bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of Cooperatives and Investor Owned Firms Revisited
Authors: Soboh Rafat , Oude Lansink Alfons , Van Dijk Gert
Published: November 2011

The objectives of dairy processing cooperatives differ from those of investor‐owned firms (IOFs). However, the literature usually assumes the same performance measures for cooperatives vis‐a‐vis IOFs. This study compares the performance of dairy cooperatives and IOFs in major European dairy producing countries. A traditional input oriented approach is used and two alternative approaches are used to account for the differential objectives of cooperatives. Cooperatives’ performance differs across the two approaches from being outperformed by IOFs using the input oriented approach to outperforming them when using an approach that is more in line with cooperatives’ objectives.
House dust mite potentiates capsaicin‐evoked Ca2+ transients in mouse pulmonary sensory neurons via activation of protease‐activated receptor‐2
Authors: Gu Qihai , Lee Lu‐Yuan
Published: November 2011

House dust mite (HDM) is a major source of allergen in house dust and has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether HDM can modulate the sensitivity of pulmonary sensory neurons and, if so, to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Fura‐2‐based ratiometric Ca2+ imaging was carried out to determine the effect of HDM extract on the capsaicin‐evoked Ca2+ transient in mouse vagal pulmonary sensory neurons. Pretreatment with HDM (50 μg ml−1, 5 min) significantly enhanced the Ca2+ transient evoked by capsaicin in these neurons isolated from wild‐type mice. This potentiating effect of HDM was not antagonized by E‐64, a selective cysteine protease inhibitor, but was completely prevented by AEBSF, a specific serine protease inhibitor. In addition, the potentiating effect of HDM on capsaicin‐evoked Ca2+ transient was absent in the pulmonary sensory neurons isolated from protease‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR2) knockout mice. Furthermore, the sensitizing effect of HDM was completely abolished by U73122, a phosholipase C inhibitor, or chelerythrine, a protein kinase C inhibitor. In summary, our results demonstrate that HDM, mainly through its serine protease activity, potentiates capsaicin‐evoked Ca2+ transient in mouse pulmonary sensory neurons via the activation of PAR2 and the phosholipase C–protein kinase C intracellular transduction cascade.
Energy and Exergy Analysis of a Photovoltaic-Thermal Collector With Natural Air Flow
Authors: Shahsavar A. , Ameri M. , Gholampour M.
Published: November 2011

The objective of present work is to analyze the energy and the exergy performance of a naturally ventilated photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) air collector which is designed, manufactured and tested at a geographic location of Kerman, Iran. This PV/T collector is tested in both glazed and unglazed types. In this system, a thin metal sheet is used to improve heat extraction from the PV panels and consequently achieving higher thermal and electrical output. The metal sheet is suspended at the middle of an air channel in the studied PV/T air configuration. A theoretical model is developed and validated against experimental data, where good agreement between the predicted results and measured data is achieved. The validated model is then used to study the effect of the solar radiation, channel depth, collector length, and PV cell efficiency on total energy and exergy efficiency of the studied system.
Temperature and Irradiance Dependence of a Dye Sensitized Solar Cell With Acetonitrile Based Electrolyte
Authors: Peng Edwin , Berberoğlu Halil
Published: November 2011

Performance characteristics of an acetonitrile electrolyte based dye-sensitized solar cell were measured experimentally as functions of temperature (from 5 to 50 °C) and irradiance (from 500 to 1500 W m−2). The results indicated two thermal regimes of operation characterized by diffusion and recombination limitation. It was shown that in the diffusion dominated regime the photoconversion efficiency was not a strong function of temperature whereas it decreased significantly with increasing temperature in the recombination dominated regime. Also, it was shown that the recombination rate was not affected significantly by increase in irradiance resulting in an overall larger temperature dependence of cell performance at larger irradiances.
Surgical Outcomes for Intractable Epilepsy in Children With Epileptic Spasms
Authors: Moseley Brian D. , Nickels Katherine , Wirrell Elaine C.
Published: November 2011

Epileptic spasms, or seizures marked by flexor, extensor, or flexor-extensor spasms, are not always responsive to medical management. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the outcome of epilepsy surgery in children with medically intractable epileptic spasms. We identified 11 children with epileptic spasms who underwent lesionectomy (36%), lobectomy (27%), multi-lobectomy (9%), hemispherectomy (18%), or corpus callosotomy (9%). At the time of surgery, 6 children had developed other concurrent seizure type(s), including simple partial (9%), complex partial (27%), partial undifferentiated (9%), primary generalized tonic clonic (9%), tonic (9%), atonic (27%), and myoclonic (9%) seizures. Six children (55%) were seizure free at last follow-up from initial surgery. Predictors of favorable outcome included lack of focal slowing and the presence of less than 2 interictal epileptiform abnormalities on postoperative electroencephalogram ( P = .035 and .035, respectively). Favorable outcome was significantly associated with parent/caregiver report of improved postoperative developmental outcomes ( P = .026).
Promoting Reflection in Teacher Preparation Programs
Authors: Etscheidt Susan , Curran Christina M. , Sawyer Candace M.
Published: November 2011

Teacher reflection has been promoted as a necessary tool for educators to sustain responsive instructional practices. A variety of approaches for integrating inquiry into teaching and reflection in practice emerged from extensive and intensive efforts to reform teacher preparation programs. Based on those conceptualizations, a three-level model of reflection for preservice students was developed and is described. The scaffold levels include technical reflection involving a critique of lesson development and delivery, a deliberative level involving interactive journal writing and video-based analysis, and critical reflection involving topical discussion during seminars. Specific examples and discussion guides are presented, and recommendations for special education teacher preparation programs are offered.
ADAMTS13 reduces vascular inflammation and the development of early atherosclerosis in mice
Authors: Gandhi Chintan , Khan Mohammad Moshahid , Lentz Steven R. , Chauhan Anil K.
Published: November 2011

ADAMTS13, a metalloprotease, plays a pivotal role in preventing spontaneous microvascular thrombosis by cleaving hyperactive ultra large von Willebrand factor multimers into smaller, less active multimers. Reduced ADAMTS13 activity in plasma has been described in many diseases associated with systemic inflammation. It remains uncertain, however, whether ADAMTS13 contributes to disease pathogenesis or rather simply serves as an inflammation-associated marker. We hypothesized that, by decreasing vascular inflammation, ADAMTS13 reduces the development of early atherosclerotic plaques. Using intravital fluorescence microscopy, we observed excessive leukocyte adhesion and accelerated atherosclerotic plaque formation at the carotid sinus of Adamts13−/−/ApoE−/− mice compared with ApoE−/− mice fed a high-fat Western diet. At 4 months of age, there was a significant increase in atherosclerosis in the aorta and aortic sinus of Adamts13−/−/ApoE−/− mice compared with ApoE−/− mice. Interestingly, we detected a 2-fold increase in macrophage recruitment to the atherosclerotic plaque of the Adamts13−/−/ApoE−/− mice compared with ApoE−/− mice, suggesting that the atherosclerotic lesions in these mice were not only larger but also more inflammatory. These findings reveal a new functional role for the antithrombotic enzyme ADAMTS13 in reducing excessive vascular inflammation and plaque formation during early atherosclerosis.
Factors Associated With Exclusive Breastfeeding in the United States
Authors: Jones Jessica R. , Kogan Michael D. , Singh Gopal K. , Dee Deborah L. , Grummer-Strawn Laurence M.
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVES:

To estimate the proportions of US infants who were breastfed exclusively for 6 months, according to characteristics of the mother, child, and household environment, and to compare associations between those characteristics and exclusive breastfeeding with associations between those characteristics and breastfeeding initiation.

METHODS:

Data were obtained from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health, a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios for breastfeeding among all infants and for breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months among infants who had initiated breastfeeding. All analyses were limited to children aged 6 months through 5 years for whom breastfeeding data were available (N = 25 197).

RESULTS:

Of the nearly 75% of children in the study who had ever been breastfed, 16.8% had been breastfed exclusively for 6 months. Non-Hispanic black children were significantly less likely to have ever been breastfed compared with their non-Hispanic white counterparts (adjusted odds ratio: 0.54 [95% confidence interval: 0.44–0.66]). However, no significant differences in the odds of exclusive breastfeeding according to race were observed. Children with birth weights of <1500 g were most likely to have ever been breastfed and least likely to have been breastfed exclusively. Maternal age was significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding; however, maternal age was not associated with breastfeeding initiation.

CONCLUSIONS:

In the United States, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months remains low among those who initiate breastfeeding. Factors associated with breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months differ from those associated with breastfeeding initiation.
Health Care for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System
Authors:   Committee on Adolescence, Braverman Paula K. , Murray Pamela J.
Published: November 2011

Youth in the juvenile correctional system are a high-risk population who, in many cases, have unmet physical, developmental, and mental health needs. Multiple studies have found that some of these health issues occur at higher rates than in the general adolescent population. Although some youth in the juvenile justice system have interfaced with health care providers in their community on a regular basis, others have had inconsistent or nonexistent care. The health needs of these youth are commonly identified when they are admitted to a juvenile custodial facility. Pediatricians and other health care providers play an important role in the care of these youth, and continuity between the community and the correctional facility is crucial. This policy statement provides an overview of the health needs of youth in the juvenile correctional system, including existing resources and standards for care, financing of health care within correctional facilities, and evidence-based interventions. Recommendations are provided for the provision of health care services to youth in the juvenile correctional system as well as specific areas for advocacy efforts.
Impact of Lifestyle-Related Factors on All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Lin Cheng-Chieh , Li Chia-Ing , Liu Chiu-Shong , Lin Wen-Yuan , Fuh Martin Mao-Tsu , Yang Sing-Yu , Lee Cheng-Chun , Li Tsai-Chung
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether combined lifestyle behaviors have an impact on all-cause and cause-specific mortality in patients aged 30–94 years with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants included 5,686 patients >30 years old with T2DM who were enrolled in a Diabetes Care Management Program at a medical center in central Taiwan before 2007. Lifestyle behaviors consisted of smoking, alcohol drinking, physical inactivity, and carbohydrate intake. The main outcomes were all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association between combined lifestyle behaviors and mortality.

RESULTS

The mortality rate among men was 24.10 per 1,000 person-years, and that among women was 17.25 per 1,000 person-years. After adjusting for the traditional risk factors, we found that combined lifestyle behavior was independently associated with all-cause mortality and mortality due to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Patients with three or more points were at a 3.50-fold greater risk of all-cause mortality (95% CI 2.06–5.96) and a 4.94-fold (1.62–15.06), 4.24-fold (1.20–14.95), and 1.31-fold (0.39–4.41) greater risk of diabetes-specific, CVD-specific, and cancer-specific mortality, respectively, compared with patients with zero points. Among these associations, the combined lifestyle behavior was not significantly associated with cancer mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined lifestyle behavior is a strong predictor of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in patients with T2DM.
QTc Interval Prolongation Is Independently Associated With Severe Hypoglycemic Attacks in Type 1 Diabetes From the EURODIAB IDDM Complications Study
Authors: Gruden Gabriella , Giunti Sara , Barutta Federica , Chaturvedi Nish , Witte Daniel R. , Tricarico Marinella , Fuller John H. , Cavallo Perin Paolo , Bruno Graziella
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to assess whether severe hypoglycemic attacks were cross-sectionally associated with abnormalities of the QTc interval in type 1 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study included 3,248 type 1 diabetic patients from the EURODIAB IDDM Complications Study. Severe hypoglycemia was defined as an attack serious enough to require the help of another person. A corrected QTc interval (QTc) >0.44 s was considered abnormally prolonged.

RESULTS

Nineteen percent of patients declared one to two attacks, and 13.2% of patients had three or more attacks. Prevalence of QTc prolongation was greater in patients who experienced three or more hypoglycemic attacks. Logistic regression analysis showed that the frequency of severe hypoglycemia was independently associated with QTc prolongation, even after adjustment for diabetes complications, including autonomic neuropathy (odds ratio 1.27, 95% CI 1.02–1.58).

CONCLUSIONS

We have provided evidence that severe hypoglycemic attacks are independently associated with a prolonged QTc interval in type 1 diabetic patients from the EURODIAB IDDM Complications Study.
Tandem One‐pot Synthesis of Polysubstituted 1,3‐Thiazine Derivatives
Authors: Wang Shuliang , Wang Xiang , Tu Mansu , Jiang Bo , Tu Shujiang
Published: November 2011

A tandem one‐pot synthesis of polysubstituted 1,3‐thiazines has been developed by reacting with cyanoacetamide and isothiocyanate derivatives to give rise to 2‐cyano‐3‐mercaptoacrylamides, which are trapped in situ by various aldehydes or diversely substituted ketones through intermolecular cyclization, providing polysubstituted 1,3‐thiazine derivatives in short reaction times with good to excellent yields. The salient features of this novel protocol are operational simplicity, accessing the desired products from the readily available starting materials and easy of product isolation and may find wide spread applications in medicinal chemistry.
Effect of Explicit Water Molecules on the Color‐Tuning Mechanism of the Firefly
Authors: Min Chungang , Zou Luyi , Sun Ying , Guo Jingfu , Ren Ai‐min , Goddard John D.
Published: November 2011

The contributions of explicit water molecules to color‐tuning mechanism of firefly were studied. The explicit water molecules cause two different structures in the geometrical parameters of keto(‐1) both in vacuo and aqueous solution. There are somewhat larger influences on absorption and emission spectra. When water molecules were added only on the side of benzothiazole ring, the spectra shift to the blue. In contrast, when waters were added only on the side of the thiazoline ring, the spectra shift to red. In a word, the color modulation of the emitted light depends on charge redistribution of molecule keto(‐1), mainly the charge change of the benzothiazole and thiazole rings at the two terminal in keto(‐1).
Near Infrared Spectral Similarity Combined with Variable Selection Method in the Quality Control of Flos Lonicerae: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Xin Ni , Meng Qinghua , Li Yizhen , Hu Yuzhu
Published: November 2011

This paper indicates the possibility to use near infrared (NIR) spectral similarity as a rapid method to estimate the quality of Flos Lonicerae. Variable selection together with modelling techniques is utilized to select representative variables that are used to calculate the similarity. NIR is used to build calibration models to predict the bacteriostatic activity of Flos Lonicerae. For the determination of the bacteriostatic activity, the in vitro experiment is used. Models are built for the Gram‐positive bacteria and also for the Gram‐negative bacteria. A genetic algorithm combined with partial least squares regression (GA‐PLS) is used to perform the calibration. The results of GA‐PLS models are compared to interval partial least squares (iPLS) models, full‐spectrum PLS and full‐spectrum principal component regression (PCR) models. Then, the variables in the two GA‐PLS models are combined and then used to calculate the NIR spectral similarity of samples. The similarity based on the characteristic variables and full spectrum is used for evaluating the fingerprints of Flos Lonicerae, respectively. The results show that the combination of variable selection method, modelling techniques and similarity analysis might be a powerful tool for quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Interaction Between Marginal Zinc and High Fat Supply on Lipid Metabolism and Growth of Weanling Rats
Authors: Weigand Edgar , Boesch‐Saadatmandi Christine
Published: November 2011

The impact of a moderate Zn deficiency on growth and plasma and liver lipids was investigated in two 4‐week experiments with male weanling rats fed fat‐enriched diets. Semisynthetic, approximately isocaloric diets containing 3% soybean oil were supplemented with either 7 or 100 mg Zn/kg diet and with 22% beef tallow (BT) or sunflower oil (SF). In Experiment 1, which compared the dietary fat level and the fat source in a factorial design of treatments, all diets were fed ad libitum to 6 × 8 animals, whereas intake of the high‐Zn BT and SF diets was restricted in Experiment 2 (5 × 6 rats) to the level of intake of the respective low‐Zn diets. The low‐Zn SF diet consistently depressed food intake and final live weights of the animals to a greater extent than the other low‐Zn diets, while intake and growth were comparable among the animals fed the high‐Zn diets. The marginal Zn deficit per se did not alter plasma triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations nor hepatic concentrations of triglyceride, cholesterol and phospholipids. The fatty acid pattern of liver phospholipids did not indicate that chain elongation and desaturation of fatty acids was impaired by a lack of zinc. It was concluded that dietary energy and fat intake, and fat source have a greater effect on plasma and liver lipids than a moderate Zn deficiency. Marginally Zn‐deficient diets enriched with sunflower oil as a major energy source cause a greater growth retardation than diets rich in carbohydrates or beef tallow.
Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase expression in early keratocyte neoplasia of the lower lip correlates to the degree of cell atypia
Authors: von Bubnoff Dagmar , Zahn Sabine , Wenzel Jörg , Wilms Helene , Bieber Thomas , Lüftl Matthias
Published: November 2011

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is an early keratocyte neoplasia with inflammation that occurs in the lip vermillion with the potential to develop into invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The expression of the intracellular enzyme indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) by antigen‐presenting cells and/or tumor cells has been described to arrest T cell proliferation by degrading the essential amino acid tryptophan from the environment. The expression of IDO in AC may support cancer progression by inhibiting T cell‐mediated rejection responses. The aim of this study was to identify the cellular nature and extent of IDO expression in early keratocye neoplasia of the lower lip (n = 25), and to correlate IDO expression to the severity of epithelial atypia (KIN I°‐ KIN III°) and to the extent of actinic inflammation. The expression of IDO was analyzed together with expression markers for T‐cells (CD3), myeloid DCs (S100, CD11c), macrophages (CD68, CD11c), and Langerhans cells (CD1a) by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analysis. Analyses showed that IDO was expressed in myeloid S100+CD11c+ DCs. The expression of IDO correlated significantly with the degree of epithelial atypia (P = 0.0005) but not to the extent of inflammation (P = 0.4283). Expression of IDO in early atypic skin epithelial conditions might be a predictor to promote carcinogenesis.
Comparison of air‐kerma strength determinations for HDR 192Ir sources
Authors: Rasmussen Brian E. , Davis Stephen D. , Schmidt Cal R. , Micka John A. , DeWerd Larry A.
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

To perform a comparison of the interim air‐kerma strength standard for high dose rate (HDR)192Ir brachytherapy sources maintained by the University of Wisconsin Accredited Dosimetry Calibration Laboratory (UWADCL) with measurements of the various source models using modified techniques from the literature. The current interim standard was established by Goetsch et al. in 1991 and has remained unchanged to date.

Methods:

The improved, laser‐aligned seven‐distance apparatus of the University of Wisconsin Medical Radiation Research Center (UWMRRC) was used to perform air‐kerma strength measurements of five different HDR192Ir source models. The results of these measurements were compared with those from well chambers traceable to the original standard. Alternative methodologies for interpolating the 192Ir air‐kerma calibration coefficient from the NIST air‐kerma standards at 137Cs and 250 kVp x rays (M250) were investigated and intercompared. As part of the interpolation method comparison, the Monte Carlo code EGSnrc was used to calculate updated values of Awall for the Exradin A3 chamber used for air‐kerma strength measurements. The effects of air attenuation and scatter, room scatter, as well as the solution method were investigated in detail.

Results:

The average measurements when using the inverseNK interpolation method for the Classic Nucletron, Nucletron microSelectron, VariSource VS2000, GammaMed Plus, and Flexisource were found to be 0.47%, −0.10%, −1.13%, −0.20%, and 0.89% different than the existing standard, respectively. A further investigation of the differences observed between the sources was performed using MCNP5 Monte Carlo simulations of each source model inside a full model of an HDR 1000 Plus well chamber.

Conclusions:

Although the differences between the source models were found to be statistically significant, the equally weighted average difference between the seven‐distance measurements and the well chambers was 0.01%, confirming that it is not necessary to update the current standard maintained at the UWADCL.
Implementation of BFA (Backtrack‐Free path planning Algorithm) for three‐dimensional workspaces and its application to path planning of multi manipulators
Authors: Murata Tomonari , Tamura Shinsuke , Kawai Masayuki
Published: November 2011

Together with a newly developed method for avoiding collisions between links themselves, the BFA (Backtrack‐Free path planning Algorithm) has been implemented for calculating the paths of manipulators that are operated in three‐dimensional workspaces. An approach to extending the BFA to an algorithm for calculating the paths of multiple manipulators cooperating to accomplish complicated tasks, in which multiple manipulators are considered as a single composite one with many links, is also discussed. The algorithm is backtrack‐free and resolution‐complete. Its computational volume is proportional to the total number of links and does not change drastically with the environments in which the manipulators are operated. Simulation results have demonstrated that the BFA allows efficient generation of paths for both single and multiple manipulators. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 94(12): 1–11, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10392
IMPROVING EXISTING PRACTICES OF WATER DELIVERY IN A RUN‐OF‐THE‐RIVER BASED CANAL SYSTEM FOR BETTER WATER USE EFFICIENCY
Authors: Mishra A. , Verma H. C. , Kannan K.
Published: November 2011

A model was developed to modify the canal delivery schedule of a major irrigation project of eastern India for both monsoon and dry seasons that adopted the procedure of daily water balance/moisture balance simulation in the root zone depth. In addition to the prevailing continuous schedule, four alternative rotational schedules during the monsoon and five alternative rotational schedules during the dry season were considered for simulation. Daily water balance simulation was performed for 17 and 15 years for the monsoon season and the dry seasons, respectively.

Simulation results for the monsoon revealed that a 15‐day rotational schedule (15 days canal operation followed by 15 days canal closure) was the best alternative over the prevailing continuous schedule. To agree with the findings of the study model, field experiments were conducted during the monsoon season for three consecutive years. Highest rice grain yields of 4.92 t/ha (Swarna) and 4.46 t/ha (Surendra) were recorded in plots with 15‐day rotational schedules. During the dry season, considering both paddy and other dry season crops grown together in the command, a 7‐day canal operation followed by a 7‐day canal closure rotational schedule was found to be the best alternative. Besides creating a favourable water regime and better crop evapo‐transpiration (ET), this schedule saved about 10.3% of water over actual water supplies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Better a Broader Diagnosis Than a Misdiagnosis: The Study of a Neoplastic Condition in a Male Individual who Died in Early 20th Century (Coimbra, Portugal)
Authors: Marques Carina , Santos Ana Luísa , Cunha Eugénia
Published: November 2011

The paleopathological record of neoplastic conditions in the past is considered scarce. The detection of tumours in ancient populations is hindered by the quality and quantity of signs visible on the skeleton, the methodological approach, the preservation of remains, and by difficulties of differential diagnosis. The aims of this paper are to report the extensive and multiple osteolytic lesions observed in an adult male and to discuss the possible etiology of these lesions. The individual, a 71‐year‐old male who died in 1932, is part of the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection. Records indicate that he died of a ‘heart lesion’. The present study used macroscopic, radiological, and computerized tomography examinations to analyse the skeletal remains of the individual number 439. The type and pattern of the lesions detected, which were most prominent on the skull, were compared with both clinical and paleopathological diagnostic criteria for different nosologic groups. The differential diagnosis addresses problems expressed both in clinical and in paleopathological literature with regard to the difficulties in distinguishing metastatic tumours from multiple myeloma. The nature of the lesions represented by this individual precludes an exact diagnosis. Therefore, we employed a broader category, neoplastic condition, instead of choosing a more specific diagnosis that would likely have resulted in a misdiagnosis due to overlapping features on this individual's condition. Further investigations are necessary to establish more replicable indicators and to improve confidence in retrospective diagnosis of these types of conditions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conscious Purpose in 2010: Bateson's Prescient Warning
Authors: Guddemi Phillip
Published: November 2011

In 1968, Gregory Bateson hosted a conference on ‘the effects of conscious purpose on human adaptation’. In his conference paper, he warned that human conscious purpose distorts perception in a way that obscures the systemic (‘cybernetic’) nature of both self and environment. The ensuing years have paid little attention to his analysis of both the observer and the environment as cybernetic systems whose systemic natures are dangerously opaque to human purposive thought. But his analysis is sounder than ever on the basis of scientific developments of the last 40 years. Recent adaptive systems formulations in ecological theory have underscored how ecological systems, because of their systems nature, can be vulnerable to the unintended consequences of human actions. Modern neuroscience has also delineated many of the limitations of conscious thinking Bateson warned us against. In fact, a new work on the cerebral hemispheres has pointed to epistemological biases, characteristic of the left hemisphere in particular, that fit Bateson's portrait of the biases of conscious purpose. It seems that Bateson's 42‐year‐old warning was prescient and relevant to our predicament today. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subsets of ATP‐sensitive potassium channel (KATP) inhibitors increase gap junctional intercellular communication in metastatic cancer cell lines independent of SUR expression
Authors: Bodenstine Thomas M. , Vaidya Kedar S. , Ismail Aimen , Beck Benjamin H. , Diers Anne R. , Edmonds Mick D. , Kirsammer Gina T. , Landar Aimee , Welch Danny R.
Published: November 2011

Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) regulates cellular homeostasis by propagating signaling molecules, exchanging cellular metabolites, and coupling electrical signals. In cancer, cells exhibit altered rates of GJIC which may play a role in neoplastic progression. KATP channels help maintain membrane polarity and linkages between KATP channel activity and rates of GJIC have been established. The mechanistic relationship has not been fully elucidated. We report the effects of treatment with multiple KATP antagonist compounds on GJIC in metastatic cell lines demonstrating an increase in communication rates following treatment with compounds possessing specificities towards the SUR2 subunit of KATP. These effects remained consistent using cell lines with different expression levels of SUR1 and SUR2, suggesting possible off target effects on GJIC by these compounds.
Factor Structures of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
Authors: Huang Chiungjung , Dong Nianbo
Published: November 2011

The dimensionality of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was examined in this meta-analysis of 23 studies consisting of 80 independent samples representing a total sample of 32,491 participants. The 2-factor structure with a positive self-esteem factor defined by 5 positively worded items and a negative self-esteem factor defined by 5 negatively worded items was generally supported. However, samples in Schmitt and Allik (2005 ) generated a global self-esteem factor. High coefficients of congruence for noncounterpart factors revealed overlap between positive and negative self-esteem factors. Hence, the 1-factor solution is recommended unless further findings support that positive and negative self-esteem factors in fact measure substantively different underlying constructs.
Electronic structure and magnetism of Mn dopants in GaN nanowires: Ensemble vs single nanowire measurements
Authors: Farvid Shokouh S. , Hegde Manu , Hosein Ian D. , Radovanovic Pavle V.
Published: November 2011

We studied the electronic structure and magnetization of Mn dopants in GaN nanowires at the ensemble and single nanowire levels by near edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopies. The results of single nanowire measurements indicate that Mn adopts tetrahedral coordination in GaN nanowires and has mixed oxidation state (Mn2+/Mn3+), with Mn2+ being in relative majority. Ensemble nanowire spectra suggest co-deposition of Mn secondary phases alongside nanowires. Single nanowire x-ray magnetic circular dichroism indicates intrinsic magnetic ordering of Mn dopants at 300 K. In contrast, as-grown nanowire samples show only residual magnetization, due to nanowire orientation dependence of magnetization.
Relative stereociliary motion in a hair bundle opposes amplification at distortion frequencies
Authors: Kozlov Andrei S. , Risler Thomas , Hinterwirth Armin J. , Hudspeth A.J.
Published: November 2011

Non‐technical summary  The hair cell, or sensory receptor of the inner ear, achieves high sensitivity by amplifying its mechanical inputs. The mechanism of amplification depends on the concerted opening and closing of mechanically sensitive ion channels in the hair bundle, a cluster of actin‐containing rods that protrude from the cell's top surface. When a hair cell is stimulated simultaneously at two frequencies, channel gating also produces distortion products or responses at other frequencies. Using a sensitive interferometer to measure the motions of stereocilia, we have found that hydrodynamic forces act within the hair bundle to suppress these spurious signals. The hair bundle has evidently evolved an effective means of amplifying input signals while reducing the effect of distortions.
MEMS process compatibility of multiwall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Cook Eugene H. , Carter David J. D.
Published: November 2011

While carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been proposed and used as structural elements (e.g., cantilevers, bearings, nanofluidic channels, etc.) in microsystems, knowledge of the compatibility of CNTs with a broad range of standard microelectromechanical system (MEMS) fabrication processes is incomplete. This work investigates the effect of 23 common MEMS processes and chemicals on catalytically-grown and arc-discharge-produced multiwall nanotubes (MWNT) and compares the observed effects with those reported in the literature. Specific individual nanotubes are observed using scanning-electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission-electron microscopy (TEM) before and after the application of each process. This allows detection of process-induced changes to the nanotube from the bulk scale down to the nanometer and even atomic scales. Various thin-film deposition techniques are used to deposit common MEMS materials on MWNTs. A variety of wet chemicals and dry etching techniques are applied to MWNTs. Many processes prove compatible with the MWNTs, which suggests that they are robust for integration into MEMS devices.
Corporate social performance profiling: using multiple stakeholder perceptions to assess a corporate reputation
Authors: Mahon John , Wartick Steven L.
Published: November 2011

Corporate social performance (CSP) is an elusive concept for managers and a difficult one to measure. Part of the challenge lies, as with the CSP–corporate financial performance literature, in the operationalization of the relationship between CSP and overall organizational performance that provides insights for both researchers and practitioners. In this paper, we look at a component of CSP—corporate reputation (CR)—to assess how different stakeholders measure and evaluate CR in an industry context and provide a workable approach for managers trying to understand how to measure CRs. We recognize that some will argue that CSP is part of CR or that CR is part of CSP. Our focus here is on the development of an initial approach to measurement that can be utilized by managers to make decisions, used by external groups to assess CR, to allow for comparisons of firms within the same industry and to suggest new avenues of research. We look at five to eight companies in each of nine leading industries across a 3‐year time span. We believe the results provide the basis for a deeper insight into more rigorous measurement and analysis of both CR and CSP using external, stakeholder generations of CR to assess relative performance of firms in an industry over time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic screen identifies microRNA cluster 99b/let-7e/125a as a regulator of primitive hematopoietic cells
Authors: Gerrits Alice , Walasek Marta A. , Olthof Sandra , Weersing Ellen , Ritsema Martha , Zwart Erik , van Os Ronald , Bystrykh Leonid V. , de Haan Gerald
Published: November 2011

Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) traits differ between genetically distinct mouse strains. For example, DBA/2 mice have a higher HSPC frequency compared with C57BL/6 mice. We performed a genetic screen for micro-RNAs that are differentially expressed between LSK, LS−K+, erythroid and myeloid cells isolated from C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice. This analysis identified 131 micro-RNAs that were differentially expressed between cell types and 15 that were differentially expressed between mouse strains. Of special interest was an evolutionary conserved miR cluster located on chromosome 17 consisting of miR-99b, let-7e, and miR-125a. All cluster members were most highly expressed in LSKs and down-regulated upon differentiation. In addition, these microRNAs were higher expressed in DBA/2 cells compared with C57BL/6 cells, and thus correlated with HSPC frequency. To functionally characterize these microRNAs, we overexpressed the entire miR-cluster 99b/let-7e/125a and miR-125a alone in BM cells from C57BL/6 mice. Overexpression of the miR-cluster or miR-125a dramatically increased day-35 CAFC activity and caused severe hematopoietic phenotypes upon transplantation. We showed that a single member of the miR-cluster, namely miR-125a, is responsible for the majority of the observed miR-cluster overexpression effects. Finally, we performed genome-wide gene expression arrays and identified candidate target genes through which miR-125a may modulate HSPC fate.
In Vivo Adipogenesis in Rats Measured by Cell Kinetics in Adipocytes and Plastic-Adherent Stroma-Vascular Cells in Response to High-Fat Diet and Thiazolidinedione
Authors: Tchoukalova Yourka D. , Fitch Mark , Rogers Pamela M. , Covington Jeffrey D. , Henagan Tara M. , Ye Jianping , Hellerstein Marc K. , Ravussin Eric
Published: November 2011

Impairment of adipogenesis contributes to the development of obesity-related insulin resistance. The current in vitro approaches for its assessment represent crude estimates of the adipogenic potential because of the disruption of the in vivo microenvironment. A novel assessment of in vivo adipogenesis using the incorporation of the stable isotope deuterium (2H) into the DNA of isolated adipocytes and stroma-vascular fraction from adipose tissue has been developed. In the current study, we have refined this technique by purifying the adipocytes via a negative immune selection and sorting the plastic adherent stroma-vascular (aSV) subfraction (using 3 h culture) that contains mostly adipocyte progenitor cells and ∼10% of small adipocytes. Using a 3-week 8% 2H2O ingestion with a high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD plus pioglitazone (HFD-P), we demonstrate that the fractions of new aSV cells (faSV) and immunopurified adipocytes (fAD) (the ratio of their 2H-enrichment of DNA to the maximal 2H-enrichment of DNA of bone marrow reference cells) recapitulate the known hyperplastic mechanism of weight gain with pioglitazone treatment. We conclude that faSV and fAD are reliable indices of in vivo adipogenesis. The proposed method represents a valuable tool for studying the effect of interventions (drugs, diets, and exercise) on in vivo adipogenesis.
Diverging Association of Reduced Glomerular Filtration Rate and Albuminuria With Coronary and Noncoronary Events in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Solini Anna , Penno Giuseppe , Bonora Enzo , Fondelli Cecilia , Orsi Emanuela , Arosio Maura , Trevisan Roberto , Vedovato Monica , Cignarelli Mauro , Andreozzi Francesco , Nicolucci Antonio , Pugliese Giuseppe ,   for the Renal Insufficiency And Cardiovascular Events (RIACE) Study Group
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE

Although a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was shown to be a powerful independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), other studies suggested that it confers a much lower risk than albuminuria alone, whereas the combination of the two abnormalities is associated with multiplicative risk. This study aimed at assessing the independent association of previous CVD events, either total or by vascular bed, with eGFR and albuminuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) phenotypes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study evaluated 15,773 patients with type 2 diabetes from the Renal Insufficiency And Cardiovascular Events (RIACE) Italian Multicenter Study in 19 outpatient diabetes clinics in years 2007–2008. Albuminuria was assessed by immunonephelometry or immunoturbidimetry. GFR was estimated by the simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study and the Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration equation. CKD was defined as an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or micro- or macroalbuminuria. Major acute CVD events were adjudicated based on hospital discharge records or specialist visits.

RESULTS

CVD risk increased linearly with eGFR decline and albuminuria and became significant for values <78 mL/min/1.73 m2 and ≥10.5 mg/24 h, respectively. Beyond traditional CVD risk factors, total CVD showed an independent association with albuminuria alone (odds ratio 1.20 [95% CI 1.08–1.33]), reduced eGFR alone (1.52 [1.34–1.73]), and both abnormalities (1.90 [1.66–2.19]). However, coronary events were associated predominantly with reduced eGFR alone, whereas cerebrovascular and peripheral events showed a stronger correlation with the albuminuric CKD phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

These data, although cross-sectional, show that reduced eGFR, irrespective of albuminuria, is associated with significant CVD, particularly in the coronary district.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection in Older Outpatient Women
Authors: Huang Alison J. , Grady Deborah , Mody Lona
Published: June 2024

This Clinical Insights discusses special considerations in recurrent urinary tract infection diagnosis and management in older women.
Less Care at Higher Cost—The Medicare Advantage Paradox
Authors: Gaffney Adam , Woolhandler Stephanie , Himmelstein David U.
Published: June 2024

This Viewpoint makes the case for eliminating Medicare Advantage and doubling down on Traditional Medicare.
Global Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Liu Jiaye , Ni Yinyun , Yi Cheng , Fang Yiqiao , Ning Qingyang , Shen Bingbing , Zhang Kaixiang , Liu Yang , Yang Lin , Li Kewei , Liu Yong , Huang Rui , Li Zhihui
Published: June 2024

Importance

Overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence is a global health issue associated with adverse outcomes throughout the life course.

Objective

To estimate worldwide prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents from 2000 to 2023 and to assess potential risk factors for and comorbidities of obesity.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane.

Study Selection

The inclusion criteria were: (1) studies provided adequate information, (2) diagnosis based on body mass index cutoffs proposed by accepted references, (3) studies performed on general population between January 2000 and March 2023, (4) participants were younger than 18 years.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

The current study was performed in accordance with the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model with Free-Tukey double arcsine transformation was used for data analysis. Sensitivity analysis, meta-regression, and subgroup analysis of obesity among children and adolescents were conducted.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents assessed by World Health Organization, International Obesity Task Force, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or other national references.

Results

A total of 2033 studies from 154 different countries or regions involving 45 890 555 individuals were included. The overall prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents was 8.5% (95% CI 8.2-8.8). We found that the prevalence varied across countries, ranging from 0.4% (Vanuatu) to 28.4% (Puerto Rico). Higher prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents was reported in countries with Human Development Index scores of 0.8 or greater and high-income countries or regions. Compared to 2000 to 2011, a 1.5-fold increase in the prevalence of obesity was observed in 2012 to 2023. Substantial differences in rates of obesity were noted when stratified by 11 risk factors. Children and adolescents with obesity had a high risk of depression and hypertension. The pooled estimates of overweight and excess weight in children and adolescents were 14.8% (95% CI 14.5-15.1) and 22.2% (95% CI 21.6-22.8), respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study’s findings indicated 1 of 5 children or adolescents experienced excess weight and that rates of excess weight varied by regional income and Human Development Index. Excess weight among children and adolescents was associated with a mix of inherent, behavioral, environmental, and sociocultural influences that need the attention and committed intervention of primary care professionals, clinicians, health authorities, and the general public.
Cohesin — bridging the gap among gene transcription, genome stability, and human diseases
Authors: Di Nardo Maddalena , Musio Antonio
Published: June 2024

The intricate landscape of cellular processes governing gene transcription, chromatin organization, and genome stability is a fascinating field of study. A key player in maintaining this delicate equilibrium is the cohesin complex, a molecular machine with multifaceted roles. This review presents an in‐depth exploration of these intricate connections and their significant impact on various human diseases.
Adaptive fuzzy fixed‐time tracking control of nonlinear systems with unmodeled dynamics
Authors: Ai Ze , Wang Huanqing , Shen Haikuo
Published: June 2024

The problem of adaptive fuzzy fixed‐time tracking control based on a category of nonlinear systems with unmodeled dynamics and dynamic disturbances is investigated in this article. By introducing the novel fixed‐time dynamic signal, the unmodeled dynamics can be disposed of. On the basis of the fuzzy logic systems (FLSs) and adaptive backstepping technology, the disposing difficulty of the unknown nonlinear portions is reduced. Then, all signals in the closed‐loop system are ensured to be bounded under the fixed‐time Lyapunov stability theory. Simultaneously, the tracking error converges to a small neighborhood of the origin. Eventually, simulation consequences reveal the validity of the presented control method.