bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gallbladder bed resection or hepatectomy of segments 4a and 5 for pT2 gallbladder carcinoma: analysis of Japanese registration cases by the study group for biliary surgery of the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery
Authors: Horiguchi Akihiko , Miyakawa Shuichi , Ishihara Shin , Miyazaki Masaru , Ohtsuka Masayuki , Shimizu Hiroaki , Sano Keiji , Miura Fumihiko , Ohta Tetsuo , Kayahara Masato , Nagino Masato , Igami Tsuyoshi , Hirano Satoshi , Yamaue Hiroki , Tani Masaji , Yamamoto Masakazu , Ota Takehiro , Shimada Mitsuo , Morine Yuji , Kinoshita Hisafumi , Yasunaga Masafumi , Takada Tadahiro
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Hepatectomy of segments 4a and 5 (S4a+5) is the recommended treatment for pT2 gallbladder cancer. However, gallbladder bed resection is also occasionally used. Using nationwide data from the Japanese Biliary Tract Cancer Registry and a questionnaire survey, we retrospectively compared these 2 methods of treatment.

Method

The study involved 85 patients with pT2, pN0 gallbladder cancer (55 treated with gallbladder bed resection, and 30, with S4a+5 hepatectomy). The prognosis and mode of tumor recurrence following treatment were analyzed retrospectively, with overall survival as the endpoint.

Results

The 5‐year survival rate did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Univariate analysis showed that bile duct resection and perineural tumor invasion were significant prognostic factors, but the extent of hepatectomy, location of the major intramural tumor, regional lymph node excision, and histological type were not. Multivariate analysis identified perineural tumor invasion as a significant prognostic factor. Recurrence occurred most frequently in both lobes than S4a+5 of the liver following gallbladder bed resection.

Conclusion

In the present study of cases of Japanese Biliary Tract Cancer Registry, it was not possible to conclude that S4a+5 hepatectomy was superior to gallbladder bed resection.
Association between gallbladder stones and chronic hepatitis C: Ultrasonographic survey in a hepatitis C and B hyperendemic township in Taiwan
Authors: Dai Chia‐Yen , Lin Chia‐I , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Hsieh Meng‐Hsuan , Huang Chung‐Feng , Hou Nai‐Jen , Hsieh Ming‐Yen , Huang Jee‐Fu , Lin Zu‐Yau , Chen Shinn‐Cherng , Wang Liang‐Yen , Chang Wen‐Yu , Chen Jong‐Shyong , Yu Ming‐Lung , Chuang Wan‐Long
Published: February 2013

Gallbladder (GB) stones have been associated with several metabolic factors and liver diseases. This community‐based study aimed at investigating the prevalence rate of GB stones and its associated factors in a hepatitis B virus (HBV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐endemic township in southern Taiwan. A total of 1701 residents (689 males and 1012 females; mean age: 51.2 ± 16.0 years) were enrolled in this prospectively designed screening project. Serum biochemistry tests, including testing for levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and antibody to HCV (anti‐HCV) were conducted. In addition, a hepatobiliary ultrasonographic (US) examination was also conducted. Of the 1701 residents, 243 (14.3%) and 475 (27.9%) were found to be positive for HBsAg and anti‐HCV, respectively. Results of the US examination revealed the prevalence rate of GB stone and fatty liver to be 6.8% and 55.6%, respectively. Using univariate analyses we found that significantly higher proportions of the participants with GB stone were male, over 50 years of age, positive for anti‐HCV (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively), with significantly higher mean age and ALT level (p ≤ 0.001 and p = 0.048, respectively) than did those without GB stone. By applying multivariate analyses, male gender, positive anti‐HCV, and older age (>50 year) were identified as independent factors associated with the formation of GB stones. Anti‐HCV was associated with GB stones in males but not in females in both univariate and multivariate analyses. GB stones were found to have a prevalence rate of 6.8% in this HCV/HBV hyperendemic township and are associated with higher mean age. A correlation between chronic hepatitis C and GB stones is observed only among males.
Why do Lutherans Sing? Lutherans, Music, and the Gospel in the First Century of the Reformation
Authors: Loewe J. Andreas
Published: February 2013

Martin Luther regarded music as a crucial instrument to communicate the Gospel and the Reformation message. From the outset of his Reformation, a distinctive Lutheran musical tradition was fostered in electoral Saxony, its dependent territories and neighboring principalities. A review of contemporary records from the second decade of the sixteenth century to the turn of the seventeenth century enables the assessment of the role music played as an educational and theological tool in the life of Lutheran communities: the School Ordinances of electoral Saxony and neighboring principalities show the incorporation of music as a key curricular requirement in Lutheran education, while the Statutes of Lutheran choirs[Kantoreien]illustrate how theologians, educators and musicians closely worked together to shape Lutheran communities centred on music-making, in order to reform worship, further the Reformation message and to create community cohesion.
Representation, Education and Agrarian Reform: Jogendranath Mandal and the nature of Scheduled Caste politics, 1937–1943
Authors: SEN DWAIPAYAN
Published: February 2013

This paper focusses on the Namasudra leader Jogendranath Mandal (1904–1968), and presents a study of the principal demands submitted by Scheduled Caste legislators over the course of the first half-decade of the Bengal legislative assembly. It seeks to understand these demands and why they were frustrated. It also traces and attempts to explain the withering away of Mandal's initial association with and favourable disposition towards the Congress. In contrast to accepted historiography, it argues that Scheduled Caste politics encompassed demands for representation, education and agrarian reform. It documents how their implementation (particularly the demand for representation) was compromised largely as a consequence of caste Hindu misrecognition.
Cinema-going in a port town, 1914–1951: film booking patterns at the Queens Cinema, Portsmouth
Authors: JAMES ROBERT
Published: February 2013

This article examines the localized nature of leisure provision and consumer taste in Britain in the first half of the twentieth century. Based on an analysis of the cinema-going habits of naval personnel and dockyard workers and their families in the naval town of Portsmouth, this article reveals how closely consumers’ tastes were predicated on their social and cultural identities. By mapping film booking patterns at one cinema, this article reveals how cinema managers chose to book films which responded directly to the tastes of their patrons. The article concludes that the film preferences of this community were shaped by their close connections with naval life.
X-ray variability of 104 active galactic nuclei
Authors: González-Martín O. , Vaughan S.
Published: February 2013

We have performed a uniform analysis of the power spectrum densities (PSDs) of 104 nearby (z<0.4) active galactic nuclei (AGN) using 209 XMM-Newton/pn observations, including several AGN classes. These PSDs span ≃ 3 decades in temporal frequencies, ranging from minutes to days. We have fitted each PSD to two models: (1) a single power-law model and (2) a bending power-law model. A fraction of 72% show significant variability. The PSD of the majority of the variable AGN was well described by a simple power-law with a mean index of α = 2.01±0.01. In 15 sources we found that the bending power law model was preferred with a mean slope of α = 3.08±0.04 and a mean bend frequency of 〈νb〉 ≃ 2 × 10−4 Hz. Only KUG 1031+398 (RE J1034+396) shows evidence for quasi-periodic oscillations. The ‘fundamental plane’ relating variability timescale, black hole mass, and luminosity is demonstrated using the new X-ray timing results presented here together with a compilation of the previously detected timescales from the literature.
X-Ray Variability in LINERs
Authors: Hernández-García L. , González-Martín O. , Masegosa J. , Márquez I
Published: February 2013

Active galactic nuclei (AGN) are powered by energetic phenomena which cannot be attributed to stars. LINERs appears to be the low power end of the AGN sequence with the lowest Eddington ratios but hosting the most massive black holes (typically 109M⊙). Whereas variability is common for high Eddington ratio emitting sources, in the low Eddington regime data are not so clear. Recent investigations at UV (Maozet al. 2005) and X-ray frequencies (Youneset al. 2011, González-Martínet al. 2011) point out to the long term variable nature for some particular LINERs.

In this work we add more evidence about the X-ray variability in LINERs and investigate its nature. The data set comprises X-ray archival spectroscopy from observations taken fromChandraandXMM-Newton, selecting LINERs with several observations at different epochs. Up to now we analysed two LINER 1.9 objects, NGC 1052 and NGC 4278, and checked that variability is due to different mechanisms based on the results of spectral fittings.
Impact of accretion on the statistics of neutron star masses
Authors: Cheng Z. , Taani A. , Zhao Y. H.
Published: February 2013

We have collected the parameter of 38 neutron stars (NSs) in binary systems with spin periods and measured masses. By adopting the Boot-strap method, we reproduced the procedure of mass calculated for each system separately, to determine the truly mass distribution of the NS that obtained from observation. We also applied the Monte-Carlo simulation and introduce the characteristic spin period 20 ms, in order to distinguish between millisecond pulsars (MSPs) and less recycled pulsars. The mass distributions of MSPs and the less recycled pulsars could be fitted by a Gaussian function as 1.45±0.42 M⊙ and 1.31±0.17 M⊙ (with 1σ) respectively. As such, the MSP masses are heavier than those in less recycled systems by factor of ~ 0.13M⊙, since the accretion effect during the recycling process.
The gravitational wave signal from isolated objects
Authors: Liu Jinzhong , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2013

According to the theoretical study, a deformation object (e.g., a spinning non-axisymmetric pulsar star) will radiate a gravitational wave (GW) signal during an accelaration motion process by LIGO science project. These types of disturbance sources with a large bump or dimple on the equator would survive and be identifiable as GW sources. In this work, we aim to provide a method for exploring GW radiation from isolated neutron stars (NSs) with deformation state using some observational results, which can be confirmed by the next LIGO project. Combination with the properties in observation results (e.g., PSR J1748-2446, PSR 1828-11 and Cygnus X-1), based on a binary population synthesis (BPS) approach we give a numerical GW radiation under the assumption that NS should have non-axisymmetric and give the results of energy spectrum. We find that the GW luminosity of LGW can be changed from about 1040 erg/s – 1055 erg/s.
Self-gravitational collapse of polytropic mass-losing gaseous discs: effects of outer boundary condition dictated by parent cloud
Authors: Nourbakhsh Erfan , Shadmehri Mohsen , Abbassi Shahram
Published: February 2013

Given the fact that accretion discs are associated with their parent molecular cloud, we studied its effects as a constraint on the outer boundary of the viscous-resistive polytropic self-gravitating accretion flows subject to the mass and angular momentum loss.
Analytical Modeling of Radial Velocity Curves of Hα Emission from WW And
Authors: Schwarz Casey , Montgomery Michele M.
Published: February 2013

Radial Velocity (RV) plots of emission lines, including Hα, from non-magnetic Cataclysmic Variables (CV), are usually fit with a sin curve. This sin fit sometimes does not prove to be the best fit for some non-magnetic CVs with accretion discs. An analytical model is created based on our 3D Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic (SPH) numerical code in order to simulate the RV curves. The observational target is WW And, a long period non-magnetic CV. The model takes into account disc ellipticity and inclination angle that provide good non-sinusoidal fits to the observed RV data.
PDGF-mediated autophagy regulates vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype and resistance to oxidative stress
Authors: Salabei Joshua K. , Cummins Timothy D. , Singh Mahavir , Jones Steven P. , Bhatnagar Aruni , Hill Bradford G.
Published: February 2013

Vascular injury and chronic arterial diseases result in exposure of VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells) to increased concentrations of growth factors. The mechanisms by which growth factors trigger VSMC phenotype transitions remain unclear. Because cellular reprogramming initiated by growth factors requires not only the induction of genes involved in cell proliferation, but also the removal of contractile proteins, we hypothesized that autophagy is an essential modulator of VSMC phenotype. Treatment of VSMCs with PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor)-BB resulted in decreased expression of the contractile phenotype markers calponin and α-smooth muscle actin and up-regulation of the synthetic phenotype markers osteopontin and vimentin. Autophagy, as assessed by LC3 (microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 α; also known as MAP1LC3A)-II abundance, LC3 puncta formation and electron microscopy, was activated by PDGF exposure. Inhibition of autophagy with 3-methyladenine, spautin-1 or bafilomycin stabilized the contractile phenotype. In particular, spautin-1 stabilized α-smooth muscle cell actin and calponin in PDGF-treated cells and prevented actin filament disorganization, diminished production of extracellular matrix, and abrogated VSMC hyperproliferation and migration. Treatment of cells with PDGF prevented protein damage and cell death caused by exposure to the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal. The results of the present study demonstrate a distinct form of autophagy induced by PDGF that is essential for attaining the synthetic phenotype and for survival under the conditions of high oxidative stress found to occur in vascular lesions.
Resolving the transition from negative to positive blood oxygen level-dependent responses in the developing brain
Authors: Kozberg Mariel G. , Chen Brenda R. , DeLeo Sarah E. , Bouchard Matthew B. , Hillman Elizabeth M. C.
Published: February 2013

The adult brain exhibits a local increase in cortical blood flow in response to external stimulus. However, broadly varying hemodynamic responses in the brains of newborn and young infants have been reported. Particular controversy exists over whether the “true” neonatal response to stimulation consists of a decrease or an increase in local deoxyhemoglobin, corresponding to a positive (adult-like) or negative blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), respectively. A major difficulty with previous studies has been the variability in human subjects and measurement paradigms. Here, we present a systematic study in neonatal rats that charts the evolution of the cortical blood flow response during postnatal development using exposed-cortex multispectral optical imaging. We demonstrate that postnatal-day-12–13 rats (equivalent to human newborns) exhibit an “inverted” hemodynamic response (increasing deoxyhemoglobin, negative BOLD) with early signs of oxygen consumption followed by delayed, active constriction of pial arteries. We observed that the hemodynamic response then matures via development of an initial hyperemic (positive BOLD) phase that eventually masks oxygen consumption and balances vasoconstriction toward adulthood. We also observed that neonatal responses are particularly susceptible to stimulus-evoked systemic blood pressure increases, leading to cortical hyperemia that resembles adult positive BOLD responses. We propose that this confound may account for much of the variability in prior studies of neonatal cortical hemodynamics. Our results suggest that functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of infant and child development may be profoundly influenced by the maturing neurovascular and autoregulatory systems of the neonatal brain.
Crystal structure and functional mechanism of a human antimicrobial membrane channel
Authors: Song Chen , Weichbrodt Conrad , Salnikov Evgeniy S. , Dynowski Marek , Forsberg Björn O. , Bechinger Burkhard , Steinem Claudia , de Groot Bert L. , Zachariae Ulrich , Zeth Kornelius
Published: February 2013

Multicellular organisms fight bacterial and fungal infections by producing peptide-derived broad-spectrum antibiotics. These host-defense peptides compromise the integrity of microbial cell membranes and thus evade pathways by which bacteria develop rapid antibiotic resistance. Although more than 1,700 host-defense peptides have been identified, the structural and mechanistic basis of their action remains speculative. This impedes the desired rational development of these agents into next-generation antibiotics. We present the X-ray crystal structure as well as solid-state NMR spectroscopy, electrophysiology, and MD simulations of human dermcidin in membranes that reveal the antibiotic mechanism of this major human antimicrobial, found to suppress
Staphylococcus aureus
growth on the epidermal surface. Dermcidin forms an architecture of high-conductance transmembrane channels, composed of zinc-connected trimers of antiparallel helix pairs. Molecular dynamics simulations elucidate the unusual membrane permeation pathway for ions and show adjustment of the pore to various membranes. Our study unravels the comprehensive mechanism for the membrane-disruptive action of this mammalian host-defense peptide at atomistic level. The results may form a foundation for the structure-based design of peptide antibiotics.
MUSICIANS MAKE MARKETS
Authors: DeNora Tia
Published: February 2013

Arts markets are not ‘neutral’. Rather, they are inevitably coloured by socio-cultural practices and regularities, some of which are embedded in and afforded by aesthetic forms and the values and images associated with these forms. The stabilisation of distribution and consumption patterns over time may thus be linked to, and structured by, often tacitly delineated meanings, values and practices associated with artistic products (musical works and their performance, in this case). These associations afford emotional attachments and identity-stances that may become integral to artistic distribution and in ways that are socially consequential. To the extent that distribution and consumption are inflected in these ways, markets may be understood to be culturally inflected. Market processes, in other words, can be seen as structures that are both shaped by, and shape, the flow and exchange of passion, emotion and often unremarked forms of sensibility. I explore these themes through a case study of the production and distribution of Beethoven's keyboard concertos in early nineteenth century Vienna. I describe how the distribution of Beethoven's works offered gendered ‘object lessons’ about music producer/distributers (composer/performers) and music consumers. Through these lessons, the market for high culture music came to be associated with exhibitions of physical prowess, a heroic mien, and, almost exclusively, performances by men.
First Report of Euphorbia larica Dieback Caused by Fusarium brachygibbosum in Oman
Authors: Al-Mahmooli I. H. , Al-Bahri Y. S. , Al-Sadi A. M. , Deadman M. L.
Published: February 2013

Euphorbia larica Boiss. (Arabic = Isbaq) is a dominant and common component of the native desert flora of northern Oman. Traditional ethnobotanical uses have included use of the latex for treating camels with parasites. In February 2011, E. larica plants showing stem lesions up to several cm long and in many cases with stem dieback were collected from Al-Khoudh 50 km west of Muscat. The disease appeared widespread within the location where several dead specimens were also recorded, although the cause was unclear. Sections (5 mm) of five diseased branches taken from different plants and placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) in all cases yielded Fusarium-like colonies. Colonies recovered were initially white becoming rose to medium red in color with abundant aerial mycelium. Macroconidia were scarce and scattered (mean of 20 spores: 26.83 × 4.73 μm) with three to four septa per spore; microconidia were slightly curved, ovoid, and fusiform (mean of 20 spores: 11.64 × 4.03 μm) with zero to two septa per spore. Spherical chlamydospores (mean of 20 spores: 11.05 μm) were terminal and intercalary, single, and in chains. In vitro characters and spores measurements conformed to previously described features of Fusarium brachygibbosum Padwick (1). Mycelial plugs (5 mm) were taken from 7-day-old cultures of the fungus grown on 2.5% PDA and applied to a small incision (3 mm) on the stems of healthy E. larica grown in situ and protected with wet cotton and Parafilm. The residual agar, mycelium, cotton, and Parafilm were removed after 7 days and symptoms were recorded. Control stems were inoculated using PDA (5 mm) plugs alone and inoculations were repeated twice. Artificial inoculations resulted in dieback of all stems within 11 days and fungal colonies identical to initial isolations were recovered from artificially infected surface-sterilized stem pieces. Identification of F. brachygibbosum was confirmed by comparing sequences generated from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA (ITS1 and ITS4 primers) and the intron region of translation elongation factor alpha (EF1-α) (EF-1-986 and EF-728 primers). The ITS and EF1-α sequences were found to share 100% and 99% nucleotide similarity to previously published sequences of the ITS (HQ443206) and EF1-α (JQ429370) regions of F. brachygibbosum in GenBank. The accession number of ITS sequence of one isolate assigned to EMBL-Bank was HF562936. The EF sequence was assigned to EMBL-Bank accession (submission number Hx2000027017; number will be sent later). This pathogen has previously been reported on date palm (2) in Oman but, to our knowledge, this is the first report of this pathogen on E. larica.

References: (1) A. M. Al-Sadi et al. Crop Prot. 37:1, 2012. (2) G. W. Padwick. Mycol. Pap. 12:11, 1945.
Multi-scale computational models of the airways to unravel the pathophysiological mechanisms in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AirPROM)
Authors: Burrowes K. S. , De Backer J. , Smallwood R. , Sterk P. J. , Gut I. , Wirix-Speetjens R. , Siddiqui S. , Owers-Bradley J. , Wild J. , Maier D. , Brightling C.
Published: February 2013

The respiratory system comprises several scales of biological complexity: the genes, cells and tissues that work in concert to generate resultant function. Malfunctions of the structure or function of components at any spatial scale can result in diseases, to the detriment of gas exchange, right heart function and patient quality of life. Vast amounts of data emerge from studies across each of the biological scales; however, the question remains: how can we integrate and interpret these data in a meaningful way? Respiratory disease presents a huge health and economic burden, with the diseases asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affecting over 500 million people worldwide. Current therapies are inadequate owing to our incomplete understanding of the disease pathophysiology and our lack of recognition of the enormous disease heterogeneity: we need to characterize this heterogeneity on a patient-specific basis to advance healthcare. In an effort to achieve this goal, the AirPROM consortium (
Air
way disease
Pr
edicting
O
utcomes through patient-specific computational
M
odelling) brings together a multi-disciplinary team and a wealth of clinical data. Together we are developing an integrated multi-scale model of the airways in order to unravel the complex pathophysiological mechanisms occurring in the diseases asthma and COPD.
Navigating legal constraints in clinical data warehousing: a case study in personalized medicine
Authors: Jefferys Benjamin R. , Nwankwo Iheanyi , Neri Elias , Chang David C. W. , Shamardin Lev , Hänold Stefanie , Graf Norbert , Forgó Nikolaus , Coveney Peter
Published: February 2013

Personalized medicine relies in part upon comprehensive data on patient treatment and outcomes, both for analysis leading to improved models that provide the basis for enhanced treatment, and for direct use in clinical decision-making. A data warehouse is an information technology for combining and standardizing multiple databases. Data warehousing of clinical data is constrained by many legal and ethical considerations, owing to the sensitive nature of the data being stored. We describe an unconstrained clinical data warehousing architecture, some of the legal constraints that have led us to reconsider this architecture, and the legal and technical solutions to these constraints developed for the clinical data warehouse in the personalized medicine project p-medicine. We also propose some changes to the legal constraints that will further enable clinical research.
A vision and strategy for the virtual physiological human: 2012 update
Authors: Hunter Peter , Chapman Tara , Coveney Peter V. , de Bono Bernard , Diaz Vanessa , Fenner John , Frangi Alejandro F. , Harris Peter , Hose Rod , Kohl Peter , Lawford Pat , McCormack Keith , Mendes Miriam , Omholt Stig , Quarteroni Alfio , Shublaq Nour , Skår John , Stroetmann Karl , Tegner Jesper , Thomas S. Randall , Tollis Ioannis , Tsamardinos Ioannis , van Beek Johannes H. G. M. , Viceconti Marco
Published: February 2013

European funding under Framework 7 (FP7) for the virtual physiological human (VPH) project has been in place now for 5 years. The VPH Network of Excellence (NoE) has been set up to help develop common standards, open source software, freely accessible data and model repositories, and various training and dissemination activities for the project. It is also working to coordinate the many clinically targeted projects that have been funded under the FP7 calls. An initial vision for the VPH was defined by the FP6 STEP project in 2006. In 2010, we wrote an assessment of the accomplishments of the first two years of the VPH in which we considered the biomedical science, healthcare and information and communications technology challenges facing the project (Hunter
et al.
2010
Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A
368
, 2595–2614 (
doi:10.1098/rsta.2010.0048
)). We proposed that a not-for-profit professional umbrella organization, the VPH Institute, should be established as a means of sustaining the VPH vision beyond the time-frame of the NoE. Here, we update and extend this assessment and in particular address the following issues raised in response to Hunter
et al.
: (i) a vision for the VPH updated in the light of progress made so far, (ii) biomedical science and healthcare challenges that the VPH initiative can address while also providing innovation opportunities for the European industry, and (iii) external changes needed in regulatory policy and business models to realize the full potential that the VPH has to offer to industry, clinics and society generally.
Airflow elicits a spider's jump towards airborne prey. II. Flow characteristics guiding behaviour
Authors: Klopsch Christian , Kuhlmann Hendrik C. , Barth Friedrich G.
Published: February 2013

When hungry, the wandering spider
Cupiennius salei
is frequently seen to catch flying insect prey. The success of its remarkable prey-capture jump from its sitting plant into the air obviously depends on proper timing and sensory guidance. In this study, it is shown that particular features of the airflow generated by the insect suffice to guide the spider. Vision and the reception of substrate vibrations and airborne sound are not needed. The behavioural reactions of blinded spiders were examined by exposing them to natural and synthetic flows imitating the fly-generated flow or particular features of it. Thus, the different roles of the three phases previously identified in the fly-generated flow and described in the companion paper could be demonstrated. When exposing the spider to phase I flow only (exponentially increasing flow velocity with very little fluctuation and typical of the fly's approach), an orienting behaviour could be observed but a prey-capture jump never be elicited. Remarkably, the spider reacted to the onset of phase II (highly fluctuating flow) of a synthetically generated flow field with a jump as frequently as it did when exposed to natural fly-generated flows. In all cases using either natural or artificial flows, the spider's jump was triggered before its flow sensors were hit by phase III flow (steadily decreasing airflow velocity). Phase III may tell the spider that the prey has passed by already in case of no prey-capture reaction. Our study underlines the relevance of airflow in spider behaviour. It also reflects the sophisticated workings of their flow sensors (trichobothria) previously studied in detail. Presumably, the information contained in prey-generated airflows plays a similar role in many other arthropods.
Context-dependent decision-making: a simple Bayesian model
Authors: Lloyd Kevin , Leslie David S.
Published: February 2013

Many phenomena in animal learning can be explained by a context-learning process whereby an animal learns about different patterns of relationship between environmental variables. Differentiating between such environmental regimes or ‘contexts’ allows an animal to rapidly adapt its behaviour when context changes occur. The current work views animals as making sequential inferences about current context identity in a world assumed to be relatively stable but also capable of rapid switches to previously observed or entirely new contexts. We describe a novel decision-making model in which contexts are assumed to follow a Chinese restaurant process with inertia and full Bayesian inference is approximated by a sequential-sampling scheme in which only a single hypothesis about current context is maintained. Actions are selected via Thompson sampling, allowing uncertainty in parameters to drive exploration in a straightforward manner. The model is tested on simple two-alternative choice problems with switching reinforcement schedules and the results compared with rat behavioural data from a number of T-maze studies. The model successfully replicates a number of important behavioural effects: spontaneous recovery, the effect of partial reinforcement on extinction and reversal, the overtraining reversal effect, and serial reversal-learning effects.
Identification of a novel polyomavirus from vervet monkeys in Zambia
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroki , Kobayashi Shintaro , Ishii Akihiro , Ogawa Hirohito , Nakamura Ichiro , Moonga Ladslav , Hang’ombe Bernard M. , Mweene Aaron S. , Thomas Yuka , Kimura Takashi , Sawa Hirofumi , Orba Yasuko
Published: February 2013

To examine polyomavirus (PyV) infection in wildlife, we investigated the presence of PyVs in Zambia with permission from the Zambia Wildlife Authority. We analysed 200 DNA samples from the spleens and kidneys (n = 100 each) of yellow baboons and vervet monkeys (VMs) (n = 50 each). We detected seven PyV genome fragments in 200 DNA samples using a nested broad-spectrum PCR method, and identified five full-length viral genomes using an inverse PCR method. Phylogenetic analysis of virally encoded proteins revealed that four PyVs were closely related to either African green monkey PyV or simian agent 12. Only one virus detected from a VM spleen was found to be related, with relatively low nucleotide sequence identity (74 %), to the chimpanzee PyV, which shares 48 % nucleotide sequence identity with the human Merkel cell PyV identified from Merkel cell carcinoma. The obtained entire genome of this virus was 5157 bp and had large T- and small t-antigens, and VP1 and VP2 ORFs. This virus was tentatively named vervet monkey PyV 1 (VmPyV1) as a novel PyV. Comparison with other PyVs revealed that VmPyV1, like chimpanzee PyV, had a longer VP1 ORF. To examine whether the VmPyV1 genome could produce viral proteins in cultured cells, the whole genome was transfected into HEK293T cells. We detected VP1 protein expression in the transfected HEK293T cells by immunocytochemical and immunoblot analyses. Thus, we identified a novel PyV genome from VM spleen.
Finite element simulation of the effect of Al‐6063 billet quality on the extrusion die performance
Authors: Yilbas Bekir , Arif A.F.M. , Akhtar Sohail
Published: February 2013

Purpose

It has been observed from the history of failed dies used in local extrusion industry that after certain press cycles, severe die damage occurs by using more number of in‐house recycled billets. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the effect of billet quality on the extrusion die service life, based on using microstructural and finite element analyses.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical solution of stress distribution in extrusion die using microstructural and finite element analyses.

Findings

Simulation results demonstrate that extrusion die experiences high stresses and strains at critical locations by running secondary billets. Billet deformation behavior also shows that secondary billet has more resistance to flow during extrusion cycle, which results in such high stresses and strains in the die.

Research limitations/implications

The study includes a particular die used to extrude the aluminum alloy billets. It may need to generalized including materials other than aluminum alloy.

Practical implications

The findings are original and believed to be useful for engineers working in the extrusion dies. Since it is shown that secondary billets (recycled billets) have more resistance to flow in the dye, a care should be taken when estimating the die life for the practical applications.

Originality/value

It is an original work. It deals with the comparison of new and recycled billets's performance in terms of stress formation in the die during the extrusion cycle.
Determination of onset of plasticity (yielding) and comparison of local mechanical properties of friction stir welded aluminum alloys using the micro‐ and nano‐indentation techniques
Authors: Koumoulos Elias P. , Charitidis Costas A. , Daniolos Nikolaos M. , Pantelis Dimitrios I.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine if the nanoindentation technique is a reliable method and whether it can be used to measure the surface hardness (H) in friction stir welded aluminum alloys. In order to test the reliability of nanoindentation technique, nanohardness values for friction stir welded aluminum alloys were compared to microhardness values. Additionally, the onset of plasticity (yielding) is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Nanoindentation experiments were performed for the determination of onset on plasticity (yielding) and comparison of local mechanical properties of both welded alloys. In order to test the reliability of nanoindentation technique, nanohardness values for friction stir welded AA6082 were compared to microhardness values. The specimen was tested using two different instruments – a Vickers microhardness tester and a nanoindenter tester for fine scale evaluation of H.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that nanohardness values with a Berkovich indenter reliably correlate with Vickers microhardness values. Nanoindentation technique can provide reliable results for analyzing friction stir welded aluminum alloys. The welding process definitely affects the material mechanical properties.

Originality/value

Microhardness and nanohardness obtained values can be correlated carefully, regarding the similarities and the differences of the two above mentioned techniques.
Reflections from EGOS 2012: culture, design and sustainability
Authors: Mike Jeff
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share a personal perspective on the 28th Annual European Group on Organizational Studies (EGOS) Colloquium held in Helsinki, Finland in July 2012. It explores the author's reflection on his participation in the EGOS Colloquium Subtheme 29 titled “Designing Culturally Sustainable Organizations.”

Design/methodology/approach

The author's reflection was based on his participation from a constructionist perspective.

Findings

The author argued that participating in EGOS provided critical feedback and additional insights on his research regarding the design of culturally sustainable organizations and how this research may apply in the South Asian context.

Originality/value

This paper offers the personal perspective of an American doctoral student and human resources development professional with experience in South Asia on his observations as an attendee of the 28th Annual EGOS Colloquium.
Solubilization capacity of nonionic surfactant micelles exhibiting strong influence on export of intracellular pigments in Monascus fermentation
Authors: Kang Biyu , Zhang Xuehong , Wu Zhenqiang , Qi Hanshi , Wang Zhilong
Published: February 2013

In this study, perstractive fermentation of intracellular Monascus pigments in nonionic surfactant micelle aqueous solution had been studied. The permeability of cell membrane modified by nonionic surfactant might have influence on the rate of export of intracellular pigments into its extracellular broth while nearly no effect on the final extracellular pigment concentration. However, the solubilization of pigments in nonionic surfactant micelles strongly affected the final extracellular pigment concentration. The solubilization capacity of micelles depended on the kind of nonionic surfactant, the super‐molecule assembly structure of nonionic surfactant in an aqueous solution, and the nonionic surfactant concentration. Elimination of pigment degradation by export of intracellular Monascus pigments and solubilizing them into nonionic surfactant micelles was also confirmed experimentally. Thus, nonionic surfactant micelle aqueous solution is potential for replacement of organic solvent for perstractive fermentation of intracellular product.
A review of earthworm impact on soil function and ecosystem services
Authors: Blouin M. , Hodson M. E. , Delgado E. A. , Baker G. , Brussaard L. , Butt K. R. , Dai J. , Dendooven L. , Peres G. , Tondoh J. E. , Cluzeau D. , Brun J.‐J.
Published: February 2013

Biodiversity is responsible for the provision of many ecosystem services; human well‐being is based on these services, and consequently on biodiversity. In soil, earthworms represent the largest component of the animal biomass and are commonly termed ‘ecosystem engineers’. This review considers the contribution of earthworms to ecosystem services through pedogenesis, development of soil structure, water regulation, nutrient cycling, primary production, climate regulation, pollution remediation and cultural services. Although there has been much research into the role of earthworms in soil ecology, this review demonstrates substantial gaps in our knowledge related in particular to difficulties in identifying the effects of species, land use and climate. The review aims to assist people involved in all aspects of land management, including conservation, agriculture, mining or other industries, to obtain a broad knowledge of earthworms and ecosystem services.
The Effect of Zirconium Carbide on Ablation of SiC‐Coated Carbon/Silicon Carbide Composites Under an Oxy‐Acetylene Flame
Authors: Yang Xiang , Wei Li , Song Wang , Zhao‐Hui Chen
Published: February 2013

To improve the ablation resistance of PIP‐C/SiC composites, zirconium carbide (ZrC)‐modified SiC coating was prepared by chemical vapor deposition combined with slurry painting, then the ablation capability of the coated composites was tested under an oxy‐acetylene torch. Compared with the uncoated composites, linear and mass ablation rates of the coated composites decreased by 73.6% and 76.4%, respectively. The formation of zirconia from the oxidation of ZrC improved the ablation resistance of the composites because of anti‐oxidation performance, which absorbed heat from the flame and reduced erosive attack to C/SiC composites. Zirconia also acted as an accelerator for carbon fiber oxidation as it reacted with carbon during ablation. The heterogeneous reactions controlled the ablation of the composites.
Mortality, morbidity and evidence‐based management amongst patients in regional New Zealand with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (1997–2011)
Authors: Grainger B. T. , White S. , Lake S. , Hamer A. , Fisher N. , Pegg T.
Published: February 2013

Background

Heart failure and its management represents a significant health burden, the extent of which is poorly understood in regional New Zealand.

Aims

To investigate mortality, quality of life, hospitalisation, and evidence‐based medical and device management of severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in a regional New Zealand setting.

Methods

A retrospective case series was undertaken of 1126 patients with a LV ejection fraction <36% on transthoracic echocardiograms performed between 1 October 1997 and 31 March 2011 in Nelson Marlborough District Health Board. All‐cause mortality and hospitalisation data were analysed for all participants. Substudies were undertaken regarding pharmacotherapy, demographics, implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation rates and quality of life based on the EQ‐5D questionnaire and New York Heart Association class.

Results

Five‐year cumulative survival was 44.5%. The mean annual medical admission rate was 204/100 000; 54.84% of which were readmissions in the same year. Prescription rates for angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin‐receptor blockers, beta‐blockers and spironolactone were 68.3%, 74.2% and 24.9%, respectively, with only 17.6%, 19.0% and 16.4% on maximum recommended doses. implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator devices were inserted in 11.5% of eligible patients. Quality of life was impaired in patients <70 years relative to the age‐approximated New Zealand index population. Mean EQ‐5D visual analogue score was 72.6 ± 0.032 and self‐reported New York Heart Association class 2.09 ± 0.107

Conclusion

Patients with severe LV systolic dysfunction in this regional New Zealand community experience similar mortality and first hospitalisation rates to those seen elsewhere in patients with clinical heart failure, but a greater number of readmissions. Medical and device therapy utilisation was suboptimal, and quality of life impaired, together supporting the need for a dedicated heart failure service.
Postoperative Septic Arthritis After Elective Equine Arthroscopy Without Antimicrobial Prophylaxis
Authors: Borg Hanna , Carmalt James L.
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To determine the frequency of postoperative septic arthritis after elective arthroscopy in the absence of prophylactic antimicrobial therapy and to report complication rate of 444 consecutive equine arthroscopies.

Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Horses (n = 444).

Methods

Medical records of 444 consecutive elective equine arthroscopies (2008–2010) were reviewed. Horses that had septic arthritis on admission or those admitted for tenoscopy and bursoscopy, or had arthroscopic assisted internal fracture fixation were not included. Age and sex of horse, duration of anesthesia, joint examined, number of portals, surgeon, postoperative complications, date of complication, and number of septic joints were recorded.

Results

For 444 horses, 636 joints were explored. Nineteen horses had 20 complications (fever [n = 9], surgical site infection [3], cellulitis [1], wounds associated with inappropriate bandaging [2], limb swelling postsuture removal [1], medical colic [1], septic joint [3]). Horses with septic joints did not have any other complications. The incidence of sepsis was 0.5% joints or 0.7% horses. All horses survived and returned to function.

Conclusions

Joint infection rate in the horse population that had elective arthroscopy without antimicrobial prophylaxis compares favorably with other reports citing 0.9% sepsis in horses after arthroscopy in which horses received either no antimicrobials or were administered pre or perioperative antimicrobial therapy.
Reconstruction of nasal defects with forehead flaps in patients older than 75 years of age
Authors: Kendler M. , Averbeck M. , Wetzig T.
Published: February 2013

Background

As the number of elderly patients diagnosed with non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) increases, the number of patients receiving dermatologic surgery also increases. Multimorbidity in this patient group is common.

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the aesthetic and functional outcomes and complications of forehead flap (FHF) in elderly patients with NMSC.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2011, data for 28 patients 75 years of age or older who had been treated with FHFs under tumescent local anaesthesia were analysed.

Results

The median age of the study participants was 81 years (range, 75–95 years). Of the 28 total patients, 16 (57%) were female and 12 (43%) were male. The average defect size was 11 cm² (5–30 cm²). Cartilage grafts were used in four patients (14%). The average time to takedown was 25 days (17–45). The median follow‐up for the patients was 10 months (1–60 months). There were seven treatment‐related complications due to infectious causes (2), epidermal necrotic tissue (2), bleeding (1), hair on the flap (1) and alar rim notching (1). No life‐threatening complications were detected.

Conclusions

The FHF procedure is a safe and low‐risk procedure in patients 75 years of age or older with advanced skin defects. If a defect requires an FHF to obtain a normal and aesthetic appearance, this procedure should be performed. However, dermatologists must weigh the safety of the procedure in relation to the clinical benefits when managing this patient group.
Transition zone defect associated with the response to proton pump inhibitor treatment in patients with globus sensation
Authors: Han Min Seok , Lee Hyuk , Jo Jung Hyun , Cho In Rae , Park Jun Chul , Shin Sung Kwan , Lee Sang Kil , Lee Yong Chan
Published: February 2013

Background and Aim

Few data describing short‐term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment in patients with globus sensation exist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of high‐resolution manometry (HRM) for predicting the response to PPI treatment in patients with globus sensation.

Method

A total of 41 patients with globus sensation were treated with PPIs for 4 weeks and were classified as positive and negative responders. HRM topographical plots were analyzed for relevant manometric parameters. In addition, clinical and HRM data of 20 patients with typical gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) not presenting globus symptom were analyzed.

Results

Of the 41 patients, 19 (46%) were clinically diagnosed with GERD. The proportion of patients with favorable symptomatic improvement was higher in patients with GERD than in those without reflux (P = 0.046). Positive and negative responders to PPI treatment did not differ in upper esophageal sphincter and proximal esophageal contraction. In globus patients with GERD, the temporal and spatial dimension of the transitional zone were greater among negative responders than among PPI‐positive responders (P = 0.010 and P = 0.011). Regarding GERD patients without globus, there was no significant difference in transition zone defect according to PPI responsiveness. By receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, 2.1 cm and 1.1 s were found to be the spatial and temporal transitional zone dimensions that best differentiated positive and negative responders.

Conclusion

In patients with GERD‐related globus, there were larger transition zone defect in the negative responders compared with the PPI‐positive responders.