bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Characterization of Human H1N1 Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin Genes Isolated from 1947 to 2009 in China
Authors: Liu She-Lan , Zhang Zhiruo , Wang Chengmin , Dong Ying , Pan Hao , Sun Zhou , Yang Xun-hui , Wang Jing , Ruan Bing , Xie Li , Deng Jing , He Hong-Xuan
Published: August 2011

Objective: Our aim was to reveal the molecular characteristics of human H1N1 influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) genes from 1947 to 2009 in China. Methods: 129 HA gene sequences were downloaded from NCBI’s GenBank and analyzed by DNASTAR software. Additionally, the three-dimensional structure of HA protein was predicted by the SWISS-MODEL service. Results: First, 2009 Chinese HA genes were 99% identical to those of Mexican and American ones; their key sites remained highly conserved. Second, 50 Chinese strains from 1947 to 2009 clustered by the year of isolation, and 2009 strains had only 70% identity to 1947–2008 ones. Third, over the past 60 years, 3 receptor-binding (RB) sites and 2 of the 8 glycosylation sites (amino acids 279 and 290) underwent considerable changes while the cleavage sites remained stable. Fourth, the human HA sequences differed completely from swine and avian isolates. Finally, the mutation of cleavage sites can change the three-dimensional structures, but single mutations cannot. Conclusions: Thus, in the past 60 years, Chinese H1N1 influenza HA genes kept stable with high affinity and low pathogenicity to human except changes in 2 glycosylation and 3 RB sites which were associated with the pandemic strength, range and host specificity of viruses.
Early versus Late Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients with Acute Exacerbations: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Puhan Milo A. , Spaar Anne , Frey Martin , Turk Alexander , Brändli Otto , Ritscher Daniel , Achermann Eva , Kaelin Rainer , Karrer Werner
Published: August 2011

Background: Around the world, the timing of referral of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients for pulmonary rehabilitation differs from immediately after exacerbation (early) to later on when patients are in a stable state (late). There are no trials comparing the different time points of referral for pulmonary rehabilitation. Objectives: Our aim was to compare the effects of early and late pulmonary rehabilitation on exacerbation rates and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in COPD patients with exacerbations. Methods: We randomized COPD patients (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages II–IV) with a recent exacerbation to early (within 2 weeks) or late pulmonary rehabilitation (starting 6 months after randomization and in a stable state). The primary outcome was the exacerbation rate over 18 months, and secondary outcomes included HRQOL and mortality. We used multivariate analyses and an intention-to-treat analysis approach. Results: We randomized 36 patients to pulmonary rehabilitation. On average, patients with early rehabilitation (n = 19) had 2.61 (SD 2.96) exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids and/or antibiotics, compared to 2.77 (SD 3.41) in patients with late rehabilitation (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.43–1.63; p = 0.60). Over the 18-month period, patients with late rehabilitation experienced more dyspnea (difference on Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire dyspnea domain 0.74 and on the Medical Research Council dyspnea scale 0.37), but neither these differences nor any difference in HRQOL domains reached statistical significance. Conclusions: We did not find any statistically significant differences between early and late pulmonary rehabilitation. However, our trial indicates that early rehabilitation may lead to faster recovery of HRQOL after exacerbations compared to rehabilitation later on when patients are in a stable state.
Characterization of Fractionated Atrial Electrograms Critical for Maintenance of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hunter Ross J. , Diab Ihab , Tayebjee Muzahir , Richmond Laura , Sporton Simon , Earley Mark J. , Schilling Richard J.
Published: August 2011

Background—

Whether ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) modifies atrial fibrillation (AF) by eliminating drivers or atrial debulking remains unknown. This randomized study aimed to determine the effect of ablating different CFAE morphologies compared with normal electrograms (ie, debulking normal tissue) on the cycle length of persistent AF (AFCL).

Methods and Results—

After pulmonary vein isolation left and right atrial CFAE were targeted, until termination of AF or abolition of CFAE before DC cardioversion. Ten-second electrograms were classified according to a validated scale, with grade 1 being most fractionated and grade 5 normal. Patients were randomly assigned to have CFAE grades eliminated sequentially, from grade 1 to 5 (group 1) or grade 5 to 1 (group 2). An increase in AFCL (mean of left and right atrial appendage) ≥5 ms after a lesion was regarded as significant. CFAE (n=968) were targeted in 20 patients. AFCL increased after targeting 51±35% of grade 1 CFAE, 30±15% grade 2, 12±5% grade 3, 33±12% grade 4, and 8±15% grade 5 CFAE (
P
<0.01 for grades 1, 2, and 4 versus 5; 3 versus 5, not significant). The proportion of lesions causing AFCL prolongation was unaffected by the order in which CFAE were targeted.

Conclusions—

Targeting CFAE is not simply atrial debulking. Ablating certain grades of CFAE increases AFCL, suggesting they are more important in maintaining AF.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00894400.
Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions
Editors' Picks
Authors:   The Editors
Published: August 2011

The following are highlights from the new series,
Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions
Topic Review. This series will summarize the most important manuscripts, as selected by the editors, that have published in the
Circulation
portfolio. The objective of this new series is to provide a concise review of significant papers that are relevant to interventional cardiology. The studies included in this article represent the most noteworthy research in the area of coronary stent placement.
Treatment Intensification in a Hypertension Telemanagement Trial
Authors: Crowley Matthew J. , Smith Valerie A. , Olsen Maren K. , Danus Susanne , Oddone Eugene Z. , Bosworth Hayden B. , Powers Benjamin J.
Published: August 2011

Clinical inertia represents a barrier to hypertension management. As part of a hypertension telemanagement trial designed to overcome clinical inertia, we evaluated study physician reactions to elevated home blood pressures. We studied 296 patients from the Hypertension Intervention Nurse Telemedicine Study who received telemonitoring and study physician medication management. When a patient's 2-week mean home blood pressure was elevated, an “intervention alert” prompted study physicians to consider treatment intensification. We examined treatment intensification rates and subsequent blood pressure control. Patients generated 1216 intervention alerts during the 18-month intervention. Of 922 eligible intervention alerts, study physicians intensified treatment in 374 (40.6%). Study physician perception that home blood pressure was acceptable was the most common rationale for nonintensification (53.7%). When “blood pressure acceptable” was the reason for not intensifying treatment, the mean blood pressure was lower than for intervention alerts where treatment intensification occurred (135.3/76.7 versus 143.2/80.6 mm Hg;
P
<0.0001). Blood pressure acceptable intervention alerts were associated with the lowest incidence of repeat alerts (hazard ratio: 0.69 [95% CI: 0.58 to 0.83]), meaning that the patient home blood pressure was less likely to subsequently rise above goal, despite apparent clinical inertia. This telemedicine intervention targeting clinical inertia did not guarantee treatment intensification in response to elevated home blood pressures. However, when physicians did not intensify treatment, it was because blood pressure was closer to an acceptable threshold, and repeat blood pressure elevations occurred less frequently. Failure to intensify treatment when home blood pressure is elevated may, at times, represent good clinical judgment, not clinical inertia.
Reading “Queer” Ashkenaz: This Time from East to West
Authors: Seidman Naomi
Published: August 2011

What if we read “queer” Eastern European Jews not through a Central European psychoanalytic lens, but through the analytic resources of Ashkenaz? Could queer studies approaches to Yiddish culture, in their reliance on Freudian and post-Freudian perspectives, have failed to see the full contours of traditional Jewish erotic systems?
Developing an approach to calculate carbon fiber surface energy using molecular simulation and its application to real carbon fibers
Authors: Awan Imran Sadiq , Xiaoqun Wang , Pengcheng Huang , Shanyi Du
Published: August 2011

Carbon fiber surface energy is calculated using molecular mechanics simulations on the basis of variation in nonbond energy of carbon fiber due to the presence of various functional groups i.e., OH, CO, and COOH. A step-wise methodology is adopted so that optimized graphite models are used to build separate models of carbon fibers for discrete percentages of OH, CO, and COOH to know the effect of each functional group. Eventually, models of three real carbon fibers are developed to know the combined effect of functional groups on the surface energy of carbon fibers.
Relation of home chaos to cognitive performance and behavioral adjustment of Pakistani primary school children
Authors: Shamama-tus-Sabah Syeda , Gilani Nighat , Wachs Theodore D.
Published: August 2011

Recent findings from Western developed countries have linked home chaos to children’s cognitive performance and behavioral problems. In the present paper we test whether the same pattern of associations can be replicated in a non-Western developing country. Our sample was 203 Pakistani primary school children. To assess home chaos the Confusion, Hubbub, and Order Scale (CHAOS) was translated into Urdu and administered to mothers. Children were assessed using the parent and teachers rating forms of the Behavioral Assessment System for Children and the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. Home chaos was not related to children’s cognitive performance. However, replicating previous findings from Western developed countries, greater home chaos uniquely predicted higher levels of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems as well as lower levels of adaptive behavior in Pakistani children, as rated by both mothers and teachers.
Research on the register system modelling and control of gravure printing press
Authors: Li J , Mei X , Tao T , Liu S
Published: August 2011

The register accuracy is the most important performance of gravure printing press. In order to improve the control accuracy of register, an accurate mathematical model of the register error and a high-performance controller should be researched. In this article, the mathematical model of the register error and the elimination of interference caused by the speed and tension of web by the feed-forward control scheme are studied. The established mathematical model and the feed-forward control scheme are validated by the numerical simulation and multi-colour gravure printing press test. The results show that the established register error model is accurate and reliable, and the designed feed-forward control scheme effectively reduces the register error caused by the tension and speed fluctuation.
PChopper: high throughput peptide prediction for MRM/SRM transition design
Authors: Afzal Vackar , Huang Jeffrey T-J , Atrih Abdel , Crowther Daniel J
Published: August 2011

Background

The use of selective reaction monitoring (SRM) based LC-MS/MS analysis for the quantification of phosphorylation stoichiometry has been rapidly increasing. At the same time, the number of sites that can be monitored in a single LC-MS/MS experiment is also increasing. The manual processes associated with running these experiments have highlighted the need for computational assistance to quickly design MRM/SRM candidates.

Results

PChopper has been developed to predict peptides that can be produced via enzymatic protein digest; this includes single enzyme digests, and combinations of enzymes. It also allows digests to be simulated in 'batch' mode and can combine information from these simulated digests to suggest the most appropriate enzyme(s) to use. PChopper also allows users to define the characteristic of their target peptides, and can automatically identify phosphorylation sites that may be of interest. Two application end points are available for interacting with the system; the first is a web based graphical tool, and the second is an API endpoint based on HTTP REST.

Conclusions

Service oriented architecture was used to rapidly develop a system that can consume and expose several services. A graphical tool was built to provide an easy to follow workflow that allows scientists to quickly and easily identify the enzymes required to produce multiple peptides in parallel via enzymatic digests in a high throughput manner.
A novel amniote model of epimorphic regeneration: the leopard gecko, Eublepharis macularius
Authors: McLean Katherine E , Vickaryous Matthew K
Published: August 2011

Background

Epimorphic regeneration results in the restoration of lost tissues and structures from an aggregation of proliferating cells known as a blastema. Among amniotes the most striking example of epimorphic regeneration comes from tail regenerating lizards. Although tail regeneration is often studied in the context of ecological costs and benefits, details of the sequence of tissue-level events are lacking. Here we investigate the anatomical and histological events that characterize tail regeneration in the leopard gecko, Eublepharis macularius.

Results

Tail structure and tissue composition were examined at multiple days following tail loss, revealing a conserved pattern of regeneration. Removal of the tail results in a consistent series of morphological and histological events. Tail loss is followed by a latent period of wound healing with no visible signs of regenerative outgrowth. During this latent period basal cells of the epidermis proliferate and gradually cover the wound. An additional aggregation of proliferating cells accumulates adjacent to the distal tip of the severed spinal cord marking the first appearance of the blastema. Continued growth of the blastema is matched by the initiation of angiogenesis, followed by the re-development of peripheral axons and the ependymal tube of the spinal cord. Skeletal tissue differentiation, corresponding with the expression of Sox9, and muscle re-development are delayed until tail outgrowth is well underway.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that tail regeneration in lizards involves a highly conserved sequence of events permitting the establishment of a staging table. We show that tail loss is followed by a latent period of scar-free healing of the wound site, and that regeneration is blastema-mediated. We conclude that the major events of epimorphic regeneration are highly conserved across vertebrates and that a comparative approach is an invaluable biomedical tool for ongoing regenerative research.
Forecasting incidence of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in China using ARIMA model
Authors: Liu Qiyong , Liu Xiaodong , Jiang Baofa , Yang Weizhong
Published: August 2011

Background

China is a country that is most seriously affected by hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) with 90% of HFRS cases reported globally. At present, HFRS is getting worse with increasing cases and natural foci in China. Therefore, there is an urgent need for monitoring and predicting HFRS incidence to make the control of HFRS more effective. In this study, we applied a stochastic autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model with the objective of monitoring and short-term forecasting HFRS incidence in China.

Methods

Chinese HFRS data from 1975 to 2008 were used to fit ARIMA model. Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Ljung-Box test were used to evaluate the constructed models. Subsequently, the fitted ARIMA model was applied to obtain the fitted HFRS incidence from 1978 to 2008 and contrast with corresponding observed values. To assess the validity of the proposed model, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) between the observed and fitted HFRS incidence (1978-2008) was calculated. Finally, the fitted ARIMA model was used to forecast the incidence of HFRS of the years 2009 to 2011. All analyses were performed using SAS9.1 with a significant level of p < 0.05.

Results

The goodness-of-fit test of the optimum ARIMA (0,3,1) model showed non-significant autocorrelations in the residuals of the model (Ljung-Box Q statistic = 5.95,P = 0.3113). The fitted values made by ARIMA (0,3,1) model for years 1978-2008 closely followed the observed values for the same years, with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 12.20%. The forecast values from 2009 to 2011 were 0.69, 0.86, and 1.21per 100,000 population, respectively.

Conclusion

ARIMA models applied to historical HFRS incidence data are an important tool for HFRS surveillance in China. This study shows that accurate forecasting of the HFRS incidence is possible using an ARIMA model. If predicted values from this study are accurate, China can expect a rise in HFRS incidence.
Rodé's theorem on common fixed points of semigroup of nonexpansive mappings in CAT(0) spaces
Authors: Anakkamatee Watcharapong , Dhompongsa Sompong
Published: August 2011

We extend Rodé's theorem on common fixed points of semigroups of nonexpansive mappings in Hilbert spaces to the CAT(0) space setting.

2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 47H09; 47H10.
Orthoretroviral-like prototype foamy virus gag-pol expression is compatible with viral replication
Authors: Swiersy Anka , Wiek Constanze , Reh Juliane , Zentgraf Hanswalter , Lindemann Dirk
Published: August 2011

Background

Foamy viruses (FVs) unlike orthoretroviruses express Pol as a separate precursor protein and not as a Gag-Pol fusion protein. A unique packaging strategy, involving recognition of briding viral RNA by both Pol precursor and Gag as well as potential Gag-Pol protein interactions, ensures Pol particle encapsidation.

Results

Several Prototype FV (PFV) Gag-Pol fusion protein constructs were generated to examine whether PFV replication is compatible with an orthoretroviral-like Pol expression. During their analysis, non-particle-associated secreted Pol precursor protein was discovered in extracellular wild type PFV particle preparations of different origin, copurifying in simple virion enrichment protocols. Different analysis methods suggest that extracellular wild type PFV particles contain predominantly mature p85PR-RT and p40IN Pol subunits. Characterization of various PFV Gag-Pol fusion constructs revealed that PFV Pol expression in an orthoretroviral manner is compatible with PFV replication as long as a proteolytic processing between Gag and Pol proteins is possible. PFV Gag-Pol translation by a HIV-1 like ribosomal frameshift signal resulted in production of replication-competent virions, although cell- and particle-associated Pol levels were reduced in comparison to wild type. In-frame fusion of PFV Gag and Pol ORFs led to increased cellular Pol levels, but particle incorporation was only marginally elevated. Unlike that reported for similar orthoretroviral constructs, a full-length in-frame PFV Gag-Pol fusion construct showed wildtype-like particle release and infectivity characteristics. In contrast, in-frame PFV Gag-Pol fusion with C-terminal Gag ORF truncations or non-removable Gag peptide addition to Pol displayed wildtype particle release, but reduced particle infectivity. PFV Gag-Pol precursor fusion proteins with inactivated protease were highly deficient in regular particle release, although coexpression of p71Gag resulted in a significant copackaging of these proteins.

Conclusions

Non-particle associated PFV Pol appears to be naturally released from infected cells by a yet unknown mechanism. The absence of particle-associated Pol precursor suggests its rapid processing upon particle incorporation. Analysis of different PFV Gag-Pol fusion constructs demonstrates that orthoretroviral-like Pol expression is compatible with FV replication in principal as long as fusion protein processing is possible. Furthermore, unlike orthoretroviruses, PFV particle release and infectivity tolerate larger differences in relative cellular Gag/Pol levels.
Sequencing of bovine herpesvirus 4 v.test strain reveals important genome features
Authors: Palmeira Leonor , Machiels Bénédicte , Lété Céline , Vanderplasschen Alain , Gillet Laurent
Published: August 2011

Background

Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) is a useful model for the human pathogenic gammaherpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus. Although genome manipulations of this virus have been greatly facilitated by the cloning of the BoHV-4 V.test strain as a Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC), the lack of a complete genome sequence for this strain limits its experimental use.

Methods

In this study, we have determined the complete sequence of BoHV-4 V.test strain by a pyrosequencing approach.

Results

The long unique coding region (LUR) consists of 108,241 bp encoding at least 79 open reading frames and is flanked by several polyrepetitive DNA units (prDNA). As previously suggested, we showed that the prDNA unit located at the left prDNA-LUR junction (prDNA-G) differs from the other prDNA units (prDNA-inner). Namely, the prDNA-G unit lacks the conserved pac-2 cleavage and packaging signal in its right terminal region. Based on the mechanisms of cleavage and packaging of herpesvirus genomes, this feature implies that only genomes bearing left and right end prDNA units are encapsulated into virions.

Conclusions

In this study, we have determined the complete genome sequence of the BAC-cloned BoHV-4 V.test strain and identified genome organization features that could be important in other herpesviruses.
Using scenario tree modelling for targeted herd sampling to substantiate freedom from disease
Authors: Blickenstorfer Sarah , Schwermer Heinzpeter , Engels Monika , Reist Martin , Doherr Marcus G , Hadorn Daniela C
Published: August 2011

Background

In order to optimise the cost-effectiveness of active surveillance to substantiate freedom from disease, a new approach using targeted sampling of farms was developed and applied on the example of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) and enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL) in Switzerland. Relevant risk factors (RF) for the introduction of IBR and EBL into Swiss cattle farms were identified and their relative risks defined based on literature review and expert opinions. A quantitative model based on the scenario tree method was subsequently used to calculate the required sample size of a targeted sampling approach (TS) for a given sensitivity. We compared the sample size with that of a stratified random sample (sRS) with regard to efficiency.

Results

The required sample sizes to substantiate disease freedom were 1,241 farms for IBR and 1,750 farms for EBL to detect 0.2% herd prevalence with 99% sensitivity. Using conventional sRS, the required sample sizes were 2,259 farms for IBR and 2,243 for EBL. Considering the additional administrative expenses required for the planning of TS, the risk-based approach was still more cost-effective than a sRS (40% reduction on the full survey costs for IBR and 8% for EBL) due to the considerable reduction in sample size.

Conclusions

As the model depends on RF selected through literature review and was parameterised with values estimated by experts, it is subject to some degree of uncertainty. Nevertheless, this approach provides the veterinary authorities with a promising tool for future cost-effective sampling designs.
Optimality and evolution of transcriptionally regulated gene expression
Authors: Poelwijk Frank J , Heyning Philip D , de Vos Marjon GJ , Kiviet Daniel J , Tans Sander J
Published: August 2011

Background

How transcriptionally regulated gene expression evolves under natural selection is an open question. The cost and benefit of gene expression are the driving factors. While the former can be determined by gratuitous induction, the latter is difficult to measure directly.

Results

We addressed this problem by decoupling the regulatory and metabolic function of the Escherichia coli lac system, using an inducer that cannot be metabolized and a carbon source that does not induce. Growth rate measurements directly identified the induced expression level that maximizes the metabolism benefits minus the protein production costs, without relying on models. Using these results, we established a controlled mismatch between sensing and metabolism, resulting in sub-optimal transcriptional regulation with the potential to improve by evolution. Next, we tested the evolutionary response by serial transfer. Constant environments showed cells evolving to the predicted expression optimum. Phenotypes with decreased expression emerged several hundred generations later than phenotypes with increased expression, indicating a higher genetic accessibility of the latter. Environments alternating between low and high expression demands resulted in overall rather than differential changes in expression, which is explained by the concave shape of the cross-environmental tradeoff curve that limits the selective advantage of altering the regulatory response.

Conclusions

This work indicates that the decoupling of regulatory and metabolic functions allows one to directly measure the costs and benefits that underlie the natural selection of gene regulation. Regulated gene expression is shown to evolve within several hundreds of generations to optima that are predicted by these costs and benefits. The results provide a step towards a quantitative understanding of the adaptive origins of regulatory systems.
Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial of Early Endoscopic Ultrasound–Guided Celiac Plexus Neurolysis to Prevent Pain Progression in Patients With Newly Diagnosed, Painful, Inoperable Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wyse Jonathan M. , Carone Marco , Paquin Sarto C. , Usatii Mariana , Sahai Anand V.
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) is currently used as salvage therapy for morphine-resistant pancreatic cancer pain. Endoscopic ultrasound–guided CPN (EUS-CPN) can be performed early, at the time of EUS. We hypothesized that early EUS-CPN would reduce pain and morphine consumption, increase quality of life (QOL), and prolong survival.

Patients and Methods

Patients were eligible if referred for EUS for suspected pancreatic cancer with related pain. If EUS and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology confirmed inoperable adenocarcinoma, patients were randomly assigned to early EUS-CPN or conventional pain management. Pain scores (7-point Likert scale), morphine equivalent consumption, and QOL scores (Digestive Disease Questionnaire-15) were assessed at 1 and 3 months.

Results

Five hundred eighty eligible patients were seen between April 2006 and December 2008. Ninety-six patients were randomly assigned (48 patients per study arm). Pain relief was greater in the EUS-CPN group at 1 month and significantly greater at 3 months (difference in mean percent change in pain score = −28.9 [95% CI, −67.0 to 2.8], P = .09, and −60.7 [95% CI, −86.6 to −25.5], P = .01, respectively). Morphine consumption was similar in both groups at 1 month (difference in mean change in morphine consumption = −1.0 [95% CI, −47.7 to 49.2], P = .99), but tended toward lower consumption at 3 months in the neurolysis group (difference in mean change in morphine consumption = −49.5 [95% CI, −127.5 to 7.0], P = .10). There was no effect on QOL or survival.

Conclusion

Early EUS-CPN reduces pain and may moderate morphine consumption in patients with painful, inoperable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. EUS-CPN can be considered in all such patients at the time of diagnostic and staging EUS.
An Experimental Component Index for the CPI: From Annual Computer Data to Monthly Data on Other Goods
Authors: Erickson Tim , Pakes Ariel
Published: August 2011

The CPI component indices are obtained from comparing price quotes at a given store in different periods. If we omit comparisons from goods in the store in the initial, but not in the comparison, period we generate a selection bias: goods that exit are disproportionately obsolete goods that have falling prices. Building on Pakes (2003), we explain why standard hedonic predictions for second-period prices of exiting goods do not account for this bias. New hedonic methods are derived, shown to have desirable properties, and are applied to three CPI samples where they generate significant selection corrections. (JEL C43, E31)
Panic on the Streets of London: Police, Crime, and the July 2005 Terror Attacks
Authors: Draca Mirko , Machin Stephen , Witt Robert
Published: August 2011

In this paper we study the causal impact of police on crime, looking at what happened to crime and police before and after the terror attacks that hit central London in July 2005. The attacks resulted in a large redeployment of police officers to central London as compared to outer London. During this time, crime fell significantly in central relative to outer London. The instrumental variable approach we use uncovers an elasticity of crime with respect to police of approximately -0.3 to -0.4, so that a 10 percent increase in police activity reduces crime by around 3 to 4 percent. JEL: K42
Did Household Consumption Become More Volatile?
Authors: Gorbachev Olga
Published: August 2011

I show that after accounting for predictable variation arising from movements in real interest rates, preferences and income shocks, liquidity constraints and measurement errors, volatility of household consumption in the US increased by 25 percent between 1970 and 2004. The increase was lower than that of volatility of family income. Nonwhite and those with less than 13 years of education, for whom there was no differential increase in income volatility, experienced a significantly larger increase in volatility of household consumption. Substantial differences in wealth and access to credit markets point to the main reason for this divide. JEL: D12, D14, E21, J15
Solidago chilensis Meyen hydroalcoholic extract reduces JNK/IκB pathway activation and ameliorates insulin resistance in diet-induced obesity mice
Authors: Melo Arine M , Bittencourt Priscila , Nakutis Fernanda S , Silva Anna P , Cursino Janaina , Santos Gustavo A , Ashino Nicole G , Velloso Licio A , Torsoni Adriana S , Torsoni Marcio A
Published: August 2011

Hydroalcoholic extract of Solidago chilensis (Sc) is employed in popular medicine to treat inflammatory disease. The low-grade proinflammatory state and the activation of serine/threonine kinases in adipose tissue, like c-jun kinase (JNK) and IKK, and transcription factors, have an important role in obesity-associated insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to further investigate the effects of the Sc extract on glucose homeostasis in diet-induced obesity mice. Male Swiss mice were randomized to three groups: a control group (C) fed with standard laboratory chow; a group with an experimental high-fat diet (HFD); and a group fed with a high-fat (45% kcal from fat) diet + extract of Sc (via intraperitoneal, 3 mg/kg) (ScHFD). The dietary treatment lasted for eight weeks. Subsequently, the expression and phosphorylation of proteins of interest in the liver, hypothalamus and skeletal muscle were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Body weight, epididymal fat pad mass and liver triglycerides were higher in HFD than in control mice, but these parameters were reduced by intraperitoneal administration of the extracts (3 mg/kg) to the HFD group. AKT phosphorylation stimulated by insulin in the liver, hypothalamus and skeletal muscle was higher in ScHFD as compared with HFD mice. Additionally, liver expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and fatty acid synthase were lower in ScHFD as compared with HFD mice. Nuclear factor κB, p-I κB and p-JNK levels were higher in HFD when compared with control mice, but they were lowered by treatment with extract (ScHFD). In addition, in db/db mice, Sc extract also improved liver AKT phosphorylation stimulated by insulin and reduced PEPCK expression. The data presented herein show that Sc improves AKT activation. This effect may be promoted by reduction of the proinflammatory pathway in the liver and hypothalamus. Therefore, systemic action of the Sc components may contribute to improve obesity-associated pathophysiology.
Adjunctive Oral Methylprednisolone in Pediatric Acute Pyelonephritis Alleviates Renal Scarring
Authors: Huang Ya-Yun , Chen Mei-Ju , Chiu Nan-Tsing , Chou Hsin-Hsu , Lin Kuang-Yen , Chiou Yuan-Yow
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To determine if glucocorticoids can prevent renal scar formation after acute pyelonephritis in pediatric patients.

METHODS:

Patients younger than 16 years diagnosed with their first episode of acute pyelonephritis with a high risk of renal scar formation (ie, inflammatory volume ≥ 4.6 mL on technetium-99m–labeled dimercaptosuccinic acid scan [DMSA] or abnormal renal ultrasonography results) were randomly assigned to receive either antibiotics plus methylprednisolone sodium phosphate (1.6 mg/kg per day for 3 days [MPD group]) or antibiotics plus placebo (placebo group) every 6 hours for 3 days. Patients were reassessed by using DMSA 6 months after treatment. The primary outcome was the development of renal scars.

RESULTS:

A total of 84 patients were enrolled: 19 in the MPD group and 65 in the placebo group. Patient characteristics were similar between the 2 groups, including the acute inflammatory parameters and the initial DMSA result. Renal scarring was found in 33.3% of children treated with MPD and in 60.0% of those who received placebo (P < .05). The median cortical defect volumes on follow-up DMSA were 0.0 mL (range: 0–4.5 mL) and 1.5 mL (range: 0–14.8 mL) for the MPD and placebo groups, respectively (P < .01). Patients in the MPD group experienced faster defervescence after treatment than the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Adjunctive oral MPD therapy reduced the occurrence and/or severity of renal scarring after acute pyelonephritis in these hospitalized children who had a high risk of renal scar formation.
Cultivar and Weeding Effects on Weeds and Rice Yields in a Degraded Upland Environment of the Coastal Savanna
Authors: Touré Amadou , Rodenburg Jonne , Saito Kazuki , Oikeh Sylvester , Futakuchi Koichi , Gumedzoe Dieudonné , Huat Joel
Published: August 2011

Weeds are a major constraint to rice production in labor-limited, upland rice-based systems in West Africa. The effects of weeding regimes and rice cultivars on weed growth and rice yield were investigated at two upland locations (Abomey-Calavi and Niaouli) in the degraded coastal savanna zone of Benin in 2005 and 2006 with below-average rainfall. Four weeding regimes (hoe weeding at 21 d after sowing [DAS], delayed hoe weeding at 31 DAS, hoe weeding at 21 and 42 DAS, and a no weeding control) were the main plot treatments. Cultivars comprising three interspecific upland rice cultivars (NERICA 1, NERICA 2, and NERICA 7) and the parents (Oryza sativaWAB56-104 andO. glaberrimaCG14) were tested in subplots. The most dominant weed species identified were Jamaican crabgrass,Mariscus, and silver spinach. Rice yield was generally low because of drought stress; none of the experiments had a higher mean yield than 1,400 kg ha−1across cultivars. Across cultivars, the best weeding regimes in terms of weed control and rice yields were single weeding at 31 DAS (W31) and double weeding at 21 and 42 DAS (W21+42). Under these weeding regimes, WAB56-104 out-yielded the three NERICA cultivars. CG14 showed the strongest weed suppressive ability (WSA) in Abomey-Calavi but did not have strong WSA in Niaouli because of lower biomass accumulation. WSA of WAB56-104 was similar to that of the three NERICA cultivars. Single weeding at 31 DAS, together with the use of cultivars with good adaptation to unfavorable rice growing conditions, would increase land and labor productivity of upland rice-based systems in West Africa.
A Literature Review of Cost-Benefit Analyses for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Popova Svetlana , Mohapatra Satya , Patra Jayadeep , Duhig Amy , Rehm Jürgen
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to conduct a literature review of cost-benefit studies on pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy treatments of alcohol dependence (AD). A literature search was performed in multiple electronic bibliographic databases. The search identified seven psychotherapy studies from the USA and two pharmacotherapy studies from Europe. In the psychotherapy studies, major benefits are typically seen within the first six months of treatment. The benefit-cost ratio ranged from 1.89 to 39.0. Treatment with acamprosate was found to accrue a net benefit of 21,301 BEF (528 €) per patient over a 24-month period in Belgium and lifetime benefit for each patient in Spain was estimated to be Pta. 3,914,680 (23,528 €). To date, only a few studies exist that have examined the cost-benefit of psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy treatment of AD. Most of the available treatment options for AD appear to produce marked economic benefits.
Virus Dynamics and Evolution: Bridging Scales and Disciplines
Authors: Poss Mary
Published: August 2011

Viruses have attracted the interest of researchers from multiple disciplines and have nucleated many productive and innovative collaborations. In part, this is because viruses so intimately associate with their hosts that decoupling host and virus biology is difficult, and virus-host interactions occur at multiple scales, from within cells to populations, each of which is intrinsically complex. As a consequence, ecologists, population biologists, evolutionary biologists, and researchers from quantitative fields, including mathematics, statistics, physics and computer science, make significant contributions to the field of virology. Our understanding of virus dynamics and evolution has substantially benefited from these multidisciplinary efforts. It is now common to see advanced phylogenetic reconstruction methods used to determine the origins of emergent viruses, to estimate the effect of natural selection on virus populations, and to assess virus population dynamics. Mathematical and statistical models that elucidate complex virus and host interactions in time and space at the molecular and population level are appearing more regularly in virology and biomedical journals. Massive quantities of data now available due to technological innovation in imaging, increased disease surveillance efforts, and novel approaches to determine social contact structure are changing approaches to study the dynamics and evolution of viral infections in heterogeneous environments. The next decade presents exciting new opportunities and challenges for the expanding field of researchers investigating dynamics of viral infections that will lead to innovation and new insight on virus interactions in both individual hosts and in populations. The compilation of articles in this Special Issue on “Virus Dynamics and Evolution” is comprised of reviews and primary research, summarized below, that provide new perspectives on virus interactions with host organisms through the integration of empirical and computational analyses of virus at molecular, cellular, and population levels. [...]
Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy Associated with Malignancy: A Retrospective Cohort of 151 Korean Patients with Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis
Authors: SO MIN WOOK , KOO BON SAN , KIM YONG-GIL , LEE CHANG-KEUN , YOO BIN
Published: August 2011

Objective.

To define the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of malignancy and factors associated with malignancies in Korean patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM).

Methods.

The demographic, clinical, and laboratory features of 151 patients diagnosed with DM/PM were compared in patients with and without malignancies.

Results.

Malignancies were found in 23 of 98 patients with DM (23.5%) and in 2 of 53 with PM (3.8%). Lung cancer (8 patients) was the most common malignancy. Compared with the period-specific, sex-matched, and age-matched Korean population, the SIR for malignancy in patients with DM was 14.2 (95% CI 9.0–21.3). Univariate analysis showed that factors associated with malignancy included older age (p < 0.001), DM (p = 0.002), dysphagia (p < 0.001), the absence of interstitial lung disease (ILD; p = 0.001), and lower elevations in aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.005) and lactate dehydrogenase concentrations (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that factors independently associated with malignancy included older age (per 10 years, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6–3.5, p < 0.001), DM (OR 5.9, 95% CI 1.3–26.2, p = 0.020), dysphagia (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2–6.6, p = 0.042), and the absence of ILD (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.01–0.9, p = 0.040).

Conclusion.

DM was associated with a greater risk of concomitant malignancies, especially lung cancer, than PM. Independent factors associated with malignancies in patients with DM/PM were older age, the presence of dysphagia, and the absence of ILD.
Zonal cooperative inversion of partially co‐located data sets constrained by structural a priori information
Authors: Paasche Hendrik , Tronicke Jens , Dietrich Peter
Published: August 2011

In many near‐surface geophysical studies it is now common practice to collect co‐located disparate geophysical data sets to explore subsurface structures. Reconstruction of physical parameter distributions underlying the available geophysical data sets usually requires the use of tomographic reconstruction techniques. To improve the quality of the obtained models, the information content of all data sets should be considered during the model generation process, e.g., by employing joint or cooperative inversion approaches. Here, we extend the zonal cooperative inversion methodology based on fuzzy c‐means cluster analysis and conventional single‐input data set inversion algorithms for the cooperative inversion of data sets with partially co‐located model areas. This is done by considering recent developments in fuzzy c‐means cluster analysis. Additionally, we show how supplementary a priori information can be incorporated in an automated fashion into the zonal cooperative inversion approach to further constrain the inversion. The only requirement is that this a priori information can be expressed numerically; e.g., by physical parameters or indicator variables. We demonstrate the applicability of the modified zonal cooperative inversion approach using synthetic and field data examples. In these examples, we cooperatively invert S‐ and P‐wave traveltime data sets with partially co‐located model areas using water saturation information expressed by indicator variables as additional a priori information. The approach results in a zoned multi‐parameter model, which is consistent with all available information given to the zonal cooperative inversion and outlines the major subsurface units. In our field example, we further compare the obtained zonal model to sparsely available borehole and direct‐push logs. This comparison provides further confidence in our zonal cooperative inversion model because the borehole and direct‐push logs indicate a similar zonation.
The Application of the Diagnoses Technique of Vibration on the Failure Analysis of Gear and Bearing in Gearbox
Authors: Ai Yong Sheng , Wang Yong Hong , Liu Wei Zhen
Published: August 2011

According to the analysis on the vibration data of gear and bearing, which are collected during they failed on IGB and TGB bench test of helicopter, the vibration characteristic of the failures are concluded in each phase such as occurrence, extending and alarm. So the diagnoses technique is searched for judging whether the gear and bearing are failed by monitoring the vibration data. This diagnoses technique is substantiated during the following test. The test demonstrates that this method can monitor the failure in advance comparing with the traditional method by chip detector. It can avoid the failure extending, decrease the damage on the test part effectively and ensure the safety of the test. This diagnoses technique can be applied widely for the test of gearbox.
Advanced Tooth Surface Modification for Spiral Bevel Gears
Authors: Su Jin Zhan , Fang Zong De , Cai Xiang Wei
Published: August 2011

Based on the model of tooth surface correction, tooth surface modification methodology of spiral bevel gears which reduces the sensitivity to misalignments was proposed to increase the stability of gearing. Advanced tooth surface modification with three segments parabolic is conducted, which ensures the contact regions’ tooth surface topology almost been unchanged and other regions’ tooth surface are corrected by with parabolic shape modification. And the misalignment tolerance, error sensitivity and strength after modification are compared with the former ones before modification.
Study on Strength Calculation and Bend Stress Test of Face Gear
Authors: Wu Hong Mei , Yang Xin Yuan , Shen Yun Bo
Published: August 2011

Based on normal elasticity equation, this paper has developed the calculation formula of face gear’s contact strength, bend strength and scuffing strength. This work put forward an analytical calculation method of face gear’s bend strength and constructed the analytical model. The result of bend strength of face gear was obtained by computer simulation. Based on the research, we designed and manufactured a suit of face gearbox. According to the tooth space trait, a method was represented to test bending stress of tooth by arrangement of sensing device in the tip end of the tooth of face gear. A test-bed has been set up with which the bending stress of tooth of face gear was carried out. The results showed that the maximal bending stress of test is similar to the simulation results by ANSYS.
Dynamic Analysis and Multi-Object Optimization of the Forced Torsional Vibration for Vehicular Multi-Stage Planetary Gears
Authors: Liu Hui , Cai Zhong Chang , Xiang Chang Le , Wang Ming Zheng
Published: August 2011

On the basis of lumped parameter model and the Lagrange method, the model of powertrain was built. Resonance vibration response and non-resonance vibration response were calculated respectively in time domain and frequency domain, characteristics of forced torsional vibration in steady–state were concluded. Comparability and difference of response of parts in different stage were explained. Multi-object optimization was applied to reduce vibration.
The Design and FEM Analysis of End-Face Tooth of Coupling Flange
Authors: Wang Quan Xian , Tang Wei , Ye Ning Jun
Published: August 2011

Proposed a design method of the geometrical dimensions of cone-shape end-face teeth of coupling flange, established an intensity check equation for end-face teeth, and inspected by the finite-element analysis. This method can be used for the general series design of end-face teeth of coupling flange between φ500~φ1200, it also can be used as a reference for design of some small specifications.
Quantitative Analysis of the Influence of Installation Errors on the Contact Pattern of Spiral Bevel Gears
Authors: Liu Guang Lei , Zhang Rui Ting , Zhao Ning
Published: August 2011

A method—characteristic parameters analysis (CPA) is put forward, which is used for quantitative analysis of contact pattern of spiral bevel gears with installation errors. For forming the tooth surface of spiral bevel gears, local synthesis is used. To imitate rolling test machine, the pinion drive torque is calculated under the indentation depth 0.00635mm. Driven by this torque, the size, shape, location and variation of contact pattern are obtained by loaded tooth contact analysis (LTCA). A pair of aviation spiral bevel gears was taken to quantitatively analyze the various contact patterns under different installation errors. The results indicate that the contact pattern is more sensitive to pinion axis installation error.