bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone quality and growth characteristics of growth plates following limb transplantation between animals of different ages - Results of an experimental study in male syngeneic rats
Authors: Modi Hitesh N , Suh Seung Woo , Prjvc Boopalan , Hong Jae-Young , Yang Jae-Hyuk , Park Young-Hwan , Lee Jae-Moon , Kwon Yong-Hyon
Published: November 2011

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to identify graft osteoporosis post transplantation by micro-CT analysis, and the growth potential of growth plates in the transplanted limb.

Methods

Ten juvenile to juvenile and five juvenile to adult hind limb transplants were performed in male syngeneic Lewis rats. Upper tibial bone density in isochronograft and heterochronograft limbs was measured by 3D micro-CT and compared with that of the opposite non-operated limbs.

Results

We observed inferior bone quality (p < 0.05) in heterochronografts compared to isochronografts. After transplantation, isochronografts did not exhibit increases in tibial lengths compared to opposite juvenile non-operated tibias (p = 0.66) or heterochronograft tibias (p = 0.61). However, significant differences were observed between heterochrongraft tibial lengths when and opposite adult non operated tibial lengths (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Age dependent alterations affect bone quality, resulting in post transplantation osteoporosis in heterochronografts, but not isochronografts. However, the growth plates of transplanted limbs retain their properties of longitudinal growth and continue to grow at the same rate.
Spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: D'Amico Adele , Mercuri Eugenio , Tiziano Francesco D , Bertini Enrico
Published: November 2011

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease characterized by degeneration of alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord, resulting in progressive proximal muscle weakness and paralysis. Estimated incidence is 1 in 6,000 to 1 in 10,000 live births and carrier frequency of 1/40-1/60. This disease is characterized by generalized muscle weakness and atrophy predominating in proximal limb muscles, and phenotype is classified into four grades of severity (SMA I, SMAII, SMAIII, SMA IV) based on age of onset and motor function achieved. This disease is caused by homozygous mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, and the diagnostic test demonstrates in most patients the homozygous deletion of the SMN1 gene, generally showing the absence of SMN1 exon 7. The test achieves up to 95% sensitivity and nearly 100% specificity. Differential diagnosis should be considered with other neuromuscular disorders which are not associated with increased CK manifesting as infantile hypotonia or as limb girdle weakness starting later in life.

Considering the high carrier frequency, carrier testing is requested by siblings of patients or of parents of SMA children and are aimed at gaining information that may help with reproductive planning. Individuals at risk should be tested first and, in case of testing positive, the partner should be then analyzed. It is recommended that in case of a request on carrier testing on siblings of an affected SMA infant, a detailed neurological examination should be done and consideration given doing the direct test to exclude SMA. Prenatal diagnosis should be offered to couples who have previously had a child affected with SMA (recurrence risk 25%). The role of follow-up coordination has to be managed by an expert in neuromuscular disorders and in SMA who is able to plan a multidisciplinary intervention that includes pulmonary, gastroenterology/nutrition, and orthopedic care. Prognosis depends on the phenotypic severity going from high mortality within the first year for SMA type 1 to no mortality for the chronic and later onset forms.
No evidence of the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O104:H4 outbreak strain or enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) found in cattle faeces in northern Germany, the hotspot of the 2011 HUS outbreak area
Authors: Wieler Lothar H , Semmler Torsten , Eichhorn Inga , Antao Esther M , Kinnemann Bianca , Geue Lutz , Karch Helge , Guenther Sebastian , Bethe Astrid
Published: November 2011

Background

Ruminants, in particular bovines, are the primary reservoir of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), but whole genome analyses of the current German ESBL-producing O104:H4 outbreak strain of sequence type (ST) 678 showed this strain to be highly similar to enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC). Strains of the EAEC pathotype are basically adapted to the human host. To clarify whether in contrast to this paradigm, the O104:H4 outbreak strain and/or EAEC may also be able to colonize ruminants, we screened a total of 2.000 colonies from faecal samples of 100 cattle from 34 different farms - all located in the HUS outbreak region of Northern Germany - for genes associated with the O104:H4 HUS outbreak strain (stx2, terD, rfb
O104, fliC
H4), STEC (stx1, stx2, escV), EAEC (pAA, aggR, astA), and ESBL-production (bla
CTX-M, bla
TEM, bla
SHV).

Results

The faecal samples contained neither the HUS outbreak strain nor any EAEC. As the current outbreak strain belongs to ST678 and displays an en-teroaggregative and ESBL-producing phenotype, we additionally screened selected strains for ST678 as well as the aggregative adhesion pattern in HEp-2 cells. However, we were unable to find any strains belonging to ST678 or showing an aggregative adhesion pattern. A high percentage of animals (28%) shed STEC, corroborating previous knowl-edge and thereby proving the validity of our study. One of the STEC also harboured the LEE pathogenicity island. In addition, eleven animals shed ESBL-producing E. coli.

Conclusions

While we are aware of the limitations of our survey, our data support the theory, that, in contrast to other Shiga-toxin producing E. coli, cattle are not the reservoir for the O104:H4 outbreak strain or other EAEC, but that the outbreak strain seems to be adapted to humans or might have yet another reservoir, raising new questions about the epidemiology of STEC O104:H4.
Composite effects of gene determinants on the translation speed and density of ribosomes
Authors: Tuller Tamir , Veksler-Lublinsky Isana , Gazit Nir , Kupiec Martin , Ruppin Eytan , Ziv-Ukelson Michal
Published: November 2011

Background

Translation is a central process of life, and its regulation is crucial for cell growth. In this article, focusing on two model organisms, Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we study how three major local features of a gene's coding sequence (its adaptation to the tRNA pool, its amino acid charge, and its mRNA folding energy) affect its translation elongation.

Results

We find that each of these three different features has a non-negligible distinct correlation with the speed of translation elongation. In addition, each of these features might contribute independently to slowing down ribosomal speed at the beginning of genes, which was suggested in previous studies to improve ribosomal allocation and the cost of translation, and to decrease ribosomal jamming. Remarkably, a model of ribosomal translation based on these three basic features highly correlated with the genomic profile of ribosomal density. The robustness to transcription errors in terms of the values of these features is higher at the beginnings of genes, suggesting that this region is important for translation.

Conclusions

The reported results support the conjecture that translation elongation speed is affected by the three coding sequence determinants mentioned above, and not only by adaptation to the tRNA pool; thus, evolution shapes all these determinants along the coding sequences and across genes to improve the organism's translation efficiency.
Functional conservation of Nematostella Wnts in canonical and noncanonical Wnt-signaling
Authors: Rigo-Watermeier T , Kraft B , Ritthaler M , Wallkamm V , Holstein T , Wedlich D
Published: November 2011

Cnidarians surprise by the completeness of Wnt gene subfamilies (11) expressed in an overlapping pattern along the anterior-posterior axis. While the functional conservation of canonical Wnt-signaling components in cnidarian gastrulation and organizer formation is evident, a role of Nematostella Wnts in noncanonical Wnt-signaling has not been shown so far. In Xenopus, noncanonical Wnt-5a/Ror2 and Wnt-11 (PCP) signaling are distinguishable by different morphant phenotypes. They differ in PAPC regulation, cell polarization, cell protrusion formation, and the so far not reported reorientation of the microtubules. Based on these readouts, we investigated the evolutionary conservation of Wnt-11 and Wnt-5a function in rescue experiments with Nematostella orthologs and Xenopus morphants. Our results revealed that NvWnt-5 and -11 exhibited distinct noncanonical Wnt activities by disturbing convergent extension movements. However, NvWnt-5 rescued XWnt-11 and NvWnt-11 specifically XWnt-5a depleted embryos. This unexpected ‘inverse’ activity suggests that specific structures in Wnt ligands are important for receptor complex recognition in Wnt-signaling. Although we can only speculate on the identity of the underlying recognition motifs, it is likely that these crucial structural features have already been established in the common ancestor of cnidarians and vertebrates and were conserved throughout metazoan evolution.
Analysis of plasma ghrelin in patients with medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency and glutaric aciduria type II
Authors: Akamizu Takashi , Sakura Nobuo , Shigematsu Yosuke , Tajima Go , Ohtake Akira , Hosoda Hiroshi , Iwakura Hiroshi , Ariyasu Hiroyuki , Kangawa Kenji
Published: November 2011

Objective

Ghrelin requires a fatty acid modification for binding to the GH secretagogue receptor. Acylation of the Ser3 residue of ghrelin is essential for its biological activities. We hypothesized that acyl-CoA is the fatty acid substrate for ghrelin acylation. Because serum octanoyl-CoA levels are altered by fatty acid oxidation disorders, we examined circulating ghrelin levels in affected patients.

Materials and methods

Blood levels of acyl (A) and des-acyl (D) forms of ghrelin and acylcarnitine of patients with medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency and glutaric aciduria type II (GA2) were measured.

Results

Plasma acyl ghrelin levels and A/D ratios increased in patients with MCAD deficiency or GA2 when compared with normal subjects. Reverse-phase HPLC confirmed that n-octanoylated ghrelin levels were elevated in these patients.

Conclusion

Changing serum medium-chain acylcarnitine levels may affect circulating acyl ghrelin levels, suggesting that acyl-CoA is the substrate for ghrelin acylation.
Combined expression of BUB1B, DLGAP5, and PINK1 as predictors of poor outcome in adrenocortical tumors: validation in a Brazilian cohort of adult and pediatric patients
Authors: Fragoso Maria Candida B V , Almeida Madson Queiroz , Mazzuco Tania L , Mariani Beatriz M P , Brito Luciana P , Gonçalves Talita Cardoso , Alencar Guilherme A , Lima Lorena de O , Faria Andre M , Bourdeau Isabelle , Lucon Antonio M , Freire Daniel S , Latronico Ana Claudia , Mendonca Berenice B , Lacroix Andre , Lerario Antonio M
Published: November 2011

Background

A recent microarray study identified a set of genes whose combined expression patterns were predictive of poor outcome in a cohort of adult adrenocortical tumors (ACTs). The difference between the expression values measured by qRT-PCR of DLGAP5 and PINK1 genes was the best molecular predictor of recurrence and malignancy. Among the adrenocortical carcinomas, the combined expression of BUB1B and PINK1 genes was the most reliable predictor of overall survival. The prognostic and molecular heterogeneity of ACTs raises the need to study the applicability of these molecular markers in other cohorts.

Objective

To validate the combined expression of BUB1B, DLGAP5, and PINK1 as outcome predictor in ACTs from a Brazilian cohort of adult and pediatric patients.

Patients and methods

BUB1B, DLGAP5, and PINK1 expression was assessed by quantitative PCR in 53 ACTs from 52 patients – 24 pediatric and 28 adults (one pediatric patient presented a bilateral asynchronous ACT).

Results

DLGAP5–PINK1 and BUB1B–PINK1 were strong predictors of disease-free survival and overall survival, respectively, among adult patients with ACT. In the pediatric cohort, these molecular predictors were only marginally associated with disease-free survival but not with overall survival.

Conclusion

This study confirms the prognostic value of the combined expression of BUB1B, DLGAP5, and PINK1 genes in a Brazilian group of adult ACTs. Among pediatric ACTs, other molecular predictors of outcome are required.
Linkage Disequilibrium Under Recurrent Bottlenecks
Authors: Schaper E , Eriksson A , Rafajlovic M , Sagitov S , Mehlig B
Published: November 2011

To model deviations from selectively neutral genetic variation caused by different forms of selection, it is necessary to first understand patterns of neutral variation. Best understood is neutral genetic variation at a single locus. But, as is well known, additional insights can be gained by investigating multiple loci. The resulting patterns reflect the degree of association (linkage) between loci and provide information about the underlying multilocus gene genealogies. The statistical properties of two-locus gene genealogies have been intensively studied for populations of constant size, as well as for simple demographic histories such as exponential population growth and single bottlenecks. By contrast, the combined effect of recombination and sustained demographic fluctuations is poorly understood. Addressing this issue, we study a two-locus Wright–Fisher model of a population subject to recurrent bottlenecks. We derive coalescent approximations for the covariance of the times to the most recent common ancestor at two loci in samples of two chromosomes. This covariance reflects the degree of association and thus linkage disequilibrium between these loci. We find, first, that an effective population-size approximation describes the numerically observed association between two loci provided that recombination occurs either much faster or much more slowly than the population-size fluctuations. Second, when recombination occurs frequently between but rarely within bottlenecks, we observe that the association of gene histories becomes independent of physical distance over a certain range of distances. Third, we show that in this case, a commonly used measure of linkage disequilibrium, σd2 (closely related to r^2), fails to capture the long-range association between two loci. The reason is that constituent terms, each reflecting the long-range association, cancel. Fourth, we analyze a limiting case in which the long-range association can be described in terms of a Xi coalescent allowing for simultaneous multiple mergers of ancestral lines.
Beyond Silicon: Carbon-Based Nanotechnology
Authors: Guisinger Nathan P. , Arnold Michael S.
Published: November 2011

For more than two decades, scientists and engineers have focused on impending limitations (from high-power densities and heat distribution to device patterning) that constrain the future miniaturization of conventional silicon technology. Thus far, academic and industrial efforts have risen to the challenge and continue to advance planar silicon processing, pushing traditional microtechnology to the nanometer scale. However, insurmountable limitations, both of physical nature and cost, still loom and motivate the research of new nanomaterials and technologies that have the potential to replace and/or enhance conventional silicon systems. As time has progressed, another Group IV element has emerged as a front-runner, looking beyond silicon, in the form of carbon-based nanotechnology. The focus of this issue is to provide a comprehensive look at the state-of-the-art in carbon-based nanomaterials and nanotechnologies and their potential impact on conventional silicon technologies, which are not limited to electronics but also encompass micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems, optoelectronics, and memory. Recent advances in carbon nanotube growth, sorting, and optoelectronics will be discussed, and the relatively new and surging area of graphene research will be introduced. In addition, progress in controlling the growth and properties of ultrananocrystalline and nanocrystalline diamond thin films will be reviewed. These efforts are multidisciplinary, heavily materials focused, and tend to translate information and ideas to other carbon-based studies (e.g., graphene is the building block of carbon nanotubes).
Comunidade sateré-mawé Y'Apyrehyt: ritual e saúde na periferia urbana de Manaus
Authors: Botelho João Bosco , Weigel Valéria Augusta C.M.
Published: November 2011

A comunidade Y'Apyrehyt, uma das três comunidades da etnia Sateré-mawé, na periferia de Manaus, está assentada no antigo Parque das Seringueiras. A comunidade é composta por 67 pessoas, entre adultos e crianças, que sobrevivem dos rendimentos advindos dos turistas que pagam para ver o Ritual da Tucandeira e da venda de artesanato. Mesmo com o puratin ou poratig, o Remo Mágico fincado na entrada da comunidade, somente o Ritual da Tucandeira mantém-se vivo. O processo de ressignificação desse ritual assumiu também caráter estético de coreografia artística e objeto para troca econômica.
War is hazardous for your health: photographs and testimonies about death, wounds, disease and medical care during the Mexican Revolution
Authors: Mraz John
Published: November 2011

Revolutionary wars have devastating and far-reaching effects on the health of the populations caught up in them. However, the deaths and injuries produced by weaponry are only part of the story, because diseases resulting from malnutrition and contaminated drinking water account for the majority of medical problems. This essay uses photographs and testimonies of participants to explore health issues during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), as well as incorporating secondary literature on this question. Furthermore, photographic images are not presented as simple (indexical) windows onto the world. Rather, the author attempts to identify the imagemakers and provide explanations that help in imagining the reasons behind the making of the photographs.
Os provedores da técnica: os engenheiros provinciais e a edificação da infraestrutura viária de Minas Gerais
Authors: Barbosa Lidiany Silva
Published: November 2011

Analisa a atuação de engenheiros na constituição da infraestrutura viária de Minas Gerais entre as décadas de 1840 e 1880. Construir estradas e pontes e conservá-las com regularidade foi tarefa desempenhada pelo governo provincial mineiro que, desde a década de 1830, contava com repartição voltada para projetar, edificar e manter vias de comunicação consideradas públicas. Os engenheiros inseriram-se nessa agência desde sua fundação, atuando de forma significativa na elaboração de projetos e na execução direta de determinadas obras. O estudo fundamenta-se na documentação administrativa que relatava ao governo provincial detalhes do andamento das obras. O acervo gerado no transcurso das intervenções oferece informações técnicas, administrativas, financeiras, da mão de obra e dos agentes envolvidos com as construções.
Frequency of the anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase immunological marker in patients with diabetes duration longer than three years in southern Brazil
Authors: Moreira Marina Carolina , Lara Gustavo Müller , Linden Rafael , Feksa Luciane Rosa , Tavares Rejane Giacomelli , Almeida Sabrina Esteves de Matos , Berlese Daiane Bolzan
Published: November 2011

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The anti-GAD (glutamic acid decarboxylase) antibody is considered to be an important marker for type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1), with frequency that varies depending on the population studied and the duration of the disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the frequency of this autoantibody in a group of patients in southern Brazil with DM1 that had been diagnosed more than three years previously. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional study with a control group conducted at the Biomedicine Laboratory of Universidade Feevale. METHODS: This study was conducted between June 2007 and December 2008, and 109 individuals were enrolled during this period. Fifty-eight were DM1 patients and 51 were individuals free from DM1 and without any history of diabetes, who constituted the control group. RESULTS: In the DM1 group, the mean age was 27 ± 1.7 years and 50% were men. The mean fasting blood glucose in the DM1 group was 208 ± 15 mg/dl and mean HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) was 8.7 ± 0.25%. In the control group, the mean fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were 82 mg/dl and 5.0% respectively. Thirty-seven individuals with DM1 (63.8%) were positive for anti-GAD, and this proportion was significantly larger than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results show the high prevalence of anti-GAD in the population of diabetic patients in southern Brazil, thus indicating that the antibody was still present a long time after the disease had been diagnosed.
Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Metastatic Prostate Cancer in the Post-Docetaxel Setting
Authors: Sartor Oliver , Michels Ross M. , Massard Christophe , de Bono Johann Sebastian
Published: November 2011

Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous cancer and the second leading cause of death from cancer in men in most western countries. Advanced prostate cancer is typically sensitive to androgen-deprivation therapy, but invariably progresses to the castration-resistant state. Most current prostate cancer treatments are based on cytotoxicity directed against tumor cells via androgen-deprivation therapy or chemotherapy. Chemotherapy with docetaxel represents the standard first-line treatment in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Following progression after treatment with docetaxel, cabazitaxel (XRP6258)–prednisone treatment leads to a significantly longer overall survival (OS) time than with mitoxantrone–prednisone. Several other novel agents are currently being evaluated, including sipuleucel-T, abiraterone acetate, and MDV3100, as well as the radionuclide alpharadin. The cell-based immunotherapy sipuleucel-T produces longer OS times in chemotherapy-naïve patients, whereas the androgen biosynthesis inhibitor abiraterone acetate results in longer OS times following docetaxel. It is envisioned that these agents will change the standard of care for patients with metastatic CRPC. This review focuses on the clinical development of cabazitaxel and abiraterone acetate.
Fatigue life regression model of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with FRP
Authors: Meneghetti Leila Cristina , Garcez Mônica Regina , Silva Filho Luiz Carlos Pinto da , Gastal Francisco de Paula Simões Lopes
Published: November 2011

Several studies have been conducted to characterise the static behaviour of structural elements strengthened with composites, but fewer data regarding the fatigue behaviour are available. The main purpose of this paper is to compare the fatigue strength of fibre-reinforced polymers strengthened and plain reinforced concrete beams and to develop an analytical model to predict the fatigue life using data from different experiments. The paper uses data from a larger study undertaken by the authors to investigate the fatigue resistance of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with carbon, glass and aramid composites. The results obtained were combined with data from six other fatigue experiments found in the literature in order to generate a database for adjusting a fatigue model using regression analysis. Although an examination of the database reveals large scatter between fatigue results from different sources, the analysis carried out indicates that the models proposed are similar to other fatigue models found in the literature, but the adjusted model I seems to be more adequate to represent the declivity of the fatigue curve for fibre-reinforced polymers strengthened beams.
Ultimate limit states design of concrete railway sleepers
Authors: Murray Martin Howard , Bian Jian
Published: November 2011

The railway industry has been slow to adopt limit states principles in the structural design of concrete sleepers for its tracks, despite the global take up of this form of design for almost every other type of structural element. Concrete sleeper design is still based on limiting stresses but is widely perceived by track engineers to lead to untapped reserves of strength in the sleepers. Limit design is a more rational philosophy, especially where it is based on the ultimate dynamic capacity of the concrete sleepers. The paper describes the development of equations and factors for a limit design methodology for concrete sleepers in flexure using a probabilistic evaluation of sleeper loading. The new method will also permit a cogent, defensible means of establishing the true capacity of the billions of concrete sleepers that are currently in-track around the world, leading to better utilisation of track infrastructure. The paper demonstrates how significant cost savings may be achieved by track owners.
A practical tool for low-carbon road design and construction
Authors: Fox John , Bell Donald , Edmond Graham , Cummings Peter , Langstraat James
Published: November 2011

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act requires that public bodies ‘act in the way best calculated to deliver [Scotland's] emission reduction targets'. Transport Scotland, the infrastructure management and delivery agency of the Scottish government, commissioned Halcrow to develop a range of carbon dioxide footprinting and assessment tools known as the carbon management system (CMS). This paper presents, as a case study, the results of a recent pilot for the CMS road infrastructure projects tool to provide a transparent mechanism for reporting infrastructure project carbon dioxide emissions at construction stage. Two further case studies demonstrate how the tool informs carbon dioxide analysis and optimisation through design. These investigate the potential carbon benefits of ‘crack and seat' processes, the use of long-life pavement material and the need to carefully examine the transport implications of recycled content specifications, if the ultimate requirement is a ‘lower carbon' infrastructure solution. The case studies demonstrate the value of the CMS tools in integrating carbon considerations with civil engineering design, construction and reporting processes.
What can we learn from car sharing experiences in the UK?
Authors: Parker Jon , Walker Colin , Johnson Rebecca
Published: November 2011

Car sharing has become synonymous with sustainable transport planning across the UK, but to date there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of different approaches in different settings and contexts. Research undertaken by Integrated Transport Planning Ltd in 2010 on behalf of the Yorkshire and Humber Rural Affairs and Rural Transport Forums has examined the extent, reach and coverage of current car sharing schemes in the Yorkshire and Humber region, with the aim of assessing their potential for improving access to employment, training and key services for people in areas of geographic isolation. The research shows that car sharing has the potential to play a far greater role in transport strategy without the need for significant investment. The paper combines the 2010 research findings with a review of earlier research and explores the contribution that car sharing can play in reducing carbon emissions and improving access to services.
The Effects of Chronic Periodontitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis on Serum and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Total Antioxidant/Oxidant Status and Oxidative Stress Index
Authors: Esen Çağrı , Alkan Banu Arzu , Kırnap Mehmet , Akgül Özgür , Işıkoğlu Semra , Erel Özcan
Published: November 2011

Background: Chronic periodontitis (CP) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) appear to share many pathologic features. Oxygen metabolism has an important role in the pathogenesis of both CP and RA. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between these two chronic inflammatory diseases with regard to antioxidant and oxidant status.

Methods: A total of 80 participants were divided into four groups of 20 each: group RA–CP (patients with RA and CP), group RA (periodontally healthy patients with RA), group CP (systemically healthy patients with CP), and group C (periodontally and systemically healthy volunteers) were included in the study. After assessment of periodontal measurements, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were taken at one incisor, premolar, and molar tooth and stored with serum samples at −80°C for the antioxidant/oxidant assay.

Results: Although all clinical measurements in groups RA–CP and CP were statistically higher compared to those of C and RA groups (P <0.001), there were no differences between CP and RA–CP groups (P >0.05). GCF total oxidant status (TOS) values of CP and RA–CP groups were higher than those of the RA group (P <0.05). GCF oxidative stress index (OSI) values of the RA–CP group were higher than those of the RA group (P <0.05). There were no differences among the groups in terms of serum TOS and OSI values (P >0.05).

Conclusions: Local OSI values in groups with patients with CP were higher, whereas systemic OSI values showed no difference among the groups. The presence of RA seems not to affect local and systemic OSI values in patients with CP.
Multiple Testing in Candidate Gene Situations: A Comparison of Classical, Discrete, and Resampling-Based Procedures
Authors: Elsäßer Amelie , Victor Anja , Hommel Gerhard
Published: November 2011

In candidate gene association studies, usually several elementary hypotheses are tested simultaneously using one particular set of data. The data normally consist of partly correlated SNP information. Every SNP can be tested for association with the disease, e.g., using the Cochran-Armitage test for trend. To account for the multiplicity of the test situation, different types of multiple testing procedures have been proposed. The question arises whether procedures taking into account the discreteness of the situation show a benefit especially in case of correlated data. We empirically evaluate several different multiple testing procedures via simulation studies using simulated correlated SNP data. We analyze FDR and FWER controlling procedures, special procedures for discrete situations, and the minP-resampling-based procedure. Within the simulation study, we examine a broad range of different gene data scenarios. We show that the main difference in the varying performance of the procedures is due to sample size. In small sample size scenarios, the minP-resampling procedure though controlling the stricter FWER even had more power than the classical FDR controlling procedures. In contrast, FDR controlling procedures led to more rejections in higher sample size scenarios.
Disclosures of Insider Purchases and the Valuation Implications of Past Earnings Signals
Authors: Veenman David
Published: November 2011

This study examines whether disclosures of insider equity purchases on Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Form 4 resolve uncertainty regarding the valuation implications of reported earnings. Defining information uncertainty as ambiguity about firm value arising from low earnings precision, I predict and find that insider purchase filings trigger more positive market reactions in firms with greater information uncertainty (lower quality accruals). After controlling for future earnings changes, I further find that market reactions to purchase filings are predictably associated with prior earnings changes. The strength of this effect is increasing in the magnitude of insider purchases, as well as the level of information uncertainty. Overall, these findings suggest that, in addition to signaling future earnings information, Form 4 purchase filings help investors learn about the valuation implications of past earnings signals.

Data Availability: All data are available from public sources.
Accounting Decentralization and Performance Evaluation of Business Unit Managers
Authors: Indjejikian Raffi J. , Matĕjka Michal
Published: November 2011

We use survey data to examine firms' propensity to rely on financial measures in evaluating local business unit managers. We find that firms rely less on financial measures (and more on nonfinancial measures or subjective evaluations) in determining local managers' bonuses when those managers have greater influence over the design of internal accounting systems. At the same time, we find no significant association between the choice of performance measures and local managers' authority to make operating decisions. Instead, we find that local authority to make operating decisions is positively associated with local managers' influence over accounting systems. Taken together, our findings suggest that the design of internal accounting systems is an important dimension of overall organizational design. Our findings also cast doubt on the maintained assumption in prior work that major organizational design choices are complementary.

Data Availability: Data used in this study cannot be made public due to confidentiality agreements with participating firms.
Direct and Mediated Associations among Earnings Quality, Information Asymmetry, and the Cost of Equity
Authors: Bhattacharya Nilabhra , Ecker Frank , Olsson Per M. , Schipper Katherine
Published: November 2011

Using path analysis, we investigate the direct and indirect links between three measures of earnings quality and the cost of equity. Our investigation is motivated by analytical models that specify both a direct link and an indirect link that is mediated by information asymmetry, but do not suggest which link would be more important empirically. We measure information asymmetry as both the adverse selection component of the bid-ask spread and the probability of informed trading (PIN). For a large sample of Value Line firms during 1993–2005, we find statistically reliable evidence of both a direct path from earnings quality to the cost of equity, and an indirect path that is mediated by information asymmetry, with the weight of the evidence favoring the direct path as the more important.
Thrombocyte and Erythrocyte Indices in Sepsis and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Acikgoz Serefden , Akduman Deniz , Eskici Zeynep , Can Murat , Mungan Gorkem , Guven Berrak , Comert Füsun , Sumbuloglu Vildan
Published: November 2011

Thrombocyte and Erythrocyte Indices in Sepsis and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Sepsis is the inflammatory response against infection. The existence of DIC during sepsis indicates a poor prognosis and coagulation abnormalities and thrombocytopenia may exist. The aim of this study was to investigate platelet and erythrocyte indices in sepsis patients with DIC and without DIC. In both groups coagulation tests, platelet count and indices, erythrocyte count and indices were retrospectively analysed. In the sepsis plus DIC patients the prothrombin time and D-dimer values were found significantly higher and fibrinogen, platelet and plateletcrit were found significantly lower than in the sepsis without DIC group. The analysis of mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, erythrocyte count and indices revealed no significant differences between the two groups. These results showed us that the depression of bone marrow in septic patients with DIC and without DIC did not differ. The activation of the coagulation system might probably be the cause of thrombocyte depletion in DIC.
Quantum networks: General theory and applications
Authors: Bisio A. , Chiribella G. , D'Ariano G. , Perinotti P.
Published: November 2011

Quantum networks: General theory and applications

In this work we present a general mathematical framework to deal with
Applicability of the Impact Response Analysis Method for Reinforced Concrete Beams Mixed with Polyvinyl Alcohol Short Fibers
Authors: Bhatti A. Q. , Kishi N. , Shameem K.
Published: November 2011

The impact-resistant capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) structures can be rationally upgraded by mixing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) short fibers into concrete. The static and dynamic post peak residual tensile strength of the concrete that occurs because of the bridge effects of PVA short fibers. In this paper, to establish a simple impact response analysis method for RC structures under impact loading, a method that treats PVA short fibers mixed into concrete as shell elements of PVA plates with an equivalent tensile strength to the post peak residual tensile strength of the concrete is proposed. The applicability of the method has been investigated by conducting a three-dimensional elastoplastic finite element analysis using LS-DYNA code and comparing the results with the falling-weight impact test results for RC beams. From this study, it was confirmed that the crack distributions and the failure mode of RC beams mixed with PVA short fibers can be predicted and that the effects of mixing PVA short fibers on improving the impact resistant capacity can be estimated by using the proposed numerical analysis method.
Automated Mold Heating System Using High Frequency Induction with Feedback Temperature Control
Authors: Park K. , Seo Y. S. , Sohn D. H.
Published: November 2011

High frequency induction heating is an efficient means of rapidly heating a mold surface by means of electromagnetic induction. It was recently applied to the rapid heating of injection molds for a range of purposes. To implement high frequency induction for rapid mold heating, the heating conditions have to be set appropriately to obtain the desired range of mold temperatures. In the present study, a rapid mold heating system is developed. It consists of a high frequency power supply, induction coils, a robot system, temperature sensors and controllers. The mold surface temperature is measured using the temperature sensors, and this data is then fed back to the controller so as to control the heating time. This fully automated induction heating system with feedback temperature control is then implemented for the injection molding of a transparent part with multiple holes, resulting in great improvement in the surface appearance as well as the optical properties of the molded part.
A Design-of-Experiment Study on the Microcellular Extrusion of Sub-critical CO2 Saturated PLA Pellets
Authors: Miller D. , Kumar V.
Published: November 2011

In this study we explore the use of solid-state nucleation in pellets as a means to decouple cell nucleation from cell growth in extrusion. This is achieved by feeding the extruder with gas-saturated PLA pellets. Cell nucleation occurs, similar to that of the well-studied solid-state batch foaming process, when gas-saturated pellets are crushed and heated in the feed section of the extruder. The polymer melt consequently contains the nucleated cells. Further, the gas content in the pellets provides a means to deliver a controlled amount of blowing agent for cell growth at the die exit. It was found that gas concentrations in partially desorbed pellets offers greater control of part density and foam morphology compared to that of fully saturated pellets at 2 MPa. Using Design-of-Experiment statistical methods it was found that gas concentration in the polymer was the most significant variable influencing foam density, whereas the extrudate cooling method was found to control cell size.
Model and Numerical Simulation for the Second Penetration in Water-assisted Injection Molding
Authors: Zhang S. , Cao W. , Zheng G. , Jia Z. , Shen C.
Published: November 2011

Unlike gas-assisted injection molding, subsequent penetration occurs on the radial direction after water displacing polymer melt in cavity due to the incompressibility and fast cooling of water in water-assisted injection molding. To simulate this second penetration, a dimensionless method was employed to simplify the governing equations for melt flow. Based on the reduced model, a formula was derived via mathematical inference to calculate the second penetration velocity and distance. In order to catch the huge temperature gradient at water-polymer interface, both polymer and water thermal conduct problems were founded and coupled at the interface. The finite element method was employed to solve the melt flow problem, and the finite difference method was used to discretize the energy equation. To verify the validity of the proposed model and algorithm, experiments were performed to measure the displacement of the water–melt interface for various melt temperatures and water pressures. The experimental results indicate that the primary penetration theory is not accurately on predicting residual wall thickness, whereas the combined primary and second penetration method significantly improve the accuracy.
Why Global Inequality Matters: Derivative Global Egalitarianism
Authors: Kaya Ayse , Keba Andrej
Published: November 2011

This article integrates empirical and normative discussions about why global economic inequalities matter in critically examining an approach known as derivative global egalitarianism (DGE). DGE is a burgeoning perspective that opposes excessive global economic inequality not based on the intrinsic value of equality but inequality's negative repercussions on other values. The article aims to advance the research agenda by identifying and critically evaluating four primary varieties of DGE arguments from related but distinct literatures, which span a number of disciplines, including economics, international relations, and political philosophy. Overall, DGE offers a number of persuasive arguments as to why current levels of global inequality are of concern, but aspects of DGE beg further philosophical and empirical examination. By situating DGE within the wider theoretical and empirical contexts, this article provides resources for its critical assessment and theoretical development.
The Law of Peoples: Beyond Incoherence and Apology
Authors: Maffettone Pietro
Published: November 2011

The essay provides a reconstruction of Rawls's The Law of Peoples that makes sense of three main discontinuities between Rawls's domestic theory of justice and his international outlook, namely the absence in the latter of: a) individualism, b) egalitarianism, and c) structural justice. The essay argues that while we can make sense of such differences without charging Rawls's account of blatant inconsistency, we can nonetheless criticize such an outlook from an internal perspective. There is a middle way between claiming that no significant differences are present between A Theory of Justice and The Law of Peoples and, on the other hand, that the differences between the two are so large as to make them totally incompatible. Furthermore, to argue in favour of Rawls's consistency does not, as many seem to have thought, entail agreeing with his overall conclusion for justice in international relations. The final part of the essay illustrates this point by analyzing the case of trade.
Microsatellite loci in an endangered fern species, Athyrium viridescentipes (Woodsiaceae), and cross‐species amplification
Authors: Izuno Ayako , Takamiya Masayuki , Kaneko Shingo , Isagi Yuji
Published: November 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were characterized in Athyrium viridescentipes, a critically endangered fern species in Japan, to investigate its genetic diversity and population structure.

• Methods and Results: Fifteen microsatellite markers were developed. The 15 loci were successfully amplified in three additional Athyrium species except for one locus in A. vidalii. In A. viridescentipes, the number of alleles per locus ranged from one to five, with an average of 1.9, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 0.53, with an average of 0.24.

• Conclusions: These markers can be used in studies on conservation programs for A. viridescentipes as well as in further studies involving other Athyrium species.
Entre rente et innovation, la recherche de nouveaux modèles économiques d'accès
Authors: Le Crosnier Hervé
Published: November 2011

Résumé L’actualité bruisse d’annonces de nouveaux services d’information, pas uniquement professionnels, mêlant le gratuit et le payant, le public et le privé, l’achat et la location, le flux et le stock. Des services dont il devient de plus en plus difficile de comprendre et évaluer la viabilité économique. Entre les monopoles institués et les innovations à la pérennité hasardeuse, les modèles sont en construction.
Hibernomas: Clinicopathological Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment of 17 Cases
Authors: Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Coll-Mesa Luis , Drago Gabriele , Gambarotti Marco , Ruggieri Pietro
Published: November 2011

Hibernomas are rare benign adipose tumors composed of brown fat cells with granular, multivacuolated cytoplasm admixed with white adipose tissue. They account for 1.6% of benign lipomatous tumors and approximately 1.1% of all adipocytic tumors. They are more common in the third and fourth decades of life. The most common location is the thigh, followed by the shoulder, back, and head and neck. Four histological types have been reported; abundant vascularity is characteristic, and atypias are rare. The treatment of choice for hibernomas is complete surgical excision. Metastases or malignant transformation have not been reported.

This article presents a series of 17 patients with hibernomas diagnosed and treated at our institution from January 1986 to December 2009. Six men and 11 women (M:F, 1:2) had a mean age of 38 years (range, 10 months to 64 years). All patients underwent surgical treatment; 14 patients had marginal and 3 had wide excision. Adjuvants such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or embolization were not administered for any patient. The most common symptom was a painless palpable mass, followed by a tender or painful mass; in 2 patients, the tumor was an incidental finding. The duration of symptoms ranged from 1 month to 10 years (mean, 27 months). The most common location was the thigh, followed by the buttock, scapula, and neck. The most common histological variant was the typical variant followed by the lipoma-like variant. At a mean follow-up of 5 years (range, 1–9 years), local recurrences were not observed.
Comparing Hook Plates and Kirschner Tension Band Wiring for Unstable Lateral Clavicle Fractures
Authors: Wu Karl , Chang Chih-Hung , Yang Rong-Sen
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes and complications of clavicular hook plate and Kirschner tension band wiring for fixation of unstable lateral clavicle fractures. The surgical outcomes of 92 consecutive patients (mean age, 49.30±15.54 years) with unstable fractures of the lateral clavicle treated using AO clavicle hook plates were compared with those of 24 patients (mean age, 50.67±17.58 years) treated using K-wire tension banding. Patients in the hook plate and K-wire groups were followed up for 22.76±2.22 and 25.67±2.75 months, respectively (
P
<.001). The time to hardware removal was significantly shorter (
P
<.001) in the hook plate group (5.20±1.93 months) compared with the K-wire group (7.58±2.00 months), whereas the Constant-Murley score was significantly higher (
P
<.001) in the hook plate group (90.43±4.78) compared with the K-wire group (85.63±5.38) at final follow-up. There were 12 complications in the hook plate group and 7 in the K-wire group (
P
=.069). Complications in the hook plate group included 7 periprosthetic fractures, 4 plate removals, and 1 plate malposition. Complications in the K-wire group included 3 K-wire migrations, 3 losses of reduction, and 1 wire breakage. We found that hook plate fixation of unstable lateral clavicle fractures was associated with statistically better shoulder function and earlier implant removal than K-wire tension band fixation, with an equivalent rate of complications. Our findings suggest that hook plates are useful for treating unstable lateral clavicular fractures.