bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety concerns of international shoppers in Las Vegas
Authors: Fowler Deborah C. , Lauderdale Mitzi K. , Goh Ben K. , Yuan Jingxue (Jessica)
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This study seeks to assess international tourists' perception of safety while shopping in the USA, using Las Vegas as the study site. Over recent years, Las Vegas became an international destination for visitors from the Asia‐Pacific region to celebrate Chinese New Year. In February 2007, Las Vegas hosted the NBA All‐Star Game for the first time from February 16 to 18. The two major events occurred over the same weekend. When two cultures shared a single site, however, the combination presented an issue of safety concern.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using an intercept methodology over the three‐day period in a major shopping venue/casino from February 15 to 17, 2007.

Findings

The study finds that many of the tourists carried a large amount of cash on their person. As the week progressed, Asian visitors were less likely to feel their person and belongings were safe in the three major venues researched of restaurants, shopping centers, and amusement parks.

Originality/value

Few papers have addressed the safety concerns of international tourists in the USA, specifically in Las Vegas. Findings of this study contribute to the safety and security management of various tourist venues.
Strategic management system and methods of controlling as key elements of military expenditure policy‐making process
Authors: Sedysheva Maritana
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual approach to determining an optimal strategy development process and controlling of the defence spending, by utilizing the decision‐making system adopted in the Republic of Estonia.

Design/methodology/approach

The author offers a part of the Balanced Scorecard model named “Management and Control Perspective” as one of the improvement tools for the system of planning military expenditures and effective utilization of budgetary funds.

Findings

The results show that the Balanced Scorecard application, using the “utility function”, will allow the Estonian Defence Forces to overcome important barriers to strategy implementation by interrelation of military planning and budgeting processes.

Research limitations/implications

One suggestion for further research might be established as a way of improvement and development of methods directed to application of the utility function in the decision‐making process. This approach will improve calculations of strategic perspective plans and will reveal the essence of the budgetary policy on the whole by taking into consideration expenses features of the business and non‐profit organizations.

Practical implications

By using the Balanced Scorecard the paper offers a new strategic method of planning and controlling the military expenditure in the Estonian Defence Forces.

Originality/value

The present paper provides direct evidence of the alternative methods forecast measures and the possibility of using mathematical models in the strategic planning process.
Role of information systems in supply chain management and its application on five‐star hotels in Istanbul
Authors: Kaya Ergün , Azaltun Murat
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Supply chain management (SCM) has become important in the service sector nowadays, because customer satisfaction is dependent on the efficiency of supply chain activities. Hotels are operations where personal guest satisfaction is a major priority. A large and diverse range of supply factors are gathered according to the requirements of guests, and then service is provided. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of SCM and information system (IS) in five‐star hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from senior management and relevant department authorities of five‐star hotels in Istanbul by asking them open‐ended questions. The findings were evaluated with descriptive analysis and different conditions of usage information systems in SCM were presented and then issues were determined.

Findings

The findings were evaluated in five groups; four of them being: First, purchasing, inventory management, warehousing, customer relationship and service production processes in these enterprises are mainly being carried out by conventional methods. Second, internet is being used instead of fax as a means of communication in the supply chain. Third, respondents say that the use of information systems is reflected in the speed, reliability, easy access, low cost applications and time saving within the supply chain process. Fourth, Netsis program is the most frequently used and the advantage of its ERP applications are also being used.

Research limitations/implications

The findings were evaluated by descriptive analysis method. Because of the low number of participants, statistical analysis does not give meaningful results. Consistency of responses given by participants is tested by the investigation of cross relations between the questions.

Originality/value

In this paper, the supply chain structure in hotels, and supply chain information systems are being examined through the interactions of the members. To achieve this goal, the relationship between information systems and the supply chain structure has been established and the role of information systems in SCM is determined with the help of corporate information systems.
Genetic variants of the arachidonic acid pathway in non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐induced acute urticaria
Authors: Cornejo‐García J. A. , Jagemann L. R. , Blanca‐López N. , Doña I. , Flores C. , Guéant‐Rodríguez R. M. , Torres M. J. , Fernández J. , Laguna J. J. , Rosado A. , Agúndez J. A. G. , García‐Martín E. , Canto G. , Guéant J.‐L. , Blanca M.
Published: July 2012

Background

To date, genetic studies of hypersensitivity reactions to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been carried out mainly in aspirin‐induced asthma and to a lesser extent in chronic urticaria, with no studies in patients with acute urticaria (AU), the most common entity induced by these drugs.

Objective

In this work, we analysed the association of common variants of 15 relevant genes encoding both enzymes and receptors from the arachidonic acid (AA) pathway with NSAID‐induced AU.

Methods

Patients were recruited in several Allergy Services that are integrated into the Spanish network RIRAAF, and diagnosed of AU induced by cross‐intolerance (CRI) to NSAIDs. Genotyping was carried out by TaqMan allelic discrimination assays.

Results

A total of 486 patients with AU induced by CRI to NSAIDs and 536 unrelated controls were included in this large Spanish case‐control study. Seven variants from 31 tested in six genes were associated in a discovery study population from Malaga (0.0003 ≤ p‐value ≤ 0.041). A follow‐up analysis in an independent sample from Madrid replicated three of the SNPs from the ALOX15 (rs7220870), PTGDR (rs8004654) and CYSLTR1 (rs320095) genes (1.055x10‐6≤meta‐analysis p‐value ≤ 0.003).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Genetic variants of the AA pathway may play an important role in NSAID‐induced AU. These data may help understand the mechanism underlying this disease.
Presence of anti‐ADAMTS13 antibodies in obesity
Authors: Lombardi Anna M. , Fabris Roberto , Scarda Alessandro , Zanato Veronica , Dal Prà Chiara , Scarparo Pamela , Vettore Silvia , Granzotto Marnie , Berti De Marinis Giulia , Foletto Mirto , Serra Roberto , Sartori Maria T. , Plebani Mario , Fabris Fabrizio , Vettor Roberto
Published: July 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (11): 1197–1204

Background  The low‐grade chronic inflammation present in obesity has been recognized as a risk factor for thrombosis, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications. In this context, production by adipose organ of a number of inflammatory adipokines could play a crucial role. It has been reported that obesity represents a risk factor for acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a disease caused by ADAMTS13 deficiency because of anti‐ADAMTS13 antibodies, but the pathophysiological link between obesity and TTP is still unknown. We aimed to investigate mechanisms linking obesity to risk of TTP.

Materials and methods  Eighty obese patients consecutively admitted to Bariatric Unit of Padua between 2006 and 2009, and 39 lean subjects were characterized by anthropometric, metabolic and inflammatory parameters. ADAMTS13 autoantibodies, activity and antigen levels, and several cytokines including thrombospondin‐1 were measured.

Results  21·3% of obese patients were positive for noninhibitory ADAMTS13 autoantibodies, while all lean subjects were negative (P < 0·01). No differences in ADAMTS13 activity and antigen levels were found. Thrombospondin‐1 levels were significantly higher in obese than in lean subjects (974·4 ± 592·7 vs. 318·9 ± 202·1 ng/mL; P < 0·001) and were inversely correlated with ADAMTS13 activity (R = −0·4853; P < 0·001). Dot blot suggests that anti‐ADAMTS13 antibodies in obese patients bind recombinant thrombospondin‐1.

Conclusions  We suggest that anti‐ADAMTS13 antibodies are directed against thrombospondin domains shared between ADAMTS13 and thrombospondin‐1 and that their generation may be sustained by high levels of thrombospondin‐1. This phenomenon could be of relevance, because little is known on the pathogenesis of TTP and its possible link with obesity.
Soluble CD163 is associated with body mass index and blood pressure in hypertensive obese Saudi patients
Authors: Al‐Daghri Nasser M. , Al‐Attas Omar S. , Bindahman Lotfi S. , Alokail Majed S. , Alkharfy Khalid M. , Draz Hossam M. , Yakout Sobhy , McTernan Philip G. , Sabico Shaun , Chrousos George P.
Published: July 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (11): 1221–1226

Background  The hallmark of vascular inflammation is the recruitment of circulating leucocytes, primarily monocytes, macrophages and T lymphocytes, into the vascular wall; however, the link between monocyte/macrophage activation and hypertension has not been established as yet. In this study, we determined how sCD163, a monocyte/macrophage soluble scavenger receptor and immunomodulator, relates to arterial blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive Saudi individuals.

Materials and methods  A total of 90 (30 non‐hypertensive obese, 30 hypertensive obese and 30 lean normotensive controls) adult Saudi subjects, aged 40–60 years, participated in this cross‐sectional study. Serum fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), leptin, adiponectin, resistin, insulin, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), PAI‐1, angiotensin II, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and sCD163 were measured in all subjects studied.

Results  sCD163 concentrations were significantly increased in obese hypertensive patients compared to controls (P = 0·016). Positive correlations between sCD163 and body mass index (BMI) (r = 0·27, P = 0·01), systolic BP (r = 0·25, P = 0·01), diastolic BP (r = 0·33, P = 0·001), LDL‐C (r = 0·21, P = 0·04), TNF‐α (r = 0·23, P = 0·02) and hsCRP (r = 0·33, P = 0·008) were observed. Positive correlations between sCD163 and diastolic BP (r = 0·23, P = 0·04) and LDL‐C (r = 0·22, P = 0·03) remained significant after controlling for BMI.

Conclusions  Taken together, these data demonstrate that the monocyte/macrophage activation‐related sCD163 is positively associated with BMI and increased arterial BP with the elevation in diastolic BP being independent of the BMI.
Phylogeography of the Vipera ursinii complex (Viperidae): mitochondrial markers reveal an east–west disjunction in the Palaearctic region
Authors: Ferchaud Anne‐Laure , Ursenbacher Sylvain , Cheylan Marc , Luiselli Luca , Jelić Dušan , Halpern Bálint , Major Ágnes , Kotenko Tatiana , Keyan Najme , Behrooz Roozbeh , Crnobrnja‐Isailović Jelka , Tomović Ljiljana , Ghira Ioan , Ioannidis Yannis , Arnal Véronique , Montgelard Claudine
Published: July 2012

Aim  The aim of this study was to elucidate the phylogeographical pattern of taxa composing the Vipera ursinii complex, for which the taxonomic status and the dating of splitting events have been the subject of much debate. The objectives were to delimit potential refugia and to date splitting events in order to suggest a scenario that explains the diversification of this species complex.

Location  Western Europe to Central Asia.

Methods  Sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) genes were analysed for 125 individuals from 46 locations throughout the distribution range of the complex. The phylogeographical structure was investigated using Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods. Molecular dating was performed using three calibration points to estimate the timing of diversification.

Results  Eighty‐nine haplotypes were observed from the concatenation of the two genes. Phylogenetic inferences supported two main groups, referred to in this study as the ‘ursinii clade’ and the ‘renardi clade’, within which several subclades were identified. Samples from Greece (Vipera ursinii graeca) represented the first split within the V. ursinii complex. In addition, three main periods of diversification were revealed, mainly during the Pleistocene (2.4–2.0 Ma, 1.4 Ma and 1.0–0.6 Ma).

Main conclusions  The present distribution of the V. ursinii complex seems to have been shaped by Quaternary climatic fluctuations, and the Balkan, Caucasus and Carpathian regions are identified in this study as probable refugia. Our results support a south–north pattern of colonization, in contrast to the north–south colonization previously proposed for this complex. The biogeographical history of the V. ursinii complex corroborates other biogeographical studies that have revealed an east–west disjunction (situated near the Black Sea) within a species complex distributed throughout the Palaearctic region.
Social networks and the spread of Salmonella in a sleepy lizard population
Authors: BULL C. M. , GODFREY S. S. , GORDON D. M.
Published: July 2012

Although theoretical models consider social networks as pathways for disease transmission, strong empirical support, particularly for indirectly transmitted parasites, is lacking for many wildlife populations. We found multiple genetic strains of the enteric bacterium Salmonella enterica within a population of Australian sleepy lizards (Tiliqua rugosa), and we found that pairs of lizards that shared bacterial genotypes were more strongly connected in the social network than were pairs of lizards that did not. In contrast, there was no significant association between spatial proximity of lizard pairs and shared bacterial genotypes. These results provide strong correlative evidence that these bacteria are transmitted from host to host around the social network, rather than that adjacent lizards are picking up the same bacterial genotype from some common source.
Thermal and rheological structures along the seismic POLAR profile in the northern Fennoscandian Shield
Authors: Moisio Kari , Kaikkonen Pertti
Published: July 2012

Terra Nova, 25, 2–12, 2013

Extensive study is carried out to resolve the detailed lithospheric thermal and rheological structures of the seismic profile POLAR in the northern Fennoscandian Shield. The constructed 2‐D models are based on the latest seismic velocity models, material parameters and measured heat flow (HF) values. Thermal results indicate the mantle HF to be low (13–15 mWm−2) and the thermal lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary to be at a depth of 190–225 km. Rheologically southwest (SW) and northeast (NE) parts of the profile differ significantly, e.g. the depth of the brittle‐ductile transition varies from 24–38 km in the SW to 12–18 km in the NE. The estimated values of the effective elastic thickness of the lithosphere show large variation between the depths of 63 and 132 km.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of Sorghum halepense patches in maize crops
Authors: ANDÚJAR D , BARROSO J , FERNÁNDEZ‐QUINTANILLA C , DORADO J
Published: July 2012

Andújar D, Barroso J, Fernández‐Quintanilla C & Dorado J (2012). Spatial and temporal dynamics of Sorghum halepense patches in maize crops. Weed Research52, 411–420.

Patches of Sorghum halepense of various sizes and densities were artificially created in a maize field. Spatial and temporal patch expansion was monitored during 4 years. The results show that the patches expanded in the same direction of field traffic, with little or no displacement in all the other directions. Apparently, tillage was the main mechanism for dispersal of S. halepense rhizomes, with seeds playing a minor role in dispersal. The spatial growth pattern was characterised by a compact spread of the original patch and by the appearance of small patches at various distances from the primary source, which tended to merge with each other and with the original source. This type of pattern indicates an ‘infiltration’ invasion strategy. The initial patch size significantly influenced their growth rate; small patches grew proportionately faster than larger patches. The initial plant density had a significant influence on the temporal dynamics; low density patches increased up to 130 shoots m−2, the same upper level reached by high density patches. Sorghum halepense seems to be an excellent target for site‐specific weed management (SSWM), with compact patches expanding slowly and in a highly predictable way. However, new foci detached from the original source can expand quickly and could invade the whole field in a relatively short time. Early detection and management of small patches should contribute to improve SSWM practices.
Using Level-of-Effort Paradata in Non-Response Adjustments with Application to Field Surveys
Authors: Biemer Paul P. , Chen Patrick , Wang Kevin
Published: July 2012

The paper considers the use of level-of-effort (LOE) paradata to model the non-response mechanism in surveys and to adjust for non-response bias, particularly bias that is missing not at random or non-ignorable. Our approach is based on an unconditional maximum likelihood estimation (call-back) model that adapts and extends the prior work to handle the complexities that are encountered for large-scale field surveys. A test of the ‘missingness at random’ assumption is also proposed that can be applied to essentially any survey when LOE data are available. The non-response adjustment and the test for missingness at random are then applied and evaluated for a large-scale field survey—the US National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Although evidence on non-ignorable non-response bias was found for this survey, the call-back model could not remove it. One likely explanation of this result is error in the LOE data. This possibility is explored and supported by a field investigation and simulation study informed by data obtained on LOE errors.
Does attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder exacerbate executive dysfunction in children with neurofibromatosis type 1?
Authors: PAYNE JONATHAN M , ARNOLD SHELLEY S , PRIDE NATALIE A , NORTH KATHRYN N
Published: July 2012

Aim  Although approximately 40% of children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) meet diagnostic criteria for attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the impact of ADHD on the executive functioning of children with NF1 is not understood. We investigated whether spatial working memory and response inhibition are impaired in children with NF1 without a diagnosis of ADHD and whether executive deficits are exacerbated in children with a comorbid diagnosis.

Method  Forty‐nine children aged 7 to 15 years with NF1 only (31 males, 18 females; mean age 11y, SD 2y 4mo) or 35 with NF1 and ADHD (18 males, 17 females; mean age 10y 8mo, SD 2y 4mo) and 30 typically developing comparison children (16 males, 14 females; mean age 10y, SD 2y 8mo) were compared on measures of spatial working memory and response inhibition. Group differences in IQ and visuospatial ability were controlled for as required.

Results  Compared with typically developing children, children with NF1 with or without comorbid ADHD demonstrated significant impairment of both spatial working memory (both p<0.004) and inhibitory control (both p<0.010). There were, however, no differences between the two NF1 groups in spatial working memory (p=0.91) or response inhibition (p=0.78).

Interpretation  Executive dysfunction occurs with the same severity in children with NF1, whether or not they have a comorbid diagnosis of ADHD, suggesting that executive impairments are not unique contributors to ADHD symptomatology in NF1. The findings are discussed within the context of recent evidence in Nf1 optic glioma (OPG) mice, in which a mechanistic connection between NF1 gene expression, executive system failure, and dopaminergic pathway integrity has been established.
Efficiency of responding to unexpected information varies with sex, age, and pubertal development in early adolescence
Authors: Brumback Ty , Arbel Yael , Donchin Emanuel , Goldman Mark S.
Published: July 2012

Entry into adolescence is marked by dramatic changes resulting from a dynamic interplay among biological and psychosocial processes. Despite the complexity, development is often indexed only by age in event‐related potential (ERP) studies. To broaden this approach, we address the effects of gender and pubertal development, along with age, in adolescents using a psychophysiological probe of decision making, the P300 component. Overall, girls exhibited shorter P300 latencies and smaller P300 amplitudes compared to boys, suggesting more efficient information processing. In both genders, P300 latency and amplitude also diminished as age and pubertal status increased, again suggesting increasing efficiency of information processing with development. Our findings highlight the necessity of considering more than age when examining cognitive functioning in adolescents and, in particular, the necessity of considering gender whenever developmental issues are addressed.
Heartache and Hurricane Katrina: recognising the influence of emotion in post‐disaster return decisions
Authors: Morrice Stephanie
Published: July 2012

There has been a notable absence in geographic literature concerning the connection between disasters and the concept of ‘home’. Similarly, return migration has largely been overlooked in geographical enquiries, reflecting the assumption that migrants are returning ‘home’ in a journey that involves little adjustment. Moving beyond a consideration of the socio‐economic factors that undoubtedly play a part in whether the displaced are able to return, and exploring what it means to return somewhere that is expected to be familiar and safe, this paper examines the understudied emotional motivations that influence post‐disaster return decisions. Contributing to geographic literature on trauma, disasters and the concept of ‘home’, this paper uses semi‐structured interviews with Hurricane Katrina evacuees, to explore the influence of loss and nostalgia on their decisions to return or relocate following displacement. Instead of trying to instrumentalise these decisions, I argue that they are complex, multidimensional and individually unique. This paper stresses that there is a powerful emotional quality associated with how people relate to place, recognising that return decisions are emotionally driven and not necessarily based on material constraints. In order to plan for future catastrophic events, I identify the need for a deeper understanding of the emotional intensity of the post‐disaster situation, and a sustained research focus on the many factors that influence the decision to return following disaster displacement.
Environmental and Socioeconomic Analysis of Producing Biodiesel from Used Cooking Oil in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: de Pontes Souza Dejair , Mendonça Fabrício Molica , Alves Nunes Kátia Regina , Valle Rogerio
Published: July 2012

This study analyzes the potential environmental impacts and socioeconomic benefits of installing a pilot plant for biodiesel production from used cooking oil (UCO) collected from hotels, restaurants, and bars in the Copacabana district of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Currently much of this oil is used to produce soaps or simply disposed of directly into the sewage system, contributing to the eutrophication of bodies of water. An analysis is made of the production of biodiesel by the alkaline transesterification of UCO with ethanol using a sodium hydroxide catalyst. In order to analyze the environmental impacts, the ten stages of the life cycle of biodiesel made from UCO are assessed. The environmental impact of producing 1 metric ton of biodiesel is evaluated on the basis of the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. In order to assess the economic feasibility of the pilot plant, a cash flow deterministic method was employed to evaluate the investment required. The social performance of the project was assessed using Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) indicators. The environmental analysis showed that ethanol production and fuel combustion are the stages that had the highest environmental impact. The findings of the economic analysis showed that it would be feasible for the Rio de Janeiro city council to implement a pilot plant in the Copacabana district of the city. The results of the social performance analysis indicated that the project would have a positive impact on local job and income generation.
Cerebral Microcirculatory Responses of Insulin‐Resistant Rats are Preserved to Physiological and Pharmacological Stimuli
Authors: Institoris Adam , Lenti Laura , Domoki Ferenc , Wappler Edina , Gáspár Tamás , Katakam Prasad V. , Bari Ferenc , Busija David W.
Published: July 2012

Objective

Previously, we have shown that IR impairs the vascular reactivity of the major cerebral arteries of ZO rats prior to the occurrence of Type‐II diabetes mellitus. However, the functional state of the microcirculation in the cerebral cortex is still being explored.

Methods

We tested the local CoBF responses of 11–13‐week‐old ZO (n = 31) and control ZL (n = 32) rats to several stimuli measured by LDF using a closed cranial window setup.

Results

The topical application of 1–100 μm bradykinin elicited the same degree of CoBF elevation in both ZL and ZO groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence, latency, and amplitude of the NMDA‐induced CSD‐related hyperemia between the ZO and ZL groups. Hypercapnic CoBF response to 5% carbon‐dioxide ventilation did not significantly change in the ZO compared with the ZL. Topical bicuculline‐induced cortical seizure was accompanied by the same increase of CoBF in both the ZO and ZL at all bicuculline doses.

Conclusions

CoBF responses of the microcirculation are preserved in the early period of the metabolic syndrome, which creates an opportunity for intervention to prevent and restore the function of the major cerebral vascular beds.
Interpopulation variation in egg size in the winter cherry bug relative to oviposition site selection
Authors: Nakajima Yuji , Fujisaki Kenji
Published: July 2012

To investigate whether or not oviposition on substrates other than host plants (e.g., non‐host plants, abiotic materials) would affect the evolution of egg size in phytophagous insects, we studied the winter cherry bug, Acanthocoris sordidus (Thunberg) (Heteroptera: Coreidae), as a model organism for its interpopulation variation in oviposition preference. The rate of oviposition off host plants is much higher in the Amami Island population than in either the Kyoto or Kochi populations. We compared egg size and number among the three local populations from Kyoto, Kochi, and Amami Island. In addition, to evaluate the adaptive significance of larger eggs for offspring in terms of searching for host plants, we examined the relationship between egg size and first‐instar body size. We also searched for a relationship between egg size and starvation tolerance in the second instars because first instars can develop to second instars without food intake, and thus the substantial host‐searching stage is the second instar, when females lay their eggs off host plants. Females from the Amami population produced fewer larger eggs than females from either the Kyoto or Kochi population. Regardless of the local population, the body size of first instars that emerged from larger eggs was larger, and the second instars originating from larger eggs had a higher starvation tolerance. The larger body size and higher starvation tolerance should enable nymphs to disperse further, which may enhance the probability of successfully reaching host plants. These results suggest that egg size in A. sordidus may be determined in relation to its oviposition habits to maximize reproductive success, resulting in interpopulation variation in egg size.
Survey on hospital‐acquired urinary tract infection in neurological intensive care unit
Authors: Wang Feng , Xing Tao , Li Junhui , He Yingzi , Bai Mei , Wang Niansong
Published: July 2012

This study aimed to explore the causes, incidence, and risk factors of urinary tract infection patients in neurological intensive care unit (ICU). Patients (n = 916) admitted to the neurological ICU from January 2005 to December 2010 were retrospectively surveyed for urinary tract infections. There were 246 patients in neurological ICU who were diagnosed with hospital‐acquired urinary tract infection during that period of time (26.9%). Forty‐three cases were upper urinary tract infection, and 203 cases were lower urinary tract infection. The top three strains were Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Older age (UTI rate, 22.6%), female patients (21.7%), hospital stay for more than 7 days (16.7%), diabetes (11.7%), and catheterization (21.1%) were the risk factors for hospital‐acquired urinary tract infection. There is a high incidence of nosocomial urinary tract infection in the neurological intensive care unit. Active prevention program and surveillance need to be carried out in neurological ICU, especially in those with risk factors.
Leukemia cutis in association with cutaneous epidermal malignancies
Authors: Ra Seong , Su Albert , Ellison Doug , Koperski Judith , Bonilla Maria , Robbins Bruce
Published: July 2012

Background

Epidermal malignancies developing in association with hematolymphoid malignancies are exceptional. Only one prior case of myeloid leukemia cutis with a cutaneous epidermal malignancy has been reported.

Methods

We report two cases; one occurred in association with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and another with basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Results

Both patients were 83‐year‐old males without established histories of systemic hematopoietic disorders; one presented with an erythematous papule on the right upper back and the other with a nodule on the left wrist. One biopsy revealed nodular BCC with an associated perivascular myeloid leukemic infiltrate showing immunohistochemical positivity for CD43 and CD45. The other biopsy showed SCC associated with a leukemic infiltrate in sheets with myeloid blasts, eosinophilic myelocytes and maturing myeloid precursors. The myeloid cells showed immunohistochemical expression of CD43, CD68, CD33, CD117 and myeloperoxidase. Both patients had myeloblasts on peripheral blood smear. One patient declined further treatment and died of disease 5 weeks after the initial biopsy. The other patient underwent chemotherapy and is alive after 6 months.

Conclusion

Although most inflammatory infiltrates associated with cutaneous epidermal malignancies are reactive, careful examination is necessary to exclude systemic hematopoietic disease, especially in elderly patients.
Where you search is what you get: literature mining – Google Scholar versus Web of Science using a data set from a literature search in vegetation science
Authors: Beckmann Michael , von Wehrden Henrik
Published: July 2012

Question

Is Google Scholar superior in literature search compared to the Web of Science?

Location

The Internet.

Methods

The maximum number of papers dealing with specific subjects was derived from a published review and compared with Google Scholar and Web of Science search results using GLM and a post‐hoc test.

Results

Search results acquired through Google Scholar were not significantly different from the maximum number of papers found by manual search, while the Web of Science search delivered significantly less.

Conclusion

Researchers should give more prominent recognition to Google Scholar as a search tool, especially when conducting quantative reviews and meta‐analysis.
Growth arrest‐specific gene 1 is downregulated and inhibits tumor growth in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Honghong , Zhou Xiong , Zhang Yongguo , Zhu Hongwu , Zhao Lina , Fan Linni , Wang Yingmei , Gang Yi , Wu Kaichun , Liu Zhiguo , Fan Daiming
Published: July 2012

Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of malignancy‐related mortality in the world, and malignant growth is a crucial characteristic in gastric cancer. In our previous study, we found that growth arrest‐specific gene 1 (GAS1) suppression was involved in making gastric cancer cells multidrug‐resistant by protecting them from drug‐induced apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated the potential role of GAS1 in the growth and proliferation of gastric cancer. We demonstrated that GAS1 expression was decreased in gastric cancer, and patients without GAS1 expression showed shorter survival times than those with GAS1 expression. Both gain‐of‐function (by overexpression of GAS1) and loss‐of‐function (by GAS1‐specific small interfering RNA knockdown) studies showed that increased GAS1 expression significantly reduced the colony‐forming ability of gastric cancer cells in vitro and reduced cell growth in vivo, whereas decreased GAS1 expression had the opposite effects. Moreover, upregulation of GAS1 induced cell apoptosis, and downregulation of GAS1 inhibited apoptosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GAS1 could induce gastric cancer cell apoptosis, at least in part through modulating the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio and the activity of caspase‐3. Taken together, our results strongly indicate that GAS1 expression was decreased in gastric cancer and was predictive of a poor prognosis. Restoration of GAS1 expression inhibited cell growth and promoted apoptosis of gastric cancer cells, at least in part through modulating the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio and activating caspase‐3, suggesting that GAS1 might be used as a novel therapeutic candidate for gastric cancer.
Tissue Doppler Imaging and 2‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking of Left Ventricular Function in Horses Exposed to Lasalocid
Authors: Decloedt A. , Verheyen T. , Sys S. , De Clercq D. , van Loon G.
Published: July 2012

Background

Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and 2‐dimensional speckle tracking (2DST) can quantify left ventricular (LV) function in horses.

Objectives

To evaluate LV function by TDI and 2DST in horses with myocardial dysfunction after accidental ionophore intoxication.

Animals

Sixty‐seven horses exposed to lasalocid in feed.

Methods

Prospective study. Horses were included in the study if a full cardiac examination was performed, consisting of determination of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), electrocardiography, and echocardiography. By TDI, radial systolic velocity and strain were measured. By 2DST, circumferential (SC) and radial (SR) strain at papillary muscle and chordal level and longitudinal (SL) strain were measured.

Results

Twenty horses showed signs of myocardial injury. Forty‐nine examinations were performed on these horses between day 30 and 490 after suspected onset of exposure. Five horses had increased cTnI and ventricular tachycardia and 15 had increased cTnI without ventricular tachycardia. Horses with mild myocardial damage showed few significant differences compared with a control group. Horses with severe myocardial damage showed severely decreased TDI, 2DST and fractional shortening measurements (P < .05), indicating impaired LV function. Long‐term follow‐up of 2 surviving horses demonstrated full recovery in 1 horse and permanent myocardial fibrosis in the other. The lowest measurements per horse (n = 20) for all TDI measurements, SL, SR at chordal level, and FS correlated significantly with maximal cTnI (P < .05). Over all examinations (n = 49), TDI and 2DST measurements correlated well with FS (P < .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The TDI and 2DST measurements allowed accurate detection and quantification of LV dysfunction in horses exposed to lasalocid.
Hyperglycemia induced and intrinsic alterations in type 2 diabetes‐derived osteoclast function
Authors: Catalfamo DL , Britten TM , Storch DI , Calderon NL , Sorenson HL , Wallet SM
Published: July 2012

Periodontal disease‐associated alveolar bone loss is a comorbidity of type‐2‐diabetes, where the roles of osteoclasts are poorly understood.

Objective

To evaluate osteoclast differentiation and function in the context of type‐2‐diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Bone marrow‐derived osteoclasts from db/db mice, a model of type‐2‐diabetes, as well as human osteoclasts derived from peripheral blood of individuals with type‐2‐diabetes were evaluated for differentiation, resorption, and soluble mediator expression.

Results

While db/db mice were hyperglycemic at time of cell harvest, human participants were glycemically controlled. Although db/db cultures resulted in a higher number of larger osteoclasts, individual cell receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL)‐mediated bone resorption was similar to that observed in diabetes‐free osteoclasts. Osteoclasts derived from individuals with type‐2‐diabetes differentiated similarly to controls with again no difference in bone resorbing capacity. Murine and human type‐2‐diabetes cultures both displayed inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced deactivation and increased pro‐osteoclastogenic mediator expression.

Conclusions

Hyperglycemia plays a role in aberrant osteoclast differentiation leading to an increased capacity for bone resorption. Osteoclasts derived from murine models of and individuals with type‐2‐diabetes are unable to be inhibited by LPS, again leading to increased capacity for bone resorption. Here, environmental and intrinsic mechanisms associated with the increased alveolar bone loss observed in periodontal patients with type‐2‐diabetes are described.
Revisiting ASME Strain-Based Dent Evaluation Criterion
Authors: Md Rafi Abu Naim , Das Sreekanta , Ghaednia Hossein , Silva Jorge , Kania Richard , Wang Rick
Published: July 2012

Oil and gas transmission pipelines can be subjected to concentrated lateral loads and as a result, a dent can form. A dent is a localized defect in the pipe wall in the form of a permanent inward plastic deformation. This kind of defect is a matter of serious concern for the pipeline operator since a rupture or a leak may occur. Dent may not pose an immediate threat to the structural integrity of a pipeline. However, it can possibly hinder the operational and inline inspection activities. In the long run, it can cause a leak or rupture in the pipeline under sustained or cyclic pressure load. Hence, AMSE B31.8 recommends a strain-based criterion for the assessment of dents. This strain-based criterion was developed based on several assumptions. This study was undertaken using full-scale laboratory tests and finite element analyses to review and revisit the ASME strain-based dent evaluation criterion and its assumptions. It was found that some of these assumptions are incorrect, and hence, this dent evaluation criterion can lead to inaccurate estimations of critical (effective) strain values in dents, which in turn can lead to inaccurate assessments of the dents.
Thin-Film PVDF Sensor-Based Monitoring of Cutting Forces in Peripheral End Milling
Authors: Ma Lei , Melkote Shreyes N. , Morehouse John B. , Castle James B. , Fonda James W. , Johnson Melissa A.
Published: July 2012

A sensor module that integrates a thin film polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric strain sensor and an in situ data logging platform has been designed and implemented for monitoring of the feed and transverse forces in the peripheral end milling process. The module, which is mounted on the tool shank, measures the dynamic strain(s) produced in the tool and logs the data into an on-board card for later retrieval. The close proximity between the signal source and the PVDF sensor(s) minimizes the attenuation and distortion of the signal along the transmission path and provides high-fidelity signals. It also facilitates the employment of a first principles model based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and constitutive equations of the piezoelectric sensor material to relate the in situ measured PVDF sensor signals to the feed and transverse forces acting on the tool. The PVDF sensor signals are found to compare well with the force signals measured by a platform-type piezoelectric force dynamometer in peripheral end milling experiments.
The Drag Coefficient and the Shape for a Single Bubble Rising in Non-Newtonian Fluids
Authors: Li Shaobai , Ma Youguang , Jiang Shaokun , Fu Taotao , Zhu Chunying , Li Huai Z.
Published: July 2012

The dynamical characteristic of a single bubble rising in non-Newtonian fluid was investigated experimentally. The bubble aspect ratio and rising velocity were measured by high speed camera. The shape regimes for bubbles in non-Newtonian fluids was plotted by means of Reynolds number Re, Eötvös number Eo and Morton number Mo. The effects of bubble shape and liquid rheological property on the total bubble drag coefficient were studied. A new empirical drag coefficient correlation covering spherical bubble and deformed bubble was proposed, the predicted results shows good conformity to experimental values over a wide range of 0.05 < Re < 300.
Is it sensible to “deform” dose? 3D experimental validation of dose‐warping
Authors: Yeo U. J. , Taylor M. L. , Supple J. R. , Smith R. L. , Dunn L. , Kron T. , Franich R. D.
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

Strategies for dose accumulation in deforming anatomy are of interest in radiotherapy. Algorithms exist for the deformation of dose based on patient image sets, though these are sometimes contentious because not all such image calculations are constrained by physical laws. While tumor and organ motion has been a key area of study for a considerable amount of time, deformation is of increasing interest. In this work, we demonstrate a full 3D experimental validation of results from a range of dose deformation algorithms available in the public domain.

Methods:

We recently developed the first tissue‐equivalent, full 3D deformable dosimetric phantom—“DEFGEL.” To assess the accuracy of dose‐warping based on deformable image registration (DIR), we have measured doses in undeformed and deformed states of the DEFGEL dosimeter and compared these to planned doses and warped doses. In this way we have directly evaluated the accuracy of dose‐warping calculations for 11 different algorithms. We have done this for a range of stereotactic irradiation schemes and types and magnitudes of deformation.

Results:

The original Horn and Schunck algorithm is shown to be the best performing of the 11 algorithms trialled. Comparing measured and dose‐warped calculations for this method, it is found that for a 10 × 10 mm2 square field, γ3%/3mm = 99.9%; for a 20 × 20 mm2 cross‐shaped field, γ3%/3mm = 99.1%; and for a multiple dynamic arc (0.413 cm3 PTV) treatment adapted from a patient treatment plan, γ3%/3mm = 95%. In each case, the agreement is comparable to—but consistently ∼1% less than—comparison between measured and calculated (planned) dose distributions in the absence of deformation. The magnitude of the deformation, as measured by the largest displacement experienced by any voxel in the volume, has the greatest influence on the accuracy of the warped dose distribution. Considering the square field case, the smallest deformation (∼9 mm) yields agreement of γ3%/3mm = 99.9%, while the most significant deformation (∼20 mm) yields agreement of γ3%/3mm = 96.7%.

Conclusions:

We have confirmed that, for a range of mass and density conserving deformations representative of those observable in anatomical targets, DIR‐based dose‐warping can yield accurate predictions of the dose distribution. Substantial differences can be seen between the results of different algorithms indicating that DIR performance should be scrutinized before application todose‐warping. We have demonstrated that the DEFGEL deformable dosimeter can be used to evaluate DIR performance and the accuracy of dose‐warping results by direct measurement.
Scanning rats on the high resolution research tomograph (HRRT): A comparison study with a dedicated micro‐PET
Authors: Blinder Stephan A. L. , Dinelle Katherine , Sossi Vesna
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

The Siemens ECAT high resolution research tomograph (HRRT) is a dedicated human brain PET camera with a 6% absolute sensitivity and a (2.3 mm)3 spatial resolution, improving to (1.8 mm)3 when point spread function (PSF) modeling algorithms are used. These values are very close to those of dedicated small animal PET cameras such as the Siemens microPET FOCUS 120 (F120). The larger axial and transaxial field of view of the HRRT compared to the F120 allows, in principle, for simultaneous imaging of several rodents thus potentially reducing scanning costs and time. This study investigates the feasibility of using the HRRT for quantitative small animal brain studies.

Methods:

We compare, in terms of magnitude, reproducibility, and asymmetry, the nondisplaceable tissue input binding potentials (BPND) in the striata obtained from [11C]methylphenidate scans of the same rats imaged on both the F120 and the HRRT. The animal studies are complemented by a phantom study aimed at investigating noise properties relevant to the size of typical regions of interest used in rat brain image analysis.

Results:

(i) The BPND values obtained from HRRT data are lower than those obtained on the F120 by 38% when PSF modeling is not used, while they are 7% higher with PSF modeling. (ii) The within animal reproducibility on the HRRT is 18% without PSF modeling, worse than the 6% reproducibility on the F120, and is even further degraded to a value of 27% with the use of PSF modeling. (iii) The asymmetry between the left and right striatum in healthy rats worsens from 4.7% in the F120 images to 7.8% in the HRRT images reconstructed without PSF modeling, and is even worse with a value of 14.8% when PSF modeling is used. (iv) Overshooting artifacts and clumpiness in the noise structure of the HRRT images reconstructed with PSF modeling are clearly visible.

Conclusions:

The spatial resolution achieved on the HRRT without the use of resolution recovery techniques is not sufficient to allow for reliable quantitative small animal brain imaging. While PSF modeling in the reconstruction of the HRRT images in principle improves the resolution close to the level of the F120, it also introduces small scale nonuniformity artifacts and overshooting artifacts which preclude reliable quantitative small animal brain imaging on the HRRT.