levels of androgens in women may cause virilization of the larynx and a masculine voice. The purpose of the present study was to investigate subjective voice problems due to virilization in women with CAH.

Design/Patients

Participants were 42 women with CAH between 25 and 71 years of age, and 43 age‐matched female healthy control subjects. All patients, but two, were in good disease control.

Measurements

A validated Swedish version of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and questions related to voice virilization were used. Endocrine data were obtained from medical files.

Results

Patients scored significantly higher on VHI when the results were divided into no/mild, moderate and severe voice handicap as compared with the control subjects. They rated significantly higher for ‘dark voice’ and for ‘being perceived as a man on the phone’ compared with controls. Seven per cent of the women with CAH had voice problems clearly related to voice virilization. High ratings of dark voice were significantly associated with long periods of under‐treatment with glucocorticoids and higher bone mineral density but not with severity of mutation.

Conclusion

Subjective voice problems due to voice virilization may occur in women with CAH. This further emphasizes the importance of avoiding long periods of increased androgen levels to prevent irreversible voice changes. For these patients, we recommend referral to voice assessment and treatment.
A randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of the sandwich bone augmentation technique in increasing buccal bone thickness during implant placement surgery
Authors: Fu Jia‐Hui , Oh Tae‐Ju , Benavides Erika , Rudek Ivan , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Sandwich bone augmentation (SBA) has been proposed to augment the width of edentulous ridges for implant placement. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a membrane on SBA for the regeneration of buccal implant dehiscence defects.

Material and methods

Twenty‐six healthy patients, each with a single defect, were randomly assigned into two groups. Both groups received an inner and outer layer of mineralized human cancellous and cortical particulate allograft. In the test group, a bovine pericardium membrane covered the bone grafts, while no membrane was placed in the control group. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken before and immediately after implant placement and at 6 months post‐surgery.

Results

All implants placed were successfully osseointegrated at 6 months. Clinical re‐entry measurements showed significant buccal bone gain in the test group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The test group had 1.12, 2.21 and 2.44 mm more buccal bone thickness at 2, 4 and 6 mm below the bone crest. There were no significant differences in the mid‐buccal vertical bone height, defect height and width reductions and bone fill between the two groups (P > 0.05). Cone beam computed tomography analysis demonstrated significant buccal bone gain of 1.22 mm in the test group. Radiographic vertical bone loss at 1‐year post‐surgery showed no significant differences between the groups.

Conclusion

Sandwich bone augmentation is a predictable technique for regenerating buccal bone on implant dehiscence defects. Addition of a barrier membrane prevented significant horizontal buccal bone resorption as space was maintained more effectively when compared with sites treated without a membrane.
Statistical Evaluation of the Use of Concurrent Controls in Treatment Screening Studies
Authors: Carter Rickey E. , Shi Qian
Published: April 2013

A well‐designed pilot study can advance science by providing essential preliminary data to support or motivate further research, refine study logistics, and demonstrate proof of concept. Often, the outcomes of such studies can be quantified by a success/failure dichotomy. For example, a novel compound may show activation of a neural pathway, or it may not. When an intervention's efficacy is quantified using a dichotomous outcome, probability mass functions can be enumerated to determine the probability that the observed result from a pilot study supports further evaluation of the intervention since there is only a finite, and often small, number of sample configurations possible. The purpose of this research was to determine the probability of an “efficacy signal” for pilot studies using one‐ and two‐sample pilot study designs. Efficacy signal was defined as the probability of observing a more favorable response proportion relative to a historical control (one‐sample setting) or to a concurrent control (two‐sample setting). An enumeration study (exact simulation) was conducted to calculate the efficacy signal probability. One‐sample study designs yielded higher probability of determining an efficacy signal than the two‐sample setting; however, sampling variation must be accounted for. A 68% score confidence interval is recommended for this purpose.
Clinical Significance of Vimentin Expression and Her‐2 Status in Patients with Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Wenwen , Yue Lu , Zhou Fang , Xu Congcong , Liang Wanhua , Sui Aihua , Ding Aiping , Qiu Wensheng
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To determine whether vimentin could be used as a marker of gastric carcinomas with more aggressive behavior. To detect the extent of Her‐2 status in gastric carcinoma and explore the correlation between vimentin expression and Her‐2 status.

Methods

Vimentin expression was detected in surgically resected gastric carcinoma tissue specimens from 143 patients by immunohistochemistry. The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) status was evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Correlations between vimentin expression, Her‐2 status and clinicopathological factors were evaluated using Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox multivariate survival models.

Results

Vimentin expression was significantly correlated with age, advanced stage, poorly differentiated type, venous invasion, hepatic metastasis, and recurrence (p < 0.05). Her‐2 gene was amplified in 16 (11.2%) out of the 143 gastric carcinoma tissue specimens. Her‐2 status was correlated with advanced cancer, poor differentiation, venous invasion, hepatic metastasis, and recurrence (p < 0.05). The result of multivariate analysis showed that vimentin expression and lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Vimentin expression in epithelial cells of the surgically resected gastric adenocarcinoma tissue is an independent predictor of short survival, and Her‐2 status shows a valuable correlation with clinical parameters.
Real‐Time RT‐PCR Ct Values for Blood GAPDH Correlate with Measures of Vascular Endothelial Function in Humans
Authors: Khan Faisel , Choong Wen Ling , Du Qingyou , Jovanovi'c Aleksandar
Published: April 2013

Purpose

To date, there is a wide range of methods in use to assess endothelial function, each with its own advantages and limitations. Here, we tested hypothesis that real‐time RT‐PCR threshold value (Ct), which is reflective of mRNA level, for Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) from whole blood is indicative of endothelial function in humans.

Materials and Methods

To assess vascular function, we measured baseline skin perfusion, postocclusion reactive hyperemia (PORH), and brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) and tested for a possible correlation between vascular responses and blood GAPDH real‐time RT‐PCR Ct value in 75 healthy volunteers.

Results

Tests known to measure, at least in part, endothelial function such as baseline skin perfusion, the 2‐minute recovery PORH, and FMD exhibited significant positive correlations with blood GAPDH Ct values. In contrast, there was no significant correlation between Ct values for blood GAPDH and peak PORH, an endothelium‐independent parameter.

Conclusions

Based on these findings, we report that GAPDH mRNA level in the blood correlates with vascular function in healthy subjects. This suggests that GAPDH mRNA level could be a potential biomarker of vascular endothelial function.
A dynamic model for costing disaster mitigation policies
Authors: Altay Nezih , Prasad Sameer , Tata Jasmine
Published: April 2013

The optimal level of investment in mitigation strategies is usually difficult to ascertain in the context of disaster planning. This research develops a model to provide such direction by relying on cost of quality literature. This paper begins by introducing a static approach inspired by Joseph M. Juran's cost of quality management model (Juran, 1951) to demonstrate the non‐linear trade‐offs in disaster management expenditure. Next it presents a dynamic model that includes the impact of dynamic interactions of the changing level of risk, the cost of living, and the learning/investments that may alter over time. It illustrates that there is an optimal point that minimises the total cost of disaster management, and that this optimal point moves as governments learn from experience or as states get richer. It is hoped that the propositions contained herein will help policymakers to plan, evaluate, and justify voluntary disaster mitigation expenditures.
Getting Serious About Play
Authors: Backett Paul
Published: April 2013

Your team mates are… your teammates. Constraints, in a design brief, are the rules of the game. And the best part is, you don't know who will win.
Story, Telling, Design and Business
Authors: Vollmer Florian
Published: April 2013

Storytelling: a communication approach that translates the needs of the business audience into the needs of the design practitioner.
Left Atrial Longitudinal Strain Parameters Predict Postoperative Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Following Mitral Valve Surgery: A Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Study
Authors: Candan Ozkan , Ozdemir Nihal , Aung Soe Moe , Dogan Cem , Karabay Can Yucel , Gecmen Cetin , Omaygenç Onur , Güler Ahmet
Published: April 2013

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is common after cardiac surgery and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospital stay. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has been applied recently for evaluation of LA function. The purpose of this study was to examine whether left atrial longitudinal strain measured by STE is a predictor for the development of POAF following mitral valve surgery for severe mitral regurgitation. We studied 53 patients undergoing mitral valve surgery in sinus rhythm at the time of surgery. Echocardiography with evaluation of LA strain by STE was performed. Detection of POAF was based on documentation of AF episodes by continuous telemetry throughout hospitalization. Patients who did not develop POAF were taken as group 1 and those who had POAF constituted group 2. The echocardiographic and clinical predictors of POAF were investigated. POAF occurred in 28.3% of subjects. Mean age, LAVi and BNP were found higher in group 2 while peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) (13.9 ± 3.8% vs. 24.8 ± 7.3%; P < 0.001), peak atrial contraction strain (PACS) (7.6 ± 1.95% vs. 11.3 ± 3.5%; P < 0.001) were significantly lower. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, PALS and LAVi were independent predictor of POAF development. LA longitudinal strain was found to predict POAF in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. It could be used to better identify patients at greater risk of developing POAF, and thus to guide in risk stratification and to take appropriate intensive prophylactic therapy.
A comparison of two forms of teaching instruction: video vs. live lecture for education in clinical periodontology
Authors: Ramlogan S. , Raman V. , Sweet J.
Published: April 2013

Introduction

This crossover controlled study aimed to compare the knowledge and skill attained by third‐year dental students in three clinical exercises in the discipline of periodontology through video and live lecture instruction.

Methods

Students (n = 35) segregated into two group either viewed a video or attended a live lecture repeated over three clinical teaching sessions. Pre‐test and post‐test written assessments were completed and comparisons between video and live lecture done (analysis of variance, P < 0.05). Students were assessed on clinic by a simple checklist. A questionnaire was administered after all three sessions to determine preferences and opinions on video and live lecture.

Results

For the combined three sessions, both video (n = 48) and live lecture (n = 47) groups attained similar mean pre‐test scores. The mean post‐test score was statistically significantly greater (P = 0.049) for the live lecture (74.9%, SD 14.9) compared to the video group (68.6%, SD 16.3). All students attained clinical proficiency via the simple checklist. In adding to their clinical skill, more students favoured video (97%) vs. live lecture (78.8%). Most students (97%) favoured a future combination of video and lecture.

Discussion

While students were deemed clinically competent via a simple checklist, the live lecture group performed better than the video group via the in‐depth post‐test assessment. Students had a preference for video and would like it integrated in the lecture rather than act as a substitute for the lecture.

Conclusion

The use of video alone in clinical periodontology training may have limitations unless supplemented by appropriate learning activities.
BOLD human responses to chromatic spatial features
Authors: Castaldi E. , Frijia F. , Montanaro D. , Tosetti M. , Morrone M. C.
Published: April 2013

Animal physiological and human psychophysical studies suggest that an early step in visual processing involves the detection and identification of features such as lines and edges, by neural mechanisms with even‐ and odd‐symmetric receptive fields. Functional imaging studies also demonstrate mechanisms with even‐ and odd‐receptive fields in early visual areas, in response to luminance‐modulated stimuli. In this study we measured fMRI BOLD responses to 2‐D stimuli composed of only even or only odd symmetric features, and to an amplitude‐matched random noise control, modulated in red–green equiluminant colour contrast. All these stimuli had identical power but different phase spectra, either highly congruent (even or odd symmetry stimuli) or random (noise). At equiluminance, V1 BOLD activity showed no preference between congruent‐ and random‐phase stimuli, as well as no preference between even and odd symmetric stimuli. Areas higher in the visual hierarchy, both along the dorsal pathway (caudal part of the intraparietal sulcus, dorsal LO and V3A) and the ventral pathway (V4), responded preferentially to odd symmetry over even symmetry stimuli, and to congruent over random phase stimuli. Interestingly, V1 showed an equal increase in BOLD activity at each alternation between stimuli of different symmetry, suggesting the existence of specialised mechanisms for the detection of edges and lines such as even‐ and odd‐chromatic receptive fields. Overall the results indicate a high selectivity of colour‐selective neurons to spatial phase along both the dorsal and the ventral pathways in humans.
Visualisation and characterisation of oestrogen receptor α‐positive neurons expressing green fluorescent protein under the control of the oestrogen receptor α promoter
Authors: Matsuda Ken Ichi , Yanagisawa Miho , Sano Kazuhiro , Ochiai Ikuo , Musatov Sergei , Okoshi Kota , Tsukahara Shinji , Ogawa Sonoko , Kawata Mitsuhiro
Published: April 2013

Oestrogen receptor (ER)α plays important roles in the development and function of various neuronal systems through activation by its ligands, oestrogens. To visualise ERα‐positive neurons, we generated transgenic (tg) mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the ERα promoter. In three independent tg lines, GFP‐positive neurons were observed in areas previously reported to express ERα mRNA, including the lateral septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial preoptic nucleus (MPO), hypothalamus, and amygdala. In these areas, GFP signals mostly overlapped with ERα immunoreactivity. GFP fluorescence was seen in neurites and cell bodies of neurons. In addition, the network and detailed structure of neurites were visible in dissociated and slice cultures of hypothalamic neurons. We examined the effect of oestrogen deprivation by ovariectomy on the structure of the GFP‐positive neurons. The area of ERα‐positive cell bodies in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and MPO was measured by capturing the GFP signal and was found to be significantly smaller in ovariectomy mice than in control mice. When neurons in the MPO were infected with an adeno‐associated virus that expressed small hairpin RNA targeting the ERα gene, an apparent induction of GFP was observed in this area, suggesting a negative feedback mechanism in which ERα controls expression of the ERα gene itself. Thus, the ERα promoter–GFP tg mice will be useful to analyse the development and plastic changes of the structure of ERα‐expressing neurons and oestrogen and its receptor‐mediated neuronal responses.
Art and the ‘Morality System’: The Case of Don Giovanni
Authors: Schönbaumsfeld Genia
Published: April 2013

Mozart's great opera, Don Giovanni, poses a number of significant philosophical and aesthetic challenges, and yet it remains, for the most part, little discussed by contemporary philosophers. A notable exception to this is Bernard Williams's important paper, ‘Don Juan as an Idea’, which contains an illuminating discussion of Kierkegaard's ground‐breaking interpretation of the opera, ‘The Immediate Erotic Stages or the Musical‐Erotic’, in Either/Or. Kierkegaard's pseudonymous author's (A) approach here is, in some respects, reminiscent of a currently rather fashionable narrative‐inspired moral philosophy, of which Williams himself is perhaps the most impressive recent exponent. In the light of this apparent methodological confluence, Williams's disagreement with A about the meaning of Don Giovanni's final two scenes seems particularly significant. By offering an interpretation of Don Giovanni that both retains A's fundamental ideas and manages to get round the problems in Williams's account, I will show that the greatness of Mozart's opera is largely a function of the challenge it presents to the ‘morality system’.
Inequalities in the use of dental services among adults in inner South East London
Authors: Al‐Haboubi Mustafa , Klass Charlotte , Jones Kate , Bernabé Eduardo , Gallagher Jennifer E.
Published: April 2013

Improving access to National Health Service (NHS) dentistry is a public health issue that has been a focus for successive governments and policy makers in the UK. To inform this process, commissioners of services need to understand trends in service use and demands of the local population. This study explored inequalities in dental services use among adults in a socially deprived, ethnically diverse metropolitan area of London; satisfaction with services; and public views for improvement of services. Data from 695 adults were analysed for this study (56% of the eligible sample). Inequalities in dental services use and satisfaction with care according to sociodemographic factors were assessed in unadjusted and fully adjusted models. The proportion of participants who reported attending the dentist in the last 24 months was 69%, with inequalities according to social grade, ethnicity, sex and age but not according to borough of residence. The most common areas identified by respondents for service improvement were availability of dentists, affordability of care, and accommodation of services. Among those who visited the dentist in the last 24 months, 90% were satisfied with the quality of care provided. However, there were inequalities in satisfaction with care according to borough and reason for the last dental visit.
Circulating CLA+ T lymphocytes as peripheral cell biomarkers in T‐cell‐mediated skin diseases
Authors: Ferran Marta , Romeu Ester R. , Rincón Catalina , Sagristà Marc , Giménez Arnau Ana M. , Celada Antonio , Pujol Ramon M. , Holló Péter , Jókai Hajnalka , Santamaria‐BabÍ Luis F.
Published: April 2013

T lymphocytes expressing the CLA antigen constitute a subset of effector memory lymphocytes that are functionally involved in T‐cell‐mediated cutaneous diseases. Skin‐seeking lymphocytes recirculate between inflamed skin and blood during cutaneous inflammation. Many studies in different T‐cell‐mediated inflammatory cutaneous diseases have clearly related their pathologic mechanisms to CLA+ T cells. Based on common features of these cells in different cutaneous disorders mediated by T cells, we propose that circulating CLA+T cells could constitute very useful peripheral cellular biomarkers for T‐cell‐mediated skin diseases.
In vitro reconstitution of complexes between pro‐matrix metalloproteinase‐9 and the proteoglycans serglycin and versican
Authors: Malla Nabin , Berg Eli , Theocharis Achilleas D. , Svineng Gunbjørg , Uhlin‐Hansen Lars , Winberg Jan‐Olof
Published: April 2013

Previously, we have shown that a proportion of the matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) synthesized by the macrophage cell line THP‐1 binds to a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) core protein to form a reduction‐sensitive heteromer. It was also shown that the hemopexin‐like (PEX) domain and the fibronectin‐like (FnII) module in the enzyme are involved in heteromer formation. In this paper, we show that reduction‐sensitive and SDS‐stable heteromers may be reconstituted in vitro by mixing proMMP‐9 with either serglycin, versican or CSPGs isolated from various monocytic cell lines. In addition, a strong but SDS‐soluble proMMP‐9·CSPG heteromer was formed. The two macromolecules in the SDS‐stable reduction‐sensitive heteromers were not linked together by disulfide bonds. As for the heteromer isolated from THP‐1 cells, in vitro reconstituted SDS‐stable and SDS‐soluble heteromers showed weaker binding to gelatin than the proMMP‐9 monomer. Furthermore, gelatin inhibited in vitro reconstitution of the heteromers, showing that the FnII module is involved in the complex formation. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 was not be detected in the proMMP‐9·CSPG complexes. However, the presence of TIMP‐1 inhibited formation of the SDS‐soluble heteromer, but not the SDS‐stable reduction‐sensitive heteromer. This indicates that different regions in the PEX domain are involved formation of these heteromers.

Structured digital abstract

proMMP-9 and proMMP-9 bind by comigration in gel electrophoresis (View interaction)

proMMP-9 and proMMP-9 bind by zymography (View interaction)
The monomeric state of the proton‐coupled folate transporter represents the functional unit in the plasma membrane
Authors: Duddempudi Phaneendra K. , Nakashe Prachi , Blanton Michael P. , Jansen Michaela
Published: April 2013

Folic acid is an essential vitamin required for de novo biosynthesis of nucleotides and amino acids. The proton‐coupled folate transporter (PCFT; SLC46A1) has been identified as the major contributor for intestinal folate uptake. It is also involved in folate transport across the blood–brain barrier and into solid tumors. PCFT belongs to the major facilitator superfamily. Major facilitator superfamily members can exist in either monomeric or homo‐oligomeric form. Here, we utilized blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN/PAGE) and crosslinking with bi‐functional chemicals to investigate the quaternary structure of human PCFT after heterologous expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes and CHO cells. PCFT was expressed in the plasma membrane in both expression systems. The functionality of the utilized PCFT construct was confirmed in oocytes by folic acid induced currents at acidic pH. For both the oocyte and CHO expression system [3H]folic acid uptake studies indicated that PCFT was functional. To analyze the oligomeric state of PCFT in the plasma membrane, plasma membranes were isolated by polymerization with colloidal silica and polyacrylic acid and subsequent centrifugation. The digitonin‐solubilized non‐denatured PCFT migrated during BN/PAGE as a monomer, as judged by comparison with a membrane protein (5‐HT3A receptor) of known pentameric assembly that was used to create a molecular sizing ladder. The chemical crosslinkers glutaraldehyde and dimethyl adipimidate were not able to covalently link potential higher order PCFT structures to form oligomers that were stable following SDS treatment. Together, our results demonstrate that plasma‐membrane PCFT functions as a monomeric protein.