bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the Centrality of Values in the Lisbon Treaty Promise More Than It Can Actually Offer? EU Biometrics Policy as a Case Study
Authors: Gonçalves Maria Eduarda , Gameiro Maria Inês
Published: June 2013

The Treaty of Lisbon introduced the term ‘values’ in EU primary law. This development coincided with the granting to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the same legal force as the Treaties. The question remains, though, how the prominence of values is actually shaping EU law and policy. This paper critically appraises the ways that certain values translated into the Charter's principles and rights are being construed under the EU policy for biometrics, a security technology whose use is being actively promoted by the EU. We conclude that the balancing of pertinent values, namely security and liberty, owe to a great deal to political and economic considerations that shape EU politics. Research priorities, combined with those of EU security policy, in particular, the fight against terrorism, then tend to prevail over ethically or morally based legal claims in respect of biometrics.
MicroRNA‐503 suppresses proliferation and cell‐cycle progression of endometrioid endometrial cancer by negatively regulating cyclin D1
Authors: Xu Yan‐Ying , Wu Hui‐Juan , Ma Hong‐Da , Xu Li‐Ping , Huo Yan , Yin Li‐Rong
Published: June 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post‐transcriptional inhibitor regulators of gene expression that act by directly binding complementary mRNA and are key determinants of cancer initiation and progression. In this study, we revealed a role for the tumor‐suppressor miRNA miR‐503 in endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) cells. The miR‐503 expression level gradually decreases across normal endometrial tissues, endometrial tissues with complex atypical hyperplasia, and EEC tissues. A relatively high level of miR‐503 in EEC tissues indicates a longer survival time in EEC patients. The expression of a cell cycle‐associated oncogene encoding cyclin D1 (CCND1) was inversely correlated with miR‐503 expression in EEC tissues and cell lines. CCND1 has a binding sequence of miR‐503 within its 3′ untranslated region, and was confirmed to be a direct target of miR‐503 by the fluorescent reporter assays. Increasing the miR‐503 level in EEC cells suppressed cell viability, colon formation activity and cell‐cycle progression, and the inhibited oncogenic phenotypes induced by miR‐503 were alleviated by ectopic expression of CCND1 without the untranslated region sequence. Furthermore, in vivo studies also suggested a suppressive effect of miR‐503 on EEC cell‐derived xenografts. miR‐503 increased in cell cycle‐arrested EEC cells, and was restored to a normal level in EEC cells after cell cycle re‐entry, while CCND1 displayed the opposite expression pattern. Collectively, this study suggested that miR‐503 plays a tumor‐suppressor role by targeting CCND1. Abnormal suppression of miR‐503 leads to an increase in the CCND1 level, which may promote carcinogenesis and progression of EEC.
The expanding role ofPARPs in the establishment and maintenance of heterochromatin
Authors: Dantzer Françoise , Santoro Raffaella
Published: June 2013

Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerases (PARPs) are enzymes that transfer poly(ADP‐ribose) (PAR) groups to target proteins, and thereby affect various nuclear and cytoplasmic processes. The activity ofPARPfamily members, such asPARP1 andPARP2, is tied to cellular signalling pathways, and, through poly(ADP‐ribosyl)ation, they ultimately promote changes in chromatin architecture, gene expression, and the location and activity of proteins that mediate signalling responses. A growing body of evidence suggest thatPARPs, particularlyPARP1 andPARP2, also operate at heterochromatic regions such as the inactiveX chromosome, telomeres, pericentric heterochromatin and silent ribosomalRNA(rRNA) genes. Both proteins localize to heterochromatic sites and often associate with or poly(ADP‐ribosyl)ate histones and heterochromatin‐binding proteins, thereby modulating their activities. In this review, we describe current knowledge concerning the role ofPARPs in establishment and inheritance of heterochromatic structures, and highlight how their contribution affects biological outcomes.
Lying low but ready for action: the quiescent muscle satellite cell
Authors: Montarras Didier , L'honoré Aurore , Buckingham Margaret
Published: June 2013

The muscle satellite cell is essential for skeletal muscle regeneration. It is located on the muscle fibre, under the basal lamina as a quiescent cell, which becomes activated after injury, when it leaves the fibre, proliferates, and either undergoes myogenesis to form new fibres or reconstitutes the satellite cell pool. In this review, we discuss the cellular environment of the quiescent cell, including the extracellular matrix, which constitutes its niche. Cell adhesion molecules and some signalling pathways reinforce its quiescent state, whereas other signals lead to activation. We discuss how the satellite cell is ready to respond with the appropriate receptors, but protects its quiescence by mechanisms that include immobilization of ligands by extracellular matrix components and synthesis of inhibitors for intracellular signalling pathways and for metalloproteinases that break down the matrix and promote ligand processing and receptor activation. The quiescent satellite cell is also well protected against toxins and oxidative stress. It has a low metabolic rate, as shown by few active mitochondria and anaerobic glycolysis. Different subpopulations of quiescent satellite cells can be distinguished on the basis of cell surface markers and stem cell‐like properties. We discuss the latter in the context of the small proportion of satellite cells that express high levels of Pax7, or that are derived from cells that have never activated the Myf5 myogenic determination gene. However, many quiescent satellite cells transcribe Myf5, but do not enter myogenesis because of post‐transcriptional regulation, which prevents Myf5 protein accumulation. Post‐transcriptional regulation, through microRNA repression of a potential cell cycle activator, further illustrates how these cells are ready for action.
Laser capture microdissection shows HPV11 as both a causal and a coincidental infection in cervical cancer specimens with multiple HPV types
Authors: Guimerà Núria , Lloveras Belen , Alemany Laia , Iljazovic Ermina , Shin Hai‐Rim , Jung‐Il Suh , de Sanjose Silvia , Jenkins David , Bosch F Xavier , Quint Wim
Published: June 2013

Aims

To identify, by laser capture microdissection (LCM), the cellular localization of HPV11 when present with carcinogenic HPV in invasive cervical cancer (ICC) specimens, and to relate this to p16INK4a expression.

Methods and results

Three squamous cell ICC specimens showing coinfection with HPV11 and carcinogenic HPV16 or HPV31 were selected from the Institut Català d'Oncologia international survey of anogenital carcinomas, and coinfection was confirmed by SPF10‐DEIA‐LiPA25 analysis. In two cases LCM‐PCR identified HPV11 in low‐grade and high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) adjacent to the ICC, and HPV16 or HPV31 in the ICC. In one case, HPV11 was the only genotype found in the ICC. P16INK4a expression was diffuse in ICC associated with carcinogenic HPV, but focal in ICC with HPV11.

Conclusions

Our results confirm that a single cervical, cancerous or precancerous lesion is associated with a single HPV type. Detecting low‐risk HPV as a coinfection in whole tissue from ICC does not prove a causal association. HPV11 may be found only in an adjacent SIL with carcinogenic HPV in the ICC. It is also found alone in carcinoma. LCM‐PCR and differential P16INK4a expression can clarify the causal role of each type when multiple HPVs are present in whole tissue from carcinomas.
Breastfeeding guidance in community pharmacies: The results of a mystery shopper study
Authors: Maher Judith , Hughes Roger
Published: June 2013

Aim:  To assess the nature and quality of breastfeeding‐related guidance provided by community‐based pharmacy staff.

Methods:  A covert observational ‘mystery shopper’ study of 66 randomly selected community pharmacies was employed to assess actual breastfeeding guidance practices among pharmacy staff. A female mystery shopper used a scripted scenario designed to explore guidance practices relevant to breastfeeding promotion. Pharmacy staff: mystery shopper interactions were documented immediately following the exchange by the mystery shopper and a second shadow observer. These records were qualitatively analysed against a predetermined good practice framework of guidance expected for this scenario.

Results:  Of 66 pharmacies visited, the mystery shopper consulted with 18 pharmacists and 48 pharmacy assistants. Pharmacies visited included an equal mix of chain and independent pharmacies. The mean length of each mystery shopper to pharmacy staff interaction was 2.3 minutes (range of 0.5–10 minutes). In only 9 of 66 interactions was printed educational or product information provided to complement verbal advice. Most of this material (6/9) related to infant formula product information. Analysis of the content of guidance provided indicates limited advice being given regarding breastfeeding perseverance when confronted with breastfeeding difficulties (4/66), with most interactions involving direct advice regarding brands of infant formula to use.

Conclusions:  The quality of guidance provided by pharmacy staff in the context of breastfeeding promotion suggests a need for multistrategy intervention in the pharmacy setting and identifies a potential opportunity for collaborative interventions between nutrition, nursing and pharmacy practitioners to enhance infant‐feeding guidance.
A Nondestructive Methodology for the Study of Colored Enamels: Insights into Manufacturing and Weathering Processes
Authors: Romero‐Pastor Julia , Navarro José Vicente , Egido Marian del , Ortega‐Huertas Miguel
Published: June 2013

We studied ancient enamels on gilded copper from a collection of archeological horse harness pendants of the Museo Instituto Valencia de Don Juan (Madrid, Spain) to test the benefits of a new, nondestructive analytical methodology based on chemometric analysis (i.e., Principal Component Analysis, PCA) on micro‐ATR‐FTIR spectral data and chemical quantification using SEM‐EDS. The novelty of this approach was threefold: (i) PCA allowed the discrimination of the different harness pendants of known origin and attributed to the 14th and 15th centuries according to the chemical complex composition, nanostructure, glass weathering, and/or coloring mechanisms of each colored enamel, separately (i.e., red, purple, blue, and white), (ii) it is a cheap, easily available and nondestructive methodology that enables us to (iii) draw archeological conclusions about the quality of the manufacturing process, reassess the chronology of these objects and attempt to attribute them to different workshops according to the different traditional recipes identified. In particular, the enamels were made of alkali and/or alkaline earth lead‐glass with a wide range of chemical compounds in the form of pigments or opacifiers. Two types of coloring mechanisms were identified, colloidal particles such as copper‐ruby for red enamels, and ionic mechanisms such as Fe(II) and Co(II) to achieve a blue pigments; Mn(III) in the purple pigment; and two kind of white enamels were identified, i.e., tin oxide as an opacifier and uranium oxide. In addition, we established the reason for the poor state of conservation of some of the enamels by means of the identification of depolymerization and ion exchanges, well‐known harmful effects of glass weathering, and finally a chronology was assigned for some of these pieces according to the enamel composition.
Varying influence of climate and aspect as controls of montane forest fire regimes during the late Holocene, south‐eastern British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Courtney Mustaphi Colin J. , Pisaric Michael F. J.
Published: June 2013

Aim

Top‐down (climatic) controls of fire occurrence are expected to homogenize fire regimes in a given area over long (millennial) temporal scales. Previous investigations in south‐eastern British Columbia have shown that bottom‐up (local site) factors can override long‐term climate as a dominant control. Here, we examine the interactions between fire regime controls using five 5000‐year‐long lake sediment records.

Location

All lakes are located in separate watersheds within a 550‐km2region ofEngelmann spruce–subalpine fir forest in theColumbia Mountains,BritishColumbia, Canada.

Methods

Sedimentary macroscopic (> 150 μm) charcoal analysis was used to produce local fire history records. Fire events were identified by decomposing the charcoal concentration series using the programCharAnalysis. We analysed the temporal coherence of the reconstructed fire events and the distributions of the fire return intervals at all sites and pooled sites by their north‐facing or south‐facing aspect.

Results

Since 5000 cal. yrbp, fire frequency was highest between 4250 and 2750 cal. yrbpand lowest from 750 cal. yrbpto the present. Median fire return intervals were shorter on the warmer and drier south‐facing slopes (135–190 years) and longer on the cooler and moister north‐facing slopes (226–241 years). Significant synchrony existed between sites with similar aspect, but no synchrony was found at sites with opposing aspect, providing evidence for the importance of bottom‐up controls. Smoothed fire frequencies suggested that the influence of aspect varied throughout the period and that the importance of aspect could be overridden by other controls. The asynchrony between sites with opposite aspects suggests that local conditions for fire are important spatial controls on the fire regime.

Main conclusions

Aspect is an important bottom‐up control of fire regimes in mid‐elevation forests and its influence varies through time. The variability of climate–fire–vegetation interactions in the region needs to be investigated to understand the importance of top‐down and bottom‐up controls.
Assessing the sensitivity of habitats to fishing: from seabed maps to sensitivity mapsa
Authors: Eno N. C. , Frid C. L. J. , Hall K. , Ramsay K. , Sharp R. A. M. , Brazier D. P. , Hearn S. , Dernie K. M. , Robinson K. A. , Paramor O. A. L. , Robinson L. A.
Published: June 2013

In the Welsh part of the Irish Sea, a method was developed for assessing the sensitivity of different seabed habitats to existing fishing activities, across a range of potential fishing intensities. The resistance of 31 habitats and their associated biological assemblage to damage by 14 categories of fishing activity were assessed along with the rate at which each habitat would recover following impact (resilience). Sensitivity was scored based on a combination of the resistance of a habitat to damage and its subsequent rate of recovery. The assessments were based, wherever possible, on scientific literature, with expert judgement used to extrapolate results to habitat and gear combinations not directly examined in the published literature. The resulting sensitivity matrices were then subject to further peer review at a series of workshops. Following consensus on the habitat sensitivity, these data were combined with the most resolved sea‐floor habitat maps. These habitat sensitivity maps can help inform the development of site‐specific management plans, as well as having a place in spatial planning and aiding managers in developing dialogue with other stakeholders. A case study of their application is provided.
Learning from the Closure of Clinical Programs: A Case Series from the Hospital Elder Life Program
Authors: SteelFisher Gillian K. , Martin Lauren A. , Dowal Sarah L. , Inouye Sharon K.
Published: June 2013

Clinical programs in geriatrics face a challenging fiscal environment. Although recent research offers lessons from successful programs to help others like them sustain operations, it is not clear whether these lessons apply to programs that are beginning to fail. This study takes an approach that is frequently recommended, but rarely applied: examining failed programs to develop guidance for those at risk. It uses the example of an evidence‐based, cost‐effective geriatrics program that has been successfully implemented at more than 200 sites: the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP). Data come from 14 in‐depth interviews conducted between January and May 2011 with staff and hospital administrators affiliated with the six fully operational sites that closed between 2006 and 2011. Using the constant comparative method, researchers identified major themes suggesting that former HELP sites closed because of two interrelated problems centered on a major financial crisis or restructuring at the hospital or health system level. First, the crisis created challenges, such as the removal of program champions and a new focus on revenue‐generating programs. Second, there were on‐going vulnerabilities that the crisis revealed but that had not previously posed a threat to program viability. These included problems such as insufficient support from physicians and nursing leaders and limited documentation of program outcomes. Results suggest that, to protect against closure, clinical programs need to prepare for major crises at the hospital or health system level by ensuring support from multiple senior champions, with a special emphasis on nursing and physician leaders.
Association Between a Low Ankle–Brachial Index and Dementia in a General Elderly Population in Central Africa (Epidemiology of Dementia in Central Africa Study)
Authors: Guerchet Maëlenn , Mbelesso Pascal , Mouanga Alain M. , Tabo André , Bandzouzi Bébène , Clément Jean‐Pierre , Lacroix Philippe , Preux Pierre‐Marie , Aboyans Victor
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To investigate the association between peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and dementia in native elderly African populations.

Design

Two successive door‐to‐door cross‐sectional surveys in the general population.

Settings

Representative districts of Bangui (Central African Republic) and Brazzaville (Republic of Congo).

Participants

Population aged 65 and older.

Measurements

Peripheral arterial disease was defined as an ankle–brachial index (ABI) of 0.90 or less. Cognitive screening was performed using the Community Screening Interview for Dementia and the Five‐Word Test. Diagnosis of dementia was confirmed after further neuropsychological tests and neurological examination according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to quantify the association between PAD and dementia in those populations, with adjustments for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other variables.

Results

A significant association was observed between PAD and prevalent dementia (odds ratio (OR) = 2.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.44–4.13, P = .001), even after adjustment for age, city, sex, CVD risk factors, education, and depressive disorders (OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.31–4.26, P = .004). This association was stronger with lower ABI.

Conclusion

These findings support the hypothesis of a link between atherosclerosis (represented by a low ABI) and cognitive disorders in native Africans and are similar to previous reports in African Americans and other ethnic groups.
Topically delivered dissolved oxygen reduces inflammation and positively influences structural proteins in healthy intact human skin
Authors: Kellar Robert S , Audet Robert G , Roe David F , Rheins Lawrence A , Draelos Zoe Diana
Published: June 2013

Background

As oxygen is essential for wound healing and there is limited diffusion across the stratum corneum into the epidermis, we wanted to evaluate whether the topical delivery of a total dissolved oxygen in dressing form on intact human subject skin would improve clinical and histologic skin functioning.

Aims

Fifty normal, healthy subjects completed a pilot clinical evaluation to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a dissolved oxygen dressing (OxygeneSys™‐Continuous) to improve the health and appearance of intact skin.

Methods

Clinical analysis was performed on 50 subjects; histological and gene expression analysis was performed on 12 of the 50 subjects to assess the effect of the dissolved oxygen dressing.

Results

Clinical data demonstrate that the dressing is well tolerated, and several measures of skin health and integrity showed improvements compared with a control dressing site. Skin hydration measurements showed a statistically significant increase in skin hydration at 0–4, 4–8, and 0–8 weeks (P < 0.05 at each time point). The blinded clinical investigator's grading of desquamation, roughness, and skin texture show significant decreases from baseline to the 8‐week time point (P < 0.05). The dressings were removed prior to the blinded clinical investigator's grading. These data were supported by the histological and gene expression studies, which showed a general reduction in inflammatory response markers and transcription products (IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐alpha, MMP‐1, and MMP‐12), while facilitating a general increase in structural skin proteins (collagen I, elastin, and filaggrin). Additionally, p53 signals from biopsy samples support the clinical investigator's observations of no safety concerns.

Conclusion

The data from this study demonstrate that the dressing has no deleterious effects and stimulates beneficial effects on intact, nonwounded skin.
Study of the etiopathogenesis and differential diagnosis of oral vascular lesions by immunoexpression of GLUT‐1 and HIF‐1α
Authors: de Oliveira Denise Hélen Imaculada Pereira , Silveira Éricka Janine Dantas da , de Medeiros Ana Miryam Costa , Alves Pollianna Muniz , Queiroz Lélia Maria Guedes
Published: June 2013

Background

To investigate whether the immunohistochemical expression of GLUT‐1 and HIF‐1α is related to the diagnosis and pathogenesis of oral vascular lesions.

Study Methods

Thirty cases each of pyogenic granuloma (PG) and hemangioma were studied. Antibodies against GLUT‐1 and HIF‐1α were detected by immunoperoxidase staining in 3‐μm histological sections, and the results were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively, respectively. Positive and negative cells were counted, and the mean number of positive cells was calculated for each case.

Results

The initial diagnosis of hemangioma was maintained in only 7 (23%) of the 30 cases studied, which were positive for GLUT‐1. The remaining 23 cases were reclassified as vascular malformation (VM) (n = 13) and PG (n = 10) due to the absence of staining. The endothelium of blood vessels was negative for GLUT‐1 in all cases initially diagnosed as PG (n = 30). The percentage of HIF‐1α‐positive cells was higher in cases of PG, followed by hemangiomas and VMs (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Histological features are not sufficient to establish the correct diagnosis of oral hemangiomas, and an accurate anamnesis is essential in these cases. In addition, these findings demonstrate that vascular lesions express mediators of angiogenesis, HIF‐1α, and suggest that his process may play a role in the pathogenesis of vascular.
Use of negative contrast computed tomography for diagnosis of a colonic duplication in a dog
Authors: de Battisti A. , Harran N. , Chanoit G. , Warren‐Smith C.
Published: June 2013

A 24‐week‐old dog was presented with recurrent rectal prolapse because of colonic duplication. Colonic duplication is an extremely uncommon congenital abnormality, with only six cases reported in veterinary medicine, one diagnosed at necropsy and five after barium enema, colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, exploratory laparotomy either alone or in combination. In this case, these techniques failed to identify the abnormality and diagnosis was ultimately achieved via negative contrast computed tomography. The evaluation generated by the computed tomography images allowed a refined surgical approach. To the authors’ knowledge, negative contrast computed tomography has not yet been reported in the veterinary literature to diagnose gastrointestinal pathologies. Colonic duplication in this case was treated by removal of the intercolonic septum via colotomy.
Stem‐cell therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy: a pilot study evaluating retrograde coronary venous delivery
Authors: Pogue B. , Estrada A. H. , Sosa‐Samper I. , Maisenbacher H. W. , Lamb K. E. , Mincey B. D. , Erger K. E. , Conlon T. J.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To evaluate retrograde coronary venous stem‐cell delivery for Dobermanns with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods

Retrograde coronary venous delivery of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells transduced with tyrosine mutant adeno‐associated virus 2 to express stromal‐derived factor‐1 was performed in Dobermanns with dilated cardiomyopathy. Cases were followed for 2 years and electrocardiograms (ECG), echocardiograms and Holter monitoring were performed.

Results

Delivery of cells was feasible in 15 of 15 dogs. One dog died following the development of ventricular fibrillation 24 hours after cell delivery. The remaining 14 dogs were discharged the following day without complications. Echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular size and function showed continued progression of disease. On the basis of Kaplan–Meier product limit estimates, median survival for dogs following stem‐cell delivery was 620 days (range of 1–799 days). When including only the occult‐dilated cardiomyopathy population and excluding those dogs already in congestive heart failure, median survival was 652 days (range of 46–799 days).

Clinical Significance

Retrograde venous delivery of tyrosine mutant adeno‐associated virus 2‐stromal‐derived factor‐1 adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells appears safe. Stem‐cell therapy in dogs with occult‐dilated cardiomyopathy does not appear to offer advantage compared to recently published survival data in similarly affected Dobermanns.
Alteration of benthic communities associated with copper contamination linked to boat moorings
Authors: Neira Carlos , Levin Lisa A. , Mendoza Guillermo , Zirino Alberto
Published: June 2013

Although copper (Cu) is an essential element for life, leaching from boat paint can cause excess environmental loading in enclosed marinas. The effects of copper contamination on benthic macrofaunal communities were examined in threeSanDiegoBay marinas (America'sCup,HarborIslandWest andEast) inSouthernCalifornia,USA. The distribution ofCu concentration in sediments exhibited a clear spatial gradient, with hotspots created by the presence of boats, which in two marinas exceeded the effect range medium (ERM). Elevated sedimentCu was associated with differences in benthic assemblages, reduced species richness and enhanced dominance inAmerica'sCup andHarborIslandWest, whereasHarborIslandEast did not appear to be affected. At sites without boats there were greater abundances of some amphipods such as the speciesDesdimelitasp.,Harpiniasp.,Aoroidessp.,Corophiumsp.,Podocerussp., bivalves such asLyonsia californica,Musculista senhousia,Macomasp., and polychaetes such asDiplocirrussp. In contrast, at sites with boats, densities ofPseudopolydora paucibranchiata,Polydora nuchalis,Euchone limnicola,Exogone lourei,Tubificoidesspp. were enhanced. The limited impact onHarborIslandEast suggests not only lowerCu input rates and increased water flushing and mixing, but also the presence of adequate defense mechanisms that regulate availability and mitigate toxic impacts. At all three marinas,Cu in tissues of several macrobenthic species exhibitedCu bioaccumulation above levels found in the surrounding environment. The annelidsLumbrinerissp. andTubificoidesspp., and the amphipodDesdimelitasp. contained high levels ofCu, suggesting they function asCu bioaccumulators. The spionid polychaetesPolydora nuchalisandPseudopolydora paucibranchiatahad much lower Cu concentrations than surrounding sediments, suggesting they function as Cu bioregulators. The macrobenthic invertebrates inSanDiegoBay marinas that tolerateCu pollution (e.g.P. nuchalis,P. paucibranchiata,Euchone limnicola,Typosyllissp.,Tubificoidessp.) may function as indicators of high‐Cu conditions, whereas the presence ofCu‐sensitive species (e.g.Podocerussp.,Aoroidessp.,Harpiniasp.,Macomasp.,Lyonsia californica) may indicate healthier conditions (lessCu‐stressed). Parallel responses by faunas ofShelterIslandYachtBasin, also inSanDiegoBay, suggest potential for development of regionalCu contamination assessment criteria, and call for functional comparisons with other marinas and coastal water bodies.
Lithologic mapping of HED terrains on Vesta using Dawn Framing Camera color data
Authors: Thangjam Guneshwar , Reddy Vishnu , Le Corre Lucille , Nathues Andreas , Sierks Holger , Hiesinger Harald , Li Jian‐Yang , Sanchez Juan A. , Russell Christopher T. , Gaskell Robert , Raymond Carol
Published: June 2013

The surface composition of Vesta, the most massive intact basaltic object in the asteroid belt, is interesting because it provides us with an insight into magmatic differentiation of planetesimals that eventually coalesced to form the terrestrial planets. The distribution of lithologic and compositional units on the surface of Vesta provides important constraints on its petrologic evolution, impact history, and its relationship with vestoids and howardite‐eucrite‐diogenite (HED) meteorites. Using color parameters (band tilt and band curvature) originally developed for analyzing lunar data, we have identified and mapped HED terrains on Vesta in Dawn Framing Camera (FC) color data. The average color spectrum of Vesta is identical to that of howardite regions, suggesting an extensive mixing of surface regolith due to impact gardening over the course of solar system history. Our results confirm the hemispherical dichotomy (east‐west and north‐south) in albedo/color/composition that has been observed by earlier studies. The presence of diogenite‐rich material in the southern hemisphere suggests that it was excavated during the formation of the Rheasilvia and Veneneia basins. Our lithologic mapping of HED regions provides direct evidence for magmatic evolution of Vesta with diogenite units in Rheasilvia forming the lower crust of a differentiated object.
End‐of‐Life Care in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators: A MADIT‐II Substudy
Authors: SHERAZI SAADIA , MCNITT SCOTT , AKTAS MEHMET K. , POLONSKY BRONISLAVA , SHAH ABRAR H. , MOSS ARTHUR J. , DAUBERT JAMES P. , ZAREBA WOJCIECH
Published: June 2013

Background

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)‐delivered shocks can cause substantial distress, warranting consideration of ICD deactivation at end of life. This study was designed to describe the patterns of end‐of‐life management in patients with ICDs.

Methods

There was a retrospective chart review of 98 patients who died in the ICD arm of multicenter automated defibrillator implantation trial II (MADIT II). The pattern of ICD management and the frequency of ICD shocks delivered before death were reviewed.

Results

We identified three groups: Group 1 consisting of individuals who underwent ICD, deactivation, 15 (15%); Group 2 patients without ICD deactivation who were in hospice or with “do not resuscitate” (DNR) orders, 36 (37%); and Group 3 patients without ICD deactivation who were not in hospice care and did not have DNR orders, 47 (48%). Out of 15 deactivations, 11 (73%) occurred in the week before death. None of the patients in Group 1 received an ICD shock in the 24‐hour period before death. However, one (3%) patient from Group 2 and nine (19%) patients from Group 3 had shocks during the 24 hours before death (P = 0.03). In the last week before death, three (20%), two (6%), and six (13%) patients received ICD shocks in the three groups, respectively (P = 0.28).

Conclusions

In patients with terminal conditions who are at risk for imminent death, active management of the patient's ICD, including timely discussions regarding ICD deactivation, may reduce the risk of ICD shocks during the end of life.
Frequencies, Costs, and Complications of Catheter Ablation for Tachyarrhythmias in Children: 2000–2009
Authors: DESAI VIBHA C.A. , KELTON CHRISTINA M.L. , CZOSEK RICHARD J. , HEATON PAMELA C.
Published: June 2013

Background

Over the past two decades, catheter ablation (CA) has revolutionized the treatment of tachyarrhythmias in children by providing a relatively safe and effective alternative to open heart surgery or lifelong pharmacotherapy. This study (1) described national trends in pediatric CAs and their associated costs and complications and (2) predicted the likelihood of major complications based on patient and hospital characteristics.

Methods

Inpatient data were obtained from the Kids’ Inpatient Database for the years 2000, 2003, 2006, and 2009. Outpatient data were obtained from the California, Maryland, and New Jersey State Ambulatory Surgery Databases for the years 2006 and 2009. Logistic regression was used to predict the odds of major complications from CA.

Results

There was a 20% increase (4,134–4,967) in the number of pediatric CAs performed from 2006 to 2009 that was concomitant with a decrease in the percentage of those procedures being performed as inpatient procedures (2,254–1,846). In 2009, a complication rate of 4.81% was estimated. For inpatient CAs, higher risk patients (with congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, or heart transplant), ablations for ventricular tachycardias, and low‐CA‐volume hospitals were associated with increased risk of complications. In 2009, the mean cost of a hospitalization involving CA, but no cardiac surgery, was $17,204 (standard error = $1,015).

Conclusions

CA has increasingly been used over the past decade for pediatric patients with a multitude of tachycardia mechanisms. There continues to be a small risk of major complications, especially for higher risk children and in hospitals with more limited experience with the procedure.
Intracellular localization and induction of a dynamic RNA‐editing event of macro‐algal V‐ATPase subunit A (VHA‐A) in response to copper
Authors: MORRIS C. A. , OWEN J. R. , THOMAS M. C. , EL‐HITI G. A. , HARWOOD J. L. , KILLE P.
Published: June 2013

A V‐ATPase subunit A protein (VHA‐A) transcript together with a variant (C793 to U), which introduces a stop codon truncating the subunit immediately downstream of its ATP binding site, was identified within a Fucus vesiculosus cDNA from a heavy metal contaminated site. This is intriguing because the VHA‐A subunit is the crucial catalytic subunit responsible for the hydrolysis of ATP that drives ion transport underlying heavy metal detoxification pathways. We employed a chemiluminescent hybridization protection assay to quantify the proportion of both variants directly from mRNA while performing quantification of total transcript using Q‐PCR. Polyclonal antisera raised against recombinant VHA‐A facilitated simultaneous detection of parent and truncated VHA‐A and revealed its cellular and subcellular localization. By exploiting laboratory exposures and samples from an environmental copper gradient, we showed that total VHA‐A transcript and protein, together with levels of the truncated variant, were induced by copper. The absence of a genomic sequence representing the truncated variant suggests a RNA editing event causing the production of the truncated VHA‐A. Based on these observations, we propose RNA editing as a novel molecular process underpinning VHA trafficking and intracellular sequestration of heavy metals under stress.
Proposal of Microsquama subgen. nov. for Nephroselmis pyriformis (Carter) Ettl (Nephroselmidophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Yamaguchi Haruyo , Nakayama Takeshi , Inouye Isao
Published: June 2013

A new subgenus, Microsquama, is proposed for Nephroselmis pyriformis based on its phylogenetic position and some ultrastructural characters, such as the absence of large stellate scales. Other species of the genus are classified in the subgenus Nephroselmis.
Modelling Monetary Union in Southern Africa: Welfare Evaluation for the CMA and SADC
Authors: Debrun Xavier , Masson Paul R.
Published: June 2013

This paper proposes a quantitative assessment of the welfare effects arising from the Common Monetary Area (CMA) and an array of broader groupings among Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. Model simulations suggest that (i) participating in the CMA benefits all members; (ii) joining the CMA individually is beneficial for all SADC members except Angola, Mauritius and Tanzania; (iii) creating a symmetric CMA‐wide monetary union with a regional central bank carries some costs in terms of foregone anti‐inflationary credibility; and (iv) SADC‐wide symmetric monetary union continues to be beneficial for all except Mauritius, although the gains for existing CMA members are likely to be limited.
Production Teams and Producing Racial Diversity in Workplace Relationships
Authors: Payne Julianne , McDonald Steve , Hamm Lindsay
Published: June 2013

Production teams have become a dominant form of work organization as labor markets have become increasingly diverse. This transition likely affects coworker networks—possibly undermining entrenched patterns of workplace segregation. Contact theory suggests that teams can foster network diversity when workers cooperate and share values emphasizing mutual respect. Yet variants of conflict theory, including the critical teams literature, contend that the benefits of teamwork may be eroded by associated factors, including peer discipline, work intensification, and job insecurity. This study uses 2006 General Social Survey data to assess whether and how teamwork affects the racial diversity of worker acquaintance networks, contrasting worker‐ and manager‐directed teams. We find a positive relationship between teams and diversity, but only when teams are worker directed. Despite countervailing tendencies highlighted in the literature, teams foster greater cooperation between workers, which in turn promotes cross‐racial friendships. African Americans tend to receive the greatest diversity payoffs from teams. These findings suggest that teamwork can undermine segregation, though only with certain implementations and with variation across groups.
Seeking Opportunities: International Market Selection by European Engineering Consultancies
Authors: Pflanz Kai
Published: June 2013

Over the last few decades professional service firms have increasingly expanded their activities beyond national borders and established international offices throughout the world. This paper describes and analyses spatial patterns of internationalisation within the engineering consulting sector. By mapping expansion biographies of European engineering consulting firms and conducting dynamic Cox regression models, external factors influencing international market selection are examined. It is shown that current spatial patterns are only partly shaped by the declining importance of cross‐national distance. Instead, market seeking motivations and the exploitation of time‐critical opportunities appear to be of more significance. Further, changing patterns of market selection are observed.
Roseomonas bacteremia in a recipient of an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Al‐Anazi K.A. , AlHashmi H. , Abdalhamid B. , AlSelwi W. , AlSayegh M. , Alzayed A. , Alshibani Z. , AlGarni A. , Al‐Ghanem A. , Hassan H. , AlSagheir A.
Published: June 2013

Roseomonas are pink‐pigmented, oxidative, slowly growing, nonfermentative, gram‐negative coccobacilli whose identification may require extensive biochemical testing and molecular profiling. Roseomonas infections vary in severity and clinical presentation, and they predominantly occur in immunocompromised and chronically ill patients. The organism is generally susceptible to carbapenems and aminoglycosides, but resistant to most of the cephalosporins and broad‐spectrum penicillins. Reported here is a patient with lymphoblastic lymphoma who developed Roseomonas mucosa bacteremia after receiving her hematopoietic stem cell allograft. The bacteremic episode was successfully treated with imipenem and amikacin in addition to removal of the central venous catheter. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Roseomonas bacteremia in a stem cell transplantation recipient.
Unilateral Liberalisation or Trade Agreements: Which Way Forward for the Pacific?
Authors: Mahadevan Renuka , Asafu‐Adjaye John
Published: June 2013

Empirical results show that, for the Pacific island states, a free trade agreement with developed countries provides more benefits followed by regional trade agreement within the Pacific and then unilateral tariff reduction. While the agricultural sector expands and the manufacturing sector declines in all scenarios, to avoid second‐best outcomes, developed countries need to go beyond the provision of aid for trade/development measures. For developing countries, the way forward with regional trade agreements is to carefully sequence them with regard to the different developed countries involved. This must be accompanied by domestic reform which is necessary but not sufficient for long‐term gains.
Next Up: The Promise of AFL–CIO‐Affiliated Young Worker Groups
Authors: Boris Monica Bielski , Grabelsky Jeff , Margolies Ken , Reynolds David
Published: June 2013

In recent years, the American Federation of Labor–Congress of Industrial Organization (AFL–CIO) has attempted to spur and support the development of young worker organizations as a way of engaging more young people in the labor movement. One result has been the growth of young worker groups affiliated with local AFL–CIO bodies. This article summarizes the findings of our team of researchers who worked with the AFL–CIO to document and evaluate the most developed of these new young worker organizations. We explore the activities and character of these groups, the distinct contribution that they make to revive the American labor movement, and the challenges they face in continuing to grow and to spur similar groups across the country.
An Impact of Various Shroud Bleed Slot Configurations and Cavity Vanes on Compressor Map Width and the Inducer Flow Field
Authors: Sivagnanasundaram Subenuka , Spence Stephen , Early Juliana , Nikpour Bahram
Published: June 2013

This paper describes an investigation of map width enhancement and a detailed analysis of the inducer flow field due to various bleed slot configurations and vanes in the annular cavity of a turbocharger centrifugal compressor. The compressor under investigation is used in a turbocharger application for a heavy duty diesel engine of approximately 400 hp. This investigation has been undertaken using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the full compressor stage, which includes a manual multiblock-structured grid generation method. The influence of the bleed slot flow on the inducer flow field at a range of operating conditions has been analyzed, highlighting the improvement in surge and choked flow capability. The impact of the bleed slot geometry variations and the inclusion of cavity vanes on the inlet incidence angle have been studied in detail by considering the swirl component introduced at the leading edge by the recirculating flow through the slot. Further, the overall stage efficiency and the nonuniform flow field at the inducer inlet have been also analyzed. The analysis revealed that increasing the slot width has increased the map width by about 17%. However, it has a small impact on the efficiency, due to the frictional and mixing losses. Moreover, adding vanes in the cavity improved the pressure ratio and compressor performance noticeably. A detail analysis of the compressor with cavity vanes has also been presented.
Heat Transfer Measurements in an Internal Cooling System Using a Transient Technique With Infrared Thermography
Authors: Egger Christian , Wolfersdorf Jens von , Schnieder Martin
Published: June 2013

In this paper, a transient method for measuring heat transfer coefficients in internal cooling systems using infrared thermography is applied. The experiments are performed with a two-pass internal cooling channel connected by a 180 deg bend. The leading edge and the trailing edge consist of trapezoidal and nearly rectangular cross-sections, respectively, to achieve an engine-similar configuration. Within the channels, rib arrangements are considered for heat transfer enhancement. The test model is made of metallic material. During the experiment, the cooling channels are heated by the internal flow. The surface temperature response of the cooling channel walls is measured on the outer surface by infrared thermography. Additionally, fluid temperatures as well as fluid and solid properties are determined for the data analysis. The method for determining the distribution of internal heat transfer coefficients is based on a lumped capacitance approach, which considers lateral conduction in the cooling system walls as well as natural convection and radiation heat transfer on the outer surface. Because of time-dependent effects, a sensitivity analysis is performed to identify optimal time periods for data analysis. Results are compared with available literature data.
Casing Treatment and Inlet Swirl of Centrifugal Compressors
Authors: Chen Hua , Lei Vai-Man
Published: June 2013

Ported shroud is a cost-effective casing treatment that can greatly improve stability of centrifugal compressors. It is widely used in turbochargers and other applications where compressors with a wide flow range are required. This paper reviews the development of the ported shroud concept from its first conception in the 1980 s to its current various configurations and explores the underline mechanisms that deliver the performance improvement. It is explained that, by removing stagnant fluid from impeller inducer shroud end wall boundary-layer region and recirculating it to the impeller inlet, blade loading near the inducer shroud is increased with improved inlet suction. For transonic flow, the ported shroud weakens the shock wave and reduces flow separation on the inducer suction surface. It is argued that the effectiveness of ported shroud is a balance of blade loading and the flow loss inside the ported shroud cavity. The loss needs to be minimized if ported shroud is to be more effective. Blade loading may be increased by various methods, such as using high inducer blade turning and using full-bladed impellers. The blade loading can also be improved by removing flow swirl in ported shroud flow by vanes or imposing negative swirl by vanes in ported shroud. Circumferential flow variation caused by volute housing can be taken into account by variable pitch vanes or by variable port position.
Thermoelectric properties of a chain of coupled quantum dots embedded in a nanowire
Authors: Kuo David M.-T. , Chang Yia-Chung
Published: June 2013

The thermoelectric properties of a chain of coupled quantum dots (CCQDs) connected to metallic electrodes are theoretically investigated in the Coulomb blockade regime. An extended Hubbard model is employed to simulate the CCQD system consisted of finite number of quantum dots (QDs). The charge and heat currents are calculated in the framework of Keldysh Green's function technique. The authors obtained a closed-form Landauer expression for the transmission coefficient of the CCQD system with arbitrary number of QDs by using the method beyond mean-field theory. The electrical conductance (Ge), Seebeck coefficient (S), thermal conductance, and figure of merit (ZT) are numerically calculated and analyzed in the linear response regime. In the Coulomb blockade regime thermal conductance is dominated by phonons, the optimization of ZT is determined by the power factor (PF=S2Ge). The authors find that the optimization of ZT value favors the conditions of QD energy levels above the Fermi level of electrodes and QDs with small energy level fluctuations. The optimal ZT values are seriously suppressed by the inelastic scattering of electrons.