bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plantar Fasciitis: How Successful Is Surgical Intervention?
Authors: Davies Mark S. , Weiss Galen A. , Saxby Terence S.
Published: March 2013

Forty-three patients (47 heels) underwent decompression of the nerve to abductor digiti minimi with partial plantar fascia release for intractable plantar fasciitis over a 4-year period. Forty-one patients (45 heels) were available for follow-up.

All of the patients had failed to respond to nonoperative treatment. The mean duration of symptoms before surgery was 34.8 months (range, 12–132 months), and the mean follow-up was 31.4 months (range, 11–66 months). Seventy percent of the patients in the study were overweight or obese. Before surgery, 39 patients (43 heels) rated their heel pain as severe. At follow-up, 34 of 45 (75.6%) of the heels were pain-free or only mildly painful. The mean visual analogue pain score dropped from 8.5 of 10 preoperatively to 2.5 of 10 postoperatively. Only four patients failed to report an improvement in their activity restrictions, and only one patient had a walking distance of under 100 m after surgery; this patient had been affected by a reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Overall, however, only 20 of 41 patients were totally satisfied with the outcome (48.8%).

We recommend that the small group of patients who fail to respond to nonoperative treatment be considered for surgical intervention. The results in terms of symptomatic relief are generally good but in terms of patient satisfaction can only be rated as moderate. The patients should be counseled about the likely outcome of surgery.
Instrumented Measurement of Anteroposterior and Inversion-Eversion Laxity of the Normal Ankle Joint Complex
Authors: Kovaleski John E. , Gurchiek Larry R. , Heitman Robert J. , Hollis J. Marcus , Pearsall Albert W.
Published: March 2013

Manual examination is the most common method for the evaluation of ankle anteroposterior (AP) and inversion-eversion (I-E) laxity. Objective assessment data of normal ankle laxity must be provided before comparison with an injured ankle can be made. The purpose of this study was to compare AP translation and I-E rotation at three force loads between dominant and nondominant ankles and to assess the test-retest reliability of a portable arthrometer in obtaining these measurements. The arthrometer consists of a frame that is fixed to the foot, a pad that is attached to the tibia, and a load-measuring handle that is attached to the foot plate through which the load is applied. A six-degrees-of-freedom spatial kinematic linkage system is connected between the tibial pad and the foot frame to measure motion. Instrumented measurement testing of total AP displacement and I-E rotation of both ankles was performed in 41 subjects (21 men and 20 women; mean age, 23.8 ± 4.4 years). Subjects had no history of ankle injury. Subjects were tested in the supine position while lying on a table with the knee secured in extension and the foot positioned at 0° of flexion. Laxity was measured from total AP displacement (millimeters) during loading to 125 N of AP force and from total I-E rotation (degrees of range of motion) during loading to 4000 N-mm. Reliability was evaluated by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (2,1) at 75 N, 100 N, and 125 N of AP force and at 2000, 3000, and 4000 N-mm torque loads. Mean differences for displacement and rotation between the dominant and nondominant ankles at each of the force and torque loads were analyzed by dependent t-tests. For both the dominant and nondominant ankles, respectively, the reliability coefficients at each of the force loads for AP displacement (range, 0.82–0.89) and I-E rotation (range, 0.86–0.97) were high. The t-test analyses showed no significant differences ( P ≥ 0.05) for total AP displacement or I-E rotation between the dominant and nondominant ankles at any of the force loads. The results are clinically useful in providing information about the reliability of measures at different AP and I-E force loads using a portable ankle ligament arthrometer.
Novel anticoagulants for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation among diabetics
Authors: Burnhope Emma , Boos Christopher J
Published: March 2013

Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke and systemic embolism which is further increased in the presence of diabetes. The new CHA2DS2VASc Risk stratification score is recommended to differentiate truly low-risk patients from intermediate and high stroke-risk patients for who oral anticoagulation would be beneficial. Alongside traditional vitamin K antagonists and aspirin, a number of novel anticoagulants, which do not require anticoagulation monitoring, have emerged in recent years. In this review we discuss the evidence for the clinical benefit and safety of the novel anticoagulants versus warfarin and aspirin among patients with atrial fibrillation and their potential role in the diabetic sub-group population of the clinical trials.
Cross-border Mergers and Acquisitions: A Performance Evaluation of Indian Acquiring Companies
Authors: Singla Ravi , Saini Amarjit , Sharma Rituka
Published: March 2013

In the past few years, Indian companies have participated in the worldwide trend of consolidation through cross-border mergers and acquisitions. This research study analyses the impact of such cross-border mergers and acquisitions on the financial performance of Indian acquiring companies. It also analyses, by applying a 29-day event window, the impact of the announcement of such decision on the acquiring companies’ shareholders’ wealth. By evaluating a sample of 15 firms in India that have experienced cross-border mergers and acquisitions from 2005 to 2008, we find that there has been no significant change in the financial position of these companies in the post-merger period as compared with the pre-merger period. Finally, results of the event window reveal that the shareholders of acquirer firms have witnessed a meagre positive cumulative average abnormal return during the post-merger announcement period.
Dividend Policy of Indian Corporate Sector: A Study of Select Companies during the Post-liberalisation Regime
Authors: Sur Debasish , Majumdar Ayan
Published: March 2013

The effects of liberalisation in India have led to the companies to operate in a new economic environment. The entry of foreign companies has widened the opportunity of opening new avenues for the investors. So the companies found themselves in a complex situation. On the one hand, companies have to play a defensive role in the area of dividend payment to retain money to face any downtrend in the market conditions. On the other hand, they have to follow an aggressive dividend policy to attract investors who have greater choices for making investment in the post-liberalisation period. Therefore, it is high time to seek answers to some of the important questions that may arise here. The questions that may mainly be raised here are—‘How do finance managers of Indian companies adapt themselves to the changed circumstances in the post-liberalisation period?’, ‘What factors do they consider at the time of designing an appropriate dividend policy?’ and ‘How much importance do they pay to these factors while making their dividend decisions?’ In this backdrop, the present study seeks to analyse the factors that influence the dividend policy of selected companies in the Indian corporate sector during the period 1998–1999 to 2007–2008 and also to examine whether its findings conform to the theoretical argument.
Spreading the Light of Education through Its People: A Case Study of HR Practices at Deepalaya
Authors: Krishnan Archana , John Sakhi
Published: March 2013

This case study is about an NGO with good intentions and a strong foundation that embarked on its journey to serve a good cause. It did come across certain hurdles that would have misled it from its mission. But the strong will of the founder members led them in the right direction. Through this case study, the young management student gets an opportunity to tread the path of reality. Here our moral elements and ethics may be questioned. But this case study has shown that although it is extremely difficult to fight for a cause, it is not impossible. It also highlights that whether a for-profit or non-profit organisation, people management issues are always present. The case focuses on various human resource practices in Deepalaya that have brilliantly evolved over a period of time against all odds. It is important for any organisation to iron out all the grey issues and get everything in pen and ink. In this manner, the stability of the institution is assured and thus the achievement of organisational goals.
Understanding Financing Practices and Constraints of Small and Medium Enterprises in Textile and Clothing Sector: An Empirical Study
Authors: Kathuria Lalit Mohan , Mamta
Published: March 2013

India has a vibrant micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector contributing significantly to the manufacturing output, employment and exports of the country. It is estimated that in terms of value, the sector accounts for 5 per cent of the manufacturing output and 40 per cent of the total exports of the country. The sector is estimated to employ about 42 million persons in over 13 million units throughout the country. This study was undertaken to analyse the financing practices and constraints faced while availing finance of small and medium enterprises in textiles and clothing sector of an industrial city of India. A sample of 50 units was selected on a convenience basis. The study highlighted that a majority of the respondent units started their business with internal funds only. But, during the current year, a majority of the respondent units employed external funds. Commercial banks emerged as the most preferred source to finance requirements for business. Respondent units reported lengthy paperwork and formalities as the most important constraint faced at the start-up stage. Procedures regarding the disbursement of loans need to be simplified and interest rates should be lowered to enhance the competitive strength of small and medium enterprises.
Growth and Financing of MSMEs: A Case Study of Punjab and Haryana
Authors: Singla Anju , Grover Parul
Published: March 2013

Micro, small and medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a significant role in social and economic development of a country. MSMEs constitute an important segment of the Indian economy in terms of their contribution to the country’s industrial production, exports, employment and entrepreneurial base. However, one of the greatest obstacles to the growth and development of MSMEs in industrialised and emerging economies is the access to formal finance. The Government of India has taken several measures to ensure continuous growth of MSMEs, but lack of finance has caused a lot of sickness in the sector. Therefore, an attempt has been made to study the relationship between Credit Flow by Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) and Growth of MSME sector in India using Regression Analysis. The study proceeds with the comparative analysis of the Credit Flow to MSMEs by Domestic SCBs in two states of India, that is, Punjab and Haryana.
Clarification of status of species in the pyrochlore supergroup
Authors: Christy A. G. , Atencio D.
Published: March 2013

After careful consideration of the semantics of status categories for mineral species names, minor corrections and disambiguations are presented for a recent report on the nomenclature of the pyrochlore supergroup. The names betafite, elsmoreite, microlite, pyrochlore and roméite are allocated as group names within the pyrochlore supergroup. The status of the names bindheimite, bismutostibiconite, jixianite, monimolite, partzite, stetefeldtite and stibiconite is changed from 'discredited' to 'questionable' pending further research.
On the symmetry and crystal structure of aguilarite, Ag4SeS
Authors: Bindi L. , Pingitore N. E.
Published: March 2013

An examination of a specimen of aguilarite from the type locality provides new data on the chemistry and structure of this mineral. The chemical formula of the crystal used for the structural study is (Ag3.98 Cu0.02)(Se0.98 S0.84 Te0.18), on the basis of 6 atoms. The mineral was found to be monoclinic, crystallizing in space group P 21/n, with a = 4.2478(2), b = 6.9432(3), c = 8.0042(5) Å , β = 100.103(2)º, V = 232.41(2) Å3 and Z = 4. The crystal structure [refined to R1 = 0.0139 for 958 reflections with I > 2 σ (I)] is topologically identical to that of acanthite, Ag2S. It can be described as a body-centred array of tetrahedrally coordinated X atoms (X = S, Se and Te) with Ag2X3 triangles in planes nearly parallel to (010); the sheets are linked by the Ag1 silver site, which has twofold coordination.

Aguilarite is definitively proved to be isostructural with acanthite; it does not have a naumannite-like structure, as previously supposed. Our data support the hypothesis that there are two solid solution series in the system: a monoclinic 'acanthite-like' series (from Ag2S - Ag2S0.4Se0.6), and an orthorhombic 'naumannite-like' series (from Ag2S0.3Se0.7-Ag2Se). This is supported by data gathered on synthetic counterparts. Aguilarite remains as a valid as a mineral species, but it should be described as the Se-analogue of acanthite.

In this study we also (1) review the history of the aguilarite; (2) compare properties of synthetic and natural aguilarite; and (3) demonstrate how earlier researchers erred in describing aguilarite as orthorhombic.

The Te-bearing composition of the studied aguilarite crystal suggests the possibility of a solid solution with cervelleite (Ag4TeS).
Cerchiaraite-(Fe) and cerchiaraite-(Al), two new barium cyclosilicate chlorides from Italy and California, USA
Authors: Kampf A. R. , Roberts A. C. , Venance K. E. , Carbone C. , Belmonte D. , Dunning G. E. , Walstrom R. E.
Published: March 2013

The ideal formula for members of the cerchiaraite group is Ba4M4(Si4O12)O2(OH)4Cl2[Si2O3(OH)4], where M represents Mn3+, Fe3+ or Al in the octahedral site. A suffix-based naming scheme is used in which the original cerchiaraite is renamed cerchiaraite-(Mn) and two new minerals are named cerchiaraite-(Fe) and cerchiaraite-(Al). The type localities for cerchiaraite-(Fe) are the Cerchiara mine, Liguria, Italy and the Esquire No. 7 and No. 8 claims, Big Creek, Fresno County, California, USA. The type localities for cerchiaraite-(Al) are the Esquire No. 1 claim, Rush Creek, Fresno County, California, USA and the Esquire No. 7 and No. 8 claims noted above. At the Cerchiara mine, cerchiaraite-(Fe) occurs in small fractures and veinlets in a Jurassic ophiolitic sequence. It is of secondary hydrothermal origin and occurs as tan to brown thin prisms and matted fibres. Cerchiaraite(Fe) and cerchiaraite-(Al) from the Esquire No. 1, No. 7 and No. 8 claims occur in parallel-bedded quartz-sanbornite vein assemblages which formed as a result of fluid interaction along the margin of the vein. At the Esquire No. 1, No. 7 and No. 8 claims, both cerchiaraite-(Fe) and cerchiaraite-(Al) occur as subparallel aggregates of blue to bluish green irregular prisms. Both minerals are transparent with a vitreous lustre, Mohs hardness ~4½ , brittle tenacity, irregular fracture and no cleavage. The calculated density of cerchiaraite-(Fe) is 3.710 g cm-3; the measured density of cerchiaraite-(Al) is 3.69(3) g cm-3and the calculated density is 3.643 g cm-3. Cerchiaraite-(Fe) is uniaxial (+), with ω = 1.741(2) and ε = 1.768(2); it is weakly pleochroic and O is colourless and E is yellow. Cerchiaraite-(Al) is uniaxial (-), with ω = 1.695(2) and e = 1.677(2); it is strongly pleochroic and O is colourless and E is blue. Electron-microprobe analyses yielded empirical formulae ranging from (Ba3.82Na0.02Ca0.04)Σ3.88(Fe3+3.42Ti4+0.27Al3+0.25Mn3+0.04Mg0.02)Σ4.00Si5.62O15.47(OH)9.31Cl2.22 (Cerchiara mine) to Ba4.00(Al3+2.40Fe3+1.12Mg0.15Fe2+0.12Mn2+0.06)Σ3.85Si5.78O15.34(OH)8.75Cl2.91 (Esquire No. 1 claim). Cerchiaraite is tetragonal with Z = 2 and crystallizes in space group I4/mmm. The cell parameters for cerchiaraite-(Fe) are a = 14.3554(12), c = 6.0065(5) Å and V = 1237.80(5) Å3; those for cerchiaraite(Al) are a = 14.317(4), c = 6.0037(18) Å and V = 1230.6(6) Å3. In the cerchiaraite-(Fe) structure, SiO4 tetrahedra share corners forming a four-membered Si4O12 ring. The ring is corner-linked to an edgesharing chain of Fe3+ O6 octahedra running parallel to c. A Cl site alternates along c with the Si4 O12 ring. A large channel in the framework contains Ba atoms around its periphery and statistically distributed Si2 O7 silicate dimers and Cl atoms. The strong blue pleochroic colour is attributed to Fe2+ - Fe3+intervalence charge transfer along the octahedral chain.
Yaroshevskite, Cu9O2(VO4)4Cl2, a new mineral from the Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia
Authors: Pekov I. V. , Zubkova N. V. , Zelenski M. E. , Yapaskurt V. O. , Polekhovsky Yu. S. , Fadeeva O. A. , Pushcharovsky D. Yu.
Published: March 2013

A new mineral, yaroshevskite, ideally Cu9O2(VO4)4Cl2, occurs in sublimates collected from the Yadovitaya fumarole at the Second scoria cone of the Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia. It is associated with euchlorine, fedotovite, hematite, tenorite, lyonsite, melanothallite, atlasovite, kamchatkite and secondary avdoninite, belloite and chalcanthite. Yaroshevskite forms isolated prismatic crystals, up to 0.1 × 0.15 × 0.3 mm in size, on the surface of euchlorine crusts. The mineral is opaque and black, with a reddish black streak and lustre between metallic and adamantine. Yaroshevskite is brittle, no cleavage was observed and the fracture is uneven. The Mohs hardness is ~3½ (corresponding to a mean VHN micro-indentation hardness of 172 kg mm -2) and the calculated density is 4.26 g cm-3. In reflected light, yaroshevskite is grey with a weak bluish hue. Pleochroism, internal reflections and bireflectance were not observed. Anisotropy is very weak. The composition (wt.%) determined by electron microprobe is: CuO 61.82, ZnO 0.53, Fe2O30.04, V2O531.07, As2O50.32, MoO31.56, Cl 6.23, O=Cl21.41; total 100.16. The empirical formula, calculated on the basis of 20 (O + Cl) anions is (Cu8.80Zn0.07Fe0.01)Σ 8.88(V3.87Mo0.12As0.03)σ 4.02O18.01Cl1.99. Yaroshevskite is triclinic, space groupP,a= 6.4344(11),b= 8.3232(13),c= 9.1726(16) Å , α = 105.338(14), β = 96.113(14), γ = 107.642(1)°,V= 442.05(13) Å3andZ= 1. The nine strongest reflections in the X-ray powder pattern [dobs in Å (I)(hkl)] are as follows: 8.65(100)(001); 6.84(83)(01); 6.01(75)(100); 5.52(60)(01); 4.965(55)(011); 4.198(67)(1); 4.055(65)(110); 3.120(55)(021); 2.896(60)(21,003,20). The crystal structure was solved by direct methods from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and refined toR= 0.0737. The yaroshevskite structure is unique. It is based on corrugated layers made up of chains of edge-sharing flat squares with central Cu2+cations [Cu(1), Cu(4) and Cu(5)]; neighbouring chains are connected via groups consisting of three Cu2+-centred squares [two Cu(3) and Cu(6)]. Neighbouring layers are connected via pairs of Cu(2)O4Cl five-coordinate polyhedra and isolated VO4tetrahedra. The structure of yaroshevskite can also be considered in terms of oxygen-centred tetrahedra: O(7)Cu4tetrahedra are connected via common Cu(4) and Cu(5) vertices to form pyroxene-like chains [O2Cu6]∞. In this context, the structural formula can be written Cu3[O2Cu6][VO4]4Cl2. The mineral name honours the Russian geochemist Alexei A. Yaroshevsky (b. 1934) of Moscow State University.
FcγRIII (CD16) equips immature 6-sulfo LacNAc–expressing dendritic cells (slanDCs) with a unique capacity to handle IgG-complexed antigens
Authors: Döbel Thomas , Kunze Anja , Babatz Jana , Tränkner Katja , Ludwig Andreas , Schmitz Marc , Enk Alexander , Schäkel Knut
Published: March 2013

Key Points

The expression of CD16 by immature slanDCs equips these cells with a unique capacity to handle immune complexes. CD16 expression on slanDCs is rapidly downregulated during maturation by activation of ADAM10 and ADAM17.
Comparative analysis of circulating dendritic cell subsets in patients with atopic diseases and sarcoidosis
Authors: Hayashi Yumeko , Ishii Yoshiki , Hata-Suzuki Mitsumi , Arai Ryo , Chibana Kazuyuki , Takemasa Akihiro , Fukuda Takeshi
Published: March 2013

Background

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells that play a crucial role in the initiation and modulation of immune responses. Human circulating blood DCs are divided into two major subsets: myeloid DCs (mDCs); and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). Furthermore, mDCs are subdivided into two subsets: Th1-promoting mDCs (mDC1s); and Th2-promoting mDCs (mDC2s). Although CD1a, CD1c, and CD141 are generally used for classifying mDC subsets, their adequacy as a specific marker remains unclear. We performed this study to compare circulating mDC, pDC, mDC1, and mDC2 subsets between Th1- and Th2-mediated diseases using CD1a and CD141, and to analyze the adequacy of CD1a and CD141 as a marker for mDC1s and mDC2s, respectively.

Methods

Thirty patients with sarcoidosis, 23 patients with atopic diseases, such as atopic bronchial asthma, and 23 healthy subjects as controls were enrolled in this study. Peripheral blood DC subsets were analyzed with flow cytometry according to expressions of CD11c, CD123, CD1a, and CD141. For functional analysis, we measured interleukin (IL) 12p40 levels produced by the sorted mDC subsets.

Results

The sarcoidosis group showed decreased total DC (P < 0.05) and mDC counts (P < 0.05) compared to controls. The atopy group showed decreased CD1a+mDC count (P < 0.05), and increased CD1a-mDC count (P < 0.05) compared to controls. CD141+mDC count in the atopy group was higher than controls (P < 0.05). Sorted CD1a+mDCs produced higher levels of IL-12p40 than CD1a-mDCs (P = 0.025) and CD141+mDCs (P = 0.018).

Conclusions

We conclude that decreased count of CD1a+mDC and increased count of CD141+mDC may reflect the Th2-skewed immunity in atopic diseases. The results of IL-12 levels produced by the sorted mDC subsets suggested the adequacy of CD1a and CD141 as a marker for mDC1 and mDC2, respectively,in vivo.
Genetic variants associated with circulating MMP1 levels near matrix metalloproteinase genes on chromosome 11q21-22 in Taiwanese: interaction with obesity
Authors: Huang Hsuan-Li , Wu Semon , Hsu Lung-An , Teng Ming-Sheng , Lin Jeng-Feng , Sun Yu-Chen , Ko Yu-Lin
Published: March 2013

Background

MMP1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease. We aimed to elucidate genetic determinants of inflammatory marker levels, including circulating MMP1, in Taiwanese, and their association with obesity.

Methods

Five genetic polymorphisms around matrix metalloproteinase genes on chromosome 11q21-22 region were genotyped in 519 subjects.

Results

After adjusting for clinical covariates, two polymorphisms were significantly associated with MMP1 levels, rs1799750 and rs495366, using an additive inheritance model (P = 1.5x10-4andP = 2.57x10-5, respectively). Using dominant model, minor alleles of rs1799750 and rs495366 were associated with higher MMP1 levels (P = 1.3x10-4andP = 1.95x10-5, respectively). In haplotype analysis, two haplotypes inferred from five SNPs (A2GATAandA1GATG) were associated with MMP1 levels (P = 5x10-4andP = 8.47x10-5, respectively). Subgroup and interaction analysis revealed an association of rs1799750 and rs495366 with MMP1 levels only in non-obese subjects (P = 6.66x10-6andP = 4.38x10-5, respectively, and interactionP = 0.008 for rs1799750). Haplotype interaction analysis also showed significant interaction for haplotypeA1GATG(interactionP = 0.003).

Conclusions

Genotypes/haplotypes aroundMMP1locus are associated with MMP1 levels in Taiwanese. Further, since genotypes/haplotypes nearMMP1locus interact with obesity to set MMP1 levels, genetic determinants for MMP1 level may be different between obese and non-obese individuals.
Negative pressure technology enhances bone regeneration in rabbit skull defects
Authors: Zhang Yin-gang , Yang Zhi , Zhang Hong , Liu Miao , Qiu Yushen , Guo Xiong
Published: March 2013

Background

Bone is a slowly regenerating tissue influenced by various physiological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and angiogenesis, under the control of growth factors. Shortening this healing time is an important and popular clinical research focus in orthopedics. Negative pressure can stimulate angiogenesis, improve blood circulation, promote granulation tissue growth and accelerate tissue wound healing. We sought to determine whether negative pressure could reduce bone healing time in a rabbit cranial defect model.

Methods

Four symmetrical holes (diameter, 3.5 mm) were drilled into the skulls of 42 New Zealand white rabbits, with two holes in each parietal bone. For each rabbit, the two sides were then randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. Using negative pressure suction tubes, experimental holes were treated with −50 kPa for 15 minutes, four times per day, whereas the control holes remained untreated. After 4 weeks, the negative pressure suction tubes were removed. At 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction computed tomography (CT), X-ray radiopacity, and two-photon absorptiometry were used to evaluate new bone formation. Histological changes were determined by hematoxylin and eosin (H.E) staining. At weekly intervals until 6 weeks, the mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 were evaluated by RT-PCR. A paired student’s t-test was employed to compare X-ray radiopacity and bone density measurements between the experimental and control groups.

Results

3D-reconstruction CT showed that new bone regeneration in the experimental group was greater than that in the control group at 4 and 6 weeks. At these time points, the experimental group presented with higher X-ray radiopacity and increased bone density (P < 0.05) as compared with the control group. Cartilage islands and new bone were observed by H.E staining at 2 weeks in the experimental group. By 6 weeks, the new bone had matured into lamellar bone in the experimental group. RT-PCR results showed that VEGF and BMP-2 were highly expressed in the experimental group as compared with control.

Conclusions

Intermittent negative pressure can promote the regeneration of bone possibly by enhancing the expression of VEGF and BMP-2.
Development of a cost-effective high-throughput process of microsatellite analysis involving miniaturized multiplexed PCR amplification and automated allele identification
Authors: Nguyen Truc TM , Lakhan Shaheen E , Finette Barry A
Published: March 2013

Background

Microsatellites are nucleotide sequences of tandem repeats occurring throughout the genome, which have been widely used in genetic linkage analysis, studies of loss of heterozygosity, determination of lineage and clonality, and the measurement of genome instability or the emergence of drug resistance reflective of mismatch repair deficiency. Such analyses may involve the parallel evaluation of many microsatellite loci, which are often limited by sample DNA, are labor intensive, and require large data processing.

Results

To overcome these challenges, we developed a cost-effective high-throughput approach of microsatellite analysis, in which the amplifications of microsatellites are performed in miniaturized, multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) adaptable to 96 or 384 well plates, and accurate automated allele identification has been optimized with a collective reference dataset of 5,508 alleles using the GeneMapper software.

Conclusions

In this investigation, we have documented our experience with the optimization of multiplex PCR conditions and automated allele identification, and have generated a unique body of data that provide a starting point for a cost-effective, high-throughput process of microsatellite analysis using the studied markers.
A permissive chromatin structure is adopted prior to site-specific DNA demethylation of developmentally expressed genes involved in macronuclear differentiation
Authors: Bulic Aneta , Postberg Jan , Fischer Andreas , Jönsson Franziska , Reuter Günter , Lipps Hans J
Published: March 2013

Background

DNA methylation and demethylation are important epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in eukaryotic cells and, so far, only partially understood. We exploit the minimalistic biological ciliate system to understand the crosstalk between DNA modification and chromatin structure. In the macronucleus of these cells, the DNA is fragmented into individual short DNA molecules, each representing a functional expression and replication unit. Therefore, long range epigenomic interaction can be excluded in this system.

Results

In the stichotrichous ciliate Stylonychia lemnae, cytosine methylation occurs in a small subset of macronuclear nanochromosomes expressed only during sexual reproduction. Methylation pattern shows similarity to that observed in fungi and Drosophila. Cytosine methylation correlates with gene activity and chromatin structure. Upon gene activation, cytosines become demethylated and a redistribution of histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) takes place. Evidence is presented that the formation of a permissive chromatin structure in the vicinity of the 5meCs precedes cytosine methylation and is probably a necessary prerequisite for their demethylation. Shortly after demethylation of cytosines occurs, the parental macronucleus degenerates, a new macronucleus is formed from a micronuclear derivative and the specific methylation pattern is transmitted from the germline micronucleus to the new macronucleus.

Conclusions

We show that very few, or even only one, discrete methylated cytosines are required to assign regulatory functions at a specific locus. Furthermore, evidence is provided that a permissive chromatin structure is probably a necessary prerequisite for the demethylation of specific cytosines. Our results allow us to propose a mechanistic model for the biological function of cytosine methylation in the ciliate cell and its regulation during the cell cycle.
Reliability of ultrasound imaging in the assessment of the dorsal Lisfranc ligament
Authors: Rettedal David D , Graves Nathan C , Marshall Joshua J , Frush Katherine , Vardaxis Vassilios
Published: March 2013

Background

The Lisfranc ligament plays an integral role in providing stability to the midfoot. Variable clinical presentations and radiographic findings make injuries to the Lisfranc ligament notoriously difficult to diagnose. Currently, radiographic evaluation is the mainstay in imaging such injuries; however, ultrasound has been suggested as a viable alternative. The objective of this study was to evaluate the intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability in the measurement of the length of the dorsal Lisfranc ligament using ultrasound imaging in healthy, asymptomatic subjects.

Methods

The dorsal Lisfranc ligaments of fifty asymptomatic subjects (n = 100 feet) were imaged using a Siemens SONOLINE Antares Ultrasound Imaging System© under low, medium, and high stress loads at 0° and 15° abducted foot positions. The lengths of the ligaments were measured, and Interclass correlation coefficients were used to calculate within‐session intra‐rater reliability (n = 100 feet) as well as between‐session intra‐rater reliability (n = 40 feet) and between‐session inter‐rater reliability (n = 40 feet).

Results

The within‐session intra‐rater reliability results for dorsal Lisfranc ligament length had an average ICC of 0.889 (min 0.873 max 0.913). The average ICC for between‐session intra‐rater reliability was 0.747 (min 0.607 max 0.811). The average ICC for between‐session inter‐rater reliability was 0.685 (min 0.638 max 0.776).

Conclusions

The measurement of the dorsal Lisfranc ligament length using ultrasound imaging shows substantial to almost perfect reliability when evaluating asymptomatic subjects. This imaging modality methodology shows promise and lays the foundation for further work in technique development towards the diagnostic identification of pathology within the Lisfranc ligament complex.
Physiological predictors of survival during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation inadults with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Camporota Luigi , Sherry Tony , Smith John , Lei Katie , McLuckie Angela , Beale Richard
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Data that provide clinical criteria for the identification of patients likely torespond to high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) are scarce. Our aim wasto describe physiological predictors of survival during HFOV in adults with severeacute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) admitted to a respiratory failurecenter in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Electronic records of 102 adults treated with HFOV were reviewed retrospectively.We used logistic regression and receiving-operator characteristics curve to testassociations with oxygenation and mortality.

Results

Patients had severe ARDS with a mean (SD) Murray's score of 2.98 (0.7). Partialpressure of oxygen in arterial blood to fraction of inspired oxygen(PaO2/FiO2) ratio and oxygenation index improved only insurvivors. The earliest time point at which the two groups differed was at threehours after commencing HFOV. An improvement of >38% inPaO2/FiO2 occurring at any time within the first 72hours, was the best predictor of survival at 30 days (area under the curve (AUC)of 0.83, sensitivity 93%, specificity 78% and a positive likelihood ratio (LR) of4.3). These patients also had a 3.5 fold greater reduction in partial pressure ofcarbon dioxide in arterial blood (PaCO2). Multivariate analysis showedthat HFOV was more effective in younger patients, when instituted early, and inpatients with milder respiratory acidosis.

Conclusions

HFOV is effective in improving oxygenation in adults with ARDS, particularly wheninstituted early. Changes in PaO2/FiO2 during the firstthree hours of HFOV can identify those patients more likely to survive.
Beyond the bundle - journey of a tertiary care medical intensive care unit to zerocentral line-associated bloodstream infections
Authors: Exline Matthew C , Ali Naeem A , Zikri Nancy , Mangino Julie E , Torrence Kelly , Vermillion Brenda , St Clair Jamie , Lustberg Mark E , Pancholi Preeti , Sopirala Madhuri M
Published: March 2013

Introduction

We set a goal to reduce the incidence rate of catheter-related bloodstreaminfections to rate of <1 per 1,000 central line days in a two-year period.

Methods

This is an observational cohort study with historical controls in a 25-bedintensive care unit at a tertiary academic hospital. All patients admitted to theunit from January 2008 to December 2011 (31,931 patient days) were included. Amultidisciplinary team consisting of hospital epidemiologist/infectious diseasesphysician, infection preventionist, unit physician and nursing leadership wasconvened. Interventions included: central line insertion checklist, demonstrationof competencies for line maintenance and access, daily line necessity checklist,and quality rounds by nursing leadership, heightened staff accountability,follow-up surveillance by epidemiology with timely unit feedback and case reviews,and identification of noncompliance with evidence-based guidelines. Molecularepidemiologic investigation of a cluster of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcusfaecium (VRE) was undertaken resulting in staff education forproper acquisition of blood cultures, environmental decontamination and dailychlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing for patients.

Results

Center for Disease Control/National Health Safety Network (CDC/NHSN) definitionwas used to measure central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLA-BSI) ratesduring the following time periods: baseline (January 2008 to December 2009),intervention year (IY) 1 (January to December 2010), and IY 2 (January to December2011). Infection rates were as follows: baseline: 2.65 infections per 1,000catheter days; IY1: 1.97 per 1,000 catheter days; the incidence rate ratio (IRR)was 0.74 (95% CI = 0.37 to 1.65, P = 0.398); residual seven CLA-BSIsduring IY1 were VRE faecium blood cultures positive from central linealone in the setting of findings explicable by noninfectious conditions. Followingstaff education, environmental decontamination and CHG bathing (IY2): 0.53 per1,000 catheter days; the IRR was 0.20 (95% CI = 0.06 to 0.65, P = 0.008)with 80% reduction compared to the baseline. Over the two-year interventionperiod, the overall rate decreased by 53% to 1.24 per 1,000 catheter-days (IRR of0.47 (95% CI = 0.25 to 0.88, P = 0.019) with zero CLA-BSI for a total of15 months.

Conclusions

Residual CLA-BSIs, despite strict adherence to central line bundle, may be relatedto blood culture contamination categorized as CLA-BSIs per CDC/NHSN definition.Efforts to reduce residual CLA-BSIs require a strategic multidisciplinary teamapproach focused on epidemiologic investigations of practitioner- or unit-specificetiologies.
Asset-Pricing Implications of Dividend Volatility
Authors: Li Yan , Yang Liyan
Published: March 2013

This paper establishes dividend volatility as a fundamental risk metric that prices assets. We theoretically incorporate dividend volatility clustering into a model in which narrow-framing investors are loss averse over fluctuations in the value of their investments. Our model shows that dividend volatility positively predicts future asset returns, with the predictive power increasing with the forecasting horizon; our model also sheds light on a variety of other asset-pricing phenomena. We further provide supporting empirical evidence that dividend volatility is indeed priced in the data. More specifically, aggregate dividend volatility predicts and is predicted by aggregate price-to-dividend ratios; aggregate dividend volatility predicts future aggregate market returns; and dividend volatility of portfolios sorted by size, book-to-market ratios, and past returns predicts future portfolio-level returns, respectively.

This paper was accepted by Wei Xiong, finance.
Thoracic surgical management of colorectal lung metastases: a questionnaire survey of members of the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in great Britain and Ireland
Authors: Jegatheeswaran S , Satyadas T , Sheen AJ , Treasure T , Siriwardena AK
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Distant metastases to liver and lung are not uncommon in colorectal cancer. Resection of metastases is accepted widely as the standard of care. However, there is no firm evidence base for this. This questionnaire survey was carried out to assess the current practice preferences of cardiothoracic surgeons in Great Britain and Ireland.

Methods

An online questionnaire survey was emailed to cardiothoracic surgeons in Great Britain and Ireland. The survey was live for 12 weeks. Responses were collated with SurveyMonkey®.

Results

Overall, there were 75 respondents. The majority (83%) indicated thoracic surgery as a specialist interest. Almost all (99%) used thoracic computed tomography (CT) for staging; 70% added liver CT and 51% added pelvic CT. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography was used by 86%. The most frequent indication for pulmonary resection (97%) was solitary lung metastasis without extrathoracic disease. Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was used by 85%. In addition, thoracotomy was used by 96%. A third (33%) used radiofrequency ablation. Synchronous liver and lung resection was contraindicated for 83% of respondents. Over three-quarters (77%) thought that scientific equipoise exists presently for lung resection for colorectal lung metastases but only 21% supported a moratorium on this type of surgery until further evidence becomes available.

Conclusions

The results confirm that the majority of respondents use conventional cross-sectional imaging and either VATS or formal thoracotomy for resection. The results emphasise the continuing need for formal randomised trials to provide evidence of any survival benefit from pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal lung metastases.
Registrar Paediatric Bronchoscopy Experience: Setting New Standards
Authors: McKay-Davies I , Saunders MW
Published: March 2013

In February 2011 ENT trainees were set targets to achieve prior to completion of surgical training in an attempt to ensure standardisation, to establish competence is attained in index procedures and to confirm that the trainees are 'emergency safe' and able to practise independently. These targets have ranged from setting a minimum number of major ear operations the trainee has to perform as the sole operator to providing evidence of managing 1,000 emergencies.
Is the Injury Severity Score Relevant in Complex Lower Limb Trauma?
Authors: Filobbos G , Salim F , Khan U
Published: March 2013

First described by Baker et al in 1974, the injury severity score (ISS) is an anatomical scoring system that provides an overall score for patients with multiple injuries. It was developed initially to evaluate motor vehicle victims with multiple injuries, with an original study group of 2,128 patients. The ISS is an established score to assess trauma severity and its application has extended beyond motor vehicle injuries to cover all aspects of trauma.
Happier and less isolated: internet use in old age
Authors: Lelkes Orsolya
Published: March 2013

This paper explores the impact of internet use in old age on social isolation and on subjective wellbeing. Does internet use make older people less or more lonely? Does it crowd out face-toface contacts or enhance them? We found that social isolation is lower among internet users aged 65 or over. Using a European multi-country cross-sectional dataset with over 11,000 observations, we found that those who use the internet regularly have a lower chance of being isolated, more so for those who use the internet every day, controlling for personal characteristics such as income, marital status, gender and health condition. Thus, personal social meetings and virtual contacts are complementary, rather than substituting for each other. Internet use may be a useful way of reducing social isolation. We also found a positive relationship between regular internet use and self-reported life satisfaction, all else being equal.
A Nonlinearized Multivariate Dominant Factor–Based Partial Least Squares (PLS) Model for Coal Analysis by Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Feng Jie , Wang Zhe , Li Lizhi , Li Zheng , Ni Weidou
Published: March 2013

A nonlinearized multivariate dominant factor–based partial least-squares (PLS) model was applied to coal elemental concentration measurement. For C concentration determination in bituminous coal, the intensities of multiple characteristic lines of the main elements in coal were applied to construct a comprehensive dominant factor that would provide main concentration results. A secondary PLS thereafter applied would further correct the model results by using the entire spectral information. In the dominant factor extraction, nonlinear transformation of line intensities (based on physical mechanisms) was embedded in the linear PLS to describe nonlinear self-absorption and inter-element interference more effectively and accurately. According to the empirical expression of self-absorption and Taylor expansion, nonlinear transformations of atomic and ionic line intensities of C were utilized to model self-absorption. Then, the line intensities of other elements, O and N, were taken into account for inter-element interference, considering the possible recombination of C with O and N particles. The specialty of coal analysis by using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was also discussed and considered in the multivariate dominant factor construction. The proposed model achieved a much better prediction performance than conventional PLS. Compared with our previous, already improved dominant factor–based PLS model, the present PLS model obtained the same calibration quality while decreasing the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) from 4.47 to 3.77%. Furthermore, with the leave-one-out cross-validation and L-curve methods, which avoid the overfitting issue in determining the number of principal components instead of minimum RMSEP criteria, the present PLS model also showed better performance for different splits of calibration and prediction samples, proving the robustness of the present PLS model.
Potential of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) to Differentiate Environmental Aspergillus Fungi Species A. niger, A. ochraceus, and A. westerdijkiae Using Two Different Methodologies
Authors: Tralamazza Sabina Moser , Bozza Angela , Destro João Guilherme Rodenbusch , Rodríguez Jaime Iván , Dalzoto Patricia do Rocio , Pimentel Ida Chapaval
Published: March 2013

We assessed the ability of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) to differentiate three important and morphologically similar Aspergillus species: A. ochraceus and A. westerdijkiae, and A. niger. Fungi were processed by two methods, powdered mycelia and conidiospore–saline solution, and then recorded in a spectrometer. Second derivatives with nine points of smoothing were applied as spectra data pretreatment. Partial least squares regression was used for the species comparison models and a prediction test was used to evaluate the models. The powdered-mycelia methodology correctly identified 100% of the prediction test set to discriminate A. niger from A. ochraceus and A. westerdijkiae; in addition, it had a 86.6% success rate in discriminating A. ochraceus and A. westerdijkiae. This is the first time a study assessed the ability of FT-IR to differentiate A. niger, A. ochraceus, and A. west-erdijkiae, and we believe this technique is very promising for classifying and distinguish fungi isolates.
The Effect of Standing Acoustic Waves on the Formation of Laser-Induced Air Plasmas
Authors: Craig Stephanie M. , Brownell Kara , O'Leary Brendon , Malfitano Christopher , Kelley Jude A.
Published: March 2013

The expected location of an air plasma produced by a focused YAG laser pulse has been found to be influenced by the acoustics of the surrounding environment. In open air, the expected location of a laser-induced air plasma is centered close to the focal point of the lens focusing the laser beam. When confining the same beam coaxially along the interior of a quartz tube, the expected location of the air plasma shifts away from the focal point, toward the focusing lens, in a region of less laser fluence. This shift is caused by an interaction between standing acoustic waves (formed from sound waves produced by previous laser-induced plasmas) and the impinging laser pulse. Standing acoustic waves in a tube produce areas (antinodes) of slightly higher and slightly lower pressure than ambient atmospheric conditions, that in turn have a noticeable affect on the probability of creating an air plasma at a given location. This leads to two observed phenomena: Increased probability of air plasma formation before the optical focal point is reached, and the formation of distinct (separate) air plasmas at the antinodes themselves.
Comparison of Three Schemes of Two-Photon Laser-Induced Fluorescence for CO Detection in Flames
Authors: Rosell Joakim , Sjöholm Johan , Richter Mattias , Aldén Marcus
Published: March 2013

Two-photon excitation laser-induced fluorescence of carbon monoxide suffers from interference from mainly C2 and strong pressure quenching. This paper presents an investigation of three excitation/detection schemes for two-photon excitation laser-induced fluorescence on carbon monoxide. The schemes are evaluated for pressure and quenching partner dependencies and C2 interference. Three different emission bands lie in the Hopefield-Birge system: The Angstrom B1Σ+ → A1Πu band, with two-photon excitation through B1Σ+ ← X1Π around 230 nm; the Herzberg band C1Σ+ → A1Πu, with two-photon excitation through, C1Σ+← X1Π, around 217 nm; and the third positive group b3Σ→a3Π, also with excitation of B1Σ ← X1Π around 230 nm. The measurements are performed in laminar premixed flames with various equivalence ratios as well as in a high-pressure cell, where pressure and species concentrations are varied in order to investigate the fluorescence quenching dependence.