bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Health in All Policies for Childhood Obesity Prevention
Authors: Hendriks Anna-Marie , Kremers Stef P. J. , Gubbels Jessica S. , Raat Hein , de Vries Nanne K. , Jansen Maria W. J.
Published: April 2013

The childhood obesity epidemic can be best tackled by means of an integrated approach, which is enabled by integrated public health policies, orHealth in All Policies. Integrated policies are developed through intersectoral collaboration between local government policy makers from health and nonhealth sectors. Suchintersectoral collaborationhas been proved to be difficult. In this study, we investigated which resources influence intersectoral collaboration. Thebehavior change wheelframework was used to categorize motivation-, capability-, and opportunity-related resources for intersectoral collaboration. In-depth interviews were held with eight officials representing 10 non-health policy sectors within a local government. Results showed that health and non-health policy sectors did not share policy goals, which decreased motivation for intersectoral collaboration. Awareness of the linkage between health and nonhealth policy sectors was limited, and management was not involved in creating such awareness, which reduced the capability for intersectoral collaboration. Insufficient organizational resources and structures reduced opportunities for intersectoral collaboration. To stimulate intersectoral collaboration to prevent childhood obesity, we recommend that public health professionals should reframe health goals in the terminology of nonhealth policy sectors, that municipal department managers should increase awareness of public health in non-health policy sectors, and that flatter organizational structures should be established.
Numerical Solution of Advection-Diffusion Equation Using a Sixth-Order Compact Finite Difference Method
Authors: Gurarslan Gurhan , Karahan Halil , Alkaya Devrim , Sari Murat , Yasar Mutlu
Published: April 2013

This study aims to produce numerical solutions of one-dimensional advection-diffusion equation using a sixth-order compact difference scheme in space and a fourth-order Runge-Kutta scheme in time. The suggested scheme here has been seen to be very accurate and a relatively flexible solution approach in solving the contaminant transport equation forPe≤5. For the solution of the present equation, the combined technique has been used instead of conventional solution techniques. The accuracy and validity of the numerical model are verified through the presented results and the literature. The computed results showed that the use of the current method in the simulation is very applicable for the solution of the advection-diffusion equation. The present technique is seen to be a very reliable alternative to existing techniques for these kinds of applications.
Study on GPS/INS System Using Novel Filtering Methods for Vessel Attitude Determination
Authors: Chen Xiyuan , Shen Chong , Zhao Yuefang
Published: April 2013

Any vehicle such as vessel has three attitude parameters, which are mostly defined as pitch, roll, and heading from true north. In hydrographic surveying, determination of these parameters by using GPS or INS technologies is essential for the requirements of vehicle measurements. Recently, integration of GPS/INS by using data fusion algorithm became more and more popular. Therefore, the data fusion algorithm plays an important role in vehicle attitude determination. To improve attitude determination accuracy and efficiency, two improved data fusion algorithms are presented, which are extended Kalman particle filter (EKPF) and genetic particle filter (GPF). EKPF algorithm combines particle filter (PF) with the extended Kalman filter (EKF) to avoid sample impoverishment during the resampling process. GPF is based on genetic algorithm and PF; several genetic operators such as selection, crossover, and mutation are adopted to optimize the resampling process of PF, which can not only reduce the particle impoverishment but also improve the computation efficiency. The performances of the system based on the two proposed algorithms are analyzed and compared with traditional KF. Simulation results show that, comprehensively considering the determination accuracy and consumption cost, the performance of the proposed GPF is better than EKPF and traditional KF.
Influence of the Incorporation of Transition Metals on the Basicity of Mg,Al-Mixed Oxides and on Their Catalytic Properties for Transesterification of Vegetable Oils
Authors: Veiga Paula M. , Sousa Zilacleide S. B. , Polato Carla M. S. , Portilho Marcio F. , Veloso Cláudia O. , Henriques Cristiane A.
Published: April 2013

The transesterification of vegetable oils produces fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel). Biodiesel is a nonpolluting alternative fuel produced from renewable resources whose chemical and physical properties closely resemble those of the petroleum diesel fuel and does not contribute to the greenhouse effect. The use of solid catalysts makes biodiesel production processes environmentally friendly. In this work, Mg,Al-mixed oxides derived from Mg,Al-hydrotalcite-like compound with an M3+/(M2++M3+) molar ratio of 0.25, in which Mg or Al was partially replaced by Co2+, Cu2+, Cr3+, or Fe3+, were prepared, characterized, and evaluated as catalysts for the transesterification of soybean oil with methanol. The results have indicated that the incorporation of transition metal influenced both textural and base properties. All the evaluated catalysts were active for the studied reaction. The catalytic activity followed the order Cr-MO < Co-MO < Cu-MO < Fe-MO < MO and could be explained by mesoporous volume.
Dietary Intake and Risk for Reflux Esophagitis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Wu Ping , Zhao Xiao-Hu , Ai Zi-Sheng , Sun Hui-Hui , Chen Ying , Jiang Yuan-Xi , Tong Yi-Li , Xu Shu-Chang
Published: April 2013

Background. Specific dietary components have been associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Europe and the United States. However, the relationship between dietary components and GERD in Chinese still remains unclear.Methods. A total of 268 patients who were newly diagnosed as reflux esophagitis (RE) in Outpatient Endoscopy Center of Tongji Hospital were recruited. In addition, 269 sex- and age-matched subjects were also recruited as controls. The body measurements were determined, and the dietary intake during the previous year was evaluated using food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between nutrients and RE.Results. After adjustment for WC, WHR, total energy intake, and demographics, there were a positive dose-response relationship between RE and calcium, meat, oils, and salt and a negative dose-response relationship between RE and protein, carbohydrate, calories from protein (%), vitamin C, grains and potatoes, fruits, and eggs.Conclusion. High intake of meat, oils, salt, and calcium is associated with an increased risk for RE while high intake of protein, carbohydrate, calories from protein (%), vitamin C, grains and potatoes, fruits, and eggs correlates with a reduced risk for RE.
Finger Tapping Clinimetric Score Prediction in Parkinson's Disease Using Low-Cost Accelerometers
Authors: Stamatakis Julien , Ambroise Jérome , Crémers Julien , Sharei Hoda , Delvaux Valérie , Macq Benoit , Garraux Gaëtan
Published: April 2013

The motor clinical hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD) are usually quantified by physicians using validated clinimetric scales such as the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). However, clinical ratings are prone to subjectivity and inter-rater variability. The PD medical community is therefore looking for a simple, inexpensive, and objective rating method. As a first step towards this goal, a triaxial accelerometer-based system was used in a sample of 36 PD patients and 10 age-matched controls as they performed the MDS-UPDRS finger tapping (FT) task. First, raw signals were epoched to isolate the successive single FT movements. Next, eighteen FT task movement features were extracted, depicting MDS-UPDRS features and accelerometer specific features. An ordinal logistic regression model and a greedy backward algorithm were used to identify the most relevant features in the prediction of MDS-UPDRS FT scores, given by 3 specialists in movement disorders (SMDs). The Goodman-Kruskal Gamma index obtained (0.961), depicting the predictive performance of the model, is similar to those obtained between the individual scores given by the SMD (0.870 to 0.970). The automatic prediction of MDS-UPDRS scores using the proposed system may be valuable in clinical trials designed to evaluate and modify motor disability in PD patients.
Some Common Fixed Point Theorems in Generalized Metric Spaces
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Kumar Pankaj , Kumar Sanjay
Published: April 2013

First we prove common fixed point theorems for weakly compatible maps which generalize the results of Chen (2012). Secondly, we prove common fixed point theorems using property E.A. along with weakly compatible maps. At the end, we prove common fixed point theorems using common limit range property (CLR property) along with weakly compatible maps.
Partial Slip Flow and Heat Transfer over a Stretching Sheet in a Nanofluid
Authors: Sharma Rajesh , Ishak Anuar , Pop Ioan
Published: April 2013

The boundary layer flow and heat transfer of a nanofluid over a stretching sheet are numerically studied. Velocity slip is considered instead of no-slip condition at the boundary as is usually appears in the literature. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary ones using a similarity transformation, before being solved numerically. Numerical solutions of these equations are obtained using finite element method (FEM). The variations of velocity and temperature inside the boundary layer as well as the skin friction coefficient and the heat transfer rate at the surface for some values of the governing parameters, namely, the nanoparticle volume fraction and the slip parameter are presented graphically and discussed. Comparison with published results for the regular fluid is presented and it is found to be in excellent agreement.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalysis of Well-Dispersible Phase-Pure Anatase TiO2Nanoparticles
Authors: Wei Xiuzhen , Zhu Guangfeng , Fang Jinfeng , Chen Jinyuan
Published: April 2013

High-purity anatase TiO2nanoparticles were prepared using an improved sol-hydrothermal method. The as-prepared sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. TEM results showed that the average particle size of all TiO2particles was calculated to be (10±1) nm. The XRD analysis indicated that the present sample was fully crystallized and appeared to be highly phase-pure anatase. The BET analysis showed that the as-prepared sample had a very large specific surface area of 186.25 m2/g. The photocatalytic performance of TiO2nanoparticles was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of X-3B and X-BR solutions. The degradation results revealed that the as-prepared TiO2showed slightly higher photocatalytic activities than P25. Whereas, the as-synthesized TiO2can settle down and be separated easily after the photocatalytic reaction finishes.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Zolmitriptan in Bulk Drug and Pharmaceuticals Using Vanillin as a Reagent
Authors: Prashanth Kudige N. , Basavaiah Kanakapura , Raghu Madihalli S.
Published: April 2013

An accurate and precise spectrophotometric method is presented for the determination of zolmitriptan (ZMT) based on the formation of a red color product with vanillin in presence of concentrated H2SO4, with the chromogen being measured at 580 nm. The reaction proceeds quantitatively at room temperature in 10 min. The calibration curve is linear over the range 5.0–90.0 μg mL−1 and described by the regression equation with a regression coefficient of 0.9994 . The calculated molar absorptivity and Sandell sensitivity values are 3.3 × 103 L mol−1 cm−1 and 0.0872 μg cm−2, respectively. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) calculated as per ICH guidelines are 1.26 and 3.81 μg mL−1, respectively. The within-day accuracy expressed as relative error was better than 1.78% with precision (RSD) ranging from 0.83 to 1.45%. The between-day accuracy ranged from 1.21 to 1.84% with a precision less than 1.66%. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of one brand of tablet containing zolmitriptan. The results obtained were in agreement with those obtained by published reference method. The accuracy was also checked by placebo blank and synthetic mixture analyses besides recovery study via standard addition procedure.
Septic Thrombophlebitis Caused byFusobacterium necrophorumin an Intravenous Drug User
Authors: Dimitropoulou D. , Lagadinou M. , Papayiannis T. , Siabi V. , Gogos C. A. , Marangos M.
Published: April 2013

Septic thrombophlebitis is characterized by venous thrombosis, inflammation and bacteremia, that can lead to fatal complications such as sepsis, septic emboli and even death. Though most commonly caused by indwelling catheters, it is also related to intravenous drug users (IVDU) especially those who attempt to inject drugs into more proximal and central veins. Lemierre’s syndrome, also referred to as post-anginal sepsis or necrobacillosis, is a suppurative thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. Primary infection is associated with oropharyngeal and dental infections and the most common causative organism isFusobacterium necrophorum. We report a case of Lemierre’s syndrome in an IVDU, caused byFusobacterium necrophorum, which was inoculated at the site of injection, without a history of sore throat or pharyngitis.
Microstructural Study of Neodmium Nickelate Doped with Strontium Synthesized by Gelatin Method
Authors: Oliveira R. M. P. B. , Pimentel P. M. , Araújo J. H. , Melo D. M. A. , Melo M. A. F. , Martinelli A. E.
Published: April 2013

In this work nickelate nanoparticles were synthesized using a simple and fast new route, which makes use of gelatin as an organic precursor in order to evaluate the performance of the synthesis method to obtain materials and the influence of the strontium replacement on the structural parameters of the powders. Samples of Nd2-xSrxNiO4(x=0and 0.4) were calcined at 700 and900°Cat a heating of10°C/min for 4 hours. X-ray powder diffraction patterns were obtained for all the samples, and the Rietveld Method was applied in order to determine the crystallite size using Scherrer's equation, the lattice parameters, and phase concentration. The results obtained using these techniques confirmed that the main crystal structure consists of the distorted K2NiF4-type tetragonal I4/mmm. In addition, scanning electron microscopy images revealed the formation of nanosized particles.
Nondestructive Wireless Monitoring of Early-Age Concrete Strength Gain Using an Innovative Electromechanical Impedance Sensing System
Authors: Providakis C. P. , Liarakos E. V. , Kampianakis E.
Published: April 2013

Monitoring the concrete early-age strength gain at any arbitrary time from a few minutes to a few hours after mixing is crucial for operations such as removal of frameworks, prestress, or cracking control. This paper presents the development and evaluation of a potential active wireless USB sensing tool that consists of a miniaturized electromechanical impedance measuring chip and a reusable piezoelectric transducer appropriately installed in a Teflon-based enclosure to monitor the concrete strength development at early ages and initial hydration states. In this study, the changes of the measured electromechanical impedance signatures as obtained by using the proposed sensing system during the whole early-age concrete hydration process are experimentally investigated. It is found that the proposed electromechanical impedance (EMI) sensing system associated with a properly defined statistical index which evaluates the rate of concrete strength development is very sensitive to the strength gain of concrete structures from their earliest stages.
Solving Integral Equations on Piecewise Smooth Boundaries Using the RCIP Method: A Tutorial
Authors: Helsing Johan
Published: April 2013

Recursively compressed inverse preconditioning (RCIP) is a numerical method for obtaining highly accurate solutions to integral equations on piecewise smooth surfaces. The method originated in 2008 as a technique within a scheme for solving Laplace’s equation in two-dimensional domains with corners. In a series of subsequent papers, the technique was then refined and extended as to apply to integral equation formulations of a broad range of boundary value problems in physics and engineering. The purpose of the present paper is threefold: first, to review the RCIP method in a simple setting; second, to show how easily the method can be implemented in MATLAB; third, to present new applications of RCIP to integral equations of scattering theory on planar curves with corners.
Convergence of the GAOR Method for One Subclass ofH-Matrix
Authors: Wang Guangbin , Wang Ting
Published: April 2013

We discuss the convergence of the GAOR method to solve linear system which occurred in solving the weighted linear least squares problem. Moreover, we present one convergence theorem of the GAOR method when the coefficient matrix is a strictly doublyαdiagonally dominant matrix which is a nonsingularH-matrix. Finally, we show that our results are better than previous ones by using four numerical examples.
Serum Factors and Clinical Characteristics Associated with Serum E-Screen Activity
Authors: Wang Jue , Trentham-Dietz Amy , Hemming Jocelyn D.C. , Hedman Curtis J. , Sprague Brian L.
Published: April 2013

Background: The E-Screen bioassay can measure the mitogenicity of human serum and thus may be useful as a biomarker in epidemiologic studies of breast cancer. While the assay's MCF-7 cells are known to proliferate in response to estrogen, the specific determinants of variation in E-Screen activity in human serum samples are poorly understood. We sought to identify serum molecules and patient characteristics associated with serum E-Screen activity among postmenopausal women.

Methods: Postmenopausal women (N = 219) aged 55 to 70 years with no history of postmenopausal hormone use or breast cancer completed a questionnaire and provided a blood sample. Serum was analyzed for E-Screen activity and a variety of molecules including sex hormones, growth factors, and environmental chemicals. Stepwise selection procedures were used to identify correlates of E-Screen activity.

Results: Serum samples from all women had detectable E-Screen activity, with a median estradiol equivalents value of 0.027 ng/mL and interquartile range of 0.018–0.036 ng/mL. In the final multivariable-adjusted model, serum E-Screen activity was positively associated with serum estradiol, estrone, insulin-like growth factor–binding protein (IGFBP)-3, and testosterone levels (all P < 0.05), as well as body mass index (P = 0.03). Serum E-Screen activity was lower among women with higher SHBG (P < 0.0001) and progesterone levels (P = 0.03).

Conclusion: Serum E-Screen activity varies according to levels of endogenous estrogens and other serum molecules. Obesity appears to confer additional serum mitogenicity beyond its impact on the measured hormones and growth factors.

Impact: By capturing mitogenicity due to a variety of patient and serum factors, the E-Screen may provide advantages for use as a biomarker in breast cancer studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(5); 962–71. ©2013 AACR.
Preclinical Antitumor Activity of Cabazitaxel, a Semisynthetic Taxane Active in Taxane-Resistant Tumors
Authors: Vrignaud Patricia , Sémiond Dorothée , Lejeune Pascale , Bouchard Hervé , Calvet Loreley , Combeau Cecile , Riou Jean-François , Commerçon Alain , Lavelle François , Bissery Marie-Christine
Published: April 2013

Purpose: Taxanes are important chemotherapeutic agents with proven efficacy in human cancers, but their use is limited by resistance development. We report here the preclinical characteristics of cabazitaxel (XRP6258), a semisynthetic taxane developed to overcome taxane resistance.

Experimental Design: Cabazitaxel effects on purified tubulin and on taxane-sensitive or chemotherapy-resistant tumor cells were evaluated in vitro. Antitumor activity and pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered cabazitaxel were assessed in tumor-bearing mice.

Results: In vitro, cabazitaxel stabilized microtubules as effectively as docetaxel but was 10-fold more potent than docetaxel in chemotherapy-resistant tumor cells (IC50 ranges: cabazitaxel, 0.013–0.414 μmol/L; docetaxel, 0.17–4.01 μmol/L). The active concentrations of cabazitaxel in these cell lines were achieved easily and maintained for up to 96 hours in the tumors of mice bearing MA16/C tumors treated with cabazitaxel at 40 mg/kg. Cabazitaxel exhibited antitumor efficacy in a broad spectrum of murine and human tumors (melanoma B16, colon C51, C38, HCT 116, and HT-29, mammary MA17/A and MA16/C, pancreas P03 and MIA PaCa-2, prostate DU 145, lung A549 and NCI-H460, gastric N87, head and neck SR475, and kidney Caki-1). Of particular note, cabazitaxel was active in tumors poorly sensitive or innately resistant to docetaxel (Lewis lung, pancreas P02, colon HCT-8, gastric GXF-209, mammary UISO BCA-1) or with acquired docetaxel resistance (melanoma B16/TXT).

Conclusions: Cabazitaxel is as active as docetaxel in docetaxel-sensitive tumor models but is more potent than docetaxel in tumor models with innate or acquired resistance to taxanes and other chemotherapies. These studies were the basis for subsequent clinical evaluation. Clin Cancer Res; 19(11); 2973–83. ©2013 AACR.
Early Telomere Shortening and Genomic Instability in Tubo-Ovarian Preneoplastic Lesions
Authors: Chene Gautier , Tchirkov Andrei , Pierre-Eymard Eleonore , Dauplat Jacques , Raoelfils Ines , Cayre Anne , Watkin Emmanuel , Vago Philippe , Penault-Llorca Frederique
Published: April 2013

Purpose: Genetic instability plays an important role in ovarian carcinogenesis. We investigated the level of telomere shortening and genomic instability in early and preinvasive stages of ovarian cancer, serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC), and tubo-ovarian dysplasia (TOD).

Experimental Design: Fifty-one TOD from prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomies with BRCA1 or 2 mutation, 12 STICs, 53 tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma, and 36 noncancerous controls were laser capture microdissected from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections, analyzed by comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) and for telomere length (using quantitative real-time PCR based on the Cawthon's method). TOD and STICs were defined by morphologic scores and immunohistochemical expressions of p53, Ki67, and γH2AX.

Results: TOD showed marked telomere shortening compared with noncancerous controls (P < 10−7). STICs had even shorter telomeres than TOD (P = 0.0008). Ovarian carcinoma had shorter telomeres than controls but longer than STICs and dysplasia. In TOD, telomeres were significantly shorter in those with BRCA1 mutation than in those with BRCA2 mutation (P = 0.005). In addition, γH2AX expression in TOD and STIC groups with short telomeres was significantly increased (P < 10−7). In dysplastic epithelium, we found subtle genomic alterations, in contrast to more important genomic imbalances in STICs. The total number of genetic alterations was the highest in ovarian cancers.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that genetic instability occurs in early stages of ovarian tumorigenesis. STICs and noninvasive dysplasia are likely an important step in early serous ovarian neoplasia. Clin Cancer Res; 19(11); 2873–82. ©2013 AACR.
Colon Cancer–Specific Cytochrome P450 2W1 Converts Duocarmycin Analogues into Potent Tumor Cytotoxins
Authors: Travica Sandra , Pors Klaus , Loadman Paul M. , Shnyder Steven D. , Johansson Inger , Alandas Mohammed N. , Sheldrake Helen M. , Mkrtchian Souren , Patterson Laurence H. , Ingelman-Sundberg Magnus
Published: April 2013

Purpose: Cytochrome P450 2W1 (CYP2W1) is a monooxygenase detected in 30% of colon cancers, whereas its expression in nontransformed adult tissues is absent, rendering it a tumor-specific drug target for development of novel colon cancer chemotherapy. Previously, we have identified duocarmycin synthetic derivatives as CYP2W1 substrates. In this study, we investigated whether two of these compounds, ICT2705 and ICT2706, could be activated by CYP2W1 into potent antitumor agents.

Experimental Design: The cytotoxic activity of ICT2705 and ICT2706 in vitro was tested in colon cancer cell lines expressing CYP2W1, and in vivo studies with ICT2706 were conducted on severe combined immunodeficient mice bearing CYP2W1-positive colon cancer xenografts.

Results: Cells expressing CYP2W1 suffer rapid loss of viability following treatment with ICT2705 and ICT2706, whereas the CYP2W1-positive human colon cancer xenografts display arrested growth in the mice treated with ICT2706. The specific cytotoxic metabolite generated by CYP2W1 metabolism of ICT2706 was identified in vitro. The cytotoxic events were accompanied by an accumulation of phosphorylated H2A.X histone, indicating DNA damage as a mechanism for cancer cell toxicity. This cytotoxic effect is most likely propagated by a bystander killing mechanism shown in colon cancer cells. Pharmacokinetic analysis of ICT2706 in mice identified higher concentration of the compound in tumor than in plasma, indicating preferential accumulation of drug in the target tissue.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest a novel approach for treatment of colon cancer that uses a locoregional activation of systemically inactive prodrug by the tumor-specific activator enzyme CYP2W1. Clin Cancer Res; 19(11); 2952–61. ©2013 AACR.
High Performance of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography and Contrast-Enhanced CT in a Rapid Outpatient Diagnostic Program for Patients with Suspected Lung Cancer
Authors: Brocken Pepijn , van der Heijden Henricus F.M. , Dekhuijzen P.N. Richard , Peters-Bax Liesbeth , de Geus-Oei Lioe-Fee
Published: April 2013

Background: The diagnostic evaluation of patients presenting with possible lung cancer is often complex and time consuming. A rapid outpatient diagnostic program (RODP) including 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) as a routine diagnostic tool may improve timeliness, however the diagnostic performance of such a combined approach of RODP remains unclear. Objectives: We evaluated timeliness of care and diagnostic performance of FDG-PET and contrast-enhanced CT (FDG-PET/CT) in an RODP for all patients referred with a chest X-ray suspicious of lung cancer. Methods: Charts of patients referred to the 2-day RODP of our tertiary care university clinic after an abnormal chest X-ray between 1999 and 2009 were reviewed. Between 1999 and 2005 co-registered FDG-PET and CT imaging took place; from September 2005 onwards, a hybrid system was used. We analyzed timeliness of care and diagnostic performance of FDG-PET/CT to differentiate malignant from benign lesions. Results: In 386 patients available for analysis, 260 were diagnosed with lung cancer and 23 had another type of malignancy; in 78 patients benign disease was confirmed, and in another 45 the diagnosis was not pathologically confirmed but a median 24.5-month follow-up confirmed a benign outcome. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values and accuracy of FDG-PET/CT to differentiate lung cancer from benign disease were 97.7, 60.2, 92.5, 84.0 and 85.8%, respectively. Lung cancer patients had a median referral, diagnostic and therapeutic delay of 7, 2 and 19 days, respectively. Conclusions: FDG-PET/CT in an RODP setting for suspected lung cancer has high performance in detecting cancer and facilitates timely care.
The Tat Pathway Is Prevalent in Listeria monocytogenes Lineage II and Is Not Required for Infection and Spread in Host Cells
Authors: Machado Henrique , Lourenço António , Carvalho Filipe , Cabanes Didier , Kallipolitis Birgitte H. , Brito Luísa
Published: April 2013

Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogenic bacterium, remains a serious public health concern due to its frequent occurrence in food products coupled with a high mortality rate. Bacterial pathogenicity depends greatly on the ability to secrete virulence factors to or beyond the bacterial cell surface. The Tat pathway, one of the secretion systems present in L. monocytogenes, was until now only investigated in silico. In L. monocytogenes strain EGDe two genes constitute this pathway, tatC(lmo0361) and tatA(lmo0362). Here we show that tatC and tatA are cotranscribed in a bicistronic- and growth-phase-dependent manner, being downregulated in the stationary phase. An EGDe tatAC mutant strain (EGDe ΔtatAC) was constructed, confirming that the Tat pathway is not essential for L.monocytogenes survival or biofilm-forming ability. When compared to the wild-type EGDe, deletion of tatAC did not decrease the virulence potential of EGDe ΔtatAC in HT-29 human epithelial cell line and even increased (p < 0.05) the virulence potential for mice. Moreover, we show that tat genes are prevalent in L. monocytogenes strains belonging to genetic lineage II and are generally absent from lineage I, which is more associated with human cases, thus excluding the possibility of using the Tat system as a target for novel antimicrobial compounds targeting L.monocytogenes.
Divergent Mitochondrial Biogenesis Responses in Human Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ahuja Preeti , Wanagat Jonathan , Wang Zhihua , Wang Yibin , Liem David A. , Ping Peipei , Antoshechkin Igor A. , Margulies Kenneth B. , MacLellan W. Robb
Published: April 2013

Background—

Mitochondria are key players in the development and progression of heart failure (HF). Mitochondrial (mt) dysfunction leads to diminished energy production and increased cell death contributing to the progression of left ventricular failure. The fundamental mechanisms that underlie mt dysfunction in HF have not been fully elucidated.

Methods and Results—

To characterize mt morphology, biogenesis, and genomic integrity in human HF, we investigated left ventricular tissue from nonfailing hearts and end-stage ischemic (ICM) or dilated (DCM) cardiomyopathic hearts. Although mt dysfunction was present in both types of cardiomyopathy, mt were smaller and increased in number in DCM compared with ICM or nonfailing hearts. mt volume density and mtDNA copy number was increased by ≈2-fold (
P
<0.001) in DCM hearts in comparison with ICM hearts. These changes were accompanied by an increase in the expression of mtDNA-encoded genes in DCM versus no change in ICM. mtDNA repair and antioxidant genes were reduced in failing hearts, suggestive of a defective repair and protection system, which may account for the 4.1-fold increase in mtDNA deletion mutations in DCM (
P
<0.05 versus nonfailing hearts,
P
<0.05 versus ICM).

Conclusions—

In DCM, mt dysfunction is associated with mtDNA damage and deletions, which could be a consequence of mutating stress coupled with a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α–dependent stimulus for mt biogenesis. However, this maladaptive compensatory response contributes to additional oxidative damage. Thus, our findings support further investigations into novel mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for mt dysfunction in DCM.
The US Struggles in APEC’s Trade Politics: Coalition-Building and Regional Integration in the Asia-Pacific
Authors: Terada Takashi
Published: April 2013

Abstract

From a perspective of change in the institution’s function, the history of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) can be divided into four periods: 1989–1995, 1996–2001, 2001–2006, and 2007–present. APEC’s activities in each of these periods have been organized around major themes: respectively, the establishment of guidelines for liberalization; the implementation of liberalization measures; security issues such as counter-terrorism; and the establishment of a free trade area. American political will can be seen as a major driving force behind these changes in APEC’s agenda-setting. However, norm setting during the first and second periods encountered objections from China and Japan, respectively. During the third period, the Bush administration’s interest in combating terrorism through APEC was not supported by Asian members, who emphasized APEC’s primary role as a framework for economic cooperation, instead placed higher priorities on East Asian regionalism that excluded the US. In light of this shift, in the fourth period, the US once again urged that APEC should be used as a framework for liberalization and pushed for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). This period saw the discriminatory, legally-binding and reciprocity-based norms for trade liberalization take root in APEC, resulting largely from the American coalition-building approach through the promotion of the TPP as an existing integration framework. This has helped to create a critical mass while competition with China over regional trade policies becomes more intense, demonstrating the case where the US successfully set its own preferred agenda and norm together for the first time.
The Clash of Negotiations: The Impact of Outside Options on Multilateral Trade Negotiations
Authors: da Conceição-Heldt Eugénia
Published: April 2013

Abstract

While the number of preferential trade agreements (PTA) has increased rapidly in recent years, the Doha round of multilateral trade negotiations has been deadlocked since 2006. Most PTAs were even concluded after the start of the Doha round. Does the shift to PTAs “marginalize” the multilateral system? And is there a clash between preferential and multilateral trade liberalization? To answer these questions, we build upon negotiation analysis literature, arguing that the proliferation of PTAs draws negotiating capacity away from the multilateral level and thus reduces the incentives to agree on multilateral trade agreements. The willingness of actors to move from their initial bargaining positions and make concessions at the multilateral level depends on their outside options, that is, their best or worst alternatives to a negotiated agreement. The more credible an actor’s argument that he has a good alternative to multilateralism, the greater his bargaining power will be. In order to support the argument we will analyze the negotiation process at the multilateral level and link it to PTAs under negotiation by the EU, US, Brazil, Australia, and India.
Conference, Arbitration and the Triple Intervention of 1895: Relevance of the Western Ways of Dispute Settlement in East Asia
Authors: Fujisawa Iwao
Published: April 2013

Abstract

This article attempts to understand how East Asian nations dealt with the norms and concepts of Western international law and for that purpose takes up the peace process of the Sino-Japanese War. It argues that in that incident neither China nor Japan passively accepted the methods of dispute settlement developed in Western international law and that rather those countries tried to pick and choose among the legal institutions of that law according to their respective interests. This article concludes that the incident suggests Western international law was not immune to changes through the interaction between Europeans and East Asians in the process of its expansion.
Taxonomic notes on South American Miconia (Melastomataceae). III
Authors: GOLDENBERG RENATO , CADDAH MAYARA K.
Published: April 2013

We propose nine synonyms and five lectotypifications for South American Miconia (Melastomataceae). Miconia acreana is synonymized under M. erioclada; Miconia depauperata and M. doriana under M. paniculata; Miconia inconspicua var. glabrata under M. petropolitana; Miconia japuraensis under M. juruensis; Miconia martiusiana under M. cinnamomifolia; Miconia maximiliana under M. ibaguensis, Miconia pileata under M. ciliata and Miconia pseudonervosa under M. nervosa. We propose lectotypes for M. acreana, M. doriana, M. juruensis, M. longicuspis and M. pileata.
A name for the glass catfish (Teleostei: Siluridae) revisited
Authors: NG HEOK HEE , KOTTELAT MAURICE
Published: April 2013

We recently described a new species of catfish, Kryptopterus vitreolus (see Ng & Kottelat, 2013). Although the abstract, the introduction and the running title of that work made it clear that it was a new species, some may argue that the name is unavailable because it is not accompanied by the magic words ‘new species’. Article 16.1 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (hereafter the Code) requires that in order to be available a new name “must be explicitly indicated as intentionally new”. Although our study explained that the species had no name and went on to provide a description and propose a name for it, we inadvertently omitted to accompany the name with the words “new species”, leaving room for argument that the name is technically unavailable in terms of Art. 16.1 of the Code.
Iberian species of the subgenus Bunobus De Ley, Siddiqi & Boström, 1993 (Nematoda, Rhabditida, Cephalobidae), with description of Pseudacrobeles (Bunobus) rotundilabiatus sp. n. and comments on the subgenus
Authors: ABOLAFIA JOAQUÍN , PEÑA-SANTIAGO REYES
Published: April 2013

Two Iberian species of the subgenus Pseudacrobeles (Bunobus), one new and another known, collected from natural areas are described and illustrated, including morphometric and LM photographs. Pseudacrobeles (Bunobus) rotundilabiatus sp. n. is characterized by a body length of 624–805 μm long in females and 670–714 μm in males, lateral field with three incisures terminating gradually near the phasmid, lip region continuous with the adjacent body, subdorsal and subventral lips rounded, lateral lips reduced, stoma 13–17 μm long, pharyngeal corpus 3.0–4.3 times as long as isthmus, V = 63–74, spermatheca 22–62 μm long, postvulval sac 1.0–2.0 times the body diameter in length, female tail conical elongated (59–83 μm, c = 9.7–11.6, c' = 4.5–6.8) ending in a lanceolate mucro slightly tuberculate proximally, male tail conical (38–40 μm long, c = 10.1–16.8, c' = 3.9), spicules 25 μm long, and gubernaculum 14 μm long. Pseudacrobeles (Bunobus) pseudolatus is re-described based on type specimens. In addition, an emended diagnosis is provided for the subgenus as well as an updated list of species, a compendium of their morphometrics and a key to their identification.
New records of processid shrimps from the Indo-West and East Pacific (Crustacea: Decapoda)
Authors: DE GRAVE SAMMY , ANKER ARTHUR
Published: April 2013

New records are presented for the caridean shrimp family Processidae in Indo-West and East Pacific waters, based mainly on recently collected material. These records highlight that many processid species may be relatively widespread, although the distribution of some species remains imperfectly known. The colour pattern of several species is here documented for the first time, showing its potential use as an additional identification character. The available information on the ecology of the reported species is summarised.
A new oviraptorid (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the Upper Cretaceous of southern China
Authors: WANG SHUO , SUN CHENGKAI , SULLIVAN CORWIN , XU XING
Published: April 2013

This paper describes a new oviraptorid dinosaur taxon, Ganzhousaurus nankangensis gen. et sp. nov., based on a specimen collected from the Upper Cretaceous Nanxiong Formation of Nankang County, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, southern China. This new taxon is distinguishable from other oviraptorids based on the following unique combination of primitive and derived features: relatively shallow dentary; absence of fossa or pneumatopore on lateral surface of dentary; weakly downturned anterior mandibular end; shallow depression immediately surrounding anterior margin of external mandibular fenestra; external mandibular fenestra subdivided by anterior process of surangular; dentary posteroventral process slight-ly twisted and positioned on mandibular ventrolateral surface; shallow longitudinal groove along medial surface of den-tary posteroventral process; angular anterior process wider transversely than deep dorsoventrally; sharp groove along ventrolateral surface of angular anterior process; ventral border of external mandibular fenestra formed mainly by angular; ventral flange along distal half of metatarsal II; and arctometatarsal condition absent. Phylogenetic analysis places Gan-zhousaurus nankangensis gen. et sp. nov. in the clade Oviraptoridae, together with Oviraptor, Citipati, Rinchenia and the unnamed Zamyn Khondt oviraptorid.
A new genus of pine-feeding Cochylina from the western United States and northern Mexico (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Euliini)
Authors: BROWN JOHN W.
Published: April 2013

Eupinivora, new genus, is described and illustrated from the montane regions of western United States (Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas) and Mexico (Nuevo León, Durango, and Estado de Mexico). As presently defined, the genus includes seven species: E. ponderosae, n. sp. (USA: Arizona) (type species); E. angulicosta, n. sp. (Mexico: Nuevo León); E. albolineana, n. sp. (Mexico: Durango); E. thaumantias (Razowski, 1994), n. comb. (Mexico: Estado de Mexico); E. hamartopenis (Razowski, 1986), n. comb. (Mexico: Durango); E. unicolora, n. sp. (Mexico: Durango); and E. rufofascia, n. sp. (Mexico: Durango). The new genus is most closely related to Henricus Busck, 1943, from which it can be distinguished by the short upturned labial palpi, the presence of a variable cluster of long spine-like external setae from near the middle of the phallus in the male genitalia, the absence of cornuti in the vesica, the absence of the subgenital sex scales in the male, and a forewing pattern that in most of the included species is reminiscent of that of Argyrotaenia ponera Walsingham and its relatives. Four of the new species were reared from the cones of Pinus arizonica var. cooperi Blanco (Pinaceae) and one from Pinus ponderosa P. & C. Lawson; all of the species occur in habitats dominated by conifers at elevations between ca. 1700 and 2750 m. Two specimens from New Mexico were collected in traps baited with a synthetic pheromone for the bud worm Choristoneura lambertiana (Busck, 1915) (Archipini)—90% 92:8E:Z11-14AC, 10% 90:10E:Z11OH—which is consistent with that recorded for other Cochylina.
Tooth-surface-specific Effects of Xylitol
Authors: Ritter A.V. , Bader J.D. , Leo M.C. , Preisser J.S. , Shugars D.A. , Vollmer W.M. , Amaechi B.T. , Holland J.C.
Published: April 2013

The Xylitol for Adult Caries Trial was a three-year, double-blind, multi-center, randomized clinical trial that evaluated the effectiveness of xylitol vs. placebo lozenges in the prevention of dental caries in caries-active adults. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to investigate whether xylitol lozenges had a differential effect on cumulative caries increments on different tooth surfaces. Participants (ages 21-80 yrs) with at least one follow-up visit (n = 620) were examined at baseline, 12, 24, and 33 months. Negative binomial and zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) for xylitol’s differential effect on cumulative caries increments on root and coronal surfaces and, among coronal surfaces, on smooth (buccal and lingual), occlusal, and proximal surfaces. Participants in the xylitol arm developed 40% fewer root caries lesions (0.23 D2FS/year) than those in the placebo arm (0.38 D2FS/year; IRR = 0.60; 95% CI [0.44, 0.81]; p < .001). There was no statistically significant difference between xylitol and control participants in the incidence of smooth-surface caries ( p = .100), occlusal-surface caries ( p = .408), or proximal-surface caries ( p = .159). Among these caries-active adults, xylitol appears to have a caries-preventive effect on root surfaces (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00393055).
Learning Needs of Youth With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Richards Denise , Larkin Mary , Milaszewski Kerry , Javier Elaine , Casey Terri , Grey Margaret
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine reports of diabetes learning needs by youth with type 2 diabetes and their family support person (FSP) and to examine correlations of these perceptions with demographic variables.

Methods

Data were analyzed from the Participant Needs Assessment (PNA), a routinely self-administered questionnaire designed to assess learning needs, in 191 youth (mean age = 14.0 ± 1.9 years, duration 8.78 ± 6.30 months; 36% black, non-Hispanic; 40% Hispanic; 20% white) enrolled in the TODAY (Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth) study. Youth and their FSPs completed the PNA at scheduled study visits, rating their learning needs on a 5-point scale, with higher scores indicating higher needs. Paired t tests and ANOVA were used.

Results

There were no differences in reported learning needs by gender, although scores on the Teen Issues scale approached significance, with girls reporting higher needs than boys. Youth and FSPs were similar on their reports of needs on 3 scales (Ordinary Day, Nutrition, and Living With Diabetes), but youth reported higher needs than FSPs on Focus and Teen Issues. Controlling for duration of diabetes, these differences between youth and FSPs persisted. In general, learning needs for both youth and FSPs decreased over time.

Conclusions

Youth with type 2 diabetes and their FSPs have high levels of ongoing learning needs despite completion of a standard diabetes education program. Continued assessment of learning needs, follow-up education, and behavioral approaches are warranted for these high-risk youth.
Selenium Deficiency in Pediatric Patients With Intestinal Failure as a Consequence of Drug Shortage
Authors: Davis Cheryl , Javid Patrick J. , Horslen Simon
Published: April 2013

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a lifesaving therapy for children with intestinal failure and can now be used chronically without the life‐threatening complications of the past. Adequate intravenous trace element supplementation is required as part of a complete nutrition prescription. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the number of drug shortages, including sterile injectable agents used as PN components, has increased since 2010. Selenious acid as an individual additive was recently unavailable at our institution for 9 months due to a national shortage. Materials and Methods: To assess the impact of the selenious acid shortage, we retrospectively compiled data from existing clinical records for eligible patients. We included children with intestinal failure on full PN support who were older than 1 year at the onset of the selenium shortage. Whole‐blood selenium concentrations prior to the selenious acid shortage were compared with concentrations drawn during the shortage. Results: Five patients with intestinal failure and complete PN dependence were identified, and all 5 patients had normal serum selenium concentrations prior to the shortage. All 5 patients developed severe biochemical selenium deficiency in direct correlation with the shortage of selenium. No morbidity associated with selenium deficiency was observed. Selenium concentrations recovered after selenium supplementation was reinstituted. Conclusion: A national selenious acid shortage was associated with biochemical selenium deficiency in a cohort of children with intestinal failure. Despite very low selenium concentrations, none of our patients exhibited clinical signs of deficiency.