bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disentangling effects of colocalizing genomic annotations to functionally prioritize non-coding variants within complex trait loci
Authors: Trynka Gosia , Westra Harm-Jan , Slowikowski Kamil , Hu Xinli , Xu Han , Stranger Barbara E , Han Buhm , Raychaudhuri Soumya
Published: September 2014

Identifying genomic annotations that differentiate causal from associated variants is critical to fine-map disease loci. While many studies have identified non-coding annotations overlapping disease variants, these annotations colocalize, complicating fine-mapping efforts. We demonstrate that conventional enrichment tests are inflated and cannot distinguish causal effects from colocalizing annotations. We developed a sensitive and specific statistical approach that is able to identify independent effects from colocalizing annotations. We first confirm that gene regulatory variants map to DNase-I hypersensitive sites (DHS) near transcription start sites. We then show that (1) 15-35% of causal variants within disease loci map to DHS independent of other annotations; (2) breast cancer and rheumatoid arthritis loci harbor potentially causal variants near the summits of histone marks rather than full peak bodies; and (3) variants associated with height are highly enriched for embryonic stem cell DHS sites. We highlight specific loci where we can most effectively prioritize causal variation.
Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson syndrome caused by a germline mutation in the TEL patch of the telomere protein TPP1
Authors: Kocak Hande , Ballew Bari J. , Bisht Kamlesh , Eggebeen Rebecca , Hicks Belynda D. , Suman Shalabh , O’Neil Adri , Giri Neelam ,   NCI DCEG Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory,   NCI DCEG Cancer Sequencing Working Group, Maillard Ivan , Alter Blanche P. , Keegan Catherine E. , Nandakumar Jayakrishnan , Savage Sharon A.
Published: September 2014

Germline mutations in telomere biology genes cause dyskeratosis congenita (DC), an inherited bone marrow failure and cancer predisposition syndrome. DC is a clinically heterogeneous disorder diagnosed by the triad of dysplastic nails, abnormal skin pigmentation, and oral leukoplakia; Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson syndrome (HH), a clinically severe variant of DC, also includes cerebellar hypoplasia, immunodeficiency, and intrauterine growth retardation. Approximately 70% of DC cases are associated with a germline mutation in one of nine genes, the products of which are all involved in telomere biology. Using exome sequencing, we identified mutations in Adrenocortical Dysplasia Homolog (ACD) (encoding TPP1), a component of the telomeric shelterin complex, in one family affected by HH. The proband inherited a deletion from his father and a missense mutation from his mother, resulting in extremely short telomeres and a severe clinical phenotype. Characterization of the mutations revealed that the single-amino-acid deletion affecting the TEL patch surface of the TPP1 protein significantly compromises both telomerase recruitment and processivity, while the missense mutation in the TIN2-binding region of TPP1 is not as clearly deleterious to TPP1 function. Our results emphasize the critical roles of the TEL patch in proper stem cell function and demonstrate that TPP1 is the second shelterin component (in addition to TIN2) to be implicated in DC.
Pepper Mitochondrial FORMATE DEHYDROGENASE1 Regulates Cell Death and Defense Responses against Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Choi Du Seok , Kim Nak Hyun , Hwang Byung Kook
Published: September 2014

Formate dehydrogenase (FDH; EC 1.2.1.2) is an NAD-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of formate to carbon dioxide. Here, we report the identification and characterization of pepper (Capsicum annuum) mitochondrial FDH1 as a positive regulator of cell death and defense responses. Transient expression of FDH1 caused hypersensitive response (HR)-like cell death in pepper and Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The D-isomer-specific 2-hydroxyacid dehydrogenase signatures of FDH1 were required for the induction of HR-like cell death and FDH activity. FDH1 contained a mitochondrial targeting sequence at the N-terminal region; however, mitochondrial localization of FDH1 was not essential for the induction of HR-like cell death and FDH activity. FDH1 silencing in pepper significantly attenuated the cell death response and salicylic acid levels but stimulated growth of Xanthomonas campestris pv vesicatoria. By contrast, transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) overexpressing FDH1 exhibited greater resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato in a salicylic acid-dependent manner. Arabidopsis transfer DNA insertion mutant analysis indicated that AtFDH1 expression is required for basal defense and resistance gene-mediated resistance to P. syringae pv tomato infection. Taken together, these data suggest that FDH1 has an important role in HR-like cell death and defense responses to bacterial pathogens.
Crystal structures oftrans-acetyldicarbonyl(η5-cyclopentadienyl)(dimethylphenylphosphane)molybdenum(II) andtrans-acetyldicarbonyl(η5-cyclopentadienyl)(ethyldiphenylphosphane)molybdenum(II)
Authors: Whited Matthew T. , Hofmeister Gretchen E. , Hodges Connor J. , Jensen Laramie T. , Keyes Samuel H. , Ngamnithiporn Aurapat , Janzen Daron E.
Published: September 2014

The title compounds, [Mo(C5H5)(COCH3)P(CH3)2(C6H5)(CO)2], (1), and [Mo(C5H5)(COCH3)P(C2H5)(C6H5)2)(CO)2], (2), have been prepared by phosphine-induced migratory insertion from [Mo(C5H5)(CO)3(CH3)]. Both complex molecules exhibit a four-legged piano-stool geometry withtrans-disposed carbonyl ligands along with Mo—P bond lengths and C—Mo—P angles that reflect the relative steric pressure of the respective phosphine ligand. The structure of compound (1) exhibits a layered arrangement parallel to (100). Within the layers molecules are linked into chains along [001] by non-classical C—H...O interactions between the acetyl ligand of one molecule and the phenyl and methyl phosphine substituents of another. In the structure of complex (2), a chain motif of centrosymmetrical dimers is found along [010] through C—H...O interactions.
Crystal structure of 2-pentyloxybenzamide
Authors: Bugenhagen Bernhard , Al Jasem Yosef , Thiemann Thies
Published: September 2014

In the title molecule, C12H17NO2, the amide NH2group is oriented toward the pentyloxy substituent and an intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond is formed with the pentyloxy O atom. The benzene ring forms dihedral angles of 2.93 (2) and 5.60 (2)° with the amide group and the pentyloxy group mean planes, respectively. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with their molecular planes parallel, but at an offset of 0.45 (1) Å to each other. These dimers are ordered into two types of symmetry-related columns extended along theaaxis, with the mean plane of one set of dimers in a column approximately parallel to (121) and the other in a column approximately parallel to (1-21). The two planes form a dihedral angle of 85.31 (2)°, and are linkedviaC—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—H...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional framework structure.
Crystal structure of bis[4-(dimethylamino)pyridinium] bis(2-nitrobenzoate) trihydrate
Authors: Sivakumar N. , Muralidharan S. , Chakkaravarthi G. , Velmurugan D. , Anbalagan G.
Published: September 2014

The title salt, 2C7H11N2+·2C7H4NO4−·3H2O, crystallized with two anions and two cations in the asymmetric unit, together with three water molecules. Both 4-dimethylaminopyridinium cations are protonated at their pyridine N atoms with the plane of the N(CH3)2hetero atoms inclined to the pyridine ring by 4.5 (2) and 1.4 (2)°. In the 2-nitrobenzoate anions, the carboxyl and nitro groups are inclined to their respective benzene rings by 77.1 (3) and 20.0 (3)°, and 75.8 (2) and 20.9 (3)°. In the crystal, the anions are linkedviaO—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the water molecules, forming chains along [100]. The cations are linked to these chains by N—H...O hydrogen bonds. The chains are linkedviaC—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—H...π and π–π interactions [inter-centroid distances range from 3.617 (1) to 3.851 (1) Å], forming a three-dimensional structure.
Crystal structure of 7-phenyl-7-(2,4,5-trimethyl-3,6-dioxocyclohexa-1,4-dien-1-yl)heptanoate 1,3-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)propan-2-aminium monohydrate: a new solid form of seratrodast
Authors: Lou Benyong
Published: September 2014

In the title hydrated salt, C4H12NO3+·C22H25O4−·H2O, seratrodast [systematic name: 7-phenyl-7-(2,4,5-trimethyl-3,6-dioxocyclohexa-1,4-dien-1-yl)heptanoic acid] crystallized with trometamol [systematic name: 2-amino-2-(hydroxyméthyl)propane-1,3-diol] to form a monohydrated salt form of seratrodast. The carboxylic acid group of seratrodast has transferred its proton to the amino N atom of trometamol. In the crystal, the trometamol cations are linked to the water molecules and to each other by N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds forming sheets parallel to (100). The seratrodast anions are linked to both sides of these sheets by O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-layer two-dimensional structure. After forming the title salt, the solubility of seratrodast was found to be greatly improved.
Crystal structure of (E)-1,3-dimethyl-2-[3-(3-nitrophenyl)triaz-2-en-1-ylidene]-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazole
Authors: Patil Siddappa , Bugarin Alejandro
Published: September 2014

The title compound, C11H12N6O2, a π-conjugated triazene, crystallized with two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. Both molecules have anEconformation about the –N=N– bond and have slightly twisted overall conformations. In moleculeA, the imidazole ring is inclined to the benzene ring by 8.12 (4)°, while in moleculeBthe two rings are inclined to one another by 7.73 (4)°. In the crystal, the independent molecules are linked to each other by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming –A–A–A– and –B–B–B–chains along [100]. The chains are linked by C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming sheets lying parallel to (001). The sheets are linked by further C—H...N hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.5243 (5) Å; involving the imidazole ring of molecule A and the benzene ring of moleculeB], forming a three-dimensional framework structure.
Exotic X-ray back-diffraction: a path toward a soft inelastic X-ray scattering spectrometer
Authors: Hönnicke Marcelo Goncalves , Conley Raymond , Cusatis Cesar , Kakuno Edson Massayuki , Zhou Juan , Bouet Nathalie , Marques Joao Basso , Vicentin Flavio Cesar
Published: September 2014

In this work, soft X-ray back-diffraction (XBD; X-ray diffraction at angles near and exactly equal to 90°) is explored. The experiment was conducted at the SXS beamline at Laboratorio Nacional de Luz Sincrotron, Brazil, at ∼3.2 keV. A high-resolution Si(220) multi-bounce back-diffraction monochromator was designed and constructed for this experiment. An ultra-thin Si(220) crystal (5 µm thick) was used as the sample. This ultra-thin crystal was characterized by profilometry, rocking-curve measurements and X-ray topography prior to the XBD measurements. It is shown that the measured forward-diffracted beam (o-beam) profiles, taken at different temperatures, are in close agreement with profiles predicted by the extended dynamical theory of X-ray diffraction, with the absence of multiple-beam diffraction (MBD). This is an important result for future studies on the basic properties of back-diffracted X-ray beams at energies slightly above the exact XBD condition (extreme condition where XBD is almost extinguished). Also, the results presented here indicate that stressed crystals behave like ideal strain-free crystals when used for low-energy XBD. This is mainly due to the large widths of XBD profiles, which lead to a low strain sensitivity in the detection of defects. This result opens up new possibilities for mounting spherical analyzers without degrading the energy resolution, at least for low energies. This is a path that may be used to construct a soft inelastic X-ray scattering spectrometer where different applications such as element-specific magnetic imaging tools could be explored.
Small-angle scattering data analysis inGSAS-II
Authors: Von Dreele Robert B.
Published: September 2014

TheGeneral Structure Analysis System II(GSAS-II) now contains modules for the analysis of small-angle X-ray scattering data. This includes processing of two-dimensional images to create corrected one-dimensional patterns, analysisviamaximum entropy or total nonnegative least-squares methods of the size distribution, assuming polydispersity, in the dilute limit, and modeling of the one-dimensional data with combinations of Guinier/Porod, Porod, both dilute and condensed populations of scattering objects, and Bragg scattering components; slit smearing corrections can be applied where needed.GSAS-IIcan apply these modeling tools over a sequence of data collected while some experimental condition is varied. This sequential refinement result can then be subjected to a post refinement analysis to determine global parameters encompassing the entire experiment.
High diffraction efficiency with hard X-rays through a thick silicon crystal bent by carbon fiber deposition
Authors: Camattari Riccardo , Dolcini Enrico , Bellucci Valerio , Mazzolari Andrea , Guidi Vincenzo
Published: September 2014

The diffraction capability of two crystalline silicon plates bent by carbon fiber deposition has been studied. The performed treatment induced a permanent curvature in the samples, resulting in an increase of the diffraction efficiency. The obtained efficiencies are constant over a wide angular range and close to the theoretical expectations, meaning that the curvatures were homogeneous. Most importantly, the bending technique allowed the manufacture of bent samples up to 5 mm thick and with a radius of curvature down to 30 m. With such a technique, the fabrication of crystals for the realization of a hard X-ray concentrator (Laue lens) for astrophysical purposes is enabled.
Transmission electron microscopy investigation and interpretation of the morphology and interfacial structure of the ∊′-Mg54Ag17precipitates in an Mg–Sn–Mn–Ag–Zn alloy
Authors: Huang Xue-Fei , Shi Zhang-Zhi , Zhang Wen-Zheng
Published: September 2014

The morphology and interfacial structure of the ∊′-Mg54Ag17precipitates in a peak-aged Mg–Sn–Mn–Ag–Zn alloy have been investigated using transmission electron microscopy. A typical ∊′-Mg54Ag17precipitate exhibits a (0001)αhabit plane and three pairs of side facets, with two major pairs of facets being in irrational orientations. The orientation of each preferred interface is normal to a vector connecting two adjacent diffraction spots from different phases (Δg). Using the constrained coincidence site lattice (CCSL) model, the interface orientations have been interpreted according to the degree of matching on the interfaces. The detailed stepped structures in the irrational facets and dislocation configurations in the side facets have been predicted using the secondary CCSL (II-CCSL) and the secondary O-lattice model. Both the calculated terrace/ledge and dislocation configurations in side facets are in good agreement with the high-resolution transmission microscopy observations.
Local structure of Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3
Authors: Baba-Kishi K. Z. , Glazer A. M.
Published: September 2014

High-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) and annular bright-field (ABF) images recorded from the Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3morphotropic phase boundary (PZTmpb) showB-site displacements along the 〈110〉 directions and prominent distortions in the oxygen cages surrounding both theBsites and the Pb environments. The measured range ofB-site displacements is about 0.25–0.4 Å. Oxygen cage distortions appear to be variable in shape and dimensions at the unit-cell level. Comparison of the observed displacements with the structural projections based on the established monoclinic space groupCm(Cs3) shows a good overall agreement. A qualitative match betweenCm(Cs3) and the reported observations is inconclusive because of inaccuracy in the measurements, originating from imprecise identification of atomic column centres inherent in the HAADF and ABF images. In most of the observed cases,B-site displacements in HAADF images, and oxygen cage distortions in ABF images, appear pronounced compared with the structural projections inCm(Cs3). Columnar chemical inhomogeneity has been commonly observed in bothB-site and Pb columns in PZTmpb. Weak 〈110〉 diffuse streaking along the [001], [110] and [111] zone axes has been imaged, suggestive of correlation with the systematic ion disorder along 〈110〉.
Convergent-beam electron-diffraction-pattern symmetry of nanodomains in complex lead-based perovskite crystals
Authors: Kim Kyou-Hyun , Zuo Jian-Min
Published: September 2014

Convergent-beam electron diffraction (CBED) recorded using nanometre-sized probes, in principle, can detect the highest symmetry in a crystal. However, symmetry reduction may occur by overlapping crystal domains along the beam direction. Thus, delineating the relationship between the recorded and the crystal symmetry is important for studying crystals with complex nanodomains. This paper reports a study of the averaged local symmetry of 71°/109° rhombohedral (R), 90° tetragonal (T) and 180° monoclinic (M) nanodomain structures. The averaged symmetry of nanodomain structures is investigated by CBED simulations using the multislice method. The simulation results show that the 71°-R, 109°-R and 90°-T nanodomain structures partially mimic the monoclinic symmetries ofCmandPmthat have been proposed by the adaptive phase model. This study is also compared to the reported experimental CBED patterns recorded from PMN-31%PT.
Atomic scale study of polar Lomer–Cottrell and Hirth lock dislocation cores in CdTe
Authors: Paulauskas Tadas , Buurma Christopher , Colegrove Eric , Stafford Brian , Guo Zhao , Chan Maria K. Y. , Sun Ce , Kim Moon J. , Sivananthan Sivalingam , Klie Robert F.
Published: September 2014

Dislocation cores have long dominated the electronic and optical behaviors of semiconductor devices and detailed atomic characterization is required to further explore their effects. Miniaturization of semiconductor devices to nanometre scale also puts emphasis on a material's mechanical properties to withstand failure due to processing or operational stresses. Sessile junctions of dislocations provide barriers to propagation of mobile dislocations and may lead to work-hardening. The sessile Lomer–Cottrell and Hirth lock dislocations, two stable lowest elastic energy stair-rods, are studied in this paper. More specifically, using atomic resolution high-angle annular dark-field imaging and atomic-column-resolved X-ray spectrum imaging in an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope, dislocation core structures are examined in zinc-blende CdTe. A procedure is outlined for atomic scale analysis of dislocation junctions which allows determination of their identity with specially tailored Burgers circuits and also formation mechanisms of the polar core structures based on Thompson's tetrahedron adapted to reactions of polar dislocations as they appear in CdTe and other zinc-blende solids. Strain fields associated with the dislocations calculatedviageometric phase analysis are found to be diffuse and free of `hot spots' that reflect compact structures and low elastic energy of the pure-edge stair-rods.
Influence of tungsten carbide nanoparticles on corrosion resistance properties of electroless nickel–phosphorus coatings
Authors: Zhao Chunmei , Yao Yingwu
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to report a study of the influence of tungsten carbide (WC) nanoparticles on corrosion resistance properties of electroless nickel–phosphorus (Ni–P) coatings in NaCl solution.

Design/methodology/approach

– The morphology of Ni–P–WC nanocomposite coatings was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The anodic polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) and weight loss measurements were used to study the corrosion resistance properties of Ni–P–WC nanocomposite coatings in NaCl solution.

Findings

– The WC nanoparticles content in the coatings increased with the increase of its concentration in the bath, and the WC nanoparticles are uniformly distributed in Ni–P alloy matrix. The results showed that the incorporation of WC nanoparticles elevated the corrosion resistance properties of Ni–P alloy matrix.

Originality/value

– This study shows that the corrosion resistance was improved by the addition of WC nanoparticles to the Ni–P alloy matrix.
Corrosion inhibition of some azole derivatives on carbon steel in hydrochloric acid solution
Authors: Markhali B.P. , Naderi R. , Sayebani M. , Mahdavian M.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is investigate the inhibition efficiency of three similar bi-cyclic organic compounds, namely, benzimidazole (BI), benzotriazole (BTAH) and benzothiazole (BTH) on carbon steel in 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. Organic inhibitors are widely used to protect metals in acidic media. Among abundant suggestions for acid corrosion inhibitors, azole compounds have gained attention.

Design/methodology/approach

– The inhibition efficiency of the three organic compounds was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Findings

– Superiorities of BTH and BTAH corrosion inhibitors were shown by EIS data and polarization curves. Moreover, the results revealed that BTAH and BTH can function as effective mixed-type adsorptive inhibitors, whereas no inhibition behavior was observed for BI. Both BTAH and BTH obeyed Longmuir adsorption isotherm. The results obtained from this isotherm showed that both inhibitors adsorbed on the specimen surface physically and chemically. The difference in inhibition efficiencies of BTAH, BTH and BI was related to the presence of nitrogen and sulfur hetero atoms on their molecular structures.

Originality/value

– This study evaluated inhibition efficiency of BI, BTAH and BTH using electrochemical methods. In addition, the study attempted to find inhibition mechanism of the inhibitors and to find modes of adsorption of the inhibitors, correlating effects of heteroatoms and inhibition efficiency.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature: 86
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature concerning interlending and document supply.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study included the review of over 130 journals and related material.

Findings

– The race to build and deliver a system for dealing with the vast increase in OA-deposited manuscripts in the USA continues. Public access to publishers’ e-content is being made available in UK public libraries as part of the Finch report agreement. More developments in Patron-Driven Acquisition are described and much else.

Originality/value

– Represents a useful resource for librarians and others concerned with interlending and document supply and such related matters as resource sharing and open access.
Assessing the effectiveness of a national resource sharing system
Authors: Mangiaracina Silvana , Cocever Cristina , Chiandoni Marco , Arabito Stefania
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on the surveys, carried out during 2011 and 2013, regarding the functionality of and possible improvements to Italy’s nationwide resource sharing service NILDE (Network for Inter-Library Document Exchange).

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology comprises both an analysis of quantitative data about ILL transactions initiated during a 2011 study and a qualitative assessment of the system based on information obtained from the surveys and a SWOT analysis. This proved to be an effective methodology, and a new survey was launched in 2013 to verify whether the choices made and the projects undertaken were in line with user expectations.

Findings

– The results turned out to be particularly interesting and a source of hints for planning future improvements.

Originality/value

– Italian studies for assessing user satisfaction of library services, based on user surveys, often relate to a single library or a single University. The NILDE survey was delivered nationwide to all the registered users of NILDE. This is the most extensive survey for the number of libraries and the various types of end users involved.
Primary biliary cirrhosis–autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome: Simplified criteria may be effective in the diagnosis in Chinese patients
Authors: Liu Fang , Pan Zhen Guo , Ye Jin , Xu Dong , Guo Hui , Li Gang Ping , Xu Ke Shu , Hou Xiao Hua , Song Yu Hu
Published: September 2014

Objective

To evaluate the Paris criteria, the revised diagnostic criteria and the simplified diagnostic scoring system in the diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)–autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) overlap syndrome in Chinese patients.

Methods

Medical records of the patients who were diagnosed with PBC at the Union Hospital and Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Wuhan, Hubei Province, China) from 2003 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The overlap syndrome was diagnosed based on the Paris criteria, the revised criteria and the simplified criteria, respectively. Patients' clinical characteristics, laboratory examination results and histological findings were collected. The sensitivity and specificity of the three criteria for diagnosing PBC–AIH overlap syndrome were calculated.

Results

PBC–AIH overlap syndrome was diagnosed in 2, 13 and 10 patients with PBC based on the Paris, the revised and the simplified criteria, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the simplified criteria in diagnosing the overlap syndrome was 90.0% and 98.2%, which were the highest among the three criteria, followed by the revised criteria. The Paris criteria showed a high specificity (100%) but a relatively low sensitivity (20.0%). In addition, some patients who did not fulfil the Paris criteria still benefited from the immunosuppressive agents.

Conclusions

For Chinese patients with the PBC–AIH overlap syndrome, the simplified criteria appear to be the most efficacious compared with the Paris criteria and the revised criteria. Further studies should be performed to confirm these observations with respect to long‐term outcomes and therapeutic implications.
Role of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder aspiration in the early management of acute cholecystitis
Authors: Komatsu Shohei , Tsukamoto Tadashi , Iwasaki Takeshi , Toyokawa Akihiro , Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Tsuchida Shinobu , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Takebe Atsushi , Wakahara Tomoyuki , Watanabe Akihiko , Sugahara Atsushi , Mukai Hidekazu
Published: September 2014

Objective

Early cholecystectomy is currently the gold standard treatment for acute cholecystitis (AC). However, the acceptability and safety of this strategy remain in dispute. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder aspiration (PTGBA) in the early management of AC in a single center.

Methods

A total of 147 consecutive patients who were treated with PTGBA for AC from 2008 to 2012 were included in the study. The therapeutic outcomes and adverse events were evaluated.

Results

A single PTGBA was adequate for 96 (65.3%) patients with AC. Of the remaining 51 patients, 43 (29.3%) showed an improvement after repeated PTGBA and/or percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD), while semi‐emergency cholecystectomy was needed in eight patients. Although five patients experienced adverse events (intra‐abdominal hemorrhage in two, bile leakage in two and gallbladder hemorrhage in one), no patient died of treatment‐related complications. Subsequently, 87 (59.2%) patients underwent cholecystectomy after PTGBA (a single PTGBA in 48 and repeated PTGBA and/or PTGBD in 39 patients). No significant differences were observed in the conversion rate from laparoscopic surgery to open cholecystectomy, operative time or intraoperative hemorrhage volume between the two groups.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated the safety and acceptability of treatment with PTGBA for AC at our center. This elective treatment strategy may be a useful alternative option in the treatment of AC.
Warning Lights on the Dashboard
Authors: Burt Ian , Gunz Sally , McCutcheon John
Published: September 2014

Many businesses operate legally while pushing the ethical values of society. This case follows the actions of a manager who uses particular metrics to improve his business at the cost of increasing the community's ethical concerns. The objectives of the case are to have students recognize ethical concerns arising from the metrics, assess how these impact business strategy, propose improvements while understanding the ethically sensitive environment in which the business operates, and devise an effective approach to persuade others to implement proposed changes. This case demonstrates to students the complexity of many ethical issues in business and challenges them to consider the interaction between ethical boundaries and a profitable corporate strategy. It highlights the importance of ensuring that both qualitative—here, ethical—and quantitative considerations are incorporated in any management accounting decision‐making tool.
The “Revolution” of the Franco‐Prussian War: The Aftermath in Western Europe
Authors: Barber Christopher Ernest
Published: September 2014

This study looks at the assessments of elites and intellectuals in Western Europe in the aftermath of the Franco‐Prussian War. Focusing specifically on those who were uneasy with Germany's conduct in the war and the nature of their peace terms, this study seeks to understand how these contemporaries understood the new status quo. To them, the war had threatened the workings of the concert and distorted the balance of power, conjuring a distinct uneasiness over the new post‐war era.
Shame and the Anti‐Suffragist in Britain and Ireland: Drawing Women back into the Fold?
Authors: Crozier‐De Rosa Sharon
Published: September 2014

Shame has been heavily relied on as a political tool in the modern world and yet it is still a much under‐historicised emotion. Using the examples of early twentieth‐century Britain and Ireland, I examine how women opposed to the campaign for female suffrage used shame instrumentally in their writing. Exploring the versatility of this political device, I find that shame was used with the oppositional intentions of binding and excluding. Whereas British conservatives used it to protect an already well‐established imagined community of good imperial women, Irish radicals drew on it to invite women to take part in the construction of a new nationalist sisterhood. This paper further problematizes claims that as an emotion that plays on a sense of the communal, shame has had no place in a highly individualistic modern world.
EU‐Australia Relations at Fifty: Reassessing a Troubled Relationship
Authors: Murray Philomena , Benvenuti Andrea
Published: September 2014

This article critically examines the Australia‐EU relationship over the past five decades or so. A narrow formulation of Australia's national interests has become transformed into a broader engagement, with an increasingly regionalised and multilateralised common agenda. The article argues that the relationship changed because of a number of factors. The first is Australia's changing relationship with the UK as interlocutor and market. The second is the eventual diminution of the pivotal role of a single policy, agriculture. The third is the transformation of the EU's international role, with impact on Australia. The fourth is the development of both traditional and non‐traditional security concerns that were increasingly shared by each side. The fifth and final factor is the common interest in the Asia Pacific region.
“Breivik is my Hero”: the Dystopian World of Extreme Right Youth on the Internet
Authors: Turner‐Graham Emily
Published: September 2014

The extreme right is currently on the rise throughout Europe, making use of the Continent's economic and social problems to bolster its cause. It is also making increasing use of the Internet to spread its message and build a virtual world that it hopes will one day be reflected in reality. Until now the bulk of research into the extreme right's use of the Internet has focused on the online activities of political parties and organised groups. But the horrific acts of the Norwegian terrorist, counterjihadist and lone wolf Anders Behring Breivik, and his promotion of those acts and the ideology behind them by way of the Internet, has provoked an array of microblogs — that is, cutting‐edge web presences made up of provocative short sentences, single images or video links. They idolise Breivik and reveal the potent use the extreme right is making of alternative media. The creators of these pro‐Breivik counterjihadist sites are often young people well‐versed in the use of the multi‐faceted new media and as such they are able to create an appealing vision of their brave new world. They often work independently, producing a virtual worldview from the seclusion and relative anonymity of home computers. They are creating virtual places of congregation, community and validation for vulnerable young people in search of identity, purpose and meaning. In doing so, a new range of radical voices is being cultivated and added to current extreme right discourse. This paper will examine the extreme right's use of the Internet and the specific use made by its pro‐Breivik, counterjihadist voices — the new voices of the extreme right.
Placental weight and placental weight to birthweight ratio in relation to Apgar score at birth: a population study of 522 360 singleton pregnancies
Authors: Eskild Anne , Haavaldsen Camilla , Vatten Lars J.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To study whether placental weight or placental weight to birthweight ratio are associated with Apgar score in the newborn 5 min after birth.

Design

Population‐based registry study.

Setting

The Medical Birth Registry of Norway.

Population

All singleton live births during the period 1999–2008, a total of 522 360 births.

Methods

The placental weight to birthweight ratios were divided into quartiles within 2‐week intervals of gestational age at birth, hence 25% of the pregnancies were within each group. We studied the proportion of pregnancies in the highest quartile of placental weight and placental weight to birthweight ratio according to Apgar score 5 min after birth, and estimated the odds ratio for Apgar score ≤7 if the placental weight to birthweight ratio was in the highest quartile, and used the lowest quartile as reference.

Main outcome measure

Apgar score in the newborn 5 min after birth.

Results

In births after pregnancy week 29, and at every 2‐week gestational age interval, the mean placental weight and placental weight to birthweight ratio were higher in newborn with Apgar score ≤7 than in infants with Apgar >7. The crude odds ratio of Apgar score ≤7 was 1.65 (95% CI 1.57–1.74), comparing the highest to the lowest quartile of placental weight to birthweight ratio. Adjustments for gestational age, birthweight, infant sex, maternal age, preeclampsia, diabetes and congenital malformations did not alter the odds ratio significantly.

Conclusions

Placental weight and placental weight to birthweight ratio were higher in pregnancies with infant Apgar score ≤7 compared with Apgar score >7.
Beef quality traits of heifer in comparison with steer, bull and cow at various feeding environments
Authors: Venkata Reddy Bandugula , Sivakumar Allur S. , Jeong Dawoon W. , Woo Yang‐Byung , Park Sang‐June , Lee So‐Young , Byun Ji‐Yeon , Kim Chang‐Ho , Cho Soo‐Hyun , Hwang Inho
Published: September 2014

The present review has been focused largely on the sex type differences in beef quality among heifers, cows, steers and bulls in various feeding environments. Genetic groups, feeding systems and gender are the major factors that change carcass characteristics and fatty acid profiles of cattle. Studies identified that heifer beef has super characteristics in eating quality and a better healthy composition in fatty acids than steer, cow and bull. Diet influences the variation of fatty acid profile; particularly the level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) interacts with breed and sex. Animals finished in pasture systems were reported to show better ratios of PUFA/ saturated fatty acids and n‐6/n‐3. Carcasses of roughage‐fed beef are lighter and have less marbling and lower quality grades but have higher cutability than carcasses of grain‐fed bulls. Heifers and cows are reported to deposit more fat than steers and bulls. Among males, lower production of testosterone by steers favors more fat thickness compared with bulls. Marbling greatly varies among cattle belonging to different sexes, and particularly, females have genetic makeup that efficiently controls deposition. The current review identified that heifers can be a premium beef brand, while steer beef currently take a large part of market share across the world.
Trans‐Pacific variation in outcomes for men treated with primary androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer
Authors: Cooperberg Matthew R. , Hinotsu Shiro , Namiki Mikio , Carroll Peter R. , Akaza Hideyuki
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To compare directly survival outcomes of primary androgen‐deprivation therapy (PADT) in Japan, where this treatment is endorsed by guidelines, with outcomes in the USA, where it is not.

Patients and Methods

Data were compared between men receiving PADT in the USA Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE) registry and the Japanese Cancer of the Prostate (J‐CaP) registry database. Competing risks regression was used to assess prostate cancer‐specific mortality (CSM), adjusting for age, Japan Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (J‐CAPRA) score, diagnosis year, and treatment type [combined androgen blockade (CAB) vs castration monotherapy], comorbidity, and practice type.

Results

Men on PADT in J‐CaP (13 880 men) were older than those in CaPSURE (1633 men), and had higher‐risk disease (mean J‐CAPRA score 3.8 vs 2.1, P < 0.001). They more often received CAB: 66.9% vs 46.4% (P < 0.001). Despite different risk profiles between the cohorts, CSM was similar on univariate analysis (log‐rank P = 0.88). On multivariable regression, the subhazard ratio for CSM was 0.52 for J‐CaP vs CaPSURE (95% confidence interval 0.40–0.68).

Conclusions

Men on PADT in Japan have less than half the adjusted CSM than those in the USA. These findings support both existing guidelines endorsing PADT in Asia and discouraging its use in the West. Elucidating the reasons behind these substantial differences, which probably include both genetic and dietary/environmental factors, may help explain the varying epidemiology of prostate cancer on either side of the Pacific.
APC promoter 1B deletion in seven American families with familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Snow A.K. , Tuohy T.M.F. , Sargent N.R. , Smith L.J. , Burt R.W. , Neklason D.W.
Published: September 2014

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a colorectal cancer predisposition syndrome caused by mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. Clinical genetic testing fails to identify disease causing mutations in up to 20% of clinically apparent FAP cases. Following the inclusion of multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) probes specific for APC promoter 1B, seven probands were identified with a deletion of promoter 1B. Using haplotype analysis spanning the APC locus, the seven families appear to be identical by descent from a common founder. The clinical phenotype of 19 mutation carriers is classical FAP with colectomy at an average age of 24. The majority of cases had a large number of duodenal and gastric polyps. Measurements of allele‐specific expression of APC mRNA using TaqMan assay confirmed that relative expression in the allele containing the promoter 1B deletion was reduced 42–98%, depending on tissue type. This study confirms the importance of APC promoter deletions as a cause of FAP and identifies a founder mutation in FAP patients from the United States.
Projected effects of the Panama Canal expansion on shipping traffic and biological invasions
Authors: Muirhead Jim R. , Minton Mark S. , Miller Whitman A. , Ruiz Gregory M.
Published: September 2014

Aim

The Panama Canal expansion, scheduled for completion in 2015, is expected to have major effects on commercial shipping and port operations throughout the world, with potential consequences for the transfer and establishment of non‐indigenous species that remain largely unexplored. We developed a series of scenario‐based models to examine how shipping traffic patterns may change after expansion and consider possible implications for species transfers and invasion dynamics in the USA.

Location

Coastal USA, excluding Alaska and Hawaii

Methods

Using a Monte Carlo simulation approach, we predicted changes in discharged ballast water, wetted surface area of ship hulls and frequency of ship arrivals modelled under scenarios that are based on (1) current shipping patterns from the western Pacific Rim to the USA, (2) estimates of fleet expansion and (3) diversion of traffic away from the US West Coast through the Panama Canal.

Results

During the 5‐year period following canal expansion (2015–2019), our models estimated that the Gulf and East coasts would receive 78% and 99% median increases in total ballast discharge and 172% and 182% increases in total wetted surface area, respectively. For the West Coast, our models estimated 9.6% median decreases in both total ballast discharge and wetted surface area. We further predict that many ports in the Gulf and East coasts will receive up to three times the current number of arrivals and increased ballast water discharge, from this region after expansion.

Main conclusions

Our scenario‐based analysis provides a first estimate for increases in frequency, magnitude and spatial distribution of exposure that the Gulf and East coasts will experience due to ships and ballast arriving from the western Pacific, following the canal expansion. If organisms transported via ballast water or ship hulls are able to survive transit of the canal, the predictions suggest increased likelihood of introduction along these coasts by species originating in the western Pacific.
The influence of early modified constraint‐induced movement therapy training on the longitudinal development of hand function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: Eliasson Ann‐Christin , Holmefur Marie
Published: September 2014

Aim

There is evidence that modified constraint‐induced movement therapy (mCIMT) has a short‐term positive effect on hand function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP), but the long‐term effect is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not a single block of mCIMT (2h/d for 2mo) at age 2 to 3 years influences the course of development of bimanual hand function at around 8 years of age.

Method

A convenience sample of 45 children (24 males, 21 females) with unilateral CP and mean (SD) age at first assessment 32 months (13mo) was included in this study. The participants were divided into the mCIMT group (n=26) and the reference group (no mCIMT; n=19). Brain lesion characteristics were available for 32 children. The children were measured repeatedly with the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) for a mean period of 4 years and 6 months. Development curves were created and compared with a non‐linear mixed effects model.

Results

Children who were receiving mCIMT had an upper limit of development of bimanual hand function that was 8.5 AHA units higher than in the reference group (p=0.022). However, when controlling for brain lesion characteristics and baseline in a subgroup of 32 children, the difference was considerably smaller and no longer significant.

Conclusion

mCIMT may have a positive impact on long‐term development of bimanual hand function, but the results are inconclusive and further research is necessary.
Open flow microperfusion: pharmacokinetics of human insulin and insulin detemir in the interstitial fluid of subcutaneous adipose tissue
Authors: Höfferer C. , Tutkur D. , Fledelius C. , Brand C. L. , Alsted T. J. , Damgaard J. , Nishimura E. , Jeppesen C.B. , Mautner S. I. , Pieber T. R. , Sinner F.
Published: September 2014

Aims

To compare the time profile of insulin detemir and human insulin concentrations in the interstitial fluid (ISF) of subcutaneous adipose tissue during constant i.v. infusion and to investigate the relationship between the pharmacokinetics of both insulin molecules in plasma and the ISF of subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Methods

During a 6‐h hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp (plasma glucose level 8 mmol/l) human insulin (21 and 42 pmol/min/kg) or insulin detemir (209 and 417 pmol/min/kg) were infused i.v. in eight rats per dose level. Open flow microperfusion (OFM) was used to continuously assess interstitial insulin concentrations in subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Results

At the lower infusion rate, insulin detemir appeared significantly later in the ISF than in the plasma (p < 0.05) and also appeared later in the ISF relative to human insulin (p < 0.005).

Conclusions

By using OFM we were able to monitor albumin‐bound insulin detemir directly in the ISF of subcutaneous tissue and confirm its delayed transendothelial passage to a peripheral site of action.
Nuclear Assessment of Right Ventricle
Authors: Gargiulo Paola , Cuocolo Alberto , Dellegrottaglie Santo , Prastaro Maria , Savarese Gianluigi , Assante Roberta , Zampella Emilia , Paolillo Stefania , Scala Oriana , Ruggiero Donatella , Marsico Fabio , Perrone Filardi Pasquale
Published: September 2014

For many years, the right ventricle (RV) has been considered a passive chamber with a relatively insignificant role in the overall functionality of the heart. More recently, the role of performance of RV in the clinical presentation and long‐term prognosis of multiple pathological states, such as congenital heart diseases, chronic heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance are the 2 most commonly used imaging techniques for noninvasive assessment of RV, nuclear imaging provides new opportunities for comprehensive evaluation of RV from a single study, because it can assess right ventricular perfusion and metabolism as well as morphology and ejection fraction. In this review, we summarize the application of radionuclide techniques (nuclear cardiology) for evaluation of the RV, focusing on its emerging role in the assessment of right ventricular perfusion and metabolism.
Imaging of the Right Heart—CT and CMR
Authors: Kochav Jonathan , Simprini Lauren , Weinsaft Jonathan W.
Published: September 2014

Right ventricular (RV) structure and function is of substantial importance in a broad variety of clinical conditions. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and computed tomography (CT) each provide three‐dimensional RV imaging, high‐resolution evaluation of RV structure/anatomy, and accurate functional assessment without geometric assumptions. This is of particular significance for the RV, where complex geometry compromises reliance on indices derived from two‐dimensional (2D) imaging planes. CMR flow‐based imaging can be applied to right‐sided heart valves, enabling evaluation of hemodynamic and valvular dysfunction that may contribute to or result from RV dysfunction. Tissue characterization imaging by both CMR and CT provides valuable complementary assessment of the RV. Changes in myocardial tissue composition provide a mechanistic substrate for RV dysfunction and cardiac arrhythmias. This review provides an overview of RV imaging by both CMR and CT, with focus on assessment of RV structure/function, flow, and tissue characterization. Emerging evidence and established guidelines are discussed in the context of imaging contributions to diagnosis, prognostic risk stratification and disease management of clinical conditions that impact the right ventricle.