bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laminated manufacturing and milling electrical discharge dressing of metal-bonded diamond grinding wheels
Authors: Xu M M , Li D D , Hu D J , Jia Y
Published: October 2011

Metal-bonded diamond wheels are widely used in high-precision grinding of hard and brittle materials; unfortunately, they are difficult to true and dress. This paper addresses this problem in that it proposes a variation on the electrical discharge dressing technique. The advantages of the proposed method are discussed and an electrode compensation model is formulated. The topography and surface profile of the diamond wheel are analysed as a function of various dressing parameters. The performance of the wheel after dressing is evaluated using experimentally measured grinding forces and surface roughness values. It is shown that the proposed method is a viable technique for the truing and dressing of diamond grinding wheels.
An adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) model for high pressure die casting
Authors: Tsoukalas V D
Published: October 2011

The focus of this research was to create a reliable and effective methodological tool for the selection of the optimal conditions in the high pressure die casting (HPDC) process. An adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was applied to study the effect of die casting parameters on porosity formation in AlSi9Cu3 pressure die castings. Metal temperature, die temperature, piston velocity in slow phase, die gate velocity, and solidification pressure were considered as the model’s input features. An orthogonal array was used in the experimental design. The experimental results were then used to establish the predictive model based on a neuro-fuzzy approach. The model combined the modelling function of fuzzy inference with the learning ability of an artificial neural network. Α set of rules was generated directly from the experimental data. Trapezoidal and Gauss membership functions were used for the training of the data. By comparing the predicted values with the experimental data, it was demonstrated that the proposed model is a useful and efficient method to find the optimal process conditions in pressure die casting associated with the minimum porosity percentage.
An approach to partner selection in virtual enterprises based on grey relational analysis
Authors: Chen J , Zhang Z-M , Tian X-T , Geng J-H , Liu S-N
Published: October 2011

Virtual enterprise (VE) is a new type of cooperation mode and has attracted considerable attention in the global manufacturing environment. Success of the VE is highly dependent on participators, and thus selection of partners becomes a crucial issue. Partner selection can be considered as a multi-attribute decision-making problem involving variable criteria and a large number of alternatives. However, decision makers are usually uncertain of their preferences owing to changeable types of criteria and incomplete information on candidates. Therefore, an integrated approach is presented in this paper. First, a decision matrix is flexibly established according to the requirements, and then attribute weights of the decision matrix are calculated using the combination weighting method. Subsequently, the preference-order of candidates is provided to enable decision makers to choose suitable partners using grey relational analysis. Finally, an illustrative example is used to explain an application of the proposed approach.
Mechanical characterization of fourth generation composite humerus
Authors: Grover P , Albert C , Wang M , Harris G F
Published: October 2011

Mechanical data on upper extremity surrogate bones, supporting use as biomechanical tools, is limited. The objective of this study was to characterize the structural behaviour of the fourth-generation composite humerus under simulated physiologic bending, specifically, stiffness, rigidity, and mid-diaphysial surface strains. Three humeri were tested in four-point bending, in anatomically defined anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) planes. Stiffness and rigidity were derived using load–displacement data. Principal strains were determined at the anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral surfaces in the humeral mid-diaphysial transverse plane of one specimen using stacked rosettes. Linear structural behaviour was observed within the test range. Average stiffness and rigidity were greater in the ML (918 ± 18 N/mm; 98.4 ± 1.9 Nm2) than the AP plane (833 ± 16 N/mm; 89.3 ± 1.6 Nm2), with little inter-specimen variability. The ML/AP rigidity ratio was 1.1. Surface principal strains were similar at the anterior (5.41 µε/N) and posterior (5.43 µε/N) gauges for AP bending, and comparatively less for ML bending, i.e. 5.1 and 4.5 µε/N, at the medial and lateral gauges, respectively. This study provides novel strain and stiffness data for the fourth-generation composite humerus and also adds to published construct rigidity data. The presented results support the use of this composite bone as a tool for modelling and experimentation.
Concept for a gas-cell-driven drug delivery system for therapeutic applications
Authors: Becker S , Xu T , Ilchmann F , Eisler J , Wolf B
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a concept for an implantable micro-pump based on hydrogen- generating gas cells. The gas-generating cell is separated from the drug reservoir by an expandable latex membrane. The system offers linear drug delivery with flowrates ranging from 8 nl/s to 2 μl/s and a total delivery volume of up to 160 ml. Drugs can be dispensed over a wide backpressure range. The device is scalable based on the size of the gas-producing cell and requires no external energy source. Possible fields of application include in vivo local drug delivery for chemotherapy, diabetes, and pain management.
Determination of optimal parameters for a hydraulic power take-off unit of a wave energy converter in regular waves
Authors: Cargo C J , Plummer A R , Hillis A J , Schlotter M
Published: October 2011

Wave energy has the potential to be a major provider of renewable energy, especially in the UK. However, there is the major problem of producing efficient devices for a wide variety of sites with different operating conditions. This article addresses the time domain modelling of a heaving point absorber connected to a hydraulic power take-off (PTO) unit in regular waves. Two cases for the hydraulic PTO unit are considered: an ideal model and a model containing losses. Component losses are included to give a more accurate prediction of the maximum power production and to discover if the parameters to optimize the device change when losses are included. The findings show that both cases are optimized by varying the size of the hydraulic motor and the optimal size is only dependent on wave period and the trend is the same for both cases. Results also showed that to maximize the power produced for both cases, there is an optimal force that the unit produces, which can be derived from theory. Finally, power reduction as a result of the hydraulic losses is also observed with efficiencies reducing at larger wave heights.
Assessment as a Strategy to Increase Oral Reading Fluency
Authors: Murray Maria S. , Munger Kristen A. , Clonan Sheila M.
Published: October 2011

For students with reading disabilities who experience difficulties with oral reading fluency, school-based interventions frequently focus on increasing speed through interventions such as repeated readings of texts. Students may not respond adequately to such “fluency only” interventions if the underlying skills that lead to fluent reading are overlooked. This article serves to bridge a theory-to-practice gap by highlighting the use of assessment as a strategy to achieve more effective reading fluency outcomes. A case example illustrates how more appropriate and thorough assessment practices can identify underlying difficulties that manifest as slowed oral reading rates. An intervention that systematically addresses the word reading difficulties often associated with a lack of oral reading fluency is described, demonstrating how considerable improvements in oral reading fluency can be achieved.
Turbocharger vibration shows nonlinear jump
Authors: Kirk R Gordon , Alsaeed Ali , Mondschein Brian
Published: October 2011

Automotive turbochargers are known to operate into the self-excited unstable region. In the past these instabilities have been accepted as unavoidable, but recent developments in analysis and instrumentation may make it possible to reduce or eliminate them. A test stand has been developed at Virginia Tech to measure the vibrations of a 3.9 liter diesel engine stock turbocharger with both stock floating ring journal bearings and also custom design fixed geometry bearings. Vibration spectrum content clearly identifies the shaft instabilities and provides the basis for additional evaluation of future improved bearing design modifications. The current results, for custom fixed journal bearings, have clearly revealed a distinct jump with associated shift in the spectrum frequency content. This paper will document the recent tests of custom design fluid film bearings that have experienced this nonlinear jump condition.
Combined Home and School Obesity Prevention Interventions for Children
Authors: Hendrie Gilly A. , Brindal Emily , Corsini Nadia , Gardner Claire , Baird Danielle , Golley Rebecca K.
Published: October 2011

This review identifies studies describing interventions delivered across both the home and school/community setting, which target obesity and weight-related nutrition and physical activity behaviors in children. Fifteen studies, published between 1998 and 2010, were included and evaluated for effectiveness, study quality, nutrition/activity content, behavior change techniques, and theoretical basis, using validated assessment tools/taxonomies. Seven studies were rated as effective. Behavior change techniques used to engage families, and techniques associated with intervention effectiveness were coded. Effective studies used about 10 behavior change techniques, compared with 6.5 in ineffective studies. Effective interventions used techniques including providing general information on behavior–health links, prompting practice of behavior, and planning for social support/social changes. Different behavior change techniques were applied in the home and school setting. The findings of this review provide novel insights into the techniques associated with intervention effectiveness that can inform the development of public health obesity prevention strategies.
Cesarean delivery may increase the risk of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Maghzi Amir-Hadi , Etemadifar Masoud , Heshmat-Ghahdarijani Kiyan , Nonahal Safieh , Minagar Alireza , Moradi Vahab
Published: October 2011

Background: Prenatal and perinatal factors are believed to contribute to the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate whether mode of delivery (vaginal versus cesarean section), as a perinatal factor, affects susceptibility to MS.

Methods: MS patients were recruited from the MS registry of Isfahan Multiple Sclerosis Society (IMSS) and were compared with their healthy siblings. Data regarding mode of delivery, birth order, and gestation week of birth were obtained through a specially designed questionnaire. Preterm or post term deliveries were excluded. We used conditional logistic regression statistics and adjusted for gender and birth order.

Results: This study included 1349 participants (449 MS patients and 900 controls). Subjects who were born by cesarean section had significant risk of MS (odds ratio, OR = 2.51; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.43–4.41; p = 0.001). There was significant MS risk for females who were born by cesarean section (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.30–5.58; p = 0.008), but not for males (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 0.90–5.63; p = 0.082). The mean age at onset was lower in MS patients born by cesarean section (24.58 ± 6.33) compared with that of patients born by vaginal delivery (27.59 ± 7.97; p = 0.041). There was no significant difference between the two groups for birth order ( p = 0.417).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that those born by vaginal delivery are at a lower risk of subsequent MS. These preliminary findings will need to be addressed in a much larger and preferably prospective study.
The relationship between walking, manual dexterity, cognition and activity/participation in persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kierkegaard Marie , Einarsson Ulrika , Gottberg Kristina , von Koch Lena , Holmqvist Lotta Widén
Published: October 2011

Background: Multiple sclerosis has a vast impact on health, but the relationship between walking, manual dexterity, cognition and activity/participation is unclear.

Objective: The specific aims were to explore the discriminative ability of measures of walking, manual dexterity and cognition, and to identify cut-off values in these measures, for prediction of independence in personal and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) and activity/participation in social and lifestyle activities.

Methods: Data from 164 persons with multiple sclerosis were collected during home visits with the following measures: the 2 × 5 m walk test, the Nine-hole Peg Test, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the Katz Personal and Instrumental ADL Indexes, and the Frenchay Activities Index (measuring frequency in social and lifestyle activities).

Results: The 2 × 5 m walk test and the Nine-hole Peg Test had high and better discriminative and predictive ability than the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Cut-off values were identified. The accuracy of predictions was increased above all by combining the 2 × 5 m walk test and the Nine-hole Peg Test.

Conclusion: The proposed cut-off values in the 2 × 5 m walk test and the Nine-hole Peg Test may be used as indicators of functioning and to identify persons risking activity limitations and participation restrictions. However, further studies are needed to confirm the usefulness in clinical practice.
The association of ACE I/D gene polymorphism with severe carotid atherosclerosis in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Kolaković Ana , Živković Maja , Radak Djordje , Djurić Tamara , Končar Igor , Davidović Lazar , Dinčić Dragan , Alavantić Dragan , Stanković Aleksandra
Published: October 2011

Introduction: The ACE I/D polymorphism was mostly investigated in association with intima-media thickness, rarely with severe atherosclerotic phenotype.

Materials and methods: We investigated the association of I/D polymorphism with severe carotid atherosclerosis (CA) (stenosis > 70%) in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. The 504 patients subjected to endarterectomy and 492 healthy controls from a population in Serbia were investigated as a case-control study.

Results: The univariate logistic regression analysis revealed ACE DD as a significant risk factor for severe CA (odds ratio [OR] = 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–1.7, p = 0.04). After adjustment for the common risk factors (age, hypertension, smoking, and HDL) ACE was no longer significant. However, we found a significant independent influence of DD genotype on plaque presence in a normotensive subgroup of patients (OR 1.8, CI 1.2–3.0, p = 0.01, corrected for multiple testing). In symptomatic patients D allele carriers were significantly more frequent compared with asymptomatic patients (OR 1.6 CI 1.0–2.6, p = 0.05).

Conclusions: Our data suggests that ACE I/D is not an independent risk factor for severe CA. On the other hand, a significant independent genetic influence of ACE I/D appeared in normotensive and symptomatic patients with severe CA. This should be considered in further research toward resolving the complex genetic background of severe CA phenotype.
Cultural Oxymora
Authors: Neiger Motti
Published: October 2011

This article provides a close reading of the Israeli version of the Idol format. Using the concept “cultural oxymora,” contradictions that serve to negotiate meanings, the analysis examines the case through six lenses: pluralism (stressing the institutionalized pluralism by auditioning in Israeli and Jewish communities outside the country), performance (songs that are associated with the Jewish State’s bereavement rituals while adding a counterhegemonic vocal presentation), patriotism (nationalism and the military in the transnational format), periphery (exposing its ethnic richness while using stereotypes), participation (manufacturing consumers’ “democratic” election), and promotion (national media event of coronation with ordinary characteristics). The conclusions suggest that cultural oxymora may explain the appeal of reality TV since they support a complex inclusive interpretation of the shows that maintain a dialogue between neo-Marxist readings, emphasizing a critical view on the show’s commercial-hegemonic structure, on one hand, and reception-centered readings, stressing audiences’ gratifications and pleasures, on the other.
Space, Place, and New Orleans on Television
Authors: Morgan Parmett Helen
Published: October 2011

This article compares the HBO series Treme to an earlier television series that was also set in the Tremé neighborhood— Frank’s Place. I suggest that whereas for Frank’s Place, media scholars’ emphasis on the show’s representational practices of race and place was entirely appropriate, these questions are not sufficient to make sense of Treme. The latter enjoins media scholars to ask a different set of questions that examine both the show’s practices within the city as well as the city’s practices that implicate the show. Specifically, I suggest that the show requires an analysis of labor and hiring practices, tourism, and corporate social responsibility in the city. In so doing, I propose considering Treme not in terms of its representational practices, but rather, as a set of spatial practices bound up with the material production of city space as well as its citizen-subjects.
Mediated Density: The Indirect Relationship between U.S. State Public Policy and PACs
Authors: Benz Jennifer , Kirkland Justin H. , Gray Virginia , Lowery David , Sykes Jennifer , Deason Mary
Published: October 2011

How does the demand for lobbying reflected by government policy activity influence the use of lobbying strategies and tactics? The authors examine this question by assessing how the complexity of the policy space affects the political action committee (PAC) system. They hypothesize that the complexity of the policy space indirectly affects the size and activity of the PAC system through its direct effect on interest organization density. The authors test this hypothesis within the health sector using a unique data set that connects individual interest organizations registered to lobby U.S. state legislatures with active PACs in the state. It appears that social, economic, and political measures of policy space complexity influence the size of the lobbying community, which in turn influences the size and activity of the PAC community.
Are the arts an effective setting for promoting health messages?
Authors: Mills Christina , Knuiman Matthew , Rosenberg Michael , Wood Lisa , Ferguson Renee
Published: October 2011

Aim:

Individuals can contribute to their own well-being through the adoption of positive health behaviours and the avoidance of negative health behaviours. The promotion of health messages is a cognitive strategy used to influence the adoption of health-enhancing behaviours. Since 1991, arts organizations have been sponsored by the Western Australian Health Promotion Foundation (Healthway) to promote anti-smoking, safe alcohol consumption, physical activity, sun protection and nutrition messages to the general population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of arts sponsorship to promote health messages and therefore gauge the effectiveness of the arts as a communication channel to promote health to the general population.

Methods:

A secondary analysis of the Healthway Survey of Community Recreation and Health data was conducted. The data were collected via a telephone survey of Western Australian adults aged 16–69 years. Overall, 1997 respondents participated in this study, a response rate of 59%. The analysis included a descriptive investigation, followed by logistic regression analyses of message awareness by those engaged and not engaged in the arts for sponsored anti-smoking, safe alcohol consumption, physical activity, sun protection and nutrition messages.

Results:

Overall, 68% of those surveyed were classified as engaged in the arts, either as a participant, attendee or member of an arts organization. In general, those engaged in the arts were significantly more likely to recall health messages relating to physical activity (adjusted OR = 1.9), sun protection (OR = 1.8) nutrition (OR = 1.5), safe alcohol consumption (OR = 1.5) and anti-smoking (adjusted OR = 1.3) than those not engaged in the arts.

Conclusions:

Findings from this study suggest the arts have merit beyond intrinsic artistic value and are a viable means of promoting health messages to the general population.
Prospective measurement of Epstein-Barr virus–DNA in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type
Authors: Suzuki Ritsuro , Yamaguchi Motoko , Izutsu Koji , Yamamoto Go , Takada Kenzo , Harabuchi Yasuaki , Isobe Yasushi , Gomyo Hiroshi , Koike Tadashi , Okamoto Masataka , Hyo Rie , Suzumiya Junji , Nakamura Shigeo , Kawa Keisei , Oshimi Kazuo ,   the NK-cell Tumor Study Group
Published: October 2011

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–DNA was prospectively analyzed in plasma and mononuclear cells (MNCs) from peripheral blood in patients with extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, to evaluate the clinical significance for diagnosis, monitoring the tumor burden, and prognostication. Thirty-three patients were enrolled, and 32 were evaluable. Pretreatment plasma and MNC EBV-DNA was detectable in 14 (range, 50-71 000 copies/mL) and 6 patients (range, 20-780 copies/μg DNA), respectively, and both were well correlated (r = 0.8741, P < .0001). Detectable plasma EBV-DNA was associated with higher clinical stage (P = .02), presence of B symptoms (P = .02), worse performance status (P = .02), and higher serum soluble IL-2 receptor level (P < .0001). Twenty-two patients attained complete response. Plasma EBV-DNA level was significantly higher in nonresponders than in responders (mean, 16 472 vs 2 645 copies/mL; P = .02). Multivariate analysis showed clinical stage (hazard ratio, 9.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.8%-45.0%) and pretreatment plasma EBV-DNA (hazard ratio, 10.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.3%-87.0%) were significant prognostic factors. Three-year overall survival of plasma EBV-DNA positive and negative patients was 42.9% and 94.4%, respectively (P = .0009). Plasma was a preferable sample for this purpose in NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, and EBV-DNA level was a good indicator for response and overall survival.
Effect of the down-regulation of the high Grain Protein Content (GPC) genes on the wheat transcriptome during monocarpic senescence
Authors: Cantu Dario , Pearce Stephen P , Distelfeld Assaf , Christiansen Michael W , Uauy Cristobal , Akhunov Eduard , Fahima Tzion , Dubcovsky Jorge
Published: October 2011

Background

Increasing the nutrient concentration of wheat grains is important to ameliorate nutritional deficiencies in many parts of the world. Proteins and nutrients in the wheat grain are largely derived from the remobilization of degraded leaf molecules during monocarpic senescence. The down-regulation of the NAC transcription factor Grain Protein Content (GPC) in transgenic wheat plants delays senescence (>3 weeks) and reduces the concentration of protein, Zn and Fe in the grain (>30%), linking senescence and nutrient remobilization.

Based on the early and rapid up-regulation of GPC in wheat flag leaves after anthesis, we hypothesized that this transcription factor is an early regulator of monocarpic senescence. To test this hypothesis, we used high-throughput mRNA-seq technologies to characterize the effect of the GPC down-regulation on the wheat flag-leaf transcriptome 12 days after anthesis. At this early stage of senescence GPC transcript levels are significantly lower in transgenic GPC-RNAi plants than in the wild type, but there are still no visible phenotypic differences between genotypes.

Results

We generated 1.4 million 454 reads from early senescing flag leaves (average ~350 nt) and assembled 1.2 million into 30,497 contigs that were used as a reference to map 145 million Illumina reads from three wild type and four GPC-RNAi plants. Following normalization and statistical testing, we identified a set of 691 genes differentially regulated by GPC (431 ≥ 2-fold change). Transcript level ratios between transgenic and wild type plants showed a high correlation (R = 0.83) between qRT-PCR and Illumina results, providing independent validation of the mRNA-seq approach. A set of differentially expressed genes were analyzed across an early senescence time-course.

Conclusions

Monocarpic senescence is an active process characterized by large-scale changes in gene expression which begins considerably before the appearance of visual symptoms of senescence. The mRNA-seq approach used here was able to detect small differences in transcript levels during the early stages of senescence. This resulted in an extensive list of GPC-regulated genes, which includes transporters, hormone regulated genes, and transcription factors. These GPC-regulated genes, particularly those up-regulated during senescence, provide valuable entry points to dissect the early stages of monocarpic senescence and nutrient remobilization in wheat.
High MafB expression following burn augments monocyte commitment and inhibits DC differentiation in hemopoietic progenitors
Authors: Howell Kirstin , Posluszny Joseph , He Li K , Szilagyi Andrea , Halerz John , Gamelli Richard L , Shankar Ravi , Muthu Kuzhali
Published: October 2011

We have previously shown that perturbed bone marrow progenitor development promotes hyporesponsive monocytes following experimental burn sepsis. Clinical and experimental sepsis is associated with monocyte deactivation and depletion of mDCs. Decrease in circulating DCs is reported in burn patients who develop sepsis. In our 15% TBSA scald burn model, we demonstrate a significant reduction in the circulating MHC-II+ population and mDCs (Gr1negCD11b+CD11c+) with a corresponding decrease in bone marrow MHC-II+ cells and mDCs for up to 14 days following burn. We explored the underlying mechanism(s) that regulate bone marrow development of monocytes and DCs following burn injury. We found a robust bone marrow response with a significant increase in multipotential HSCs (LSK) and bipotential GMPs following burn injury. GMPs from burn mice exhibit a significant reduction in GATA-1, which is essential for DC development, but express high levels of MafB and M-CSFRs, both associated with monocyte production. GMPs obtained from burn mice differentiated 1.7 times more into Mφ and 1.6-fold less into DCs compared with sham. Monocytes and DCs expressed 50% less MHC-II in burn versus sham. Increased monocyte commitment in burn GMPs was a result of high MafB and M-CSFR expressions. Transient silencing of MafB (siRNA) in GMP-derived monocytes from burn mice partially restored DC differentiation deficits and increased GATA-1 expression. We provide evidence that high MafB following burn plays an inhibitory role in monocyte-derived DC differentiation by regulating M-CSFR and GATA-1 expressions.
Effects of anxiety on the long-term course of depressive disorders
Authors: Coryell William , Fiedorowicz Jess G. , Solomon David , Leon Andrew C. , Rice John P. , Keller Martin B.
Published: October 2011

Background

It is well established that the presence of prominent anxiety within depressive episodes portends poorer outcomes. Important questions remain as to which anxiety features are important to outcome and how sustained their prognostic effects are over time.

Aims

To examine the relative prognostic importance of specific anxiety features and to determine whether their effects persist over decades and apply to both unipolar and bipolar conditions.

Method

Participants with unipolar (n = 476) or bipolar (n = 335) depressive disorders were intensively followed for a mean of 16.7 years (s.d. = 8.5).

Results

The number and severity of anxiety symptoms, but not the presence of pre-existing anxiety disorders, showed a robust and continuous relationship to the subsequent time spent in depressive episodes in both unipolar and bipolar depressive disorder. The strength of this relationship changed little over five successive 5-year periods.

Conclusions

The severity of current anxiety symptoms within depressive episodes correlates strongly with the persistence of subsequent depressive symptoms and this relationship is stable over decades.
Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: an important differential diagnosis in psychosis
Authors: Barry Helen , Hardiman Orla , Healy Daniel G. , Keogan Mary , Moroney Joan , Molnar Peter P. , Cotter David R. , Murphy Kieran C.
Published: October 2011

We present four cases of confirmed anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis; three presented initially with serious psychiatric symptoms and the other developed significant psychiatric symptoms during the initial phase of illness. Brain biopsy findings of one patient are also described. Psychiatrists should consider anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in patients presenting with psychosis and additional features of dyskinesias, seizures and catatonia, particularly where there is no previous history of psychiatric disorder.
MicroRNA-21 is an important downstream component of BMP signalling in epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed I. , Mardaryev Andrei N. , Lewis Christopher J. , Sharov Andrey A. , Botchkareva Natalia V.
Published: October 2011

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play essential roles in the control of skin development, postnatal tissue remodelling and tumorigenesis. To explore whether some of the effects of BMP signalling are mediated by microRNAs, we performed genome-wide microRNA (miRNA) screening in primary mouse keratinocytes after BMP4 treatment. Microarray analysis revealed substantial BMP4-dependent changes in the expression of distinct miRNAs, including miR-21. Real-time PCR confirmed that BMP4 dramatically inhibits miR-21 expression in the keratinocytes. Consistently, significantly increased levels of miR-21 were observed in transgenic mice overexpressing the BMP antagonist noggin under control of the K14 promoter (K14-noggin). By in situ hybridization, miR-21 expression was observed in the epidermis and hair follicle epithelium in normal mouse skin. In K14-noggin skin, miR-21 was prominently expressed in the epidermis, as well as in the peripheral portion of trichofolliculoma-like hair follicle-derived tumours that contain proliferating and poorly differentiated cells. By transfecting keratinocytes with a miR-21 mimic, we identified the existence of two groups of the BMP target genes, which are differentially regulated by miR-21. These included selected BMP-dependent tumour-suppressor genes (Pten, Pdcd4, Timp3 and Tpm1) negatively regulated by miR-21, as well as miR-21-independent Id1, Id2, Id3 and Msx2 that predominantly mediate the effects of BMPs on cell differentiation. In primary keratinocytes and HaCaT cells, miR-21 prevented the inhibitory effects of BMP4 on cell proliferation and migration. Thus, our study establishes a novel mechanism for the regulation of BMP-induced effects in the skin and suggests miRNAs are important modulators of the effects of growth factor signalling pathways on skin development and tumorigenesis.
The desmin coil 1B mutation K190A impairs nebulin Z-disc assembly and destabilizes actin thin filaments
Authors: Conover Gloria M. , Gregorio Carol C.
Published: October 2011

Desmin intermediate filaments intimately surround myofibrils in vertebrate muscle forming a mesh-like filament network. Desmin attaches to sarcomeres through its high-affinity association with nebulin, a giant F-actin binding protein that co-extends along the length of actin thin filaments. Here, we further investigated the functional significance of the association of desmin and nebulin in cultured primary myocytes to address the hypothesis that this association is key in integrating myofibrils to the intermediate filament network. Surprisingly, we identified eight peptides along the length of desmin that are capable of binding to C-terminal modules 160–170 in nebulin. In this study, we identified a targeted mutation (K190A) in the desmin coil 1B region that results in its reduced binding with the nebulin C-terminal modules. Using immunofluorescence microscopy and quantitative analysis, we demonstrate that expression of the mutant desmin K190A in primary myocytes results in a significant reduction in assembled endogenous nebulin and desmin at the Z-disc. Non-uniform actin filaments were markedly prevalent in myocytes expressing GFP-tagged desmin K190A, suggesting that the near-crystalline organization of actin filaments in striated muscle depends on a stable interaction between desmin and nebulin. All together, these data are consistent with a model in which Z-disc-associated nebulin interacts with desmin through multiple sites to provide efficient stability to satisfy the dynamic contractile activity of myocytes.
TRIM32 promotes neural differentiation through retinoic acid receptor-mediated transcription
Authors: Sato Tomonobu , Okumura Fumihiko , Kano Satoshi , Kondo Takeshi , Ariga Tadashi , Hatakeyama Shigetsugu
Published: October 2011

Retinoic acid (RA), a metabolite of vitamin A, plays versatile roles in development, differentiation, cell cycles and regulation of apoptosis by regulating gene transcription through nuclear receptor activation. Ubiquitinylation, which is one of the post-translational modifications, appears to be involved in the transcriptional activity of intranuclear receptors including retinoic acid receptor α (RARα). Mutations in the tripartite motif-containing protein 32 gene (TRIM32; also known as E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase) have been reported to be responsible for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2H in humans, and its encoded protein has been shown to interact with several other important proteins. In this study, we found that TRIM32 interacts with RARα and enhances its transcriptional activity in the presence of RA. We also found that overexpression of TRIM32 in mouse neuroblastoma cells and embryonal carcinoma cells promoted stability of RARα, resulting in enhancement of neural differentiation. These findings suggest that TRIM32 functions as one of the co-activators for RARα-mediated transcription, and thereby TRIM32 is a potential therapeutic target for developmental disorders and RA-dependent leukemias.
A Rab11a-enriched subapical membrane compartment regulates a cytoskeleton-dependent transcytotic pathway in secretory epithelial cells of the lacrimal gland
Authors: Xu Shi , Edman Maria , Kothawala Mubashera S. , Sun Guoyong , Chiang Lilian , Mircheff Austin , Zhu Lixin , Okamoto Curtis , Hamm-Alvarez Sarah
Published: October 2011

Despite observations that the lacrimal gland has been identified as the principal source of dimeric immunoglobulin A (dIgA) in tears, the mechanism used by lacrimal gland acinar cells (LGACs) to transcytose dIgA produced by interstitial plasma cells is not well-characterized. This study identifies a transcytotic pathway in LGACs regulated by Rab11a for polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) and dIgA. EGFP-tagged Rab11a expressed in primary LGACs labeled a unique membrane compartment of comparable localization to endogenous Rab11a beneath the apical plasma membrane. This compartment was enriched in pIgR and clearly distinct from the regulated secretory pathway. Comparison of dIgA uptake in LGACs expressing wild type and dominant negative EGFP-Rab11a showed that the rapid exocytosis of dIgA was inhibited in acini expressing the dominant-negative protein, which additionally redistributed subapical pIgR. The trafficking of EGFP-Rab11a-enriched vesicles was regulated by microtubule-based and myosin Vb motors at distinct steps. Our data suggest that Rab11a is a crucial regulator of dIgA trafficking in primary acinar secretory epithelial cells and further support a role for microtubules, cytoplasmic dynein, actin filaments and myosin Vb in the maintenance of the Rab11a compartment in this primary secretory epithelial cell.
Pricing Kernels with Stochastic Skewness and Volatility Risk
Authors: Chabi-Yo Fousseni
Published: October 2011

I derive pricing kernels in which the market volatility is endogenously determined. Using the Taylor expansion series of the representative investor's marginal utility, I show that the price of market volatility risk is restricted by the investor's risk aversion and skewness preference. The risk aversion is estimated to be between two and five and is significant. The price of the market volatility is negative. Consistent with economic theory, I find that the pricing kernel decreases in the market index return and increases in market volatility. The projection of the estimated pricing kernel onto a polynomial function of the market return produces puzzling behaviors, which can be observed in the pricing kernel and absolute risk aversion functions. The inclusion of additional terms in the Taylor expansion series of the investor's marginal utility produces a pricing kernel function of market stochastic volatility, stochastic skewness, and stochastic kurtosis. The prices of risk of these moments are restricted by the investor's risk aversion, skewness preference, and kurtosis preference. The prices of risk of these moments should not be confused with the price of risk of powers of the market return, such as coskewness and cokurtosis.

This paper was accepted by Wei Xiong, finance.
Sequential Sampling with Economics of Selection Procedures
Authors: Chick Stephen E. , Frazier Peter
Published: October 2011

Sequential sampling problems arise in stochastic simulation and many other applications. Sampling is used to infer the unknown performance of several alternatives before one alternative is selected as best. This paper presents new economically motivated fully sequential sampling procedures to solve such problems, called economics of selection procedures. The optimal procedure is derived for comparing a known standard with one alternative whose unknown reward is inferred with sampling. That result motivates heuristics when multiple alternatives have unknown rewards. The resulting procedures are more effective in numerical experiments than any previously proposed procedure of which we are aware and are easily implemented. The key driver of the improvement is the use of dynamic programming to model sequential sampling as an option to learn before selecting an alternative. It accounts for the expected benefit of adaptive stopping policies for sampling, rather than of one-stage policies, as is common in the literature.

This paper was accepted by Assaf Zeevi, stochastic models and simulation.
Capacity Allocation over a Long Horizon: The Return on Turn-and-Earn
Authors: Lu Lauren Xiaoyuan , Lariviere Martin A.
Published: October 2011

We consider a supply chain in which a supplier sells products to multiple retailers. When orders from the retailers exceed the supplier's capacity, she must employ an allocation mechanism to balance supply and demand. In particular, we consider a commonly used allocation scheme in the automobile industry: turn-and-earn, which uses past sales to allocate capacity. In essence, retailers “earn” an allotment of a vehicle after they sell one. In contrast to turn-and-earn, fixed allocation ignores past sales and gives each retailer an equal share of the capacity. Earlier work has demonstrated that turn-and-earn induces more sales in a two-period setting compared to fixed allocation. The question remains unanswered whether turn-and-earn induces similar behaviors over a long horizon when retailers possess private demand information. We construct a dynamic stochastic game of order competition over an infinite horizon to track the order dynamics of the supply chain. We obtain a richer set of equilibrium behaviors than existing models predict. Instead of a symmetric allocation outcome, we observe that sales leadership may arise in equilibrium and that retailers with different past sales adopt distinct ordering strategies to respond to demand uncertainty. Transient sales dynamics suggest that sales leadership may not be persistent and can be eliminated by the occurrence of extremely low demand. This provides a theoretical explanation for several behavioral observations of some U.S. automobile dealers. In addition to the sales-inducing effect, interestingly, turn-and-earn also causes the retailers to absorb local demand variability.
The Timing of Staffing Decisions in Hospital Operating Rooms: Incorporating Workload Heterogeneity into the Newsvendor Problem
Authors: He Biyu , Dexter Franklin , Macario Alex , Zenios Stefanos
Published: October 2011

We study the problem of setting nurse staffing levels in hospital operating rooms when there is uncertainty about daily workload. The workload is the number of operating room hours used by a medical specialty on a given day to perform surgical procedures. Variable costs consist of wages at a regular (scheduled) rate and at an overtime rate when the realized workload exceeds the scheduled time. Using a newsvendor framework, we consider the problem of determining optimal staffing levels with different information sets available at the time of decision: no information, information on number of cases, and information on number and types of cases. We develop empirical models for the daily workload distribution in which the mean and variance change with the information available. We use these models to derive optimal staffing rules based on historical data from a U.S. teaching hospital and prospectively test the performance of these rules. Our numerical results suggest that hospitals could potentially reduce their staffing costs by up to 39%–49% by deferring staffing decisions until procedure type information is available. The results demonstrate how data availability can affect a newsvendor's performance. The systematic approach of empirical modeling presented in the paper can be applied to other newsvendor problems with heterogeneous sources of demand.
From “Clinical Proteomics” to “Clinical Chemistry Proteomics”: considerations using quantitative mass-spectrometry as a model approach
Authors: Lehmann Sylvain , Poinot Pauline , Tiers Laurent , Junot Christophe , Becher François , Hirtz Christophe
Published: October 2011

Clinical Proteomics biomarker discovery programs lead to the selection of putative new biomarkers of human pathologies. Following an initial discovery phase, validation of these candidates in larger populations is a major task that recently started relying upon the use of mass spectrometry approaches, especially in cases where classical immune-detection methods were lacking. Thanks to highly sensitive spectrometers, adapted measurement methods like selective reaction monitoring (SRM) and various pre-fractionation methods, the quantitative detection of protein/peptide biomarkers in low concentrations is now feasible from complex biological fluids. This possibility leads to the use of similar methodologies in clinical biology laboratories, within a new proteomic field that we shall name “Clinical Chemistry Proteomics” (CCP). Such evolution of Clinical Proteomics adds important constraints with regards to the in vitro diagnostic (IVD) application. As measured values of analytes will be used to diagnose, follow-up and adapt patient treatment on a routine basis; medical utility, robustness, reference materials and clinical feasibility are among the new issues of CCP to consider.
Erros de medicação em pediatria
Authors: Belela Aline Santa Cruz , Pedreira Mavilde da Luz Gonçalves , Peterlini Maria Angélica Sorgini
Published: October 2011

A segurança do paciente constitui problema de saúde pública, e erros com medicamentos são os mais freqüentes e graves. O artigo apresenta características epidemiológicas dos erros de medicação em diferentes áreas de atendimento pediátrico, e aponta estratégias de prevenção. Aproximadamente 8% das pesquisas sobre erros de medicação identificadas em bases de dados nacionais e internacionais referem-se à população pediátrica. Crianças apresentam maior vulnerabilidade à ocorrência de erros devido a fatores intrínsecos, destacando-se características anatômicas e fisiológicas; e extrínsecos, relativos à falta de políticas de saúde e da indústria farmacêutica voltadas ao atendimento de tais especificidades. As evidências apontam para a necessidade de implementação de estratégias de prevenção de erros de medicação, contribuindo para promover a segurança do paciente.
Atención en salud para migrantes: un desafío ético
Authors: Moreno Mónica Burgos , Klijn Tatiana Parvic
Published: October 2011

El artículo tiene como propósito evidenciar que el fenómeno migratorio en aumento en la sociedad actual, ha traído consigo oportunidades, pero también dificultades para sus protagonistas. La población migrante corresponde a un grupo vulnerable, especialmente en problemas sanitarios. La atención en salud del migrante representa un reto para la salud pública, no solo considerando políticas de acceso y de información, sino que sobre todo por la atención basada en un trato humanizado respetando las creencias, valores y expectativas. Una atención digna exige un compromiso real de los estados y sensibilidad de los proveedores de atención de los servicios de salud, si se pretende otorgar servicios integrales basados en el respeto de los derechos humanos a esta población.
Pesquisa-ação: concepções e aplicabilidade nos estudos em enfermagem
Authors: Silva Jaqueline Carvalho e , Morais Eronice Ribeiro de , Figueiredo Maria do Livramento Fortes , Tyrrell Maria Antonieta Rúbio
Published: October 2011

Esta é uma reflexão teórica sobre a pesquisa-ação e suas contribuições como abordagem metodológica para a ampliação da produção de conhecimentos em Enfermagem. Além das concepções teóricas de vários autores sobre esta metodologia, levantou-se, na produção científica de Enfermagem, a aplicabilidade da pesquisa-ação nas investigações na área. Observouse que este método permite uma interação entre o pesquisador e o pesquisado, relação esta que já é estabelecida na prática cotidiana das atividades desenvolvidas pelo enfermeiro, visto que o mesmo permite que os sujeitos (clientes) tenham voz e vez, ou seja, permite um diálogo aberto, participativo e reflexivo, assistindo-o de forma holística, incluindo-o sempre em um conjunto com sua família e comunidade, além de buscar constantemente a transformação positiva dessa realidade.
Atlas dos setores postais: uma nova geografia a serviço da empresa
Authors: Aranha Francisco
Published: October 2011

O CEP - Código de Endereçamento Postal- pode ser utilizado como método de descrição de localizações. O Atlas de Setores Postais extrai as propriedades bidimensionais do CEp, apresentando o contorno das regiões postais brasileiras, das sub-regiões do Estado de São Paulo e dos setores do interior do Estado. As informações georeferenciadas do Atlas podem participar dos processos de tomada e implementação de decisões. Este artigo descreve como o Atlas dos Setores Postais está sendo desenvolvido e dá um exemplo de aplicação prática.