bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN REAL ESTATE AND STOCK MARKETS IN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED KINGDOM THROUGH DATAMINING / RYŠIO TARP HONKONGO IR JUNGTINĖS KARALYSTĖS NEKILNOJAMOJO TURTO BEI AKCIJŲ RINKŲ NAGRINĖJIMAS ANALIZUOJANT DUOMENIS
Authors: Hui Eddie C. M.
Published: April 2011

This paper aims to examine the relationship between real estate market and stock market in the United Kingdom and in Hong Kong, from 1993 to 2007, using the method of datamining. The results provide evidence for the existence of not only a positive correlation, but also a co-movement, between the two markets. Such interactions reflect the similarities among these two regions, which can be explained by two transmission mechanisms: wealth effect and credit-price effect. However, the two real estate markets respond differently upon similar adjustments of the respective stock markets. Such dissimilarity is attributed to their respective local factors. It is shown in the paper that datamining could be an appropriate option for studying this kind of relationships.

Santrauka

Šiame darbe siekiama duomenų analizės metodu išnagrinėti ryšį tarp Jungtinės Karalystės ir Honkongo nekilnojamojo turto rinkų ir akcijų rinkų nuo 1993 iki 2007 m. Remiantis gautais rezultatais matyti, kad tarp minėtų dviejų rinkų egzistuoja ne tik teigiama koreliacija, bet ir kovariacija. Tokios sąveikos rodopanašumus tarp šių dviejų regionų, o tai paaiškinama dviem perdavimo mechanizmais: turto poveikiu ir kredito bei kainos poveikiu. Tačiau dvi nekilnojamojo turto rinkos skirtingai reaguoja į panašų akcijų rinkų reguliavimą. Taip vyksta dėl jų vietinių veiksnių įtakos. Duomenų analizė galėtų būti tinkama alternatyva tiriant tokius ryšius.
STRATEGY AND SPACE: A LONGITUDINAL CASE STUDY OF BROADCASTING FACILITIES / STRATEGIJA IR ERDVĖ: RADIJO IR TELEVIZIJOS TRANSLIAVIMO PASLAUGŲ LONGITUDINIS TYRIMAS
Authors: Jensen Per Anker
Published: April 2011

The article is based on results from a research project on space strategies and building values, which included a major case study of the development of facilities for the Danish Broadcasting Corporation over time. The focus is to identify, how different space strategies have been implemented in different periods and how these strategies can be related to the general conditions of the corporation. The strategic uncertainty of the corporation is investigated as a main determining factor for changes in space strategy based on theories of the relations between strategy and place. These theories include that corporations follow one of the three generic space strategies: Incrementalism, standardization, and value-based strategy. among the conclusion are, that the space strategies mostly changes between incremental and value-based strategies, but one period of standardization was identified. Furthermore, there is a clear relation between value-based space strategies and the presence of visionary project champions. Santrauka Straipsnio pagrindas—rezultatai, gauti atlikus erdvių strategijų ir vertės didinimo projekto tyrimą. Tyrimo esmė—paslaugų, teikiamų Danijos radijo ir televizijos korporacijai (angl. The Danish broadcasting corporation), plėtros pagrindinė situacinė analizė. Siekiama nustatyti, kokios skirtingos erdvių strategijos buvo įgyvendintos skirtingais laikotarpiais ir kaip jos gali būti susijusios su korporacijos bendromis sąlygomis. Korporacijos strateginė nežinomybė tyrinėjama kaip pagrindinis ir lemiamas erdvių strategijos pokyčių veiksnys, grindžiamas strategijos ir vietos ryšių teorijomis. Anot šių teorijų, korporacijos taiko vieną iš trijųbendrų erdvių strategijų: inkrementalizmo, standartizavimo ir verte grindžiamos strategijos. Paminėtina, kad erdvių strategijos kinta tarp inkrementalizmo ir verte grindžiamų strategijų, tačiau buvo nustatytas ir vienas standartizavimo laikotarpis. Be to, yra aiškus ryšys tarp verte grindžiamų erdvių strategijų ir nekomercinių projektų rėmėjų buvimo.
AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH OF COMPETITIVENESS EVALUATION FOR REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS / NEKILNOJAMOJO TURTO PLĖTOTOJŲ KONKURENCINGUMO ĮVERTINIMO ALTERNATYVUS BŪDAS
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Tan Yongtao , Shen Liyin , Wu Yuzhe
Published: April 2011

This paper presents a fuzzy competitiveness rating (FCR) method for measuring the competitiveness of real estate developers with referring to the Chinese real estate industry. Research data used for analysis were collected from a case study in Green Town Company. Research into the assessment of real estate developers’ competitiveness has been limited. The fuzzy competitiveness rating method is proposed as an alternative effective approach in assessing the competitiveness of real estate developers. The FCR method furnishes real estate developers with innovative solution to assess their competitiveness. By understanding properly organizational competitiveness, real estate developers can adopt appropriate actions and strategies to utilize organization resources more effectively to enhance their competitiveness, thus improve their business performance in the real estate market.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje pateikiamas neapibrėžtasis konkurencingumo įvertinimo (angl. fuzzy competitiveness rating, FCR) metodas nekilnojamojo turto plėtotojų, konkrečiai kalbant apie Kinijos nekilnojamojo turto pramonę, konkurencingumui įvertinti. Analizei naudoti tyrimo duomenys buvo sukaupti nagrinėjant konkretų atvejį įmonėje „Green Town Company”. Neapibrėžtasis konkurencingumo įvertinimo metodas siūlomas kaip alternatyvus ir efektyvus nekilnojamojo turto plėtotojų konkurencingumo įvertinimo būdas. Neapibrėžtasis konkurencingumo įvertinimo metodas pateikia nekilnojamojo turto plėtotojams inovacinį sprendimą jų konkurencingumui įvertinti. Tinkamai suvokdami organizacijos konkurencingumą nekilnojamojo turto plėtotojai gali imtis atitinkamų veiksmų ir strategijų efektyviau naudodami organizacijos išteklius, kad padidintų savo konkurencingumą ir gerintų savo veiklos veiksmingumą nekilnojamojo turto rinkoje.
MATHEMATICAL MODELS OF THE CALCULATION OF AIRCRAFT STRUCTURAL RELIABILITY / ORLAIVIŲ KONSTRUKCINIŲ ELEMENTŲ STIPRUMO PATIKIMUMO SAVYBIŲ SKAIČIAVIMO MATEMATINIAI MODELIAI
Authors: Kulyk Mykola , Kucher Olexiy , Miltsov Vladimir
Published: April 2011

The mathematical models of damageability under static and cyclic loadings are investigated. The parameters of damageability and endurance are considered necessary for the calculation of long-term durability wear and low-cycle and high-cycle fatigue, thermo-cyclic endurance and deformation as well as general models, taking into account multi-axis and multicomponent loads. The models of damageability at loading range, the probabilistic models of endurance and accumulation of damage at random influence are given. Probabilistic criteria for service life estimation and their connection with accumulated damageability are researched.

Santrauka

Darbe išanalizuoti pažeidimų matematiniai modeliai, kai veikia statinės ir ciklinės apkrovos. Išnagrinėti pažeidimų modelių parametrai bei ilgaamžiškumo savybės, reikalingos ilgalaikio stiprumo išnaudojimui, mažacikliam ir daugiacikliam nuovargiui, termocikliniam ilgaamžiškumui ir takumui įvertinti. Apibendrinti modeliai, įvertinantys daugiaašių ir daugiakomponenčių apkrovų ypatybes. Pateikti pažeidimų modeliai, esant apkrovų spektrui, tikimybiniai stiprumo ir pažeidimų kaupimo modeliai, esant atsitiktiniams poveikiams. Išanalizuoti resurso išnaudojimo kriterijai, parodytas jų ryšys su sukauptais pažeidimais.
A LOGISTIC APPROACH FOR DESCRIPTION OF DECISION-MAKING PROCESS / SPRENDIMŲ PRIĖMIMO APRAŠYMAS LOGISTINIU POŽIŪRIU
Authors: Grigorak Mariya , Shkvar Olga
Published: April 2011

Managers must make strategic decisions to cope with issues of uncertainty, customer service and the management of a company. The objective of this paper is to analyse the problem of optimisation and search of rational logistic decisions, taking into account the human factor and, in particular, the preferences of people who make decisions and implement them during the logistic activity of an enterprise. The problem of making optimal decisions for transportation of goods, taking into account the factor of urgency was investigated.

Santrauka

Marketingo vadybininkai turi priimti strateginius sprendimus, kaip suvaldyti neaiškias situacijas, organizuoti darbą su klientais bei su įmonės vadovybe. Šio tyrimo tikslas yra problemos optimizavimo analizė bei racionalių logistinių sprendimų paieška, įvertinant subjektyvumą ir iš dalies—pirmenybės sistemą asmenims, kurie priima sprendimus ir užtikrina jųįvykdymą, įgyvendinant logistinęįmonės veiklą. Išanalizuotas optimalaus spendimo priėmimas gabenant krovinius, kai reikia įvertintį skubumo faktorių.
« États faillis », « États fragiles » : concepts jumelés d'une nouvelle réflexion mondiale
Authors: Gaulme François
Published: April 2011

Les États les plus faibles de la planète sont un danger mortel, pour eux-mêmes et pour les autres. D’où le développement de recherches sur les notions d’État faible, d’État fragile, d’État failli. La période récente a valorisé la dimension sécuritaire de ces analyses. Mais si la priorité est à la reconstruction post-crise de ces États, encore faut-il s’entendre sur la nature de ce qu’il est urgent de reconstruire, bref sur les critères d’existence de l’« État normal ». politique étrangère
Morphologie de la RGPP
Authors: Bezes Philippe
Published: April 2011

Nouvelle manifestation inédite des politiques de réforme de l’État sous la Cinquième République, la RGPP est examinée ici de manière comparative et replacée dans la trajectoire longue des dynamiques de réforme de l’administration française. Quatre dimensions constitutives permettent la comparaison : engagements des ministères transversaux (Budget, Intérieur, Fonction publique), expertise mobilisée dans les réformes, engagement des exécutifs, dispositif et répertoire de réforme. En dépit de continuités structurelles avec les politiques antérieures, la thèse défendue est que la RGPP caractérise et incarne une dynamique sans précédent de restructurations à orientations budgétaires, inspirée de modèles issus du secteur privé, influencée par des cabinets de conseil en stratégie, confortée par des consultants porteurs de systèmes d’information intégré, défendue par un ministère du budget, des comptes publics, de la fonction publique et de la réforme de l’État faisant le lien entre économies et réorganisations et portée par un leadership présidentiel valorisant la recentralisation et le contrôle politique.
Les élites de la réforme
Authors: Rouban Luc
Published: April 2011

Elites of the Reform The RGPP Programme Review has been implemented by a specific administrative elite. This article distinguishes between three circles of innovators, which are grouped according to their involvement in the reform process and ability to influence it. The reform pursued since 2007 is supported by new networks, and the “top circle” of innovators has been extensively renewed. The article shows that the RGPP has been implemented by a very tight core network of senior civil servants. They do not have the same profile as young civil servants from the corps techniques and the middle classes who seek to use new public management methods in order to counter the power of the grands corps. Quite the contrary, they are members of the grand corps administratifs, who have acquired professional experience in the private sector and ministers’private offices. They constitute a unique network of specialists in financial matters. Their profile is thus very different from the civil servants who are members of the two other circles responsible for implementing the reform.
Potential Role of Invariant NKT Cells in the Control of Pulmonary Inflammation and CD8+ T Cell Response during Acute Influenza A Virus H3N2 Pneumonia
Authors: Paget Christophe , Ivanov Stoyan , Fontaine Josette , Blanc Fany , Pichavant Muriel , Renneson Joelle , Bialecki Emilie , Pothlichet Julien , Vendeville Catherine , Barba-Speath Giovanna , Huerre Michel-René , Faveeuw Christelle , Si-Tahar Mustapha , Trottein François
Published: April 2011

Influenza A virus (IAV) infection results in a highly contagious respiratory illness leading to substantial morbidity and occasionally death. In this report, we assessed the in vivo physiological contribution of invariant NKT (iNKT) lymphocytes, a subset of lipid-reactive αβ T lymphocytes, on the host response and viral pathogenesis using a virulent, mouse-adapted, IAV H3N2 strain. Upon infection with a lethal dose of IAV, iNKT cells become activated in the lungs and bronchoalveolar space to become rapidly anergic to further restimulation. Relative to wild-type animals, C57BL/6 mice deficient in iNKT cells (Jα18−/− mice) developed a more severe bronchopneumonia and had an accelerated fatal outcome, a phenomenon reversed by the adoptive transfer of NKT cells prior to infection. The enhanced pathology in Jα18−/− animals was not associated with either reduced or delayed viral clearance in the lungs or with a defective local NK cell response. In marked contrast, Jα18−/− mice displayed a dramatically reduced IAV-specific CD8+ T cell response in the lungs and in lung-draining mediastinal lymph nodes. We further show that this defective CD8+ T cell response correlates with an altered accumulation and maturation of pulmonary CD103+, but not CD11bhigh, dendritic cells in the mediastinal lymph nodes. Taken together, these findings point to a role for iNKT cells in the control of pneumonia as well as in the development of the CD8+ T cell response during the early stage of acute IAV H3N2 infection.
The Role of Device Diagnostic Algorithms in the Assessment and Management of Patients with Systolic Heart Failure: A Review
Authors: Ha Andrew C. T. , Leather Richard A. , Novak Paul G. , Sterns Laurence D. , Tang Anthony S. L.
Published: April 2011

Hospitalization due to heart failure (HF) exacerbation represents a major burden in health care and portends a poor long-term prognosis for patients. As a result, there is considerable interest to develop novel tools and strategies to better detect onset of volume overload, as HF hospitalizations may be reduced if appropriate interventions can be promptly delivered. One such innovation is the use of device-based diagnostic parameters in HF patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) and/or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. These diagnostic algorithms can effectively monitor and detect changes in patients' HF status, as well as predict one's risk of HF hospitalization. This paper will review the role of these device diagnostics parameters in the assessment and management of HF patients in ambulatory settings. In addition, the integration of these novel algorithms in existing HF disease management models will be discussed.
The Toric Geometry of Triangulated Polygons in Euclidean Space
Authors: Howard Benjamin , Manon Christopher , Millson John
Published: April 2011

Speyer and Sturmfels associated Gröbner toric degenerationsofwith each trivalent treehavingnleaves. These degenerations induce toric degenerationsofMr, the space ofnordered, weighted (byr) points on the projective line. Our goal in this paper is to give a geometric (Euclidean polygon) description of the toric fibers and describe the action of the compact part of the torus as “bendings of polygons”. We prove the conjecture of Foth and Hu that the toric fibers are homeomorphic to the spaces defined by Kamiyama and Yoshida.
Trajectory analysis on the origin of air mass and moisture associated with Atmospheric Rivers over the west coast of the United States
Authors: Ryoo J.-M. , Waliser D. E. , Fetzer E. J.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. The origins and pathways of air masses leading to heavy rainfall over the west coast of the United States are examined by computing the back-trajectories in a Lagrangian quasi-isentropic trajectory model. Extreme precipitation over the west coast of the United States often coincides with transport in a deep and narrow corridor of concentrated water vapor band from the ocean, commonly referred to as Atmospheric Rivers (ARs). They also occur in conjunction with moisture plumes emanating from the tropics, or along the mid-latitude storm track. However, the actual moisture sources and the dynamic and thermodynamic processes of the moisture transport, are still unclear. Trajectories are found to be insensitive to the reanalysis data set used; we examined NCEP, GMAO MERRA, and ECMWF ERA-Interim. Reconstructed water vapor mixing ratios along trajectories are in generally good agreement among the reanalysis datasets in most of the subtropics and extratropics, indicating that the large-scale circulation is a primary control for moisture transport over those regions. Clustering and pdf (probability density function) analyses illustrate that trajectories over the west coast of United States have different origins. One group of trajectories (cluster 1) originates in the warm part of extratropical cyclones in the low level. The other group of trajectories (cluster 2) originates in the cold and dry regions in the mid-level (pressures less than 600 hPa) over northeastern Asia, then cross the Pacific Ocean. This study demonstrates that the quasi-isentropic Lagrangian trajectory model and clustering analysis (that have been typically used to analyze trajectories in the upper troposphere and higher altitudes) can be used to examine sources of air masses and moisture, and also associated transport processes in the lower troposphere.
Construction of non-diagonal background error covariance matrices for global chemical data assimilation
Authors: Singh K. , Jardak M. , Sandu A. , Bowman K. , Lee M. , Jones D.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Chemical data assimilation attempts to optimally use noisy observations along with imperfect model predictions to produce a better estimate of the chemical state of the atmosphere. It is widely accepted that a key ingredient for successful data assimilation is a realistic estimation of the background error distribution. Particularly important is the specification of the background error covariance matrix, which contains information about the magnitude of the background errors and about their correlations. As models evolve toward finer resolutions, the use of diagonal background covariance matrices is increasingly inaccurate, as they captures less of the spatial error correlations. This paper discusses an efficient computational procedure for constructing non-diagonal background error covariance matrices which account for the spatial correlations of errors. The correlation length scales are specified by the user; a correct choice of correlation lengths is important for a good performance of the data assimilation system. The benefits of using the non-diagonal covariance matrices for variational data assimilation with chemical transport models are illustrated.
Classification and flow prediction in a data-scarce watershed of the Equatorial Nile region
Authors: Kileshye Onema J.-M. , Taigbenu A. , Ndiritu J.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Continuous developments and investigations in flow prediction are of interest in watershed hydrology especially where watercourses are poorly gauged and data are scarce like in most parts of Africa. Thus, this paper reports on two approaches to generate local monthly runoff of the data-scarce Semliki watershed. The Semliki River is part of the upper drainage of the Albert Nile. With an average annual local runoff of 4.622 km3, the Semliki watershed contributes up to 20% of the flows of the White Nile. The watershed was sub-divided in 21 subcatchments (S3 to S23); eight physiographic attributes from remotely sensed acquired datasets and limited ground information were generated for each subcatchments and used to forecast monthly volumes. One ordination technique, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the tree clustering analysis of the landform attributes was performed to study the data structure and spot physiographic similarities between subcatchments. The PCA revealed the existence of two major groups of subcatchments. Multi-linear and polynomial regressions were the two modeling approaches used to predict the long-term monthly mean of discharges for the two types of subcatchments identified in the Semliki watershed. The ranges of multiple R, the multiple R2, and the adjusted R2 for the multi-linear and the polynomial models were, respectively 0.96–0.99; 0.93–0.99 and 0.92–0.99. The linearity assumption provided less accurate predictions.
A Perspective on the Consequences for Insect Herbivores and Their Natural Enemies When They Share Plant Resources
Authors: Kehrli Patrik , Wratten Steve D.
Published: April 2011

Thousands of insect species consume both animal and plant-derived food resources. However, little recognition is given to the fact that omnivory is a general feeding strategy common to all higher trophic levels. Species in multitrophic interactions can all directly rely on the same plant resources. Nonetheless, little is known about the effect of a change in the relative abundance of a shared plant resource on trophic dynamics. Here we describe how a relative change of resource availability can affect multitrophic interactions and we emphasise its importance. Changes in multitrophic interactions can be induced by unequal alterations of individual fitness across trophic levels, possibly leading to changes in population structure of interacting species. At least ten ecological mechanisms can be involved and these are explored here. It is concluded that shared plant resources that are differentially used over several trophic levels have the potential to modify community structure and energy flow within food webs and ecosystems in more complex ways than previously recognised. The synthesis presented here provides an understanding of this complexity and can lead to improved deployment of biodiversity when manipulating food webs to protect ecological communities or to enhance ecosystem services such as biological control of agricultural pests.
A Case of Biliary Pancreatitis Which Subsided after Endoscopic Sphincterotomy during Pregnancy
Authors: Erkan Gulbanu , Dogan Ibrahim , Ozenirler Seren , Tuncer Candan
Published: April 2011

A 24-year-old pregnant patient was referred to us because of pain and tenderness in the right upper quadrant. Her liver enzymes and bilirubin levels were elevated; an abdominal ultrasound examination revealed gallstones within the gallbladder. Diagnosis of biliary pancreatitis was established based on elevated amylase levels. Oral intake was withheld; intravenous antibiotic therapy and total parenteral nutrition were administered. An endoscopic sphincterotomy without the use of fluoroscopy was performed. Abdominal pain and elevated serum amylase levels subsided after this procedure. In our case, biliary pancreatitis, which developed during pregnancy, responded well to the endoscopic sphincterotomy, and this procedure obviated the need for surgical intervention and prevented the recurrence of pancreatitis.
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in Africa: A Clinicopathological Study
Authors: Nthumba Peter M. , Juma Paul Irungu
Published: April 2011

Introduction. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare, aggressive soft tissue sarcomas associated with poor prognosis, that most commonly affect patients aged 20 to 50 years, but have also been reported in children. There is little reported in literature on these tumors in Africa. Materials and Methods. A search of the hospital pathology database between 1992 and 2008 revealed 333 nerve sheath tumors, of which 31 were MPNSTs. Four representative case reports are presented. Discussion. MNPSTs have rarely been reported from sub-Saharan Africa; in this study, they constituted 9.3% of all nerve sheath tumors. The trunk (42%) and limbs (45%) were the most frequently affected anatomical sites. Late presentation of malignant lesions in this environment is exemplified by the four case presentations patients. Conclusions. This report confirms observations from studies on MPNSTs from other environments. Anatomically centrally located MPNSTs may have a higher incidence in sub-Saharan Africa than in the West. Because NF1-associated MPNSTs are difficult to diagnose clinically, and because surgery is the only mode of therapy that offers a complete cure, a lifetime follow-up is important, as this would enable diagnosis of early lesions amenable to surgical extirpation.
Postoperative Dissecting Ventricular Septal Hematoma: Recognition and Treatment
Authors: Mart Christopher R. , Kaza Aditya K.
Published: April 2011

Dissecting ventricular septal hematoma (DVSH) rarely occurs after repair of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) but can lead to serious complications such as septal rupture, myocardial rupture, cardiogenic shock, heart block, outflow obstruction, cardiac tamponade, abscess transformation, and death. This paper describes the diagnosis and management of acute, severe, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by the development of a DVSH after VSD repair.
Detection of Streptococcus mutans Genomic DNA in Human DNA Samples Extracted from Saliva and Blood
Authors: Vieira Alexandre R. , Deeley Kathleen B. , Callahan Nicholas F. , Noel Jacqueline B. , Anjomshoaa Ida , Carricato Wendy M. , Schulhof Louise P. , DeSensi Rebecca S. , Gandhi Pooja , Resick Judith M. , Brandon Carla A. , Rozhon Christopher , Patir Asli , Yildirim Mine , Poletta Fernando A. , Mereb Juan C. , Letra Ariadne , Menezes Renato , Wendell Steven , Lopez-Camelo Jorge S. , Castilla Eduardo E. , Orioli Iêda M. , Seymen Figen , Weyant Robert J. , Crout Richard , McNeil Daniel W. , Modesto Adriana , Marazita Mary L.
Published: April 2011

Caries is a multifactorial disease, and studies aiming to unravel the factors modulating its etiology must consider all known predisposing factors. One major factor is bacterial colonization, and Streptococcus mutans is the main microorganism associated with the initiation of the disease. In our studies, we have access to DNA samples extracted from human saliva and blood. In this report, we tested a real-time PCR assay developed to detect copies of genomic DNA from Streptococcus mutans in 1,424 DNA samples from humans. Our results suggest that we can determine the presence of genomic DNA copies of Streptococcus mutans in both DNA samples from caries-free and caries-affected individuals. However, we were not able to detect the presence of genomic DNA copies of Streptococcus mutans in any DNA samples extracted from peripheral blood, which suggests the assay may not be sensitive enough for this goal. Values of the threshold cycle of the real-time PCR reaction correlate with higher levels of caries experience in children, but this correlation could not be detected for adults.
Successful Treatment of Methimazole-Induced Severe Aplastic Anemia by Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor, Methylprednisolone, and Cyclosporin
Authors: Honda Munehiro
Published: April 2011

A 52-year-old Japanese woman was examined because of general malaise, weight loss and a lump in her left breast. She was diagnosed with cancer of the left breast and Graves' disease, and was administered methimazole (MMI). A left mastectomy was performed for the breast cancer. She presented with a high fever and peripheral blood examination revealed a severe pancytopenia. She was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia, and administered G-CSF, however, the treatment was unsuccessful. Thus, oral methyprednisolone and cyclosporin were added. There was a remarkable improvement in the peripheral blood count.
Serine 129 Phosphorylation of α-Synuclein Cross-Links with Tissue Transglutaminase to Form Lewy Body-Like Inclusion Bodies
Authors: Bi Wei , Zhang GuoHua , Sun Yuanlin , Zhu Lihong , Wang Chuanming , Liang Yanran , Shi Qiaoyun , Tao Enxiang
Published: April 2011

Intraneuronal depositions of α-synuclein have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinsons's disease (PD). Previous reports have identified the crosslinking between α-synuclein and tTG (tissue transglutaminase) in both PD patients and the cellular model. However, no researches have been conducted to further investigate their interaction in physiological conditions. To address this question, we generated the SH-SY5Y cell line which stably expressed the wild-type or mutant (Ser129Ala) α-synuclein. After the treatment with okadaic acid, α-synuclein started forming aggregates upon the activation of tTG. Coimmunoprecipitation assays revealed a decreased interaction of the mutant α-synuclein S129A with tTG compared with the wild-type α-synuclein. Cells expressing the wild-type α-synuclein showed increased eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusion bodies that resembled Lewy bodies compared with the mutant. Double immunofluorescence staining confirmed the colocalization of the phosphorylated α-synuclein and the tTG in the cells. The S129A mutant demonstrated a lesser degree of colocalization than the wild type.
A Study of Solvent Effects in the Solvolysis of Propargyl Chloroformate
Authors: D'Souza Malcolm J. , Darrington Anthony M. , Kevill Dennis N.
Published: April 2011

The specific rates of solvolysis of propargyl chloroformate (1) are analyzed in 22 solvents of widely varying nucleophilicity and ionizing power values at 25.0°C using the extended Grunwald-Winstein equation. Sensitivities to solvent nucleophilicity (l) of 1.37 and to solvent ionizing power (m) of 0.47 suggest a bimolecular process with the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate. A plot of the rates of solvolysis of1against those previously reported for phenyl chloroformate (2) results in a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.996, a slope of 0.86, and anF-test value of 2161. The unequivocal correlation between these two substrates attests that the stepwise association-dissociation (AN+ DN) mechanism previously proposed for2is also operative in1.
RAPID3 (Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3) severity categories and response criteria: Similar results to DAS28 (Disease Activity Score) and CDAI (Clinical Disease Activity Index) in the RAPID 1 (Rheumatoid Arthritis Prevention of Structural Damage) clinical trial of certolizumab pegol
Authors: Pincus Theodore , Furer Victoria , Keystone Edward , Yazici Yusuf , Bergman Martin J. , Luijtens Kristel
Published: April 2011

Objective

To compare categories for activity/severity according to the Disease Activity Score 28‐joint count (DAS28), the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3), an index without formal joint counts calculated in 5 versus >100 seconds, as well as the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)– DAS28 and the RAPID3 response criteria, in the Rheumatoid Arthritis Prevention of Structural Damage (RAPID 1) clinical trial of certolizumab pegol (CZP).

Methods

Post hoc analyses were performed using correlations, cross‐tabulations, and kappa statistics. Patients (treated with CZP plus methotrexate [MTX] or placebo plus MTX) were classified at baseline and at 52 weeks as high, moderate, low activity/severity or remission, according to the DAS28 (>5.1, >3.2 to ≤5.1, 2.6 to ≤3.2, <2.6 [total range 0–10]), the CDAI (>22, >10 to ≤22, >2.8 to ≤10, ≤2.8 [total range 0–76]), and RAPID3 (>12, >6 to ≤12, >3 to ≤6, ≤3 [total range 0–30]), as well as for good, moderate, and poor EULAR‐DAS28 and proposed RAPID3 response criteria.

Results

All measures were correlated significantly: RAPID3 with DAS28 and CDAI (rho > 0.7), higher than erythrocyte sedimentation rate with C‐reactive protein level (rho = 0.47). At 52 weeks, DAS28, CDAI, and RAPID3 low activity/remission was seen in 30%, 44%, and 42% of CZP‐treated patients versus 3%, 7%, and 10% of control patients. Good, moderate, and poor EULAR‐DAS28 responses were seen in 30%, 51%, and 19% of CZP‐treated patients versus 3%, 28%, and 70% of control patients, and for RAPID3 in 39%, 30%, and 32% of CZP‐treated patients versus 8%, 16%, and 76% of control patients. Kappa and weighted kappa values ranged from 0.36–0.53, indicating fair to moderate agreement.

Conclusion

RAPID3, DAS28, and CDAI give similar results to distinguish CZP patients from controls in the RAPID 1 clinical trial. DAS28 is specific for clinical trials; RAPID3 appears pragmatically useful for usual care.
Free‐Standing Patterned Ceramic Structures Obtained by Soft Micromolding
Authors: Seils Sascha , Baraki Raschid , Jamin Christine , Guillon Olivier
Published: April 2011

Patterned ceramic films with constant thickness can be processed by a soft lithographic method. By using micromolding in capillaries, the slurry is forced to flow through channels created in an elastomer stamp. After drying, layers deposited on an amorphous carbon substrate were sintered under inert atmosphere. Free‐standing ceramic structures with high aspect ratio were obtained with lateral resolution better than 1 µm. Dimensional changes were monitored in comparison to films deposited on stiff sapphire substrate. This technique enables to process a large variety of structures, from optical or electronic components to sieve and MEMS applications.
Deletion of the immunoglobulin domain of IL1RAPL1 results in nonsyndromic X‐linked intellectual disability associated with behavioral problems and mild dysmorphism
Authors: Franek Karl J. , Butler Julia , Johnson John , Simensen Richard , Friez Michael J. , Bartel Frank , Moss Tonya , DuPont Barbara , Berry Katherine , Bauman Margaret , Skinner Cindy , Stevenson Roger E. , Schwartz Charles E.
Published: April 2011

X‐Linked intellectual disability accounts for a significant fraction of males with cognitive impairment. Many of these males present with a non‐syndromic phenotype and presently mutations in 17 X‐linked genes are associated with these patients. Mutations in IL1RAPL1 have been found in multiple families with non‐syndromic X‐linked intellectual disability. All of the published mutations predict loss of function of the protein. We have identified an additional two families with deletions of a portion of the gene that give rise to cognitive impairment, as well as some behavioral problems and mild dysmorphism. Our clinical findings better delineate the phenotypic spectrum associated with IL1RAPL1 mutations. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Left ventricular noncompaction in Sotos syndrome
Authors: Martinez Hugo R. , Belmont John W. , Craigen William J. , Taylor Michael D. , Jefferies John L.
Published: April 2011

Sotos syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by pre‐ and postnatal overgrowth (tall stature and macrocephaly), a typical facial appearance, advanced bone age, and developmental delay. The syndrome is caused by mutations or deletions of the nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 1 (NSD1) gene, which encodes a histone methyltransferase implicated in the regulation of chromatin. Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC), also called left ventricular (LV) hypertrabeculation, is a rare disorder classified as a primary genetic cardiomyopathy by the American Heart Association. This condition is characterized by an altered myocardial wall due to arrest of embryonic compaction of the loose interwoven meshwork that makes up the fetal myocardial primordium. The cardiac manifestations of this cardiomyopathy are variable, ranging from an absence of symptoms to a progressive deterioration in cardiac function, with heart failure, arrhythmias, and systemic thromboemboli. We describe two unrelated patients who had LVNC, as based on echocardiographic findings, and Sotos syndrome, as based on physical features and molecular analysis. To our knowledge, the literature contains no previous reports of concomitant LVNC and Sotos syndrome. In the light of these two cases, we suggest that patients with Sotos syndrome be evaluated for LVNC cardiomyopathy when being screened for heart defects. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Homozygosity mapping identifies the Crumbs homologue 1 (Crb1) gene as responsible for a recessive syndrome of retinitis pigmentosa and nanophthalmos
Authors: Zenteno Juan Carlos , Buentello‐Volante Beatriz , Ayala‐Ramirez Raul , Villanueva‐Mendoza Cristina
Published: April 2011

The association of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and microphthalmia has been reported in a number of familial and isolated cases. Here, the results of genetic analysis in a familial case of early RP associated with nanophthalmos are described. Two affected sibs were ascertained from an endogamous population in Mexico. A genome‐wide linkage analysis was performed by means of an Affymetrix 250K microarray. Five large regions of homozygosity were demonstrated. The largest interval comprised 15.08 Mb at chromosome 1q31–32.1 and contained the Crumbs homologue‐1, CRB1, a gene responsible for a number of recessive retinal dystrophies. Nucleotide sequence analysis demonstrated a c.1125C>G transversion in CRB1 exon 5, predicting a novel p.Tyr375X variant. To our knowledge this is the first instance in which a CRB1 mutation has been associated with early RP and nanophthalmos. Our results suggest a role for CRB1 in promoting axial growth of the eye. Clinical analysis of additional subjects with retinal dystrophies due to CRB1 mutations will help to identify if the high hyperopia, a frequently observed trait in these subjects, could be related to decreased eye axial length (nanophthalmos). © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In‐frame deletion in FLNA causing familial periventricular heterotopia with skeletal dysplasia in males
Authors: Parrini Elena , Rivas Isabel Llano , Toral Joaquin Fernandez , Pucatti Daniela , Giglio Sabrina , Mei Davide , Guerrini Renzo
Published: April 2011

Periventricular heterotopia (PH) is an etiologically heterogeneous disorder characterized by nodules of neurons ectopically placed along the lateral ventricles. Truncating and missense mutations of the FLNA gene have been identified in almost 100% of families and 26% of sporadic patients with PH. The otopalatodigital syndrome spectrum is caused by distinct FLNA missense mutations or in‐frame deletions disrupting the development of craniofacial and long bones. We report on a clinical, neuroimaging, X‐ray, and molecular study of a family in which classical bilateral PH appeared as an isolated anatomic feature in the mother and was associated with skeletal abnormalities and facial dysmorphisms in her two sons. Both boys exhibited PH associated with flat face and spatulate finger tips, short broad phalanx and metacarpus, and bowed radius with dislocated wrist joints. All three patients harbored the c.7865_7870del in‐frame deletion (p.2622_2623delDK) in the carboxyl‐terminal domain (repeat 24) of FLNA. The X‐inactivation observed in the mother was skewed towards the mutant allele, resulting in the preferential expression of the wild‐type allele. The in‐frame deletion in the carboxyl‐terminal domain of FLNA caused a phenotype in which PH was associated with skeletal features suggestive of the otopalatodigital syndrome spectrum in boys. There appears to be a continuum among allelic disorders due to FLNA mutations. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Co‐occurrence of severe Goltz–Gorlin syndrome and pentalogy of Cantrell – Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Smigiel Robert , Jakubiak Aleksandra , Lombardi Maria Paola , Jaworski Wojciech , Slezak Ryszard , Patkowski Dariusz , Hennekam Raoul C.
Published: April 2011

Goltz–Gorlin syndrome is a highly variable disorder affecting many body parts of meso‐ectodermal origin. Mutations in X‐linked PORCN have been identified in almost all patients with a classical Goltz–Gorlin phenotype. The pentalogy of Cantrell is an infrequently described congenital disorder characterized by the combination of five anomalies: a midline supra‐umbilical abdominal wall defect; absent or cleft lower part of the sternum; deficiency of the diaphragmatic pericardium; deficiency of the anterior diaphragm; and congenital heart anomalies. Etiology and pathogenesis are unknown. We report on an infant with findings fitting both Goltz–Gorlin syndrome (sparse hair; anophthalmia; clefting; bifid nose; irregular vermillion of both lips; asymmetrical limb malformations; caudal appendage; linear aplastic skin defects; unilateral hearing loss) and the pentalogy of Cantrell (absent lower sternum; anterior diaphragmatic hernia; ectopia cordis; omphalocele). The clinical diagnosis Goltz–Gorlin syndrome was confirmed molecularly by a point mutation in PORCN (c.727C>T). The presence of molecularly confirmed Goltz–Gorlin syndrome and pentalogy of Cantrell in a single patient has been reported twice before. The present patient confirms that the pentalogy of Cantrell can be caused in some patients by a PORCN mutation. It remains at present uncertain whether this can be explained by the type or localization of the mutation within PORCN, or whether the co‐occurrence of the two entities is additionally determined by mutations or polymorphisms in other genes, environmental factors, and/or epigenetic influences. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Richieri‐Costa and Pereira syndrome: Report of two Brazilian siblings and review of literature
Authors: Souza Josiane , dal Vesco Karin , Tonocchi Rita , Closs‐Ono Maria Cecília , Passos‐Bueno Maria Rita , da Silva‐Freitas Renato
Published: April 2011

Richieri‐Costa and Pereira syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized specially by Pierre Robin sequence with cleft mandible and limb anomalies. There are a typical laryngeal anomaly which encompass short and round larynx, absent or abnormal epiglottis, and abnormal aryepiglottic folds. Most patients reported were from Brazil. We describe a brother and sister with Richieri‐Costa and Pereira syndrome on another Brazilian family documenting their physical findings and laryngeal defects. We also review the literature and discuss the main clinical characteristics and etiology. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Smoking and endoscopic sinus surgery: does smoking volume contribute to clinical outcome?
Authors: Rudmik Luke , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: April 2011

Background

The effect of tobacco smoking on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is not yet well‐delineated. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the overall effect of smoking on postoperative outcomes (endoscopic score and health‐related quality‐of‐life [HRQoL]) after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CRS and to determine if volume of daily smoking impacts outcomes.

Methods

A total of 784 patients with CRS were prospectively enrolled between January 2001 and April 2009 after electing ESS from 1 of 3 academic tertiary care centers. Follow‐up longer than 6 months was available on 39 smoking patients. Smoking volume (cigarettes/day) analysis was performed by dichotomizing patients into either of 2 subgroups: light smokers (<20 cigarettes per day) or heavy smokers (≥20 cigarettes per day). Primary outcomes were Lund‐Kennedy endoscopy scores and 2 disease‐specific HRQoL instruments: the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) and Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS).

Results

Smokers and nonsmokers experienced similar improvement in HRQoL following surgery (RSDI: p = 0.792 and CSS: p = 0.117). No difference in HRQoL improvements between light smokers and heavy smokers was identified. While overall changes in endoscopy scores did not differ between smokers and nonsmokers, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of worsening postoperative endoscopy scores between heavy smokers, light smokers, and nonsmokers (100%, 33%, and 20%, respectively; p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Active smoking status does not alter postoperative improvement in HRQoL after ESS. Although limited by a small sample size, increasing smoking volume may contribute to worse postoperative endoscopy scores. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Reversal of coherent‐state spins in square magnetic nanodots induced by a magnetic microwave field
Authors: Peng F. , Hui D.
Published: April 2011

We study the coherent state excitation of spins in square nanodots induced by a magnetic microwave field. We present a new mechanism of spin reversal in nanodots. That is, the microwave field directly induces the reversal of the coherent‐state spins instead of indirectly through the magnetic vortex. We obtain the space distribution of coherent‐state spins in terms of a quantum theory, and calculate the time of spin reversal. This spin‐reversal process may be used to serve as a storage mechanism of binary information.
Dependence of the dielectric constant on the fluorine content and porosity of polyimides
Authors: Othman Muhammad Bisyrul Hafi , Ming Nicholas Ang Soon , Akil Hazizan Md , Ahmad Zulkifli
Published: April 2011

The trend toward miniaturization in integrated circuit fabrication demands good interlayer dielectric materials. This need can be met by polyimide (PI), which has extreme thermal and chemical stability and, most importantly, a low dielectric constant. Four porous PIs with symmetrically substituted fluorine contents were synthesized. Different porosity levels were achieved with a sol–gel technique through the incorporation of 10 or 20% tetraethyl orthosilicate into the polymer matrix and then acid etching. Their dielectric constants were correlated with the fluorine contents and porosity levels. High porosity levels and higher fluorine contents induced substantial decreases in the PI dielectric constants (2.4–2.7). The resultant values were within the applicable range for dielectric materials in integrated circuits. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
A new Schiff base epoxy oligomer resin: Synthesis, characterization, and thermal decomposition kinetics
Authors: Kaya İsmet , Doğan Fatih , Gül Murat
Published: April 2011

Oligo{2,2′‐{1,4‐phenylenebis[nitrilomethylylidene]}bis(6‐methoxyphenol)} (OPNMMP) was synthesized from o‐vanillin and p‐phenylene diamine by oxidative polycondensation with NaOCl in an aqueous alkaline. Then, a new Schiff Base epoxy oligomer resin, OPNMMP–epichlorohydrine (EPC), was produced with EPC. The structures of the resulting compounds were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR. Further characterization processes were preformed by thermogravimetry (TG)–differential thermal analysis, gel permeation chromatography, and solubility testing. Also, the kinetics of the thermal decomposition of OPNMMP–EPC were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The TG curves showed that the thermal decomposition of OPNMMP–EPC occurred in one stage. The kinetic parameters related to the decomposition kinetics of OPNMMP–EPC were obtained from TG curves with the following methods: Friedman, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, Kissinger, invariant kinetic parameter, and Coats–Redfern (CR), under an N2 dynamic atmosphere and different heating rates (5, 10, 15, and 20°C/min). The mechanism function and pre‐exponential factor were also determined by a master plots method. The apparent activation energies of the thermal decomposition were calculated from these methods for OPNMMP–EPC. The analysis of the results obtained by the CR and master plots methods showed that the decomposition mechanism of OPNMMP–EPC in N2 was a deceleration‐type mechanism. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and swelling properties of new crosslinked polyorthocarbonates
Authors: Karadag Koksal , Onaran Gulsah , Sonmez Hayal Bulbul
Published: April 2011

Crosslinked polyorthocarbonates were synthesized by the condensation of tetraethyl orthocarbonate and hydroxyl functional monomers. The main goal of this study was to produce a solvent‐absorbent polymer with a high absorption capacity and to use these polymers for the removal of organic solvents from the environment and the recovery of these solvents. The synthesized polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid‐state 13C‐NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. All of the polymers (except Poly 1 and Poly 2) had a high and fast uptake ability for organic solvents, such as tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, benzene, and acetone. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011