bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fluctuating default risk of Australian banks
Authors: Allen David E , Powell Robert
Published: March 2012

Australian banks are widely considered to have fared far better during the Global Financial Crisis than their global counterparts, continuing to display solid earnings, good capitalization and strong credit ratings. Nonetheless, Australian banks experienced significant deterioration in the market values of assets. We use the KMV/Merton structural methodology, which incorporates market asset values, to examine default probabilities of Australian banks, making extensive international comparisons. We also modify the model to incorporate conditional probability of default, which measures extreme credit risk. We find that, during the Global Financial Crisis, based on extreme asset value fluctuations, Australian bank default probabilities fare only slightly better than their global counterparts.

JEL Classification: G01, G21, G28
Do customer satisfaction and reputation mediate the CSR–FP link? Evidence from Australia
Authors: Galbreath Jeremy , Shum Paul
Published: March 2012

Direct tests between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance (FP) have been argued to be spurious. Following this line of argument, the present study tests a mediated model in understanding the CSR–FP relationship. Specifically, we posit that reputation and customer satisfaction mediate fully the CSR–FP relationship. Based on the results from a sample of 280 Australian firms, the findings suggest that CSR is linked with FP. However, the effect is indirect: while CSR is linked to both reputation and customer satisfaction, reputation alone mediates the CSR–FP relationship. The results are interesting, suggesting that to reduce ambiguity surrounding the CSR–FP relationship scholars need to significantly expand studies that address moderating and mediating variables. Discussion is given to these findings along with paths for future research.
Type and Prevalence of Adverse Events During the Parenteral Nutrition Cycling Process in Patients Being Prepared for Discharge
Authors: Suryadevara Sreenija , Celestin Jackie , DeChicco Robert , Austhof Sandra , Corrigan Mandy , Speerhas Rex , Steiger Ezra
Published: March 2012

Background: The mechanism for cycling parenteral nutrition (PN) varies from institution to institution. However, the types and frequency of adverse events (AEs) involved with this process are not well understood. Purpose: To determine the type and prevalence of AE in patients during PN cycling and identify factors associated with the occurrence of AEs. Methods: Patients without severe organ dysfunction or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus scheduled to be discharged on cyclic PN with a goal of 12 hours were eligible. Patients were cycled from 24 to 12 hours over 2 or 3 days based on previously established criteria. Demographic, nutrition, and monitoring data were collected. AEs were documented and graded as mild or serious. Results: Mild AEs occurred in 35 of 38 patients (92.1%) consisting primarily of mild hyperglycemia (86.8%) and tachycardia (29.0%). Serious AEs occurred in 8 of 38 patients (21.1%), including 7 patients (18.4%) with capillary blood glucoses between 255 and 324 mg/dL and 1 (2.6%) with tachypnea/tachycardia requiring immediate medical attention. No significant associations were made between demographic, medical, nutrition, or laboratory factors and serious AEs. No significant differences in demographic information, nutrition information, comorbidities, diet, medications, or composition of PN were found except for lower body weight in unsuccessful cyclers compared with successful cyclers (P = .042). Conclusions: Most patients incur AEs during PN cycling, primarily mild hyperglycemia and tachycardia. These findings suggest patients need to be monitored closely and treated aggressively for complications during PN cycling.
Targeting the Intestinal Microbiota in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Ringel‐Kulka Tamar
Published: March 2012

The intestinal microbiota is a functional organ with a variety of important metabolic, trophic, immunologic, and digestive activities. Current data suggest that alterations in the intestinal microbiota may be related to disease conditions. Manipulation of the intestinal microbiota such as with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics may be beneficial in preventing and treating certain disease conditions. This article provides an overview of the evidence gathered through randomized clinical trials, reviews, and meta‐analyses on probiotics and prebiotics in commonly studied conditions in the pediatric population. It concludes with current recommendations for their use, noting safety and gaps in clinical evidence.
Beneficial Effects of Long‐Term Consumption of a Probiotic Combination of Lactobacillus casei Shirota and Bifidobacterium breve Yakult May Persist After Suspension of Therapy in Lactose‐Intolerant Patients
Authors: Almeida Camila Casuccio , Lorena Sônia Letícia Silva , Pavan Célia Regina , Akasaka Helena Midori Imamura , Mesquita Maria Aparecida
Published: March 2012

Background: The efficacy of some probiotic strains for the management of lactose intolerance remains to be established. Aim :To evaluate the effects of a 4‐week consumption of a probiotic product containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota and Bifidobacterium breve Yakult (107–109 CFU of each strain) on symptoms and breath hydrogen exhalation after a lactose load in lactose‐intolerant patients and whether the beneficial results persisted after probiotic discontinuation. Methods: Twenty‐seven patients with lactose maldigestion and intolerance participated in this study, which comprised 4 hydrogen breath tests: baseline condition (20 g lactose), after lactase ingestion (9000 FCC units), at the end of 4‐week probiotic supplementation, and a follow‐up test performed 3 months after probiotic discontinuation. For each test, the area under the breath hydrogen concentration vs time curve (AUC180 min) was calculated, and symptom scores were recorded. Results: The probiotic combination significantly reduced symptom scores (P < .01) and breath hydrogen AUC (P = .04) compared with the baseline condition. The comparison with the lactase test showed that symptom scores were similar (P > .05), despite the significantly higher (P = .01) AUC values after probiotic use. In the follow‐up test, symptom scores and breath hydrogen AUC values remained similar to those found at the end of probiotic intervention. Conclusion: Four‐week consumption of a probiotic combination of L casei Shirota and B breve Yakult seems to improve symptoms and decrease hydrogen production intake in lactose‐intolerant patients. These effects may persist for at least 3 months after suspension of probiotic consumption.
Assessing and comparing influencing factors of residual stresses in selective laser melting using a novel analysis method
Authors: Kruth Jean-Pierre , Deckers Jan , Yasa Evren , Wauthlé Ruben
Published: March 2012

During selective laser melting, the irradiated material experiences large temperature fluctuations in a short time which causes unwanted thermal stresses. In order to assess thermal stresses in a simple and fast way, a new pragmatic method is developed, namely the bridge curvature method. The bridge curvature method is used to assess and qualitatively compare the influence of different laser scan patterns, laser parameter settings and more fundamental process changes on residual stresses. The results from the experiments, as well as the findings from literature, lead to two general conclusions: changes that reduce the high temperature gradient, like using short scan vectors and preheating of the base plate, reduce the thermal stresses. And, thermal stresses in a particular direction can be reduced by optimal choice of the orientation of scan vectors. The experiments indicate the reliability of the bridge curvature method. Statistical analysis is used to check the repeatability of the method and to quantify the uncertainties during measurement.
A three-dimensional computational study of the effect of the inlet conditions on supersonic mixing and combustion
Authors: Abdel-Salam Tarek M , Micklow Gerald J
Published: March 2012

In recent years, a significant amount of high-speed combustion research has been directed toward optimization of scramjet combustors, and in particular on the efficiency of fuel–air mixing and reaction taking place in the engine. This article numerically investigates the flow characteristics of a dual-mode scramjet–combustor configuration. Results are presented for a three-dimensional combustor model with a single wall-mounted raised (compression) ramp as a fuel injector. Hydrogen is used as the fuel and is injected through the raised ramp (which has an aspect ratio of 0.5) parallel to the air stream. Vitiated air with different concentrations of H2O and CO2 are used at the inlet boundary. Three equivalence ratios were simulated, 0.25, 0.31, and 0.41. Numerical results are obtained using a finite volume computational fluid dynamics code. Initially, three forms of the two-equation k–ε turbulent model were tested: the standard, the RNG, and the realizable with unstructured grids. Final results were obtained with the RNG form of the k–ε turbulent model. Results show that the combustion efficiency decreases with the increase of the equivalence ratio. Also, the cases with CO2 show slightly higher combustion efficiencies.
Modeling and nonlinear aeroelastic analysis of a wing with morphing trailing edge
Authors: Li Daochun , Guo Shijun , Xiang Jinwu
Published: March 2012

An investigation was made into the nonlinear aeroelastic behavior of a composite wing with morphing trailing edge actuated by curved beams. Based on the design concept, an experimental wing model was built and a finite element model was created using MSC Patran/Nastran software. Impact test of the experimental model was carried out and the test data were used to validate the finite element models. In order to investigate the effect of freeplay nonlinearity between discs attached to the curved beams and wing skins, a nonlinear aeroelastic equation in modal coordinate was created. Generalized structural mass, damping, and stiffness matrixes were printed with DMAP language in Nastran. Doublet lattice method and Roger’s approximation were used to calculate unsteady aerodynamic influence coefficients matrix. In the analysis, the effect of morphing stiffness on critical flutter speed was studied. In addition, Hopf bifurcation and limit cycle oscillation were detected for the aeroelastic system with freeplay. The results show that the freeplay nonlinearity may reduce convergence speed and accelerate divergence of aeroelastic responses.
More Than Skin Deep
Authors: O’Brien Ed , Ellsworth Phoebe C.
Published: March 2012

What people feel shapes their perceptions of others. In the studies reported here, we examined the assimilative influence of visceral states on social judgment. Replicating prior research, we found that participants who were outside during winter overestimated the extent to which other people were bothered by cold (Study 1), and participants who ate salty snacks without water thought other people were overly bothered by thirst (Study 2). However, in both studies, this effect evaporated when participants believed that the other people under consideration held political views opposing their own. Participants who judged these dissimilar others were unaffected by their own strong visceral-drive states, a finding that highlights the power of dissimilarity in social judgment. Dissimilarity may thus represent a boundary condition for embodied cognition and inhibit an empathic understanding of shared out-group pain. Our findings reveal the need for a better understanding of how people’s internal experiences influence their perceptions of the feelings and experiences of those who may hold values different from their own.
Wedge meatoplasty as a treatment for stricture of the urethral meatus in a cat
Authors: Freeman Alistair I
Published: March 2012

A three-and-a-half-year-old male neutered Siamese cat presented with idiopathic feline lower urinary tract inflammation and dysuria, which appeared to be caused by stricture of the urethral meatus. Wedge meatoplasty was performed, which relieved the cat’s dysuria and restored a normal urine stream. To my knowledge, this is the first report of meatoplasty as a treatment for stricture of the urethral meatus in a cat.
Single dose pharmacokinetics of terbinafine in cats
Authors: Wang Ang , Ding Huanzhong , Liu Yiming , Gao Yan , Zeng Zhenling
Published: March 2012

The pharmacokinetics of terbinafine was studied in six healthy fasted cats following a single intravenous and oral administration at a dose of 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg, respectively, according to a two-period crossover design. Plasma terbinafine concentrations were determined using a reverse phase liquid chromatographic method. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non-compartmental analysis with WinNonlin 5.2.1 software. After intravenous administration, the terminal half-life and area under the curve from time 0 to infinity were 10.40 ± 4.56 h, 15.20 ± 3.61 h·µg/ml, respectively. After oral dosing, the mean maximum concentration was 3.22 ± 0.60 µg/ml, reached at 1.33 ± 0.41 h. The terminal half-life, area under the curve from time 0 to infinity and apparent volume of distribution were 8.01 ± 3.46 h, 13.77 ± 4.99 h·µg/ml, 25.63 ± 6.29 l/kg, respectively. The absolute bioavailability of terbinafine hydrochloride tablets after oral administration was 31.00 ± 10.85%. Although bioavailability was low, excellent penetration at the site of infection and low minimum inhibitory concentrations values provided terbinafine with good efficacy against dermatophyte infections.
Aneurysm sac shrinkage after endovascular treatment of the aorta: Beyond sac pressure and endoleaks
Authors: Georgakarakos Efstratios , Georgiadis George S , Ioannou Christos V , Kapoulas Konstantinos C , Trellopoulos George , Lazarides Miltos
Published: March 2012

The isolation of the aneurysm sac from systemic pressure and its consequent shrinkage are considered criteria of success after endovascular repair (EVAR). However, the process of shrinkage does not solely depend on the intrasac pressure, the predictive role of which remains ambiguous. This brief review summarizes the additional pathophysiological mechanisms that regulate the biomechanical properties of the aneurysm wall and may interfere with the process of aneurysm sac shrinkage.
Imbalanced matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 activities in patients with thromboangiitis obliterans
Authors: Dellalibera-Joviliano Renata , Jacob-Ferreira Anna LB , Joviliano Edwaldo Edner , Tanus-Santos José E , Évora Paulo RB
Published: March 2012

The pathogenic mechanisms of thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) are not entirely known and the imbalance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) plays a role in vascular diseases. We evaluated the MMP-2 and MMP-9 circulating levels and their endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in TAO patients with clinical manifestations. The study included 20 TAO patients ( n = 10 female, n = 10 male) aged 38–59 years under clinical follow-up. The patients were classified into two groups: (1) TAO former smokers ( n = 11) and (2) TAO active smokers ( n = 9); the control group included normal volunteer non-smokers ( n = 10) and active smokers without peripheral artery disease ( n = 10). Patient plasma samples were used to analyze MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels using zymography, and TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The analysis of MMP-2/TIMP-2 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios (which were used as indices of net MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, respectively) showed significantly higher MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios in TAO patients ( p < 0.05). We found no significant differences in MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratios ( p > 0.05). We found higher MMP-9 levels and decreased levels of TIMP-1 in the TAO groups (active smokers and former smokers), especially in active smokers compared with the other groups (all p < 0.05). MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were not significantly different in patients with TAO as compared to the control group ( p > 0.05). In conclusion, our results showed increased MMP-9 and reduced TIMP-1 activity in TAO patients, especially in active smokers compared with non-TAO patients. These data suggest that smoke compounds could activate MMP-9 production or inhibit TIMP-1 activity.
Insulin resistance and incident peripheral artery disease in the Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Britton Kathryn A , Mukamal Kenneth J , Ix Joachim H , Siscovick David S , Newman Anne B , de Boer Ian H , Thacker Evan L , Biggs Mary L , Gaziano J Michael , Djoussé Luc
Published: March 2012

Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD), and insulin resistance is a key feature of diabetes and pre-diabetes. No longitudinal epidemiological study has examined the relation between insulin resistance and PAD. Our study analyzed the association of quartiles of the homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the development of PAD defined by two methods. PAD was first defined as the development of an abnormal ankle–brachial index (ABI) (dichotomous outcome) after 6 years of follow-up. PAD was alternatively defined as the development of clinical PAD (time-to-event analysis). The study samples included adults over the age of 65 years who were enrolled in the Cardiovascular Health Study, had fasting measurements of insulin and glucose, had ABI measurements, and were not receiving treatment for diabetes. Multivariable models were adjusted for potential confounders, including age, sex, field center and cohort, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, alcohol use, and exercise intensity. Additional models adjusted for potential mediators, including blood pressure, lipids, kidney function, and prevalent vascular disease. In the ABI analysis ( n = 2108), multivariable adjusted models demonstrated a positive relation between HOMA-IR and incident PAD (odds ratio = 1.80 comparing the 4th versus 1st quartile of HOMA-IR, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–2.71). In the clinical PAD analysis ( n = 4208), we found a similar relation (hazard ratio = 2.30 comparing the 4th versus 1st quartile of HOMA-IR, 95% CI 1.15–4.58). As expected, further adjustment for potential mediators led to some attenuation of effect estimates. In conclusion, insulin resistance is associated with a higher risk of PAD in older adults.
Alteration in angiogenic and anti-angiogenic forms of vascular endothelial growth factor-A in skeletal muscle of patients with intermittent claudication following exercise training
Authors: Jones W Schuyler , Duscha Brian D , Robbins Jennifer L , Duggan Natasha N , Regensteiner Judith G , Kraus William E , Hiatt William R , Dokun Ayotunde O , Annex Brian H
Published: March 2012

The aims of this study were twofold: (1) to identify whether peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients had increased muscle concentration of angiogenic VEGF-A, anti-angiogenic VEGF165b or VEGF receptor 1 (VEGF-R1) when compared with control subjects, and (2) to evaluate whether exercise training in PAD patients was associated with changes in muscle concentration of VEGF-A, VEGF165b or VEGF-R1. At baseline, 22 PAD and 30 control subjects underwent gastrocnemius muscle biopsy. Twelve PAD patients were treated with supervised exercise training (SET) and underwent muscle biopsy after 3 weeks and 12 weeks of training and had sufficient tissue to measure VEGF-A, VEGF165b and VEGF-R1 concentrations in skeletal muscle lysates by ELISA. Muscle concentrations of VEGF-A and VEGF165b were similar in PAD patients versus controls at baseline. At both time points after the start of SET, VEGF-A levels decreased and there was a trend towards increased VEGF165b concentrations. At baseline, VEGF-R1 concentrations were lower in PAD patients when compared with controls but did not change after SET. Skeletal muscle concentrations of VEGF-A are not different in PAD patients when compared with controls at baseline. SET is associated with a significant reduction in VEGF-A levels and a trend towards increased VEGF165b levels. These somewhat unexpected findings suggest that further investigation into the mechanism of vascular responses to exercise training in PAD patients is warranted.
Reproducibility of different methods to measure the endothelial function
Authors: Onkelinx Steven , Cornelissen Veronique , Goetschalckx Kaatje , Thomaes Tom , Verhamme Peter , Vanhees Luc
Published: March 2012

This study compares the reliability and reproducibility of flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) to assess endothelial function. Eighteen volunteers with coronary heart disease underwent simultaneous testing of FMD by means of brachial artery ultrasound scanning and PAT with the EndoPAT 2000. The subjects underwent both tests twice with an interval of 30 minutes and the same protocol was repeated 2 days later. The within-day variability was lower for the FMD measurements than for the PAT measurements (10% versus 18%; p < 0.05). The between-day variability was similar (11%). A significant correlation was found between PAT and FMD ( r = 0.57, p < 0.001). The typical errors of measurements for FMD were lower than those for PAT. In conclusion, in this study, FMD demonstrated the best reliability for the within- and between-day and separate day measurements when compared to PAT.
Analysis of tanker casualties after the Oil Pollution Act (USA, 1990)
Authors: Eliopoulou Eleftheria , Papanikolaou Apostolos , Diamantis Pavlos , Hamann Rainer
Published: March 2012

A prime concern of maritime transport is to enhance ship safety and to reduce marine pollution related to ship incidents and accidents. Since the elimination of marine accidents is practically unrealistic, a reasonable target for the maritime industry and relevant regulatory bodies is the mitigation of accidents in terms of minimization of the probability of occurrence and of the associated consequences. The present study focuses on a comprehensive analysis of recorded accidents on medium and large oil tankers (deadweight over 20,000 t), which occurred after the introduction of the Oil Pollution Act (USA, 1990) up to the present. Raw casualty data were reviewed and re-analysed in order to produce appropriate statistics useful for the implementation of risk-based assessment methodologies. The main outcome of this particular study is the identification of the significant qualitative historical trends of tanker accidents and of the quantitative characteristics of particular tanker accidents, such as the overall frequencies of accidents per ship year, the frequency of each major accident category and per tanker ship size, the ship types or designs and ages, the degrees of severity of accidents and the tonnes of oil spilled per ship year.
Dehumanization in Medicine
Authors: Haque Omar Sultan , Waytz Adam
Published: March 2012

Dehumanization is endemic in medical practice. This article discusses the psychology of dehumanization resulting from inherent features of medical settings, the doctor–patient relationship, and the deployment of routine clinical practices. First, we identify six major causes of dehumanization in medical settings (deindividuating practices, impaired patient agency, dissimilarity, mechanization, empathy reduction, and moral disengagement). Next, we propose six fixes for these problems (individuation, agency reorientation, promoting similarity, personification and humanizing procedures, empathic balance and physician selection, and moral engagement). Finally, we discuss when dehumanization in medical practice is potentially functional and when it is not. Appreciating the multiple psychological causes of dehumanization in hospitals allows for a deeper understanding of how to diminish detrimental instances of dehumanization in the medical environment.
There Is Nothing So Theoretical as a Good Method
Authors: Greenwald Anthony G.
Published: March 2012

This article documents two facts that are provocative in juxtaposition. First: There is multidecade durability of theory controversies in psychology, demonstrated here in the subdisciplines of cognitive and social psychology. Second: There is a much greater frequency of Nobel science awards for contributions to method than for contributions to theory, shown here in an analysis of the last two decades of Nobel awards in physics, chemistry, and medicine. The available documentation of Nobel awards reveals two forms of method–theory synergy: (a) existing theories were often essential in enabling development of awarded methods, and (b) award-receiving methods often generated previously inconceivable data, which in turn inspired previously inconceivable theories. It is easy to find illustrations of these same synergies also in psychology. Perhaps greater recognition of the value of method in advancing theory can help to achieve resolutions of psychology’s persistent theory controversies.
The Personality of a Nonperson
Authors: Overskeid Geir , Grønnerød Cato , Simonton Dean Keith
Published: March 2012

B. F. Skinner is consistently rated as one of the most important figures in the history of psychology. Much has been said about his character, some of it strongly negative. Yet little is known about what kind of man he really was. Drawing on information from published sources, archival material, and people who knew him, we used “blind” raters to assess Skinner’s score on the Big Five personality factors. We found that Skinner was a highly conscientious man and highly open to experience. He was also somewhat neurotic and somewhat extraverted but neither agreeable nor disagreeable. The resulting personality profile was compared with meta-analytic results concerning scientists versus nonscientists, creative scientists versus noncreative scientists, and artists versus nonartists. In general, Skinner’s personality profile was consistent with findings regarding those of other notable scientists.
“Shift-and-Persist” Strategies
Authors: Chen Edith , Miller Gregory E.
Published: March 2012

Some individuals, despite facing recurrent, severe adversities in life such as low socioeconomic status (SES), are nonetheless able to maintain good physical health. This article explores why these individuals deviate from the expected association of low SES and poor health and outlines a “shift-and-persist” model to explain the psychobiological mechanisms involved. This model proposes that, in the midst of adversity, some children find role models who teach them to trust others, better regulate their emotions, and focus on their futures. Over a lifetime, these low-SES children develop an approach to life that prioritizes shifting oneself (accepting stress for what it is and adapting the self through reappraisals) in combination with persisting (enduring life with strength by holding on to meaning and optimism). This combination of shift-and-persist strategies mitigates sympathetic-nervous-system and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical responses to the barrage of stressors that low-SES individuals confront. This tendency vectors individuals off the trajectory to chronic disease by forestalling pathogenic sequelae of stress reactivity, like insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and systemic inflammation. We outline evidence for the model and argue that efforts to identify resilience-promoting processes are important in this economic climate, given limited resources for improving the financial circumstances of disadvantaged individuals.
Manipulation of information in medical research: Can it be morally justified?
Authors: Lignou Sapfo , Edwards Sarah JL
Published: March 2012

The aim of this article is to examine whether informational manipulation, used intentionally by the researcher to increase recruitment in the research study, can be morally acceptable. We argue that this question is better answered by following a non-normative account, according to which the ethical justifiability of informational manipulation should not be relevant to its definition. The most appropriate criterion by which informational manipulation should be considered as morally acceptable or not is the researcher’s special moral duties towards their subjects. We also propose that a broader definition of manipulation of information should be adopted (than that already existing in the literature) since informational manipulation can affect not only a person’s beliefs but also their desires in decision-making. We conclude that manipulation of information can either be used to protect the potential subject and facilitate the informed consent process or be used to exploit and merely use a person for scientific goals.
A high rate tension device for characterizing brain tissue
Authors: Rashid Badar , Destrade Michel , Gilchrist Michael D
Published: March 2012

The mechanical characterization of brain tissue at high loading velocities is vital for understanding and modeling traumatic brain injury. The most severe form of traumatic brain injury is diffuse axonal injury, which involves damage to individual nerve cells (neurons). Diffuse axonal injury in animals and humans occurs at strains >10% and strain rates >10 s−1. The mechanical properties of brain tissues at these strains and strain rates are of particular significance, as they can be used in finite element human head models to accurately predict brain injuries under different impact conditions. Existing conventional tensile testing machines can only achieve maximum loading velocities of 500 mm/min, whereas the Kolsky bar apparatus is more suitable for strain rates >100 s−1. In this study, a custom-designed high rate tension device is developed and calibrated to estimate the mechanical properties of brain tissue in tension at strain rates ≤ 90 s−1, while maintaining a uniform velocity. The range of strain can also be extended to 100% depending on the thickness of a sample. The same apparatus can be used to characterize the dynamic behavior of skin and other soft biological tissues by using appropriately sized load cells with a capacity of 10 N and above.
The role of RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Geusens Piet
Published: March 2012

In the complex system of bone remodeling, the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) pathway is the coupling factor between bone formation and bone resorption. RANKL binds to the RANK receptor of pre-osteoclasts and mature osteoclasts and stimulates their activation and differentiation. The production of RANKL/OPG by osteoblasts is influenced by hormones, growth factors and cytokines, which each have a different effect on the production of RANKL and OPG. Ultimately, the balance between RANKL and OPG determines the degree of proliferation and activity of the osteoclasts. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), bone erosions are the result of osteoclastic bone resorption at the sites of synovitis, where RANKL expression is also found. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) bone edema in RA indicates the presence of active inflammation within bone and the presence of osteitis, which is also associated with the expression of RANKL. Bone loss has been documented in the cortical and trabecular bone in the joints of the hand of RA patients. Both synovitis and periarticular bone involvement (osteitis and bone loss) are essential components of RA: they occur early in the disease and both are predictive for the occurrence and progression of bone damage. RANKL knockout mice and mice treated with OPG did not develop focal bone loss, in spite of persistent joint inflammation. Inhibition of osteoclasts by denosumab, a humanized antibody that selectively binds RANKL, has revealed in patients with RA that the occurrence of erosions and periarticular bone loss can be halted, however without affecting synovial inflammation. This disconnect between inflammation and bone destruction opens new ways to separately focus treatment on inflammation and osteoclastogenesis for preventing and/or minimizing the connection between joints and subchondral bone and bone marrow.
Efficacy and safety of reduced-intensity induction therapy with a bortezomib-based regimen in elderly patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Sopeña María , Clavero Estela Martín , Villa Paula , Martínez-López Joaquín
Published: March 2012

The therapeutic effects of bortezomib in untreated and refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma have been demonstrated in several clinical trials, displaying superiority to the conventional treatments. However, many treatment-related toxicities, such as bone marrow suppression, infections and peripheral neuropathy, are well known and lead to treatment discontinuation and dose modification, especially in elderly patients. The purpose of this review is to summarize the published literature concerning the efficacy and safety of reduced-intensity induction therapy with bortezomib-based regimens in elderly patients with multiple myeloma. We used the VISTA trial as a reference and compared it with the seven trials identified in a systematic search. The data suggest that low-dose bortezomib significantly reduces therapy-related toxicities, especially neuropathy, and decreases the rate of discontinuation compared with the twice-weekly regimen, without losing efficacy. In light of this review, we suggest that once-weekly infusion of bortezomib in addition to melphalan–prednisone may be considered as a new standard of care in frontline treatment of elderly patients with symptomatic multiple myeloma.
Sonographic Findings in a Case of Crohn Disease
Authors: Bagley Jennifer , Hughes Tiffany
Published: March 2012

Crohn disease is an incurable inflammatory bowel disease that can involve the large or small bowel but typically is located at the terminal ileum. The disease ranges from mild inflammation to bowel obstruction, fistula, and abscess formation and is typically diagnosed during adolescence or the early 20s. Patients with Crohn disease undergo multiple follow-up imaging examinations for the disease during the course of their lives. Sonographic findings in an adolescent patient diagnosed with Crohn disease are discussed. Sonography is emerging not only as an effective imaging modality for long-term disease follow-up but also, with the addition of hydrosonography and improved transducer technology, as a primary diagnostic tool.
Neuroblastoma
Authors: Youngblood Jennifer
Published: March 2012

Neuroblastoma is a common malignancy of infancy and early childhood. The difference in the outcomes for patients with these neoplasms is striking. Infants younger than one year have a good prognosis, even in the presence of metastatic disease, whereas older patients with metastatic disease fare poorly even when treated with aggressive therapy. The noninvasive nature of diagnostic sonography has allowed it to play a major role in the early detection and treatment of neuroblastoma. This early sonographic detection, in conjunction with early postnatal surgical intervention, has greatly improved the prognosis of infants born with neuroblastoma.
The surface properties of clay minerals
Authors: Schoonheydt Robert A. , Johnston Cliff T.
Published: March 2012

Clay minerals have interlayer surfaces and edge surfaces, the former being the most important, especially in the case of swelling clays or smectites. Water is by far the most important adsorbed molecule in the interlayer space, where it interacts with the exchangeable cations and with the siloxane surface. Transition metal ion complexes are selectively ion-exchanged in the interlayer space of smectites. Polyamine complexes easily lose their axial ligands to adopt a square planar configuration. The more stable and bulky tris(bipyridyl) and tris(phenanthroline) complexes in the interlayer space give chiral clay mineral composites that can be used in columns for chiral chromatography, in asymmetric catalysis and in non-linear optics. The formation of clay mineral-dye complexes is a two-step process: instantaneous adsorption of the dye molecules, mainly as aggregates, followed by a slower redistribution process over the clay-mineral surface. With careful choice of dye molecules, non-linear optical materials can be prepared which exhibit properties such as second harmonic generation and two-photon absorption. Ion exchange of cationic proteins is a three-step process: (1) instantaneous adsorption at the edges; (2) adsorption in the interlayer space, followed by; (3) weak adsorption in excess of the cation exchange capacity. The extent to which these three processes occur depends on (1) the kind of exchangeable cation in the interlayer; and (2) the molecular weight, shape and charge of the protein molecules.
Modelling of X-ray diffraction profiles
Authors: Lanson Bruno
Published: March 2012

Layered minerals and materials are ubiquitous and characterized by the frequent occurrence of stacking defects. In particular, interstratification (or mixed layering), which corresponds to the intimate intergrowth of layers differing in terms of their layer thickness and/or internal structure, and stacking faults, both random and well defined, are especially common. These defects impact heavily on the reactivity of the lamellar structures. In addition, they may record the conditions of mineral (trans)formation. Determining their nature, abundance and possibly their distribution is thus an essential step in their structural characterization leading to an understanding of their reactivity. Over recent decades, modelling of X-ray diffraction profiles has proved to be an important tool which allows detailed structural identification of defective lamellar structures. The present chapter will review the basic concepts of such identification and review the literature to outline how our understanding of defective structures and mixed layers has improved over the last decade or so and to describe some of the new perspectives opened by this improvement.
Applications of computational atomistic methods to
phyllosilicates
Authors: Sainz-Díaz C. Ignacio
Published: March 2012

A review of the main computational methods applied to layered silicates and other oxides is described from an atomistic point of view. Every macroscopic phenomenon is the result of a complex junction of many nanoscopic phenomena based on interactions between atoms and molecules. Different methods are presented below in order of theory-level complexity, starting from methods of experimental data analysis including simulated annealing methods. Several classic mechanics force fields, based on empirical interatomic potentials, are presented. More sophisticated methods based on quantum mechanics are described, applying molecular cluster models and crystal periodic systems. Molecular dynamics simulations are also included. Applications of all these methods to the study of phyllosilicates and layered oxides are reviewed, focusing on structural, crystallographic and spectroscoic properties, reactivity, surface interactions, adsorption of organic molecules and water interactions.
Interaction of organic molecules with layer silicates, oxides and
hydroxides and related surface-nano-characterization techniques
Authors: Valdrè Giovanni , Moro Daniele , Ulian Gianfranco
Published: March 2012

Knowledge of the surface properties of layered minerals is of great importance to understand both fundamental and applied technological issues, such as, for example, liquid–surface interactions, microfluidity, friction or tribology and biomolecule self-assembly and adhesion.

Recent developments in Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) have widened the spectrum of possible investigations that can be performed at a nanometric level at the surfaces of minerals. They range from physical properties such as surface potential and electric field topological determination to chemical and spectroscopic analysis in air, in liquid or in a gaseous environment.

After a brief introduction to new technological developments in SPM, we present recent achievements in the characterization and application of nanomorphology, surface potential and cleavage patterns of layer silicates, in particular chlorite.

Two general research directions will be presented: interaction of organic molecules with layer silicates and synthetic substrates, and mineral hydrophilicity/phobicity and friction/adhesion issues. SPM is used to assess the force-curve, force-volume, adhesion and surface potential characteristics of layer silicates by working in Electric Force Microscopy (static and dynamic EFM) and in Kelvin probe modes of operation. For instance, EFM allows us to measure the thickness of silicate layers and, from frequency, amplitude, phase modulation and Kelvin analysis, to derive the electrostatic force experienced by the probe. We can relate these measurements directly to the electrostatic force gradient at the mineral surface.

Transverse dynamic force microscopy, also known as shear force microscopy is introduced here and examples of the investigation of attractive, adhesive and shear forces of water on layer silicates will be presented. The study of water in confined geometries is very important because it can provide simple models for fluid/mineral interactions.

The ability to control the binding of biological and organic molecules to a crystal surface is fundamental, especially for biotechnology, catalysis, molecular microarrays, biosensors and environmental sciences. For instance, recent studies have shown that DNA molecules have different binding affinities and assume different conformations when adsorbed to different layer silicate surfaces. On certain crystals the electrostatic surface potential anisotropy is able to order and stretch the DNA filament and induce a natural change in its conformation. The active stretching of DNA on extensive layer silicates is a clear indication of the basic and technological potential carried by these minerals when used as substrates for biomolecules. Other examples including amino acids, proteins, nucleotides, nucleic acids and cells are discussed here. Finally, a comparison between experimental data and simulation is presented and discussed.
Functional STAT3 deficiency compromises the generation of human T follicular helper cells
Authors: Ma Cindy S. , Avery Danielle T. , Chan Anna , Batten Marcel , Bustamante Jacinta , Boisson-Dupuis Stephanie , Arkwright Peter D. , Kreins Alexandra Y. , Averbuch Diana , Engelhard Dan , Magdorf Klaus , Kilic Sara S. , Minegishi Yoshiyuki , Nonoyama Shigeaki , French Martyn A. , Choo Sharon , Smart Joanne M. , Peake Jane , Wong Melanie , Gray Paul , Cook Matthew C. , Fulcher David A. , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Deenick Elissa K. , Tangye Stuart G.
Published: March 2012

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are critical for providing the necessary signals to induce differentiation of B cells into memory and Ab-secreting cells. Accordingly, it is important to identify the molecular requirements for Tfh cell development and function. We previously found that IL-12 mediates the differentiation of human CD4+ T cells to the Tfh lineage, because IL-12 induces naive human CD4+ T cells to acquire expression of IL-21, BCL6, ICOS, and CXCR5, which typify Tfh cells. We have now examined CD4+ T cells from patients deficient in IL-12Rβ1, TYK2, STAT1, and STAT3 to further explore the pathways involved in human Tfh cell differentiation. Although STAT1 was dispensable, mutations in IL12RB1, TYK2, or STAT3 compromised IL-12–induced expression of IL-21 by human CD4+ T cells. Defective expression of IL-21 by STAT3-deficient CD4+ T cells resulted in diminished B-cell helper activity in vitro. Importantly, mutations in STAT3, but not IL12RB1 or TYK2, also reduced Tfh cell generation in vivo, evidenced by decreased circulating CD4+CXCR5+ T cells. These results highlight the nonredundant role of STAT3 in human Tfh cell differentiation and suggest that defective Tfh cell development and/or function contributes to the humoral defects observed in STAT3-deficient patients.
Anti-CD20 (rituximab) therapy for anti–IFN-γ autoantibody–associated nontuberculous mycobacterial infection
Authors: Browne Sarah K. , Zaman Rifat , Sampaio Elizabeth P. , Jutivorakool Kamonwan , Rosen Lindsey B. , Ding Li , Pancholi Minjal J. , Yang Lauren M. , Priel Debra Long , Uzel Gulbu , Freeman Alexandra F. , Hayes Carlton E. , Baxter Roger , Cohen Stuart H. , Holland Steven M.
Published: March 2012

Patients with anti–IFN-γ autoantibodies have impaired IFN-γ signaling, leading to severe disseminated infections with intracellular pathogens, especially nontuberculous mycobacteria. Disease may be severe and progressive, despite aggressive treatment. To address the underlying pathogenic IFN-γ autoantibodies we used the therapeutic monoclonal rituximab (anti-CD20) to target patient B cells. All subjects received between 8 and 12 doses of rituximab within the first year to maintain disease remission. Subsequent doses were given for relapsed infection. We report 4 patients with refractory disease treated with rituximab who had clinical and laboratory evidence of therapeutic response as determined by clearance of infection, resolution of inflammation, reduction of anti–IFN-γ autoantibody levels, and improved IFN-γ signaling.
Influence of variable domain glycosylation on anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies and anti-glomerular basement membrane autoantibodies
Authors: Xu Peng-Cheng , Gou Shen-Ju , Yang Xiao-Wei , Cui Zhao , Jia Xiao-Yu , Chen Min , Zhao Ming-Hui
Published: March 2012

Background

The pathophysiological significance of variable region glycosylation of autoantibodies is still unclear. In the current study, the influence of the variable region N-linked oligosaccharides on the reactivity of three autoantibody specificities was investigated with Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA), which mainly binds to oligosaccharides with terminal α2, 6-linked sialic acid on the variable region of IgG.

Methods

Twenty-seven patients with serum positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) against myeploperoxidase (MPO) or proteinase 3 (PR3), or autoantibodies against glomerular basement membrane (GBM) were included. Total IgG was isolated and separated into non-SNA-binding and SNA-binding fractions with SNA affinity chromatography. Antigen-specific IgG was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography.

Results

At the same concentration of IgG, the antigen binding level of non-SNA-binding IgG was significantly lower than that of SNA-binding IgG for MPO-ANCA (absorbance value at 405 nm, 0.572 ± 0.590vs. 0.962 ± 0.670, P < 0.001) and for PR3-ANCA (0.362 ± 0.530vs. 0.560 ± 0.531, P = 0.003). The antigen binding level of non-SNA-binding IgG was significantly higher than that of SNA-binding IgG for anti-GBM antibodies (1.301 ± 0.594vs. 1.172 ± 0.583, P = 0.044). The level of variable region glycosylation of total IgG was significantly lower than that of affinity-purified MPO-ANCA (1.021 ± 0.201vs. 1.434 ± 0.134, P = 0.004). The level of variable region glycosylation of total IgG was significantly higher than that of affinity-purified anti-GBM antibodies (1.034 ± 0.340vs. 0.734 ± 0.333, P = 0.007). The SNA-binding fraction of MPO-ANCA-containing IgG and PR3-ANCA-containing IgG induced higher levels of neutrophil oxygen radical production than the corresponding non-SNA-binding fractions (P < 0.001 and P = 0.043, respectively). The level of variable region glycosylation of affinity-purified MPO-ANCA was higher in active AAV than the same patients in remission (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Characteristics of variable region glycosylation of ANCA and anti-GBM antibodies were different from that of total IgG, which might influence the antigen-binding ability of these antibodies. Variable region glycosylation of ANCA might influence the effect of ANCA-induced neutrophils respiratory burst.