bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timing of the hepatic arterial phase at Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced hepatic dynamic MRI: Comparison of the test‐injection and the fixed‐time delay method
Authors: Nakamura Shinichi , Nakaura Takeshi , Kidoh Masafumi , Utsunomiya Daisuke , Doi Yasuro , Harada Kazunori , Uemura Shozaburou , Yamashita Yasuyuki
Published: June 2013

Purpose

To compare the fixed‐time‐ and the test‐injection method with respect to the image quality of hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the adequacy of timing of the hepatic arterial phase (HAP) in Gd‐EOB‐DTPA (EOB) enhanced MRI.

Materials and Methods

We studied 63 patients with computed tomography (CT) ‐proven hypervascular HCC: 30 (group 1) were scanned HAP using the fixed‐time delay method (protocol 1); in the other 33 (group 2), we applied the test‐injection method (protocol 2). We compared the protocols with respect with tumor‐to‐liver contrast (TLC), contrast‐to‐noise‐ratio (CNR), and relative enhancement of the liver and tumor (REL, RET) during HAP. Two radiologists compared the adequacy of HAP, image contrast, image noise, and overall image quality.

Results

Under protocol 2, TLC, CNR, and REL and RET of hypervascular HCC were significantly higher (P < 0.01). The proportion of optimal HAP was significantly higher for protocol 2 than protocol 1 (P < 0.01). The visual score of the image contrast and the overall image quality were significantly higher in group 2 than group 1 (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

At EOB‐enhanced hepatic dynamic MRI, the test‐injection method yielded better image quality of hypervascular HCC and improved adequacy of timing of HAP. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;38:548–554. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct comparison of intra‐articular versus intravenous delayed gadolinium‐enhanced MRI of hip joint cartilage
Authors: Zilkens Christoph , Miese Falk , Kim Young‐Jo , Jäger Marcus , Mamisch Tallal C. , Hosalkar Harish , Antoch Gerald , Krauspe Rüdiger , Bittersohl Bernd
Published: June 2013

Purpose

To investigate the potential of delayed gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in cartilage (dGEMRIC) after intra‐articular (ia) contrast agent administration at 3 Tesla (T), a paired study comparing intravenous (iv) dGEMRIC (standard) with ia‐dGEMRIC was performed.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐five symptomatic patients with suspected cartilage damage underwent ia‐ and iv‐dGEMRIC. MRI was performed with a 3T system wherein the interval between both measurements was 2 weeks. For iv‐dGEMRIC, FDA approved Gd‐DOTA− was injected intravenously 45 min before the MRI scan. For ia‐dGEMRIC, 10–20 mL of a 2 mM solution of Gd‐ DOTA− was injected under fluoroscopic guidance 30 min before the MRI scan.

Results

Both ia‐ and iv‐dGEMRIC demonstrated the typical T1Gd pattern in hip joint cartilage with increasing values toward the superior regions in acetabular cartilage reflecting the higher glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content in the main weight‐bearing area. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate correlation between both techniques (r = 0.439, P‐value < 0.001), whereas the T1Gd values for iv‐dGEMRIC were significantly higher than those for ia‐dGEMRIC. This corresponds with the Bland‐Altman plot analysis, which revealed a systemic bias (higher T1Gd values after iv gadolinium application) of ∼70 ms.

Conclusion

Ia‐dGEMRIC was able to reveal the characteristic T1Gd pattern in hip joint cartilage confirming the sensitivity of ia‐dGEMRIC for GAG. In addition, there was a significant correlation between iv‐dGEMRIC and ia‐dGEMRIC. However, the T1Gd values after ia contrast media application were significantly lower than those after iv application that has to be considered for future studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:94–102. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Confidence intervals for the between‐study variance in random effects meta‐analysis using generalised Cochran heterogeneity statistics
Authors: Jackson Dan
Published: June 2013

Statistical inference is problematic in the common situation in meta‐analysis where the random effects model is fitted to just a handful of studies. In particular, the asymptotic theory of maximum likelihood provides a poor approximation, and Bayesian methods are sensitive to the prior specification. Hence, less efficient, but easily computed and exact, methods are an attractive alternative. Here, methodology is developed to compute exact confidence intervals for the between‐study variance using generalised versions of Cochran's heterogeneity statistic. If some between‐study is anticipated, but it is unclear how much, then a pragmatic approach is to use the reciprocals of the within‐study standard errors as weights when computing the confidence interval. © 2013 The Authors. Research Synthesis Methods published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioactive‐rich extracts of persimmon, but not nettle, Sideritis, dill or kale, increase eNOS activation and NO bioavailability and decrease endothelin‐1 secretion by human vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Woodcock Mark E , Hollands Wendy J , Konic‐Ristic Aleksandra , Glibetic Maria , Boyko Nadiya , Koçaoglu Bike , Kroon Paul A
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence that consumption of plant bioactives such as polyphenols and glucosinolates reduces cardiovascular disease risk and improves endothelial function. In the Black Sea area, a number of plants are consumed alone and as ingredients in traditional foods, and dill, nettle, kale, Sideritis and persimmon were identified as bioactive‐rich traditional food plants. The present study investigated the effects of plant extracts on cellular markers of endothelial function (eNOS activation and expression and ET‐1 secretion).

RESULTS

Treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with persimmon extract significantly increased Akt and eNOS phosphorylation and nitric oxide metabolites and significantly decreased secretion of ET‐1 to the media after 24 h compared with a vehicle control (all P < 0.01). None of the other plant extracts significantly altered any markers of endothelial function.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that persimmon fruit contains bioactives that can improve endothelial function via activation of eNOS and reduction in ET‐1 secretion, but that dill, kale, Sideritis and nettle do not. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Measurement of binocular disparity in polarized based stereoscopic display by using digital camera
Authors: Chen Yu‐Ta , Hsu Shau‐Wei , Pong Bao‐Jen , Ou‐Yang Mang , Lee Cheng‐Chung
Published: June 2013

This work presents an image displacement measurement by using a box pattern and the edge spread function analysis in the polarized based stereoscopic displays. The measurement determines to identify three factors (i.e., box size, image displacement, and spatial frequency response (SFR)) from the box patterns. The polarized based stereoscopic displays might sacrifice pixels for producing 3D images, which might produce errors in the image displacement and then affect the depth perception indirectly. Based on the measurement, the errors can be quantified by using the three factors. Owing to the light leakage distorting the edge spread function to obtain an inferior SFR, exactly how light leakage affects the edge spread function can be resolved on the basis of the SFR results, especially at a frequency (1/display pixel) of 1.9 in the case of the horizontal displacement. Light leakage also induces the error of the box height in even and odd intervals of the vertical displacements more than 2 pixels and 0.5 pixels, respectively. The image displacement measurement provides a simple and comprehensive means of evaluating the optical characteristics, disparity, and sharpness of the stereoscopic displays, via the three factors.
Viewing direction measurements on flat and curved flexible E‐paper displays
Authors: Hertel Dirk
Published: June 2013

The viewing direction characterization of reflective displays is more demanding than for emissive displays because defined illumination–detection geometries must be maintained for each viewing direction. In addition, the geometry should mimic the behavior of viewers who tend to exclude the reflection of light sources from a handheld reflective display. Viewing direction data was extracted from measured Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Functions, showing that a source inclination of 45° sufficiently excludes the specular and haze components of source reflection from the measurement. Applying this so‐called 45/θ geometry to curved flexible displays is not straightforward since viewing direction, display curvature, and alignment each affect the measured reflectance. The viewing direction geometry proposed for convex cylindrical displays uses a ring light to deliver viewing‐direction independent illuminance, and maps the range of viewing directions onto the pixels of an image sensor. The illumination can also be applied to flat displays, allowing direct comparisons of flat and cylindrical display states. First results on e‐paper show good agreement with Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function data.
In vivo laser assisted microvascular repair and end‐to‐end anastomosis by means of indocyanine green‐infused chitosan patches: A pilot study
Authors: Esposito Giuseppe , Rossi Francesca , Matteini Paolo , Scerrati Alba , Puca Alfredo , Albanese Alessio , Rossi Giacomo , Ratto Fulvio , Maira Giulio , Pini Roberto
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives

Laser‐based repairing techniques offer several advantages respect to standard suturing in microsurgery. In this work we evaluate the applicability and feasibility of two innovative laser‐based approaches for microvascular repair and anastomoses: (1) laser‐assisted vascular repair (LAVR); (2) laser‐assisted end‐to‐end vascular anastomosis (LAVA). All these procedures have been executed by the use of diode laser irradiation and chitosan‐patches infused with Indocyanine Green (ICG).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Experiments were performed on 30 rabbits. Twenty animals underwent LAVR and 10 end‐to‐end LAVA procedures. In the LAVR group, a 5‐mm longitudinal cut was performed on the common carotid artery (CCA), then an ICG‐infused chitosan patch was topically applied and laser‐soldered over the arterial lesion. In the LAVA group the end‐to‐end anastomosis was executed on CCA by means of application of the three interrupted sutures and subsequent laser soldering of the ICG‐infused patch. Animals underwent different follow‐up periods (2, 7, 30, and 90 days). At the end of every follow‐up, the animals were re‐anesthetized and a microdoppler analysis was performed in order to check patency of the treated vessels. Then soldered segments were excised and subjected to histological and ultrastructural evaluations.

Results

At the end of surgery no bleeding from the treated segment was observed; all the treated vessels were patent. At the end of follow‐up periods, no signs of perivascular haemorrhage were found. An intraoperative microdoppler evaluation assessed the patency of all the treated vessels. Histology showed a good reorganization of the vascular wall structures and an early endothelial regeneration was observed by SEM.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated the efficacy of laser tissue soldering by means of ICG‐infused chitosan patches for the in vivo repairing of microvascular lesions and end‐to‐end anastomoses. This approach offers several advantages over conventional suturing methods and is technically easy to perform, minimizing the surgical trauma to vessels. Lasers Surg. Med. 45:318–325, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermoresponsive Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Large‐Compound Vesicles
Authors: Peng Bo , Chen Yongming
Published: June 2013

Herein, gelated thermoresponsive large‐compound vesicles (LCVs) are reported for the first time. The LCVs are prepared by self‐assembly of poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly[N‐isopropylacrylamide‐random‐3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate] [PEO‐b‐P(NIPAM‐r‐TMPM)] in DMF‐water mixture. Then, sol‐gel reaction of the reactive PTMPM block is performed to stabilize the LCVs. LCVs with higher cross‐linking density keep almost the same size under different temperatures while LCVs with lower cross‐linking density display obviously thermoresponsive size transition between 22 and 36 °C. The gelated LCVs exhibit enhanced permeability with temperature elevation and their permeabilities at different temperatures all elevate with increasing the cross‐linking density.

magnified image
Lack of polysomnographic Non‐REM sleep changes in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Diederich Nico J. , Rufra Olivier , Pieri Vannina , Hipp Géraldine , Vaillant Michel
Published: June 2013

Background

Polysomnography (PSG) data are rare in patients who have early stage idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD).

Methods

Thirty‐three patients who had IPD with a disease duration ≤3 years and 37 age‐matched controls were recruited. PSG analysis was performed on current medication.

Results

Patients with IPD had a reduced mean percentage of muscle atonia during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (80% vs 93%; P < 0.05). Total sleep time, sleep efficiency, indices/hour of arousals, awakenings, apnea/hypopnea, and periodic leg movements were similar in both groups. Age, but not dopaminergic medication, had a negative impact on sleep architecture in patients with IPD. There was no correlation between sleep efficiency assessed by PSG and sleep quality assessed by questionnaire.

Conclusions

The results confirmed a reduction in muscle atonia during REM sleep as a characteristic finding in early IPD. However, there were no further disease‐inherent or medication‐induced changes in sleep architecture. Although sleep disturbances are considered to be an integral part of IPD, PSG cannot yet identify them objectively at an early stage. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Critical evaluation of mixed treatment comparison meta‐analyses using examples assessing antidepressants and opioid detoxification treatments
Authors: Schacht Alexander , Dyachkova Yulia , Walton Richard James
Published: June 2013

Comparing multiple treatment options using meta‐analytical methods requires complex statistical methods called mixed treatment comparisons (MTCs). Such methods offer the possibility to summarize data from many clinical trials comparing the different available options. However, those methods are based on a number of assumptions and inherent difficulties that are discussed and illustrated with examples from the psychiatric literature to help readers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of these methods. This review will help enable readers to critically appraise the methodology and results of publications that use MTCs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation between human clusterin in seminal plasma with sperm protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation
Authors: Salehi Mohammad , Akbari Hakimeh , Heidari Mohammad Hassan , Molouki Aidin , Murulitharan Kavitha , Moeini Hassan , Novin Marefat Ghaffari , Aabed Farhang , Taheri Hossein , Fadaei Fateme , Mohsenzadeh Mehdi , Jafari Mohammad , Pirouzi Aliyar , Heidari Reihane
Published: June 2013

Seminal proteins can be considered as factors that control fertilization. Clusterin is one such protein that has been implicated in many activities, including apoptosis inhibition, cell cycle control, DNA repair, and sperm maturation. In this study, the relationship between human secretory clusterin (sCLU) in seminal plasma with sperm parameters, protamine deficiency, and DNA fragmentation was investigated. Semen samples were collected from 63 Iranian men, and semen analysis was performed according to World Health Organization criteria and computer aided semen analysis (CASA). The concentration of sCLU in seminal plasma was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), protamine deficiency was determined by chromomycin A3 staining (CMA3), and sperm DNA fragmentation was checked by sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) assay. The level of sCLU in seminal fluid of fertile patients was 48.3 ± 38.6 ng/ml and in infertile patients was 15.5 ± 9.7 ng/ml; this difference was significant (P < 0.001). sCLU correlated negatively with protamine deficiency, sperm DNA fragmentation, and abnormal morphology. In conclusion, seminal clusterin can be considered as a marker for the quick assessment of semen quality in male infertility studies. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 718–724, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A survey of resource constrained shortest path problems: Exact solution approaches
Authors: Pugliese Luigi Di Puglia , Guerriero Francesca
Published: June 2013

This article surveys the main contributions that have appeared in the scientific literature addressing resource constrained shortest path problems. The aim of this work is twofold: to give a structured survey of the literature on this topic; to provide a starting point for researchers who want to address the problems at hand. The study is focused on the relevant contributions dealing with exact solution approaches. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 62(3), 183‐200 2013
Chinese translation and validation of the questionnaire on the process of recovery in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
Authors: Chien Wai Tong , Chan Zenobia C. Y.
Published: June 2013

Individuals recovering from schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders who have residual symptoms can achieve relatively normal work and social functioning in the community. This research aimed to test the psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the 22‐item Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery. The translated Chinese QPR had satisfactory semantic equivalence with the original scale and high Cronbach alpha coefficients and test–retest stability at a 2‐week interval. When tested in 300 outpatients with psychosis, the Chinese version was found to consist of three factors (Self‐Empowerment, Rebuilding Life, and Effective Interpersonal Relationships) with satisfactory correlations with patients' quality of life, self‐efficacy, and functioning. The Chinese version appears reliable and valid as a measure of psychotic patients' perceived levels of recovery. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36: 400–411, 2013
Short‐term weight loss patterns, baseline predictors, and longer‐term follow‐up within a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yank Veronica , Xiao Lan , Wilson Sandra R. , Stafford Randall S. , Rosas Lisa Goldman , Ma Jun
Published: June 2013

Objective

To examine weight loss patterns and predictors among participants in a primary care‐based translation study of the Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle intervention.

Design and Methods

Cluster analysis identified short‐term (12‐week) weight loss patterns among 72 intervention participants. Analysis of variance assessed cluster differences in weight loss maintenance at 15‐month follow‐up. Discriminant analysis identified baseline characteristics that best differentiated between clusters.

Results

Participants had baseline mean (SD) age of 55.0 (10.8) years and BMI of 31.9 (5.2) kg/m2. Cluster analysis identified three short‐term weight loss patterns: modest (n = 15; 21%), moderate‐and‐steady (n = 43; 60%), and substantial‐and‐early (n = 14; 19%). Only participants with the latter two patterns achieved clinically significant (≥5%) short‐term weight loss and maintained it at 15 months. On discriminant analysis, the modest cluster was most differentiated from other clusters by high friend encouragement for dietary change, high obesity‐related problems, and low physical well‐being. The moderate‐and‐steady cluster was differentiated by lower physical activity, family encouragement, and depression symptoms.

Conclusion

Results provided insight into the heterogeneity of response to an effective lifestyle intervention by identifying short‐term weight loss patterns and their baseline predictors and relationship to 15‐month success. If replicated, results may help tailor strategies for participant subgroups in weight loss programs.
Structural transitions in tau k18 on micelle binding suggest a hierarchy in the efficacy of individual microtubule‐binding repeats in filament nucleation
Authors: Barré Patrick , Eliezer David
Published: June 2013

The protein tau is found in an aggregated filamentous state in the intraneuronal paired helical filament deposits characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias and mutations in tau protein and mRNA cause frontotemproal dementia. Tau isoforms include a microtubule‐binding domain containing either three or four imperfect tandem microtubule binding repeats that also form the core of tau filaments and contain hexapaptide motifs that are critical for tau aggregation. The tau microtubule‐binding domain can also engage in direct interactions with detergents, fatty acids, or membranes, which can greatly facilitate tau aggregation and may also mediate some tau functions. Here, we show that the alternatively spliced second microtubule‐binding repeat exhibits significantly different structural characteristics compared with the other three repeats in the context of the intact repeat domain. Most notably, the PHF6* hexapeptide motif located at the N‐terminus of repeat 2 has a lower propensity to form strand‐like structure than the corresponding PHF6 motif in repeat 3, and unlike PHF6 converts to partially helical structure in the micelle‐bound state. Interestingly, the behavior of the Module‐B motif, located at the beginning of repeat 4, resembles that of PHF6* rather than PHF6. Our observations, combined with previous results showing that PHF6* and Module‐B are both less effective than PHF6 in nucleating tau aggregation, suggest a hierarchy in the efficacy of these motifs in nucleating tau aggregation that originates in differences in their intrinsic propensities for extended strand‐like structure and the resistance of these propensities to changes in tau's environment.
Establishment and serial passage of cell cultures derived from LuCaP xenografts
Authors: Young Sarah R. , Saar Matthias , Santos Jennifer , Nguyen Holly M. , Vessella Robert L. , Peehl Donna M.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

LuCaP serially transplantable xenografts derived from primary and metastatic human prostate cancer encompass the molecular and cellular heterogeneity of the disease and are an invaluable resource for in vivo preclinical studies. A limitation of this model, however, has been the inability to establish and passage cell cultures derived from the xenografts. Here, we describe a novel spheroid culture system that supports long‐term growth of LuCaP cells in vitro.

METHODS

Xenografts were minced and digested with collagenase. Tissue dissociation was terminated while the majority of cells remained as clusters rather than single cells. The cell clusters were suspended in StemPro medium supplemented with R1881 and Y‐27632, a Rho kinase inhibitor, and placed in ultralow attachment dishes for spheroid culture. Serial passage was achieved by partial digestion to small clusters with trypsin/EDTA in the presence of Y‐27632. Cell viability, growth and phenotype were monitored with LIVE/DEAD®, MTS, qRT‐PCR, and immunocytochemical assays.

RESULTS

Cells from six LuCaP xenografts formed proliferating spheroids that were serially passaged a minimum of three times and cryopreserved. Two of the cell lines, LuCaP 136 and LuCaP 147, were further passaged and characterized. Both expressed biomarkers characteristic of the xenografts of origin, were determined to be of independent origin by STR fingerprinting, and were free of mycoplasma. LuCaP 147 formed tumors similar to the original xenograft when injected into mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability to culture LuCaP cells affords new opportunities for fast, cheap, and efficient preclinical studies and extends the value of the LuCaP xenograft models. Prostate 73:1251–1262, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Suppression of Botrytis cinerea on necrotic grapevine tissues by early‐season applications of natural products and biological control agents
Authors: Calvo‐Garrido Carlos , Viñas Inmaculada , Elmer Philip AG , Usall Josep , Teixidó Neus
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Necrotic tissues within grape (Vitis vinifera) bunches represent an important source of Botrytis cinerea inoculum for Botrytis bunch rot (BBR) at harvest in vineyards. This research quantified the incidence of B. cinerea on necrotic floral and fruit tissues and the efficacy of biologically based treatments for suppression of B. cinerea secondary inoculum within developing bunches.

RESULTS

At veraison (2009 and 2010), samples of aborted flowers, aborted fruits and calyptras were collected, and the incidence and sporulation of B. cinerea were determined. Aborted fruits presented significantly higher incidence in untreated samples. Early‐season applications of Candida sake plus Fungicover®, Fungicover alone or Ulocladium oudemansii significantly reduced B. cinerea incidence on aborted flowers and calyptras by 46–85%. Chitosan treatment significantly reduced B. cinerea incidence on calyptras. None of the treatments reduced B. cinerea incidence on aborted fruits. Treatments significantly reduced sporulation severity by 48% or more.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatments were effective at reducing B. cinerea secondary inoculum on necrotic tissues, in spite of the variable control on aborted fruits. This is the first report to quantify B. cinerea on several tissues of bunch trash and to describe the effective suppression of saprophytic B. cinerea inoculum by biologically based treatments. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
DVB‐RCS2 overview
Authors: Skinnemoen Harald , Rigal Christian , Yun Ana , Erup Lars , Alagha Nader , Ginesi Alberto
Published: June 2013

This paper presents an overview, status, key technologies, and main benefits of DVB‐RCS2, as well as the target goals of what is probably the largest standardization effort conducted for satellite communication systems. In addition to the novel technology elements overview and to appreciate the background, basis, and mechanisms involved, we highlight the process and the key research investigations that characterized the standardization effort. We offer a brief comparison with the first‐generation DVB‐RCS, and we highlight the various profiles for different target use cases and include the latest status of the mobile and mesh capabilities. Finally, we describe the structure of the standard and allow ourselves to share some thoughts of the impact it may have. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The added value of propensity score matching when using health‐related quality of life reference data
Authors: Cottone Francesco , Efficace Fabio , Apolone Giovanni , Collins Gary S.
Published: June 2013

Direct comparisons of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes between non‐randomized groups might be biased, as outcomes are confounded by imbalance in pre‐treatment patient characteristics. Such bias can be reduced by adjusting on observed covariates. This is the setting of HRQoL comparisons with reference data, where age and gender adjustment is commonly used for this purpose. However, other observed covariates can be used to lessen this bias and yield more precise estimates. The objective of this study is to show that more accurate HRQoL comparisons with reference data can be obtained, accounting for few covariates in addition to age and gender by a propensity score matching approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Institutional barriers and industry dynamics
Authors: Chang Sea‐Jin , Wu Brian
Published: June 2013

This study demonstrates that new entrants exhibit higher productivity but also higher exit hazard than incumbents in post‐liberalization China. We argue this seemingly paradoxical relationship is attributable to institutional barriers, defined as the hindrance in the institutional environment that prevents market selection forces to function. New entrants require higher productivity to compensate for those institutional barriers, which in turn implies a higher exit hazard after controlling for productivity. Our empirical findings support this argument and further show that the differences in productivity and exit hazard between new entrants and incumbents become smaller where and when institutional barriers recede. By integrating economic and institutional perspectives, we highlight the importance of institutional factors in shaping industry evolution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Late brain alterations in sepsis‐survivor rats
Authors: Steckert Amanda V. , Comim Clarissa M. , Mina Francielle , Mendonça Bruna P. , Dominguini Diogo , Ferreira Gabriela K. , Carvalho‐Silva Milena , Vieira Júlia S. , Streck Emilio L. , Quevedo João , Dal‐Pizzol Felipe
Published: June 2013

Central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction secondary to sepsis is characterized by long‐term cognitive impairment. It was observed that oxidative damage, energetic metabolism impairment, and cytokine level alteration seen in early times in an animal model of sepsis may persist for up to 10 days and might be associated with cognitive damage. In order to understand these mechanisms, at least in part, we evaluated the effects of sepsis on cytokine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), oxidative parameters, and energetic metabolism in the brain of rats at both 30 and 60 days after sepsis induction by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP). To this aim, male Wistar rats underwent CLP with “basic support” or were sham‐operated. Both 30 and 60 days after surgery, the CSF was collected and the animals were killed by decapitation. Then, the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and cortex were collected. Thirty days after surgery, an increase of IL‐6 level in the CSF; an increase in the thiobarbituric acid‐reactive species (TBARS) in prefrontal cortex and a decrease in hippocampus, striatum, and cortex; a decrease of carbonyl protein formation only in prefrontal cortex and an increase in striatum; and an increase in the complex IV activity only in hippocampus were observed. Sixty days after sepsis, an increase of TNF‐α level in the CSF; a decrease of TBARS only in hippocampus; an increase of carbonyl protein formation in striatum; and a decrease of complex I activity in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum were observed. These findings may contribute to understanding the role of late cognitive impairment. Further studies may address how these findings interact during sepsis development and contribute to CNS dysfunction. Synapse 67:786–793, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ambient response of a unique performance‐based design tall building with dynamic response modification features
Authors: Çelebi Mehmet , Huang Moh , Shakal Anthony , Hooper John , Klemencic Ron
Published: June 2013

A 64‐story, performance‐based design building with reinforced concrete core shear walls and unique dynamic response modification features (tuned liquid sloshing dampers and buckling‐restrained braces) has been instrumented with a monitoring array of 72 channels of accelerometers. The responses of the building to ambient motions from ground or wind were recorded and analyzed to identify modes and associated frequencies and damping. Not unexpectedly, the low‐amplitude dynamic characteristics are considerably different than those computed from design analyses. Nonetheless, these computed values serve as a baseline against which to compare future strong shaking responses. Such studies help to improve our understanding of the effectiveness of the response modification features at various levels of shaking, to evaluate the predictive capabilities of the design analysis tools and to improve similar designs in the future. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. The Structural Design of Tall and Special Buildings published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Direct Observation of Unstable Reaction Intermediates by Acid‐Base Complex Formation
Authors: Ohashi Yuji
Published: June 2013

The structures of several unstable or metastable reaction intermediates that were photoproduced in crystals were analyzed by using X‐ray techniques. The presence of enough void space around the reactive group(s) is an essential factor for the reaction to occur with retention of the single‐crystal form. To expand the void space, an acid group (COOH) was substituted onto the reactant molecule and acid‐base complex crystals were prepared with several amines, such as dibenzylamine and dicyclohexylamine. Following the formation of such acid‐base complexes in crystals, the metastable structures of nitrenes and red species of photochromic salicylideneanilines have been successfully analyzed by using X‐ray techniques. Moreover, the structure of a Pt complex anion in the excited state has been analyzed, which formed acid‐base complex crystals with various alkylammonium cations. The formation of acid‐base complexes will be a powerful tool for directly observing the structure of unstable or metastable reaction intermediates by using X‐ray techniques.
Spin‐forbidden reactions: computational insight into mechanisms and kinetics
Authors: Harvey Jeremy N.
Published: June 2013

Many chemical reactions involve one or more changes in the total electronic spin of the reacting system as part of one or more elementary steps. Computational and theoretical methods that can be used to understand such reaction steps are described, and a number of recent examples are highlighted. A particularly strong focus is given to general rules that govern multistep reactions of this type. The two most important rules are (1) that spin‐state change without change in atom connectivity, or spin crossover, is facile and rapid, at least when it is exothermic; and (2) that reactions involving spin‐state change and changes in atom connectivity tend to prefer stepwise mechanisms in which spin crossover steps alternate with spin‐allowed bond‐making and breaking steps. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2014, 4:1–14. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1154

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
Uncertainty estimation of end‐member mixing using generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE), applied in a lowland catchment
Authors: Delsman Joost R. , Essink Gualbert H. P. Oude , Beven Keith J. , Stuyfzand Pieter J.
Published: June 2013

End‐member mixing models have been widely used to separate the different components of a hydrograph, but their effectiveness suffers from uncertainty in both the identification of end‐members and spatiotemporal variation in end‐member concentrations. In this paper, we outline a procedure, based on the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) framework, to more inclusively evaluate uncertainty in mixing models than existing approaches. We apply this procedure, referred to as G‐EMMA, to a yearlong chemical data set from the heavily impacted agricultural Lissertocht catchment, Netherlands, and compare its results to the “traditional” end‐member mixing analysis (EMMA). While the traditional approach appears unable to adequately deal with the large spatial variation in one of the end‐members, the G‐EMMA procedure successfully identified, with varying uncertainty, contributions of five different end‐members to the stream. Our results suggest that the concentration distribution of “effective” end‐members, that is, the flux‐weighted input of an end‐member to the stream, can differ markedly from that inferred from sampling of water stored in the catchment. Results also show that the uncertainty arising from identifying the correct end‐members may alter calculated end‐member contributions by up to 30%, stressing the importance of including the identification of end‐members in the uncertainty assessment.
Overexpression of Ten‐m3 in the retina alters ipsilateral retinocollicular projections in the wallaby (Macropus eugenii)
Authors: Carr Owen P. , Glendining Kelly A. , Leamey Catherine A. , Marotte Lauren R.
Published: June 2013

Retinal projections to the superior colliculus are organised into retinotopic maps. Binocular vision requires that inputs from the two eyes map in register with each other. Studies in mice lacking Ten‐m3, a homophilic transmembrane protein, indicate that it plays a key role in this process by influencing ipsilateral projections. The postnatal, ex utero development of the wallaby allows the targeted manipulation of molecules of interest during development. The distribution of mRNA for Ten‐m3 in the retina and superior colliculus of the wallaby, and the effects of its spatiotemporally restricted retinal overexpression was investigated, in particular on the mapping of ipsilateral projections. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction found that Ten‐m3 mRNA is expressed at relatively higher levels in the retina and colliculus early in development. Further, it is higher in ventral than dorsal retina, and increased in the retinotopically corresponding medial compared to lateral superior colliculus. In situ hybridisation demonstrated an increasing dorsoventral gradient in retinal ganglion cells was matched to an increasing lateromedial gradient in the superior colliculus. Overexpression of Ten‐m3 by in vivo retinal electroporation produced an increase in ipsilateral projections to the binocular rostromedial colliculus, fitting with the proposal that Ten‐m3 mediates mapping by attractant homophilic interactions. Retrograde labelling of the projection from this region suggested that overexpression produces a shift in the axons of existing ipsilaterally projecting ganglion cells rather than a rerouting of the axons of contralaterally projecting cells. Retinal manipulation of Ten‐m3 levels produces changes in ipsilateral mapping, supporting a role for it in binocular mapping.
Irrational fads, short‐term memory emulation, and asset predictability
Authors: Bekiros Stelios D.
Published: June 2013

Opponents of the efficient markets hypothesis argue that predictability reflects the psychological factors and “fads” of irrational investors in a speculative market. In that, conventional time series analysis often fails to give an accurate forecast for financial processes due to inherent noise patterns, fat tails, and nonlinear components. A recent stream of literature on behavioral finance has revealed that boundedly rational agents using simple rules of thumb for their decisions under uncertainty provides a more realistic description of human behavior than perfect rationality with optimal decision rules. Consequently, the application of technical analysis in trading could produce high returns. Machine learning techniques have been employed in economic systems in modeling nonlinearities and simulating human behavior. In this study, we expand the literature that evaluates return sign forecasting ability by introducing a recurrent neural network approach that combines heuristic learning and short‐term memory emulation, thus mimicking the decision‐making process of boundedly rational agents. We investigate the relative direction‐of‐change predictability of the neural network structure implied by the Lee–White–Granger test as well as compare it to other well‐established models for the DJIA index. Moreover, we examine the relationship between stock return volatility and returns. Overall, the proposed model presents high profitability, in particular during “bear” market periods.
New Wiwaxia material from the Tsinghsutung Formation (Cambrian Series 2) of Eastern Guizhou, China
Authors: SUN HAI-JING , ZHAO YUAN-LONG , PENG JIN , YANG YU-NING
Published: June 2013

Wiwaxia is an extinct early metazoan with uncertain affinities, which is well represented in strata of Cambrian Series 2–3 age. Well-preserved representatives of Wiwaxia are known from the Burgess Shale Biota and the Kaili Biota. Here, new material of Wiwaxia corrugata (Matthew, 1899) is reported from the upper part of the Tsinghsutung Formation (Cambrian Series 2) near Balang Village, Guizhou Province, China. These specimens have a close evolutionary relationship to Wiwaxia taijiangensis Zhao, Qian & Lee, 1994 from the overlying Kaili Formation. New Wiwaxia material from the Tsinghsutung Formation and observations of specimens with articulated individuals from the Kaili Formation suggest that Wiwaxia taijiangensis should be a junior synonym of W. corrugata. A new study indicates that W. corrugata has a wide geographic distribution, a short geological history and evolutionary uniqueness and provides new data on taphonomy of this genus.
Conscience and the Word of God: Religious Arguments against the Ex Officio Oath
Authors: GRAY JONATHAN MICHAEL
Published: June 2013

When Roman Catholics and Puritans declined to swear the ex officio oath, they cited not only legal but also religious arguments. They appealed to their consciences and noted that Scripture disallowed the taking of the Lord's name in vain and the swearing of oaths against truth, justice or judgement. They then argued that the ex officio oath violated these biblical standards. Such arguments were powerful because they rested on the same theory of oath-taking that buttressed the Elizabethan regime's own use of oaths. The Elizabethan authorities could question the application of this theory, but they could not challenge the theory itself, for to do so would risk undermining the very mechanism that they used to enforce the Elizabethan settlement: oaths.
Psychopharmacology and psychotherapy for the treatment of adults with ADHD—a systematic review of available meta-analyses
Authors: Moriyama Tais S. , Polanczyk Guilherme V. , Terzi Fernanda S. , Faria Kauy M. , Rohde Luis A.
Published: June 2013

Objective/Introduction

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adult life is a prevalent condition. We systematically reviewed the literature available by searching for meta-analyses assessing pharmacological and psychosocial interventions for adults with ADHD.

Methods

Using wide-ranging search terms, we retrieved 191 titles from the PubMed and Cochrane databases. Two independent evaluators judged all abstracts. Only meta-analyses about the treatment of adults with ADHD were included. Information from meta-analyses found was systematically extracted by 3 independent evaluators.

Results

Eight meta-analyses were identified. Results from those meta-analyses suggest that stimulants are effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms on a short-term basis with a medium to large effect size (ES). Short-acting stimulants might be superior to long-acting stimulants, but no data on difference in adherence are available for the comparison of these two types of formulation. Bupropion is superior to placebo but less effective than stimulants. No conclusions about the impact of psychosocial interventions can be drawn based on meta-analyses so far.

Discussion

The efficacy of stimulants in reducing ADHD symptoms for adults is well documented in meta-analyses, but there is a concerning lack of meta-analysis about other treatment interventions.

Conclusion

The available meta-analytic literature does not cover questions of essential clinical relevance for adults with ADHD.
Structural and Biomechanical Effects of Photooxidative Collagen Cross-Linking with Photosensitizer Riboflavin and 370 nm UVA Light on Human Corneoscleral Tissues
Authors: Choi Samjin , Shin Jae-Ho , Cheong Youjin , Jin Kyung-Hyun , Park Hun-Kuk
Published: June 2013

This study quantitatively investigated the immediate effects of a photooxidative collagen cross-linking treatment with photosensitizer riboflavin (RF) and 370 nm UVA light inin vitrohuman corneoscleral collagen fibrils using histology, thickness, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy analyses. Twenty 8 × 2 mm corneoscleral strips were dissected sagittally from donor tissue using a scalpel. Four parameters were investigated, including the density, thickness, adhesion force, and stiffness of corneoscleral tissues before and after the collagen cross-linking treatment. The RFUVA-catalyzed collagen cross-linking treatment led to an increase in the density of both corneal (8%) and scleral (23%) stromal collagens. However, there was no difference in corneoscleral thickness. Furthermore, RFUVA-catalyzed collagen cross-linking treatment led to an increased biomechanical response of corneosclera: 25 and 8% increases in corneoscleral stiffness, and 24 and 22% increases in corneoscleral adhesion force. The collagen cross-linking treatment through RF-sensitized photoreaction may cause structural and biomechanical changes in the collagen fibril network of the cornea and the sclera. This is due to narrowing of the interfibrillar spacing and the stromal edema.
Educating Practices at Primary School Level and New Forms of Positive Welfare for Families
Authors: Gatt Suzanne , Armeni Laura Sue
Published: June 2013

The global financial crisis across Europe has created great societal demands. Social inclusion has become one of the main challenges of the millennium with those hit hardest being the most vulnerable people. It is at such times that it becomes crucial to provide positive welfare. This article presents research results from a transnational study, INCLUD-ED, an FP6 project of the European Commission, which focuses on educational practices promoting social cohesion as a form of positive welfare. The research focuses on six successful schools in five countries that have demonstrated that they can transform children's academic performance as well as have an impact on the community itself. A number of positive transformative approaches beyond better academic performance included a spill over of benefits to the schools’ neighbouring communities and an increase in social cohesion and community in health, housing, employment and social and political participation was also identified.
The republic of consumption at the Olympic Games: globalization, Americanization, and Californization
Authors: Dyreson Mark
Published: June 2013

Action sports such as beach volleyball and snowboarding have recently become popular commodities at the Olympics. While some observers view these new sports as global phenomena with transnational origins, they were incubated in California and are linked to the promotion of American visions of affluence. The encroachment of these sports onto global stages at the Olympics signals the continuing historical power of Californization, a particular brand of Americanization. The efforts to Californize the world through Olympic sports is considerably older than the debut of action sports, dating to the 1920s and 1930s when a coalition of US government agents, sports promoters, and corporate entrepreneurs began to articulate a strategy to mask Americanization campaigns in the world's leading sporting event under the veneer of California style. In the process they ‘dis’-invented historical traditions, in particular Olympic sports, in order to amplify their prospects in global markets.
Improving access to psychological therapies: a comparison between two devolved nations
Authors: Waddington Louise , Jury Rebecca
Published: June 2013

Scotland and Wales share the opportunities of devolved government as well as challenges such as urban deprivation and remote rural communities. Such commonalities make a comparison of their approaches to psychological therapies relevant. The Scottish and Welsh governments have both published guidance concerning improved access to psychological therapies and these reveal different approaches. The Scottish Government has provided clear and concrete guidance for services, retains a close overview of progress, and plans training from the centre. The Welsh Government has published guidance which is unspecific, has largely devolved responsibility for implementation to local health boards and has no central plan for training. Scottish guidance provides clear information about who can expect to receive specific evidence-based therapies, the number of sessions they can expect to receive, and crucially the level of training and competence required for therapists. Welsh guidance documents have not yet specified which patient groups can expect to access formal psychological therapies, which psychological therapies are considered to have a sound evidence base, the number of sessions patients can expect, or the level of training and competence required for practitioners. Welsh policy documents make no reference to competence frameworks for therapists.