bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tephra stratigraphy on the North Icelandic shelf: extending tephrochronology into marine sediments off North Iceland
Authors: Gudmundsdóttir Esther Ruth , Larsen Guðrún , Eiríksson Jón
Published: April 2012

Tephra stratigraphical and tephrochronological studies of marine core MD99‐2275 on the North Icelandic shelf have revealed 58 new tephra horizons within the last 7050 cal. a BP, bringing the total number of identified tephra layers to 76. So far, over 100 tephra layers have been identified in the entire core spanning the last 15 000 years. The majority of the newly identified tephra layers are basaltic in composition and originate from the most active volcanic systems in Iceland, namely Grímsvötn, Veidivötn‐Bárdarbunga and Katla. A total of 40 tephra layer land–sea correlations have been made within this time period, of which 16 represent absolutely dated tephra markers. In addition, two tephra marker series are revealed in the marine sediments and in the terrestrial tephra stratigraphy, located between c. 2300–2600 and between 5700–5900 years. For the last 15 000 years, 21 tephra markers have been recognized. The marine tephra layer frequency (TLF) reveals two peaks, within the last 2000 years, and between 5000 and 7000 years ago. It shows the same general characteristics as the terrestrial TLF curve in Iceland, which indicates that marine sediments can yield important information about volcanism in Iceland. This is useful in time segments in which terrestrial records are poor or non‐existent. The study contributes to a high‐resolution tephrochronological framework on the North Icelandic shelf, with core MD99‐2275 representing a potential stratotype section in the area, and for the northern North Atlantic–Nordic Seas region, as well as being an important contribution to the Lateglacial–early Holocene volcanic history of Iceland.
Re‐Creating Missing Population Baselines for Pacific Reef Sharks
Authors: NADON MARC O. , BAUM JULIA K. , WILLIAMS IVOR D. , MCPHERSON JANA M. , ZGLICZYNSKI BRIAN J. , RICHARDS BENJAMIN L. , SCHROEDER ROBERT E. , BRAINARD RUSSELL E.
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  Sharks and other large predators are scarce on most coral reefs, but studies of their historical ecology provide qualitative evidence that predators were once numerous in these ecosystems. Quantifying density of sharks in the absence of humans (baseline) is, however, hindered by a paucity of pertinent time‐series data. Recently researchers have used underwater visual surveys, primarily of limited spatial extent or nonstandard design, to infer negative associations between reef shark abundance and human populations. We analyzed data from 1607 towed‐diver surveys (>1 ha transects surveyed by observers towed behind a boat) conducted at 46 reefs in the central‐western Pacific Ocean, reefs that included some of the world's most pristine coral reefs. Estimates of shark density from towed‐diver surveys were substantially lower (<10%) than published estimates from surveys along small transects (<0.02 ha), which is not consistent with inverted biomass pyramids (predator biomass greater than prey biomass) reported by other researchers for pristine reefs. We examined the relation between the density of reef sharks observed in towed‐diver surveys and human population in models that accounted for the influence of oceanic primary productivity, sea surface temperature, reef area, and reef physical complexity. We used these models to estimate the density of sharks in the absence of humans. Densities of gray reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), and the group “all reef sharks” increased substantially as human population decreased and as primary productivity and minimum sea surface temperature (or reef area, which was highly correlated with temperature) increased. Simulated baseline densities of reef sharks under the absence of humans were 1.1–2.4/ha for the main Hawaiian Islands, 1.2–2.4/ha for inhabited islands of American Samoa, and 0.9–2.1/ha for inhabited islands in the Mariana Archipelago, which suggests that density of reef sharks has declined to 3–10% of baseline levels in these areas.
Advanced Interventions for Headache
Authors: Tepper Stewart J.
Published: April 2012

Many headache patients present when medications fail, are inadequate, are contraindicated, or are not tolerated. These are patients with severe disability. Most have daily headaches, including chronic migraine, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, or other primary headaches. This brief review addresses, in broad strokes, some thoughts about alternatives beyond the usual daily oral preventive therapies.

Do not proceed to more invasive or elaborate approaches until the big 3 are done: diagnosis is established, onabotulinumtoxinA administered when appropriate, that is, if the patient has chronic migraine, and wean is accomplished if the patient has medication overuse headache. Large numbers of patients are helped without the need for more arcane and unproven treatments by following these initial approaches. Simple nerve blocks can be useful in the initial steps, but more invasive blocks and stimulators are not recommended until the big 3 are completed.

Wean of overused medications must be absolute and may require an intravenous bridge over several days, either in an infusion unit or inpatient in a medical model. Wean should be accompanied by establishing onabotulinumtoxinA or daily prevention from the beginning.

Consider referral to a structured multidisciplinary headache program. This is for patients who require an interdisciplinary approach and may be day‐hospital or inpatient.

Invasive blocks and stimulators may be appropriate, and the latter are currently being studied in controlled studies. The most promise, with the best balance of efficacy vs adverse event prospects, may be occipital nerve stimulators or sphenopalatine ganglion stimulators.
Southern Headache Society Supplement: The Neurobiology of Throbbing Pain in Migraine
Authors: Ahn Andrew H.
Published: April 2012

Virtually everyone can recall an experience, migraine or not, in which pain had a throbbing, pulsatile quality, particularly in association with intense pain. Its pulsatile character strongly reinforces the common presumption that it coincides with the heartbeat. For migraine, a cerebral vascular origin of the throbbing quality is a central tenet of the prevailing scientific view of migraine pain. However, recent data challenge this perspective, with implications for our understanding of throbbing pain not only for migraine but also for the pathophysiology of throbbing pain in other conditions as well.
Opioids Should Not Be Used in Migraine
Authors: Tepper Stewart J.
Published: April 2012

Opioids should not be used for the treatment of migraine. This brief review explores why not. Alternative acute and preventive agents should always be explored.

Opioids do not work well clinically in migraine. No randomized controlled study shows pain‐free results with opioids in the treatment of migraine. Saper and colleagues' 5‐year study showed minimal effectiveness, with many contract violations, interfering with the therapeutic alliance.

The physiologic consequences of opioid use are adverse, occur quickly, and can be permanent. Decreased gray matter, release of calcitonin gene‐related peptide, dynorphin, and pro‐inflammatory peptides, and activation of excitatory glutamate receptors are all associated with opioid exposure. Opioids are pro‐nociceptive, prevent reversal of migraine central sensitization, and interfere with triptan effectiveness.

Opioids precipitate bad clinical outcomes, especially transformation to daily headache. They cause disease progression, comorbidity, and excessive health care consumption. Use of opioids in migraine is pennywise and pound foolish.
Results of a Double‐blind, Placebo‐controlled, Fixed‐dose Assessment of Once‐daily OROS® Hydromorphone ER in Patients with Moderate to Severe Pain Associated with Chronic Osteoarthritis
Authors: Rauck Richard , Rapoport Ronald , Thipphawong John
Published: April 2012

Objective:  Opioids are recommended for patients with moderate to severe pain due to osteoarthritis (OA), who do not receive adequate analgesia from nonopioid treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OROS hydromorphone extended‐release (ER) compared with placebo in patients with moderate to severe pain associated with OA.

Methods:  This was a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, fixed‐dose study. Patients received placebo or fixed‐dose OROS hydromorphone ER (8 or 16 mg). The primary efficacy measure was pain intensity score (11‐point Numeric Rating Scale) at Maintenance Week 12, analyzed with baseline observation carried forward (BOCF) imputation for missing data.

Results:  This study did not meet the primary efficacy measure using the BOCF imputation. Study discontinuation was high (52%). When analyzed using last observation carried forward (LOCF) imputation, the prespecified alternate method, OROS hydromorphone ER 16 mg provided significantly better analgesia than placebo (P = 0.0009). Treatment was associated with significant improvements in patient global assessment (P = 0.01), the overall Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) (P = 0.0003), and its subscales: pain (P = 0.0001), stiffness (P = 0.0023), and physical function (P = 0.0006). Gastrointestinal adverse events, such as constipation and nausea, were common among patients receiving OROS hydromorphone ER.

Conclusions:  OROS hydromorphone ER failed to achieve statistical significance for the primary endpoint using the prespecified imputation method (BOCF), likely due to the high discontinuation rate associated with the fixed‐dose design. When data were analyzed according to an alternate method of imputation (LOCF), OROS hydromorphone ER demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain, stiffness, and physical function.
Do reactions after whole blood donation predict syncope on return donation?
Authors: Eder Anne F. , Notari Edward P. , Dodd Roger Y.
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Adverse reactions after whole blood donation reduce the likelihood of a subsequent donation. Still, many donors return to give blood even after experiencing a reaction. Consequently, we evaluated the risk of recurrent syncope among returning donors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Allogeneic whole blood donors in 2009 who had vasovagal‐type reactions including syncope were evaluated for return donation within 12 months and subsequent reactions, based on donation status (novice [first‐time] or active [repeat]) or age at index donation.

RESULTS: Syncope after a first whole blood donation significantly reduced the frequency of return donation (18%), compared to either presyncopal symptoms (27%; p < 0.0001) or no reaction (35%; p < 0.0001). Among novice donors who returned to donate, syncope was more likely among donors who had any reaction (0.8%) or syncope (3.5%) at their first donation, compared to donors who had no reaction (0.3%; p < 0.0001). Syncope at a first donation identified only 2% (19 of 1062) of syncopal reactions among returning donors. For active, repeat donors who experienced syncope in 2009, a history of prior reactions had no effect on the likelihood of return donation or recurrent syncope.

CONCLUSION: Donation experience strongly influences the likelihood of return donation and the risk of subsequent reactions, but a prior reaction after whole blood donation does not reliably predict recurrent syncope among returning donors.
Thawing of cryopreserved hematopoietic progenitor cells from apheresis with a new dry‐warming device
Authors: Triana Elvira , Ortega Sandra , Azqueta Carmen , Pomares Helena , Valdivia Elena , Duarte Rafael , Massuet Lluis , Martín‐Henao Gregorio Angel
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Current thawing techniques of cryopreserved progenitor cells are based on the use of a water bath. The aim of this study has been to assess the progenitor cell viability and the time of hematopoietic engraftment after transplantation of cell products thawed with a new dry‐thawing device.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In the preclinical phase, two cryobags from the same patient were thawed with the standard technique and with the dry system method in parallel (n = 5, Protocol A and Protocol B, respectively). In the clinical phase, cryobags were thawed with the dry system and the time to hematopoietic engraftment after autologous transplantation (n = 52) was compared with those of a control group of patients whose progenitor cell products were thawed with the standard technique (n = 52).

RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in nuclear and CD34+ cell viability, total colony‐forming cells, and cloning efficiency after thawing with Protocols A and B. Days to neutrophil (>0.5 × 109 and >1 × 109/L) and platelet engraftment (>20 × 109 and >50 × 109/L) were not different between patients transplanted with products thawed with Protocols A and B.

CONCLUSION: Progenitor cell viability and function are preserved with this dry‐thawing system. The time to hematopoietic engraftment of patients after transplantation is comparable to those infused with progenitor cells thawed with the water bath technique. Thawing cell products without the use of water and in a dry environment might favor the use of this dry method.
Identifying Technology Commercialization Opportunities: The Importance of Integrating Product Development Knowledge
Authors: Frishammar Johan , Lichtenthaler Ulrich , Rundquist Jonas
Published: April 2012

New product development (NPD) is a knowledge‐intensive activity, perhaps even more so in recent years given the shift toward more open innovation processes, which involve active inward and outward technology transfer. While the extant literature has established that knowledge is critical forNPDperformance, knowledge generated throughNPDcan have an additional impact on external technology exploitation—as when firms go beyond pure internal application of knowledge to commercialize their technologies, for example, by means of technology outlicensing.

Grounded in the knowledge‐based view of the firm, this paper examines how the integration of domain‐specific knowledge, procedural knowledge, and general knowledge generated throughNPDaffects a firm's proficiency in identifying technology commercialization opportunities. Additionally, analysis of how technology opportunity identification relates to technology commercialization performance is provided. Empirically, the paper draws on survey data from 193 Swedish medium‐sized manufacturing firms in four industries active withNPD, and regression analyses and structural equation modeling were used to test the hypotheses.

The results highlight the importance of integrating domain‐specific and generalNPDknowledge to proficiently identify technology licensing opportunities. The empirical findings also provide strong support for a subsequent link between technology opportunity identification and technology commercialization performance. Altogether, these results point to strong and previously unexplored complementarities between inward and outward technology exploitation, that is, betweenNPDand technology licensing. As such, the results provide important theoretical implications for research into the fields of knowledge integration, technology exploitation, opportunity identification, and technology markets.

Moreover, the results have significant managerial implications concerning how knowledge generated throughNPDcan help firms to achieve both strategic and monetary benefits when trying to profit from technology. In particular, to set up proficient technology commercialization processes, it appears beneficial for firms to integrate knowledge that is gained through the ordinary activities of developing and commercializing products. Specifically, the integration of domain‐specific knowledge and general knowledge helps firms to match their technologies with new applications and markets, which is often the critical barrier to successful technology commercialization activities. Managers are thus encouraged to integrate domain‐specific knowledge and general knowledge fromNPDto reap additional benefits in profiting from investments in innovation and technology.
Examining Proactive Strategic Decision‐Making Flexibility in New Product Development
Authors: Kandemir Destan , Acur Nuran
Published: April 2012

While strategic flexibility is widely accepted as a prerequisite for a firm's success, its application in strategic decision making to a firm's new product development (NPD) activities is limited to only a few studies. Furthermore, many organizations still have difficulties creating proactive strategic flexibility in their decision‐making processes. Past research studies have largely ignored the relationship between strategic decision‐making flexibility and firms' resources and/or capabilities and success in the context of NPD. This study advances strategic flexibility by adopting the proactive approach of NPD decision‐making flexibility and by examining its role in translating organizational resources and capabilities into NPD success. This study draws upon the resources, capabilities (i.e., flexibility), and performance framework to show how proactive strategic decision‐making flexibility plays a crucial role in developing new products that can create new opportunities and comply with market needs. Therefore, this research aims to (1) develop an operational definition of strategic decision‐making flexibility and (2) propose a framework to understand the drivers and the subsequent new product performance outcomes of strategic decision‐making flexibility. This study adopts the proactive perspective of strategic decision‐making flexibility and defines it as a capability that enables firms to develop NPD strategies to respond to future changes in the environment.

The analysis, based on data collected from 103 European firms, shows that that the effects of long‐term orientation, strategic planning, internal commitment, and innovative climate on proactive strategic decision‐making flexibility are significant. The findings indicate specifically the roles of both champions and gatekeepers, who infuse a firm's knowledge with a clear understanding of its resources, constraints, and market needs, thereby enhancing decision makers' motivation to behave proactively to precipitate transformation. The results also reveal a positive association between proactive strategic decision‐making flexibility and NPD performance outcomes. As such, strategic flexibility provides firms with an ability to adapt to changing environments and to create new market opportunities, product, and technological arenas, and to deliver successful new products. When firms open new market, technological, and product arenas, they can easily foresee their new demands and changes and successfully deliver new products, meeting customer needs/demands, and offering benefits such as quality, cost, and timeliness. This study therefore provides a valuable reference point for future research in strategic decision‐making flexibility in NPD.
Suppliers versus Lead Users: Examining Their Relative Impact on Product Variety
Authors: Al‐Zu'bi Zu'bi M. F. , Tsinopoulos Christos
Published: April 2012

Collaboration with parties external to the new product development (NPD) process is seen as a means to reduce costs and improve the product offering to customers. On the suppliers' side, collaboration during the NPD process may lead to a faster and more efficient process. On the users' or customers' side, collaboration may provide ideas for entirely new products and/or modifications to existing ones. This paper examines how collaboration with suppliers and a group of users that experience needs unknown to the public, the so‐called lead users, affects the resulting variety of the products offered. The paper focuses on product variety because of its increasing perceived importance in the satisfaction of changing customer needs. Hierarchical regression analysis of survey data collected from 313 U.K. manufacturers revealed a significant positive relationship between collaboration and product variety. The key findings are that increasing the extent of collaboration with lead users and with suppliers during the NPD process will increase the variety of products offered to customers, and that lead users have a higher impact on product variety to suppliers. Previous studies have found that collaboration increases NPD performance, but to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first to explicitly explore the link with product variety. The paper concludes by discussing the findings' practical implications, limitations, and recommendations for future studies.
Speed to Market for Innovative Products: Blessing or Curse?
Authors: Stanko Michael A. , Molina‐Castillo Francisco‐Jose , Munuera‐Aleman Jose‐Luis
Published: April 2012

The relationships among speed to market, quality, and costs are important to managers as they attempt to best establish incentives and set goals for new product development teams, allocate resources for new product development, or create positional advantage in the market. The existing literature suggests that the economic consequences of being late to the market are significant, including higher development and manufacturing costs, lower profit margins, and lessening of the firm's market value. Therefore, traditional logic has held that new product development managers need to manage the trade‐offs among speed to market, quality, and costs. While both scholars and managers have often acquiesced to performance trade‐offs among “faster, better, and cheaper,” this research attempts to improve understanding of the interrelationships between these objectives, and ultimately profit. Based on a survey of 197 managers, faster speed to market is shown to be related to better quality and lower costs; it is not necessary to sacrifice one of these outcomes. Further, the moderating roles of two dimensions of innovativeness (innovativeness to the firm and to the market) are examined on the relationships between speed and quality, as well as speed and profit. Both dimensions of innovativeness positively moderate the relationship between speed to market and quality. For more innovative products (both to the firm and the market), there is a stronger positive relationship between speed and quality than for less innovative products. Further, innovativeness to the firm negatively moderates the relationship between speed and profit. Thus, speed has a less positive impact on profit for highly innovative‐to‐the‐firm products compared with less innovative‐to‐the‐firm products. By being conscious of the projects’ levels of innovativeness (along with prioritizing various performance measures), managers can more rationally decide when to emphasize speed to market based on this study's findings.
Imagination Difficulty and New Product Evaluation
Authors: Zhao Min , Hoeffler Steve , Dahl Darren W.
Published: April 2012

This research examines the role of imagination difficulty on the evaluation of really new products (RNPs) in comparison with incrementally new products (INPs). We extend past research on accessibility utilizing an anticipatory approach where consumers look forward and generate mental images for future product usage. We found that the role of imagination changes based on the newness of the product. Specifically, for RNPs, imagination difficulty is perceived to be diagnostic in product assessment, and thus, higher imagination difficulty leads to lower product evaluations. However, for INPs, which are shown to be less susceptible to context effects, imagination difficulty has a limited impact on product evaluations. In addition, we show that the effect of imagination difficulty on the evaluation of RNPs is moderated by the level of involvement of the consumer. Research and managerial implications are discussed.
Comparison of Standard versus Orthogonal ECG Leads for T‐Wave Alternans Identification
Authors: Burattini Laura , Man Sumche , Burattini Roberto , Swenne Cees A.
Published: April 2012

T‐wave alternans (TWA), an electrophysiologic phenomenon associated with ventricular arrhythmias, is usually detected from selected ECG leads. TWA amplitude measured in the 12‐standard and the 3‐orthogonal (vectorcardiographic) leads were compared here to identify which lead system yields a more adequate detection of TWA as a noninvasive marker for cardiac vulnerability to ventricular arrhythmias. Our adaptive match filter (AMF) was applied to exercise ECG tracings from 58 patients with an implanted cardiac defibrillator, 29 of which had ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation during follow‐up (cases), while the remaining 29 were used as controls. Two kinds of TWA indexes were considered, the single‐lead indexes, defined as the mean TWA amplitude over each lead (MTWAA), and lead‐system indexes, defined as the mean and the maximum MTWAA values over the standard leads and over the orthogonal leads. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher TWA in the cases versus controls was identified only occasionally by the single‐lead indexes (odds ratio: 1.0–9.9, sensitivity: 24–76%, specificity: 76–86%), and consistently by the lead‐system indexes (odds ratio: 4.5–8.3, sensitivity: 57–72%, specificity: 76%). The latter indexes also showed a significant correlation (0.65–0.83) between standard and orthogonal leads. Hence, when using the AMF, TWA should be detected in all leads of a system to compute the lead‐system indexes, which provide a more reliable TWA identification than single‐lead indexes, and a better discrimination of patients at increased risk of cardiac instability. The standard and the orthogonal leads can be considered equivalent for TWA identification, so that TWA analysis can be limited to one‐lead system.
ST Segment Elevation in One Lead: A Case Report
Authors: Rifai Luay , Dia Muhyaldeen
Published: April 2012

Background: We describe an unusual finding in an electrocardiogram showing ST‐segment elevation not related to coronary artery stenosis, pericarditis, bundle branch block, or other well known disorders.

Case Presentation: A 60‐year‐old African American woman admitted for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery. A temporary pacemaker with pacing wires was placed intraoperatively for prevention and treatment of postoperative bradyarrhythmia. One day following uneventful surgery, her electrocardiogram demonstrated marked ST segment elevation confined to lead V6. These changes were comparable to tracings obtained from direct epicardial electrocardiogram, due to contact between the V6 electrode and the temporary pacemaker ventricular lead wire.

Conclusion: Current‐of‐injury patterns are represented on surface electrocardiogram by deviations of the ST segment from the isoelectric baseline. The pacing wire causes direct localized epicardial current‐of‐injury, affecting the action potential and the resting membrane potentials of cardiomyocytes. Our case report demonstrates epicardial current‐of‐injury pattern obtained via surface rather than epicardial electrocardiogram, with surface leads as surrogates of epicardial tracing. Measurement of ST‐segment shifts from the epicardial electrocardiogram has been shown to provide a more sensitive measurement of ischemia when compared to surface precordial ECG.
Behavior of Repolarization Variables during Exercise Test in the Athlete's Heart
Authors: Braschi Annabella , Francavilla Vincenzo C. , Abrignani Maurizio G. , Todaro Lorenzo , Francavilla Giuseppe
Published: April 2012

Background: T peak–T end, QT peak/QT ratio and T peak–T end/QT ratio are markers able to test myocardial repolarization homogeneity, their increase has been related to a higher risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. These parameters have not yet been studied in left ventricular hypertrophy due to training. Aim of the research was to test the behavior of these variables in the athlete's heart during exercise.

Methods: We examined 70 athletes, all males, divided into two groups according to the absence or the presence of a left ventricular mass index over 49 g/m2.7 and a control group composed of 35 healthy, untrained males. All study participants underwent electrocardiogram at rest, transthoracic echocardiogram, and ergometric test. Repolarization markers (QT, corrected QT, QT dispersion, T peak–T end, QT peak/QT, T peak–T end/QT) were calculated at rest, at peak exercise and during recovery.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference among the groups regarding all the parameters studied, except for corrected QT at rest between athletes with left ventricular hypertrophy and control group. The behavior of repolarization markers during exercise was not dissimilar in the three groups.

Conclusions: Athlete's heart is not associated to any alteration in ventricular repolarization homogeneity, neither at rest nor during physical activity nor during recovery. Training‐induced left ventricular hypertrophy does not affect relationship QT parameters/RR interval.
Preparation of Transparent Y2O3–Al2O3–SiO2 Glasses by High‐Gravity Combustion Synthesis with Heating Assistance
Authors: Yang Zengchao , Liu Guanghua , Li Jiangtao , Guo Shibin , Xu Lihua
Published: April 2012

Transparent Y2O3–Al2O3–SiO2 glasses were prepared by high‐gravity combustion synthesis with heating assistance. The glasses showed the maximum transmittance of 54% in visible to near infrared region and hardness of 8.1–8.5 GPa. For preparing the transparent glasses, the heating assistance played an important role, which prolonged the lifetime of melts and thus promoted phase separation. The quality of prepared glasses strongly depended on the preheating temperature, the excess of Al, and the content of SiO2 in starting compositions.
High‐Temperature Transport Property of In2−xCexO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.10) Fine Grained Ceramics
Authors: Liu Yong , Lin Yuan‐Hua , Xu Wei , Cheng Bo , Lan Jinle , Chen Dongliang , Zhu Hongmin , Nan Ce‐Wen
Published: April 2012

Using the spark plasma sintering process In2−xCexO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.10) fine grained ceramics have been synthesized. Our results indicate that all the In2O3‐based ceramic samples show good electrical conductivity and high thermoelectric power factor. In comparison with pure In2O3 bulks or doped samples with grain size above 1 μm, the 100–300 nm fine grain In2O3‐based ceramics exhibit much lower thermal conductivities (1.9–2.5 W·(m·K)−1 at 1173 K), demonstrating a remarkable cooperative tuning effect imposed by grain size reduction and nano‐clusters formation. The maximum figure of merit ZT value is optimized up to ~0.47 at 1223 K for In1.92Ce0.08O3 sample, which makes them promising candidates for thermoelectric applications.
A Kinetic Study of Thermal Decomposition of Limestone UsingIn SituHigh TemperatureX‐Ray Powder Diffraction
Authors: Marinoni Nicoletta , Allevi Stefano , Marchi Maurizio , Dapiaggi Monica
Published: April 2012

The kinetics of the thermal decomposition of a limestone and, simultaneously, of the lime growth have been investigated during isothermal treatments by means ofin situHigh TemperatureX‐Ray Powder Diffraction. In particular, four grain sizes of a quarry limestone with differences in terms of mineralogical composition (dolomite content), chemical composition (FeandMgamounts), and texture, have been studied. The lime produced during the isothermal treatments was then examined by using Scanning Electron Microscopy. In all samples, limestone decomposition starts with dolomite dissociation, followed by calcite decomposition. Rather than particle size, limestone texture, and dolomite content seem to be the most important factors controlling the starting temperature of calcination and its kinetic behavior.
Microstructural Evolution and Anisotropic Shrinkage in Constrained Sintering and Sinter Forging
Authors: Wakai Fumihiro , Bordia Rajendra K.
Published: April 2012

The microstructures of sintering bodies become anisotropic in constrained sintering of a thin film on rigid substrate, as well as in stress‐assisted densifications such as sinter forging and hot pressing. The deformation and the stress states in the body have been described by general constitutive equations using sintering stress tensor and viscosity tensor. These macroscopic quantities were determined from local microstructure and microscopic kinetics for the special case of face‐centered tetragonal structure. The simulation results were applied to the cases of sinter forging and constrained sintering and qualitatively compared to the experimental results available in the literature. This model is able to predict both the evolution of the anisotropic microstructure during sintering, and also the effect of the local micro‐structure on anisotropic shrinkage.
Aggressive intervention of previable preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: MIYAZAKI KEN , FURUHASHI MADOKA , YOSHIDA KANA , ISHIKAWA KAORU
Published: April 2012

Objective. To assess the neonatal and maternal outcomes of pregnancy complicated by previable preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Design. Retrospective study. Setting. Tertiary referral hospital. Sample. Forty‐five women having aggressive intervention with antibiotics, amnioinfusion, cerclage and tocolysis. Methods. The hospital database between July 2001 and December 2009 was reviewed for women with singleton fetuses and PPROM before 23+0 weeks of gestation. We analysed maternal and neonatal characteristics. Main outcome measures. Neonatal survival without major morbidity. Results. Thirty‐eight infants were delivered alive and seven were stillborn. Ten infants died in the neonatal intensive care unit and one in the labor ward. Twenty‐seven live‐born infants survived to discharge from hospital. The survival rate of pregnancies with aggressive management was 60% (27 of 45); that of live‐born infants was 71.1% (27 of 38). The median gestational age at PPROM and at delivery were significantly lower in the non‐surviving group than the surviving group. Thirty‐seven women (82.2%) had an amniotic neutrophil elastase level >0.15 μg/mL. Only four women (8.9%) developed clinical chorioamnionitis. Overall, 90.7% of the women showed histological evidence of chorioamnionitis. Eighty‐three per cent of the surviving children had bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Nine infants had serious sequelae at a corrected age of one and a half years. Maternal complications were uncommon. Conclusions. An aggressive treatment protocol for women with previable PPROM resulted in a high neonatal survival rate. Neonatal survival was associated with higher gestational age at delivery and with more frequent use of antenatal corticosteroids. The prognosis is still bad in PPROM before 22+0 weeks of gestation.
Children's use of dental services: influence of maternal dental anxiety, attendance pattern, and perception of children's quality of life
Authors: Goettems Marília L. , Ardenghi Thiago M. , Demarco Flávio F. , Romano Ana R. , Torriani Dione D.
Published: April 2012

Objectives 

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of a child's clinical condition; maternal characteristics such as dental anxiety and dental visit pattern; socioeconomic conditions; and maternal perception of the child's oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) on a child's use of dental care services.

Methods 

A cross‐sectional study of 608 mother–child dyads was conducted during the Children's Immunization Campaign in Pelotas, Brazil. Mothers answered a questionnaire regarding their use of dental services, dental anxiety (Dental Anxiety Scale), socioeconomic status, and perception of their children's OHRQoL (the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale). Clinical examination of the children was performed to assess dental caries (dmf‐t). Associations between the above‐mentioned factors and child use of dental services were assessed using Poisson regression models (prevalence ratio [PR]; 95% CI; P ≤ 0.05).

Results 

The majority of children (79.3%) had never had a dental appointment and of the children who had visited a dentist, 55 (43.65%) presented with untreated dental caries at the time of examination. More than half the mothers (60.2%) did not visit a dentist regularly. In the final model, low schooling level of mothers (PR, 0.64) and irregular visits to a dentist by the mother (PR, 0.48) were factors because of which a child did not have a dental appointment. Children who had experienced pain (PR, 1.56), those who had poor OHRQoL (PR, 1.49), and older children (PR, 2.14) visited a dentist with higher frequency.

Conclusions 

Use of dental care services by preschool children was low, and treatment was neglected even among children who had visited a dentist. Children of mothers with low schooling level who do not visit a dentist regularly were at greater risk of not receiving dental care. Maternal perception of their child's oral health motivated visits to the dentist.
Long‐term patterns of humoral and cellular response after vaccination against influenza A (H1N1) in patients with hematologic malignancies
Authors: Mariotti Jacopo , Spina Francesco , Carniti Cristiana , Anselmi Giovanni , Lucini Davide , Vendramin Antonio , Pregliasco Fabrizio , Corradini Paolo
Published: April 2012

Objectives

The efficacy of a novel vaccine against influenza virus A (H1N1) in patients with hematologic malignancies is largely unknown.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated the humoral and cellular immune responses after one injection of monovalent adjuvanted 2009 H1N1 vaccine in 47 adults with hematologic malignancies and 77 controls by hemagglutination‐inhibition assay and flow‐cytometry analysis on day 0, 28, 50, and 90.

Results

On day 28 postvaccination, patients had lower seroprotection (95.2% vs. 75.2%, P < 0.01) and seroconversion (88.7% vs. 51.1%, P < 0.01) rates, as well as geometric mean titer (GMT; 256 vs. 134, P < 0.05), relative to controls. Response to vaccination varied according to the evaluated time point and the patient status: Patients not receiving chemotherapy had seroprotection and GMTs similar to controls in all time points, while patients receiving chemotherapy or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) had lower seroprotection and seroconversion levels than controls on day 28 and 50. EMEA cutoffs for efficacy were reached from day 28 by patients in follow‐up or under treatment and only from day 90 by those with HSCT, especially if still under immunosuppressants. Patients treated with immunomodulatory drugs had higher antibody responses in terms of seroprotection and GMTs. T‐ and NK cell‐mediated responses mounted from day 50 and did not differ between patients and controls.

Conclusions

According to EMEA recommendation, H1N1 vaccination strategy was effective at protecting most of the hematologic patients, but needed to be improved in those more immunocompromised.
AMPA Receptors Regulate Exocytosis and Insulin Release in Pancreatic β Cells
Authors: Wu Zhen‐Yong , Zhu Li‐Jun , Zou Na , Bombek Lidija K. , Shao Chong‐Yu , Wang Na , Wang Xin‐Xin , Liang Li , Xia Jun , Rupnik Marjan , Shen Ying
Published: April 2012

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are expressed in islets and insulinoma cells and involved in insulin secretion. However, the exact roles that iGluRs play in β cells remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that GluR2‐containing α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) were expressed in mouse β cells. Glutamate application increased both cytosolic calcium and the number of docked insulin‐containing granules, which resulted in augmentation of depolarization‐induced exocytosis and high‐glucose‐stimulated insulin release. While glutamate application directly depolarized β cells, it also induced an enormous depolarization when KATP channels were available. Glutamate application reduced the conductance of KATP channels and increased voltage oscillations. Moreover, actions of AMPARs were absent in Kir6.2 knock‐out mice. The effects of AMPARs on KATP channels were mediated by cytosolic cGMP. Taken together, our experiments uncovered a novel mechanism by which AMPARs participate in insulin release.
Changes in the maternal cytokine profile in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction
Authors: Mullins Edward , Prior Tomas , Roberts Irene , Kumar Sailesh
Published: April 2012

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is an important and poorly understood condition of pregnancy, which results in significant fetal, neonatal and long‐term morbidity and mortality. The aetiology of FGR is unknown and is likely to result from sub‐optimal placental implantation and feto‐maternal immunological interaction. The diagnostic criteria for FGR vary between studies, and the condition often occurs with preeclampsia (PET). We present a review of studies of maternal cytokines in FGR and compare these with studies of Small for Gestational Age and PET pregnancies.
Imbalance in Cytokines from Interleukin‐1 Family – Role in Pathogenesis of Endometriosis
Authors: Sikora Justyna , Mielczarek‐Palacz Aleksandra , Kondera‐Anasz Zdzislawa
Published: April 2012

Problem

To assess whether interleukin (IL)‐1beta, IL‐18 and interleukin‐1 converting enzyme (ICE) are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Method of study

Peritoneal fluid (PF) was obtained from 85 women with and without endometriosis. Peritoneal macrophages were cultured and the culture media collected. IL‐1beta, IL‐18 and ICE levels were measured by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Levels of IL‐1beta and ICE in PF of women with endometriosis were higher than those in the control group. However, PF level of IL‐18 was significantly lower in the study group than in the controls. Higher secretion of IL‐1beta by peritoneal macrophages and lower IL‐18 and ICE in endometriosis patients than in control were observed. Following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, the macrophages secreted more IL‐1beta, IL‐18 and ICE in all groups.

Conclusions

The results pointed to impairment of the secretion of the IL‐1 cytokine family in endometriosis. Invalid IL‐1beta and IL‐18 maturation by ICE may be an important pathogenic factor in endometriosis.
Bivalent binding drives the formation of the Grb2–Gab1 signaling complex in a noncooperative manner
Authors: McDonald Caleb B. , Bhat Vikas , Mikles David C. , Deegan Brian J. , Seldeen Kenneth L. , Farooq Amjad
Published: April 2012

Although the growth factor receptor binder 2 (Grb2)–Grb2‐associated binder (Gab)1 macromolecular complex mediates a multitude of cellular signaling cascades, the molecular basis of its assembly has hitherto remained largely elusive. Herein, using an array of biophysical techniques, we show that, whereas Grb2 exists in a monomer–dimer equilibrium, the proline‐rich (PR) domain of Gab1 is a monomer in solution. Of particular interest is the observation that although the PR domain appears to be structurally disordered, it nonetheless adopts a more or less compact conformation reminiscent of natively folded globular proteins. Importantly, the structurally flexible conformation of the PR domain appears to facilitate the binding of Gab1 to Grb2 with a 1 : 2 stoichiometry. More specifically, the formation of the Grb2–Gab1 signaling complex is driven via a bivalent interaction through the binding of the C‐terminal homology 3 (cSH3) domain within each monomer of Grb2 homodimer to two distinct RXXK motifs, herein designated G1 and G2, located within the PR domain of Gab1. Strikingly, in spite of the key role of bivalency in driving this macromolecular assembly, the cSH3 domains bind to the G1 and G2 motifs in an independent manner with zero cooperativity. Taken together, our findings shed new light on the physicochemical forces driving the assembly of a key macromolecular signaling complex that is relevant to cellular health and disease.

Structured digital abstract

 GRB2 and GRB2 bind by light scattering (View interaction)

 GAB1 and GRB2bind by isothermal titration calorimetry (View Interaction: 1, 2, 3)
Childhood obesity: Can electronic medical records customized with clinical practice guidelines improve screening and diagnosis?
Authors: Saviñon Carla , Taylor Julie Smith , Canty‐Mitchell Janie , Blood‐Siegfried Jane
Published: April 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine if customization of the electronic medical record (EMR) using evidence‐based practice guidelines developed by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and the Expert Panel recommendations for the prevention, screening, and treatment of childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity would improve the rate of screening and diagnosis of obesity in children, 7 to 18 years of age.

Data resources: A retrospective review of encounters before and after implementation of customized EMR was conducted in a community health center. Data collected were compared for documentation of body mass index (BMI), completion of growth charts, scoring of risk questionnaire, and diagnosis of overweight or obesity.

Conclusions: There was a clear increase in the frequency of recording BMI, completing BMI growth charts, and scoring questionnaires between written and electronic medical records. The number of children diagnosed with overweight or obesity increased with customized EMR but still remains well below the rates of obesity for this community.

Implications for practice: Customizing EMR with clinical practice guidelines improved adherence to recommendations for screening and identification of childhood overweight and obesity. Increased recognition and diagnosis will lead to improved interventions and improve outcomes for childhood obesity.
Behavioral responses of New Zealand fur seals (Arctophoca australis forsteri) to darting and the effectiveness of midazolam and tiletamine‐zolazepam for remote chemical immobilization
Authors: McKenzie Jane , Page Brad , Goldsworthy Simon D. , Hindell Mark A.
Published: April 2012

Abstract

We evaluated the behavioral response of 125 free‐ranging New Zealand fur seals (75 females and 50 males) to darting and the effectiveness and safety of midazolam and tiletamine‐zolazepam for remote chemical immobilization. Behavioral reactions to darting were minor and brief. Overall, severe reactions to darting such as long flight responses (7%) and escape to the sea (7%) were uncommon. Midazolam administered by dart failed to produce a satisfactory level of immobilization. Tiletamine‐zolazepam was administered to 120 animals (35 females and 85 males), 104 of which were successfully immobilized and 16 escaped to the water following darting or attempted net capture. At least 10 of the 16 animals are known to have survived. Tiletamine‐zolazepam caused moderate depression of swimming and diving behavior in the animals that escaped to the water. Data from dive loggers confirmed that seals that escaped remained near the sea surface for extended periods. Tiletamine‐zolazepam administered by dart at a mean dosage of 1.87 ± 0.18 mg/kg for females and 1.49 ± 0.23 mg/kg for males provided effective and safe immobilization, reducing capture stress for both animals and personnel. Although there is still a risk of drugged animals escaping to the water and possibly drowning, this risk is much lower than previously reported for other pinnipeds.