bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat transfer coefficient on the combustion chamber wall surfaces in a naturally aspirated direct-injection diesel engine
Authors: Enomoto Yoshiteru , Aoki Yuta , Emi Masahiko , Kimura Shuji
Published: October 2013

Thin-film thermocouples were used to measure the instantaneous temperature at 100 points on all the combustion chamber wall surfaces in a naturally aspirated direct-injection diesel engine. Instantaneous heat flux at each measured point was also obtained through heat transfer analysis with the measured instantaneous wall surface temperature applied as a boundary condition. In addition, the instantaneous mass-averaged gas temperature in the combustion chamber was calculated through the equation of state of an ideal gas. As a result, the local and overall heat transfer coefficients were evaluated using the corresponding wall surface temperatures and heat fluxes. The overall heat transfer coefficients thus obtained were compared with those calculated with Eichelberg’s and Woschni’s empirical equations for five ignition timings and three engine speeds. As a result, it was revealed that an overall average heat transfer coefficient obtained through the authors’ experiments has characteristics different from those of the heat transfer coefficients calculated from the empirical equations proposed by Eichelberg and Woschni.
Expanding the ‘dark side of planning’: Governmentality and biopolitics in urban garden planning
Authors: Certomà Chiara
Published: October 2013

This article analyses Bent Flyvbjerg’s ‘dark side of planning’ theory and proposes to increase its critical strength by including, together with ideas of rationality and power, two further theoretical tools: the Foucauldian concepts of governmentality and biopolitics. The potentiality of this inclusion is exemplified by the analysis provided about the influence of 18th-century colonial governmentality on the real rationality of public garden planning in the modern liberal cities of most western European colonising countries. It aims to show that Flyvbjerg’s concept of ‘real rationality’ can be usefully regarded as the product of a broad interpretation of biopolitical technologies, including the disciplining of non-human further than human life, which makes it possible to control the ‘uncivilised’ instincts of society through public garden planning. This article aims to suggest, that by digging deep into the hidden rationality of planning, even in those cases in which only the progressive face of power is apparently involved, a dark side of planning is unavoidably present in the form of a disciplinary power.
The Connection Between Race and Called Strikes and Balls
Authors: Hamrick Jeff , Rasp John
Published: October 2013

We investigate potential racial bias by Major League Baseball umpires. We do so in the context of the subjective decision as to whether a pitch is called a strike or a ball, using data from the 1989-2010 seasons. We find limited, and sometimes contradictory, evidence that umpires unduly favor or unjustly discriminate against players based on their race. Potential mitigating variables such as attendance, terminal pitch, the absolute score differential, and the presence of monitoring systems do not consistently interact with umpire/pitcher and umpire/hitter racial combinations. Most evidence that would first appear to support racially connected behaviors by umpires appears to vanish in three-way interaction models. Overall, our findings fall well short of convincing evidence for racial bias.
Deepening system leadership
Authors: Boylan Mark
Published: October 2013

The increasing importance of educational collaborations and networks that blur organizational boundaries requires conceptual developments in leadership theory. One approach to both theorizing and promoting such phenomena is through the idea of system leadership. Three different meanings of the term are identified: interschool leadership; a systemic leadership orientation and identity; and leadership of the school system as a whole. Previous descriptions of system leadership, and policy initiatives related to it, have focused on headteachers and senior leaders. However, teacher leaders may also exercise system leadership in relation to all three meanings. Professional development networks and school collaborations provide a range of distinct contexts for interschool leadership by teacher leaders and these are identified. This extends existing theories of teacher and distributed leadership. Further, it is proposed that teacher leaders can, like headteachers, have a systemic leadership practice orientation that is informed by moral purposes. The model of teacher activist professional identity provides a starting point for analysing teacher system leadership identity. Teacher leaders can and do influence system-wide change and, to conceptualize this, the concept of system leadership from below is introduced. In making this argument a number of issues and methodological tools are identified that are important in researching both headteacher and teacher system leadership in relation to the three meanings of system leadership.
What does a GP need to know about radiotherapy?
Authors: Cosh Ayla , Carslaw Helen
Published: October 2013

In 1895 the German physicist, Wilhelm Rontgen discovered electromagnetic radiation in a previously unknown wavelength. He later named this wavelength ‘X-ray’ (X referring to an unknown quantity). Since this discovery and through the hard work of many others, most prominently Pierre and Marie Curie and Alexander Graham Bell, radiotherapy has developed into an integral part of the treatment of cancer. Approximately 320 500 people were diagnosed with cancer in the UK in 2009, which equates to around 519 cases for every 100 000 people. Roughly one-half of all patients diagnosed with cancer will receive radiotherapy treatment at some point during their journey. The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of the background of radiotherapy, some of the more frequently occurring side effects that GPs need to be aware of and the role of the GP in patients receiving radiotherapy treatment.
Characterisation of exacerbation risk and exacerbator phenotypes in the POET-COPD trial
Authors: Beeh Kai M , Glaab Thomas , Stowasser Susanne , Schmidt Hendrik , Fabbri Leonardo M , Rabe Klaus F , Vogelmeier Claus F
Published: October 2013

Background

Data examining the characteristics of patients with frequent exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and associated hospitalisations and mortality are scarce.

Methods

Post-hoc analysis of the Prevention Of Exacerbations with Tiotropium in COPD (POET-COPD) trial, targeting exacerbations as the primary endpoint. Patients were classified as non-, infrequent, and frequent exacerbators (0, 1, or ≥ 2 exacerbations during study treatment), irrespective of study treatment. A multivariate Cox regression model assessed the effect of covariates on time to first exacerbation.

Results

In total, 7376 patients were included in the analysis: 63.5% non-exacerbators, 22.9% infrequent, 13.6% frequent exacerbators. Factors significantly associated with exacerbation risk were age, sex, body mass index, COPD duration and severity, smoking history, baseline inhaled corticosteroid use, and preceding antibiotic or systemic corticosteroid courses. Frequent exacerbators had greater severity and duration of COPD, received more pulmonary medication, and ≥ 2 systemic corticosteroid or antibiotic courses in the preceding year, and were more likely to be female and ex-smokers. The small proportion of frequent exacerbators (13.6%) accounted for 56.6% of exacerbation-related hospitalisations, which, overall, were associated with a three-fold increase in mortality.

Conclusion

The frequent exacerbator phenotype was closely associated with exacerbation-related hospitalisations, and exacerbation-related hospitalisations were associated with poorer survival.

Trial registration

NCT00563381; Study identifier: BI 205.389.
Factors influencing insulin acceptance among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in a primary care clinic: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Abu Hassan Hasliza , Tohid Hizlinda , Mohd Amin Rahmah , Long Bidin Mohamed Badrulnizam , Muthupalaniappen Leelavathi , Omar Khairani
Published: October 2013

Background

Many Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients refuse insulin therapy even when they require this modality of treatment. However, some eventually accept insulin. This study aimed to explore the T2DM patients’ reasons for accepting insulin therapy and their initial barriers to use insulin.

Methods

This qualitative study interviewed twenty-one T2DM patients at a primary care clinic who had been on insulin for more than a year through three in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions. A semi structured interview protocol was used and the sessions were audio-recorded. Subsequently, thematic analysis was conducted to identify major themes.

Results

The participants’ acceptance of insulin was influenced by their concerns and beliefs about diabetes and insulin. Concerns about complications of poorly controlled diabetes and side effects of other treatment regime had resulted in insulin acceptance among the participants. They also had a strong belief in insulin benefits and effectiveness. These concerns and beliefs were the results of having good knowledge about the diabetes and insulin, experiential learning, as well as doctors’ practical and emotional support that helped them to accept insulin therapy and become efficient in self-care management. These factors also allayed their negative concerns and beliefs towards diabetes and insulin, which were their barriers for insulin acceptance as it caused fear to use insulin. These negative concerns were related to injection (self-injection, needle phobia, injection pain), and insulin use (inconvenience, embarrassment, lifestyle restriction, negative social stigma, and poor self-efficacy), whereas the negative beliefs were 'insulin could cause organ damage’, 'their diabetes was not serious enough’, 'insulin is for life-long’, and 'insulin is for more severe disease only’.

Conclusions

Exploring patients’ concerns and beliefs about diabetes and insulin is crucial to assist physicians in delivering patient-centered care. By understanding this, physicians could address their concerns with aim to modify their patients’ misconceptions towards insulin therapy. In addition, continuous educations as well as practical and emotional support from others were found to be valuable for insulin acceptance.

Trial registration

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia FF-214-2009.
Primary Tumor Vascularity, HIF-1α and VEGF expression in vulvar squamous cell carcinomas: their relationships with clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic impact
Authors: Dhakal Hari Prasad , Nesland Jahn M , Førsund Mette , Trope Claes G , Holm Ruth
Published: October 2013

Background

Increased vascularity is a crucial event in the tumor progression and has prognostic significance in various cancers. However, the ultimate role of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis and clinical outcome of vulvar carcinoma patients is still not settled.

Methods

Tumor vascularity using CD34 stained slides measured by Chalkley counting method as well as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunoexpression was examined in 158 vulvar squamous cell carcinomas. Associations between vascular Chalkley count, HIF-1α and VEGF expression and clinicopathological factors and clinical outcome were evaluated.

Results

High CD34 Chalkley count was found to correlate with larger tumor diameter (P = 0.002), deep invasion (P < 0.001) and HIF-1α (P = 0.04), whereas high VEGF expression correlate significantly with poor tumor differentiation (P = 0.007). No significant association between CD34 Chalkley counts and VEGF expression and disease-specific survival was observed. High HIF-1α expression showed better disease specific survival in both univariate and multivariate analyses (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

A significant association between high tumor vascularity and larger tumor size as well as deeper tumor invasion suggests an important role of angiogenesis in the growth and progression of vulvar carcinomas. HIF-1α expression in vulvar carcinomas was a statistically independent prognostic factor.
A double blind randomized controlled trial comparing primary suture closure with mesh augmented closure to reduce incisional hernia incidence
Authors: Nieuwenhuizen Jeroen , Eker Hasan H , Timmermans Lucas , Hop Wim CJ , Kleinrensink Gert-Jan , Jeekel Johannes , Lange Johan F ,   PRIMA Trialist Group
Published: October 2013

Background

Incisional hernia is the most frequently seen long term complication after laparotomy causing much morbidity and even mortality. The overall incidence remains 11-20%, despite studies attempting to optimize closing techniques. Two patient groups, patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm and obese patients, have a risk for incisional hernia after laparotomy of more than 30%. These patients might benefit from mesh augmented midline closure as a means to reduce incisional hernia incidence.

Methods/design

ThePRImaryMesh Closure ofAbdominal Midline Wound (PRIMA) trial is a double-blinded international multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing running slowly absorbable suture closure with the same closure augmented with a sublay or onlay mesh. Primary endpoint will be incisional hernia incidence 2 years postoperatively. Secondary outcomes will be postoperative complications, pain, quality of life and cost effectiveness.

A total of 460 patients will be included in three arms of the study and randomized between running suture closure, onlay mesh closure or sublay mesh closure. Follow-up will be at 1, 3, 12 and 24 months with ultrasound imaging performed at 6 and 24 months to objectify the presence of incisional hernia. Patients, investigators and radiologists will be blinded throughout the whole follow up.

Disccusion

The use of prosthetic mesh has proven effective and safe in incisional hernia surgery however its use in a prophylactic manner has yet to be properly investigated. The PRIMA trial will provide level 1b evidence whether mesh augmented midline abdominal closure reduces incisional hernia incidence in high risk groups.

Trial registration

Clinical trial.govNCT00761475.
Improving activity and enantioselectivity of lipase via immobilization on macroporous resin for resolution of racemic 1- phenylethanol in non-aqueous medium
Authors: Li Xiang , Huang Shuangshuang , Xu Li , Yan Yunjun
Published: October 2013

Background

Burkholderia cepacia lipase (BCL) has been proved to be capable of resolution reactions. However, its free form usually exhibits low stability, bad resistance and no reusability, which restrict its further industrial applications. Therefore, it is of great importance to improve the catalytic performance of free lipase in non-aqueous medium.

Results

In this work, macroporous resin NKA (MPR-NKA) was utilized as support for lipase immobilization. Racemic transesterification of 1-phenylethanol with vinyl acetate was chosen as model reaction. Compared with its free form, the enzyme activity and enantioselectivity (ee
s) of the immobilized lipase have been significantly enhanced. The immobilized BCL exhibited a satisfactory thermostability over a wide range of temperature (from 10 to 65°C) and an excellent catalytic efficiency. After being used for more than 30 successive batches, the immobilized lipase still kept most of its activity. In comparison with other immobilized lipases, the immobilized BCL also exhibits better catalytic efficiency, which indicates a significant potential in industrial applications.

Conclusion

The results of this study have proved that MPR-NKA was an excellent support for immobilization of lipase via the methods of N2 adsorption–desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The improvement of enzyme activity and ee
s for the immobilized lipase was closely correlated with the alteration of its secondary structure. This information may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of immobilization and enzymatic biotransformation in non-aqueous medium.
The long non-coding RNA ERIC is regulated by E2F and modulates the cellular response to DNA damage
Authors: Feldstein Orit , Nizri Tal , Doniger Tirza , Jacob Jasmine , Rechavi Gideon , Ginsberg Doron
Published: October 2013

Background

The human genome encodes thousands of unique long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and these transcripts are emerging as critical regulators of gene expression and cell fate. However, the transcriptional regulation of their expression is not fully understood. The pivotal transcription factor E2F1 which can induce both proliferation and cell death, is a critical downstream target of the tumor suppressor, RB. The retinoblastoma pathway is often inactivated in human tumors resulting in deregulated E2F activity.

Results

Here, we report that lncRNA XLOC 006942, which we named ERIC, is regulated by E2F1 and, most probably, also E2F3. We show that expression levels of ERIC were elevated upon activation of exogenous E2F1, E2F3 or endogenous E2Fs. Moreover, knockdown of either E2F1 or E2F3 reduced ERIC levels and endogenous E2F1 binds ERIC’s promoter. Expression of ERIC was cell cycle regulated and peaked in G1 in an E2F1-dependent manner. Inhibition of ERIC expression increased E2F1-mediated apoptosis, suggesting that E2F1 and ERIC constitute a negative feedback loop that modulates E2F1 activity. Furthermore, ERIC levels were increased following DNA damage by the chemotherapeutic drug Etoposide, and inhibition of ERIC expression enhanced Etoposide -induced apoptosis.

Conclusions

Our data identify ERIC as a novel lncRNA that is transcriptionally regulated by E2Fs, and restricts apoptosis induced by E2F1, as well as by DNA damage.
Effects of blood triglycerides on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 61 prospective studies
Authors: Liu Jun , Zeng Fang-Fang , Liu Zhao-Min , Zhang Cai-Xia , Ling Wen-hua , Chen Yu-Ming
Published: October 2013

The relationship of triglycerides (TG) to the risk of death remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine the associations between blood triglyceride levels and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) mortality and all-cause mortality. Four databases were searched without language restriction for relevant studies: PubMed, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. All prospective cohort studies reporting an association between TG and CVDs or all-cause mortality published before July 2013 were included. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and pooled according to TG categories, unit TG, and logarithm of TG using a random-effects model with inverse-variance weighting. We identified 61 eligible studies, containing 17,018 CVDs deaths in 726,030 participants and 58,419 all-cause deaths in 330,566 participants. Twelve and fourteen studies, respectively, reported the effects estimates of CVDs and total mortality by TG categories. Compared to the referent (90–149 mg/dL), the pooled RRs (95% CI) of CVDs mortality for the lowest (< 90 mg/dL), borderline-high (150–199 mg/dL), and high TG (≥ 200 mg/dL) groups were 0.83 (0.75 to 0.93), 1.15 (1.03 to 1.29), and 1.25 (1.05 to 1.50); for total mortality they were 0.94 (0.85 to 1.03), 1.09 (1.02 to 1.17), and 1.20 (1.04 to 1.38), respectively. The risks of CVDs and all-cause deaths were increased by 13% and 12% (p < 0.001) per 1-mmol/L TG increment in twenty-two and twenty-two studies reported RRs per unit TG, respectively. In conclusion, elevated blood TG levels were dose-dependently associated with higher risks of CVDs and all-cause mortality.
Effect of n-3 and n-6 unsaturated fatty acids on prostate cancer (PC-3) and prostate epithelial (RWPE-1) cells in vitro
Authors: Meng Hongzhou , Shen Yuzhen , Shen Junhui , Zhou Feng , Shen Shengrong , Das Undurti N
Published: October 2013

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of death in the elderly men. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) regulate proliferation of cancer cells. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of various PUFAs on the proliferation and survival of human prostate cancer (PC-3) and human prostate epithelial (RWPE-1) cells in vitro.

LA, GLA, AA, ALA, EPA and DHA (linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid respectively) when tested at 50, 100, 150, and 200 μM inhibited proliferation of RWPE-1 and PC-3 cells, except that lower concentrations of LA (25 μM) and GLA (5, 10 μM) promoted proliferation. Though all fatty acids tested produced changes in the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), lipoxin A4 and free radical generation by RWPE-1 and PC-3 cells, there were significant differences in their ability to do so. As expected, supplementation of various n-3 and n-6 fatty acids to RWPE-1 and PC-3 cells enhanced the content of the added fatty acids and their long-chain metabolites in these cells. In contrast to previous results, we did not find any direct correlation between inhibition of cell proliferation induced by various fatty acids and free radical generation. These results suggest that polyunsaturated fatty acids suppress proliferation of normal and tumor cells by a variety of mechanisms that may partly depend on the type(s) of cell(s) being tested and the way these fatty acids are handled by the cells. Hence, it is suggested that more deeper and comprehensive studies are needed to understand the actions of fatty acids on the growth of normal and tumor cells.
Therapeutic targeting of erbB3 with MM-121/SAR256212 enhances antitumor activity of paclitaxel against erbB2-overexpressing breast cancer
Authors: Wang Shuiliang , Huang Jingcao , Lyu Hui , Cai Bo , Yang Xiaoping , Li Fang , Tan Jianming , Edgerton Susan M , Thor Ann D , Lee Choon-Kee , Liu Bolin
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Elevated expression of erbB3 rendered erbB2-overexpressing breast cancer cells resistant to paclitaxel via PI-3 K/Akt-dependent upregulation of Survivin. It is unclear whether an erbB3-targeted therapy may abrogate erbB2-mediated paclitaxel resistance in breast cancer. Here, we study the antitumor activity of an anti-erbB3 antibody MM-121/SAR256212 in combination with paclitaxel against erbB2-overexpressing breast cancer.

Methods

Cell growth assays were used to determine cell viability. Cells undergoing apoptosis were quantified by a specific apoptotic ELISA. Western blot analyses were performed to assess the protein expression and activation. Lentiviral vector containing shRNA was used to specifically knockdown Survivin. Tumor xenografts were established by inoculation of BT474-HR20 cells into nude mice. The tumor-bearing mice were treated with paclitaxel and/or MM-121/SAR256212 to determine whether the antibody (Ab) enhances paclitaxel’s antitumor activity. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to study the combinatorial effects on tumor cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in vivo.

Results

MM-121 significantly facilitated paclitaxel-mediated anti-proliferative/anti-survival effects on SKBR3 cells transfected with a control vector or erbB3 cDNA. It specifically downregulated Survivin associated with inactivation of erbB2, erbB3, and Akt. MM-121 enhances paclitaxel-induced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, activation of caspase-8 and -3, and apoptosis in both paclitaxel-sensitive and -resistant cells. Specific knockdown of Survivin in the trastuzumab-resistant BT474-HR20 cells dramatically enhanced paclitaxel-induced apoptosis, suggesting that increased Survivin caused a cross-resistance to paclitaxel. Furthermore, the studies using a tumor xenograft model-established from BT474-HR20 cells revealed that either MM-121 (10 mg/kg) or low-dose (7.5 mg/kg) paclitaxel had no effect on tumor growth, their combinations significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the combinations of MM-121 and paclitaxel significantly reduced the cells with positive staining for Ki-67 and Survivin, and increased the cells with cleaved caspase-3.

Conclusions

The combinations of MM-121 and paclitaxel not only inhibit tumor cell proliferation, but also promote erbB2-overexpressing breast cancer cells to undergo apoptosis via downregulation of Survivin in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that inactivation of erbB3 with MM-121 enhances paclitaxel-mediated antitumor activity against erbB2-overexpressing breast cancers. Our data supports further exploration of the combinatorial regimens consisting of MM-121 and paclitaxel in breast cancer patients with erbB2-overexpressing tumors, particularly those resistant to paclitaxel.
Performance-Based Seismic Retrofitting of Steel Frames by the Endurance Time Method
Authors: Mirzaee Amin , Estekanchi Homayoon E.
Published: October 2013

The endurance time method (ET) is a dynamic analysis procedure in which intensifying dynamic excitations are used as the loading function. Seismic performance is evaluated over the entire range of equivalent seismic intensities of interest in each response history analysis, considerably reducing computational demand. In this paper, a general methodology for performance-based retrofitting of typical steel frames by the ET method is discussed. A baseline steel moment-resisting frame is considered, and its seismic performance is evaluated by the ET method, considering viscous dampers and shear wall panels as strengthening alternatives. Each retrofitting option includes several design alternatives as well. The versatility of the ET method for this category of seismic design problems is demonstrated. Seismic performance, in conjunction with life-cycle costs, is employed to select the most appropriate alternative.
Toward aNOTCH1/FBXW7/RAS/PTEN–Based Oncogenetic Risk Classification of Adult T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Group for Research in Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Study
Authors: Trinquand Amélie , Tanguy-Schmidt Aline , Ben Abdelali Raouf , Lambert Jérôme , Beldjord Kheira , Lengliné Etienne , De Gunzburg Noémie , Payet-Bornet Dominique , Lhermitte Ludovic , Mossafa Hossein , Lhéritier Véronique , Bond Jonathan , Huguet Françoise , Buzyn Agnès , Leguay Thibaud , Cahn Jean-Yves , Thomas Xavier , Chalandon Yves , Delannoy André , Bonmati Caroline , Maury Sebastien , Nadel Bertrand , Macintyre Elizabeth , Ifrah Norbert , Dombret Hervé , Asnafi Vahid
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The Group for Research in Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (GRAALL) recently reported a significantly better outcome in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) harboring NOTCH1 and/or FBXW7 (N/F) mutations compared with unmutated T-ALL. Despite this, one third of patients with N/F-mutated T-ALL experienced relapse.

Patients and Methods

In a series of 212 adult T-ALLs included in the multicenter randomized GRAALL-2003 and -2005 trials, we searched for additional N/K-RAS mutations and PTEN defects (mutations and gene deletion).

Results

N/F mutations were identified in 143 (67%) of 212 patients, and lack of N/F mutation was confirmed to be associated with a poor prognosis. K-RAS, N-RAS, and PTEN mutations/deletions were identified in three (1.6%) of 191, 17 (8.9%) of 191, and 21 (12%) of 175 patients, respectively. The favorable prognostic significance of N/F mutations was restricted to patients without RAS/PTEN abnormalities. These observations led us to propose a new T-ALL oncogenetic classifier defining low-risk patients as those with N/F mutation but no RAS/PTEN mutation (97 of 189 patients; 51%) and all other patients (49%; including 13% with N/F and RAS/PTEN mutations) as high-risk patients. In multivariable analysis, this oncogenetic classifier remained the only significant prognostic covariate (event-free survival: hazard ratio [HR], 3.2; 95% CI, 1.9 to 5.15; P < .001; and overall survival: HR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.9 to 5.6; P < .001).

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that the presence of N/F mutations in the absence of RAS or PTEN abnormalities predicts good outcome in almost 50% of adult T-ALL. Conversely, the absence of N/F or presence of RAS/PTEN alterations identifies the remaining cohort of patients with poor prognosis.
Determining the Composition of Proteins in Milk Using a Portable near Infrared Spectrometer
Authors: Kalinin Andrei , Krasheninnikov Viktor , Sadovskiy Sergei , Yurova Elen
Published: October 2013

The content ratio of whey proteins to casein can serve as an indicator of milk quality as well as criterion for the presence of milk proteins adulteration, if it exceeds 0.25. The actual task is to produce an effective and portable sensor for the named ratio. The applicability of an inexpensive portable near infrared spectrometer for the specified task was tested in this work. The streams of backscattering and transmission light in the samples of the restored milk were acquired in the form of optical density spectra for a wavelength range of 800–1065 nm using a new two-channel CCD spectrometer. It was calibrated on the content of fat, casein and whey proteins using partial least squares regression. Another objective was to develop a cost-effective way to obtain a set of reference samples with various concentrations of three components that are needed to create the calibration models or to test them. Testing the calibration designed for the measurement of fat, casein and whey proteins in drinking milk showed root mean squared errors of prediction of 0.09% wt, 0.12% wt and 0.06%wt, and correlation coefficients of 0.90, 0.82 and 0.89, respectively. The value of the 95th percentile for the ratio of whey proteins to casein was found to be±0.06, which is sufficiently low for practical use of the method. A comparison of models, one of which was built using the proposed “custom” set of 35 samples and the other which was based on a random set of 81 samples, showed similar acceptable results. Thus, the proposed method is suitable for cost reduction without loss of calibration quality.
Demand Estimation Under Incomplete Product Availability
Authors: Conlon Christopher T , Mortimer Julie Holland
Published: October 2013

Incomplete product availability is an important feature of many markets, and ignoring changes in availability may bias demand estimates. We study a new dataset from a wireless inventory system on vending machines to track product availability every four hours. The data allow us to account for product availability when estimating demand, and provide valuable variation for identifying substitution patterns when products stock out. We develop a procedure that allows for changes in product availability when availability is only observed periodically. We find significant differences in demand estimates: the corrected model predicts significantly larger impacts of stock-out events on profitability. (JEL D12, D92, G31, L81, M11)
The Changing Relationship Between the Government and the Nonprofit Sector in Iceland
Authors: Kristmundsson Ómar H.
Published: October 2013

The paper illustrates a historical examination of nonprofit relations in welfare services in Iceland. Variables affecting the conditions under which different types of relations are developed are defined. The findings from the Icelandic case study coincide with other international studies describing some general changes in government-nonprofit relations in the 20th century, from supplementary to more complex complementary and adversarial relations using Young’s conceptualization. There are, however, some distinguishing features. The supplementary phase was prolonged when compared to other countries and nonprofits’ leading role in public policy making and provision of welfare services more prominent. A small and reactive public administration can be considered an important explanatory factor. Governmental effort to define a formal contractual relationship in the spirit of new public management at the end of the century have seemingly not lead to fundamental changes in the partners’ interaction.
Policy Performance and Satisfaction with Democracy
Authors: Önnudóttir Eva Heiða , Harðarson Ólafur Þ.
Published: October 2013

In this paper we examine how subjective perception of government’s policy performance affects satisfaction with how democracy works in Iceland. This we base on the argument that the public is aware of and evaluating the governments’ performance when the political system is faced with a major crisis that has been extensively publicly debated and triggered widespread protests. The financial and political crisis in Iceland 2008-09 provides an opportunity to examine if government performance can be seen as a causal factor explaining satisfaction with the democratic process. We take into account two alternative explanations; that satisfaction with how democracy works depends on citizens’ belief in how well the representative system works; and if they are more satisfied when their party is represented in government. Our principal conclusion is that subjective policy performance is the main explanation for citizens’ increased dissatisfaction with democracy during a severe crisis.
Íslensk þjóðmenning í ljósi menningarvídda Hofstede
Authors: Aðalsteinsson Gylfi Dalmann , Guðmundsdóttir Svala , Guðlaugsson Þórhallur
Published: October 2013

Rannsóknir Geert Hofstede á þjóðmenningu og framsetning hans á stjórnun innan ólíkra menningarheima hefur haft mikil áhrif á skilning manna á mismunandi menningu skipulagsheilda í ólíkum löndum. Þannig hafa menn öðlast meiri skilning á menningarlegum mismun skipulagsheilda sem hefur haft mikil áhrif á stjórnunarfræðin. Í þessari rannsókn er leitast við að svara því hver séu einkenni þjóðmenningar á Íslandi út frá víddum Hofstede og hver þessi einkenni eru samanborin við sambærilegt úrtak í fjórum löndum. Ástæðan fyrir vali á úrtaki eru tvíþættar. Annars vegar er lögð áhersla á að úrtakið sé eins einsleitt og hægt er (Hofstede, 1994) og því lágmarks breytileiki hvað varðar aldur, menntun, tekjur og aðrar bakgrunnsbreytur og hins vegar er leitast við að velja úrtak til að gera rannsóknina samanburðarhæfa við rannsókn Bearden, Money og Nevins (2006) en þar var unnið með gögn frá háskólanemum í fjórum löndum Argentínu, Austurríki, Japan og Bandaríkjunum. Spurningalisti (VSM 94) var lagður fyrir nemendur í grunnnámi á Félagsvísindasviði Háskóla Íslands. Alls svöruðu 427 nemendur könnuninni sem er 15% svarhlutfall. Íslensk þjóðmenning, einkennist af lítilli valdafjarlægð (PDI), mikilli einstaklingshyggju (IDV), lítilli karllægni (MAS), mikilli óvissu - hliðrun (UAI) og langtímahyggja er í meðallagi (LTO).
Reactions to Research Participation in Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Comparison of Court-Substantiated and Retrospectively Self-Reported Cases
Authors: Massey Christina , Widom Cathy Spatz
Published: October 2013

We examined whether adults with a documented or self-reported history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) report more emotional reactions and negative responses to research participation and whether psychiatric symptoms play a moderating role in their reactions. Using a prospective cohort design, individuals with documented histories of CSA and nonabused matched controls were followed up and interviewed in adulthood ( n = 460). Reactions to research participation were measured with a brief questionnaire. Concurrent symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD were assessed via standardized measures. Results showed that those with a history of CSA, documented or self-reported, experienced similar reactions compared to controls. Psychiatric symptoms predicted stronger emotional reactions and more negative responses, but also greater personal benefit, regardless of CSA history.
The prevalence of IgG4-related hypophysitis in 170 consecutive patients with hypopituitarism and/or central diabetes insipidus and review of the literature
Authors: Bando Hironori , Iguchi Genzo , Fukuoka Hidenori , Taniguchi Masaaki , Yamamoto Masaaki , Matsumoto Ryusaku , Suda Kentaro , Nishizawa Hitoshi , Takahashi Michiko , Kohmura Eiji , Takahashi Yutaka
Published: October 2013

Objective

The prevalence and clinical characteristics of IgG4-related hypophysitis remain unclear due to the limited number of case reports. Therefore, in this study, we screened consecutive outpatients with hypopituitarism and/or diabetes insipidus (DI) to estimate its prevalence.

Methods

A total of 170 consecutive outpatients with hypopituitarism and/or central DI were screened at Kobe University Hospital for detecting IgG4-related hypophysitis by pituitary magnetic resonance imaging, measuring serum IgG4 concentrations, assessing the involvement of other organs, and carrying out an immunohistochemical analysis to detect IgG4-positive cell infiltration.

Results

Among the screened cases, 116 cases were excluded due to diagnosis of other causes such as tumors and congenital abnormalities. Additionally, 22 cases with isolated ACTH deficiency were analyzed and were found not to meet the criteria of IgG4-related hypophysitis. The remaining 32 cases were screened and seven were diagnosed with IgG4-related hypophysitis, of which three cases were diagnosed by analyzing pituitary specimens. IgG4-related hypophysitis was detected in 30% (seven of 23 patients) of hypophysitis cases and 4% of all hypopituitarism/DI cases. The mean age at the onset of IgG4-related hypophysitis was 61.8±8.8 years, and the serum IgG4 concentration was 191.1±78.3 mg/dl (normal values 5–105 mg/dl and values in IgG4-related disease (RD) ≥135 mg/dl). Pituitary gland and/or stalk swelling was observed in six patients, and an empty sella was observed in one patient. Multiple co-existing organ involvement was observed in four of the seven patients prior to the onset of IgG4-related hypophysitis.

Conclusion

These data suggest that the prevalence of IgG4-related hypophysitis has been underestimated. We should also consider the possibility of the development of hypopituitarism/DI caused by IgG4-related hypophysitis during the clinical course of other IgG4-RDs.
GDNF increases cell motility in human colon cancer through VEGF–VEGFR1 interaction
Authors: Huang Ssu-Ming , Chen Tzu-Sheng , Chiu Chien-Ming , Chang Leang-Kai , Liao Kuan-Fu , Tan Hsiao-Ming , Yeh Wei-Lan , Chang Gary Ro-Lin , Wang Min-Ying , Lu Dah-Yuu
Published: October 2013

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a potent neurotrophic factor, has been shown to affect cancer cell metastasis and invasion. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying GDNF-induced colon cancer cell migration remain unclear. GDNF is found to be positively correlated with malignancy in human colon cancer patients. The migratory activities of two human colon cancer cell lines, HCT116 and SW480, were found to be enhanced in the presence of human GDNF. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was also increased in response to GDNF stimulation, along with VEGF mRNA expression and transcriptional activity. The enhancement of GDNF-induced cancer cell migration was antagonized by a VEGF-neutralizing antibody. Our results also showed that the expression of VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1) was increased in response to GDNF stimulation, whereas GDNF-induced cancer cell migration was reduced by a VEGFR inhibitor. The GDNF-induced VEGF expression was regulated by the p38 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Treatment with GDNF increased nuclear hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF1α) accumulation and its transcriptional activity in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, GDNF increased hypoxia responsive element (HRE)-containing VEGF promoter transcriptional activity but not that of the HRE-deletion VEGF promoter construct. Inhibition of HIF1α by a pharmacological inhibitor or dominant-negative mutant reduced the GDNF-induced migratory activity in human colon cancer cells. These results indicate that GDNF enhances the migration of colon cancer cells by increasing VEGF–VEGFR interaction, which is mainly regulated by the p38, PI3K/Akt, and HIF1α signaling pathways.
Pediatric Palliative Care and Hospice Care Commitments, Guidelines, and Recommendations
Authors:   SECTION ON HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE MEDICINE AND COMMITTEE ON HOSPITAL CARE, Feudtner Chris , Friebert Sarah , Jewell Jennifer , Friebert Sarah , Carter Brian , Feudtner Chris , Hood Margaret , Imaizumi Sonia , Komatz Kelly
Published: October 2013

Pediatric palliative care and pediatric hospice care (PPC-PHC) are often essential aspects of medical care for patients who have life-threatening conditions or need end-of-life care. PPC-PHC aims to relieve suffering, improve quality of life, facilitate informed decision-making, and assist in care coordination between clinicians and across sites of care. Core commitments of PPC-PHC include being patient centered and family engaged; respecting and partnering with patients and families; pursuing care that is high quality, readily accessible, and equitable; providing care across the age spectrum and life span, integrated into the continuum of care; ensuring that all clinicians can provide basic palliative care and consult PPC-PHC specialists in a timely manner; and improving care through research and quality improvement efforts. PPC-PHC guidelines and recommendations include ensuring that all large health care organizations serving children with life-threatening conditions have dedicated interdisciplinary PPC-PHC teams, which should develop collaborative relationships between hospital- and community-based teams; that PPC-PHC be provided as integrated multimodal care and practiced as a cornerstone of patient safety and quality for patients with life-threatening conditions; that PPC-PHC teams should facilitate clear, compassionate, and forthright discussions about medical issues and the goals of care and support families, siblings, and health care staff; that PPC-PHC be part of all pediatric education and training curricula, be an active area of research and quality improvement, and exemplify the highest ethical standards; and that PPC-PHC services be supported by financial and regulatory arrangements to ensure access to high-quality PPC-PHC by all patients with life-threatening and life-shortening diseases.
Urinary dysfunction with detrusor hyperactivity in women with Parkinson's disease cannot be blamed as a factor of worsening motor performance
Authors: Campos-Sousa Raimundo Nonato , Quagliato Elizabeth Maria Aparecida Barasnevicius , Almeida Kelson James , Castro Inacio Augusto Dias de , Campelo Viriato
Published: October 2013

Introduction Detrusor hyperactivity is the leading cause of urinary dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD). There are few studies correlating PD clinical aspects with this autonomic feature. Methods A cohort of 63 women with PD were prospectively examined for assessment of clinical aspects and disease severity using unified Parkinson's disease rating scale and Hoehn-Yahr scale, respectively. The urologic function was evaluated by the urodynamic study. Two groups were categorized at this time - groups with and without detrusor hyperactivity. After seven years, the same parameters were re-evaluated. Results Progression of the disease on mental scores was found in the group with detrusor hyperactivity. On follow-up, clinical symptoms and severity did not show significant worsening between the groups. Conclusion Detrusor hyperactivity is a frequent urodynamic finding in PD, and even though it is associated with dopaminergic dysfunction, it cannot be blamed as a factor of worsening motor performance, but is probably associated with poor cognitive and mental prognosis.
Cerebrospinal fluid approach on neuro-oncology
Authors: Gomes Helio Rodrigues
Published: October 2013

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is a major complication of haematological and solid tumors with an incidence that ranges from 10% in solid malignances up to 25% in specific leukaemia or lymphoma subtypes. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) patterns are unspecific. Though CSF cytology has a high specificity (up to 95%), its sensitivity is generally less than 50% and no diagnostic gold standard marker is available, yet. New technologies such as flow cytometry, molecular genetics and newer biomarkers may improve diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, leading to the CNS involvement diagnosis, and consequently, to an effective prophylaxis and successful treatment.
Central nervous system infectious diseases mimicking multiple sclerosis: recognizing distinguishable features using MRI
Authors: Rocha Antonio Jose da , Littig Ingrid Aguiar , Nunes Renato Hoffmann , Tilbery Charles Peter
Published: October 2013

The current diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) confirm the relevant role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), supporting the possibility of characterizing the dissemination in space (DIS) and the dissemination in time (DIT) in a single scan. To maintain the specificity of these criteria, it is necessary to determine whether T2/FLAIR visible lesions and the gadolinium enhancement can be attributed to diseases that mimic MS. Several diseases are included in the MS differential diagnosis list, including diseases with exacerbation, remitting periods and numerous treatable infectious diseases, which can mimic the MRI features of MS. We discuss the most relevant imaging features in several infectious diseases that resemble MS and examine the primary spatial distributions of lesions and the gadolinium enhancement patterns related to MS. Recognizing imaging "red flags" can be useful for the proper diagnostic evaluation of suspected cases of MS, facilitating the correct differential diagnosis by assessing the combined clinical, laboratory and MR imaging information.
Long-Term Relationships among Domestic Violence, Maternal Mental Health and Parenting, and Preschool Children's Behavior Problems
Authors: Yoo Jeong Ah , Huang Chien-Chung
Published: October 2013

Using 4 waves of a longitudinal dataset, this study tested whether maternal mental health and parenting at Year 3 mediate the effects of domestic violence at Year 1 on preschool children's internalizing or externalizing behavior problems at Year 5. After controlling for preexisting child effects and parenting stress, structural equation models revealed that maternal mental health mediated the effects of domestic violence for children's externalizing behavior problems. Parenting, specifically spanking, mediated those effects for both behavior problems of children. Domestic violence had direct effects on both types of behavior problems of children. These findings highlight the long-term effects of domestic violence on preschool children and the need for early intervention and prevention efforts for the children in violent families.