bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yin‐yang volatility in scale space of price‐time: a core structure of financial market risk
Authors: Pan Heping
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to discover and model the asymmetry in the price volatility of financial markets, in particular the foreign exchange markets as the first underlying applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The volatility of the financial market price is usually defined with the standard deviation or variance of the price or price returns. This standard definition of volatility is split into the upper part and the lower one, which are termed here as Yang volatility and Yin volatility. However, the definition of yin‐yang volatility depends on the scale of the time, thus the notion of scale space of price‐time is also introduced.

Findings

It turns out that the duality of yin‐yang volatility expresses not only the asymmetry of price volatility, but also the information about the trend. The yin‐yang volatilities in the scale space of price‐time provide a complete representation of the information about the multi‐level trends and asymmetric volatilities. Such a representation is useful for designing strategies in market risk management and technical trading. A trading robot (a complete automated trading system) was developed using yin‐yang volatility, its performance is shown to be non‐trivial. The notion and model of yin‐yang volatility has opened up new possibilities to rewrite the option pricing formulas, the GARCH models, as well as to develop new comprehensive models for foreign exchange markets.

Research limitations/implications

The asymmetry of price volatility and the magnitude of volatility in the scale space of price‐time has yet to be united in a more coherent model.

Practical implications

The new model of yin‐yang volatility and scale space of price‐time provides a new theoretical structure for financial market risk. It is likely to enable a new generation of core technologies for market risk management and technical trading strategies.

Originality/value

This work is original. The new notion and model of yin‐yang volatility in scale space of price‐time has cracked up the core structure of the financial market risk. It is likely to open up new possibilities such as: a new portfolio theory with a new objective function to minimize the sum of the absolute yin‐volatilities of the asset returns, a new option pricing theory using yin‐yang volatility to replace the symmetric volatility, a new GARCH model aiming to model the dynamics of yin‐yang volatility instead of the symmetric volatility, new technical trading strategies as are shown in the paper.
The role of imaging techniques in the management of multiple myeloma
Authors: Zamagni Elena , Cavo Michele
Published: August 2012

Bone disease is the major feature of multiple myeloma (MM). Imaging is required for correct staging, in the follow‐up after treatment and, as recently highlighted, is predictor of prognosis. In the near future, whole‐body X‐Ray may be replaced by more sensitive techniques, such as whole‐body low‐dose computerized tomography (CT). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard method for assessing bone marrow infiltration of the spine, predicting the risk of vertebral fracture and distinguishing between benign and malignant osteoporosis. Positron emission tomography (PET) with CT (PET/CT) provides important information about the extent of whole‐body disease, including soft tissue masses, and is the best tool to distinguish between active or inactive disease after therapy. Both MRI and PET/CT are predictors of clinical outcome. A prospective use of these newer imaging techniques in both clinical trials and clinical practice may help optimize MM management in the near future.
High serum vascular endothelial growth factor level is an adverse prognostic factor for high‐risk diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients treated with dose‐dense chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Riihijärvi Sari , Nurmi Heidi , Holte Harald , Björkholm Magnus , Fluge Øystein , Pedersen Lars Møller , Rydström Karin , Jerkeman Mats , Eriksson Mikael , Leppä Sirpa
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To determine whether serum vascular endothelial growth factor (s‐VEGF) levels and VEGF gene expression in tumor tissue predict survival of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy.

Methods

VEGF levels were measured in serum samples from 102 patients <65 yrs with high‐risk DLBCL using a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. Exon array data set of tumor tissues from 32 patients was concurrently used to determine VEGF‐A exon and gene expression. All patients were treated in a Nordic phase II study with six dose‐dense chemoimmunotherapy courses followed by systemic central nervous system prophylaxis.

Results

After a median follow‐up time of 40 months, 3‐yr progression‐free survival (PFS) was inferior in patients with high s‐VEGF levels compared to those with low levels (59% vs. 83%, P = 0.005). The relative risk of progression or relapse was 3.1‐fold (95% confidence interval 1.34–6.91, P = 0.008). The predictive capacity of s‐VEGF levels on PFS was most pronounced in the DLBCLs of non‐germinal center subtype. In contrast to serum data, VEGF mRNA expression in the lymphoma tissue did not predict outcome, and no correlation was found between s‐VEGF levels and lymphoma VEGF expression.

Conclusion

Pretreatment s‐VEGF level is a predictor of PFS after chemoimmunotherapy and may help to further stratify high‐risk DLBCL patients into low‐ and high‐risk groups.
The effect of dietary long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation on owner’s perception of behaviour and locomotion in cats with naturally occurring osteoarthritis
Authors: Corbee R. J. , Barnier M. M. C. , van de Lest C. H. A. , Hazewinkel H. A. W.
Published: August 2012

The aim of this randomized, double‐blinded, placebo–controlled, cross‐over designed study was to demonstrate the clinical effect, registered by a survey, of a 10‐week period of omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation of the diet (1.53 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 0.31 g DHA, both per 1000 kcal ME, equivalent to the complete diet) of 16 cats with radiologically documented, naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA), in comparison with a 10‐week period of supplementation with corn oil (0.00 g EPA and 0.00 g DHA, both per 1000 kcal ME). Cats on the fish oil revealed higher activity level (p = 0.07), more walking up and down the stairs (p = 0.07), less stiffness during gait (p = 0.03), more interaction with the owner (p = 0.07) and higher jumps (p = 0.03) compared to those on corn oil supplementation. In conclusion, supplementation of long‐chain omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids changes the owner’s perception of some aspects of behaviour and locomotion in cats with naturally occurring OA.
Obesity in show dogs
Authors: Corbee R. J.
Published: August 2012

Obesity is an important disease with a growing incidence. Because obesity is related to several other diseases, and decreases life span, it is important to identify the population at risk. Several risk factors for obesity have been described in the literature. A higher incidence of obesity in certain breeds is often suggested. The aim of this study was to determine whether obesity occurs more often in certain breeds. The second aim was to relate the increased prevalence of obesity in certain breeds to the official standards of that breed. To this end, we investigated 1379 dogs of 128 different breeds by determining their body condition score (BCS). Overall, 18.6% of the show dogs had a BCS >5, and 1.1% of the show dogs had a BCS>7. There were significant differences between breeds, which could be correlated to the breed standards. It warrants firm discussions with breeders and judges in order to come to different interpretations of the standards to prevent overweight conditions from being the standard of beauty.
A comparative study at two different altitudes with two dietary nutrition levels on rumen fermentation and energy metabolism in Chinese Holstein cows
Authors: Qiao G. H. , Shao T. , Yu C. Q. , Wang X. L. , Yang X. , Zhu X. Q. , Lu Y.
Published: August 2012

The object of this study was to investigate the effect of two altitudes (1600 vs. 3600 m) with two nutritional levels [5.88 MJ/kg dry matter (DM) vs. 7.56 MJ/kg DM] on apparent total tract digestibility, rumen fermentation, energy metabolism, milk yield and milk composition in Chinese Holstein cows. Sixteen Chinese Holstein cows in their third lactation with close body weights, days in milk and milk yield were randomly divided into four groups, of which two were directly transferred from Lanzhou (altitude of 1600 m) to Lhasa (altitude of 3600 m). Four treatments (high plateau and high nutrition level, HA‐HN; high plateau and low nutrition level, HA‐LN; low plateau and high nutrition level, LA‐HN; and low plateau and low nutrition level, LA‐LN) were randomly arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial experimental design. Results indicated that the apparent total tract digestibility of a diet’s DM, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre and DM intake were not affected by either altitude or nutrition level (p > 0.05). Milk protein percentage was higher for the diet with the high level of nutrition than for the diet with low nutrition level irrespective of altitude (p < 0.05). Percentages of milk fat and milk lactose were not affected by either altitude or nutrition level (p > 0.05). The metabolizable energy used for milk energy output was decreased by high altitude in comparison with that at low altitude (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in the live body weight or body condition score (BCS) of Chinese Holstein cows among all of the four treatments (p > 0.05).
Recombinant protein yield in rice seed is enhanced by specific suppression of endogenous seed proteins at the same deposit site
Authors: Yang Lijun , Hirose Sakiko , Takahashi Hideyuki , Kawakatsu Taiji , Takaiwa Fumio
Published: August 2012

Human IL‐10 (hIL‐10) is a therapeutic treatment candidate for inflammatory allergy and autoimmune diseases. Rice seed‐produced IL‐10 can be effectively delivered directly to gut‐associated lymphoreticular tissue (GALT) via bio‐encapsulation. Previously, the codon‐optimized hIL‐10 gene was expressed in transgenic rice with the signal peptide and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal (KDEL) at its 5′ and 3′ ends, respectively, under the control of the endosperm‐specific glutelin GluB‐1 promoter. The resulting purified hIL‐10 was biologically active. In this study, the yield of hIL‐10 in transgenic rice seed was improved. This protein accumulated at the intended deposition sites, which had been made vacant through the selective reduction, via RNA interference, of the endogenous seed storage proteins prolamins or glutelins. Upon suppression of prolamins that were sequestered into ER‐derived protein bodies (PB‐I), hIL‐10 accumulation increased approximately 3‐fold as compared to rice seed with no such suppression and reached 219 μg/grain. In contrast, reducing the majority of the glutelins stored in protein‐storage vacuoles (PB‐II) did not significantly affect the accumulation of hIL‐10. Considering that hIL‐10 is synthesized in the ER lumen and subsequently buds off in ER‐derived granules called IL‐10 granules in a manner similar to PB‐Is, these results indicate that increases in the available deposition space for the desired recombinant proteins may be crucial for improvements in yield. Furthermore, efficient dimeric intermolecular formation of hIL‐10 by inhibiting interaction with Cys‐rich prolamins also contributed to the enhanced formation of IL‐10 bodies. Higher yield of hIL‐10 produced in rice seeds is expected to have broad application in the future.
Metformin for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa: a little help along the way
Authors: Verdolini R. , Clayton N. , Smith A. , Alwash N. , Mannello B.
Published: August 2012

Background  Despite recent insights into its aetiology, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) remains an intractable and debilitating condition for its sufferers, affecting an estimated 2% of the population. It is characterized by chronic, relapsing abscesses, with accompanying fistula formation within the apocrine glandbearing skin, such as the axillae, ano‐genital areas and breasts. Standard treatments remain ineffectual and the disease often runs a chronic relapsing course associated with significant psychosocial trauma for its sufferers.

Objective  To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Metformin in treating cases of HS which have not responded to standard therapies.

Methods  Twenty‐five patients were treated with Metformin over a period of 24 weeks. Clinical severity of the disease was assessed at time 0, then after 12 weeks and finally after 24 weeks. Results were evaluated using Sartorius and DLQI scores.

Results  Eighteen patients clinically improved with a significant average reduction in their Sartorius score of 12.7 and number of monthly work days lost reduced from 1.5 to 0.4. Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) also showed a significant improvement in 16 cases, with a drop in DLQI score of 7.6.

Conclusion  Metformin helps control HS with minimal side effects and good patient compliance and can represent a further agent in the spectrum of treatments available in the treatment of this disease.
Skin prick test reactivity to aeroallergens by filaggrin mutation status
Authors: Hougaard M.G. , Johansen J.D. , Linneberg A. , Bandier J. , Stender S. , Carlsen B.C. , Szecsi P.B. , Meldgaard M. , Menné T. , Thyssen J.P.
Published: August 2012

Background  Studies have shown that filaggrin gene (FLG) mutations are positively associated with sensitization to aero allergens. We hypothesized that FLG mutations would also have an effect on the mean size of positive skin prick test (SPT) reactions as well as the number of positive reactions.

Objective  To investigate the effect of FLG mutations on the mean size and the number of positive SPT reactions, as well as the association with positive specific IgE.

Methods  A random sample of 3335 adults from the general population in Denmark was genotyped for the R501X and 2282del4 mutations in the FLG. SPT and specific IgE measurements to common aeroallergens were also performed.

Results  FLG mutations did not influence the mean size and number of positive SPT reactions. Also, no association was found between FLG mutations and specific IgE measurements.

Conclusion  Our findings suggest that FLG mutations alone are insufficient to cause secondary sensitization to allergens. The positive association seen in patients must be explained by a combination of further barrier abnormality caused by dermatitis as well as increased allergen exposure.
Dynamic skin changes of acute radiation dermatitis revealed by in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Vano‐Galvan S. , Fernandez‐Lizarbe E. , Truchuelo M. , Diaz‐Ley B. , Grillo E. , Sanchez V. , Ríos‐Buceta L. , Paoli J. , Sancho S. , Montero A. , Hernanz R. , Ramos A. , Jaen P. , Gonzalez S.
Published: August 2012

Background  A better knowledge of the dynamic biological changes that the skin undergoes in response to ionizing radiation is advisable to improve the management of radiation dermatitis, allowing selection of patients needing treatment or close monitoring.

Objective  To describe the evolution of the skin in response to ionizing radiation through the reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features of acute radiation dermatitis.

Methods  In this prospective descriptive study, six women (median age, 55 years; range, 45–80 years) diagnosed with breast cancer in stages IA‐IB undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy were included in the study through consecutive sampling. Clinical, dermoscopic and RCM evaluation of the skin were performed prior to treatment and on days 1, 15, 30 and 45 after radiotherapy.

Results  While clinical features of radiation dermatitis emerged after 30 days on average, histopathological changes were detectable by RCM after a mean time of 15 days. The main RCM features included initial appearance of spongiosis, exocytosis and inflammatory cells followed by the presence of dendritic‐shaped cells, ‘streaming‐like figures’, ‘broken geographic papillae’, epidermal architectural disarray, effacement of rete ridges, melanophages and, finally, hyperpigmentation of the basal layer.

Conclusions  RCM may safely detect the dynamic biological changes that the skin undergoes in response to ionizing radiation, even before than clinical onset of acute radiation dermatitis. Therefore, RCM may be useful to make an early and non‐invasive diagnosis of radiation dermatitis during radiotherapy, allowing an early selection of patients needing treatment or close monitoring and avoiding skin biopsies.
Brain tissue volumes in familial longevity: the Leiden Longevity Study
Authors: Altmann‐Schneider Irmhild , de Craen Anton J. M. , Slagboom Pieternella E. , Westendorp Rudi G. J. , van Buchem Mark A. , Maier Andrea B. , van der Grond Jeroen
Published: August 2012

Atrophy is one of the major age‐related changes in the brain. The absence of brain atrophy in elderly individuals reflects deceleration in the process of biological aging. Moreover, results from human twin studies suggest a large genetic influence on the variance of human brain tissue volumes. To investigate the association of brain volumes with exceptional longevity, we tested whether middle‐aged to elderly offspring of nonagenarian siblings have larger brain volumes than their spouses using magnetic resonance imaging. No differences in whole brain, gray matter and white matter volume were found. These brain volumes were associated with chronological age in offspring and control subjects (all P < 0.001). Left amygdalar volume of the offspring was larger (P = 0.03) compared with control subjects [mean volume offspring (cm3) (95% confidence interval, CI) = 1.39 (1.36–1.42), mean volume control subjects (cm3) (95% CI) = 1.32 (1.29–1.35)]. Association of left amygdalar volume with familial longevity was particularly pronounced when offspring with the oldest long‐lived parent were compared with control subjects (P = 0.01). Amygdalar volumes were not associated with chronological age in both groups. Our findings suggest that the observed association of a larger left amygdalar volume with familial longevity is not caused by a relative preservation of the left amygdala during the course of aging but most likely a result of early development caused by a genetic familial trait.
Combined thermobarometry and geochronology of peraluminous metapelites from the Karakoram metamorphic complex, North Pakistan; New insight into the tectonothermal evolution of the Baltoro and Hunza Valley regions
Authors: PALIN R. M. , SEARLE M. P. , WATERS D. J. , HORSTWOOD M. S. A. , PARRISH R.R.
Published: August 2012

Petrographic analysis of peraluminous metapelites from two separate regions of the Karakoram metamorphic complex, North Pakistan, has produced new insights into the P–T–t evolution of the deep crust along the south Asian margin before and after the India‐Asia collision. Average P–T estimates and pseudosection construction in the MnO–Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–Fe2O3 (MnNCKFMASHTO) system using THERMOCALC have provided prograde and peak metamorphic conditions and U–Pb geochronology of metamorphic monazite has provided age constraints. Two new events in the tectonothermal evolution of the Hunza Valley have been documented; an andalusite‐grade contact metamorphic event at 105.5 ± 0.8 Ma, at unknown P–T conditions, associated with the widespread subduction‐related granite magmatism before the India‐Asia collision, and a kyanite‐grade overprint of sillimanite‐grade rocks with peak P–T conditions of ∼7.8 kbar, 645 °C at 28.2 ± 0.8 Ma associated with the ongoing India‐Asia collision. A kyanite‐grade event observed in the Baltoro region with similar peak P–T conditions (∼7.4–8.0 kbar, ∼640–660 °C) is interpreted to have occurred sometime after 21.8 ± 0.6 Ma, however, previous studies have suggested that this event commenced in the Baltoro as early as c. 28 Ma. A calculated prograde P–T path for this kyanite‐grade event in the Baltoro indicates that garnet first nucleated on an initially high geothermal gradient (∼30 °C km−1) and grew during a significant increase in pressure of ∼2.6 kbar over a temperature increase of ∼100 °C. This event is thought to represent evidence for conductive heating of the middle crust during early stages of intrusion and lateral migration of the Baltoro batholith, with thermal conditions comparable with tectonic models of magmatic over‐accretion.
Cloning, Expression and Characterization of the δ‐carbonic Anhydrase of Thalassiosira weissflogii (Bacillariophyceae)
Authors: Lee Renee Bee Yong , Smith J. Andrew C. , Rickaby Rosalind E. M.
Published: August 2012

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is a ubiquitous metalloenzyme responsible for accelerating the interconversion of CO2 and bicarbonate. Although CAs are involved in a broad range of biochemical processes involving carboxylation or decarboxylation reactions, they are of special interest due to their role in photosynthetic CO2 assimilation in marine phytoplankton, especially under low‐CO2 conditions. Several phylogenetically independent classes of CAs have been identified in a variety of marine phytoplankton. TWCA1, first discovered in Thalassiosira weissflogii (Grunow) G. Fryxell & Hasle, is the founding member of the δ‐class of CAs; these appear to be extracellular enzymes, but are still relatively poorly characterized. To date, it has remained uncertain whether TWCA1 possesses true CA activity due to the difficulty in producing a functional protein in a heterologous expression system. Herein we describe the fusion of a full‐length open reading frame of TWCA1 to the coding sequence of a self‐splicing intein in a pTWIN2 expression vector that has allowed successful production of a functional enzyme in Escherichia coli. Assay of the recombinant protein shows that TWCA1 is a catalytically active δ‐CA possessing both CO2 hydration and esterase activity.
Mental health status in pregnancy among native and non‐native Swedish‐speaking women: a Bidens study
Authors: WANGEL ANNE‐MARIE , SCHEI BERIT , RYDING ELSA LENA , ÖSTMAN MARGARETA ,   THE BIDENS STUDY GROUP
Published: August 2012

Objectives. To describe mental health status in native and non‐native Swedish‐speaking pregnant women and explore risk factors of depression and posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms. Design and setting. A cross‐sectional questionnaire study was conducted at midwife‐based antenatal clinics in Southern Sweden. Sample. A non‐selected group of women in mid‐pregnancy. Methods. Participants completed a questionnaire covering background characteristics, social support, life events, mental health variables and the short Edinburgh Depression Scale. Main outcome measures. Depressive symptoms during the past week and PTS symptoms during the past year. Results. Out of 1003 women, 21.4% reported another language than Swedish as their mother tongue and were defined as non‐native. These women were more likely to be younger, have fewer years of education, potential financial problems, and lack of social support. More non‐native speakers self‐reported depressive, PTS, anxiety and, psychosomatic symptoms, and fewer had had consultations with a psychiatrist or psychologist. Of all women, 13.8% had depressive symptoms defined by Edinburgh Depression Scale 7 or above. Non‐native status was associated with statistically increased risks of depressive symptoms and having ≥1 PTS symptom compared with native‐speaking women. Multivariate modeling including all selected factors resulted in adjusted odds ratios for depressive symptoms of 1.75 (95% confidence interval: 1.11–2.76) and of 1.56 (95% confidence interval: 1.10–2.34) for PTS symptoms in non‐native Swedish speakers. Conclusion. Non‐native Swedish‐speaking women had a more unfavorable mental health status than native speakers. In spite of this, non‐native speaking women had sought less mental health care.
Periodontal status and its correlation with haematological parameters in patients with leukaemia
Authors: Angst Patrícia Daniela Melchiors , Dutra Danilo Antonio Milbradt , Moreira Carlos Heitor Cunha , Kantorski Karla Zanini
Published: August 2012

Aim

This cross‐sectional study evaluated periodontal status in patients with leukaemia and its correlation with haematological parameters.

Methods

Patients with different types of leukaemia and minimum age of 14 years were eligible. Calibrated examiners assessed Seymour index (SI), plaque index (PlI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) and performed an interview. Haematological parameters were obtained from haemogram performed on the same day of the periodontal examinations.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients were evaluated, which corresponded to an 85% response rate. Periodontal parameters were in agreement with plaque accumulation (PlI 1.28 ± 0.5, GI 0.74 ± 0.4, PD 2.27 ± 0.6, BOP 33%, CAL 2.31 ± 1.6). PlI and CAL were statistically lower in acute leukaemia (1.13 ± 0.61 and 1.96 ± 1.7) in comparison with chronic leukaemia (1.46 ± 0.44 and 2.74 ± 1.4). Moreover, older age (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27–1.56), higher educational level (CI: −1.94 to −0.64) and smoker (CI: 0.39–1.96) were associated with CAL. Correlation between periodontal and haematological parameters was not observed. Correlations between GI x SI and PD x SI were statistically significant (rS = 0.390, p = 0.001; rS = 0.517, p = 0.000 respectively).

Conclusions

Periodontal parameters were consistent with plaque accumulation and did not correlate with haematological parameters irrespective of the leukaemia type.
Whole mouth antimicrobial effects after oral hygiene: comparison of three dentifrice formulations
Authors: Fine Daniel H. , Sreenivasan Prem K. , McKiernan Marie , Tischio‐Bereski Debra , Furgang David
Published: August 2012

Aims

This study compared the antimicrobial effects of three commercial dentifrice formulations: sodium fluoride/triclosan/copolymer (TCN/C), stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate/zinc lactate (SnF2/SHMP) and sodium fluoride (NaF).

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐five adults (15 men and 20 women; average age 33 years and pockets <5 mm) completed this double‐blind, triple‐crossover study. After washout, baseline samples from four sites, plaque, saliva, tongue and buccal mucosa, were collected and evaluated for six microbial types, anaerobes, Streptococci, Actinomyces, hydrogen‐sulphide (H2S)‐producing bacteria, Fusobacteria and Veillonella. A specific dentifrice was randomly assigned for twice‐daily use for 13 days. On day 14, 12 h after brushing, samples were collected for microbiological evaluations. Alternate dentifrices followed this identical protocol.

Results

For all four oral sites and six organisms evaluated in each site, the TCN/C demonstrated significant reductions (49–83%) as compared with the other treatments (p < 0.01). The SnF2/SHMP group showed significant reductions of 14–43% for 14 of 24 outcomes as compared with the NaF group (p < 0.01), with no differences in 10 outcomes.

Conclusions

The TCN/C dentifrice formulation consistently demonstrated significant reductions for a range of microorganisms in diverse oral sites in comparison with the NaF, or the SnF2/SHMP dentifrice formulations as seen 12 h after brushing.
Non‐surgical periodontal therapy reduces coronary heart disease risk markers: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: H. Bokhari Syed A. , Khan Ayyaz A. , Butt Arshad K. , Azhar Mohammad , Hanif Mohammad , Izhar Mateen , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: August 2012

Aim

Periodontal disease elevates systemic inflammatory markers strongly associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of non‐surgical periodontal therapy on systemic C‐reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and white blood cells in CHD patients.

Materials and Methods

Angiographically proven CHD patients with periodontitis (n = 317) were randomized to intervention (n = 212) or control group (n = 105). Primary outcome was reduction in serum CRP levels; secondary outcomes were reductions in fibrinogen and white blood cells. Periodontal treatment included scaling, root planing and oral hygiene instructions. Periodontal and systemic parameters were assessed at baseline and at 2‐month follow‐up. Intent‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis was performed.

Results

Study was completed by 246 subjects (intervention group = 161; control group = 85). Significant improvements in periodontal and systemic parameters were observed in intervention group. The number of subjects with CRP > 3mg/L in intervention group decreased by 38% and in control group increased by 4%. ITT analysis gave a significant (χ2=4.381, p = 0.036) absolute risk reduction of 12.5%.

Conclusion

In CHD patients with periodontitis, non‐surgical mechanical periodontal therapy significantly reduced systemic levels of C‐reactive protein, fibrinogen and white blood cells.
Clear cell adenocarcinoma arising from endometriosis in abdominal wall cesarean section scar: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Shalin Sara C. , Haws Andrea L. , Carter Dornechia G. , Zarrin‐Khameh Neda
Published: August 2012

Malignancy arising in association with endometriosis is a rare but well‐documented phenomenon that was first described in the literature as early as 1925. Cutaneous endometriosis with subsequent malignant transformation is even more uncommon, and high clinical suspicion is required for diagnosis. The clinical differential diagnosis of these lesions includes a wide variety of entities, ranging from benign cysts to malignancies such as melanoma. We report a case of clear cell adenocarcinoma arising from endometriosis in a cesarean section scar in a 47‐year‐old woman, and we complete a review of the literature regarding this unusual entity.
Secondhand cigarette smoke exposure causes upregulation of cerebrovascular 5‐HT1B receptors via the Raf/ERK/MAPK pathway in rats
Authors: Cao L. , Xu C. B. , Zhang Y. , Cao Y. X. , Edvinsson L.
Published: August 2012

Aim

Cigarette smoke exposure increases the risk of stroke. Upregulation of 5‐hydroxytryptamine 1B (5‐HT1B) receptors is associated with the pathogenesis of cerebral ischaemia. This study examined the hypothesis that the expression of 5‐HT1B receptors is altered in brain vessels after secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure.

Methods

Rats were exposed to SHS in vivo for 200 min daily for 8 weeks. The contractile responses of isolated cerebral arteries were studies by a sensitive myograph. The mRNA and protein expression for 5‐HT1B receptors were examined by real‐time PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence respectively. In addition, the phosphorylation of Raf/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway was evaluated.

Results

The results showed that SHS exposure shifted the 5‐HT1B receptor‐mediated concentration–contraction curve towards the left with a markedly increased maximal contraction. Furthermore, there were significant elevations in mRNA level and protein expression of 5‐HT1B receptors in SHS‐exposed rats. Immunostaining revealed that the 5‐HT1B receptors were localized to the smooth muscle cells of cerebral arteries. SHS was also found to induce the phosphorylation of Raf‐1 and ERK1/2 proteins. The administration of a Raf‐1 inhibitor GW5074 attenuated the 5‐HT1B receptor upregulation.

Conclusion

Secondhand smoke exposure upregulates cerebrovascular 5‐HT1B receptors in rats. The receptor upregulation is associated with Raf/ERK/MAPK activation.
Miscanthus biomass productivity within US croplands and its potential impact on soil organic carbon
Authors: Mishra Umakant , Torn Margaret S. , Fingerman Kevin
Published: August 2012

Interest in bioenergy crops is increasing due to their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. We combined process‐based and geospatial models to estimate the potential biomass productivity of miscanthus and its potential impact on soil carbon stocks in the croplands of the continental United States. The optimum (climatic potential) rainfed productivity for field‐dried miscanthus biomass ranged from 1 to 23 Mg biomass ha−1 yr−1, with a spatial average of 13 Mg ha−1 yr−1and a coefficient of variation of 30%. This variation resulted primarily from the spatial heterogeneity of effective rainfall, growing degree days, temperature, and solar radiation interception. Cultivating miscanthus would result in a soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration at the rate of 0.16–0.82 Mg C ha−1 yr−1across the croplands due to cessation of tillage and increased biomass carbon input into the soil system. We identified about 81 million ha of cropland, primarily in the eastern United States, that could sustain economically viable (>10 Mg ha−1 yr−1) production without supplemental irrigation, of which about 14 million ha would reach optimal miscanthus growth. To meet targets of the US Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 using miscanthus as feedstock, 19 million ha of cropland would be needed (spatial average 13 Mg ha−1 yr−1) or about 16% less than is currently dedicated to US corn‐based ethanol production.
Root coverage in molar teeth: a comparative controlled randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zucchelli Giovanni , Marzadori Matteo , Mele Monica , Stefanini Martina , Montebugnoli Lucio
Published: August 2012

Aim

To compare the clinical outcomes of laterally moved, coronally advanced flap (LMCAF) versus Bilaminar technique (BT) in the treatment of single gingival recession on molar teeth.

Material and Methods

Fifty patients showing Miller I and II gingival recessions at first molar teeth were treated: 25 were randomly assigned to the BT group and 25 belonged to the LMCAF group. Patient's post‐operative morbidity was assessed 1 week after the surgery, while aesthetic evaluation and the clinical evaluation were made 1 year later.

Results

No statistically significant difference was demonstrated in terms of recession and PPD reduction. Statistically greater probability of complete root coverage (CRC, Odds Ratio 22.1) and greater increase in gingival thickness were observed in the BT group. Greater increase in keratinized tissue was obtained in the LMCAF. Patient satisfaction with aesthetics was very high in both treatment groups. Better post‐operative course was observed in the LMCAF, while better post‐operative sensitivity and root coverage evaluation were demonstrated in patients treated with BT.

Conclusions

Gingival recession at first molar teeth can be successfully treated with LMCAF and BT. Better CRC was achieved with BT, while more comfortable post‐operative course was associated with the LMCAF.
MODELING TWO-DIMENSIONAL SOFTWARE MULTI-UPGRADATION AND RELATED RELEASE PROBLEM (A MULTI-ATTRIBUTE UTILITY APPROACH)
Authors: GARMABAKI AMIR H. S. , AGGARWAL ANU. G. , KAPUR P. K. , YADAVALI V. S. S.
Published: August 2012

The today's fast-paced, competitive environment in the field of Science and Technology, demands highly reliable hardware and software in order to achieve new breakthroughs in quality and productivity. In this scenario, first release of software products includes enough features and functionality to make it useful for the customers. Later, software companies have to come up with upgradation or add-ons in their software to survive in the market through a series of releases. Each succeeding upgradation offers some innovative performance or new functionality, distinguishing itself from the past releases. In one-dimensional Software Reliability Growth Models (SRGM) researcher used one factor such as Testing-Time, Testing-Effort or Coverage, etc. but within a two-dimensional SRGM environment, the process depends on two-types of reliability growth factors like Testing-time and Testing-effort. In addition, we also consider the combined effect of bugs encountered during testing of present release and user reported bugs from the operational phase. The model developed in the paper takes into consideration the testing and the operational phase where fault removal phenomenon follows, logistic and Weibull model, respectively. The paper also comprises of formulating an optimal release problem based on Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT). Lastly, the model validation is done on real dataset of software already released in the market with successive generations.
A TWO-PHASE APPROACH FOR RELIABILITY AND MAINTAINABILITY ANALYSIS OF AN INDUSTRIAL SYSTEM
Authors: GARG HARISH , SHARMA S. P.
Published: August 2012

Probability distributions play an important role in the reliability studies and have many applications in engineering. Estimation of the distribution parameters is also significant for making a decision. It is difficult to trap the global solution for the estimation of parameters by the traditional methods such as maximum likelihood estimator (MLE), as these methods trap a local solution. To get the global values of these parameters is complicated. In this paper, we have developed a two-phase approach by taking the advantages of one of the evolutionary algorithms, namely the particle swarm optimization (PSO) for getting the global values of the distribution parameters. PSO exploits the concept of the moment method to estimate the distribution parameters by using mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation (CV) and Anderson–Darling (AD) statistics for the best fitting of the distribution to failure data. In comparison with the widely used algorithms, a meta-heuristic algorithm (PSO) offers much more choices for system designers.
OPTIMIZATION OF MAINTENANCE SCHEDULING OF SHIP BORNE MACHINERY FOR IMPROVED RELIABILITY AND REDUCED COST
Authors: VERMA AJIT KUMAR , SRIVIDYA A. , RANA ANIL , KHATTRI SANJAY K.
Published: August 2012

Ships have a wide variety of machinery available onboard that is crucial for her sustenance at sea for prolonged durations. The machinery can be grouped into various plants, such as propulsion plant, air conditioning plants, power generation plants, etc., each having its own specific function. The plants in turn are composed of various systems which further comprise various types of machinery. There are redundancies built in at the plant level, as well as at the system and at machinery level, so as to improve the reliability of the ship as a whole. Planning of maintenance schedule, specifically for tasks which can only be undertaken in an ashore repair yard is a daunting task for the maintenance managers. The paper presents a NSGA-II (nondominated sorting genetic algorithm) based multi-objective optimization approach to arrive at an optimum maintenance plan for the vast variety of machinery in order to improve the average reliability of ship's operations at sea at minimum cost. The paper presents the advantages that can accrue from introducing short maintenance periods for a select group of machinery, within the constraints of mandatory operational time, over the method of following a common maintenance interval for all the machinery. The problem function in hand is nonlinear, multi-modal and multi-objective in nature. The search spaces for the problem is noncontinuous and the (multiple) variables, such as time interval for maintenance, serial number of equipment, number of minor maintenance actions, etc., are uncoded real parameters.
INVESTIGATION OF THE ADOPTION AND USE OF STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS BY MACHINERY MANUFACTURERS
Authors: SANGARÉ AMADOU , GAUTHIER FRANCOIS , ABDUL-NOUR GEORGES
Published: August 2012

The globalization of the economy and the competition between emerging countries has compelled machinery manufacturers in developed countries to have new production methods in an environment of "consensual" standardization and extensive regulation. However, very little research has focused on the use of these standards and regulations. This empirical exploratory study aims to develop a profile of the adoption and use of normative and regulatory documents by Québec machinery manufacturers. It investigated the data from 46 manufacturing companies in this Canadian province. The statistical analyses led to many relevant findings. They revealed that some factual characteristics positively affect these companies' use of standards and regulations. However, other apparently important factors, but having no significant impact, were also identified. The results will serve as tools for the actors (machine designers, quality and safety and health managers, government agencies, and universities) in improving machinery production and utilization conditions in Québec, Canada and elsewhere.
BIRNBAUM IMPORTANCE FOR CONSECUTIVE-k SYSTEMS
Authors: KAMALJA KIRTEE K.
Published: August 2012

Reliability importance of components of various systems is an important part in the reliability study. In this paper Birnbaum-reliability importance (B-importance) of components of three popular consecutive-type systems as consecutive-k-out-of-n: F-system, m-consecutive-k-out-of-n: F system and r-within-consecutive-k-out-of-n: F system is studied. The B-importance is studied when the survival probabilities of components of the system are Markov dependent. This study is based on conditional distribution of number of occurrences of failure runs of length k and number of occurrences of scanning windows of length k containing r failures in the sequence of Markov Bernoulli trials. Simplified formulae for calculation of B-importance of each component of the three consecutive-type systems are developed in terms of survival probabilities. To demonstrate the simplicity of the derived results, numerical study is also included.
THE RESEARCH OF RISK- AND CONDITION-BASED MAINTENANCE DECISION-MAKING AND TASK OPTIMIZING SYSTEM FOR ROTATING EQUIPMENT IN LARGE PETROCHEMICAL PLANTS
Authors: YUAN QINGBIN , WANG QINGFENG , GAO JINJI
Published: August 2012

Downtime of rotating equipment in large petrochemical plants often led to serious or even disastrous safety and environmental accidents, which generally stem from inadequate maintenance or incapability of failure prediction. In order to allocate maintenance resources rationally and improve the reliability, availability and safety of equipment, a kind of risk- and condition-based maintenance decision-making and task optimizing system for rotating equipment in large petrochemical plants is established in this paper. Using real-time database, web service and service-oriented architecture (SOA), a risk- and condition-based maintenance decision-making system architecture is developed to provide a unified data structure and man–machine interface, which integrates reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), condition monitoring system (CMS) and manufacturing executive system (MES) together. Risk assessment and condition monitoring technology is applied to form maintenance decision making, such as to determine the priority maintenance level, to optimize maintenance content, and to determine the right maintenance time. Based on the decision-making system, the risk rank and degradation trend of failure characteristics are used to support the decision making and to optimize maintenance tasks. The result of an engineering case shows that the maintenance decision-making based on the risk assessment and condition monitoring can lower the operational risk while enhancing the reliability, availability and safety.
MEMBERSHIP FUNCTION OF FAILURE PROBABILITY USING MULTICUT-HIGH DIMENSIONAL MODEL REPRESENTATION
Authors: BALU A. S. , RAO B. N.
Published: August 2012

The structural reliability analysis in the presence of mixed uncertain variables demands more computation as the entire configuration fuzzy variables needs to be explored. Moreover the existence of multiple design points deviate the accuracy of results as the optimization algorithms may converge to a local design point by neglecting the main contribution from the global design point. Therefore, in this paper a novel uncertainty analysis method for estimating the membership function of failure probability of structural systems involving multiple design points in the presence of mixed uncertain variables is presented. The proposed method involves Multicut-High Dimensional Model Representation technique for the limit state function approximation, transformation technique to obtain the contribution of the fuzzy variables to the convolution integral and fast Fourier transform for solving the convolution integral. In the proposed method, efforts are required in evaluating conditional responses at a selected input determined by sample points, as compared to full scale simulation methods. Therefore, the proposed technique estimates the failure probability accurately with significantly less computational effort compared to the direct Monte Carlo simulation. The methodology developed is applicable for structural reliability analysis involving any number of fuzzy and random variables. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated through three examples.
Creatine kinase overexpression improves ATP kinetics and contractile function in postischemic myocardium
Authors: Akki Ashwin , Su Jason , Yano Toshiyuki , Gupta Ashish , Wang Yibin , Leppo Michelle K. , Chacko Vadappuram P. , Steenbergen Charles , Weiss Robert G.
Published: August 2012

Reduced myofibrillar ATP availability during prolonged myocardial ischemia may limit post-ischemic mechanical function. Because creatine kinase (CK) is the prime energy reserve reaction of the heart and because it has been difficult to augment ATP synthesis during and after ischemia, we used mice that overexpress the myofibrillar isoform of creatine kinase (CKM) in cardiac-specific, conditional fashion to test the hypothesis that CKM overexpression increases ATP delivery in ischemic-reperfused hearts and improves functional recovery. Isolated, retrograde-perfused hearts from control and CKM mice were subjected to 25 min of global, no-flow ischemia and 40 min of reperfusion while cardiac function [rate pressure product (RPP)] was monitored. A combination of 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance experiments at 11.7T and biochemical assays was used to measure the myocardial rate of ATP synthesis via CK (CK flux) and intracellular pH (pHi). Baseline CK flux was severalfold higher in CKM hearts (8.1 ± 1.0 vs. 32.9 ± 3.8, mM/s, control vs. CKM; P < 0.001) with no differences in phosphocreatine concentration [PCr] and RPP. End-ischemic pHi was higher in CKM hearts than in control hearts (6.04 ± 0.12 vs. 6.37 ± 0.04, control vs. CKM; P < 0.05) with no differences in [PCr] and [ATP] between the two groups. Post-ischemic PCr (66.2 ± 1.3 vs. 99.1 ± 8.0, %preischemic levels; P < 0.01), CK flux (3.2 ± 0.4 vs. 14.0 ± 1.2 mM/s; P < 0.001) and functional recovery (13.7 ± 3.4 vs. 64.9 ± 13.2%preischemic RPP; P < 0.01) were significantly higher and lactate dehydrogenase release was lower in CKM than in control hearts. Thus augmenting cardiac CKM expression attenuates ischemic acidosis, reduces injury, and improves not only high-energy phosphate content and the rate of CK ATP synthesis in postischemic myocardium but also recovery of contractile function.
Novel Autosomal Recessivec10orf2Mutations Causing Infantile-Onset Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Hartley Jessica N. , Booth Frances A. , Del Bigio Marc R. , Mhanni Aizeddin A.
Published: August 2012

Recessive mutations in genes encoding mitochondrial DNA replication machinery lead to mitochondrial DNA depletion syndromes. This genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous group includes infantile onset spinocerebellar ataxia (OMIM# 271245) a neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the mtDNA helicase gene,c10orf2, with an increased frequency in the Finnish population due to a founder mutation. We describe a child of English descent who presented with a severe phenotype of IOSCA as a result of two-novel mutations in thec10orf2gene. This paper expands the phenotypic spectrum of IOSCA and adds further evidence for the presence of a genotype-phenotype correlation among patients with recessive mutations in this gene.