bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pentacyanoferrate(II) complexes with chitosan
Authors: Bratskaya S. Yu. , Privar Yu. O. , Korjakova O.V. , Mechaev A.V. , Pestov A.V.
Published: October 2013

New organic–inorganic materials based on products of interaction between sodium aminoprusside and polymer ligand (chitosan) have been synthesized. The composition of the obtained materials was characterized using the element analysis and X‐ray diffraction; the Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric analysis data were used to propose the structure of the formed complexes. It was established that ion and ligand exchange were the main reactions at interaction of sodium aminoprusside with water‐soluble chitosan salts. The comparative estimation of the sorption capacity with respect to cesium ions was performed for the synthesized complexes. It has been shown that the complex of chitosan with pentacyanoferrate(II) in the form of cobalt(II) salt has higher distribution coefficient with respect to Cs+ ions, as compared to cobalt aminoprusside. The maximum sorption capacity value for Cs+ was evaluated from the sorption isotherm and found to be equal to 0.3 mmol/g. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2392–2397, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Respiratory viruses are associated with common respiratory pathogens in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Esther Charles R. , Lin Feng‐Chang , Kerr Alan , Miller Melissa B. , Gilligan Peter H.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Test the hypothesis that the link between respiratory viruses and pulmonary exacerbation in cystic fibrosis (CF) reflects increased frequency or severity of lower airways infection.

Study Design

Molecular respiratory viral panels (RVPs), cell counts, and quantitative bacterial cultures were assessed in 235 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from 138 children with CF. Relationships among the data were analyzed using multivariate methods.

Results

RVPs were positive in 67 (28.5%) BALF samples from 52 (37.7%) patients, with rhinovirus/enterovirus most common (82.4% of RVP+). RVP+ patients were younger (5.4 years, IQR 3.0–9.7 vs. 8.0 years, IQR 3.5–12.9; P < 0.01), more likely to have respiratory symptoms (74.6% vs. 55.2%, P < 0.01), and had higher BALF percent neutrophils (70.5%, IQR 46–85% vs. 59.3%, IQR 34–77%; P < 0.05). Percent predicted FEV1 at bronchoscopy was diminished from baseline in both groups, but recovered in the RVP− (90.2 ± 22.2% vs. 89.6 ± 19.7%, P = 0.62) but not the RVP+ subjects (95.7 ± 21.1% vs. 89.1 ± 18.0%, P < 0.05). RVP status did not alter recovery rates of typical CF respiratory pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus (44.8% vs. 42.9%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25.4% vs. 25.6%). However, common respiratory pathogens (Haemophilus species, Moraxella species, and Streptococcus pneumoniae) were recovered more frequently from RVP+ samples independent of age (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.8–7.5, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Respiratory viruses were frequently detected in BALF from CF patients and associated with markers of disease severity. Respiratory viruses did not impact frequency or severity of infection with typical CF pathogens, but rates of infection with common respiratory pathogens were increased. This finding may have treatment implications. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:926–931. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
AMPK and FoxO1 regulate catalase expression in hypoxic pulmonary arterial smooth muscle
Authors: Awad Hanan , Nolette Nora , Hinton Martha , Dakshinamurti Shyamala
Published: October 2013

Background

Hypoxia and reactive oxygen species (ROS) including H2O2 play major roles in triggering and progression of pulmonary vascular remodeling in persistent pulmonary hypertension. Catalase (CAT), the major endogenous enzyme scavenging H2O2, is regulated in a tissue‐ and context‐specific manner.

Objective

To investigate mechanisms by which hypoxia and H2O2 regulate catalase expression, and the role of AMPK‐FoxO pathway, in neonatal porcine pulmonary artery smooth muscle (PASMC).

Design/Methods

PASMC were grown in hypoxia (10% O2) or normoxia (21% O2) for 72 hr. We measured catalase activity and lipid peroxidation; CAT, FoxO1, and FoxO3a expression by qPCR; protein contents of CAT, FoxOs, p‐AMPK, p‐AKT, p‐JNK, p‐ERK1/2 in whole lysates, and FoxOs in nuclear extracts, by immunoblot; and FoxO‐1 nuclear localization by immunocytochemistry, quantified by laser scanning cytometry.

Results

Hypoxia upregulated CAT transcription, content and activity, by increasing CAT transcription factors FoxO1 and FoxO3a mRNA, and promoting nuclear translocation of FoxO1. However, lipid peroxidation increased in hypoxic PASMC. Among candidate FoxO regulatory kinases, hypoxia activated AMPK, and decreased p‐Akt and ERK1/2. AMPK activation increased FoxO1 (total and nuclear) and CAT, while AMPK inhibition inhibited FoxO1 and CAT, but not FoxO3a. Exogenous H2O2 decreased p‐AMPK and increased p‐AKT in hypoxic PASMC. This decreased active FoxO1, and reduced mRNA and protein content of CAT. Hypoxic induction of CAT, AKT inhibition (LY294002), or addition of PEG‐catalase partly ameliorated the H2O2‐mediated loss of nuclear FoxO1.

Conclusions

Hypoxia induces catalase expression, though this adaptation is insufficient to protect PASMC from hypoxia‐induced lipid peroxidation. This occurs via hypoxic activation of AMPK, which promotes nuclear FoxO1 and thus catalase expression. Exogenous ROS may downregulate cellular antioxidant defenses; H2O2 activates survival factor Akt, decreasing nuclear FoxO1 and thus catalase. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:885–897. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential DNA methylation profiles of infants exposed to maternal asthma during pregnancy
Authors: Gunawardhana Lakshitha P. , Baines Katherine J. , Mattes Joerg , Murphy Vanessa E. , Simpson Jodie L. , Gibson Peter G.
Published: October 2013

Background

Asthma is a complex disease that involves both genetic factors and environmental exposures. Aberrant epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, may be important in asthma development. Fetal exposure to maternal asthma during critical periods of in utero development may lead to epigenetic alterations that predispose infants to a greater risk of developing asthma themselves. We investigated alterations in the DNA methylation profile of peripheral blood from infants exposed to maternal asthma during pregnancy.

Methods

Peripheral blood was collected from 12‐month‐old infants born to women with (n = 25) and without (n = 15) doctor diagnosed asthma during pregnancy. Genomic DNA was extracted, bisulfite converted, and hybridized to Infinium Methylation 27 arrays (Illumina), containing over27,000 CpGs from 14,495 genes. CpG loci in only autosomal genes were classified as differentially methylated at the 99% level (P < 0.01, |DiffScore| > 22 and delta beta >0.06).

Results

There were 70 CpG loci, corresponding to 67 genes that were significantly differentially methylated. Twelve CpG loci (11 genes) showed greater than 10% comparative difference in DNA methylation, including hyper‐methylated loci of FAM181A, MRI1, PIWIL1, CHFR, DEFA1, MRPL28, AURKA, and hypo‐methylated loci of NALP1L5, MAP8KIP3, ACAT2, and PM20D1 in maternal asthma. Methylation of MAPK8IP3 was significantly negatively correlated with maternal blood eosinophils (r = −0.38; P = 0.022), maternal eNO (r = −0.44; P = 0.005), and maternal serum total IgE (r = −0.39, P = 0.015). Methylation of AURKA negatively correlated with maternal hemoglobin (r = −0.43; P = 0.008), infants height (r = −0.51; P < 0.001) and weight (r = −0.36; P = 0.021). Methylation of PM20D1 was lower in infants born to mothers with asthma on inhaled corticosteroid treatment. Methylation of PM20D1 was lower and MRI1 was higher in infants born to atopic mothers without asthma.

Conclusions

In an Australian study population, exposure to maternal asthma during pregnancy is associated with differential methylation profiles of infants' peripheral blood DNA, which may act as risk factors for future asthma development. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:852–862. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The physical nature of bipolar resistive switching in Pt/BiFe0.95Mn0.05O3/Pt memory devices
Authors: Luo J. M. , Chen R. Q. , Lin S. P.
Published: October 2013

Pt/BiFe0.95Mn0.05O3/Pt memory devices show stable bipolar resistive switching characteristics with a resistance ratio of about 10 and a retention time of more than 103 s. Based on the analysis of current conduction, oxygen vacancies are supposed to play an important role in the formation of conducting path, and the temperature dependence of the resistance in the low‐resistive state demonstrates that the resistance increases with temperature slightly. Additionally, on increasing the compliance current during the SET process, the resistance in the low‐resistive state decreases while the RESET current increases. However, the RESET voltage is observed to be independent of the compliance current. These results can be explained by the conductive filament mechanism originating from the trapping and detrapping of electrons.
Tailoring iron(III) oxide nanomorphology by chemical vapor deposition: Growth and characterization
Authors: Peeters Daniel , Carraro Giorgio , Maccato Chiara , Parala Harish , Gasparotto Alberto , Barreca Davide , Sada Cinzia , Kartaschew Konstantin , Havenith Martina , Rogalla Detlef , Becker Hans‐Werner , Devi Anjana
Published: October 2013

Iron(III) oxide nanosystems are actually the focus of an intensive attention due to their low cost, non‐toxicity, ample abundance, and attractive chemico‐physical properties. In this work, iron(III) oxide nanomaterials were deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) under O2 atmospheres in the temperature range 500–800 °C, starting from the scarcely investigated tris(tert‐butyl acetoacetato)iron(III) precursor. All nanodeposits were found to consist of the α‐Fe2O3 (hematite) polymorph. Surface and in‐depth analyses demonstrated the presence of high purity Fe2O3, indicating the occurrence of a clean precursor decomposition under the adopted conditions. Interestingly, the system morphology could be controlled by varying the deposition temperature and ranged from the circular assembly of ordered nanosheets, to rough vortices, up to dense deposits characterized by the copresence of nanosheets and nanocolumns. The unique surface features offer great properties for advanced applications in various technological fields, such as catalysis and photocatalysis, solid state gas sensing, and magnetic recording media.
Plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy of Sn‐doped In2O3: Sn incorporation, structural changes, doping limits, and compensation
Authors: Bierwagen Oliver , Speck James S.
Published: October 2013

A comprehensive study of Sn doping in In2O3 during plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA‐MBE) is given, covering growth aspects and application‐relevant aspects such as structural and transport properties. Single crystalline, (001) oriented indium oxide (In2O3) thin films were grown on Y‐stabilized ZrO2(001) and systematically doped with 1018 cm−3 to 6 × 1021 cm−3 tin (Sn) by PA‐MBE. The Sn incorporation was proportional to the Sn flux up to a Sn concentration of ≈1020 cm−3 indicating well‐controllable doping in this regime. Toward higher Sn concentrations the Sn incorporation was increasingly impeded, which could be somewhat mitigated by increasing the oxygen‐to‐indium flux ratio. The surface faceting of undoped In2O3(001) during growth under oxygen rich conditions was prevented by doping to Sn concentrations 4×1020 cm−3. Up to Sn concentrations of 1.4 × 1021 cm−3 no detrimental effects on the film crystal quality were observed by X‐ray diffraction, but concentrations  cm−3 resulted in structural deterioration with the formation of secondary crystalline phases. The electron concentration increased and resistivity decreased with increasing Sn concentration. The electron concentration was limited to ≈2 × 1021 cm−3 despite higher Sn concentrations and a minimum resistivity of 9 × 10−5 Ω cm was reached at a Sn concentration of ≈1021 cm−3. The highest electron concentrations and lowest resistivities were realized by a post‐growth vacuum annealing to remove compensating acceptors. Guidelines to obtain low resistivity, high‐quality indium tin oxide (ITO) films are given. Textured reference films grown on r‐plane sapphire, Al2O3(10–12), showed very similar behavior in terms of incorporation, doping limit, and compensation, which indicates that our results are qualitatively not limited to single crystalline films.
Raman scattering in orthorhombic CuInS2 nanocrystals
Authors: Dzhagan V. M. , Litvinchuk A. P. , Valakh M. Ya. , Kruszynska M. , Kolny‐Olesiak J. , Himcinschi C. , Zahn D. R. T.
Published: October 2013

We report the results of non‐resonant and resonant Raman scattering in orthorhombic nanocrystalline CuInS2 semiconductor, supported by density functional first principle lattice dynamics calculations. A larger number of dominant phonon modes in comparison with standard tetragonal CuInS2 phases is shown to be associated with peculiarities of cation sublattice ordering and is the “fingerprint” of the corresponding structural polymorph. Good overall agreement is found between theoretical and experimental phonon mode frequencies.
The role of phase coherence length in electron transport through a Kondo double quantum dot interferometer with Rashba interaction
Authors: Stefański Piotr
Published: October 2013

A system composed of Aharonov–Bohm ring with two quantum dots in its arms is considered theoretically. One of the dots is in Kondo regime, whereas the other one is effectively noninteracting. Additionally, Rashba interaction inside the dots can produce spin polarization of the current through the device. This configuration is mapped on the system of a correlated impurity embedded in a host with energy, flux, and spin‐dependent density of states. It is shown that the phase coherence length as compared to the circumference of the ring has crucial influence on the conductance and its spin polarization. When both the lengths are comparable the appearance of dark states becomes possible. Also spin polarization of conductance arises with maximal value for gate voltage where strongly correlated dot enters Kondo regime. In contrast, in the limit of phase coherence length shorter than circumference of the device the spin polarization of conductance totally vanishes.
The Data Revolution
Authors: Chadwick Simon
Published: October 2013

How big data will change the way we live and work
Big Data
Authors: Strong Colin
Published: October 2013

Can it tell you the ‘what’, the ‘why’ or both?
Research for the Huffington Post
Authors: Bowman Jo
Published: October 2013

A decade is a very long time in the digital world and online news providers like the HuffPost need to evolve and anticipate their readers’ habits. CEO Jimmy Maymann on going global, investing in video and the role and value of market research.
Learn and Disseminate
Authors: Chadwick Simon
Published: October 2013

Mario Callegaro of Google UK on why we need to share knowledge.
Data Visuals: The Big Picture
Authors: Heeg Robert
Published: October 2013

In an increasingly data‐rich world, market researchers need to learn how to talk with pictures, using innovative infographics, crystal‐clear data visuals and entertaining stats. Time to go beyond the pie chart.
How We Think and How This Impacts What We Buy
Authors: Halonen Elina
Published: October 2013

Segmenting consumers by decision making styles
The Diffusion of Innovation
Authors: Taylor Earl L.
Published: October 2013

Targeting “influentials”
The Position Study of Heavy Reduction Process for Improving Centerline Segregation or Porosity With Extra‐Thickness Slabs
Authors: Zhao Xinkai , Zhang Jiongming , Lei Shaowu , Wang Yuanning
Published: October 2013

Limited by reduction radio, heavy plates manufactured from slabs are always subjected to deterioration of soundness and mechanical properties. For overcoming these defects, in the current works, a new approach, named heavy reduction process to improve segregation and porosity, was presented. The aim this study was to fix the dividing position of improving centerline segregation or porosity. Based on the world's maximum thickness vertical‐bending type caster, a two‐step strategy was preceded using software THERCAST, which was coupled macroscopic segregation with thermal‐mechanical GNS method firstly. According to the real production condition of superheat, casting speed and spray intensity, the depth of mushy zone and the terminal end of solidification in width direction were modeled. After this, the distribution of pressure and bulging were presented, and four positions were preliminarily determined based on the curves. Finally, the element concentration, cracks and reduction rate at these different reduction positions were discussed further. The results indicate that the division point of improving centerline segregation or porosity is confirmed ultimately.
Trends in eggshell thickness and mercury in common goldeneye and hooded merganser eggs
Authors: Rave David P. , Zicus Michael C. , Fieberg John R. , Savoy Lucas , Regan Kevin
Published: October 2013

Environmental contaminants such as dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and mercury are associated with physiological problems in wildlife. DDT and PCBs were banned in North America in the 1970s, but these contaminants sometimes persist in the environment and can cause reproductive problems, including eggshell thinning. In contrast, mercury deposition from anthropogenic sources is a continuing if not growing concern globally. We measured thickness of common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) and hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) eggshells collected in 2003–2004 in Minnesota, USA, to compare with measurements taken prior to (approx. 1900) and after (1981) widespread DDT use. We also compared egg‐mercury concentration (ppm) in goldeneye and merganser eggs collected in 2003–2004 with a 1981 collection. Mean eggshell thickness was 0.401 mm (SE = 0.003) and 0.606 mm (SE = 0.008) for goldeneyes and mergansers, respectively. This was 9.0% (goldeneyes) and 6.0% (mergansers) greater than in 1981. Mean thickness of goldeneye eggshells remained 7.8% less than the mean prior to widespread DDT use; whereas, merganser eggshell thickness was statistically similar to pre‐DDT thickness. Mean Ratcliffe's index, a measure of eggshell quality, also increased for goldeneyes (2.52, SE = 0.021) and mergansers (3.78, SE = 0.042) since 1981. Goldeneye values were statistically similar to, while merganser values remained 5.6% less than, pre‐DDT values. Geometric mean concentrations of mercury (wet wt) have declined since 1981 in merganser eggs (0.33 ppm, SE = 0.024), and were statistically unchanged in goldeneye eggs (0.13 ppm, SE = 0.011). Continued monitoring of wildlife populations for contaminants is important because wildlife may serve as an indicator of overall ecosystem health. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Non-BPS walls of marginal stability
Authors: Bossard Guillaume , Katmadas Stefanos
Published: October 2013

Abstract

We explore the properties of non-BPS multi-centre extremal black holes in ungauged
$ \mathcal{N}=2 $
supergravity coupled to n

v
vector multiplets, as described by solutions to the composite non-BPS linear system. After setting up an explicit description that allows for arbitrary non-BPS charges to be realised at each centre, we study the structure of the resulting solutions. Using these results, we prove that the binding energy of the composite is always positive and we show explicitly the existence of walls of marginal stability for generic choices of charges. The two-centre solutions only exist on a hypersurface of dimension n

v
+1 in moduli space, with an n

v
-dimensional boundary, where the distance between the centres diverges and the binding energy vanishes.
Does “Conversion Chemotherapy” Really Improve Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients with Liver‐Limited Disease?
Authors: Kataoka K. , Kanazawa A. , Iwamoto S. , Kato T. , Nakajima A. , Arimoto A.
Published: October 2013

Background

The clinical benefits of conversion chemotherapy followed by liver resection for initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases are still controversial. The criteria for unresectability vary from one team to another. To clarify this issue, we retrospectively assessed the survival and characteristics of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients with liver‐limited disease (LLD) who underwent conversion therapy.

Method

Our criteria for resectability depended on the size of the remnant liver volume (>30 %) and expected function after removal of all metastases. Between December 2007 and September 2011, a total of 115 patients were diagnosed as having mCRC with LLD and received chemotherapy. Among them, 47 had tumors that were initially diagnosed as resectable. They underwent hepatic resection after chemotherapy (resected group). Of the 67 tumors were initially diagnosed as unresectable, 12 became resectable after chemotherapy (conversion group), leaving 55 tumors that remained unresectable after chemotherapy (unresected group).

Results

The median follow‐up was 25.2 months. Hepatic resection was more invasive in the conversion group than in the resected group. Median disease‐free survival was significantly higher in the resected group than in the conversion group (p = 0.013). Overall survival (OS) was also higher in the resected group, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.36). However, OS was significantly higher in the conversion group than in the unresected group (p = 0.034). Multivariate analysis of the resected and conversion groups showed that OS was significantly negatively influenced by abnormal carcinoembryonic antigen levels at surgery (p = 0.037) and a hospital stay >30 days (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Our results showed that conversion chemotherapy could contribute to longer OS in mCRC patients with LLD.
Accidentally Ingested Toothpicks Causing Severe Gastrointestinal Injury: A Practical Guideline for Diagnosis and Therapy Based on 136 Case Reports
Authors: Steinbach Catherine , Stockmann Martin , Jara Maximilian , Bednarsch Jan , Lock Johan Friso
Published: October 2013

Background

Ingested toothpicks are a relatively rare event, but may cause serious gut injuries with peritonitis, sepsis, or death. Numerous case reports describing the clinical course in this setting are available but there is no concise guideline. The aim of the present study was to develop practical guidelines to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and management of acute tooth pick ingestion.

Method

Our Medline search identified 116 publications containing case reports of ingested toothpicks. We then performed a retrospective analysis of patients’ characteristics, medical history, diagnostics, therapy, and clinical outcome.

Results

A total of 136 cases (74 % male, age 52 [5–92] years) have been reported in the literature. From the available information, more than 50 % (n = 48) of patients were not aware of having swallowed a toothpick. The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (82 %), fever (39 %), and nausea (31 %). The toothpick caused gut perforation in 79 % of all patients. The locations of toothpicks prior removal were esophagus (2 %), stomach (20 %), duodenum (23 %), small intestine (18 %), and large intestine (37 %). The diagnostic procedures included endoscopy (63 %), computed tomography scan (63 %), and ultrasound (47 %); however, in 35 % of cases these investigations failed to detect the toothpick. Therapy was surgery in most cases (58 %). The overall mortality was 9.6 %.

Conclusions

Toothpick ingestion is a medical emergency. Perforations of the intestine are common and the associated mortality is high. Adequate therapy depends on localization of the toothpick in the gastrointestinal tract. Ingested toothpicks should be kept in mind as an important differential diagnosis in patients with acute abdomen.
Automated interpretation of metabolic capacity from genome and metagenome sequences
Authors: Kanehisa Minoru
Published: October 2013

The KEGG pathway maps are widely used as a reference data set for inferring high‐level functions of the organism or the ecosystem from its genome or metagenome sequence data. The KEGG modules, which are tighter functional units often corresponding to subpathways in the KEGG pathway maps, are designed for better automation of genome interpretation. Each KEGG module is represented by a simple Boolean expression of KEGG Orthology (KO) identifiers (K numbers), enabling automatic evaluation of the completeness of genes in the genome. Here we focus on metabolic functions and introduce reaction modules for improving annotation and signature modules for inferring metabolic capacity. We also describe how genome annotation is performed in KEGG using the manually created KO database and the computationally generated SSDB database. The resulting KEGG GENES database with KO (K number) annotation is a reference sequence database to be compared for automated annotation and interpretation of newly determined genomes.
A summary of 10 years of PCAOB research: What have we learned?✩
Authors: Abernathy John L. , Barnes Michael , Stefaniak Chad
Published: October 2013

For the past 10 years, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has operated as an independent overseer of public company audits. Over 70 percent of PCAOB studies have been published since 2010, evidencing the increasing relevance of PCAOB-related research in recent years. Our paper reviews the existing literature on the PCAOB’s four primary functions – registration, standard-setting, inspections, and enforcement. In particular, we examine PCAOB registration trends and evaluate the effects of PCAOB registration requirements on the issuer audit market, as well as discuss the relative costs and benefits (e.g., auditor behavior changes, improvements in audit quality, auditor perceptions) of the 16 auditing standards the PCAOB passed in its first 10 years of operation. Further, we summarize the literature’s findings on the effects of the PCAOB inspection process on various facets of audit quality. Finally, we analyze the research concerning the PCAOB’s enforcement actions to determine how markets have responded to sanctions against auditors and audit firms. We contend that understanding and reviewing the effects of the PCAOB’s activities are important to future audit research because of the PCAOB’s authority over and oversight of the issuer audit profession. We also identify PCAOB-related research areas that have not been fully explored and propose several research questions intended to address these research areas.
Review of choice-based, matched, and other stratified sample studies in auditing research
Authors: Stuart Iris , Shin Yong-Chul , Cram Donald P. , Karan Vijay
Published: October 2013

The use of choice-based, matched, and other stratified sample designs is common in auditing research. However, it is not widely appreciated that the data analysis for these studies has to take into account the non-random nature of sample selection in these designs. A choice-based, matched or otherwise stratified sample is a nonrandom sample that must be analyzed using conditional analysis techniques. We review five research streams in the auditing area. These streams include work on determinants of audit litigation, audit fees, auditor reporting in financially distressed firms, audit quality and auditor switches. Cram, Karan, and Stuart (CKS) (2009) demonstrated the accuracy of conditional analysis, compared to unconditional analysis, of nonrandom samples through the use of simulations, replications, and mathematical proofs. Papers since published have continued to rely upon questionable research, however, and it is hard for researchers to identify what is the reliability of a given work. We complement and extend CKS (2009) by identifying audit papers in selected research streams whose results will likely differ if the data gathered are analyzed using conditional analysis techniques. Thus research can be advanced either by replication and reanalysis, or by refocus of new research upon issues that should no longer be viewed as settled.
International Society and Regional Integration in Central Asia
Authors: Pourchot Georgeta , Stivachtis Yannis A.
Published: October 2013

This paper examines the degree of integration in Central Asia by utilizing the international society approach of the English School of International Relations (ES). After addressing the debate surrounding the concept of ‘international society’ and discussing its contents and application the paper suggests that within the contemporary heterogeneous global international society there exist some more homogeneous regional/sub-global international societies with Central Asia constituting one of them. It argues that during the Cold War the global international society was divided into two sub-global international societies with the Soviet Union and its allies forming one of them. With the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia sought to re-establish its regional primacy through the establishment of a set of international organizations ranging from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The paper claims that this range of organizations reflects the existence of a regional international society in Central Asia.
Central Asia and Japan: Bilateral and Multilateral Relations
Authors: Rakhimov Mirzokhid
Published: October 2013

With the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1991s Central Asian nations and Japan established diplomatic relations and partnership began to increase steadily as manifested by the level of official contacts. In 1997 the “Silk Road” Diplomacy concept was formulated for Japan's policy toward Central Asia.

In the beginning of 21st century we see activization of new actors including India, Korea and Japan in Central Asia, which were mainly welcomed in the region. Tokyo recognized the growing strategic importance of Central Asia in the context of international security and sought to play a more active role as an Asian nation in Eurasia.

During two decades Central Asian nations and Japan partnership began to increase steadily. Japan is one of the largest assistants to Central Asia in structural reforms and Japanese investments to the different aspects of region economy and transport communication add up to several billions. There are several areas of special interest to Japan in its relations with Central Asia, including cooperation in education, economic development of the region, political reforms, as well as energy resources.

Japan's effort in creating the “Central Asia plus Japan” dialog is part of its multilateral diplomacy. At the same time there are some challenges and problems in Central Asia–Japan relations. However, there are potentialities for future bilateral and multilateral relations.

Japan like Korea, India and other countries has a strong positive image in Central Asia, which could be regarded as an additional factor for fostering partnership of Central and East Asia as well as interregional relation with the vast Asian continent and beyond.
Hsa‐miR‐125b suppresses bladder cancer development by down‐regulating oncogene SIRT7 and oncogenic long non‐coding RNA MALAT1
Authors: Han Yonghua , Liu Yuchen , Zhang Hu , Wang Tiantian , Diao Ruiying , Jiang Zhimao , Gui Yaoting , Cai Zhiming
Published: October 2013

MicroRNAs mainly inhibit coding genes and long non‐coding RNA expression. Here, we report that hsa‐miR‐125b and oncogene SIRT7/oncogenic long non‐coding RNA MALAT1 were inversely expressed in bladder cancer. Hsa‐miR‐125b mimic down‐regulated, whereas hsa‐miR‐125b inhibitor up‐regulated the expression of SIRT7 and MALAT1. Binding sites were confirmed between hsa‐miR‐125b and SIRT7/MALAT1. Up‐regulation of hsa‐miR‐125b or down‐regulation of SIRT7 inhibited proliferation, motility and increased apoptosis. The effects of up‐regulation of hsa‐miR‐125b were similar to that of silencing MALAT1 in bladder cancer as we had previously described. These data suggest that hsa‐miR‐125b suppresses bladder cancer development via inhibiting SIRT7 and MALAT1.
Palmitate increases Nur77 expression by modulating ZBP89 and Sp1 binding to the Nur77 proximal promoter in pancreatic β‐cells
Authors: Mazuy Claire , Ploton Maheul , Eeckhoute Jérôme , Berrabah Wahiba , Staels Bart , Lefebvre Philippe , Helleboid-Chapman Audrey
Published: October 2013

Nur77 is a stress sensor in pancreatic β‐cells, which negatively regulates glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. We recently showed that a lipotoxic shock caused by exposure of β‐cells to the saturated fatty acid palmitate strongly increases Nur77 expression. Here, using dual luciferase reporter assays and Nur77 promoter deletion constructs, we identified a regulatory cassette between −1534 and −1512 bp upstream from the translational start site mediating Nur77 promoter activation in response to palmitate exposure. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, transient transfection and siRNA‐mediated knockdown assays revealed that palmitate induced Nur77 promoter activation involves Sp1 recruitment and ZBP89 release from the gene promoter.
Ureteroscope‐assisted double‐J stenting following laparoscopic ureterolithotomy
Authors: Chen I‐Hsuan , Tsai Jeng‐Yu , Yu Chia‐Cheng , Wu Tony , Huang Jong‐Khing , Lin Jen‐Tai
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of ureteroscope‐assisted double‐J stenting following laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and to evaluate the effects of retrograde ureteroscopic access exerted on the sutured ureterotomy site. From January 2002 to December 2011, 30 patients with proximal ureteral stone underwent ureteroscopic double‐J stenting of the ureter following retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy. Patient demographics and perioperative parameters, including the degree of hydronephrosis, urine leakage, and drainage time, were retrospectively reviewed. These data were compared with those of 30 consecutive patients who received open ureterolithotomy and intracorporeal ureteral double‐J stenting. In addition, a PubMed search was conducted and the related literature on the placement of a ureteral stent was reviewed. Twenty‐eight patients successfully underwent ureteral double‐J stenting with ureteroscopic access. No malposition of the ureteral stent was identified in the ureteroscopic group, but two patients in the intracorporeal group required postoperative adjustment of the stent. Residual stone fragments were found during stent placement in three patients in the ureteroscopic group and holmium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser lithotripsy was immediately performed. There was no significant difference in postoperative outcomes or complication rates between the two groups. Ureteroscope‐assisted ureteral double‐J stenting is a simple and safe alternative allowing intraluminal navigation along the entire ureter, correct stent placement, and prompt treatment of residual stone fragments, without radiation exposure. In addition, ureteral disruption and urinary extravasation may not be concerns for ureteroscopic access with continuous normal saline irrigation.
Preemption, leverage, and financing constraints
Authors: Nishihara Michi , Shibata Takashi
Published: October 2013

This paper investigates the interactions between preemptive competition and leverage in a duopoly market. We investigate both a case in which the firms have optimal financial structures, and a case in which financing constraints require firms to finance their investments by debt. Our findings are that the second mover always leaves the duopoly market before the leader, although the leader may exit before the follower's entry. The leverage effects of debt financing can increase the value of a firm and accelerate investment, even in the presence of preemptive competition. Notably, financing constraints can delay preemptive investment and improve firm values in preemptive equilibrium. Indeed, the leader's high leverage due to financing constraints can lower the first‐mover advantage and weaken preemptive competition. Especially with strong first‐mover advantage, the financing constraint effects can dominate the leverage effects. These findings are almost consistent with the empirical evidence, which shows that high leverage leads to competitive disadvantage and mitigates product market competition.
Impact of individual and organizational factors on job satisfaction: A comparison of multilevel models and multiple regression models using different data arrangements
Authors: Hsieh Jun Yi
Published: October 2013

Typically most studies of individual employees perceptions of the work place adopt multiple regression models (ordinary least squares [OLS]) which ignore inherent clustering in their data. However, such an approach does not supply unbiased and accurate answers to research questions. This study intends to simulate three data alternatives – weighted, disaggregated (individual level), and aggregated (organizational level) using the OLS and multilevel models to compare the results of different research designs. To answer the research questions, the current study investigates the impact of individual and organizational factors on job satisfaction, using a 2000 USA National Partnership for Reinventing Government survey. This study presents the methodological misuse and measurement errors of the previous research and presents guidelines for future research.
Marketing for Socialism: Soviet Cosmetics in the 1930s
Authors: Kravets Olga , Sandıkçı Özlem
Published: October 2013

This article examines the marketing practices of the Soviet state trust for cosmetics, TeZhe, in the 1930s. Drawing on company records, industry reports, and popular press, we show that TeZhe used an array of marketing tactics, which were similar to those of the Western manufacturers. However, TeZhe's marketing was aligned with the state's economic and sociocultural initiatives and shaped by the ideological dictates of the Soviet system.
Clonal selection in a globe artichoke landrace: characterization of superior germplasm to improve cultivation in Mediterranean environments
Authors: MAURO R. P. , PORTIS E. , LANTERI S. , LO MONACO A. , MAUROMICALE G.
Published: October 2013

The morphological (using International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) descriptors) and field performance of five clones selected from the globe artichoke landrace Spinoso di Palermo were determined over two seasons, and their amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) profiles detected using seven primer combinations (PCs). The number of heads produced averaged 13·8 per plant (equivalent to a fresh weight yield of 2·1 kg/plant), but two of the clones produced 15·6 heads per plant (2·4 kg/plant). Three clones produced noticeably larger second-order heads (mean of 156 g), and so were considered to be suitable for the production of desirable heads over a prolonged harvesting period. Head yield and the number of heads per plant were associated with a moderate level of broad sense heritability (0·29–0·46), implying that these traits could be viewed as primary selection criteria. From the list of 51 UPOV descriptors, 18 varied among the five clones, but variation at just six, simply scored, descriptors was sufficient to discriminate completely between the examined clones. Full discrimination was also achieved by applying only three of the seven selected AFLP PCs. According to the AFLP profiles, two of the clones were highly similar. The similarity matrices calculated from the UPOV descriptors and the AFLP profiles were highly correlated with one another. The data are optimistic and indicate that the performance of Spinoso di Palermo could be much improved via clonal selection.
Morphological and molecular analyses of larval taeniid species in small mammals from contrasting habitats in Denmark
Authors: Al-Sabi M.N.S. , Jensen P.M. , Christensen M.U. , Kapel C.M.O.
Published: October 2013

Taeniid infections in intermediate hosts manifest themselves as extraintestinal larval stages which, in early development, lack species-specific characteristics. The inability to distinguish infections of zoonotic importance such as Echinococcus multilocularis from other taeniid infections that have mainly veterinary significance stimulated the development of species-specific molecular diagnostics. In this study, the prevalence of taeniid infections in potential intermediate hosts was evaluated using both morphological diagnosis and a newly described multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for species determination. Small mammals (N= 719) were trapped in three different types of habitats in north-east Zealand, Denmark. The sensitivity of the multiplex PCR (90.5%) exceeded that of morphological examination (57.9%) for identifying 95 taeniid infections. The use of the multiplex PCR resulted in higher prevalence rates due to improved detection of immature liver infections with Hydatigera taeniaeformis and Versteria mustelae, but did not affect the observed prevalence rates of peritoneal metacestodes of Taenia polyacantha. The prevalence of taeniid infections showed a significant difference according to habitat type, potentially identifying a ‘sylvatic’ transmission and an ‘urban’ transmission, with marked variation among different taeniid species. Versteria mustelae and T. polyacantha were more prevalent in rural forests, while infections with H. taeniaeformis were dominant in urban parks/forests and in residential and farm gardens. The multiplex PCR facilitated a better utilization of wildlife samples by yielding a higher number of definitive diagnoses of ambiguous taeniid infections in liver lesions, allowing for more accurate epidemiological data and, hence, a more accurate risk assessment.
Unequal power and the institutional design of global governance: the case of arms control
Authors: FEHL CAROLINE
Published: October 2013

IR scholars have recently paid increasing attention to unequal institutional orders in world politics, arguing that global governance institutions are deeply shaped by power inequalities among states. Yet, the literature still suffers from conceptual limitations and from a shortage of empirical work. The article addresses these shortcomings through a study of the historical evolution of global arms control institutions since 1945. It shows that in this important policy area, the global institutional order has not been marked by a recent trend toward deeper inequality, as many writings on unequal institutions suggest. Instead, the analysis reveals a pattern of institutional mutation whereby specific forms of institutional inequality are recurrently replaced and supplemented by new forms. This process, the article argues, is driven by states' efforts to adapt the regime to a changing material and normative environment within the constraints of past institutional legacies.
Crystal Data for Pb7Bi3, a Superconducting ε-Phase in the Pb-Bi System
Authors: Rasmussen Svend Erik , Lundtoft Britta
Published: October 2013

The ε-phase is hexagonal, space group P63/mmc. For the composition Pb7Bi3the following data were determined, a = 3.5058(1) Å c = 5.7959(5) Å, Vol. = 61.687 Å3(5), Dc= 11.17 Mg m−3. Filings from single crystal material were used to obtain powder data by the Guinier method and the X-ray results were in accordance with single crystal neutron diffraction data. Transition to the superconducting state took place in the interval 8.3 K–8.55 K.
Powder Diffraction Data for the αH Intermetallic Phases with Slight Variation in Composition in the System Al-Fe-Si
Authors: Griger Á.
Published: October 2013

Based on high purity constituents ternary AlFeSi intermetallic phases were prepared and annealed at 600°C for a month with compositions close to that of αH-AlFeSi (Al8Fe2Si) phase (∼8 wt.% Si, ∼32 wt.% Fe). The powder diffraction patterns and the chemical compositions of the different αH-AlFeSi intermetallic compounds formed as major components in the samples were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and electron microprobe analysis, respectively.

A complete powder diffraction pattern is presented for the αH-AlFeSi intermetallic phase with 8 wt.% silicon and 33.5 wt.% iron content formed almost congruently. The refined cell parameters are given as

a = 12.4056 (7) Å

c = 26.236 (2) Å

Comparing the observed intensities with intensities calculated from single crystal data, gave very good agreement.

The lattice parameters of αH-AlFeSi phases with different silicon content were refined by the least-squares method. A contraction of the unit cell caused by the increase of the silicon content in the phase can be observed. Relative changes of the cell dimensions for 1 wt. % increase in silicon are −0.06%, −0.09 % and −0.21 % for the parameters a and c and for the unit cell volume, V, respectively.
Introduction: the first 100 years
Authors: DRASAR BO
Published: October 2013

The journal that is now Epidemiology & Infection was founded in 1901 as the Journal of Hygiene ‘to fulfil a definite purpose by serving as a focus to English-speaking investigators for works in physics, chemistry, physiology, pathology, bacteriology, parasitology and epidemiology in relation to hygiene and preventive medicine’. In 1987 the name of the journal was changed to Epidemiology & Infection. The reasons for this change were articulated by John Pattison [1] on one of the few occasions that the Editor has directly addressed the readership and formalized the historic shift towards microbiology and epidemiology.
Decision-making in older people with dementia
Authors: Viloria Jiménez M. Aurora , Chung Jaén Mónica , Vigara García Marta , Barahona‐Alvarez Helena
Published: October 2013

Dementia is a syndrome characterized by a progressive impairment in cognition, function and behaviour, with a considerable burden in terms of health and social care, and economic costs. As Alzheimer's disease and other dementias advance, the patient's capacity, competence and possibility of participation in decision-making decrease. Key points in managing people with dementia include screening of cognitive impairment, neuropsychological assessment, laboratory tests and neuroimaging, genetic tests, informed consent, inclusion in clinical trials and discussion of advance directives, driving, managing finances and testamentary capacity, pharmolocogical and non-pharmacological treatment and also palliative and end-of-life care. In this article we review these crucial points in decision-making for people with dementia and their families and caregivers.